THURSDAY 31TH OCTOBER 2024

for

Jega warns FG not to heed every advice, programmes from IMF Ndume: FG shouldn’t punish poor Nigerians with

Chuks Okocha and James Emejo in Abuja Chairman of Presidential Advisory Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, yesterday, said the committee’s proposal on the derivation formula for Value Added Tax

(VAT) distribution among the federal, state, and local governments was intended to “create a fairer system by devising a different form of derivation”.

Oyedele’s comments came as former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, warned the federal government against taking all the advice of the Bretton Woods institutions – World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

the

Continued on page 5

www.thisdaylive.com

NGF MEETS COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS...

L-R: Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; Kwara State Governor/Chairman Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll; and Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, during the Nigeria Governors Forum Meeting with National Council of Traditional Rulers, held at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday GODWIN

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

As Nigerians continue to grapple with the economic hardship resulting from record high inflation and the devastating impact of the economic reforms on their lives, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday said it may be forced to

Like Obasanjo Did to Lagos, Court Stops Rivers’ Allocations Under President Tinubu

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

Reminiscent of the time under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when federal allocations to local governments in Lagos State were seized, a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, ordered the stoppage of the release of federal monthly allocations from the consolidated funds to the Rivers State government.

Reacting to the development, yesterday, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, revealed that he was ambushed in the presidential peace accord held in Abuja to reconcile the political crisis between him and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

partnership, unparalleled and well-suited to Shape Your Future.

Similarly,

senator for Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume,

L-R: Candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Provost, Edo State College of Nursing Sciences (ESCNS), Prof. Patricia Ukaigwe; Provost, Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), Dr. Moyo Kasim; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Zamfara State Governor counterpart, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and Project Consultant for the reconstruction of Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), Esther Oshunluyi, at the inauguration of EdoCOHEST, in Benin City...yesterday

ZENITH BANK PLC

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Net interest income

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2,584,951

15,698 255,047 1,339,052 910,197 2,519,994 2,519,994 24,623,196 3,965,386 2,529,966 255,061 1,691,722 507,942 5,928,796 1,205,724 34,625 417,419 230,267 44,185 16,811,093 12,154,824 45,514 28,080 59,233 1,003,947 263,065 1,450,182 15,004,845 15,698 255,047 893,938 641,565 1,806,248 1,806,248 16,811,093

Jim Ovia, CFR (Chairman)

FRC/2013/CIBN/00000002406

Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON (GMD/Chief Executive) FRC/2024/PRO/DIR/003/967545

Durosinmi Abiodun Akanbi (Chief Financial Officer) FRC/2013/ICAN/00000001308

THE BOARD Chairman꞉ Jim Ovia, CFR | Group Managing Director/CEO꞉ Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON | Executive Directors꞉ Henry Oroh | Adobi Stella Nwapa Akindele Ogunranti | Non‑Executives꞉ Engr. Mustafa Bello | Dr Al‑Mujtaba Abubakar, MFR | Adamu Saliu Lawani | Louis Odom Omobola Ibidapo‑Obe Ogunfowora (Ph.D) | Peter Olatunde Bamkole (Ph.D) | Chuks Emma Okoh | Dr. Juliet Ehimuan | Ms Pamela Yough

Kaper Jesse Legacy (2024) by Fred Ebami. Courtesy of Galerie MAM

Seplat Energy Reports N1tn in Revenue in Nine Months

Operating profit rises to N411.3bn

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian independent energy company, has announced its unaudited results for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, reporting a N1.071 trillion revenue. It said that this was with a strong underlying business performance which supports increase to core dividend by 20 per cent to $3.6 cents per share in 3Q 2024 alone. Total core dividend declared to date in 2024 is $9.6 cents per share, it said.

The indigenous energy company grew its revenue for the period from N478.1 billion year-on-year, with cash generated from its operations rising to N633.8 billion from N213.8 billion year-on-year.

Seplat’s operating profit also rose to N411.3 billion from N91.3 billion year-on-year, as it achieved 8.2 million-man hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI), a statement from the company said.

Working interest production averaged 47,525 boepd, with daily average liquids production increasing 6

per cent and gas production decreasing by 11 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

During the period, Oben gas plant turnaround maintenance activity, it said, was successfully completed, raising expectations of higher gas production in Q4 2024.

Also, Abiala first oil was achieved in September, with exports expected to commence during Q4 2024, targeting gross production level of about 5,000 bopd in Q1 2025.

“Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) availability improving, supporting

higher OML 53 production, 3Q 2024 production of 2,097 bopd +85 per cent compared to 3Q 2023, and enabling a resumption of OML 53 crude lifting at Bonny Terminal in September.

“Drilling activity increased. Completed nine wells year to date. Seven from the 2024 programme, which is on track,” it explained.

The period also saw ANOH Gas project completion of the 23km spur line, but it said the OB3 pipeline experienced further delays due to the technical challenges associated with the project.

According to Seplat, NGIC completion date has now moved to end of 2024, factoring in a further contingency, stressing that in line with its previously stated approach, first gas is now expected during 2Q 2025.

With a carbon intensity of 32.7 kgCO2e/boe for operated assets, the statement said there was high 3Q 2024 emissions due to increased flaring during planned maintenance at Oben and following the resumption of operations at Ohaji, OML53.

“The anticipated impact of the End of Routine Flaring projects, starting in

LIKE OBASANJO DID TO LAGOS, COURT STOPS RIVERS’ ALLOCATIONS UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU

Fubara said those who attempted to end his administration undemocratically had boasted that they will boot him out of office within one week, but they failed woefully.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted to the situation in Rivers State, cautioning the judiciary against setting the state on fire.

In 2004, when Obasanjo unilaterally withheld local government allocations to Lagos State on the grounds that the state’s creation of 37 new local councils was unconstitutional, the then state governor, Bola Tinubu, now Nigeria’s president, dragged the federal government to the Supreme Court.

Delivering judgement at the time, the then Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Muhammadu Uwais, ruled in favour of Lagos State, declaring the federal government’s withholding of the local government allocations as unconstitutional.

Aside Uwais, other justices that sat

over the matter between the Attorney General of Lagos State (Plaintiff) and Attorney General of the Federation (Defendant) were Idris Kutigi, Anthony Iguh, Niki Tobi, Dennis Edozie, and Sunday Akintan.

However, while the Lagos State’s case against the federal government was over the creation of additional council areas, the extant case is about the legality of the presentation of the 2024 budget being implemented by the Rivers State government.

In the judgement delivered December 10, 2004, their Lordships decided, “The President has no power vested in him (by executive or administrative action) to suspend or withhold for any period whatsoever the statutory allocation due and payable to Lagos State Government pursuant to the provisions of section 162 (5) of the 1999 Constitution... “

The Supreme Court also made a consequential order “Compelling

the defendant to pay immediately all outstanding statutory allocation due and payable to the Lagos State Government pursuant to the provisions of section 165(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999...”

In addition, it made an “Order of perpetual injunction restraining the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any functionaries or agencies of Executive Branch of the Federal Government from doing anything whatsoever to suspend, withhold, for any period whatsoever or calculated to suspend or withhold any monies due and payable to the Lagos State government pursuant to the provisions of section 162 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

The questions many Nigerians are asking are, can a court make such consequential pronouncement that effectively cripples a sub-national state

and component unit of the federation with huge resource contribution to the federation account? Can a court stop the constitutionally mandated resource allocation to a component unit of the federation on the grounds of disputed presentation of budget estimates for a particular year? Where did the federal high court derive the powers to prevent a unit of the federation from get its statutory due?

Nigeria has a sharing formula which allocates 52.68 per cent, 26.72 per cent and 20.60 per cent to the Federal, State and Local Governments, respectively. The 26.72 per cent and 20.60 per cent accruing to the States and Local Governments is further shared by applying factors such as equality, population, land mass, and social development, among others. While in the 2004 case the allocations belonging to the Lagos councils were withheld till Obasanjo left office and were paid off by his

successor, the late Umar Musa Yar’Adua, the stopped allocations to Rivers State were the statutory monthly allocations due to the state from the federation account.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik made the order while delivering judgement in a suit filed by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the 27 lawmakers under the speakership of Martin Amaewhule.

The judge predicated her action on the grounds that the state government was in violation of the constitution as regards the state expenditures.

According to the judge, the current budget being operated by the state was not passed by a lawful arm of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Following the alleged defection of 27 lawmakers from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that sponsored them to office, a division had erupted in the state legislature.

There was the Amaewhule-led

ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: NLC TO DEMAND FURTHER REVIEW OF WORKERS’ SALARIES

demand from the federal government another review of the pay package of workers.

NLC President Joe Ajaero who disclosed this at the 8th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives (NANNM), also said that organised labour will insist that government keeps to it's promise to re-commission the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries.

Ajaero lamented the rising cost of living in the country and the burden the average Nigerian has

had to bear in carrying on with their daily lives.

He said: "As it is today, our choices are very limited. It is either we find a way to collectively overcome the forces that are bent on keeping us down as a people or we completely surrender to them while wringing our hands in hopelessness.

"The forces of neoliberalism must be challenged and the trade union movement remains the only viable force in Nigeria and in the world that can creatively engage it and mitigate

its stranglehold on our nation.

"We must offer strong counterpoise to their prebendal logic and must proffer newer arguments to triumph over their quest for profit at the detriment of the social will. It is only by remaining strong and united that we can hope to achieve that," he said.

The NLC president said that Nigerians cannot continue to suffer the vagaries of international oil market prices by sustaining the import of refined petroleum products whereas local refineries remain shut.

"It is sad, but we cannot afford to

keep our public refineries shut while still importing refined petroleum products. We demand a review of our salaries in lieu of its eroded values.

'’We must together demand the re-commissioning of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries in keeping with the agreement we had with the federal government on the 5th day of October, 2023,” he added.

Ajaero advised the new leadership of the Nurses association to make protection of the members welfare

a priority. "We therefore counsel the leadership that will emerge today, remember that your role is critical to securing the welfare of our healthcare workers. True leadership transcends titles and positions; it is reflected in the impact you have on the lives of those you serve.

“Advocating for fair working conditions, championing healthcare workers’ rights, and striving for equity are not just duties—they are the marks of meaningful leadership," he said.

OYEDELE DEFENDS NEW TAX BILL, SAYS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MEANT TO USHER FAIRER TEMPLATE FOR VAT DISTRIBUTION

appealed to the federal government not to increase the burden of the poor with additional taxes.

Writing on his official X handle, @ taiwoyedele, the presidential fiscal policy and tax reform committee chairman said the recommendations in the new tax bill took into account the place of supply or consumption for relevant goods and services, whether they were zero-rated, exempt, or taxable at the standard rate.

Oyedele’s clarification came against the backdrop of rejection of the derivation-based model for VAT distribution in the tax amendment bill currently in the National Assembly by the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF).

He said, “We share the sentiment expressed by the northern governors regarding the inequity inherent in the current model of derivation as a basis for distributing VAT revenue.

“This issue affects many states across all geopolitical zones because the current derivation is mainly determined based on where VAT is remitted, rather than where goods or services are supplied or consumed.”

Oyedele added, “Our proposal aims to create a fairer system by devising a different form of derivation, which takes into account the place of supply or consumption for relevant goods and services, whether they are zero rated, exempt or taxable at the standard rate.

“For example, a state that produces food shouldn’t lose out just because its products are VAT-exempt or consumed in other states. The state where the supply originates should be recognised for its contributions.”

Oyedele also said, “The same principle should apply to services, like

telecommunications—VAT distribution should reflect where subscribers are located. We will collaborate with all stakeholders to address this concern to find a balanced solution that achieves a win-win outcome for all.”

Oyedele also clarified that the committee did not call for a reduction in the federal government's share of the federation account.

He said, “We did not recommend a reduction in the federal government's share from the federation account. Our recommendation is in respect of VAT revenue, to increase the share of states and local governments from 85 per cent to 90 per cent and for states to discontinue their other forms of consumption taxes, which constitute multiple taxation on businesses and individuals.”

However, in what could be a setback for the proposed law, governors of the 19 northern states under the aegis of NSGF rejected the proposed Tax Amendment Bill.

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

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

Jega spoke in his lecture at the ongoing 2024 Annual Directors’ Conference, themed, “Good Governance as a Catalyst for Economic Recovery,

Growth and Development,” organised by Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (CIoD).

He said while it was good and useful to engage with the World Bank and IMF, the government must be careful not to plunge the country into a long-term problem.

The former INEC chairman also called for reform of the leadership recruitment process, saying the major challenge confronting Nigeria is that most of the leaders are not prepared for leadership.

The Bretton Woods institutions have been accused of being behind the major economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu government, especially the removal of subsidy from petrol as well as the floating of the naira, which have up-scaled inflationary pressures in Nigeria.

But IMF’s African Region Director, Abebe Selassie, at a briefing on the side-lines of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, stated that the organisation did not advise Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy.

Selassie said, “The decision was a domestic one. It was President Tinubu’s decision. We don’t have programmes in Nigeria. Our role is limited to regular dialogue, as we have with other nations, like Japan or the UK.”

But speaking at the CIoD conference, Jega advised Nigerians to pay serious attention to nurturing and entrenching democratic governance “rather than merely good governance being promoted by the World Bank”.

According to him, this is the only way to place Nigeria “on a sustainable trajectory of what I called, ‘Peopleoriented development processes”.

Jega said while it was good to engage the World Bank and other organisations, “We should not swallow hook, line, and sinker what they bring to us. We must be very careful in terms of what measures they have suggested to us because if we don’t do that, we may advertently or inadvertently fall into greater medium and longer-term problems even if we think we are seeing short-term benefits from that kind of engagement.”

President/Chairman of Council of the institute, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, said the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria “proudly leads the charge in promoting corporate governance acrossthe country”.

He stated, “One of the institute’s core missions is to enhance the professional capabilities of directors and business leaders in both the public and private sectors, covering a wide range of industries.

“As the recognised voice of Directors and Corporate Governance, the CIoD empowers our members to make meaningful contributions to their organisations, communities, and the nation as a whole.

“We are committed to building connections among top business leaders and working closely with the government to shape policies that support a favourable business environment, even in challenging times, to drive wealth creation.”

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, said character was the bedrock of good governance and good corporate practices.

Sunmonu said, “If you don’t have the right character, no matter the rule and compliance, everything will fail. Parents have a role to play in bringing

the second half of 2025, is expected to materially reduce absolute emissions by up to 70 per cent,” it explained.

faction, said to be loyal to Wike, and the Ehie Edison-led four-member group loyal to Fubara.

Insisting that the Amaewhule-led faction was no longer recognised on account of their defection, the governor had last December presented the 2024 appropriation to the Edison-led fourmember legislators.

Miffed by the action, the Amaewhule-led faction approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, to challenge the action of the state government.

In his judgement earlier this year, Justice James Omotosho faulted Fubara for presenting the state appropriation before the four-member Assembly led by Edison. Omotosho subsequently ordered the governor to re-present the bill before the Amaewhule-led faction, which the court held was the authentic state lawmakers of the state.

Months after the order to re-present the budget, the governor refused to abide by the court's order, and insisted that the alleged defectors were no longer lawmakers of the state.

While the state government appealed the judgements, including that of the appellate court, which affirmed the judgement of Omotosho directing Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget, the Amaewhule group filed another suit before Abdulmalik, seeking to stop allocations accruable to the state, until the judgement of the court was complied with.

The plaintiffs said the action of the government was not only unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful, but also an affront to the principle of separation of powers.

up children with good character.”

Meanwhile, during an appearance on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, Ndume said he would resist any attempt to punish the poor with more taxes.

He advised the federal government to go after rich individuals and corporations, adding that millions of Nigerians are barely surviving and cannot afford to be taxed more than they already are.

He said, “We are almost losing the middle class in Nigeria. It is either you have it or you do not have it. Those that are in the middle are being squeezed out.

“If Nigerians can pay for those taxes, it is okay. But in the current situation, increasing taxes is not an alternative at all. I will not support any increase in taxes.

“Let us get things right first. Let people start living and not surviving. Let people have extra income.”

Ndume declared, “The north has more poverty, so if you want to increase taxes again, let’s be considerate. Tax those people who can afford it. Those who can afford the taxes in Nigeria are not even paying for them.

“I’m going to start campaigning against the increase in tax for now because it doesn’t only affect the northerners, it affects the average Nigerian. I’m not saying people should not pay taxes, but don’t tax people who are barely surviving.

“Let the tax authority concentrate on those who are supposed to pay tax.”

Nigeria has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades since Tinubu unfurled a raft of reforms, allegedly prescribed by IMF and World Bank, in 2023.

Delivering judgement yesterday, Abdulmalik held that the defendants failed to show any prove that the governor complied with the law in submitting the 2024 appropriation before a proper legislature.

He held that the judgement of a Rivers State High Court, which Fubara leveraged to present the appropriation before a four-member legislator, had been set aside by the appellate court. "The questions raised by the plaintiffs are meritorious to warrant the grant of the injunctive and declarative reliefs sought," Abdulmalik held. Specifically, the court pointed out that the Rivers State government missed the point when it failed to accept the fact that the state budget had been invalidated by a Federal High Court, and added that the same judgement nullifying the budget was affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, recently.

The judge observed that Fubara's action in implementing unlawful budget, having not been passed by the appropriate House of Assembly, smacked of gross violations of the 1999 Constitution he swore to protect.

Subsequently, the court made an order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from further releasing monthly allocations from the consolidated revenue and federation account to the Rivers State government. The court held, "Appropriation Bill for January to December 2024, being operated by the 5th defendant (Fubara), having not been charged by the lawful House of Assembly is illegal, unlawful and subversion of the 1999 Constitution.

"It is mandatory to present

Continued on page 44

Seplat Energy CEO, Roger Brown

A DEEP SHOW OF APPRECIATION...

FBN Holdings Profit Rises by

128% to N611bn in Nine

Kayode Tokede

FBN Holdings Plc yesterday, released its unaudited nine-month results for the period ending September 2024, with about N610.86 billion profit before tax, representing an increase of 128 per cent, compared with the N267.88 billion declared in corresponding nine month period of 2023.

According to the results released on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday, the holding company declared N526.3 billion profit after tax, which was about 125 per cent increase from the N234.05 billion reported in the first nine months of 2023. These underlined the growing fundamentals of the financial institution incorporated in Nigeria in October 2010.

In this financial year, the holding company (holdco) has maintained positive trajectory amid domestic and foreign challenges.

In the first quarter that ended March 2024, FBN Holdings had

declared N238.53 billion profit before tax, up by 325.2per cent from N56.1 billion reported in the first quarter ended March 31, 2023.

In addition, the Group’s in its half year ended June 30, 2024, had announced N411.99 billion profit before tax, which was about 101 per cent increase from the N205.05 billion declared in corresponding half year ended June 30, 2023.

However, in its latest results, the key drivers of profit generation in the first nine months of 2024 included significant growth in gross earnings , interest income, and the management of operating expenses amid rising inflation rate in Nigeria and other African countries where it has branches.

FBN Holdings in the results declared gross earnings of N2.25 trillion in nine months of 2024, up by 134 per cent from N962.4 billion reported in nine months of 2023.

On the backdrop of Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) hike by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),

the group’s Interest income closed nine months of 2024 at N1.63 trillion, representing an increase of 164.6 per cent from N617.1 billion reported in nine months of 2023.

Consequently, FBN Holdings recorded N676.8 billion operating expenses in nine months of 2024, which was a growth of 95 per cent from N347.5 billion reported in nine months of 2023.

Its statement of financial position showed total assets of N27.5 trillion as of September 2024, up by 62.3 per cent from N16.9 trillion reported in 2023 full financial year.

Its customer deposits closed as of September 2024 at N6.7 trillion, up by 56.8per cent from N10.7 trillion; while customer loans and advances (net) closed the period under review at N9.4 trillion, an increase of 47.3per cent from N6.4 trillion reported in 2023FY.

The Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo in a statement said, “FBN Holdings delivered a strong performance in the

Months of 2024

first nine months of 2024, achieving significant growth driven by the effective execution of our strategic priorities.

“Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, our focus on operational efficiency, customer-centric innovations, and prudent risk management continues to generate sustainable value for our stakeholders.

“Gross earnings rose by 134per cent to N2.3 trillion, while Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased by 128per cent to N610.9 billion, showcasing our ability to deepen customer relationships, optimize revenue streams, and deliver strong returns. Cost-to-income ratio continues to improve as we leverage technology to drive earnings at pace that outstrips cost.

“Looking ahead, we remain focused on executing our digital transformation strategy, enhancing customer experience, and driving long-term growth.”

The nine months result and accounts for 2024, came days after

NAICOM Sacks Board, Management of African Alliance Insurance, Appoints Interim Management Board

Says firm insolvent, unable to meet obligations to annuitants, policyholders for years

Declares action taken to protect the broader insurance industry, ensure company's return to stability, compliance

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), yesterday, sacked the board and management of African Alliance Insurance Plc, one of the country's oldest life assurance companies.

NAICOM stated that the takeover, which took effect on October 30, 2024, exercised its regulatory powers, “following years of insolvency and failure to meet the obligations of annuitants and policyholders”.

In a statement, NAICOM further announced the appointment of an Interim Management Board

(IMB) to manage the affairs of the embattled insurance firm.

The commission explained that the decision to wield the big stick followed an extensive monitoring and review of the company's financial condition, governance, and operational practices.

It said the investigation revealed significant concerns regarding its ability to continue operating safely and soundly, which had for some time now generated a lot of "uncertainty over claims settlement and payment to annuitants under the company”.

Essentially, the IMB will oversee the company's operations, ensure

compliance with regulatory requirements, and implement necessary reforms.

The commission will also work closely with all stakeholders, including annuitants, policyholders, employees, and investors, to minimise disruption and ensure continuity.

NAICOM said the objective of the takeover was to protect the interests of the company’s annuitants, policyholders, other stakeholders, and the broader insurance industry, while ensuring the company's return to stability and compliance.

The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining

the stability and integrity of the Nigerian insurance industry.

It said, “Our actions today demonstrate our resolve to address concerns and protect the annuitants, policyholders and public interest."

Meanwhile, Dr. Haruna Mustapha chairs the IMB, with Mr. Jacob Erhabor as Managing Director/Chief Executive.

Others included Mr. Wasiu Amao, who was named Executive Director, Technical; Ms. Oremeyi Longe, Executive Director, Finance; Mr. Anthony Achebe, Non-Executive; and Haj. Halimatu M. Khabeeb, Non-Executive Director.

FBN Holdings commenced its rights issue offering of 5,982,548,799 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N25.00 per share to its existing shareholder on the basis of one (1) new ordinary share for every (6) ordinary shares held as at October 18, 2024.

This is about N150 billion fresh capital raising exercise by rights issue.

The offer is part of the company’s plan to recapitalise its commercial banking subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, (Firstbank) with a view toward increasing the bank’s capacity for business development and growth. In the main, the bank will utilise the fresh capital to extend business to its Wholesale and Retail business segments; further enhance its automation and digital banking offerings as well as its African expansion plans.

Edo College of Nursing Holds Maiden Convocation After Revamp, Graduates 81

The Edo State College of Nursing Sciences (ESCNS), has held its maiden convocation, marking the first graduation ceremony since the institution was revamped, upgraded, and reopened by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in 2021.

The event, held at the college’s main campus, on Sapele Road, Benin City, saw 81 newly qualified nurses receive their diplomas, prepared to contribute to the healthcare sector both within the state and beyond.

The graduates were presented with the award of Diploma in Basic Nursing by the Provost of the College, Prof. Patricia Ukaigwe.

Governor Obaseki, while delivering his goodwill message at the convocation ceremony, charged the graduates to utilize the world-class education acquired to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare value chain and health ecosystem.

Obaseki, represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe said: “You have received a world-class education which will stand you out from your peers. It’s left for you to go all out and conquer the world. Move your school forward, I urge you.

“It’s my hope that as you go all out to conquer the world, remember when it started and come back and contribute your quota to the development of the school, State, and country at large. We

thank the alumni for all they have done for the school.”

Delivering the convocation lecture, alumni of the school, Nurse Obi Anthonia, of the 1988-91 set, commended the governor for revamping and reopening the institution after eight years of inactivity.

Acknowledging the state-of-the-art facilities in the school, she said the institution ranks as the best in the country, urging the 81 graduating students to carry on the legacy of compassion, resilience and unwavering dedication to the profession.

On her part, Provost of the College, Prof. Patricia Ukaigwe urged the new graduates to be committed to the advancement of healthcare as she commended the governor for transforming the institution to meet global standards. She urged the graduates on professionalism, noting that fashion designing, catering and others have been added to their curriculum to provide additional skills.

The high point of the event was the presentation of an award of excellence to Governor Obaseki by the alumni association in appreciation of his efforts towards the upgrade and revamp of the college after years of inactivity and the provision of an additional 50 computers to add to existing 200 for the college’s CBTE examination.

James Emejo in Abuja and Ebere Nwoji in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu (left) receiving the Director, NIPCO Plc, Mr Ramesh Kansagra, during an appreciation visit by the company's executives at the Presidential Villa, Abuja ... recently

Venue: Lagos Continental Hotel, 52a Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

13 – 14 Nov 2024

Access to the venue is by invitation only. Register to attend online.

HONOURED BY THE CITY OF LONDON...

Tinubu Appoints Maj-Gen Oluyede Acting Army Chief, Assures of Enhanced Security

Kebbi senators laud president for inaugurating 48-year-old Sokoto-Badagry road FG partners IMCTC to tackle terrorism, other crimes

and Linus Aleke in

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Tinubu also assured Nigerians of enhanced security. According to a release by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Oluyede would act in the position, pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.

Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the

elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were course mates and members of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

Oluyede has headed many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, and Commandant, Amphibious Training School.

Access Holdings Targets November for African Trade Conference Amid Push to Boost

Inter-African

Commerce

Nume Ekeghe

Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Access Bank Plc, has unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at fortifying small businesses across Africa and enhancing trade within the continent.

Acting Group CEO, Bolaji Agbede, and Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Roosevelt Ogbonna, in a statement, provided insights into the company’s strategic objectives for the next five years.

Agbede said, “Our commitment to fostering economic growth in Africa is unwavering.

“By supporting small businesses, we believe we can create sustainable economic value and catalyze meaningful change across the continent.”

As part of its 2023–2027 strategic agenda, Access Bank is prioritising infrastructure development, retail banking expansion, and targeted support for small businesses.

Ogbonna explained that Access Bank aimed to foster an environment that enabled small businesses to tap into new markets within Africa, including through a dedicated trade conference scheduled for November.

The conference will act as a bridge, connecting businesses across borders

and fostering inter-African trade.

The bank’s infrastructure investments are already visible: 61 new branches have been launched in Nigeria this year, despite economic headwinds.

“This expansion underscores our commitment to extending retail banking services and improving accessibility for our customers,” the statement said.

Ogbonna added, “Furthermore, the bank is in the process of establishing fully digitalised branches, known as ‘branches of the future,’ which will leverage advanced technology to increase financial access for underserved communities.”

