SUNDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2024

APC’s Aiyedatiwa Coasting Home to Victory With 13 LGAs Win in Ondo

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

Obasanjo, Shettima, Atiku, Others Storm Kano for Kwankwaso’s Daughter's Wedding

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday stormed the city of Kano to attend the wedding fatiha of the daughter

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday maintained a clear lead in the results declared in 13 out of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ondo State in the governorship election held in the state.

Ondo State residents came out in their numbers across the 18 LGAs to exercise their franchise in the election, which was largely peaceful but characterised by vote-buying.

According to the results declared in 13 out of the 18 LGAs in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is the candidate of the APC, scored 259,851 votes while his closest rival and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Agboola Ajayi, got 81,031 votes.

of the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The wedding, which took place at the Kano Emir's Palace, was conducted by the Chief Imam of the city's central mosque Prof. Sani Zahraddeen.

At the occasion, the Kano

The commission has promised that the collation of results for the remaining five LGAs would commence by 5am today.

However, Ajayi has accused INEC and the security agencies of compromising the election and urged the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to resign.

Security operatives also arrested a suspected vote-buyer during the election just as the Police Service Commission (PSC) reported that instances of vote-buying were recorded at some polling centres during the election.

The results declared by the commission showed that in Akoko North East, APC garnered 25,657 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, who scored 5,072 votes.

In Idanre LGA, the APC also won with 9,114 votes against the PDP’s 8,940 votes, while in Ifedore LGA, the APC defeated the PDP, scoring

CDS: CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TRYING TO SABOTAGE GOVT’S EFFORTS AGAINST INSECURITY

society approach.

Ribadu yesterday handed over the 58 kidnapped victims who were rescued following a joint operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Division, Kaduna, Major General MLD Saraso, in the Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State to the state government.

The victims were first handed over to Ribadu by the CDS, Musa.

The NSA subsequently handed over the rescued victims comprising young men, women and children to the Chief of Staff, Kaduna State government, Alhaji Sani Liman Kila who represented Governor Uba Sani at the handover ceremony. Speaking at the handover, Musa said: “It’s a joint effort. We’re able to do that through non-kinetic means of getting across. No penny was paid for these individuals.

“I want Nigerians to understand that if we do not come together to work, it will make it extremely difficult for us to succeed. Success depends on all of us working together. It’s a whole-of-society approach.”

“You can see from these people — the women, the children, both girls and boys and even the little ones. The question is: why would anyone kidnap such vulnerable individuals? These are people barely surviving.”

He said the kidnappings, particularly of farmers in their farms, “is to tell you that there are individuals that on their own, are trying to make it impossible for the government to succeed.

“They are doing everything possible to sabotage the efforts of the government. That will not happen”.

He continued, “Today is Saturday, the 16th of November, 2024. Part of the operations, as we have always said, is we are doing the kinetic and the non-kinetic. The kinetic being carried out by the military.

“The non-kinetic is a combined effort by all. And we have told you, for us to succeed, we need all Nigerians to take ownership of this operation, and that is what is happening. What we are seeing out of this number is the success of the collaboration right from the top,

State Governor, Abba Yusuf, gave Kwankwaso’s daughter, Dr. Aishatu Kwankwaso's hand in marriage to Fahad, the son of Katsina-based business mogul, Dahiru Mangal.

The sum of N1million was paid as bride price by the groom amid

14, 157 against PDP’s 5,897 votes.

In Akoko South West, the APC also won with 29,700 votes, while the PDP got 5,517 votes, while in Akoko North West, the APC recorded a landslide victory with 25,010 votes against the PDP’s 5,502 votes.

The APC also won in Akoko South East, with 12,140 votes while the PDP got 2,692, while the ruling party also defeated the PDP in Ileoluji/ Okeigbo LGA with 16,600 votes against PDP’s 4,442.

In Owo LGA, the APC got 31,914 votes to defeat the PDP, which scored 4,740 votes, while the APC also won in Ondo East with 8,163 votes while the PDP scored 2,843 votes.

The results also showed that the APC won in Ondo West, with 20,755 votes against PDP’s 6,387 votes.

In Irele, APC scored 17,117 votes to win the PDP, which had 6,601 votes.

APC also won in Akure South with 32,969 votes, while the PDP got 17,926 votes.

In Ose LGA, the APC also recorded a landslide victory with 16,555 votes against PDP’s 4,472 votes.

from the presidency, from the Office of the National Security Advisor, Ministry of Defence to the Defence Headquarters - all agencies working together, including Kaduna State.

“The governor has been very, very supportive and very helpful. It is this collaborative effort that has made it possible for us to be able to rescue these individuals. I know the question is how were they rescued?

“It’s a joint effort. We were able to do that through non-kinetic means of getting across. No penny was paid for these individuals.

“This is what has made us achieve this success. You can see from the people, the women, the children, both girls and boys, and the little one.

“The question you want to ask is why would somebody kidnap these kinds of people? If you see them, they are barely just providing.

“And that is to tell you that there are individuals that on their own are trying to make it impossible for the government to succeed. They are doing everything possible to sabotage the efforts of the government. That will not happen.”

“I urge Nigerians to understand that we can only succeed by working together. Combating insecurity requires a whole-ofsociety approach.”

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, revealed that preliminary investigations indicated the victims were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits under the command of a notorious leader known as JANBROS.

He explained, “During the kidnapping, the victims were forced to trek hundreds of kilometres to the thick forest of Birnin Gwari.

“The government provided them with all necessary support for their stabilisation, including rehabilitation and medical check-ups. Six victims were admitted to hospital but have since recovered and joined the others for the handover to their respective families.”

The Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, Sani Limankila, expressed gratitude to the security agencies.

thunderous supplication to Allah (SWT).

The arrival of former President Obasanjo wearing a red cap, which is the symbol of the Kwankwasiyya political movement led by Senator Kwankwaso, had captured the attention of many

Ajayi was accredited and cast his vote at 10:45 a.m., at Unit 4, Ward 2 Idumado in Kiribo, Ese-Odo LGA.

The PDP governorship candidate said it took more than 10 minutes for the INEC BVAS to capture him.

“The system is not perfect and there are lots of complainants here and there.

“If INEC cannot successfully organise an election in just one state, then you must know that we are running into anarchy.

“I think it is deliberate on the part of INEC, on the part of the Resident Electoral Commission (REC).

“And we have said several times that we don’t trust Oluwatoyin Babalola (REC). That this woman cannot be fair.

“The system is compromised and we have a series of calls made by everybody. People are complaining about vote buying, the BVAS problem. It is a very shameful exercise,” he said.

Agboola also called for the resignation of INEC chairman, Yakubu.

The results for Odigbo, Ese-do, Ilaje, Okitipupa, and Akure North will be declared this morning, according to INEC.

PDP’s Agboola Urges INEC Chairman to Resign

Meanwhile, the candidate of the PDP, Ajayi has accused INEC and the security agencies of compromising the election and urged the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to resign.

He expressed displeasure at the conduct of the election in Kiribo, Ese-Odo LGA.

“And I think people should call on the INEC chairman to resign if he cannot do the job. He should just resign.

“It is totally compromised. This is sad and Nigerians are not happy. Here, it is peaceful to some extent,” he said.

Suspected Vote-buyer Arrested, PSC Decries Vote-buying

The suspected vote-buyer was arrested at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007 outside St. Stephen’s Primary School, Akure, Ondo State.

The suspect was apprehended

people, especially the members of the Kwankwasiyya movement and their supporters.

Former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, also graced the occasion, which virtually shut down the city of Kano.

Other personalities who also

with two bags of money meant to be used to induce the voters during the ongoing election.

Security operatives forced the man to open the boot of his Toyota Camry car where two ‘Ghana-must-go’ bags were found.

Meanwhile, the PSC has lamented that vote-buying had become a recurring issue in elections across the country.

“There were, however, reports of pockets of vote-buying in some voting centres, which have become a recurring issue in elections in the country,” the Commission’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, said in its interim report on the election.

Ani, however, commended the security personnel deployed for the election in the state.

He said, “The PSC expressed its satisfaction with the performance of the security personnel who policed the Ondo State governorship election held today. The Commission staff monitors reported that the security officers, particularly the police, arrived at voting centres on time and fulfilled their constitutional responsibility of securing the election space.

“PSC monitors reported that the election security was generally credible and above average and has received a commendation from the Civil Society Situation Room. Members of the Situation Room also commended the Commission for its proactive oversight of police conduct during elections.”

Also reacting, one of the civil society groups that monitored the election, Yiaga Africa, has described the process as largely peaceful and orderly.

Though the group said there were some cases of attempted vote-buying,

attended the wedding were the former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed

Senator

former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdul Ningi; and Senator Adamu Aliero, who is also a former Governor of Kebbi State.

it argued that the cases did not cast a dark cloud on the outcome of the exercise.

“So far, the process is commendable; we went round and we have seen the level of efforts INEC has put in concerning coordination. The logistics, though they were challenges but it is commendable,” a Yiaga Africa representative on the field said. Also reacting, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has commended both INEC and security agencies for displaying the high level of professionalism across the 18 LGAs in the state.

The minister stated this after casting his vote at Polling Unit 17: Ward 3, Okeagbe LGA of the state. The minister who adjudged the election peaceful also commended the large turnout of voters who trooped out in their numbers across the local government areas to exercise their franchise.

According to him, “It’s been a peaceful election with officials displaying high-level professionalism coupled with an encouraging turnout of voters.”

Similarly, the Senator representing Ondo South on the platform of the APC, Jimoh Ibrahim, described the election as free, fair, and credible. Ibrahim addressed journalists at Igbotako, Okitipupa LGA, shortly after he cast his vote at Idogun Unit 2, Igbotako Ward 2. He also re-emphasised his loyalty to the APC under the leadership of President Tinubu, and the National Chairman of the Party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

“I can confidently tell you that I am satisfied with the conduct of this election because it is free, fair, credible, and without violence.”

SHETTIMA: TINUBU'S DETERMINATION, POLICIES RETURNING NIGERIA TO GROWTH PATH

misconduct, mismanagement, perversion, injustice, incompetence, and all other forms of iniquity.

Shettima gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja during a one-day retreat for presidential aides and heads of units in his office.

He listed some of the improvements recorded so far including crude oil production hitting 1.8 million barrels per day, the launch of social welfare initiatives, including an innovative Student Loan Programme to enhance access to higher education, and a Consumer Credit Scheme to boost purchasing power and stimulate economic activity.

Other improvement programmes, according to the Vice President, include the unification of the foreign exchange market as a bold step toward creating a more transparent and efficient monetary system, adding that the administration had also embarked on ambitious infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways.

Addressing participants at the retreat, the vice president said: "President Bola Tinubu is determined to change the fortunes of the nation. We all want to bequeath to the younger generation a united and progressive country.

"Yes, the economy has and is experiencing challenges but we have turned the corner. As of now, we are producing 1.8 million barrels of oil per day. The economy is on an upward trajectory and I believe in the new year, the economy will grow in leaps and bounds,” he said.

Shettima urged all aides in the presidency to synergise more and work harder in helping the president

to deliver on his mandate.

He said: "The country is greater than all of us. I urge you; to let's work as a team and as a family."

Earlier in his welcome address, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Hassan Hadejia, said the retreat was planned to enable aides to synergise ideas to ensure seamless execution of tasks assigned to the office of the vice president.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, commended the efforts of aides in the office, especially on tasks bordering on strategic communication, stressing the need for improved collaboration across the presidency.

On his part, the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Dr Aliyu Moddibo Umar, implored the aides to avail the system of their "knowledge and expertise, be humble and focused on the tasks at hand," adding that "we need to deliver on the difficult task ahead. The primary thing is just the work."

Obasanjo: Chaos, Insecurity, Disunity, Others Have Confirmed Nigeria’s Failing Status

Meanwhile, Obasanjo has stated that Nigeria’s failing status has been confirmed through the consequences of the level of the country’s pervasive corruption, mediocrity, immorality, misconduct, mismanagement, perversion, injustice, incompetence, and all other forms of iniquity.

Delivering his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, Yale University New Haven Connecticut, USA, at the weekend, the former president further stated

that the immorality and corruption have fueled chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment.

According to a statement issued yesterday by Obasanjo’s Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president said these ills manifested under “Baba-go-slow and Emilokan.”

“As the world can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad,” Obasanjo said.

In his address titled, ‘Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,’ Obasanjo said “The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment.”

“That’s the situation mostly in Nigeria in the reign of ‘Baba-go-slow’ and Emilokan. The failing state status of Nigeria is confirmed and glaringly indicated and manifested for every honest person to see through the consequences of the level of our pervasive corruption, mediocrity, immorality, misconduct, mismanagement, perversion, injustice, incompetence, and all other forms of iniquity. But yes, there is hope.”

Obasanjo, who was in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but had a 25-minute recorded video address for the forum, noted that in a country like Singapore, "the government has also been responsive to the changing needs of its people and has invested heavily in areas such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.”

The former president, while

quoting from a short, classic treatise published in 1983, called ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’ by Chinua Achebe, admitted that, “the trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership.”

He added: “In hindsight, this forty-one-year-old prescriptive analysis on the root causes of Nigeria’s leadership crisis is quite moderate and appropriate. It is at least not as desolate as the diagnosis provided by Robert Rotberg and John Campbell, two prominent US intellectuals –the latter a former United States ambassador to Nigeria to boot: “Nigeria has long teetered on the precipice of failure. Unable to keep its citizens safe and secure, Nigeria has become a fully failed state of critical geopolitical concern. Its failure matters because the peace and prosperity of Africa and preventing the spread of disorder and militancy around the globe depend on a stronger Nigeria.”

Citing the World Bank and Transparency International’s definition, Obasanjo described a state capture, “as one of the most pervasive forms of corruption, a situation where powerful individuals, institutions, companies, or groups within or outside a country use corruption to shape a nation’s policies, legal

Makarfi;

Abdulaziz Yari;

Dike Onwuamaeze, Sunday Ehigiator and Ayodeji Ake in Lagos and Fidelis David in Akure

CELEBRATING NEWEST COUPLE...

National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former

Obasanjo, during Kwankwaso daughter’s wedding in Kano…yesterday

Foreign Direct Remittances Decline by $31m to $1.55bn in Nine Months

Kayode Tokede

Despite the policies put in place by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to scale up the inflow of foreign exchange, statistics from the CBN revealed that the total direct foreign exchange remittances declined by 16.68 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) to $1.55 billion in the nine months that ended September 2024, representing a drop by $31 million.

According to the bank's “International Payments” data, which was released on Friday, the total foreign exchange direct remittances in the first nine months of 2023 was at $1.86 billion.

The CBN had reported a sum of $1.98 billion in total direct remittances in 2023, about an 8.2 per cent decline from the $2.16 billion recorded in 2022.

A quarter-on-quarter breakdown revealed that the total remittances stood at $282.62million in Q1 2024 as against $301.57million in Q1 2023.

Measures put in place to boost FX inflow included granting licenses to new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), implementing a willing buyer-willing seller model, and enabling timely access to naira liquidity for IMTOs.

In Q2 2024, it stood at $829.3million, an increase of 27.5per cent from the $650.4million in Q2 2023, while in Q3 2024, the CBN reported $433 million total remittances, about 52per cent decline from $903.03million reported in Q3 2023.

The CBN allows direct remittances

through its policies to encourage the inflow of foreign exchange into the country.

These remittances are usually made by Nigerians living abroad who send money to their families and friends in Nigeria.

While there have been concerns over the decline in total remittances to the country, despite the surge in the number of Nigerians relocating abroad, the vice president of Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori said there may not be any cause for alarm.

According to him, the decline in remittances in the nine months of 2024 could be attributed to several factors including the weakening of the local currency, and policy directions of the CBN.

The apex bank had said overseas remittances into the country rose to $1.3 billion in February 2024 compared to $300 million in the preceding month.

However, its data put the total direct remittances in February 2024 at $39.15million.

The Acting Director of Corporate Communications, CBN, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali in a statement, reported a significant rise in foreign inflows in February 2024, driven by higher remittance payments from Nigerians living abroad and a spike in the purchase of naira assets by foreign portfolio investors.

Direct remittances come into the country via the International

Tinubu, Visiting Indian PM to Hold Bilateral Talks

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu will today welcome Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on a State Visit at the State House in Abuja.

According to a statement issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the visit of Prime Minister Modi, who arrived yesterday, will be the first by an Indian prime

minister since Dr Manmohan Singh's state visit in 2007, when the two nations established a strategic partnership.

President Tinubu and Modi will seek to strengthen Nigeria's and India's ties further during their bilateral discussions.

Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.

Money Transfer Operators, and banks, among others.

The CBN under the current Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso had stated that its initiatives had

supported continued growth in these inflows, aligning with the institution’s objective of doubling formal remittance receipts within a year.

The statement by Ali added, “The increase in remittances is a strong testament to the success of the CBN’s ongoing efforts to bolster public confidence in

the foreign exchange market, strengthen a robust and inclusive banking system, and promote price stability, which is essential for sustained economic growth.”

First Bank to Change Brand Name to First Holdco

Kayode Tokede

First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings Plc has stated that its shareholders had approved the plan to change the company’s name to First Holdco Plc.

In a notice issued at the weekend, the company’s Secretary, Adewale Arogundade, said the decision was approved by shareholders at its 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually on Thursday.

According to the company, the change will be extended to all subsidiaries.

“That there should be a change of the legal and brand names of the company from FBN Holdings Plc and FBN Holdings to First Holdco Plc and FirstHoldco, respectively,” FBN Holdings said.

“That the change of legal and brand names should be extended to the subsidiaries of FBN Holdings Plc

“That the directors be and are hereby authorised to perform all such other acts and do all such other things as may be necessary to give effect to the above resolutions, including, without limitation, complying with the directives o

“That upon completion of the processes for the change of name, increase of the company’s share capital, and allotment of the new ordinary shares, following the resolutions above, the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company be amended as necessary to reflect the company’s new legal name and Issued share capital.”

FBN Holdings also announced that the shareholders approved the sale of shares to private investors and existing shareholders to raise N350 billion.

“The company be and is hereby authorised to undertake a capital raise of up to ₩350,000,000,000.00

(three hundred and fifty billion naira),” FBN Holdings said.

“The capital raise transaction shall be implemented by one or more transactions through the issuance of shares by way of a public offering, private placement, rights Issue in the Nigerian or International capital markets.”

FBN Holdings said the price will be determined by “way of a book building process or any other valuation method or combination of methods, in such tranches, series or proportions and at such periods or dates, coupon or interest rates, within such maturity periods and upon such other terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board of Directors.”

The financial institution said the capital raise would be subject to approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities.

FBNH Holdings said the share capital of the company will be increased by the exact number of ordinary shares “which would be required upon determination of the terms of the capital raise and the directors are authorised to pass resolutions for such increase, as well as to allow the new ordinary shares required in connection with the capital raise”.

“That the directors be and are hereby authorised to undertake all necessary actions to secure the listing and admission to trading of securities issued pursuant to the foregoing resolution on the Official List of the Nigerian Exchange Limited and/or on any other securities exchange(s) or market(s),” the company said. In April, the company had said it would sell shares to private investors and existing shareholders to raise N300 billion.

WHO: Diabetes Cases in Africa will Double by 2045

Onyebuchi Ezigbo with agency report

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the number of people living with diabetes in the African region could more than double by 2045 if urgent interventions are not implemented.

In a message commemorating the 2024 World Diabetes Day, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said more than 24 million adults in the region are currently living with diabetes with half of whom undiagnosed.

Moeti, according to the Premium Times, noted that, without urgent interventions, this figure is projected to surge to 54 million by 2045, making it the highest projected

increase globally.

“This poses a significant dual health and economic burden, including catastrophic spending by individuals to control their disease,” she said. She explained that compounding the challenge is Africa’s extremely low investment rate in diabetes care, which accounts for only one per cent of the region’s health expenditure.

Moeti noted that health systems in Africa are traditionally structured to address acute infectious diseases, leaving chronic diseases like diabetes under-resourced.

“Managing diabetes requires a sustained effort to balance physical health activity, healthy diet, and mental well-being,” she said.

Moeti added that comprehensive

prevention strategies are equally crucial, addressing risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity.

She stressed the importance of community engagement in building support systems and reducing the stigma around diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic lifelong disease that leads to uncontrolled blood sugar levels because the body can no longer produce or use the insulin it produces efficiently.

It is considered one of the deadliest non-communicable diseases in the world.

The number of adults living with diabetes worldwide has surpassed 800 million, more than quadrupling since 1990, according to new data released in the Lancet on World

Diabetes Day. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and eye disease that can result in blindness.

In 2021, diabetes and related kidney disease caused over two million deaths, according to WHO. High blood glucose was also responsible for around 11 per cent of cardiovascular deaths.

World Diabetes Day, observed annually on 14 November, serves as an opportunity to spotlight diabetes as a major global public health issue and to emphasise the collective and individual actions needed to enhance its prevention, diagnosis, and management.

L-R:

Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; and former President, Chief Olusegun

You Cannot Dissolve Elected LG Chairmen,

Edo CJ Tells Governor, House of Assembly

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has declared that the state government, and the state House of Assembly or their agents have no right to dissolve elected local government council officials.

Okungbowa spoke in his office when lawyers to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) visited him. He cited the recent judgment delivered by the Supreme Court, in a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

In the judgment, the judge stated that elected council members cannot be dissolved by the state government, House of Assembly, or its agents.

He said the case law reference A.G. Federation V. A. G. Abia State, #36 ORS (2024) LPELR - 62576 (SC), played a crucial role in shaping the

judgment, adding that the Supreme Court's decision on this matter has set a precedent that now stands as a guiding principle in similar cases concerning the dissolution of elected council members.

According to him, "This judgment reaffirms the importance of upholding

My Love for You is Forever, Lagbaja’s Widow, Mariya, Pens Tribute to Late COAS

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Mariya, has pledged her eternal love to her late husband.

Mariya also reminisced on the connection she shared with her husband of nearly 17 years, describing their relationship as one built on friendship, love, and unwavering support.

In an emotional tribute to her late husband, included in the burial programme pamphlet, Mariya Lagbaja reflected on their time together.

Lagbaja passed away on November 5 and was buried last Friday.

Though she acknowledged that their time was cut short, she expressed gratitude for the moments they shared, which she said she would always treasure.

“Meeting you over 17 years ago left an indelible mark on my life. Our friendship stood the test of time and meant the world to me. We shared a bond that was meant to last a lifetime. Though this was cut short, I treasure every moment with you, my shining light,” she wrote.

Mariya recounted their journey, which began on December 29,

2007, the day they vowed to spend their lives together.

She described her late husband as a man who loved, cared for, and devoted himself to her, calling him her strength and source of joy.

She also pledged to love Lagbaja forever, vowing to hold on to their cherished memories and the enduring bond they shared.

She said, “On the 29th of December, 2007, we chose each other for a lifelong journey. But death has taken away the man who loved, cared for, and cherished me with all he had.

You carried me when no one was watching, you wiped my tears when I could not hold them back, and your shoulder was my strength to face the world.

“You brought so much beauty and joy to my life. In a world of ordinary moments, you created extraordinary happiness for me.

As I look back on how great, amiable, kind, compassionate, generous, and adorable you were to me, I make bold to say that my love for you is forever.

“I will hold our memories, time, moments spent together so dear to my heart and cherish them throughout my lifetime because your love and support were my

rock and guiding force always. If only you could hear me now. I love you infinitely.”

Mariya described Lagbaja as the spiritual leader of their home, adding that he inspired her and their children to love and serve God wholeheartedly.

She said, “As the spiritual leader of our home, you taught us to love Jesus and serve him in spirit and truth. At all times, you always sing and dance so joyfully in the presence of God, regardless of your status and this gives me the hope and assurance that you are in a better place, doing just the same with the host of heaven. You were truly our pastor and our priest, and I have no doubt that you are watching over us, my guardian Angel.”

She said despite his busy schedule, Lagbaja was a dedicated father who created time for his children.

Mariya said, “A true and dedicated father you were. The job never gave you enough time to spend with the family or share in the milestones of the children, but those short moments we spent together can never be taken away from us. At every opportunity, you created time for Emmanuel and Dara.

“You looked at their school work, solved mathematical problems or just simply played with them. To us, you are our hero and you will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in our children and they promise to make you proud.”

Mariya said her husband fought a good fight to the very end, wondering who would now ask her about the latest trends, call her “Boss,” or hug her every morning before heading to work.

She said, “On the 5th of November, as I looked at you lying there on that bed, I knew you had fought the good fight to the very end. Though you are gone, you will surely be missed by your loved ones, all who knew you, and the countless lives you touched. For me and our children, you will always be in our hearts.”

She continued, “Who will ask me, ‘What is the latest?’ Who will call me, ‘The Boss?’ Who will give me that morning hug before heading off to work?

“I will surely miss all these and so much more, my Jumpmaster. My leader, my friend, my husband, our father, my hero, my love and God’s General, I salute you. Till we meet to part no more, sleep on Daddy!.”

SHETTIMA: TINUBU'S DETERMINATION, POLICIES RETURNING NIGERIA TO GROWTH PATH

environment, and economy, to benefit their own private interests.

“State capture is not always overt and obvious. It can also arise from the more subtle close alignment of interests between specific business and political elites through family ties, friendships, and the intertwined ownership of economic assets.

