TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2024

To Mitigate Risks, Boost Investments, CBN, IFC Sign

Deal to Support Local Currency Financing

Blackout in North: Tinubu Directs Speedy

President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern over the recent blackout in the northern region of Nigeria.

Tinubu announced efforts to end the disruption that paralysed social and economic activities. He summoned Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

The president, according to a release issued yesterday by his adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, directed the minister and relevant agencies to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states in the north.

Tinubu said he was saddened by the reports of vandalism and wilful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets, which caused the blackout.

In a meeting with Adelabu, who

See story on page 5

SOUTHERN GOVERNORS CONDOLE ENO...

during a

Shiklam in Kaduna

L-R: Governors Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); Charles Soludo (Anambra); Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Alex Otti (Abia),

condolence visit by Southern Governors to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on the death of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno...yesterday

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

IMF: Inflation Will Remain Substantially Higher in Nigeria, Other Oil Exporting Countries in 2025

Projects 3.2% growth for Nigeria

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that with further policy adjustments expected, median inflation will decline slightly in Nigeria, Angola and Ghana, but noted that headline inflation will remain substantially higher in oil exporting countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) than in the rest of the region, in 2025.

In the latest IMF Regional Economic Outlook (REO) for sub-Saharan Africa, entitled, “Reforms Amid Great Expectations,” the multilateral lender which projected a 3.2 per cent GDP growth for Nigeria in 2025, said ongoing reforms in the SSA region were bearing fruits, although macroeconomic vulnerabilities persist. According to the report, GDP headline inflation is expected to continue on a downward trajectory.

"The regional GDP-weighted headline inflation is projected to decline substantially, from 18.1 per cent in 2024 to 12.3 per cent in 2025, with significant decreases "in Angola, Ghana, and Nigeria. median inflation will decline slightly, from 4.7 per cent to 4.5 per cent. However, inflation will remain substantially higher in oil exporters than in the rest of the region.

Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Congo,

Equatorial Guinea Gabon, Nigeria, and South Sudan are oil exporting countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria's inflation rate for September 2024 stood at 33.4 per cent.

The report stated that policy adjustments have helped reduce internal and external imbalances as policymakers have tightened monetary policy to curb inflation.

declining in most countries, adding that in about one-half of countries, inflation is already below or within the target band.

According to the IMF, fiscal consolidation efforts are helping to rebuild buffers and ensure debt sustainability. More than two-thirds of countries have consolidated their fiscal accounts in 2023, with the median primary fiscal deficit narrowing by 1.3 percentage points of GDP

The IMF explained that as a result of the measures, inflation is BLACKOUT IN NORTH: TINUBU DIRECTS SPEEDY RESTORATION OF POWER, SUMMONS MINISTER, NSA

briefed on efforts by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, the president directed a long-term solution to the problem.

Tinubu charged TCN engineers to ensure immediate relief to the people who, he said, needed electricity to sustain their social and economic activities.

To ensure that restoration work continued unhindered, Tinubu also the NSA to work with the army and air force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers fixing the damaged transmission line.

The president implored traditional rulers, community leaders, and other leaders of thought to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure.

According to Tinubu, government will no longer condone deliberate

sabotage and destruction of public utilities.

The federal government also hinted on the possibility of establishing a decentralised national grid to ensure that the entire country was not thrown into darkness at the same time if anything happened to the central grid. It assured that it was working hard to restore power in the 17 northern states, with an explanation that security challenge had been the reason behind the delay in fixing the vandalised facilities.

Addressing newsmen yesterday after meeting with Tinubu at State House, Abuja, the power minister attributed grid failure in the country to obsolete facilities. According to Adelabu, one of the ways to stop nationwide blackout is to have state or regional grids so that a problem in a particular line will not affect the others.

Answering questions on incessant blackout, as witnessed in recent times, Adelabu said, "The grid actually was disturbed one time, and we deliberately shut it down. The second time because of the explosion of the transformer at Jebba plant before this, the last disturbance on the grid was about four months ago, which meant that we have been managing the grid.

"Let me tell you, the truth of the matter is we have old infrastructure. We have a national grid that is more than 50 years old. We have national grid whose transmission lines are weak, the towers are falling, and the substations, the transformers are old. In fact, the transformer that actually exploded in Jebba was 47 years old. We've been trying to revamp this, to change them, but they cannot all be changed overnight.

"So it's like you're having a rickety car. You'll be expecting breakdown

once in a while. What we continue to do is continue to manage the grid to prevent frequent occurrence of the grid disturbance, until we're able to completely overhaul the grid itself, then we'll have reliable grid.

"Secondly, we are working on establishing what is called a super grid, which is a backup of failover, optional grid. If the national grid has a problem, there will be an alternative route through which power can be transmitted. That is what we are working on.

"Then, lastly, is the fact that the world has moved beyond having a centralised grid. Grid must be regionalised. We must have state grids, so that each of the regionalised grids will be insulated from others. A problem in a particular line will not affect the others.

"That is what we are working on. Until that is done, we believe that we'll keep managing what we have

PROPOSED TAX REGULATION EXEMPTS OIL & GAS EXPORTS, AGRICULTURE, MILITARY HARDWARE, OTHERS FROM VAT

to armed forces, para-military and other security agencies of a Nigerian government from payment of VAT.

However, in what could be a setback for the proposed law, governors of 19 states under the aegis of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), yesterday, rejected the proposed tax amendment bill.

In a communique issued at the end of a joint meeting with Northern Traditional Rulers Council on Monday at Government House, Kaduna, the governors urged the National Assembly to "oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people”.

Governor of Gombe State/Chairman of NSGF, Mohammadu Yahaya, who read the group’s communique, called for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes to ensure that no geopolitical zone was short-changed or marginalised.

Equally pencilled for exemption from VAT were shared passenger roadtransport service; and purchase, hire, rental or lease of tractors, ploughs and other equipment used for agricultural purposes, provided that the person engaged in agricultural business shall first pay the VAT and request a refund from the tax authority.

Others were supplies consumed by an approved entity in the export processing or free trade zones, provided that the supplies were consumed on its approved activity; and goods or services supplied to a diplomatic mission, diplomat or person recognised under the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act whose activity is in public interest, and not for profit.

In addition, plays and performances conducted by educational institutions as part of learning; land or building, including interest in land or building; and money or securities, including interest in money or securities were free from VAT obligations.

Furthermore, the proposed law specified taxable supplies charged to VAT at the rate of zero per cent. These included basic food items; all medical and pharmaceutical products, including medicinal herbal products; educational books and materials; fertilisers; locally produced agricultural chemicals; locally produced veterinary medicine; locally produced animal feeds; and agricultural seeds and seedlings.

Others were electricity generated by generation companies (GENCOs) and supplied to National Grid or Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET); Electricity transmitted by Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs); medical services; and tuition relating to nursery, primary, secondary or tertiary education.

Included also were exported goods excluding oil and gas; exported services; exported incorporeal property; and medical equipment.

In addition, under Exemption by Order of the President, the bill stated that where a government or an agency of a government in Nigeria had entered into an agreement with the government of another country or a donor agency for the provision of development financing for any project in Nigeria, and such agreement provided for the exemption of supplies made under the project from VAT, the president might, by an order published in the official gazette, give effect to the exemption.

The section covered basic food Items, cereals, including maize, rice, wheat, millet, barley, sorghum, oats, fonio and finer millet, in the form of grain, flour, crop, whether raw or semi-processed, whether in bulk or retail, among a host of other items.

To address the issue of double taxation, the bill expressly provided, “Where the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria enters into an agreement with a treaty partner for the purpose of providing relief from double taxation in relation to tax imposed under this Act, the agreement shall have effect upon ratification or domestication by the National Assembly.”

It stated that relief from double taxation shall be in respect of income tax paid under the laws of a treaty partner against income taxes imposed under this Act.

The bill added, “Where an agreement has taken effect, any obligation as to secrecy in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act or any other law in Nigeria shall not prevent the disclosure of any information required to be disclosed under the agreement to an authorised officer of a treaty partner.”

It also provided, “The Minister may make rules for implementing

the provisions of any agreement under this section. For the purposes of providing relief in Nigeria from double taxation, all extant double taxation agreements are deemed to have been made under the provisions of this section and shall apply throughout Nigeria with effect from 1st January of the year immediately following the date the agreement entered into force.

“The agreement in subsection (1) of this section shall be for the purpose of elimination of double taxation, without creating opportunities for non-taxation or reduced taxation through tax evasion, avoidance or other forms of abuse, including treaty-shopping arrangements aimed at obtaining reliefs provided in the agreement for the indirect benefit of residents of any other country or territory that is not part of the agreement.

“For the purposes of the agreement referred to in subsection (1) of this section, a non-resident may benefit under the agreement where the person is a resident of the relevant treaty partner and the beneficial owner of the income for which the benefit is being claimed.”

The proposed law stated, “Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow a relief in respect of an additional tax paid for the relevant tax year under this Act or the domestic legislation of a treaty partner in conformity with the global minimum tax rules as it relates to a permanent establishment situated in the treaty partner.”

The Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, further expatiated on the presumptive taxation regime, allowing the minister to determine taxes payable in certain circumstances.

It stated, “Notwithstanding any provisions of chapter two of this Act, where for all practical purposes, the income of a person chargeable to tax under this Act cannot be ascertained or records are not kept in such a manner as to enable proper assessment of income, then such person shall be assessed on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Minister in a regulation under a presumptive tax regime.

“The chargeable income of an individual, is the total income of that individual ascertained under the provisions of section 28 of this Act, less eligible deductions. For the purposes of this section… ‘Eligible

Deductions’ include payments made by the individual in a year of assessment in respect of— the individual’s contributions under the National Housing the individual’s contributions under the National Health Insurance Scheme, the individual’s contributions under the Pension Reform Act, interest on loans for developing an owner-occupied residential house.

“… annual amount of any annuity or premium paid by the individual during the year preceding the year of assessment in respect of insurance on his life or the life of his spouse, or contract for a deferred annuity on his own life or the life of his spouse, and rent relief of N200,000 or 20 per cent of annual rent paid, whichever is lower, provided that the individual accurately declares the actual amount of rent paid and other relevant information as may be prescribed by the relevant tax authority.”

Nonetheless, Yahaya said, "Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. The contents of the bill against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model.

"This is because companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed.

"In view of the foregoing, the forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.”

The governor added, "For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor' Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the country.

"However, the forum calls for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised."

On the present economic hardship in the country, the northern governors appealed to all citizens to remain calm,

and reduce the frequent occurrence of the grid disturbance."

The minister said he had briefed Tinubu on the blackout in the northern states, adding that the president had directed the NSA to provide security to TCN to fix the vandalised facilities.

He said, "My meeting with Mr President, among other things, included the issue of the disturbance in electricity supply to the northern part of Nigeria, about 17 states. We discussed the root cause of this, which was basically due to vandalism of the transmission lines of Shiroro-Kaduna line, which is the major line that supplies electricity to the north.

"The Transmission Company of Nigeria had already set out to fix this line. What they have asked for, which has been provided to them now, is the security cover of the National Security Adviser through the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff to enable them restore the damaged lines. We are optimistic that very soon this will be fully restored.

"We have also explored the alternative line of providing light to the north through the Ikot Ekpene substation, supplied from the Calabar plant. But the line got cut along the line, and we're also trying to fix that. And if you remember, at the last FEC meeting, one of the approvals for the ministry of power was actually the upgrade of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which is the major line that supplies electricity to the northern part of the country.

"We already have approval for this, it's one of the oldest transmission lines that we have in Nigeria, and we believe that it requires an upgrade, and through the magnanimity of Mr

President and the Federal Executive Council, we got an approval to fix the line on a permanent basis. Once this is done, I believe that power to the north will be more stable than we are experiencing right now.”

On whether Nigerians will be compensated for the days they were in darkness, the minister responded in the affirmative.

According to him, "Yes, what we are working on, like I'm going to have a meeting with the Chairman of NERC, and all the Discos, for those days during which they suffered blackout there should not be billing of any sort for any customer, be it household, office consumer or industrial consumer, they will be immune for billing for those periods."

Northern states governors, at a joint meeting with the region’s traditional rulers, Chief of Defence Staff, and other stakeholders, yesterday, addressed the ongoing blackout in the region and other challenges affecting them, including security concerns, economic issues, and sustainable development priorities.

The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, also yesterday, reacted to the continued power outage in several parts of the country, especially North-east and North-west.

That was as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said the airstrikes by Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai had eliminated scores of Boko Haram terrorists in two key locations in Bula Marwa area of Borno State. Acting under the Northern States

TO MITIGATE RISKS, BOOST INVESTMENTS, CBN, IFC SIGN $1 BILLION DEAL TO SUPPORT LOCAL CURRENCY FINANCING

housing, infrastructure, energy, small and medium enterprises, and the creative and youth economy.

The corporation aimed to significantly scale up its financing of critical sectors in Nigeria, with a goal of providing more than $1 billion in the coming years.

The agreement acknowledged that many of the sectors required local currency financing, saying IFC's partnership with CBN remains a key tool in expanding access.

Commenting on the landmark deal, CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said the initiative will unlock the much-needed longterm local currency financing for private businesses in the country at economically viable rates.

Cardoso said, "This collaboration marks significant progress in the CBN's commitment to delivering innovative development initiatives through reputable third-party service providers, moving beyond traditional intervention programmes.

“It will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and advance the federal government's agenda for economic diversification."

IFC Managing Director, Makhtar Diop, said access to affordable local currency financing for small businesses in Nigeria was crucial in order to catalyse

the economy.

Diop said, "Expanding access to affordable local currency financing for small businesses in Nigeria is essential for IFC to address the increasing demand for diverse funding options and to better manage currency risk.

“Our partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria will enhance lending in Nigerian naira, fostering economic growth and creating jobs across the country." With an active portfolio of investments in Nigeria of up to $2.13 billion, the second highest in Africa, local currency financing is a key priority for IFC.

The statement added that the corporation will continue to leverage innovative financial instruments and strengthen partnerships to meet the growing demand for local currency financing in emerging markets. IFC remains the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets in 100 countries, using its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries.

In 2024, the corporation committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilising private capital to create a world free of poverty on a liveable planet.

Kristalina Georgieva, IMF president

Continued

(including notable improvements in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Zambia among others).

SHETTIMA MEETS TINUBU...

FG: CNG Initiative Has Attracted over

$175m Private Investments

in

Energy Sector

NMDPRA puts petrol consumption at 50m litres daily Dangote's petroleum products will crash commodity prices in Ghana, says official

Peter Uzoho

The federal government said the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI) had already attracted over $175 million in private investments, in addition to government financing, in the energy sector. Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verghegen, disclosed this in Lagos, yesterday, at the ongoing Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream Week Expo 2024.

Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, revealed at the conference that Nigeria's daily petrol consumption currently ranged between 45 million to 50 million litres.

In the same vein, Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Authority of Ghana, Dr. Hammid Mustapha, told the occasion that importing petroleum products from the nearby 650,000 (barrels per day (bpd) Dangote refinery, rather than from Rotterdam, will massively crash fuel prices in the country and significantly reduce prices of other goods and services in the West African nation.

Represented by her personal

assistant, Mrs. Eriye Onagoruwa, Verghegen also said government's incentives to deepen the penetration of CNG, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) had attracted over $500 million investments from January till date.

She said the number of electric vehicle conversion facilities in the country had risen to more than 125, up from seven as of 2023.

The presidential aide stated that all the positive outcomes resulted from the unprecedented incentives put in place by the government to attract new investment and promote diversification of Nigeria's energy portfolio.

She listed the incentives as waivers on import duties and Value-Added Tax (VATs), VATs on the sale and distribution of LNG, CNG and LPG, as well as associated equipment.

Verghegen maintained that the government had also introduced a more transparent regulatory environment, stable regulatory environment. She explained that a clear delineation of agency roles was a vital first point of reform, making the Nigerian business environment more transparent, efficient and competitive.

The presidential aide pointed out that the government recorded

the achievements by clarifying the regulatory scope of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ensure a stable and predictable regulatory environment for investors.

She stated, "We have launched the Presidential CNG initiative specifically to create a CNG ecosystem capable of achieving Nigeria's objective of transiting to cleaner transportation fuels and easing the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria.

"The CNG initiative has so far attracted over $75 million in private investments, in addition to government financing. And today, Nigeria has more than 125 vehicle conversion facilities, up from seven in 2023."

Verghegen stated that Nigeria and Africa had significant reserves of energy and renewables, arguing, however, that potential and reality are different things.

She regretted that Nigeria boasted an impressive history of over 80 years in oil and gas production, but its current oil output and investment levels did not reflect its true or actual capacity.

She said Nigeria's oil production had stagnated below two million bpd for many years, despite the potential to easily double that figure.

Likewise, in spite of the country holding 38 per cent of Africa's hydrocarbon reserves, Verghegen said Nigeria had been able to capture just four per cent of oil and gas investment in in the continent since 2016.

Verghegen maintained that the downstream segment had not been immune to the challenges facing the industry, as over the years, it had equally suffered from limited investments, with the added complication of significant fiscal burdens, especially from a long history of petroleum product subsidies.

In recognition of the historical challenges in the petroleum sector, Verghegen said the Tinubu administration set out with a bold reform programme to address the critical issues and reposition Nigeria as a more desirable global investment destination for energy projects.

The presidential adviser stressed that one of the most significant developments in Nigeria's downstream energy sector in the last

UBA@75: Bank Makes More Millionaires in Promo Draw

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

As part of its ‘75 Years, 75 Winners' celebration, Africa's Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), has once again demonstrated its commitment to loyal customers by rewarding 110 of them with N42.8 million in its October Legacy Promo Draw a move also targeted at helping customers thrive at a challenging economic time.

The winners were announced following a draw conducted on Saturday, October 26, at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, which was streamed live on YouTube.

Representatives from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) were present to oversee the proceedings, ensuring fairness and compliance with regulations.

The draw, hosted by popular influencer, Akinyemi Omotayo (Asherkine) , a statement from

UBA said, saw customers winning prizes ranging from N100,000 to N1,000,000, with particular focus on rewarding the bank's NextGen, Kiddies, and Teens account holders.

In the Bumper Account category, 10 customers won the grand prize of N1,000,000 each. Twenty customers also received N500,000 each in the Bumper category, while the others won at the N250,000 Bumper prize level and N100,000 Bumper prize levels respectively .

In the Savings Account category, 10 customers became instant millionaires, each receiving N1,000,000, while the NextGen Account holders received N180,000 each.

In addition, 20 Kiddies and Teens account holders were awarded N200,000 each, while 10 customers who were present at the venue each won N100,000. Special shopping vouchers were also distributed by

the event host, Asherkine, as part of the celebration.

Speaking at the draw, Retail and Regional Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, congratulated all 110 winners and encouraged others to keep saving for a chance to win in the next edition, adding that the bank plans to reward more winner in all three categories.

“This is just the beginning of our legacy promo draw, as there are still many more prizes to be won in subsequent monthly draws. These draws are purely transparent, and the next millionaire could just be you. UBA prioritises its customers and would be relentless in making them succeed,” Fashola said.

Also speaking at the event, Head, Retail Products & Sales, Prince Ayewoh, who congratulated the winners, emphasised UBA's commitment to financial inclusion and encouraged Nigerians to seize

this opportunity by banking with UBA.

Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, reiterated that more benefits await customers as the bank continues its drive to provide the best offerings and reward system obtainable.

"What we're witnessing today is just a fraction of what UBA offers its customers. Without any iota of doubt, UBA is passionate about its customers and would do much more in ensuring that our customers thrive no matter how turbulent the economy is.

“ I urge everyone who hasn't opened an account with UBA to do so immediately. The promo is still ongoing, and the next draw could make you a millionaire. UBA is committed to rewarding loyalty, and we're proving this with every draw we conduct," Ladipo stated.

couple of decades was the start-up of the 650,000 bpd Dangote refinery.

Speaking to journalists on the side-lines of the conference, Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA revealed that Nigeria's daily petrol consumption currently was between 45 million to 50 million litres.

He stated, "The current truck-out,

which is the volume that goes out to the market, is ranging between 45 million to 50 million litres per day. However, we see that a lot of activities are going on now because it is the fourth quarter leading to the yuletide. "But after that, we can possibly see the consumption go down just because of the pricing."

Tinubu Unveils Four-Year National Lottery Trust Fund

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday unveiled a four-year strategic plan on the National Lottery Trust Fund to create opportunities for Nigerians and promote socio-economic development.

Unveiling the Fund at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, the president represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the aim of the lottery plan is to empower Nigerian communities, thereby generating gainful skills for citizens.

According to him, the present administration is conscious of the significant role the gaming industry plays in national development.

He said: "This initiative marks a significant move in the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to empowering the Nigerian communities and promote socioeconomic development.

"The present administration is conscious of the significant role the gaming industry plays in national development. This necessitates the introduction of revenue assurance platform that is to be launched soon for Nigerian people to benefit from the industry.”

He acknowledged the collective efforts of all stakeholders in driving progress in the lottery sector and commended the present leadership of the national lottery, saying the trust fund is a testament of rewarding partnerships

His words: "I want to acknowledge the importance of collective efforts in driving progress, national lottery trust fund is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.

"The strategic plan is designed to create opportunities to every Nigerian inside with the renewed hope agenda of our administration, we envisaged a future where people are empowered, skilled, and engaged in meaningful ways.

"I commend the new leadership of the trust fund. I urge all stakeholders to join hands today. We can make the lasting impact on the lives of our rural communities.

"And it is my singular honour to unveil this strategic plan on National Trust Fund to the benefit of mankind."

In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, commended the president for his effort to introduce Revenue Assurance Platform (RAP) which he described will help the lottery industry to achieve its mandate.

According to him: “I want to appreciate our father, President Bola Tinubu for his role in reshaping the lottery industry in Nigeria through the introduction of Revenue Assurance Platform.

“I am honored to present to Mr. President and the public the four-year strategic plan of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), developed within the first two months of my tenure as Executive Secretary/CEO.

"I express my profound appreciation to Mr. President for appointing me to serve our great nation, Nigeria. As a proud Nigerian, I solemnly pledge to discharge my duties in line with Mr. President's expectations and those of our fellow citizens. Today marks a significant step towards enhancing our mandate and deepening our impact on Nigerian communities, as envisioned by Mr. President.

Vice President Kashim Shettima (left) at a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the latter's office at the State House, Abuja...yesterday

FBN HOLDINGS SIGNS N150BN RIGHTS ISSUE DEAL...

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, FBNQuest Securities, Fiona Ahime; Director, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Obaro Odeghe; Executive Director/CFO, FBNHoldings, Oyewale Ariyibi; Group Managing Director(GMD), FBN Holdings, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Acting Company Secretary, FBNHoldings, Wale Arogundade, and GMD, Meristem Securities Limited, Wole Abegunde, during the signing ceremony for the

N150 billion Rights Issue of FBN Holdings Plc in Lagos…recently

FG Pleads with States to Comply with New Minimum Wage Law

The federal government yesterday pleaded with states that have not started implementation of the N70,000, new national minimum wage to start payment forthwith.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who made the plea, said government at the centre was committed to fully implementing the newly approved minimum wage.

Speaking to newsmen after meeting with Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Akume said the federal government was determined to ensure that workers receive a fair wage, describing the implementation as complete and uncompromising.