Access Holdings is also focused on enhancing regional trade dynamics. By fostering partnerships and collaborations among small businesses, the company aims to create a robust network that supports economic development across Africa.

“We are committed to building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers businesses and drives growth,” Ogbonna emphasised.

As Access Holdings continues to expand its footprint across the continent, it remains dedicated to its mission of creating lasting economic value for Africa and empowering

He participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is married and has three children.

A member of the National Assembly, Senator Adamu Aliero, said the security challenges in Kebbi State had reduced significantly.

Aliero stressed that following infiltration of bandits from Kebbi South and Kebbi North disturbing the farming activities, there was an urgent need for more efforts by the

federal government to completely rid neighbouring states of the criminals’ activities.

He stated, "The insecurity situation in Kebbi State is not bad, but in Kebbi South, because of proximity to Niger and also Zamfara, we have infiltration of bandits going to disturb farmers in Kebbi South and equally in Kebbi North, because of nearness to Sokoto East, we have infiltration of bandits coming to disturb our farmers, that's why we are worried that more needs to be done to move them out of these two places.

"So, Mr. President has assured us that more measures will be taken to ensure security of lives on property, not only in Kebbi, but the whole of Nigeria.

"We need security to be beefed up in that area because this is harvesting period, we don't want farmers to be harassed. We want farmers to have good harvest.

“As you all know, there is bumper harvest this year and we don't want a situation where bandits will come and start burning crops that will be an exercise in futility if it happens.”

The ranking senator further disclosed that the three senators from

Kebbi State also visited Tinubu to express their appreciation to him on the flag-off of the Sokoto-Badagry expressway which, he said, successive governments had ignored for 48 years.

He stated, "We’re at the Presidential Villa on a friendly visit, to express our deep and profound appreciation to Mr. President for flagging off the Sokoto-Badagry Road.

"This is a road that has been on the drawing board for the last 48 years, successive administrations have failed to do it and the president has taken the bull by the horns by not only unveiling the construction of this road, but also flagging it off within a very short period of time."

Meanwhile, the federal government, yesterday, expressed its readiness to partner the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to strengthen the war against terrorism and free Nigeria and the world from terrorists and other non-state armed groups.

The government also reiterated its commitment to the war against terrorism and other organised crimes threatening humanity.

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, restated the commitment

when the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Garba Laka, led Secretary General of IMCTC, Major General Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, to the Ministry of Defence on a courtesy call to the minister.

A statement by Head, Strategic Communications, National Counter Terrorism Centre, ONSA, Abu Michael, said the minister urged the IMCTC leadership to work closely with the NCTC to the counter terrorism efforts, while pledging the support of his ministry to all counter terrorism efforts. He also pledged to discuss with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to reactivate the deployment of officers of the Nigerian military to the IMCTC and other training programmes designed to boost the existing relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

Abu said Laka led the IMCTC delegation to a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye.

Senate Confirms Tinubu's Seven Ministerial Nominees

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, screened and confirmed the appointment of the seven ministerial nominees sent to it by President Bola Tinubu last week Thursday.

The screening of the nominees and their approval was done at the committee of the whole while their appointments were confirmed at plenary.

The ministers-designate and their ministries were Dr Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction); Muhammadu Dingyadi (Labour & Employment); Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Minister of State Foreign Affairs), and Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment).

Others were Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development); Yusuf

Ata (State, Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad (Minister of State Education).

The nominees answered specific questions which the senators asked them regarding the fresh ideas and plans they had for their proposed ministries.

Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye, however, commended President Tinubu for appointing Bianca, wife of the late Igbo leader, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, and chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as minister.

They said the development was an indication that Tinubu was committed to forming a Government of National Unity.

Bianca, former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, confirmed

the South East senators assertion and emphasised that Nigeria would experience massive transformation if its citizens come together with a commitment to peace.

"I am here because I believe that if we are able to come together sincerely to commit to serving this nation, focusing on ensuring that we have peace, then the sky is the limit for this country.

She noted that the combined efforts of cultural, governmental, and diplomatic organisations could drive transformative change.

“There is hope for this country if we sincerely commit to unity and focus on peace, Nigeria’s potential is limitless.”

The Ministers-designate for the Ministry of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, assured Nigerians that the issue of farmers-herders clash

would be a thing of the past after developing the 417 grazing areas in the country.

The new ministry, he said, would develop a database of all the infrastructure that are animal husbandry related, meaning all the grazing reserves in the country.

“We also want to know all the cattle routes. We also want to know all the dams that are viable. From there, we will develop those grazing reserves that have no legal inconveniences. The ministry intend to work with other critical stakeholders to make sure that this vision is realised,” he said. The Minister-Designate for Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, pledged to continue with the economic policy of the Tinubu administration which focuses on investment, productivity, and job creation.

Deji Elumoye

Abuja

L-R: Lord Mayoress, Elisabeth Mainelli; Recipient, Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III; Lord Mayor City of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, during the presentation of Freedom of the City of London Honour to the Olori, in London on Tuesday

AS OF OCTOBER 2024

The under former Vice President, , directed states National Economic Council (NEC) Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) to establish judicial panels to investigate police brutality Twenty-nine states and FCT complied. October 2020 After the , Lagos State’s panel was also tasked with investigating the incident.

#LekkiMassacre

EiE Nigeria commissioned a report to assess the implementation of the findings and recommendations of the judicial panels.

PARTNERS

In the heart of a nation, a voice did arise, Ernest Ikoli, under vast African skies.

A pen as his weapon, his words like a fire, Igniting the spirit, inspiring desire

Born in the shadows of colonial chains, He fought for his people, their hopes and their pains.

A mentor, a guide to the Founding Fathers' dream, His wisdom and vision forged a powe�ul team.

With ink on his fingers, he penned truths profound, Defending the voiceless, his courage unbound. He nurtured the aspirations of those in the fray, Lighting their paths, showing them the way

Through trials and tribulations, he stood ever tall, A beacon of justice, a champion for all. In discussions and dialogues, his influence grew, Guiding the future, envisioning what was true

His vision was vibrant, a future he'd dream, Where freedom and justice would flourish and beam. Though battles were many, and the path o�en steep, Ikoli’s legacy is one we still keep

In the tapestry woven of struggle and strife, He cra�ed a narrative, a powe�ul life

So let us remember, as history unfolds, The spirit of Ikoli, a story retold.

In Eternal Reverence The Ernest Ikoli Foundation

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Ikwechegh’s Dishonourable Acts As a House Member

a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. alex Ikwechegh on Sunday welcomed Nigerians into a new week with a dishonourable act when a video of him assaulting a bolt driver went viral on the internet. The lawmaker who appeared to have perfected the act of bullying was forced to apologise following the backlash from Nigerians. Adedayo Akinwale writes.

Prior to the incident that happened on Sunday, October 29, the name Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, does not ring a bell. Despite being a member representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, only a few Nigerians could have heard about him.

In spite of being a distinctive personality with albinism, as the saying goes, an albino does not need an introduction in the market, yet he is not a popular figure in the Green Chamber.

The reason is simple: Ikwechegh, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has never sponsored or co-sponsored a bill since he became a lawmaker. If lawmakers who have basically turned to bench warmers in the hollow chamber should have an association, Ikwechegh may possibly clinch the Chairmanship seat.

Be that as it may, the little known Ikwechegh became a celebrity overnight when he assaulted an e-hailing (Bolt) driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who went to deliver a package to him.

The distressed driver in a viral video filmed what transpired between them in Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja. The video depicted the visibly angry lawmaker putting on a dishonourable act by repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver for telling him to come out and get the snail the driver was meant to deliver to him.

In the footage, Ikwechegh insisted that the request was disrespectful given his social status while threatening to make the driver “disappear” without facing any consequences.

Ikwechegh said in the video: “Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) 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 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.”

When the driver requested the delivery fee, the politician slapped him multiple times, querying if the driver knew who he was talking to.

“Do you know who I am? I just slapped you and there’s nothing you will do. My name is Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, tell them (the public) I slapped you. Call the Inspector General of Police that I slapped you, let him come. Record me very well,” he boasted.

As if that wasn’t enough, Ikwechegh who appeared to have perfected the act of bullying before he was elected a lawmaker still locked up the driver at the Maitama police station.

The disgraceful act by the legislator received a backlash from Nigerians who took to social media to express their displeasure. They said one question that the police should ask is to find out how many people Ikwechegh, the bully-in-chief has been made to disappear without a trace.

For instance, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, tweeting from his verified X account, @ChidiOdinkalu wrote: “One question that both @PoliceNG & @OfficialDSSNG need to help us address now is: how many people have been disappeared by Mascot Ikwechegh?”

Also, another X user Enteleky, who tweeted via @blastc4 said, “If you are looking for a missing family member who had a contact or encountered this animal in Aba or anywhere in Nigeria, you have an evidence now to ask him where your family member or friend is!.”

In his own reaction, EffAyWAi who posted via @Wai_ay53320 said: “Such arrogance and inhumanity are emblematic of the worst in Nigerian politics. We must demand accountability and investigate how many people he has caused to “disappear” and under what circumstances. This kind of rhetoric should not be tolerated from anyone in a position of power.”

Reacting to the video, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, who also posted on X via @sisiogelagos wrote: “The law recognises self- defence. The law does not permit wanton, blatant unjustified physical abuse of another. Nothing can ever justify the actions of

‘Dishonourable” Alex Mascot Ikwechegh on the bolt driver. No Nigerian is more Nigerian than a Nigerian. #Justice.”

Based on the reactions generated by the ugly incident, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command Monday announced the arrest of Ikwechegh.

In a statement by the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said it received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving Abuwatseya and Ikwechegh.

The FCT Police Command expressed grave concern over Ikwechegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.

Similarly, his party, APGA berated the lawmaker Ikwechegh for assaulting the driver. The National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Ejimofor Opara in a statement issued Monday described his behaviour as unacceptable.

He said: “As a political party founded

on respect for Human Rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member and Federal Parliamentarian, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, on the platform of our great party.”

Opara noted that in line with APGA’s constitution, the leadership of the party would set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the act, and if found wanting, appropriate sanctions shall be meted on him in line with the Constitution of APGA.

Expectedly, the House of Representatives in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi expressed concern over unethical conduct of Ikwechegh.

He said the 10th Assembly takes these allegations very seriously, adding that as elected officials, they hold themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in official engagements and privately.

Rotimi pointed out that any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and the Green Chamber is committed to addressing such issues with the utmost

House of Representatives in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi expressed concern over unethical conduct of Ikwechegh. He said the 10th Assembly takes these allegations very seriously, adding that as elected officials, they hold themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in official engagements and privately. Rotimi pointed out that any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and the Green Chamber is committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness.

seriousness.

At the resumed plenary on Tuesday, the House of Representatives said it was considering taking action against Ikwechegh.

The resolution of the House followed a point of order moved by Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere under matters of privilege, saying there was need for the House to probe the incident, adding that the image, integrity and credibility of the Green Chamber was at stake.

While Citing Order 5 of the House standing rules, Ihonvbere argued that the House cannot sit by and watch any form of misconduct and aberration from Ikwechegh that could ridicule the lawmakers before the eyes of Nigerians Citing Order 8 Rule 6 of the House standing rules, Ikwechegh said he was sorry for his actions.

“I sincerely apologise for my words and actions during this incident. I recognize the distress and frustration this has caused Citizen Abuwatseya, his family, and the public at large. As a public servant, I understand the weight of my role and how my words can impact others,” Ikwechegh said while reading a prepared speech. The lawmaker stressed that while he is human and not infallible, he remained accountable for his actions.

Acvording to him: “Citizen Abuwatseya and I have explored alternative dispute resolution methods to address this issue and have reached a respectful resolution, which I am committed to following through.

“Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt apologies to the Inspector General of Police, recognizing the unintended disparagement my remarks may have caused to his person, his office, and the entire institution. I reaffirm my respect for the Nigerian Police Force and the Inspector General’s commitment to maintaining law and order.

“Additionally, I extend my sincere apologies to the leadership and members of this House and the National Assembly as a whole for any deficit in goodwill this incident may have caused. I am aware that my actions reflect not only on myself but also on this esteemed institution and the trust that the public places in us.

“This incident has been a humbling reminder of the necessity for restraint and self-control, especially in challenging circumstances. I sincerely apologize for any pain or discomfort my actions may have caused, and I am committed to learning from this experience to grow into a better citizen and a more empathetic representative of the people.

“This experience is particularly disheartening given my recent achievements in constituency engagement, including many interventions in health, agriculture, education, and economic empowerment for my people.

It is a teachable moment not only for me but also for many in the political sphere, as we are held to higher standards of conduct and rhetoric, even under provocation. I am committed to using this as an opportunity for growth and as a call to be better, and do better.”

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who presided over the plenary directed the House committee on Ethics and Privileges to probe into the issue and turn in its report in two weeks.

As part of the plan to give Ikwechegh soft landing, Kalu described Ikwechegh’s explanation as very apt, touching and that the lawmaker is remorseful.

He said: “Your appeal is quite emotional, touching as it shows how remorseful you are. However, it is not enough. I know Nigerians watching him and have seen a man that is remorseful. Go and sit with our committee of ethics and privileges which will report back to us in two weeks’ time.”

Nevertheless, Nigerians are of the belief that the committee’s report would never see the light of the day, since the person caught dancing naked at the village square is indeed one of them. Despite the apology, most Nigerians are not convinced, saying Ikwechegh’s apology came because of the reaction generated by his disgraceful act.

Ikwechegh

My-G: Catering to the Entertainment, Connectivity Needs of Young Nigerians

My-G, an innovative and affordable data offering, was recently introduced by Globacom to cater to the entertainment and connectivity needs of young Nigerians. To promote its latest offering, the telecoms giant is reaching out to youth across Nigeria to showcase the vast benefits of this innovative service through a national entertainment tour. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that with My-G, Glo is proving that connectivity and entertainment can indeed go hand-in-hand, bringing the world closer to Nigeria’s young, dynamic generation

For Globacom, Nigeria’s telecommunications giant, its overarching objective has always been to be provide telecoms solution that makes lives easier and better.

“At Globacom we hold our vision with very high esteem. This keeps us moving forward and pushes us to be the best while propelling us into the future. This vision is about you. We have soared high in our aspiration to build Africa’s biggest and best telecommunications network with millions of subscribers in Nigeria and Ghana,” the network posited.

It was this premise that birthed the latest offering from the Glo stable - My G, a uniquely created data bundle that allows Glo subscribers, especially young Nigerians to enjoy access to their favourite Music & Entertainment apps such as WhatsApp, Tiktok, Snap Chat, BoomPlay, Audiomack, Instagram and GloTV at unbeatable rates.

These My-G Data Bundles can be used to access only the applicable Music & Entertainment apps (WhatsApp, Tiktok, Snap Chat, BoomPlay, Audiomack, Instagram and GloTV) and are open to all Glo Customers, as well as compatible to all devices.

Why My-G?

As Nigeria’s youth lead the way in shaping the digital landscape, their need for affordable and accessible internet has grown significantly. Enter My-G, the new data product by Globacom, one of Nigeria’s top telecommunications providers.

Launched with the goal of empowering young Nigerians, My-G combines connectivity and entertainment in an affordable package, offering data plans tailored to the social and creative needs of a digitally savvy generation.

Recently, Glo unveiled a national entertainment tour to promote My-G, reaching out to youth across Nigeria to showcase the vast benefits of this innovative service. At a launch event in Lagos, Glo’s Director of Creativity, Chuka Obi, who spoke passionately about My-G, described it as an affordable solution designed specifically for the needs of young people.

Unique Services

This service offers unique data bundles that give access to popular social media, music, and streaming platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Snapchat, Boomplay, Audiomack, Instagram, and GloTV. As Obi emphasised, the My-G package is intended to keep young Nigerians connected to the platforms they love, without placing a financial burden on them.

Targeting Connectivity through My-G

Young Nigerians are at the forefront of the country’s evolving culture, driving trends across music, fashion, and technology.

But to stay active on social media, keep up with global trends, and build connections, they need constant, affordable internet access. Glo’s My-G aims to address this with various data bundles that allow users to stay online longer without the anxiety of exhausting their data plans too quickly. This new package offers four tiers, starting at just 100 Naira for 400MB with a one-hour free browsing session, and

scaling up to 1000 Naira for 3.5GB with a full month of usage. The flexibility in pricing makes it easier for young people to tailor their data usage to their needs, whether they’re streaming music, engaging with friends on TikTok, or watching videos on GloTV.

As a result, My-G gives Nigerian youth the ability to enjoy their favourite platforms at their convenience, while also aligning with their budget. The event was well-received by youth leaders and student representatives from various institutions.

Fostering Academic and Social Engagement

My-G offers more than just entertainment; it also meets the academic and professional needs of young Nigerians. As many students now rely on online resources for research, study groups, and e-learning, staying connected is crucial.

With My-G, students can enjoy affordable data plans that keep them connected to the internet without needing to worry about depleting their allowances too quickly.

Adebobola Ayomide, President of the Student Union Government at Lagos State University, highlighted this benefit, noting, “My-G will help the youth stay more active online. It will be useful to us in both academic and social activities.

“We are happy with the plan and also call on Glo to provide other packages that will help improve student lives on campus.”

In addition to its primary features, My-G encourages digital self-sufficiency through the Glo Café app, which serves as a one-stop platform for various Glo services.

Users can purchase data, share with friends, check balances, and access numerous other self-service options on the app, enhancing the overall experience. Glo Café also offers exclusive data bundles and recharge benefits, adding another layer of convenience for subscribers.

Taking My-G Across Nigerian Cities

Recognising the importance of direct

engagement with its audience, Glo has taken the My-G campaign beyond Lagos to reach young Nigerians across the country.

The multi-city tour promises not only to spread the word about My-G but also to offer unforgettable entertainment events along the way.

Glo’s approach of connecting with youth in their localities reflects the brand’s commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of its target demographic.

According to Obi, “My-G is focused on addressing the data needs of young people today. In due course, we will embark on a multi-city tour to engage with young people, and the engagement will be spiced with undiluted entertainment. The pass to enjoy this will surely be their uptake of My-G data bundles.”

The entertainment events accompanying the tour add a celebratory element to the campaign, further demonstrating Glo’s dedication to providing a meaningful and enjoyable experience for young Nigerians.

Empowering Youth through Digital Inclusion

Glo’s launch of My-G highlights the company’s broader mission to make telecommunications accessible and beneficial for all Nigerians, particularly the younger generation.

By ensuring that data costs remain low, My-G plays a critical role in empowering young people to access educational content, creative tools, and social networks without financial strain.

This initiative aligns with the growing trend in Nigeria to support digital inclusion, which is essential in a world where connectivity impacts nearly every facet of daily life. Globacom’s reloaded Berekete 10X plan also brings more value to its customers by offering ten times the value of each recharge, doubling data value, and providing added benefits for voice calls.

These additional offerings, combined with My-G, reinforce Glo’s commitment to being a telecommunications provider

that listens to the needs of its users and works to fulfil them.

Testimonials

While speaking, Morakinyo Olaolu, President of the Student Union Government at Yaba College of Technology, praised Glo for launching My-G. According to Olaolu, “This is a good initiative for youth development. We thank Glo for My-G, which is truly for us, the youth.”

For young people like Olaolu, having affordable and reliable internet access is more than a convenience; it’s an essential part of staying connected, gaining knowledge, and expressing themselves.

Adekanye Ibukunoluwa, a student representative from the University of Lagos, shared her appreciation for Glo’s youth-oriented approach, stating, “Thanks to Glo for putting the youth into consideration. Online is where we do most of our academic work, and My-G will help us greatly with affordable data. We hope Glo will bring more activities to the campus so that students can benefit from them over time.”

The Future of Glo’s Youth Initiatives

As Nigeria’s digital landscape continues to evolve, Glo’s My-G represents a significant step towards making connectivity accessible and enjoyable for young people.

By keeping data affordable and partnering with popular platforms, Glo ensures that young Nigerians can use the internet for both educational and recreational purposes.

The My-G multi-city tour, with its mix of entertainment and brand engagement, promises to build lasting connections between Glo and the young people who form a large part of its customer base.

Glo’s innovative approach demonstrates an understanding of the modern Nigerian youth and their aspirations. In a nation where over 60 per cent of the population is under 25, the need for affordable internet access is crucial.

With My-G, Glo aims to be more than a service provider—it wants to be a trusted partner in young Nigerians’ lives, providing them with the resources they need to thrive in a digital world.

As the entertainment tour progresses, Glo hopes to foster stronger relationships with its audience, reinforce the relevance of the My-G offering, and further position itself as a youth-focused brand that genuinely cares about its users’ needs.

Through My-G, Glo is giving young Nigerians a reason to stay connected, engage with their interests, and express themselves freely—a true testament to the power of connectivity in today’s world. In the words of Mr Chuka Obi, “The My-G package is awesome, and customers are assured of getting the best data deals to spend more time on the entertainment sites they love. This necessarily means they won’t get their pockets emptied just because they want to have fun.”

With My-G, Glo is proving that connectivity and entertainment can indeed go hand-in-hand, bringing the world closer to Nigeria’s young, dynamic generation.

L-R: Stephanie Izunwa, Glo Brand Specialist; Ibukun Adekanye, representing UNILAG students; Olaolu Sola Morakinyo, Yabatech SUG President; Chuka Obi, Director of Creativity, Globacom; Tega Agofure, Head, Enterprise Marketing, Globacom; Ayomide Stephen Adebobola, LASU SUG President, and Jummai Yusuf, Glo Brand Specialist. at the unveiling of Globacom’s experiential MY-G activations targeting youths across the country in Lagos, recently

Music sensation, Guchi, speaking at the unveiling of Globacom’s experiential MY-G activations targeting youths across the country in Lagos recently. With him are Chinelo Mbanefo of Enterprise Marketing (left); Chuka Obi, Director of Creativity (2nd right), and Tega Agofure, Head, Enterprise Marketing, Globacom

Globacom’s Director of Creativity, Chuka Obi, (6th from left), music star Nasboi (3rd left); singer Guchi (5th right) with student union officials from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU) and Yaba College of Technology at the unveiling of Globacom’s experiential MY-G activations targeting youths across the country in Lagos

The Red Line, Lagos second rail system will further ease the movement of people in the congested city, writes ADEOBA

SANGOSANYA

YET ANOTHER MILESTONE

It was another milestone in the journey of Lagos towards ensuring that Lagos lived up to its expectation as a mega city. The unveiling of the 27-kilometer Red Line of the Lagos Mass Rail Project will no doubt further enhance the quality of life of the people.

The governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a statement, said the train service will move about 500,000 Lagosians daily on the corridor. According to him, commercial operations will run from Agbado to Oyingbo, adding that the government will continue to ramp up the schedule. He said, “Today marks the launch of commercial operations of the LMRT Red Line, kicking off passenger services from Agbado to Oyingbo.

“We’re on a mission to keep Lagos moving, and the Red Line is a key part of our vision to create a seamlessly connected city. It is also our second rail system to become operational in less than two years.

“Spanning 27 kilometers, the Red Line has eight stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado. The train service is projected to move about 500,000 Lagosians daily as we ramp up the schedule and provide a viable means of commuting.

“Daily passenger services will depart from Agbado at 6:00 AM, with the second train leaving Iju Station at 7:30 AM. Make sure you have your Cowry Card ready to board”.

The Red Line rail project is a milestone in Lagos' efforts to modernize its public transportation infrastructure, as it is the second operational rail system in the state within just two years. This move represents a significant step towards addressing Lagos' chronic traffic congestion, providing reliable commuting alternatives, and creating a more connected, sustainable urban environment.

The feat demonstrated another great move by the government to continually expand the critical infrastructure, whilst exploring the intermodal transportation model. In all, Governor Sanwo-Olu, will remain one of the best governors that ever governed Lagos State, with his many achievements across all sectors.

The multi-sectoral impact of the project can never be over-emphasized. Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria, with an estimated population of over 20 million people. The bustling commercial nerve centre of Nigeria is also reputed to be Africa’s fastest growing megacity. The population explosion comes also with mobility and other socio-economic challenges. Building on the achievements and solid template laid by his predecessors, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has made public transportation a priority, focusing on improving mobility through an integrated transit system. In less than two years, Lagos has seen the operational launch of two rail lines: the Blue Line, which became active in late 2022, and now the Red Line. These ambitious projects aim to reduce the city's dependency on road transport, cut down on pollution, and provide efficient, affordable, and safe mobility for millions of residents of Lagos State

The LMRT Red line is indeed a game changer, connecting Lagos from Agbado in the north to Oyingbo in the south, covering some of the city's most densely populated and economically vibrant areas, spanning eight strategically located stations.

The overall development that the project will deliver is better imagined. The Red Line is projected to transport approximately 500,000 passengers daily as the schedule ramps up. This substantial capacity is also expected to significantly ease the pressure on road net-

works, shortening travel times and reducing congestion. The trains are built to ensure efficiency, with regular services designed to accommodate the peak-hour rush.

In the same manner, each station on the Red Line is equipped with modern amenities designed to enhance passenger experience. Accessibility features include elevators, escalators, and clear signage, while ticketing is automated using the Cowry Card system, a reusable smart card that has redefined fare collection in Lagos public transport sector.

Also, productivity of the people will also be enhanced as obtainable in other climes. Lagosians and other users of the train service can now plan their daily movements with the operational schedule, starting as early as 6:00 AM from Agbado, while the second train departs Iju Station at 7:30 AM.

The Red Line constitutes a major part of Lagos' broader effort to create a fully integrated transportation system. The state government is working on building a comprehensive network that includes rail, waterways, bus rapid transit (BRT), and other public transit modes. This integrated system will allow for smoother transfers between different transport modes, improving mobility for millions of Lagosians.

The Red Line, along with the Blue Line, forms the backbone of this vision. The government's strategic plan aims to create seamless connections between the rail lines and BRT corridors, ferry services, and future transport projects. By reducing the dependency on private cars and improving the efficiency of public transportation, Lagos hopes to transform into a more sustainable and livable city.

The backward integration and sustainable empowerment of citizens championed by Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is also commendable. The Red Line is not just a transportation project; it is also an economic catalyst. Improved mobility leads to increased economic activities, and reliable transportation has a direct impact on productivity and business growth. Here's how the Red Line is expected to affect Lagos' economy. Aside from the travel time that will be reduced significantly, the project is also a catalyst for job creation. From construction workers to station managers, security personnel, and train operators, the project has provided employment opportunities and skills development for thousands. Also local businesses will also be enhanced. Improved accessibility can lead to an increase in foot traffic which can benefit local businesses, traders, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, it can lead to a rise in property values in the vicinity of the rail corridor.

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate is making a difference, reckons BONAVENTURE PHILLIPS MELAH

HAIL TO PTAD

It is the responsibility of government to initiate and execute policies and programmes for the overall wellbeing of citizens. It is for that purpose that governments across the world, create many institutions and agencies, each with defined functions or roles, towards achieving that purpose.

However, while some agencies strive to achieve the set goals and objectives for which they were created, others end up disappointing the people, by way of lowquality service delivery; and that has been one of the reasons Nigeria and many other countries of the world are facing so many challenges.