“What is happening in Nigeria – right before our eyes – is state capture: The purchase of national assets by political elites – and their family members – at bargain prices; the allocation of national resources – minerals, land, and even human

resources – to local, regional, and international actors. It must be prohibited and prevented through local and international laws.

“Public institutions such as the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and regulatory agencies both at the federal and local levels are subject to capture. As such, state capture can broadly be understood as the disproportionate and unregulated influence of interest groups or decision-making processes, where special interest groups manage to bend state laws, policies, and regulations.

“They do so through practices such as illicit contributions paid by private interests to political parties, and for election campaigns, vote-buying, buying of presidential decrees or court decisions, as well as through illegitimate lobbying and revolving door appointments.

“The main risk of state capture is that decisions no longer take into consideration the public interest, but instead favour a specific special interest group or individual.

“Laws, policies, and regulations are designed to benefit a specific interest group, oftentimes to the

detriment of smaller firms and groups and society in general. State capture can seriously affect economic development, regulatory quality, the provision of public services, quality of education and health services, infrastructure decisions, and even the environment and public health,”

Obasanjo explained.

On Achebe’s personality, Obasanjo hinted that the great author and writer has been known through “his work, and his values for as long as our nation has been in existence. He was a great and distinguished Nigerian.”

the integrity of democratic processes and respecting the will of the electorate. Elected council members in the third tier of government hold a mandate for the people and should be able to carry out their duties without the threat of arbitrary dissolution.

"As an institution dedicated to the promotion of justice, equity, and adherence to the rule of law, we acknowledge the court's decision and its implications for governance at the third tier. This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of legal precedents and the protection of elected representatives from undue interference.

"Any attempt by the 36 states of Nigeria, through their respective state governors and state Houses of Assembly, to unlawfully dissolve democratically-elected local government chairmen within the state is gravy to democracy.

This action goes against the ruling of the Supreme Court and will raise serious questions about the respect for judicial independence and democratic principles.

“The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected. Any attempt to bypass or disregard the decisions of the judiciary undermines the foundations of democracy and the separation of powers.

“It is imperative that all arms of government, including the executive and legislative arms, respect the decisions of the judiciary and operate within the confines of the law. The judgment of the Supreme Court must be upheld, and any attempts to circumvent or contravene this ruling may be viewed as a direct assault on the judiciary and the principles of justice,” Justice Okungbowa stated.

After Six Years in Captivity, Abducted UNICEF Nurse, Alice Loksha, Escapes from Terrorists

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

A nurse abducted by ISWAP terrorists, Alice Loksha, has regained her freedom after six years in captivity.

She was abducted alongside two other female health workers on March 1, 2018, while working at a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) facility in Rann, Kala Balge LGA of Borno state.

Speaking with journalists at Maimalari cantonment, Maiduguri at the weekend, the Deputy Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Kenneth Chigbu, said Loksha was found in Geidam, Yobe State, on October 24.

He said the 42-year-old nurse had been subjected to forced marriages with two ISWAP commanders and endured dire conditions before her eventual escape.

“She was initially taken to Tumbuma, where she was held for two days,” Chigbu said.

“From there, she was relocated to Kwalleram where she spent seven months and was forced into marriage with a terrorist leader named Abu Umar.

“The marriage led to the birth of a son, Muhammad. All this happened before Abu Umar was eliminated during a gunfight with troops in 2022.

“During that fight, he was found dead, and it was alleged that his colleagues had actually eliminated him.

“Ms Alice Loksha was again forced into another marriage to another ISWAP commander named Abu Simak in 2022 before the latter was banished by his fellow terrorists to Dogon Chukwu camp.

“It was from Dogon Chukwu that she managed to escape through the Diffa axis to Geidam on October 24, 2024, where she reported to troops of the Joint Task Force on October 29, 2024.

“She has since been subjected to medical evaluation and other humanitarian support,” he explained. Chigbu also confirmed the escape of Fayina Ali, the younger sister of the late Samuel Andrew, an army officer who served under the 212 Battalion. He said Fayina was abducted by ISWAP terrorists on October 19, 2022, while travelling to Maiduguri to process the death benefits of her late brother.

“Since then, she was held captive at Kangarwa enclave for nine months before she was taken to Tumbuma, where she remained for four years under one of the terrorist leaders, Muhammad Sheikh,” he said.

“She was later taken back to Kangaruwa, where she stayed for another year before her eventual escape.”

Both women were received on behalf of the Borno State government by Zuwaira Gambo, the state’s commissioner of women's affairs and social development.

ELEVEN HEARTY CHEERS...

Umahi Threatens to Terminate 10 Federal Road Contracts in Niger over Delays

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has again threatened to terminate 10 federal road contracts in Niger State over unnecessary delays.

The minister made the threat during a stakeholders’ meeting with the representatives of the contractors on the deplorable conditions of federal roads in the state at the ministry headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting presided over by the minister, according to a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser on Media to the minister, Orji Uchenna, was attended by the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago; the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, state assembly members, and the Senate Committee

Chairman on Finance, Mohammed Sani, among other stakeholders.

Recall that the Niger State governor had complained about the condition of the Abuja-Minna Road during the minister’s recent visit to the state.

He condemned the deplorable state of the road, describing the contractor in charge as a failed contractor.

The statement noted that Umahi expressed displeasure over the attitude of some contractors handling federal roads in Niger State.

He said that the contractors, after collecting the agreed payment, either failed to carry out the work altogether or neglected their responsibilities, leading to significant delays and substandard construction, causing untold hardship to road users.

The statement read in part, “In

US Cruise Company Offers Fouryear Round-the-world Voyage to Escape Trump Presidency

As more Americans seek to leave the country to escape the next Trump presidency, a US-based cruise company is offering a less drastic solution – but at a hefty price.

On November 7, a day after Donald Trump was declared as the 47th president of the US, residential cruise operator Villa Vie Residences announced its four-year “Skip Forward” package that will take passengers around the world on its Villa Vie Odyssey cruise liner.

Passengers will have to fork out $159,999 ($215,300) per person for a double-occupancy room, while single occupancy will cost $255,999.

The voyage, according to The Straits Times, will take passengers to all seven continents, with visits to over 425 ports across 140 countries. They will be housed in an ocean view cabin and the all-inclusive package comes with meals and complimentary beer and wine during dinner, as well as the use of on-board amenities such as spa and fitness facilities.

Also complimentary are Wi-Fi, medical visits, weekly housekeeping and bi-weekly laundry service.

Villa Vie Residences’ CEO, Mikael Petterson told Fox Business that the package is perfect for Americans seeking to escape.

“Although the campaign was put together before the results of the election, we feel we have a perfect product for those who said they’d leave the country if ‘XYZ’ wins the

election,” Petterson said.

“We may have differing political views, but our community comes together through our passion for exploring the world in a very real way that goes far beyond politics.”

Trump’s victory in the presidential election has prompted many Americans to look at moving abroad– Google searches about emigrating have spiked, with immigration lawyers saying they have been swamped with inquiries.

The Republican leader will be sworn in on January 20, 2025.

Many Americans are worried that his presidency could drive a bigger wedge between Democrats and Republicans on issues such as race, gender, what and how children are taught, and reproductive rights.

Villa Vie Odyssey, which can house up to 600 guests, is currently on the second year of its 15-year tour around the globe.

It will eventually visit all seven continents, 13 Wonders of the World, and over 100 tropical islands.

Head of Sales for Villa Vie Residences, Ms Anne Alms, said the company’s cruises offered a “one-of-a-kind way” to see the whole world at a slow pace.

“Your villa is your bedroom, and the ship is your home; she’ll take you across the globe to endless horizons,” she said in a statement.

The company also offers one- to three-year cruise packages, with prices starting from $49,999 per person.

line with the policy direction of the Renewed Hope administration on all ongoing federal road projects across the nation, the Federal Ministry of Works has given an ultimatum to contractors handling the 10 inherited ongoing projects in Niger State to move to site without further delay and ensure quality and speedy delivery of the projects they contracted to do or risk termination of such contracts.”

He stressed that there would be consequences for contractors who would collect money for projects and would delay or do sub-standard jobs or cannot deliver the projects in line with the policy direction of the current administration, which emphasises speed, quality, and value for money.

The 10 inherited ongoing federal road projects, as listed by the Minister, include the 52km Agaje-Katcha-Baro

road in Niger State under Contract No: 6254 handled by GR Building and Construction Nig. Ltd; dualisation of Suleja – Lambata – Minna Road, Phase I in Niger State Contract No: 6077 handled by Salini Nigeria Ltd; dualistic of Suleja – Lambata – Minna Road, Phase II in Niger State Contract No: 6267 handled by Salini Nigeria Ltd; dualisation of Ilorin, Jebba –Mokwa – Bokani Junction Road Section 1; Jebba – Mokwa – Bokani Junction in Kwara and Niger States handled by CGC Nigeria Ltd.

Others are the dualisation of Ilorin, Jebba – Mokwa – Bokani Junction Road Section II, and Jebba – Mokwa – Bokani Junction in Kwara and Niger States handled by CGC Nig. Ltd; reconstruction of Bida – Lapai – Lambatta Road in Niger State Contract No:6272 handled

by CGC Nigeria Ltd; rehabilitation of Mokwa – Makera – Tegina – Kaduna State handled by CGC Nigeria Ltd; rehabilitation of Minna – Zungeru – Tegina – Kontagora Road in Niger State (Section 2) handled by Gilmor Engineering Nig Ltd.

The contractor handling the construction of Minna – Zungeru – Tegina Road in Niger State Contract No: 7732 is handled by Develeco Nig Ltd/HMF Construction Ltd; and the contractor handling the reconstruction of Bida – Cernu –Wushishi – Zungeru Road in Niger State; Phase I C/No 8492 handled by Gerawa Global Engineering Ltd. have been instructed to complete the job or face termination.

The former Ebonyi State governor further directed the formation of a committee to interact with affected

contractors, checking their accounts before the termination of the contract.

“The Director of Legal Services was also directed to issue to the contractor a notice of contract termination. The Niger State Government requested to recommend consultants to the Ministry to carry out the engineering design of the road following due process and subsequent supervision of the works. The design is expected to be completed within seven days.

“A feedback process was initiated, and it is hoped that there would be a meeting in January 2025 to appraise the performance of the contracts in Niger State.” Speaking during the meeting, the Governor of Niger State called for the revocation of the contract handled by Salini Nig. Ltd, which was awarded in 2010 for lack of capacity.

Bwala’s Appointment Reveals Tinubu’s Large Heartedness, Says Ndume

Urges new spokesperson to beg Shettima

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, has stated that President Bola Tinubu's recent appointment of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ex-aide, Daniel Bwala as his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media, was a demonstration of the president’s large heart.

Ndume, who is representing Borno South, the same senatorial district as Bwala, in the National Assembly, made the assertion in a statement he issued in Abuja yesterday.

The former Senate Leader also noted that Tinubu demonstrated that

he is a leader who can accommodate criticisms with the appointment.

Bwala served as the spokesperson for the former vice president Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential election campaigns.

Ndume advised Bwala to beg Vice President Kashim Shettima whose selection as Tinubu's running mate in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, made Bwala leave the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bwala, a Christian from the North-east, had criticised the choice of Shettima, a Muslim, from his geopolitical zone as the running mate to Tinubu, who is also a Muslim.

Ndume in his statement said: “I

wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his special adviser on public communication and media.

“This gesture deserves serious applause, particularly given the roles played by Bwala in the recent past.

“Bwala’s appointment is a rare demonstration of large-heartedness in leadership, a quality that is difficult to find in many leaders today,” Ndume stated.

Ndume advised Bwala to seek forgiveness from Shettima, whose appointment made him leave APC because he is a Muslim.

He said: "Work with him (the Vice President) closely too as your second

principal to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

“You should also learn from Sunday Dare and Bayo Onanuga who are long and loyal associates of Tinubu who always defend the policies of Mr President without being abusive and offensive.

"You should also learn from the likes of Hadiza Bala-Usman and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), who defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures.

“Finally, you should also link up with our people at the grassroots because charity begins at home,” he further advised.

FG Seeks $1 Million AfDB Grant for Rice, Beans to Flood Victims

James Emejo in Abuja

The federal government has requested a $1million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide emergency food aid for Nigerians affected by the 2024 floods.

According to a proposal document obtained by Nairametrics, the intervention is aimed at mitigating the widespread displacement and food insecurity caused by the

disaster, which affected 29 states, displaced over 200,000 people, and destroyed more than 500,000 hectares of farmland.

The proposed initiative targets 122,253 individuals across 16 of the worst-hit districts, offering food packages containing 25kg of rice and 10kg of beans.

The food distribution, scheduled between October 2024 and February 2025, will complement ongoing efforts by the federal government, which

has already distributed rice and spaghetti to affected households.

The proposal document read:

“The Project aims to complement the Government’s efforts and those of development partners to save lives and protect livelihoods in the current crisis caused by the flood. This objective will be achieved through the provision of emergency food transfers.

“The bank, through SRF, will contribute $1,000,000 in response to the appeal, while WFP will

deploy its field capacity to identify, target and provide relief emergency support to the target beneficiaries.

“The funding from the Bank’s SRF will be used to complement the Government’s interim response which is providing 25kg of rice and 10kg of spaghetti by delivering complementary pulses and rice to cover an estimated 122,253 people (24,450 households) in the sixteen most affected districts.

L-R: Author/Founder, Ready to Learn Foundation, Uganda, Mago Hasfa; Founder, Power Wheels Electricals, Uganda, Asiimire Justine; Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Kehinde Ayeni; Head of Media and Publicity, Natal Care, Nigeria, Akomolafe Ayomide; and Co-Founder, Farmspeak Technology Nigeria Limited, Adaeze Akpagbula, at the 11th Edition of the Social Innovators Programme and Awards ceremony hosted by LEAP Africa in Lagos…recently

The family of the late former Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dame Felicia Oluremi Oyo organised a remembrance service to reflect on her good works left behind and to mark 10th year of her death at the Catholic Church of Presentation, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos recently. Photographs show her family members, media friends and other personalities at the service

PHOTOS: Abayomi Akinyele

r-L: Husband of the deceased, Mr. Vincent Oyo and Mr. peter Dada

r-L: Mr. Otome Oyo, Samantha Oyo and Mrs. Ote Abudiore

Sir Tola and Lady Deborah Omotoso

L-r: Mr. Steve Orosanye and Mr. Femi Oke

L-r: Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye and Mr. Genga Adefaye

L-r: Mr. Sam Omatseye and Mr. Kayode Komolafe

L-r: Morenike Akintokun, Mr. Olugbemiga Abudiore and Mrs. Grace Adudiore

L-r: Mr. Femi Adesina and Dr. ruben Abati

Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye (r) and Dr (Mrs) Gbemi Ogunleye

L-r: Mr. Andy Odogwu and Mr. Martin Nwabuwa

L-r: Mrs. Augustina Nwoba and Yemisi Ajayi

L-r: Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin and Christiana Gabriel

Mr. paul and Mrs. Mercy Aduwak

L-r: Mr. Newyear etareri, Mrs. Ugoro Omawunmi and Ijeoma popoola

L-r: Augusta Uchediunsi and Mrs. Sairat Shekoni

L-r: Mr. Vivian Ihechu and Mr. Adeleye Ajayi

L-r: Mrs. Ote Abudiore and Comfort Obi

L-r: Mr. Uchenna eletuo, rita Okpa and Anita Ogbone

L-r: Mr. Taiwo Akinrinola and Mr. Isaac Ojo

Editor: Festus Akanbi

08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

Harsh Realities in Nigerian Media Industry

Last week’s ‘save our soul’ call by media executives and the Nigerian Guild of Editors for urgent interventions in the Nigerian media, which is at the mercy of the current harsh economic realities may be a timely salvo needed to halt the unfavourable trends in the media industry, writes Festus Akanbi

The fate of the Nigerian media industry in today’s harsh economic climate is unknown as operators struggle to survive in an environment where inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, collapsed infrastructure, and soaring costs of production are eating away at their lifeblood.

Media owners who used to be regarded as the conscience of society and voices of democracy now grapple with the burden of reduced advertising revenues, declining sales, and the rising cost of diesel, newsprint, and broadcast equipment - often imported and thus impacted by a weakened naira.

It was this pathetic story that dominated discussions at the recent three-day All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where media owners and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) sought urgent government intervention to mitigate the negative impact of fuel subsidy removal and the exchange rate volatility on the economy. Noting the economic constraints and rising operational costs, they also urged the federal government to consider subsidies or tax relief to help media houses cope with the current challenges.

Weakened Naira, Power Crisis, Low Patronage

Reflecting on the current situation in the Nigerian media, analysts said the current situation doesn’t favour broadcast media operators since they have to grapple with the prohibitive cost of imported broadcast equipment as the naira value goes into a tailspin. This is in addition to the rising percentage of their revenue that goes into the purchase of diesel for their operations during a period of unstable power supply by the various electricity distributing companies. Sadly, the print media is not faring better. Until recent times, the newspaper was arguably among the dominant mass-mediated information channels among the elite in Nigeria but today, the printed newspaper is a shadow of its glorious past. Nigeria’s printed newspapers are currently groaning under the yoke of poor patronage through a combination of factors, including the fact that readers have seen the better alternative in reading newspapers on the web.

To curb the readership decline, some newspapers undertook a reduction in coverage and pagination, cancelled circulation in some cities where sales were poor, stopped or reduced home delivery of newspapers, eliminated unprofitable publishing days, and closed some city bureaus.

Editors Seek Targeted Relief Measures

It was in light of the current pathetic state of the economy and the heat on business owners that the editors and media executives called for targeted relief measures to ease the burden on citizens and businesses.

A communique signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, said that while the Guild recognises the potential long-term benefits of the federal government’s reforms, the immediate economic strain on all sectors, especially the media, is becoming unbearable and unhelpful to economic growth and media sustainability and viability.

The Guild also urged the federal government to create a media-friendly environment by reviewing policies that affect operational costs and considering tariff reductions on essential media equipment.

However, the Guild didn’t single out the government for the solution to the myriads of problems besetting the media industry as media owners were tasked to be innovative in revenue generation beyond traditional advertising.

Media owners are encouraged to invest in quality journalism, embrace digital platforms, and offer premium content to ensure financial sustainability.

Reaffirming the importance of ethical journalism, media proprietors were urged to maintain high standards of professionalism, saying adhering to these standards is essential for building public trust and countering pressures that threaten press freedom.

According to the NGE, “There was a strong recommendation at the conference that the media proprietors should invest in digital transformation, enhance content delivery, and train staff in digital skills like data journalism and multimedia production to adapt to Nigeria’s increasingly digital audience.

“There was also a call for the Guild to

encourage greater collaboration among the media organisations, NGOs, and civil society to advocate for press freedom, and emphasised that unity is essential in confronting restrictive laws and policies.’’

The Chairman of THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, in his speech at the occasion, lamented the challenges facing the economy, especially the media industry in Nigeria. He believed that when critical economic issues like that of the oil industry are resolved, there would be respite in the economy. He therefore called for an end to fuel importation, noting that the best way to ensure there is no monopoly, as some fear could be the case with the Dangote Refinery, is for the government to make local refineries functional.

“The economy is hard, but we journalists are harder. Yesterday, America shocked the world by re-electing Trump, who has vowed to reset America by introducing tariffs; then we also have to reset by using tariffs to save the economy,” he said.

“We must end fuel import by ensuring that we refine locally, and if we want to stop monopoly, then the government refineries must work,” Obaigbena said.

Capturing the sorry state of the nation’s newspapers organisation in his speech, the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, lamented that the era of hardcopy newspaper publication in Nigeria is gone, as according to him, the business is no longer sustainable. He contended that no media outlet in the country can publish hard copy and make a profit because of the high cost of newsprint.

“Publishing the hard copy of a newspaper, as a business, is dead. Newsprint that used to cost N600k two years ago now costs over N2million. The Vanguard for instance, only makes enough money for transport of the print copy. A business is set up to make money, but the newspaper business is no longer making money,” he said.

Amuka emphasised that the media has a constitutional role in governance to hold government accountable in line with Section 24 of the constitution, but decried that the Fourth Estate cannot continue to do so if it is struggling to survive.

“We can set up several online media outlets, but still this does not vitiate the existence of the hard copy newspaper, which is usually

for advertising, without a viable and performing economy. So, we appeal to the Minister of Information, Mr. Mohammed Idris to take up the fight to save the industry. We need government intervention,” he said.

The newspaper business in Nigeria has faced numerous economic challenges over the years, and the impact of these challenges has been particularly acute in recent times. Today, media owners are facing the impact of the current economic recession in terms of reduced advertising budgets as companies cut costs. This scenario is coming at a period of rising costs of production as costs of diesel and broadcast equipment, newsprint, printing, and distribution have risen sharply, impacting profitability.

The newspaper industry is also facing digital disruption as the shift to digital news consumption is changing how audiences engage with news, leading to a decline in print sales. Platforms like social media and news websites provide free access to news content and many consumers now opt for news blogs and social media platforms like ARISE News for timely news over traditional newspapers.

Analysts also point at the current declining readership as one of the challenges as younger audiences are increasingly disengaging from print media. At the same time, advert revenue is declining. This is because, with the shift to online media, traditional print advertising revenues have dropped significantly. For instance, in 2023, reports said that print advertising accounted for less than 10 per cent of total advertising revenue in the country, forcing newspapers to seek alternative income streams. Many have started offering digital advertising, which is often less lucrative.

The aforementioned problems are exacerbated by poor infrastructure, which affects distribution and operational efficiency, leading to increased expenses and delivery delays.

Other issues like regulatory and political challenges, government regulations and political environment, and the falling consumer purchasing power are some of the challenges confronting the entire media industry in Nigeria.

Given the media’s uniqueness in nationbuilding, analysts said it would be suicidal for Nigeria to allow the current slide in the media to continue.

Finance

Appraising CBN’s Monetary Policy Accomplishments Under Cardoso

Though some of the recent monetary policy directions of the Central Bank of Nigeria may have brought hardship to the ordinary Nigerian, they have nonetheless, helped to reposition the economy on the right path to achieving key macroeconomic successes that had eluded past administrations in recent times, James Emejo writes

Understandably, not many people are comfortable with the monetary policy choices of the CBN under the leadership of Mr. Olayemi Cardoso. Amid the current hardship experienced in the country following key policy reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy, liberalisation of the Foreign Exchange (FX) segment, particularly the floating of the naira, almost at the same time – the apex bank’s resolve to pursue a contractionary policy stance was particularly troubling for the common man and small businesses as well.

Cardoso, who was appointed CBN Governor on September 15, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu for a term of five years, and confirmed by the Senate on September 23, 2023, had raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the benchmark interest rate that determines the cost of borrowing from commercial banks for five consecutive times since he assumed office. The MPR is currently at 27.25 per cent.

As a result, the real sector continued to groan under higher costs of credit from banks as local companies lost their competitiveness. On the other hand, the ripple effect of monetary tightening was also being borne by consumers amid a high inflationary environment.

The CBN governor had severally acknowledged the central bank’s policies may have caused great discomfort for Nigerians and businesses, assuring that the pains were only temporary.

He said, “And I accept the fact that many outside are finding things very difficult. They are finding it very difficult. But I want to say that the things we are doing are set to put the economy of this country on a trajectory, where we shouldn’t go back and see some of the inefficiencies we’ve seen in our system over the recent past.

“So, these, I believe, are short-term pains, and eventually we will get out of the situation we are in now.”

Cardoso explained that the high inflationary pressures, occasioned partly by massive liquidity injection into the economy by his predecessor, needed to be curtailed at all costs. While urging Nigerians to bear with CBN, he said all he was doing was to try to correct past mistakes by previous administrations and to set the economy in the right direction, noting that he inherited a bad situation whereby confidence in the economy had plummeted.

Background of Policy Choices

In his maiden interview with ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, Cardoso had revealed that about $2.4billion out of the acclaimed $7billion outstanding foreign exchange liabilities of the federal government – which he inherited - were not valid for settlement – adding that the CBN had settled verified FX requests which amounted to $2.3 billion and that current total outstanding FX obligations remained at $2.2billion as at February 2023.

He explained that loans and advances in the economy stood at about N40 trillion of which CBN interventions accounted for about 25 per cent, noting that such liquidity injections were responsible for the current distortions including inflation in the economy because they were not properly managed.

It was against this backdrop that Cardoso resolved to focus on its primary mandate of price stability rather than continue to intervene in various sectors of the economy.

Cardoso said, “By way of background, it is

important for me to state clearly and unequivocally that I have nothing against interventions. It is done all over the world; in times of crisis, intervention does take place, so, I am not saying it is necessarily a bad thing.

“I am just saying that it needs to be done in a well thought out manner and in a manner that does not distabilise the economy.

“If you push in too much liquidity in a relatively short space of time and it is not managed properly, then the distortions that we’ve had are bound to happen; it’s just as simple as that and nobody should be surprised that they are happening. So, that has grave implications for the monetary policy and the exchange rate and of course, inflation.”

Restoring Confidence, Trust in Economy

Apart from pursuing the central bank’s primary mandate, the CBN governor initially committed to restoring confidence and trust in the bank and economy at large by ensuring that all the valid FX liabilities were fully settled.

Earlier in March, the Cardoso-led CBN announced that all valid FX backlogs owed to various sectors of the economy had been settled, a fulfillment of a key pledge of the CBN governor, to process an inherited backlog of $7 billion in outstanding liabilities.

