THURSDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2024

Senate in Rowdy Session Over Landmark Tax Reform Bills

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate was thrown into a rowdy session yesterday following the decision of its leadership to admit the federal government’s team driving the landmark tax reform bills with tax breaks for the poor and vulnerable, into the red chamber.

Trouble started when Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, announced that there were visitors who would be coming to the chamber to brief the legislators on the proposed tax reform bills. Bamidele, at the session presided by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, invoked Order 12 (1) to suspend the senate rules, and seek permission for the guests to enter the chamber and address the senators.

The visitors included Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji; Director General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu; and Chair-

STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC AND DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH FRANCE...

At FirstBank Hosted CAIBA Forum, Shettima, Alebiosu

Seek Collaborative Solutions to Drive Sustainable Growth

With N7.38 trillion trade in June, VP declares China as Nigeria’s top trading partner, capital inflow from BRICS hits $1.27 billion from $438.72m FirstBank boss seeks elimination of barriers to flow of trade, investment between Africa, China Chinese bank vows to deepen footprint in Nigeria, encourages use of local currencies in trade between African countries and China

James Emejo in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, called for collective efforts to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria and Africa, in general, amid complex development challenges.

Shettima reaffirmed the country’s commitment to alliances who “have our best interests at heart and are willing to support our growth and development in a transparent and systematic manner”.

He spoke at the opening of the 2024 China-Africa Inter-Bank Association (CAIBA) Forum, with the theme, "Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Strengthening China-Africa Trade, Industrialisation and Economic Diversification."

The forum was hosted by FirstBank in Abuja.

Chief Executive, FirstBank Group, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, called on CAIBA member states to recommit to the ideals and goals of the association by exploring innovative ways to reduce and eliminate existing barriers to the flow of trade and investment between Africa and China.

Vice President of China Development Bank (CDB), Mr. Wang Weidong, said it will continue to leverage experience and expertise in investment and financial cooperation with Africa, and strengthen exchanges with African financial institutions.

Weidong urged greater use of local currencies in trade between African countries and China, delivery of more projects under the RMB financing window in Africa, and achievement of exemplary results to improve the quality and efficiency of financial services to Africa.

He expressed satisfaction with the growing inflow of foreign capital from BRICS countries, which amounted to $1.27 billion as of June 2024, a substantial increase from $438.72 million during the same period in 2023.

Represented by his Special Adviser, General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibo, Shettima said the influx of foreign capital reflected the deepening of the country’s development partnerships and the “mutual trust that continues to grow between us”.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda sought to drive inclusive and sustainable

development, and expressed delight that the country’s financial institutions remained at the forefront of the intervention for development.

The vice president commended FirstBank for leading the charge in fostering stronger banking and financial collaborations between African banks and the China Development Bank (CDB).

He said with total trade transactions valued at N7.38 trillion as of June 2024, China remained “Nigeria's number one trading partner”.

According to him, the theme of the forum aligned with the priorities of the Tinubu administration to boost trade, foster commerce, and diversify the economy through well- structured, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Shettima pointed out, “This is not a goal that can be achieved in isolation, but rather through collaborative efforts with trusted allies and partners, such as China, who share our aspirations for a prosperous future.

“Nigeria has always been open to strategic alliances that support our domestic growth goals. This explains our active engagement with the BRICS nations, even as a non-member state, as seen in our participation in the BRICS Summit held in South Africa last year. Our commitment to these relationships was further solidified at the October 2024 BRICS Summit in Russia.”

He stated that Tinubu's diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with China were clear evidence of his commitment to the strategic partnership further highlighted by the president's official visit to China in September 2024, where he met with President Xi Jinping.

Shettima said, “During this meeting, five key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, marking a significant step in our collaboration, including initiatives related to the Belt and Road Initiative in Nigeria.

“As a nation, Nigeria remains committed to its alliances with those who have our best interests at heart and are willing to support our growth and development in a transparent and systematic manner.”

In his remarks at the forum, Alebiosu said the CAIBA platform

emerged in recognition of the growing trade, investment and development ties between China and Africa.

He said the pursuit of stronger correspondent banking and financial systems ties between Africa and China was in the interest of both parties, adding that FirstBank remains fully committed to the achievement of the over-arching CAIBA objective within the shortest time frame possible.

Alebiosu said it was quite common to see several Chinese companies operating across key sectors of the economy in many African countries, where they were instrumental in driving socioeconomic growth and infrastructural development.

Similarly, he said several businesses on the African continent had primary Chinese trading partners either as buyers of minerals, metals and other raw materials or suppliers of finished goods, such as electronics, phones, and equipment.

Alebiosu further underscored the need for stronger partnership between Africa and China as a panacea for driving further improvement in trade and the overall socio-economic transformation of the two regions.

He said, “As an institution, through our dedicated Chinese desks, manned with both Chinese nationals and Mandarin-speaking personnel, we have taken concrete steps to improve our understanding of the Chinese culture, business

philosophy and the needs of the numerous Chinese firms operating across all our operating countries.

“At FirstBank, we are also poised to double-down on our coverage of the Chinese market through expansion of our business presence beyond Beijing to other important commercial centres in China, including Guangdong and Shanghai. These steps reflect the strategic importance that FirstBank has ascribed to China in particular and Chinese businesses in general.”

The vice president of CDB, Weidong, said the bank will continue to leverage experience and expertise in investment and financial cooperation with Africa, and strengthen exchanges with African financial institutions.

He said the bank intended to respond to Africa's industrialisation initiatives and expand the scope and capacity for cooperation between China and Africa.

He added that the bank will also support capacity building, green development, and financial

innovation, among others. Weidong said, “CDB will utilise China-Africa development finance special funds to support infrastructure in Africa, promote the African continental free trade area, and improve China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.

“We will continue to utilise the special loan for African SMEs to enhance knowledge sharing and technology transfer to promote Africa's industrialisation and economic diversification.

Code of Conduct Bureau Seeks PublicPrivate Partnership to Fight Corruption

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), has called for a public-private partnership (PPP) strategy to fight corruption in the country.

The Chairman of CCB, Dr. Abdullahi Bello, made the call yesterday, in Abuja at the maiden graduation ceremony of Behavioral Insights Network, Transparency and Accountability (BINTA) project organised by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) and funded by MacArthur Foundation Bello said he was excited about the partnership between the CCB and private partners in the fight

against corruption.

"The event marks a significant milestone not only for the BINTA fellows but for the fight against corruption and promotion of ethical practice in both public and private sector of our great nation,” he said.

The Executive Director, PIC, Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, in her welcome address explained that the BINTA fellowship was designed to strengthen the capacity of anti-corruption change makers to leverage behavioural insights to disrupt the socially normative status of corruption in Nigeria.

"You don't have to be perfect, you will keep improving and pushing through. But the insights are useful

in ensuring that we're driving a community, a large ecosystem of people who can really do very valuable work when it comes to issues relating to anti-corruption. But just to give a brief overview of how we got here, this project is called Harnessing Behavioural Insights to Counter Corruption," she said.

A BINTA Fellow, Dr. Victor Ajieroh, while sharing his experience said the fellowship had empowered him with innovative skills to contribute to addressing corruption, skills to effectively understand the courses, design intervention tests, implement them and scale them.

Tinubu to Lead Nigeria’s Team to Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission Meeting in Cape Town

The 11th session of the Nigeria – South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) will hold in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 28th to December 3, 2024, with President Bola Tinubu expected to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, stated that the details of 11th BNC are

as follows: 28th – 30th November - Senior Officials Meeting; 2nd December - Ministerial Meeting; 3rd December - BNC (Presidential) Meeting

The Nigeria – South Africa BiNational Commission was created to facilitate cooperation between the two countries in areas such as: defence and security, science and technology, education and culture, manufacturing, and energy. According to the statement, the

11th Session of the BNC would among others provide a framework for collaborative and cooperative efforts to bring Africa into the mainstream of global political, social and economic developments; afford the governments and private sectors of both countries to consult each other on their respective economies and investment climates with a view to promoting trade and industry; improve bilateral relations in the field of technology, education,

health, culture, youth and sports; utilise the generous endowments of both countries to maximise socio-economic development, through economies of scale, global competitiveness and specialisation; among others.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca OdumegwuOjukwu, is expected to lead the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation to participate at the Ministerial Meeting of the BNC.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

L-R: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Abubakar, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Mines, Dele Alake, a senior government official, Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq and the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah with the President Tinubu who is currently on a State Visit in France …yesterday

HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE ON INVESTMENT IN GENDER EQUALITY...

L-R: His Royal Highness, Emir of Shonga, Dr.Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa; Director General, African Development Bank, Nigeria Country Department, Dr. Abdul Kamara; UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulieman Ibrahim; and Chairperson, Nigerian Governor's Spouses Forum, Professor Olufolake Abdul-Razaq, during a High- Level Dialogue on Investment in gender equality and ending violence against women for rights and development held in Abuja... recently

Doubts over Peace Deal as US Claims Win for Hezbollah-Israel 60-day Ceasefire

The Joe Biden administration has claimed the long-awaited ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel as a diplomatic triumph, with a hostile Donald Trump administration waiting in the wings.

Speaking from a lectern in the Rose Garden of the White House, Biden yesterday called the result “historic” and said that it “reminds us that peace is possible”.

It would return civilians to their homes, he said, and had “determined this conflict will not be just another cycle of violence,” the Guardian UK reported him as saying.

Yet the peace, which was preceded

by heavy Israeli airstrikes in Beirut in the final hours before it came into effect, is shaky at best. The complex agreement will allow Israel to continue to strike targets in Lebanon that it deems a direct security threat and will largely depend on Benjamin Netanyahu’s sense of restraint to endure.

The 60-day ceasefire will also rely on expectations that the Lebanese army can keep the peace in Hezbollah strongholds, that Hezbollah will not manage to rearm and that Lebanon can transform itself following the destructive war.

And finally, it takes place during a power transition from a strongly internationalist Biden administration

to Trump’s “America first” worldview. Given all that, analysts say there is still a significant chance that fighting in southern Lebanon could resume.

Yet that there even is an agreement is a rare win for the Biden administration after months of promises that its negotiators were close to securing ceasefires to halt Israel’s conflicts with Hezbollah and Hamas.

A senior US administration official, speaking on background, said that he saw a “light at the end of the tunnel” in late October, reportedly after tacit support was given to Israel’s strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, by Trump himself at Mar-a-Lago.