Commenting on the level of the government's commitment to the implementation of the

new minimum wage, the SGF said: "quite frankly, the federal government is totally committed to this fully, there's no half measure about this at all. It's full".

He said that Tinubu prioritised the new minimum wage issue early in his administration, establishing a tripartite committee to examine all aspects of wage adjustment.

This committee, he explained, included representatives from the federal government, state governors, and the organized private sector, resulting in a consensus on a new wage standard.

He noted that some state governments have already started implementing the wage increase, with a few states even surpassing the N70,000 threshold. Akume commended the states that have initiated payments,

NASSI Pledges Judicious Disbursement of FG’s N75bn MSMEs Intervention Fund

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), yesterday in Abuja, pledged to ensure judicious disbursement of the N75bn lifeline intervention fund released by the federal government to 75,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement of the funds was signed by the Bank of Industry (BoI) and NASSI last week Wednesday in Abuja.

The National President of NASSI, Dr. Solomon Daniel Vonfga, made the pledge while addressing a press conference in Abuja.

This is just as the Bank of Industry (BoI) represented on the occasion by Ms. Amina Habu Mohammed disclosed that the fund would give affordable loans to 75, 000 MSMEs at N1million each, at nine per cent interest rate for a period of three years without collateral.

Vonfga, who commended President Bola Tinubu for the visionary initiative, said necessary proactive measures had been put in place to ensure a seamless disbursement to the target beneficiaries.

He said: “This landmark

programme, in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), is a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the nation.

“The N75 billion MSME Intervention Fund is more than just a financial injection; it is a beacon of hope for countless MSMEs that have been struggling to access affordable credit.

“This initiative will undoubtedly catalyze economic growth, create jobs, and foster innovation.”

He said the fund offers loans at competitive interest rates, making it easier for MSMEs to secure the capital they need to expand their operations.

The NASSI President added that the application process has been streamlined to minimise bureaucratic hurdles and ensure timely disbursement of funds.

He also said the fund would provide technical assistance and capacitybuilding programmes to help MSMEs improve their business practices and enhance their competitiveness.

He said: “As the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, we are committed to playing a pivotal role in sensitising MSMEs about this groundbreaking initiative.

expressing hope that those who were yet to start will soon begin honouring the new wage commitment. He further encouraged the affected states to fulfill their obligations promptly, underscoring the importance of timely compliance.

According to him, "The issue of the new minimum wage has always been central to the thinking of the government of President Bola Tinubu, and that was why he quickly put in place a tripartite arrangement to look at all the issues, and this was properly carried out.

"The governors were represented, the federal government was represented, the organised private sector was also part of it. So we arrived at the new minimum wage.

"We are very satisfied with it and some state governments have started implementing.

Others have even gone beyond N70,000. So I believe that there's no problem with that whatsoever.

"We applaud those who have started. Those who have not started, we just want to appeal to them to start the payment", he further said.

Senate Lauds Railway Modernisation, Optimisation Process Across Nigeria

Sunday Okobi

The Senate yesterday lauded the Nigerian Railway Cooperation (NRC) for optimizing and modernising the country's rail transport system.

Meanwhile, the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly also promised to ensure that every legislative process is right for the corporation so that NRC can achieve its mandate on railway modernisation.

While speaking to journalists yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after a facility tour of communities on the railway facilities along the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Adamu Aliero, expressed optimism on the modernisation process of the rail facilities, which he compared to those in Western and Arabian countries.

He said: "We are impressed with what we have seen so far from

Lagos to Abeokuta and even up to Ibadan, as we have been reliably informed by the acting managing director of NRC of the efforts made towards complete optimization of the facilities.

"What we have seen today is of an international standard like we see in Europe, United Kingdom, United States of America, and other part of the world.

"It is laudable that the rail line is now working from Lagos to Ibadan, and have ensured the rail lines have been linked to the seaport, which is very important particularly to the Nigerian economy. And we have equally been told that the Nigeria Railway Corporation is providing 14 freight and passengers’ services across Nigeria.”

Aliero, who was accompanied on the tour by members of the committee, including the Vice Chairman, Benson Friday Kombowei; members, Sharafadeen

Alli, Tony Nwoye, Kelvin Chukwu, Plang Dicket and Clerk of the committee, Solomon Jokotoye, said the committee is committed to making sure that the NRC meets its mandate by providing all the legislative support which would give the corporation an edge in the process.

He added that recently, the supplementary appropriation bill was brought to the National Assembly, “and in that bill, which the National Assembly, passed into law, we had over N530 billion, which is meant to be counterpart funding for railway modernisation and rehabilitation in Nigeria.”

According to him, “85 per cent of the funding is going to be sourced from outside the country- from China Exim bank or from IFC or from African Development Bank (AfDB).

"Just last week, we were at General Gowon's lecture for his

90-year birthday celebration and the President of the AfDB told us that $350 million will be released to the Federal Government of Nigeria."

The senator also said that President Bola Tinubu was in China recently for negotiations for the construction of railway between Kano and Maradi. Aliero, however, enjoined state and local governments across the country to tap into the modernisation programme of the railway by providing accessible roads that would link railway stations in their territories. He added that since the constitution has been amended, the NRC Act of 1958 has been added in the concurrent list, which has now empowered state governments to build railway lines and facilities in their various states, as well as run train services to ease the burden on Nigerian roads, and for job creation.

2025 Oscars: Nigeria Selects “Mai Martaba”

as International Feature Film Contender

Nigeria has selected the epic Hausa film "Mai Martaba" as its contender for the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 97th Academy Awards. Produced and directed by Prince Daniel, the film explores power, love, greed, and betrayal themes in an ancient African kingdom, offering a transformative tale that challenges conventions and celebrates female leadership.

Set against the backdrop of a thriving trade era fueled by the Trans-Saharan exchange, the kingdom's

prosperity is cut short by a fierce internal power struggle within the dominant Agadashawa ruling clan. The film was shot on location in Daura, Katsina State.

The Nigerian Official Section Committee (NOSC), in a statement, said the film was selected for “its relevant theme of diverse voices in decision-making and inclusive leadership and its visual and technical appeal.”

“Mai Martaba” received the highest votes from the 15-member committee which include award-winning actress and NOSC Chairperson Stephanie

Linus; President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Dr. Victor Okhai; veteran actress Omotola JaladeEkeinde; former DGN President Andy Amenechi; theatre practitioner Yibo Koko; writer/director Izu Ojukwu; prolific film producer Emem Isong and journalist/film critic Victor Akande. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organising body of the Oscars, confers the IFF Award annually to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States which contains 50 per cent or more dialogue in a language or languages

other than English. A shortlist of 15 finalists is scheduled to be announced on December 17, 2024, with the final five nominees will be unveiled on January 17, 2025. "Mai Martaba" marks Nigeria's third successful submission for the award and is anticipated to break the Oscars jinx that has plagued the country so far.

The 97th Oscars will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, and broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vanessa Obioha

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Do We Need South-South Development Commission?

Etim Etim writes to support the move for the establishment of a South South Development Commission through a bill that has passed the Second Reading in the upper chamber of the National assembly.

Abill seeking to establish another intervention agency for the Niger Delta region, to be known as the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), recently passed Second Reading in the Senate and has been sent to the Special Duties Committee for further consideration.

It is sponsored by Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo of Calabar South and co-sponsored by all the other 17 senators of the region. The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is the brain behind the legislation, and I understand that he has staked his political capital on it and wants it passed by all means. The bill was first presented on the floor of the senate three months ago, but was roundly rejected by the Senators who argued that the proposed commission is a duplication to the NDDC which has been in existence since 2000.

‘’The rejection was a personal embarrassment to the Senate President, but he withdrew to fight another day’’, a Senator told me.

There were still some pockets of resistance when the bill was represented but, this time, Senators from the South-south region were more pushful to get it passed. Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state argued that while NDDC is a resource-based commission, specifically meant for the oil producing states, including Imo and Abia, SSDC will only cater for the six states of the Niger Delta region.

Senators are even contemplating a name change for the NDDC to reflect its focus on oil-producing states and distinguish it from the new agency. Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South) told me last week: ‘’I represent the major oil belt of the region. We feel the pain and bear the brunt of oil production. NDDC is for all the oil-producing states of the nation; the SSDC is specifically for the South-South region which has over the centuries been devastated by oil production. I am therefore very confident that the SSDC bill would be passed’’.

In 2017, the Senate created the North East Development Commission, the first of such regional body established after NDDC. NEDC was necessitated by the need to rebuild the North East after years of decimation by terrorist attacks. I supported its creation and argued that because of our interconnectedness, any part of

the country left behind would be a drag on the rest of us. Since then, similar regional development agencies have been created for the other four regions - North West, South West, South East and North Central. Now that the South-South Senators have tabled their demands, we have come full circle. By their enabling laws, these regional bodies have similar organizational and management structures and sources of funding. They receive funds from the federation account, in addition to donations, aids and grants. Their mandate is to tackle developmental and environmental challenges peculiar to each region.

For the SSDC, priority would be given to ecological and environmental hazards; infrastructural inadequacies as well as militancy and communal crises which have plagued the region for years.

I support the creation of the SSDC for the South-South region and commend Senator Akpabio for spearheading it. I’m also thankful to the Senators from other states, notably Suleman Kawu (Kano South) and Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) for endorsing the bill. The argument that it is a duplication to the NDDC is flawed. For one, the North Central Development Commission was created earlier this year despite the existence of Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Commission (HYPPADEC) created in

2010. Yet, nobody raised the issue of duplication. Second, SSDC and NDDC have different mandate areas. NDDC’s mandate extends well beyond the six south-south states, to cover Abia, Ondo and Imo; and may extend further to include new oil producers like Lagos, Nassarawa, Bauchi and others in the Benue trough.

Third, since NDDC’s programmes and projects are shared among the nine mandate states based on their respective volume of crude oil production, states like Cross River that produce marginally have benefitted least from the NDDC programmes. The SSDC is therefore needed to make up for this inadequacy by providing fairly and equitably to the six states.

I have, however, noticed that the SSDC Bill does not specify where to locate the commission’s headquarters, unlike the NDDC Law which specifies Port Harcourt as the commission’s headquarters and the Nigerian Content Development Board (NCDB) law which stipulates Yenogoa as its headquarters. This omission could create unwarranted squabbles among the states and I urge Senator Akpabio to ensure that the oversight is addressed.

The SSDC Bill should stipulate Uyo as the location for its corporate headquarters for many reasons. Akwa Ibom is not only the largest oil producing state, it is also the most peaceful, hospitable and suitable for siting an important federal agency. The Senate President must bring this one home.

For Senator Akpabio, SSDC might just be a given, but he has lot more to do. The lukewarm attitude of the federal government to the establishment of Ibom Deep Sea Port has put the Senate President in a difficult position. He is a leading member of the Tinubu inner circle. He flies into Uyo in a presidential jet and tools around in a big motorcade. Governor Umo Eno fawns over him while the people sing his praises - all in an attempt to get him to facilitate federal support for the port project, which is clearly the people’s most sought-after infrastructural investment. But, so far, there is no indication that President Bola Tinubu is interested in the project. This leaves Akpabio with nothing to brag about when he visits home, and the people sorely disappointed.

-Etim writes from Uyo.

Anambra Workers to Earn New Minimum Wage this Month

By the end of October, 2024, workers in a nambra State will begin to earn the new minimum wage, reports David-Chyddy Eleke

In May this year, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State came under fire when the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero said in passing during a television interview that Anambra State governor was inciting other governors against accepting N70,000 minimum wage, during a meeting with the governors at the negotiating stage.

In reply to this, the Anambra State governor, Prof Soludo, had described the allegations as false. In a press statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo denied that he was running an antiworkers government in Anambra, while also listing his numerous achievements for workers in the state.

The opposition party in the state however refused to listen to Soludo’s explanations that the allegations were false. They capitalized on this to discredit his government as anti- people, anti-workers and not worthy of the people’s vote a second time.

To take this further, many had stated that even if the federal government signed the new minimum wage law, the governor may renege on payment, but on October 1, during the independence day celebration, Soludo shocked naysayers by announcing that from the end of October, the state government under his watch will begin to pay workers in the state the new minimum wage. Before then, the governor had also given

the hint while holding a meeting with heads of government-owned nursery and primary schools. He had said: “From next month, we also hope to

start paying the new minimum wage of N70,000,” the governor announced. The governor also made a pronouncement about extending the free education policy of the

state to senior secondary schools.

He said: “From next week, the free education policy will be available to senior students in all public schools in Anambra. I assure that even with the binding resource constraint, this administration will continue to work very hard to deliver on the mandate.”

On Independence Day when he made a reassurance of the promise to pay minimum wage, the announcement elicited joy and jubilant chants from workers in the state. Some of the workers who spoke with journalists praised Soludo for his commitment to ensuring not just that Anambra was developed, but the welfare of the state’ workforce.

In his reaction, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Humphrey Chukwuemeka Nwafor, commended the governor for listening to the lamentations of Anambra workers amidst hardship in Nigeria. He appealed to the governor to keep to the announcement, noting that it is one thing to make the announcement, and another thing to implement it.

A staff of the state government from Ohio local government council, Mrs Amaka Ezenwafor said: “Soludo has shown himself to be a great leader, and most importantly, he is showing that he has the welfare of workers at heart. We pray that God will continue to bless Anambra with leaders like him.”

Akpabio

Soludo

LAWYER

FIDA at 60: An Enduring Impact on Women and Children Issues

FIda NIgeRIa BoaRd oF TRUSTeeS MeMBeRS

LAWYER

FIDAat60:AnEnduringImpact onWomenandChildrenIssues

Quotable

‘It is well known, that the Governors are completely unaccountable. They have mismanaged, and stolen most of the monies allocated to their States. The only concern they have, is being prosecuted by the Federal Agencies, the EFCC especially, because the ICPC has shown very little appetite to chase the Governors.’ - Professor Fidelis Oditah, KC, SAN

columnist

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

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onikepo braithwaite: editor,

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When State Governors Play Politics With EFCC

Cabinet Reshuffle: An Anti-Climax

Icannot but comment on President Bola Tinubu’s Cabinet Reshuffle, which turned out to be quite an anti-climax. For instance, for the former Minister of Sports, the 2024 Paris Olympics turned out to be his baptism of fire, for which there was no redemption - he performed woefully; yet, instead of the President keeping to his admonition that non-performers would be shown the way out, he was given a slap on the wrist, ‘demoted’ in title only, to a very important Ministry, while other scape goats who probably performed better than him, were ‘discharged’. Additionally, critical areas that affect the daily lives of Nigerians and require attention because they are functioning way below par at the moment, were left untouched; such as, Petroleum (particularly in the areas of fuel supply, oil production, and harnessing of gas), Security and Power. For those complaining about areas like agriculture, these sectors are somewhat incapacitated, in that without a significant improvement in the security situation, it would be difficult to make any remarkable achievements in that sector, since many farmers are unable to go to their farms for fear of being killed, maimed or kidnapped. Until Farmers are no longer sitting ducks to be attacked by Herders, Terrorists, Bandits, Killers and Kidnappers, I’m not sure that agriculture can reach any potential in Nigeria, let alone its full potential. Correct me if I’m wrong!

Regarding the Petroleum part, it should be that such a critical area, the major source of Nigeria’s revenue, should have a substantive head that is dedicated solely to that job, as opposed to one that juggles all the matters of State as President, which is more than a full-time job, with it. President Obasanjo was the first President to act as the Minister of Petroleum Resources. This runs foul of Section 138 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution) which clearly prohibits the President from holding any other executive office during his tenure; but, he only appointed a Minister of State of Petroleum towards the end of his tenure. While Presidents Yar’Adua and Jonathan didn’t follow President Obasanjo’s ‘military’ footsteps and observe the Constitution in its breach in this regard - they appointed substantive Petroleum Ministers, naturally, President Buhari reverted to the unconstitutional military path which his successor, President Tinubu, has also followed by keeping himself as the substantive Minister, and appointing two Petroleum Ministers of State, one for oil and one for gas. See NPF & Ors v Police Service Commission & Anor (2023) LPELR-60782(SC) per Adamu Jauro, JSC on the supremacy of the Constitution and its bindingness on all persons and authorities in Nigeria. Also see the case of AG Lagos State v AGF (2004) LPELR-10(SC) per Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, JSC (later CJN) on the powers vested on the President in Section 5(1)(a) of the Constitution not extending to committing illegality. However, in a Channels TV interview on Sunday, Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga denied that President Tinubu has committed this illegality, saying that he never proclaimed himself to be the Minister of Petroleum - as if the non-appointment of a substantive Minister, is not enough proclamation! Furthermore, it is trite that a thing may be stated expressly, or it can also be implied.

The State Governments and the EFCC Question

The aforementioned Petroleum Ministry example, the declaration of Sharia Law in the Northern States contrary to Section 10 of the Constitution, the exercise of criminal jurisdiction by Sharia Courts contrary to Sections 262 & 277 of the Constitution are clear evidence that different levels of Government certainly observe the Constitution in its breach and disobey laws. However, there’s no uproar about this, because when it is convenient or beneficial to Government and public officials, particularly when politicians are able to use these issues to play politics to their own advantage, it’s not a problem, and there are no complaints from any of the branches of government. When the CBN/FGN were in clear breach of Section 38 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (CBN Act) with regard to the Ways and Means regime, there were no complaints from any branch of government,

“…. since a good number of Governors now end up being prosecuted for corruption when they leave office, the legality…of the EFCC Act is being challenged. What would be the basis of this challenge….? To the extent that one of the principal objectives of the State is to abolish corruption, and the EFCC was established as a means to achieve this end by a law duly enacted by NASS…. I see no reason why the legality of EFCC should be in question”

not from the Governors anyway, as long as they got their FAAC Allocations, albeit through an unlawful process.

But, now that it is on a matter that may affect them adversely, since a good number of Governors now end up being prosecuted for corruption when they leave office, the legality of the law establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the body that prosecutes them, that is, the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2007 (EFCC Act), is being challenged. What would be the basis of this challenge, by the State Governments that have instituted this action? See in comparison, the case of AG Ondo State v AGF 2022 27 WRN 1 where the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the ICPC Act. First, it has been argued that, the EFCC goes against the spirit of Federalism. I found that observation rather amusing, considering the fact that Nigeria is actually practising a Unitary system, and Federalism is mostly in name only. See the case of AG Abia State & Ors v AGF 2022 (2022) LPELR-57010(SC) per Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC where the Supreme Court held that “There is no doubt that the Nigerian brand of “Federalism” as provided by the CFRN (as altered), is different from other brands of federalism. There are some provisions that clearly show the Nigerian brand as a quasi-Federal or an elevated unitary system of government, rather than the theoretical brand of federalism envisaged by political legal theorists”. Anyway, the truth is that, when it is about enjoying the benefits derived from the concentration of powers in a centralised government,

it’s not too much of a problem, except where the Governors, who are desperate to arrogate more powers onto themselves, see as it as something that reduces their powers or something that may affect them adversely.

It appears that the issue of EFCC may be a source of irritation for Governors, particularly because in the past, in some circumstances, some have argued that the Agency has been used as a witch-hunting tool against them. But, this isn’t always the case, as many of the Governors certainly deserve to be, if we go by the examples we have seen with the Local Governments (LG) before their finances were recently wrestled away from the State Governments, we see that Governors had turned the LGs into their appendages. With how State Governors also manipulate their State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) and LG elections, to ensure they maintain control of all the LGs in their States, anyone suggesting State EFCC to prosecute Governors for money laundering and other corrupt practices, isn’t taking the issue of corruption seriously, as they know that State EFCC would probably be ineffective lame ducks, unless when they are used for the purpose of political witch-hunting of predecessors and other staff that may be members of a rival party or political adversaries etc.

In any event, public corruption appears to be a Federal Offence. In the USA for instance, where Federalism is practised, one of the major functions of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations) is to combat public corruption at all levels. Several laws, such as the Hobbs Act

1934, provide the means for the Federal prosecution of public corruption. Though the Federal Official Bribery and Gratuity Statute 18 U.S.C.§201 prohibits the bribery of Federal Officials, the US Supreme Court held that $201 may be used to prosecute corruption of State and Local Officials

See the case of Dixson v United States 465 U.S. 482 (1984). So, Federalism or not, the FBI can prosecute corruption cases at all levels. Of course, I wasn’t surprised to see that Kogi State is at the forefront of the self-serving, misguided suit at the Supreme Court, at least, as far as the issue of the legality of EFCC Act is concerned, since Kogi’s paramount ruler, former Governor, Yahaya Bello has been dragged to court by the EFCC to face money laundering, fraud and other criminal charges in excess of N100 billion, and he’s presently a fugitive, having been declared wanted by the EFCC, and is trying to escape justice by all means.

I firmly support the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN’s submission at the Supreme Court in the course of the hearing of this suit, about the enactment of the EFCC Act, not having to rest on the UN Convention Against Corruption. It isn’t necessary that it has to follow the procedure laid down in Section 12 of the Constitution, for the domestication of foreign treaties before it can come into force in Nigeria. UN Convention or not, corruption is a pervasive problem in Nigeria, and Section 15(5) of the Constitution mandates the State to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power; and, it is in fulfilment of this Fundamental Objective and Directive Principle of State Policy that the EFCC was established. Section 4(2) of the Constitution empowers the National Assembly (NASS) to make laws with respect to everything included on the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution, and Item 60(a) thereof refers to “The establishment and regulation of authorities for the Federation or any part thereof to promote and enhance the observance of the Fundamental Objective and Directive Principles contained in this Constitution”, of which the EFCC is one such authority or agency. Also see Items 45 & 68 on the Exclusive Legislative List; Section 46 of the EFCC Act and the case of Nwobike v FRN (2021) LPELR-56670(SC) per Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC on the wide prosecutorial powers of the EFCC. The attempt by anyone to try to bring in the procedure of domestication of a foreign law as a tool to challenge the legality of the EFCC, is simply a not-so-clever way of trying to get rid of the EFCC. I’m not sure that such an argument has merit. In Nwobike v FRN (Supra) per Tijjani Abubakar, JSC, the Supreme Court held that “Indeed, the effect of the combined provisions of Sections 6(b); 7(1)(a) & (2) (f) and 13(2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, leaves no doubt that the EFCC has the power to investigate, enforce and prosecute offenders for any offence, whether under the Act or any other statute, in so far as the offence relates to commission of economic and financial crimes”. Can there be more of an affirmation of the legality and constitutionality of the EFCC and its duties in relation to economic and financial crimes, more than this ratio decidendi in Tijjani Abubakar, JSC’s lead judgement in this case?

Conclusion

While its good for the law to be dynamic, to keep developing and improving, it is wrong for public officials with the aid of Senior Lawyers, to continue play politics with the law, particularly one that is enacted for the betterment of society, and try to rubbish and diminish it, simply for their own protection and benefit. To the extent that one of the principal objectives of the State is to abolish corruption, and the EFCC was established as a means to achieve this end by a law duly enacted by NASS, the body empowered to make laws in this regard, I see no reason why the legality of EFCC should be in question. While criticisms that EFCC and other agencies like ICPC duplicate efforts, or EFCC officials act ultra vires their remit, or abuse their powers and engage in unlawful activities that do not qualify as economic or financial crimes, like debt recovery, cannot be discounted as unfounded, this is another matter, distinct from the legality of the EFCC.