While it is true that many agencies and institutions of government and even the private sector, are grossly underperforming, there are others that are delivering topnotch services to the people; and that is where leadership comes in.

According to Dale Carnegie, “Leadership is not about a title or a designation but impact, influence and inspiration.”

Recently. the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), implemented the new pension increment from January 2024 to August 2024 bringing joy and laughter to the affected senior citizens who have paid their dues in the service to fatherland.

The promptness with which PTAD implemented the new increment is another testimony of the Directorate’s work approach- to do the right thing at the right time.

Since the federal government established PTAD eleven years ago, the Agency has been blessed with committed and visionary leadership that have worked faithfully to make the life of pensioners under the Directorate much easier.

In the past six years, especially, PTAD has become an agency that is known for astonishing achievements, thanks to the strategies adopted by its management team, led by Dr. Chioma Nnenna Ejikeme, the Executive Secretary/CEO.

One of the greatest revolutionary innovations by the federal government in recent years, is the “I Am Alive” Platform, an initiative of PTAD. It is a digital process that ensures continuous update of pensioners’ database to ascertain verified pensioners that are alive and should continue to receive their monthly pensions.

The “I Am Alive” platform has brought a 100 percent relief as it makes it possible for pensioners to update their records within a matter of seconds by just pressing the App on their phones or computer, without the need to travel out of their homes.

Apart from the ease with which pensioners complete the process, it has also proved to be the most potent and transparent strategy to ensure that only eligible pensioners who are alive are paid from government coffers, making it a positive deviation from the corruption-riddled past, when billions of Naira was paid to ‘ghosts,’ in the name of pensioners, even years after their death.

The “I Am Alive” innovation is just one of the many policy revolutions initiated and being executed by the management of PTAD, under the leadership of Chioma Ejikeme.

It must be a combination of these innovative policies, spiced by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and the very receptive and courteous behavioural pattern of PTAD’s staff, especially desk officers, towards pensioners, that the Agency has been described by many as the best performing government institution in Nigeria.

Apart from testimonies by pensioners, PTAD has continued to receive accolades and awards from many national and international institutions for its high-quality service delivery which complies with international best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

A few months ago, the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions commended Chioma Ejikeme and the management of PTAD for the wonderful work they are doing and promised to support the agency to ensure it gets all that it requires

to do more for the benefit of pensioners and Nigeria in general.

The Committee gave the commendation when its Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Mohammed Jallo, led members on an oversight visit to headquarters PTAD in Abuja.

After receiving them, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme updated the lawmakers of the many achievements recorded by PTAD over the years, some challenges facing the Agency and plans to improve the welfare of pensioners under the federal Defined Benefit Scheme as mandated by the Pension Reform Act, 2014, especially with regard to Harmonisation of pensions, and the statutory pension increment as stipulated in the 1999 constitution.

For lack of space, let us look at a few of the many achievements which have combined to endear PTAD to pensioners and other stakeholders from

within and outside the country.

Right after its establishment, PTAD carried out field verification exercises across all the operational departments of the Directorate, namely: the Civil Service Pension Department; Police Pension Department; the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Department; and the Parastatals Pension Department. The aim of the verification exercises was to ascertain eligible pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, enroll eligible ones who were hitherto not on the Directorate’s Payroll, while promptly removing the unqualified.

The Directorate then built from scratch a digitized, centralized, comprehensive and credible database of pensioners and their pension records under the Defined Benefit Scheme in Nigeria; Automated Computation (Calculation) of Pension Benefits using computation software and recovered N17.85bn Legacy Pension Assets from Boards of Trustees and Underwriters of Treasury Funded Federal Parastatals which was applied to pay -off inherited outstanding pension arrears.

In addition, PTAD has achieved the Repatriation of ₤26.5m pension funds from the Crown Agents Investment Managers Limited, United Kingdom which was used to defray the inherited arrears of defunct agencies in December, 2021 and paid inherited liabilities amounting to over ₦40 billion including the 33% increment arrears owed pensioners in the Parastatals Pension Department since 2010; Completion of the one-off payment to 1,031 verified ex-workers of the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON); Completion of the one-off payment to 1,596 ex-workers of Savannah Sugar; oneoff payment to 661 ex-workers of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO); Payment of ₦1.1bn pension arrears and gratuities to 303 pardoned War Affected Police Officers and Next -Of kin of deceased officers; Added 251 ex-workers of Assurance Bank to the payroll and paid their 69 months arrears.

Melah is an Abuja - based journalist

Sangosanya writes from Abule-Agba, Lagos State

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

CHILDREN BEGGARS ON ABUJA STREETS

Wike’s war on beggars is in order

Last week resolution by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike to halt the gradual descent of Abuja into a ‘beggars city’ is in the right direction. “Let me say clearly now, we have declared war on beggars because Abuja is returning to beggar’s city,” Wike said while hinting on the criminal dimension to the problem with children being deployed on the streets as beggars in what is clearly human trafficking. “If you know you have a sister, you have a brother who is a beggar on the road, do something, because we will take them out of the city.”

Although the minister targets all beggars as he should because this is a problem that has been allowed to fester, it is also important that the FCT authorities pay special attention to the issue of children being deployed for begging. A former National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Director General, Fatima Waziri-Azi once intercepted on the street of Abuja three children, all under the age of one, allegedly being rented out for N3,000 by their mothers to traffickers to beg for alms. This syndicate, which specialises in collecting babies with the connivance of other members of the gang according to Waziri-Azi, “hire out these innocent children and position them at the roadsides at busy intersections and bus stops, where they use them for alms begging."

in the face of vehicular movement and other forms of abuse without proper feeding,” Waziri-Azu explained. Now, many women are also deployed at strategic places within the city, most of them carrying children. And all they do is beg for a living.

Ignoring the subtle signals of violence inflicted on our children can only lead to disruption in our families and in our society

Beyond the decision by Wike to dislodge the syndicate, there is also an urgent need for families, voluntary organisations, and other stakeholders to join the efforts to protect the Nigerian child. We must cast away the complacency that has emboldened the perpetrators of this criminal enterprise who exploit the most vulnerable of our society for illicit gains. Ignoring the subtle signals of violence inflicted on our children can only lead to disruption in our families and in our society. But more importantly, it is the duty of the government, at all levels, to protect our children from the antics of these desperate people.

This syndicate is still very much in business, including in highbrow areas of the city. They move these children from one location to another with the proceeds of the begging collected from them at intervals. “These infants are exposed to harsh weather conditions on a daily basis - in a dusty and dirty environment even

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

With millions of children out of school, most of them are left at the mercy of mercenaries. We are of the strong belief that a demonstration of political will to prosecute offenders would serve as deterrent to those engaged in the nefarious trade, irrespective of their social status. There is also a need for sustained sensitisation, especially in rural areas, on the dangers posed by ‘good Samaritans’ who offer better lives for children away from the watchful eyes of their parents and guardians. A culture where little children are expected to provide for, or supplement, their family upkeep should be discouraged.

It is shameful that Nigeria is regarded not only as a transit route for this illegal trade in human trafficking but also a source as well as a destination. But with little children now becoming merchandise for what has become another emblem of shame, the authorities must do more to tackle the menace.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION: BLUEPRINT FOR NIGERIA’S FUTURE

At the launch of the Next Generation Project in Kano, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, set a tone of optimism and urgency. The event, conducted in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), addresses a pressing question: how can we equip Nigeria’s youth to lead our nation toward a brighter, more sustainable future?

Choosing Kano as the project’s inaugural venue is symbolic. As a historic center of commerce, education, and governance, Kano represents both Nigeria's past achievements and its future potential. It is fitting that Kano hosts the opening event of a nationwide project focused on nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. At the heart of the Next Generation Project is a vision of inclusive, engaged citizenship. The project aims to cultivate a generation of youth who are not only active participants in democracy but also informed, skilled, and equipped to drive Nigeria’s development. With mentorship and leadership development programs scheduled across the country, the initiative underscores the Renewed Hope administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through opportunities to learn and lead.

A core message in Ms. Abiola’s address is the importance of

civic responsibility. Democracy thrives when citizens are informed and actively engaged. Ms. Abiola’s call to young people to embrace their civic duties—ranging from voting to community service—resonates deeply. By instilling the value of active participation, the project promotes a culture of accountability essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic framework.

The significance of digital and tech skills in today’s global economy was a recurring theme. Ms. Abiola’s advice to youth to pursue technology and digital skills alongside their academic studies highlights a critical truth: Nigeria’s future economic prosperity will be closely tied to its digital transformation. By encouraging students to build skills that transcend traditional job markets, she points to a pathway where Nigeria’s youth are not just participants but leaders in the global digital economy.

Acknowledging the barriers to education that many Nigerian youth face, Ms. Abiola highlighted the government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a game-changing initiative. This interest-free loan program, designed to support tertiary students in need, exemplifies how the government can alleviate financial burdens that often impede educational access. As more students gain opportunities to further their studies, the benefits

will extend outward, enriching families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

The launch of the Next Generation Project comes at a critical moment. In a world where rapid change and innovation are the norms, nations that empower their youth to adapt, lead, and innovate will be best positioned to succeed. Ms. Abiola’s speech was more than a welcome; it was a clarion call to action for youth and all citizens. Through mentorship, education, and skill-building, Nigeria’s young people have a vital role to play in shaping the country’s future, and this project provides a meaningful avenue to fulfill that role.

The message is clear: to the youth of Nigeria, this is your moment. Listen, learn, and lead. With initiatives like the Next Generation Project, the government has demonstrated its commitment to fostering a generation that will not only inherit Nigeria but actively shape its destiny. In a country as vibrant and full of potential as Nigeria, the possibilities are boundless—but only if we seize them.

Isah Aliyu Chiroma, Abuja

Emma Okonji

Worried about the implications of the recent action of Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA), in sealing six telecoms hubs that are connected to several telecoms sites in the state and its environs, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has initiated fresh moves to stop the state from further tampering with telecoms infrastructure, in line with the Critical National Infrastructure and Information (CNII) Order.

THISDAY gathered that ONSA has conveyed a workshop of stakeholders next week, where the framework for CNII would

be discussed and released for implementation, beginning with Kogi State, where major telecoms hubs have been sealed, an action that negates the recently signed official Gazette on CNII by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. President Tinubu, had in August this year, signed and released the official gazette on Critical National Infrastructure and Information (CNII), which seeks to protect telecoms infrastructure from willful damage and from incessant closure of telecoms sites.

But to the utmost surprise of telecoms operators, the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA), early this month, sealed six telecoms hubs

that are connected to several telecoms sites in the state and its environs, demanding for payment of huge sums of money before the hubs will be unsealed

The sealing of the telecoms hubs prohibited telecoms personnel from entering the hubs.

In view of paragraph three of the official Gazette Order on CNII, which stipulates that the Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with other stakeholders, should come up with a detailed CNII plan, THISDAY gathered that the ONSA had initiated a meeting and has informed all relevant stakeholders about it.

THISDAY also learnt that the Nigerian Communications

Commission (NCC) has also taken proactive measures by constituting a committee that is already working to develop guidelines and framework that will be discussed at the meeting with ONSA. So NCC will be attending the meeting with the draft guideline that is being developed by the committee set up by NCC.

NCC is also working with telecoms operators to ensure that the major hubs that are connected to several telecommunications sites in Kogi State and its environ, are up and running, to avoid total collapse of the hubs, which could affect several sites that could lead to total collapse of telecoms services.

“Even though there is an

existing official Gazette Order on Critical National Infrastructure and Information, which empowers NCC to apply sanctions on anyone that wants to obstruct or destroy telecoms infrastructure, we are still reluctant to wield the big stick because of the operational terrain and business environment. The NCC is however not oblivious of the dangers around destruction of critical national infrastructure and we are working hard to address the challenges,” a source from NCC told THISDAY.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, has commended the fresh initiative taken the ONSA to address the issue of telecoms

hubs closure in Kogi Sate. According to him, since the sealing of the telecoms hubs prohibits telecoms personnel from entering the hubs, it could lead to a complete shutdown of the hubs, when the diesel in the generators powering the hubs runs dry, leading to telecoms outages in the entire Kogi State, part of Abuja metropolis and its environs, since the hubs are connected to several telecoms sites.

Adebayo further explained that the action of Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency would have serious security and economic implications on the Nigerian economy, if it is not urgently addressed.

Emma Okonji

Stakeholders have identified Africa’s inconsistent policies, as factor hindering equitable digital access on the continent, and have proffered solutions to address the digital access inequalities plaguing Africans and the rest of the world.

MTN Group Chairman, Mcebisi Jonas; Togolese Minister, Cena Lawson; and GSMA’s John Giusti, were among the stakeholders that spoke at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New

York, to address the digital access inequalities affecting the African nations.

The stakeholders gathered at Semafor’s ‘The Next 3 Billion’ summit in New York, United States of America, to address the African challenge at a panel session, during the UNGA summit.

Jonas emphasised the gender gap in digital connectivity as a significant challenge, noting that while advancements have been made in areas like health and financial services, inconsistent policy

frameworks across African nations hinder equitable access.

According to him, “There is no one Africa,” while highlighting the diverse challenges faced by different countries despite shared issues.

He also called for public-private partnerships to combat disparities in affordability and digital literacy, proposing that collaboration among governments, private sector organisations, and international bodies is essential for addressing device affordability.

“Solving the issue of device

affordability requires more than just the efforts of telecoms operators, but it also depends on what governments contribute,” he asserted.

Giusti echoed his sentiments by identifying affordability and digital skills as the primary barriers to inclusion. He urged for innovative solutions to expand broadband access and enhance digital skills across Africa.

On her part, Lawson highlighted Togo’s initiatives to improve connectivity through fixed broadband investments, emphasising the importance of international

partnerships in making internet services more affordable.

The panel discussion underscored the urgency of addressing digital inequalities, with approximately 40 per cent of the global population lacking mobile internet access, a staggering 58 per cent, which is in Africa. The panellists agreed that closing the gap remained vital for enhancing participation in economic and political processes, ultimately benefiting marginalised communities.

Semafor’s ‘The Next 3 Billion’ summit also featured discussions with

global leaders, including Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation; Nigeria’s Akinwunmi Adesina, who is the President of the African Development Bank Group; CEO of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola; Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani; CEO of Standard Bank, Sim Tshabalala; CEO of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman; and the President and Vice Chair of Microsoft, Brad Smith.

WELL DESERVED AWARD…

L-R: Public Relations Assistant, Ezeigbo Ugochi Boniface; Social Media Specialist, Titiloye Oluwajuwon; Senior Business Development Manager Emmanuel Ike; and Creative Designer, Isaac Akpan, all of PalmPay, at the BrandCom Awards 2024 held in Lagos… recently

ITC, UPS Train 200 Women on Digital Leadership Skills, AI

Stories by Emma Okonji

Following the successful launch of ‘She Trades’ initiative in Nigeria five years ago, the International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with its local partners, UPS Women Exporters and Women Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), have launched the second phase of ‘She Trades’ initiative in Lagos, where over 200 women were trained on digital leadership skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool that will enable them upscale their businesses.

ITC She Trades, in collaboration with its local partners, organised a two-day workshop in Lagos, with the theme: ‘Women Shaping the Future

of Digital’, where the women were trained by seasoned facilitators on how to leverage emerging technology tools to upscale their businesses.

Speaking at the training session, the Project Manager in charge of She Trades and UPS Women Exporters Programme, Ms. Kritee Sharrma, said: “SheTrades and UPS Women Exporters Programme was actually launched five years ago in Nigeria and at that time we focused more on export, financing, and market readiness. But the second launch, which we launched in Lagos today, focuses on digital leadership. So we want to make sure that women are shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

According to her, Africa is really

at the brink of a digital revolution, and the continent is supposed to be growing at 10 per cent annually. To achieve this, we are providing Nigerian women and women across Africa, with the right digital skills, and at the same time, creating equitable access, making sure the tools, the technologies are also available to them in an affordable and easy manner.

“Through the SheTrades and UPS Women Exporters Programme, we are trying to provide digital skills, access to digital tools, and make sure that women are not only participants, but leaders in the digital economy. One of the soft things here is about women breaking barriers at workplace,

using digital tools,” Sharrma said. She advised the women to be constantly learning technical skills and to always be abreast with all the technical tools and digital tools that are available.

Executive Director at W.TEC, the implementing partner of She Trades Initiative in Nigeria, Mrs. Oreoluwa Lesi, said: “After the two days training programme, W.TEC will be hosting series of webinars focused on various themes that will help young women and female entrepreneurs leverage technology tools to enhance their online businesses. The initiative is women focused, designed to empower women in today’s world of digital transformation.”

Country Marketing Manager,

HMD Introduces Human Feature into Phone Design

Tech innovator, Human Mobile Devices (HMD), has spearheaded the dumbphone trend by reimagining feature phone classics for the modern day as consumers sought to limit their screen time for their own mental wellbeing.

The European phone manufacturer then picked the issue of hard-tomaintain and fix technology by introducing smartphones that can easily be repaired.

The mobile phone manufacturer brings affordable HMD Skyline, which marries detox and repairability as well as a camera packed full of tricks – including a 108MP hybrid OIS triple rear camera. With the allnew Capture Fusion, 4 x Zoom and Portrait Mode for stunning 50mm shots with natural bokeh effect. Detox Mode is also available and

brings a dumbphone function to a smartphone - it is designed to help users when they want to step away from that always on feeling by deactivating a bespoke selection of apps or contacts.

HMD Skyline also debuts a new era for smartphone design called Gen2 Repairability.

In testament to its super-powerful photo capabilities, Human Mobile Devices has turned to Gen Z superstar snapper Rosanna Elettra to test drive the new HMD Skyline, capturing ten striking images shot and edited entirely on HMD Skyline following a group of Gen Z fashionistas on a night out.

Celebrity photographer, Rosanna Elettra, who took the HMD Skyline for a test drive, said: “I’ve had the joy of capturing acclaimed artists

like Rhianna, Central Lee, Aitch and Cara Delevingne. HMD Skyline is Gen Z’s dream device, so I wanted to show the phone in its natural habitat, in scenes dripping in Gen Z culture. I’m used to shooting celebrities, but I loved turning the camera on Human Mobile Device’s latest launch and taking its super impressive camera for a test drive. The shots – all taken on the phone – are super cool, stylish and have main character energy – just like Skyline.”

Global CMO of Human Mobile Devices, Lars Silberbauer, said; “Human Mobile Devices is human by design…and that’s what we’ve done with HMD Skyline, put consumers first. There are so many great functions on this phone to call out. The camera is a creator’s dream,

a step-changing detox mode too. And it looks absolutely beautiful.”

Skyline has been built with a progressive GenZ audience firmly in mind so the camera capabilities are stand-out and seemingly endless. The 50MP front camera comes with autofocus and eye-tracking to ensure the sharpest of selfies, and with Skyline, creators don’t even need to press a button or set a timer to take a picture.

The super-slick smartphone for the ages will come with a powerful new in-built Detox Mode with bespoke app and contact blocking, allowing users to tailor their detox to their needs, focus on the real world and enjoy a balanced smartphone experience whenever they need a break from the digital world.

EAST, EMEAI District, United Parcel Service (UPS), Mr. Morolayo Igeleke, said: “UPS has an ambitious plan in educating women globally, on emerging technologies like AI, Blockchaain technology, Data Analytics, among other emerging technologies, to help them grow their businesses, and we are collaborating with ITC She Trades Initiative for the next three years, to train more women in Nigeria and Africa.”

According to him, UPS, in collaboration with ITC She Trades Initiative, will be training over 20,000 women on digital skills in the next three years.

Highlight of the two days training programme, was the panel session, which featured female leaders from various fields of learning that discussed the topic: ‘Breaking Barriers: Women Redefining Leadership’.

The Enugu Good Governance Group has frowned at what it described as a deliberate attempt to demarket the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, saying it was unfounded and an unhealthy rivalry taken too far.

The group, which was reacting to a report, which claimed that the runway of the airport was in disrepair and that the facility may be shut down to avert plane crash, however, commended the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, for the timely rebuttal of the fake report.

The group vented its displeasure via a statement issued by its Director of Communications, Mr. Chuks Onovo, on Wednesday.

“We wish to commend FAAN for refuting the fake news, and clarifying that the Enugu runway is in good order, and, in fact, among the best in the country.

“Currently, there is even an effort to build a second runway, while the collaboration between the Enugu State Government and the Federal Government that would see the former take steps to complete and operationalise the international terminal and also construct a cargo terminal at the airport is at an advanced stage.

“So, it beats imagination why a group of people would conspire to run the airport down and seek to discourage passengers and airline operators for their own selfish interests,” the statement said. The group went further to call on the National Security Adviser, (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to investigate the false claim with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

WIPO Launches IP Labs 2.0, IP for Green Innovation Projects in Nigeria Group Condemns Attempt to Demarket Enugu Int’l Airport, Calls for Investigation

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Nigeria office, with support from the Japan patent office has launched the IP Labs 2.0 and the IP for Green Innovation Projects, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of intellectual property (IP) and sustainable innovation in Nigeria.

The launch event, which held recently in Lagos, brought together a diverse audience of innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, students, government officials such as the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and Bank of Industry (BoI), research institutes, academia and dignitaries from both local and international sectors.

In their remarks, Director of

the WIPO Nigeria Office, Mr. Oluwatobiloba Moody and Director of the International Classifications and Standards Division and FIT/ JP Global Manager at WIPO, Mr. Kunihiko Fushimi, highlighted WIPO’s longstanding commitment to supporting innovation and creativity through IP in Nigeria, underscoring how intellectual property has been a cornerstone for innovation and economic growth in Africa for over 35 years.

Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, expressed his roles in protecting intellectual property rights, enabling creators to monetise their innovations, and underscoring IP as a critical asset for investment and economic development.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Innovation, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Nasir Yammama, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the need for IP frameworks to address climate change and other pressing global challenges. He stressed that IP for Green Innovation is essential for creating sustainable solutions, particularly as Nigeria advances in renewable energy and technology sectors.

The future belongs to creators, Yammama said, while emphasising the importance of building a robust IP environment that not only protects but also empowers Nigerian entrepreneurs to innovate and grow.

He called for IP education at all levels, noting that early awareness can lay a foundation for knowledge-

based economic development. Programme Officer, WIPO Nigeria Office, Ms. Olaronke Famuyiwa; Team Lead at Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Mr. Bankole Oloruntoba; and Founder of Orbra Company, Mr. Ololade Otayemi, gave an overview of the projects and the implementation plans.

They stated that the IP for Green Innovation project aims to build the capacity of 100 green hardware innovators with the knowledge, strategies, and IP support required for successful business development and financing.

A panel discussion explored “The Role of Intellectual Property in Building an Innovative Society for Nigeria”, featuring thought leaders from various industries.

“This claim, as FAAN has clarified, is very much untrue. We have since established that the said publication was the handiwork of unhealthy competitors in a federal setting, who are determined to demarket the Enugu airport to shore up their own fortunes.

“This is indeed a most unfortunate and irresponsible claim and disposition, especially given the fact that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport’s runway is one of the most modern and qualitative in the country now. This followed the approval and release of the sum of N10bn by the Federal Government in October 2019 for the total rehabilitation of the runway, taxi way, lead way, state-of-the art instrument landing system, Communication VSAT and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio communication, airfield lighting, among others.

“Airports are both national security and economic assets, and this untruth as well as willful demarketing of the Enugu Airport qualifies for both security and economic sabotage, hence should be thoroughly investigated by the Office of the NSA with a view to fishing out and meting out justice to the culprits,” the Enugu Good Governance Group further said. FAAN had on Tuesday refuted the report, maintaining that there was no plan whatsoever to shut down the airport either before Christmas or in the foreseen future.

The assurance was given by the Manager of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and Regional Manager of FAAN for the South East, Mr. Hillary Umunna, who declared that ‘the airport is in the best shape’, noting that regular maintenance work was always done to sustain the standard attained by the runway in August 2020.

Nigerian Breweries Expends over N50m on Teachers, Infrastructure

Stories By Raheem Akingbolu

A corporate social responsibility initiative of the Nigerian Breweries has rewarded Esomnofu Ifechukwu of Crown Grace School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, with a cash prize of N10 million for emerging the winner of the 10th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition. Additionally, he will be rewarded with an all-expense-paid capacity development training overseas and honoured with school infrastructure worth N30 million in his school.

Pestra

Kehinde Olukayode from Molusi College, Oke-Sopen, Ijebu Igbo,

Ogun State, won first runner-up position and received a cash prize of N3 million, while Aniefiok Udoh from Community Secondary Commercial School, Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom State was second runner-up and went home with N2 million cash prize. In addition, 34 other teachers who emerged State

Champions from their respective states received N1million each.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, expressed profound

Unveils New Partnerships, Calls for Tech Security Solutions

Pestra, one of the West Africa leaders in distribution of communication, safety, and security systems, has announced a significant expansion of its product portfolio during the recent Pestra Tech Day in Lagos. The event marked a pivotal moment for the firm as the company unveiled new strategic partnerships with top-tier global brands, including Johnson Controls, Optima, Zycoo, Avonic, and NVT Phybridge. This expansion solidifies Pestra’s unwavering commitment to providing cuttingedge, integrated security and

communication solutions across the West African region.

According to the company, these new alliances brought an array of advanced technologies into Pestra’s portfolio, expanding its offerings to meet the growing demands for reliable security, communication, and safety systems. The inclusion of state-of-the-art access control systems, integrated security management solutions, and innovative communication products bolsters Pestra’s position as a distribution leader in the West African market.

Stakeholders and experts, who spoke at the tech event, expressed their feelings over increasing insecurity and cyber threats, which they admitted pose a challenge to the economy at this time. To this end, they urged the Nigerian government to embrace technology security solutions to protect multibillion dollar public assets across the country.

They argued that critical infrastructure like power grid, military installations, airports, oil pipelines, among others,

represented the backbone of national security and economic stability, and should, therefore, be protected.

Giving his opening remark at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Pestra, Paul Nwokolo, stated that a robust technology security solutions would be more effective in the protection of these assets. He said this would be in addition to the manpower security efforts.

Nwokolo said there were a lot of tools to be deployed at both private and public sectors to mitigate the insecurity risks the country faces today.

E-SocialMint Unveils Hybrid Social Media Platform for Africans

E-SocialMint (ESM), a new hybrid social media platform aimed at connecting Africans through digital events and cultural engagements, was officially unveiled on Tuesday this week.

The unveiling event featured a keynote address by the visionary IT architect behind the platform, Fisayo Olamigoke, who spoke to the media to witness a novel

approach to digital interactions.

“We are E-Social Incorporated in the U.S., but this platform is for Africa. It’s designed to meet our unique social needs and address our cultural practices,” Olamigoke said.

According to Olamigoke, E-SocialMint would enable users to attend events virtually via hologram technology, interact socially, and even participate in money-spraying customs, all while adhering to local laws against cash spraying

at physical events.

