Governors Threatening Us over Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, House Members Allege
the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has disclosed that some governors
Presidency: Obasanjo Not Ideal Leader to Emulate, Unfit to Speak on Good Governance
Accuses his govt of brazen illegality, assault on constitution through illegal removal of governors Says he made poor choices in economic management, which burdened successive govts
Maintains he organised sham elections in 2003 adjudged the worst in nation’s history
Elumoye
The presidency, yesterday, told former President Olusegun Obasanjo he was not the ideal leader to follow on issues of governance.
The presidency was reacting to Obasanjo's recent criticism of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a release signed by the presidential adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency declared that Obasanjo lacked the moral rectitude to sermonise on ideal forms of governance.
It claimed that the eight years of Obasanjo’s government, from 1999 to 2007, was a study in brazen illegality and glaring assault on the country’s constitution.
The statement alleged that Obasanjo’s eight years witnessed the illegal removal of four former governors that belonged to the same party with him, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The presidency further
Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Chuks Okocha and Juliet Akoje in Abuja The deputy spokesman of
Deji
in Abuja
G20 Leaders Inaugurate End Hunger and Poverty Global Alliance
Mandate task force for proper implementation from 2025 to 2030
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The Group of 20 (G20) World Leaders yesterday inaugurated a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, in the course of the opening session of the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The alliance signed by all
member countries empowered a Task Force to implement practical activities between 2025 and 2030 to accelerate the elimination of hunger and reduction of poverty.
According to him, the goal of the global alliance was to gather funds and knowledge towards the implementation of public policies and social technologies, which have proven effective in reducing global hunger and poverty.
He added that throughout
Speaking on the occasion, President Luiz Lula da Silva of Brazil, said the alliance, which was pre-launched in July, 2024 already had the support of more than 80 countries, in addition to dozens of government and civil society organisations.
the first half of Brasil’s G20 presidency, discussions were held with G20 countries and other key partners to present the operation, its pillars and the general lines of governance.
“It’s not just about doing justice. This is an essential condition for building more prosperous societies and a world of peace.
“Brazil intends to reposition itself as an international leader on the issue, showcasing the successful Brazilian experience with the Zero Hunger and Bolsa Família programs — both launched by Lula in his first spell as president between 2003 and 2010.
“Ending hunger is also one of the Sustainable Development
PRESIDENCY: OBASANJO NOT IDEAL LEADER TO EMULATE, UNFIT TO SPEAK ON GOOD GOVERNANCE
emphasised that the Obasanjo government made poor economic decisions, which became a major liability for successive administrations, including that of the incumbent, Tinubu.
It accused the Obasanjo administration of organising a sham electoral process that became the worst since Nigeria's independence in 1960.
The presidency stated that it was the flawed election that produced Obasajo’s successor, Alhaji Umar Yar’Adua. It advised the former president to use his remaining years pontificating on his missed opportunities as both military and civilian leader.
The presidency, in the release, titled, “Former President Obasanjo Was Not An Ideal Leader To Emulate,” stated, "In a recent display of his characteristic self-importance, former President Olusegun Obasanjo once
again took to the public stage to bestow his unsolicited wisdom on leadership and governance in Nigeria.
“From his lofty perch, he blamed those who served after his tenure for the nation's myriad challenges.
"Unfortunately, the former leader's habit of casting aspersions on every subsequent administration has devolved into a recurring pastime, overshadowing the expectation of an elder statesman to join a constructive dialogue on attaining national progress.
"In his latest critique of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he pejoratively called 'Baba Go Slow' and President Bola Tinubu, who he tagged 'Emilokan', Chief Obasanjo used the platform provided by Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University to unfurl his latest treatise on leadership and public morality.
“He also used the forum to write
off Nigeria as a failing country. The irony of Chief Obasanjo using the platform that celebrates Achebe to sermonise on the ideals of good governance, statecraft, economic management, and corruption should be apparent to discerning minds.
“When he was alive, Chinua Achebe was a universally acclaimed moral, cultural and literary icon with scant regard for Obasanjo.
"It is on record that Professor Achebe rejected the third highest national honour bestowed on him by the Obasanjo-led administration in 2004 on the grounds of the prevalence of abuse of power, corruption, poor leadership, and, in particular, statesponsored brigandage endorsed by Chief Obasanjo in Achebe's home state of Anambra.
“In Anambra, the former president actively supported the abduction of a sitting governor, Dr Chris Ngige, by non-state actors led by Chris Uba,
a younger brother of Obasanjo's senior aide.
"In rejecting the 2004 national honour by the Obasanjo administration, Achebe declared: ‘Nigeria’s condition today under your watch is...too dangerous for silence. I must register my disappointment and protest by declining to accept the high honour awarded me in the 2004 honours list.’”
The presidency alleged, "Brazen illegality and assault on the constitution of Nigeria reached a disturbing height under the leadership of Chief Obasanjo. During Obasanjo’s era, the unconstitutional impeachment of four governors, who belonged to his party, occurred.
“The governors impeached by minority members of the Houses of Assembly were Joshua Dariye of Plateau, Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti, and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa.
GOVERNORS THREATENING US OVER TINUBU’S TAX REFORM BILLS, HOUSE MEMBERS ALLEGE
and other renowned tax experts on the bills.
But Oyedele, yesterday, said the proposed tax reform bills before the National Assembly were not aimed at undermining any region of the country.
On September 3, Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, following the recommendations of the Oyedele-led tax reforms committee.
The bills included the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and Tax Administration Bill, designed to provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.
Others were the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which would create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.
government would spend N47.9 trillion to run the economy in 2025. But Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, insisted that President Bola Tinubu was charting a way to lift many Nigerians out of poverty.
Edun spoke yesterday in Bauchi at the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) conference.
According to LCCI, “With federal government debt already about N134 trillion as of June 2024, inflation reaching a new high of 33.88 per cent as of October, and businesses burdened with a high Monetary Policy Rate at 27.25 per cent, the federal government has a narrow bridge to navigate choices of policy options.”
The statement issued by Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, said the chamber's review indicated that “the key parameters and assumptions on which the 2025 budget is being proposed appeared to be too optimistic in the face of current realities as recorded in the economic and social indicators”.
Almona explained, “The assumption of an exchange rate at N1,400 is too
But Nigeria’s 36 governors demanded the withdrawal of the executive bills, citing the need for more consultation and public input.
The president rejected the counsel of the governors, insisting that amendments to some of the clauses can be made when the bills come up for debate in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Agbese said some governors were holding meetings ahead of the National Assembly’s resumption to consider the tax bills and other important legislations.
He stated, “Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members return tickets in 2027 if they support the bills.”
However, the Benue lawmaker said nothing would make him and his colleagues change course, provided the bills were targeted at revamping
fragile to work with against the current average of above N1,600 to a dollar in both the official and parallel markets.”
She added, “Assuming an inflation rate at 15.8 per cent does not reflect the unbaiting factors pushing up both the headline and food inflation.
“With inflation rising to 33.88 per cent as of October 2024, it is unrealistic to assume a steep 51 per cent crash within a year."
Almona stated that the current challenging economic conditions were mostly fuelled by the inflation rate and the exchange rate.
She advised the government to reconsider the apparently overambitious assumptions for the 2025 federal budget.
The LCCI director-general stated, “Beyond the assumptions and projections, the creation of an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, and the clarity of policy direction in the economy are critical to achieving the projected growth rate of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025.”
LCCI also declared that the country’s public debt appeared unsustainable, and said it was worsened by the projected deficit at N13.08 trillion
the economy.
Agbese said, “As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid to reboot the economy to work for the country.
“We are united across party lines to make sure the country works. This is the disposition of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.”
Waxing spiritual, Agbese quoted Isaiah 54:15, saying, “Behold, they shall surely gather, but not by me. Whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”
While noting that lawmakers in the past could, indeed, be cajoled to give up their principles, the legislator reminded the governors that the 10th National Assembly members were a different breed of Nigerians.
He said, “The difference between the new crop of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressive-
and new borrowings of N9.22 trillion.
It said, “Further breakdown indicates that debt services are proposed to increase by 91.2 per cent to N15.38 trillion, which is equivalent to 32.1 per cent of the total budget. This appears to be unsustainable. The situation is further worsened.”
LCCI urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to sustain its Ways and Means Advances to the federal government at a five per cent limit for the fiscal years 2024-2025. The federal government should sustain fiscal discipline by complying with the Fiscal Responsibility Act in budget management and borrowing, the organisation said.
The chamber also stated, “Non-oil revenues, such as taxes, customs duties, and surpluses from government agencies, are all subject to volatility in the economy.
“Current economic downturns, tense business environment, ongoing debates on tax policies, and shifts in consumer behaviour can impact non-oil revenue performance.
“In the face of current realities, we urge the government at all levels to be more proactive in respect of natureinduced casualties, climate change
minded and pro-Nigeria.
“We were not elected by the governors but our constituents and as far as the legislation (bills) will work for those that elected us, we will support them unequivocally, wholeheartedly and powerfully to see the light of the day.”
Nevertheless, Agbese said the House would interface with the shairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, Oyedele, and other tax experts, ahead of Tuesday’s resumption of plenary.
He added that the leadership of the House, in a bid to enable lawmakers to make contributions from a position of informed knowledge, had distributed copies of the bills to members for their independent study.
“We are engaging Taiwo Oyedele and other tax experts on Monday. We have made copies of the bills
Continued on page 21
impacts, and damages caused by human activities.
“In recent months we have recorded massive destruction of lives and property due to climate-related factors.
“We, therefore, expect the legislative arms at all levels of government to appropriate more funds to tackle climate change adaptation and mitigation nationwide.”
LCCI advised the government to focus on sectors that had shown resilience and relevance, and were key drivers of current economic indicators, like inflation, exchange rate, unemployment, and interest rates.
It stated, "We, therefore, recommend more investments in food production (crop, livestock, fisheries, and poultry), power supply, the fight against insecurity, and becoming more intentional about having a robust and stable policy and regulatory environment.
"Other very critical areas needing coordinated and harmonised monetary and fiscal policies are power supply, energy costs, supply chain disruptions due to insecurity, reducing youth unemployment through skills acquisition, and a concerted effort towards empowering Small and
“A man under whose watch all of these egregious infractions occurred should certainly not be the one to give any lecture on leadership and corruption. He should not be taken seriously, as he reeks of profound hypocrisy of the worst form.”
The statement added, "Former President Obasanjo has continuously pumped himself up as the economic wizard of Nigeria. But a reality check showed he was nothing of such. He left unresolved many, if not all, of the problems of Nigeria, which he itemised in his lecture.
“He even recently admitted that his government made a mistake by not focusing on gas development, as the Tinubu administration does today. All oil and gas players know that Nigeria has more gas than oil.
“The only positive of the Obasanjo era was fiscal and monetary policy management buoyed by a consistent rise in crude oil prices throughout his eight-year tenure. This rise in crude oil prices started in 2000 and peaked in 2013, when it reached over 100 dollars per barrel before a decline in 2014, which set the oil-dependent economy downward.
“The current economic crisis the All Progressives Congress administrations have been battling since 2015 is the product of the poor choices in economic management made by Obasanjo and the two successors from his party.”
The presidency flayed the expresident’s boasts regarding exit from Paris Club debts.
It stated, “Obasanjo prides his government on paying the $15 billion debt owed to the Paris Club. Still, it was not a wise decision as it was done when the country's critical economic infrastructure across sectors was in shambles.
"While oil receipts brought money into the country, Obasanjo failed to fix the deplorable federal roads or expand the national road network.
He did not repair the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Lagos-Abeokuta road leading to his hometown in Abeokuta, the Otta-Idiroko road,
Medium Size Enterprises."
Meanwhile, Edun told the NACOFED conference that Tinubu was charting a way to lift Nigerians out of poverty.
He said the president had left no stone unturned in his effort to ensure that life was made easy for Nigerians, as he had come up with policies and programmes that were beneficial to the greatest majority of citizens.
The minister stated, “President Tinubu’s administration inherited assets and liabilities and there is no looking back but it's a question of charting a way of looking forward and making plans to, first of all, stabilise the economy.
“He is working hard to get investments through private sector investors, both domestically and foreign direct investors, to increase the productivity of Nigeria, grow the economy, create jobs and, of course, move a large number of people out of poverty.
“When you try to look at where we are now, essentially, the major macroeconomic reforms are in place.
“He has stopped the bleeding that was costing five per cent of the GDP of the country every year that was
and many others.
"His administration also should have paid more serious attention to universities and polytechnics. In a joint vote of no confidence in our tertiary institutions, Obasanjo and his deputy, Atiku Abubakar, sought to profit from their weaknesses by establishing their private universities.”
The presidency alleged, “As a sitting president, Chief Obasanjo abused his office to advance personal interest against the spirit and letters of our constitution when he corralled leading businessmen, women and government contractors to donate billions of naira for his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and Resorts in Abeokuta and his Bell University in Otta.” It claimed, "After wasting billions of naira on a failed third-term project in 2007, Chief Obasanjo hurriedly organised a sham electoral process that would go down in history as the most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.
“The beneficiary of the sham election, Umaru Yar’adua, admitted that the election was seriously flawed and, as Justice Muhammed Uwais' panel recommended, worked towards electoral reforms.
“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
The presidency also accused Obasanjo of ignoring security during his time in office.
It stated, "For eight years, the Obasanjo administration made no significant investment in security by modernising the armed forces. He did not redesign the national security architecture or change the military doctrine.
“The most critical investment in our armed forces, especially the military, since the administration of President Shehu Shagari in 1980 was made by the APC-led administration of President Buhari from 2015-2023.
Continued on page 21
adding no value except to a few people and neighbouring countries that were benefiting from what was happening with the fuel subsidy and as well, a related foreign exchange subsidy.” Edun added, “The benefits were saved for just a few and a mass of Nigerians were not getting any benefits from those structures.
“They have been removed and the federation account will benefit from an increased flow of resources to the federal, states and local governments and so much more can be done in terms of investing not just in infrastructure but in social services, like education and health.” The minister assured that the road was clear for private sector investors and the country was on the road to industrialisation based on what was happening in the petroleum refining sector.
He said crude oil was not just being shipped abroad but it was also being refined locally to give petroleum products and raw materials to industry. He called on all Nigerians to be encouraged that the country now had a more stable and sustainable macroeconomic environment that was friendly to investors.
Tinubu
Goals established by the United Nations for 2030,” President Silva said.
COURTESY VISIT TO MR GOVERNOR.. .
Lagos International
Mr.
Aig-Imoukhuede
NERC to Discos: Its Not Electricity Customers’ Duty to Replace Meters
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday reiterated the position of the extant laws and regulations
as well as orders guiding the power sector in Nigeria, urging electricity customers not to pay for replacement of metering devices.
NERC stated that it was
aware that some Distribution Companies (Discos) had instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters within their franchise areas.
However, according to NERC, the only time that the burden of changing bad meters should fall on the electricity consumer is when the fault detected was caused by the customer.
Customs Signs Mutual Administrative Agreement with India
James Emejo in Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), yesterday said it has signed a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with its Indian counterpart.
The move seeks to strengthen bilateral relations between the parties.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, represented the NCS during the signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the customs said in a statement.
The agreement formed part of the engagements during the state visit by the Indian Prime Minister on November 17, 2024 at the State House, Abuja. Adeniyi described the CMAA as a milestone achievement, culminating from negotiations that began in 2016. He said, "The agreement is expected to enhance collaboration between customs administrations, streamline border clearance processes, and curb customs-related offenses. By facilitating the swift clearance of goods and reducing trade costs, the CMAA is set
to bolster cross-border trade development and improve the enforcement of customs laws."
Key provisions of the CMAA, as outlined in the MoU, included the enforcement of customs laws by ensuring the accurate imposition of duties and taxes, verification processes through the facilitation of proper classification, valuation, and determination of goods' origin.
Others are prevention and investigation by strengthening mechanisms to combat customs offenses.
Other items in the CMAA are
information exchange through the establishment of robust channels for communication and mutual assistance, including providing expert witnesses where necessary.
The agreement underscores Nigeria's commitment to fostering international trade partnerships while reinforcing the integrity and efficiency of its customs operations.
By collaborating with India on customs enforcement and trade facilitation, Nigeria aims to unlock new economic opportunities and deepen its global trade integration.
Zenith Bank to Hold Fourth Edition of Tech Fair, Features Global IT Practitioners
The fourth edition of the Zenith Bank Tech Fair, tagged, “Future Forward 4.0: Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI,”, is set to hold on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
A statement yesterday revealed that the fair would showcase leading technological innovations that cut across Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Compliance, Financial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Communication Technologies, among others.
“The event would also feature a Start-up Pitch Competition – Zecathon – to
identify innovative startups, panel discussions, masterclasses and exhibitions.
“Among the rich lineup of activities, the event will feature opening remarks by Jim Ovia, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank and a welcome address Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc.
“There will also be a goodwill message to be delivered by the Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu,” the statement added.
The keynote address, "Banking Transformation in a Digital World," would be delivered by Robin Speculand, a renowned Strategy & Digital
Implementation Specialist.
Other prominent IT practitioners who represent top global brands will make presentations. These include; Danillo McGarry, Global Expert in Digital Transformation & AI; Jania Okwechime, Partner, Africa, AI & Data, Deloitte and Rupert Nicolay, Director, Microsoft Worldwide Financial Services, amongst others.
The panel discussion which has Wole Odeyele, Client Technology Lead for Microsoft Inc. as its host, would feature six discussants including Ada Jabaru, Founder & Director, Nistad Limited; Funke Opeke, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MainOne; Guy Futi, Chief Executive Officer, Orda; Dr Auwal Adam Sa’ad,
Founder, ZamzamPay; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General/Chief Executive Officer, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
“The masterclass will be divided into seven different classes, and facilitated by key industry players that cut across renowned tech giants such as: Microsoft, Oracle, CyberSoc, IBM, Google, Huawei & Amazon Web Services.
“To register and participate, visit www.zenithbank.com/ techfair. The fair will be live on Zoom and streamed on the bank’s social media pages,” it added.
The instruction to customers by Discos, according to NERC, contravenes the commission’s order no. NERC/246/2021 on the structured replacement of faulty and obsolete end-use customer meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
In a statement on its X handle, the power sector regulator stated that aside the fact that it is the duty of Discos to buy meters, no customer should also be forcefully migrated to estimated billing.
“The order clearly states that no customer with a meter should be forcefully migrated to estimated billing.
“If any customer’s meter is adjudged by any Disco to be obsolete or faulty, it is the responsibility of the Disco to
replace the meter free of charge, provided that the fault was not caused by the customer,” NERC stated. The commission restated its commitment to protect customers’ interests and rights by ensuring compliance with established regulatory standards and enforcing regulatory penalties for non-compliance by its licensees.
“We urge customers to report cases of non-compliance to the order by any Disco,” the power sector regulator stated. Despite the efforts by the federal government in the past to raise Nigeria’s meter penetration, a huge number of Nigerians are still under the estimated billing regime, which has been severally described as ‘daylight robbery’.
NSE Confers Fellowship on 211 Engineers, Warns against Unethical Practices
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) yesterday conferred its fellowship on 211 engineers, warnings them against any behaviour that will bring disrepute to the profession.
Speaking at the event which held in Abuja, President of the NSE, Margaret Oguntala, noted that the ceremony was an acknowledgement of the exceptional contributions of the conferees to the engineering field.
She explains that it also marks not only a personal achievement for each of the fellows, but a significant milestone in the advancement of engineering excellence in the country.
Oguntala reminded the beneficiaries that the elevation was an added responsibility on them to discharge their reinforced roles as the emissaries and purveyors of ethical leadership and integrity in the industry.
She emphasised that at this stage in their careers, they cannot afford to falter on matters of ethics, stressing that they have the responsibility to double their commitment to upholding the high standards that guide the practice of the profession.
“As you go forth into the field, you must continue to endorse and defend the key elements of ethical
practice in engineering which include prioritising safety & health, integrity and honesty, environmental sustainability, respect for intellectual property, as well as compliance with regulations.
“I assure you that when we conform to both professional and ethical standards in the practice of engineering, we would not only prevent harm to the people, we would further secure the trust of the public, and ensure sustainable advancement for our dear country,” she said.
As fellows and leaders within the NSE, she stated that they have a unique task to exemplify NSE’s values and to serve as guardians of professional standards in the country and abroad.
She listed quackery, sharp practices and infrastructure failures as challenges facing the profession which, if unattended, have the capacity to tarnish our profession’s reputation.
“These issues are of deep concern to the NSE because of their interwoven nature to the wellbeing and safety of our people. The time has come for us, as Nigerian engineers, to take a stand and claim our rightful place in the nation’s development.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
L-R: Co-chair,
Financial Centre,
Aigboje
and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy visit by the delegation from The City UK (TCUK) and LIFC members at the Lagos House, Marina, ... yesterday
OPENING CEREMONY OF A RETREAT ON STANDARDISATION ORGANISED BY THE DSD.. .
L-R: Director of Legal Services (DLS), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs Mary Tufano-Eche; Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Engr. Godwin Balang; Director of Corporate Services (DCS), Dr Rebecca Aghadinazu; Director General NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo; and Director of Special Duties (DSD), Mr Horatius Egua, at the opening ceremony of a retreat on Standardisation organised by the DSD, at Zuma Rock Resort, Niger State...yesterday
Budget Minister Urges NBS, Other Stakeholders to Improve Quality of Data
James Emejo in Abuja
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, yesterday said the country must address issues around data gaps, capacity limitations, and resource constraints that hinder the production of comprehensive educational statistics.
The minister further urge all stakeholders - government officials, statisticians, educators, development partners, and the private sector, to renew their commitment to advancing the quality of data we produce.
He spoke at the opening of the 2024 African Statistics Day (ASD) with the theme, “Supporting Education by Modernising the Production of Fit-for-Purpose Statistics”, in Abuja.
The minister called for greater investments in capacity building, enhanced training programmes for statistical personnel, and the adoption of performance management practices
Tinubu Okays
to ensure data quality and reliability. He said collaboration between government agencies, development partners, and educational stakeholders was also essential to streamline efforts and maximise impact.
He pointed out that "statistics are not just numbers; they represent the aspirations, challenges, and potential of millions of African children and youth whose future depends on the decisions we make today."
He stressed that this year's ASD should serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility and as an inspiration to push the boundaries of what is possible in statistical innovation.
He said, "Together, by modernising our statistical framework and aligning them with the educational priorities of the African Union, we can empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed for a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Africa."
Bagudu said, "As we reflect on this year’s theme, it is clear that robust
Restructuring of Media and Communications Team
Dare now SA Media and public communications, Bwala policy communications adviser No individual spokesperson for Presidency
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency within the government's communication machinery.
and reliable statistical systems are critical to supporting education and skill development across our continent.
"In this rapidly evolving world driven by technology and innovation, data serves as the foundation upon which sound policies are built, monitored, and evaluated.
"Without modern and fit-forpurpose statistics, it becomes a
challenge to create strategies that truly address the educational and training needs of our young population."
The minister said education, remained not only a fundamental human right but also a key driver of sustainable development and economic prosperity.
He said for Africa to thrive in the 21st century, the continent must equip its people - particularly youths, with
the skills needed to navigate and contribute to the global economy.
He noted that achieving this required data that is not only comprehensive but also accurate, timely, and tailored to specific purposes.
According to the minister, "The modernisation of statistical production is not just a technical necessity but an urgent imperative.
In today’s dynamic world, education systems face evolving challenges that demand adaptive, high-quality, and fit-for-purpose data.
"By embracing technological advancements, leveraging big data, and integrating innovative methodologies, we can create a statistical ecosystem that meets the complex needs of policymakers, educators, and communities."
Leemon Ikpea, Two Others Bag UNIBEN Honourary Degrees as Varsity Graduates 385 First Class
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The University of Benin Senate has given nod to award of Doctorate Degree, Honoris Causal to three distinguished Nigerians. They are Chief Leemon Ikpea, CON, Dr. Kingsley Momodu, and Mrs. Veronica Igbe.
Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Lillian Imuetinya Salami, disclosed this at the pre49th/50th convocation and 54th founders' day media briefing in Benin.
Igbe, is foremost entrepreneur and chairman, VESA Fisheries, who is to be feted with the Honorary Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of her enterprise and pioneering role in industrial fish business in Nigeria as well as her philanthropy.
Salami also said that 297 bagged their PhD in the 2021/2022 academic session and 54 others graduated with their PhD in the 2022/2023.
Speaking on the activities marking the event, the outgoing VC said the event is going to begin on Wednesday 20th with a novelty football match between the staff of the University and that of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
According to a release issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Mr. Sunday Dare – hitherto Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation is now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications while Mr. Daniel Bwala – announced last week as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser Policy Communication. These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy , underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency. Instead, all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.
Professor Salami said Chief Ikpea, an oil, gas and construction company magnate will be conferred with Doctor of Business Administration in acknowledgement of his accomplishments in Business and support to the university, Dr. Kingsley Momodu; a distinguished alumnus and renowned dentist will be conferred with Honorary Doctor of Science for his exemplary work in mobilising resources and facilities for the university.
The third honouree, Mrs. Veronica
The University of Benin Vice Chancellor, also disclosed that in the cause of the combined convocation, the university will graduate 385 First Class graduates from the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions of the institution respectively.
Giving a break-down of the academic prowess in the years under review, Prof. Salami said, for the 2021/2022 academic session, 206 bagged First Class while 179 students made First Class in the 2022/2023 session, making a total of 385 from both sessions.
She said that 3,658 made Second Class Upper in the 2021/2022 academic session while 3,324 made Second Class Upper for the 2022/2023 academic session.
She further disclosed that former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, would deliver a lecture, titled "The Poor also Deserves Education: Our Founding Heroes’ Legacies in Educational Equity and Equality."
She further noted that it is gratifying to state that the University of Benin continues to beam its searchlight internally and nationwide to identify and honour distinguished personalities found worthy to be conferred with the recognition as Professors Emeritus and Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
She said seven distinguished professors have been approved by Senate of the university to be recipients of the honour of Professors Emeriti at this year’s convocation, vis-a-vis Professor Nosakhare Odeh Eghafona, Professor of Virology and Medical Microbiology, Professor Felix E. Okeimen, Professor of Chemistry and former Dean of Postgraduate studies, Professor Patrick Edobor Igbinovia, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
She listed others as Professor Ikponmwosa Owie, Professor of Health Education, Professor Augustine Osemwegie Obasohan, Professor of Medicine and Consultant/Cardiologist, as well as former Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Professor Friday Ebhodaghe Okonofua, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as well as Centre Lead of the University’s Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation, CERHI, Professor V. J. Ikhatua, Professor of Animal Science.
Abiodun, Adebutu Clash over LG Poll
James Sowole in Abeokuta
This approach is aimed at ensuring effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.
The rivalry between the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and his major opponent in the 2023 governorship election, Hon Ladipupo Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), resurfaced yesterday, as the duo engaged each other, over what
transpired during Saturday's local government election in the state. The two accused each other of thuggery during the election. At the end of the election, candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), were declared winners in all the 20 local governments as chairmen and in 236 wards as councillors.
Not satisfied with the conduct of the election and the outcome, the PDP and its leader, Adebutu, addressed a news conference, during which, they condemned the process of the election and the outcome.
Adebutu and the state government, however, trade blame on reported violence that greeted the exercise in some places.
The state government, had Sunday, alleged that illegal mobile policemen allegedly sponsored by Adebutu, attempted to assassinate the vice chairmanship candidate of APC in Ikene Local Government, Hon Mohammed Efuwape, while a man with him, was shot.
2024 IBPLC'S RETAILERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME...
Mortgage Bankers Laud FG for Approving
N250bn Real Estate Investment Fund
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) yesterday lauded the federal government for the approval of a N250 billion Mortgage and Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF).
The intervention by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, it said, demonstrates a firm commitment to addressing the huge housing deficit and revitalising the mortgage banking sub-sector in Nigeria.
A statement signed by the President of the group, Mr. Ebilate
Mac-Yoroki and Executive Secretary, Dr Adedeji Ajadi, described the move as a life-saving initiative towards home ownership and rent-to-own financing in Nigeria.
MBAN is the umbrella body of all the mortgage banks licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the mortgage brokerage companies registered by the association to engage in mortgage business.
In addition, MBAN thanked the president and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun for the gesture as well as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, for the innovations and new ideas he has brought to the
mortgage sector.
Besides, the group noted that the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Shehu Usman Osidi, has been driving the federal government’s mortgage vision under the current administration.
It explained that the move was a practical demonstration of sovereign political will at the highest level of government towards providing access to long-term and sustainable mortgage banking/ housing finance for affordable housing.
MBAN stated that this is in the main area of low-cost mortgages to Nigerians, thereby addressing
the housing needs of low and middle-income earners.
“The initiative aligns with the federal government’s objective to tackle the significant housing deficit in Nigeria, while stimulating economic growth and employment creation in the mortgage banking and real estate/housing construction value-chain.
“The N250 billion MREI-Fund is structured to attract private sector and capital market longterm investments from Pension Funds Operators (PFO) and life insurance companies, which would be blended with low-cost seed funding provided by the government.
Shettima Launches Innovation Drive for Indigenous Healthcare Solutions
Deji Elumoye
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday launched 'Grand Challenges Nigeria' (GCNg), a national innovation programme aimed at revolutionising Nigeria's healthcare landscape through locally-developed solutions.
The initiative which is part of the global Grand Challenges network will focus on maternal and child health challenges in the first phase.
Speaking while launching the GCNg at the State House, Abuja, Shettima told the audience that the initiative became necessary following an urgency occasioned by the rapid pace at which the world "is evolving in the realms of science and technology."
He stressed the importance of contextualizing solutions to national challenges, citing this as "a cardinal message" of President Bola Tinubu's administration.
He added that the initiative will promote groundbreaking research and build local expertise, among others.
"This initiative is more than a response to problems; it is an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, build local expertise, form strategic partnerships, and engage communities in co-creating culturally relevant solutions," Shettima said.
He explained that the
programme will integrate with existing government healthcare initiatives, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Nutrition 774 programme.
"What Grand Challenges Nigeria promises is transformative: a Nigeria where every child has access to proper nutrition, where every family can rely on the quality of our healthcare system, and where our public health metrics continue to improve year after year," the Vice President noted.
He also announced an immediate call for proposals on "Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health,” while explaining that the initiative will address various challenges, from infectious diseases to food security and climate resilience.
His words: "Our gateway to innovation is rooted in recognising our place within the global community. We must believe that our progress is intertwined with the progress of the rest of the world."
Shettima emphasised that the Tinubu administration is "steadfast in its resolve to provide the support needed to turn our aspirations into lifelines for our people."
The Vice President expressed anticipation for witnessing the ingenuity of Nigeria's best minds, "whose innovations will receive the
funding and support they deserve through this initiative."
Earlier in his keynote remarks, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the Grand Challenges Nigeria is aimed at developing local solutions to critical issues confronting Nigerians.
He noted that the model aligns with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda using innovation to drive prosperity and growth, and in the process, empowering researchers and innovators.
Nnaji said the ministry remains committed to fostering growth, using innovation, even as he assured that the Grand Challenges Nigeria will prioritise key goals investment in education and environmentally sustainable projects, among others.
On his part, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, commended the commitment of the Vice President and the dedication of the federal government to the launch of the initiative, noting that the programme would go a long way in complementing existing efforts in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria.
He pledged the support of the House of Representatives for the Grand Challenges Nigeria framework, especially as it impacts
food security and nutrition across the country, noting that he was looking forward to a rewarding collaboration with stakeholders to deliver on its vision.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, said the responsibility of addressing the issues of malnutrition and food insecurity requires focused efforts and collective actions, which, according to him, the Grand Challenges Nigeria initiative is designed to contain.
He expressed hope that by adopting the framework of the Grand Challenges Nigeria, Nigerians would be at the forefront of finding solutions to problems in the country, thanking the federal government for believing in the efficacy of the initiative.
The chairman commended the leadership of the Vice President as chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria and a key promoter of advancing nutrition and related agenda across the country.
President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Abubakar, on his part, commended the leadership demonstrated by the Vice President in the launch of the initiative, noting that it would help address health challenges by leveraging locally resourced and researched solutions/approaches.
“This innovative financing model would act as catalysts in the provision of mortgages at interest rates hovering around the single digit, with repayment tenor of up to 20 years, thereby offering the much-needed relief to prospective home-owners, currently burdened by high interest rates and affordability issues,” the group said.
MBAN therefore encouraged all Nigerians to seize the opportunity to have access to affordable mortgages, fulfil their dreams of home ownership, and contribute to narrowing the housing gap.
Stressing that MBAN was poised to facilitate the process, ensuring that the benefits of the fund get to those who need it the most, the association stated that the development underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing critical national challenges such as affordable housing.
“MBAN remains committed to working closely with the federal government and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable housing solutions for Nigerians,” it said.
USAID Partners to Launch the African Creative Blueprint, Strengthen Nigeria’s Creative Industry
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on Monday announced its latest strategic partnership with Ascend Studios, a creative-industry organisation providing capacity building, mentorship, social, educational, and economic empowerment to women and youth to propel Nigeria’s creative sector.
This partnership, according to a statement issued by US Embassy in Nigeria, will catalyze additional funding to strengthen Nigeria's burgeoning Nollywood industry with additional partners including Paramount Nigeria, Venture Garden Group, and renowned music executive Ralph Simon.
According to the statement, the strategic partnership labeled the Africa Creative Blueprint, will strengthen Nigerian youth with the skills and resources needed to compete in the creative industry and also elevate Nigerian creatives to the international stage.
USAID Nigeria Mission Director Melissa Jones, in her remarks, said: “The U.S. government is eager to enhance Nigeria’s capacity as a leading player in the creative economy and encourage global partnerships. This partnership will create a stream of high-quality, commercially viable content that can compete on the world stage.”
The statement recognized that while Nigeria’s film industry has achieved global recognition, it faces structural challenges that hinder its full economic and creative potential.
Key areas for improvement include expanding film distribution channels,
enhancing production quality through advanced equipment, developing stronger screenwriting and story development practices, and reinforcing intellectual property protections.
Addressing these gaps would enable the creative sector to capture a broader audience and support more sustainable revenue streams for filmmakers.
The statement said: “To address these challenges, USAID teamed up with the Nigerian and American private sectors to launch the Africa Creative Blueprint. At the core of the collective $3.5 million investment, the Africa Creative Blueprint will provide intensive training skills in TV production to 3,500 Nigerian youth and develop a skilled TV workforce of at least 200 youth to create a high-quality, musicinfused 13-episode TV drama.
“The TV drama will be a powerful medium to convey social messages, promote positive change, and foster inclusive growth and equitable opportunity in Nigeria.”
It revealed that the training will take place across six Nigerian cities - Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Benin, and Asaba - ensuring wide-reaching access to this unique development opportunity.
It said the Africa Creative Blueprint is now accepting applications for the training programme and cast/crew member employment. The programme will select from directors, writers, producers, production coordinators/ managers, editors, production designers, cinematographers, costumiers, assistant directors, actors/actresses, composers, sound designers, lawyers, accountants, and production finance professionals (including sales agents).
in Abuja
L-R: National Sales Director, International Breweries PLC (IBPLC), Nicholas Kade; Business Development Representative, IBPLC, Okpom Chinomso; Managing Director, Mama Emma Bar, Shomolu, Achime Ifeoma; Managing Director, IBPLC, Carlos Coutino and District Manager, Lagos North, IBPLC, Emmanuel Adeleke at 2024 IBPLC's Retailers Development Programme in Lagos.
RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY OF CAPITALFIELD INVESTMENT GROUP'S CSR EVENT...
L-R: Head of Internal Control and Assurance, Capitalfield Investment Group Limited, Manna Cowan; Head of eBusiness, Capitalfield Investment Group Limited, Mr.
Lawal; Managing Director of Capitalfield Financial Management Limited, Mr. Adekunle Ademiluyi; Group Executive Directors of Capitalfield Investment Group Limited, Mrs.
Adeniyi;
and others, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Capitalfield Investment Group Limited's environmental CSR event in Lagos, Nigeria ... recently
Portland Gas Secures Licence for CNG Conversion Centre from OGFZA
The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has granted a free zone enterprise licence to Portland Gas Limited to establish a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion and refilling centre in the Onne Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
The company in a statement yesterday noted that the move will help to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy.
Speaking after receiving the operational licence, Founder and Chief Executive of Portland Gas Limited, Mr Folajimi Mohammed, said the bold initiative, achieved
in conjunction with the OGFZA, was poised to deepen CNG compliance nationwide.
According to the company, it aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s visionary drive to implement widespread CNG adoption. Mohammed emphasised the importance of deepening CNG compliance in the country.
He said: “This project is not just about setting up a facility, it’s about securing a cleaner and healthier future for Nigeria. We are proud to contribute to this national priority and look forward to the official commissioning.”
Mohammed said the move was a significant step towards
Kora Harps on Africa’s Fintech Growth, Expansion at Inaugural Session
Kora, a Pan-African business payments infrastructure, at the weekend in Lagos, hosted its first Sundown Session that brought together Africa’s most innovative fintech players to discuss adaptive growth strategies and blitzscaling for B2B fintechs across the African continent.
At the inaugural session, fintech players raised the concern about challenges in cross-border payments and the need to develop solutions that would address such challenges and how African fintechs could further grow and expand their businesses.
The first panel, titled: ‘Adaptive B2B Strategies for African Fintechs’, explored unique strategies for success in Africa’s competitive B2B fintech landscape. The session featured music executive and Nigerian rapper, Jude MI Abaga, alongside Head of Sales at Transactworld Digital, Oladapo Sadibo; Divisional Head of Payments and Solutions at FCMB, Frank Atat; and CEO and Founder of PayOnus, Oyinye Olisah.
The second panel, with the theme: ‘Unicorns and Blitzscaling in Africa: Product, Processes, and People’, discussed the ambitious scaling strategies essential to growing
African fintechs into industry giants, moderated by Arise News host, Oseni Rufai.
The session featured CEO of BudPay Wale Hassan; Co-founder and CEO of Piggyvest, Somto Ifezue; Co-founder and CEO of Zone, Obi Emetarom; and Senior Vice President of Enterprise Sales and Partnerships at Moniepoint, Ifeanyi Duru.
The panelists offered in-depth perspectives on building resilient teams, sustainable products, and efficient processes to support rapid growth and scaling.
The panelists frowned at the dominance of dollars in trans-border payment, which they described as another form of colonialism, where the Naira has to be changed into dollar for the majority of cross-border payments.
Other issues raised by the panelists, were those of logistics and regulations that are stifling growth of African fintech.
Speaking after the event, Kora’s Founder and CEO, Dickson Nsofor, said: “African fintech is witnessing incredible growth. With Kora Sundown Sessions, we are creating a relaxed and connected experience where attendees can hear directly from the operators driving these changes and leave with ideas to enhance their work.”
reducing Nigeria’s dependence on petrol and diesel while promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
The Portland Gas Limited CEO added that the Onne Free Trade Zone, which is a strategic hub for industrial activity, offers an ideal
location for the transformative project.
He explained that the facility is expected to create numerous jobs, attract investments, and serve as an expansion of the infrastructure and services the
company has already established in Abuja and Lagos.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of OGFZA, Mr Bamanga Jada, hailed the development as a move in the right direction towards reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. "The shift of our oil and gas zone into a CNG compliant region not only aligns with global energy trends but also propels us toward a sustainable and economically vibrant future,” Jada added.
FAO: Despite Rising Food Production, Global Hunger Remains Persistent
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FÀO) has revealed that despite rising global food production, hunger remains a persistent issue, putting the number of undernourished people at between 713 and 757 million people in 2023.
Although the majority of undernourished people live in Asia, the UN agency said the prevalence of undernourishment remains highest in Africa.
In its Statistical Yearbook 2024, which was released, Monday, the FAO reported that global agricultural value had increased by 89 per cent in real terms over the past two decades, reaching $3.8 trillion in 2022.
"Despite this growth,
agriculture’s contribution to global economic output has remained relatively stable, and the proportion of the global workforce employed in agriculture has decreased, from 40 per cent in 2000 to 26 per cent in 2022.
"Food production has continued to rise, but hunger remains a persistent issue. In 2023, between 713 and 757 million people were undernourished. "Considering the mid-range (733 million), this is about 152 million more people than in 2019. The majority of the undernourished people lives in Asia, even though the prevalence of undernourishment is highest in Africa," the report said.
According to the report, obesity rates are also rising, particularly in high-income regions, adding that over 25 per cent of adults in the
Americas, Europe and Oceania are obese, reflecting the global challenge of ensuring access to healthy, nutritious food.
The global production of primary crops reached 9.6 billion tonnes in 2022, an increase of 56 per cent compared to 2000 even as staple crops such as sugar cane, maize, wheat and rice together account for nearly half of global crop production.
Meat production increased by 55 per cent from 2000 to 2022, with chicken accounting for the largest share of this rise.
In 2022, 361 million tonnes of meat were produced globally, with chicken surpassing pork as the most produced meat, the report said.
Also, the use of pesticides increased by 70 per cent between
2000 and 2022, with the Americas accounting for half of the global pesticide use in 2022. Inorganic fertilizers used in agriculture reached 185 million tonnes of nutrients in 2022, with 58 per cent of this amount being nitrogen. This represented an increase of 37 per cent compared with 2000, just as the production of vegetable oils grew by 133 per cent between 2000 and 2021, largely driven by an increase in palm oil production.
Greenhouse gas emissions from agrifood systems also rose by 10 per cent between 2000 and 2022. Farm-gate emissions increased by 15 per cent over the same period, with livestock contributing to around 54 per cent of these emissions.
As FG invests 5b for 2024 research
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The federal government has said the reason behind its approval of the maiden TETFund national research fair/exhibition lies in its potency to creating jobs, generate wealth and the ultimate to strengthen the economy.
The fair will be sustained as an annual national effort that will be used in sensitising Nigerians, particularly the youths and will take advantage of the outcomes to participate in economic development.
This comes on the heels of its
approval of the sum of N5 billion for investment in research activities for 2024 through TETFund’s National Research Fund which is aimed at addressing national developmental challenges through targeted research efforts in public tertiary institutions.
Stating this yesterday as he declared the week-long event open in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa said it is the recognition of the important stakes that has led to the deliberate support of the TETFund National Research Fair which has specific reference to the role of universities, polytechnics,
colleges of education as well as creativities & innovations from individuals and communities.
Revealing that the fair will be sustained as an annual national effort that will be used in sensitising Nigerians, particularly youths, Alausa hinted that it will take advantage of the outcomes to participate in economic development.
He said it is researches and innovation systems such as this that help in the categorization of countries into the first, second and third world countries specifications while research and innovation system
is the cardinal factor in determining the quality of life of a people and the overall status of their nation.
According to him, "The Research Fair is specially aligned to Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda on domesticating the local research results for the composite objective of creating jobs, generation of wealth and the ultimate strengthening of the economy. "This Research Fair will focus on fostering synergy among research and technology agencies to accelerate the deployment of their efforts for nation-building.”
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Emma Okonji
Abdulmumini
Titilayo
Mr. Tony Akinwunmi;
LAWYER
Who are the Lakurawas?
LAWYER
Who are the Lakurawas?
Quotables
‘….Judges houses, vehicles, their medicals, everything ought to be done by the administration of the Judiciary itself, and not by any other party like the Executive. But, what they are now doing, is to hold on tight to this, so that they can continuously use it as a bait for judicial officers. It is wrong, and condemnable.’ - Dr Muiz Banire, SAN
‘There is complete disregard, for the law. We don’t even pretend, that the laws matter anymore.’ - Dele Farotimi, Lawyer
columnists
PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.
This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.
The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.
Jurisdiction of Sharia Courts Under Section 277 of the Constitution
Page IV
NJC Retires Two, Places Two More on Watchlist
Page V VeryDarkMan: Court Adjourns Falana Suit to January 2025
NBAWF Laments Discriminatory Practices Limiting Career Advancement, Equal Pay in Legal Profession
Page V
Page V
Kubi Udofia PhD
Kubi Udofia holds a Doctorate degree in Law from The University of Nottingham, a Certificate in International Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management, London, a Masters degree in Corporate Law from University College London and a Bachelors degree from University of Uyo in Nigeria. He is a leading and an acknowledged expert, in corporate restructuring and insolvency law in Nigeria. As a scholarpractitioner, Kubi Udofia has extensively researched and written on a broad spectrum of topical issues in corporate restructuring and insolvency law. He is a seasoned transactional and dispute resolution specialist, with extensive knowledge and practical experience in corporate and commercial law. He is a Partner at Babalakin & Co, a leading commercial law firm in Nigeria.
onikepo braithwaite: editor,
The Feeding Worms of Lakurawa
The Lakurawas
Last week, the issue of yet another violent so-called Islamic Terrorist group, possibly Tuaregs (Berber Nomadic Herders) from neighbouring Niger and Mali, “Lakurawa”, that has infiltrated North West Nigeria, particularly Sokoto and Kebbi State, was a topic of conversation. Apparently, the Lakurawas have been in those areas since 2016/2017. I call it a ‘so-called Islamic group’, because there is really nothing Islamic about the activities of groups like Boko Haram and this group. They steal, they kill, maim and partake in activities that are strictly prohibited by the Holy Quran. See Quran 4:29 on stealing. Similarly, the Quran prohibits killing a soul, unless for another soul (legal retribution for murder) or for corruption done in the land - Quran 5:32. Many of these so-called Islamic terrorist groups use the ‘corruption done in the land’ as the excuse for the mayhem they cause, claiming they are fighting the government because of their corrupt ways, when the fact of the matter is that they are cold blooded killers and thieves who do not fear God or practice Islam, but go about killing and maiming innocent citizens who are struggling to eke out a daily living, and have absolutely nothing to do with governance, let alone corruption. The murders these groups commit, and the hurt they cause, cannot be justified by any means whatsoever.
Even though Section 14(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution) provides that “sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from who Government through the Constitution derives all its powers and authority”, and Sections 4, 5 & 6 thereof vest the powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary respectively, the Lakurawas are said to be happily exercising these same powers in several areas like Gudu and Tangaza in Sokoto State - imposing taxes and levies on the people, closing schools, trying to impose strict Sharia laws, forcing men to wear beards and sport certain hairstyles, not permitting secular music and punishing those who listen to same, engaging in dispute resolution among the people (justice administration) and carrying out other government functions. In short, these suspected non-Nigerian Tuaregs, are somehow challenging the sovereignty of Nigeria and Nigerians. See the case of AG Kaduna State & Ors v AGF & Ors (2023) LPELR-59936 (SC) per Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC on the sovereignty of Nigeria and Nigerians. Also see Section 2(1) of the Constitution.
Reasons Why these Groups Can Get a Foothold in Nigeria
Some of the reasons why groups like Lakurawa are able to gain ground in Nigeria are as follows:-
1) Failure of Government
Apparently, in 2017 or thereabouts, the Lakurawas were initially invited by the village heads to Gudu and Tangaza, to come and protect their people against banditry attacks. When the State/Government fails in its primary duty to protect the lives and property of the people (see Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution), the people will resort to self-help, as self-preservation is the first law of nature. The Lakurawas didn’t force their way into these areas, they were welcomed with open arms. Once they got in and saw how easy it was to gain control, they got comfortable, changed on the people, started to spread their warped ideologies and subsequently, get violent and oppress them.
2) Lack of Education
I blame most of the Northern leaders who came after people like the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, KBE (Premier of Northern Region), for the way so-called Islamic extremism and terrorism appear to be thriving in the North. Several decades before Section 18 of the Constitution was enacted, that is, the educational objectives of the Nigerian State set out in the Constitution, leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN (Premier of Western Region) and Sardauna, had already realised the importance of education. Till today, not only is Chief Awolowo’s name synonymous with free education, Sardauna established Ahmadu Bello University, and was particularly passionate about the education of the girl child. He travelled around the Northern region, encouraging parents to send their daughters to school. Sardauna was determined to modernise the North, using education as one of the means to achieve his goal.