Reliance on Traditional History Evidence for Proving Title to Land

Facts

By the Amended Statement of Claim dated 27th September, 1984, the Respondents filed an action against the Appellants at the High Court of Rivers State for trespass. They sought declaration of title to a piece of land referred to as “Ade-Ikobo Adoghany, Omalem” situated at Amalem Abua Village in the Abua-Odua District of Ahoada, L.G.A. They also claimed damages and injunction against the Appellants. The Appellants, as Defendants, denied the claims against them in their Amended Statement of Defence dated 9th May, 1994. The matter proceeded to trial during which the Respondents called four witnesses in proof of their case, while the Appellants called five witnesses in Defence. Survey plans were tendered by consent at the trial, and admitted in evidence as Exhibit “A”- for the Respondents and Exhibit “B” - for the Appellants.

At the end of trial, judgement was entered in favour of the Respondents as per their Writ of Summons. Dissatisfied with the judgement of the trial court, the Appellants filed a Notice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division on six grounds. In its judgement delivered on 10th December, 2009, the court below dismissed the Appellants’ appeal for lacking in merit, and affirmed the decision of the trial court.

Further dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Appellants appealed to the Supreme Court on 4th May, 2010, pursuant to the leave of the court granted on 28th April, 2010.

Issues for Determination

The four issues submitted by the Appellants to the Apex Court for determination are as follows:

1. Whether considering the pleadings, survey plan and evidence of the Respondents, there was no inconsistency or uncertainty on the location of the land which was claimed by them (Respondents).

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right to conclude/find that the Respondents proved title to the land in dispute and their claims in this case.

3. Whether the Court of Appeal was right and fair in its consideration/treatment of the evidence/case of the Appellants vis-à-vis that of the Respondents.

4. Whether the findings and conclusions of the Court of Appeal in its judgement in this suit are proper/justified in law.

Arguments

On Issue One

Counsel for the Appellants made references to paragraph 3 of the Respondents’ Amended Statement of Claim, evidence of PW1, PW3 and PW4, Exhibit “A” wherein the land claimed is said to be situate at Amalem, Abua, and paragraph 5(b) of the Amended Statement of Claim and evidence of PW1 where it is said that the land in dispute was situated at Ikobo Village from where the Respondents migrated to Amalem, Abua, thereby showing inconsistency and uncertainty on the location of the land claimed by the Respondents. Counsel submitted that the lack of explanation of how the land claimed to have been founded in Ikobo Village was now located in a different place, Amalem, Abua, was fatal to the Respondents' claim. And, since the Respondents claimed title to the land and the Appellants did not make a counter claim, the Appellants have the burden to establish the location of the land with certainty, on the authority of UKAEGBU v NWOLOLO (2009) 1 SCNJ 49 at 77 – 78. Responding, Counsel for the Respondents submitted that their pleadings in paragraph 3 of their Amended Statement of Claim and the evidence of PW1; the star witness, PW2, PW4 in respect of the location of the land they claimed, consistently show the land called “Ade-Ikobo Adoghany Omalem”, is situate at Amalem, Abua, with defined boundaries. It was then argued that the only weakness in the evidence of PW4 who said that the land in dispute is known as “Oharamon” owned by “Oto-Adoghany” family is not a material contradiction, since his evidence on the ownership and boundaries of the land is in line with the Respondents’ claim. Counsel submitted on the authority of JOHN v STATE (2011)18 NWLR (PT. 1278) 353) at 374, that for any inconsistency or contradiction in evidence to negatively affect its veracity, it must be materially significant to impact the case of a party and that is not the position in the case of the Respondents.

Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC

In the Supreme court of Nigeria Holden at abuja

On Friday, the 8th day of March, 2024 Before their lordships

Mohammed Lawal Garba Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju adamu Jauro Tijjani abubakar emmanuel akomaye agim Justices, Supreme court Sc.69/2010

Between

1. MR SaTuRday dIBIa aPPeLLaNTS

2. cHIeF BROTHeR OKaGWa

(For themselves and as representing The OTO-eKedI Family of Ogbora Village in abua central)

And

1. MaXWeLL O. TuBONIMIa ReSPONdeNTS

2. HeNRy eBI aKaRI

3. ISRaeL eLI T. PHeSI

(For themselves and as representing The OTO-adOGHaNy family of amalem Village in abua central)

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC)

On Issues Two, Three and Four

The Supreme Court noted that Appellants issue two for determination covers and encompasses issues three and four; thus, the issues were considered together. Regarding this head, Counsel for the Appellants submitted that on the authority of ONIBUDU v AKIBU (1982), 7 SC 60 at 84 among other cases, the Respondents, who pleaded and relied on traditional evidence/ history to claim title to the land in dispute, had the burden to plead and give evidence of the history of the Founder, as well as the intervening successors/ancestors through whom the land devolved down to them, without leaving any unexplained or mysterious gaps in the chain/line of succession. He posited that the Respondents only pleaded

“…. he must plead and prove by credible evidence…: (i) who founded the land; (ii) how the land was founded by the named founder, e.g. by deforestation, conquest, first settlement, gift, inheritance, purchase, (iii) names and particulars of the intervening owners to whom the land had passed or devolved from the founder, and their relationships to him…..”

Court to make assertions of facts on the existence of which they predicated the claims they made on the land in dispute against the Appellants, in law, they had and owed the evidential burden of proving the fact asserted on the balance of probabilities in line with the provisions of Section 138 of the Evidence Act, 2004, to the satisfaction of that court, if judgement was to be entered in their favour. The Apex Court noted that, from the Record of Appeal, the entire evidence of PW1, in-chief and under cross-examination, was not only consistent with, but was in unequivocal support and in line with the pleadings in paragraphs 3 and 5 of the Respondents' Amended Statement of Claim, that their ancestor founded the land in dispute, situate at Ikobo Village, which they retained after moving to the place now known as Ota-Adoghany Omalem owing to an epidemic which caused a lot of death. This evidence was not in any material way discredited or controverted under cross-examination, by the Appellants. As such, Their Lordships held that there was no inconsistency or contradiction between the pleadings and the evidence of PW1, on the location of the land in dispute. The Supreme Court held that an inconsistency or contradiction is said to occur between facts and/or in evidence when two versions of facts or evidence cannot be in existence or true at the same time, because each of them automatically cancels the existence or the truth of the other in the peculiar circumstances of a case; contradiction in facts and evidence. Furthermore, for an inconsistency or contradiction to affect the credibility of the evidence in question, it must be material to the facts which it seeks to prove, otherwise, it would have no adverse effect or be detrimental and fatal to the case in which it was given. Finally on the issue, the Supreme Court that “the duty of demonstrating material contradicting or inconsistency in facts or evidence that would affect the credibility of the evidence in a case, is placed and rests on the party making the assertion or allegation of the contradiction”.

On this premise, the Apex Court held that the difference in the name given by PW4 was essentially a mere discrepancy that had nothing to do with the location and certainty of the land in dispute, on which the Appellants have primarily predicated their arguments under this issue. With the failure by the Appellants to satisfactorily demonstrate before the court that, in fact, there was a material inconsistency or contradiction and uncertainty in the pleadings and evidence of the Respondents on the location of the land in dispute, the first issue was resolved against the Appellants.

Determining the second issue, their Lordships held that “where a Claimant/Plaintiff relies on and bases his claim for declaration of ownership/ title to land on traditional history evidence, he must plead and prove by credible evidence on the following: (i) who founded the land; (ii) how the land was founded by the named founder, e.g. by deforestation, conquest, first settlement, gift, inheritance, purchase, (iii) names and particulars of the intervening owners to whom the land had passed or devolved from the founder, and their relationships to him down to the Claimant/Plaintiff in an unbroken genealogical chain, in which there exists no unexplained gaps that would puncture the credibility of the claim”.

that the land in dispute was founded by Ikobo Adoghany, but did not plead how it was so founded, e.g., by deforestation, conquest, etc and that there are mysterious and unexplained gaps in the genealogy of succession on the successors and their relationship between one and another. It is the case of the Appellants that since the Respondents failed to prove their pleaded root of title based on traditional history, they could not turn round to rely on acts of ownership/possession for claim in trespass or injunction. Responding to this, Counsel for the Respondents submitted that the court below was right to have affirmed the decision by the trial court that, by their pleadings and evidence, the Respondents proved the title claimed on the basis of traditional history evidence and acts of ownership/possession of the land in dispute. It is then argued that the evidence of DWI, the Appellants’ star witness, was discredited under crossexamination by the Respondents, and so the lower courts were right not to ascribe any probative value to it, on the authority of UGBOJI v STATE (2018) ALL FWLR (PT. 925) 68.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Deciding the first issue, the Supreme Court held that since it was the Respondents (as Plaintiffs) who approached the trial High

The Court proceeded to note that from the pleadings of the Appellants on the traditional history relied on by them and the material evidence of DWI, Sunday Dibia, who was the star witness for the Appellants at the trial, the court below was right that the trial court properly evaluated the evidence placed before it by the parties, made and drew correct inferences from it by placing it on the imaginary scale of justice, to find that the side of the Respondents weighed heavier and that the scale tilted in their favour.

In addition, their Lordships held that the Appellants had not been able to demonstrate that the concurrent findings by the two lower courts on the traditional history evidence adduced by the Respondents, were either wrong in law, perverse or had occasioned real but not imaginary miscarriage of justice in the case, to warrant interference therewith by the Supreme Court. Ultimately, the issues were resolved against the Appellants.

Appeal Dismissed.

G. Ozarah for the Appellants. Chief K. Chuku for the Respondents.

(NMLR)(An

of Babalakin & Co.)

Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN

AGF, Oyebode, Adesina to Lead Conversation on Restoring Hope to Judiciary

Stories by Steve Aya

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, will lead other prominent Nigerians in the legal profession, media, and academics, on discussion about how to salvage the image of the Nigerian Judiciary at the 2024 Gavel International Annual Conference slated for 29 November, 2024. The event, with the theme: “The Judiciary as the Last Hope of the Common Man: Media

and Legal Perspectives" will see Prince Fagbemi deliver the Keynote Address. The lecture is to be chaired by Mr Gbenga Oyebode, MFR, founder of Aluko & Oyebode Law Firm. Oyebode sits on the Boards of EnterpriseNGR Professional

Advocacy Group, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Centre, and the Rele Arts Foundation. He is passionate about developing education in Nigeria, especially within the justice system.

Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association

Court Remands Lagos Businessman, Barry Shine, on Alleged Drug Charges

Lagos Businessman and suspected drug baron, Suleiman Aremu Ganiu, popularly called Barry Shine in his social circle, has been remanded in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), pending the determination of the bail application based on orders from two courts in the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, on alleged multiple charges on drug-related offences.

Barry Shine, who is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Barry Shine Suleman Nigeria Limited, was remanded by the courts presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Daniel Osiagor, after he pleaded not guilty to charges made against him in four separate charges

The Defendant was arraigned before Justice Aluko, on three counts each in charges marked FHC/L/731c/2024 and FHC/L/732c/2024, filed respectively by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday.

In the two charges, he is facing offences bordering on unlawful management and financing engaging in Drugs Trafficking Organisation (DTO), and exporting various quantities of Narcotic Drugs.

Barry Shine was alleged to have sponsored the duo of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidikat and Wasiu Gbolahan Sanni Teacher, who have been convicted. He was also alleged to have sponsored the alleged drug business of Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulai a.k.a. ‘Alhaji Loyingbo’; Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye a.k.a. ‘Igbono’, ‘Baba Eje’, ‘Ade Iwaya’ ‘Femi Iwaya’; Olumuyiwa Olufemi Ilori a.k.a. ‘Murphy’ and Alate Kafayat Bukky of Kaffy Travels, all said to be at large.

The offences, according to the prosecutors, Abu Ibrahim who led Bibiana Anagu, contravene Section 14(b), 21 (2)(d), and 20

(1)(g) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under Section 20 (2) (b) of the said Act.

Barry Shine denied the allegations, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Based on his not-guilty plea, the prosecutor, Mr Ibrahim, asked the court for a trial date. And also urged the court to remand, him pending the conclusion of the charges.

But, his Lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara, told the court that he was not opposed to the trial date as requested by the prosecutor. He however, told the court that his client’s bail application has been filed, and the same has been served on the prosecution.

Upon taking arguments on the bail application, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter to November 1, for ruling on the bail application, fixed January 20, 2025, for commencement of trial, while the Judge remanded the Defendant in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) pending determination of the bail application

In another two separate charges of four counts each, marked FHC/L/687c/2024 and FHC/L/688c/2024, which were also filed against the Defendant by the NDLEA before Justice Osiagor’s court, BarryShine was arraigned alongside the duo of Aikhomoun Daniel a.k.a. Olarenwaju Oladapo and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, whom he was alleged to have procured to traffic 1.022kg of Cocaine and 662g of Cocaine respectively.

He was also alleged to be running a Drug Trafficking Organisation, DTO.

The Defendants were alleged to have committed the infractions on or before June 21, 2024.

The offences, the prosecutor, Bibiana Anagu who was led by

Abu Ibrahim, said to be contrary to 14(b); 21 (2)(d); 11(b), and 20 (1)(g) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. And punishable under Sections 11(b) and 20 (2) (b) of the same Act.

While the duo of Aikhomoun Daniel a.k.a. Olarenwaju Oladapo and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, pleaded guilty to the allegations against them, BarryShine pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Based on the guilty plea of Aikhomoun and Ayigoro, coupled with the allocutus made by their Lawyer, Bolanle Kolawole, they were sentenced to

six and five years imprisonment, but ordered to pay the sum of N3 million and N2.5 million as fine options respectively.

Justice Osiagor, after hearing arguments on BarryShine’s bail application, admitted him to bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum. The Judge also ordered him to pay a cash sum of N4 million into the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR) account, as part of the bail conditions.

Justice Osiagor, while adjourning the trial of the case to February 23, 2025, ordered that the Defendant be remanded in the NCoS’ custody, until the fulfilment of the bail terms.

(NBA), Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN will deliver the main lecture.

He is the Founder and Principal Partner, Dele Adesina LP, and a Life Bencher.

The Publisher of Gavel International, Mustapha Ogunsakin, said the 2024 Annual Lecture is designed to kick off conversations on the restoration of confidence of citizens in the country’s Judiciary, which appears to be at an all time low.

“During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, a very major court building, the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, was razed by a mob. We saw the horrendous pictures of the burnt iconic building, particularly one of the arsonists in a Lawyer’s wig and gown, with a machete in his hand. For me, that is very a scary imagery. We must begin to restore the hope of the common man, in the Judiciary especially. The alternative is anarchy”, he said.

Mr Ogunsakin posited that the legal and media professionssaddled with direct constitutional roles in the judicial systemmust take the lead in restoring confidence in the judicial system.

“While the role of the legal profession is statutory, the

media has the responsibility to represent the people by covering and reporting court proceedings, except it has to do with national security or cases involving minors. That is why the Constitution made provision for a public gallery in every court where journalists occupy to report cases and disseminate to the public.”

He said the faculty constituted for the lecture comprises notable Lawyers, journalists, and academics who will give perspectives on the subject.

Notable among the discussants is Prof Hope Eghagha, a Professor of Literature and Literary Analysis at the University of Lagos, who will speak on how Nigerians currently perceive their Judiciary. He will be joined by Mr Richard Akinnola, a journalist and expert in judicial reporting; Mrs Joke Layi-Babatunde, a Lagos-based Lawyer; Mrs Tomi Ajayi, jurist and expert in criminal law and proceedings, and Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, foremost human rights activist.

Gavel International news portal has, over the years, hosted lectures and conferences in pursuit of its guiding principle - Rule of Law.

Canadian Gets 11 Year Sentence for Importation of Illicit Drugs

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of a Lagos Federal High Court, on Wednesday convicted and sentenced a 41-year-old Canadian woman, Adrienne Munju, to a total of 11 years imprisonment, for the illegal importation of 35.20 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a grade of cannabis Sativa popularly called Marijuana.

The trial Judge convicted and sentenced Munju, following her plea of guilt to the two counts of charge preferred against her by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The convicted Canadian, Adrienne Munju, according to the prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, was arrested with the prohibited drug on October 3, 2024, during the inward clearance of in-bound passengers on KLM Flight at the ‘D’ Arrival Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The prosecutor told the court that the illegal acts of the convict contravened Ssctions 20(1)(a) and 19 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act

(NDLEA) Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. And punishable under Section 20(2)(a) of the same Act.

At the arraignment of the convicted Canadian, the prosecutor, Mr Ibrahim, told the court that his agency had a two-count charge pending before the court, and pleaded with the count to allow the charge to be read so that the convict could take her plea, a request which was granted.

When the charge was read on the order of the Judge, the Canadian pleaded guilty to same.

Following her guilty plea, the prosecutor called his witness, Angela Mba, an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASC) who told the court how the Canadian was arrested with the prohibited drugs, and equally tendered some exhibits, which included: two suitcases that were used in concealing the drugs, her Canadian passport, confessional statements, laboratory test analysis reports and samples of the banned drug. All the

tendered exhibits were admitted as Exhibits 1 to 13 series.

Upon conclusion of the review of the facts of the crimes, the prosecutor urged the court to convict the Canadian as charged based on the evidence placed before the court, the exhibits tendered, and the guilty plea of the Defendant.

Consequently, Justice Dipeolu, on reviewing the facts of the case as submitted by Abu Ibrahim, convicted the Defendant as charged.

In her plea for mercy, the Canadian who is a divorcee, told the court that she was deceived into the crimes by her trusted black friends who gave her the suitcases, but she did not know the contents. She further told the court that she had greatly regretted her actions, and therefore, pleaded with the court to be lenient with her.

Also, the Lawyer to the convicted Canadian, Chief Benson Ndakara leading Dennis Warri, Kate Igbo, and others, pleaded with the court to have mercy on the convict.

“We plead for leniency on

behalf of the convict my Lord. The convict pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity by not wasting the precious time of the court, and has been very remorseful. Ndakara also pleaded with the court to impose an option of fine on the convict, instead of a custodial sentence, adding that the convict has no relatives or acquittances in Nigeria and has been abandoned by everyone. After listening to the Defendant’s Counsel’s allocutus, Justice Dipeolu sentenced Adrienne Munju to six years imprisonment on count one and five years on count two. The Judge however, gave the convict an option of a N50 million fine on each count. And, ordered that both sentence and option of fine shall run concurrently. The Judge also ordered that the bulk of the drugs be destroyed, if there was no appeal against his judgement. And that the convict’s Canadian passport and handset be released to her, after the jailterm or payment of the fine option.

Suleiman Aremu Ganiu aka Barry Shine

Mr Gbenga Oyebode, MFR

Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN

FIDA at 60: An Enduring Impact on Women and Children Issues

The International Federation of Women Lawyers, that is,

La Federación Internacional

dé Abogadas (FIDA) made its debut in Nigeria 60 years ago. In its over six decades of existence in Nigeria, the body of female Lawyers has consistently and doggedly fought for and defended women and children’s rights, despite the obvious challenges. Winning some and losing some, FIda Nigeria told the THISDAY LAWYER team, how they have ensured its relevance and coherence, and managed to spread to every State of the Federation, with over 5,000 members, 45 Branches and counting. FIda has touched the lives of over 100,000 indigent women and children, secured a court judgement concerning 35% affirmative action for women, amongst many other feats. They also shared the plans for their upcoming 60th anniversary Celebration next month

International Federation of Women Lawyers a.k.a FIDA is celebrating 60 years since its establishment in Nigeria. Kindly, give an overview of FIDA Nigeria, and what it set out to do FIDA Nigeria was established in 1964. Ambassador Aduke Alakija, who herself had been a member of FIDA International introduced FIDA to Nigeria.

An Organisation with highly notable and reputable female Lawyers who have diligently served it in one capacity or the other, such as the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Folake Solanke, CON.

The first female State AttorneyGeneral, Mrs Hairat Aderinsola Balogun is also a founding member of FIDA Nigeria. We also have a strong Board of

“FIDA Nigeria was therefore, established to protect, promote, and preserve the rights and interests of women and children, with a focus on pro bono representation of the indigent”

Trustees, with eminent female Lawyers namely Chief Mrs Tessa Ikimi (Chairperson)

We have ECOSOC Status at the United Nations, also accredited at the African Union.

The reason for the establishment of FIDA in Nigeria was to ensure that the women in Nigeria had the benefit of services and protection offered by their sisters who are Lawyers, just as was being done in the other countries where FIDA Branches existed. FIDA Nigeria was therefore, established to protect, promote, and preserve the rights and interests of women and children, with a focus on pro bono representation of the indigent.

Other objectives include a comparative study of law, to ensure that, as much as possible, developments in other climes are reflected locally, for the benefit of FIDA Nigeria’s stakeholders. This was based on the realisation that, to a great extent, the happiness of the home and the strength of society depend on the well-being of the women and children.

We achieve our mandate through aggressive sensitisation, advocacy, mentorship, itigation/ADR and counselling.

FIDA Nigeria has grown since then, with over 5,000 members who volunteer their services across all the areas of Law that they specialise in. We now have 46 Branches in 36 States of the Federation. This

chief Folake Solanke, coN, SAN Late Ambassador Aduke Alakija

Dame Priscilla Kuye

FIDA at 60: An enduring Impact on Women and children Issues

means that some States with wide geographical locations, have more than one Branch for example: Lagos State has 5 FIDA branches. We have also institutionalised Student Chapters, in our Branches. We have now opened up to female law students and female law graduates, as Associate Members. Our Branches reach out to Universities within their localities and invite associate membership, who are first responders to issues of sexual harassment, rape and other kinds of gender based violence within their schools. We have a Standard Operating Procedure, that guides us in this inauguration.

In terms of institutionalising, we have a 5 year (2021-2026) Strategic Plan that serves as a roadmap. At a glance, donor partners and our stakeholders can see our goals and how we intend to achieve them, as well as a sincere SWOT analysis of our Organisation. Through this, some of our donors during assessment before fund disbursement, choose an area in our weakness to support us in our structuring.

Given our growth, we are particular about developing Policies and a unified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), to guide in all our interactions and interventions. We have a Case Management SOP, SOP for Branches within a State, SOP for Shelter Management and Operations, and an SOP on Student/Associate Membership. In the 60 years of our existence in Nigeria, we have touched the lives of over 100,000 indigent women and children. Through our projects, we have worked across various issues that has made life more meaningful to the indigent woman and child. Some of our project interventions are:

- Popularising the gender provisions of the ACJA, 2015 which was funded by MacArthur Foundation;

- Supporting in drafting and developing practice directions for Courts;

- Enhancing access to justice for women living with/or affected by HIV/AIDs;

- Educating women on their land rights, and the need to be economically empowered;

- Building capacity of rural women on leadership, and the need to participate in their traditional governance;

- Improving women capacity to lead in attaining peace and security in their local communities;

- Providing access to justice for women and children in IDP camps;

- FIDA is in the process of commissioning it's Shelter project as a safe house for victims of GBV. Some of our donors for these

interventions are: UN agencies, Ford Foundation, Action Aid, MacArthur Foundation, Foreign Commonwealth Development Office of the UK High Commission, Canada Global, Palladium Group funded by USAID, International Organisation on Migration, British Council and European Union, National Democratic Institute and so on.