He had reassured investors, “We made clearing the FX backlog a priority to restore credibility and confidence in the Nigerian economy. We needed to go through an independent and credible process that would determine the authenticity of those obligations, and, at this point, I can tell you that we have now cleared all genuine, verifiable transactions.”

He added: “This encumbrance to market confidence in the country’s ability to meet its obligations is now totally behind us.” This could be seen as one of the major accomplishments of Cardoso within a year in office.

Recently President Bola Tinubu disclosed that his administration had received over $30billion in commitments from foreign investors in less than two years of his administration, further demonstrating that his policies have yielded positive results, making the country increasingly attractive to domestic and international investors. Essentially, the policy reforms and policy initiatives by Cardoso have led to more transparency in FX market operations as well as earned the

apex financial regulatory institution improved ranking by global ranking agencies as well as commendations from the World Bank.

Asked about his greatest achievements in office, he told THISDAY, “It’s that of trust, and we appreciate that ours is a business of trust. And I appreciate that as the governor of the central bank, I am in a position of trust. I appreciate that. And we have done a great deal in restoring credibility to the central bank and regaining the trust in the institution.

“We are not there yet. It is a continuum. But without the success of rebuilding back the trust, all the other things that we want to credit ourselves with having done or wanting to do will not happen.

“And that is part of the reason I mentioned earlier on. I was asked this at a particular forum I went to why did you prioritise paying back the backlog? Why did you do that? Why couldn’t you have sort of found a way to stretch it out over some time?

“And the answer to that, quite frankly, is that it’s part of the building of trust process. People have to trust you. They have to know that irrespective of what has happened, there’s somebody in the saddle who is looking at things in a very dispassionate manner and will come to the conclusions that are in the best interest of all.”

The return of the central bank to orthodoxy practices remained one of the laudable accomplishments of Cardoso.

He said, “That is very important. And that is another thing that I will talk about, which is in the process of doing all these things we’ve done, we decided it was important to refocus the mandate of the central bank to orthodoxy.

“We are fully engaged in getting ourselves out of unorthodox means of running the central bank. And I’ve spoken about this on several occasions. It is all part of focusing on a core mandate which essentially will moderate prices as we have begun to the results and will eventually result in price discovery on the foreign exchange side.

“These are all linked together. You cannot take one without the other. And I must say that a year later, I’m very pleased to note that the rating agencies, for example, have given us a more positive rating than when we came in.

“And that in itself, as far as I can see, speaks volumes. Because, again, the rating agencies are not one given to emotion. They come in, they look at your books, they look at your numbers,

they ask you the right questions, they see your projections, and based on that, they rate you accordingly.”

He said, “And we so far have been positively rated. So that, because I can sit down here talking for the next hour, great things that I believe I have done. I believe, again, we are not there yet.”

“We have also been very careful concerning transparency around our operations. And for those of you who don’t know, when we did the last foreign exchange intervention with RDAS, that was one of the reasons we used that because we felt it was important at that time to send a very positive, transparent signal out for everybody to know exactly what is going on and how FX resources were being expended.”

Tangible Policy Outcomes

While speaking at a recent symposium on economic reforms and the unveiling of the compendium, “Promoting Stability in an Era of Economic Reforms: The Journey So Far”, Cardoso took time to chronicle critical milestones in the bank’s ongoing economic reform agenda, including a new target to increase foreign remittances to $1 billion monthly.

Reflecting on the transformative policy actions of the past year, Cardoso emphasised the CBN’s steadfast commitment to stabilising the economy, curbing inflation, and restoring investor confidence.

Many had criticised the apex bank’s monetary tightening policy, claiming it has no impact on inflation. But the CBN governor had insisted that the policy was working, adding that without the rate hikes, current inflation would have worsened, further eroding purchasing power. He, however, emphasised that the event was not a celebration but an acknowledgment of the bank’s milestones achieved in the past year, despite the crisis that prevailed when he and his team assumed office in 2023.

According to him, the bank has been able to address the credibility deficit it faced at the time with marked improvements in the FX market and a stabilisation of foreign reserves, which have now surpassed the $40 billion mark, the highest in 33 months.

He said inflation remained elevated, it was on a downward trend, signalling that the reforms were taking hold in restoring market equilibrium and fostering growth.

Cardoso further detailed the inherited economic challenges, such as the GDP growth slowdown to 2.31 per cent in Q1 2023, a significant decline from earlier years, and a sharp rise in inflation to 24.1 per cent by mid-2023.

He noted that the CBN had confronted these pressures with a robust policy response in the past 12 months, prioritising measures to enhance stability in the foreign exchange (FX) market, improve monetary policy and curb inflation.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lauded the CBN management team for their dedicated effort toward stabilising the economy as well as the team’s commitment to self-assessment, noting their willingness to critically review their performance, ask candid questions, and seek constructive feedback from industry stakeholders.

Also, Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma emphasised the importance of collaboration between fiscal and monetary authorities, underscoring the need for unified policymaking that communicates a cohesive goal and message to the public.

Cardoso highlighted the impact of the “Ways and MeansAdvances” by the CBN, which reached N22.7 trillion by mid-2023, necessitating urgent action.

Cardoso

Thesis, Anti-thesis, and Synthesis of the Kemi Badenoch in Many Nigerians: Beyond Nationality and Patriotism

Kemi Badenoch is an important name in international life, especially because of the many other names that can be formed from it. ‘Kemi’ is a Yoruba name reserved for a female which can mean ‘look after me,’ ‘pamper me,’ ‘appreciate me,’ or ‘nurse me.’ Depending on who is looking, pampering, appreciating or nursing, the name can have different prefixes and suffices. We can have ‘Ola and Kemi’ to form ‘Olakemi.’ ‘Olukemi,’ ‘Adekemi,’ Sekemi,’ etc. are derived in the same manner. In the context of Kemi Badenoch, her ‘Kemi’ is the short form of ‘Olukemi.’ And true, Olukemi is also the shorter version of Oluwakemi, meaning God cares for me, God is my care-taker and protector in various ramifications. This name is etymologically Nigerian, especially in light of the fact that her other names are Olufunto Adegoke. This simply and undoubtedly means that she is a Nigerian by the principle of ius sanguinis, that is, by blood descent or heritage in international law. Besides, going by Nigeria’s constitutional law, Kemi Badenoch is, without any whiff of doubt, a Nigerian by blood descent.

Kemi Olufunto married Hamish Badenoch in 2012 who was born in Wimbledon and educated not only in Ampleforth where he was not only head monitor, but also at the University of Cambridge’s Trinity College. Hamish became a notable investment banker but gave up the career to support the political career of Kemi, his wife. Even though his name started with ‘bad’ and ends with Enoch, Banker Enoch is not and cannot be bad. For Kemi to have married an Enoch, a British means she is also British by marriage which reveals mutuality of love and respect as shown by Enoch’s resolve to forsake his own career to support his wife’s ambition. Enoch is one of the three people in the Holy Bible known not to have died. Elijah did not die. Whoever answers the biblical name, Enoch, cannot but be an embodiment of goodness. But what is the problematic in this case?

The Problematic: Thesis and Anti-thesis

The problematic is a resultant from Kemi Badenoch’s election on 2 November 2024 as the new leader of the Tory Conservative party in the United Kingdom. She contested against Robert Jennick for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Her election generated much happiness in Nigeria as patriotic Nigerians see the election as a pointer to better days to come in Nigeria. In the eyes of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), chaired by Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, simply Abike here, Honourable Kemi Badenoch, simply Kemi here, is a role model that should be emulated and preached to the younger generations seeking greatness in life in Nigeria.

For instance, the NIDCOM has a weekly programme, called The Diaspora, during which Nigerians in Diaspora are show-cased and developments in Nigeria are explained. And true enough, one major responsibility of the NIDCOM is ‘to initiate policies needed to recognize and harness the potentials of Nigerians in Diaspora networks and organisations.’ This largely explains why Abike is much interested, in the discharge of her mandate, in expressing Nigeria’s solidarity with Kemi’s political feat. The general happiness of some patriots in Nigeria also prompted the need to congratulate Kemi.

However, Abike’s congratulatory quest became problematic from many perspectives because of some issues. First, the election was British in all senses and not Nigerian. As a contestant, Kemi contested as a British and not as a Nigerian. She was born in Wimbledon, London, on 2 January 1980, and raised up in Nigeria and the United States before returning to the United Kingdom in 1996 at the age of 16. Explained differently Kemi only sees herself as British by the rule of ius soli, that is, by place of birth. This self-perception, though a truism, ignores the fact that she is also a Nigerian by ius sanguinis. Indisputably, she is both Nigerian and British and therefore, has dual national nationality, not by her own making, but by force majeure. The admission of Kemi as a British does not and cannot prevent observers from looking at Kemi as also a Nigerian.

Secondly, felicitating with Kemi is very reasonable. Kemi once contested and failed. She contested a second time and won. Is her sustainable courage not worth commending? In the current world of discrimination, bearing in mind that Kemi originated from one of the countries described as shitholes by former US President Donald Trump, and particularly from Nigeria, a country considered in 2016 as ‘fantastically corrupt’ and for that matter, by a British Prime Minister, David Cameron, there is no way every right-thinking and patriotic black and African man will not be encouraged and happy about the elevation of Kemi Badenoch in a developed society like Britain. It is within this frame of thinking that the quest of Abike to rejoice with Kemi

Baasegun Oni, as a holder of an important traditional chieftaincy title, must not encourage Kemi Badenoch to develop unnecessary arrogance that she can set aside her home country because of the better environmental conditionings in Britain. Additionally, Baasegun Oni, as a notable Yoruba fellow should serve as a mediator or reconciliator by differentiating himself from the people he is also attacking. Without the Nigeria-based foreign-trained Nigerians, those in the Diaspora only exist in a vacuum. Yoruba people at home and in the Diaspora must show the richness of their exemplary cultural disposition to the world. Yoruba culture must be severally and collectively defended and promoted. Baasegun Oni’s point that Honourable Dabiri-Erewa ‘has no standing and no mandate to demand audience with the UK Leader of Opposition’ is wrong. The operational word here is ‘demand’ which can have a manu militari connotation. In its sense of manu militari, I do agree with Baasegun Oni. Outside of this, Honourable Dabiri-Erewa has all the necessary wherewithal, including self-recognition, official status, and functional responsibility to ask for audience beyond the walls of protocol and etiquette and order of precedence. Baasegun Oni is only looking at the issue from the purview of public international law and not from the perspective of both international life and private international law. This should not be so as historico-political data lend credence to this observation

on the occasion of her election, in an unprecedented manner, as the leader of a major political party, should be seen, explained and understood.

The problematic is unnecessarily made complex by intervening interlocutors to the extent of not only insulting one another, but also raising several pertinent questions of international law. The complication of the problem began with the interview granted to the Channels Television during which Abike was asked if Kemi had been congratulated for her well-deserved election. In her reply, Abike explained that efforts were made to reach out to Kemi and congratulate her on her activities, even before her recent election as Tory Leader but that there was no response from Kemi. Abike explained further that no one could force anyone to show his or her ‘Nigerianness’ or if he or she refused to be congratulated. Many observers saw Kemi’s refusal to be felicitated with as a snub on Abike. As such, there are proponents and opponents of the attitudinal disposition of Kemi.

In this regard, most shamefully, descendants of Oduduwa came into the public to be destroying themselves rather than making efforts to douse the misunderstanding. Individually or officially, Abike and Kemi are sisters in the Yoruba setting. There is nothing wrong with the intervention of Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), who reportedly blamed Kemi for snubbing Abike. Kemi cannot afford the luxury of snubbing Abike, an elderly sister. FFK’s intervention might have infuriated some people but it has disturbingly served as a pretext, not only to defend Kemi but to also condemn FFK, politician and former Minister of Tourism of Nigeria, as well as launch immoral missiles at Abike. New areas of dispute are created instead of nipping in the bud the existing ones. In other words, the ideal thing to do is to ensure Yoruba harmonious entente rather than deepening the mésentente. The issues at stake are not about patriotism, Nigerianness, or snubbing of Abike by Kemi, but the misunderstanding and misrepresentation of the intentions of Abike, by the Nigerians in Diaspora, in her individual capacity and particularly in her capacity as the Chief Executive of the NIDCOM.

According to Baasegun (Dr) Olusola Oni, the Leader of the Yoruba Party in the United Kingdom, FFK is myopic. He is ‘a Nigerianista, self-blinkered, willfully ignorant, deluded, suicidally optimistic Yoruba liberal, the type that danced as the Titanic sank. Intellectually mummified into humiliating fellow Yoruba, fueled by jealousy, disguised as cynicism and patriotism. Like Fani Power, his father, Fani-Kayode is a political prostitute. Fani Power betrayed the Yoruba…’ This is most unnecessary in a decent Yoruba conflict resolution setting and reciprocal treatment. Baasegun Oni apparently is not happy with FFK for humiliating ‘fellow Yoruba.’ He may be right in his reaction. However, has the Baasegun not also humiliated other Yoruba fellows with his attacks on FFK? Has he not worsened the matter by creating a nexus between FFK and his father? Should humiliation be reciprocated as Yoruba fellows? Baasegun Oni did not stop there. He said Abike Dabiri-Erewa ‘has no standing and no mandate to demand audience with the UK Leader of Opposition. That is the job of the High Commission. Dabiri-Erewa is not even in the pecking order. Second, Dabiri-Erewa displays an alarming emptiness, and a belief in her own self-importance, when she equates Kemi Badenoch refusal to meet with her as evidence of lack of Nigerianess. Who does Dabiri-Erewa think she is? There is no Nigerianess. It is no more than grandstanding, an illusion created by Nigeria’s privileged. Third, Dabiri-Erewa is not known to many of us in the Diaspora…’ Two main issues are raised by Baasegun in his complaints: ‘Nigerianess’ and Abike’s locus standi.

As regards ‘Nigerianess,’ my opinion has been made known many times in this column, Vie Internationale. I have observed that we have Nigerians without Nigeria and Nigeria without Nigerians. I have argued that the notion of an indivisible and indissolubility of Nigeria is more of a myth than reality as the historiography of self-determination in international relations has shown. Consequently, I have no qualms with Baasegun quarrelling with ‘Nigerianess.’ The problem, however, is what ‘Nigerianess’ means to different peoples.

Nigerianess can mean characteristics, nationality, affinity, behavior, culture, etc. Nigerianess, in the thinking of Abike, is nationality of Nigeria as it is today. Whether anyone likes it or not, Nigeria is a sovereign state in international relations. It is internationally so recognized in spite of its ‘fantastic’ corruption, bad governance, one ethnic community dominating the others, Nigerian complicity in the exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources by foreigners, etc. All of these have not prevented the continued existence of Nigeria. The various agitations for separate existence have not also stopped Nigeria’s existence. Are these problems enough to refuse to respond to Abike’s request for an audience? Is Abike not older than Kemi? Should official status require disregard for private, officious, official, and cultural status of Abike? Kemi has the choice to or not to associate with Nigeria and Nigerians. Does the choice obliterate the home truth of her being a Nigerian? Kemi might have had painful mistreatments like me. I have been most oppressed and embittered by the Governments of Nigeria. However, in the belief that there is still light at the end of the tunnel, Abike is pleading with everyone to be hopeful, meaning that Kemi is not alone in her grievance.

Dabiri-Erewa

Badenoch

JOSEF OMOROTIONWAM pays tribute to the late Rose Agbonlahor Igbinedion

REMEMBERING OUR UNSUNG HEROES

William Shakespeare (1582-1616) remains essentially relevant: “What the great ones do, the less we prattle of”. Even at the opposite extreme, we have no problem with society eulogizing the great ones beyond their lifetime. What may be unfair is the present attitude of remaining stoically silent on some lesser mortals who were impactful within the little spaces they occupied during their lifetime. Today’s Subject, the late Rose Agbonlahor Igbinedion of Oligie Igbanke, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State, is intended to provide a lesson on how not to ignore the meek and the humble, even onto death.

This is where we reckon that the community services currently rendered by our media houses would benefit from further expansions with a view to penetrating through more remote areas of the country, where some of our best citizens live. The only way to start this piece is on a confessional note: The last time I spoke to her on phone, she extracted a promise from me – that I would return from Canada to meet her alive. Now, she is gone but the lie I told her is alive, and in the sight of God, every lie is a sin. Let all who read this piece intercede for me.

This confession has become necessary because mama was a virtuous woman –an honest woman who would not tell a lie even at the edge of doom; a woman who was a total embodiment of kindness, and a woman who rendered justice to all with universal equality. She was indeed the Esther of our time. Within the Igbanke and Oghada axis, she will be greatly missed for her invaluable advice and counsel. She was, indeed, a Community Leader!

Mama realized early in life that life is a gift from God and your service to humanity is the rent you pay for being on earth. She lavished her milk of kindness on me. From the very beginning, she supplied all my basic school needs. Even when I was yet learning to write letter, she fully supplied all I asked for. Remember the early age of learning to write letters: “kindly send me one pencil, one ruler, one 2A exercise book, one 2C exercise book, one 2D exercise book, and so on”.

At the home-front, that she ever slept could have been anybody’s imagination. In truth, I have not seen her eating. But I know that every living being must eat to stay alive. All I have seen her do is serving others. Similarly, I have never seen her asleep. Apparently, she slept at night after everyone has slept and woke up in the morning before everyone. Essentially, her life was one of deprivation for herself to ensure the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. In the household of Igbinedion, mama ensured that there was always food, even for perfect strangers. Information reaching me indicated that this attitude persisted until her final days. On her death bed, as soon as they entered, she would say, “Lucy, go and give them food”. Even where such visitors hesitated, mama would force them to eat. One day, her daughter Lucy called me to say, “Brother see me, see trouble o, one of these days, we shall run into a case where the food we are giving to strangers does not digest properly. Will they not think we have forced some poisoned stuff down their throat?”

I told her not to worry because mama was on a Mission – a mission that must be fulfilled. Just keep doing good. For as long as

God is on the throne, he will keep protecting his people. She was one woman who was thoroughly endowed with the spirit of industry. That’s one way of understanding why she became the best in anything she did. She was everybody’s delight in the home. Whatever came out of her kitchen was “Finger Licking Good”. Of greater interest still was the speed and precision with which the food came. Although it was in the era of the firewood, her food came with the speed of the pressure cooker and the microwave, even long before those devices were invented!

Mama was a philanthropist extraordinaire; she rendered service to humanity without counting the cost. She was the “Doctor” we knew. This was an accrual from the

experience she gathered from her short stint with the Health Department of the defunct Akugbe District Council. To that extent, she was a pioneer in the delivery of free healthcare to the people.

Perhaps unknown to her, we conferred on her, the title of Director of Sanitation. In neatness, she was unbeatable. She preached and practiced hygiene and always maintained that neatness is next to Godliness.

Mama finally arrived at her destination when she got into catering. In the name of running a restaurant, what she actually had was a Soup Kitchen. All who knew her went there to eat free food- some, three times daily. How, then, was mama making her money? Her life is a testimony to the fact that no one does the will of God and comes out regretting! Mama lived for others! There was an annual pilgrimage of sorts – The New Yam Festival (Egu) at Oghada. She usually arrived some days before the festival. Every day, she followed my mother to the farm. Under any weather, she worked tirelessly, thus beating those hardworking Oghada women to their own business. That was not all.

Homeward bound at the end of the day, she loaded her hamper full and delightfully carried the load that would ordinarily be too heavy for two people.

In her lifetime, we kept short-changing her by calling her Nne-Nwagholor when, indeed she was a mother to all! Mama lived a good life; she ran a good race; she fought a good fight – the fight of faith; and she finished her course. As happened to the Great Apostle Paul, we are sure that the crown of righteousness already awaits her in the bosom of the good Lord.

It only remains for us to pray to the Almighty God to give those of us she left behind the fortitude to bear her temporary separation from us. Adieu Mama, Adieu!

Omorotionmwan writes from Canada

SOLUCHY AGU argues that power imbalance between men and women is the critical issue, not ‘superiority’

OF GENDER AND

‘SUPERIORITY’

These thoughts were inspired by a huge outburst between friends (male and female) during a usual ‘Chill Time’. The men boldly declared that as long as they are physically stronger than we women, they will always be above us, and we will never be equal. Those words: Above, Equal and Superior! The age-old war between men and women and whether one is superior is completely baseless as far as I am concerned. The push for superiority of men because of the role they play, and their physical strength is simply a push for power, control and dominance.

Men have more physical strength than women. It is estimated that a typical man will be stronger than 39 in 40 women and that men have 50% more muscle mass and 30% more bone mass than women, both of which contribute significantly to greater physical strength. That’s beautiful and admirable. Men are physically stronger and are by nature, better equipped to handle certain things that women will find difficult. Their role is to protect, lead, preserve, cover. These are admirable qualities and not to be envied at all.

Women have more mental strength than men. Studies show that women have exceptional endurance and are more likely to survive tougher conditions than men. They are built with powerful emotional strength and resilience that allow them nurture, bear pain, stretch without breaking and are known to withstand pressure much more than men, due to the fact that cortisol, the stress hormone, increases more rapidly in men than in women. What they lack in physical strength, is made up for in mental strength.

As far as I am concerned, these strengths are complementary and not competitive. Why did we allow anyone get into our heads and tell us that because we are emotional, we are weak?? Emotions are powerful. They enable us to connect with the deepest parts of ourselves and help us express ourselves in ways that are dynamic, colorful and authentic. Emotions are not bad neither are they negative. Inability to control them or allowing them control/rule you... that’s always the issue. The lack of much physical strength and the presence of mental strength and emotions should not be labelled inferiority.

Perhaps the real issue here is that many intertwine the roles of men and women in marriage with their roles in society, the corporate or business world. Our roles in society and in marriages differ. There’s no competition in that. The man is the lead. His job is to protect, to provide, (provide vision, direction & provide materially as well), to preserve and to cover. The woman is an EQUAL partner whose job is to nurture, help, provide mental strength, support and balance needed to navigate the storms of life, partner in fulfilling vision and bring life. How does that make her ‘below’ the man? Two beautiful, separate individuals, with different assignments that are complimentary but focused on one goal and in one direction. What makes one job/role more important than the other? The two SERVE each other in their own distinct and unique way. The same commandment of ‘rule, subdue, multiply, dominate the EARTH’ was given to both genders. Note that the commandment was to rule, subdue and dominate the EARTH and not THE WOMAN or vice versa, in some cases. We were never called to dominate each other. The role of a ‘lead’ is simply that: LEAD not SUBDUE or DOMINATE. It means take responsibility for others and show the way

DEBATE

by example and the reason for this is for ORDER. There will be chaos if everyone on the ship is the CAPTAIN!

If then there’s this understanding, women should stop feeling inferior about their femininity, their beautiful emotions, their power to create and nurture and support. It’s such a beautiful thing to watch. It doesn’t mean they are relegated to the background, afraid to take up roles and responsibilities that would require them to ‘be in front’ and ahead of the pack. Let’s not forget that it is mostly in the context of the marriage relationship that these gender roles play out. No man is allowed to attempt to dominate any woman he sees or encounters. Every man on earth cannot be the LEAD for every woman on earth. How we have allowed that to play out in our everyday lives is most baffling! We, the women, are the ones that have played into the hands of this twisted concept that allows men to subdue women in almost every sphere of life: church, work, business, governance, politics etc.

Men are beautiful and admirable. It must feel great to be physically strong, to lead, to take charge, to take responsibility for everyone. That is applaudable. But it must also be mentally and emotionally draining doing all of that....‘taking the rap’ for everyone, sink or swim it’s on you, confused or not you must lead etc. And that’s where the men should have the comfort of the mental strength of the woman beside you, to cheer you on, to understand your pain, share in it and to tell you when you are missing it, pat you on the back for your wins, to take out of the way any distractions, not to be a distraction herself by being too busy to clap and cheer you on esp. when you are winning! Isn’t that such a beautiful rhythm to watch?

To mix up the role of the man and woman in a marriage relationship with the role of the man and a woman in the society at large, is to terribly interrupt or even stop the beautiful rhythm created by the differences in both men and women. These differences actually make us a great team when and if we lean in more towards collaboration rather than competition or unnecessary grandstanding. Both genders have the responsibility to dominate their space in their own separate, distinct ways, but the objective is the same, RULE THE EARTH. Dominate your Space. The competences required to do so are basically the same, but the approach and application are different simply because we differ in nature. That shouldn’t be a problem, should it?

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE THREAT FROM LAKURAWA GROUP

The

emerging terror group in the Northwest is a serious national security threat

To the consternation of most Nigerians, another ugly chapter has opened in the ongoing insecurity in the Northwest region. Last week, a previously unknown group known as ‘Lakurawa’ staged a bloody attack on a local community in Argungu Emirate of Kebbi State, killing no fewer than 15 people. Days earlier, the Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Mohammed had told the visiting Course 33 participants of the National Defence College, about the Lakurawa. He described it as a new, quasi faith-based group that has been terrorizing communities in the state. Although the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has been talking tough, tales of horror abound from those who have encountered members of the criminal gang.

Unlike Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) the Lakurawa group is not known to have one central leader. But their rhetoric, well-organized operations, heavy weaponry and migration from Nigeria’s northern neighbours suggest they may be linked with the numerous Jihadist groups currently operating in the Sahelian regions of Niger Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya. Both the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Defence Headquarters have already confirmed the presence of this new terror group and the latter has even declared some of their leaders wanted. “Not only do they have heavy weapons, but they also have drones and are surveilling villages and military formations with them,” according to a senior fellow at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Bulama Bukarti. “I think we should take the security threat in a region already divided by bandit violence very seriously.”

at risk. The biggest risk is now the Lakurawa group whose members started out as pastoralists who visit annually and inhabit forests and bushes to graze their cattle herds. At that period, they were generally peaceful, except for infrequent skirmishes with local farmers.