Unfortunately, no Northern leader appears to have carried on Sardauna’s legacy in this regard, and sadly, today, the North lags behind in terms of education. For example, in 2022, while Anambra State had the highest cut off mark of 139 for entrance into Unity Schools, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe had the lowest cut off marks, even making a distinction between males and females - for males the score was 9, 3 and 2 respectively, while their females, though they fared slightly better, were also very low, 13, 11 and 27. Whether the military, or the politicians, or the people themselves, or a combination of all, the North has the lowest literacy rate in the country. The standard of education appeared to be better, under the military. With the advent of the politicians, not only have educational standards dropped at all levels, Nigeria possibly has the highest number of out of school
onikepo braithwaite
onIkepo BraIThwaITe
onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com
“Definitely, this kind of environment, where the people have already been brainwashed to think it is ‘saintly’ or will earn them martyrdom to murder people (in the name of a religion that doesn’t tell them to do so), and where politicians use religion to manipulate the people and keep them in a permanent state of regression and primitiveness…is an attractive, fertile ground for these terrorists/criminals who want to pursue their sinister agendas”
children in the world under their watch, while the politicians have also used the people’s lack of education as a weapon against them, so much so that, many of them are not at all versed in the religion they profess to practice.
For instance, Quran 33:49 & 4:141 enjoins Muslims to overlook annoying talk, ignore the words of blasphemers and avoid their company. It doesn’t prescribe the death penalty for blasphemy. Sections 210 & 213 of the Penal Code Act 1960 (PCA) (applicable in the North of Nigeria) and Section 204 of the Criminal Code Act 1916 (CCA) (applicable in the South of Nigeria) both prescribe a punishment of a maximum of 2 years imprisonment (or a fine or both under the PCA) upon conviction for committing the offence of Insult to Religion (Blasphemy). The act of blasphemy doesn’t appear to be punishable in the Quran, while it is nothing more than a misdemeanour in the PCA & CCA. The fact that an offender in the North, where the Muslim population is largest, can even get off with a fine for blasphemy, is telling. Yet, many people believe what their extremist Imams have taught them about blasphemy, and stone people to death or burn them alive for allegedly blaspheming instead, because they haven’t really studied the Quran and Hadith (or the law); they may not even be literate.
The 2022 case of University of Sokoto student, Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a Christian, who was allegedly stoned to death and her body burnt by fellow University students of the Islamic faith, on account of allegations of blasphemy levelled against her by them, still sends shock waves down the spines of right-thinking Nigerians, because it is expected that students of a tertiary institution should know better and let the law take its course, than to engage in jungle justice. It appears that no one was prosecuted for Deborah’s murder, as the Sokoto State Police Command/ Government were obviously not interested in ensuring that the culprits were brought to book.
Definitely, this kind of environment, where the people have already been brainwashed to think it is ‘saintly’ or will earn them martyrdom, to murder people (in the name of a religion that doesn’t tell them to do so), and where politicians use religion to manipulate the people and keep them in a permanent state of regression and primitiveness, with extremists (and others sponsored by unscrupulous politicians) then indoctrinating them to believe that the western education which can free them from their blindness and lack of knowledge, is forbidden, while the politicians themselves breach those same Sharia laws with gusto and aplomb, is an attractive, fertile ground for these terrorists/ criminals who want to pursue their sinister agendas. The truth is that when you give such people an inch, they take much more than a yard; where you provide a conducive, enabling environment for them, they find comfort there and want to stay forever.
3) State/Government Disregard for the Rule of Law
To make matters worse, though Section 10 of the Constitution is clear that neither the Federal Government nor any State shall adopt any religion as a State Religion, from the year 2000, 12 Northern States instituted Sharia law into their States, particularly the criminal aspect of the law, even though the Constitution doesn’t confer criminal jurisdiction on the Sharia (or Customary) Courts. The Sharia Courts are established for Islamic Personal Law like marriage, inheritance and family matters. See Sections 262 & 277 of the Constitution on the jurisdiction of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the FCT and that of the States, respectively. Also see the case of Magaji v Matari (2000) LPELR-1813 (SC) per Abubakar Bashir Wali, JSC & per Uthman Mohammed, JSC where the Supreme Court held inter alia that the jurisdiction of the Sharia Court
of Appeal had been clearly set out by Section 242 of the 1979 Constitution (now Section 262 of the 1999 Constitution), and that by virtue of Section 242 (1) & (2) of the 1979 Constitution (now 262(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution), the jurisdiction of the Sharia Court of Appeal was confined to Islamic law of personal status. Also see the case of Fauziya Ali & Ors v Mandu Bashir Maiduguri SC. 406/2017 delivered on 7/6/2024 per Abubakar Sadiq Umar, JSC. Again, States in which the Governments are happy to bypass constitutionality and enthrone illegality for their own personal political gain masked as love for religion, are a prolific ground for misguided extremists, or those who simply want to destabilise the country to thrive. See Section 38 of the Constitution; practice of religion is voluntary.
4) Porous Borders
Successive governments appear not to have taken the security of the people, as seriously as they should have. I watched an interview of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo last week, and he appears to want to reverse this negative trend that has landed Nigeria in this situation of insecurity, and take the issue of border security more seriously than has been done in the last few decades, as this is one way that foreign criminals gain access to Nigeria - through the endless, porous borders.
Though Nigeria doesn’t share a border with Mali, her border with Niger spans about 1,497 km and there are several border crossings between the two countries in Sokoto, Kebbi and Katsina State. Niger however, shares a border with Mali. The fact that our borders are porous, is a strong reason why foreign criminals are able to waltz into Nigeria at will, and because of some of the reasons I outlined above, it is easy for them to establish themselves here. Some Nigerian tribes share ethnicity with these foreign criminals, and this again, makes it easier for them to slip through the cracks and infiltrate Nigerian communities. Just like the Yoruba people from Cotonou and Badagry are strongly connected, particularly because of the geographical proximity, so much so that it may sometimes be difficult to tell the difference, we also have Nigerian Tuaregs in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano and Katsina, while we have Fulanis and Yorubas all over Africa. It appears that Sokoto and Kebbi have the largest Tuareg population in Nigeria.
Also, as a result of poor border infrastructure and the seemingly lack of will on the part of the Buhari administration to take decisive action against these foreign criminals, their activities escalated during the eight years of that administration, and the security situation declined to an all time low. Apparently, when an alarm was raised about the Lakurawas about five years ago, the authorities were alleged to have declared them harmless, though they were armed! Does that make sense?
Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo appears to be taking the issue of border security more seriously than has been done in the last few decades, and is leveraging on technology to achieve this goal. It is obvious that controlling a 1,400km border is challenging, but a combination of physical barriers like building walls, checkpoints, control tower systems (like America has on its Mexican border), surveillance equipment like cameras, drones, satellite imaging and other forms of modern technology, proper border security personnel equipped with weapons, are required. In manning the Saudi Yemeni border for instance, apart from infrastructure and technology, the Saudi Government has about four levels of security to secure the borders. In the case of the Indian Bangladeshi border, both sides are up and doing in terms of border protection. It’s time for Nigeria to raise a proper Border Cintrol Force.
5) Corruption Bribery and corruption - be it amongst the grossly inadequate Nigerian border control officials, or the law enforcement agencies that allow suspicious people to enter Nigeria, or fail to take appropriate action against them because they have taken bribes, or they themselves are involved in criminal activities like smuggling with these criminals, they allow these terrorists to gain ground.
5) Inadequate Cooperation from the People
The importance of good old fashioned information obtained from the people, cannot be underestimated. However, the lack of trust in the authorities and fear of retaliation by terrorists on informants and their loved ones, since there are moles within the law enforcement agencies, are some of the reasons why people may be reluctant to report known terrorists/ criminals who live among them to the authorities.
Conclusion
The Lakurawas must be swiftly and permanently driven out of Nigeria, before that organisation evolves into a full grown monster that becomes too difficult to tame or annihilate. Addressing the six issues that I have outlined above as a matter of urgency, that is, to attack the Lakurawas raison d’etre, is a step in the right direction. State Governments, particularly of the States affected by religious terrorism, cannot continue to play politics with religion - it has backfired on them. The poverty in the land, has also made terrorism and criminality more attractive to our own people, who join hands with these foreign criminals to destabilise Nigeria and make the people’s lives hell.
Jurisdiction of Sharia Courts Under Section 277 of the Constitution
Facts
On 31st January, 2011, the Respondent as Plaintiff filed an action before the Waje No.1 Shariah Court (“trial court”) in Suit No. CV/19/11 seeking to compel the 1st Appellant to release a portion of the Respondent’s father’s estate (Bashir Ali Bin Alua, who passed away in 1972), which the 1st Appellant allegedly held, so that it could be properly distributed among his heirs. The estate consisted of three plots of land on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, numbered G5, G6, and G7, inherited from the Respondent’s father. Counsel for the Respondent clarified that only plot G6, currently known as 50 Ibrahim Taiwo Road, was in dispute, as plots G5 and G7 were not contested. Counsel stated further that Bashir Ali, the Respondent’s father, inherited G6 with his three sisters—Aisha, Fatima, and Fauziyya (the Defendants at the trial court)—and divided the property equally among them. He stated that the Respondent’s father had left his share with Fauziyya, but the portion had never been returned to the Respondent, leading to the court action.
The trial court heard two witnesses and accepted their testimonies with regard to the Respondent’s relationship to Bashir Ali Bin Alua, his father, and the fact of his demise.
Counsel for the Appellant admitted the narration of Counsel for the Respondent, but stated that, when the distribution took place, Bashir gave his portion of House No. 50 to Fauziyya. When he said he left it for her, the Grand Alkali who conducted the distribution of the estate said Bashir had forfeited his portion of the share, which means Fauziyya has two portions.
On 16th May, 2011 the trial court ruled inter alia that the 1st Appellant who claimed that the Respondent’s father had made a gift of his portion of the distributed estate to her, should adduce evidence to establish the said gift. The Respondent, being dissatisfied with the said ruling, appealed to the Upper Sharia Court, Rijiyar Lemo. The Upper Sharia Court, Rijiyar Lemo, delivered its judgement on 4th July, 2011 where it directed the Sharia Court Waje No. 1 to cause a one page document titled ‘Allocation of The Estate of The Deceased IBN ALUA’ (which the 1st Appellant relied upon as proof of the distribution of the estate by a court, as well as proof for gift) to be translated into Hausa, so that if the document indicated that there was a gift, it would be a case that can be entertained by the State High Court and Waje Sharia Court No.1 would cease to have jurisdiction to entertain the matter. The Respondent also appealed this decision to the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kano State. Before the appeal filed by the Appellant at the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kano State, against the judgement of Upper Sharia Court Rijiyar Lemo could be heard and determined, Sharia Court Waje No.1 concluded the matter before it and found that the document indicated gift and declined jurisdiction. The Respondent appealed to Upper Sharia Court, Goron Dutse which affirmed the findings of Sharia Court Waje No.1 and the Respondent further appealed to the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kano State. The appeals against the judgements of Upper Sharia Court, Rijiyar Lemo and Upper Sharia Court, Goron Dutse were consolidated for hearing before the Sharia Court of Appeal. The Sharia Court of Appeal in its judgement delivered on 20th June, 2012, faulted the judgements of the two Upper Sharia Courts and that of Sharia Court Waje No.1. It reversed the judgements and ordered the 1st Appellant to give her nephew, the Respondent, his father’s property.
The Appellants were dissatisfied with the judgement of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kano State, and they appealed to the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division. The Court of Appeal affirmed the judgement of the Sharia Court of Appeal, leading to the further appeal by the Appellants to the Supreme Court.
Issues for Determination
The Apex Court adopted two issues for determination of the appeal, to wit:
1. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in holding that the lower courts had jurisdiction to entertain the suit.
2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in holding that the order made by the Khadis on the return of unspecified portion claimed by the Respondent from the estate, is not vague and ambiguous.
Arguments
Arguing issue one, Counsel for the Appellants reiterated the fundamental principles of jurisdiction,
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja
On Friday, the 7th day of June, 2024
Before their lordships
uwani Musa abba aji Chidebere Nwaoma uwa Stephen Jonah adah abubakar Sadiq umar Mohammed Baba Idris Justices, Supreme Court SC. 406/2017
Between
FauZIya aLI & ORS
MaNdu BaSHIR MaIduGuRI
And
aPPeLLaNTS
ReSPONdeNT
(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Abubakar Sadiq Umar, JSC)
and urged the court to hold that the trial court had no jurisdiction over the subject-matter of the suit, being title to land. Counsel referred to the directive given by the Upper Shariah Court, Rijiyar Lemo to the trial court, with regard to the translation of the document tendered before the trial court into Hausa, with the aim of determining if the word ‘surrender’ used therein means ‘gift’. The trial court caused the translation to be made, and it found that the word used meant gift. It thereby, struck out the matter for lack of jurisdiction, since the dispute relates to title and pertained to land which is situate in an urban area. In furtherance of his arguments, Counsel referred to Section 39 of the Land Use Act and contended that title was in dispute, and the land, which is situate in an urban area, is covered by statutory right of occupancy granted by the Governor of the State, and that the High Court is the only
“…. the jurisdiction of the Sharia Court of Appeal (and by implication/extension, the Sharia Courts) under Section 277 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), pertains to all questions of what is termed ‘Islamic personal law’“
does not understand the issues involved therein. Conclusively, the court was urged to resolve this issue in favour of the Appellants. Reacting to the submissions, Counsel for the Respondent posited that since the Respondent’s claim was specific, that is, the order for the return of the property being the portion in House No. 50 Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kano which the 1st Appellant emphatically claimed had been given to her as a gift by the Respondent’s father, the Order made by the Khadis directing the 1st Appellant to return a portion claimed by the Respondent could not be vague or ambiguous.
Court’s Judgement and Rationale Determining the first issue, the Apex Court emphasised the importance of jurisdiction and held that without it, every step taken in the case amounts to a nullity, no matter how well conducted and no matter how erudite the decision emanating therefrom. Their Lordships held that the jurisdiction of the Sharia Court of Appeal (and by implication/extension, the Sharia Courts) under Section 277 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), pertains to all questions of what is termed ‘Islamic personal law’. The court cited the case of GWABRO v GWABRO (1998) 4 NWLR (PT. 544) 60 at 68 — 69, which outlines the types of disputes that can be subject to succession proceedings under Section 277 of the 1999 Constitution, which included “a dispute over any heritable estate which any person withholds away from the heirs”.
Consequently, the court held that since the Respondent’s claim relates to a share of inheritance which was allegedly withheld from the Respondent by the 1st Appellant, it was clear that the Respondent’s claim comes within the meaning of “a dispute over any heritable estate which any person withholds away from the heirs”, and within the ambit of Section 277 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The Supreme Court therefore, held that the lower courts had jurisdiction to entertain and determine the matter, and resolved issue one in favour of the Respondent.
On the second issue, the Apex Court noted that on 29th April, 2011 the trial Judge visited the locus in quo — House G6 — 50, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kano which was the subject-matter of the case and made a report of the visit being that “The house from the West is facing the East and has its boundary with the West Road, South Road, Road North. The portions of Fatima and Aisha has been demolished and 40 shops were built small and big facing one another. In Southern and Northern part from the back there are some 4 flats upstairs and downstairs.” The court also noted that on 11th May, 2011, the trial court asked parties if the inspected property was what the parties were claiming, and both parties answered in the affirmative.
court with original jurisdiction in respect of proceedings concerning it. Counsel submitted that, consequently, the Area Court had no jurisdiction in respect of the disputed landed property.
The Respondent countered the submissions. He argued that it is the Plaintiff’s claim that determines court’s jurisdiction to entertain a particular matter, and the Respondent’s claim before the trial court was for distribution of inheritance in House No. 50 lbrahim Taiwo Road. Hence, the contention that the Respondent’s claim qualifies as a case of inheritance/succession under Islamic Law, and it falls within the provision of Section 277 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
On issue two, Counsel for the Appellant contended that courts are enjoined to refrain from making orders, which either by their nebulous or opaque nature are likely to be misunderstood and become vain. Counsel contended that both the judgement of the Shariah Court of Appeal and the Court of Appeal did not describe the property, and as such, the Appellants were in the dark as to what portion of the property the 1st Appellant is expected to return to the Respondent. He submitted further that the Khadis as well as the Justices of the lower court did not understand the issues involved between the parties, and that under Islamic law, it is unlawful for a Judge to give judgement without understanding and appreciating the facts of the case before him. He referred to page 15 of Ikhkamul Ahkaam where the author stated that; it is not lawful for a Judge to pronounce judgement where he
From the foregoing, the court noted parties were ad idem on the point that Bashir Bin Alua, the Respondent’s father, was apportioned ¼ (one quarter) of the estate described as G6 which is now known as 50, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kano. Their Lordships held that, although under Islamic law the statement of parties made in court are not regarded as evidence, however, the story is different in the instant case, because facts were admitted.
The court proceeded to explain that in Islamic law, Iqrar ‘admission’ is regarded as one of the means of proving a claim; it is duly recognised under Islamic law as judicial proof. Also, in Bidayatul Mujtahid Vol. II page 352, it is stated that: ‘Where an admission (its wording and context) is clear, it is binding on the court to act upon it.’
The court then held that since parties agreed on the point that ¼ (one quarter) of G6 — 50, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kano was apportioned to Bashir Ibn Alua and which said apportionment transformed into heritable estate in favour of the Respondent and the deceased mother of Bashir, the order on the portion to be delineated was specific enough and properly identifiable; the order was neither vague nor ambiguous.
On the totality of the foregoing, the Supreme Court affirmed the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, which confirmed the decision of the Shariah Court of Appeal, Kano State.
Appeal Dismissed.
Representation
K. Maude for the Appellants
Prof Mamman Lawan, SAN with W.Y. Mamman and Hajara Halilu for the Respondent.
Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)An Affiliate of Babalakin & Co.
Honourable Abubakar Sadiq Umar, JSC
NBAWF Laments Discriminatory Practices Limiting Career Advancement, Equal Pay in Legal Profession
Kasim Sumaina in abuja
The Bwari Women Forum of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBAWF), on Friday lamented what it termed discriminatory practices limiting career advancement, equal pay and opportunities of the female folks in the legal profession.
NBAWF said that despite the rapid increase in the number of female Lawyers, women have remained under-represented in top legal positions, even as it added that, another barrier was insufficient mentoring opportunities.
In her keynote address at the 2024 NBA Bwari Women Forum Annual Summit, Justice Maryanne Annenih, stated that women in the legal profession are redefining the field of law and shaping the course of justice. A handful of female Lawyers, she said, have attained significant leadership roles and managerial positions including the Bar, the Bench and even in the Academia. "However, the barriers to attaining this height cannot be over stated.”
"This has led many women to abandon the legal profession. As we are well aware, that in environments such as ours, women are often expected to bear the bulk of domestic
responsibilities, which may include caring for children, elderly parents, spouses and managing households. These duties coupled with the demands of a legal career, can sometimes be overwhelming."
According to her, long hours, demanding clients and high-stake cases, can leave little time or energy for personal and family responsibilities.
Annenih, while speaking on the theme of the event, “Breaking the Barriers: Empowering Female Lawyers”, explained that the role of female Lawyers in the society cannot be overemphasised.
She said: “It is axiomatic that the legal profession in Nigeria has made significant strides by promoting the participation of women in every strata of the justice administration, and the entire land scape of the institutions of the rule of law in this nation. There is no doubt that in Nigeria, women have not been left out when it comes to high performance in the legal profession.
"It was recently noted in some institutions in the country, that the number of female law students outnumbered their male counterparts, which surprisingly marks a substantial shift from previous years.
"But, in times past, and even
VeryDarkMan: Court Adjourns Falana Suit to January 2025
An Ikeja High Court of Lagos State, has adjourned the hearing of an alleged defamation suit filed by Mr Femi Falana, SAN and his son, Folarin Falana, aka Falz, against the controversial online activist, Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM) to January 23, 2025.
VDM is being dragged before the Court presided over by Justice Mathias Dawodu, on alleged defamation of character.
At the resumed hearing of the matter, the Falanas’ Counsel, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, informed the court that the Claimants had filed the originating process and the same has been served on the Defendants. Dr Banire also said a motion on notice was served on October 25, but Justice Dawodu said the originating process was not
before the court.
The Claimants’ Counsel, however, prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable him file administrative processes.
“In this circumstance, my lord, the best thing to do is to adjourn the matter, so that we can go back to the registry to file all the administrative processes,” Banire said.
Responding, VDM’s Lawyer, Mr Marvin Omorogbe, said it had been observed that there was no valid writ of summons before the court.
“I will give you a date for hearing, because we are talking about a writ that is not before the court”, Justice Dawodu said.
The Judge thereafter, adjourned the case to January 23, 2025, for hearing of the preliminary objection.
until recent times, women have had to struggle and work twice as hard to be seen, to be heard and respected, because the legal practice has been dominated by their male counterparts. I want
to implore all female Lawyers to hold their heads up, because not only have we survived these challenges, we did not let them hinder our progress." She said, "it is obvious we are
still making progress.To continue to ascend in this progressive manner, we must collectively take actions to break down perceived, real or imaginary barriers, and create an environment where
we can achieve our highest potentials. It is imperative that we understand what these barriers are, and how they have hindered our growth and crippled our dreams of doing exploits.
NJC Retires Two, Places Two More on Watchlist
Stories by Steve Aya
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, due to age falsification. This decision was made during the NJC’s 107th meeting, which took place on November 13 and 14. According to a statement
from NJC spokesperson, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the Council has also suspended Justice G. C. Aguma of the High Court of Rivers State from performing judicial functions for one year without pay. He will subsequently be placed on a “watchlist” for two years.
Similarly, Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court has been suspended from performing judicial functions for one year without pay, and will
also be placed on a “watchlist” for two years thereafter.
The NJC also reviewed the report from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which examined a total of 30 petitions. As a result, six Committees were established for further investigation. The NJC dismissed 22 of the petitions filed against Judges due to lack of merit, and found that two cases were sub judice.
In another development, the
National Judicial Council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has recommended High Court Judges for appointment at its 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024. A Friday statement posted on X and on the NJC website, revealed that these candidates have been nominated for judicial appointments across various States, awaiting approval from the respective State Governors.
Chinese National Charged with N301m Bribery and Theft in Lagos Court
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged a Chinese national, Zhengjia Jin, before a Special Offences Court in Lagos, for alleged bribery and fraud amounting to N301 million. Jin is facing a four-count charge related to the retention of stolen property, bribery, and theft.
During the proceedings,
EFCC Counsel, Mr Ahmad Usman, informed the court that the alleged offences took place between March 5 and August 9 in Lagos. He claimed that Jin dishonestly retained a total of N301 million in his bank account, which is associated with Access Bank and belonged to Golden Diamond Industrial Manufacturing Company Ltd.
It was alleged that while working at the company, Jin accepted the funds as kickbacks from vendors directly into his bank account, thereby gaining an undue advantage for himself. This action was said to contravene the company’s employee conditions of service. The Prosecutor further stated that, Jin dishonestly converted N301 million for his personal use. According to the EFCC, these actions violate Sections 83 and 328 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, as well as Sections 280 (2) and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Jin pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Defence Counsel, Mr A.C. Ezenduka, informed the court about a bail application.