Despite the United Nations recommendations, the number of female government political appointees in Nigeria is still regrettably low. What role has FIDA played to fight against gender discrimination against women in Nigeria, not just in our profession but in leadership positions? What is FIDA doing about this unfortunate state of affairs? Most of the Female Ministers are Junior Ministers, apart from a few of them; and, as the years go by, the number of female members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly continue to dwindle. Is FIDA not concerned about this? What can FIDA do by way of affirmative action or legislative advocacy, to address this inequitable imbalance?

FIDA has been at the forefront of advocacy and agitation for the increased participation

“In the 60 years of our existence in Nigeria, we have touched the lives of over 100,000 indigent women and children”

of women in leadership in politics, business, and the legal profession of Nigeria. Even in our profession, Dame Priscilla Kuye, who served as Secretary when FIDA Nigeria commenced in Lagos, with meetings being held at the residence of Ambassador Alakija, and was the first person to be elected by the World FIDA body as the Regional Vice President for Africa, remains the only female President of the NBA after 32 years.

FIDA Nigeria partnered with the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), in providing support to females who participated in the 2016 National Elections. Also, FIDA was one of the inaugural members of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund (NWTF) and remains on its Board to date. As you may be aware, at its inception, the NWTF provided grants to eligible female politicians, and continues to build their capacity to enable them participate effectively as gender advocates when they are in office. FIDA Nigeria also features regularly in the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, partnering with other Civil Society Organisations to observe elections.

FIDA Nigeria also carries out leadership training, for women across other professions, Female Lawyers and especially, FIDA Nigeria members, are active in the Nigerian Bar Association, and recently, have shown more interest in participating in the leadership of the Bar. Presently, 5 out of 10 members

of the NBA National Executive are FIDANs.

The number would have been a lot more, but we find that despite being in 2024, we are still impacted by tradition, culture and religion. The opposition to female leadership on these grounds remains quite strong in politics, business, law, and the professions. There has been some shift, but we recognise that change will be gradual as mindsets and behavioural attitudes begin to change. For example, we may not have another female NBA President yet, but we have made progress. The gap is closing, and we are convinced that sooner, rather than later, the story will be different.

During the 2023 general elections, FIDA Nigeria was accredited by INEC and funded by UN Women to set up a situation room, to observe women political participation and violence against women in elections. Prior to the elections, we embarked on voter education outreaches in markets and communities, encouraging women to go pick up their voters card and make sure that they vote. During that time, when we attend the INEC quarterly consultative meeting, we build the information shared there into our voter education messaging for outreaches.

Recall the proposed 5 Gender Bills, during the Constitution review? FIDA Nigeria was at the forefront of the protests with other women-led civil society organisations. We laid a sit-out at the National Assembly for over 1 week. Eventually, women went to Court, where judgement was given in our favour for 35%

FIDA Nigeria country vice/ National President, Amina Suzanah Agbaje

chairman, FIDA Nigeria Board of Trustees, chief (Mrs) Tessa Ikimi

FIDA Nigeria country vice/ National President 1991-1993, chief (Mrs) Marlies Allan

FIDA at 60: An enduring Impact on Women and children Issues

affirmative action.

How well has FIDA Nigeria fulfilled the core mandate of protecting the rights of widows, women generally and children?

To date, female genital mutilation and under-aged marriage still occur in Nigeria. Two States have still not domesticated the Child Rights Act. What is FIDA doing about all this?

FIDA has done extensive work in this regard. One of the best services FIDA offers, is the Free Legal or Volunteer Advocacy programme through her Branches. We have been able to secure numerous court judgements, as well as ensure law reform aimed at protecting the rights of women and girls.

FIDA was the Secretariat of Legislative Advocacy Coalition on Violence Against Women (LACVAW), which is the coalition of Civil Society and individuals who advocated for the passage of the Violence Against Persons Protection (VAPP) Act in 2015, which has several innovative provisions for the protection of persons, women and girls. FIDA also led in the institutionalisation of LACVAW, to continue this good work. LACVAW is now resident at the Gender Technical Unit of the National Assembly, providing gender mainstreaming in Federal legislations. The VAPP Act has been adopted in 34 States of the Federation, in which FIDA Branches in those States were technical/drafting and advocating partners. FIDA has also participated actively in the enactment of legislation against harmful widowhood practices and female inheritance in a number of states, such as Rivers, and other Southern States.

Regarding the States that are yet to adopt, our Branches there are engaging in extensive advocacy, to ensure that the Child Rights Act is adopted.

There are reports of increasing incest in many homes across the country. Many under-aged girls have been reportedly raped by either their fathers or older male relations, like the case of late Ochanya Ogbanje, who was allegedly raped to death by her older cousin and his father in Benue State. She didn’t get justice, asher Uncle was acquitted. Doesn’t this give you a cause for concern? What does FIDA do in situations like this?

FIDA Nigeria has carried out massive sensitisation regarding rape, incest, and defilement. Indeed, this is part of the curriculum in the FIDA programme

on the training of paralegals in local Communities where Branches are resident. These Paralegals are first responders to issues of sexual, gender based violence, and are introduced to the security agencies and other service providers in their local government areas. We have supported them to create an active referral coordinating system, to handle such cases before a FIDAN can come on site.

We have sensitised, produced and aired radio jingles to share information on what to do in the case of rape, as this will support the prosecuting and security agencies in their forensics, so they can have the right evidence for a conviction.

FIDA also provided technical support in the development of a Sex Offenders Register, such that the data is categorised into report, conviction and acquittal. Such that, whether convicted or not, there is deterrence for such a crime.

We have also advocated for Sexual Gender Based Violence or Family Courts, to expedite judicial proceedings on these cases and avoid the bottlenecks that hinder justice. We have a challenge too, arising from this, such that not all victims and their related persons want

“FIDA has been at the forefront of advocacy and agitation for the increased participation of women in leadership in politics, business, and the legal profession of Nigeria”

to walk with us through the rigours of the justice system. As you know, where there’s no victim or complainant, then there cannot be a crime.

Country Vice/National President, 1991-1993 FIDA Nigeria provided pro bono legal services through its Benue Branch, for the Ochanya case. Regrettably, in law, everything is a matter of evidence and the court can only rule on what is before it, and not public opinion or social media views. Which is why the media and other FIDA partners must support her either in funds or kind, so that we can go as far to sensitise the grass roots and school children on their legal rights, and what to do in cases of rape and other violations.

FIDA Nigeria has also been leading other women rights groups in a watching brief, in the famous case of Professor Cyril Ndifon, the University of Calabar Law Professor closely. Obviously, where the circumstances permit, FIDA is open to going on appeal to have the decision of the lower courts reviewed by the appellate courts.

Scourge of GBV is a pandemic; however, FIDA can’t do it alone. We encourage collaboration with other organisations/ agencies whose focus is similar to ours. We work with both international, national and local organisations. In Lagos, for example, FIDA Branches have a collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and

Sexual Violence Agency. In Edo, they rely on the GBV Taskforce to make arrests and prosecute cases, In Abuja, there is NAPTIP and the SGBV unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice, and so on.

In the past few years, there have been reports of sexual harassment against female Lawyers in some law firms. What steps has FIDA taken to address the plight of these ladies?

In matters like this, a victim must be willing to make a report; FIDA Nigeria is available to stand by her, and pursue such matters to a logical conclusion. The reality is that often because of their weaker negotiating position, victims prefer to walk away quietly, or worse still, live with the situation and their violators for economic and other reasons. Recognising this challenge, FIDA has been at the forefront of these discussions in NBA programmes. It is our belief and expectation, that the more light is shed on these negative practices, the earlier we can instil behavioural change and punishment of offenders. We also have the NBA Women Forum, which is also tasked with the welfare of female Lawyers, of which FIDA members are leading in.

FIDA Nigeria, as an Organisation, has, a Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse (SHEA) and Safeguarding policy. We are ever ready to handle such cases, if reported to us.

Statistics have recently shown that there are now more female

chairperson of FIDA @ 60 & regional VP Africa 2017-2020, chief (Mrs) Victoria Awomolo, SAN

Member FIDA Nigeria BoT, Hon. Justice elsie Thompson

UN representative & 13th cVP/National President, FIDA Nigeria, Hon. Inime Aguma

FIDA at 60: An enduring Impact on Women and children Issues

Lawyers in Nigeria than males. Does this have any significant positive impact on the profession?

Most Certainly. We think the presence of more women in the profession, gives room for a better appreciation of the issues that affect and impact more than 50% of the population and the profession. We mentioned our members who are Chairpersons of NBA Branches. One of FIDA’s strengths, is in the calibre of some of her members…. persons such as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan whom we recently visited. There is no office that FIDA cannot walk into, because of this. It is also important to note that, there are FIDA members who have attained the highest calibres of the legal professions such as Senior Advocates of Nigeria, like Chief Mrs. V.O Awomolo, SAN; Mrs Titi Akinlawon, SAN; Professor Agbonika, SAN who is also the Dean, Faculty of Law, Veritas University, Abuja; Mrs Wendy Kuku, SAN; and Judges at various level of local and international Courts. There are also FIDA members who are leading in other professions for example: Marlies Allan who has been the Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland. We have Commissioners, Directors in Ministries, Members at State

Houses of Assembly such as Hon. Marie Edeko who is the Deputy Speaker at the Edo State House of Assembly. Rose Oby Nwosu who is leading the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Trades, Mining and Industry. We also have Professors of Law across many Universities in Nigeria and so on. Yes, we have more women, and we are encouraging more to get into leadership and governance positions, so that we can leverage on their positions to build a lasting change in systems and structures that do not favour

“In Lagos for example, FIDA Branches have a collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency”

women.

What are your plans for the forthcoming 60th anniversary of FIDA? What is the lineup of activities for the celebration?

The FIDA Nigeria 2024 Triennial Conference/FIDA @ 60 celebration, has a National Planning Committee chaired by Chief Mrs. V.O Awomolo, SAN and is taking place at Zeus Paradise Hotel, Abuja, will commence on Thursday the 21st of November, 2024 with the arrival of delegates. While the collection of conference materials, media parley, launch of FIDA @ 60 logo and a Juma’at Service will hold on 22nd. The 60 for 60 Outreach and the launch of FIDA National Shelter is scheduled for Saturday, 23rd. On Sunday 24th, there will be

Thanksgiving Service at Mountain of Fire Ministry (MFM) International Headquarters (Annexe) Wuye at 7:00am. Thereafter, delegates will be entertained at the CVP La fiesta. The Opening Ceremony will feature a Keynote Speech on the theme, and plenary sessions. The Colloquium Lecture will be delivered by Dr Oby Ezekwesili on Monday the 25th , and, in the evening, there will be cultural night where delegates will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will hold on Tuesday, 26t, which will culminate with the election of the next set of executives; and, in the evening the Dinner/ Awards Night will be held. Finally, Wednesday the 27th is departure, and farewell for all delegates.

Thank you.

National executive committee, FIDA Nigeria 2021 - 2024

FIDA regional vice President Africa 2011-2013, Hajiya Laraba Sha’ibu

Talking ConsTiTuTional demoCraCy

Artificial Intelligence and the Law: The Future of Legal Practice (Part 2)

Introduction

In the inaugural edition of this piece we defined artificial intelligence, explored how it works, discussed its various forms, its introduction into legal practice and rounded it out with an overview of the Nigerian Legal practice and its main features. This will lead off today’s edition, followed by a discussion of artificial intelligence in our legal practice, concluding with public concern about the implications and risks associated with legal practice. Enjoy.

Key Aspects of the Nigerian Legal Practice

Nigeria operates a federal system of government with both federal and state laws. Our legal system is influenced by a combination of the English common law, principles of equity, customary law, Islamic law, and various statutes. The Constitution of Nigeria is the supreme law of the land. Any law that is inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution is a nullity.

The legal profession in Nigeria is regulated by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Body of Benchers. The NBA is the umbrella association for all Lawyers in Nigeria, and it sets professional standards and promotes legal education and ethics. The Body of Benchers is responsible for the formal call to the Bar of persons seeking to become legal practitioners, as well as the disciplining of erring Lawyers. Also, the Body also makes regulations towards upholding the core values of the legal profession. It ensures the harmonious relationship between the Bar and the Bench.

To become a lawyer in Nigeria, one typically needs to complete a law degree at a recognised university, followed by a one-year law school program. The Nigerian Law School provides this programme and conducts the Bar Part I and Bar Part II examinations, which are required for legal practice. Upon completion of the one-year law school program, the student will be called to the Bar. What follows next is enrolment at the Supreme Court. Thus, under Section 2 of the Legal Practitioners Act, a legal practitioner is someone whose name is on the role.

Lawyers in Nigeria can practice in various areas, including litigation, corporate and commercial law, real estate, family law, criminal law, and more. Some Lawyers have specialised in maritime law, intellectual property law, and oil and gas law, etc. Given the prominence of ICT, many people are specialising in communication and technology. It is important to note that the legal procedure in Nigeria includes the court system, which consists of various levels of courts, from the Magistrates' Courts to the Supreme Court. The hierarchy of the courts includes the Federal and State High Courts, the National Industrial Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.

Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian Legal Practice

There is a rising acceptance of AI by legal practitioners worldwide. However, Nigeria seems to be falling behind in comparison to its developed counterparts. Globally, law firms have started preparing themselves for the future of the legal industry by embracing cutting-edge technology. To do so, they already have begun incorporating

AI software, including ROSS intelligence, TAR tool, Kira Systems and Leverton, to streamline tasks that would otherwise be done manually. Notably, law firms like Allen & Overy (through Fuse), Dentons (via Nextlaw labs) and Thomas Reuters (with their elite offerings) are making substantial investments in Legal Tech. These investments aim to implement automated work allocation, predictive data modelling, automated matter management, and expertise identification within their operations. Exciting developments in Legal AI and technology are expected to unfold in the coming years. Deloitte’s projection indicates that by 2036, more than 100,000 legal tasks will be automated. A comprehensive analysis of over 700 professions, including the legal field, by Carl Benedict Frey and Michael Osborne revealed that the legal profession is soon to undergo computerisation sooner than other sectors like, pharmacy, counselling, teaching and engineering among others.

AI is on the brink of triggering a global transformation that will disrupt traditional legal practices. A shift appears to be in progress exemplified by the landmark case of Lola v Skadden (Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, No. 14-3845 (2d Cir. 2015), which held that tasks that could as well be handled by machines are not engagements in law practice (Lola v Skadden and the Automation of the Legal Profession, Yale Journal of Law and Technology). The implication of this ruling paves the way for machines to handle tasks once deemed “exclusive” to lawyers. While this judgment has yet to establish itself as a compelling precedent in many jurisdictions, it is on its path to becoming a worldwide phenomenon in the near future with the Nigerian legal system

“There is a rising acceptance of AI by legal practitioners worldwide. However, Nigeria seems to be falling behind, in comparison to its developed counterparts…. The signs are clear, Nigerian Lawyers and law firms must evolve”

likely to follow suit when it does.

Notwithstanding the increasing global embrace of AI among legal professionals, the situation in the Nigerian jurisdiction is quite the opposite. The Nigerian legal industry exhibits a certain level of reluctance towards accepting technological advancements. The primary cause for this attitude among many Lawyers is the perceived ‘challenge’ that innovation presents to the traditional and esteemed nature of the legal profession. For example, Nigerian law firms maintain the traditional brick-and-mortar model to support their billing model. Nigeria’s leading commercial law firms incorporate a conventional practice of law, a partnership model. On top of the pyramid are the partners who share the profits and debt liability of the law firm. However, the emergence of AI will threaten this system, which they need for survival. The incursion of AI into the legal profession might be a catalyst for the legal gig economy, which will increase the competitiveness of legal services.

The signs are clear, Nigerian Lawyers and law firms must evolve. For top-tier law firms, it is essential to reassess their business models to survive the imminent AI revolution. With the emergence of virtual law firms like Infusion Lawyers and the growing adoption of AI-powered legal tech solutions by new law firms, many leading conservative big law firms will have to change their traditional organisation model to a more agile structure. Ordinarily, these conventional leading law firms might have been hesitant to adopt AI-driven solutions, but the competition from the Big Four (KPMG, Ernst & Young, Deloitte and PWC), legal startups, and boutique law firms specialising in tailored legal practices is undeniable.

Although the penetration of AI into the Nigerian legal practice may appear slow, it has made gradual inroads into Nigerian law firms. About 10 years ago, A Nigerian Company (Grace Infotech Limited) revolutionised law reporting and legal research in Nigeria when they launched Nigeria’s first Legal AI application - Law Pavilion Electronic Report (LPELR), (law-pavilion-launches-electronic-report/ Accessed 3rd November, 2023). LEPLR provides easy access to research materials

and thousands of reported Nigeria appellate court decisions as far back as 1950s. This AI has made legal research and reference easier and faster, and boasts of reducing problems associated with the judicial process by about 60 percent (ibid). Then in 2016, the Law Pavilion launched its first legal analytic software named Law Pavilion Prime (ibid). In 2018, the company also launched TIMI, Nigeria’s first legal assistant. It operates as a chatbot that works like a consultant programmed to walk the user through Civil Procedure Rules of Nigeria courts. Also, there are other AI-driven applications like Judy Legal which has a database of all cases in Nigeria and Ghana, functioning like a personalised search engine, similar to Google allowing users to save their search results. Albeit minor developments, they are commendable milestones as AI steadily gains ground in the Nigerian legal system.

People’s Concern

Given the massive investment in the development of AI, there are concerns that some versions of AI might become self-aware. Some have attributed this self-awareness to mean transcendence. In March, 2023, The Economic Times published an opinion titled, “Self-aware robots that rebel against human creators; not restricted to sci-fi”, written by Narayani Ganesh. The writer reported that in July, 2022, Columbia University researchers engineered a robot that was enabled to recognise its own body without any assistance from humans. The writer noted that there are those who are alarmed at this minute form of self-awareness in robots, for they fear that this could pave the way for AI taking over humankind. He concluded, however, that such fears are unfounded, as they are a long way off from becoming self-aware enough to have self-will and volition.

In relation to the subject matter under consideration, AI offers legal practitioners and paralegals professional’s tools to streamline processes, enhance research capabilities, and provide more efficient and cost-effective services to clients. Lawpavilion (Primsol), for instance, has enhanced research capabilities. The number of hours spent searching for cases in physical libraries has been reduced drastically since the advent of Law Pavilion in Nigeria. Some websites have chatbots designed to replace a repetitive task that a human would otherwise have to perform. These bots can interact with humans. The implication of this for legal practitioners or those aspiring to be legal practitioners is that if you do not improve in your work by learning new skills or developing yourselves, computers will soon replace you.

Since the introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, legal practice has become easier. Lawyers and paralegals use it to generate ideas. ChatGPT is arguably the most wellknown of current generative AI applications. It can draft briefs, letters, contracts, create art, or doctor images, etc., within seconds. It can do the unimaginable.

AI is rapidly being applied to all major sectors of the economy and society, including medicine, finance, national defence, transportation, manufacturing, the media, arts and entertainment, and social relationships, to name just some. Many of these applications will create new legal issues for Lawyers, such as the liability issues of autonomous cars, the legality of lethal autonomous weapons, financial bots that may violate antitrust laws, and the safety of medical robots. These are also ethical and regulatory concerns that need to be addressed. This article delves into the multifaceted relationship between AI and the law, outlining the current applications of AI in the legal field and the future implications for legal practice. (To be continued)

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool. The choice about how it gets deployed, is ours”. -Oren Etzioni

PROF mike O zekh O me, san

Only

Contrary to government’s claim that it is making good efforts in providing the country with safe and efficient sources of energy, a new report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has indicated that while only 58 per cent of Nigerian households are connected to the national electricity grid, over 67 per cent still depend on wood fuel for their various needs.

The just-released 2024 Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey (NREDSS) report by NBS, is the maiden edition of the energy demand survey conducted to provide an understanding of household energy acquisition, usage, and expenditure.

The survey, carried out in nine states, canvassed information from households on the acquisition of energy sources such as fuel wood, charcoal, agricultural residues, liquefied

petroleum gas, among others.

Among the surveyed states, the NBS found that fuel woods were still commonly deployed, with 67.8 per cent of households using the fuel either for domestic, agricultural, commercial, cultural or religious purposes.

The states surveyed included: Ekiti, Oyo, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Kwara, Plateau, Kano and Enugu.

Among households using charcoal, 21.6 per cent purchased the product, only 0.3 and 0.6 per cent acquired it through own production, and other means respectively.

Furthermore, the results showed that 19.4 per cent of households reported using LPG or cooking gas during the reference period. This means that about one in every five households use LPG, according to the report.

The average monthly expenditure on LPG, according to the survey, stood at N10.2 billion

across the surveyed states.

“Over 58 per cent of households are connected to the national grid across the nine states surveyed, and 86.6 per cent had electricity supply during the reference period. Out of the total households connected to the national grid, 85.2 per cent used an estimated billing system while 14.8 per cent reported using a pre-paid billing system.

“In addition, the average monthly expenditure of households on electricity was estimated at N4, 155.8 during the reference period,” the NBS report stated.

Although Nigeria is rich in all key fuels, including petroleum as well as favourable alternative energy sources like solar and wind, the country has not been able to fully harness these God-given resources due to lack of investment.

Overall, of the 58.2 per cent of households from the surveyed states, 79.7 per cent was connected to the grid in Ekiti state, and 77.3

per cent in Oyo State.

About 1 out of every five households in Sokoto was also found to be connected to the national grid, with households in the southern part of the country more likely to be connected to the national grid than the Northern households.

Among households connected to the national grid across the nine states covered in the report, 86.6 per cent had electricity supply at one point or the other in the last 30 days on an average of 6.6 hours per day.

Disaggregation by state showed that Plateau State had the highest electricity supply with 95.7 per cent, closely followed by Sokoto State with 95.1 per cent, and Ekiti State had the lowest with 66.6 per cent.

Further analysis on the states about estimated billing system, revealed that Bauchi State recorded the highest with 97.9 per cent, followed by Sokoto State with 97.3 per cent and Plateau State had the

lowest with 69.1 per cent.

On the other hand, Plateau State had the highest for pre-paid billing system with 30.9 per cent, Oyo State with 27.6 per cent, and Bauchi State was the lowest with 2.1 per cent.

The findings showed that 4.8 per cent of households across the surveyed states had access to solar electricity at home. Among those that had access to solar systems in their homes, 90.9 per cent of households had solar home systems and 9.1 per cent were connected to solar mini-grid with average unit of installed capacity of 33.7 KVA (Kilo Volt Amp) and 66.3 kW (Kilowatts).

However, the NBS said it observed that overall accessibility to solar electricity supply in the last 30 days prior to the survey was 97.7 per cent on the average of nine hours per day.

Also, 16.5 per cent of households with solar electricity supply reported that they were billed on the average amount of N7,037.00

Based on the findings from the survey, the report said that traditional biomass (fuelwood, agricultural residues and dung) remained widely used for cooking and heating in an unsustainable and unsafe manner, recommending that re-planting of trees should be promoted for sustainable production.

The government, it said, should support the development and distribution of efficient cooking technologies such as improved stoves to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in place of the inefficient three-stone technology commonly used.