Axios reported that Dermer then met with top Biden administration

officials to hammer out the final details of the deal. The motivation in the administration, the adviser said, was the “loss of life and the realisation to both sides that the battlefield is not going to be the final answer”.

One cause for hope is that the Trump administration appears to be taking ownership of the policy by claiming it as its own triumph.

“Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” the Florida representative Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser, said in a post on X.

“His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards

House Summons CBN Governor, Banks’ GMDs over Challenge of PoS Users’ Documentation

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Digital and Electronic Banking, Finance, Banking Regulations, and Financial Crimes to invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of all commercial banks and other financial institutions utilising point of sale (PoS) services to appear before the Committees and find immediate and lasting measures over the challenge of verifiable documentation of POS users and report back within four legislative weeks.

de-escalation in the Middle East,” he added.

Looking forward, the US administration official said, the administration believes it may have a “window of opportunity” to leapfrog from the Hezbollah deal on toward a far more elusive ceasefire in Gaza.

But much will rely on the Lebanese army’s ability to maintain a peace in the country’s south (a similar security guarantee failed after a 2006 war). This time, the US will play a far more central role in providing materiel and then diplomatic support to prevent a new war from breaking out.

If the Lebanese forces appear incapable of preventing Hezbollah from rearming or receiving support from Iran, then the Israeli military may step up attacks again, the report said.

Fubara Begins Payment of N85,000 Minimum Wage to Rivers Workers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Okafor noted the increasing challenges posed by the undocumented identities of PoS users and fund recipients in Nigeria, leading to opportunities for fraudulent activities within the financial system and the necessity to combat such illicit practices and safeguard the integrity of financial transactions within Nigeria.

He informed the House that undocumented PoS transactions from both parties create a loophole for fraudulent activities, such as identity theft, money laundering, and unauthorised transactions.

Also, by enforcing the documentation of users' identity, the incidence

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the ‘Need to Implement Verifiable Documentation of PoS Users' and Fund Recipients' Identities in Nigeria,’ moved by Hon. John Okafor at plenary yesterday.

of fraud will significantly reduce and the security of financial transactions in Nigeria would be enhanced, adding that proper documentation of PoS users’ identity fosters accountability among operators and users.

"This transparency will help trace transactions back to the individuals involved, holding them accountable for illegal activities conducted through the PoS system, and ensure a lasting end to the criminal use of PoS," he added.

The lawmaker further stated that there was an obvious regulatory bias and enforcement challenge towards due process by the relevant regulatory bodies and the urgency for immediate intervention to avert this ugly situation and shield Nigerians from the hands of criminalities through

the use of the POS system.

"Establishing a system for verifiable documentation of POS users’ and recipients’ identity aligns with the national and international financial regulatory requirements with the objective of preventing financial crimes and ensuring compliance with anti money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations.

"Implementing stringent identity verification measures will protect consumers and businesses from becoming vulnerable to fraudulent schemes carried out through POS transactions.

“Additionally, the process will build trust in the financial system and encourage greater participation in the growing cashless transactions system in Nigeria," he added.

Workers in the Rivers State government civil service yesterday commended the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara for implementing the N85,000 minimum wage he promised.

On announcement of the new minimum wage for the workers, Fubara had assured that implementation will commence from November salary.

President Bola Tinubu in July this year approved N70,000 minimum wage nationally, following pressures by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as a way to tackle the current economic challenges in the country.

Considering the impact of the civil servants in Rivers State, Fubara announced N85,000 as the new minimum wage for the state workers with assurance that the state will pay it through its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Fubara who also disclosed

that the state had not focused on borrowing funds for the ongoing developmental strides in the state, had announced an increase of the State IGR from N11 billion by the previous administration to N27 billion under his administration. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nigeria Civil service Union, Rivers State chapter, Chukwuma Osunna, has confirmed the payment of the new salary structure in an interview. He said: "The governor has fulfilled his promise. As at today , November 27, 2024, I can confirm that he has paid the N85,000 new minimum page to workers and the workers are happy.

"We met under the joint council, sat with the Head of Service, saw the salary chart and confirmed that the N85,000 is well calculated and implemented in the November salary of workers, so, payment started today and by tomorrow, other banks will start to pay too.”

Tinubu Arrives Paris for Three-day State Visit to France PH Refinery: Peter Obi Congratulates NNPCL, Says Nigerians Await Benefits

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris yesterday evening for a three-day State visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.

With the presidential aircraft, Nigeria Air Force 1, touching down at Orly Airport in Paris at about 5:10 p.m, the President was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.

The official engagements, according to a statement by Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, would

begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu. The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l'Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.

The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.

In collaboration with President Macron, Tinubu would address initiatives to boost youth exchange

programmes and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.

Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.

Brigitte Macron and Nigeria's First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria's First Lady's Renewed Hope Initiative.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi has congratulated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for successfully revitalising the old Port Harcourt refinery.

The NNPCL announced on Tuesday that the 60,000 barrels-perday refinery has resumed operations, a development that has sparked widespread excitement among Nigerians. Many are hopeful that this will mark the end of the country’s reliance on the importation of petrol.

In his reaction, Obi in a statement yesterday, expressed optimism, noting

that Nigerians are eagerly anticipating the positive impact the revitalisation would have, particularly in terms of reducing the price of petroleum products at the pump.

“I wish to congratulate the NNPCL for fulfilling the long-standing promise of revamping the old Port Harcourt refinery.

“The refinery, which comes on stream today, boasts an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Approximately 200 trucks are expected to load products daily from the refinery.

“Nigerians now await the corresponding impact and benefits on pump prices and the overall

economy”, he said.

The former governor of Anambra State also expressed optimism regarding the revival of the Kaduna refinery, calling the news promising

“While we acknowledge these achievements as a step in the right direction, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of transparency in the operations of the NNPC.

“Nigerians deserve clarity and accountability regarding the management of the nation’s vital oil resources, ensuring that the benefits of increased refining capacity reach every Nigerian and that the gains are used to support long-term development.”

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE BY THE PRESIDENT...

UK Opens Africa’s Biggest Visa Application Centre in Lagos

The United Kingdom’s biggest Visa Application Centre in Africa has been opened in Lagos, Nigeria through the UK’s new commercial partner - VFS Global.

A statement yesterday, by the British High Commission stated that residents of Nigeria travelling to the UK can now book appointments to submit their visa applications through VFS Global’s new state-of-the-art Visa Application Centres (VAC) located in Abuja, Ikeja (Lagos) and Victoria Island (Lagos) which have commenced operations since19 November.

Commenting at the launch of the new UK Visa Application Centre today in Ikeja, Lagos, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, said: “I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS deliver ever improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”

Director of Visa, Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Mr. Marc Owen, said: “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa. In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225k

UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants.”

Head-Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, Mr. Alok Singhal added that: “We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in Nigeria. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Nigeria our best-in-class services.”

The UK is a popular destination for travellers across Africa, with Nigeria being among the highest nationalities by volume for UK visit visas, accounting for five per cent of the global total. In the African region, VFS Global will provide Visa Application Centres for the UK in 31 countries.

According to the statement, UK visa customers can now choose from optional services offered by VFS Global, to provide enhanced comfort and convenience. These include document upload assistance, Prime Time for application submission outside of business hours, SMS notifications, document checking service, and courier return of the passport once a decision has been made. VFS Global’s Keep My Passport While Applying service allows customers to keep their passports

once their application is submitted and biometrics have been enrolled. Customer will only need to resubmit their passport when a decision is reached.

The statement added that: “Customers in Abuja can also

submit their UK visa applications from the comfort and safety of their home, office, or any other preferred location with our On Demand Mobile Visa service. In addition, their Premium Lounge service offers a personalised

submission experience with dedicated staff members.

“These services are completely optional and have no bearing on the processing timeline and outcomes of visa applications.

“As a partner to the UK

Visas and Immigration since 2003, VFS Global offered visa services in 58 countries before the new contract and has now been awarded the contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide.”

Housing Finance in Nigeria: FMBN Hosts IUHF Sec Gen, Germany, Niche PR, Explores Global Best Practices

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive, Shehu Usman Osidi, Tuesday, received the Secretary General of the International Union for Housing Finance (IUHF), Germany, Mr. Mark Weinrich, for a strategic engagement.

The engagement targets improving access to mortgage financing in Nigeria as the visit focused on exchanging ideas, sharing global best practices, and exploring innovative solutions to Nigeria’s housing challenges.

Accompanying Mr. Weinrich were the former Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, Dr. (Mrs.) Hannatu Fika, and the founding CEO/Lead Consultant of the top-flight Niche PR and Events Consultancy, Mrs. Marcella Iyitor.

In his welcome address, Osidi highlighted the importance of the collaboration, noting that Mr. Weinrich's presence affirms the collaborative spirit between IUHF

and FMBN.

He praised the IUHF’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange, which are essential for advancing affordable and accessible mortgage financing.

The MD/CE highlighted the active participation of the FMBN in programs and conferences organized by IUHF and the African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF), reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to leveraging global partnerships to achieve its housing goals.

He also unveiled the Bank’s plan to establish a digital National Mortgage Assets Registry as directed by the National Council on Land, Housing, and Urban Development, further demonstrating FMBN’s leadership in modernizing Nigeria’s mortgage infrastructure.

In his remarks, Mr. Weinrich lauded FMBN’s efforts at providing affordable housing loans to Nigerians, expressing IUHF’s readiness to support the Bank with technical assistance.

House Launches Probe into Environmental Remediation Fund, Gas Flaring Fines

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Gas Resources, Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Environment to investigate the Environmental Remediation Fund to determine what action was taken with the funds as remediation (if any) in negatively affected oil producing areas in Nigeria from 2018 to date. The House also has resolved to investigate the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission on the amount it has received as fines for Gas Flaring and payment for Flare Gas in Nigeria to determine how the

funds were utilised and report within six weeks for further legislative action Consequently, the lawmakers urged the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission to produce and publish a report stating the dates and amount of all the oil producing companies that made payments for flared gas, and also a report stating the dates and amounts it received from companies that were fined for gas flaring in Nigeria from 2018 to date. These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the Need to Investigate the Management of the Environmental Remediation Fund Established and Managed by the Nigerian Upstream Regula-

tory Commission moved by Hon. Okpolupm Etteh at plenary on Wednesday.

Etteh noted that Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission is empowered by Section 103 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 to establish an environmental remediation fund for the rehabilitation or management of negative environmental impacts in communities where oil exploration is carried out.