At the core of E-SocialMint is the incorporation of hologram technology, which allows highprofile personalities, such as Nigerian business mogul Femi Otedola, to attend multiple events virtually without leaving their comfort zone. Through this feature, users can “appear” at events, spray celebrants, and dance with attendees, all while staying remote.

Olamigoke highlighted the

practicality of holograms in reducing travel costs and facilitating seamless engagement for busy individuals, saying, “Our platform brings people together through events, even across continents.”

ESM positions itself as more than a social media application. It integrates a suite of features that cater to African social dynamics, including video and voice calling, chat functions, and event organising tools.

gratitude to Nigerian BreweriesFelix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for their steady path and commitment to the education sector through the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition. He also commended teachers for their enormous contribution to creating a brighter tomorrow

despite their many challenges in performing their roles. Sanwo-Olu noted that through the initiative, NB-FOETF has demonstrated immense support and uplifted the teaching profession in Nigeria with its enduring impact felt across groups.

Stakeholders Explore Strategies to Expand Nigeria’s Internet Infrastructure

Last week, key stakeholders in Africa’s internet ecosystem gathered in Lagos for the Nigerian Peering and Interconnection Forum (ngPIF), where they explored strategies for expanding Nigeria’s rapidly growing internet infrastructure.

Hosted by the Nigerian Network Operator Group (ngNOG) and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), the forum attracted government officials, industry leaders, and technology experts committed to enhancing digital connectivity in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the critical role of internet connectivity in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and development. Represented by the Senior Adviser on Technology, Broadband & Innovation, Ganiyu Oseni, the governor reiterated the Lagos State government’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion and expanding infrastructure.

“Digital connectivity is not just a tool for communication; it is a catalyst for economic transformation,” Oseni said on behalf of the Governor. “We are committed to supporting initiatives like ngPIF that push the boundaries

of digital infrastructure and bring the benefits of connectivity to all Nigerians,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The two-day forum featured a series of panel discussions and workshops, with participants focusing on key topics such as peering, interconnection, data centers, and the role of government in creating a conducive environment for digital innovation.

National Coordinator of ngPIF, Prof. Wale Adedokun, underscored the forum’s mission to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, particularly between urban and rural areas. “The essence of ngPIF is to foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure internet resources are more accessible and affordable across Nigeria,” he told journalists.

CEO of IXPN, Muhammed Rudman, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of rural connectivity to ensure that all citizens can access the digital economy. “The government’s support is crucial for expanding internet access in underserved areas, particularly through mechanisms like the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF),” Rudman explained.

Power Oil Partners Kanu Heart Foundation, Drives Heart Health Awareness in 55 Open Markets

– “Together We Can Save

Power Oil, sequel to the announcement of their partnership with Kanu Nwankwo’s Kanu Heart Foundation, sponsored life-saving heart surgeries for patients in need as part of the "Together We Can Save a Heart" campaign.

To emphasize the brand’s commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians, a portion of the proceeds from every bottle of Power Oil sold will go towards funding surgeries for cardiovascular disease patients.

Speaking on the importance of this campaign, Roland Akpe, Marketing Manager of Tolaram Group's Oil Portfolio, highlighted the brand’s strong focus on heart health and the well-being of its consumers. “At Tolaram

a Heart”

Group, we recognize that cardiovascular diseases remain a signi cant health challenge in Nigeria, responsible for 11% of non-communicable disease deaths,” Akpe noted. “As a brand committed to the well-being of households, we take it as our responsibility to encourage the consumption of products that promote and ensure good health.

With many Nigerian households becoming increasingly concerned and more conscious of heart health, Power Oil stands as a trusted choice. With zero cholesterol and no trans-fats, the brand’s proposition speaks directly to household decision-makers who prioritize nutrition and well-being and want the best for their families. “We

understand the importance of feeding families with meals that not only taste delicious but are also healthy.” Akpe added.

Power Oil has been raising awareness about heart health through its public education initiative, Health Camp, further amplifying the theme of this year’s World Heart Day, “Use Heart for Action." rough Health Camp, Power Oil has reached over 21,000 market-women and men in three months in 55 open market locations across Nigeria.

is outreach involved encouraging participants to stay active, engaging them in vigorous but fun exercises and carrying out free BMI and blood pressure check-up.

“Together We Can Save a Heart” is not just another campaign—it is a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of Nigerians. As we commemorate World Heart Day 2024, Power Oil urges Nigerians to make healthier choices and support this noble cause.

Remember, “A choice to cook with Power Oil is a choice to save a heart”.

Let us take deliberate action today, for a healthier tomorrow for ourselves and those we love.

Agnes Ekebuike

Developing Skills in AI, Blockchain Technologies Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy

HP’s Managing Director, Southern and Central Africa, Mr. Yesh Surjoodeen, speaks about the challenges in tech industry, strategic investments in digital infrastructure, and the need for focused skills development in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, to drive digital transformation in Nigeria and Africa. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

What are some of the challenges facing Nigeria’s tech industry and how can HP technologies address them?

The challenges are similar across Africa and not limited to Nigeria alone, but certainly on different scales. The infrastructure gap across African markets is one area that we need to recognise as being one of the challenges facing the tech industry. However, I believe there are lots of solutions out there to address it.

Access to reliable internet and inadequate power supply remain significant barriers to growth in Nigeria. To address these challenges, HP is committed to providing hardware and technological solutions, including our innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) PC. This product minimizes reliance on cloud services by enabling offline processing capabilities, which is crucial in areas with limited connectivity.

Another pressing issue is the shortage of skilled professionals in emerging technologies. HP recognizes the urgency of this challenge and actively contributes to skills development through initiatives like HP LIFE, which offers essential training for professionals. Additionally, our EdTech Fellowship, in partnership with Cambridge University, equips educators and policymakers with the necessary skills to integrate digital learning in classrooms, thereby preparing students for the workforce.

Lastly, funding constraints significantly hinder many startups from reaching their potential. HP is dedicated to fostering innovation by connecting startups with investors through initiatives such as the HP Digital Equity Accelerator. We encourage Nigerian non-profits focused on advancing the country’s digital equity agenda to apply and leverage these opportunities. (Applications can be done here)

How can strategic investments in digital infrastructure and innovation hubs accelerate Nigeria’s transformation into a premier tech hub?

This is a journey, because when we talk about strategic investments it’s not about a single approach. I see strategic investments as more of creating a community first, something deeply ingrained in Africa’s DNA. It’s not just about competition, it’s about how we, as interconnected industries, can collaborate. Like the Silicon Valley model, we must recognise that we are on a long-term path, one that requires us to leverage our core technology solutions and work closely with infrastructure partners to drive innovation beyond Nigeria’s borders.

It is not enough to create an ecosystem through partnership, but also giving access to resources and continuing investing to enhance digital infrastructure.

To accelerate Nigeria’s transformation into a premier tech hub, it’s essential to build ecosystems, provide access to resources, and enhance global competitiveness.

Investment in innovation hubs can foster collaboration among startups, educational institutions, and corporates, like the Silicon Valley model. HP’s suite of technology solutions equips businesses with the necessary infrastructure to collaborate with stakeholders from anywhere, ensuring conversations and work continues beyond the boundaries of a physical office or meeting room.

By enhancing digital infrastructure, Nigeria can provide startups with necessary resources like high-speed internet and affordable workspaces, driving innovation. Furthermore, learning and skills development resources are crucial for the successful growth and development of innovation hubs. With HP’s LIFE program, we are helping small business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the growth of their business. So, strong digital infrastructure positions Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment and talent, essential for becoming a premier tech hub.

What roles do partnerships between HP, government agencies, and private sector players have in driving Nigeria’s digital economy forward?

Partnerships are essential for driving growth in Africa, starting with discussions among likeminded stakeholders. As emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Big Data, and Machine Learning gain prominence,

it’s crucial for tech companies to address related challenges and collaborate with government agencies to accelerate supportive policies.

Collaboration between HP, government, and the private sector can enhance digital infrastructure and support policy development. Initiatives like HP’s EdTech Fellowship, in partnership with Cambridge University, equip policymakers with the skills to foster innovation and ensure accessible digitization.

Moreover, partnerships can mobilize resources for large-scale projects and empower smaller businesses by providing insights from industry leaders. HP aims to integrate AI not only in educational settings but also across the gaming ecosystem, demonstrating its commitment to local innovation and global best practices.

How can focused skills development programmes on emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the digital economy?

Nigeria’s competitiveness in the digital economy can be significantly enhanced through technology, which serves as a key enabler of innovation. The rapid evolution of tech creates excitement and fosters a culture of adoption among the youth in Nigeria and Africa.

Programs focused on AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity are crucial for equipping the youth with relevant skills to meet global demands. HP’s initiatives, such as the HP Read program, aim to bring future skills into classrooms, while the HP Gaming Garage incorporates AI into its curriculum, recognizing its synergy with the gaming sector. Additionally, HP’s commitment to entrepreneurial learning, exemplified by the HP LIFE program, drives innovation, and ensures Nigeria can attract international tech firms seeking skilled talent.

Our collaboration with Cambridge University further amplifies our efforts to share knowledge and mobilize resources for large-scale projects. HP believes that regardless of an organization’s size, access to insights and resources is vital for enhancing the technology ecosystem. Our training programs focus not only on users but also on partners, as we integrate AI into our tools and processes to help them scale operations and meet customer needs.

Ultimately, HP is dedicated to continuous learning and creating value for businesses, transforming insights into customer and revenue opportunities.

How can HP’s technologies support

the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship? There are different ways to translate what we would call support for startups. I think

it’s first about education for the startups and knowing what’s available and understanding the trends in the startups, but then the third one is also being able to offer affordable solutions. So one is about the education, secondly is about the access to the resources and understanding how we can bring that hardware and those solutions to businesses.

HP can offer cost-effective tech solutions for startups, lowering barriers to entry and operational costs. For example, our Smart Tank range of printers helps small businesses meet their printing needs, through providing a cost-effective printing solution. Additionally, HP applications enable small business owners to access their printer from anywhere, meaning they can print on the go.

Through educational programs, HP can help equip entrepreneurs with essential business and tech skills. The HP LIFE program is evidence of the work we do to equip small business owners with the knowledge and skills to effectively start and scale their business – ensuring these organizations are positively contributing to the economy. Perhaps the biggest thing we can do for startups in terms of support is access to these resources that I spoke about. I’ve mentioned just maybe one or two of these educational programmes but, I think there’s a lot more work groups and discussions that need to go on with startups.

the story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

ON BEHALF OF DMO OFFERS NIGERIAN TREASURY BILLS

Notice is hereby given by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of DMO that the Federal Government of Nigeria Treasury Bills of 91, 182 and 364-day tenors amounting to ₦

and ₦487,238,703,000 respectively would be issued by Dutch auction on Thursday, November 07, 2024.

All Money Market Dealers should submit bids through the CBN S4 WEB INTERFACE between 8.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 06, 2024.

Each bid must be in multiple of ₦1,000 subject to a minimum of ₦50,001,000. Authorized Money Market Dealers can submit multiple bids. A bid may be for authorized Money Market Dealers own account, non–Money Market Dealers or interested members of the public. The result of the auction would be announced on Wednesday, November 06, 2024. The Bank reserves the right to reject any bid.

Allotment letters would be issued for successful bids on Thursday, November 07, 2024, while payment for the successful bids should be made to your account with Central Bank of Nigeria not later than 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, November 07, 2024.

The Bank reserves the right to vary the amount on offer in line with market realities prevailing as at the period of auction of the Nigerian Treasury Bills.

GOVERNMENT SECURITIES OFFICE

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ABUJA.

For further information, please contact: 07002255226 Signed: MANAGEMENT

Surjoodeen

HealtH & lifestyle

Geri-Care Health Scheme: A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Senior Citizens

Marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, the JBS Gerontology Centre has launched its pioneering GeriCare Health Scheme, specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country’s elderly population. Founded by UK-trained consultant geriatrician Dr. Olutoyin Akande Ajala, the JBS Gerontology Centre is Nigeria’s first private hospital dedicated to older adults, providing much-needed access to quality healthcare. Writes MARY NNAH

In a country where youth dominates the demographic landscape, Dr. Olutoyin Akande Ajala dared to challenge the status quo. As a UK-trained consultant geriatrician, she recognised the glaring gap in healthcare services for Nigeria’s elderly population.

Driven by her vision, Ajala founded JBS Gerontology Centre, Nigeria’s first private hospital dedicated to elderly care. Her brainchild, the Geri-Care Health Scheme, revolutionises access to affordable, quality healthcare for seniors.

The launch of the Geri-Care Health Scheme, a pioneering healthcare solution designed to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of the nation’s senior citizens, held at the JBS Gerontology Centre in Lekki, Lagos, was attended by the Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who praised the initiative as a significant step towards achieving the federal government’s vision for a revitalised healthcare system.

“This is what our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set out to do for the country - to really turn our economy around and grow it into a trillion-dollar economy in the next few years,” Dr. Alausa declared.

“The Geri-Care Health Scheme is a shining example of how private sector innovation can complement government efforts to improve healthcare outcomes.”

He said further that the Geri-Care Health Scheme was a bold response to the pressing need for affordable and accessible elderly care in Nigeria.

The federal government pledged its support for the initiative, with Dr. Alausa announcing plans to establish geriatric care centres in each of the 36 states and Abuja.

The Geri-Care Health Scheme is poised to revolutionise elderly care in Nigeria. With its comprehensive services and affordable payment options, the scheme promises to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of Nigeria’s seniors.

According to Dr. Olutoyin Akande Ajala, UK-trained consultant geriatrician and CEO/ Founder of JBS Gerontology Centre, “We are

trying to make it convenient and more affordable for families to afford all the care that the elderly need. Our scheme offers various levels of care, including access to prompt medical reviews, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and day activities”, she noted.

“Growing old shouldn’t mean being abandoned or neglected. Our elderly deserve dignity, compassion, and specialised care”, Ajala emphasised during the launch.

Stressing further that elderly people require comprehensive care, Ajala urged stakeholders, including insurance companies and the government, to support the initiative, adding, “We can’t do it alone. We need partners to help us make this scheme a success. It’s almost inevitable that an old person would need healthcare all the time. We need stakeholders to come on board. We need insurance companies to come on board. We need the government to come on board.”

Located in the heart of Lagos, JBS Gerontology Centre offers is a one-stop shop for geriatric patients, providing medical treatment, therapy,

and rehabilitation services tailored to their unique needs. With a team of specially trained healthcare professionals, including geriatricians, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, the centre ensures holistic care for its patients. However, challenges persist. Nigeria’s geriatrician-to-patient ratio is alarmingly low, with only seven specialists catering to 9.4 million elderly individuals. Dr. Ajala urges action: “We must invest in geriatric care education and training to address this critical shortage.”

As JBS expands, Dr. Ajala remains steadfast in her mission: “We’ll continue to innovate, advocate, and care for our elderly with love, respect, and expertise.” Interestingly, what sets JBS apart is its innovative Geri-Care Health Scheme, designed to make healthcare affordable and accessible to Nigeria’s elderly population. The scheme offers convenient payment options, ensuring that financial constraints no longer hinder elderly individuals from

receiving quality care.

For Dr. Ajala, this mission is personal. Having witnessed the struggles of elderly care in Nigeria, she was determined to bridge the gap. “I saw the need for specialised care for the elderly, and I knew I had to act,” she explained, as she noted, “This is just the beginning. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of Nigeria’s seniors.”

The Geri-Care Health Scheme is designed to address the unique healthcare needs of Nigeria’s elderly population. The scheme offers convenient and affordable payment options for long-term healthcare, access to prompt medical reviews and specialist care, physiotherapy and occupational therapy services, day activities and social programs, and comprehensive geriatric care services.

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, a trustee of JBS Elderly Care Foundation Africa, echoed Dr. Ajala’s sentiments, stressing the importance of affordable medical facilities. “We want affordable medical facilities. And the only way to do that is to sign into this plan, which will help you. This scheme is a game-changer for Nigeria’s seniors.”

The launch of the Geri-Care Health Scheme marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, offering hope for improved elderly care and a better quality of life for seniors. Since its launch, JBS Gerontology Centre has made significant strides. With over 400 hospitalisations, 850 outpatient clinic attendances and 900 seniors’ day activities unit sessions. Dr. Ajala’s commitment has sparked hope for Nigeria’s ageing population as the centre has become a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s elderly. Its seniors’ day activities unit and dementia day activities unit provide vital social interaction and cognitive stimulation. As Nigeria’s population ages, JBS Gerontology Centre is poised to revolutionise elderly care. With plans for nationwide expansion, international affiliations, and research initiatives, Dr. Ajala’s vision is clear: “We want to ensure that Nigeria’s elderly receive the care and dignity they deserve.” For Nigeria’s elderly, JBS Gerontology Centre is a haven, and Dr. Ajala’s work will undoubtedly transform the landscape of elderly care in Nigeria.

SecureID, MTN Nigeria Launch West Africa’s First Eco-Friendly Telecom SIM Card

Precious Ugwuzor writes that designed with the health, sustainability and lifestyle of both people and the planet in mind, SecureID recently launched West Africa’s first Eco-friendly telecom SIM Card in partnership with MTN Nigeria

Africa’s leading smart card manufacturing firm, SecureID has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and sustainability by introducing Nigeria’s first eco-friendly telecom SIM card in the ECOWAS region.

The product unveiling which recently held in Lagos in partnership with MTN Nigeria, marks a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications industry and reinforces SecureID’s position as a market pioneer.

Designed with both people and the planet in mind, the SecureID eco-friendly SIM card is designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of telecom operations without compromising on quality or performance.

The product is manufactured from recyclable materials and through the use of energy-efficient processes, aligning with global sustainability goals while meeting the high standards expected in the telecommunications industry.

The launch of the eco-friendly SIM card is part of SecureID’s broader commitment to sustainability across its entire value chain.

The company has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, minimize waste, and promote responsible resource management.

SecureID, Group CEO, Kofo Akinkugbe remarked that “We have always been at the

into every aspect of our operations, from sourcing raw materials to product end-oflife management towards building a better future whilst making a difference one SIM at a time.”

SecureID has a long-standing and enviable track record of introducing market-first solutions in Nigeria and across Africa. The company was the first in Sub-Saharan Africa to be certified by Visa, Mastercard and GSMA to produce and personalize smart cards, including indigenous payment card schemes – VERVE and AfriGO. This latest innovation further solidifies SecureID’s reputation as an industry leader committed to driving sustainable growth.

forefront of innovation in the smart card industry, this launch is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our ability to pioneer solutions that address both market needs and environmental concerns.”

She commended MTN Nigeria on its bold stance on sustainability initiatives and added, “This collaboration clearly demonstrate how

industry leaders with aligned goals can unite to drive meaningful change in the pursuit of a greener future.”

“Our passion for sustainability goes beyond product innovation,” explained Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria. “We have integrated environmentally friendly practices

As global attention increasingly shifts towards sustainable solutions, SecureID is poised to continue leading the charge. Through rigorous research and development, the company is actively exploring additional eco-friendly innovations across its product line, reinforcing its commitment to balancing technological advancement with environmental responsibility.

SecureID is Africa’s leading smart card manufacturing company based in Nigeria, serving clients across 21 Africa countries. With a focus on innovation, quality and sustainability, SecureID provides cutting-edge solutions for the financial, telecoms, and public sectors.

L-R: A trustee of JBS Elderly Care Foundation Africa, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; CEO/Founder of JBS Gerontology Centre, Dr. Olutoyin Akande Ajala; Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa and Senator (Dr.) Bode Olajumoke during the event

L-R: Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo; General Manager, SecureID, Oluwole Dada; General Manager, Sustainability & Shared Value, MTN Nigeria, Kemi Adisa; Corporate Communications and Sustainability Manager, SecureID, Laura Ainah; Senior Manager, Sustainability & Shared Value, MTN Nigeria, Temilade Olabanji and Manager, ESG & Impact Reporting, MTN Nigeria, Oluwaseun Agbebi during the unveiling of Nigeria’s first eco-friendly SIM cards powered by SecureID and MTN in Lagos, recently

Vitafoam’s Revenue Up 56%, Assures Investors of Long-term Potentials

Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, a leading manufacturer of reconstituted foams and topnotch household materials has assured the investing public of its commitment to delivering values despite the inclement operating environment, characterised by high operating costs and low consumer purchasing power. In a statement released to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) in line with its Post Listing Requirement of prompt dissemination of information, the Group’s unaudited interim financial results indicates a revenue of N82.58 billion as at 30th September, 2024 as against N52.99 billion in the preceding year, an increase of 56 per cent. The Group also

posted an Operating Profit of N7.54 billion as against N6.99 billion in the corresponding year.

However, the Group’s Profit Before Tax declined from N6.01 billion to N1. 525 billion while the cost of sale rose from N35.04 billion to N52.54 billion. These were moderated by high cost of forex and other operational expenses.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Taiwo Adeniyi, said: “Vitafoam has always navigated challenging environments before and emerged stronger. We are taking proactive measures to mitigate current challenges and capitalise on emerging op-

portunities. Our focus remains on delivering sustainable value to our shareholders, customers, and stakeholders. We are working diligently to improve operational efficiency. Our diversified product portfolio will drive future growth. Our innovative products and strategic investments will enhance competitiveness.”

Over 95 per cent of Vitafoam’s sales are made in Nigeria and the company’s six subsidiaries are up and running. The subsidiaries are: Vitafoam Sierra Leone Ltd,; Vitapur Nigeria Ltd.; Vitablom Nigeria Ltd.; Vitavisco Nigeria Nigeria Ltd.; Vono Funiture Products Ltd. and Vitaparts Nigeria Ltd.

MAX, PASH Global Invest $10m to Expand Nigeria’s EV Infrastructure

MAX, Africa’s leading mobility and electric vehicle platform, has entered into a strategic partnership with PASH Global, a renewable energy and impact investment firm, to invest $10 million in expanding Nigeria’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

The collaboration aims to develop a widespread network of EV charging stations across urban centers, accelerating Nigeria’s transition to clean, sustainable mobility. The initiative will support the adoption of electric motorcycles, three-wheelers, and cars, addressing transportation challenges and driving greener, more inclusive urban mobility solutions in Nigeria.

CEO and co-Founder of MAX, Adetayo Bamiduro, said: “This partnership with PASH Global represents a monumental step forward in our mission to decar-

bonize Africa’s transportation sector. By building the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles, we are not only making it easier for drivers to transition to cleaner options, but we are also helping reduce the continent’s reliance on fossil fuels. Together, we are enabling safer, more affordable, and sustainable transportation for millions of people across Nigeria.”

PASH Global, leveraging its renewable energy expertise, will finance and implement clean energy solutions to power MAX’s EV fleet and charging infrastructure. The partnership aligns with Nigeria’s goals of reducing carbon emissions, boosting energy independence, and driving sustainable economic growth.

CEO and Managing Partner of PASH Global, Kofi OwusuBempah, said: “We are excited to partner with MAX, a company

that is leading the charge in transforming Africa’s transportation landscape. By combining our renewable energy and EV Infrastructure expertise with MAX’s innovative mobility solutions, we are creating a blueprint for clean mobility in Nigeria and setting a powerful example for the rest of the continent.”

The partnership highlights MAX’s dedication to job creation and economic empowerment, as the development of EV infrastructure will generate jobs in construction, maintenance, and operations. It also strengthens Nigeria’s position as a leader in sustainable transportation and clean energy. Together, MAX and PASH Global are committed to improving urban mobility, reducing pollution, and creating lasting economic value for communities across Nigeria.

Wema Bank MD/CEO Receives CIBN Fellowship Award

In recognition of his exceptional performance in championing innovation and growth in the Nigerian financial services industry, the Managing Director and CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, has been awarded the Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

The CIBN Fellowship, which is the highest cadre of membership the Institute grants, is a hallmark of professional integrity, excellence and achievement. The prestigious award is a symbol of lifetime achievement and success, conferred on deserving individuals who have made a positive mark. The award stands as the epitome of professionalism, ethics and transformative success; an attestation to the remarkable

impact, admirable repute and extraordinary results that have identified Oseni as a force to be reckoned with in the banking and financial services industry. Reputed as a catalyst of innovation and positive transformation, Oseni, spearheaded the launch of ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank and a gamechanger in the financial services industry. Further reinforcing his reputation as a pioneer of innovation, Oseni rejigged the financial services industry earlier in 2024 with the launch of yet another “first-of-itskind” in the Nigerian banking industry, CoopHub, a digital solution tailored to the needs of cooperative societies and designed to empower cooperatives for optimal productivity. Moruf Oseni,

an MBA holder from Institut European d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) in France, a Master’s holder in Finance (MiF) from the London Business School and a B.Sc. holder in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, is also an alumnus of both the King’s College in Lagos and the Advanced Management Program (AMP) of Harvard Business School. Accepting the honours, Oseni expressed gratitude to the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria for acknowledging his impact, industry footprints and achievements with the awarding of the CIBN Fellowship Investiture.

Agritech Startups Win Venture Building Spots in Hackathon

FarmSlate, a startup connecting smallholder farmers with financiers, has won the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Agritech Hackathon 2024. Its winning solution uses artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and geospatial analytics. The startup received N3.5 million and will now participate in a venture-building programme.

The Agritech Hackathon, powered by Heave Ventures and supported by the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), set the stage for solutions addressing credit access, infrastructure, and food security challenges. AgroGuardians, which designed a tool to help

farmers identify crop diseases with actionable recommendations in both English and local languages, won the second-place prize of N2 million. CarbonEx, focused on connecting regenerative farming projects with carbon reduction funding from global firms, took home N1.5 million as a third-place winner.

Seven additional startups – Agrocist, Seedo, Dinerpro Agroecosystems, Growsmart, Coconoto, Kaloka, and PAYGO Microinsurance – will join the top three in a venture-building phase to advance these agritech solutions.

Divisional Head of Agribusiness at First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Kudzai Gumunyu,

said: “We are committed to supporting agribusiness funding and capacity building through various programmes, including digitization and agritech,” He called on new-generation techies in the agritech space to join FCMB in its efforts to boost agricultural productivity and food security, ultimately transforming rural areas into thriving economic centers.

The Bank’s interventions have resulted in better access to finance, research, and manpower development for individuals, smallholder farmers and companies in the agricultural sector, with a multiplier effect on the economy.

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00 the previous Thursday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference

Crudes (ORB)

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).

Agama: SEC to Infuse Cybersecurity, AI, Others in Curriculum Review

Kayode Tokede

In its avowed commitment to fostering a robust and comprehensive capital market education for Nigerian universities, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken steps to better align the curriculum to include Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Crypto among others in line with current market trends.

The Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama,

stated this at the inauguration of a committee to review the curriculum already approved by the National Universities Commission on Securities and Investment Management for Nigerian Universities and other tertiary institutions with Uche Uwaleke, foremost professor of Capital Market Studies of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, as Chairman. He said the initiative which has been ongoing, would remain a priority to the commission as

part of its efforts to equip future professionals with relevant capital market knowledge and skills.

“Due to new development in fintech, cyber security, Artificial Intelligence and others, there is a ned to expand the curriculum to accommodate the new trends. It is an important time and we want to latch in to be able to teach Nigerians, especially the young people about the capital market. In the light of this, the commission has set up a com-

mittee to review and enrich the existing curriculum to reflect these advancements.