Authorities should be concerned that the Lakurawa group came under the familiar guise of religion, taking advantage of the large swathes of ungoverned spaces and our porous borders to bring in arms and ammunition

When they first arrived on the scene, the locals seemed to like them because they engaged in efforts to drive out the bandits who had been terrorizing the region for the past decade. The Lakurawas are said to be heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and in many cases, they overpowered the bandits. However, as their numbers and cattle herds started to increase exponentially, they soon emerged the new power brokers, imposing quasireligious rules on communities and forcibly collecting ‘Zakat’-a religious tax. They were also engaging in harassment and confiscation of property. When some of the communities offered resistance, they were brutally confronted as happened with the massacre in Kebbi State last week.

Until a few years ago, the North-west zone was a template and shining example of geo-political stability and peaceful co-existence among Nigerian communities. In the eye of the public, the zone was insulated from the security challenges that had become the frightening badge of other parts of the region, notably the North-east and North-central zones. Sadly, scores of criminal gangs are now gradually taking over the North-west, thus putting the entire northern region

EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN

DEPUTY EDITORS FESTUS AKANBI, EJIOFOR ALIKE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

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Letters to the Editor

The federal government should be concerned that the Lakurawa group has come under the familiar guise of religion, taking advantage of the large swathes of ungoverned spaces as well as our porous borders to bring in arms and ammunition. Meanwhile, there is said to be another group that has taken over vast areas of land between the Kainji Lake Reserve in Niger State up to Kebbi State. Aside taking urgent steps to address the root causes of this recourse to violence in several theatres across the country, there is an urgent need for more boots on the ground. We need to increase the strength of the Army and, more importantly, increase the capacity of the police in terms of manpower and modern policing equipment.

We must also take advantage of technology to control our borders and dominate the ungoverned spaces.

Beyond the foregoing, the local authorities in the areas concerned must show impactful presence in terms of education and enlightenment campaign that would enlighten the youths and dissuade them from wrong religious teachings. They must also improve in their response time to complaints or reports from the local communities.

NEW DAWN IN EDO, WITH MONDAY OKPEBHOLO

‘A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim is fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves’ – Lao Tzu.

Senator Monday Okpebholo’s calm disposition has been mistaken for weakness by the opposition. What others term as weakness is the strongest trait of the man who assumed office during the week as the new Governor of Edo State. The ability to be calm, focused and compassionate are the hallmarks of true leadership. Edo people are lucky to have at the helm of affairs a man who is not interested in the normal shenanigans associated with Nigerian politics. He is a complete gentleman.

For those who question the governor’s intellect because of a stubborn refusal to bandy meaningless words with his detractors, Senator Monday Okpebholo believes more in getting the work done than wasting time defending obvious lies and getting distract-

ed from the work at hand. Aged 54, the governor is a graduate of Business Administration from the university of Abuja; and also holds a master’s degree in policy and leadership from the same institution.

When he won the Senatorial election on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the victory was particularly outstanding because he broke the 24-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the zone. Before going into the race for Edo governorship, he was the senate committee chairman on procurement, a testament to the respect he had earned among his colleagues in the upper legislative chamber. It was also no surprise that Senate President Godswill Akpabio led the team that went to campaign for the man who is now governor along with other colleagues.

As a Senator, Okpebholo sponsored the bill on agriculture research council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) 2023 and brought several projects to his constituency.

As governor, he will now doubt do much more. As an indigene of Edo State, I am proud to have him as my governor. Now that we have a leader who is ready to work rather than just talk, we know that the perennial flooding and erosion that has defied solution will be tackled by this quiet achiever.

Okpebholo is an entrepreneur with investments in hospitality, ICT, Oil and gas and construction and will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the state. He needs the support of all Nigerians to achieve this.

It was Lao Tzu who said that; he who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty. Senator Monday Okpebholo has mastered himself and he is set to master Edo state, bringing the needed investors to make Edo state a sought-after destination for business and tourism.

Josie Mudashiru, a Communication Strategist, writes from Abuja.

HasaN Yiğit:

Living His Nigerian Dream

His understated persona masks the passion for redefining the furniture market in Nigeria. Hasan Yiğit, the founder of Vento Furniture, as well as Istanbul Restaurant and Café, gives insights into a wholly Nigerian company whose brand presence echoes a love story with Nigeria. Vanessa Obioha writes

I am a Full Nigerian. Everything About Me is in Nigeria

Vento Furniture is a household name in Nigeria, and at the heart of its success is an unassuming young man who prides himself as a Nigerian. Meet Hasan Yigit, who proudly declares that he is a Nigerian in spirit, body and soul. “Nigeria is home and nowhere else. I live in Nigeria with my family and interestingly, whenever I travel out for vacation, my family, especially my kids, are in a hurry to return to Nigeria.”

Hard work is a recipe for success. This much has been argued in several quarters, but for Yigit, it is a statement of fact. He argues that his modest background and determination to succeed in life were his guiding principles.

“There is no shortcut to success. I started the Vento brand in 2016 in a plaza in Jabi, Abuja. I combined two shops as my showroom where I displayed a few items. I worked hard day and night, understanding the business terrain and having at the back of my mind that once I gave quality, I would get patronage and that was how I built the Vento brand into what it is today. For us at Vento, it is about durability and quality.”

Of course, his background as a salesperson for a company in Turkey with the responsibility of seeking new businesses across the globe helped him in no small measure. He traverses over 50 countries seeking new business for his organization and, in the process, establishes business relationships.

“This experience taught me the borderless nature of trade and the importance of reaching international markets. As an export manager, I travelled to over 50 countries, gaining commercial experience that eventually led me to establish Vento Furniture in Nigeria.”

Before settling down in Nigeria, Yigit visited Nigeria on a couple of occasions at the invitation of a friend and mentor, Ambassador Ahmed Magaji, who introduced him to a couple of friends, and the rest is history. Since then, there has been no looking back for the young entrepreneur.

“What is important in business is giving customers value for money. That is the philosophy of Vento Furniture. It is not strictly a profit-making regime, there is also a place for compassion and trust. I am also conscious of the operational environment, people, culture and diversity. You must strike a balance by giving back through philanthropic gestures that impact the lives of the people. This is the trick and why Vento Furniture is where it is today.”

“The late Ambassador Ahmed Magaji was not only a guide but also a valuable friend who played a critical role in my coming to Nigeria,” he says.

“His support influenced me to

embrace Nigeria as my second home. He introduced me to another friend, Hon. Faruk Adamu Aliyu, and they both helped me build a robust social and business network in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Ambassador Ahmed Magaji passed on recently. I am saddened by his death and in his honour, I am working on a hostel project for university students in his home state.”

In recent times, more and more businesses have been undertaking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in communities, however, this move has been interpreted in some quarters as a business strategy. Yigit disagreed, using his organisation as an example. He argues that CSR should not be seen as a business strategy, but rather as a means of contributing to societal goals towards improving the quality of life of the people.

“Charity begins at home. My philosophy in business emphasised that CSR should be inward and outward. Inward in the sense that you must offer your workforce commensurate remuneration for their services. This might sound impossible, but it is not. Most times, it is not all about the monthly take-home pay.”

He continued: “I ensured that the organisation offers educational scholarships to brilliant low-level workers, especially young girls. This is one area my wife holds dearly. She directs the CSR department of the organisation. She regularly undertakes visits to the homes of our staff. On such routine visits, where a lack is identified, the CSR department addresses it. This is my mentality on how to get the best out of your workforce. You must meet them at the point of their needs even before they mention it. Today, Vento boasts a strong 220 workforce, including master’s degree holders and a PhD holder. Interestingly, the managing director of Vento Furniture is a Nigerian.

“We also have a general group called Vento Family, where we celebrate achievements, birthdays, childbirths and many more,” he adds. “I am in the group and I use that opportunity to have firsthand knowledge of what is happening around me. I don’t rely on the reports of line managers alone. With this, we are a family and not strangers. This is important in having a vibrant and committed workforce.”

The company also provides a free meal for staff as well as health insurance coverage for staff families. This, according to Yigit, is another form of CSR.

“Currently, 150 out of our total 410 employees are accommodated, most employees are insured, and all their families benefit from private health insurance. This practice enhances employees’ quality of life, leading to happier staff.”

Many are surprised by the success that Yigit has achieved in Nigeria with Vento Furniture. He humbly explains that it is neither magic nor extraordinary. “When you believe in a nation, when you believe in a country, and when you keep investing in that country, you get the result you see today. This is the magic wand for Vento Furniture. We continually reinvest in the country.”

He also emphasised that he never focused on making money in Nigeria only

to invest elsewhere or take the profits out of the country.

“That’s not my strategy; it has never been and will never be. I live here, I’m Nigerian, I love this country, and I am doing my part. I will keep doing whatever it takes,” he affirms.

This deep-rooted commitment is what Yigit credits for the enduring success of his businesses in Nigeria.

Vento Furniture recently built and donated a hostel building to the University of Abuja as part of the CSR initiative of the organisation. Adem Baba Hostel, as it is called, is in honour of his father, who resides with him in Nigeria.

“I am a full Nigerian. Everything about me is in Nigeria. My family, parents and all of my investments are in Nigeria. The Adem Baba Hostel project was conceived as a means of honouring my father who is also in love with Nigeria. He has asked that he should be buried in Nigeria at his passage.

My mother is also here with me and she is not thinking of anywhere else to call home. My father loved education and I felt having his name in a great institution in Nigeria would do well for his passion for education.”

Yigit’s life in Nigeria isn’t just about business success but also about the strong family bond with the people. His sons, Ahmet Efe and Asaf Kerem, help him with his business outside of school. His daughter, Meryam, presently studying gastronomy outside the shores of the country plans to return and work at the newly established Istanbul Restaurant and Café. For him, there is no better way to tell and be a part of the Nigerian story.

The more he speaks about Nigeria, the more visible his love for the country glows. For instance, he describes Nigeria as a country rich in human resources and natural assets. He reveals that he is working on a project to establish a vocational training centre to help develop Nigeria’s skilled workforce.

“Plans are ongoing to establish a vocational training centre, to serve a feeder system for companies seeking skilled workforce in the country. This is very critical and a source of concern for me. In the course of doing business, I identified a lack of adequate skilled manpower. What I did was to recruit unskilled workers and train them to be skilled and useful to themselves. I am passionate about teaching people how to fish and not give them fish.”

For now, Yigit’s ambition for Vento Furniture extends beyond Nigeria to make it a well-known brand across West Africa. He aims to turn the brand into a leading African name. Through the Istanbul Restaurant, he also plans to introduce Turkish cuisine to Nigeria and create a distinctive culinary culture.

“By the grace of God, I have built Vento into a formidable brand in the furniture business in Nigeria with 12 branches across the country. Our world-class furniture manufacturing factory is coming up very soon. We have also recently established Istanbul Restaurant and Café, bringing a taste of Turkish cuisine to Nigeria. We also have other projects ongoing to contribute our quota to the socio-economic well-being of the country,” he concluded.

Yiğit

HighLife

Musawa’s First Major Impact as Minister

Minister Hannatu Musawa

is advancing Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and has recently shown that she can position Africa’s art and heritage as a global force. This comes as a follow-through of her participation at the G20 Ministers of Culture meeting in Brazil, where she emphasised culture’s potential to drive economic growth. With this, the fair lady has set the stage for Nigeria’s transformative role in global cultural policy.

Musawa is very clear on Africa’s representation on international platforms, an understanding that she demonstrated while advocating Africa’s unique cultural perspectives within the G20. Her stance was clear: Nigeria will actively shape global cultural diplomacy, and this will signal a shift toward leadership in aligning with AU’s Agenda 2063 for a cohesive, prosperous Africa.

Of course, none of this is strange. Musawa has been actively pursuing partnerships with nations like Saudi Arabia and China to strengthen Africa’s creative industries. With these alliances, she is confident that there will be new economic opportunities and job creation, which can then go on to help make Africa’s culture an economic asset on a global scale.

Musawa’s recent outing, however, had specific emphases, one of which was to restore Nigeria’s Cultural House in Salvador, Brazil, and transform it into a hub for global cultural exchange. This just reinforces Musawa’s dual focus on domestic development and international outreach, integrating cultural diplomacy with Nigeria’s Destination 2030 tourism strategy.

Readers may not have forgotten how her appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy hasn’t escaped controversy, particularly regarding her ongoing NYSC status. While some critics continue to question her in this regard, it is clear that Musawa is focusing on impactful cultural initiatives that she believes will ultimately outshine public scrutiny and establish her credibility.

with KAYoDe ALFreD 08116759807, E-mail:

...Amazing

Nigeria’s rich and famous 2027: The Battle for Lagos … Why Obasa and Hamzat Hold the Aces

As Lagos heads toward the 2027 gubernatorial race, two major contenders, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and House Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, stand out. The reason is simple: they are seasoned political players, they understand Lagos’s intricate power dynamics, and they boast deep-rooted influence.

Hamzat’s background is steeped in political legacy, with his late father, Oba Mufutau Hamzat, a founding member of the Justice Forum which is still very influential. Hamzat has a strong base built on both his reputation and family influence.

Obasa, in contrast, draws power from his unmatched grassroots support and resilience. Because he has navigated numerous political challenges unscathed, he commands respect in Lagos’s local communities. Moreover, as the longestserving Speaker, Obasa’s tenure lets him understand the state as an insider, which only bolsters his grassroots base and political clout.

So, the Justice Forum and the Mandate Group—two dominant Lagos political factions—backed Hamzat and Obasa, respectively. This alliance gives both candidates a strategic advantage, with the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), originally shaped by President Bola Tinubu, expected to weigh heavily in this race.

While other names like Senator Tokunbo Abiru and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila have surfaced as potential contenders, neither enjoys the grassroots depth or local influence that Hamzat and Obasa wield. Though Abiru has corporate ties and Gbajabiamila holds national respect, their reach in Lagos politics pales in comparison.

Ultimately, the local government elections in Lagos will be a litmus test for both Hamzat and Obasa’s influence. There’s also the issue of control over local government chairmen, who will select delegates for the APC primaries. This essentially offers each candidate a critical edge, with grassroots manoeuvre set to intensify competition between the two camps.

Between Emmanuel Macron and Tony Elumelu

In fact, those who’ve been close enough to witness their exchanges say Macron doesn’t hold back in his admiration for Elumelu. When he speaks about the banker, it’s clear that the French president sees him as one of Africa’s shining stars.

The two first crossed paths as far back as 2018 when Macron visited Lagos—and the bond was instant. At a meeting with over 2,000 young African entrepreneurs, Macron openly discussed the need for urgent action to empower Africa’s youth. Elumelu had the same idea about entrepreneurship and the transformative power of technology and has gone on to do much about it.

for Africa, noting its potential to create jobs and build lasting prosperity across the continent.

Oftentimes, Macron and Elumelu have collaborated to the point of pushing for partnerships that benefit the French and African worlds. They have signed agreements aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and designed models to foster bilateral trade. In fact, the two have worked tirelessly to redefine the relationship between Africa and France.

It is no longer a secret that Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has nothing but high praise for Tony Elumelu.

Sources believe that what really stands out to Macron is how Elumelu uses his position to push for change. With his firm belief in “Africapitalism,” Elumelu is about the private sector being the engine driving Africa’s economic growth. Macron adores this model and has praised it many times as a way forward

Timeless Vision of Mele Kyari

It is now clear that Mele Kyari’s vision for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is just like President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms in that it embodies a path forward that could reshape Nigeria’s oil sector. Indeed, given recent news, Kyari’s focus on reform and transparency showcases an intent to revitalise the industry and strengthen the nation’s economic foundation.

Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL recently settled a $2.4 billion debt with international oil companies (IOCs). This is a long-standing financial burden that greatly weighed down Nigeria’s oil sector. So, clearing it represents an end to years of financial obligation, so that NNPCL is now positioned as a debt-free entity, fully ready for investment and sustainable growth.

Kyari’s achievements quite align with Tinubu’s reformative approach in how they weave around economic independence with

efficiency. The complete removal of fuel subsidies, although initially challenging, liberated resources and allowed NNPCL to settle its debts, and can be said to have created the foundations for a more stable economic landscape.

Kyari has always been a prominent figure in the Nigerian oil industry, having held key positions under multiple administrations. His extensive experience and insight into Nigeria’s energy dynamics have, in fact, earned him the trust of various presidents. It is the same now as it was in the past when he steered NNPC into becoming a limited liability company, thereby improving its financial stability and operational efficiency.

The recent milestone of debt clearance actually ranks a bit higher in terms of achievement in that it opens new opportunities for NNPCL to expand its core activities. So, Nigerians can expect things

But all this is no big deal, except where Macron is concerned, the reason being that Elumelu’s influence has always stretched far beyond the boardroom. In 2020, Time magazine recognised him as one of the world’s most influential people.

In the coming days, perhaps more presidents will come to see Elumelu as Macron does - as a businessman who is not all talk. With every new achievement, it is clear that Elumelu is walking the walk, and that’s something for Africans to be proud of.

Kyari

like improved gas infrastructure and expanded renewable energy efforts, all the things that show that Kyari has strong foresight and understands the broader economic potential for Nigeria as a regional energy leader.

A Tale of Lawyer and Law Breaker … Sorry Lawmaker

Here is an interesting scene for readers, the kind that the Nigerian judiciary is getting famous for: a lawyer, once an ally, now stands toe-to-toe in court with a lawmaker over a substantial N81 million legal bill. Mr. Salman Jawondo (SAN) and Hon Ahmed Saba’s partnership has devolved into an unexpected court battle, turning past goodwill into sharp legal contention.

Jawondo, a senior lawyer, asserts that Saba, the Honourable member representing the Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency of Kwara state, enlisted his help for a preelection lawsuit, where Jawondo defended the lawmaker’s candidacy. Yet, according to Jawondo, once the case closed, so did Saba’s cheque book, leaving N81 million in unpaid

fees hanging in the balance.

Saba’s camp, however, tells a different story. He admits there’s an outstanding debt but baulks at the hefty sum. He suggests Jawondo’s fee is “excessive,” calling it unwarranted. He even hints at political sabotage, claiming his detractors are using this lawsuit to tarnish his hard-earned public image.

Communication has evidently been a challenge, with Jawondo saying his demands have gone unanswered save for a few payments. Saba, though, insists he hasn’t received formal court summons, adding a layer of miscommunication— or perhaps strategic stalling—to their escalating feud.

The lawyer’s claims extend to detailed court documents, itemising his services from the Federal

High Court up to the Supreme Court. It’s a menu of legal work that totals N81 million, with VAT and incidental expenses added like sides to an entrée nobody wants to pay for.

Saba’s defence, delivered through his Digital Media Assistant, paints him as a victim of political scheming. He reassures the public of his commitment to service, dismissing the lawsuit as a distraction from his duties to his constituents. Dialogue, he says, is his preferred route to resolving this.

Both lawyer and lawmaker now await their day in court this December, each convinced of their own story’s validity. The irony, of course, is that a man meant to uphold laws now finds himself at odds with one who knows those laws intimately—his own former defender.

obasa

Jawondo

Musawa

elumelu

Borno Billionaire, Mohammed Indimi’s New Portfolio

As a young boy in Borno, Mohammed Indimi learned the intricacies of trade with his father at local markets. This early exposure to commerce marked the beginning of his ascent to becoming a business magnate. Today, Indimi is a NonExecutive Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.

Indimi’s appointment is promising for Julius Berger, Nigeria’s premier engineering and construction firm. The Borno-born billionaire’s diverse experience in oil, gas, and financial services offers a strategic advantage, adding expertise that could deepen the company’s market presence and propel its growth in Nigeria and beyond.

Indimi’s selection shows just how much confidence Julius Berger has in his leadership abilities. Known for his astute business acumen and philanthropic endeavours, Indimi often brings insights into complex, high-stakes industries. Thus, his addition to the board is expected to complement and

Will Rauf Aregbesola Move to PDP?

Rumours have been swirling, and a recent fake campaign poster places Rauf Aregbesola as a Senate candidate under the PDP. Given his recent suspension from the APC, this idea might seem tempting. Could the Omoluabi man actually cross the aisle to PDP, and what would that mean for his political ambitions?

For Aregbesola, the prospect of a new political home isn’t entirely outlandish. He was recently suspended by the Osun APC for alleged anti-party activities, so he’s on rocky ground with his former allies. With some APC members treating him as persona non grata, PDP might be a haven for his political career.

Yet, even within the PDP, it’s unlikely he would be wholeheartedly embraced. After all, party loyalty matters, and Aregbesola’s sudden interest, if it exists at all, might spark more suspicion than support. PDP members would probably ask if he’s there to stay—which is a frequently asked question wherever Aregbesola is concerned.

Becoming a Senate under PDP is another big issue with bigger issues hiding inside it. Aregbesola

Tommey

Scott Tommey, the billionaire with the “oyinbo” name, is once again the centre of attention in Nigeria’s elite circles as he marks another year. Born in the Niger Delta but named like a Wall Street tycoon, Tommey has made waves both in the oil and gas sector and as a philanthropist.

alienated both APC and PDP supporters through his past actions, and neither party’s base seems especially keen on him joining their ranks in a highprofile role. His popularity was once robust; alas, it has clearly dwindled.

Beyond party issues, Aregbesola’s credibility as a leader is under question. Criticisms of his time as Osun State governor remain fresh, with critics citing failed projects and lingering debt. PDP might hesitate to associate with a politician whose leadership history isn’t exactly glowing.

Moreover, the public perception of him has shifted significantly. From controversial decisions as governor to his divisive role as Minister of Interior, he’s no longer a high flyer loved and adored by Nigerian voters. Once, they worshipped the ground he walked on. Now, it’s just meh.

So, yes, Aregbesola may entertain thoughts of a PDP run; but he’s going to face mountains of challenges. Neither APC nor PDP members seem keen on welcoming him with open arms, and the electorate’s lukewarm response makes any Senate ambitions seem far-fetched at best.

strengthen Julius Berger’s executive team in new and impactful ways.

In truth, Julius Berger’s current performance is not at all bad. The company recently reported a 53-plus per cent revenue growth year-over-year, reaching around N161 billion in concrete numbers. Adding on the impressive 74plus per cent rise in pre-tax profits, Julius Berger is certainly settled well into the cushion of robust financial health, which is amazing considering current economic conditions in Nigeria.

So, with Indimi on board, Julius Berger has added wings to a tiger, gaining access to a seasoned leader capable of providing nuanced guidance on investment strategies and operational efficiencies. The man’s familiarity with both local and international markets will likely inform Julius Berger’s growth strategies, fostering expanded opportunities in critical sectors.

Celebration Times for Billionaire Businessman, Scott Tommey

This birthday is yet another celebration of a life marked by influence, resilience, and generosity.

With Osmoserve Global thriving, Tommey’s life has hardly been ordinary. Over the years, his birthdays have ranged from lavish gatherings that rival Hollywood to simple affairs that prove his humility.

Last year’s birthday bash was unforgettable. A host of politicians, CEOs, and celebrities graced the event, all donning their best in appreciation of the man who, many say, has put his wealth to good use.

Yes, Tommey’s generosity is legendary; he’s been known to give without fanfare, supporting countless communities and young people in Nigeria. A party for Tommey is never just a party—it’s a reunion of beneficiaries, supporters, and admirers. And while each year he seems to keep a low profile, his impact is felt from

All Eyes on Okpebholo as New Governor of Edo State

As he steps loudly into the shoes of the Governor of Edo State, the spotlight is now on Senator Monday Okpebholo. Many are asking if he can truly deliver on his promise to make Edo great again. The challenge is set and evidently accepted. Okpebholo’s journey to the governorship was not without drama. Just days before his inauguration, he publicly accused the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, of fleeing the state under mysterious circumstances. This dramatic entrance has raised questions about the state of affairs in Edo and Okpebholo’s readiness to tackle them.

One of Okpebholo’s first acts as governor was to suspend all revenue collections in the state, particularly in motor parks. According to insiders, the point of this bold move was to address corruption and inefficiency. In response, the public will be watching closely to see if he can maintain this strong stance.

Hours into his tenure, Okpebholo moved quickly to name his cabinet. His appointments have been a mix of familiar faces, including Adams Oshiomhole’s son, Cyril Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner for Health. This move indicates continuity, but will it bring the change many are expecting?

Okpebholo’s rise from a senator to governor is clearly a shift in Edo’s political landscape, the reason being that, as a businessman and former senator, Okpebholo understands the challenges facing the state. However, his critics point to past allegations of falsifying his date of birth, which raise doubts about his integrity.

Nevertheless, the governor’s promise to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education has won support from notable figures, including actress Mercy JohnsonOkojie. But whether he will be able to tackle long-standing issues like power

What’s Next for Funke Opeke?

Funke Opeke’s departure from MainOne, the company she founded in 2008, marks the end of a transformative era. For over 14 years, she led MainOne to revolutionise West Africa’s internet connectivity, making her one of Africa’s most influential tech figures. Her exit is a big, big deal.

Opeke’s tenure was defined by the growth of MainOne from a startup into a foundational player in West Africa’s digital ecosystem. She took on the challenge of Africa’s connectivity issues and delivered infrastructure, including a 7,000-kilometre undersea cable, which expanded broadband access across the region. Her leadership had a transformative impact.