PhotoNews
Chairperson, NBA Bwari Women Forum, Bukky Ayisire
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat KekereEkun, GCON
Vincent Otse aka VeryDarkMan
Five were honoured as UNIBEN LAW HEROS and one as FRIEND OF THE FACULTY OF LAW, UNIBEN, during the 2nd Edition of the Facultyof Law, University of Benin Academic Excellence/Recognition Awards organised by the Dean of Law, Professor Ikponmwonsa O. Omoruyi, FICMC, under the Chairmanship of Professor Lilian. I. Salami, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, held at the Akin Deko (Main) Auditorium, UNIBEN, on Friday November 15, 2024
Professor Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan PhD, SAN, FCIArb reciving his award from the Dean of Law, Professor Ikponmwonsa Omoruyi
Prince (Dr.) Richard Oma Ahonaruogho SAN reciving his award from the Dean of Law, Professor Ikponmwonsa Omoruyi A cross-section of dignitaries at the event
Professor Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan PhD, SAN, Prince (Dr) Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, SAN and Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN
TalkIng ConsTITuTIonal demoCraCy
Passport Seizure, Retention, Revocation and Deprivation: Legal and Human Rights Implications (Part 1)
Introduction
No document is more critical to free movement of people across international borders, than that small booklet commonly called a ‘passport’. Without it, a person is without an identity - at least outside his or her country of origin. Neither a driver’s licence, voter’s card or other means suffices in such circumstances, and he or she is effectively Stateless and a citizen of the world.
Unfortunately, such people have few, if any, legal and diplomatic protection, and are often in a legal ‘no-man's’ land, where they belong to no one and are on their own. A case in point is the curious story of a man who lived in Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, France, for 18 years (between 1988 and 2006). Mehran Karimi Nasseri had arrived at the airport without proper documentation, and couldn’t get on a plane without a passport. If he left the airport to go into France, he would be arrested for not having ID papers.
While Mr Nasseri’s case is probably the most dramatic (it even attracted interest from famous Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg, who reportedly paid him $250,000 for the rights to his story) illustration of the value of a passport, it is by no means an isolated one. Countless people have found (and continue to find) themselves in the same legal limbo and black hole- sometimes, through no fault of theirs, but rather, as a result of State action in the form of passport seizures, retention, revocation and deprivation. So what exactly is a ‘passport’, and what are the implications of its denial, seizure or revocation under the law? Let’s find out . . .
Meaning of ‘Passport’
According to Black’s Law Dictionary Eighth edition, page 1156, “a passport is a formal document certifying a person’s identity and citizenship so that the person may travel to and from a foreign country” It is universally accepted evidence of a person’s identity and nationality (Burdick H. Brittin, International Law for Sea Going Officers, 4th edition, 1981, pg. 183). It does not (however) give its bearer the right to travel to another country, but, it does request that other governments permit him to travel in their territories or within their jurisdictions (ibid). It also entitles him to the protection and assistance of his own diplomatic and consular officers abroad (ibid).
A similar definition is contained in Webster’s New Explorer Encyclopedic Dictionary, page 1335, thus: “A formal document issued by an authorised official of a country to one of its citizens that is usually necessary for exits from and re-entry into the country, that allows the citizen to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for the citizen while abroad”. Case law is replete with similar definitions (See, for example, R v Secretary of State ex parte Everett (1989) 1All E.R. 655; and Sawhney v Asst Passport Officer (1967) 335 C.R. 252). However, the leading Nigerian judicial authority on the subject is the decision in the famous case
of AGBAKOBA v THE DIRECTOR, SSS (1994) 6 NWLR Pt. 351 Pg. 475 at 495, where the Court of Appeal, per Ayoola, JCA (as he then was) opined that: “in so far as a passport is a certificate or identity and nationality and at the same time a request from one State to another to grant entry to the bearer, it stands to reason that a passport is normally an essential document in the exercise of a discretion by a foreign State, which at international law, it has in the reception of aliens into its territory. To that extent, a passport is normally an essential document for entry into foreign Countries”.
The issue went on appeal to the Supreme Court, where the Apex Court affirmed the definition of the “passport” in Section 6 of the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act thus: “Passport means a document of protection and authority to travel issued by the competent Nigerian officials to Nigerians wishing to travel outside Nigeria and includes, as defined in subsections (3) and (4) or Section 1 of this Act, the following-
(a) A standard Nigerian passport;
(b) A Nigerian diplomatic or official passport;
(c) A Nigerian pilgrim’s passport or Seaman’s card of identification.
The court then, opined that: “Being in possession of and producing such passport granted as stated above, allows the citizen to leave the country and travel to another country without hindrances. It affords him assistance and protection, when travelling in such other country”.
In the same case (ibid), the Apex Court affirmed the following definition of ‘passport’ in Section 52(1) of the Immigration
“A case in point is the curious story of a man who lived in Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris,
Act (Cap. I1, LFN, 2004), vis: “Passport means with reference to the person producing it, a travel document furnished with a photograph of such person and issued to him by or on behalf of the county which he is a subject or a citizen, and for a period which according to the laws of that country, has not expired, and includes any other similar document approved by the Minister establishing the nationality and identity of the person to whom it refers, to the satisfaction of a immigration officer”.
Passports Under the Constitution
The foregoing demonstrates the centrality of passports as instruments of international travel; without one, movement across national borders - legitimate movement - is virtually impossible (or, at least, it is problematic). This invariably, leads to a consideration of the constitutional right of freedom of movement. This is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Specifically, Section 41(1) thereof provides that “every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit therefrom”.
It can be seen that this provision does not, in terms, prescribe the possession of a passport as a condition either for entry into Nigeria or exit therefrom. Nor does the immediate subsection (2) thereto, which, for ease of reference, is as follows:-
“(2) Nothing in subsection (1) this section shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society- (a) imposing restrictions on the residence or movement of any person who has committed or is reasonably suspected to have committed a criminal offence in order to prevent him from leaving Nigeria; or (b) providing for the removal of any person from Nigeria to any other country to(i) be tried outside Nigeria for any criminal offence, or
(II) to undergo imprisonment outside Nigeria in execution of the sentence of a court of law in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty: provided that there is reciprocal agreement between Nigeria and which other Country in relation to such matter”. Beyond the foregoing provisions, Section 45(1) of the Constitution adds a further layer of derogation to the right of freedom of movement by providing that nothing in that clause (that is, Section 41, inter alia) shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in democratic society(a) in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or (b) for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons.
That being the case, the question is whether the provisions of the Passports (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the Immigration Act which prescribe the possession of a passport by a citizen of Nigeria as a condition to exercising his fundamental right to ingress and egress out of Nigeria are reasonably justifiable with the parameters or circumstances spelt out in the aforesaid provisions of Section 41(2) and 45(1) of the Constitution. Is the requirement of a passport under the law, a valid derogation from the fundamental right of a citizen of Nigeria to move freely across our international borders? Are the provisions of such laws “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health or for the purpose of protecting the right and freedom of other persons” within the contemplation of Section(45) of the Constitution?
Before going further, it is pertinent to point out that the qualification prescribed by subsection (2) of Section 41 are more or less replicated (or at least contemplated and can, therefore, be accommodated) within the stand-alone restrictions on the right, that is, of freedom of movement, (amongst others) under Section 45(1) of the Constitution. Accordingly, we can safely concentrate on interrogating the legitimacy or validity of the requirements of passport vis-a-vis the right to freedom of movement under the Constitution.
As previously stated, the question is whether the possession of an international passport by a Nigerian citizen as a condition for entering or leaving Nigeria, is reasonably justifiable under any law? Is it a valid derogation from our right of free entry into Nigeria and free exit therefrom? Are there any concerns of, or risks to, public safety, public health, public morality, public order or defence involved, were such restrictions not in place? Can such concerns not be addressed by the scheme of national identification which is currently in place? Are such concerns not more legitimate and valid in respect of non-Nigerians? Why should a Nigerian need a separate document (apart from his national ID card) in order to enter Nigeria? Why should the State be concerned about the requirements for entering other Sovereign States to the extent of appropriating to itself the right to seize, withhold or revoke a passport? Is it the passport that confers nationality or otherwise? Is a person a citizen of Nigeria, only if he or she possesses a Nigerian passport? This conveniently leads us to the next question, which is . . .
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“No level of border security, no wall, doubling the size of the border patrol, all these things will not stop the illegal migration from countries, as long as a 7-year-old is desperate enough to flee on her own and travel the entire length of Mexico because of the poverty and the violence in her country”.
Johnson)
INSOLVENCY DISCOURSE
Liquidation of Heritage Bank Plc: Matters Arising (1)
Introduction
In June 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the banking licence of Heritage Bank Plc (Heritage Bank). CBN claimed that its regulatory action was necessitated by Heritage Bank’s poor financial state, with no reasonable prospect of recovery. CBN also placed Heritage Bank in liquidation with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as Liquidator, in accordance with Section 55(1)(a) of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act 2023 (NDIC Act 2023).
In line with global best practice, NDIC Act 2023 embodies a distinct legal framework for bank resolution (restructuring and liquidation). This special resolution framework is due to the crucial roles of banks and other deposit-taking financial institutions, in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and economy. The framework is tailored to manage bank failures in a manner which protects public funds, maintains confidence in the banking system and minimises any adverse impact on the financial system and economy. The general corporate insolvency law in the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA 2020), is not designed to achieve these objectives. Instructively, Section 56(1) of NDIC Act 2023 disapplies Chapter 21 of CAMA 2020 (which deals with compulsory winding-up of companies) and the Companies winding-up Rules, to banks and other deposit-taking financial institutions in Nigeria.
The on-going liquidation of Heritage Bank, is the first liquidation of a deposit money bank under the NDIC Act 2023. It therefore, provides an opportunity to test and/or apply some of the novel provisions introduced in the NDIC Act 2023, which were not contained in the repealed NDIC Act 2006. Amongst other things, this three-part discourse examines the treatment of key issues and stakeholders of Heritage Bank in the liquidation process. It also seizes this opportunity to analyse some novel insolvency-related provisions of NDIC Act 2023.
Treatment of Depositors
Special Priority for Insured Deposits
A distinctive feature of bank resolution (compared to general corporate insolvency), is the special priority accorded insured deposits. In this regard, Section 72 of the NDIC Act 2023 requires payment of deposit liabilities to “have priority over all other liabilities” of a failed bank like Heritage Bank. In a similar vein, Section 84 requires liquidation expenses and liquidator’s fees (including litigation, valuation, investigation, administrative etc.) to be paid in priority to “all other claims except insured deposits”. The special priority given to insured deposits, is aimed at fostering public confidence in the banking system and financial stability generally.
NDIC’s
Deposit Insurance Scheme
The maximum insurance coverage for Heritage Bank and other deposit money banks under NDIC’s deposit insurance scheme is N5 million in each insured bank. The coverage limit was raised by NDIC to N5 million from N500,000 on 2 June, 2024. Depositors with deposits below N5 million in Heritage Bank are fully insured, and would receive their full deposits. Depositors with more than N5 million may subsequently be paid additional sums as liquidation dividends (if such are available), from the sale of assets. According to NDIC’s data, about 4,000 deposits in Heritage Bank (constituting 0.01% of total deposits) were above N5 million. Also, by the end of September 2024, 84.98% of Heritage Bank’s depositors had been paid.
In settling deposit liabilities, all accounts of a depositor in Heritage Bank are merged and treated as a single account: Section 25(3) NDIC Act 2023. It is immaterial, that the separate accounts are held in different branches or cities. In contrast, where depositors hold two or more accounts in different rights (e.g. personal accounts on one hand and business accounts or joint accounts or trust accounts on the other), such accounts will be treated separately for the purpose of deposit insurance. Such depositors will receive payments, in relation to each of such accounts.
NDIC’s Right of Set-off and to Withhold Payment
There are circumstances where NDIC may lawfully refrain from paying, or making full payment to depositors under its deposit insurance scheme.
First, NDIC is entitled to set-off a debtor’s debt to Heritage Bank or any other failed bank (which NDIC is liquidating) against that debtor’s deposit in Heritage Bank: Section 26 NDIC Act 2023.
Second, pending the determination of culpability by a court or tribunal, the NDIC may withhold payment of an insured or uninsured deposit: (i) where such deposit was obtained through or held in furtherance of criminal activities, or (ii) where the depositor had either connived with or assisted officials of Heritage Bank or had been party to or benefitted from the circumstances leading to Heritage Bank’s failure: Section 30(1) NDIC 2023.
Prohibition on the Making of Certain Orders
Section 29(2) of NDIC Act 2023 precludes courts from making any restorative or prohibitive order against the NDIC and in favour of a depositor, regarding the payment of insured deposits. The provision limits the remedy available to depositors against the NDIC in any action, suit or proceedings, to the amount of actual loss suffered and which shall not exceed the maximum insured deposit.
This provision appears to be in violation of Section 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution which provides for judicial powers to extend to (i) all inherent powers and sanctions of a court of law, and (ii) all matters between persons, or between government or authority and to any persons in Nigeria, and to all actions and proceedings relating thereto.
Recently in AMCON v Shittu - Appeal No. CA/L/1266/2019, the Court of Appeal nullified Section 34(6) of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) (Amendment No.2) Act 2019 which precluded courts from granting injunction, preservative or restorative, interim, interlocutory, perpetual or like orders against AMCON or its officials, in the exercise of their statutory powers to recover debts or realise
“In June 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the banking licence of Heritage Bank Plc (Heritage Bank). CBN claimed that its regulatory action was necessitated by Heritage Bank’s poor financial state, with no reasonable prospect of recovery. CBN also placed Heritage Bank in liquidation with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as Liquidator….”
security, and limited a claimant’s remedy in any action to monetary compensation.
Treatment of Management and Employees
Termination of Employment Contracts
Compulsory winding-up order, terminates employment contracts. In Gbedu v Itie [2020] 3 NWLR (Pt 1710) 104 at 126E-F, the Supreme Court held that an effect of a winding-up order is that, “all employees of the company are dismissed, and the dismissal takes effect from the date of the winding up order made by the court”: Accordingly, the commencement of Heritage Bank’s liquidation terminated all its employment contracts. It also resulted in the replacement of its management by NDIC. Section 62(1)(c) of NDIC Act 2023 empowers NDIC to carry on Heritage Bank’s business, as may be necessary for its beneficial winding-up. The NDIC is also empowered to take over, manage and dispose of the assets of Heritage Bank and operate Heritage Bank with all the powers of the shareholders, the directors and the officers, and to conduct its business and perform its function: Section 62(1) (j) NDIC Act 2023.
Employees’ Pre-Liquidation Salaries and Entitlements
In July 2024, there were media reports of protests by erstwhile employees of Heritage Bank, at the premises of the National Assembly premises.
The key demands of the aggrieved erstwhile employees were: (i) payment of their June 2024 salaries; (ii) payment of their “life savings” (that is, deposits) in Heritage Bank; and (iii) payment of severance benefits. Unpaid salaries and certain allowances of employees of Heritage Bank which were due before the commencement of its liquidation, are preferential claims. They rank above, and will be paid before, unsecured creditors and shareholders of Heritage Bank. They however, rank below insured deposit liabilities and liquidation expenses. The erstwhile employees’ “life savings” (deposits) in Heritage Bank, would be treated like other deposits under NDIC’s deposit insurance scheme.
Civil Actions against Employees
The NDIC is empowered to initiate civil actions against any employee, director or officer of Heritage Bank, whose actions or inactions had caused or contributed to the failure of Heritage Bank. Such an employee, director or officer would be personally liable in monetary damages: Section 76(1) of NDC Act 2023. Also, where unauthorised credit facilities had been granted by employees or directors in violation of any law or regulation, liability arising shall be personal and unlimited: Section 76(2) of NDIC Act 2023.
Treatment of Shareholders Impact on Shareholders
A legal consequence of Heritage Bank’s liquidation is that NDIC (as Liquidator) displaces Heritage Bank’s shareholders, and assumes “all the powers” of such shareholders. First, Section 62(1)(h) of NDIC Act 2023 provides that the NDIC (as Liquidator) by operation of law succeeds to all rights, titles, powers and privileges of any shareholder of Heritage Bank with respect to Heritage Bank and its assets. Second, Section 62(1)(j) of NDIC Act 2023 empowers NDIC (as Liquidator) to take over, manage and dispose of the assets of Heritage Bank, and operate Heritage Bank with all the powers of the shareholders.
Ranking of Shareholders in Distribution of Assets
As is the case in general corporate insolvency, Heritage Bank’s shareholders rank at the bottom of the priority ladder. In most insolvent liquidations, there are usually insufficient assets for distribution to shareholders. This may likely be the fate of Heritage Bank’s shareholders. Heritage Bank’s shareholders would only receive liquidation dividends, if such dividends are available after distributions/payments have been made in full to other stakeholders who are ranked above shareholders such as depositors, liquidation expenses, holders of preferential claims and unsecured creditors.
Treatment of Creditors
Secured Creditors
Secured creditors of Heritage Bank, rank at the top of the hierarchy of creditors. They may enforce their security or be entitled to proceeds from the liquidation of the specific secured property. It is a settled principle of insolvency law, that only assets which are owned by the debtor are available for distribution to its creditors. It is impermissible to distribute to creditors assets which are owned by third parties, or have third party interests. In gathering and/or swelling the assets of Heritage Bank for distribution to its creditors, NDIC is not permitted to seize and/or distribute assets which belong to third parties. Notably, this includes properties subject to security interests, notwithstanding that they are in the possession of Heritage Bank.
Unsecured Creditors
Unsecured creditors of Heritage Bank rank below insured deposit liabilities, liquidation expenses (including litigation, valuation, investigation, administrative, civil and criminal actions): Section 84 of NDIC Act 2023. Unsecured creditors also rank below holders of preferential claims (that is, taxes and certain employees’ salaries and entitlements). Unsecured creditors would however, rank above, and be paid ahead of, Heritage Bank’s shareholders.
To
Who are the Lakurawas?
already overburdened by the war against terrorists on several fronts, Nigeria is again being confronted with the emergence of another deadly armed terrorist group, Lakurawa, who is said to have actually been around for a number of years, contrary to the assertion that they are a new organisation, or have just arrived in Nigeria. While the nation’s armed Forces have their hands full battling the Boko Haram terrorists in the North east, unknown gunmen in the South east, insurgency in the North Central, now Lakurawa has taken position in the North West of Nigeria, particularly Sooto and Kebbi State. Former President of the Nigerian Bar association, dr Olisa agbakoba, SaN once told THISday LaWyeR in an exclusive interview that ‘Nigeria is in a low-grade war’, and with these various attacks on the different Nigerian fronts, this assertion appears to be true. Major Ben Aburime (Rtd) gives an insight into the coming of the Lakurawas to Nigeria, as well as dissecting the matters arising in the war against terrorists in Nigeria, proffering solutions on how the war can be won
Nigeria’s Unending War Against Insurgency and the Emergence of the Lakurawa Group: Implications for Security Forces and Way Forward
Major Ben Aburime (Rtd)
Introduction
It is common knowledge that Nigeria has been grappling with security challenges of different dimensions, in nearly every geo-political zone of its entire landscape. From the Boko Haram in -
surgents and Jihadists in the North Eastern parts of Borno and Adamawa States, to the armed Bandits in the North West areas of Sokoto, Katsina and Kebbi, to the Armed Fulani Herdsmen running riots in the Kaduna, Plateau and Benue areas of the country, to the volatile Niger Delta areas where cultism, militancy and agitation for resource control, to the activities of the Unknown Gunmen (UGM) and the agitations for self-determination in
“Contrary to claims by the DHQ, that the group is new and came into being after the recent military coup in Niger Republic, strong evidence abounds that the group was formed in Mali sometime in 2017 and originally preferred to be called Mujahideen and Ansaru respectively, and they were a known affiliate of alQaeda, making them a Jihadist group”
the South East, the separatist agitations, kidnappings, ritual murders, alleged political assassinations and booming organ-harvesting especially in the Ogun and Oyo States of the South West, to the now common denomination of the lucrative industry of kidnapping for ransom nationwide, every region has an unenviable desire to outdo and outshine the other regions in terms of sheer audacity, brutality and horror. Such is the sad commentary of the stark reality of the pitiable story, that has become the lot of a once glorious and prosperous country that was the pride of every Blackman all over the world. The alleged emergence of organ harvesting by both some private citizens and some security forces in their establishments, adds an odious coloration to the spectacle of insecurity. As if not to be
outdone by these ungodly activities, the political class through reckless, ostentatious and extravagant living, completes the marginalisation and nightmare of the common man. That is not to forget the unenviable new name that an ostensibly compromised Judiciary has earned for itself, from being called the Last Hope of the common man, to the LOST Hope of the common man. It has become a common joke, to hear Nigerians taunting their victims to go to court. Recently, this writer saw a car sticker that read: If you Hire a Lawyer, I’ll Buy a Judge. A comedian was asked what he’ll eat and said rice; his crew asked what they’ll eat, they said rice and beans. Asked what the Judge in their skit will eat, someone said Bribe, with a little sprinkle or spice of Corruption. This is what the Judiciary has regrettably reduced itself to, and Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a Law Teacher and Rights Activist, couldn’t agree less by his bold
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris
Who are the Lakurawas?
articles.
It is against this background, that a bewildered nation heard from no less an authority than a serving General from the Defence Head-Quarters (DHQ), that a new terror group, the Lakurawa, has emerged in the Sokoto and Kebbi axis of Nigeria. Whether this is true or not that there is a new terror group in Nigeria, there will definitely be implications for the security operatives and the war against terrorism and insecurity. It is for this reason, that this work has become imperative. To do justice to the question of the alleged new group, one has to first demystify them, the said group.
Lakurawa: Origin and Opera-
tions
The military has alleged the Lakurawa is a new insurgent or terror group, that has just emerged in parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States. If this is true, it poses both a strategic and logistic challenge, because it will have the connotation of extending and expanding the military’s frontier in the war against terrorism, a war the military has said it was winning, though some dispute this based on the facts on ground, thereby, suggesting otherwise. Yet, one has to recognise and appreciate the supreme sacrifice that some of our brave sons and daughters in uniform have paid, for our general protection. To all grieving families who’ve lost someone either in battle or as a victim of the acts of terrorism, I convey the appreciation of the entire nation, while asking for God’s grace to bear the irreparable loss; may God comfort you all. Having said this, let’s examine the DHQ’s claims about the group. Who are the Lakurawas? How did they evolve and how and when did they come into Nigeria, especially in the Sokoto and Kebbi areas of their operation? This is what this piece will next interrogate. The name, Lakurawa, simply means ‘Recruit’ in Hausa language. Contrary to claims by the DHQ, that the group is new and came into being after the recent military coup in Niger Republic, strong evidence abounds that the group was formed in Mali sometime in 2017 and originally preferred to be called Mujahideen and Ansaru respectively, and they were a known affiliate of al-Qaeda, making them a Jihadist group. Originally, the group focused on offering and providing protection
to the local populace in areas within the stronghold of areas of their influence or control, and attacking military installations, units and high profile facilities in Mali and Burkina Faso. Small as a small body of about 50 young boys and men, they soon expanded and grew in strength soon after the merging of the four prominent and once rival groups of Ansar al-Din, al-Murabitun, the Macina Liberation Front (MLF) and the al-Qaeda in the lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), all unifying to form the now notorious Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). How did they come into Nigeria?
According to the 2021 work and their later work of 2022 titled ‘North Western Nigeria: A Jihadization of Banditry, or a ‘Bandization’ of Jihad?’, the historians, Murtala Ahmed Rufa’I, James Barnett and Abdulaziz Abdulaziz in their exposé, revealed that the Lakurawa group was originally invited by two District Heads in Gudu and Tangaza Local Government Areas of Sokoto State in 2017, to help them contain the banditry activities of the Zamfarawa, a bandit group based in Zamfara State, and making incursions into some local government areas of Sokoto State. The then
“Of course, the solutions lie squarely in redressing all the perceived ills and short-comings fuelling the insecurities. We are yet lucky, that the Bandits and Jihadists have not yet been able to forge a common front, or this country would have been history. The jihadists haven’t been able to fully recruit the bandits for three major reasons…..”
head of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) supported the invitation and the hosts contributed. When the Lakurawas originally came in, they were assisted by their local and hosts who contributed cows, arms and cash to enable the body grow. The group soon began to enlist local youths, into their body. Their activities were restricted to providing security for their hosts, and subtly preaching their brand of Islam. Soon after, they began to impose levies, demanding alms, imposing a way of life that prohibited dancing, music and merriments, impounding phones, imposing dress regulations and robbing the locals, thereby, bringing them into direct confrontation with their once friendly hosts. When the complains of the locals grew louder, the military combatted them since way back 2018/2019, making the group to mellow down on their activities until their killing of three military men in August 2024, followed by the massacre of fifteen people on 8 November, 2024. Given these facts, how then could the military claim the Lakurawas are a new terror group, and what implications does it hold for the nation’s war against insecurity?