He also noted that the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission is empowered to impose fines and receive monies for gas flaring, as provided for in Section 13 of the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste Pollution)

Regulation 2018 and Section 104 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 respectively.

According to him, the Commission has regularly furnished the general public with yearly oil production status reports from 2020 to date but failed to publish reports on gas flared in Nigeria that show the amount of gas flared in accordance to the provisions of Section 16 of the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste Pollution). Adding that based on the oil production status report for the month of May 2024, there are about 30 operational oil terminals in Nigeria in oil mining lease areas and marginal fields.

He introduced the Kazakhstan mortgage finance model, renowned for its ability to address both housing demand and supply efficiently, resulting in affordable housing solutions and increased homeownership.

Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdu, FMBN’s Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services, stressed the strategic value of partnerships like this in attracting international funding for housing development in Nigeria.

On her part, Dr. (Mrs.) Fika reiterated the urgent need for the federal government to recapitalize

FMBN, emphasizing its critical role in addressing the nation’s housing deficit.

On the sidelines of the strategic engagement, Niche PR CEO/Lead Consultant told THISDAY that given the critical importance of domesticating global best practices both in housing finance and the built sector at large, her agency is making impactful strides in putting Nigeria on the global map as a major force in housing development on the continent by helping to upscale stakeholders’ knowledge of the industry.

Senate Panel Screens Army Chief in Closed Session

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Members of the Senate Committee on the Army yesterday screened the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede for appointment as the substantive COAS.

The panel led by their Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar'adua, screened the Army Chief in closed session for security reasons.

Addressing journalists shortly before the doors of the meeting venue were shut, Yar'adua said the screening and legal confirmation process of nominees form an important part in legislative engagement.

He noted that Senate at its sitting on Tuesday, read the request of the President, seeking the confirmation of Oluyede's appointment as Chief of Army Staff.

He said the National Assembly remained the only arm of government vested with powers to make for peace, order and good governance of the country.

He said: “As a result, the parliament must be seen to respect and

take active notice of and uphold any law relating to national legislation, institutional provision and judicial pronouncement made by court of competent jurisdiction in matters affecting the nation.

“It is no doubt that the security sector governance aims at elaborating rules that set standards for state and human security by applying the principles of good governance to the security sector, thereby making security provision oversight within the framework of democratic civilian control.

“This underscores the seriousness attached to the discharge of our jurisdiction on behalf of Nigerians in performing this screening exercise of the nominee as required by the law of the federation.

“This is in order to ensure efficiency and drive effectiveness of institutions and their operators in fulfilling their respective roles and responsibilities in the spirit and culture of service.

“It is a known fact that our nation is currently bedeviled with multiplicity of security challenges requiring cogent and urgent solutions.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Professor Kingsley Moghalu (L), president of the African School of Governance (ASG), Kigali, Rwanda, with Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and Co-founder of ASG, at State House in Kigali after the Rwandan President received him in audience on Tuesday

House Approves MTEF, Pegs Exchange Rate at N1,400/$,

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives yesterday, approved the 2025–2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

The Green chamber pegged the exchange rate at N1400/$ for 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively.

It also projected oil benchmark prices at $75, $76.2 and $75.3 per barrel for 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of the report submitted by Committees on Finance and National Planning, chaired by Hon. James Faleke at the plenary yesterday.

The House added that the threeyear projections for domestic crude oil production had a significant increase from 1.78m bpd in the preceding year to 2.06m bpd, 2.10m bpd and 2.35m bpd for the subsequent years of 2025, 2026 and 2027.

The House further projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates of 4.6 percent, 4.4 percent, and 5.5 percent for 2025, 2026, and 2027.

It projected the inflation rates at 15.75 percent, 14.21 per cent, and 10.04 per cent for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively.

It, however, lamented that the critical agencies such as NNPC, NLNG, Immigration Services and others that are relevant to the attainment of set revenue targets engage in public-private partnership and joint

venture arrangements inimical to the revenue growth of the country.

The House decried non-remittance of operating surpluses into the Federation Account by the NNPCL due to what it called under recovery with the claim that the federating units owed it the sum of N10 trillion.

It pointed out that most revenuegenerating agencies violate the Fiscal Responsibility Act due to lack of punitive provisions in the Act.

The House noted: “That the GDP growth rate which is projected at 4.6 percent, 4.4 percent and 5.5 percent for years 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively, be approved.

“That the projected exchange rate which stands at N1400/$ for years 2025, 2026 and 2027 be approved subject however to review in early

Benchmark $75

2025 according to monetary and fiscal policies.

“That the Inflation rates projections which are 15.75 percent, 14.21 percent and 10.04 percent for 2025, 2026 and 2027, be approved.

“That the projected oil benchmark prices are $75, $76.2 and $75.3 per barrel be approved for 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively;

“That the three-year projections for domestic crude oil production had a significant increase from 1.78 mbpd in the preceding year to 2.06, 2.10 and 2.35 for the subsequent years of 2025, 2026 and 2027 be approved.”

The House, however, directed its Committees on Finance, National Planning and other relevant Committees to carry out an in-depth

investigation of such agreements by the NNPCL, NLNG and Immigration Services with a view to reconcile remittances to the Federation Account.

It also mandated the Committees on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, and Petroleum Downstream are tasked to investigate reports from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Responsibility Commission alleging that the NNPC withheld N8.48 trillion as claimed subsidies for petrol.

It noted that the investigation would address the NEITI report stating that NNPC failed to remit $2 billion (N3.6 trillion) in taxes to the federal government.

The House further directed the committees to verify the total

SENATE WADES INTO FG'S N1.6TRN DEBT TO EGBIN, INDUSTRY'S FX CRUNCH, GAS SUPPLY CONSTRAINTS, OTHERS power infrastructure materials.

However, the senate also promised to help address other challenges confronting power companies in the country, including access to foreign exchange (FX), gas supply, incessant grid collapses, and sabotage.

Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Senator Emmanuel Udende, made the promise yesterday when he led a delegation of the committee on an oversight visit to Egbin Power plant in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

As a committee responsible for overseeing the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and all the privatised government assets, Udende said they had been visiting the companies and assets to ascertain their performance post-privatisation, with a view to improving them.

Briefing journalists after the session with Egbin's management, he stated that government owed Egbin a whopping N1.6 trillion, an issue he said the senate needed to

look into to find a lasting solution.

Udende stated, "We go around to see for ourselves the performance of these assets since privatisation. We've been to some of them. We've been briefed about the performance of Egbin Power Plc and we are quite impressed with this particular company. The resilience shown by the management of this company is quite commendable.

"I'm quite impressed with what they have done. They are owed a very huge sum of money, N1.6 trillion. It's quite huge and they are still operating. I like that spirit. I'm quite impressed that this debt is being owed and yet they are operating.

“I wonder how. I will go back once we get the full report. We'll look at what we can do to ameliorate that situation.

"When we get back, we'll take a look at it. We are legislators. We can either come by way of motion or legislation. We'll look at it holistically. We can also invite that company with BPE. We'll

MAJOR MARKETERS SUSPEND PETROL IMPORT, NOW SOURCE FROM DANGOTE REFINERY

including 11 Plc., Ardova Plc., Conoil, MRS, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and TotalEnergies, collectively account for between 40 and 50 per cent of Nigeria’s petroleum products market share.

Isong was represented at the discourse by MEMAN's Head of Economic Intelligence, Research and Regulation, Ogechi Nkwoji.

The MEMAN CEO, who spoke on "Fuel Pricing," explained that while members of the association had licences to import petrol, they had in recent times relied on local supply from Dangote refinery due to the competitive market framework already in place.

He stated that products lifted from Dangote refinery were transported via trucks and vessels to marketers’ facilities in Lagos, highlighting the operational flexibility within the supply chain.

Providing a detailed breakdown of volumes lifted during the 10 weeks, Isong stated that MEMAN members loaded 29,468,333 litres in Week 38 (September 16–22, 2024), followed by 20,843,322 litres in Week 39, and 27,236,283 litres in Week 40.

He said, “However, volumes began to decline in subsequent weeks, reaching a low of 1,600,000 litres in Week 46.

“The supply slightly rebounded to 11,596,397 litres by Week 47 (November 18–24, 2024)."

Isong revealed that the development stemmed from a federal government directive, issued through the Ministry of Finance, which ended NNPCL's intermediary role and paved the way for independent petroleum marketers to negotiate and purchase petrol directly from local refineries, fostering competition and efficiency.

He disclosed that the spot price of petrol based on the 30-day pricing trend from October 10

to November 22, 2024, stood at N976.07 per litre. He added that the average price during the same period was N971.14 per litre.

Isong maintained that the product cost per metric tonne was estimated at N708,390, calculated using a foreign exchange rate of N1,665.99 to the dollar.

On factors influencing petrol pricing in Nigeria, Isong explained that critical cost components included the jetty location, such as ASPM, and a standard product quantity benchmarked at 38,000 metric tonnes.

He stated, “The pricing methodology relies on the Argus Gasoline Euro-Bob benchmark for West African deliveries, combined with an average premium.

“The exchange rate is derived from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) weighted average rate within the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), which significantly impacts the final price."

Isong added that finance charges contributed heavily to the cost structure, pegged at 32 per cent per annum over a 30-day cycle.

He said freight costs for Ship-toShip (STS) operations and related charges reflected a 10-day delivery timeframe to the ASPM jetty, Lagos Midstream Jetty (LMJ) located at the Lagos Apapa Harbour.

“Other local charges include those imposed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for services, such as towage, berthage, and cargo handling, as well as contributions to NIMASA at two per cent of local freight and regulatory fees from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which add a combined one per cent levy,” Isong said.

He stated that the miscellaneous costs were capped at N2.00 per litre, further illustrating the country’s complex fuel pricing dynamics.

get solutions. We are legislators."

Udende said Egbin and other power plants faced challenges such as vandalism, inconsistency of the grid, gas supply, and forex constraints, assuring that the committee would come up with a holistic solution to the issues.

Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, Mr. Mokhtar Bounour, revealed that the company had been in constant interaction with relevant stakeholders in the Nigerian power sector, including the legislators, in order to improve the sector.

Bounour reaffirmed the company's commitment to the stability of the grid and the growth of the country's economy. He said the power industry in general was in need of support to overcome the challenges that generation and distribution companies faced.

He listed access to forex, huge unpaid debt, vandalism that affected grid stability, as well as access to gas at the right domestic price as major issues confronting the Generation Companies (Gencos).