Besides, it stated that the government should provide incentives and training programmes for farmers, business people and communities to be aware of the consequences of deforestation and the benefits of reforestation.

Commodity-dependent countries like Nigeria in sub-Saharan Africa are growing at a slower pace than other parts of the region, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

In its regional economic outlook

for sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF highlighted that while diversified economies like Senegal and Tanzania were projected to grow above the regional average, Nigeria is expected to slow down its growth rate at 2.9 per cent.

IMF therefore urged oil-exporting countries in sub-Saharan Africa to

reform their economies to address uneven regional economic growth.

The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook, had said the region’s economy was projected to grow by 3.6 per cent this year—consistent with last year’s growth and a slight downgrade from the 3.8 per cent forecast in April.

The Fund’s Africa Director, Abebe Selassie, noted that Nigeria’s government must ‘squarely address’ pressing economic challenges that have driven high inflation and raised living costs.

“South Sudan, Nigeria, Angola are all very much in that camp. They have had very large macroeconomic

imbalances, financing challenges which have held back growth. They need to find new sources of growth, get more private sector investment,” Selassie stated.

According to the report, additional challenges for African oil producers include the global shift toward green energy in

response to climate change.

Although the report highlighted that nearly half of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies this year were in sub-Saharan Africa, it however warned that even faster growth is essential to address widespread poverty and inequality.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

rescuing local manufacturing with improved Patronage of local Products

Federal government agencies are determined to reverse the downward trend in the fortunes of local manufacturers with intentional promotion of patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products, writes Dike

Onwuamaeze

Is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu planning something big for the Nigerian manufacturing sector? For key operators in the sector the answer to the above question is likely to be ‘no’ for obvious reasons. The operating environment that was orchestrated by the economic policies of President Tinubu is having telling consequences on the manufacturing sector. Under his watch, the exchange rate of the Naira to the Dollar deteriorated from N460 in May 2023 to N1,700 presently, the interest rate has also gone up from to 38 per cent currently while the inflation rate is above 30 per cent.

In addition, the energy prices for petrol and electricity tariff has also skyrocketed. The pump price of petrol has escalated from N200 in May 2023 to N1,115 per litre in Lagos and much higher in other parts of the country while electricity tariff for manufacturing industry under Band “A” category went up from N68 to N225 in April 2024 and was later reduced to N206.80 per kwhr.

Moreover, most of the palliatives in the form of credit and wavers his administration promised to the manufacturing sector have not been implemented. They remained what Nigerians cynically referred to as ‘microphone echo’.

OutcOme Of mAN eveNt

The National President of NECA, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, summed it up in a remark he last week at a Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s (MAN) event. Okoye said: “Few months ago President Tinubu promised to remove import duties for manufacturers of pharmaceutical products, but I will tell you that till today no pharmaceutical manufacturer has enjoyed that privilege.

“The president has a very good intention, beautiful strategy to get things going for Nigerians, but because of lack of guided implementations that goodwill has not been implemented.”

Yet, the Chief Executive Officer, Africa Finance

Corporation (AFC), Mr. Samaila Zubairu, said last week in his presentation at the “4th Adeola Adetola Annual Lecture” that was organised by MAN that “Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is at a turning point.”

Zubairu pointed out that the country’s manufacturing sector is showing ample room for growth despite the besetting challenges that have hobbled its progress.

One of the firm believers that the Nigerian manufacturing sector is on the edge of its turning point is the Chairman of Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp), Mr. Aderemi Abdul-Bojela, who believed that the corporation would replicate the phenomenon that transformed America from an agrarian to industrial economy at the twilight of 19th century.

Abdul-Bojela said that when Henry Ford realised that an average American could not afford the unit price of a car, he very cleverly approached financial institutions like the Citi Bank, GT Morgan and Chase and others to finance the purchase of his unsold cars via consumer credit facilities.

That was how automobile industry took off in America and also transited the American economy to technology driven economy.

He, therefore, asserted that consumer lending that is being packaged by the Tinubu’s administration would empower Nigerians to purchase goods that are produced by Nigerian local manufacturers to enable them to produce more.

He said: “At one point in time this country will require large scaled credit, particularly consumer credit and mortgages, to drive this economy.

“The current administration is targeting a trillion dollar economy in the next five years. A major component of that is credit, particularly 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. We should be able to diversify this economy away from mono product of oil into other areas of business.”

Shedding light on how consumer credit would grow the industrial sector of Nigerian economy, the Managing Director/CEO of CrediCorp, Mr. Uzoma Nwagba, said that “our goal is, if possible, to get it as close as zero interest rate if one is buying locally.”

Similarly, another federal government agency, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), is also bent on realising the federal government’s Executive Orders 003 and 005 that were designed to promote patronage of “Made in Nigeria” goods and services by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Speaking during the recent MAN’s “Made in Nigeria Exhibition and Fair” on “The Imperative of an Intentional Development of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector in an Era of Economic Downturn,” the Acting Director General of BPP, Mr. Olusegun Omotola, pledged to use public procurement policies to improve the manufacturing sector.

Omotola said that Nigeria is faced with unprecedented economic challenges, which the manufacturing sector is not insulated from. According to him, the challenges facing manufacturers in Nigeria are multifaceted. However, in the face of these challenges, “we must not lose sight of the immense potential our manufacturing sector holds,” he said, adding that a robust manufacturing sector is essential for reducing “our dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global market.” He declared that the time for half-measures

and piecemeal solutions have passed as the country needed a comprehensive, intentional approach to developing its manufacturing sector. This approach must be rooted in sound policies, strategic investments and unwavering commitment from both the public and private sectors.

According to him, Nigeria must double down on its efforts to promote local content and patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods. He said that the government at all levels must lead by example through effective enforcement and implementation of existing local content policies across all the MDAs. Omotola argued that by creating a guaranteed market for locally manufactured goods could stimulate production, drive innovation and lead to economic boom.

the POwer Of Public PrOcuremeNt

Public procurement, which is the process by which government entities acquire goods, works and services, is a powerful tool that can shape Nigeria’s economy.

He said: “In Nigeria, where the government is a major spender, public procurement policies can significantly influence the direction of our industrial development.

“The impact of well-crafted procurement policies on local manufacturing cannot be overstated, and the BPP, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, is already taking measures to protect and support our manufacturing sector through its proposal for the amendment of the current Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.

“By prioritising locally manufactured goods, we can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, encourage innovation, reduce dependence on imports and strengthen Nigerian industrial base.”

NiPSS: manufacturering Sector must Grow at 25% for Nigeria to Attain 6% GDP expansion

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Director General of Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has stated that Nigerian manufacturing sector should grow at 25 per cent yearon-year for five years in order for the country to attain six per cent GDP’s growth.

Omotayo stated this in his remarks during the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s (MAN) 4th Annual Adeola Odutola Lecture/ Presidential Luncheon, with the theme: ‘An Intentional Development of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector’.

brent crude Drops 5% after israel refrains from Attacking iran’s refining facilities

Brent crude futures, the international benchmark used by Nigeria, fell as much as 5 per cent in early trading to $71.99 a barrel but later pared back losses to trade at $72.82. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures, the US benchmark, fell 4.4 per cent to $68.63 a barrel.

The move came after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday signalled a measured response to Israel’s attack the previous day, refraining from issuing any direct threats of retaliation.

The US had pressed Israel to avoid Iran’s nuclear and oil sites in any retaliation to Iran’s ballistic missile attack at the start of October.

The conflict between Israel, Iran and Iranian-backed militants has raised concerns that the Middle

East is being pushed into a fullblown war, the Financial Times reported. Brent crude prices had jumped in recent weeks over fears of supply disruption.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs said last week that the market focus was shifting away from conflict in the Middle East towards ‘the risks of oversupply in 2025’, as Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members plan to unwind voluntary production cuts this year.

They added that in previous periods of supply disruption, Saudi Arabia and the UAE alone had made up about 80 per cent of the shortfall within two quarters.

“The geopolitical risk premium in oil flat prices is limited as Israel-Iran tensions have not significantly affected oil supply from the region and as spare capacity is high”, they wrote.

He said: “One thing that I have told the leadership of MAN is that they have the duty to Nigeria to ensure that we grow manufacturing at 25 per cent.

“If we fail to grow manufacturing at 25 per cent year-on-year for the next five years, we will not achieve the objective of getting six per cent GDP growth.”

He stated clearly that the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which requires that we grow our economy at a very astronomical rate, would not be realised until measures are taken to strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector.

“We have been in agreement and working hard with the leadership of MAN, to ensure that manufacturing takes its pride of place.

“What are the challenges of manufacturing? We are challenged by power, policy summersault, Nigerian sentimental and emotional approaches to businesses and we are challenged by unstructured market,” he said.

Omotayo also said that NIPSS has carried out several studies and is convinced that if manufacturing actually fires itself up, it can contribute six per cent growth by itself and Nigeria can certainly get as

much as12 per cent GDP growth year-on-year (sic).”

He also said that NIPSS is putting together a policy document on the manufacturing sector and is going to speak to policy makers.

He said: “Yes, we know that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has actually not accorded manufacturing its pride of place, but with a new minister fully in place we are sure that the gear will be changed.

“Where is manufacturing turning to? I am assuring you that manufacturing is turning again for good,”Omotayo said.

Speaking in the same vein, a former Minister of Industry,

Chief Kola Jamodu, who was also a former president of MAN, stated that one of the biggest problems of local manufacturing in Nigeria today is the activities of investors in the EPZs.

He said: “They have all the benefits. They do not pay taxes. They are supposed to export their finished products and sell abroad and bring in foreign currencies.

“What is the experience in Nigeria? But they are one of the biggest problems being faced by manufacturers today. It is a wellintentioned by the government but they have derailed and are now a very big challenge to local manufacturing.”

New electricity market regime begins as A’ibom floats Own Disco after enugu

Peter Uzoho

Leveraging on its power under the new Electricity Act 2023, Akwa Ibom State has incorporated its own power Distribution Company (Disco) called ‘Ibom Utility’, with the mandate to purchase and distribute electricity across the state.

With this coming after the establishment of a state power distributor in Enugu State last week, it means two sub-nationals now have their own Discos as the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) witnesses new market regime to be driven by bilateral trading and cost-reflective tariff era.

A top source at Ibom Power, one of the first Independent Power Plants (IPPs) in the country,

revealed the establishment of Ibom Utility during an exclusive chat with THISDAY.

He said the new Disco would now compete with the Port Harcourt Distribution Company (PHDC), which currently supplies power to Akwa Ibom, Rivers Cross Rivers and Bayelsa.

“What the new Electricity Act has done for us is giving us the opportunity to sell our power to other Discos. Because one of the challenges we have is that the distribution company, sometimes, does not take sufficient load. So, with the new Electricity Act, Akwa Ibom State has incorporated a distribution company. It’s called Ibom Utility.

“So, now, if PHDC, which is the company that has the license to distribute in this region right

now, fails to take the load, the state company can work towards taking the load”, he said.

He said the new Electricity Act has also enabled Ibom Power, which has available generation capacity of about 150 megawatts, to have bilateral agreement with other nearby Discos like Edo, Ibadan and Eko, to offtake its power.

This, he explained, would enable the power generating company to have multiple strings of income based on the bilateral agreement with the Discos.

He, however, allayed any fear of potential dispute between the existing Discos and the now burgeoning state-owned distributors over ownership of franchise area.

He explained, “No, there won’t

be dispute between the new state owned Discos and the existing private Discos. For instance, PHDC owns all the physical power distribution infrastructure in this area because they are the only licensee to operate within the region of Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River before this Act was introduced.

“So if the state government begins to run its own Disco, the possibility is that they might begin to build their own network. There can’t be an ownership dispute because the owner of the infrastructure is there which is PHDC. Even though Akwa Ibom State government has installed over 500 transformers, but the state government did those things as a social investment, there was no contractual obligation.”

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

FOCUS

First Bank: Sustaining Seamless, Hitch-free Customer Banking Transaction Experience

In this piece, James Emejo, evaluates First Bank’s commitment to seamless and uninterrupted banking transactions amid a service glitch recently experienced in the banking industry.

The banking industry payment architecture recently encountered some turbulence that resulted from attempts by some banks to effect major system/software upgrades to better serve customers.

The development resulted into some sorts of chaos as some bank customers remained unable to initiate or complete their various banking transactions for weeks, leading to worries and anxiety.

In its commitment to provide improved platform for interaction with its vendors, the bank had issued a statement strictly “intended for our vendors only” and which “focused on transitioning from our current I-Supplier Platform (our automated platform that connects us to suppliers) to a new Cloud-based Supplier Platform (world class platform for managing suppliers)”.

This was to enable additional capabilities and benefits for the vendors. Nonetheless, the communication was misinterpreted in a few media outlets and by based on the misleading stories some people amplified the false narratives to created confusion among the FirstBank customers – by suggesting that the bank was also undergoing core banking applications upgrade – which turned out to be false, according to THISDAY investigations.

The FirstBank management promptly issued a statement to set the records straight that no “system upgrade is currently underway, and all our customer applications are fully operational.”

The management added, “We are not experiencing disruption to our services, and our banking systems, customer transactions, channels, etc, will not be affected by the enhanced supplier platform.”

The bank further assured customers of its commitment to seamless service delivery remains which remained “unwavering as you continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to our services”. THISDAY investigations further factchecked the bank’s claims that it had not embarked on any disruptive programme that could affect service delivery.

A visit to some bank branches in Abuja and Lagos as well as the use of the banking channels confirmed that the bank’s customers were not affected by the service disruptions particularly transactions emanating from FirstBank to other providers. This was a further testament to the fact that no upgrade had been embarked upon by the bank contrary to speculations in some quarters.

It was further established that that FirstBank carries the most transaction volumes in the industry – nearly more than three banks combined.

The bank’s previous investment in IT platforms and careful planning had clearly paid off, following years of

infrastructure modernisation and refresh.

Notably, eight projects had been delivered over the last two years to refresh infrastructure capacity and ensure technology systems are in place to support enhanced performance and availability.

This is coupled with the availability of network devices in over 350 locations in Nigeria and African subsidiaries which were upgraded to enhance service quality and user experience.

Furthermore, with core systems upgrade of core banking application to a higher version which was completed in 2019, FBN core banking platform had been strengthen for a fit for future business growth.

In 2023, the core banking infrastructure was further enhanced to improve capacity and performance as Sub-Sharan Africa was completely overhauled in 2024 to ensure adequate capacity to support growing business transactions, therefore, shielding its huge customer base from painful service disruptions as recently witnessed in the banking industry.

As a result of its continuous investments in digital infrastructure, FirstBank total transactions for October 2024 were well over 1.1 billion transactions which translated

to about 66 million transactions between October 26 and 27 (the period that the false claims of banking upgrade were to have taken place), and arguably the highest in the industry.

FirstBank, established in 1894, remains the premier bank in West Africa, a leading financial inclusion services provider in Africa, and a digital banking giant.

Its international footprints cut across three continents – Africa, Europe and Asia, with FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea and Sierra Leone; First Bank in Senegal; and a FirstBank Representative Office in Beijing, China.

All the subsidiary banks are fully registered by their respective Central Banks to provide full banking services. Besides providing domestic banking services, the subsidiaries also engage in international crossborder transactions with FirstBank’s non-Nigerian subsidiaries, and the representative offices in Paris and China facilitate trade flows from Asia and Europe into Nigeria and other African countries.

For over 130 years, FirstBank has built an outstanding reputation for solid relationships, good corporate

“With over 42 million customer accounts (including digital wallets) spread across Nigeria, UK and sub-Saharan Africa, the Bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and wholesale financial services through more than 820 business offices and over 243,400 agent locations spread across 772 out of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.”

governance, and a strong liquidity position, and has been at the forefront of promoting digital payment in the country with over 13 million cards issued to customers (the first bank to achieve such a milestone in Nigeria). The bank has continued to make significant investments in technology, innovation and transformation, and its cashless transaction drive has been steadily accentuated with virtually 23 million active FirstBank customers signed up on digital channels including the USSD Quick Banking service through the nationally renowned *894# Banking code.

With over 42 million customer accounts (including digital wallets) spread across Nigeria, UK and sub-Saharan Africa, the Bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and wholesale financial services through more than 820 business offices and over 243,400 agent locations spread across 772 out of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

In recognition of its commitment to tailored-made financial solutions,2023, FirstBank received notable awards including “Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa 2023” by Global Finance Awards; “Best Sustainable Bank in Nigeria 2023” by International Investors Awards; “Best Bespoke Banking Services in Nigeria 2023” by International Investors Awards; “Best Financial Inclusion Service Provider in Nigeria 2023” by Digital Banker Africa; and “African Bank of the Year” by African Leadership Magazine’’ Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2023’’ by Euromoney Awards and ‘’Most Innovative Banking Brand – Nigeria 2023’’ by Global Brands Award.

First Bank MD, Olusegun Alebiosu

Expert: Tackling Exchange Rate Will Revitalise Economy, Reduce Inflation

Sunday Ehigiator

Economic expert and GMD/ CEO of Confederated Facilitators Limited (CFL) Group, Lai Omotola, has identified the country’s exchange rate as the primary obstacle to economic growth, stating that resolving the issue will have a cascading effect on other economic challenges, and also reduce headline inflation in the country.

He made the statement during a media briefing held over the weekend in commemoration of CFL Group’s 26th anniversary.

According to him, Nigerian economy has just one problem, and if that one problem is fixed, every other thing will fall in line. And that is the problem

with our exchange rate.

“You can imagine if today our exchange rate is N500 to $1, petrol will immediately come down to N500. You don’t need any economist to tell you that.

“Remember last year when I spoke about the exchange rate, which went viral, and warned to CBN Governor? From that last year to today, the dollar has gone to N1,800.

“I keep telling the CBN governor that you are just doing cosmetics. This is not the major thing. People cannot be speculating on our currency as a means of survival as a business.

“Do you know that today in Nigeria, people sell brand new notes as a means of business? If you want N100,000 worth of brand-new notes, they will

ask you to pay N20,000 on top as a means of business.

“It’s the same thing they do to dollar, and as long as that continues, we can’t be raping our currency and talking about reforms. Our main problem is to bring our currency back to the right price.

“If the CBN governor can close all loopholes, the right value of the Naira to dollar should not be above N350.

Once it’s there, everything in this nation will come down. Including inflation, interest rate, and the like will all come down,” Omotola said.

Omotola proposed a 10-year plan focusing on agriculture, medicine, education, and infrastructure, with constitutional backing to ensure continuity across governments.

Noor Takaful Insurance Records Profit, Approves N0.05 Dividend

Noor Takaful Insurance Ltd has announced a 123 per cent increase in profit for the 2023 financial year.

Amid impressive performance, the board approved a N0.05 kobo dividend per share for the 2023 financial year compared to the N0.03 kobo paid out in the 2022 financial year.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Muhtar Bakare, during the 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently in Lagos recently.

Bakare revealed that the company’s Gross Written Contribution grew from over N4.9 billion in 2022 to N6.5 billion in 2023, representing a significant rise of 30per cent.

Additionally, Profit After Tax rose from 468.5 million in 2022 to N1.05 billion in 2023, representing a remarkable 123per cent rise in profitability.

Bakare highlighted the company’s unwavering focus as the main driver of the growth. He noted that the company remains focused on bringing innovation that would help improve its current achievements. He stated that the company has identified the need for financial inclusion as the driving force behind its success.

Some shareholders who attended the meeting applauded the company’s leadership for ensuring steady annual growth. They expressed confidence in the outgoing chairman’s ability to replicate this success as he transitions to his new role as

Chairman of Noor Health.

Noor Health, a subsidiary of Noor Takaful, recently received approval to operate as a national health management organisation and is expected to commence operations in November of this year. During the AGM, the outgoing chairman, Mr. Muhtar Bakare, also unveiled the company’s upcoming mobile app, RAHA by Noor.

According to him, the new digital platform is designed to cater to customers’ insurance needs, providing a seamless participant acquisition tool and serving as a gateway to Noor Takaful’s full suite of digital solutions. By streamlining access and reducing the need for retail staff interactions, RAHA promises to save participant’s valuable time.

Transparency Scape Introduces Brokerage Firm, Unveils InsurTech App

Raheem Akingbolu

Transparency Scape Insurance Brokers, a leading insurance brokerage firm in Nigeria who officiallyintroduced its organisation to key stakeholders, also launched the first innovative InsurTech App in Nigeria, InsurEase, to provide customers with accessible, affordable and reliable insurance policies at their convenience.

InsurEase powered by Transcape Brokers, provides real-time policy quotes and comparisons, seamless policy issuance and management, need based insurance recommendations and digital claims processing.

Transparency Scape has partnered with leading insurance

companies, including Cornerstone Insurance Plc., AXA, NEM Insurance Plc., Leadway Assurance Company Limited, Custodian And Allied Insurance Limited and Bastion, to seamlessly provide various forms of insurance policies such as, Life Insurance, Comprehensive Motor Insurance, Third Party Motor Insurance, Travel Insurance, Device Insurance and many more at transparent pricing.

The organisation also partnered with the regulatory bodies, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Another partner is Budpay, a global payment infrastructure company, to integrate payment

gateways on the app for easy purchase of insurance.

MD and CEO, Transparency Scape Insurance Brokers, Oluseyi Ifaturoti, said: “This is a proud moment for us at Transparency Scape Insurance Brokers, as we successfully launch InsurEase, our innovative insurtech app in the Nigerian insurance market.”

“Our commitment to providing peace of mind and confidence to our clients has driven us to establish ourselves as a trusted partner for reliable and effective risk management solutions. InsurEase is a proof of our dedication, offering a convenient and accessible platform for clients to purchase affordable and reliable insurance,” she further said.

HCMatrix Unveils HR Solution to Streamline Business Operations, Boost Efficiency

Agnes Ekebuike

In a recent live product demo, HCMatrix Product Manager, Mfonobong Umana, presented HCMatrix as a comprehensive, one-stop solution for business needs, especially in employee management and human capital development.

Emphasising the platform’s capabilities, Umana said: “This is the future to have all your processes automated in one single software.”

Key modules in HCMatrix include an AI chatbot, performance appraisal, recruitment, payroll, and core HR features, as well as time and attendance

tracking, aiming to streamline HR processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Umana also detailed the platform’s core payroll functionalities, noting that it eliminates the hassle of payroll processing by consolidating tasks such as salary, tax, pension payments, and other statutory remittances.

HCMatrix allows businesses to handle bonuses, deductions, and health insurance payments while creating and managing diverse employee groups, including permanent staff and contractors. According to Umana, HCMatrix’s self-service module offers tools for efficient management of onboarding, leave and loan

requests, asset and space allocations, and document tasks. She emphasised that the software allows for the accurate tracking of employee time, attendance, and overtime, integrating seamlessly with payroll processing and generating detailed reports on attendance patterns. This automated time and attendance feature aids HR in ensuring compliance while simplifying data management.

Performance appraisal also plays a significant role in HCMatrix.

Umana explained that the system automates and streamlines performance reviews, from setting objectives to conducting evaluations, fostering collaboration among managers and team members.

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).

Kayode Tokede

Stock Market Drops by N448.4bn on Investors’ Profit-taking in BUA Cement, 27 Others

Kayode Tokede

The stock market segment of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) kicked off the new week on a negative note, dropping by N448.41 billion over investors’ profit-taking in BUA Cement Plc and 27 others listed companies.