Lagos to his hometown of Eket. Every birthday for Tommey is a chance for his friends to reflect on his role as a loyal, self-made man. Maybe that’s why his birthdays aren’t only celebrations but full-blown tributes to his life, career, and unusual knack for bringing people together.

Of course, the man himself would probably laugh at all this attention. He’s a simple man deep down. But he fools no one—his achievements and quiet confidence make him a unique figure. So, as he adds another year, his circle of admirers grows, eager to see what he’ll do next.

This birthday, like every year, is proof of Tommey’s success and the goodwill he’s earned. There’s much to be expected by way of prosperity and generosity, if past years stand for anything.

supply and unemployment will not be left to celebrities to mark; that is where his leadership will begin to count.

So, as Okpebholo begins his tenure, all eyes are on him. His actions over the coming months will show whether there will be positive revival in Edo State. The people are hoping, praying that this new governor will bring great things to them.

Her exit follows MainOne’s recent acquisition by Equinix for $320 million, a strategic decision she supported to align MainOne with a global data infrastructure giant. With this acquisition, MainOne’s expansion is well-positioned for the future, with Equinix bringing both resources and global expertise to continue the company’s mission.

Opeke’s move opens a new chapter for both her and MainOne. Equinix has already appointed Wole Abu as the Managing Director for West Africa, bringing experience from Liquid Intelligent Technologies. Abu is expected to lead MainOne with an approach informed by Equinix’s broader mission to expand digital infrastructure across Africa.

Opeke’s past accomplishments, particularly her role in establishing critical digital infrastructure, reinforce her potential for future contributions to Africa’s tech ecosystem. Whether in advisory roles or new ventures, her expertise will likely be in high demand as African tech continues to grow and diversify.

Her legacy at MainOne assures that her vision for connectivity will remain influential. Equinix’s commitment to expanding MainOne’s capabilities across West Africa could deepen her impact, which makes it clear that her contributions to digital access in Africa will endure.

Looking forward, Opeke may leverage her experience in roles that further Africa’s digital transformation. Having made substantial inroads in connectivity, she could now turn to mentoring, investing in new tech ventures, or consulting, all of which would benefit from her expertise and pioneering spirit.

Indimi

Opeke

Aregbesola

Okpebholo

is mC oluomo’s election as Nurtw president about 2027?

There is something about Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo that appears to taunt us each time I see his picture, clips or news report about him. I just saw a video of him arriving at his office ‘second day’ at work after his magical election as National President of the transport union, NURTW.

For a lot of people, this gentleman represents the informal enforcement unit of our occupying force and now his mandate seems to have been extended nationally, away from the ‘little’ Lagos where he was the Al

Kemi badeNoCh:

Kemo La La is what we used to call those who bear the name Kemi in Shomolu. If the Kemi does something huge and wonderful, we all scream Kemo La La and she will raise her hands in agreement, and we will be hailing her all over the place. This one, I suspect, will not raise her hands because she is all of very stupefying arrogance. She has annoyed Nigerians, especially my egbon, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode who has been all over the place in anger at this Madam.

For those of you who have not heard, she seems to have built a career on humiliating and insulting Nigeria and Nigerians. She has even gone a step further to refuse to meet our leaders, leading to my sister Abike Dabiri saying that she is yet to see her Nigerianness.

My people, this one is not an omoluabi ooooooo, this one is an omoale. I don’t know how to put the Yoruba prefixes on the omoale so that you guys can better understand just the name I am calling her with my full chest.

Nothing she has not called us, saying amongst others that she does not want the country she ran to turn to the country she ran away from amongst so many inanities. Our own thing must sha be different o. The Indians produced a Prime Minister and we did not hear anything about India but Madam is out there painting us with tar for her own purposes.

Please, Madam Kemi, leave us with our bad leaders, our dry taps, our armed robbers, our poor health facilities and

Capone. His annoying son said as much on social media while thanking the president for the role he must have seemingly played at this ‘coronation.’ The NURTW Constitution seems to be a magical document as according to reports, the thing allows for delegates from one region to sit in a beer parlour and elect a national president. That was how we heard that delegates from four south-western states made this coronation possible and that operatives in the creeks in Bayelsa and the deserts of Kano would have no choice but to sing ‘all hail the king’ as he arrives for

our corrupt leaders, we love them and are proud of them all. We are Nigerians and not bastards. We will not run our father’s nakedness in public because we are all well brought up. We wish you well in your career and will still be in Nigeria after you have been well spent and inevitably dumped. Yeye dey smell.

herbert wigwe Comes alive iN isioKpo

Nothing has brought tears to my eyes recently than the letter of invitation I received from Wigwe University to attend its inaugural matriculation.

Immediately I saw the letter signed by its acting Vice Chancellor, I fell down in a heap of emotions. This was Herbert’s dying passion and the last thing we talked about before he climbed into that helicopter and followed Kobe Bryant to heaven.

I hear it has not been easy since his passing. Funding has been a herculean challenge, a muted struggle within and without the family for control of his huge wealth which he left, all impacting the university and a myriad of other issues affecting the school which would not have been if he was still alive.

Anyways, the people at the How Foundation, his platform that was established to midwife the school amongst others, have really moved like a well-bred horse in making sure that this dream of building a new army of leaders remains alive, all culminating in this wonderful ceremony where I hear about 120 students would be getting matriculated into this wonderfully built

work every morning. Mbok, my own is not even this one. There is this little thing we have to note, the implication of this on the 2027 elections. I am not sure again o, but isn’t NURTW the one that distributes election materials for INEC? Guys, wake up ooooo. Make I just keep quiet. Sleep with your eyes open, na wetin my papa used to tell me and na wetin make am catch me with housemaid that year. However, barely one week after, the Court of Appeal was on Friday said to have sacked him.

institution.

This man can never die, make I just leave am there. Thank you.

i saw this ComiNg for multiChoiCe Nigeria

Shebi, each time these people want to increase their subscription fee, one person will rush to court and all these ‘ichoku’ judges will grant an injunction. The thing used to baffle me, a private company, with no government subvention or ownership in any way, operating within the same harsh economy that has moved a bag of rice to over N100,000 and fuel to cross the N1,000 mark and dollar exchanging for what it is right now and the cost of going to Abuja almost the same cost as those doing tourism to Mars, will now not be able to have a pricing that is reflective of its situation?

They have just announced that they have lost over 200,000 subscribers in Nigeria and have been politically correct by citing amongst others inflation at over 30% as the real reason.

This company will inevitably shut down if it continues like this. If the DISCOs can do band A, and those girls that stand on the road at Ojuelegba and in Lekki Phase 1 can charge reflective and responsive prices, why then should we now shake MultiChoice because some of us want to continue watching football at the cheap rate?

This is sad and wicked, the firm which sources content internationally and which pays hard currency for the same is already suffering the impact of an eroding currency with which it

charges for its services and it still has to sit down there and watch others reflect the situation in Nigeria and they cannot because some judges have given some funny injunctions.

The place will collapse, it’s that simple and if and when it does, it won’t bother me. Shebi dem no dey kuku show porn.’ Warrismyown? Na wa!

olayemi Cardoso: i am Not owiNg aNybody

I just saw a report that says that every Nigerian owes about N600,000 in international debt. No be me oo. I reject it with the full blood of Jesus as Mena used to say. As I was reading the report further, I saw that our debt has grown to over N130 trillion. This means that if you divide it by our population of about N216 million, you will see that each person owes about nine times the minimum wage.

This report is not only annoying but very mischievous. Why are you putting our name inside the thing? Is it our yacht that they bought, or have we ever entered any of the new planes that have been bought, or did they give us a share of the constituency allowances they get? Did we even vote them in, do they let us even know how they are spending the money or even take permission from us to spend the money? And this mumu report from DMO is now saying every Nigerian is owing the money.

Something is really wrong with the head of the people who have written that report. If I see the person, I can pour water on his head. Instead of

Kemo la, la

Oluomo

late wigwe

Cardoso

badenoch okowa

him saying that the Presidency, their legislature, their judiciary and their governors are now owing N130 trillion, they are coming to call our names inside the matter. How is it our debt? Did we form a quorum in collecting the money, where did we sign an agreement that they should collect money on our behalf? Mbok, you people should mind your sef o. You now want to come and add N600,000 on top of the one we are facing, the next minute now, they will say we should all come and contribute. Mbok, leave us out o. Abi you don’t have Tinubu and Akpabio’s phone numbers to send them a chat on the matter? Mbok, leave us out of this one, I beg. Thank you.

tHe Beat GoeS on for atiku aBuBakar

This wahala is still raging o. The Presidency has now called Oga jealous and Oga has responded by calling them wicked. The thing is now a full-fledged catfight complete with scratches on the face, hair pulling, tearing of clothes and all that is involved in a roforofo at Oshodi motor park.

Oga Atiku is not leaving anything to chance o as he has dropped ‘drug dealer’ and others into the matter. He even coloured it by using words like wicked and painful inside the matter. If he continues at this trajectory, he will soon add witch and jati jati, omo ale and ‘okobo.’

For me, the presidency must not let up o. Atiku has always had a bad mouth, and they must not let him win this one. They should take revenge with words like bastard, dog, smelly mouth, bigheaded semi-illiterate, mallam, oloshi, oloriburuku, etc.

If any side runs out of words, they should approach me. I am an expert in these kinds of things. If you have ever cheated on your spouse, the names they call you, you will never forget. I can consult for any side and deliver very pristine yabis for the highest bidder in these words of war. Should I show more samples of words either side can deploy? Ignoramus, big head, etc. Mbok, I cannot laugh. Na wa!

ifeanyi okowa iS not a yaHaya Bello

This is a man, and I must thank my Editor, the erudite Davidson who held me back last week. When the news report came out that the EFCC had moved against this man, citing N40 billion here and N40 billion there, I wanted to fire in righteous anger o. It was Davidson that had said I should calm down o. I said Editor how na, why should I calm down, you no hear wetin I dey hear? And he said, let’s just wait and see.

My people, this man did not do a Yahaya Bello on the people o. Instead, he flew back into the country as we have been told, went straight to the place like a man and explained himself and went back home straight to the other room to relax with his wife.

Mbok, the report we have seen said he explained very perfectly to the EFCC all the allegations, even up to the one that they said he invested with my brother Julius Rone, an investment that has been said to have doubled in valuation. This is very unlike our other brother who is still hiding under the wrapper of his junior brother’s wife instead of manning up to go and answer allegations. To think that this person called himself White Lion at some point. This one no be White Lion anything but a cowardly yellow pussycat. No be man at all, na hermaphrodite. Kai.

ifeanyi okowa iS not a yaHaya Bello

This is a man, and I must thank my Editor, the erudite Davidson who held me back last week. When the news report came out that the EFCC had moved against this man, citing N40 billion here and N40 billion there, I

DaviD HunDeyin on tHe Prowl

This man they call David is wicked and relentless. Since Tinubu annoyed him, he has been on that one’s trail. Today, he has released a report calling that one CIA asset, whatever that means. The government has not officially replied but one low-level operative within the government however went on social media to be doing nursery rhymes.

For me, this is a very serious allegation, and the government must come out to either deny it or own it. Being labelled an asset of a foreign government while holding the highest position in the land is not a joke o and must not be ignored. If true, it has an impact on our national interest amongst others. Me, I don’t believe sha because I don’t really see how we can move from Chicago University — or is it Chicago State — to CIA assets in a life that has, although being one of the most colourful ever, has remained dour without a

real sense of adventure. Na why we never really see any biography or documentary or anything of the sort. Maybe because of all of these things we dey hear.

President Tinubu can be everything and anything but a CIA asset is a little bit farfetched. Abi we no dey see CIA agent for film? Can’t you see Denzel Washinton or even James Bond? Our Oga no look like that o, can he even kiss a woman while being chased by a hot bullet from the KGB? Can he jump down from a helicopter shouting emilokan into a storm of bullets from Boko Haram? Can he fly over a speed boat and swim to Cuba to shave Fidel Castro’s beard? All that one is too far abeg, can he do Jim Iyke with a gun and spew American language in anger? This Baba Tinubu is not any CIA asset abeg. He’s just our fun-loving grandfather who only just said -emilokan. That is all. Thank you.

wanted to fire in righteous anger o. It was Davidson that had said I should calm down o. I said Editor how na, why should I calm down, you no hear wetin I dey hear? And he said, let’s just wait and see.

My people, this man did not do a Yahaya Bello on the people o. Instead, he flew back into the country as we have been told, went straight to the place like a man and explained himself and went back home straight to the other room to relax with his wife.

Mbok, the report we have seen said he explained very perfectly to the EFCC all the allegations, even up to the one that they said he invested with my brother Julius Rone, an investment that has been said to have doubled in valuation.

This is very unlike our other brother who is still hiding under the wrapper of his junior brother’s wife instead of manning up to go and answer allegations. To think that this person called himself White Lion at some point. This one no be White Lion anything but a cowardly yellow pussycat. No be man at all, na hermaphrodite. Kai.

allen onyema’S DanGer Herein

Something is happening with this man that we are not seeing. Shebi we are seeing all these reports on indictments, threats of arrest and all and we are not losing sleep over it. Let me say something quickly, the man has built one of the biggest airlines in the history of this country that he owns personally. I hear he has over 20 per cent of the market and controls an even larger share of the domestic market. Internationally, he is giving the foreign airlines a fight for their money and ensuring that he is giving us a pride of place in that space.

Now, think for just one second if any of these indictments go through and he is taken out or down- God forbid. What happens to Air Peace, what happens to the aviation industry and the rippling effect it will have on all of that?

I once had a conversation with a top boss at the NGX and he lamented how frustrated he has been trying to get Oscar to come towards the stock exchange. You see he needs to hedge and very quickly so. He needs to protect his investment by listing it now so that he would be able to institutionalise it in case of any eventuality. Even if by some miracle all these international issues disappear, the whole thing is now too big to be run like an Igbo spare parts shop in Idumota. My big brother, well done for all you have done. Just think of Nigeria and list the company na beg, you will not regret it, I swear.

CHarleS oPuta anD HiS Can of wormS

You know my podcast is becoming the main place to go to by very prominent Nigerians. That was how Charly Boy came o and told me that he had gonorrhoea at a tender age, he had s… with his nanny at a young age and that he enjoyed it. He added that he had discovered whoring and their houses quite early. Mbok, the thing has gone viral o and come and see comments. Some people are now saying that s… at that young age and with older women is traumatic and all of that. My people, the millions of comments that have followed that podcast have confirmed my wellheld notions- most men were ‘shagged’ very early by nannies and older women. Most men enjoyed the experience as it was seen as a rite of passage and there was no trauma whatsoever as we looked forward to the ‘trauma’ and even encouraged it. Some of us used to go and remind the nannies in case they forgot to come when our parents were asleep. So, it’s either we remain pretentious and politically correct like some of us or we own our ‘shit’ like Charly Boy and say -oh what a wonderful world that was. Oya come and beat me o. Kai.

Hundeyin

Bovi, Kunle Remi, Others Gather at the Tower

Stories by Vanessa Obioha

As part of its mission to create and redefine luxury lifestyle experiences for Nigerians, renowned cognac Maison Martell recently unveiled its latest experiential hub in Lagos with many celebrities like actors Kunle Remi and Daniel Etim Effiong, comedian Bovi and others in attendance.

Called the Martell Tower, the four-storey building is a stone’s throw away from the Palms Shopping Mall and will be open till January 2025, where it will host a series of exclusive events, including fashion exhibitions, exclusive auctions, and musical performances.

Inside the striking building is a story of the Maison Martell, from its origin to the signature cognacs that have shaped its legacy.

Visitors are endeared into the world of Martell from the ground floor aptly named L’Atelier - Art of Cognac and Boutique. Here its rich history is captured in barrels and historical artefacts while offering Martell’s extensive cognac range, exclusive merchandise and personalized bottles. Guiding guests through the experience is Martell’s global ambassador, Alexandre de Combescot Marsaquet, who takes them through

the various regions of France where cognac is made and, of course, the ageing process of the cognac, which is mostly done in French barrels.

On the next level, guests embark on a taste and tour experience where they are immersed in the 300-year legacy of the brand. But the experience doesn’t end there. At the third level, guests have the opportunity to create their signature cocktail under the guidance of certified mixologists. The La Suite 1715 showcases Martell’s rich legacy, while L’Horizon is perfect for exclusive gatherings while providing a breathtaking view of the city.

The unveiling of the tower is timely according to Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, as it not only provides experiences for the yuletide celebrations but also celebrates creatives and innovators in Lagos and beyond. The long-term goal for the brand with the architectural marvel, according to her, is to show the world that Nigeria is a hub for creatives and innovators.

“To share to the world that we shine in Nigeria. From culture, gastronomy, art to creativity. It’s not everyone that can put this together but the Nigerian community can.”

AFWN Unveils Plans for 10th Anniversary

For three days in December, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) will stun the fashion world with its linedup activities to mark its 10th anniversary. This includes a runway show which will have royalty walking strutting the runway.

“For the first time, we’re having the majesty of an African family,” said the convener, Queen Ronke Ademuliyi-Ogunwusi. “There’s going to be a lot of royal regalia representing different tribes and cultures in Africa and Nigeria. And we’re also going to have CEOs, MDS, and first ladies on the catwalk to inspire and encourage the designers.”

There will also be the Emerging Designers Fashion Contest which aims to provide a platform for emerging Nigerian designers to showcase their talent and creativity.

“Our primary vision is empowering fashion creatives for financial stability,” remarked Ademuliyi-Ogunwusi. She noted that over 3,000 African brands have been showcased on its various platforms locally and internationally since 2011, emphasising that it has been a springboard for emerging designers. The top designer of the Emerging Designers Fashion Contest will receive a sponsored opportunity to showcase work at Africa Fashion Week London 2025, as well as become a recipient of the Ultimate Discovery Award. All participating designers will receive a Certificate of Participation from the Royal House of Ife.

AFWN this year will feature a fundraising event, Luxury Hearts Fundraiser. Proceeds from an auction will

go to an unprivileged community. It is also supported by Sterling Bank.

Ademuliyi-Ogunwusi also spoke on the importance of preserving Nigerian textiles. According to her, it is important to view the textile industry beyond the surface.

“Prior to the resurgence of adire, a lot of our textiles had died. In the 1960s, we had over 200 textile factories in Nigeria, especially in the north. Right now we only have about three. So reviving, promoting and preserving our textiles is important because it is also an income and a job generator as well.”

AFWN will kick off on December 6 to 8 at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

2024

KAP Film Academy in Partnership with U.S. Consulate Train Youths

From November 12 to 16, 20 young creatives participated in an intensive workshop where they were trained in directing and cinematography. The workshop is a joint partnership between filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and the United States Consulate in Nigeria to ensure capacity building among young talents in the filmmaking industry.

At its opening, the Consular General of the United States Embassy in Nigeria, Will Stevens spoke about the growing interest in Nigerian stories.

“I believe that we’re at the very beginning of what I’m calling the second half of the 21st century, which is the African century,” he said. “By 2050 Nigeria will be the third largest country in the world, the second largest democracy, and Africa will have over a billion people. We have to get ready. And you (Afolayan) are doing that. You’re shaping how people perceive your culture. You’re shaping how people receive and I’m just really glad and grateful that the

US mission, we can help support that in a small way, that we can invest, we can create these partnerships with American storytellers with the American film industry and help to tap into the next generation.”

His words echoed Afolayan’s remarks that the partnership with the U.S. embassy was responsible for the invitation extended to two top Hollywood experts in directing and cinematography: director Angel Kristi Williams and cinematographer Erin G. Wesley.

At a panel discussion, the two experts joined Afolayan and veteran cinematographer Tunde Kelani where they spoke about the craft of the director’s vision, with each concluding that the collaboration between the director and the cinematographer, as well as other crew members, is crucial in attaining a successful production.

Other film practitioners at the gathering included Sola Sobowale, Steve Sodiya and Ope Ajayi.

Mixologists Vie for the

Captain’s Honour at Lagos Cocktail Week

At the recently concluded Lagos Cocktail Week 2024, two top-tier mixologists battled it out at the Bar Battle organised by the renowned rum brand Captain Morgan. The mixologists were tasked to transform the classic signature Captain Morgan and Cola (Rum and Cola) cocktail into a masterpiece with Nigerian-inspired twists.

With a grand prize of N500,000 and a scholarship for the Global Bartenders Exam in the offing, the mixologists dazzled with their creations, storytelling, and presentation.

Rosemary Aliri emerged victorious with her creation, the Captain Morgan Shombo—a fusion of sweet berries and zesty citrus, steeped in Nigerian culture and crafted with precision. Her performance captivated the audience, embodying the spirit of Captain Morgan: bold, fun, and unforgettable.

“I feel super excited, and this is like a dream come true! This experience has been nothing short of amazing, and I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned to the next level. It’s an honour to be a part of this and showcase my expression of the Captain Morgan signature cocktail,” expressed Aliri.

The Head of Mainstream Spirits, Guinness Nigeria, Uche Onwudiwe

winner of Captain Morgan Bar Battle, rosemary Aliri added, “Rosemary’s cocktail embodied Captain Morgan’s adventurous spirit and creativity.

Her twist on our classic Captain and Cola showcased what it means to ‘Spice On’ while reflecting the vibrancy and creativity of Nigerian culture. We look forward to seeing how she and others continue to inspire the world of mixology!”

In addition to Aliri’s grand prize, the second-place bartender was awarded a Curated Captain Morgan Experience Box featuring a Captain Morgan cocktail starter pack and other goodies.

Voting Commences for Uncover Naija

On November 20, the public will have the opportunity to vote for the winners of Uncover Naija, a new initiative by Sterling Bank designed to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential through visual storytelling.

Over 526 creatives from across Nigeria participated in the competition. Only 117 finalists were chosen. The finalists’ fates now lie in the hands of the public, who will choose the best works in different categories, including Cultural Heritage, City Life, People and Portraits, Breathtaking Landscapes, and Wildlife and Nature.

Beyond the competition, the initiative seeks to empower local creatives. With cash prizes awarded to 32 exceptional winners, the Uncover Naija will also reward the 1st Place winner with the sum of N2.5 million, and the 2nd Place winner getting N1.5 million while N150,000 each will be given to a total of 30 runners-up in the competition. Also, a digital gallery will be set up for winners to enable them

to monetise their works.

According to Sterling Bank’s Managing Director, Abubakar Suleiman, the Uncover Naija competition will make Nigeria come alive and give people new lenses to view the beauty of the country.

“It’s not just a story of pictures,” he said. “First we will compel Nigerians who live in Nigeria, experience Nigeria to start to see Nigeria and capture what they see in different art forms such as photography, drawings, poetry, whatever form or medium, so that we can create these for the benefit of those who do not live in our environment.”

The initiative is supported by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Made by Nigeria (MBN), a bank initiative focused on supporting local talent.

Bovi

US Consul General, will Stevens and Kunle Afolayan

L-r: elizabeth Igwe of AFwN, Chidinma Okoli of Sterling Bank, Queen ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi and Chief Lai Labode, chairman of AFwN

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

A publicAtion

An Art Fair to Paint a City Red…

a creative revolution is set to ripple through Nigeria’s cultural landscape as the Benin art Fair 2024 (T-BaF) launches an ambitious bid to revitalise edo State’s rich creative culture and position it as a premier global arts and culture destination. okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

For the Benin Art Fair 2024—a.k.a. T-BAF, because it seems everyone these days loves coining good acronyms!—November29marks the beginning of an ambitious quest. For starters, its mission statement, which proclaims an intent to “revitalise Edo State’s creative culture, establishing it as a premier global arts and culture destination,” sets a lofty standard, placing high expectations on this inaugural event.

As a first-time event, T-BAF may lack precedent, but its scope is undeniably ambitious. With meticulous planning—crossing every ‘t’ and dotting every ‘I’—the fair is poised to ignite a full-fledged artistic revolution, replicating or even surpassing the “successes” of Art X Lagos while rubbing shoulders with the likes of Art Basel and the Venice Biennale, even if it doesn’t quite match their storied legacies.

Moreover, leveraging Benin City’s reputation as a seminal hub in African art history, T-BAF fosters a dynamic convergence of traditional and contemporary regional artists. This strategic nexus creates fertile ground for cross-pollination, innovation, and artistic growth, rendering its ambitious vision of becoming the Niger Delta’s premier art fair decidedly within reach.

Expected as an inevitable fallout of the event, which runs until December 8, is the influx of art tourists to Edo State’s capital city, already a cultural treasure trove hosting the proposed Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). After all, T-BAF, curated by James Irabor, seeks to redirect the global art world’s attention on Edo State’s distinctive creative culture, redefining the narrative around its singular artistic legacy.

“As a visual art stakeholder, I have witnessed talented artists from this ancient, historically rich, and artistically vibrant Edo State, which has produced some of the most revered personalities in the creative industry being sidelined,” says the art fair’s key mastermind, Jeff Ajueshi, who is also the founder of the Thought Pyramid Art Centre and the Lakeyard Cultural Centre.

“This situation must be reformed along with the morbid stigmatisation of ‘violence,’ ‘cultism,’ ‘terrorism,’ ‘prostitution,’ ‘human trafficking,’ ‘drug trade,’ and other nefarious social vices that has overshadowed the sustained artistic and cultural legacy of our highly revered and esteemed state.”