Implication of the Emergence of Lakurawa on the War Against Insecurity
As has been shown by various informed opinions, the Lakurawa group are not only a jihadist group formed by Malians who spoke both the Arabic language and Fulfulde, the ethnic Fulani dialect, and formally invited into Nigeria to
provide security for the locals in parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States. They were well-known to be a jihadist group with links to alQaeda and ISWAP, the Islamic State of West African Province. People spoke about their presence in the early days, but, the Nigeria Police downplayed the threat. If the military and other security agencies claim not to know of their presence in Nigeria, then it will imply that:
a. Nigeria’s intelligence apparatus, inclusive of the military intelligence is grossly faulty; or, b. The security and intelligence agencies are grossly incompetent; or,
c. The military was merely engaging in deliberate falsehood, especially to cover the claims of great successes in the war against insecurity.
If the first two or either of them is correct, then it will be scary and implying we do not even know what we’re battling against or dealing with. Where however, the third option is correct, it will have no connotation of overstretching the nation’s security apparatus and logistics.
Causes of Insecurity and Possible Remedies
Since the return to civil rule in 1999, there’s no gainsaying the fact that every successive elected President has had a fair share of his own security challenges. Each of them also has a score card of his success or failure, in tackling his peculiar problems.
President Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ) had the militants, especially of the Niger Delta areas to contend with. He employed gunboat diplomacy or strong-arm-tactics to contain them, leading to the Odi misadventure.
chief of Army Staff (Acting), Lt General olufemi oluyede
Who are the Lakurawas?
President Umaru Musa Yar’adua had militants and Boko Haram to deal with. He succeeded in his general amnesty plan to curb the militants and was about moving to the Boko Haram, before the cruel hands of death took away a national idol.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan battled Boko Haram plus deliberate sabotage, even from his Cabinet, on account of his minority status and persistent organised confrontations to derail him happily, he had a wife whose name must have been symbolic: he patiently sat out his tenure with ‘patience’ while being lucky to leave Aso Rock with his head still on his shoulders.
Then came President Buhari, a General, whose challenges were Fulani Herdsmen, Bandits, illegal miners, IPOB, kidnapping and site settlements. Many have accused him of being a General that fought the war of insecurities, like a professional clown or jester, comparing him with his Ukrainian counterpart, a professional comedian, who was fighting his Russian war as a professional soldier or General.
Then, came President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) who has to battle Boko Haram, bandits, and now Lakurawa. Aside from being young in office, I had my fears owing to his age and lack of military experience. Surprisingly, he has already done more to decimate the once audacious Boko Haram and reduce kidnapping, but I do not share Nuhu Ribadu’s enthusiasm that the BAT gains has suddenly cured all our headaches and toothaches. We are however, agreed that the mopping up operation is round the corner, but, that will only be if and where the promoters of the insecurities are fished out and dealt with, to reduce their material gains from the evil promotions.
Having stated this, one will now gloss over some of the causes of the insecurities we deal with. These can be summarised as:
a. Curious economic policies that tend unto poverty and hunger, making it possible to recruit people into these anti-social bodies.
b. The insincerity and dubious use of religion to divide the people.
c. Emergence of cultism and its unbridled spread.
d. Increasing use and dependence on hard drugs by youths.
e. Dysfunctional family up-brings and peer effects.
f. Lack of gainful employment and inability to move with evolving technologies.
g. Lack of infrastructures.
h. Defective educational systems.
i. Deliberate political apparatus to weaponise poverty for selfish gains.
j. Leadership challenges.
k. Lack of patriotism, etc.
l. Use of political power and State apparatuses to victimise non-party members
m. Loss of direction, lack of professionalism and lack of integrity by a complicit Judiciary.
n. Land-grabbing tendencies from ancestral owners.
o. The illegal mining activities by the rich and powerful.
p. The place of international sponsorship of acts of terrorism, which brings to mind the role of countries like Iran in mentoring terrorist. I shall address this in passing.
This last point needs emphasising. On the occasion of his presentation at the one-year anniversary of the Hamas massacre of Israelis on 7th October, 2023, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Michael Freeman, warned of Iran’s plot to destabilise the West African sub-region, especially Nigeria. The general reaction, without proof, was to lambast the Ambassador, telling him not to drag Nigeria into the Israeli-Iranian conflict. My reaction to this spate of ignorance was to ask some
“Then came President Buhari, a General, whose challenges were Fulani Herdsmen, Bandits, illegal miners, IPOB, kidnapping and site settlements. Many have accused him of being a General that fought the war of insecurities, like a professional clown or jester….”
pertinent questions, and the answers to them will inform us properly.
For those condemning Freeman's revelations and reading sinister motives into it, I'd like to ask a few questions.
1. How much of the strength of Israel's Mossad, the Israeli Intelligence outfit, do we know?
2. Aside the US (on account of its technological advantage), and China on account of its spread (owing to its success in making every citizen a part of their intelligence outfit), which other country competes with Israel's efficiency in terms of intelligence?
3. Of all the countries of the world, which national intelligence agency is more protective of its citizens and even more ruthless in execution of its missions?
4. Why is Saudi Arabia, the homeland of orthodox Muslims worldwide at daggers-drawn with Iran?
5. Which brand of Islam does Sheik El Zakzaky of Kaduna State propagate, if not the Iranian version or Shiites? Or, why else was Mallam Nasr El Rufai continually battling him with Saudi Arabia and Sokoto Caliphate ominously keeping quiet?
6. Who's behind Lebanon's Hezbolla, the Hamas at Gaza, the Syrian Isis, Yemen's militia, fighting both Israel and Saudi Arabia as insurgents?
7. Who is behind ISWAP in West Africa, and has ISWAP any connections with Boko Haram in Nigeria, Chad, the Cameroons and Mali?
8. What does Israel stand to benefit or lose with Nigeria either against or in support of Israel?
9. Even when Nigeria and
Israel had no diplomatic relations owing to Nigeria severing ties with her in 1973, following the Yum Kippur six-day Arab-Israeli war, Israel was still magnanimous to tip off Nigeria through other diplomatic sources, over both the coup that toppled General Gowon’s regime in 1975, and the follow-up or subsequent coup of February 1976. That’s the country we want to underrate its intelligence.
I have incorporated my WhatsApp argument to enable us see the dangers of improperly identifying our problems, either because we love playing the ostrich, or because we see rational issues through the prism of religion and ethnicity.
Conclusion
Of course, the solutions lie squarely in redressing all the perceived ills and short-comings fuelling the insecurities. We are yet lucky, that the Bandits and Jihadists have not yet been able to forge a common front, or this country would have been history. The jihadists haven’t been able to fully recruit the bandits for three major reasons: there are too many factions of them, each with its own warlords, making coordination and control difficult; the bandits majorly lack political objectives; they are too powerful to be easily controlled; and their methods of operation differ substantially from that of the jihadists. Herein lies our luck so far.
The errors herein are mine, while I acknowledge the contributions of MA Rufa’I and my good old friend, Professor Sylvester Udemezue, a Nigerian Law School Lecturer.
Major Ben Aburime (Rtd), FICMC, FCMC, MCMC; Legal Practitioner; Mediator; Programmer; AI & Robotics Software Designer
National Security Adviser, Nuhu ribadu
POLITY
Why the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill Should Be Discarded
Musa Ilallah
Abill to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard sponsored as a private member bill by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC- Lagos), recently scaled second reading in the Nigerian Senate.
Leading the debate, Eshilokun said the bill sought to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard to be charged with the responsibility of securing maritime zones within Nigeria.
First, it is a breach of due process. The bill seeks to establish a Coast Guard as a military service and a branch of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. You cannot establish a branch of the Armed Forces through a private member’s bill of the National Assembly.
The expansion of the Armed Forces can and should be an executive function, with the consideration and approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). It is beyond the scope and capacity of an individual member of the National Assembly.
Second, it is a gross duplication of existing institutions and functions: The Coast Guard is a clear duplication of the functions of the Nigerian Navy as stated in Armed Forces Cap 20, which is an amplification of S217 of the Nigerian Constitution, creating the Armed Forces and outlining what their responsibilities would be. The Coast Guard seeks to duplicate the Nigerian Navy, creating a parallel agency that will dissipate energy and resources.
Coast Guard promoters argue that unlike the Nigerian Navy, which is a ‘fighting force’, the Coast Guard is meant to be a civilian law enforcement agency, implementing maritime regulations and protecting natural resources and inland waters. The fact is that the functions being proposed here are already being fully carried out between the Nigerian Navy, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Marine Police. Even the Nigerian Customs Service has a Maritime Division.
An additional agency will do nothing to improve the situation. If anything, it will increase dysfunction. The Establishment Act of the Nigerian Navy already fully takes care of all the functions being claimed by the promoters of the Coast Guard. It will also duplicate and conflict with the functions of other players in the maritime sector.
The bill wants the Coast Guard to be responsible for the training of seafarers, which by the Merchant Shipping Act and NIMASA Act are clearly the job of NIMASA.
The bill also wants it to be involved in hydrography, despite the fact that the Navy is in charge of hydrography and that there was a recent presidential approval for the conversion of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office into the National Hydrographic Agency, and the designation of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographer as the Hydrographer of the Federation.
NIWA is tasked with the mandate of enforcing laws and regulations in Nigeria’s inland waters, which further renders a Coast Guard irrelevant. At this point when the federal government is trying to implement the spirit of the Oronsaye reforms, a Coast Guard is an unnecessary and wasteful venture.
Third, it is a recipe for chaos and confusion. A Nigerian Coast Guard will compound
existing challenges being experienced in the administration of Nigeria’s maritime environment. It will complicate the coordination, heighten unnecessary competition and undermine cohesion, leading to anarchy.
The implication of this will be that bad actors in Nigeria’s maritime space will gain an advantage, with possible outcomes such as Nigeria being re-listed on the Maritime Piracy Index, which it exited in 2022 thanks to the efforts of the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders. The bill being pushed wants the Coast Guard to be headed by a serving Naval Officer, without considering what this would mean for the standard military chain of command.
Fourth, it will inflict a significant additional fiscal burden on Nigeria’s resources. The promoters have not yet provided any cost estimates as to the full fiscal implications –establishment and operations – of yet another maritime institution. This is at a time when
Nigeria is struggling to control public spending, and optimise the provision of resources to existing institutions.
Instead of a new agency, with new spending to ensure take-off, the country’s scarce resources should be invested in strengthening and bolstering the functions and capacity of the Nigerian Navy and other existing stakeholders like NIWA, NIMASA and the Marine Police. Promoters of the Coast Guard say that a Coast Guard is ‘international best practice’, because the United States and United Kingdom have Coast Guards separate from the Navy. This ‘best practice’ claim is not correct. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) does not dictate to countries how to structure the administration and operations of their maritime environment. There are many countries in the world that do not combine a Navy and a Coast Guard.
Also, in the case of the US, there are peculiar domestic legal contexts (like the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878) that necessitate the US having a separate Coast Guard for domestic functions – a situation that is very different from Nigeria’s own. As for the UK, the HM Coastguard is purely an unarmed emergency rescue service, staffed primarily by volunteers – nine of every 10 members of the HM Coastguard are volunteers.
Fifth, it is a worrying case of jumping the gun. Promoters of the Coast Guard have gone ahead to establish a website that suggests that the Guard is already in legitimate operation. This posturing of false legitimacy even when a public hearing has yet to hold suggests a desperation that is out of place, and that should provoke deep thinking from all and sundry.
The Coast Guard idea is one that needs to die once and for all. It is an idea that pops up every couple of years, and always falls apart upon scrutiny. It has now become a recurring waste of time, attention and the public resources used in resurrecting it every couple of years.
Nigeria does not need a Coast Guard Service, and hopefully this attempt will be the last wild goose chase in this regard. The proposed Coast Guard and its recurring bill should be allowed to rest in peace.
•Musa Ilallah, a Public Affairs analyst based in Abuja can be reached at musahk123@ yahoo.com
NPC Partners FMH to Conduct Survey, Curb Child, Maternal Mortality
As part of efforts to curb child and maternal mortality in the country, the National Population Commission is partnering the Federal Ministry of Health in Kogi State to conduct a survey and collect data in relation to the cause of death of child and mothers.
The Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Mr. Yori Afolabi, disclosed this while addressing journalists on the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy study at Headquarters of NPC in Lokoja on Monday.
Afolabi explained that the fieldwork for this study will be conducted in sixty-seven 67 selected communities throughout Kogi State between 17th November and 17t December 2024.
His words: “Our trained data collectors will visit households to conduct interviews with family members, gathering information
that will help understand the sensitive, essential process requires the cooperation and support of every individual and community.
“We urged the public to cooperate with our interview. They will be visiting the selected communities to gather and document their experiences with the utmost respect and confidentiality.
“By so doing, the respondents will be contributing directly to a project aimed at preventing unnecessary losses in our communities and securing a healthier future for our families. The collaboration and support of every resident of our dear state is crucial for the VASA study.
“We ask that they receive our data collectors with understanding and kindness, and actively participate by sharing with the /ASA Team important details that will help us address the issues of maternal and child health.
“We recognize the vital role that
traditional and community leaders play mobilizing community support and facilitating the smooth conduct of activities like the VASA study.” The commissioner called on the revered leaders to lend their voices in support of this study, encouraging their communities to welcome the
and participate fully
STEM Investments Key to Nigeria Industrial Growth, Says Innovia Labs CEO
Funmi Ogundare
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Innovia Labs, Durojaiye Phillips, yesterday, called on the government to implement policies and make investments that will promote education and career development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
He emphasised the importance of enabling individuals to apply their skills within the country.
Phillips made this appeal during
a press conference held in Lagos, to unveil the top 16 institutions selected for the inaugural University Duel and Smart Challenge, organised by Just Media.
Participating institutions include the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Covenant University, Obafemi Awolowo University (Ife), University of Ilorin, Bells University (Ota), University of Nigeria (UNN), University of Benin, Kaduna State University, Achievers University (Owo), Federal
University of Technology (FUTA, Akure), Yaba College of Technology, Ladoke Akintola University (Oyo), and Olabisi Onabanjo University (Ago-Iwoye).
Forty-eight students from these institutions will compete in Mathematics, Data Analytics, Verbal Reasoning, and General Knowledge.
Speaking as one of the judges for the competition, Phillips highlighted the need for STEM companies to establish themselves in Nigeria to
create opportunities for local talent. According to Phillips, “There is currently insufficient investment in STEM. With more funding, we can encourage people not just to learn, but to utilise their skills effectively.
“For instance, chemical engineers should work locally to develop drugs and solutions for Nigeria. Aeronautic engineers should design aircraft for Nigerians, while mechanical engineers should contribute to the local manufacturing sector.”
Senator Wasiu Eshilokun
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
MBAN Commends Federal Government for N250bn Mortgage Fund
Oluchi Chibuzor
The Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN), has commended the federal government, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Olawale Edun and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa for the approval of a N250 billion Mortgage and Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF).
Edun had last week announced the approval of MREIF, an initiative aimed at enhancing access to long-term and sustainable mortgage banking and housing finance, particularly for affordable housing. Its primary focus is providing low-cost mortgages to Nigerians, thereby addressing the pressing housing needs of
low- and middle-income earners. A statement jointly signed by Ebliate MAC-Yoroki and Dr Adedeji Ajadi, the President and Executive Secretary/ CEO of MBAN respectively, indicates that the N250 billion MREIF Fund is structured to attract Private Sector and Capital Market long-term Investments from Pension Funds Operators and Life Insurance Companies which would be blended with low-cost Seed Funding provided by the government.
“MBAN, therefore, encourages all Nigerians to seize this golden opportunity to have access to affordable mortgages, fulfill their dreams of homeownership, and contribute to narrowing the housing gap. The MBAN member Mortgage Banks and Mortgage Brokerage Companies are poised to facilitate this
process, ensuring that the benefits of this transformative Fund reach those who need it most.
“For further information on access to this Fund, Nigerians are advised to contact Licensed Mortgage Banks and Registered Mortgage Brokerage Companies under the umbrella of MBAN. Together, we would build a Nation where Affordable Homeownership and RentTo-Own Finance are a reality for all Nigerians.
“The strategic intervention by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demonstrates a firm commitment to addressing the huge housing deficit and revitalizing the Mortgage Banking Sub-Sector in Nigeria,” the statement said.
StreSERT, Kotter: How Organisations Can Unlock Opportunities During Crisis
StreSERT Integrated Limited (SIL), in collaboration with Kotter Training urged organisations to build up their change capabilities as a stratagem to developing a competitive advantage that will allow them survive and thrive in an economic landscape with increasing volatility and uncertainty.
Speaking during the breakfast roundtable for select business leaders, showcasing Kotter Change Leadership, held in Lagos, Managing Consultant, StreSERT Integrated Limited, Roselyn Onalaja, stated that though Nigeria is facing an economic crisis that has created unprecedented challenges for its citizens and businesses, the seeds of opportunity abound and organisations need to develop the capacity to seize these advantages.
Speaking on the theme: “From Crisis to Opportunity: Building Change Leadership Capability to Thrive Through Times of Volatility and Uncertainty,” she
said inflation, unemployment, currency devaluation, rising costs of living, fluctuating oil prices, limited industrial diversification and policy reforms are shaping and reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape and testing the social and business structures. According to her, these challenges demand that organizations adapt quickly to new realities, making cost efficiency and innovation their central strategies.
“At the national and sub national level, there is a pressing need for policies that stabilize the economy and support long term development. Change Management Principles suggest that governments should be transparent and inclusive in policy reform efforts. Clear messaging and citizen engagement help build trust. And all of these are crucial for successful implementation of difficult economic measures,” she stated.
During the panel session, moderated by Patrick Awodu,
Chief Operating Officer, StreSERT Integrated Limited, Deputy Head Operations, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Funke Amobi; Dr. Jumoke AleokeMalachi, Head Talent, Wema Bank and Yemi Faseun, Chief Talent Officer, TY Talent Partners spoke on ways organisations can thrive in periods of uncertainty and unlock opportunities in the midst of crisis.
Amobi, said crises present some of the biggest opportunities for companies to thrive. She listed strategic planning, financial management, operational adaptability, and human capital management as key elements that organisations need to efficiently implement to survive in periods of crisis and sustain growth.
On his part, Faseun while corroborating Dr. Aleoke-Malachi position, add that organisations desirous of change should beside focusing on the corporate objectives of the change effort, ensure that there must be something in it for the people.
BOOT Düsseldorf: W’Africa Joins Global Efforts for Ocean Conservation
The world’s leading water sports trade fair, BOOT Düsseldorf 2025, is set to host more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries during its highly anticipated nine-day exhibition from January 18 to 26 in Düsseldorf, Germany. This global showcase is renowned for its unparalleled breadth, featuring cutting-edge innovations with a strong emphasis on marine sustainability, engaging experiences, and networking opportunities across its nine themed areas, namely, sailing, motorboats, super yachts, superboats, diving, surf sports, travelling, paddling and engines, equipment & accessories.
A key highlight of BOOT Düsseldorf 2025 is the prestigious Ocean Tribute Award, an initiative in collaboration with
the Prince Albert II Foundation and the German Ocean Foundation. With a prize of €20,000, the award recognizes trailblazing projects in marine conservation. Since its inception in 2018, the Ocean Tribute Award has spotlighted impactful initiatives from across the globe, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 to promote the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
“As the first African and a young ocean expert to receive this prestigious award, it represents the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainable oceans.” said Mr. Peter Teye Busumprah, ECOP Ghana Coordinator. “It is a recognition that meaningful
work aimed at societal impact can gain international attention. For ECOP Africa, this award is a major milestone, validating our innovative solutions to ocean-related challenges. The seed funding enabled impactful projects, including the Ghana Ocean Climate Innovations Hub, which now collaborates on fisheries initiatives across Africa with participants from Tunisia, Nigeria, Cameroon and more. ECOP Africa thrives on teamwork, diversity, and grassroots engagement to drive marine conservation. Platforms like BOOT Düsseldorf play a crucial role in connecting innovators with donors and fostering partnerships that advance global and African marine initiatives,”Busumprah added.
Food Delivery Platform, ChefCook.NG, Launched in Lagos
Sunday Okobi
A group of Nigerian entrepreneurs has unveiled a new food delivery platform called ChefCook.NG, in Lagos. While unboxing the new platform in Ikeja, Lagos, recently, they stated that with the innovation the platform brings to the Nigerian food delivery space, Nigerians need to know more about ChefCook, the
services it brings to the marketplace, and why it should be chosen above other food delivery platforms in Nigeria.
At the unveiling ceremony in Lagos anchored by Nollywood top actor and director, Charles Okafor, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, JohnBosco Onyeme, told journalists that the platform is a unique one as it offers opportunities to every restaurateur, no matter how small in Lagos, to showcase their
services on the platform. According to Onyeme, “We are unique. We are not just after the big restaurants with our services, we want the Suya man in the street; the Amala woman, and even that Akara woman in the street to come on board. We want those people who don’t have any person to talk to them, those who don’t have the money to advertise largely to come on board the ChefCook food delivery platform.
The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00 the previous Thursday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference
following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
MObIlISINg DOMESTIC CApITAl fOR NIgERIA’S DECENTRAlISED RENEwAblE ENERgy
L-R: Managing Director, Head of Infrastructure and Climate at British International Investment, Mr. Holger Rothenbusch and Chief Executive Officer of InfraCredit, Mr. Chinua Azubike during the signing ceremony of the $30 million Risk Sharing and Blended Local Currency Co-Financing Facility to support decentralised renewable energy projects in Nigeria, held on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan
Investors’ Renewed Interest in Zenith Bank, 28 Others Lift Stock Market
KayodeTokede
The stock market yesterday kicked off the week’s trading on 0.03 per cent gain driven by investors bargain hunting on Zenith Bank Plc and 28 others.
As a result, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) up by 24.99 basis points, or 0.03 per cent to close at 97,747.27 basis points from 97,722.28 basis points the market closed for trading last week.
Consequently, market capitalisation rose by N16 billion to close at N59.231 trillion from N59.215 trillion. Also, market breadth closed positive, as 29 stocks gained relative to 222 losers. John Holt emerged the highest price gainer of 9.97 per cent to close at N8.49, while Eunisell Interlinked and Beta Glass followed with a gain of 9.92 per cent each to close at N13.18 and N49.85 respectively, per share.
Lafarge Africa increased by 9.52 per cent to close at N46.00, while Tantalizer added 9.33 per cent to close at 82 kobo, per share. On the other side, MeCure Industries led the losers’ chart with 9.65 per cent to close at N11.70, per share. The Initiates Plc (TIP) followed with a decline of 9.09 per cent to close at N2.30, while Thomas Wyatt Nigeria shed 7.83 per cent to close at N3.65, per share.
University Press depreciated
by 7.83 per cent to close at N3.65, while Champion Breweries down by 6.88 per cent to close at N3.52, per share.
The total volume traded increased by 40.03 per cent to 413.350 million units, valued at N5.336 billion, and exchanged in 9,004 deals. Transactions in the shares of Japaul Gold & Ventures led the activity with 179.098 million shares worth N379.739 million. Consolidated Hallmark Holdings followed with account of 36.840 million
shares valued at N75.190 million, while Access Holdings traded 31.658 million shares valued at N775.547 million.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) traded 17.344 million shares worth N580.551 million, while United Capital traded 10.176 million shares worth N171.305 million.