As the stock price of BUA Cement dropped by 10 per cent to close at N99.00 per share, the overall market capitalisation closed yesterday at N59.812 trillion, about N448.41 billion

decline from N60.2601 trillion it closed for trading last week. Consequently, the NGX AllShare Index declined by 0.74 per cent to close at 98,708.90 basis points from 99,448.91basis points it opened for trading, with the Month-till-Date (MtD) and Year-till-Date (YtD)returns moderating to +0.2per cent and +32.0per cent, respectively.

Sectoral performance on the Exchange was negative, as the NGX Industrial Goods index was down by 3.5per cent,

NGX Banking index and NGX Insurance index dropped by 1.5per cent and 1.1 per cent, respectively.

In addition, NGX Oil & Gas index depreciated by 0.3per cent, and NGX Consumer Goods index fell by 0.3per cent.

Also, market breadth closed negative as 18 stocks gained relative to 28 losers.

Eunisell recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N3.85, per share.

Livestock followed with a gain

of 9.97 per cent to close at N3.75, while Transcorp increased by 9.95 per cent to close at N48.60, per share.

RT Briscoe went up by 9.84per cent to close at N3.35, while Jaiz Bank appreciated by 9.28 per cent to close at N2.59, per share.

On the other hand, BUA Cement led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N99 kobo, per share. LASACO followed with a decline of 9.79per cent to close at 2.58, while Daarcomm declined by 9.38 per cent to close

at N0.58, per share.

The stock price of Regacny insurance dropped by 8.93 per cent to close at N0.51 per share as JapaulGold dipped by 6.58 per cent to close at N2.28 per share.

The total volume of trades decreased by 25per cent to 345.79 million units, valued at N4.38 billion, and exchanged in 9,281 deals. Chams was the most traded stock by volume at 84.62 million units, while UBA was the most traded stock by

value at N790.18 million.

On the stock market performance this week, analysts at Cowry Assets Management Limited pointed that the recent positive quarterly corporate earnings reports have further buoyed market sentiment, particularly in the banking, industrial goods, and consumer goods sectors, delivering strong performances from key players and driving the benchmark index closer to the 100,000-points psychological threshold.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF OCTOBER 24/24

PRESENTATION OF A SOLAR-POWERED MULTI-PURPOSE KIOSK...

L-R: Immediate past Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, an indigent mother of six, Mrs. Eucharia Ego Okpalannadi, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Madam Abiola Arogundade during the presentation of a solar-powered multi-purpose kiosk and other business start-up essentials to Mrs Okpalannadi by the office of the SSA-TVEE in consonance with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to uplift and empower Nigerians in Abuja on Friday

Obaseki: We've Improved Edo Peoples’ Lives, Restored Hope of our Youths in Eight Years

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State said his government had in the last eight years focused on improving the lives of the people, creating opportunities, and restoring the hope of the youth of the state. Obaseki said this at the commissioning of the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi, in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state.

He was joined by former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Marvelous Godwins Omobayo; Chief of Staff, Osaigbovo Iyoha; Head of service (HOS), Anthony Okungbowa, among others.

According to the governor, “In the last eight years, we have focused on our people, particularly our young

people. We had to give them hope because when we came in 2016, our young people wanted to move to other countries and anywhere else except Edo State.

“At one time in 2017, we had over 30,000 boys and girls in Libya, and many of them died in search of a better life.

“If we have institutions like this that can train them and give them skills, opportunities, and hope, many of them would have been alive.”

Obaseki also said, “We made a vow to ourselves and God that we would not leave it the way we met it. We have made our mark and done our best. As we wind up, we pray that those that would come after us will continue to build upon what we have done and not take us back.

“The focus of our administration was to create hope and opportunities

for our people and to use our resources to develop the state. Our land across the state is fertile and blessed.

“You can't have an impact in agriculture if the government doesn't create meaningful environments for agriculture and investors can’t spend resources building infrastructure to their farms because it is government’s responsibility.

“As a government, we decided to rebuild all our institutions. From the School of Agriculture, School of Nursing, School of Health Technology, and College of Education, among others.

“This was to enable us help the younger ones with skills and set them up for the future so that they can live meaningful life.”

On the facilities at the institution, Obaseki said, “We have built facilities that can train up to 1,000 students

in different specialisations. The infrastructure is world-class and can be compared to that of any university in Nigeria.”

He added, “Our purpose is not to produce another set of people with certificates. We have too many people with certificates without skills.

“The purpose is to give opportunities and skills to anyone who has the opportunity of coming into this institution. You can’t come into this institution and leave without skills in agriculture.

“We have assembled investors, using oil palm as a point of contact with other players in the agricultural space to put in resources in the school.

“It's not a political institution as 50 per cent of the governing council of the school is made up of people practicing in the agriculture industry. Just tell us the program you want and

FHC CJ, Others Face Probe Panel on Conflicting Orders on Rivers

As Imo CJ faces alleged age falsification panel

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and his counterpart in the Rivers State High Court, Justice I. Igwe, are among judges to appear before a committee set up to probe issues of conflicting and contradictory court orders in respect of court cases involving Rivers State.

The committee chaired by a former Supreme Court Justice, Rhodes-Vivour (Rtd.) is expected to commence sitting from Tuesday.

Meanwhile, another panel chaired by a retired judge of the appellate court is also expected to investigate the Imo State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Chikeka on alleged age falsification.

Following the worrisome situation the Rivers State issue has generated, it was learnt that the CJN, who is the chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), decided to invite the affected judges including the head of the Federal High Court, whose court has been on the spotlight for some time now.

we will train the people so that you can employ them.”

The governor explained, “My dream is for this college to produce the largest number of agricultural extension workers in Nigeria because the biggest challenges to agriculture is support. This is what you see in some countries that have done so well in agriculture.”

Earlier, the Edo State Head of Service and Chairman, Special Task

Team for the College, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, thanked the governor for the vision that had become a reality with commissioning of the institution. Okungbowa stated, "The commissioning of this institution marks another historic milestone for Edo people, particularly for the college which has opened its doors for agricultural research and knowledge for the people. This is the commitment of the future of agriculture.”

US Backs Artist Exchange Programme to Celebrate 50- year Sister Cities Partnership

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

In commemoration of the 50-year Sister Cities partnership between Lagos and Atlanta, the US Consulate General in Lagos, in collaboration with Rele Arts Foundation, has launched the Lagos-Atlanta Artist Exchange to further deepen the artistic collaborations between the two dynamic cities.

deepens the cultural ties between our two cities, fostering creative innovation and collaboration,” he added.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his support for the initiative, stating: “The LagosAtlanta Sister Cities partnership exemplifies the enduring bond between our two cities, symbolising a commitment to cultural enrichment and mutual growth.

Their invitation it was learnt was following a petition written against them to the NJC.

While Justice Igwe had in a suit brought by the All People’s Party (APP) ordered INEC to release the voter’ register used for the conduct of the 2023 general election to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), for the purpose of conducting local government elections slated for October 5, Justice Lifu on the other hand ordered INEC not to release same register to the RSIEC until it has been updated.

Similarly, while Igwe in the September 5 judgement ordered security agencies to provide security during the LG polls, Lifu had ordered to the contrary.

The two conflicting orders had nearly led to a breakdown of law and order in the state before and during the elections as some thugs, factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, did everything to stop and frustrate the conduct of the poll, held last Saturday. Besides, three LG secretariats were burnt by people protesting against the conduct of the LG polls.

The arsonists were believed to have

Earlier in the month, THISDAY reported that the national body for the disciplining of judges may summon the judges to explain themselves in respect of contradictory and conflicting court orders issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, in the October 5, Local Government (LG) elections in Rivers State.

capitalized on the withdrawal of the police which have kept the 23 local government secretariats under lock and key for about three months.

Meanwhile, before the conduct of the polls on October 5, many Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan had warned that the issue of conflicting court orders if not nipped in the bud could derail the country’s democracy.

However, following the filing of a petition, THISDAY learnt that the CJN, wrote to the two judges to give their sides of the story.

“The CJN has received a petition on conflicting orders of court of concurrent jurisdiction and a letter has been written to the concerned judges,” a source which pleaded anonymity told our correspondent.

According to the source, the letter was in line with the spirit of fair hearing.

“After they have stated their own sides then the NJC will now look into the matter and invite them where necessary,” the source added.

However, a source informed Thisday that the CJN on her own decided to invite the judges, following the negative impression the Rivers matter is giving the judiciary.

Besides the LG polls, the Rivers Assembly is another matter tearing the state and litigants apart.

While the Rivers government has refused to recognize 27 Pro-Wike

lawmakers as legislators following their alleged defection from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the court on the other hand held that the alleged defectors are the legitimate lawmakers that the state must deal with.

Last Friday, there was a heated court session before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a Federal High Court in Abuja, as lawyers representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state government asked her to recuse herself from the case over allegations of bias.

The judge refused and also turned down request of the Rivers Assembly led by RT Hon Edison Ehie to be joined as an interested party.

In addition, Justice Abdulmalik also refused to grant the application of the chairman of Obiakpo LGA, while she went ahead to reserve judgement in the suit seeking to withhold federal allocations to Rivers State.

The decision of the court has led some militants in the Niger Delta area threatening to bomb oil facilities in the area of according to them, Wike was allowed to have his way through the courts.

Besides militants and some members of the public, a radical professor of law, Chidi Odinkalu, has been consistent in attacking the courts over the Rivers matters and other matters in the country generally.

Two Atlanta-based artists, Myra Greene and Artemus Jenkins, arrived in Lagos earlier this month for the Lagos-Atlanta Artist Exchange residency.

Greene and Jenkins have been conducting research, collaborating with local artists, and creating works that reflect the rich cultural ties between the two sister cities, a statement from the consulate stressed.

“Greene, an accomplished photographer and textile artist, will showcase her work titled New Myths as part of the Afropolis Festival. Her exhibition will open on October 28 at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan.

“Similarly, Jenkins, a filmmaker and photographer, whose work explores the intersection of West African and African American cultures, will present a solo exhibition titled GITYUSUMPROTECTION at Angels and Muse Art Studio in Ikoyi, with an opening on October 31,” it added.

United States Consul General, Will Stevens, expressed the US government’s commitment to supporting programmes and initiatives that promote artistic expression, nurture cultural exchange, and strengthen the capacity of Nigerian artists and professionals in the creative industries.

“We are excited to support the Lagos-Atlanta Artist Exchange as it showcases the power of art to connect people and communities across the world,” the US Consul General said. “This artist exchange

“This 50-year collaboration has allowed us to share our stories, celebrate our artistic heritage, and foster creative synergies that transcend borders. As we mark this significant milestone, Lagos State reaffirms its dedication to strengthening these cultural ties, which enrich both our communities and create lasting pathways for artistic innovation and connection.”

In February, the Atlanta BeltLine—a pedestrian trail connecting Atlanta’s neighbourhoods—commemorated the 50-year Sister Cities partnership with the US edition of the Lagos-Atlanta Artist Residency.

“The 10-week programme brought Lagos-based artists Taiye Idahor and Kainebi Osahenye to Atlanta, where they immersed themselves in the city’s culture and produced new works of art that have become a centrepiece of the ongoing 2024 Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibition season.

“The Lagos-Atlanta Artist Exchange and Residencies are a collaboration between Lauren Tate Baeza, Curator of African Art at the High Museum of Art; the Rele Arts Foundation; and the U.S. Consulate General Lagos with support from Delta Airlines.

“Through these collaborations, public exhibitions, and community engagements, the artistic connection between Lagos and Atlanta continues to thrive, enriching both cities for generations to come,” the statement pointed out.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

1974-1999 SET OLD

GRAMMARIANS'

SOCIETY...

L-R: Chairman 1978 set, Old Grammarians' Society, Wale Jafojo; Chairman 1974-1999 set Old Grammarians' Society, Lekan Ogunbanwo; Distinguished Service Awardee, Prince Dapo Adelegan; Current President Old Grammarians' Society Worldwide, Sir Cyril Ogbekene; and Immediate past President Old Grammarians' Society, Olu Vincent during CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos Old Grammarians'  Society 1974-1979 set celebrate 50th anniversary of admission into school 1974- 2024 held in Lagos... recently

Tinubu Says Nigeria Must Mobilize Resources to Achieve Nation’s Climate Goals

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders and insist that there is need to accelerate and mobilize the necessary resources to achieve the nation’s climate goals.

The president stated this at a Climate Security Summit in Abuja organized by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, in collaboration with stakeholders and development partners.

Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, the president noted that climate poses threats to the world including Nigeria.

He said: “I address you today at this National Climate Security Summit with a profound sense of responsibility and urgency. Our gathering's theme, "Actualising Financial Commitments Towards Climate Change and National Development," underscores the critical intersection between climate action, sustainable development, and our

PPL 213: Court Voids Award of 45% Participating Interest to Petrodos

Wale Igbintade

Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court in Bayelsa State has set aside the 45 per cent participating interest in Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) 213, Ogbanabou Field, awarded by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), to Petrodos Atlantic Energy Limited.

The court in its judgement delivered in suit number FHC/ YNG/CS/157/2024 instituted by a private limited liability company, Kalm Marine & Petroleum Services, declared the letter with Reference No: NUPRC/LD/2531/2024/ 47 dated April 4, 2024 invalid, null and void.

The court held that the letter was issued in a manner inconsistent with the plaintiff's right to fair hearing and right to own property as provided for in Sections 36(2) and 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).

The defendants in the suit were the NUPRC and Petrodos Atlantic Energy Limited.

Among others, the plaintiff had in its Originating Summons, filed by its lawyer, G.E Ikpuri, prayed the court to determine whether the letter was not in breach of the plaintiff's fair hearing and right to property.

However, the defendants in their response challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit, contending that the procedures for instituting action of this nature were not followed.

The defendants argued that the plaintiff having failed to commence the action by the proper procedure, the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit as presently constituted and ought to be struck out.

Resolving the issues, Justice Dashen held that the 1st defendant, NUPRC’s contentions that the suit ought to have been commenced by way of judicial review was grossly misconceived and therefore discountenanced.

The court held: "Having carefully reviewed the processes filed and also the written and oral submissions of counsel on this notice of preliminary objection of the 2nd defendant/objector, I am therefore in full agreement with the learned counsel for the plaintiff/respondent that this suit is properly commenced.

"I do not agree with the contention of the senior counsel that this suit was not commenced by proper procedure which ought to be by application for judicial review in particular by way of writ of mandamus,” the judge said.

On the substantive suit, the court held that it was indisputable that the 1st defendant's unilateral assignment of 45 per cent of the plaintiff interest in PPL 213 to the 2nd defendant without hearing the plaintiff ought to be set aside by the court.

Justice Dashen held: "There must be compliance with the doctrine of fair hearing. If fair hearing is not accorded to the affected party, such action, decision among or step is liable to be set aside.”

Consequently, the court directed the NUPRC to rectify its Register of Ownership of Participating Interests in PPL-213 to reflect the 100 per cent ownership interest of Kalm Marine and Petroleum Services over PPL 213.

The court held: "In the light of the foregoing, I hold that the sole issue should be and is hereby resolved in favour of the plaintiff and against the 1st and 2nd defendants.”

collective security.”

He noted: “The climate crisis is not a looming threat but a present and undeniable danger, inflicting devastation upon our nation. Its merciless assault is evident nationwide, from the relentless surge of sea levels threatening our coastal communities to the crippling droughts that ignite farmer-herder conflicts and exacerbate food insecurity.

“The frequent and violent extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves, ravage our economy, displace vulnerable populations, and overburden our strained infrastructure. Climate change poses an existential threat to our nation, continent, and, indeed, the world.

“It is a threat that exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and undermines our hard-won development gains. With urgency and determination, we must act now to address this crisis.”

The president added: “Recognising this urgent challenge, Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment to climate action through various initiatives, most notably our ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

“We have pledged to unconditionally reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and 47%

conditionally by 2030. However, a recent review of our progress over the past nine years reveals that while we have made commendable strides in various areas, we have yet to realise the ambitious goals outlined in our NDCs fully.

“This underscores the need to significantly accelerate our efforts and mobilise the necessary resources to achieve our climate goals. Despite the challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to a sustainable future for Nigeria.

“This summit serves as a crucial platform to re-energise our efforts, identify and address the barriers to implementation, and chart a new course towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

“This commitment is reflected in our response to the landmark outcome of the Global Stocktake, which unequivocally called for a decisive transition away from fossil fuels; we have embarked on a bold and transformative path towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

“This monumental shift has spurred many ambitious programs, notably the groundbreaking Presidential Initiative on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas).”

He said: “This initiative represents

a critical step in our unwavering commitment to diversifying our energy mix and curbing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. We are aggressively pursuing the expansion of CNG infrastructure and incentivising the adoption of CNG-powered vehicles, thereby slashing our reliance on fossil fuels and ushering in an era of cleaner transportation and improved air quality.

“This initiative is not merely a response to global pressure but a proactive and decisive measure to safeguard the health of our people and planet and secure a brighter future for coming generations.”

He however said: “Commitments alone are not enough. We must translate these commitments into concrete actions. Actions require financing. The scale of the climate challenge demands significant financial resources to support mitigation and adaptation efforts.

“This is why today's summit is so crucial. We are here to explore innovative financing mechanisms, mobilise domestic and international resources, and foster partnerships to accelerate climate action.

“We must enhance our domestic revenue generation capacity to fund climate-resilient infrastructure, invest

in renewable energy, and promote sustainable agriculture. This includes exploring green bonds, carbon pricing mechanisms, and climate-smart budgeting.

“To access climate finance, we must actively engage with international partners, including developed countries, multilateral institutions, and private sector investors. This includes advocating for increased funding for adaptation, technology transfer, and capacity building.

“To fully engage the private sector in our climate action, we must foster an enabling environment beyond simple incentives. This includes the implementation of a newly developed robust carbon market framework with transparent carbon pricing to drive low-carbon investments.

“We must also streamline regulatory processes, promote innovative green financing mechanisms like green bonds and risk-sharing instruments, and foster public-private partnerships to develop and implement climate solutions collaboratively.

“This multifaceted approach will unleash the full potential of the private sector in building a sustainable future for Nigeria.

“We must ensure that climate finance is used effectively and

As Diri vows to sue IOCs over decades of unmitigated pollution Report: Bayelsa Bears 25% of Nigeria's Oil Pollution

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed his commitment to implement the recommendations and other matters arising from the final report of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission.

In a tense warning, the governor said the government has resolved to sue International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the state over unmitigated oil pollution for over six decades

He indicated that the government may pursue the legal redress outside the shores of Nigeria.

He stated: "After a review of an advance copy of your report, I can affirm that it captures the essence of our trials while outlining a hopeful pathway toward resolution.

“Your insights will serve as a beacon, guiding us toward actionable solutions and inspiring us to restore dignity and opportunity to our people.

"The report appropriately titled,

‘An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria,’ is truly alarming."

The governor who spoke on Monday in Government House, Yenagoa, on the occasion of the presentation of report of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission to the State Executive Council by the Chairman of the Commission, Rt. Hon. Lord John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu, said he will immediately create a dedicated body to oversee its implementation.

Diri who formally dissolved the commission which was initiated by his predecessor, Sen. Seriake Dickson, expressed gratitude to the chairman, and the entire team comprising prominent personalities, researchers, scientists, and professionals in various fields, for the exceptional work in illuminating the state's challenging circumstances.

He added that the meticulously crafted report does more than present data but also reveals the harsh and often obscured truths

reality.

The governor also expressed profound gratitude to his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, whose vision led to the establishment of this commendable commission on the March 26, 2019.

He pointed out that the event marks a momentous milestone in the history of Bayelsa State especially in the pursuit of environmental justice.

His words: "This convergence serves as a formal presentation of the findings after robust interactions with various stakeholders including the University of Bradford and the House of Lords in the United Kingdom last year, by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, where I affirmed my resolve to act decisively on the recommendations and seek partners where necessary to ensure seamless implementation.

"After a review of an advance copy of your report, I can affirm that it captures the essence of our trials while outlining a hopeful pathway toward resolution. Your insights

will serve as a beacon, guiding us toward actionable solutions and inspiring us to restore dignity and opportunity to our people.

"It is heartbreaking to note for instance the paragraph which says the State, ‘…is estimated to have suffered over a quarter of total recorded instances of oil pollution.’

“The staggering disparity underscores the inequitable distribution of environmental burdens. Bayelsa State bears 25% of Nigeria's oil pollution.

“The sheer scale of devastation paints a dire picture, disconcertingly reminiscent of an environmental Armageddon. Our once-thriving ecosystems, now ravaged by pollution, threaten the very survival of our communities.

"I am equally appalled to read from a section of the report that, ‘The human impact has been just as devastating. One study estimates that in 2012 alone, oil spills in Nigeria, and predominantly in the Niger Delta resulted in over 16,000 additional neonatal deaths.’

INAUGURATION OF CARING HABITAT ...

L-R: Secretary, Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Hon. Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, Dr. Tomi Coker; Special Adviser, Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi; D-G, Nigeria

Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Chief Medical Director of Caring Habitat, Dr. Olaolu Odemuyiwa, and Chairman, Reddington Hospital Group,Dr Adeyemi Onabowale, at the official commissioning of Caring Habitat, Lekki, Lagos ... recently

Witness to Court: I Have No Written/Video Record of Money Collected for Emefiele

Wale Igbintade

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, yesterday, told an Ikeja Special Offences Court that he had no written or video records of the monies he allegedly collected for Emefiele.

Osazuwa, an employee of CBN, and a dispatch rider, had earlier testified before the court, but was recalled for cross-examination by the defence counsel.

Osazuwa, who was re-crossexamined by Emefiele's counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), told Justice

Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court that he did not keep any records of the monies he allegedly collected for the former CBN governor, neither did he demand for acknowledgement letter from him.

Emefiele is standing trial over alleged abuse of office and money laundering to the tune of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 8, 2024 arraigned Emefiele on 23 counts bordering on abuse of office, accepting gratifications, corrupt demand, receiving property fraudulently obtained, and conferring corrupt advantage.

The second defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoile, was arraigned on three counts bordering on acceptance of gifts by agents.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Emefiele was admitted to N50 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The court held that the sureties must be gainfully employed and have three years of tax payment with the Lagos State government. Oshodi allowed the second defendant, Isioma-Omoile, to continue with the N1 million earlier granted to him by Justice Olufunke Sule-Hamzat of the Yaba High Court.

At the commencement of trial on April 12, 2024, Osazuwa, who was led in evidence in chief by the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), narrated to Oshodi how Emefiele, on different occasions, instructed him to collect the sum of $3 million cash in tranches.

He said, “The highest amount I collected was $1 million, all in cash, and some weeks later, the businessman also called me, and I collected $850,000, $750,000, and $400,000 cash in tranches.

“I did not keep records of transactions because the instructions he (Emefiele) gave me was that I should collect the money and bring

NGE Urges South-east/South-south Governors to Tackle Growing Insecurity

Commends UNICEF, Imo govt for partnership

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at the weekend called on state governments in the South-east and South-south geopolitical zones in the country to jointly tackle the security challenges in their states.