Rallying around the theme Celebrating The Red City: Honouring Edo State’s Artistic Legacy, T-BAF transforms the Abstract Backyard in Benin City’s Government Reserved Area into a vibrant hub of artistic expression from November 29 to December 7.

On November 29 from 5 to 8 pm, a private viewing of its exhibition, which will be open to the public daily from 10 am to 8 pm, will kick off the weeklong event.

This exciting celebration of Edo State’s rich cultural legacy will feature an outstanding lineup of live wood carving and performance art on November 30.

The nonagenarian iconic artist Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya and a younger artist with Edo roots Enotie Ogbebor will deliver keynote talks, bridging traditional and contemporary art practices. There will also be panel discussions to tackle crucial topics such as art education, cultural preservation, and photography’s role in capturing history.

The fair culminates with the Benin Art Fair Concert Night on December 7 ( from pm), featuring legendary Edo musicians. Through its diverse programming, T-BAF fosters a dynamic

exchange between artists, art enthusiasts, and the community, honouring Edo State’s enduring artistic legacy.

Keynote talks by the iconic nonagenarian artist Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya and his much younger colleague with Edo roots, Enotie Ogbebor, will also headline the event. These discussions will bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary art practices, setting the tone for thought-provoking panel discussions on art education, cultural preservation, and photography’s role in capturing history.

Other highlights include an antiques and cultural exhibition celebrating Edo State’s rich heritage; a contemporary art exhibi-

tion featuring innovative works by local artists; a photography festival capturing the essence of the region; and a free sip-and-paint session on December 1 (from 6 to 7 pm), inviting attendees to unleash their creativity.

The fair culminates with the Benin Art Fair Concert Night on December 7 (from 7 pm), featuring celebrated Edo music legends. This spectacular event promises to be a fitting finale to a week-long celebration of art, culture, and community.

There is no contesting the fact that T-BAF meets all the necessary parameters for success, especially considering Benin City’s rich history and cultural legacy. But then, it is the overwhelming backing and sponsorship from prestigious organisations

that really makes it stand out.

Its anticipated success is bolstered by partnerships with Hyde Energy, Abstract Backyard, Abstract Restaurant, and Thought Pyramid Art Centre. Coronation, Platform, Gramen Petroserve, Kellog Tolaram, Trustbanc, and The Lakeyard Cultural Centre are also lending their invaluable support. Additionally, Prime Agro Seeds, the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, and the Edo State Government will, through their support, demonstrate their commitment to promoting Benin City’s artistic and cultural landscape. Further backing comes from The Osa Okunbo Foundation, Stella Stars SportsAcademy Benin City, AK&CO., and Daz Teea Cosmetics. This diversified coalition of corporate and

A glimpse of the Abstract Backyard, which will host the art fair

Another view of the Abstract Backyard

Ajueshi

Vignettes of Moonbeams and Memories…

Yinka Olatunbosun

It began with a heartfelt conversation with her mother. This artist values memory beyond all else. Iyunola Sanyaolu, a painter and sculptor, is thorough in her depictions of intimate memories. At this first Lagos show titled How to Hold a Moonbeam; How Do You Hold Memory?, she takes a restrictive look at the essence of passing time.

Her triumphant return to Lagos culminated in a spectacular solo exhibition—which is her second—at Rele Gallery Ikoyi, which opened on October 26. Art connoisseurs flocked to witness the unveiling of her latest body of work, a poignant exploration of time’s transience and the lingering memories of loved ones.

The gallery’s walls showcased an array of captivating paintings and sculptures, reflecting Sanyaolu’s distinctive eclecticism, also evident in her musical tastes. Her Instagram page, offering glimpses into studio sessions, provides an intimate window into her creative process.

This exhibition delves into the complexities of memory, inviting personal reflection on human decisions. It is a thematic continuation of her 2022 Los Angeles, USA, solo show, titled While We Roam, also held at Rele Gallery.

This on-going show invites the viewer into the artist’s mother’s garden. She dubbed one of them “21st September 2022.’’ Sanyaolu re-

EXHIBITION

called the conversation she had with her mother that brought her face-to-face with thoughts of mortality.

“The title of the exhibition came from my favourite movie, The Sound of Music, which my mother loves too. Early in the film, there’s a song about ‘moonbeam’—something that’s hard to hold on to. That’s how I see memory: fleeting, but precious,” she reveals.

This creative art graduate of the University of Lagos, Iyunola Sanyaolu, is unique for the technique involving texturising with paint residues—a method she fondly refers to as “sculpting with paint.”

She explained how her mother’s garden influenced the thought behind her pieces.

“In the garden, I saw everything my mother had planted, and I wondered about life without her; how everything she had nurtured might fade away, and how that moment was already becoming a memory,” she explains as she reflects on the fragility of memory.

Featuring 12 paintings and four mini sculptures, the exhibition, which runs until November 30, is a showcase of Sanyaolu’s three-dimensional pieces and her signature technique—impasto— judiciously used in capturing feelings, giving newer meanings to fading memories.

“Muted colours feel quiet, and I want to balance out the boldness of my strokes,” she

continued. “I try to show how memories fade or how we cover them up intentionally to move on. It’s a metaphor for the things that slowly slip away.”

Her journey into the Lagos art scene began when she was selected as part of the Rele Arts Foundation Young Contemporaries in 2021. Select group exhibitions include Its A wRAP (2021), Rele Gallery, Lagos, and Reading Abstraction (2021), Rele Gallery, Los Angeles. We are a way for the cosmos to know itself (2023). Bode Gallery, It’s A wRap (2023), Rele Gallery. Iyunola has also exhibited in art fairs across the world, including The Amory Show (2022) and Felix Art Fair (2023). IyunOla Sanyaolu is a 2019/2020 Arts in Medicine (AIM) Fellow.

MOWAA, Where Art Meets Archeology

The red soil leading to the entrance of the Museum of West African Art offered no clue to the sight that lay ahead. Equipped with safety gear, a handful of journalists made their way past the construction site to locate the MOWAA Institute, which is a part of the ambitious museum project. An independent, non-profit, MOWAAis dedicated to preserving heritage and expanding knowledge, especially in developmental archaeology, which involves research into the archaeological value of an object.

Benin City is not just a relevant site to this project but a necessary and timely intervention to the question of West Africa’s eroded history and a pathway to cultural repatriation.Acultural hub such as MOWAA has served as a gateway into knowledge of history and archaeology in many cities. A case in point is The Box Museum in Plymouth, UK, which holds valuable exhibits, mostly archaeological findings about Devonport’s 200 years of existence and its contribution to the European economy. Likewise, Benin City holds a prestigious stake in West African history and cultural heritage. Hence, this monumental project by MOWAAcomes with a multidisciplinary offering to create holistic cultural education.

Thesingle-storeyMOWAAInstitutebuildingstands at 43,000 square feet with a sustainable interior space for state-of-the-art facilities for archaeological research, conservation, and public programs. The building

MUSEUM

features

Walking

the final state of the building can almost be pictured. Retaining elements of the mud-wall structures in Benin City towards meeting global standards of sustainability, the MOWAA Institute building is a sight to behold, designed by Adjaye Associates, with the Lagos-based firm of MOE+ responsible for construction supervision.

Apreview event of its first purpose-built building, the MOWAAInstitute, was held on November 4 and

Amplifying the Voices of Tomorrow’s Leaders PROJECT

Tiffany-Annabelle, the Nigerian art scene’s rising star, has pulled off a remarkable feat with “Future Voices: A Child’s Vision in a Changing World,” a captivating child art project that amplifies the voices and creative expressions of young minds. This innovative initiative, held at UNICEF’s Abuja headquarters in celebration of World Children’s Day, brought together 20 talented youngsters from Keren-Happuch International Christian School (KHICS) in Kukwaba, Abuja, to explore the complexities of this rapidly evolving world.

Guided by the theme “Listen to the Future,” Tiffany-Annabelle led a special art session, accompanied by Mrs. Fome Kings-Jack, the school’s proprietor, where children aged 8–12

delved into pressing issues like climate change, technological transformation, and global demographic shifts. As they poured their thoughts and emotions onto canvas, the outcome became a poignant collection showcasing each child’s distinct perspective, hopes, and concerns for a sustainable, inclusive, and just future.

“It was such fun organising an art concept that had nothing to do with my art,” TiffanyAnnabelle enthuses. “It is so important for artists to try and make time for projects outside of themselves. Working with children is always unpredictable so I must confess I was relieved by how well-behaved and funny the students of Karen-Happuch International Christian School were.”

The art pieces have been generously donated to UNICEF and will be showcased on World

Children’s Day, November 20.

This project’s significance extends far beyond the art world, resonates deeply with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasises the importance of protecting children’s rights and promoting their well-being. By empowering young voices, Tiffany-Annabelle’s initiative embodies the spirit of World Children’s Day, inspiring a brighter, more compassionate future for all.

As “Future Voices” brings these young artists to the forefront, it underscores the importance of amplifying their thoughts, hopes, and concerns. By fostering creative expression and advocating for children’s rights, Tiffany-Annabelle’s project becomes a powerful catalyst for change. The artwork, born from the imagination and insights of these young minds, serves as a poignant reminder of the world they envision—a world that is sustainable, inclusive, and just.

5, titled Museum in the Making: A Space for Critical Conversations and Reflection.’ Expectedly, it gave a glimpse of the future of heritage preservation and education.

The two-day event sparked critical conversations about the future of museum practice in West Africa as thought leaders such as Prof. Chika Okeke-Agulu, Robert Schirmer (Professors of Art & Archaeology andAfricanAmerican Studies at Princeton University, respectively), Prof. Shadreck Chirikure (Edward Hall Professor of Archaeological Science and Director of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art at Oxford University), and Patrick Oronsaye, a well-respected Member of Ekaiwe Royal and the grandson of Oba Eweka, as well as other distinguished intellectuals and cultural practitioners, rose up to the occasion.

Amongstotherissues,the discussions were focused on the changing role of arts organisations in urban transformation and sustainable development, as well as how archaeological technologies might challenge misconceptions about Africa’s past.

The significance of African leadership in cultural preservation and the ethics of restitution were also brought to the fore while participants were taken on guided tours of the MOWAA campus and institute, participatory workshops on traditional pottery and rammed earth buildings, and enthralling performances by local and international artists. Visitors were also to share their ideas about the role of museums in African contexts, confirming MOWAA’s philosophy of being a responsible, dynamic institution.

Yinka Olatunbosun

Yinka Olatunbosun

Jones

Tiffany-Annabelle with the school children

L-R: Phillip Ihenacho (ED, Museum of West African Art, MOWAA); Ore Disu (Director, MOWAA Institute); Myma Belo-Osagie (Vice Chair, MOWAA Board); and Olugbile Holloway (DG, NCMM) at the MOWAA Institute preview event, the museum’s first purpose-built building in Benin.

an atrium exhibition gallery with views into the collection study area, a 100-seat auditorium, conference rooms, conservation laboratories, a library, and an outdoor amphitheatre.

over interlocked wires laid on the floor,

IN THE ARENA

Threats to Independence of Judiciary

A dinner organised by the Lagos State Government in honour of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat KekereEkun, and her presence at the flagging-off of the construction of houses for judges in Abuja are raising dust as many legal analysts argue that her presence at these events is against the judiciary’s Code of Conduct, which prohibits judges from having contacts or special relationships with potential litigants, Davidson Iriekpen reports

Astory was once told of how a military governor of Lagos State, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, extended an invitation to the then Chief Judge of the state, Justice John Idowu Conrad (JIC) Taylor, to attend a state dinner.

But after reading the letter of invitation, Taylor was said to have endorsed a brief note to the governor at the back of the invitation card, informing him that he would not be able to attend because the state government had several cases pending before him.

In the brief note, he also added that it would therefore, in the circumstances, be “most inappropriate for him to honour the invitation.”

Watchers of the nation’s judiciary believe that by declining the invitation, Taylor didn’t just underscore the institutional value of judicial independence, but also underlined its reliance in large measure on the moral fibre of the individual judge.

However, the situation has changed these days as cavorting with the executive and members of the public has become common among some judges, who now honour invitations to dinners, book launch, groundbreaking ceremonies and other sundry events extended to them by potential litigants.

Most times, many of the dignitaries who could be potential litigants use these occasions to fraternise with the judges.

It is therefore not surprising that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun recently came under fire for openly socialising with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who hosted her to a dinner at the weekend in Lagos State.

While many analysts believe that there is nothing wrong in a state government honouring a son or daughter of the state who excelled in his or her chosen career, others insist that honouring judges by political leaders could erode the independence of the judiciary.

During the dinner, the governor lavished praises on the CJN and commended her for her “significant contributions as a proud daughter of Lagos and a pioneering figure in Nigeria’s judiciary.”

Others in attendance were the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; former

Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Justice KekereEkun’s husband, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun; legal practitioners; traditional and political leaders, among others.

To her credit, Justice Kekere-Ekun who said she was deeply touched by the show of love by the Lagos State government, promised to uphold the rights of people and ensure equity and justice as the CJN.

“My recent appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria is a role I did not take likely. Indeed, I appreciate that I have a very heavy responsibility on my shoulders. It is a call to lead, inspire, and champion the integrity of our judiciary. I am committed to upholding the high standard of our judiciary, promoting judicial independence, and fostering an environment where the rule of law prevails,” she reportedly said.

Before the Lagos State government honoured the CJN, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had publicly narrated how he revoked some plots of land belonging to Julius Berger Plc, and reallocated them for the construction of judges’ quarters in Abuja.

The minister also invited Justice Kekere-Ekun to the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the houses, which she honoured.

Many analysts faulted the presence of the CJN

at the flagging-off ceremony.

However, Wike has since defended the building of the houses for the judges by the FCT, explaining that he was only implementing the decision of President Bola Tinubu, which also had the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

But according to legal analysts, CJN’s presence at the ceremony could erode the confidence of Julius Berger in the judiciary and discourage the company from challenging the revocation of its land in the courts.

Similarly, critics also condemned her acceptance of Lagos State government’s dinner, saying her presence could send a wrong message to other litigants who may doubt her neutrality in cases involving the Lagos State Government.

They contended that the CJN is not supposed to fraternise with potential litigants whose cases may likely get to the Supreme Court.

Like the two other arms of government, the judiciary is supposed to be an independent institution. But in Nigeria, the judiciary seems to have been hijacked by the executive.

In some states, the third arm of government is starved of funds while in others, projects such as the construction of court buildings, residences for judges, and acquisition of vehicles for judges have been taken over by the executive.

Some lawyers have argued that the practice of

p OLITICAL NOT e S

building houses for judges by the Executive is not in consonance with Sections 81 and 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees financial autonomy for the judiciary.

“Does the executive arm of government construct, build houses for National Assembly members? Does it even renovate their chambers for them? Does it also buy vehicles for them?” a lawyer queried.

According to these lawyers, since the judiciary at both the federal and state levels are arms of government which is supposed to get their allocations directly from the source, it is the responsibility of this arm of government to buy vehicles for judges and also ensure that houses are built for judges.

This ensures that the executives do not influence the outcome of cases before the judges in line with Section 36(1) of the Constitution, which stipulates that a court or tribunal shall be constituted in such a manner as to secure its independence and impartiality.

Lawyers who spoke with THISDAY on condition of anonymity reminded the CJN and other judges of Rule 1.4 of the Code of Conduct for Judges, which prohibits judges from having contacts or special relationships with people that could tempt them to favour those people in the course of judicial duties.

The rule stipulates that: “The judge must be sensitive to the need to avoid contacts that may lead people to speculate that there is a special relationship between him and someone whom the judge may be tempted to favour in some way in the course of his judicial duties.”

Reacting to the issue, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, chided Justice KekereEkun for attending the Lagos State government dinner.

The Professor of Practice in International Human Rights Law at the Fletcher School at Tufts University, wondered why the CJN was partying with the Lagos State governor, whom he described as a potential litigant in her court.

The human rights lawyer had equally chided the CJN for honouring Wike’s invitation to attend the flag-off of the construction quarters.

Human rights lawyers, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) agreed with the submissions of Odinkalu that the actions of the CJN and Wike were not only against the constitution but the Code of Conduct for Judges.

IG’s Deceptive Ban on Vigilance Services

IthasnowbecomearoutinefortheInspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to ban state vigilance services, which were established nationwide to help the police address insecurity. The police have increasingly demonstrated lack of capacity to tackle internal security threats, leading to the creation of the state vigilance services and the involvement of the armed forces in the discharge of the statutory functions of the police.

But the same police find it convenient to ban these local vigilante services during governorship elections as if these local vigilantes are responsible for rigging elections in the country.

Just like he did in Edo State during the last governorshipelectionwhenthestateVigilance

Service was banned, the IG last week also banned theWestern Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekunandothervigilantecorpsfromparticipating in yesterday’s Ondo State governorship election. While addressing stakeholders in Akure, the IG saidatotalof43,157securitypersonnelcomprising all the federal security agencies would be deployed to the state.

Surprisingly, these are the same federal security agencies that have not been able to save the state from bandits.

Itwasthefailureofthesefederalsecurityagencies to tackle insecurity during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration that led to the agitation for state police and also led to the establishment of Amotekun in South-west, Ebubeagu in the Southeast and civilian joint task force in the North.

DespitethefactthatAmotekunoperativesarenotallowed to bear sophisticated arms like the police, they have been able to successfully checkmate the activities of bandits and other criminal elements killing, raping and kidnapping the residents of the state and destroying their farmlands. Having performed better than the federal police due to their better understanding of the local environment, the Amotekun operatives should have been made part of the security architecture during the election.

What moral authority does the police have to ban state vigilante services during elections? Banning them during electionsbytheIGisdeceptiveandhypocriticalbecausethe variousreportsoflocalandinternationalelectionobservers haveindicatedthatitiscorruptofficersinthepolice,other federal security agencies and INEC that politicians use to perpetrate electoral frauds and subvert the wishes of the voters, and not local vigilantes.

egbetokun

Justice Kekere-Ekun

BRIEFING NOTES

LakurawaTerror Group Must Not Come to Stay

The emergence of Lakurawa, a new terror group in the North-west, has compounded the state of insecurity caused by bandits that have been terrorising the zone. With the obvious failure of the police and other federal security agencies to stop this emerging internal security threat, ejiofor Alike and Onuminya Innocent write that state governments should adopt community engagement to stop recruitment of locals into terror groups and also neutralise their fighters

With no end in sight in the war against Boko Haram, bandits and other terrorist groups, a new terrorist group called ‘Lukarawa’ has also emerged in the North-west geopolitical zone.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, who briefed journalists on the development in Abuja recently, explained that the new terror group emerged from the Republic of Niger after the military coup in that country had led to the breakdown of military cooperation between the Nigerian government and the new military leaders in that country.

“The new terrorists began incursion into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in the Niger Republic. Before the coup, there were joint border operations with Nigerien security forces, which kept the terrorists at bay,” Buba explained. He alleged that the members of the terror group were being accommodated by the locals who had initially thought that the group meant well for them.

The revelation by the DHQ that the group emerged following the breakdown of military cooperation between the Nigerian government and the new military leaders in Niger Republic showed that the Nigerian government prioritised the ECOWAS agreement more than the country’s security.

Nigeria, with her numerous security threats and porous borders should have considered her safety, security and national interest before signing any resolutions with the other member-countries of ECOWAS to cut military ties with the Niger Republic. Today, as Boko Haram and bandits are ravaging the land, a new terror group has also emerged.

In the North-west, only Kano and Jigawa states are safe and secure, while the other five statesKaduna, Katsina, Sokoto Zamfara and Kebbi - have been ravaged by bandits and kidnappers who are contantly killing, raping women, destroying farmlands, levying the poor and abducting them for ransom.

Apart from the breakdown of military ties between Nigeria and Niger Republic, intelligence failure on the part of the police and other security agencies due to the politicisation of security, corruption, tribalism and nepotism, which characterised the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari also facilitated the emergence of the new group.

Former President Buhari’s administration was accused of encouraging the influx of violent herders into the country.

According to a study conducted in 2021 by a historian with expertise in regional terrorism, Mr. Murtala Rufa’i, which was cited by The Premium Times, the Lakurawa group was initially invited by local leaders in Gudu and Tangaza LGAs of Sokoto State in 2017 to address the growing threats by bandits from Zamfara State.

However, when the news broke in 2018 that the group was actually a terror group masquerading as herdsmen, the Sokoto State Police Command, in a bid to please Buhari’s administration, debunked the news, claiming that they were non-violent herders who “came to the area largely owing to availability of water for their animals.”

The Lakurawa group later killed the son of the district head of Tangaza, one of the traditional rulers who invited them, claiming that he was in possession of their N63 million.

The group also killed the district head in his palace after the monarch disputed their claim.

Shortly after their arrival at the Gongono Forest in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State, the

jihadists mainly from Algeria, Mali, Libya and Niger Republic, established what seems like a colony with strict adherence to Islamic ideologies.

The activities of the group in Sokoto East senatorial district, which has been the epicentre of banditry, has compounded the security challenges in North-west.

Some residents of the zone attributed the unabating security challenges in the zone to lack of cooperation among the traditional leaders and political elites.

Residents explained that traditional and political leaders must work with the local communities to deny the new terror group the opportunity for the recruitment of the locals.

The senator representing Sokoto East senatorial district, on the platform of the APC, Ibrahim Lamido had accused Governor Ahmed Aliyu of not doing enough to tackle the security challenges in the state.

Many residents of the state have also cited the cold war between the governor and the Sultan of Sokoto as one of the factors hampering the fight against insecurity.

They argued that the Sultan is not being carried along by the governor to enable him offer useful advice as a retired military general.

Notes for file

Meanwhile, Lakurawa group is capitalising on the poverty in the state to lure innocent youths into their fold.

While they offer N1 million to each person to join the group, residents collect as low as N10,000 to serve as informants to the group.

With the obvious failure of the federal security agencies to tackle these security threats, community engagement should be adopted by the state governors.

Reacting to the new security threat, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof.Tukur Mohammed Baba, had recommended the re-establishment of security and defence joint cooperation with Niger Republic and other neighbouring countries. ACF also stressed that communities should be mobilised to cooperate with and support the national security agencies.

According to the ACF, the visit to Niger Republic earlier in the year by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, should be utilised as a fulcrum for renewed cross-border international efforts to deal with terrorists.

It also called for the “involvement of local, traditional, and religious leaders, persons of influence, hunters, vigilance outfits and other community influentials to form vanguards of support for security operations; training of citizens of border and other communities in early warning and early response strategies to complement the efforts of national security agencies.”

A Kebbi State delegation dispatched by Governor Nasir Idris last week met with CDS, General Musa, pleading with him to flush out the group from the state.

During an operational tour to Sokoto State, the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, told residents of Gongono Masallachi that their community’s support was crucial to the protection of Nigeria’s territory.

Also reacting, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, last Wednesday promised that the group would be flushed out of Nigeria.

Following the recent attack by the group on the Mera community in Augie LGA of Kebbi State, which claimed 17 lives, the army headquarters had deployed a contingent of soldiers to the area.

The question agitating the minds of the residents of the North-west is: Will they live with the new terror group just as the residents of the North-east are living with Boko Haram?

The security situation in the North-west in the next few weeks will prove the effectiveness of all these military efforts.

eFCC: who’s Afraid of Sanwo-Olu?

When the news broke that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting him after his tenure, many thought it was a huge joke because a governor who still has three years to work for his state should not be preoccupied with what will happen at the end of his tenure.

However, the state government had promptly disowned the suit filed on the governor’s behalf by Darlington Ozurumba, and also promised to investigate it.

But when many thought the governor would ask that the suit be withdrawn with immediate effect, it was reported that the EFCC had urged the court not to grant

the reliefs sought by the governor.

The development further fuelled speculations that the governor actually authorised the suit.

The EFCC, in its counter affidavit in opposition to Sanwo-Olu’s originating summon, told Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the governor’s action in the instant suit is a mere conjecture and speculative.

In the originating summons marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/773/2024, dated and filed on June 6, the governor asks the court to declare that the threat of arrest and detention, against him upon the EFCC’s instigation by his political adversaries based on false and politically-motivated allegation of corruption, is a misuse of executive powers and abuse of public office.

He, therefore, sought an order restraining

the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining, interrogating or prosecuting him in connection with his tenure as the governor of Lagos State, among others.

However, the EFCC, in its counter affidavit dated October 30 but filed October 31 by its lawyer, Hadiza Afegbua, said it never threatened, invited or took any step at all to encroach on the governor’s right to freedom of movement nor violated his right to private and family life and personal liberty.

The suit has raised many fundamental questions: Who is afraid of the governor? What has the governor done that his opponents are already plotting to use the EFCC to arrest him at the end of the tenure? What is the governor afraid of that he doesn’t want to go to the EFCC to clear his name at the end of his tenure?

These questions would be answered at the appropriate time.

Sanwo-Olu

General Musa ribadu

How We’re Building Institutional Capacities of INEC, National Assembly

In strengthening and consolidating nigeria’s democracy, the three arms of government have very critical roles to play. In this interview with wale Igbintade, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr. Samson Itodo, speaks on the urgent need for electoral reforms, and how his organisation engages and supports the Independent national Electoral Commission and the national Assembly, especially young legislators, in achieving their goals and mandate

As part of the collective efforts to strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria, particularly electoral processes, how do you support the electoral umpire - INEC and the National Assembly?