Looking forward, United Capital Plc said “the equities market is expected to retain its buy interest as investors cherry-pick undervalued stocks.
However, given the high interest rates in the fixed income and money markets, we expect some bearish undertone to persist in the equities market as fixed income biased investors take advantage of the high yields in the fixed income space.
“Nevertheless, the Bulls will remain incentivized to persist in bargain hunting, given the tremendous mid-long-term opportunities in the equities market.”
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF NOVEMBER 18/24
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
Oyebanji: Building on Fayemi’s Legacy in Ekiti
Gbenga Sodeinde writes that Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has succeeded in building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, through the execution of programmes and projects to improve the living standards of the citizenry.
Comparing ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state with his successor, Biodun Oyebanji, is like comparing two hefty elephants, or a plantain and its offshoot.
The duo are rich in intellect, political wizardry, profound act of governance and patriotism to their fatherland.
Fayemi, an erudite scholar and renowned public administrator, is by all standards, exceptionally brilliant. He is not a flippant individual. He doesn’t beat retreat easily, no matter the criticisms, while pursuing altruistic mission that will benefit the masses.
He tried his best possible in bringing to bear, those uncommon attributes of his, in the way and manner he ruled Ekiti state for a record eight years.
However, as much as possible, he suc-
ceeded in winning scores of souls to his side, while a number of residents, especially civil servants, misconstrued his radical approach to governance, and as a result, picked holes in his style, and had since perceived him as an enemy.
One of the reasons why Ekiti workers, and residents alike, may not forgive him in a hurry, was his decision to ensure that teachers write competency test, and ridding of service of age-long criminal act of age falsification in personnel records by civil servants, among several others.
To some of Ekiti residents, they would want to know why Fayemi had the audacity to ask every house owner to compulsorily have toilets,
attached to their buildings, why residents must no longer bury their dead at home, within same compound that has drinking well, and why butchers must pay certain taxes on every cow slaughtered in a day, as part of efforts to keep the Ekiti Environment clean and buoy the tax profile.
In the contrary, when he assumed office as Fayemi’s successor on October 16, 2022, Oyebanji never made any attempt to betray his boss, as he continued to embrace his policies and programmes.
It is on record that Oyebanji was at different times commissioner and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), when Fayemi was governor.
Oyebanji would never want to be branded a traitor, or a betrayer, as was the case in some states of Nigeria, where regular fights
have become the order of the day between the god-fathers, and god-sons. In a witty and intelligent fashion, he never made any attempt to puncture, nor rubbish the structures, and apparatuses of governance, and even political structures, put in place by Fayemi, up till present moment. Rather, Oyebanji has continually consolidated on those legacies of his former boss, but with modifications.
Those who readily know Oyebanji will agree that he is not given to crisis. He would apply all subtle means possible to have his way, in any difficult situations, if only to make sure Ekiti moves forward.
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
In Kano, Barau Welcomes NNPP, PDP Defectors to APC
Ismail Mudashir writes that hundreds of defecting members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Peoples Democratic Party in Kano state were recently welcomed into the a ll Progressives Congress by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau.
The wave of defection rocking the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) has reached the political camp of the national leader of the party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Chieftains of the NNPP from Kwankwaso Ward in Madobi local government, where Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the NNPP in the 2023 general elections, hails from, are among the defectors at the weekend.
Similarly, hundreds of party stalwarts from Gwale, the local government area where Governor Abba hails, also joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A former councillor of Kwankwaso ward in Madobi LGA of Kano State, Yahaya Sa’idu Kwankwaso and other chieftains of the party in the LGA were received into the APC by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin on Saturday.
Hon. Abdulhamid Ahmad Diso, former deputy speaker of Gwale LGA (Diso Ward), Hon. Shu’aibu Isa Kubaraci, and their supporters defected from NNPP to APC.
They cited the impressive developmental strides of Senator Barau in Kano State as their
NNPP in Kano State since August as the party’s stalwarts from across the 44 LGAs of the state joined the APC courtesy of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin. This is now tagged as Barau Tsunami in Kano State.
Responding, Barau welcomed the defectors to the APC, the largest party in Africa.
He assured them they would be treated fairly and equally like all other party members, adding, “Nobody will be discriminated against. APC is a party for all, where everyone is given equal opportunity”
He said the massive defection of the NNPP members to the APC is a sign of things to come in 2027.
According to Barau: “As it is now, NNPP is unknown in Kano North. In Kano South, the APC would soon sweep away the remnants of the NNPP there. The party is only known in a few streets in Kano Central.
“We will work with you to fast-track Kano State’s and the country’s development in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to return the country to progress and prosperity”.
-Mudashir, Media Aide to Deputy Senate President, writes from Kano.
reason for moving to APC. On the PDP side, Hon. Garba Alhassan Dawaki led former councillors
and members of the PDP from Dawakin Kudu LGA to the APC.
A gale of defection has rocked the ruling
Barau
Oyebanji
Fayemi
Report: 80% of People Without Electricity
Access Live in Nigeria, Other African Nations
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Roughly 80 per cent of people who have no access to electricity globally live in Nigeria and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa despite a decline of the number by more than 10 million, a new report has said.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) in its latest ‘Country Data on Electricity Access,’ however noted that the figure of persons who do not have power supply has slumped from over 760 million to below 750 million in the last one year.
Created in 1974, the IEA monitors energy markets and provides analysis, data, and policy recommendations to its 31 member countries and 13 association countries.
However, despite the large number of persons who do not have electricity, the report stated that data for 2024 suggest that improvements are set to continue this year, as the number of people without access to electricity is expected to decline by as much as 10 million again.
Nigeria faces persistent inadequate power supply, with about 5,000mw available, despite a demand of 20,000mw. Aside transmission infrastructure constraints, the sector is beset with distribution network inefficiencies.
Others include: Metering issues, with over an estimated half of customers unmetered, funding constraints, estimated at $10 billion annual investment deficit, corruption
and inefficiency in the sector, gas supply shortages for power plants as well as aging infrastructure.
But the global improvements remain well below pre-2020 levels, the IEA said, recalling that between 2015 and 2019, the population without access decreased each year by 80 million on average.
According to the report, around 80 per cent of the countries without universal access today it is still slower than in the late 2010s, with current improvement rates far below what is necessary to reach the target of universal electricity access by 2030.
It stated that this requires the population without access to decrease on average ten times faster than today.
While most of developing Asia and
Latin America get closer to universal electricity access, with more than half a billion people gaining access in the past decade, it said major gaps persist in sub-Saharan Africa, where 80 per cent of people without access live.
“The most severe gap persists in sub-Saharan Africa, where 80 per cent of the global population without electricity access live. After three years of backsliding, progress resumed in 2023, driven by an acceleration in grid connections, continued growth in solar-home systems deployment, and, to a lesser extent, new mini grids development.
“Six hundred million sub-Saharan Africans still lacked access to electricity, a number higher than in 2019. Even with continued progress
in 2024 as suggested by preliminary reporting, the number of people without access to electricity in the region will still be slightly higher than in 2019 by the end of this year.
“New annual connections in sub-Saharan Africa have rebounded. Decentralised access solutions now serve 7 per cent of the region’s population. The number of new annual electricity connections in sub-Saharan Africa reached more than 6.5 million in 2023, an increase of 60 per cent since the 2021 dip and just shy of the around 7 million connected in 2019.
“Countries with a strong history of expanding electricity access are contributing the most to the recovery, with significant single-year improvements in grid
connections driving the rebound in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda,” the report added. The number of new grid connections in Nigeria and the other three countries, it said, has more than doubled since the 2020–2022 dip, reaching or even surpassing pre-crisis levels. Most countries, however, are still lagging below their historical progress levels, with more than 40 per cent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa connected to the main grid and mini-grids providing access to more than 4 million additional households, it said.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has said that efforts by the government as well as oil and gas companies to plug the leakage of methane emissions, had shielded the equivalent of removing 400,000 vehicles from roads nationwide.
A statement by the UNEP from the ongoing Cop29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, said the deployment of a high-tech system that identifies
major methane leaks had delivered 1,200 notifications to governments and companies over the last two years.
However, it lamented that just 1 per cent of notifications from the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) were responded to according to the new UNEP data.
“In Algeria and Nigeria MARS notifications and engagement led to direct action from the governments and oil and gas companies to address large methane leaks. In the Algerian
case, which saw methane leaks take place for years, the annual avoided emissions are equivalent to 500,000 cars being taken off the road.
“In Nigeria case, the six-month leak emitted methane was equivalent to 400,000 cars being driven for a year and was able to be fixed in under two weeks by simply replacing faulty equipment,” the report added.
Atmospheric methane is the second biggest driver of anthropogenic global warming after carbon dioxide (CO2) and is
over 80 times more powerful than CO2 in the near-term.
According to the report, global methane emissions must be reduced 40-45 per cent by 2030 to achieve cost-effective pathways that limit global warming to 1.5°C.
“To have any chance of getting global warming under control, methane emissions must come down, and come down fast,” said UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen.
“We now have a proven system to identify major leaks so they can be
quickly stopped – often with simple repairs. We are quite literally talking about screwing bolts tighter in some cases,” Anderson added.
Anderson stressed that governments and oil and gas companies must stop paying lip-service to this challenge when answers are staring them in the face.
“Instead, they should recognise the significant opportunity this presents and start responding to alerts by plugging leaks that are spewing climate-warming methane
into the atmosphere. The tools are ready, the targets are set – now it is time to act,” he said.
On his part, Director General, Nigeria Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, said: “For Nigeria, acting on methane emissions is not just about climate responsibility, but also about local health and sustainable development.
AfDB Official: Food Scarcity Elevated Malnutrition Among Women, Children in Nigeria
The Senior Special Adviser to the
Bank Group, on Industrialisatation, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, has said the scale of food scarcity in the country has elevated malnutrition
Poultry Farmers Urge
Intervene over Rising Poultry Feeds
Kemi Olaitan
Stakeholders in the poultry sector under the aegis Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), have called on the federal government to find a lasting solution to the rising cost of poultry feed in the country.
The Chairman of the organizing committee of 13th Nigeria Poultry Show, held in Abeokuta, with the theme, “Adapting to economic realities : Innovative Approaches to poultry production amidst raw material deficit,” Dr. Olalekan Odunsi, in his opening remarks, said the challenge of the rising cost of poultry feed as well as other challenges facing the poultry industry are greatly affecting the sector.
“The poultry industry in Nigeria is a critical sector that contributes to the country’s food security, employment, and national economy. However, the
industry faces challenges that have grossly derailed its growth and sustainability,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Board of Livestock Feeds Plc, Dr. Joe Dada, who gave the keynote address at the event, on his part, urged the Federal Government to support the agriculture sector to guarantee food security while appealing to the poultry farmers to embrace new technological innovations.
According to him, “These new technological innovations in agribusiness value chains have been instrumental in promoting innovative solutions that improve farmers’ profitability and sustainability with a focus on technology-driven optimization and capacity building.”
The Chairman of the South-West zone of the association, Rev. Gideon Oluleye, in his contributions, said the show is aimed to find lasting solutions to the myriad of challenges facing the poultry industry.
among women and Children.
Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, who is also a Professorial Fellow, United Nations University, the Netherlands, said this at a recent Agriculture Summit Africa Conference, held in Abuja. With the theme, “From Scarcity to Security,” Oyelaran-Oyebanji who titled his keynote, as “Building a Production Nation,” said level of scarcity have elevated malnutrition among women and children.
According to him, “As of August 2024, around 32 million Nigerians were acutely short of food due to security challenges and reforms
of the economy. This scale of food scarcity has led to elevated malnutrition among women and children.
“These Nigerians will not be able to afford enough nutritious food every day. Those who can afford food in Nigeria pay on average 60% of their income on food, according to data by the World Economic Forum. That is the highest that citizens in any country pays worldwide for food right now. In the USA, people spend 6.4% of their income on food, in the UK the amount is 8.2%.
The Nigeria’s situation denotes an absolute state of emergency.”
He noted that scarcity has multi-dimensional vectors as the most evident is income scarcity is reflected in Nigeria’s poverty rate, showing 63 percent (133 million) are multidimensionally poor, citing NBS/MPI 2022.
According to him, Multidimensional poverty is higher in rural areas, where 72 per cent of people are poor, compared to 42 per cent of people in urban areas.
He highlighted that transition from scarcity to security requires a strong industrial base, noting that transforming the rural economy is a prerequisite to industrialisation. He continued , “Countries that have successfully made this transition, such as China, the United Kingdom, and the United States, did so by developing robust rural industrialisation strategies that linked small-scale production with larger industrial economies. In China, for example, the emergence of township-village enterprises (TVEs) played a critical role in transforming rural areas into hubs of production.”
NESG: Manufacturing, Agriculture, Others Record Declining Performance
Dike Onwuamaeze
The NESG-Stanbic IBTC Business Confidence Monitor (BCM), a flagship survey-based report of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), supported by Stanbic IBTC, has revealed that business performance across most sectors in Nigeria, especially manufacturing and agriculture, remained weak in October.
The NESG-Stanbic IBTC Business Confidence Monitor’s Current Business Index recorded a net balance of -23.24, reflecting the overall economic inertia dominating the month.
It said: “In October 2024, business performance across most sectors in Nigeria remained
weak. The NESG-Stanbic IBTC’s Current Business Performance Index recorded a net balance of -23.24, reflecting the overall economic inertia dominating the month. Sub-sectoral analysis revealed a broadly negative business sentiment, with significant declines in agriculture -30.47; manufacturing -28.72; non-manufacturing -28.16 and Trade -23.45. The services sector also faced a mildly negative business condition, marked by a net balance of -6.19.”
According to the report, the Nigeria’s manufacturing sector faced significant challenges, as its NESG Stanbic IBTC BCM index dropped to -28.72 in October 2024, reflecting mildly negative business performance and a notable decline
from the previous month.
It said: “This performance downturn was driven by high interest rates, elevated inflation, and rising production costs, which continue to pressure the sector, dampen growth prospects, and erode business performance.
“This negative trend was consistent across most manufacturing sub-sectors, except for non-metallic products, which recorded a modest positive index of 5.83. Among the most affected were the food, beverage and tobacco (-39.45); wood and wood products (-52.05), and electrical and electronics (-67.68), indicating particularly severe struggles in these areas.”
However, sub-sectors such as
textiles, apparel, and footwear (-14.20) and other manufacturing (-2.92) showed less severe declines, though they remained in mildly negative territory.
The report stated that key performance indicators further underscored the manufacturing sector’s struggles amid Nigeria’s challenging business climate. In October 2024, the NESGStanbic IBTC BCM index for the agriculture sector registered at -30.47 points, signaling a mildly negative business performance. This outcome underscored the impact of ongoing structural challenges on the sector, including insecurity, infrastructure deficits, and elevated input costs driven by exchange rate depreciation.
Seplat Energy Plc, has said Nigeria’s development will require significant improvements in access to energy to lower operating
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cost, drive job creation as well as achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Roger Brown, said this while delivering the Keynote Address at the 42nd Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual Conference & Exhibition in Lagos.
A statement from Seplat stated that Brown, who was represented by the Director, New Energy, Mr. Okey Mba, spoke on the Conference theme: Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability.
According to him, Nigeria must improve energy access and achieve a balance between equity, security and sustainability; as the country faces the challenges of population growth and lack of economic and social development because of poor energy access.
“Nigeria’s development will require significant improvements in access to energy. With gas, significant development gains can be achieved with minimal impact on emissions. The country must transition away from reliance on biomass and oil as its primary sources of energy,” he stressed.
Nigeria LNG has kicked off its Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development Basic Training Programme for its Train 7 Project, a major programme aimed at reskilling young graduates and developing human capital.
A total of 331 young graduates from diverse academic disciplines, who emerged successful out of 848 previously shortlisted from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGIC) Joint Qualification System (JQS) portal of
Sunday Ehigiator
Cutting-edge healthcare provider, GETMEDCO Concierge, officially launched its operations in Lagos over the weekend, ushering in a new era of patient-centered healthcare in Nigeria.
In a statement from the company, the launch is set to also introduce a new era of healthcare designed around patient convenience and personalised service.
“Located in the heart of Lekki,
the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), are undergoing the 12-month programme.
A statement from NLNG said the areas of training include: engineering, welding and fabrication, non-destructive testing , lifting and working at heights, quality management systems, marine and offshore services, and facility management and maintenance.
In a welcome address at the event, the NLNG Train 7 Corporate Liaison Manager, Joshua Anemeje,
the clinic’s mission is to ensure accessible, high-quality healthcare, emphasising convenience and individualised care.
“With a focus on providing exceptional standards of service and patient-centred practices, GETMEDCO is set to become a significant contributor to advancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“The launch featured engaging activities emphasising GETMEDCO’s commitment to health and wellness.
Attendees enjoyed complimentary
who represented the Train 7 project, said the execution of the project had progressed remarkably well and attributed the successful commencement of the training programme to the support of the NCDMB.
“We are excited to see the number of young men and women this programme will impact. NLNG takes pride in empowering our people, providing an environment that builds skills and capabilities.
“As you know, the Train 7 Project is nearly 75 per cent complete, employing over 10,000
vital health checks, which allowed them to experience firsthand the level of attention and care that patients can expect at the clinic.
“At the event, Leadership coach and motivational speaker Fela Durotoye gave the keynote address, emphasising the critical role of accessible healthcare in fostering healthy, thriving communities.”
In her address, the Founder of GETMEDCO Health Clinic, Dr Ena Tychus, noted that “Our vision at GETMEDCO is to redefine healthcare
skilled individuals on-site. This training offers participants a chance to make the most of their learning and apply it in future endeavours,” he said.
In the keynote address, the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, represented by the Director of Capacity Building and Corporate Services, Dr Ama Ikuru, said the programme was designed to build a pool of skilled and globally competitive workers to support the development and growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
in a way that truly places the patient at the centre of everything we do.
“This clinic was built to provide a comfortable, caring, and safe environment where each individual can access high-standard medical services tailored to their specific needs.
“We aim to set a new benchmark for convenience in healthcare, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors feels seen, valued, and supported.” she continued.”
Oluchi Chibuzor
President of African Development
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
in Ibadan
2024 NIGERIA ICT IMPACT CEO FORUM AND AWARD ...
NCAA Moves to Implement Passenger Compensation Regulation By Airlines
Urges travellers to demand their rights Boosts aviation security with air-defence training system
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has started to enforce the implementation of passenger bill of rights which ensures that they are fully compensated whenever airlines compromise in their standard of service as contained in passenger bill of rights in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR).
Also, the NCAA has enhanced Nigeria’s aviation security with the training of aviation security staff and representatives of all relevant security agencies working at the airport.
The agency said that in compliance
with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, it would be imposing fines of $170 and N10, 000 on foreign and local airlines respectively for delayed passengers’ luggage as a first measure.
It also stated that such delayed luggage must be delivered to the affected passenger on international routes within 21 days, while for local flights, it must be delivered within seven days.
NCAA records indicate that no fewer than 19,274 passengers’ luggage, across all airlines both foreign and local were declared delayed/missing in the first half of 2024.
The breakdown of the delayed/
missing luggage showed that 18,955 passengers’ luggage were missing among the international airlines, while 319 were among the indigenous carriers.
The document however revealed that 17,365 luggage of international passengers were later recovered while the other 1,590 luggage remained unaccounted for.
For the domestic carriers, the entire 319 delayed/missing luggage were recovered and delivered to the affected passengers by the 13 domestic airline operators.
Reinforcing NCAA’s determination to enforce the compensation rule during a roadshow organised by the
agency, the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, assured travellers that the regulatory agency would implement the sanctions to the letter.
Achimugu regretted that for very long time, most of the air travellers were unaware of their rights, which made the airlines continue to violate their rights.
He explained that with the roadshow, more travelling public would become aware of these rights and also the appropriate places to complain to.
“For way too long, Nigerians have been claiming not to know about the existence and the duties of the NCAA.
COP29: House C'ttee, INCLUDE, Advocate Equitable Policy for Energy Transition
The Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene has advocated accessible and equitable policies, including tax breaks and vocational grants to empower youth in renewable energy in African nations.
According to a statement issued by the lawmaker and Dr. Anika Altaf, Executive Director, INCLUDE, yesterday said this call was made alongside other stakeholders at a side event co-hosted by the Committee on Renewable Energy and INCLUDE, a Netherlands-based knowledge platform, at the ongoing Conference of Parties, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan,
where world leaders are gathered to discuss climate change issues.
Ogene further called for a deliberate inclusion of youths and legislators in conferences and workshops where issues involving policies regarding developments in climate change and energy transitions are discussed for a better understanding that would engender right policy formulation and intentional youth involvement.
The side event, titled "Driving the Just Transition: Labor-Based Incentives and Youth-Centric Policies for a Sustainable Future," according to a statement endorsed by both Hon. Ogene and Anika Altaf, PhD, Executive Director, INCLUDE, focused on actionable strategies to foster a
fair and inclusive renewable energy transition in Africa.
The discussions centered around labor-based incentives, youth-centered policies, and the intersection of equity, sustainability, and job creation.
Speakers at the event included Ogene, Dr. Altaf, Victoria Manya, (Knowledge Broker, INCLUDE), Nurgul Iliazova, Professor of Economics, Bishkek State University, Kazakhstan, Farida Ally, Kenyan youth leader, Solomon Abu, a nuclear scientist and Kgaugelo Mkumbeni, research officer, Institute for Security Studies, Kenya.
Dr. Altaf in her presentation suggested mentorship programmes and international funding to
authentically support youth-led renewable energy projects.
The conversations outlined a comprehensive approach to design labour incentives that not only support job creation, but also address the specific needs of young people.
This includes accessible financial incentives, such as grants for youthled startups and subsidies for skills acquisition in renewable energy industries; and policies that will integrate transparency and inclusivity to ensure equitable access.
The outcomes of the event reflected a unified approach to addressing Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities in the global energy transition.
Lingawa Secures $1.1mn Pre-seed Funding to Boost Language Learning
Emma Okonji
Lingawa, a leading online platform for African language learning, has successfully closed a $1.1 million preseed funding round, a development that coincides with the company’s rebranding from TopSet to Lingawa, signaling its expanded mission to connect global audiences with the richness of African culture and heritage. The funding round attracted
notable investors, including Zrosk, WEAV Capital, Kaleo Ventures, Voltron Capital, Techstars, and Dara Treseder (CMO of Autodesk and ex-CMO of Peloton).
Global giants Google and the Mastercard Foundation also contributed, reflecting widespread recognition of Lingawa’s vision and impact.
The global language learning market is projected to reach $190 billion in
the next five years, emphasising the growing demand for accessible, innovative platforms like Lingawa.
The rebranding reflects Lingawa’s steadfast commitment to empowering individuals and communities by fostering cultural pride and creating meaningful connections.
Giving insight into the pre-seed funding, CEO of Lingawa, Frank Williams, said: “Our mission has always been deeply personal.
Languages are more than words; they are carriers of identity, pride, and history.
“This funding and our rebranding to Lingawa are powerful steps forward in ensuring that African heritage is not only preserved but celebrated worldwide. This is a win for every learner reconnecting with their roots and every family discovering the beauty of our shared culture.”
“Our duty, which is what we owe Nigerians, is to bring awareness to the industry. The passengers need to become more aware of their rights so that airlines will not continue to cheat them.
“The little things about the regulations that the passengers need to know, for instance, if you arrive at an airport and your luggage didn’t arrive with you, most passengers do not know that they have a right to demand compensation from the airlines.
“If it is a domestic flight, you can walk to the airline’s counter to demand for your N10,000 for not bringing your bag with you. For international flights, it is $170.
“A lot of passengers do not know this thing, but today, we are bringing
an end to that circle of ignorance. We are bringing the regulations to Nigerians in an exciting manner.”
On the recently launched Consumer Complaints Portal by NCAA, Achimugu stressed that the portal had swelled the number of complaints from passengers, despite the teething challenges it faced at present.