Arising from a two-day conference with the theme: ‘’The Media as Partners in Regional Development’’ held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the conference in a communique signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, also urged editors to play down on dissemination of information and messages of identified self-seeking groups in the zones promoting insecurity and violence.

The conference, which was organised by the NGE in collaboration with the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and the

government of Imo State, targeted 54 editors and media executives in South-East and South-South geopolitical zones.

Observing that active and meaningful collaboration of the media was necessary for a meaningful development in the zones, the conference tasked the media in the region to employ investigative and development journalism, as well as constructive dialogue to support the revival of the unity in the zones.

‘’The media should foster a culture of continuous innovation to reposition themselves at the forefront of digital transformation, rather than resisting it.

‘’The governors of the zones should re-enact the synergy, cohesion and unity, which formed the bedrock of the development of critical infrastructure in the past.

‘’Editors and media executives should promote investigative and development journalism as well as

promote constructive dialogue to revive the unity in the zones’’, the conference added.

The conference also urged the media to always prioritise children's welfare in reporting development, and hold states, which have refused to domesticate the Child Rights Act accountable.

Besides, the NGE advised the adherence to UNICEF Protocols in reporting and mainstreaming children's issues in development matters and condemn through media channels, the superstitious belief of witchcraft practices, which have stigmatised many children in some states of the zones.

The editors and media executives also observed that the two geopolitical zones have the least amount of data available to development agencies, and resolved to isolate conversations that would lead to generation of necessary data to attract developmental partners

to address development challenges in the zones.

While also observing that the two zones are plagued by much more challenges than any other part of the country - where government and development agencies have devoted more intervention funds, the conference stated that no other arm or organisation has the platform and more capacity than the media to promote unity, inclusion and democracy in the region.

According to the conference: ‘’The media play a vital role in sharpening the shared visions of development at community, state, regional and national levels.

‘’The editors and media executives observed that states in the zone had thriving state newspapers that partnered them in the development and decried that almost all of them have either died or remained comatose.’’

Stakeholders Ask for Strategies to Check Skyrocketing Food Prices

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Anthony Amu, while explaining that the purpose of the workshop is to take stock of happenings in the agricultural sector and come out with strategies to improve it, said the high prices of food is because many farmers cannot get to farms

Speaking at the workshop, the

it to his house.

“Whenever I receive the money and take it to my boss' residence, Mr. Emefiele will tell me to give it to the second defendant (Omoile) whenever he is not at home."

Osazuwa had testified that he knew Emefiele, who was his boss while at Zenith Bank before he later joined him at CBN.

The witness testified that he was a dispatch rider at Zenith Bank since 2001 before he joined CBN as a contract staff in 2014.

He also told the court that he was later appointed as a senior supervisor (full-time) in recording and filing documents, while working in the governor’s office in Lagos.

“I perform as a senior supervisor, recording and filing with other official roles," he said.

When he was cross-examined by the first defence counsel, Mr. Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, he said Emefiele passed instructions to him through the second defendant and that he had been collecting cheques for Dumies Oil and Gas.

After calling four more witnesses to testify in the case, the defence counsel urged the court to recall the first prosecution witness.

The counsel of the second

defendant, Isioma-Omoile, Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi (SAN), notified the court of a motion on notice dated May 6, 2024. Gbadamosi subsequently sought the indulgence of the court to recall the first prosecution, Osazuwa. On May 18, 2024, Oshodi granted the request of the defence to recall the first prosecution witness, Osazuwa.

At the resumed hearing of the cross-examination yesterday, Emefiele's counsel, Ojo, asked Osazuwa if at any time during his statement with EFCC he produced to the operatives any written instructions by Emefiele to him in the course of unofficial assignment he ran for the first defendant. He answered that he wrote it in his statement.

Asked if he provided any documents to the EFCC showing where he recorded the monies he allegedly collected for Emefiele, he said, "There was no document produced. The instructions given to me by the first defendant was that I should not write anything down." He also said that he did not have a document by either the first or second defendants acknowledging the receipt of money from him.

FAAN: No Plan to Shut Down Enugu Airport Before Christmas

Chinedu Eze

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured Nigerians that it has no plans to shut down the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu before Christmas or anytime soon due to the condition of the airport runway, as reports had indicated.

The assurance was given by the Enugu Airport Manager and the Regional Manager, South East, Mr. Hillary Umunna, who told THISDAY in an exclusive telephone interview yesterday that the airport is currently in the best shape, admitting that remedial work was done at the runway, which puts it in good stead for flight operations to continue.

Umunna said that a lot of flights operated Sunday, which include Ethiopian Airlines, which departed by 1:31 pm local time from Enugu to Addis Ababa; Air Peace flight to Lagos at 12; 07 pm; Ibom Air and Green Africa Airways also operated to and from the airport.

Air Peace also operated Enugu to Abuja at 8:40 am; Enugu-Lagos, 11:50 am; and Ibom Air operated Enugu-Lagos, 1:45 pm; Enugu- Abuja, 3:30 pm.

Also, United Nigeria Airlines operated Enugu-Lagos 2:45 pm; Enugu-Abuja, 5:45 pm as well as Green Africa, which operated Enugu to Lagos, he said.

Umunna said that despite the peculiar issues associated with the topography where the Enugu runway was built, the facility has remained serviceable because it is always maintained by the management of FAAN.

He noted that due to the sensitive nature of airport runways, they always require continuous maintenance to be able to carry the weight of aircraft. He disclosed that recently a technical team from the FAAN headquarters in Lagos came to inspect the runway to see if it required major work, noting that the inspectors did not indicate that any major work would be done on the facility any time soon.

The Airport Manager, however, admitted that during the rains the runway usually require more maintenance to ensure that it is safe for flight operations, adding that if there is any need for a more comprehensive work to be done at the airport runway it would be after the Christmas season.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Diaspora

Mbah Flags Off Dualization of 43.7 Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road

Igwe Asadu: Mbah is a Godsend to Nsukka zone

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has flagged-off the construction and dualisation of the 43.7km PenoksAbakpa Nike-Ugwogo-Nike-Opi Nsukka Road with streetlights and 18-month completion timeframe in line with his administration’s vision to make the state the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Opi attended by political heavy weights and leaders of Nsukka Zone, Mbah stressed that the project which

includes straightening the of many bends would drastically reduce accidents and criminality on the road. “In the build-up to the election and in my acceptance speech after my election, we made a pledge that we are going to dualise the Penoks-Abakpa-UgwogoOpi-Nsukka Road because we realised from the outset that if we had to grow this economy to an exponential height, no section of this state should be left behind, more so an economic hub like Nsukka Zone. So, all we are doing here

today is connecting those dots,” he said.

Mbah regretted that a trip from Enugu to Nsukka presently takes over an hour, hence the decision to do the 3.6km from the Penoks Junction all the way to the T-Junction flyover in addition to the 41km Abakpa Nike-Opi Nsukka Road to reduice travel time to about 30 minutes and make it possible for the people to comfortably live and work in Enugu and vice versa.

He also noted that his administration’s grassroots-based development and

economic model placed the Enugu North Zone at an advantage.

“We are doing projects based on electoral wards. Guess who are the greatest beneficiaries of this model? It is the Nsukka zone. You have 102 electoral wards.

“That means you will end up with 102 smart schools, 102 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, over 1,000km of roads based since we are additionally going to do at least 10km of roads per ward,” he remarked.

Speaker Abbas: Women Empowerment Strategic Economic Necessity in Constitution Review

As EU supports dialogue on increasing women’s participation, representation in governance

Juliet Akoje in Abuja.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, has emphasized the importance of empowering women as a strategic move for Nigeria's economic growth.

This stance is in line with his legislative agenda which focuses on promoting economic development and unlocking Nigeria's potential.

In his remark, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani and Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said, “The people of Nsukka cultural zone and Enugu North Senatorial District never imagined the possibility of this life-time project.

“The only way we can pay you back is that you do not need to come to campaign here for your second tenure because we are all going to do that for you. You are Godsent to the people of Nsukka, Enugu State and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, noted that the governor had shut the mouths of naysayers.

of Enugu State, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, described the project as “gigantic, huge, unbelievable and marvelous,” noting that it would open Nsukka Zone and the state to the world.

“This is a legacy project. Your name will never die. Your spirit shall never die. We will continue to give you support,” he added.

Other speakers, including the Chairman of Nsukka Nsukka LGA, Hon. Jude Asogwa, former Secretaries to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere and Prof. Simon Ortuanya, among others extolled the initiative.

He said: “Today represents a meaningful step forward in our collective commitment to inclusive governance and national progress.”

He noted that the dialogue was “not for rhetoric but to establish a clear and actionable path toward meaningful reform."

He said: “Our goal is to ensure that Nigerian women, an essential part of our nation’s social and economic fabric, secure their rightful place within our governance framework. Empowering women is not only a moral and democratic imperative but also a strategic

Abbas during his keynote address at the International Legislative Dialogue on Women and the Constitution Amendment Process in Nigeria, which was organised by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution in collaboration with Policy And Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from the European Union in Abuja on Monday said it is disheartening that females are low in numbers at the National Assembly.

economic necessity."

Abbas further referenced researches from global institutions, including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, which show that organisations and countries benefit from better decision-making, stronger economic growth, and enhanced social well-being when women hold leadership roles.

His words: “Women bring unique perspectives influencing vital issues, from healthcare to economic policy, creating legislation that resonates with millions.

“McKinsey estimates that closing gender gaps could add $12 trillion to the global GDP by 2025, underscoring the immense untapped potential of women’s inclusion.

“Thus, increased representation of women is not a luxury but a necessity for sustainable national development and stability"

“Around the world, and particularly in Africa, we see encouraging examples of gender inclusion. Rwanda, with over 60 percent women representation in its parliament, has shown us that robust, intentional policies work. South Africa, Namibia, and Senegal have all taken significant strides toward inclusivity, reshaping their political landscapes in ways Nigeria can learn from.

“These countries have demonstrated the profound impact of women’s perspectives on governance and development"

Diri: FG Not Paying Niger Delta Gas Flare Revenue Accruals

Addeh

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has bemoaned the failure of the federal government to remit to Niger Delta states revenues from gas flare fines and royalties paid by oil firms to its coffers.

Diri said the oil producing states and indeed the communities in the region that bear the brunt of gas flaring have been deprived of the revenue accruing to the Federal Government over the years.

He again lamented the situation where oil companies situate their administrative offices far from their operational bases and short-changing

states like Bayelsa of personal income and other taxes.

Diri stated this yesterday during an expanded state executive council meeting during which the final report of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission (BSOEC) was presented in Government House, Yenagoa.

Commenting on the report titled: “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria,” he said the impact of oil pollution to both humans and the environment were alarming.

While formally dissolving the commission with effect from October

31, 2024, the Bayelsa helmsman said it was saddening to read that, “Bayelsa is estimated to have suffered over a quarter of total recorded instances of oil pollution in Nigeria.”

He added: “The staggering disparity underscores the inequitable distribution of environmental burdens. Bayelsa State bears 25 per cent of Nigeria's oil pollution. The sheer scale of devastation paints a dire picture, disconcertingly reminiscent of an environmental Armageddon.”

Diri noted that the state was encouraged by the revelation in the report that “in most advanced industrialised countries, two basic principles - ‘polluter pays’ and ‘no

fault liability’ - form the cornerstone of the legal regime for regulating extractive industries.

“Taken together, they mean that those that own and operate facilities are responsible for the damage caused by their pollution even if they are not at fault,” the statement signed by his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah explained.

Describing the report as heartbreaking, he lamented that the magnitude of devastation across communities paints a grim picture of their survival.

Diri assured that a committee would be set up to look into the commission’s recommendations with a view to ensuring its implementation.

“I feel emotional because a lot of things were said during the election. But today, by your good work, you have proved yourself even more Nsukka than any other Nsukka man,” he emphasised.

On his part, former Deputy Governor

Significantly, in a press statement he personally issued on Monday, Member representing Igboeze North/ Udenu Federal Constituency on the platform of the Labour Party, Hon. Dennis Agbo, described the road as “a transformational project, which will greatly facilitate commerce, ease mass transit and evacuation of farm produce by our hardworking farmers as well as fight crime and criminality. “

Ogbonna: Access

Bank ‘ll Be in US Market by 2026

Kayode Tokede

The Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, yesterday disclosed that the financial institution is determined to expand operations to the United States of America (USA) market in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 with the drive to become a truly African global bank.

Speaking at a media parley with journalists in Lagos, Ogbonna stated that the financial institution is poised to becoming a truly African global bank as it has penetrated into London, Hong Kong and Paris markets.

“By the first quarter of 2026, we will have Access Bank USA. We are going to be in the USA market. We will be in the global market and we will have global conversations, and dealing with different counterparties who operate across the world,” he said.

He said that Access Bank with aim to play in critical sectors, has to utilise trade and payments on the continent.

“So, we have started something we refer to as an aggregator strategy. There is no point being a pan-African banker when you have zero impact.

So, it is very clear to us that in every market, we have a compete locally, and we have to a dominant bank in the local market.

“Of our 19 markets that we will be on the continent by 2027, eight of those markets will be in the top three banks. 15 of these markets will be a top 10 bank and 11 of them will be a top five bank,” he stated. According to him, it is relevant to build scale in those markets on the backdrop of employing local talents, impacting the local economy, and working with the local governments or the sovereigns in those markets to make an impact.

“But I think importantly, it means that we then have the scale and the size to be able to force cross border trades to happen,” he said.

He stated that the management is deliberate in terms of the market it invests in.

He highlighted that the financial institution is targeting markets where there is rule of law, and respect of contracts; markets where there’s investor openness and friendliness; markets where the quality of education and skill is sufficient, and markets where there is significant trading amongst themselves.

Emmanuel

in Abuja

L-R: Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji; governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; MD/CEO, COMAG Construction Company, Chief Cosmas Agu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, Arc. Uchenna Nwatu, during the flag-off of the construction of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road by the governor at Opi...yesterday

COWBELL

CREAMY SOOO GOOOOD DRAW...

Abbas: National Assembly Planning Legal Framework to Tackle Abandoned Projects

Akpabio says Nigeria doing well in education despite challenges, pledges improved

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday, expressed concerns over the spate of abandoned projects

all over Nigeria and said it was putting in place, a legal framework to tackle the scourge. Abbas stated this in Abuja at the Third Graduation Ceremony organised by the National Institute

for Democratic and Legislative Institute (NILDS) for Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates.

He said, “On the flip side of our responsibilities as parliamentarians, we are concerned about the

abandonment of numerous projects whose completion would have added to the much-desired dividend of democracy and consolidation of good governance in Nigeria.

“As members of the 10th

Police Quiz Federal Lawmaker, Ikwechegh, for Assaulting Bolt Driver, Rash Comments

Adedayo Akinwale, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos

funding

National Assembly, therefore, we are committed to putting in place a legal framework that enables effective budget preparation, enactment, implementation, and oversight.

still doing well in global ranking. Akpabio said, “Despite the lingering challenges in the nation’s educational sector, data shows that Nigeria has recorded better performance in its Human Development Index in the UNDP 2024 report than it did in 2019.” He, however, pledged that the 10th National Assembly has put machinery in motion to ensure proper funding in the sector through appropriation in the next fiscal year. “Supporting the educational sector through increased funding will therefore enable our country to record significant transformational changes,” he said. House concerned over member’s unethical conduct, APGA condemns assault

The police, yesterday, said they had invited for questioning, a member of the House of Representatives for Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Alex Ikwechegh, caught on camera verbally and physically assaulting a bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.

The House of Representatives has also expressed concern over the alleged unethical conduct of one of its member, Ikwechegh.

This was as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), too, has condemned Ikwechegh's action.

In a video which circulated on social media yesterday, Ikwechegh, was caught assaulting Abuwatseya, who delivered a package to him at his Maitama, Abuja home on Sunday.

Ikwechegh, the video recorded by the victim, was captured slapping him multiple times and threatening to make him disappear without consequences.

Ikwechegh encouraged the driver

to film him while he called the driver several unprintable names, including a threat to beat him and lock him up in a cage he kept his generator set.

The driver kept appealing for his payment, saying he delivered what the lawmaker wanted, but he had yet to be paid.

But the lawmaker was heard yelling: “Do you know who I am? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.

“I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up, I will do that myself. I will show you that I am a big brother to you, tie you up, lie you down, and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey.”

Ikwechegh, who confirmed he slapped him twice and would land a third one on his victim, said, “I just slapped you, and there’s nothing you will do.

“My name is Honourable Alex Ikwechegh. Tell them I slapped you. Call the Inspector General of Police that I slapped you, let him come. Record me very well,” the lawmaker added.

Confirming his invitation for questioning, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, emphasised that the police were committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases.

“The FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving Bolt driver Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya and Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State.

“The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja. Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh when a

dispute arose concerning the method of delivery.

“During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted. The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.

“After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, ‘You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,’ demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.

"Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning. Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter.

“The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken.”

I'm Not Supporting Tinubu Because of My EFCC Case, Orji Uzor Kalu, Replies Abati

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has said he was not supporting President Bola Tinubu to enable him to win any corruption charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor of Abia State, made the clarification in a social media broadcast on yesterday in response to an allegation against him by a former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati.

Abati had on a television programme said, “Many Nigerians say you (Kalu) are supporting President Tinubu because it was under his tenure that your case was dismissed due to lack of diligent prosecution, incompetent filing of processes and EFCC was even prohibited from ever bringing up the case again.”

But the Senator, currently representing Abia North Senatorial District said the allegation by Abati was an insult on his person and that of President Tinubu.

“Dr. Abati you know and I respect

you a lot and I have known you for a very long time and you know I have a very strong character.

“I had a case with the EFCC and because I appeared in all court proceedings for 12 years, I never ran away and I never missed any court sitting. I am not the kind of person that will dodge court sittings.

“I want to remind you and I don't want to talk about the judiciary because it will be like discussing a case that has passed through the court.

"All the matters raised in the court were not adjudicated under President

Tinubu. I was in court and there were 19 witnesses and none of them were found against me.

“The reason I was sentenced to jail can only be answered by God and I am very grateful to God that I went to jail.

"It made me see both the bad, the good and the ugly and I am very happy. Mind you, that year I was supposed to have travelled to Wuhan on 19th of December and the COVID-19 virus started in Wuhan, maybe you could have been singing my funeral song by now.

“We, therefore, encourage MDAs to ensure that the projects and programmes are informed by bottom-up consultation. This will ensure that projects and programmes budgeted for reflect the needs of the sector MDAs have jurisdiction over.”

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Jibrin Barau, said despite challenges in the nation's education sector, the country was

Betta Edu is Gone, Presidency Declares on Ex-Humanitarian Affairs Minister’s Status

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The presidency, yesterday, said with the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu, suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Betta Edu, has officially been relieved of her ministerial assignment.

“Betta Edu is gone,” spokesman for the president, Bayo Onanuga, declared on a television programme monitored.

According to Onanuga, “She was suspended in January and this is October. She is gone, officially. Her position has been taken over by the Plateau man.

“As far as this government is concerned, there is no more place for her in this cabinet,” he reiterated, adding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) might have submitted some information that justified her dismissal.

To replace Edu, Tinubu, last Wednesday, appointed Plateauborn Nentawe Yilwatda, a lecturer with the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.

The President has written to the Senate to confirm the appointment of Yilwatda and six others.

Tinubu appointed 48 ministers in August 2023, about three months after he was inaugurated as

Nigeria’s president. He appointed Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State, Oil; and appointed Ekperipe Ekpo as Minister of State, Gas, but retained the senior petroleum minister role just like his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

One of Tinubu’s 48 ministers, Betta Edu, was suspended in January 2024, while another, Simon Lalong, resigned and joined the Senate.

Edu was suspended over her alleged involvement in the approval of N585,198,500.00 to be disbursed into a personal account.

The president therefore directed the EFCC boss, Ola Olukoyede, “to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions” involving the ministry and “one or more agencies thereunder.”

With Nigeria’s wobbling economy, skyrocketing inflation and worsening security, Tinubu, a former Lagos governor, has faced intense criticisms over his ministers’ performance in the last 15 months.

The president eventually succumbed to calls for cabinet reshuffle last week with the disengagement of five ministers, the reassignment of 10 others and seven fresh appointments.

SOOO

L-R: Head, Lagos Office, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Susie Onwuka; Chief Admin Officer, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Menye Henrietta Isioma; Marketing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, Adebola Williams; Admin Officer, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Odunola Adetola; Representative, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Damilola Oshinowo; and Category Manager for Dairy, Donatus Ukpai at Cowbell Sooo Creamy Sooo Gooood Draw at Promasidor Nigeria, Lagos…. yesterday

Says EFCC’s report may have justified her dismissal

7TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF NOOR TAKAFUL INSURANCE...

Vice Chairman, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Mr. Aminu

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Noor

Umahi Blasts House C’ttee Chair, Says FG Needs N19tn to Fix Ongoing Road Projects

Ohanaeze defends minister, insists he has delivered on road Infrastructure

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday responded to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Remi Oseni, accusing the lawmaker of being the mouthpiece of contactors opposed to the reforms going on in the ministry. Umahi further stated that the federal would need about N19 trillion to fix Nigerian roads, but said that President Bola Tinubu was

giving priority attention to funding the repair of the roads nationwide. Oseni had in October chided the representative from FERMA during an interactive session, saying the minister failed to address the poor condition of roads in Nigeria. He argued that Umahi’s claim of

lacking resources was unfounded.

“You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources. So, if you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources, don’t let me take you up on that because you concentrated

your energy as a minister on less priority issues,” Oseni had accused the official.

But the minister stated that he wasn’t personally at the house of reps event, stating that out of respect for the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass he won’t

be harsh on the committee chair. Umahi stressed that contrary to the position of the lawmaker, he had never failed in his life, pointing out that the lawmaker should endeavour to check his pedigree whether as a private person or in his public life.

PROPOSED TAX REGULATION EXEMPTS OIL & GAS EXPORTS, AGRICULTURE, MILITARY HARDWARE, OTHERS FROM VAT

saying the states and the federal government are working hard to implement measures that will cushion effects of the hardship.

The forum emphasised that the traditional institutions were critical in the quest for lasting peace and security in the north and urged them to cooperate with security agencies in the fight against banditry, cattle rustling, communal clashes, farmers/ herder clashes, and other forms of criminality.

The governors also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, who briefed the meeting on efforts being made to tackle insecurity in the north, pointing out that his

"professionalism and innovative approach has made the difference in the security architecture of the country at large".

The governors, however, said more needed to be done to address pockets of challenges that abounded in the region.

The communique further stated, "With the recent 'End Bad Governance' protests that took place in August, it has resolved to scale up efforts to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development, job creation and pathways for the youth to channel their energy into productive ventures, thereby reducing their vulnerability

to crime and social vices."

The forum also decried the current electricity blackouts in most parts of the northern states and called on the federal government and relevant agencies to urgently address the situation, caused by vandalisation of electricity transmission infrastructure.

"This matter not only underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, but also the need to build additional transmission lines and diversify our energy supply so as to better connect our region and improve our energy resilience," the communique said.

It stated that the north held immense agricultural potential, which, if fully

harnessed, could significantly alleviate hunger and boost economic growth.