"So all these have to be on the table and we hope that they (the senate committee) can help us in escalating this," Bounour said.

Director at Egbin Power Plc, Mr. Kola Adesina, called for a whole-of-community approach to fish out vandals involved in destroying power equipment in the country, in order to guarantee stability of the national grid.

Adesina also called for increased investment inflow into

the sector. He said there was need for a concerted community-based conversation on tackling issues of vandalism and energy theft in the country.

"Once the security people start to do something in that regard, we need to make it a bottom-up approach,” Adesina said.

“Somehow, midway, we can now have a consensual approach to this. It's a value system thing and it needs to be addressed frontally," he added.

He commended the federal government for its willingness to listen to operators in the sector and take act to address their challenges.

Meanwhile, the federal government spent about N8.8 billion to repair and put into functional use 128 transmission towers vandalised across the country from January 2024 till date. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Mr. Suleiman Abdulaziz, disclosed this at the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja, according to a statement by Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji. Abdulaziz, who was represented by Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSO) of TCN, Olugbenga Ajiboye, said between January 13, 2024 and now, 128 transmission towers had been destroyed either by vandals or bandits across the country. He lamented that when the vandals were apprehended and

handed over to the police for prosecution, they were easily let off the hook and allowed to return to the communities to continue with the criminal act.

The TCN boss recounted, “As I talk to you today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. Till date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by our estimation, to put them back to full and functional use.

It is so sad that each time the vandals were caught and taken to the police for prosecution, the police would incident them for theft, instead of vandalism, and they will be bailed.

"If they are charged with vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are. So many of them have been arrested, but each time, they will be bailed because police often incident their cases as that of theft.

“When the Shiroro-MandoKaduna towers were destroyed, we had to get the full military escorts for our contractors to get the transmission lines and towers restored and in some cases, they would tell us that we could only work for two hours in some days.

“In some instances, they would even tell us that it was not safe to move there. How do we get out of this? How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these terrible circumstances? These are part of the challenges we are facing in the power sector.”

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed that the federal government was working

in collaboration with the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) to make electricity available to 50 million Nigerians by the year 2030.

Represented at the quarterly meeting by his Chief Technical Adviser, Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi, Adelabu said the power ministry was collaborating with its finance counterpart to get achieve that. The minister said, “The Mission 300 is being driven by the World Bank and the African Development Bank and it is a project that will provide electricity to 300 million Africans and Nigeria will benefit 50 million from this. Nigeria has a large population that is without electricity and this is a great opportunity for us to be part of this process.

"The compact document will be signed by our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Tanzania in January, 2025. We worked extensively with World Bank, the AfDB and the Ministry of Finance to develop the document with all the countries that will be participating in it.

“The most important thing is that we have to drive the process by ourselves through the private and public sector participation. We will do it through the solar form system, mini and micro grid, grid extension and connection.”

Based on Nigeria's lean resources, Adelabu said it was not feasible to extend the grid to all Nigerians, stating that funding challenge and lack of commercially viability make that difficult.

SENATE IN ROWDY SESSION OVER LANDMARK TAX REFORM BILLS

man, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele.

The senator for Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ningi, raised a point of order, drawing the attention of the presiding officer to an error in the decision to admit the guests into the chamber because they were not captured among the categories of people recognised in the rule book.

Ningi cited Order 12 of the senate rule book to read out the categories of people who should be admitted into the chamber.

However, Bamidele clarified that he sought the suspension of the Order 12 to admit the people.

Barau noted Ningi’s point of order but said the essence of inviting the visitors was to educate Nigerians through the senate on the controversial tax reform bills to avoid confusion among the citizenry.

Bamidele's motion to welcome the guests was seconded by Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, and before the Serjeantat-arms led the visitors into the chamber.

But just as the guests were taking their seats, former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume objected strongly to the decision to let them in.

Ndume said the Tax Reform Bill was not on the Order Paper and the senate rules prohibited discussions on matters not listed

on the order paper without proper procedural adjustments.

“This is a very important matter, and we must follow the rules,” Ndume stated, warning that circumventing protocol undermines legislative integrity.

He urged the senate to ensure proper representation of Nigerians’ interests, stressing the bill’s significance in the face of public concerns.

Ndume insisted that the matter was too important to be manipulated and the senate should not in any way play around the tax reform bill as Nigerians had spoken.

He stated, “This is a very important matter. We should not in any way try to use the position of the senate because the Order Paper is clear.

“I have no problem whatsoever having them come and explain, but we must follow known procedures.

“That is if it has to be taken today, then there be must a supplementary Order Paper that will reflect this.

“It is not a matter that you will just come and tell us after we are doing business of the day.”

Ndume declared, “Mr President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. You can use your gavel and I will use my voice.

“The Tax Reform Bill is very sensitive; our people have been dominated by this matter.

“When you say, it is a matter of urgent national importance, yes, but even those matters are normally referred to another legislative day if they are so inconvenient.

“Please, I beg you, in the name of God, this matter is very important to not only us but Nigerians that we represent and we swear by the Bible and Holy Quran that we will represent the interest of the people.

“Nigerians have spoken, the governors, the National Economic Council.”

Despite Ndume’s objections, Barau defended the decision to allow the tax team into the chamber, insisting that the senate acted within the rules. He dismissed Ndume’s argument as an unnecessary rhetoric.

His remarks ignited tension, causing the session to become chaotic.

Barau eventually restored order by ruling Ndume out of order and allowing the federal government officials to proceed with their presentation.

He insisted that whatever the senate was doing was within its rules, adding that the “chamber has no time for rhetoric”.

He said, “You have made your point, now, we are not here for rhetoric. We are here for facts.”

At this point, the chamber went rowdy while the deputy senate president tried to restore order.

Having ruled Ndume out of order, the visitors were allowed into the chamber to speak on the proposed tax reform bill.

The team told the federal lawmakers that the tax reform bills were four different pieces of legislation that sought to bring everything about taxation and administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation.

The bills are: the Nigeria Tax Bill; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill; the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill; and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. They explained that the bills contained all major taxes imposed on individuals and companies and it was just like a compendium of taxes charged in Nigeria. They said, contrary to what some persons were pushing out there, the bills were meant to radically transform tax administration in Nigeria for greater efficiency. They said the bills would update archaic tax laws and simplify the country’s complicated tax ecosystem.

The team said the tax reforms clearly favoured the low income earners and small businesses, which will be exempted from paying income taxes. They said the bills were simply pro-poor, pro-growth and proefficiency. They urged the senators to support its passage in order to move the country forward.

cumulative amount of unremitted revenue (under-recovery) from the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the NNPC between 2020 and 2023.

House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas

15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF GLOBACOM’S SPONSORSHIP OF CNN AFRICAN VOICES...

L-R: Omolola Akpata-Owolabi, CEO/MD, OJ&T; Executive VP, CNN International Commercial, Phil Nelson; Grammy Award nominee, Yemi Alade; Executive Vice Chairman, Globacom, Mrs.

Disu and host, CNN African Voices Changemakers, Larry Madowo, at the 15th Anniversary celebration of Globacom’s sponsorship of CNN African Voices in Lagos ... recently

Alleged N110bn Fraud: Court Decides Bello's Bail Request December 10 Orders

Alex Enumah in Abuja

remand at EFCC's custody

Justice Maryanne Anenih of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday adjourned till December 10, to deliver her ruling in the bail application filed by immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The judge announced that her ruling in the bail application would be delivered on the said date, shortly after lawyers to Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), argued for and against the grant of the bail. Bello and two others were on Wednesday morning arraigned on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust amongst others.

Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, in the charge marked: CR/7781/2024, were accused of spending over N110billion of public funds to acquire several properties in Abuja and in Dubai. The defendants however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges following which their lawyers moved their respective applications for bail, which were at the same time objected to by the anti-graft agency.

Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who based his objection to the application on grounds that it had expired in October, urged the court to commence trial immediately, adding that he was ready to call his first witness.

But, Bello's lead counsel, Chief Joseph Daudu, SAN, pointed out

that the only, "Exhibit A, which is the public summons is very vital and the appearance of the defendant in court today, shows he has respect for the law".

Daudu further argued that the defendants were served with the charge at 11 pm on November 26 and as such would need time to prepare for trial.

While submitting that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty, the senior lawyer urged the court to admit his client to bail, adding that, "It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial".

The prosecution's objection he said was based on the fact that he is facing charges at the Federal High Court and has refused to appear to

take his plea.

"The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High Court," he added.

Pointing out some paragraphs in the counter affidavit, he said the prosecution raised issues that had to do with a matter at the Federal High Court.

"When the jurisdiction of the court is challenged, the defendant need not to appear until the issues arising from the jurisdiction are resolved," Daudu stated.

Responding, Pinheiro stated that his preliminary objection was anchored on three grounds - competence of the application; factual content of the application; and application

Lagos Targets Becoming Top Three Medical Tourism Destination in 30 Years

To redesign state's PHCs in next five years, works on Cancer Diagnostic Centre to start soon

The Lagos State Government has said that it is targeting becoming a top medical tourism destination on the continent in the next 30 years.

The state government hinted at a plan to redesign all its primary health care (PHC) centres across the state with solar-powered energy sources in the next five years.

The move is also part of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration's effort to restructure the healthcare landscape in the state with various state-of-the-art infrastructures aimed at attracting Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora back home.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated this yesterday, at a recently concluded two-day Eko Revenue Plus Summit, with the theme, ‘Unlocking New Revenue Streams for Lagos State’.

Prof. Abayomi, said because of the state’s heavy footprint and demography it often becomes an epicentre of contagious diseases like the COVID-19.

He noted that to provide health coverage would require the state to undertake a series of transformations in infrastructure and a series of interventions especially at primary health care level as bedrock of healthcare delivery.

He stressed that according to the 2052 Lagos State Development Plan,

Lagos would become a model megacity that is able to deliver universal healthcare coverage.

He acknowledged that the health sector in the state doesn't just want to be a consumer but to be a contributor to this very impressive GDP that is happening in Lagos.

“The objective of that plan is to make Lagos not only a state, a model megacity that is able to deliver universal healthcare coverage, but also a state that can compete with any megacity in Africa for being one of the top three or top five destinations for medical tourism.

“So, for us to do this, we have to undertake a series of transformations in infrastructure,” he said.

He explained that with orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, neurology, and nephrology leading the reasons for medical tourism out of the state, the government is keen to change the narrative.