He explained that the portal had put the airlines on their toes, maintaining that the regulatory agency would very soon go to the public on the effort the airlines put in place to resolve the complaints.
Apart from Lagos, the director pointed out that the roadshow and stakeholders’ summit would also take place in Abuja and Port Harcourt airports.
Envoy: France, Nigeria’s Partner in Talent Development, Transfer of Competencies
Oluchi Chibuzor
French ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier, has said his country remains a partner with Nigeria in talent development and transfer of competence as they play on equal footing with everybody in the country.
This is coming as the French Embassy in Nigeria announced the launch of the second edition of the LAGOS x PARIS Accelerator Programme, dedicated to supporting the growth of Nigerian fashion and design entrepreneurs and businesses both locally and internationally.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos recently, the French Ambassador said his country is dedicated to supporting the growth of Nigerian fashion and design entrepreneurs and businesses both locally and internationally.
He noted that as a country they are playing on equal footing with everybody in a very free manner.
According to him, “There is no doubt the look of France and Nigeria is particular at least for two things. The first one is, we are not here in a country where we used to be the former colonial power.
“So, we play here on equal footing with everybody in a very free manner. No historical legacy that can be cumbersome. And number two, we have a French President who has a
very special look at Nigeria.
“He has a Nigerian history; has been spending some time here when he was young, when he was a student.
“And his early experience with Nigeria has been extremely important to him. I think it shaped his view about how to afford the African continent nowadays for France.
“So, I would say that this programme we have set up already It's the second year. It's exactly, you see, in the framework of this new look at the continent for France. So, when I say we think about the people of Nigeria, it is absolutely the truth.”
Fonbaustier added that they want the country to be successful as both countries can leverage their potential to support each other.
He said: “We wish to be a fair partner for the talents of this country. And I think this sector, which is fashion, design, is absolutely key in that approach. For two reasons; one is it matches perfectly, France is, as you know, a well-known country for that sector and Nigeria is full of talent, energy in that sector.
“So, it matches very well and number two, it is the crossroad of art, creation and economy business. So, employment, taking of industry, transfer of competencies, reinforcement of capabilities, of know-how are really key. That's what we have in mind when we do this Lagos x Paris programme.”
Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
Juliet Akoje in Abuja
L-R; General Manager, Schubbs Dental Clinics, Mrs. Tonye Mayomi; CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria/Chairman of the Occasion, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani; Publisher/Coordinator Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum and Africa Digital Award, Mr. Tayo Adewusi; Head Strategy, Partnership and Communication, NDPC, Mrs. Abiola Jide-Abe; and the Chief Risk Officer, Hydrogen Payment Services Ltd. Mrs. Mojisola Ologe at the 2024 Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum and 12h Africa Digital Award by ICT Watch Magazine in Lagos… yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN
70TH BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING SERVICE AND CELEBRATION...
Osun 2026: Ganduje Suffering Verbal
Diarrhoea, Adeleke’s Aide, Rasheed, Declares
Party chief boasts APC will win more states Ondo poll results
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo and Fidelis David in Akure
An aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said the national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar Ganduje, suffered from verbal diarrhoea and swollen ego. Rasheed said Ganduje had an agenda to destabilise the South-west and create a crisis for President Bola Tinubu at the home front.
A chieftain of APC in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said the party's
victory in Saturday's governorship election in Ondo State was an indication that more states governed by the opposition parties, would be won by APC in no distant time.
At the same time, a foreign observer group, International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc., USA, declared that the final result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) truly reflected the records of the ballot boxes at the polling units.
Reacting to an alleged vow by Ganduje to hijack Osun in 2026,
Rasheed said the APC national chairman was unhappy with the peace and united front behind Mr. President from the South-west and had now launched vicious attacks to ignite regional political battles to weaken the president ahead of 2027.
He said the anti-democratic utterances of the APC leader contrasted sharply with the democratic credentials of Tinubu.
Rasheed stated that Ganduje spoke like an amateur dictator without respect for history.
He said, “As a well-read politician, one would have expected Dr. Ganduje to know
reflects people’s will, says int’l police chaplain
that electoral contests depend mostly on local indexes and factors and that what obtains in Edo and Ondo are surely different from political facts on ground in Osun State.
“Local permutations, grievances, and interests dictate how people vote rather than superimposed force.”
Rasheed cited the failure of the APC leader to win Kano State governorship race for his party.
But Oyintiloye, a member of the APC national campaign stakeholders engagement committee for the election, said with the overwhelming
Search for VC: MDCAN Accuse UNIZIK of Discrimination
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Medical and Dental Consultants Associations of Nigeria (MDCAN), has accused the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, of being discriminatory in its search for a vice chancellor of the institution.
MDCAN Chairman, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Chapter, Dr. Amaechi Nwachukwu, stated this yesterday during a press conference.
Nwachukwu said it was wrong for UNIZIK management to exclude
medical and dental consultants who go through a very serious academic progression, even more than professors.
There had been protests by MDCAN, Unizik Chapter over an advert for the position of vice chancellor, which specifically stated that a candidate must have a PhD, and must have attained the position of a professor, a position which MDCAN members argue is equivalent to their medical fellowship.
Amaechi while addressing journalists said: "The federal government needs to standardize
process of application for the post of university vice chancellors.
"This will put an end to the anarchy bedeviling the post of vice chancellor as we can see in Nnamdi Azikiwe University today.
"UNIZIK was discriminatory in its advert for the post of vice chancellor. We wonder why medical doctors and consultants who went through a very serious academic progression, even more than professors should not be allowed to be vice chancellor, moreso when we are the people training all the doctors in Nigeria."
The chapter chairman backed the
recent warning strike by its national body, insisting that the federal government should look into the association's demands.
"We called on federal government to also ensure that all employed doctors are paid consolidated medical salary structure as was the practice.
"Our years of service should be harmonised to allow consultants to retire at 70."
He said many of Nigerian doctors are traveling abroad for greener pastures, a situation which has depleted number of doctors available in the country today.
New PTAD Boss Assumes Office, Vows to Prioritise Welfare of Pensioners, Staff
The newly appointed Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Miss Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya, yesterday assumed office, promising to prioritise pensioners' welfare under the defined benefit scheme (DBS).
In a brief meeting with the management and staff of the directorate, she promised to build on the legacy of her predecessors and the staff who have brought PTAD
to its enviable status. She said her vision for the directorate was to ensure that "every individual feel recognized, empowered, and motivated to make meaningful contributions".
Odunaiya said: “Pensioners are the backbone of our country’s history and development, having devoted their time, skills, and energy to building the Nigeria we inherit today.
"I urge all of us to transcend personal interests and come together around our shared purpose: improving
the lives of our pensioners, who have selflessly served this nation, often in challenging circumstances."
In a statement issued by Head, Corporate Communications Unit, PTAD, Mr. Olugbenga Ajayi, she further noted: "It is both our responsibility and our honor to ensure they receive the care, respect, and timely entitlements they deserve.
"Pensioners' sacrifices must never be forgotten, and through our collective efforts, we can reaffirm their value to the nation and make their retirement
years fulfilling.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose that I address you as the new Executive Secretary of this directorate.
"I want to begin by acknowledging the remarkable work of my predecessors and the dedication of every individual who has contributed to bringing us to this point”.
The ES vowed to align with PTAD’s mission and vision with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, for a prosperous Nigeria.
support and votes given to the party and its candidate in Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa, states being controlled by the opposition should be prepared for massive defeat during their elections.
Oyintiloye emphasised that the massive 366,781 votes secured by the APC candidate, as against 117,845 by the PDP candidate, was a good indication pointing towards APC's victory in the next round of off-cycle elections in other states.
Presenting the assessment analysis for the off-cycle election in Akure, the mission spokesperson and Director of Administration and Organisations at the African Regional Command, Mr. Oscar David, urged candidates and political actors to engage legal channels in case of contestation and disagreement in results, to sustain social peace and avoid breakdown of law and order.
He stated that the election was peaceful, transparent, credible and successful, with minimal incidences and complaints by
FG
party agents at polling units and collation centre.
The group stated, "The IPCSL mission commends the people of Ondo State in their conducts and cooperation with our team members across the LGAs (local government areas), political parties and all stakeholders for enabling environment towards successful election, with show of patriotism and democratic culture, while urging all to continue to work to preserve national peace and stability in order to consolidate democracy and the rule of law, especially in a challenging socio-political context in the country.
"The mission asserts, without fear of any contradictions, that the final result declared by INEC truly reflect the records of the ballot boxes at polling units. IPCSL welcomes the good collaboration between the various international missions and domestic observers. Likewise, we salute the quality of the exchanges and shared experiences in the mission to Ondo State."
Proposes 77,400 Free Mass Houses in 774 LGAs
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The Federal Government has hinted of its plan to fund delivery of 100 housing units to the poor in each of the nation's 774 local governments through voluntary donations from no fewer than 10 per cent of the population.
The housing units are to be delivered under the proposed National Social Housing Fund currently being worked out by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Briefing newsmen at the State House, Abuja, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Musa Dangiwa, said the ministry had written to all stakeholders in government on how they intended to raise fund for the project.
"There is one option that we want to ensure that all, at least 10% of Nigeria's population, should make a voluntary contribution of N5000 monthly,
for one year, we are going to have N1.2 trillion.
"Ten per cent of total of population of Nigerians is almost 20 million. I'm sure one can give that N60,000 even at a go, not to even divide it into 12 months, 5000 times 12 is 60,000. That contribution will be meant for the low income bracket.
“We have provided houses in the cities under the Renewed Hope Cities, we have provided houses in the states, over 30 states, which is the Renewed Hope Estates.
"We want to provide houses to the local governments. In the local government, we want to identify the most vulnerable group of 100 Nigerians in each state of the federation, those are the groups we want to target and give them a house, at least two or three bedroom houses, free by the federal government, for them to live in.
James Emejo in Abuja
L-R: Celebrant/ Member Federal House of Representative, Dr. Adesola Adedayo; His Wife, Mrs. Abiola Adedayo; Assistant General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Continent 3, Pastor.
J F Adeshola; and Son of the celebrant, Fadesola Adedayo, at the 70th Birthday thanksgiving service and celebration of Dr. Adesola Adedayo held in Ebute-Metta, Lagos on Sunday
10TH NETWORK CONFERENCE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRES...
To Strengthen Operations, Oborevwori Donates
31 Vehicles to Police, Other Security Agencies
Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has donated 31 operational vehicles to the police and other security agencies in the state to strengthen their operations.
Governor Oborevwori while presenting the vehicles yesterday in Asaba, to the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, said the presentation was to enhance the joint security operations in the state, codenamed "Operation Delta Sweep".
He said the donation was informed by the general insecurity being experienced in the country and urged the security agencies to work together and share intelligence to ensure effective security in the state.
He said: "In my MORE Agenda, I promised Deltans that we would enhance peace and security and as part of this commitment, we are rebranding the operation formerly known as 'Delta
“When President Buhari assumed office in 2015, the Air Force had fewer than three serviceable fighter jets, and the Navy barely had one serviceable vessel. Within eight years, President Buhari acquired over 40 new fighter jets of different capabilities, including 12 Tucano jets.
“He also acquired naval ships to strengthen the Navy. The APC administration of Buhari developed the air wings of the Army and Navy and changed the entire Armed Forces into one of the most potent fighting forces in the world.
Hawk' to 'Operation Delta Sweep' and this rebranding underscores our renewed focus and strategy.
"Without security, meaningful development cannot take place. We aim to create a secure environment where investors feel confident to come in and invest, ultimately improving the quality of life for our citizens and fostering harmony across the state.
"This joint security task force, established on December 10, 2020, as a policy response to rising violent crimes, comprises the Nigerian Army, Police Force, Air Force, Navy, DSS, and Civil Defense Corps.
"Since its inception, this initiative has recorded significant successes in combating crimes such as illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and drug-related offenses.
"The rebranding reflects our administration's resolve to reduce crime
to its barest minimum. To support this effort, the state government has donated 31 vehicles, including 23 pickups and eight Sienna wagons, in addition to four Hilux vehicles previously delivered. This brings the fleet to 66 vehicles, aimed at enhancing daily patrols, especially during the Ember Months.
"I trust this will boost the morale of task force members and motivate them to redouble their efforts to keep our state safe.
"We remain committed to providing the necessary support to ensure peace and security in Delta State. With these measures, I am confident that our people will enjoy a secure and peaceful season."
Speaking earlier when during a courtesy call by the IGP, Governor Oborevwori lauded the exceptional, inspiring, and reassuring leadership of the Nigeria Police Force "Safe School
Program", designed to protect schools and educational institutions from terror attacks and violent crimes.
"Thanks to this initiative, parents and guardians can now rest assured that their children are under the watchful eyes of the School Protection Squad. Mr. IGP, I applaud your exemplary leadership and your willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a safe, secure, and prosperous society.
"Permit me to appreciate the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, along with his counterparts in the military and paramilitary who form the security architecture of our state.
"I am confident that under their capable leadership, Delta State is becoming safer and more secure. Their efforts have been commendable, marked by unity and cooperation,"
Oborevwori said.
In his remarks, the IG, commended Governor Oborevwori for the support to the State Police Command and other security agencies in the state and lauded Oborevwori for the way he managed the recent nationwide protests in the state.
Egbetokun said: "I am truly delighted to be here today and witness the remarkable strides being made for Delta State. It is evident that your commitment to the safety and security of the people is unwavering.
"For the visit of the Inspector General of Police, you have provided 31 brand-new operational vehicles for the state. This act speaks volumes about your dedication.
"Indeed, your unwavering support to the police command and other security agencies in the state is commendable.
With a governor like you, we don't
need to ask for more because you always deliver beyond expectations. "I want to assure His Excellency and the public that these new vehicles will be immediately deployed to enhance the operational effectiveness of the police and other security agencies under Operation Delta Sweep". The governor who was also at the opening ceremony of Police Public Relations Officers/Police Communication Experts Conference in Asaba, noted that too often, misconceptions and unverified information about Delta State spread through social media, creating false impressions. He said as Police Public Relations Officers, their role was vital in countering misinformation and fostering transparency, adding that the relationship between the police and the public is critical.
“In the last year, over 400 terror and bandit kingpins have been eliminated, and thousands of Nigerians have been freed from their abductors. The insecurity that engulfed Nigeria started under the Obasanjo administration with militancy and kidnapping of expatriate oil workers in the Niger Delta, which later became a festering wound from which the nation has not recovered.
“Boko Haram, which became a violent movement in 2009, began its build-up under Obasanjo’s regime.”
The statement said, "On matters
"President Tinubu has continued to sustain the same support and funding to the military and other security agencies. It is the reason the country is winning in the multi-pronged fight against Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other perpetrators of violent crimes.
of integrity, honesty, and morality in public leadership, Chief Obasanjo is certainly not a paragon of virtue for anyone to model after. Nigerians can still remember the messy public spat between Chief Obasanjo and his then-vice president, Atiku Abubakar, over PTDF money that led to a Senate Public Hearing in 2004.
“The sordid details of the public hearing included unsettling evidence of how Obasanjo instructed his Vice President to buy Sport Utility Vehicles for his mistresses with PTDF funds.
There was also the Halliburton bribe scandal, which the US Congress probe revealed. Bribe payments were made to the highest political authorities at the Villa while Obasanjo was in charge.
"Nigerians will also remember how the Obasanjo administration invested $16 billion in electricity, which left the country in utter darkness. The colossal amount spent on power was so embarrassing that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Obasanjo’s successor, ordered a probe.”
The presidency said Obasanjo marred the privatisation programme of his government with corruption.
It said, “Similarly, Obasanjo’s privatisation programme was scandalous. It did not deliver real value for the country. His administration cheaply sold national assets to cronies, who stripped the assets of the state-owned enterprises.
“A case in point was the aluminum smelter company ALSCON in IkotAbasi, Akwa-Ibom State, built by the military government at the princely sum of $ 3.2 billion. It was sold for 130 million dollars. Obasanjo also sank money into Turn Around Maintenance of our refineries, which never worked, leading to the massive importation of refined petroleum products.
"Such was the miasma of corruption under Obasanjo that the former governor of Abia, Orji Uzor Kalu, his party member, petitioned the EFCC, accusing Obasanjo of gross abuse of office.
"If Chief Obasanjo had addressed the many problems he critiqued in his poorly written Yale lecture when he
GOVERNORS THREATENING US OVER TINUBU’S TAX REFORM BILLS, HOUSE MEMBERS ALLEGE
available to every lawmaker to study, dissect and make inputs when we bring them up for debate,” he stated.
Agbese added that the proposed legislation was likely to scale through, but with some amendments where necessary.
Oyedele: No Region is Targeted in Tax Reform
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, yesterday, said the proposed tax reform bills before the National Assembly were not aimed to undermine any region of the country.
Speaking at an interactive session on the proposed tax reform
bills, organised by the House of Representatives, Oyedele argued that the proposed legislation would only ensure efficiency and give more revenue to states where goods and services were consumed.
He stated that currently, under Section 40 of the VAT Act, VAT revenue was allocated 15 per cent to the federal government; 50 per cent to the states and FCT; and 35 per cent to local governments.
“There is no negative thinking about any region or anything," he stressed.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the tax reforms bills presented by Tinubu would be diligently scrutinised in the best interest of Nigerians.
Abbas said the House was yet to take a definitive position on them, explaining that the House owes Nigerians a duty to ensure that the outcome of the bills is in the national interest.
Abbas said the four tax reform bills represented critical proposals from the executive to expand Nigeria’s tax base, improve compliance, and establish sustainable revenue streams for the nation’s development.
He stated, "The purpose of the interactive session is to provide members with a comprehensive understanding of the proposed bills and deepen their appreciation of their provisions, commence constructive dialogue on contentious or controversial areas, and build the consensus.
"The interaction will help identify areas that need amendment, clarification, or improvement as well as consider the compatibility of these bills with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other extant laws.
“Tax reforms form part of the provisions of the House Legislative Agenda because of their central role in achieving sustainable economic growth and development."
Abbas stressed that in every modern state, taxes were the bedrock of public revenue, providing the resources required to deliver education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The speaker lamented that despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria still struggled with a tax-to-GDP ratio of just six per cent—far below the global average and the World Bank’s
minimum benchmark of 15 per cent for sustainable development.
He said, "This is a challenge that must be addressed if the country is to reduce its reliance on debt financing, ensure fiscal stability, and secure our future as a nation.
“The proposed tax reform bills aim to diversify our revenue base, promote equity, and foster an enabling environment for investment and innovation.
"As representatives of the people, they must approach these reforms thoughtfully, understanding their potential implications for every segment of society.
“Taxes should be fair, transparent, and justifiable, balancing the need for public revenue with the burdens they impose on individuals and businesses."
ruled Nigeria for eight years, President Buhari and President Tinubu would have had a much lighter burden of fixing the country.”
The statement said, "While the Tinubu administration diligently works to overcome the country's economic challenges, it would be better and more advisable for former President Obasanjo to temper his self-righteousness in his public discussions regarding our nation’s temporary difficulties.
“Instead, his remaining years would be better spent reflecting on the missed opportunities during his own time in leadership, both as military head of state and civilian president."
Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, assured Nigerians of the lower chamber’s commitment to crafting a tax system that not only generated revenue, but also engendered equity, economic growth, and sustainable development for our nation. Kalu said tax policy was more than a fiscal tool, describing it as a catalyst for progress, a vehicle for opportunity, and a foundation for inclusive prosperity. He said tax policy must be rooted in the collective aspiration to create a tax regime that works for all Nigerians, regardless of their economic standing. Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zack Adedeji, said the agency was awaiting the outcome of the bills.
L-R: Deputy Ambassador of the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Zissimos Vergos; Representative of Minister Women Affairs, Mrs. Friya Bulus; Representative of Minister of the Justice, Mr. Bola Odugbesan; Keynote Speaker, Professor Fatima Waziri Azi; Regional Director Africa and West Asia Region International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Dr. Roba Sharamo, during the 10th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Abuja…yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE.
LBS ALUMNI HOMECOMING CONFERENCE…
L-R: Director, Alumni Relations, Lagos Business School (LBS), Henry Andoh; Dean, LBS, Prof Chris Ogbechie; Managing Director, Digital Jewels, Bosun Ayeni; Chief Executive Officer, Computers Solutions Limited, Adedoyin Odunfa; past President, LBS Alumni Association, Agada Apochi; EMBA 11 President, Joy Ezeoke; Analysis of Business Problems, Business Ethics and Panel moderator, Dr yetunde Anibaba; Chief Executive Officer, Interswitch Infrastructure, Akeem Lawal; President/Group Chief Executive Officer Transcorp Plc, Owen Omogiafo; Non-Executive Director, IntenseNG, Folusho Gbadamosi and Managing Director/CEO, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals, Valentine Okelu, at the LBS Alumni Homecoming Weekend Conference in Lagos…recently
NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorists’ Arm Depot in Shiroro, Niger
Linus Aleke in abuja
The NAF also revealed that the successful airstrikes killed dozens of terrorists in same location.
A statement by Director Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, stated that Saleh’s reign of
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday said that the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma uncovered and dismantled a critical arms depot and residence of notorious terrorist kingpin, Mallam Saleh, a loyalist of Dogo Gide, in Palele, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
DSS Quizzes, Detains Ladi Adebutu
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS invitation may be connected to an incident that occurred in the Iperu area of Ogun State on Saturday, during which Adebutu was alleged to have mobilised thugs and illegal police operatives to disrupt the local government elections across the local government area.
However, Adebutu has refuted the allegation, stressing that some hoodlums attempted to kill his son, leading to an exchange of fire between them and his security details.
The Ogun State PDP Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, confirmed the arrest and detention of Adebutu in a statement he released in Abeokuta yesterday.
According to him, Adebutu was reportedly invited for questioning allegedly in connection with disturbance during the last Saturday’s local government elections in the state.
“This is to inform the members of our great party, the PDP that the leader of the party has truly been detained by the DSS for charges yet unknown,” Adebayo said.
“However, our principal has called for calm and directed that all members of the party, supporters and well-wishers should be rest assured that this time shall pass, it is one of the prices for our democracy.
ISACA Annual Conference Holds Nov 21, 22 in Lagos
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), Lagos chapter, will on November 21 and 22, 2024 hold its annual ‘Governance, Risk and Compliance Conference’ at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA in Lagos from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
According to the President of the chapter, Mr. Tokunbo Taiwo, this year’s conference with the theme: “The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence in The Future of It Governance, Risk and Compliance’, will feature series of keynote addresses,
panel sessions and paper presentations from seasoned professionals and thought leaders from across the world.
Several notable speakers expected at the event, include: Dr. Harrison Nnaji, Group CISO, First Bank of Nigeria; Mr Wole Adeniyi, CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Dr. Tokunbo Alli, CEO, Leadway Health; Mr. Talabi Adedoyin Abiodun, Datalinks Associates; Mr. Adewale Salami, CIO, First Bank of Nigera; Mr. Fiyinfolu Okedare, Director, Forvis Mazars, among others.
Advocaat Law Practice, AOA Legal Advisers to Merge
Advocaat Law Practice and AOA Legal Advisers and Advocates have announced the merger of both firms, describing it as a momentous occasion for the legal profession in Nigeria.
Advocaat Law Practice, a full-service commercial law firm, with offices in Lagos and Abuja, will merge with AOA Legal Advocates, a boutique firm with an enviable reputation in all aspects of commercial litigation and arbitration, media, and entertainment law.
In a statement, both firms said their overlapping strengths would
see the creation of a larger firm “with a strong culture and a commitment to delivering excellence through innovative means for its clients.”
The deal, structured as a merger will see the merged firm continue to trade as Advocaat Law Practice across three offices located in Abuja, Calabar, and Lagos, serving the Northern, South- eastern, Southsouth and South-western regions of Nigeria; providing clients with enhanced capabilities across practices and sectors, as well as the resources of a more expansive geographic platform.
terror had plagued vulnerable communities in Shiroro, with attacks, abductions, and extortion leaving a trail of fear.