“It is sad that people do not have a full grasp of capital market issues, we must do everything to share knowledge and educate people. We want to be the best Capital market among nations and that can only be possible due to the superiority of our knowledge. You are well placed to do this being in the Ivory Towers and I thank you for accepting to

serve as we look forward to a robust discussion,” Agama said. He disclosed that the terms of reference of the committee include: Review the NUC curriculum on Securities and Investment Management to include Non-Interest Capital Market (NICM); the Commodities Ecosystem; Financial Derivatives Market; Sustainable Finance, and Capital Market Regulations; Expand the “Introduction to Cryptocurrency” section of the NUC curriculum

to reflect current developments; and Develop a standard Capital Market Studies curriculum to be a d o p t e d by Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.

Members of the committee include: Prof. Augustine Agom of the Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Seth Akutson of the Kaduna State University, Prof. Chuke Nwude of the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Dr. Akeem Oyewole of Marble Capital Ltd.

TRADED ASOF OCTOBER 30/24

BUSINESS ISSUE

Innovations in Corporate Financial Strategies: A Tale of Two Economies

Uche Chukwukaelo

In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, corporate financial strategies are undergoing significant transformations. While the United States has long been a leader in financial innovation, Nigeria is emerging as a vibrant player, harnessing technology to drive economic growth. This article explores into the corporate financial strategies employed in these two economies, highlighting best practices from U.S. companies and exploring how Nigerian firms can adopt similar approaches to drive business success.

The U.S. Model: A Hub of Financial Innovation

The United States, known for its robust economy and dynamic business environment, has long been a breeding ground for financial innovation. American companies are leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing to stay ahead of the curve. Here are some key strategies that have propelled U.S. firms to the forefront of global business:

Fintech Integration: The U.S. has seen a surge in fintech startups that offer innovative solutions for payments, lending, investment, and risk management. Companies like PayPal, Square, and Robinhood have revolutionized the financial landscape by making transactions more efficient and accessible. These fintech solutions have been instrumental in reducing costs, improving customer experiences, and enhancing financial transparency.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Big data and advanced analytics have become cornerstones of corporate financial strategies in the U.S. Companies like Amazon and Netflix utilize data analytics to optimize supply chains, manage inventory, and forecast demand, tailor demands and improve customer engagement.

Sustainable Finance: U.S. companies are

increasingly embracing sustainable finance practices. Giants like Google and Apple have issued green bonds to fund environmentally friendly projects, aligning their financial strategies with broader sustainability goals. This not only enhances their corporate reputation but also attracts socially conscious investors.

Agile Financial Planning: The volatile nature of global markets necessitates agile financial

planning.

This allows for more flexible budget adjustments in response to market changes. This approach is evident in companies like Google, which continually reassess their financial strategies based on real-time performance metrics

Nigeria’s Emerging Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While the country faces infrastructural and regulatory hurdles, it also boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and a rapidly growing fintech sector. Nigerian firms can draw inspiration from U.S. best practices to enhance their corporate financial strategies:

Key Innovations: Embracing Fintech Solutions: Populary known as Mobile Banking and Payment Systems. With a large unbanked population, Nigerian companies are leveraging mobile banking platforms like, flutterwave and Paystack to facilitate transactions and broaden their customer base. By adopting fintech solutions for payments, lending, and financial management, Nigerian firms can streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve financial inclusion.

Leveraging Data Analytics: Nigerian companies can harness the power of data analytics to make informed business decisions. By investing in data infrastructure and talent, firms can gain insights into consumer behavior, optimize supply chains, and enhance operational efficiency.

Promoting Sustainable Finance: As global investors increasingly prioritize sustainability, Nigerian firms can attract investment by adopting green finance practices. Issuing green bonds and investing in renewable energy projects can not only drive business growth but also contribute to environmental sustainability.

Enhancing Financial Agility: Nigerian businesses can benefit from agile financial planning to navigate

economic uncertainties. Implementing real-time financial monitoring and scenario planning can help firms respond swiftly to market changes and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Bridging the Gap: Lessons for Nigerian Firms As Nigerian firms navigate their unique economic landscape, several best practices from the U.S. can be adapted to enhance their financial strategies:

1. Invest in Technology: Nigerian businesses should prioritize investments in technology that facilitate data-driven decisionmaking and improve operational efficiency. Adopting advanced analytics can help firms better understand market dynamics and customer preferences.

2. Enhance Agility: Implementing agile financial management practices can allow Nigerian companies to respond more effectively to market fluctuations and emerging opportunities. Regularly revisiting financial plans and strategies can enhance resilience.

3. Embrace Sustainability: By integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance ( ESG) criteria into their corporate strategies, Nigerian firms can appeal to socially responsible investors and align with global sustainability trends, potentially unlocking new funding avenues.

Conclusion

As the global economy continues to evolve, the tale of United States and Nigeria economies reveals that while the contexts may differ, the principles of innovative corporate financial strategies remain universally applicable. By learning from the best practices of U.S. firms, Nigerian businesses can strengthen their financial strategies, promote sustainable growth, and compete on a global scale.

•Uche Chukwukaelo is a Business Analyst with a multinational company based in Lagos Nigeria

Blending Education with Leadership Skills to Effect Transformation in Governance

The society today is full of divergent individuals with different upbringing and training. Some individuals acquire natural intelligence to move up in life, others get theirs through association and long period of copying and practicing, while a few are fortunate to go through education, where intelligence and leadership skills are taught and practiced. For the later category, they are not tired in going further to get the best in order to impart their knowledge to the overall benefit of the larger society.

However, the few people that fall in that category are not easy to come by, that is why, good leadership remains the bane of some third world countries including Nigeria from developing. Sometimes though, such personalities who can be referred to as scholars and geniuses usually are not given the opportunity to manage the resources on behalf of their people. It is not rocket science that America, Europe, Canada and other developed economies are doing well because they put their best in the position of leadership. I believe that when someone invests resources to acquire the requisite skills of leadership through continuous education in ivy league and world acclaimed institutions coupled with wide experience in the successful management of corporate entities and human beings, such a person is well positioned to lead a society aright. In pursuit of acquiring these ingredients of quality leadership, Chief Jerry Chukwueke (Ohamadike Owerre) recently championed Global CEO-Africa Executive Leadership Programme at the Lagos Business School (LBS), where he actively participated as a lead scholar, alongside other Africa top chief executives that drive their country’s economy and intra Africa trade. The essence of that executive leadership training was majorly to apply leadership

skills to drive success in business, public entities, governance, etc, as well as schooled deeply in the principle of overcoming barriers in leadership challenges and providing solutions.

Appreciating his experience at LBS, Jerry Chukwueke pondered “I’m very grateful to Lagos Business School. This is the first module for us and our cohort will move on to Yale University, USA in September and then to Strathmore Business School in Nairobi.” He described his sojourn as a great experience, adding that learning demands sharpening of ones leadership skills, knowledge and all other aspects of importance in achieving success.

In continuation of that executive leadership module, Chief Jerry Chukwueke is currently under-studying the principle of leadership in corporate world, governance, world affairs, reaching out to expand his global network and attract interest in potential foreign investment, building trust and confidence, and successfully overcoming challenges of underdevelopment, etc.

It is no wonder, Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld has this to say about one of his Nigerian students at Yale School of Management, in US, CHIEF JERRY CHUKWUEKE (Ohamadike), in an autograph he signed, thus: “Gerald is a brilliant leader who is revered by colleagues and constituents.”

This scheme is synonymous with JEFFREY SONNENFELD, Yale School of Management Professor, the President of Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, Coordinating Chairman CEOs of America and an informal advisor to five US Presidents.

Jerry Chukwueke’s colleagues in the executive training programme believe that the future no doubt belongs to those who made adequate preparations for it.

To further appreciate the credentials of this American icon who has testified of the great potential inherent in Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Sonnenfeld had advised the White House, U.S. State Department, U.S. Treasury Department, and Council of Economic Advisers on

Russian economic sanctions and business retreats and BusinessWeek listed him as one of the world’s 10 most influential business school professors and Directorship magazine has listed him among the 100 most influential figures in corporate governance. He is also the first academician to have rung the opening bells of both the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Exchange having done so ten times.

Chief Jerry Chukwueke while answering questions on why he embarks on this journey for further studies on leadership and governance including establishing relationships with world leaders as such, he says “we need to access the opportunities out there for our people to overcome poverty through direct foreign investments, grants, even as we take diplomatic advantage. Our target is to link up with people who can help the image of our country by way of contacts and potential foreign investment.

“This is beyond the politics of our people, it is about getting the right foreign contacts and demonstrating our own confidence to invest in our economy. When they know you by way of trust and you are involved in driving the seat of governance, they would be ready to overlook some political risks because of the confidence they have build on the person.”

Honestly, in a normal setting, it is not out of place for those who want to engage in leadership and governance, be it in the corporate world, personal business or public office to learn the ropes and acquire the required credentials to man such positions. In Nigeria, we are used to the fire brigade approach where governance and leadership are given on the basis of man-know-man, god-fatherism, and financial backup (money politics). No wonder, someone who suddenly finds himself in the position of leadership and governance does whatever he likes without solving the immediate and longtime needs of the people.

Therefore, Chief Jerry Chukwueke has through his penchant for further learning on leadership and governance, building trust and confidence of the

world leaders shown the way to go as a leader who is desirous to change the narrative of our situation. By equipping himself with these skills, he is good to go and definitely the relationship and trust he has built while engaging the likes of Professors Sonnenfeld and Benedict Orama, President/Chairman of Afreximbank would for sure make a way for him for the benefit of our people.

Concisely, Chief Jerry Chukwueke is a key founder of the Lekki Mega City through his Germane Group (the fastest growing megacity in West Africa) alongside Chevron Nigeria and HFP (Victoria Garden City Developer). This outstanding personality was in 1984 voted the most likely to Succeed Student at Morgan State University, Boltimore Graduate School in USA. Also he emerged as top 100 black owned businesses in America in 1990 (Friendship Ford/Mercury), Culpeper Virginia, Black Enterprises Magazine, Founding Director of Food Concept Nigeria Limited (Owners of Chicken Republic, and Free Rang Farms). He is visionary, courageous, bold and transformative.

Chief Jerry Chukwueke has strong political experience. In 2007, he was a concensus candidate for governor for Owerri zone, the zone that is favoured by the Imo Charter of Equity to produce the Governor of Imo State by 2027. He was a Vice presidential candidate of APGA in 2019. Jerry Chukwueke is popularly called in Imo State “the Great Mobilizer.” He was also a Chief Technical Adviser on New Imo project in 2023 to the government of Imo State as well as a Director, Campaign Organization of Governor Hope Uzodimma re-election. Each time you engage with him you hear his favorite word ‘transformation, transformation, and transformation. Jerry Chukwueke is out to engage in the transformation of our economy, be it in the State or at the national level.

Tinubu

Amby Uneze KSJI

POLITY

President Tinubu, It’s Mayday!

Ayoola Ajanaku

President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies have generated significant reactions in Nigeria, with many citizens feeling the effects deeply. Since his administration took office on May 29, 2023 where the gauntlet was thrown on the presidential dias nestled at the Eagle Square. PBAT’s “Subsidy is gone” pronouncement has thrown the economy into uncontrollable spin with the resemblance of a Mayday in aviation parlance and several key policy changes have led to economic challenges for the Nigerian populace, particularly around inflation, unemployment, and the cost of living.

The most impactful decisions include removal of fuel subsidy during PBAT’s honeymoon season with Nigeria citizens during the early days of his administration. One of Tinubu’s first major decisions was to remove the long-standing fuel subsidy. While the subsidy was seen as a drain on government finances, its removal has caused the price of petrol to skyrocket. Nigeria, despite being an oil-producing country, relies heavily on fuel imports due to its limited refining capacity. With fuel prices more than doubling, transportation costs soared, triggering inflation across various sectors, particularly food, goods and services. This has directly impacted the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, many of whom live below the poverty line.

Furthermore, currency unification and exchange rate liberalization is one hot potato that Tinubu’s administration implemented a more flexible exchange rate system, allowing the Naira to float against foreign currencies. Previously, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintained multiple exchange rates to manage inflation and reduce the impact of external shocks. With the unification of the rates, the Naira quickly depreciated, causing import costs to rise and contributing further to inflation. Nigerians now face higher costs for imported goods, including essential items such as food, medicine, and fuel.

The mountain high economic drawbacks do not end there, as high Inflation and cost of living killing the living. The combination of fuel price increases - PMS pump prices have experienced price hike twice in two months and the last whammy was the 1,000 Naira plus pegging, then currency devaluation, and pre-existing economic conditions (such as unemployment and poverty) has contributed to inflation levels not seen in recent history. Food prices in particular have become increasingly unaffordable for many families. Nigeria’s inflation rate has hovered around 32+% and 33+%, putting severe pressure on consumers and creating widespread economic anxiety. The middle class is shrinking and practically going into extinction - Right now it’s either you’re poor or rich at this rate), and more citizens are sliding into poverty, with some skipping meals to cope with rising costs.

The latest increase of petrol pump prices across the federation has further pushed up the cost of goods and services and worsened the economic strain on a struggling population gasping breath – ) Please don’t bother about the one percent on top of the pyramid). As Nigerians grapple with rising inflation and excruciating hardship, the president and C-in-C is on a working vacation in London and Paris, with a detached façade from the challenges of the masses. This growing disconnect fuels frustration, with consensus that the current administration lacks a clear plan and vision to address the nations economic woes. The road ahead seems long and difficult, as Nigerians need to brace themselves for impact with more challenges under PBAT’s leadership. The economic nerve centre that acts like a socio economic barometer for the nation has now become a shadow of itself thanks to the recent hike in fuel prices. The bustling energy and drive that used to define the aquatic city of splendour has faded, as all locomotion is considered before any. The rising cost of fuel has not only made transportation more expensive, but also forced businesses to scale back operations or shutdown completely. As a result, the city nestled by the Atlantic Ocean is now eerily quiet during the wee hours of the night, reflecting the deepening impact of the economic crisis on everyday life.

Before poisoned darts and vitriol fly in the direction of this author, the hinterland of Nigeria is not any better. This lucid treatise is not based on armchair conclusion that’s based on the economic oasis christened Lagos, as other federating units are considered to reach this conclusion.

Lest we forget, the rising Interest rates and borrowing costs are another piece of cake that the economy has to deal with. To curb inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria has maintained high interest rates, which have raised the cost of borrowing for businesses and individuals. While this policy is aimed at controlling inflation, it has stifled business growth, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and discouraged new investments. The result has been a sluggish economy with fewer job opportunities, exacerbating Nigeria’s unemployment problem.

In addition, social unrest and public backlash has greeted these economic policies that led to widespread discontent among Nigerians. Protests over the removal of the fuel subsidy have occurred across several states that spilled over into the loss of lives and properties. The increased cost of living has driven public frustration, with many criticizing the government for implementing reforms without adequate social safety nets in place.

All the pronouncement(s) on provision of CNG transportation and

removal of import duty on certain food items are neither here nor there.

While Tinubu’s administration has introduced temporary measures such as cash transfers to vulnerable populations, these have not been enough to offset the economic pain for most Nigerians.

It’s been mixed tales of reactions to the said economic reforms so far. While some economists and international institutions like the Bretton Woods institutions like the World Bank and IMF have praised the reforms as necessary for long-term stability and attracting foreign investment, the immediate effects have been harsh.

Critics argue that the government’s approach is worsening inequality, with the poorest Nigerians bearing the brunt of the changes.

The reforms may benefit Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability over time, but the short-term impact on households has been profound, leading to a sense of despair among many citizens and emotional panic beyond comprehension skyrocketing on basic needs such as feeding, transportation and housing.

The kernel of this submission will be incomplete without harping on the yoyo like locomotion at the petroleum ministry where the PBAT supritends as minister of petroleum. Te back and forth between industry regulator NNPCL and Dangote Refinery leaves a sour taste in one’s mouth. It’s a cacophony of pronouncement daily from all angles and the likes of IPMAN, MOMAN, NPA amongst others have joined the fray. All Nigerians ask for is to access petrol without hassles – Who says as the Yuletide season approaches the pump price might hit 1,500 Naira benchmark.

The usual suspects that appear as fuel scarcity then wither away after pulverizing the citizenry into subjection; It’s a well worn script that has become a recurring decimal in the scheme of affairs in this part of the world.

In a nation that’s one of the largest producers of crude oil – All that pervades the air is international prices, OPEC benchmark amongst others. Who says with the impending retaliation on Iran by Israel. Oil prices might hit the 100 US Dollars ceiling and pump prices will be adjusted to reflect this hike.

In a nutshell, PBAT’s economic reforms have had a severe impact on the daily lives of Nigerians. The medley of rising fuel pump prices, currency depreciation, and high inflation has pushed millions deeper into economic hardship and woes. While these policies are intended to address structural weaknesses in the Nigerian economy, they have created significant social and economic distress, with many citizens feeling that they are being pushed into economic doldrums. The long-term success of these reforms depends on whether the government can cushion their immediate impact and create conditions for sustainable growth.

*Ayoola Ajanaku is a Communications and Advocacy Specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria

Tinubu

L-R: Group Chief Information Officer, Dangote Group and brother of the author, Mr. Folorunso Aliu; Founder of Iniwrites, Ini Akpan, wife of the author, Mrs. Moremi

Africa, Mr. Dare Aliu; a guest, Aderinsola Omirin; TDA Group Board member, Adizat Adi; and Columnist/Writer, Japheth J. Omojuwa, all panelists at the official launch of the book ‘Everything Will Be All Right: TDA Story’, to mark the 40th birthday of Dare Aliu, held in Lagos...recently

R-L: National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director-General, Brigadier-General Yushau Dogara Ahmed, congratulates the Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, over his elevation as a substantive minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his congratulatory visit to the minister’s office in Abuja... recently

L-R: Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC), Mr. Ben Iloanusi; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’id Ahmed Alkali; and Chairman, Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN), Mr. Yinka Aderibigbe, during the presentation of an award and commemorative journal of the association to the minister at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island…recently

L-R: Entrepreneurship Development Manager, ALX Nigeria, Joshua Ibinabo War; Guest Speaker and Product Management Consultant, Chidi Afulezi; and Fellowship Specialist, ALX Nigeria, Nkechi Idinmachi, at the Exclusive Product Management Masterclass organised by ALX Nigeria in Lagos...recently

L-R: National Treasurer, Charted Institute of Bankers Nigeria (CIBN), Peter Ashade; second Vice President, CIBN, Mojisola Bakare-Asieru; President, CIBN, Prof. Deji Olanrewaju; Managing Director/CEO, Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni; President, Economic Society of Nigeria, Prof. Adeola Adenikiju; first Vice President, CIBN, Dele Alabi; and Registrar/Chief Executive, CIBN, Akin Morakinyo, at the 2024 Charted Institute of Bankers Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship Investiture in Lagos...recently

L-R: Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Epidemiologist, Dr. Lawal Lukman Ademola; acting Director, FCT Public Health Department, Dr. Dan Gadzama; and World Health Organisation (WHO), FCT Coordinator, Dr Kumshida Yakubu Bala, during the stakeholders’ strategic meeting on cholera outbreak in Abuja...recently

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG

Lagos Tackles Illegal Gambling, Signs Landmark MoU with UK

In a move set to reshape the gaming landscape in Nigeria, the Lagos government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom, marking a historic partnership to strengthen the enforcement of gaming and lottery operations across borders. This groundbreaking agreement, sealed at the prestigious International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) conference in Rome, is expected to revolutionize the regulatory framework for gaming in Lagos and ensure greater protection for consumers and operators alike.

Over the past two decades, Nigeria has experienced a remarkable surge in internet penetration, fundamentally transforming various sectors, including gambling. In the early 2000s, internet access was a luxury, with limited availability. However, advancements in technology and the widespread use of mobile devices have led to a dramatic increase in connectivity. By 2023, Nigeria boasted over 100 million internet users, making it one of the largest online markets in Africa.

This rise in internet access has paved the way for the proliferation of online gambling platforms, allowing operators to reach a much broader audience. However, it has also exposed the Nigerian market to the threat of cross-border illegal gambling activities.

and exposing players to increased risks.

The pressing need for stronger enforcement measures across borders has become increasingly clear. To

How Nigeria’s Pro League Forging Path for eSports

Emerging victorious at the 7th Nigerian Pro League (NPL), powered by 10N8E, 101 Gaming’s recent win serves as a testament to how eSports is gradually stepping into the mainstream in Nigeria, writes Iyke Bede

eSports is no longer confined to our satellite television screens, where viewers once caught glimpses of gamers battling for a share of the prize pool; it is now blossoming into a full-fledged culture embraced by people from all walks of life, from players to viewers. The growing enthusiasm witnessed in these live events, and an increasing involvement of local talent signal a shift in the perception of gaming, not just as entertainment but

as a serious industry.

“When you enter the eSports arena, it’s like supporting a football team,” said Adebayo Onigbanjo, founder of 10N8E, explaining the immersive elements that shape the NPL and other eSports events.

“You build an affiliation with a team.

These games are entertainment too—like in ‘Call of Duty,’ where instead of watching a scripted movie, you’re watching players control characters in real-time.”

While the NPL has made a name for itself, it has even gone as far as designing a unique trophy, emblematic of its vision for continued growth. This year, members of the 1011 Gaming will get to keep the trophy for a year as bragging rights for their ₦800,000 prize money. Before now, the NPL was a community-organised tournament until its acquisition in 2022.

“Like most gaming eSports, we have communities,” Onigbanjo clarified.

To revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) commenced efforts to support farmers nationwide. This ambitious project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote food security, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Its Executive Secretary, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, outlined NLTF’s food security plan for Nigeria during a meeting with Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security.

“We are dedicated to delivering Good Causes and promoting social welfare. Our support for the agricultural sector is a strategic intervention aimed at empowering Nigerian farmers, enhancing food security, and stimulating economic growth.”

“We are committed to working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this project. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on

the lives of Nigerian rural farmers and contribute to the country’s development,” said Adeyanju. Abdullahi praised NLTF’s commitment.

“This support will greatly benefit our farmers, especially those in rural

areas. We appreciate NLTF’s dedication to Nigeria’s agricultural development,” the minister stated.

The NLTF’s intervention is expected to benefit millions of Nigerian rural farmers and vulnerable in rural areas. By enhancing agricultural productivity and

“Whether it’s on a university campus or just a group of friends that say, ‘Oh, let us play,’ and that’s how NPL works.” He added, “NPL was started by a group and one of the key guys that started it still works with us. They didn’t have any prize pool, but, like I said, they were just friends. So, we acquired it when we started. We acquired that in 2022 to say, ‘Look, this is a community that I think we can take to the next level.’

And so, since we’ve joined, we’ve done NPL seasons four, five, six, and seven. We introduced the trophy last year. So, before that, there was no trophy; it is a physical trophy that people actually keep for a year.”

The NPL operates two splits (an adaptation of Tencent’s eSports tournament)—Harmattan and Rainy— selecting 10 teams based on the points system, while an additional team, voted as a fan favourite, is added to make 11 teams for the grand final.

This year’s grand final featured six games, with all 44 players competing in person.

combat the rise of illegal gambling activities, Nigeria must work with international partners to enhance its regulatory framework, share vital intelligence, and enforce laws against operators who attempt to bypass local regulations. Cross-jurisdictional reciprocity is now essential to protect consumers, promote fair play, and preserve the integrity of the Nigerian gambling sector.

At the forefront of these efforts is the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), Nigeria’s pioneer gaming regulatory body. The LSLGA, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bashir Are, has been committed to ensuring that the gaming industry in Lagos State operates according to global best practices.

Are, who also serves on the board of trustees of the IAGR, delivered a key address at the conference in Rome titled ‘Navigating Borders: Cross-Jurisdictional Enforcement in Combatting Illegal Gambling’.

During his speech, Are emphasised the significance of the MOU with the UK, describing it as a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to sanitize the Nigerian market.

He stated, “Illegal online gambling is a global issue, with estimates suggesting that this unregulated market generates between $40 billion and $50 billion annually. These figures are approximate due to the difficulty in tracking and reporting activities in unregulated markets. In certain regions, the illegal gambling segment can account for up to 20-30% of the total online gambling market, making enforcement all the more critical.”

Under the MOU terms, Lagos and the UK will collaborate to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to bolster the gaming regulatory framework and enforce measures against illegal lottery operations. This partnership will allow Lagos to tap into the UK’s world-class regulatory systems, empowering the LSLGA to oversee the industry and close regulatory gaps better. Additionally, the MOU ensures that operators legally licensed in the UK—the most regulated gaming market in the world—cannot engage in illegal activities within Lagos.

The agreement represents a monumental step in Lagos State’s ambition to become Africa’s gaming hub, drawing investment and creating a secure, responsible, and fair gaming environment. It also positions Lagos as a model of best practices in the global gaming industry, potentially attracting significant economic growth through increased tourism and investment. As part of its broader vision, the LSLGA has spearheaded efforts to establish a more elaborate and inclusive Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF). This forum aims to foster collaboration between African regulators, enabling the continent to take a united stand against illegal gambling activities. With this initiative, Lagos State is once again leading the charge, ensuring that African nations work together to promote a secure and thriving gaming industry. Are commended the steadfast support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State House of Assembly for their unwavering dedication to making Lagos the leading gaming hub in Africa.

“This success would not have been possible without the vision and support of our Governor and the Lagos State House of Assembly. Their leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that Lagos remains at the forefront of gaming innovation and regulatory excellence in Africa,” he said.

As Nigeria’s gaming industry continues to evolve in response to technological advancements and increasing internet penetration, the collaboration between the Lagos government and the UK will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of gaming and lottery operations in Nigeria. With the LSLGA at the helm, Lagos is well on its way to becoming a beacon of responsible gaming practices and a model for regulatory excellence across Africa.

promoting food security, this initiative will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

SWEDISH-NIGERIAN BUSINESS FORUM DISCUSSING ONGOING INVESTMENTS...

L-R: President of Arla West Africa, Anna Månsson; Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida; Chief Executive Officer, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; Nigerian Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar; Chairman, Partner and Head of Advisory, Epicenter Stockholm, Mr. Edgar Luczak; Vice President of Nigeria, Mr. Kashim Shettima; Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang; and Swedish Ambassador, Annika Hahn- Englund, at the Swedish-Nigerian Business Forum discussing ongoing investments in Nigeria, held in Lagos ... recently

FG Restores Power Supply to Some Northern States after 10-day Blackout

confirms repair of vandalised Uguwaji-APIR 330kV transmission line

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

meets Senate, blames sabotage, vandalism for power cut

The federal government yesterday announced the restoration of bulk power supply to some parts of the north, saying it was in fulfilment of its promise to the region after more than 10 days in total darkness.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated that the restoration was achieved on Wednesday, October 30 at about 4:56pm, following the completion of repairs on the vandalised section of the line.

The blackout which affected 17 States occurred when vandals damaged the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which is the main power supply line to the north.