According to him, “Now we come to our primary health care. The bedrock of health care delivery. We have designed a green, low carbon footprint PHC. And over the next five years, we are going to replace all our PHCs with these new designs. So, these PHCs can be totally off the grid which is really one of the problems we are experiencing at the moment.

“And we looked at the top five and we saw its orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, neurology, and nephrology.

So, we are developing a diversity of healthcare infrastructure in Lagos so that, first of all, Lagosians don't need to leave Lagos to get some specialty care.

“And secondly, we can attract people in the sub-region and in sub-Saharan Africa into Lagos. So, in developing our infrastructure we looked at key issues, ventilation, natural light, cultural feelings, sustainable engineering, patient flow, future expansion.

“We know that Lagos in the future will be going up rather than going down. And so, our architectural designs are looking at that dimension.”

He revealed that the state will soon start the building of its comprehensive cancer diagnostic centre.

His words: “The Lagos Comprehensive Cancer and Diagnostic Center, we have the land for this already and are about to break ground. We've completed the designs. The children's hospital is a blueprint for us.”

The Commissioner also stated that the state will engage in private public partnership projects in the sector to attract specialists into the state.

“We have a project in the Lagos Island General Hospital. The idea about this PPP is that we are going to use it to attract and bring back all our specialists into Lagos. Is an opportunity for them to practice what they have practiced so well in England and America on the shore of Lagos,” he said.

However, to stem the trend of japa syndrome that has significantly disrupted the health sector, the Commissioner noted that in the next five years about 2500 medical professionals will be trained by the state.

According to him, “The biggest thing happening at the moment in Lagos is the establishment of the stand-alone University of Medicine and Health Science.

of judicial principles and guidance. Justice Anenih thereafter rose for a short recess.

After the recess, the prosecution counsel also opposed the bail application for the 2nd defendant, saying since he was still a government official serving as the Director-General, Kogi State Government House, there was the likelihood of him committing the same offence.

But the defendant's counsel argued that the use of “may” in the prosecution's counter affidavit did not show where the 2nd defendant allegedly committed another offence after being granted bail.

He insisted that the counter affidavit lacked merit as it did not show that the defendant was a habitual offender. He therefore urged the court to grant the application for bail.

In a short ruling, the judge announced that ruling in the bail applications would be delivered on December 10 and directed that the three defendants should remain in the custody of the EFCC.

It will be recalled that Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu had earlier been admitted to administrative bail by the EFCC while the former governor appeared before the court for the first time.

Bello's arraignment came after several months of litigations against his trial which was recently resolved by the apex court.

He was brought to court following his surrender to the EFCC, a day before.

Bello, who was brought by operatives of the EFCC wore a white kaftan

and was beaming with smiles. He entered the court premises by 8.50am and walked straight into the courtroom of Justice Maryanne Anenih.

At a point, the judge had stood down the matter and threatened not to return until the court was decongested, prompting Bello to appeal to his teaming supporters to exit the courtroom for trial to continue.

Besides the trial before Justice Anenih, the defendant is scheduled to also appear before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on charges bordering on money laundering, January next year. Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 Kogi State Gubernatorial Election, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has commended the EFCC for taking a bold and commendable step in arresting and detaining Bello, over alleged fraud and corruption committed during his tenure from January 2016 to January 2024. Ajaka, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, said that the decisive action of the anti-graft agency was a significant move towards ensuring accountability and justice, which the people of Kogi State have long deserved.

To ensure that the effort yields meaningful results, he said, the EFCC must intensify its investigation to uncover solid and irrefutable evidence that will not only sustain prosecution but also ensure a watertight case.

Glo, CNN Celebrate 15-year Partnership on African Voices

Digital solutions provider, Globacom, and global news medium, Cable News Network (CNN), have celebrated 15 years of partnership on the sponsorship of the highly acclaimed programme, African Voices, sponsored by the telecoms firms.

At an event held recently at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, to mark the milestone where a special edition of the weekly magazine show was taped, Executive Vice President of CNN International Commercial (CNNIC), Phil Nelson, commended Globacom for the "strong partnership that allows CNN to go places others won't go".

Nelson, who welcomed guests to the event, disclosed that African

Voices, sponsored by Globacom, has over the years featured well known voices and rising stars.

One of them is Larry Madowo who now anchors African Voices and who was present at the event and hosted the special taping of the show in front of a live audience.

African Voices Changemakers, one of CNN’s longest-running and most successful series, tells the stories of the continent’s thought-leaders, creatives, athletes, and entertainers who are at the forefront of change across Africa.

Nelson also noted that “15 years of programming is a huge landmark and I’m pleased to celebrate it in Lagos with our longstanding commercial partners at Globacom.

This anniversary event for African Voices reaffirms CNN’s commitment to the series and to showcasing the richness, diversity, and dynamism of Africa on the global stage.” Ashok Israni, Globacom’s Chief Marketing Director, who also spoke at the event, noted that African Voices has amplified voices that might otherwise have remained unheard, bringing to light the remarkable achievements of African entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, sportsmen and sportswomen, all of whom are changemakers. “This sponsorship is more than just brand alignment; it has been a profound expression of our shared commitment to the transformative power of storytelling,” he stated.

Bella

Oluchi Chibuzor

on your conferment of an Honorary Doctoral degree in Business Administration from Ajayi Crowther University, Ogbomosho, Oyo State today

With pride and gratitude, ESQ

The Board of Directors and Staff of FAMFA OIL LTD, DAYSPRING PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, DIGITALREALITY PRINT & MFA proudly congratulate you on your prestigious award today 28th November 2024. Your visionary leadership continues to inspire us all.

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Keyamo: Advancing Nation’s Aviation and Aerospace Development

President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Festus Keyamo as Minister of aviation and aerospace Development has proven to be one of the best decisions made since he assumed office in May, 2023, writes Emameh Gabriel

President Bola Tinubu must heave a sigh of relieve today as he stood by his choice, ignoring critics and trusting his instincts after appointing rights activist and lawyer, Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace. The President’s confidence in Keyamo has been validated, and his leadership has been instrumental in advancing the nation’s aviation and aerospace development.

In the last one year, the Nigerian aviation sector has witnessed unprecedented revolutions, thanks to the radical approach adopted by Keyamo, who has in a record time, designed new initiatives, implemented sweeping reforms that have revolutionised the sector, leaving stakeholders and industry experts and players in awe.

His appointment as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace was initially met with doubts and criticism from skeptics who questioned whether a lawyer could effectively lead the sector. Surprisingly, his impressive performance has silenced his critics and traducers and validated President Tinubu’s decision to appoint him.

The aviation sector in every country is not only a significant contributor to the economy, it also plays a vital role in facilitating global commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange. Globally, as the industry continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, countries that fail to keep up with the latest developments risk being left behind. This is particularly true for a country like Nigeria seeking to compete favourably with others in the aviation sector. To remain relevant and competitive, countries like ours must keep pace with these developments.

So, transforming reforms into tangible progress demands radical overhaul and someone with the necessary mindset and political will to implement such reforms. This is particularly crucial in a society like ours, where resistance to change is prevalent and reforms are often misconstrued as being counter to the people’s interests.

The President understands that the consequences of Nigeria failing to keep pace with other developing nations in aviation industry can be severe. He knows that countries that lag behind risk losing their competitive edge, missing out on economic opportunities, and struggling to attract foreign investment. He knows, in contrast, that countries that invest in modern aviation infrastructure, develop their human capital, and adopt new technologies can reap significant rewards and that Nigeria can enhance its economic competitiveness, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for its citizens through these reforms.

He is aware of the need to adopt new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), a crucial step for a country like ours seeking to stay ahead of the curve. He understands the importance to foster collaboration and cooperation with other nations, international organizations, and industry stakeholders to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in aviation.

So, it is safe to say that President Tinubu’s decision demonstrates his understanding of the sector’s needs, for selecting someone whose expertise aligns perfectly with the role. He identified the sector’s deficiencies, and took a deliberate step to address them by recruiting a highly qualified Nigerian to provide the necessary leadership and direction.

In a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, while responding to critics who said he lacked experience to run the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development when President Tinubu appointed him, Keyamo explained that his job is to focus on the laws and drive policies that will move the sector

forward. He attributed his success to his experience as a renowned lawyer and rights activist in the country.

According to him, his knowledge of the law has been instrumental in running the Aviation Ministry and navigating agreements like the one between Nigeria and Emirates. He cited the Capetown convention as an example, saying his predecessors struggled to understand the international law, but he was able to tackle it head-on due to his legal background.

Securing legal backing for Nigeria’s compliance with the Cape Town Convention, this breakthrough enables Nigerian airlines to acquire aircraft effortlessly, boosting their competitiveness in the global market.

The Federal High Court’s issuance of Practice Directions on the Cape Town Convention has been instrumental to this achievement.

This development allows Nigerian carriers to lease aircraft at a lower cost and potentially remove the blacklist imposed on Nigerian operators for dry leasing equipment.

By implication, Keyamo’s efforts have opened up new opportunities for Nigerian airlines to expand their operations and compete with international carriers. This is a significant step forward for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Last week, the Minister took another bold step on the ongoing reforms in the country’s aviation sector as he announced plans to appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals, who will conduct unscheduled visits to the airports, monitor staff conduct and assess the general hygiene and conditions of airports in the country.

These moves, according to a statement by the Minister’s media adviser, Tunde Moshood, are aimed at addressing the expectations of the traveling public and improving the overall airport experience.

Moshood said: “These key decisions are

The last one year has seen Nigeria’s aviation sector taking a significant leap forward. The country is now gaining international recognition, attracting investors, and witnessing substantial boost in its ratings. As a result, Nigerians both at home and abroad are regaining confidence in the country’s aviation sector. The Minister’s initiative has successfully put Nigeria’s airspace sector on the global map, making it an attractive destination for investment and growth.

aimed at improving service delivery and environmental conditions at these facilities. In this regard, the Minister has approved the following initiatives:

“Appointment of voluntary Special Airport Marshals: The Minister, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals who are resident in cities where airports are located. These Marshals, comprising public-spirited individuals drawn from members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and representatives of State Governors, will conduct unscheduled visits to the airports. Their role will be to monitor staff conduct and assess the general hygiene and conditions of the airports.

“The voluntary Special Airport Marshals shall report directly to the Minister, who will issue necessary directives to FAAN based on their findings.