It said, "To achieve this, we resolved to provide adequate support to our farmers, including access to financing, modern farming techniques and infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation systems.

"Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed our people but also as a catalyst for industrialisation and job creation across the region.

"That can be achieved through reindustrialisation of the north, especially by reviving the textile value chain and development of other agro-allied industries.”

Yahaya said, "Forum commends

His Excellency, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the reform initiative in the livestock sub-sector and agreed to provide the necessary political will and commitment to ensure the success of the Federal Government livestock development initiatives.

"The forum also agreed to sustain engagement and cross-fertilisation of ideas with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to achieve greater results.

"Forum acknowledges the fact that climate change has greatly affected our environment resulting in the recent flood incidents in many

BLACKOUT IN NORTH: TINUBU DIRECTS SPEEDY RESTORATION OF POWER, SUMMONS MINISTER, NSA

Governors’ Forum (NSGF), at a meeting in Kaduna, Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, the forum’s chair, raised concerns about the power outage caused by vandalism of critical infrastructure.

Yahaya called for investments in new transmission lines and energy diversification to prevent future disruptions.

Yahaya also stressed the need to move beyond symbolic meetings, urging NSGF and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council to develop practical, results-oriented strategies tailored to the region’s peculiar challenges.

“The time to walk the talk is now,” he said, stressing that unity, determination, and bold leadership would steer the region towards a more prosperous future.

The NSGF chairman emphasised that forum under his leadership was committed to charting a cohesive agenda that would leverage north’s potential for sustainable growth.

Acknowledging recent military successes against terrorists and bandits, Yahaya stressed that sustainable peace required continued collaboration with security agencies and the implementation of recommendations from civil society and regional security committees.

Reflecting on recent protests, he highlighted the need for youth empowerment through education, skills development, and employment

opportunities to prevent future unrest.

He advocated strengthening agricultural infrastructure, supporting farmers, and reviving agro-industries, like the textile sector, to address food insecurity and drive economic revival.

On the recent floods in Maiduguri and other areas, Yahaya urged collaboration with federal agencies to build irrigation systems and adopt sustainable environmental practices.

He emphasised the importance of traditional institutions as tools for conflict resolution and community engagement, while praising the restructuring of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) as a step towards economic revitalisation in the north.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in his welcome address, emphasised the urgent need for a unified strategy to combat insecurity and other regional challenges, stating, “Without security, there will be no development.”

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who led the traditional rulers, emphasised the critical role of the traditional institution in promoting peace and stability in the region.

He highlighted the need for honest discussions about the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and unemployment, and called for decisive actions from political leaders to address the issues effectively.

The sultan commended Yahaya for constantly engaging with stakeholders across multiple sectors and galvanising

his colleagues to implement actionable strategies towards addressing the region’s numerous challenges.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, called for the whole-of-society approach to tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security threats in the country.

The CDS said collaboration between the government, communities, traditional and religious leaders was essential in the fight against insecurity.

He revealed that the newly formed theatre Command of Operation FASSAN YAMMA would further strengthen the resolve of the armed forces to bring lasting peace to the region and Nigeria at large.

"By working hand-in-hand, we will overcome the challenges before us and pave the way for a better future for Nigeria," Musa said.

He called on the northern governors’ forum to sustain its support to the military.

The CDS also assured that the military would continue to support all actions and initiatives by the governors, traditional and religious leaders to achieve peace in the region.

A statement by Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the CDS, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) pledged their unalloyed loyalty to the President Bola Tinubu administration.

in N’east, N’west

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, reacting to the power outage in several parts of the country, stated on his X account, “The continued power outages in many parts of the country, particularly in the northern and eastern states, as well as South-south states, had remained a cause of grievous concern.

“It is heart-breaking to see that the affected states, majorly in the northern parts of Nigeria, have been facing a total blackout for several days now.

“The negative impact of the continued power outage on businesses, especially small businesses, who depend primarily on public power supply to sustain their businesses as a means of livelihood, is unimaginable.

“This power crisis, when combined with the present high cost of petroleum products and a harsh operating environment, remains a lethal recipe for widespread business failure and increasing poverty in the country.

“I have consistently maintained that solving Nigeria’s power and energy crisis is not rocket science. Many of our comparable peer nations have demonstrated how possible it is to provide sustainable power for their citizens.

“Our African neighbour, Egypt, for example, invested aggressively in their power sector, which resulted in the establishment of a sustainable power

infrastructure by way of many power stations.

“Today, Egypt has revolutionised power and energy production in the country, providing sustainable power to millions of small businesses, which account for over 90 per cent of active enterprises in the country and contributes to over 80 per cent of their GDP.

“My sincere thoughts are with everyone enduring these tough times in our nation. I call on the government to ramp up efforts and provide both immediate and long-term solutions to this seemingly perennial challenge.

“With adequate power supply, a New Nigeria is POssible.”

NAF Airstrikes Kill Many Terrorists in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, said the airstrikes by Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, eliminated scores of Boko Haram terrorists in two key locations in Bula Marwa area of Borno State.

parts of the north and, therefore, resolved to partner with the federal government and other stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure like canals and waterways to divert excess water and channel them towards irrigation activities, thus, enhancing rural livelihoods and safeguarding food security."

The meeting was attended by the governors of Zamfara, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kogi, Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Kwara states. The governors of Plateau, Benue, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba and Niger were represented by their deputies and secretaries to the state governments.

A statement by Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said having identified Bula Marwa as a high level meeting site for Boko Haram's notorious figures, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions further confirmed heightened terrorist activity, revealing an influx of motorcycles and gatherings of terrorist fighters across the site.

The statement said, "Consequently, NAF fighter jets were dispatched to the location for an air interdiction mission. On arrival, ISR footage captured suspected terrorists assembling at a rendezvous point on 12 motorcycles.

"The motorcycles were then traced to a primary meeting location where additional terrorists had been waiting."

Akinboyewa disclosed that the first airstrike was executed, effectively engaging the target area. He stated that moments later, ISR aircraft loitering in the vicinity observed several terrorists returning to assess the damage and evacuate their wounded combatants.

He said NAF air assets conducted follow-up strikes, killing additional terrorists.

The NAF spokesperson stated that building on the success of the initial mission, additional ISR was conducted in the area the same day, identifying another group of terrorists gathering under a large tree at a second meeting site.

He said that upon verification, NAF air assets launched a precision airstrike on the location, achieving a direct hit and eliminating numerous terrorists.

"These air operations struck a significant blow to planned terrorist activities, taking out multiple fighters and demolishing their motorcycles, thereby crippling their ability to launch ambushes or other hostile actions," Akinboyewa said.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

L-R:

Tukur;

Takaful Insurance Limited, Mr. Rilwan Sunmonu; Outgoing Chairman, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Mr. Muhtar Bakare; Company Secretary, Jackson, Etti & Edu, Mrs. Toluwalase Oliver-Jude and Director, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Rtd. Major Abubakar Yusuf during the 7th Annual General Meeting of the company held at its corporate head office in Lagos …Friday

BOOSTING INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESMENTS…

L-R: Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Presidential Candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Eghosa Emmanuel Osaghae, during the inauguration of the Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment in Lagos…recently

Police Dismiss, Arraign Officer Who Killed Enugu Ogene

Gideon Arinze in enugu

The Nigeria Police yesterday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court, a Police Inspector, Joseph Ozonwanji, formerly of the Anti-Cultism Police Squad, Enugu, for the murder of an Igbo Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah, last weekend. His arraignment followed his orderly room trial and approval of his dismissal and arraignment by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 13, Godwin Aghaulor.

Enugu State Police Command, SP Justice Attah, and Emmanuel Ajogwu.

The charge marked CME/614/2024, read: “That

The police prosecution was led by the Officer-in-Charge of the

Gunmen Abduct Rector of Catholic Seminary in Edo

Adibe Emenyonu inbenin-city Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Revd Fr. Thomas Oyode.

The Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, in a statement issued yesterday disclosed that the incident occurred at about 7 pm on October 27 when Priests and Seminarians of the Minor Seminary were attacked by the gunmen during their evening prayers and Benediction.

you Ozonwanji Joseph ‘m’ on October 25, 2024, at about 2010hrs at Anti-Cultism Police Squad, Goshen Estate Enugu in the Enugu North Magisterial

District did unlawfully kill one Okezie Chikezie Nwamba ‘m’ by firing him with an AK-47 riffle, which caused his death and thereby committed an

offence punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.”

‘Failure to Promote Govt/Citizens Relationship Bane of Under

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The absence of practicing people-centred democracy has been described as one of the several factors militating against promoting government -citizens relationships.

disclosed this while speaking as a guest lecturer at 52nd birthday ceremony of the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Usman Salisu, last weekend in Lokoja.

Devt in Nigeria’

A renowned Professor of Political Science, Hassan Saliu,

The don explained that there is low level of development in the country because the people see governments as enemies and the governments on the other hand also see the people as enemies of the state that should not be trusted.

NASU, SSANU

AdibeEmenyonuinbenincity

“An official report of the incident has been lodged with the law enforcement agencies, and we look forward to their assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest.

“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the Diocese in prayers so that the abductors will release Fr. Oyode unharmed,” the statement said.

“In the process, the Rector of the institution, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was abducted and led into the bush. However, the Vice Rector and all the Seminarians have been accounted for and are safe and temporarily relocated to a safe area until security measures around the seminary are tightened. Unfortunately, no communication has been had with the abductors yet.

Govt Urged to Support Shea Butter Cultivation in Nigeria

Various governments in the country have been asked to place more emphasis on the cultivation of Shea butter because of its economic viability.

Specifically, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was challenged to take steps that will unlock the potential in the Shea butter production for the economic growth of the country.

Former Senator, Ahmed Mohammed Bima, made the pleas in Minna, Niger State, yesterday while addressing a news conference during which he submitted that the country had

for long neglected the sector which has the potential of increasing its economic base and at same time reduce unemployment.

“The Shea Butter Sector has the capacity of fetching Nigeria foreign exchange of close to 5 billion dollars annually if the potential in the sector is fully harnessed by the governments,” Bima asserted.

Bima who represented Niger South in the ninth National Assembly enumerated the domestic and industrial uses of Shea butter, adding that: “It is now being seen as a replacement for Cocoa butter in the production of chocolate.”

Steve Bossey for Burial October 31

The Bossey dynasty of Ivioghe, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State has announced the transition of their son, Otunba Steve Emalunegbe Bossey. Born on October 17, 1948, he died on his 76th birthday on October 17 in Lagos.

According to the burial arrangement released by his family, his body would leave Santa Maria Mortuary, Agenebode for Usage Club House for lying-instate on Wednesday, October 30 at 3.00p.m while a wake keep will

be held at his residence, opposite Usagbe Club house at 5.00p.m.

A funeral Mass is scheduled to hold at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Ivioghe, on Thursday, October 31 at 10:30am while interment and reception will hold immediately at his residence.

A foundation member of the University of Benin, the late Otunba Bossey was a philanthropist of note, astute businessman and community leader.

The decision by the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) grinded activities at the University of Benin yesterday. In a joint Congress held at the sport

He posited that there is an urgent need to change the orientations of the two parties- the government and citizens-to see themselves as partners in progress. According to him, “I have raised the issue of government/ citizens relationship in Nigeria. It is evidently very low in the country. I have adduced some factors that have contributed to its low ebb in our nation. I mentioned the relics of military rule and not practicing peoplecentred democracy as important factors.

Strike Grounds Activities in UNIBEN

complex, Ugbowo Campus of the university, leadership of the unions said a monitoring committee has been constituted to ensure compliance by those affected

The national bodies of the association directed members to embark on the indefinite strike after exploring all avenues to make the

federal government pay their four months’ salary arrears which have failed to yield results.

As a result of the strike, activities in the Library, Health Centre and the Sports Complex were closed to students while at the gate, it was the private security outfit contracted that were at work.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of UNIBEN NASU, Anthony Igbinosa said: “The president said they should give us 50 per cent of what they are owing us, which is two months so we gladly left and happily told our people that we are expecting two months and let us start from somewhere.”

NASENI, Imose Rollout Nigerian Made Laptops, Tablets

Emma Okonji

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Imose Technologies Limited, an indigenous Nigerian company, are rolling out made-in-Nigeria laptops and tablets for use by Nigerians.

The 14-inch laptops and 10.5-inch

tablets are manufactured in the NASENI brand name. This move aligns with the agency’s mission to drive indigenous industrialisation, local content and to promote job creation in fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes local content development and

cooperation amongst economic players in order to revamp the economy.

The NASENI Zedon X-Pro laptop comes with a Core i5 processor and a 14-inch screen which offers a blend of power, portability, and practicality, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of users

including students, professionals, or anyone who needs a reliable laptop or tablet on-the-go. Similarly, the 10.5-inch tablet strikes a balance between portability and functionality, making it an ideal choice for various use cases like document editing, drawing, video streaming or gaming.

Address Land Degradation, Insecurity to Boost Farming, Reduce Food Prices, FG Urged

Kemi OlaitaninIbadan

Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have warned that unless the problems of insecurity, land degradation, and climate change are effectively tackled, the price of food stuffs will continue to get out of the reach of many people in the country.

This is just as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi, lamented how land degradation has posed critical environmental challenges that impacted all zones in the country, stating that soil health is key to food security. The stakeholders gave the warning in Ibadan, Oyo State, at a two-day sensitisation and validation workshop on the introduction of soil health card to agricultural system in the country organised by the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

The National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Farouk Rabi’u Mudi, who was represented by Chief Tobias Iwuh, highlighted insecurity as a major challenge facing food production in the country, urging government at all levels to provide maximum security for farmers. According to him, farmers are finding it difficult to go to their farms because of the fear of been kidnapped, stating that the hike in fuel prices has also contributed to food inflation and appealed for government intervention.

Ondo 2024: Mandate Movement Pledges to Canvass Votes for Ayedatiwa

A political group in the All Progressives Congress (APC), The Mandate Movement (TMM) has declared unalloyed support for the state Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the election coming up on November 16, 2024. Declaring readiness to campaign for the election of Mr. Aiyedatiwa,

TMM, in a statement said the progressive elements of the APC converged on Akure to achieve a dual purpose of consolidating the holds of the party in the state and entrench good governance.

“In what can be described as very intentional and purposeful event, the progressive elements of

the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the banner of The Mandate Movement (TMM) converged on the city of Akure, Ondo State to achieve a dual purpose activities geared towards consolidating the holds of the Progressives on the governance of the State while strengthening the structures within the political system.

“TMM is widely acknowledged to be the most sophisticated political movement in sub-Saharan Africa and known for its vibrancy and undiluted loyalty to the ideals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who remains the ultimate Symbol and Principal of the Movement since 1998,” the statement noted.

PDP Rejects Kano LG Polls, Says Process Undemocratic

Ahmad Sorondinki inKano

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State has rejected the result of the just concluded local government elections, describing it as undemocratic.

Alhaji Yusuf Kibiya, the newly

elected chairman of the party, disclosed this while addressing a media briefing at the NUJ press centre in Kano yesterday.

He said: “The procedures used by the state electoral body were designed to undermine democracy. This isn’t the first time concerns about

undemocratic practices have been raised in Kano State local government elections.” The PDP chairman cited the payment of nomination form fees of N10 million for chairmanship slot and N5 million for councillorship position as among the several prohibitive conditions introduced by the state Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) ahead of the elections. Given the undemocratic conditions, the chairman said it would have amounted to a waste of time for the party to partake in the polls.

Laleye Dipo in Minna

TUESDAYSPORTS

Rodri Beats Vinicius Jr, Bellingham to Win 2024 Ballon d’Or

Manchester City and Spain

midfielder Rodri has won the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or - awarded to the best footballer of the year - for the first time.

The 28-year-old, who lost just one game last season for club and country, was awarded the prize in Paris last night after helping Spain win Euro 2024 in July.

He also won the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with City.

He beats the duo of Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham to second and third to emerge the winner. Another Madrid player Dani Carvajal placed fourth.

Rodri is the first player in the club’s history to win the Ballon d’Or.

Real Madrid won the award for Club of the Year and their manager Carlo Ancelotti was the winner of the Men’s Coach of the Year award, but there was no-one from the club

present to receive the prizes.

It was reported earlier on Monday that Real Madrid were boycotting the ceremony after leaked reports indicate that their forward, Vinicius Jr, would not win the Ballon d’Or.

In the women’s category, Spain and Barcelona midfielder, Aitana Bonmati, won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row.

Bonmati won every possible trophy at club level last season as Barcelona secured a historic quadruple - winning Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa and Copa de la Reina.

The 26-year-old scored a careerbest tally of 19 goals across all four competitions.

Bonmati also spearheaded Spain’s charge to the inaugural Women’s Nations League title in February with four goals, including one in their 2-0 win over France in the final.

Nigeria’s nominee, Ademola Lookman, who was listed overall 14th in this year’s Ballon d’Or, has said he has never been far away from his Nigerian roots even though he was born in South London and also played for England at various age-grade levels.

“I’ve always been a Nigerian man,” he said.

Lookman who looked dapper in his black suit at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, France last night, insisted he has always been in touch with his people.

“I’ve always been in touch with my people, always been in touch with the culture.

“It’s a dream and honour to have that badge (Nigeria) on my chest.”

Sunday Ehigiator

The member representing Surulere Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Desmond Olusola Elliot, has revealed that 16 selected schools from Surulere have been scheduled to compete at the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Football Tournament starting October 31st, 2024.

Speaking at a Press briefing to flag off the tournament recently, Elliot explained that the competition is aimed at encouraging inclusive governance for the youth adding that the one-month-long event would be a period of interaction to strengthen young people’s understanding of governance and curb social vices.

“The Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila U-16 Football Tournament is one full month of interacting with the kids of Surulere. We are hoping that through this kind of exercise, we will curb social vices and find football talents.

“We have taken about 16 schools

chosen strictly from the district and the event will kick off on October 31st. Also, we would be having a symposium on the 15th of November at Sam Sonibare which would be an athletics event with appearances from celebrities and notable political figures to encourage ethical moral behaviours, inspire hope and shape students’ character in the right direction,” Elliot stated.

To ensure a seamless participation of students from participating schools, Elliot explained that participants have been provided with jerseys, boots, shin guards, first aid boxes and lunch bags to ensure that every participant is well equipped to favourably compete.

Speaking on the significance of the event to the Nigerian Youth community, the Director of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Lekan Fatodu, said that it is a veritable tool to spot talents, instil right values and foster understanding between the government and young people.

Manchester United yesterday sacked manager Erik ten Hag after the club’s troubled start to the season continued with a 2-1 defeat at West Ham United on Sunday.

The loss came three days after the Red Devils were held by Fenerbahce in the Europa League - results that left United without a win in Europe this season and in 14th position in the Premier League.

Their terrible start to this season has come despite more than 600 million pounds ($779.28 million) being spent on new players since Ten Hag took charge ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Ten Hag signed a new contract in the summer and departs Old Trafford after two-and-a-half years in charge - so who might be on the club’s list to replace him?

In the interim, Hag’s assistant,

He changed his international allegiance from England to Nigeria for him to come close to winning the 2023 AFCON earlier this year.

‘Mola’, who this month celebrated his 27th birthday, was the only African nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

“It’s obviously special to be on the list,” he said.

“It has been a defining year

when I achieved great things with club and country.”

He has also been nominated for the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year and he is poised to succeed compatriot and fellow Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, who scooped the individual gong in December 2023. What is his driving force? “Let’s go for more!”

Former Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Daniel Amokachi, got his first win on return to the domestic scene following Lobi Stars’ 2-1 win against visiting Bayelsa United on Monday evening.

The win lifted his side just to the top of the relegation zone at 17th position on same points as fellow strugglers, Bayelsa United.

Martins Ossy’s brace in the 22nd and 57th minute assured Lobi Stars their second win of the season and a big relief for Amokachi who was looking forward to his first win since he took charge of the side early last month.

He previously presided over a string of losses including the

4-2 defeat by Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos early this month.

Bayelsa United’s Ibrahim Yahaya had cancelled the home side’s lead with a well-taken penalty in the 30th minute before Ossy restored the lead midway through the second half.

In Ilorin, Kwara United secured a 1-1 draw against defending champions, Enugu Rangers with all the goals scored in the first half of the match.

Abdulraheem Shola had opened the score for the home side in the 43rd minute but the euphoria of the feat hardly died down before Maduforo Kingsley restored parity

More prospective champions are set to emerge as the 2024 Lagos Individual Boxing Club Championship at the Bishop Aggey Playing ground in Mushin inch towards conclusion.

Adekunle Abeeb powerful jabs and punches were enough to knock out Moses Olaitan less than 45 seconds in their first fight on Sunday. In the female 48kg category, Ogunleye Olamide, one of the budding talents proved the power of her punches from the beginning to the final round, jabbing and covering her pace before winning 5-0 against

Amirat.

The bout between Abeeb and Olaitan in the 80kg left the spectators in awe as the latter rained punches on his opponent few seconds into the first round. His opponent was unable to pick himself up to continue the fight before the judges declared him a winner in a bout that was less than a minute..

Olamide fought her opponent out in the first round and she continued on that momentum till the final round where the young girl delivered a 5-0 win in an encounter that lasted three rounds.

Victor Osimhen scored his fourth goal yesterday to put to sword Galatasaray’s city rivals, Besiktas, in an Istanbul Derby.

The Super Eagles striker has now scored in three straight league games. His strike yesterday proved to be the winning goal in the 2-1 victory after Besiktas pulled a goal back in stoppage time. He headed home a perfect

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been handed the baton to run the Red Devils until a substantive manager is appointed.

Van Nistelrooy is adored by United fans from his five-year spell as a prolific striker at the club, but lacks experience having only managed at senior level for one season.

cross by Gabriel Sara inside the box to double the lead of home team Galatasaray in the 67th minute.

Galatasaray have thus consolidated top spot in the Turkish Super Lig with 28 points from 10 matches, six points clear of closest rivals Samsunspor. Besiktas remain in fourth place on 20 points.

It seems a risk, but those who know the 48-year-old former Netherlands international say he is “driven”, “strong-willed” and “obsessed with perfection”. He also absolutely loves Manchester United.

It has been an exciting days at the developmental championship, where no fewer than 200 boxers are exhibiting more skills, finesse (both in punching and footwork) and crunching their foes in different weight categories.

Reacting after his victory, Adeleke said he is looking up to be a well-rounded and established boxer that will be indomitable as he sets his eyes in winning more fights, particularly going home with a title. He opined that his future in boxing is very bright, owing to the level of his consistency, perseverance and hardwork,

Van Nistelrooy tops the list of favourites to permanently replace Ten Hag, which also includes former Barcelona boss Xavi, Sporting manager Ruben Amorim, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna.

adding that as a boxer, he will be at the summit of his discipline one day.

“I’m so happy to be participating in this championship and my focus is to win the title in my weight category. I said to myself that l will never give up and give it everything possible to be able to defeat my opponent”, said Ogunleye Olamide.

Olamide, a silver medallist at the National Youth Games in Ilorin 2021, stated that she will improve on her performance, loosing any bout is not part of her target and she will continue to be a champion.

Sulaimon

Osimhen

Super Eagles and Atalanta FC star player Ademola Lookman at the 2024 Ballon d’Or last night in Paris, France

Spain and Manchester City forward, Rodri, won the 2024 Ballon d’Or last night