With the restoration of the line, a statement signed by the minister’s spokesman, Bolaji Tunji stated that the Apir-Lafia 330kV transmission line 2 is now operational, while bulk power transmission has been restored to Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe States.

“The engineering team will also

continue restoration work on the affected sections of the vandalised 330kV transmission line two. All necessary materials for the repairs are on hand, while work will begin as soon as the site is secured for the safety of personnel,” Adelabu stated.

Also, teams of linesmen will repatrol the 330kV line 2 to ensure that no other sections are impacted as the repair works progress, the statement added.

Earlier, the Minister of Power, Adelabu, attributed the blackout in

the northern part of the country to sabotage and vandalism of electricity infrastructure, insisting that it’s not due to grid collapse.

The minister, a statement by his spokesman, Tunji, said, spoke when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Power at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Adelabu told the lawmakers that urgent measures must be taken to secure the nation’s assets from being ruined by bandits and terrorists, but noted that serious efforts were

FG Moves to Halt Incessant Building Collapse, Inaugurates Disciplinary Tribunal

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has inaugurated a seven-man disciplinary tribunal as part of efforts to stem the growing cases of building collapse in the country.

The disciplinary tribunal is charged with the duty of considering and determining any case of infraction by the members referred to it by the panel which is part of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON).

Speaking at the event, the minister expressed the federal government’s dedication to collaborate with professional bodies and regulatory agencies in the built environment, in order to ensure that it meets global standards.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

European Union (EU) has invested €10.5 million as grant support for the resolution of farmers’/herders’ crises in Taraba and Adamawa states through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). IOM Chief of Mission, Paola Pace, revealed this at a meeting with stakeholders on “Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict Over Natural Resources Between Farmers and Herders Communities in Taraba and Adamawa States, Nigeria, (COMITAS).”

“Today, we mark a very important step towards strengthening accountability within the building profession in our dear country. I have always believed that establishing structures, systems, and procedures that enforce adherence to professional standards and ethics is crucial.

“Equally important is ensuring that those who fail to comply with these standards are held accountable.

The Builder's Disciplinary Tribunal, which I will be inaugurating here today, embodies these principles,” Dangiwa stated.

The fear of punishment can be a strong motivator for ethical conduct, he said, stressing that in any profession, the temptation to cut corners exists.

“But in a profession like building, which directly affects the safety and

The meeting was organised by IOM, Mercy Corps, and Search for Common Ground on Wednesday in Abuja

Pace said, “IOM is proud to have facilitated policy dialogues on the National Climate Change Policy of Nigeria ensuring that local voices were represented in the shaping of climate adaptation priorities. This is critical to ensuring the progress we have made under COMITAS remains sustainable and forward looking.

“On behalf of IOM, I extend my deepest gratitude to the European Union

wellbeing of our citizens, adherence to regulations and standards is nonnegotiable.

“Builders hold the responsibility to construct safe, reliable structures that protect lives. Any compromise here is a compromise on safety, and the consequences, as we have seen, can be catastrophic,” he added.

He recalled the recent wave of building collapses across the country, reiterating that last week, a tragic incident in Lugbe claimed five lives, leaving families devastated and exposing gaps in enforcement and professional diligence.

“This is not an isolated case but part of a recurring pattern that demands our attention and decisive action,” he explained.

Dangiwa disclosed that the Builder's Disciplinary Tribunal will not only

for their EUR 10.5 million grant through the foreign policy instrument, which made this project possible.”

She added that COMITAS had been a collaborative endeavour with its partners and the local communities in Adamawa and Taraba states, where the project was currently ongoing.

Pace said, “Since 2021, this initiative has made significant an impact on peacebuilding and conflict mitigation in Adamawa and Taraba states. Over four years, we have worked together to

uphold the standards of the profession but will also serve as a guardian of public safety and sends a strong message that under President Bola Tinubu, negligence, misconduct, or compromise on safety standards will not be tolerated in the building industry.

“As members of this tribunal, your task is to uphold the trust and credibility of the building profession by ensuring that disciplinary cases are managed with integrity, fairness, and transparency”, he told the members.

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, the Chairman of the Registered Builders Disciplinary Tribunal, Samson Opaluwah, Stated that the inauguration of the tribunal signified that regulation by law was being further entrenched in the building industry.

empower communities, strengthen social cohesion, and improve livelihoods for those affected by the conflicts between farmer and herder communities.”

EU Political Officer, Politics, Press and Information Section, Agnieszka Torres Del Oliveira, said EU was keen on peace and security.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, affirmed the positive effects the project had made in the state, especially in boosting agriculture following restoration of harmonious existence between farmers and herders.

ongoing to restore electricity to the region.

He also informed the lawmakers that the ministry was working in collaboration with the National Security Adviser (NSA) and other security agencies to ensure that normalcy was restored.

“What we are witnessing, particularly with regard to the power situation in the north is unfortunate but worrisome. I also want to inform you that it is far from grid collapse but purely sabotage and vandalism. The transmission line that takes power to the north was destroyed by bandits and terrorists and what can we do about that?

“It has happened before that this same line that transmits power from Shiroro to Mando and Kaduna was vandalised and we fixed it without anybody knowing about it. But this time around, it is extremely bad.

“ The bandits also threatened

our contractors, who were to fix the line back and that is why we sought the help of the NSA and other security agencies to get the line restored back. We have explored an alternative route, which is the Bauchi route and that one also was vandalised anyway but that is easier for us to deal with,” the minister said.

He equally told the senators that Nigeria must invest seriously in the power sector for the country to navigate out of its current crisis such as the incessant grid disturbances. He also said the ministry was investing in the solar energy option as an alternative to the grid.

“Beyond all these that we are saying, we need to be looking at alternative to power supply and the one that is most acceptable now is the solar power. All of the 20 states of the north are blessed with sunshine.

NUPENG Cautions Oil Operators on ADITOP, Says No Recognition for New Group

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has cautioned other stakeholders in the oil industry not to accord recognition to some petroleum marketers under the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP), ahead of its meeting today (Thursday).

President and General Secretary of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, made the declaration in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday.

The new association, it was learnt, has fixed Thursday for a gathering of its members in Abuja to discuss as part of its agenda, the challenges of truck owners and oil marketers in the down stream sector.

But NUPENG in its statement warned the general public, particularly players in the oil sector to be wary of the new group.

NUPENG maintained that only the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Independent Petroleum Marketers

Association of Nigeria, (IPMAN), Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) as well as Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) are legitimate associations known to it. It further maintained that only NUPENG and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) are the two umbrella bodies for oil and gas workers in Nigeria known to law.

"The general public and government institutions are hereby warned and strongly advised to be very wary of these individuals who are desperately seeking ways and means to continue to exploit Nigerians and collecting rents in other manners since the current administration removed subsidy from petroleum products.

“The leadership of our great union recognises NARTO as the legitimate umbrella body of transporters in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and employers of Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) of which our union has collective bargaining agreement with on behalf of petroleum tankers drivers.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

INVESTITURE CEREMONY OF COMMITTEE OF E-BUSINESS...

Environmental, Health Damages: Bayelsa Demands US$12bn from IOCs

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State has demanded from international oil companies (IOCs) US$12 billion over the course of 12 years, for the repair, remediation and restoration of the environment and public health damage caused by oil and gas exploration.

The demand was also to facilitate laying of the foundations for Bayelsa’s just transition towards renewable energy and opportunities for alternative livelihoods.

Diri made the demand on Wednesday in Abuja at the International Oil Pollution and Just Transition Conference. He lamented, “Not too many decades ago, we could cast nets into abundant waters, reaping enough catches to nourish entire families. However, the oil boom has brought doom. Our lifeblood – our rivers –now flow with toxic oil residue instead of vibrant life.

“We are a people of the river and the land; fishing and farming were

Report: Heat-related Deaths, Diseases Rising Globally Due to Climate Change

Urges urgent divestment from fossil fuels to save humanity Says despite repeated warnings, trillions of dollars being directed into fossil fuel subsidies

A new report has warned that climate change is raising temperatures to unprecedented dangerous levels globally, resulting in more deaths and the spread of infectious diseases, while worsening drought and food security.

The Lancet Countdown, an annual report, which was released Wednesday based on work by 122 experts, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), revealed that of 15 indicators that the experts had been tracking over the last eight years, 10 had “reached concerning new records." This included increasing extreme weather events, elderly deaths from heat, and people going without food as droughts and floods hit crops.

According to the report, the elderly are the most vulnerable, with the number of heat-related deaths in persons aged 65 and above reaching a level of 167 per cent in 2023, above the number of such deaths in the 1990s.

The report explained that year-onyear, the deaths directly associated with climate change were increasing.

Data from the report indicated that in 2023, which was the hottest year ever recorded, climate change added 50 extra days of dangerously high temperatures for the average person.

The surge in extreme heat impacted health, labour productivity, and food

systems, with even worse effects anticipated if global warming continues unchecked, the report said.

Beyond the human toll, the report stressed that economic losses from extreme weather events alone were staggering, estimated at $227 billion per year over the past five years (2019–2023), a value that exceeded the GDP of 60 per cent of the world’s economies.

It stated that heat did not just affect the mortality and increasing deaths, but also increased the diseases and the pathologies associated with heat exposure.

Explaining that rising temperatures were equally inflicting profit losses, the report stated that extreme heat in 2023 resulted in a global loss of an estimated 512 billion potential labour hours, worth hundreds of billions of dollars in potential economic losses.

Many outdoor and agricultural workers were finding it impossible to continue working through increasingly extreme heat conditions, threatening livelihoods in already vulnerable communities, it added.

The Lancet report also tracked how oil and gas companies, as well as some governments and banks, were “fuelling the fire” of climate change.

It blamed large oil and gas companies, which had been posting record profits involved in increased fossil fuel production since last year.

once our essence. These vocations, passed down through generations, taught us patience, respect for nature, and the value of hard work. But the unchecked activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) have turned the prolific rivers and fertile soil of Bayelsa into a wasteland.”

He equally regretted, “Our breadwinners, robbed of their ancestral legacy, toil on unforgiving, polluted land and fish in toxic waters, only to return with empty nets. Their families face crippling hunger and suffocating despair.”

The governor revealed that he just received a report from the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, titled, “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human and Environmental Costs of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria.”

He said, “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.”

According to the governor, “Indeed, oil pollution and relentless gas flaring

have engendered a grim tapestry of alien health conditions in Bayelsa; children are being born with severe deformities, respiratory diseases flourish, stubbornly defying even the most advanced medical interventions and therapies.

“Cancer, once a rarity have surged in prevalence, infiltrating the villages like a spectre that haunts the very fabric of daily life.

“The environment itself has become a crucible of suffering. The air hangs thick with toxins, while the water, once a source of life, now flows with pollutants that carry the weight of despair.

“This unrelenting barrage of environmental degradation has transformed Bayelsa into an epicentre of health crises, forging a reality where illness and suffering have become the norm rather than the exception.”

Diri said the report noted that as a direct consequence, “Life expectancy in Bayelsa has plummeted to just 50 years”, sinking well below levels deemed acceptable by global standards.

He added, “Despite these burdens, we continue to demonstrate an indomitable spirit, navigating daily struggles with a painful resilience that belies our longing for a healthier and more hopeful future.”

He stated, “This report, therefore, has not only captured our plight, but it has also amplified our voice; a voice that has cried out for decades, unheard.

“For too long, we've pleaded for mercy, only to be met with indifference. Our children's futures, our heritage, and our very existence hang in the balance. And today, I bring that voice before you.”

The governor said, “Let me echo a resounding call of the commission to the IOCs that: ‘concerted international action to generate and invest at least US $12 billion over the course of 12 years to repair, remediate and restore the environmental and public health damage caused by oil and gas and to lay the foundations for Bayelsa’s just transition towards renewable energy and opportunities for alternative livelihoods.’”

He called for cooperation from other oil producing states in the battle for environmental justice. In his welcome address, Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, said the conference came at a pivotal moment in the socioecological history of Nigeria.

Bassey stated, “Extractivism and accompanied pollution have wreaked extensive damage in the physical, socioeconomic and cultural spheres of our national life. They have worked together to build a warped future, which must be deconstructed, and reconstructed.

“The report highlighted the incredible extent of petroleum pollution in Bayelsa State and has given us a vivid picture of the extreme damage that almost seven decades of crude oil exploitation has done to the entire Niger Delta region particularly with regard to both environmental and human health. It is pure environmental genocide and there is no way to sugar-coat its horrors.”

WHO: Nigeria, 29 Other Countries Accounted for Estimated 87% Global TB Cases in 2023

Africa, Europe achieve highest reduction in infection rates

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has disclosed that the 30 tuberculosis (TB) burden countries, including Nigeria, accounted for 87 per cent of all estimated incident cases worldwide in 2023.

Eight of the 30 countries accounting for more than two thirds of the global total were India (26 per cent), Indonesia (10 per cent), China (6.8 per cent), the Philippines (6.8 per cent), Pakistan (6.3 per cent), and Nigeria (4.6 per cent).

Others were Bangladesh (3.5 per cent) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3.1 per cent).

The top five countries accounted for 56 per cent of the global total.

In its Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, WHO stated that TB had probably returned to being the world’s leading infectious disease killer.

According to the UN health agency, the global rise in the number of people falling ill with TB (incident cases), which started during the COVID-19 pandemic,

has slowed and started to stabilise. It added that the total was 10.8 million (95 per cent ) uncertainty interval (UI) in 2023, a minor increase from 10.7 million in 2022, although still much higher than 10.4 million in 2021 and 10.1 million in 2020.

WHO revealed that most of the global increase in incident cases between 2022 and 2023 reflected population growth, and explained that incidence rate (new cases per 100,000 population) in 2023 was 134.

The report said, "Most of the people who develop TB disease each year are in 30 high TB burden countries, which accounted for 87% of the global total in 2023. Five countries accounted for 56% of the worldwide total: India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), the Philippines (6.8%) and Pakistan (6.3%).

"In 2023, 55% of people who developed TB were men, 33% were women and 12% were children and young adolescents.

"The global number of deaths caused by TB fell in 2023, reinforcing the decline that was achieved in 2022 after 2 years of increases during the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021). TB caused an estimated 1.25 million deaths (95% UI: 1.13–1.37 million) in 2023, including 1.09 million among HIV-negative people and 161,000 among people with HIV.

"The total was down from best estimates of 1.32 million in 2022, 1.42 million in 2021 and 1.40 million in 2020, and below the pre-pandemic level of 1.34 million in 2019.

"Despite this progress, TB has probably returned to being the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent (replacing COVID-19).

"Globally, the net reduction in the TB incidence rate between 2015 and 2023 was 8.3%, far from the WHO End TB Strategy milestone of a 50% reduction by 2025. The WHO African and European regions have made the most progress (reductions of 24% and

27%, respectively); 79 countries achieved reductions of at least 20%.

"The net reduction in the global number of deaths caused by TB between 2015 and 2023 was 23%, almost one third of the way to the WHO End TB Strategy milestone of a 75% reduction by 2025. The WHO African and European regions have made the most progress (reductions of 42% and 38%, respectively); 43 countries achieved reductions of at least 35%.

"Reductions in the number of deaths from TB since 2022 and the slowing increase in the TB incidence rate are the result of substantial post-COVID recovery in TB diagnosis and treatment."

WHO said it was confronted with a multitude of formidable challenges, including funding shortfalls, catastrophic financial burdens for many TB-affected households, climate change, conflict, migration and displacement, pandemics, and the urgent need to tackle drugresistant tuberculosis, a significant driver of antimicrobial resistance.

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

L-R: Registrar/Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN), Akin Morakinyo HCIB; 2nd Vice President CIBN, Mojisola Bakare-Asieru FCIB; President, CIBN, Ajibade Laolu-Adewale HCIB; Chairman, Committee of eBusiness Industry Heads (CeBIH) and Chief Partnership Officer, Wema Bank Plc, Prof. Pius Deji Olarenwaju FCIB; 1st Vice President, CIBN, Dele Alabi FCIB; and National Treasurer, CIBN, Dr. Peter Ashade FCIB at the Investiture Ceremony of the Committee of eBusiness Industry Heads (CeBIH) Chairman, as Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria ... recently

Obaseki, Zamfara Gov, Others Inaugurate Newly Reconstructed Edo College of Health Sciences, Technology

Zamfara gov: He has rekindled hope in Edo, Nigeria

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his Zamfara State counterpart, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and other dignitaries, on Wednesday commissioned the Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), which has been reconstructed and upgraded to meet global standards.

Obaseki at the triple event, including the commissioning, matriculation and 60th anniversary of the institution said his government in the last eight years has revamped all healthcare institutions and built a resilient system to cater for the health care needs of Edo people.

Others at the event include the Edo State Deputy Governor, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo; candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and chairman of the

Edo PDP, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, among others.

Governor Obaseki, who called for support from all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of all programmes and projects embarked on by his government to better the lives of the people, said the revamping of institutions is part of his administration's commitment to build on the legacy of the state's founding fathers.

Obaseki said: “60 years ago, our founding fathers, having broken away from the Western Region and founded the Mid-West Region and decided that an institution like this was very important to our healthcare system and therefore founded this school 60 years ago.

“For some accidents of history, people came along the line and never appreciated an institution like this.

But COVID-19 opened my eyes to the state of healthcare in Edo

State and Nigeria. Our inability to respond to COVID-19 scared me of that pandemic.

“COVID-19 caged everybody both rich and poor and the lessons of COVID-19 for me is that we should be able to build our own. We must build our healthcare system.

“Healthcare is not just the hospital or infrastructure you see but the most important thing in the healthcare system are the people who must be able to deliver services to you.

“COVID-19 opened my eyes. The school of nursing closed down, no accreditation, school of health technology was closed down too. How are we therefore employing people working in our hospital?”

Further according to Obaseki, “I brought down Central Hospital and have no regret as we now have 10 primary healthcare centers replacing that and serving the people well now. Go and see what we have done with

and other places we are building centres.

“Nigeria has more than 25,000 political wards, and the policy is that there must be one PHCs in every ward so that the sick doesn’t need to travel far to get medical care. We have almost 200 wards in Edo. If you need 10 people in each PHC, how many workers would we require. That's about 2,000. Where do we train them?

“In Nigeria, we need more than 250,000 healthcare workers from our PHC system.

“To develop any system, the focus must be on the middle level manpower and it's important to train every other worker in the chain to enable us get quality healthcare.

“An effective primary healthcare center helps detect diseases and safe lives because the disease is treated entirely and will not lead you seeking

Mbah Flags Off 78.85km of Multiple Roads in Nkanu East, West LGAs

Sets timeline for contractors

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Wednesday, flagged-off the construction of multiple road projects totaling 78.85km in Nkanu East and Nkanu West Local Government Areas of state. At Amodu in Nkanu West LGA, Governor Mbah performed the symbolic groundbreaking for the 9.30km Amodu-Akpugo Road, 5km Amagu-Atakwu-Akegbe Ugwu-Akpasha Road, and 3.12km Obuofia-Obeagu-Akegbe Ugwu Road totaling 17.32km.

Also, at Nara in Nkanu East LGA, the governor flagged-off the construction of the 12.96km Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara Road, 7km Nomeh-Oduma Road, 7.20km Mburubu-Nkereffi Road, 9km Nara-Nkerefi Road, 9.7km AmagunzeIhuokpara-Ugbawka Road, 8.67km Akpawfu-Akpugo-Amagunze Road with a spur to Umuoma Onicha, and 6.90km Isiogbo Nara-Isu Road, all toalling 61.43km.

Mbah said: “In the last few days, we have flagged-off about 90km of roads and bridges across these various local governments. Today, we are here

to again perform this all-important event of the flag off.

“What you see here at this location may just be project signages indicating a few kilometres of road, but in actual terms, we are here to flag-off the construction of about 90km of roads in both Nkanu East and Nkanu West. But we cannot just go to all the roads one after the other.

“What we are about to witness in our various communities is an agricultural renaissance. As you already have known, we are setting up farm estates in different wards on a minimum of 200 hectares of land each.

“The farm estate would ensure that we take our agriculture potential to an industrial scale. So, our growth in agriculture will not just be for food. Agriculture for us will be a serious business and a major force for economic growth.

“We equally understand that if we are trying to attract cottage industries in our various rural areas, we must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that we have wide and paved roads.

“These roads are not only going

to seamlessly connect Nkanu East to the West, but also Aninri LGA, and Ebonyi State.”

The governor assured the people that he looked forward to commissioning the roads in a few months’ time.

His words; “We want to assure you that we are not in the business of abandoning projects. We cannot take up projects that we have not budgeted for and projects that we have not secured funding for.

“We are equally particular about timelines because we have no tolerance for cost and time overrun. We freeze the cost; we freeze the timeline. We agreed with the contactors on when to deliver and if they fail to deliver, they will pay us liquidated damages.”

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects Development and Implementation, Arc. Uchenna Nwatu, assured the people of effective and intensive supervision to ensure quality delivery as demanded by the governor.

The Managing Director of

GOWASK Engineering Ltd, Hilary Abaratu, pledged to deliver the projects both in terms of high quality and timeframe spelt out in the contract.

Former deputy governors, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi and Bishop Ralph Nwoye; Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji; Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Ogbodo and his Nkanu East counterpart, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, took turns to commend the governor and list the numerous impacts the roads would make on the lives of the people when completed, describing the projects as life-changing.

Others present included Member representing Nkanu West State Constituency, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, and his Nkanu East State Constituency counterpart, Hon. Okey Mbah; Chairman, Nkanu West Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Obiora Igweshi, and the 1st Grand Patron, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Abel Nwobodo; Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih.

medical care abroad.

“These students here in this school will be trained to the highest quality because the facilities on this campus is better than the facilities in many universities in Nigeria. Just go round and see for yourself.

“I was here about two days ago to come and inspect the facilities here and saw young students coming into the institution for their academic pursuit, I was almost emotional.”

He continued: “In 2016, when I came in as governor, these young people did not have this opportunity but rather were victims of trafficking and illegal migration and were turned into slaves. The young ones had no hope as nobody cared for them as it was always about politics.

“When I look around and see the opportunities we are creating for young people, I have no regrets. If there is a need to fight, I will continue to fight for the interest and the betterment of the young people of Edo State.”

On the facilities in the institution, the governor noted, “This campus has free Internet, 24/7 electricity from Ossiomo Power and we have ensured that the selection process is based on merit.

“This project was started a year ago. I wish we had money, we would have started it earlier. People make things happen, not money alone.

“We hired the management of the institution about 6 months ago and they have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth takeoff of the programme. We are thinking about exchange programme with other institutions like this.”

On his part, the Zamfara State governor who commended Obaseki for prioritizing the needs of the people, noting that Governor Obaseki has rekindled hope in Edo State and Nigeria.

He said: “It’s truly a privilege and honour to be here at the instance of my brother and the good people of Edo State to share in this milestone in the life of the Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology, especially of the matriculating students.

“As we gather here, I am reminded of the transformative power of vision and determination under the capable and visionary leadership of His Excellency, my brother, Governor Obaseki, who has rekindled hope in Edo State that with a clear vision, excellence is possible despite all odds.

“Listening to the details of this whole project, I commend my brother for this shining example of what can be achieved when resilience, vision, and dedication comes together. As I looked at the students being matriculated here today, I will say to you that you are the symbol of our hope and pride.

INEC: SERAP’s Allegations on Prosecution of 2023 Electoral Offenders Untrue

Adedayo

Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the allegation by Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that it has failed to engage private lawyers to prosecute electoral offenders was not true.

The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement issued Sunday said SERS accused the Commission of failure or neglect to prosecute electoral offenders arising from the 2023 general election.

He added that the organisation also accused the Commission of failing to engage private lawyers to prosecute other electoral offences, including vote buying during the same election.

The National Commissioner explained that Governors and Deputy Governors have constitutional immunity from prosecution, stressing that SERAP cannot be unaware of this constitutional provision.

Olumekun stressed in any case, the Commission has no record that anyone of them has been arrested, investigated and a prima facie case established to initiate their prosecution. He said if SERAP had done basic fact check, it would have known that at the end of the 2023 general election, the Commission announced that it received 215 case files from the Nigeria Police following the arrest and investigation of alleged violators of the electoral laws across the country.

Olumekun maintained that these allegations are untrue and fly in the face of facts already in the public domain.

Oredo Primary Healthcare Center, Amagba, Evbuotubu

OBI'S THANK YOU VISIT TO SUPPORTERS IN ATLANTA...

Obi: I’m Not Desperate to Become President, I Want to See Nigeria Work

Anne Damisa, Atlanta Georgia

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has said that he is not desperate to become Nigeria’s president, but only interested in seeing a Nigeria that works.

Obi who kept mum about the possibility of him running for the office of the president in 2027, said his focus is not on the next election but on finding solutions

to Nigeria’s problems.

The former Anambra governor spoke in an interview with international journalist, Dr. Anne Damisa in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

“I’m not desperate to become Nigerian President. I am desperate to see Nigeria work. My focus is on how do we put food on the table of poor Nigerians,” Obi maintained.

Whether he runs for the office of the presidency or not, Obi promised to be part of the election process in

2027, assuring his followers that things will be different, especially as it relates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the electoral process.

“What happened in 2023 will not happen again” he said, and encouraged Nigerians who are disillusioned and have expressed their frustration that there might be electoral fraud in 2027.

He urged people who criticise him for being weak and believed he handled the Nigerian election

discrepancies in 2023 with kids gloves, and not forcefully, Obi asked them to have faith.

He urged them to continue to do good work while believing that a new Nigeria that works is possible without joining forces with crooked politicians who want power at all cost.

Addressing Nigerians in diaspora in a town hall meeting in Atlanta, during his appreciation tour of the United States, Obi said like former President Nelson

Police Arraigns Federal Lawmaker, Ikwechegh, for Assaulting Bolt Driver

The Nigeria Police Force Special Investigation Unit and the Legal Section, yesterday, said they had concluded investigations into the case of assault brought against Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, and arraigned him on the charges of “Abuse of Office, Criminal Intimidation and Criminal Force and Assault Contrary to Sections 397(b) and 265 of the Penal Code Act at the Kuje Magistrate Court.

The prosecution, the police said, was in response to a case of assault on a bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, by Ikwechegh, on

the night of October 27 2024.

A statement by Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also ordered a proper investigation into the matter to ensure that justice was served and promoting human respect and dignity in Nigeria.

This was as the police yesterday announced the arrest of no fewer than 371 armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnapping suspects, 242 Murder suspects, 63 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 217 rape suspects, 167

suspected cultists and recovery of 210 various firearms and 3172 ammunition of various calibres, in one month.

Adejobi said the IG also reaffirmed the police’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, reassuring members of the public that the force remained dedicated towards ensuring all fundamental steps were taken towards assuring justice always as no one was above the law.

The police, however, said the 242 murder suspects were nabbed within one month.

Parading the criminal suspects

in Abuja on Wednesday, Adejobi, said since October 1, 2024, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant achievements in the fight against crime.

"The Police was also able to recover 118 stolen vehicles and rescue 64 victims of kidnapping across the country.