“With this initiative, the Minister will no longer rely solely on official reports from Airport Managers but will also consider independent observations from these voluntary Special Airport Marshals.

“This will bring an additional transparent layer of supervision to our airports as it will ensure that Airport Managers who receive monthly allocations for airport maintenance are held accountable for their responsibilities

Unscheduled Visits by the Minister

The Minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Director of FAAN, key directors of the Ministry and FAAN, and members of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation, will conduct unscheduled monthly inspections of airports nationwide.

During these visits, the Minister will personally participate in various operational activities, demonstrating leadership and emphasizing the value of diligent service. The Minister will also address airport staff, hear their complaints and encourage them to uphold professionalism and serve the public courteously.

Consultations and Appointments

Over the coming weeks, the Minister will engage stakeholders in consultations to identify and appoint suitable volunteers for the Special Airport Marshal roles. The names of the appointed Marshals will be publicly announced to ensure transparency and accountability.

These initiatives underscore the Minister’s commitment to maintaining high standards of service delivery and cleanliness at Nigerian airports, ensuring they meet the needs of the traveling public.

The last one year has seen Nigeria’s aviation sector taking a significant leap forward. The country is now gaining international recognition, attracting investors, and witnessing substantial boost in its ratings.

As a result, Nigerians both at home and abroad are regaining confidence in the country’s aviation sector. The Minister’s initiative has successfully put Nigeria’s airspace sector on the global map, making it an attractive destination for investment and growth.

With his numerous reforms, Keyamo embodies the qualities of a reform-driven politician. His commitment to reforms is evident in his stance to move from the past, giving full meaning to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This fervent commitment has instilled a culture of adherence among aviation stakeholders, ensuring the sector’s operations align with globally accepted standards.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Keyamo

Ben Enwonwu’s Exhibition: Preserving Nigeria’s Artistic, Cultural Legacy

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, in collaboration with Coronation Group Limited and renowned fine art auctioneers Bonhams, recently unveiled an iconic exhibition celebrating the life and works of Nigerian Master Sculptor, Ben Enwonwu. Hosted at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos, the Legacy Exhibition offered art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to explore the iconic creations of one of Africa’s most celebrated modernist artists, who blended traditional Nigerian aesthetics with global artistic movements. Beyond this, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that it reinforced the need to preserve Nigeria’s artistic and cultural legacy

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), in partnership with Coronation Group Limited and fine art auctioneers, Bonhams, recently opened a new museum exhibit: a dynamic look into the career of Nigerian master sculptor, Ben Enwonwu. To explore some of the masterpieces, the gates of the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos, were open to art lovers to enjoy the legacy exhibition.

Entitled Building a Nation – Ben Enwonwu and the Impact of Sculpture, the new exhibition at the National Museum, Lagos was another important step in preserving Nigeria’s artistic and cultural legacy as it featured more than a dozen of Enwonwu’s world-famous works – including his 1957 masterpiece portrait statue of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II –, thus highlighting the artist’s enduring influence on Nigerian and pan-African art across the globe.

The museum exhibition on 12 November 2024 was attended by the Honourable Minister of Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; art-lover, and Chairman of Coronation Group Limited, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Ambassador, Embassy of France in Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier; Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway; Head of the Regional Economic Department for Nigeria and Ghana, French Embassy in Nigeria, Florent Mangin, amongst other art enthusiast and stakeholders at the epoch event.

Ben Enwonwu: Increasing the Visibility of Modern African Art

Why is this important? In 1950, Enwonwu was described as “Africa’s greatest artist” and has since been labelled a modernist icon. In his world travels, he became a staunch proponent of the Harlem renaissance, the negritude movement, and spent decades helping to increase the visibility of modern African art while preserving antiquities.

Undoubtedly, Ben Enwonwu has played a pivotal role in establishing modern African art on the global stage by blending traditional African motifs with contemporary Western techniques. His works, such as Tutu and Anyawu, became cultural symbols that bridged the gap between traditional African artistry and modernist aesthetics.

Thus, by showcasing African heritage in a modern context, he redefined global perceptions of African art and culture and this was shown by his representation in international circles as the first African artist to gain formal recognition and significant commissions internationally. His appointment as Nigeria’s first Federal Art Adviser and commissions, such as the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, highlighted African art’s sophistication and cultural depth.

This visibility challenged stereotypes and placed African art in esteemed global galleries and exhibitions. Also, he was a strong advocate for preserving African antiquities and traditional art forms. He spoke against the indiscriminate export and exploitation of African artifacts by colonial powers. As an artist, he actively integrated traditional cultural elements into his works, ensuring that Africa’s rich artistic heritage remained at the forefront of his creative expression. Essentially, by integrating African heritage into his modern works and advocating for the protection of antiquities, Ben Enwonwu ensured that African art gained global recognition while its historical roots remained intact.

Need for Private Sector in Africa’s Cultural Preservation

Harping on the need for the private sector to be an integral part of Africa’s cultural preservation movement,

Philanthropist and Chairman of Coronation Group Limited, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said such true preservation will come from commitment of people from the sector, who are willing to invest in the cultural heritage.

He said: “In Nigeria, as in many African nations, we face a profound responsibility to preserve our art and heritage. If we lose our art, our culture, and our expressions, we risk losing parts of ourselves. It is essential for us, as individuals and institutions, to support and sustain the work of leaders in the arts and culture sector, which is why Coronation is collaborating with NCMM and Bohmans at this event.

“True preservation, however, will come from the commitment of people like you and me—people willing to invest in our cultural legacy. Today, I urge all of us to take pride in our rich artistic heritage and advocate for its survival. I look forward to the day when future generations can walk through these museums, just as we did, inspired and connected to their roots. Let us share the journey with others, support our art, and help elevate Nigerian and African culture to new heights."

Role of Cultural Preservation in Nation

Building

Harping on the role of cultural preservation in nation-building, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described Ben Enwonwu as one of the national treasures, not only of Nigeria but of Africa.

Reiterating the need for public-private partnership, she said: “One of our core mandates as a ministry and as government is to work for the private sector. Of my eight-point agenda, I think for us, number five is really about public-private partnership, and we have incorporated this into every project we’re doing.”

Earlier in his speech, the Director General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Public Olugbile Holloway, said the exhibition had a core focus on drawing parallels between ancient Nigerian art and modern artistic expressions, exploring Enwonwu’s role in shaping cultural and national identity, particularly in the years preceding Nigeria’s independence.

Speaking, he said: “We are here today to pay homage to the past, not just our fight for independence, but also the spirit of self-determination that was burning across our continent at the time. I am not sure it is possible to speak of a renewed hope agenda without alluding to renewed heritage first.

“The National Commission for Museums and Monuments remains committed to ensuring that our past is not left to decay, and I invite you all to join us on this epic journey.” Researcher and Art historian Neil Coventry explained that throughout history, sculptures have served as powerful vessels for capturing and preserving cultural narratives. Ben Enwonwu’s work uses the sculptural form to delve into complex themes like African identity and Nigeria's cultural narrative.

“This exhibition highlights the significance of storytelling through Enwonwu's sculptures, which breathe life into historical, spiritual and social narratives, connecting Nigeria's past with its future. By presenting Enwonwu's sculptures alongside the National Museum's permanent collection, visitors are invited to reflect on the continuum between ancient and modern art. This juxtaposition demonstrates how artists

In Nigeria, as in many African nations, we face a profound responsibility to preserve our art and heritage. If we lose our art, our culture, and our expressions, we risk losing parts of ourselves. It is essential for us, as individuals and institutions, to support and sustain the work of leaders in the arts and culture sector, which is why Coronation is collaborating with NCMM and Bohmans

through their mastery of form and symbol have used sculpture across centuries as a means to document, critique and inspire".

Highlighting the Significance of Storytelling through Sculptures

Highlighting the significance of storytelling through sculptures, Researcher and Art historian, Neil Coventry, said throughout history, sculptures have served as powerful vessels for capturing and preserving cultural narratives, adding that Ben Enwonwu’s work uses such sculptural form to delve into complex themes like African identity and Nigeria’s cultural narrative.

He said: “This exhibition highlights the significance of storytelling through Enwonwu’s sculptures, which breathe life into historical, spiritual and social narratives, connecting Nigeria’s past with its future.

“By presenting Enwonwu’s sculptures alongside the National Museum’s permanent collection, visitors are invited to reflect on the continuum between ancient and modern art. This juxtaposition demonstrates how artists through their mastery of form and symbol have used sculpture across centuries as a means to document, critique and inspire.”

Coronation Group’s Significant Contributions to Art

By partnering with renowned art auctioneers like Bonhams and also the NCMM, the Coronation Group has always played a role in developing a vibrant art market for African works. Its significant contributions to the development and promotion of art, particularly in Nigeria and Africa as a whole is through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and initiatives, thus elevating African art and culture to global recognition.

Also, by investing in Art Preservation, the Coronation Group has shown a dedication to preserving African art and history by supporting initiatives that protect and conserve cultural artifacts. By funding exhibitions and museum projects, the group helps ensure the legacy of African art remains accessible to future generations, thereby inspiring cultural pride in African heritage.

This was also nuanced by its Chairman when he regaled art enthusiasts on how his love for The Arts was nurtured from childhood, as he would after close from school and spend his afternoons at the National Museum, revelling in the joy of art.

Essentially, Coronation Group’s efforts are part of a broader vision to integrate art into the socioeconomic and cultural development of the continent, ensuring that Africa’s artistic legacy continues to inspire and thrive globally.

L-R: Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier; Chairman of Coronation Group Limited, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede CFR; Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, during the Ben Enwonwu Art Exhibition at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos

Drawing Parallels between Ancient Nigerian Art, Modern Artistic Expressions

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ADEMOLA

SHAFT OF LIGHT

After years of waiting, Port Harcourt Refinery comes on stream, writes JACKSON TAMUNO-DUKE

See page 21

OSHODI argues that Nigeria’s reforms are driven by need for economic diversification, and fiscal prudence

TINUBU’S POLICIES AND OTHER ECONOMIC REFORMERS

Since assumption of office on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced several economic policies as part of a broader resolve to reform Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth and enduring resilience. Key among these policies is the removal of subsidy on premium motor spirit and the unification of exchange rates. Though President Tinubu pronounced the end of petroleum subsidy in his inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, there was no provision for subsidy in the 2023 Appropriation Act beyond June 2023. The merger of exchange rates on the other hand, was aimed at eliminating arbitrage, stabilizing the value of the Naira and attracting foreign investments.