In terms of the support that we provide to strengthen democracy and also the institutions, InEC and the national Assembly, we are under Component two of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in nigeria (EU-SDGn II) Programme. So, our work to the national Assembly is geared towards building the institutional capacity of the national Assembly. And the reason why, as an institution, we make this investment in the national Assembly is pretty much for two reasons. One, our belief is, if the national Assembly is strengthened as a critical component of the democratic process, then it will improve the quality of legislative oversight, as well as representative functions that the national Assembly performs.

A critical example is, if the national Assembly is making laws, how do we ensure that those laws are responsive, one to the needs and the priorities of people, and that they also deepen the quality of our democracy? But you need a certain amount of skill as a legislator, to deliver on those expectations, and this is why our support towards strengthening the capacity of the national Assembly and lawmakers helps in enhancing the effectiveness of the lawmakers and the institutions in promoting transparency, accountability, and responsive governance. So, we support Committees in the national Assembly. we provide technical support, training around strategic planning, around citizens’ engagement, but also helping them develop tools that they require to perform. On the other hand, we also work with young legislators in the national Assembly. we work extensively around bills, scrutiny and analysis, and drafting motions that are people-centric. All these are geared towards ensuring that the national Assembly is able to deliver.

On the Electoral Commission, we do a lot of work around citizen mobilisation, either around voter registration or participating in elections. we also provide oversight, because InEC, as an institution, requires some measure of oversight around those elections that it conducts. So, we deploy observers to watch over the process at the local and at the national level, and the findings from that is what we integrate into our electoral reform campaigns. So, currently, we are synthesising all the recommendations for reforms, and advocating for administrative reforms that InEC can undertake, but also contributing to the reform of the electoral legal framework, that is, the reform of the Electoral Act.

Yiaga Africa is a member of the technical committee set up by the national Assembly to address this issue around electoral reforms. these are ways that we are supporting these institutions. we don’t work with the judiciary directly, but our major focus is the national Assembly, as well as the election monitoring body.

How does the funding that your organisation receive from the European Union help you to support INEC and the National Assembly to carry out their statutory and constitutional mandate?

the funding from the European Union has helped a great deal. First, we are operating within a civic space that is shrinking, and at the same time, the funding space is also shrinking. Civil society organisations are unable to perform their functions because of these limitations. So, the funding that we receive from the EU helps to promote institutional strengthening, but more importantly, it also positions Yiaga Africa to support these institutions. the funding also helps in producing resources and materials that are geared towards increasing public awareness around elections and electoral reform processes. It also helps in producing resources that assess the performance

of the legislature. Recently, we supported the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to produce a scorecard of the functions, and how he has performed in office in the last one year.

Prior to that, we would not get this information in the public space. In fact, political leaders don’t even see the value in communicating to the public because they don’t feel they are accountable to members of the public. But this time, we have that document, which was produced with support from the EU-SDGn we also work with Committees in the House of Representatives, including women Affairs and Social Development, and the Young Parliamentarians Forum. All of these have been made possible through these resources. we recently hosted a citizens town hall on electoral reforms with the Committee on InEC, both the Senate and the House, that brought citizens to engage with members of the Committee. that couldn’t have been possible without the funding that we received from the EU. So, the funding is advancing and promoting institutional development. It is strengthening civil society groups like Yiaga Africa and other EU-SDGn partners, to protect democracy and promote accountability. It is also supporting our democratic institutions like InEC and the national Assembly, to fulfill their mandate.

Speaking more broadly, aside from funding developmental interventions across the country, how has the presence and partnership with the European Union helped to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic governance?

the presence of the EU has greatly helped and strengthened democratic governance. First, nigeria is part of a committee of nations that subscribe to democratic tenets. now, the EU, on the one hand, also has some values around democracy that strongly align with the tenets that nigeria subscribes to. the EU’s presence also helps in promoting those democratic values in nigeria. the second advantage, or what you call the benefits of the presence, the EU engages in bilateral engagements with the nigerian government. But it’s one of the leading funders that provide aid to nigeria, and that itself supports the country to meet some of its development objectives and some of its democratic commitments.

I think that presence, the proximity that it has with civil society and other institutions, cannot be taken for granted, because, yes, the EU as an institution is

contributing, in no small measure, to developing the civic space. It is also helping to amplify some of the concerns of civic groups and citizen groups, which is a very unique role that the EU plays, whilst also providing funding to advance our development. However, I say that the contribution it makes, by providing a space for constructive discourse between different stakeholders, is actually phenomenal.

The National Assembly, being an arm of the government, plays a very critical role in democratic governance in Nigeria. what targeted support does your organisation provide to members of the National Assembly to improve their skills and knowledge of legislative practices, procedures, and Committee rules?

One role and service that we provide to the national Assembly is capacity building. the turnover of legislators in the national Assembly is very high; about 80 percent of legislators in the national Assembly are first-timers. now, legislative practice and procedure is a very advanced and complex field of governance that requires capacity development, because most of the lawmakers in the national Assembly do not have any training on legislative procedure. we train legislators once they come into the national Assembly; equip them with the skills that they require to make laws, to provide oversight, and then also represent their constituents. Secondly, we also provide capacity building for the bureaucracy of the national Assembly, because the national Assembly as an institution also requires some level of development - development around the institutional frameworks that should be in place that will enhance the quality of legislative governance. Also, what are the policies that need to be in place that facilitate engagement with citizens?

So, we deliver those kinds of parliamentary support. the other thing we do in supporting the national Assembly, is we strengthen Committees to perform the requisite oversight necessary to enhance governance. So, we develop toolkits in conjunction with members of respective Committees, to help them improve the quality of the oversight that they conduct. this is because legislative oversight is one instrument that is used to hold the Executive to account. It is also to deepen the quality of governance, ensuring that what the government promises it delivers to the people. we use the toolkits as monitoring and evaluation

frameworks that strengthen the legislature.

One exciting aspect of our work in the national Assembly is the citizen-legislator relationship, which is the weakest link in the entire gamut of the responsibilities of the legislature. we host town hall meetings, support legislators to host town hall meetings. when legislators turned one year, most of those legislators needed to conduct town hall meetings to account for their representation. So, across the entire country, we supported legislators, and our priority was young legislators, to host citizens’ town hall meetings to give account of their leadership. It is also to give the public and constituents the opportunity to highlight demands that they require from their legislator. these are some of the things that our targeted support to the national Assembly is delivering. we’ve been involved in drafting legislations, as well as analysing and scrutinising bills. this is one of our core functions. Legislators who require technical support in drafting legislations, come to us, and we’ve been supporting legislators with drafting those bills, and where there are bills of public interest, Yiaga Africa analyse and scrutinise the bills, and then produces what we call legislative briefs, which lawmakers use to enhance the quality of their debate.

One of the things we also do in supporting committees, for instance, during the appropriation debates, we analyse budgets, write briefs on those budgets, and give the committees. they use those briefs to ask Ministers and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) when they come for budget defense, and we’ve been providing that support to Committees that we work with in the national Assembly.

How do you support the Judiciary to ensure the effective administration of electoral justice, particularly supporting the Judges of the Election Petition Tribunals?

we don’t work directly with the judiciary. that’s not part of our portfolio. Instead, we work closely with young people. So, we do “ReadytoRun.” ReadytoRun is mainly getting young people who are running for office, improving their capacity for campaigns before they get into elections, and preparing them, and I would say, with a high sense of humility, that most of the people that we have trained are currently in the legislature, and even whilst in the legislature, the EU, as part of its sort of electoral cycle approach, also provides resources to support these young people when they are currently in office. So, the EU is supporting the ReadytoRun initiative, which is an initiative that was largely spotted by the EU right after the passage of the not-too-young-to-run Act.

What roles will your organisation be playing in the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo and Ondo states? Also, can you share with us your preparations and plans for the forthcoming general election in 2027?

In Edo and Ondo states, we’re deploying citizen observers to observe those elections. For Edo, we are deploying the Pvt, which is a standard methodology that assesses the accuracy of the results, but more importantly, speaks to the transparency and credibility process. we’re going to be observing those elections as an election observer. Secondly, we are currently engaged in a voter register audit; we’re auditing the register of Edo and Ondo to assess their quality, their accuracy, and their credibility. But we’re also involved in conducting election academies. we are training party agents from four major political parties, doing a training of trainers (tOt) for them, and then they would now, in turn, train their party agents. the reason why we’re training party agents is because based on experience, party agents deployed during elections are incompetent in most cases.

HAPPY WEDLOCK…

FG Plans Manufacturing of 10 Essential Vehicle Spare Parts Locally

The federal government, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has said it has put in place the necessary structure and frameworks to begin the manufacturing of 10 essential vehicle spare parts locally.

It said this move would help reduce the country’s dependence on importation of spare parts, which currently gulps $1billion annually.

The Director General of

NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, according to a statement yesterday, disclosed this at the end of a two-week training of auto engineers and software automotive designers in Abuja. The training boot camp, focused on Midas NFX software for automotive design skills, was organised in collaboration with Midas IT Co. of South Korea and trained 15 participants.

Speaking, the DG, represented by the Director, Directorate of Research Design and Development, Fidelis Achiv, noted that

Wema Bank to Reward Winners with N75 Million at Hackaholics 5.0 Finale

Wema Bank has announced the grand finale of the fifth edition of its flagship youth and startup-focused tech competition, Hackaholics.

Launched in 2019, Wema Hackaholics is an initiative designed to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria’s youth, providing them with a platform to turn their tech-driven ideas into reality.

The grand finale will take place on November 27, 2024, under the theme, “Meta Idea: Catalyzing Africa’s Growth Through Innovation.”

According to a statement by the bank, the theme aims to showcase how tech-driven solutions can fuel Africa’s development by tapping into the continent’s growth potential through innovation and digital transformation.

It noted that the event would bring together the brightest innovators from universities and tech communities across the country.

“These innovators will pitch their Digi-Tech solutions designed to solve real-world problems and contribute to Africa’s economic and social progress. The event promises to be the culmination of months of intensive competition, collaboration, and mentorship, providing a platform for

youth-led tech ideas to reach new heights.”

Announcing the date of the grand finale, Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO of Wema Bank, highlighted the bank’s vision for Hackaholics. “Hackaholics is more than a competition; it is a movement to equip Nigeria’s youth with the skills, networks, and resources needed to drive Africa’s digital transformation. The Meta Idea theme for this year is a call to action for young innovators to think beyond the present and design solutions that will capitalize on Africa’s growth. We are excited to see how our participants envision and build the Africa of tomorrow.”

Speaking on the prizes, the MD/CEO said “At the grand finale, participants will compete for exciting cash prizes, grants, and access to Wema Bank’s extensive network of investors, mentors, and industry experts. The total worth of prizes for this year is ₦75,000,000. The winning team will receive ₦30,000,000, the first runner-up will receive ₦20,000,000 and the second runner-up will receive ₦15,000,000 worth of prizes. Additionally, we will be awarding a special grant of ₦10,000,000 worth of prizes to the female-led team to encourage gender diversity in tech innovation,” he concluded.

the council was ready to produce spare parts for over 11 million vehicles plying Nigerian roads.

He also said the council was working to achieve a local assembling component of 40 per cent from less than one per cent assembling capacity currently.

He said: “We are working to achieve a level whereby we can go back to assembling vehicles that have up to 40 per cent lo-

cally manufactured components. We have vehicle assemblies in Nigeria but the assembling that is going on is not adding much value to the economy.

“Vehicles that have been assembled come in completely built, and they just remove the tyres, remove the exhaust system, remove the engine, ship them, and assemble them here. But we want to

transform from that to a level where these vehicles come in unpainted - the welding is done here; some components parts are produced here and the assembly will add more value, and employ more people. We have over 11 million vehicles on our Nigerian roads.

“Of the over 3,000 parts in a vehicle, if we can leverage on producing just 10 that we

can beat our chest, that in the whole world, Nigeria produces these 10 components and they are best, the market is going to be huge. Our economy will change.”

“So, the essence is to train these engineers to be able to design parts, to be able to produce parts so that we can be self-sufficient in vehicle parts production in Nigeria.”

Atiku’s Associate Replies Makinde, Says Age Cannot Stop Former Vice President

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Indications of another dirty political battle for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027 emerged at the weekend as a two-time Director of Youth Mobilisation in the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign in 2019 and 2023, Hon. Dimeji Fabiyi, has said that age cannot stop the former vice president from contesting the 2027

The National Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to assent to the bill abolishing the BSc and Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy.

National President of NATE, Dominic Udoatan, made the appeal at the weekend during the national conference and annual general meeting (AGM) of the association with the theme:

Peter Uzoho

All is set for the global oil and gas industry leaders, including academics, innovators, and technology providers to gather in Rivers State to explore ways to boost crude oil and gas production, and enhance sustainability, energy security, and resilience of energy infrastructure and

presidential election.

Fabiyi, a known associate of Atiku, also described the remarks by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on the criteria for presidential candidates as portraying the governor as a poor student of history.

Governor Makinde had insinuated that age was a limiting factor for presidential hopefuls in the party.

Though Atiku’s name was not mentioned by Makinde,

‘Regulating the practice of engineering professions through the development of codes and standards, regulations, and their enforcement.”

He said the bill has passed through all necessary stages at the National Assembly and now awaits the presidential assent of President Tinubu.

Udoatan, who was returned unopposed as the president of the association at the end of the

the environment.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the Group Managing Director of Solewant Group, Sir Solomon Ewanehi, said the summit would spark discussions that would lead to improvements in the energy sector in the areas of growth and efficiency across the energy sector, particularly in Africa. Ewanehi spoke during a

Atiku, who is still nursing presidential ambition in the next general election, will be 81 years old by 2027.

But Fabiyi, who is a leader of the PDP in Ogun State and pioneer financial officer of the PDP, in his response to Makinde, admonished the Oyo State governor “to take a lesson from the just concluded presidential election in the United States where the President-elect, Mr. Donald Trump, won overwhelmingly

conference and AGM, said part of his goals six years ago when he became NATE’s president was to see to the successful passage of the bill to abolish the BSc and HND dichotomy.

The NATE president said:

“One of the most critical milestones was our strong advocacy for the elimination of the academic distinction between B.Sc. and HND holders.

“Today, I am pleased to in-

briefing heralding the Solewant Group’s 8th Energy Summit to be held at Solewant Industrial Area, Alode Eleme, Onne, Rivers State, with the theme: “Pioneering Technology and Innovation for Transition to Sustainable Energy Development in Africa.”

Represented by the Executive Secretary of Training Institute, Port Harcourt,

against a much younger opponent, Kamala Harris.’’ He stressed further: “Politics is a marketplace of ideas. It is a place where experience and age are undeniable assets.

President Trump is Atiku’s contemporary in age. ‘’But it is clear by the convincing win he secured for the Republicans that the electorate in the United States acknowledges more leadership assets in him than his main opponent.”

form you that this bill has passed through all necessary stages at the national assembly and now awaits the presidential assent of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

“We appeal to the federal government to make a positive statement in this regard. We are in synergy with COREN and NSE and are following up legally, legislatively, and administratively.

Dr. Benjamin Ubleble, the Solewant Group’s CEO said the summit will also help drive technological innovation in Nigeria and Africa at large.

According to him, the summit is built around three key objectives: Driving technological innovation, strengthening policy and regulatory support, and fostering collaborative partnerships.

James Emejo in Abuja

L-R: Chairman, Orange Group, Sir Tony Ezenna; the Couple, Mr. and Mrs. Kizito Anyaeche; Chief Executive Officer, Ekulo Group, Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Charles Odunukwe; and father of the groom, Chief Ernest Enyenche, at the wedding of Kizito and wife in Lagos… yesterday

Facts, Fiction and Fairy Tale of Okowa’s Arrest by EFCC

Olisa Ifeajika

We have observed the desperate attempt by some dubious elements and a section of the media to malign the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa over his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). With few exceptions, the media reports and commentaries have been mostly sensational, mischievous, and gross misrepresentations and distortions of the facts of the matter. They fall far short of the journalistic standards of factual reporting, fairness, balance, and simple logic.

Most of these reports are riddled with outright lies, wild conjectures, and unverifiable claims, with the unmistakable diabolical intent to beguile and incite the unsuspecting public against Dr Okowa. But you cannot pull down him whom God has lifted. Like previous failed attempts to drag Dr Okowa’s name in the mud, this renewed offensive against him by his traducers is an exercise in futility.

The Facts of the Matter

The first point that needs to be made is that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr Okowa. As is customary with the anti-graft agency, the former governor was invited to answer questions relating to some petitions that were filed against him by some disgruntled elements.

Upon his return from vacation, and as a man with a clear conscience, Dr Okowa proceeded to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt as requested. The substance of the petitions was that Dr Okowa allegedly corruptly enriched himself and used state resources to acquire 80% stake in Premium Trust Bank. He was also alleged to have diverted state resources to build housing estates in Asaba and Abuja and two hotels in Asaba, for himself.

Governor Okowa cleared himself of those allegations as the estate in Abuja is owned by a public figure. The ex-governor lives in his own private house in an estate in Asaba that is occupied by other residents who are home owners. Similarly, the owners of the hotels in Asaba are

persons known to the public and the EFCC, while Okowa has zero financial interest in Premium Trust Bank. These are facts that are easily verifiable from the Corporate Affairs Commission and by virtue of the Freedom of Information Act.

The allegation that the former governor allegedly diverted N1.3 trillion oil derivation funds is as ludicrous as it is outlandish. This is just a rehash of the same spurious allegations that some malicious, myopic, vindictive, and prejudiced persons concocted while Okowa was still in office. These haters simply latched on to the EFCC invitation to launch a well-orchestrated propaganda, using their hirelings and hack writers in a section of the media. It is obvious that these people, including their puppets in the media, are bereft of commonsense. Otherwise, how can anybody in his right mind allege that N1.3 trillion was diverted for personal use? Are we to believe that Okowa’s administration did not pay salaries or execute a single project in eight years? It will take an individual to appropriate an average of N16billion every month for eight years to amass a whopping sum of N1.3 trillion as alleged. The implication of such a scenario happening is that there will be no money to run the government or pay the salaries of the state’s almost 50,000 workforce. Prejudice is a terrible thing, and those caught in its web, often develop a warped sense of reasoning. For the avoidance of doubt and for the benefit of the public, we wish to bring to the fore some salient information from the audited accounts of the Delta State Government for the eight years that Okowa presided over the affairs of the state.

Total Revenue (FAAC, IGR, Other receipts)=N2.65 trillion; Salaries= N628.5bn; Pensions/Contributory Pensions/Social Benefits = N141.22bn; Overhead/Consolidated Revenue Charges = N489.83bn; Grants/Contributions = 107.88bn; DESOPADEC = N221.2bn; Internal Loans Repayment/Public Debt Charges = N200.38bn; FAAC Deductions for Loan Repayment = N150.63bn; Total Capital Expenditure = N729.2bn

Among the flagship projects executed by the Okowa administration include the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat, which recently won the Nigerian Institute of Architects award for Most Iconic Corporate Building in Nigeria, the Ogheye Floating Market in Warri North LGA, the 19.7km Obotobo 1 –Obotobo 11 –Sokebolou – Yokri coastal road in Burutu LGA, Maryam Babangida Film Village and Leisure Park Asaba, Koka Flyover in Asaba, and Asaba Storm Water Drainage. The Warri Storm Water Drainage project, designed to tackle the perennial flooding in Warri and environs, was at advanced stage by the time Okowa left office on May 29, 2023.

In road infrastructure, the Okowa administration constructed over 2,000 kilometres of roads (including bridges) and 1,400 kilometres of drains. The administration established three new universities and six model technical colleges that have remained functional. Of course, there was the novel youth entrepreneurship development programmes of the Okowa administration that saw thousands of youths become small business owners and employers of labour. As a result, Delta was ranked the Best State in Human Capital Development in the 2017 states peer review by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria. Furthermore, Delta State under his watch enjoyed peace and security.

UTM Investment

The insinuation that the state government’s investment in the first Floating Liquified Natural Gas project promoted by UTM, a private indigenous company in the oil and gas sector, is a phantom project is at best laughable and at worst disingenuous. As a state rich in oil and gas, the administration of Okowa saw a

viable opportunity in the project and, upon approval by the Delta State Executive Council and the House of Assembly, purchased equity in the company with N42.05b in two tranches of five percent and three percent. The authenticity of this project is evidenced by the signing of the Shareholders’ Agreement between UTM, NNPC limited, and the Delta State Government on December 19, 2023. Today, the state government’s investment has appreciated to at least N190.85 billion underscoring the wisdom and foresight of the Okowa administration.

Conclusion It bears restating that Dr. Okowa has nothing to hide. His governance of Delta State was marked by fiscal discipline, prudent management of resources, and excellent service delivery. As a matter of fact, the state won World Bank awards in Overall State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme (All DLIs), Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Efficiency of Public Expenditure, and Debt Sustainability. Dr. Okowa is a man of unassailable integrity and we welcome any honest attempt to investigate his eight-year tenure as we believe it will vindicate his exemplary stewardship of the state. We know that the current campaign of calumny against Okowa is at the behest of unscrupulous politicians who see him as the biggest threat to their 2027 political aspirations. Instead of engaging in lies and propaganda, we urge these persons to work at winning the hearts and confidence of the people. Power resides in the electorate and they are the ones who determine who is to govern or represent them. Finally, we urge our media practitioners to always abide by the ethics of the profession. They should not allow themselves to continue to be used by desperate power mongers whose stock-in-trade is to engage in political subterfuge, stoke the fires of hatred, and foment crisis in the polity.

Olisa Ifeajika is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okowa (20192023).

Okowa

Olukayode

ENGAGEMENTS

‘Renewed Hope’, Failing Expectations

Politics is in many ways like religion. It thrives on a foolish expectation of paradise perennially approaching but forever elusive. Take away the promise and prospect of eventual heaven and paradise and all religion falls flat. You dare not tell a devotee that heaven may not come or that the promised virgins may not be delivered as promised!

Politiciansontheirpartaretheeternalpurveyors of an earthly paradise.The promised land of every politicalmanifestois asortoffulfilledstate,anideal of the nation state only imagined by John Jacques Rousseau,Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. It is a place where all the yearnings, desires wishes and needsoftheidealcitizenryaremetbyanevercompassionate state ruled by good men and women. That is why every political realm quickly finds a slogan for its own definition of heaven on earth. Every active party man or woman is somehow an apostle of a new faith carrying the pocket book of a new theology, ready to recite you the catechism of the new Jerusalem.

The arrival time of a political paradise used to be long. It is now shorter because the electorate have becomeinpatientinadigitalsense.Peoplenowwant thefulfillmentofpoliticalpromisesinrealtimewhich means almost instantly. Forget the election cycle. Forgetthegenerationalvisionandlegacycrap.Bring usthegoodiesnownow!PalliativericeandIndomie Noodles for all now. Helicopter cash transfers for millionsrightaway.Moneyforonegoodpotofsoup fortodayinexchangeforourvotestoday.Keepyour highways and flyovers for later. Give us ‘stomach infrastructure’ now now!. Evenreligiousparadisehasshorteneditsdelivery and expectation time. Paradise is no longer only for the patient. Now, new generation pastors and transactionalgospellersfasttrackthingssomehow. Prosperity and abundance of wealth must come now now!The microwave has entered the world of miraclesanddivineexpectations.YouTubegathers the flock in one place at the push of a button on the keyboard and spreads the gospel worldwide while those at the receiving end just click and collect in millions of dollars. Instant salvation. Immediate paradise and gratification delivered via your bank account!

In today’s Nigeria, PresidentTinubu and his APC friendsarethemerchantsofthenewwonderproduct calledthe“RenewedHopeAgenda”.Itisthehopeof anabundanceoflifeandgoodnesstobedeliveredby theTinubugovernmentinthefullnessofitstime.We aretoldthatthe“RenewedHope”Franchisebelongs totheAPCasaparty.Butthepartymanifestomakes no mention of this ‘renewed hope’ agenda. We are not told what it is. No one has yet unwrapped the package. Party people and regime friends just talk glibly about it. At other times, the ‘renewed hope’ is merelysuggestedinshychantswhenthePresident is likely to be present. At such occasions, ‘renewed hope’agendaspontaneouslygraduatesintoasong directedatthePresident:“Onyourmandateweshall stand…!” Once the President departs the venue, the chant is over, the choir dissolves and disperses into the anonymity of the rented crowd of political jobbers . When you ask the lead choristers the content of the ‘renewed hope’ they just sang about, you are left empty-handed. No one seems to know what it is all about but everyone is expected to expect it! You ask endlessly from the marketers of the new gospeltobetoldwhatthis‘renewedhope’isallabout. There is no document that describes it or itemizes what we as an electorate should expect from this ‘renewedhope’thing.Wearejustexpectedtobelieve and trudge along. A theology without a creed. Faith in things unseen and unknown! Every respectable gospel builds an attractive paradise for its followers to aspire to: a garden of respitefromourearthlytoils,aplacewherethereis no more sorrow, toil or even death. Every common personshallsummonenoughcouragetolookdeathin thefaceandask:“Death,whereisthysting?”Believers shall play and enjoy endlessly. Political utopias are similarlyconstructedasacombinationofimagination and the wishful thinking of hapless voters. Since we are supposed to look forward to the arrival of “renewed hope” as a political utopia and kingdom, one should expect to learn its outlines. How many poor housing units will be delivered per state by ‘renewedhope’?Howmanynewclassrooms?How manynewhealthcentres?Howmanyfreebusrides toandfromwork?Willtherebefreefoodatfeeding centres? Willpublicschoolsbefreeofchargeforthe poor? Will bandits disappear from our highways?