"Turning to recent crimefighting achievements, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have made outstanding breakthrough in the fight against several types of violent crimes across the country, one of which is the arrest of a major arms dealer operating in Plateau State."

NCAA Explains Airworthiness Status of Crashed Helicopter

Chinedu Eze

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has revealed the status of the helicopter that crashed last week near Port Harcourt leading to the death of the eight souls on board.

The regulatory authority said it has to clear the air about the genesis of the aircraft due to conflicting reports that emerged after the tragic accident.

It was stated that the aircraft was initially registered in the year 2004 as 5N-BGN with Aero

Contractors after which it was deregistered to Canada in the year 2009.

Reports further stated that the aircraft registration was cancelled in September 2018 after it was "presumably scrapped", without clearly stating how the equipment was brought to Nigeria.

NCAA, in its response, stated that based on its records, the aircraft could be tracked not only by their registration marks but also by their Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN), adding that the

5N-BQG S76C+Helicopter has its MSN as 760486 while the 5N-BGN S76C+ Helicopter has its MSN as 760468.

The acting director general, NCAA, Chris Najomo, stated that the S76C+ Helicopter with registration marks 5N-BGN and MSN:760468 was initially registered at the age of seven Years on the 15th July, 2004 with Aero Contractors as the operator and Capital Aviation Services B.V. as the registered owner. Najomo said the registration was re-issued on the 13th

December, 2006 when the ownership of the helicopter changed to RBS Aerospace Limited.

He noted that the reports making rounds could not clearly differentiate the records of the recently crashed Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Ltd S76C+Helicopter with registration mark 5N-BQG and MSN: 760486 and the Aero Contractors re-registered Helicopter with registration marks 5N-BGN and MSN: 760468.

DHQ, Army: Alleged Bandits' Takeover of Military Training Camp, Baseless, Inconsistent

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said the alleged take over of the Nigerian Army Military Training Area in Kotangora LGA of Niger State was incorrect, inaccurate and inconsistent with realities on the ground.

The Headquarters of the Nigerian Army also said the peddled information was not only untrue, but utterly misleading and harmful, as it appeared calculated to incite unnecessary panic in the neighbourhood.

Nigerian Army insisted that its training areas remain secured, fortified, and designed to swiftly neutralize any security threat.

The Director Defence, Media Operation, Maj Gen Edward Buba, in a statement, averred that no inch of the training area has been ceded to the terrorist.

Court

"The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to media reports making rounds that the Niger State House of Assembly alleged that the Nigerian Army Military Training Area in Kotangora LGA of the state has been taken over by bandits.

“Firstly, this headquarters seize the opportunity to unequivocally state that, this allegation is incorrect and in accurate with realities on the ground.

"While, it is understanding that troops have recorded encounters with terrorists in the course of operating in the general area. No inch of the training area has been ceded to the terrorist," he said.

He stated that troops constantly eliminated the threat posed by terrorist criss crossing the vast area, adding that their clearance operations in the area had denied the terrorist freedom of action.

Moves Yahaya Bello's Arraignment to Next January

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Mr Yahaya Bello, over allegations bordering on money laundering, has been adjourned till January 21, 2025.

Beside the possible arraignment, the court would also deliver its ruling in a motion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), praying it to enter a "not guilty" plea on behalf of Bello who was absent in court.

At the last sitting on September 25, the former governor through his lawyer, Mr Michael Adoyi, had prayed the court to defer further proceedings in the matter pending the decision of the Supreme Court in his appeal against his arraignment.

The request was opposed by EFCC's lawyer, Mr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, prompting the court to adjourn to October 30, for ruling and possible arraignment.

When the matter came up on Wednesday, Pinheiro, who informed the court that he had two witnesses already in court, urged the judge to formally enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendant, even in his absence.

"My first application is to formally enter a plea of not guilty to the defendant, even in his absence. The second point is, not withstanding his physical absence, it is in full compliance with Section 276 of ACJA. Flowing from that entry my lord, it is a humble request that we call the first witness," he stated.

Mandela, who stood his ground in prison even when his people took a deal against his wish, he will continue to fight the good fight for a new Nigeria even if it means fighting alone.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

L-R: Attorney Charles Onyirimba; Labour Party 2023 Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; Pastor Paul Nzeagwu, Pastor Akorede Akindele, Dr. Anne Damisa, Pastor Joseph Dough and Dr. Emilia Orubele, at the Open Forum in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on Saturday

GUILD OF EDITORS VISIT IDRIS...

CBN: Effective Savings Culture Key to Economic Growth, Self Reliance

James Emejo in Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday emphasised the need to develop an effective and efficient savings culture in the country, particularly among the youths.

CBN acting Director, Consumer Protection Department, Mr. Ibrahim

Yahaya, pointed out that savings form a key part of bank deposits that drive lending in any economy.

Speaking at the financial literacy exhibition in commemoration of the 2024 World Savings Day celebration at the CBN Headquarters, Abuja, Yahaya stressed that good savings will provide resources for real sector

lending as well as support economic growth.

He urged Nigerians not to allow the current inflationary environment to discourage them from saving, pointing out that setting some money aside could be of immense help especially in times of difficulties as they have something to fall back on.

According to the CBN acting director, “This is an international event that is celebrated on October 31 each year and its emphasis or main objective is to promote the importance of saving as well as instill the culture of saving among the youths.

“There is the need to emphasise the importance so that right from

childhood you grow up with that discipline and the parents having that at the back of their minds to promote this idea of savings.”

Yahaya noted that one of the importance of savings was to help address some future events that might arise.

He said, “It is very important

Government Alone Can’t Achieve Sustainable Progress, Sanwo-Olu Declares

Jega seeks reform of leadership recruitment process

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the government alone could not achieve sustainable progress except the private sector plays a part.

He therefore charged Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, to promote the values that underpin good governance to ensure a future where the state's economic environment would empower and uplift its citizens.

This was as former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called for a reform of the leadership recruitment process, noting that the major challenge confronting

the appropriation bills before the appropriate House of Assembly before legitimate disbursement and withdrawal can be made.

“In the instant case, the 5th defendant (Fubara) has not presented any budgetary appropriation known to law to any legitimate House of Assembly. Sections 120, 122 and 197 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have not been complied with.

"It is unwarranted assault to the constitutional order for anybody, including the 5th defendant to be allowed or permitted to continue to breach and violate Sections 91 and 96 of the constitution to implement budget that was not approved by the legislative arm.

"Every individual must subject to the rule of law, using illegally constituted House of Assembly to disburse public fund must not be allowed."

Fubara:

I Was Ambushed in Peace Deal

Fubara clarified that the ambush was not done by the initiator of the agreement, President Bola Tinubu, but by those who tried to play smart to forcefully takeover the leadership of the state.

Nigeria was that most of the leaders were not prepared for leadership.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Directors held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said strong governmental institutions, effective leadership, and an unwavering commitment to transparency would build a strong and thriving economy.

“Government alone cannot achieve sustainable progress. The private sector plays a crucial role in advancing good governance.

“By adhering to ethical business practices, investing in sustainable initiatives, and insisting on

He spoke at the State Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship, held at the Main Bowl of Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre, along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt Old Township.

It was a commemoration service to thank God over the failed attempt to abruptly end his administration on October 30, 2023.

Fubara said while he sincerely implemented the details of the presidential peace accord, including withdrawing legal suits, the other party violated the accord, and went ahead to pursue their suits and secured judgement in their favour.

The governor stated, "We made a promise to you that we will continue to defend and protect the interest of Rivers State genuinely, and we are not going back on that. We will do it, and we will follow through with it. With your support, we will journey it to the end.

"Because we are people of peace, if there is any advantage that was taken over us, it is because of our genuine interest for peace. The preacher said something about peace.

“I want to tell you that we went to Abuja and Mr President, knowing the importance of peace of Rivers State, brought out some conditions. We came back here in this state.

transparency in governmental dealings, we can create an environment that fosters transparency and economic stability. Together, we can bridge the gap between intention and action,” he said.

He explained that the conference theme, “Good Governance as a Catalyst for Economic Recovery, Growth, and Development,” captured the current challenges and illuminated a path toward a more resilient and prosperous future.

“As leaders, we recognise that good governance is more than a moral obligation—it is an economic imperative. It is the key to unlocking our nation’s potential, attracting vital

"First, we did everything that has to be done with those conditions. We went to court immediately, withdrew our matters, but they did not. And you call yourself honourable, when you cannot even obey simple instruction, and you blame it on Fubara.

"How is Fubara the problem? Fubara is not the problem! It was because we withdrew our matter, even the matter you filed, and we said we don't want to continue: you took advantage of it, and went and got judgement. Is it not fraud?"

Fubara said such dishonourable persons should not come to the public to demand that people must listen to them. He insisted that he acted more honourably, believing that the agreement should be what should bind everybody together.

He stated, "When I discovered that I am being ambushed, not by the person who initiated the peace, but by people who believed that they are smarter. But you know such smartness, no matter what you call yourself, it is still foolishness before God.

“That is why, as they said, those other things that they are looking for, to make them feel they are coming back to life, we will not do it. So, let me see how they will come to life when we don't do it."

investment, and creating opportunities for our citizens.

“We know that transparency, accountability, and trust are the cornerstones of any thriving economy. History has shown that where these principles are absent, nations struggle.”

Jega, while delivering the conference lecture, advised Nigerians to pay serious attention to nurturing and entrenching democratic governance to place Nigeria on a sustainable trajectory of ‘people-oriented development processes’ rather than mere good governance being promoted by the World Bank.

“We should not swallow hook, line, and sinker what they bring

Fubara said those who attempted to end his administration within one week had failed.

He said he had not only stayed in office for more than one year and counting, but his administration was also forging ahead strongly with sterling leadership, focused on delivering social services and quality projects to Rivers people.

Atiku to Judiciary: Don’t Set Rivers on Fire

Atiku cautioned the judiciary not to set Rivers State on fire, in the wake of yesterday’s judgement by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the halting of all allocations to the state.

In a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, the former vice president said it was appalling that some elements loyal to the federal government were pulling the strings from behind.

Atiku wondered why Abdulmalik issued the order when it was public knowledge that Rivers State had already challenged the Court of Appeal’s judgement on the legality of Rivers State’s 2024 budget.

He stated, “Last week the Court of Appeal declared that the Rivers State

to us. We must be very careful in terms of what measures they have suggested to us because if we don’t do that, we may inadvertently fall into greater medium and long-term problems even if we think we are seeing short-term benefits from that kind of engagement,” he advised.

Also speaking, the President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, said the Institute proudly led the charge in promoting corporate governance across the country.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu said character was the bedrock of good governance and good corporate practices.

TINUBU

budget was illegal because it was passed by an inchoate assembly. The court ordered Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the budget afresh.

“The Rivers State Government has already filed a notice of appeal so that the Supreme Court can hear the matter. However, some elements in the Bola Tinubu administration have procured a judgement intended to undermine the Supreme Court.

“Even before the judgement was delivered, legal luminary, Femi Falana, SAN, had alerted the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, of possible compromise after house gifts had been presented to judges in Abuja. Sadly, Falana’s warning was ignored.”

Atiku hailed the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat KekereEkun, for summoning judges sitting on the Rivers State cases.

He called on the country's top judge to ensure that those found wanting were disciplined.

The former vice president said, “Nigeria has descended into the theatre of the absurd since the Tinubu administration took office. Courts are playing a more ignoble role in fostering political crises within political parties and even in states.

“From the Emirship tussle in Kano

to save because of eventualities; you know this life is full of a lot of journeys - you need to save in case any issue arises and so you will be able to have something like a fallback to address those eventualities.”

On the impact of savings on the economy, he said, “Of course, savings in the bank form part of the deposits and lending. And lending drives economic growth; so, what we have as deposits is what the banks use to lend out especially to the real sector that drive economic growth.”

According to him, savings have improved significantly relative to the growth of banks’ deposits over time.

He said, “Savings should be taken as a habit. If you say you need to have plenty before you save, then you will never do it.

“But if you take it as a habit, keep something aside, no matter the challenges, you will see the importance tomorrow.

“Yes, inflation has been there. I know it is more challenging these days. But if you take it as part of a life culture, a life attitude, I think you will find it very easy."

“And of course, if you have these savings, if you have something to fall back on now, of course, you know how the impact will be in these trying times,” he said.

State to the Rivers imbroglio, where courts are going as far as preventing elections from holding, taking Nigeria back to the dark days of June 12, 1993 where polls were annulled.

“Sadly, under the leadership of those who claim to have fought for Nigeria’s democracy, the country is descending into chaos with conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction flying all over the place while judges are being induced in the name of empowerment and provision of houses.

“The result is that Nigerians are gradually losing confidence in an institution, which prides itself as the last hope of the common man. Foreign investors will avoid any place where judgements can be bought by the highest bidder.

“Nigeria should not descend to the Hobbesian state of nature, where life is short, nasty and brutish, where citizens opt for self-help. Rivers State accounts for almost 25 per cent of Nigeria’s oil assets.

“For a country facing an economic crisis worsened by vandalism and banditry, Tinubu should put his 2027 ambition aside and put Nigeria’s interest first. We call on the Nigerian judiciary to restore its image before it gets too late.”

L-R: Editor-in-Chief, Daily Trust, Ahmed I. Shekarau; General Manager, People's FM, Charles Kalu; Managing Director of People's FM, Steve Nwosu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba; Deputy President, NGE, Husseina Akila; General Secretary, NGE, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren; and Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief, The Sun, Onuaha Ukeh, when executive members of NGE visited the minister in Abuja to brief him about the focus of the All Nigeria Editors Conference, scheduled for Bayelsa State, from 7-9 November 2024 ...yesterday

CONFERMENT OF HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE ON OBARO...

NEITI Releases 2022/2023 Solid Minerals Report, Revenue from Sector Hits N747.29bn in 2 Years

Says it’s committed to achieving excellent validation outcome by 2026

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday released its 2022 and 2023 Solid Minerals Audit Reports, with the data showing that for both years revenues from the sector hit about N747.29 billion.

The reports indicated that in 2022, the sector generated N345.42 billion, while in 2023, it generated N401.87

billion. In all, the 2023 report, the 16th audit cycle, provided a comprehensive overview of the sector’s contributions from 2007 to 2023, during which N1.137 trillion, about $3.86 billion, in direct payments was made to various government levels.

The report showed a substantial increase in government receipts from N7.59 billion in 2007 to N341.27 billion in 2022, a 44-fold rise, indicating solid

minerals sector growth.

“The 2023 report underscores the sector’s evolution into a vital revenue contributor for Nigeria, with cumulative contributions now exceeding N1 trillion,” Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji stated, emphasising the potential for further growth as regulatory compliance and reporting continue to improve.

Conducted by indigenous firm Haruna Yahaya and Co., the report

covered the solid minerals industry’s economic contributions, revenue streams, and exports, providing recommendations for sector reforms.

The report disclosed that in 2022, the sector generated N345.41 billion, with a reconciled final revenue of N329.92 billion.

Company payments analysis indicated that total government revenue, including reconciled and unilaterally disclosed figures, reached N401.87

Joint Govs’ C’ttee Gets Four Weeks to Harmonise Constitutional Role for Monarchs

Uzodimma heads 15-man committee

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

A 15-member committee made up of governors and traditional rulers, has been mandated to compile key recommendations including constitutional roles to be included in a bill to establish a National Council of Traditional Rulers.

The committee chaired by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is to harmonise recommendations to clarify the role of traditional rulers in ensuring security at the grassroots.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, made this disclosure to newsmen on Wednesday evening at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, after a joint meeting between the governors and traditional rulers.

He said both parties discussed the need for community policing,

intelligence sharing and the role of traditional rulers in ensuring security at their local communities as part of proposed amendment to the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

His words: "The meeting went into the agenda of the day, which amongst others included the issue of the constitutional role of our traditional rulers in Nigeria.

“There's a bill currently before the National Assembly and after we had a few inputs from our Royal Highnesses and royal Majesties, our notable majesty, the Etsu of Nupe graciously gave us a summary of what the proposed bill looked like.

“After a few remarks on that submission, the joint meeting of both the governors and our Majesties, His eminence and Royal Highnesses agreed that one the proposed bill,

as presented by his royal majesty, should be circulated amongst all those that are present here today.

“Two, that a joint committee of governors and our traditional rulers should be set up, and that committee should seek to ensure that the various remarks and comments that were made from those that are here present that reflect the desires of those that they represent, should be included to make to make for a robust document and memorandas should also be called for and received.

“And all that should be synthesised so that whatever document will be presented to the National Assembly will be a very comprehensive, a very inclusive document that seeks to empower our royal majesties, royal highnesses more and seeks to involve them in

governance, peace, security of our various states across the country, including the FCT.

"We further deliberated also on the issues of peace and security, food security, and all other emerging threats. The participation of our traditional rulers was also, again, underscored. More so, since they are the closest to the grassroots.

“Fortunately, we are blessed with many of them who are extremely experienced, extremely lettered, extremely knowledgeable, and we have our retired soldiers that indeed their contributions at that level cannot be, you know, overestimated.

“A lot of reference was drawn from what obtained in the past, where we had the local constables that reported to both our traditional rulers and the local governments and how effective they were.”

Sokoto Commissioner: Former Gov Aminu Tambuwal Unfit to be Local Govt Chairman

Onumuiwa Innocent

Barrister Nasiru Aliyu Dan Tsoho, Sokoto State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey, and Town Planning has decried the poor performance of the immediate past administration of former Governor Aminu Tambuwal, saying that the government took the state backwards.

Dan Tsoho who spoke in an interview with THISDAY, Tuesday, said the eight years of Tambuwal’s

administration did not deliver democratic gains to the people of the state, lamenting that it took the state backwards.

He said: “Aminu Waziri Tambuwal shouldn’t have been a Local Government Chairman let alone a governor, talk less of being the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a futile ambition that consumed his time and attention.

"He was unfair to the people of Sokoto State. He ought to have left

hand-over records which would guide the new government but did not."

According to the commissioner, the Ahmad Aliyu-led administration lost valuable time trying to make sense of activities of the immediate past administration, given the absence of documentation.

According to him, Tambuwal's absence and negligence because of his presidential ambition resulted in avoidable challenges for the state, stating that Sokoto State was

a stepping stone but he woefully failed to perform.

His words: "Those who want to see the true picture of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal should come to Sokoto state, we will take him or her round and also show them facts and figures, site and even sounds from the public of his disastrous eight years as governor.

"Whoever wants to see the footprint of the real Aminu Waziri Tambuwal should come to Sokoto State.

billion in 2023.

According to the report, revenue streams included Value Added Tax (VAT), which was N128.32 billion, Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) taxes at N370.09 billion, Education Tax was 38.64 per cent, Company Income Tax (CIT) was 10.64 per cent, and royalties N9.06 billion.

Discrepancies initially amounted to N301.6 billion, the report said, but were reconciled down to N100 million, demonstrating NEITI’s transparency commitment.

Production and export data showed 95.07 million tonnes of minerals produced in 2023, with a significant export volume of 4.32 million metric tonnes, valued at N117.29 billion.

The report highlighted top mineralproducing states, including Ogun, Kogi, and Rivers, with Ogun leading production. Revenue contributions were led by Osun, Ogun, and Kogi states.

The report also identified the solid minerals sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution at 0.83 per cent in 2022, with incremental growth to 0.75 per cent in 2023, underscoring untapped potential.

NEITI reiterated policy measures and reforms needed to unlock the sector’s capacity to contribute more significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification.

Orji announced that the public presentation of the 2022/2023 Solid

Minerals Industry Report demonstrated that NEITI’s reporting is current and ready for stakeholder engagement. Also, presenting the Progress Report on its Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (EITI) Implementation in Nigeria in Abuja, Orji explained that the organisation was actively addressing the gaps in the EITI implementation identified during the 2023 Validation Exercise.

He added that NEITI has been working closely with the government, extractive companies, civil society, and the media to achieve meaningful impacts beyond the stated issues, demonstrating its commitment to meeting national and global obligations. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, at the public presentation noted that the Ministry will prioritise the report’s data to empower non-state actors and facilitate evidencebased engagement for government and company accountability. Represented by the Director General of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, he emphasised closer partnership with NEITI on ongoing reforms, saying the report launch was a powerful statement of our determination to build a future where Nigeria’s mineral resources drive economic diversification, generate sustainable revenue, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Minister, Experts Seek Policy Framework for Transportation of Livestock in Nigeria

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Experts in both Transportation Ministry and its Agric counterpart, yesterday, in Abuja gathered to design policy framework to proffer lasting solutions to the lingering issue of transportation of livestock across the country.

They agreed to work to strengthen and modernise the country's transportation systems to better serve the needs of the sector.

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, in his keynote address at the 2-day National Conference on Transportation of Livestock in Nigeria, noted that the need for the conference was long overdue.

“As we gather here today, we must acknowledge that the transportation of livestock, whether by road, rail, ship,

boat, or air requires urgent attention and standardization.

"The transportation of livestock is a crucial component of Nigeria's agricultural value chain, connecting livestock producers in rural areas to consumer markets in our cities and beyond."

Alkali, while speaking at the event, organised by the National Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, added that theme of the Conference tagged "Developing a Policy Framework for Transportation of Livestock" was both timely and critical.

Represented by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Adeleye Adeoye, he further said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership has already demonstrated strong commitment to revolutionising the country livestock sector.

Lagos State,

Yemi Adeyinka; Chancellor, Kings University,

Matthew Ashimolowo; Founder

Group Managing Director, SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, Dr. John Tanimola Obaro; Senior Economist and Partner, SPM Professionals, Abuja, Mr Paul Alaje; and Vice-Chancellor, Kings University, Prof. Adenike Kuku, during the conferment of Dr Obaro’s Honorary Doctorate Degree in Science (D.Sc.) at the 5th and 6th Combined Convocation Ceremony at Kings University, Ode-Omu, Osun State ... recently

CONsUMER PROTECTiON ON THEiR MiNds…

L-R: Director State Programme Monitoring and Evaluation, Ministry of Economic Development Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Mercy Ibup; Executive Director, Vital Partners for Development, DR. Victor David; Executive Commissioner, Operations, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (FCCPC), Dr. Adamu Abdullahi; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, Mr. Apaita Ed of Apaita Intergrated Farms, Vice President, Itam Market Women Leader of Ibom Traders Association, and Mrs. Ime Eyo Okure, at a town hall meeting hosted by FCCPC in Uyo…yesterday

Two Suspects Arrested in Connection with Abduction of Catholic Priest in Edo

adibe Emenyonu in benin city

The Edo Police Command yesterday announced the arrested of two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Thomas Ayode.

He said the suspects were arrested across the state for armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, car snatching among other crimes and criminality.

According to the CP, “The Command has responded to the unfortunate incident of

The State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, disclosed this while parading seven suspects arrested for various crimes across the state.

Ondo 2024: Abdul Foundation Mobilises Youths for Aiyedatiwa’s Election

As preparations for the November 16, 2024, Ondo State gubernatorial election gather momentum, the Adetunji Abdul (ATM) Foundation has intensified its support for the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the election, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Abdul, through his foundation, began a road show on October 15 at Ikare, Akoko North East Local Government Area in the state to drum up support for the governor’s reelection.

Apart from the regular road show, which has mobilised over 10,000 youths in Ikare and other neighbouring towns, Abdul is

running radio jingles, airing three times a day on the state’s Ondo State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), crest FM and Adaba radio as well as erecting giant billboards in 15 strategic places across the state.

Abdul told the media that his support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s reelection is out of his conviction that he possesses the capability to drive the transformation of the state.

“Since he took over the reign of governance, Governor Aiyedatiwa has transformed the state, and it’s our belief, if given more time, Governor Aiyedatiwa will do better in the next four years, and industrialise the state,” Abdul said.

GOC Seeks Media Support in Fight against Terrorism

Onuminya innocent insokoto

The acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Brigadier-General Ibikunke Ajose, has called on media organisations in the country to collaborate with the military in reporting accurate and balanced news involving the Nigerian Army to ensure national security and development.

The GOC made the appeal in Sokoto when the Executives of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondent Chapel, Sokoto State, led by its Chairman, Mallam Harisu Habibu, paid him a courtesy visit at the division headquarters in Sokoto.

He noted that for any security outfit to succeed in its activities, there was need for collaboration with the media who stands as a link between the military and members of the public.

General Ajose further explained that appropriate mechanisms and operational machinery are being piloted to strengthen operations to better the security situation in the country.

According to him, “The army cannot operate without the media ready to project its activities in positive light and make the public understand that the country is getting better.

EFCC Arrests 55 Internet Fraudsters in Offa

Hammed

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested 55 persons suspected to be internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys” in Offa town in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara state.

The commission stated that, the affected suspects were arrested in different locations in the ancient town of Offa. The Commission had between September 3 and 6, 2024 arrested about 100 persons suspected to be internet fraudsters at different locations within the city

of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

A statement issued in Ilorin by the Spokesman of the anti-corruption agency, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said: “The latest arrest, which involved mostly young men of school age were smoked out of their hideouts in the early hours of Wednesday following credible intelligence on the rising activities of fraudsters inflicting pain and sorrow on innocent citizens through fraudulent pranks in the area.

“Items recovered from the suspects include nine exotic cars and two bikes suspected to be proceeds of crime, laptops and smart phones used in perpetrating the illicit trade as well as assorted charms.”

the kidnap of Rev. Fr. Thomas Ayode by rejigging the security architecture in the area in synergy with the community through the deployment of a

Unit of Police Mobile Force (PMF).

“Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of the Reverend

Father.”

Ozigi added that efforts are ongoing to rescue the Reverend Father unhurt and apprehend other suspects and bring them

to justice. He assured the people that all the arrested suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed

Stakeholders Task Regulators on High Prices of Consumer Goods

FCCPC: Poultry, packaging cartels fixing prices

Okon Bassey in uyo

Stakeholders have raised the alarm over rising prices of consumer goods in the country, blaming the development on the inability of relevant government

agencies to regulate the activities of business owners and traders.

However, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has blamed manipulation of the market by a “cartel in the

poultry industry to keep the prices high in the country.”

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting held

yesterday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital. He said the meeting was the continuation of the nationwide advocacy by the commission against exploitative pricing in the market.

Expatriate in Police Custody for Vandalising Abuja Street Poles, Cable

Olawale ajimotokan inabuja

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Company (AMMC) has arrested one of the prominent expatriate contractors from a major firm for vandalism of key components of street light in the nation capital.

The Coordinator of AMMC,

Chief Felix Obuah, disclosed this yesterday during the inspection of vandalised cable and other accessories in some parts of the nation’s capital.

Obuah said the expatriate involved was doing business in Abuja and was vandalising the cable and street poles to enable him get a new contract from the authority.

He said the suspect had been formally handed over by the FCT Administration to the police for investigation.

The AMMC coordinator also declined to reveal the name and nationality of the suspect pending the conclusion of investigation.

He admitted that until they were able to discover the involvement of high-level contractors in sabotage, AMMC erroneously believed that the theft of the cable components in the metropolitan was only carried out by miscreants and scavengers.