See page 21

A NEW TIMETABLE FOR HEALTH Kaduna State is committed to the health of the citizens, reckons MICHAEL DANJUMA EDITORIAL RISING COST

These policies have no doubt affected the quality of lives of Nigerians in a negative way due to spiralling inflation headlined by rising prices of food items, increases in energy costs and dwindling disposable income. While the President and his economic team admitted the increasing cost of living and rising poverty levels, they repeatedly assure Nigerians of the inevitability and efficacy of the government’s policy choices and their potentials to yield positive outcomes in the foreseeable future. Despite these assurances, the government continues to receive backlashes that have been sign-posted by several protests under different appellations in the last few months. The main demand of these protests is the return of petroleum subsidy by the federal government, among others.

While it is true that citizens across all economic strata are feeling the pinch of the government’s reforms, the reality is that the Nigerian economy is long over-due for major surgical operations as successive governments at the federal level have lacked either the courage or the conviction to take the difficult decisions that would have positioned the country for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. This may not be unconnected to the need for political correctness as against economic pragmatism. In other words, Nigeria has lived a lie for too long and the chicken has come home to roost. The nation’s economy is in intensive care and requiring of life-saving surgery – an unfortunately painful exercise that must be undertaken to stand a good chance of survival.

tunnel? Let us examine the economic reforms of these former leaders vis-à-vis President Tinubu’s reforms.

Margaret Thatcher (Britain) Thatcher's most famous legacy is her commitment to free-market economics. During her time as UK Prime Minister (1979–1990), she implemented radical economic reforms that emphasized reducing the role of the state in the economy, promoting privatization, cutting public spending and reducing the power of trade unions. As Paul Stepney noted, she came into office at a time when Britain “entered a period of sustained economic stagnation and industrial decline.” Her country’s traditional industries of iron and steel, coal, shipbuilding, and railways were at that time uncompetitive, and the welfare state bequeathed by previous administration became inefficient. Thatcher came into office in this context.

Thatcher whose reforms were marked by a strong market approach, the Tinubu’s reforms are laced with social policies for groups like students, traders, farmers, etc. Nonetheless, Tinubu’s broader vision, like those of Thatcher involves encouraging the private sector to take a greater role in the economy, particularly in sectors like power, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Deng Xiaoping’s reforms took place in a China that was transitioning from a strict, centrally planned economy under Mao Zedong’s Communist rule to a more open, market-oriented system. Deng recognized that China needed to open to the global economy to improve its growth prospects. His reform policies were driven by the need for modernization in industry, agriculture, science, and defence collectively known as the “Four Modernizations.” Deng introduced market elements into China’s socialist economy, allowing for private enterprise, foreign investments, and decentralized economic planning. His reforms were gradual, beginning with agricultural reforms (the Household Responsibility System) that gave farmers incentives for higher productivity. Later reforms targeted industries, leading to the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract foreign investment.

The situation in Nigeria is not peculiar as many countries have had to embark on painful economic reforms during difficult periods. Twentieth century history is replete with leaders who have transformed their nations’ economies through tough reforms that were initially painful but eventually beneficial. Some of these leaders include Margaret Thatcher (Britain), Den Xiaoping (China) and Boris Yeltsin (USSR/Russia). Are there any significant parallels between these leaders’ economic policies and those of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu? Did the citizens of those countries experience similar pains in the throes of economic reforms? Will Tinubu’s policies usher in economic growth and development as witnessed in the countries? Should Nigerians be hopeful of light at the end of this dark

In some sense, the Tinubu administration’s inheritance in May 2023 is similar if not worse than what Thatcher inherited. For example, it must be recalled that a year before Tinubu entered office, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced that a worrying 63 percent of Nigerians, translating to over 130 million people, are poor. Education was in a comatose situation with government’s inability to meet promises to groups including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The healthcare system was as challenged as the energy situation among other challenges. Yet, this is compounded by the violent ongoing conflicts in parts of the country.

Confronted with her own context, Thatcher’s policies often referred to as "Thatcherism," aimed at reducing inflation and curbing the state's involvement in economic management. Industries like telecommunications, gas, water, and electricity, previously controlled by the state, were sold off to private investors. This was done to improve efficiency, increase competition, and reduce the financial burden on the government. While Tinubu has not yet embarked on a sweeping privatization campaign as Thatcher did, his removal of fuel subsidy is a step toward reducing government spending on public consumption. Unlike

Local governments were given more autonomy in economic decision-making, enabling them to promote regional growth based on local conditions. Deng’s reforms were famously pragmatic. His mantra of “It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice” encapsulates his approach. He was less concerned about ideological purity and more focused on results. Tinubu’s reforms on the other hand are grounded in a more liberal, market-oriented ideology. Nigeria’s reforms are driven by the need for economic diversification, fiscal prudence, and attracting foreign investment. His agenda reflects a capitalist outlook aimed at reducing state intervention in critical economic sectors and empowering private enterprises, although he operates within a democratic political framework unlike Deng’s China. The recent Supreme Court’s resolution of the vexed issue of local government autonomy also aligns with Deng’s devolution of powers to local governments for the acceleration of development at the grassroots. Interestingly, for several years, many experts had advocated for local government autonomy as a panacea for grassroot development in Nigeria.

One issue that also aligns with Deng’s decentralised approach to development is Tinubu’s power sector reforms. The amendment of the Electricity Act breaks decades of federal government’s monopoly in the generation, transmission and distribution nationwide, allowing states and the private sector to more freely participate in the sector. Fast forward, states like Lagos have committed to investing in the sector.

Oshodi is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Protocol

After years of waiting, Port Harcourt

Refinery comes on stream, writes JACKSON TAMUNO-DUKE

SHAFT OF LIGHT

Nigerians woke up on Tuesday morning to something more than just a piece of cheering news — the commencement of production operations by the Port Harcourt Refinery after undergoing renovation and modernisation.

The news, certainly would remain top of the chart, if it were measurable, for the rest of the week. Nigerians have been waiting for such news. The process began in 2021 after the federal government secured a $1.5bn contract to rehabilitate the facility.

Located at Alesa Eleme in Port Harcourt, the refinery complex comprises two operational units established in 1965 and 1989, and with a combined installed capacity of 210,000 barrels per day. The older plant has a capacity of 60,000 barrels per stream day, while the newer plant has 150,000 barrels per capacity.

The Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) as it is commonly called, is expected to produce premium motor spirit, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas, among others.

The PHRC has long stood as a symbol of both promise and failure in the country’s oil industry. Once a beacon of hope, the refinery fell victim to years of mismanagement and neglect, leading to its idleness. However, Tuesday's development now points towards a new era for this critical national asset, thanks in part to the determined efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPCL). This development not only heralds the resuscitation of a vital infrastructure but also signifies a turning point for Nigeria’s economy.

Historically, the PHRC which began operations in the 1960s, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s oil landscape. However, decades of inadequacies in its operations, notably failed Turn Around Maintenance (TAM), adversely affected its output. TAMs are essential for ensuring that refineries operate at optimal levels; when maintenance schedules are ignored, they lead to unplanned downtimes, reduced production capacity, and ultimately, financial losses. The PHRC has been plagued by failed TAMs, stunting its growth and leaving Nigeria heavily reliant on the importation of refined petroleum products.

In recent times, however, NNPCL has stepped up to the challenge of revitalizing the refinery. With substantial investments, the organization has embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the facility to restore its functionality.

Let it be said that the commitment to revive the PHRC is a proactive response to the national demands for fuel security and self-sufficiency. By reactivating this refinery, Nigeria aims to break free from the cycle of total dependency on imported petroleum products, which has long burdened its economy with inflated costs.

An obviously elated Board and Management of NNPCL have e xpressed their heartfelt appreciation to Nigerian consumers for their support and excitement over the safe, successful rehabilitation and restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day (bpds) Old Port Harcourt Refinery.The NNPCL described the achievement as “a significant step forward after years of operational challenges and underperformance.”

Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPCL, said this in a statement on Tuesday. He however, noted the state oil company is aware of “unfounded claims by certain individuals suggesting that the refinery is not producing products.” Soneye asserted: “For clarity, the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70 per cent of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90%.

“The refinery is producing the following daily outputs: Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol)

Kerosene: 900,000 liters

Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1.5 mil-

lion liters

Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 2.1 million liters

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Additional volumes”

The statement further explains that the company has “made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which will begin operations soon without prior announcements.”

Soneye added: “We urge Nigerians to focus on the remarkable achievements being realised under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to support efforts aimed at delivering more dividends to the nation.

“Malicious attacks on clear progress only undermine the significant strides made by NNPC Limited and the country.”

President Bola Tinubu, also, could not hold back his joy as he extends his heartfelt congratulations to the NNPCL on the successful revitalization of the PHRC.

The President, in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, "acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project."

The economic advantages of bringing the Port Harcourt Refinery online at this critical moment in Nigeria cannot be overstated. First and foremost, the refinery’s operation is expected to deliver significant cost savings. The current practice of importing refined petroleum products, subjects the country to volatile global oil prices, waste of foreign exchange resources, and creates opportunities for corruption during importation processes. By refining oil locally, Nigeria can significantly reduce the cost of petroleum products, making fuel more accessible to consumers and businesses alike.

Moreover, reviving the Port Harcourt Refinery is poised to create thousands of job opportunities, both directly and indirectly. The refinery will require skilled labor for its operations and maintenance, while ancillary industries, including suppliers and transport services, will also receive a boost from the revitalization. Job creation is crucial in a country grappling with high unemployment rates, especially among the youth. As these jobs become available, they can inspire hope and foster economic engagement, steering people away from crime and unrest. Additionally, a functional Port Harcourt Refinery will stimulate local economies through the demand for goods and services. As the refining operations ramp up, local businesses involved in anything from machinery and equipment supply to fuels distribution will see increased activity. This ripple effect can contribute to broader economic growth by enhancing the community's capacity to generate revenue and reinvest in other sectors.

Tamuno-Duke,

a Petro-Chemical Engineer, writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Kaduna State is committed to the health of the citizens, reckons MICHAEL DANJUMA

A

NEW TIMETABLE FOR HEALTH

Kaduna is beating a peculiar stereotype of northern Nigeria being strangers to excellence. Recently, it was reported that the state is blazing trails in the health sector. According to the report, Kaduna State surpassed the target of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) of 90% performance by 8%. This good news was shared by the state's Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, at a retreat for all the newly elected 23 local government chairmen of the state recently. The twoday retreat which was organised by the United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF), in collaboration with the state government, harped on communicating the importance of the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) as the foundation of the healthcare system.