Willtherebespecialprisonsforkidnappers?

Just what goodness will descend on us all courtesyofthe“RenewedHopeAgenda?”

Mr. “Renewed Hope”, when shall be taste the next good soup?

In the absence of any of these concrete ‘better life’ prospects, to just promise us ‘renewed hope’ as a source of universal sweetnessissomewhatsuspiciousandeven fraudulent. Hope is not a place of succor. Hope is not a policy. It is not measurable Hope is not a destination of goodness nor is it a policy. Hope is a never land, an empty longingforthingsunseenanduntouchable. Hope is a dream, a promise, a delusion of emptinesstofeedthemindsoftheignorant and foolish mob.

Every serious APC follower is now a “Renewed Hope Agenda” disciple and marketer..Theprimepontiffsareveryloquacious, enviable and considerably wealthy citizens placed in strategic gate -keeper locationsinthepresentorder. Mr.Godswill AkpabioisSenatePresidentwithoneofthe longestconvoysaround.Mr.NyesomWike is Minister of the Federal CapitalTerritory with a fleet of demolition bulldozers at his beck and call. Mr. Dave Umahi is Minister of Works with Alaskan highway projects that literally traverse the entire length of the country. My former friend Dele Alake has been catapulted from near destitute joblessness to Minister of Solid Minerals negotiating mining rights with Chinese mineral thieves and bandits all over the country. A man who looks permanently surprisedandalwayscladinoversizesuitsin MinisterofFinance. Inturn,Mr.NuhuRibadu is National Security Adviser who seems lately to be jostling for the job of minister of information by constantly singing the praise of the president at every stop. He wasrecentlyquotedasadvocatingnational prayerstohelpchaseawaysquadsofbandits tormenting him and his men in waves of insecurity.

The better informed apostles of “Renewed Hope” have enough common sense to direct you to the policies of the Tinubu administration. We are told that the hardship spinoffs of the present policies are the vehicles of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”. The higher fuel prices, the astronomical exchange rates, the endless multiple taxes, the bandits and killers at every road junction and the high costs of basicfoodandsustenanceitemsaremeant toprepareusforlifeinthelandofrenewed hope.ThefewNigerianswhosurvivethese hardtimeswillbethe‘strongbreed’thatwill inhabit the place of ‘renewed hop’.

There may even be a religious angle to it all. Maybe after this period of famine and suffering shall follow a season of endless plenty! By a flip of divineintervention,alltheseagoniesandsuffering shallsomehowendinpraise.Thismaybethereason why recently, there was a rumoured plan to hold a nationwide prayer festival for divine intervention to alleviate the suffering in the land and turn it all into plenty, abundance and praise.

No one can say convincingly that the president does not love Nigeria. He is working on the job he applied for. While we cannot deny the prevalence of hardship all over the land, there is also a need to acknowledgethatthisgovernmenthasbeenquite busy doing the ordinary things that governments in these parts do.

Meetings are being held in Abuja every day on virtuallyeverysubjectunderthesun.ThePresident hasbeensettingupcommitteesofallhuestoseek forsolutionstooureconomicproblemsastheyrear theirheads. Thebigmenandwomenofofficialdom areperenniallyonthemoveinandaroundthecountry attending to busy schedules, arriving in very large shiny black SUVs carrying the same files that their predecessors clutched before they were recently sacked.Thecommuniquéssummarizingtheresults of the meetings are sometimes issued before the meetings take place!

Undeniably, some things have been achieved under this ‘ “Renewed Hope Agenda’ regime. We haverevertedtothe1960nationalanthemfromthe newone.WeevengottheentireNationalAssembly to convert into a choir that learnt and sang the old “new”anthemwithmicrowavespeed.Thepresident hasacquiredafresh‘tokunbo’luxuryjetforhismany tripsabroad.Inlessthan18monthsintohistenure, PresidentTinubuhasthrown outhalfadozenofhis lacklustreministersandreplacedthemwithanother seven anonymous and even invisible ones. Hardly anydaypasseswithoutthepresidencyannouncing fresh high profile appointments by the president predictablyfrommostlyonecornerofthecountry.

Inlessthan18monthsinoffice,thispresidenthas clockedmoreairmilesthanhispredecessorseven intheabsenceofadefiniteforeignpolicydirection.

On matters of hardship, the government has made noises in the direction of alleviating high foodprices.Bagsofriceandothergrainshavebeen ferried around the country to alleviate hunger but the masses still deny that they saw any rice. A few ministers and government big people have since set up rice warehouses and shops which are now doing lucrative business.

In some rice and palliative distribution centres, thosewhowentouttoscrambleforriceandnoodles tofeedtheirfamilieshaveendedupreturninginbody bags. The lucky ones returned with broken skulls from the scramble only to be told by the First Aid hospitalsthatbasicmedicationsare“outofstock”. Wise people no longer troop out to scramble for palliative rice or cash from big men. Please avoid

dangerous rice and bad cash!

A plan to import food items at reduced tariffs is expected to begin yielding fruits soon. But the exchange rate of the Naira to the dollar to pay for the food import has worsened since the policy was announced. Worse still, the Central Bank has sincejackedupinterestratessohighthatthosewho borrowed money to import low duty food items to fight hunger are themselves held to ransom by the banks. As a result, the envisaged relief of the imported food will be wiped off by the exchange rate and high interest rates.

Intheinterim,haplessandimpoverishedcitizens are being constantly enjoined to await the coming of the Tinubu “Renewed Hope” kingdom.

Inrecentweeks,APCpunditsandchieftainshave been trumpeting that things are getting better. For them,the‘renewedhope’agendahasbeguntoyield fruits.Tinubuisnow“performing”evenintheabsence of any supporting data.Tinubu is just happening in spiteofworseninginflation,moredepressingliving costs and worsening insecurity.

WhilethechosenfewoftheAPChighpriesthood are wallowing in opulent excess, the chorus out on the streets in all parts of the nation is a desperate cryofanguish.Peopleareaskingwhenandhowthe nationcangetoutofthepresentexcruciatinghardship.“RenewedHopeAgenda”isfastturningintoan anthemofparadiseforafewchosenapostlesanda dirge or requiem for the majority. Yet the dominant discourseandquestionoutonthestreets isanopen question: when will the economy improve?

Inpolitics,theapproachofgoodtimesissignaledby theapproachofthenextelection.Asweinchtowards 2027,thereisboundtobeanincreaseinthenumber ofAPCpartyfaithfulchantingthesuccessofTinubu’s policies. A great deal of these chants are based on political impulse rather than verifiable indicators in reality. Tinubu came to power with petrol pump priceatlessthanN200.RenewedHopeagendahas hiked it to over N1,000.The Naira was exchanging for less than N500 to the dollar when Tinubu was sworninlastMay.ItisnowhoveringatoverN1,700. Same degree of astronomical increases apply to electricity tariff, the cost of every food item, basic drugs,costofgroundtransportation,domesticand international air fares.

Somethingnewcreptinfromtherecentcampaigns of the American presidential election. Let us call it the Optimism Index. Simply put, it measures the degree to which the citizenry are optimistic that thenationisgoingintherightdirection. Throughout the length and breadth of the country, you hardly encounter any one who is ready to risk asserting that any aspect of life in today’s Nigeria is going in therightdirection.Thereadiestresponseofpeople to government is a torrent of curses and abuses. It hasbecomesobadthatimportanttraditionalrulers ands religious leaders have appealed to citizens to stop cursing the nation’s leaders. The Ooni of Ife a fortnight ago appealed to citizens to desist from cursing our leaders.The Sultan of Sokoto followed thesamepatternofappeal.Somereligiousleaders have sent out the same appeal.

Wecannotcontentourselveswitheitheraseaof cursesandabusesorabaselessinsistenceonprogress with ‘renewed hope agenda’.Those interested in knowing when the economy will improve need to takeacloserlookatwhathasbefallenusinjustalittle over a year of this ‘renewed hope’ administration. In principle, a reform policy is all well and good. No serious country can go on the way we have been. You could not sustain an economy on subsidies in most important sectors. But at the same time, no sensible government can afford to take off all of subsidies in so many diverse areas of essential goods and services simultaneously. To take off all subsidies at once and increase taxes, rates, tariffs and charges on everything essential at once is like declaringawaronallthepeople.Iftheycannotprotest and revolt, they will live a life of perennial curses on those who rule them.

I do not belong among those who insist that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” cannot and will not yid recoveryandgoodness.Butourpresent hardshipdid not come as a result of divine punishment. It is man made. It is the result of a reckless combination of thoughtlessreflexesmistakenforpolicies.Anygroup of people who casually inflict this untidy cocktail of harsh measures on the same people within such a shortspaceoftimeinthenameofgovernanceneed to have their identity and sanity double checked. Maybe,INECshouldincorporatecomprehensive mentalhealthscreeningaspartofthequalification for electoral offices.

Tinubu

Lookman, Aina, Nwabali Excused from Rwanda Clash in Uyo

19 countries book places already in Morocco 2025 continental fiesta

When Super Eagles who have already booked their place in the finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) take on Rwanda on Monday in Uyo, three key players likeAdemola Lookman, Ola Aina and Stanley Nwabali will not be part of the squad

AFCON 2025 QUALIFIer

to cap a brilliant outing for Nigeria.

Nwabali has been excused from the senior national team to attend to family matters in the aftermath of his father’s demise at the weekend. Lookman on the other hand was excused because of the knock he received from a Benin Republic defender during Thursday’s Match-day 5 clash in Abidjan. He was ex-

Odegbami Hails Osimhen for Equaling His Record

Legendary Segun ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami has saluted Victor Osimhen after the Napoli loanee at Galatasaray equaled his goals tally in the Super OsimhenEagles. is now joint second all-time leading scorer for the Super Eagles with Odegbami after he netted his 23rd goal at full international level on Thursday in Abidjan.

On Thursday night in Abidjan, Osimhen rose high to head home a Moses Simon cross for the Super Eagles to draw level with Benin in a 2025 AFCON qualifier.

“It’s a good thing (that he has equaled my record),” Odegbami told Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen during an interview on his sports radio station Eagle7fm on Saturday.

“This shows we now

have players who can deliver the goals for the national team.”

He also described Osimhen’s headed goal as “fantastic”. The Rashidilegendary Yekini remains Nigeria’s most prolific international striker as he scored 37 goals in 58 matches.

cused from Saturday training session due to the injury. Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed yesterday that Ola Aina has returned to England on the request of his club, Nottingham Forest. “The premier league side pleaded with Coach Austin Eguavoen to release the defender early for their big game vs Arsenal, since

Nigeria’s AFCON ticket has been secured,” observed the team’s media officer yesterday. Few hours after Eagles drew 1-1 with Benin Republic’s Cheetahs, Nwabali announced via his social media handle on Friday that his father, Godspower Onyekam Abali, Chief Onyeogazrim 1 of Okwuzi, had passed on. The former chief surveyor was 67 years old. Nwabali’s absence means the contest for the number one jersey in Monday’s encounter at the GodswillAkpabio Stadium

will be a straight one between Italy-based Maduka Okoye and Ethiopia-basedAmas Obasogie.

Meanwhile, with just a handful games left to play in the qualifiers, 19 teams have secured their places at the highly anticipated AFCON 2025, set to be held in Morocco. Friday’s results on Matchday 5 saw three more nations — securing their places in Africa’s flagship football competition with Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe and Comoros sealing their slots. Nigeria, Tunisia, SouthAfrica,

edo Queens Shoot Down Champions Mamelodi

In a dramatic twist of events in Casablanca last night, Edo Queens crushed Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ hopes of defending their CAF Women’s Champions League title with a come from behind 2-1 victory to not only secure their place in the semi-finals but eliminate the defending champions.

For reaching the semi finals, Edo Queens as Group B leaders are guaranteed $300,000 and will play to beat TP Mazembe Ladies on Tuesday and go for the ultimate $600,000 prize money at

stake for the winner of the trophy.

After a 24th minute goal by Melinda Kgadiete thanks to a Karabo Dlamini assist, Sundowns held the slender lead until the dying moments of the match before Emem Essien’s equaliser in the referee’s added time saw the South African’s title hopes dashed.

With Queens needing just a victory, the late strike was enough to see them through.

The nail was officially hammered in the defending champions’ coffin after Mary Mamudu

pounced on some questionable defending from a set piece to fire the Nigerian league champions into the lead and seal an unforgettable 2-1 victory over the defending champions in the last seconds of added time.

In a simultaneous Group B fixture on Saturday, fellow debutants Egypt’s FC Masar also registered a victory over Central Bank of Ethiopia FC Ladies in their final group match to successfully book their place in the semi-finals.

Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon — clinched their spots, on Thursday joining a growing list of African football powerhouses ready for the tournament.

The confirmed teams represent a blend of regular AFCON contenders and rising forces in African football.

Host nation Morocco automatically qualified, alongside notable teams like Senegal and Algeria, who secured early qualification through consistent performances.

wales Survive Late penalty Drama to Hold Turkey

Turkey striker Kerem Akturkoglu missed an 89th-minute penalty as Wales kept their hopes of securing promotion to the Nations League’s top tier intact by the barest of margins with a dramatic goalless draw in Kayseri. Backed by a

hosts were awarded a penalty when Yunus

But Akturkoglu, Turkey’s top scorer in this competition, squandered the opportunity as his penalty hit the outside of the post and went wide. A second successive stale-

mate between these sides means Turkey stay top of Group B4 with 11 points, while Wales are in second place on nine points and Iceland third on seven.

To win the group, Wales must now beat Iceland at Cardiff City Stadium in their final group game on Tuesday and hope Turkey drop points in Montenegro.

Mary Mamudu...scored winner to emerge Woman of the Match

Duro Ikhazuagbe

L-R: Ola Aina...wanted at club; Stanley Nwabali...bereaved...

Ademola Lookman...injured

Osimhen

deafeningly hostile home crowd, Turkey dominated large parts of the first half, but Wales came closest to scoring as Harry Wilson hit the post. Turkey substitute Enes Unal missed a glorious chance after the interval as he fired wide from just a yard out and, as the final whistle loomed, the

Akgun fell under a challenge from Neco Williams.

Obasanjo to Tinubu

“As we can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad. The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment. That’s the situation mostly in Nigeria in the reign of Baba-go-slow and emilokan.” – Former President Obasanjo highlighting how Nigeria is speedily becoming a bad case under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

WAZIRI ADIO

POSTSCRIPT

Preliminary Comments on the Proposed N48tn Budget

First, a caveat is in order. The complete budget that the Federal Government (FG) is proposing for 2025 is not yet in the public domain, which means a full appraisal cannot be done yet. For now, we have just two things. One, an outstanding and record-breaking figure of N47.9 trillion, announced as the sum that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved on Thursday for the proposed federal budget for next year. Two, a three-year budget framework and strategy paper—the 2025 to 2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)/ Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP)—which was approved by FEC on Thursday and published on the website of the Budget Office of the Federation on Friday.

Though it provides a fair indication of what is to come, the MTEF/FSP is not as detailed as a budget proposal. Also, the MTEF has to be approved by the National Assembly before the proposed budget can be presented by the president to legislators for consideration. Between the transmission and the approval of the MTEF and the presentation of the proposed budget, many things can change, and indeed certain things do change. So, nothing is cast in stone yet. However, there is enough in the 70-page document to give us some idea about how the mind of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is working in terms of resource mobilisation and allocation in the next three years. The document also provides a window into budget performance for the whole of 2023 and for the first eight months of 2024. We thus have some reasonable materials that can be used to examine the immediate past and peep into the immediate future.

The MTEF/FSP contains more details than the headline figures that have been splashed in the media on the yet-to-be--unveiled proposed budget. I will share some of these additional details before offering my initial thoughts on the proposed budget and related issues. The document shows that FG intends to allocate the record N47.9 trillion expenditure in this order: N4.26 trillion to statutory transfers (including to the three development commissions recently created for the North West, the South East, and the South West); N13.61 trillion for capital expenditure; N14.21 trillion for non-debt recurrent expenditure; and N15.81 trillion for debt service. FG hopes to fund the budget by raising N34.82 trillion in revenue (N19.60 trillion as oil revenue and N15.22 trillion as non-oil revenue). And it hopes to bridge the N13.08 trillion gap between proposed expenditure and projected revenue through new borrowings of N9.22 trillion, multilateral loans of N3.55 trillion and privatisation proceeds of N312.33 billion.

I am sure some of the issues are jumping out at you already. But we should not get ahead of ourselves. In this preliminary intervention, I intend to make three broad points, drawing on what we can glean from the MTEF/FSP about the performance of previous budgets for the 20 months between January 2023 and August 2024 and what can pass for the visible outlines of the proposed budget for 2025.

The Obsession with Voodoo Projections Continues Over time, we have developed a penchant for making wild revenue projections. We try to create a form of optical illusion, attempting to mask or minimise our fiscal challenges, and thereby reducing the hallowed activity of budget-making to a farce. But the joke is on us. This is a self-deceit with serious consequences. Because we enjoy lying to ourselves, projected revenues always end up falling short, while expenditure keeps soaring. The ensuring deficits not only exceed allowable limits but have to be plugged with more borrowing, including through unbudgeted, non-transparent and sometimes illegal overdrafts from the central bank.

Let’s be clear upfront: there is nothing wrong with proposing a N48 trillion budget if we can fund

it. Given our size and needs, we probably can use double or triple that amount. But budget-making is not wishful thinking. For a start, revenue projections have to be realistic. There is nothing in our recent history to suggest that faithfully implementing a N48 trillion budget is faintly realistic. The approved revenue for the 2024 budget was N25.88 trillion but FG intends to raise N34.82 trillion in 2025. That is a 34.54% increase in revenue in one year. FG is not on track to generating its approved revenue for the current year. According to the MTEF, the Federal Government generated only N12.74 trillion as revenue between January and August this year. If we assume a consistent rate, FG will rake in N19.11 trillion in 2024, which will represent a 26% revenue shortfall of approved revenue. There is N6.2 trillion windfall tax/exchange gain that may do the magic for 2024, but it was presented as a one-off, and as such cannot be the reason for shifting revenue projection from N25.88 trillion to N34.82 trillion between a year and the following one. But this actually becomes more interesting when you look at the breakdown of the projected revenues. In 2025, FG dreams of raising N19.60 trillion or 56% of its revenues from the oil sector and N15.22 trillion or 43% of total revenues from non-oil sources. On a pro-rata basis, the 2024 oil revenue underperformed by 25%: actual revenue of N4.09 trillion for eight months against pro-rated budget of N5.45 trillion. The total oil revenue expected in the 2024 budget is N8.18 trillion, a target which in all probability would be missed by at least a quarter. If FGN’s records show that oil revenue fell short in the current year, where then is the confidence to project a 140% increase in oil revenue next year gushing out from? Non-oil revenue has given the FG more joy in recent times, consistently outperforming oil revenue since 2020. In 2023, non-oil revenue surpassed budgeted amount by 34% and in the first eight months of 2024, it exceeded the pro-rated budget by 60%. It would have been understandable if the very rosy tint had been tilted towards non-oil revenues.

The curious bigging up of the contribution of the oil sector to government revenues shows up in two other areas. The MTEF projects that N51.87 trillion will accrue to the Main Pool of the Federation Account in 2025. Out of this, N40.42 trillion is projected as Net Oil Revenue (after costs, deductions and derivation). Meanwhile, N16.89 trillion was approved as the net oil revenue for the Federation in 2024, meaning that

the net oil revenue for 2025 is expected to increase by 139% over the 2024 figure. There must be something those who made the projection know that is obscured from the rest of us.

The second possible driver of this strange confidence is that Nigeria will produce 2.06 million barrels of oil per day in 2025. This is a good aspiration to have. However, it looks quite dreamy given where we are. Oil production cannot be simply turn on like a light switch. Even if oil theft is completely eliminated, it will take more time to get back up to 2mbpd. But assuming that it is possible, those assuming the additional revenues from the extra barrels may be missing a few points: the fact that JV assets have been transferred to the national oil company in return for dividends on its profit; the thousands of barrels that have been pledged against different loans; and the fact that the private oil companies actually get more share of total oil produced because of the shift in the structure of oil production in Nigeria. In any case, actual oil output has consistently lagged benchmark oil output since 2013, a point well illustrated by Figure 5.2 on page 24 of the MTEF/FSP. Another interesting projection is that inflation which rose to 33.88% in October 2024 will drop to 15.75% in 2025. We need to give a better impression than we are just plugging in numbers that catch our fancy.

The Vicious Cycle of Debt and Debt Service

The debt noose keeps tightening and there appears to be no spirited effort to throw off what has become a millstone around our neck. It is as if we have made peace with our recent lot or that we think we can simply borrow our way out of our fiscal hole. In 2025, FG plans to borrow N12.77 trillion as part of its deficit financing plan: N3.55 trillion in multilateral loans and N9.22 trillion in new borrowings (made up of N7.4 trillion in domestic loans and N1.8 trillion in foreign loans). If we go ahead with the loans, that’s extra layer of debt on the total public debt stock of N134.3 trillion (as at June 2024). And by the way, one of the items approved by FEC on Thursday was another loan of $2.2 billion to finance the 2024 budget that should end in a few weeks. The convenient argument that our debt-to-GDP ratio is still manageable is losing its shine, as our current public debt is more than half our projected nominal GDP of N236.3 trillion for 2024. This is above our self-imposed limit of 40% as debt-GDP ratio.

Besides, the debt-to-GDP metric is of limited utility to a country like ours. Public debts are not paid or serviced with GDP but with government revenues. The quantum of resources devoted to paying and servicing debts has implications for the ability of the government to continue to function and its capacity to meet the developmental needs of the populace. In 2025, a princely sum of N15.81 trillion or about a third of the proposed expenditure of N47.9 trillion is apportioned to debt service alone. In fact, debt service is the biggest line item in the proposed budget for 2025. Said another way: we are budgeting to spend more on servicing debt than on any other group of items in 2025. Debt service is 116% of capital expenditure (N13.61 trillion), amounts to 193% of personnel expenses (N8.19 trillion), and equals 371% of statutory transfers (N4.26 trillion). The proposed debt service for 2025 is also 45% of projected revenue of N34.82 trillion (and it is worth bearing in mind that revenue is likely to underperform while debt service may actually be higher than projected and so the actual percentage will probably be higher).

This last point bears emphasising. In 2023, N8.56 trillion was spent on debt service though the budgeted amount was N6.56 trillion, most likely because of the depreciation of the Naira. Following the same

trajectory, sum of N5.51 trillion should have been incurred on debt service between January and August 2024 but N7.41 trillion, or 34% higher than the pro-rated amount, was expended within that period. We are on track to surpassing the N8.27 trillion budgeted for debt service for the whole year (this is apart from N223 billion meant for sinking fund which was not provided for in the first eight months of the year). The point is that the more we borrow, the more resources we will need to devote to paying the principal and the interest in subsequent years. And so, the vicious cycle continues. While a strategy to continue to borrow and spend may appear attractive in the short term, it amounts to hobbling the next generation with a legacy of debts.

Fiscal Expansionism Not Inevitable

While some citizens and analysts have started querying the rosy assumptions behind the N47.9 trillion budget, some other Nigerians within and outside government will defend the budget. One of the arguments that will be made is that the record amount is just $28.18 billion. When compared with our previous budgets or the budgets of our peers with fewer population, that amount doesn’t look or sound so outrageous. This is fair point. But N47.9 trillion would not have come to $28.2 billion without the floating of the Naira (introduced by the current administration which is also benefitting from it through exchange gain, now a major item at FAAC). Also, concentrating on what the proposed amount exchanges for in dollars might be good for the sake of comparison but it ignores the key points about whether the assumptions are realistic or not, about whether we can fund the budget or not, and about how such a big budget comes with its own baggage. The argument about the need to accommodate the newly agreed minimum wage and boost infrastructure to drive overall development is more convincing. But the data in the proposed budget does not support 37% increase in budgeted expenditure from one year to another. The MTEF shows that personnel budget is to rise from N5.39 trillion in 2024 to N8.19 trillion in 2025, an increase of N2.8 trillion or 52%. This is presumably to take care of the new minimum wage and other consequential adjustments. But that extra N2.8 trillion for personnel cannot be the reason for the entire N12.84 trillion added to the 2024 budget. Though the document makes a song and dance about increased infrastructure spending, the capital budget (exclusive of transfers) actually reduced slightly from N13.77 trillion in 2024 to N13.61 trillion in 2025. So, it is hard to justify adding so much to the 2024 budget, which itself is unlikely to be fully implemented. There is a place for ambitious and expansionary budget (especially when the economy is depressed and the country can easily find the money to reflate the economy). But Nigeria is not in that good place. We are battling headline inflation close to 34% and food inflation of about 40%. We are at a place where we need to free Nigerians from suffocating inflation and where we desperately need to keep working towards, not away from, fiscal consolidation. We need to significantly reduce deficit (not just aiming for the 3% of deficit-to-GDP limit mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007) and reduce debts (not binge on debts or be hiding behind some vacuous lingo about sustainable debt). There are some commendable efforts around blocking leakages and raising more revenues and some of them are yielding decent results already. We should do more of these. We need more fiscal discipline and, more importantly, we need stronger collaboration and coherence between the fiscal and the monetary sides of the economy. One side cannot be busy tightening while the other is needlessly expansionary. Such dissonance is counter-productive, and can only delay the needed rebound.

Tinubu