The vandalism of the cable on Kubwa expressway left many parts of Gwagwalada, Dawaki and Kasauna in pitch darkness.

‘Cultural Preservation, Essential Component of Economic Resilience’

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has re-emphasised the critical role of cultural preservation as a vital tool for unity, economic prosperity and communal peace.

Mustapha said this in his remarks as Chairman of the 2024 Waja Cultural Festival (ToyirWiih), held recently at the Talasse Township Stadium, Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area, Gombe State.

Highlighting the importance of cultural preservation to economic growth and building sustainable society, he noted that the theme of the festival: “Celebrating Culture as a Vehicle for Integration,”is without a doubt, a call to recognise the power of culture to unite, heal and shape a stronger future.

He said cultural resilience is a vital tool of sustenance in an increasingly fragmented society, while also observing that the Waja people, despite the pressures of urbanization and the challenges of limited infrastructure, healthcare, and education remain incredibly strong in their unwavering commitment to holding firm to their identity.

He added that traditional craftsmanship, as can be found among Wajas, as evident in pottery, beadwork, textiles, and other artisanal creations, represents a wealth of cultural assets that, when properly valued, can drive local economic opportunities.

FMC Begins Post -Mortem of Ogun Secondary School Student’s Death

James sowole in abeokuta

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, has begun the conduct of post -mortem on what actually led to the death of a student of Obada Grammar School, Idi Emin, Monday Arijo. Arijo died last Friday after he was allegedly subjected to a corporal punishment by a teacher of his school.

In response to the incident, the state government has shut down the school while the Principal of the school, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, and the teacher that allegedly beat the student were suspended.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has sent a second delegation to commiserate with the family of Arijo.

The delegation, led by the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, was the second government team to pay a condolence visit to the family. Prof. Abayomi, after visiting the family of the deceased, sounded a note of warning to teachers in state-owned primary and secondary schools to desist from administering corporal punishment on pupils and students under their care.

Bowen University Convocation: 115 Bag First Class Out of 901 Students

yinka Kolawole inosogbo

The Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University Iwo in Osun State, Professor Jonathan Oyebamiji Babalola, yesterday posited that out of 901 students that will be graduating at this year 19th convocation of the university, 115 students will graduate with First Class honours, highlighting

their exceptional academic success.

Speaking at the 19th convocation press conference, the vice-chancellor emphasised that the graduating students will Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees across various academic fields.

He also stated that about 323 students would graduate with a Second Class, Upper Division,

demonstrating strong academic performance, while 192 students will graduate with a Second Class, Lower Division, and 65 students will graduate with Third Class.

Professor Babalola stressed further that seven students will graduate with Pass in the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) programme which is an unclassified degree while 56 students will graduate with 4 distinctions awarded for outstanding performance. Also, in the fields of Nursing and Physiotherapy, which are also unclassified degrees,14 students will graduate with Distinction, while 90 students will graduate with Credit, and four students will graduate with Pass.

Ghana 2024: Ex-Nigerian VP, Sambo, Heads ECOWAS Observation Mission

Nigeria’s former Vice President Namadi Sambo will lead the 120 ECOWAS Observation Mission to Ghana’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7, 2024.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security,

Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, said that Sambo confirmed his acceptance during a visit to his Abuja residence on Tuesday by an ECOWAS delegation led by the ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray. Touray briefed Sambo on the

political developments in Ghana and the arrangements by the Commission to ensure that the ECOWAS observation team successfully carried out is mission in Ghana.

Sambo described his role as service to the Community and recalled the

success of the ECOWAS observation mission he led to the 2020 general elections in Niger Republic. He assured the President of the Commission of his availability to work with the ECOWAS team and prayed for the peaceful conduct of the Ghana elections.

shittuinIlorin

Dikko Seeks Legislation to Enable Growth of Sport Industry

Former Sports Minister, Enoh, formally hands over to new NSC Chairman

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has called for the enactment of legislations and regulations that will set the framework to enable the sport industry to grow effectively

similar to what happened in the communications industry in 2001.

He asserted this yesterday in Abuja at a ceremony where the erstwhile Minister of Sport, Senator John Enoh, formally handed over affairs to him.

Mallam Dikko unveiled the

new direction for the nation’s sports, emphasising a change of mindset from the fixation of just participating in competitions to bending back to fix our domestic sports development, with the objective of harnessing the full potentials of sector to contribute

to the national economy, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Dikko, the focus of the Commission is to set right the foundation of our national sports while the results will naturally come in a sustainable manner.

“We cannot continue to run in cycles, so, we need to have a different approach from day one because in my view and indeed the firm view of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, competitions is what we call “consumption” because we just take scarce resources and burn out abroad without any impact on the domestic sports ecosystem and the Nigerian economy,” he noted.

“We have to go back to “production” which is deliberate sports development, where we set the structure right, set the framework and put together good parameters to have a sustainable sports development system which will naturally give us a solid sports economy and guarantee competitive participation in international competitions.”

He revealed that, for this reason, his administration of the National Sports Commission will focus on three cardinal planks for development, first of which is to run sports “as a National Asset, entitled to special privileges, regulations and concessions to drive growth and development, to open its potentials to be a key driver of the economy across all sectors, a vehicle for achieving national cohesion and a platform for the projection of the positive and unique attributes of our culture and national identity.

“We have to also work on legislations and regulations so as to set the framework to enable the industry to grow effectively like what happened in the communications industry some years back”.

“The other pillar is investing in purposeful world-class infrastructures that will provide an enabling environment for growth. These infrastructures must be deliberate with maintenance culture and span, from world-class infrastructure for professional sports to community infrastructure to drive grassroots sports and mass participation across the country.

“The thinking of Mr President

is that, after having some of these in place we should be able to measure the country’s sports by its contribution to the nation’s GDP by at least three percent (3%) addition via sports, the number of jobs provided by sports and its value-chain in the country in the next four to five years and, indeed, our competitiveness across all competitions and tournaments.

“Thus, it is a visionary decision for Mr. President to approve the return of the National Sports Commission to drive this process and objectives, in line with the best international practices and standards, devoid of any bureaucratic bottlenecks but with absolute professionalism.”

Speaking in more specific terms, Dikko outlined the task before him as structural organization to position and enable the National Sports Commission to implement the desired policies and framework envisaged; facilitation of private sector participation in the sector through investment in talents production and infrastructure development; restructuring and capacity building of the sports federations, and the engagement of competent personnel and partners to deliver on the mandate for optimal performance; policy development by putting together strategies, policies and legislations to protect and support sports development in the country; institutional support by ensuring that the NSC seamlessly assumes the assets and liabilities from the defunct Federal Ministry of Sports; most critically, commencing the process of amending and updating the NSC Act to align with international best practices, creating a professional governance framework; resolving the funding challenges of sports in Nigeria; and providing the enabling environment to drive Mr President’s vision to create a sustainable sports economy in Nigeria.

Impressed by the consistency and the talents emerging from Nigeria’s premier school swimming tournament, the Dolphin Swimming League, the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has pledged its support to the event.

Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, Director of School Sports at LSSC, commended the league’s organisers for sustaining the initiative which began six years ago.

She added that the commission was delighted to back the league through collaboration with the Lagos State Swimming Association, reaffirming its commitment to the growth of the initiative.

Oluwasanmi stressed that the competition has produced swimmers who have made Lagos proud at major championships, including the 2024 National Youth Games (NYG) held in Asaba, Delta State.

She noted that athletes that represented Lagos at the NYG contributed to the state’s impressive performance in swimming, amassing a total of 10 medals: four gold, four silver, and two bronze. Particularly thrilled by the inclusion of the elementary category, which features pupils from primary schools, Oluwasanmi acknowledged the importance of early exposure

for young participants. She emphasized that engaging children at a formative stage creates a significant impact and helps to ‘catch them young.’

The first leg of Season 6 was hosted by Grange School, Ikeja, attracting record entries as swimmers showcased their talents on the well-attended opening day, Saturday, October 19. Organised by Dynaspro Sports Promotion in collaboration with Advanta Interactive, the Dolphin Swimming League received technical support from the Nigeria Aquatic Federation.

Samuel Jesimiel, Chairman of the Technical Committee at the Nigeria Aquatic Federation, noted the increased number of participating schools, which reflects the initiative’s continued progress and success. He stated that the federation would continue to provide a platform for swimmers from the league to compete in international competitions.

The Dolphin Swimming League has been endorsed by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF).

On Saturday, November 2, the second leg of Season 6 will take place at RiverBank School in Lagos with 11 other schools competing for honours in 60 events.

Ruud van Nistelrooy said he was sad to see Erik ten Hag fired by Manchester United on Monday, but the club’s former striker is honoured to step in as interim manager for as long as required.

Dutch coach Ten Hag was sacked on Monday with the team languishing in 14th in the Premier League standings.

The 48-year-old Van Nistelrooy joined Ten Hag’s staff as an assistant in July. He was appointed interim manager on Monday, taking charge for Wednesday’s League Cup match against Leicester City at Old Trafford.

“Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave,” the former Netherlands

website.

When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player. I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work.

“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.”

While Van Nistelrooy was considered a contender for the permanent position, Sporting boss Ruben Amorim has emerged as the front-runner, with United telling the Lisbon-based club on Tuesday that they are prepared to pay the €10-million release clause.

Eagles Win U20 WAFU B Qualifier

international said on the team’s

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Shehu Dikko (left) receiving handover documents from immediate past Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh (now redeployed Minister of State, Trade and Investment) at the new National Sports Commission headquarters in Abuja… yesterday

Ruud van Nistelrooy… honoured to be Manchester United interim Manager

MISSILE

John Onaiyekan to Northern Leaders

Aliko Dangote to Federal Government

“I think we must face the reality that the way northern Nigeria is today is not what we can be proud of. All the various indices of good governance and standard of living, we have a very poor record. If Nigeria is poor, the epicentre of the poor is the north... look around you, are you proud of what you see? Outof-school children all over the place" –The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, on the socio-economic crises in the North.

“To ensure sufficient feedstock availability we will need to stop mortgaging crude. It is unfortunate that while countries like Norway are putting oil proceeds into a future fund through their national wealth funds, in Africa, we are spending oil proceeds from the future today” - The President of Dangote Group, on why the federal government should ensure the availability of crude feedstock for local refineries.

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Yoruba People and the Tinubu Cross

Is there Justice for Workers in Nigeria?

MThe National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) held its 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony yesterday in Abuja. With a retired Justice of Supreme Court, Ejembi Eko as Chairman, I was the guest speaker. Below is a slightly abridged version of my presentation that speaks not only to labour justice and public interest but also the rule of law and the role of Judges in Nigeria. ===============================

Iany Yoruba people voted for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, former President Atiku Abubakar or the Labour Party candidate, Mr Peter Obi, during the 2023 general election. This despite knowing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, is their kinsman. It is on record that Tinubu lost Lagos State to Obi and Osun State to Atiku. It is also on record that people from other ethnic groups voted for Tinubu. In fact, a few of his supporters outside the Southwest were almost violent in their endorsement of the man who is now our president. Former Niger Delta militant leader, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo is one of such people.

However, in a viral video last week, AsariDokubo claimed to have deployed his resources to campaign for Tinubu but feels ‘betrayed’ by the recent rechristening of the Ministry of Niger Delta. Rather than blame his (former) friend for that decision, it is the Yoruba people that should be held accountable. “I apologise to our fathers because they were not wrong in forming an alliance with the North, and as young men, we will now start that same alliance. From today, I will work and form an alliance with the North,” Asari-Dokubo said. “We will take this message across that only the Northerners can work with the Ijaw people. We can’t work with Yoruba people; they are a betrayer (sic) to us. We risked our lives by voting and doing everything, and this is what we get?”

Asari-Dokubo is not alone in pointing accusing fingers at Yoruba people on account of real or perceived transgressions by Tinubu. It is the latest game in town, although some are more subtle about it. There is a piece being circulated widely on WhatsApp titled ‘Is Tinubu settling scores?’ written by a Dr Ugoji Egbujo. “Tinubu has become an unabashed chauvinist. It’s a hard watch. It doesn’t bode well for national unity. Tinubu’s critical appointments have become the most lopsided in the history of this country,” the author wrote while reeling out the list of positions, especially in the security and economic sectors, now occupied by Yoruba people—despite Tinubu’s history in Afenifere, the socio-political group that used to be “the conscience of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.”

consider it an honour and a privilege to stand before this august gathering as you celebrate the 2024/2025 Legal Year. I expect many of you may be wondering what qualifies me to be here and why a journalist is presenting a paper on labour justice and public interest. Perhaps I should let you in on a secret. I got the invitation for this assignment when I met an energetic man playing ping pong (table tennis) sometime last year. Had I not been introduced to the gentleman before I watched him toss the ball upward with his left hand and strike it fiercely with his right, it would have been difficult for me to believe that he was the Honourable Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN). Even though we exchanged contacts that day, I decided not to dwell too much on the promise because I thought it was one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions people make while in a jolly mood. But early this year, the honourable justice followed up with a call to remind me that I would indeed be the speaker at the 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony. I cannot thank Justice Kanyip enough for the honour. Let me also appreciate other Judges of this court. My understanding of the contributions of the NICN to labour jurisprudence in our country has been enriched in recent days. To prepare my paper, I spent considerable time at the Court’s library. And, as it is with most libraries in Nigeria, the environment could be better. But I was fortunate to encounter two dedicated library staff who painstakingly provided me access to relevant materials, including ‘Digest of Labour Cases in Nigeria (1960 to 2012)’ and ‘Digest of Judgements of National Industrial Court (1978 – 2006)’ edited by Oluwole Kehinde with foreword (to both books) written by a former President of this Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo. These materials, and a few others I browsed through, catalogue hundreds of cases decided by this court to advance the course of justice for workers in Nigeria. I have been asked to speak on labour justice and public interest. There could not have been a better time to interrogate this topic in Nigeria as both labour and government were recently locked in negotiating an appropriate national minimum wage—the lowest amount of salary that employers of labour, whether in the private or public sector, should earn in the country. After much drama, it is gratifying that the two parties were able to reach a consensus on the issue, despite the fact that the agreed amount cannot even buy a bag of rice in the market.

While accusing the president, “an Afenifere apostle and NADECO evangelist” of “installing an ethnic hegemony” in the country, the author is at least fair minded enough not to place all the blame on Yoruba people. As Egbujo correctly surmised, most Yoruba people “are embarrassed by Tinubu’s antediluvian antics.” He went on to eulogise Yoruba people as not only most welcoming, empathetic, culturally and religiously tolerant but also “the loudest and sincerest champions of equity and meritocracy. So, this ethnic hegemony that Tinubu is weaving is patently not Yoruba. They didn’t send Tinubu on this errand.” The author then added: “President Tinubu knows that in a fractious multi-ethnic third world country, the concentration of the levers of the criminal justice system, economy and security in the hands of one ethnic group will feed the system with disenchantment and paranoia and corrode cohesion...”

“This is what your kinsman is doing.” I ignored them. Until the same post was forwarded to me by a respected scholar from the North on Sunday: “The reality is that the president is appointing his loyalists (mostly from Lagos), including those whose grandfathers had their placenta buried in other Southwest states where nobody knows them. But I have also written about this issue.” The response was instant: “Your article escaped my attention. It has to be recirculated.”

levels of government and the private sector that even foreign owned entities operating in Nigeria have been emboldened to treat our people with disrespect. In a clear breach of extant labour laws, many of these companies resort to unwholesome practices that deny their Nigerians workers job security and appropriate benefits. Even where there are statutory compensation provisions for work-related diseases, injuries, disabilities, or death, they are mostly observed in the breach. In several cases, affected workers or their next of kin receive little or no compensation for death or permanent injuries, including when they occurred while carrying out assigned duties.

Now, this eminent northern scholar supported Tinubu before and during the election. But he would not take responsibility for the choice he made at the polls. He is holding me accountable because I am Yoruba. For the record, let me cite three of the interventions I have made on this issue. Barely three weeks after his inauguration, on 20th June 2023 to be specific, I wrote ‘Tinubu and the Buhari Error’ where I rehashed a similar counsel his predecessor failed to heed. “Of the several columns I wrote on the lack of sensitivity in critical appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari, one stands out. I used a Yoruba word, ‘Amunibuni’, to situate my intervention,” I recalled in the piece, following the first set of appointments

The concept of Labour justice and public interest are interwoven. Any initiative that engenders fair treatment in the workplace impacts positively on societal wellbeing. Indeed, the United Nations (UN) has on many occasions highlighted the importance of access to justice which essentially means the right to have one’s cause heard before an impartial arbiter. The international reference point for the concept of labour justice, as we are all aware, is the International Labour Organization (ILO) which, in several instruments, enshrines the right of workers to access justice without encumbrance.

This includes access to courts and other formal dispute resolution mechanisms in pursuit of effective remedy.

The parameters in any given jurisdiction to measure labour justice include fair wages, which indicates that workers are to be compensated by their employers in a manner commensurate with their output; safe working conditions that guarantee protection from foreseeable danger and defence of their inalienable right to organize protests and negotiate collectively. There are of course several others, including not being discriminated against on the basis of religion, race, gender, age etc. If these parameters encompass the principles and practices that ensure fair treatment and protection of workers in their employment context, it goes without saying that the aim of labour justice is to address power imbalances between employers and workers, and to promote the dignity of labour.

Unfortunately, despite a plethora of legislation and the fact that Nigeria is a signatory to numerous conventions that should guarantee access to justice for workers, the reality is quite different. This can be glimpsed from the way key aspects of labour justice are resolved in our country. Not necessarily to the satisfaction of workers. These include freedom from discrimination, the ability to engage in collective bargaining, modalities for addressing unfair dismissal, among others. This then brings me to the issue of specialized labour court which the NICN represents in Nigeria.

by Tinubu which I considered lopsided. I then excerpted from the March 2021 column: “That making strategic concessions is beyond Buhari administration is an embarrassment, even for many northerners. That is because they are also aware that the appointments being cornered by a tiny clique is not to promote any ‘Northern agenda’ (whatever that may mean) but rather in pursuit of the personal interest by those who nominate these individuals. This explains why they go for their in-laws, kinsmen, friends, and the like. Yet nepotism in critical appointments engenders collective insults in the manner of ‘Amunibuni’”. I offered a disquisition on what the Yoruba term means and the message it embeds within the context of Nigeria’s political arrangement before I concluded with an admonition for Tinubu: “Even when he did nothing to improve the material condition of the average Fulani man, the damage President Buhari did to people of that ethnic stock in eight years was enormous. And as a Yoruba man, I wouldn’t want President Tinubu to do that to me…That is why presidential handlers need to be circumspect lest they attract insults to Yoruba people who have always advocated for a peaceful and secure Nigeria that works for all citizens and where there is equity and justice in the distribution of opportunities…In making critical appointments, I hope the president will be mindful of the ‘Amunibuni’ syndrome. His appointments must be inclusive and reflect all our diversities. I shall be watching!”

The evolution of industrial courts can be traced to 1806 in France, 1869 in Germany and 1919 in the United Kingdom. But it was not until 1976 that authorities in our country signed on to the idea with the NICN. Established to address labour justice in all its ramifications, the court became functional in 1978. In the early years, the NICN faced several challenges that affected its effectiveness and efficiency. But even when operational, the court provided no reprieve for aggrieved workers for decades as its judgments were unenforceable due to the lack of laws and procedures required of a Superior Court of record.

In another column last October (2023) titled, ‘Where is Abdulrasheed Maina?’ I wrote: “In case the president is not aware (a Villa disease, especially under his predecessor), most Yoruba people I know are becoming increasingly embarrassed by a number of his appointments. I have received many of those WhatsApp messages that list critical offices in the economic/financial sector and the ethnic affiliation of appointees. There is already a whispering campaign in Abuja of a budding ‘Republic of Oduduwa’, based on these appointments. I hope someone will bring the issue to the attention of the president.”

That was one year ago. Yet, in another piece I wrote in the early weeks of the administration, ‘Shall We Tell the President?’, I recalled welcoming a friend from Lagos to my office with a joke, ‘Eyinlokan’ (meaning it’s your turn). “Uncle Segun, you are in the old; the slogan now is ‘awalawanbe’”, (meaning, ‘we are now fully in charge’ or to put it in pidgin, ‘we full ground remain’). “My concern is

The problem started with the Supreme Court decision in the case between the National Union of Electricity Employers (N.U.E.E.) and Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). The apex court held that, despite the provisions of Decree 47, the NICN had neither exclusive nor coordinate jurisdiction with state high courts. The fact that the court was powerless for about 28 years of its operation was acknowledged on 5th May 2003 by the then NICN President, Justice Adejumo in a scathing remark. This was the way he put it: “The NICN remained practically moribund. The court sat only in Lagos for those years. It was clearly unknown and its decisions and pronouncements hardly respected.”

that under the current dispensation ‘Awalawanbe’ can connote either service for the public good or hubris,” I wrote before sending another warning on this same vexatious issue. And in a recent column, ‘Tinubu: No Place to Hide’, I wrote about how the president and his handlers continue to display a behaviour the Yoruba would describe as ‘tani o mu mi’ (impunity that carries a certain sense of hubris).

It is evident that nobody in the Villa paid attention to these interventions. But how does it make sense to allocate three junior ministers out of five to the Southeast while you allocate nine ministers to the Southwest, eight of them with senior portfolios? Let’s not even go to critical appointments in the security sector and revenuegenerating agencies that have been ‘cornered’ by people from one ethnic group. Meanwhile, what the president ignores is that when a leader creates a poisonous atmosphere and suspicions around emotional issues like appointments, it is difficult to build a national consensus for crucial policies as we are already seeing with the pushback from the North over the Tax Reforms Bill.

The constitutional amendment of 2011 assented to by President Goodluck Jonathan changed the narrative by altering sections 6 and 254 of the 1999 Constitution and including the NICN as a Superior Court of record with coordinate jurisdiction with High Courts. The amendment also expanded the jurisdiction of the court to handle human right cases emanating from the workplace. The court is also saddled with jurisdiction to resolve disputes between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and government. Before I continue with the issue of labour justice and public interest, let me make a general point about justice administration in Nigeria. It is important because the extent of justice available to workers in any given society is a function of the extent of rule of law available in that society. It is doubtful that citizens as workers can expect a higher degree of labour justice than what is available within the larger society. In her speech at the special session of the Supreme Court commemorating its new Legal Year and the induction of the latest set of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on 30 September 2024, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun emphasised that obedience to court orders will, under her watch, be “non-negotiable”. And that “No individual or institution, irrespective of their standing, will be permitted to treat the judgments of our courts with levity or disregard”.

Ordinarily, with hunger and starvation biting hard in the country, there are far more pressing issues that should engage our attention. For instance, on 8th July 2024, the federal government announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food items which include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. Four months after, this has turned out to be another of those audio promises for which this administration is fast becoming notorious. Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on food inflation are not only scary, but some locally grown items like beans have also experienced close to 300% inflation within one year!

The situation of workers in Nigeria is further complicated by the fact that those in the informal sector are practically excluded from any form of labour justice. Today, the only avenue for redress for most is to appear on radio programmes. That is how Ahmed Isah, an activist and on-air personality who anchors ‘Brekete Family’ on Human Rights Radio Abuja, has become not only the ‘Ordinary President’ for the vulnerable of our society but also their ‘Chief Justice.’ Such is the flagrant violation of workers’ rights by all

There is a Yoruba adage that says if you want a deaf person to understand your message, relay it to his child. I counted the number of prominent people who forwarded the article to me last Saturday. They were 13. While they must be aware I am not working for this president, they were invariably telling me,

How does it make sense to allocate three junior ministers out of five to the Southeast while you allocate nine ministers to the Southwest, eight of them with senior portfolios? Let’s not even go to critical appointments in the security sector and revenue-generating agencies...what the president ignores is that when a leader creates a poisonous atmosphere and suspicions around emotional issues like appointments, it is difficult to build a national consensus for crucial policies

The extent of justice available to workers in any given society is a function of the extent of rule of law available in that society...If there is anything to take from what transpired before last Saturday’s local government election in Rivers State, it is the willingness on the part of an alarmingly increasing number of judicial personnel to accept and play the role of hitmen for influential political actors as against serving the interest of the country and the public good.

This, indeed, is as it should be in a society governed by ‘rule of law’. But ‘rule of law’ is not the same as ‘rule of judges.’ According to worldjusticeproject.org, “The rule of law is a durable system of laws, institutions, norms and community commitment that delivers four universal principles: accountability, just law, open government, and accessible and impartial justice”. In contrast, ‘rule of judges’ denotes impunity towards the law by the very persons who ordinarily are invested with the functions and responsibilities of upholding ‘rule of law’. It is a situation in which a judge places himself/ herself above the law or makes himself/herself the law rather than a servant of the law or shepherd of the ‘rule of law’. Regrettably, the loud and overpowering noise of the latter is becoming definitive of Nigeria’s judiciary in the perception of most people. Nothing gives better expression to that than the statement, “Go to Court” by conscious wrong-doers, often followed by “Goonappeal” by their hand-in-glove judges! Aside the indiscipline of conflicting judgements, there is also the disgraceful issue of courts of coordinate jurisdiction nullifying one another since forum shopping has been institutionalised in Nigeria. In recent days, we have seen how the judiciary has been dragged into the power struggle between the godfather and his godson in Rivers State. If there is anything to take from what transpired before last Saturday’s local government election in the state, it is the willingness on the part of an alarmingly increasing number of judicial personnel to accept and play the role of hitmen for influential political actors as against serving the interest of the country and the public good. That should also be of serious concern to Justice Kekere-Ekun.

However, while hunger has become the real staple for Nigerians, regardless of which language they speak, one should also not pretend that equity in appointments and distribution of opportunities is not important or that a leader can succeed without taking such into account. Beyond giving emotional satisfaction and sense of belonging, equity is good for social capital, national cohesion and development. While some may have ignored the fact that the economy has been handed over to the Lagos crowd on the pretext they have the expertise, the evidence of the last 18 months undercuts that concession. Maybe Nigerians would not have minded if these Lagosians (many of whom throw themselves around in Abuja with incredible arrogance) were performing. Unfortunately, most don't even appear to know what they are doing. And the president himself seems detached from reality.

Meanwhile, for those sending me ‘coded messages’ because I am a Yoruba man, I also have a question for them: When former President Olusegun Obasanjo was being acclaimed as an "apostle of meritocracy and a detribalized Nigerian" for most of his critical appointments which went to people outside the Southwest, did they extend the credit to me as a Yoruba man? Why should anybody now guilt-trip me because Tinubu is appointing his Lagos loyalists in a manner that is embarrassingly sectional? The interesting thing is that the Abdullahi Gandujes, the Godswill Akpabios, the Benjamin Kalus and others (who are ‘eating’) will most likely defend this same president despite their ethnic affinity. But that is the cross Yoruba people will have to carry for as long as Tinubu is president. That is the way we roll in Nigeria.

I still cannot fathom how any self-respecting Judge would grant an injunction, using subterfuge to restrain the police from performing their primary responsibility of restoring law and order during an election process...

NOTE: Piece concluded online.

Tinubu

TRUTH & REASON