“However, the Air Component
of Operation Fansan Yamma had been tracking his movements, gathering crucial intel to dismantle his operations.
“As NAF aircraft swooped
in, terrorists on motorcycles were spotted in the target area.
With swift and precise action, the NAF assets unleashed devastating strikes, obliterating the weapons cache and dealing a crushing blow to the terrorists. A secondary explosion confirmed the destruction of the munitions, crippling Saleh’s capabilities.
FSRC Boss Orders Clapdown on Fake Diplomatic, Unauthorised Number Plates
Kasim Sumaina in abuja
In line with his administration’s proactive approach towards contributing to enhancing national security, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, yesterday directed the immediate clampdown on confirmed cases of proliferation of fake Diplomatic and other unauthorised number plates as seen on some vehicles plying Nigerian roads.
These identified number plates Mohammed said are fraudulently produced by suspected criminals as they were neither produced by any of the plants of the FRSC in the country nor issued by the
Motor Licensing Authorities of States. The identified fake and unauthorised number plates include but not limited to those with the following inscriptions: Diplomatic number plates, NYCN, Peace Ambassador, NAUS, CYMS, UN-Unity 01, UN-AMB, NANS among others.
Pursuant to the growing need
to bring this criminal activities to a halt, the Corps Marshal has approved immediate commencement of tactical enforcement across all formations of the Corps, so as to ensure speedy arrest and impoundment of all vehicles on Nigerian roads with the above identified fake number plates or any other of its kind.
Sit-at-home: Four Feared Dead as Gunmen Attack Anambra Communities
David-Chyddy Eleke in awka
About three communities in Anambra State were yesterday attacked by gunmen said to be enforcing the already abolished sit-at-home order previously declared by outlawed secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
At least five persons were reported dead in the attacks which happened in Abatete , Abagana and Ukpo communities.
Also, vehicles were set ablaze by the attackers who repeatedly warned people to respect the sit-at-home order.
The attacks happened between 8a.m. and 10a.m., as the casualties
were mainly men of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG).
The first attack was said to have happened in Abatete town, targeting vigilance personnel attached to the town’s PresidentGeneral (PG).
Three security men were shot and killed in the hail of bullets, while PG of the community was
also critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital.
In a separate incident, the gunmen attacked Abagana and Ukpo communities. At the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, one Vigilance Group member and a motorcycle rider were killed.
Abia Blames Opposition Politicians for Violent Attacks, Launches Counter Offensive
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogoin umuahia
Alarmed by the unprecedented wave of attacks against army personnel in Abia State, the government has alleged that “unpatriotic opposition politicians in connivance with external forces” were involved in promoting the violence.
This accusation came in the wake of the killing of two soldiers last Wednesday at a checkpoint at Ekenobizi, Umuopara, an Abia community in Umuahia South Local Government Area at the border with neighbouring Imo State.
The government’s stance on
the latest attack was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, made available to the media in Umuahia yesterday.
He announced that government has launched “a new Counter Offensive,” in order “to decimate every structure of terror erected or being erected in any Abia territory by criminals.”
The SA alluded that government was out for a total war against perpetrators of violence in Abia State, “hence citizens are enjoined not to harbour any person or persons they do not know, to avoid falling victims.
Woven Finance Unveils Brand Refresh, Showcasing Future of Innovation
Ayodeji Ake
T Woven Finance Limited has launched its much-anticipated brand refresh and re-launched platform in Lagos.
Speaking at the launch, Woven Finance Chief Executive Officer, Obafemi Collins, highlighted that the refresh represents more than a new look.
He said: “Today is about reaffirming our mission to empower individuals and businesses through accessible, innovative financial solutions. This refreshed identity reflects our values, integrity, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to our customers.
“Over the past four years, Woven Finance has become a prominent player in Nigeria’s financial sector, delivering secure, seamless financial services across Technology, Education, Fashion, Gaming, Logistics, Healthcare, Social Work, and Lending. Milestones include the pioneering introduction of Virtual Accounts in Nigeria in 2020 and an impressive customer base of over N5.2 million, with daily transaction volumes averaging over N1.2 billion across more than 105,000 transactions.”
STEM Investments Key to Nigeria Industrial Growth, Says Innovia Labs CEO
Funmi Ogundare
The Chief Executive Officer of Innovia Labs, Durojaiye Phillips, yesterday called on the government to implement policies and make investments that will promote education and career development in Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics (STEM).
He emphasised the importance of enabling and encouraging individuals to apply their skills within the country.
Phillips made this appeal during a press conference held in Lagos to unveil the top 16 institutions selected for the inaugural University Duel and Smart Challenge, organised by
Just Media.
Participating institutions include the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Covenant University, Obafemi Awolowo University (Ife), University of Ilorin, Bells University (Ota), University of Nigeria (UNN), University of Benin, Kaduna State University, Achievers University (Owo), Federal University of Technology (FUTA, Akure), Yaba College of Technology, Ladoke Akintola University (Oyo), and Olabisi Onabanjo University (AgoIwoye). Forty-eight students from these institutions will compete in Mathematics, Data Analytics, Verbal Reasoning, and General Knowledge.
Group Decries Scrapping of Niger Delta Affairs Ministry
Sunday Ehigiator
The Optimistic Outlook Empowerment Initiative for the Niger Delta has strongly decried the recent decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs established by
the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to address the specific needs of the region, saying it symbolises a lack of respect for Niger Delta residents, and could hinder the welfare and development of the area.
Addressing journalists in a media briefing held recently, the group’s Executive Director, Mr. Somi Uranta, warned that neglecting the Niger Delta could rekindle unrest among youths, which had historically disrupted Nigeria’s oil production and economy. He stressed that the wealth generated from the Niger Delta’s oil resources sustains Nigeria’s economy, making it critical to support the region’s infrastructure and local communities.
James Sowoleinabeokuta
TUESDAYSPORTS
Rwanda Spoil Final Match-day for Already Qualified Super Eagles in Uyo
Benin Cheetahs sneak into Morocco 2025 on better goals difference
CAF Narrows African Footballer of the Year List Down to Lookman, Hakimi, Three Others
With less than a month to the ‘African Footballer of the Year awards, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has officially unveiled the top five nominees in each Men’s category of the upcoming event.
The 2024 edition of the CAF Awards will be held on 16 December 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Yesterday, CAF listed Super Eagles’ star and Atalanta FC winger, Ademola Lookman, alongside Simon Adingra (Cote
d’Ivoire / Brighton & Hove Albion), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / PSG), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns) for the African Footballer of the year.
Super Eagles Captain, Williams Trost-Ekong, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the AFCON 2023 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire has been dropped. Other categories announced on Monday include; Goalkeeper of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Club of the
Year, and National Team of the Year.
The ceremony is designed to celebrate African football excellence and exceptional performances in both club and national competitions. Only the best is picked for the CAF African Player of the Year for both the men and women’s categories.
A total of seven categories have been confirmed by CAF in the Men’s Category of the awards, shortlisting the five top performing players, coaches and teams in each of the categories.
The CAF Awards 2024 covers
performances in the period between January 2024 and October 2024.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
1. Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire)
2. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
4. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
5. Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
1. Andre Onana (Cameroon)
2. Yahia Fofana (Cote d’Ivoire)
3. Mostafa Shobeir (Egypt)
4. Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria)
5. Ronwen Wlliams (South Africa)
Ondo Wins 1st Basic Education School Sport Games
From the beginning of the 1st Basic Education School Sport (BESS) Games, Ondo State maintained its lead on the medals table and ultimately emerged as the overall champion.
The event in Abuja which held from November 6 to 15 saw Akwa Ibom’s Hephzibah Gabriel-Okon named the overall best athlete.
Organised by the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), this multisport event aims to discover talents among primary school pupils nationwide.
Over 1,000 pupils from 25 states, including host FCT, competed in nine events: Athletics, Ayo, Badminton, Chess, Table Tennis, Football, Scrabble, Handball, and Volleyball. The athletes collectively won 139 medals across 40 events.
Ondo State topped the medal tally with nine gold, 13 silver, and nine bronze medals. Akwa Ibom followed in second place with six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals, while host Abuja finished third with five gold, three silver, and nine bronze medals.
Gabriel-Okon dazzled with her gold medal performances in the girls’ 100m, 200m, 400m, and 4x100m relay, contributing four of Akwa Ibom’s six gold medals.
At the weekend’s closing ceremony, UBEC Executive Secretary, Hamid Bobboyi, praised the athletes’ performances, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to school sports development.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, represented by his Special Adviser, Technical, Bawa Michael, highlighted the athletes’ performances as evidence of the country’s abundant sporting talent.
NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph, commended UBEC and the participating states for their commitment, which made the tournament a success.
She emphasized the event’s role in showcasing talent, fostering sportsmanship, and promoting national unity.
“As we close this chapter, we start a new journey to nurture and encourage our young athletes to keep participating in sports, giving them opportunities to compete in
global and continental events. We look forward to the next edition,” she said.
The closing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Basic
Nigeria’s Sunday Olapade won the 5th CIO Golf Championship at the Python Golf Club in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with a brilliant score of 271, 17 under par on Sunday evening.
Olapade shot 65, 71, 69, and 66 on each of the CIO event’s day to top the leaderboard, which included eight other African countries that featured at the N45 million purse event.
“I am very happy and just want to thank all who made this happen, especially the organisers and the leadership of the CIO.”
The win at Python Golf Club sealed a 100 percent entry record for him in three tournaments. He had won the Ivory Coast Open
AFCON 2025 QUALIFIER
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Two goals in three minutes in the second half gave Rwanda a 2-1 victory over hosts Super Eagles in the final AFCON 2025 qualifying match at the God’swill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Monday evening.
With nothing at stake for Nigeria as the Super Eagles had topped the Group D standing after pulling a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic on Thursday evening in Abidjan, the three-time African champions really didn’t think the match deserves serious attention.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen allowed three key players Stanley Nwabali, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina to be away from the lineup.
It was a tepid first half with the only clear chance falling to Kelechi Iheanacho, but his leftfooted strike was kept out by the Rwanda shot stopper.
But after a barren first half, Samuel Chukwueze fired Super Eagles into the lead in the 59th minute.
However, the Amavubi refused to give up. They scored two quick goals in the 72nd and 75th minute, to spoil the coronation party for Eguavoen and his wards. Rwanda drew level in the 72nd minute, when Jummy Mutsinzi headed home a header beyond goalkeeper Maduka
Okoye. The visitors then pulled ahead three minutes later through Innocent Nshuti.
The 2-1 victory which tied the Rwandese on same 8 points as Benin Republic was not enough to see the men from Paul Kagame country qualify for Morocco 2025. Despite the disappointing home loss, the Super Eagles won Group D with 11 points from six matches.
Benin who played goalless with Libya in the group’s other match yesterday in Tripoli, picked the runner up ticket of Group D behind Nigeria on better goals difference than Rwanda. With both teams on eight points, Benin sneaked into the tournament having zero goal difference to Rwanda’s -2.
RESULTS
Tunisia 0-1 Gambia CAF (W) (Champions League) Edo Queens v TP Mazembe AS FAR v FC Masar
Education and Services, Mukhtar Shagaya; the Dean of Chairmen, SUBEB, Professor Shehu Adaramaja; Director of Academy Services, UBEC, Mr. Roseline Medubi; and SUBEB Chairman from Abuja, Ekiti, Borno, and Anambra.
and Ghana’s PGA Championship in succession, making him the first player to achieve a treble across West Africa in a stretch.
Ikenna Okafor, the CEO of Keves Global Leasing, which bankrolled the CIO Championship, said he was not surprised at Olapade’s feat, which only underscores how hard work and focused are essential tools for success.
“Olapade won the 2022 edition of the CIO Championship and watching him this year reveals the work he has invested into his game. I have some players I keep tabs on, and Olapade’s dedication sets him apart. I think he is a good example and he has
Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Company, Ebi Egbe, has congratulated Chief Bukola Olawale Olopade on his appointment as the Director General of the National Sports Commission ( NSC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday appointed the former two-time Ogun State Commissioner for Sports as the Director General of the reintroduced NSC as part of his administration’s effort at turning around the fortunes of Nigerian sports.
In his congratulatory message, the stadium facility construction expert noted that the combination of Olopade and Shehu Dikko as Chairman will help in attracting sponsors to Nigerian sports, saying that they have what it take to move the country’s sports forward.
thrown a challenge to the bulk of young talented field behind.”
Ikenna said the joy for him and any golf enthusiast is the quality of scores that made the leaderboard.
“The players are returning great scores,” he added.
Olapade’s winning score was five shots better than Wemba Sydney, the Zambian professional who returned a 66, six under par in the closing round to pick the runner-up spot. The trio of Monday Eze (Nigeria), Mapwanya Visitor (Zimbabwe), and Michael Bulabula tied for third place returning an aggregate 280, eight under par for the event.
“This appointment coming shortly after the President appointed Mallam Shehu Dikko as the Chairman of NSC is an indication that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is serious about charting a new course for the country’s sports. These are men with quality background in sports marketing and should be able to attract corporate Nigeria into sports.
“I believe strongly that with Otunba Olopade’s wealth of experience as a former Sports Commissioner, one time President of Wheelchair Tennis Federation of Nigeria and his organisation of various marathon races across the country and the experience of Shehu Dikko as a thorough marketing person, will rob off well on the country’s sports. I say a big congratulations to both of the,” concludes Egbe.
The championship featured 140 professional golfers and included 240 amateur players from different parts of Nigeria and Africa.
Director of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria, Tony Philmoore said that the CIO event is the biggest golf event on the Nigerian Tour in a long while and it attests to the growth that is being experienced in the game in Nigeria.
“This is the growth we have worked and laboured for and we are happy that the right partnerships are birthing landmark events like this. We are very grateful to all that made this happen,” he concluded.
Femi Solaja with agency report
Super Eagles Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (left) and Raphael Onyedika in tango for ball possession with two Rwanda players during the Match-day 6 of the AFCON 22025 qualifiers in Uyo… yesterday. Rwanda won 2-1
PHOTO: POOJA MEDIA
MISSILE
Edo CJ to Govs, Houses of Assembly
“Anyattemptbythe36statesofNigeria,throughtheirrespectivestategovernors andstateHousesofAssembly,tounlawfullydissolvedemocratically-electedlocal governmentchairmenwithinthestate,isgravytodemocracy.Thisactiongoesagainst therulingoftheSupremeCourtandwillraiseseriousquestionsabouttherespect forjudicialindependenceanddemocraticprinciples"–EdoStateCJ,JusticeDaniel Okungbowa,warnsthattheSupremeCourt'sjudgment must be upheld.
ABATI
The Lucky Man of Ondo State
The battle of the Ondo state Gubernatorial election 2024 has been won and lost, with Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa emerging as the new Governor-elect: 1. 757 million eligible voters, 85.6% PVC collection, 22, 239 security officers deployed to enforce security, low voter turn-out, 17 candidates, slugging it out in 18 Local Government areas, 3, 933 polling units, with over 1, 000 election monitors and observers on active duty in all the LGAs. In the end it was actually a two-horse race between two former Deputy Governors: Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party who had previously served as Deputy to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN (Aketi) – 2017– 2020 before the trailer went between them and Lucky Aiyedatiwa who replaced Ajayi in 2021, and remained Deputy Governor till Aketi’s death in 2023. Aiyedatiwa is now serving out the remainder of Aketi’s term till February 2025 as the Constitution clearly states. When the votes were tallied and announced on Sunday, November 17, 2024, Aiyedatiwa secured an emphatic victory, indeed a landslide victory, beating his rivals 18 – 0, securing 366, 781 votes to beat Agboola Ajayi of the PDP who got 117, 845 votes. Nejo Adeyemi, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) won 4, 138 votes. Dr. Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) got a total of 2, 692 votes, and the Labour Party (LP) - 1, 162 votes. The margin of victory for Aiyedatiwa was so wide and comfortable that the complaint by the state Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr. Gbenga Akinbuli who described the election as “a show of shame” sounds like a mere garage whistle.
Names are very important to Africans and as such local naming systems are supposed to serve as referents for the circumstances of birth and the parents’ wish for the child’s future. In the South South of Nigeria, a child born when an election was held in the community could go through life named Election, or FEDECO, or Constitution. There are such names as Guinness, Heineken, Annulment, Government, Senate, Professor, Chairman, Census, Praise, Alleluia, Promise: names which may seem strange at first but hold significant meanings for the bearer. Some other names in other parts of the country are literally prayers in motion: Beauty, Gloria, Endurance and so it is with the newly-elected Governor of Ondo State. Lucky: he is indeed lucky. It is not easy to win an election in any part of Africa- whatever all the key factors in any election may be, the eventual winner needs a strong element of luck. Orimisan – My head has favoured me. Truly, the man’s head has brought him favour and grace. When his former principal, Akeredolu was ill, and was in and out of hospital, he was accused of plotting to take over, even when the 1999 Constitution is very clear about what happens when a Governor or President is permanently incapacitated or dies. No man should rejoice over the death of another, for death is the debt that all men would pay. The concept of “Ori” or “chi” as the Igbos refer to it is a major teleological category in African knowledge. It is indeed apt to say that “Ori” has brought the Governor of Ondo state to a place of grace and honour. Aiyedatiwa: “The world is now ours.” How prophetic: the world is now Aiyedatiwa’s in Ondo State. He has now won the Gubernatorial election on his own steam. The nomination battle, the road to this moment was tough and fiercely
contested, but the election last Saturday appeared to be much easier.
The point must be made that names do not on their own bring automatic success. Glory is something that must be actively worked for, happiness must be pursued with single-minded devotion, nothing in life comes on a platter of gold. I recall the case of one man who was once Governor in one of our states. He also bears the name Lucky. By the time he completed his first term in office, his performance was so poor, the opposition argued that the state did not deserve any further affliction. Many would recall that this particular Governor’s wealthy and influential father was said to have waded in, and this may be apocryphal, but word soon went round that his father pointed out to the electorate that when a child fails, the simple thing is to allow him or her to repeat the class, so that he/she can pass the examination at second try. Wily, foxy, old man’s wisdom. This may not have influenced the votes one way or the other, but the son was allowed to repeat the class. He actually got a second term in office! I leave the rest of the story to the people of the affected state who are old enough to remember.
Luck and other factors may have brought Aiyedatiwa this far, but he would not be remembered for being merely lucky. He was bound to win the election anyway, having cleared the hurdle of winning the APC nomination ticket. His closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP could not have defeated him at the polls. Both of them are from Ondo South Senatorial district. It makes simple sense to vote massively for their son who is already an Acting Governor than to vote for an Ajayi who is still aspiring to get closer to the seat. Besides, the PDP is failing as an opposition party not just in Ondo State but also at the federal level. Before 2027, the PDP would have been so weakened by “enemies within” and the mischief of the ruling party. Aiyedatiwa also had the factor of incumbency in his favour. He also had federal might on his side. Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC was so elated,
he openly boasted in Akure on Sunday that his party’s next target is to take over the South-West geo-political zone politically, meaning the APC is determined to win the next gubernatorial elections in Osun and Oyo in 2026, having consolidated its hold on Edo and Ondo states in 2024. Without a strong, resilient and strategic opposition, the APC may well be on its way to turning Nigeria into a one-party state or something close to it. This is one obvious reason the opposition parties must wake up to their responsibilities.
Aiyedatiwa has an obligation to justify the mandate that the people of Ondo state have given him and the trust that they have reposed in him. He must be the Governor of everybody, and eschew the spirit of bitterness and vindictiveness. By virtue of Section 182 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he is entitled to serve for only one term, which means that he has just four years. He can either use the four years to write his name in bold letters in the history of governance in Ondo state, or he could choose to fritter away the opportunity. He has a duty also not to disappoint the people of Ondo South who chose to support him. Dr. Olusegun Agagu from Okitipupa, Governor, 2003 – 2009 was the last person from that Senatorial district to serve as Ondo State Governor. It is only natural that the people of the area, incidentally the oil-bearing section of the state, will have high expectations that their son from Obe-Nla, Ilaje LGA would also serve them diligently as Agagu did. While managing such expectations, Aiyedatiwa must also be fair to other parts of the state, and must not for any reason think that the mandate means he must deal with the LGAs of his political opponents. Having served as Deputy Governor (2021 -2023), and as Acting Governor (2023 -2024), he knows enough about the state to understand precisely what needs to be done. He may consider returning to the N19.2 billion Araromi-Akodo/Ibeju-Lekki road which connects Ondo and Lagos States. This 50km road was flagged off in 2018 by the Ondo State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Six years later, that road which has the potential to promote agriculture, tourism and industrialization, and create economic opportunities, is yet to be completed. It is one legacy project that Aiyedatiwa, in partnership with the NDDC, should prioritize. Meanwhile, the question is to be asked: how did the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) perform in Ondo State? Ahead of the Ondo State election, questions had been raised about the integrity of INEC processes especially during offcycle elections against the background of previous elections in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Kogi, Imo, Osun States. INEC’s performance became a bigger issue of interest when the Ondo elections coincided with the report of a lecture delivered at Yale University in which the former Head of State/President Olusegun Obasanjo speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum submitted that Nigeria’s state failure is now more glaring under President Tinubu’s “Baba-go-slow and Emi lo kan” administration wherein the state has been “captured.” Obasanjo didn’t spare INEC and the electoral process either. He expressed concerns about the integrity of INEC officials. He called for the institutional reform of INEC. He added: “As a matter of urgency, the chairperson and his or her staff” should be “thoroughly vetted.” Tinubu’s spokesperson, Mr.
Bayo Onanuga has already written a scathing rebuttal to President Obasanjo questioning his moral right to sermonize about good governance, corruption and leadership. The fight between Obasanjo and the Tinubu administration is just gathering pace. Soon, the former may decide to settle the argument in a series of letters as he is wont to do. With his coterie of 13 spokespersons, Tinubu may have set up an “Iron Dome” media and public communication machinery but it is not necessary to respond to every major comment about the performance of the administration. The Obasanjo-Tinubu tango would be interesting to watch nonetheless.
To be fair to INEC, the conduct of the Ondo State Gubernatorial election was very much an improvement on recent outings by the electoral body. Electoral materials were said to have been distributed as early as 6 am on election day. By 9.30 am voting was underway across the 18 LGAs. Turn- out was low, but voting went on smoothly. There were no major reports of failing machines, missing registers or technical glitches, even if the candidates of the PDP and the SDP have had cause to complain about irregularities. Agboola Ajayi of the PDP has even called on INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu to resign. By 6.22 pm on Saturday, however, more than 90% of the results from polling stations had been uploaded on the IReV online portal. By 2.30 pm, Sunday afternoon, the election had been won and lost. It was far from being a perfect exercise, and there are strong arguments to be made for institutional reform and further amendments to the electoral framework. It was rather untidy for example that up till the last moments before the election there was confusion over the identity of the legitimate candidate of the Labour Party. INEC, quoting a Court of Appeal ruling, had to wait till the last minute before substituting the name of the LP candidate. This may have contributed to the poor performance of the party in that election. Persons with disability are often treated shabbily in elections. There was no improvement in the recently concluded Ondo state election.
But by far the most notable indication was the failure of the political parties and politicians to turn a new leaf. In Ondo state, there were reports of vote buying. Vote trading is a major form of corruption which undermines the integrity of the electoral process. The politicians were willing to buy votes, the voters were ready to sell, in the basest reflection of the transactional nature of Nigerian politics. The spokesperson of the Police Service Commission (PSC) which reportedly deployed officers to monitor police performance has said that the PSC was able to enforce discipline and civility but this is the same old story. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Abiodun Alabi who led the police team praised the security agencies “for their highest level of integrity and professionalism”. Votes are sold and bought but the perpetrators even when arrested, for the most part walk free. Security agencies must be firmer in arresting and prosecuting those undermining the electoral process. President Tinubu in his message of congratulations to Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the people of Ondo state for their maturity and civility. With over 22, 000 security agents overseeing that particular election, the least that can be said is that Nigerian elections can be more civil.
Aiyedatiwa