Highlighting the gains of the administration in the area of Primary Health Care (PHC), Dr. Balarabe said that Kaduna ranked 15th with just 55% performance in 2015, but its present performance of 98% in 2024 is a measure of passion and commitment. The NPHCDA is charged with reporting ‘Primary Health Care space-around immunization, reducing maternal and child deaths, strengthening PHC towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving human capital development.’ While it is a record to be proud of, the deputy governor who is also a doctor warned that the state still has grounds to cover.

“We’ve had our challenges, but we’ve also recorded some gains," Dr Balarabe told attendees at the retreat which included 23 local government chairpersons, the commissioner for health, and other stakeholders.

"We realise that if we get it right at this level, we will get the other levels right as well. Too many of our women still give birth in the hands of unskilled attendants, while we still fall short of achieving full immunization cover across the state, among other challenges. As local government chairmen, you are at the front line of this battle for the wellbeing of our people. You are not just administrators; you are the guardians of your communities’ futures. Every child vaccinated has a future secured. Every mother receiving proper antenatal care is a family protected. Every healthcare facility improved is a community strengthened. Let your actions demonstrate that in our state, we value every life, we advocate for every child’s potential, and we uphold every mother’s right to safe childbirth.” It is gratifying to know that in Kaduna, both the state and the local governments have a synergy tied to serving the people. And with the newly directed local government autonomy in place, the job of actually delivering democratic goods to the people would be done in harmony.

In fact, Dr Balarabe reminded them of this task by saying "it is not only about managing resources or implementing policies; it is about nurturing the health of your people, advocating for equitable access to healthcare, and leading initiatives that address the specific needs of communities."

She also reminded them that the Sani-led administration is focused on developing Human Capital Development (HCD) which is part of the administration's S.U.S.T.A.I.N Manifesto.

"Health and Education are the two major barometers for measuring progress in HCD," said the deputy governor who is also a doctor.

“The administration of Senator Uba Sani, stands ready to support you in this mission. Our commitment to rural transformation remains unwavering. Yet, let us remember that the true measure of our success will not only be found in the infrastructure we build or the equipment we procure, but also in the lives we save, the communities we uplift, and the future we secure. The health of our citizens is not just statistics; it is about real lives, families, and futures. It behoves us to initiate transformative changes that will bring about healthier and more prosperous societies."

Since coming into office in May 2023, the Sani-led administration has been committed to prioritising healthcare. In Kaduna's 2024 budget, health got the second largest sum after education. While education got N115bn 25.19% of the budget, health got N72bn

or 15.63%. The increase in budgetary allocation to health shows the seriousness which the government attaches to the sector.

In August, Dr Balarabe had drawn attention to the impressive strides during the Kaduna State PHC MoU Endline Technical Review Meeting.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that all citizens have access to quality and affordable healthcare,” she said, acknowledging the inputs of partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates and Aliko Dangote foundations.

“We have made tremendous progress, surpassing the national target of 90% and achieving an impressive 98% in the National Primary Health Care Development Agency’s 6th score card. We have surpassed expectations at home (the North West), let’s look beyond that and aim to do better than the best in other regions. We can do it, I believe we can and I know with the crop of individuals here, we will do it."

Recently, the state government took health checks to the residents. During the exercise tagged "Project 10 Million - Know Your Number, Control Your Number", people across the three senatorial zones were screened for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) like cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma K Ahmed, said that over half a million residents benefitted from the screening exercises which held in local government areas like Zaria, Sabon Gari, Makarfi, Soba, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, Jemaá, Kachia, Zangon Kataf and Kaura.

At the onset of the screening, Hajiya Umma said: "The designated locations include; PHCs, General Hospitals, markets, motor parks, higher institutions of learning in the selected LGAs as well as State and Federal Secretariat, Government House, State House, Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Board. This campaign will focus on both urban and rural populations, with a special emphasis on underserved communities to ensure equitable access to free screening and treatment services. The initiative seeks to enhance public awareness, improve data collection, and foster collaboration among various healthcare stakeholders to improve overall health outcomes."

In September, the government began the reconstruction of nine general hospitals, some of which had been abandoned for up to 20 years.

“This ambitious initiative has carefully selected three general hospitals from each Senatorial Zone to benefit equitably from the upgrades,” said the Acting Special Adviser to Governor Sani on Project Monitoring, Implementation, and Results Delivery, Dr. Ahmed Abdullahi. Some of the hospitals earmarked for this vital project in their respective zones include General Hospital Ikara,⁠General Hospital Maigana, Soba LGA, General Hospital Rigasa, Igabi LGA, General Hospital Giwa, Giwa LGA, and General Hospital Sabon Tasha, Chikun LGA.

Danjuma writes from Kaduna

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

RISING COST OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS

The authorities must do more to bring down the cost of drugs

In June this year, President Bola Tinubu signed an executive order to increase local production of healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, devices such as needles and syringes, among others. But the order has had little effects on the prices of pharmaceutical products as drug prices remain high. It is therefore heartwarming that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has finalised an executive order that seeks zero Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices. “This is a significant milestone for our healthcare settings. By implementing these tax relief measures, we are not only supporting local manufacturers but also making essential medicines more affordable for millions of Nigerians”, said spokesman of the ministry, Alaba R. Balogun.

While stakeholders await the order with hope that it would serve the intended purpose, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria (APIN) have at different times made suggestions on the way forward. In 2013, Nigeria had agreed to abide by the recommendation of an Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) committee that drug importation within the sub-region should attract a zero per cent duty. Against the background that neighbouring African countries are operating this zero-tax regime plus lower port charges on drug importation, we believe the federal government must review all existing policies that impinge on healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The main challenge of the country over the years has been the inability to ensure that our

citizens, especially rural dwellers have access to basic primary health care. And with the high cost of essential drugs in the market, it is obvious that the lives of many poor Nigerians are greatly endangered. We therefore urge the president to direct the relevant authorities to halt all counter-productive policies so that enough drugs and medicament could be made available for citizens who need them at affordable prices. And going by provisions of section 17 of our Constitution, the government is obliged to improve the welfare of Nigerian citizens by ensuring that they have access to adequate medical and health facilities.

The government is obliged to improve the welfare of Nigerian citizens by ensuring that they have access to adequate medical and health facilities

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE T

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

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Letters to the Editor

As things stand, the most effective way of ensuring that quality health care services are effectively delivered to majority of Nigerians is by allowing the public to have access to essential drugs in the market at affordable prices. Without that, preventable diseases that are easily treated will continue to kill in Nigeria. By allowing the public unfettered access to essential drugs at affordable prices, some of the billions spent on medical tourism every year will also be saved. To the extent that health is wealth, many countries have indeed built their economies around healthcare delivery systems.

While we are not opposed to the revenue generation drive of the current administration, authorities in the health sector must do away with policies that run contrary to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) recommendation of not more than 5 per cent duty on medicament as a way of fast tracking the achievement of global vision of affordable universal healthcare and eliminating diseases. Where health is absent, wealth is useless.

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

This is to commend the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for reviewing rates of compensation arising from involuntary land acquisition.

Eighteen years after being developed with support from the World Bank and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP), government has approved a new framework for fair and equitable compensation rates for crops and economic trees to ensure adequate recompense for persons affected by government projects.

Project-affected persons are to receive compensation that reflects current economic realities. For instance, under the revised rates for matured trees in the North Central zone, cashews increased from N2,000 per matured stand to N45,000 and N5.5 million per hectare. Also, mango increased from N4,000 per matured stand to N105,000 and N13 million per hectare; cocoa increased from N3,000 per matured stand to N160,000 and N160 million per hectare.

This is the first time that government is responding to the yearnings of land owners that have been or are to be expropriated. However, land compensation deals with issue of revocation of rights of occupancy.The legal provision for compensation is clear that once land is revoked, the head of claims, in accordance to the Land Use Act, are one, the land itself, has to be paid for.

Secondly, economic trees and crops on the land has to be paid for; three, developments on the land such as structures, at any stage of completion, has to be paid for, and fourthly, all abortive verified expenditures e.g. reclamation works on the land, has to be paid for.

What the federal government has done is just to look at one, only economic trees and crops. Land is paid for as a refund of the ground rent you have paid in the year of revocation, that is the value of the land. For structures, what you have is the depreciated replacement cost of the building, then that rate to be applied to value the structure is as shall be provided by the appropriate Land Officer of the state, who is an estate surveyor and valuer, it is not a market rate.

Government should make it possible for land compensation rate to henceforth respond to inflation. So what we need is not only periodic, but responsive rates of compensation that would respond to inflation and other economic factors.

But in practise it is the governors that are empowered by the Land Use Act to revoke right of occupancy. But now the rates are developed by the federal government, so how have the governors accepted these rates?

Adamu Kasimu, Abuja-based Estate Surveyor and Valuer

NEEDS YOU, BUT NOT EVERYONE

Like many baby boomers, I grew up in a time when there was little support or acceptance of diversity in gender but that was almost 70 years ago and yet some still have the same approach.

It has been reported in the media that the Trump transition team is looking at removing all transgender people from serving in the U.S. military. This will be about 15,000 people no longer protecting their country and its constitution.

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, has also stated on X, This will improve recruitment and save money." Sacking people will save money but how will it get more people to join up? Those that serve should be supported, respected and honored, they are never ‘Losers’ and ‘Suckers’ as it is alleged Donald Trump said. Support all those that serve as you may one day need their support.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Emma Okonji

Worried about the dwindling fortune of Nigeria’s entertainment and film industry, which is projected to generate between N25 billion and N30 billion yearly, industry stakeholders have called on the federal government, to urgently reconsider its position about the industry and invest heavily in order to revive it for job creation and economic growth.

The stakeholders said this in Lagos during the Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF), organised to discuss the challenges and prospects of the African film industry, with focus on the Nigerian film industry.

Speaking, the Group CEO of Nile Group/National Secretary, Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), Mr. Moses Babatope, said the industry had for some reasons in the past, always focused on content

Raheem Akingbolu

The chairman of the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), Dr. Emmanuel Agu, has advocated for greater understanding of the advertising code to enhance better compliance leading to a better industry.

He has also emphasised the need for advertising professionals to deepen their understanding of the advertising code of practice to enhance regulatory compliance. As the governing body for vetting and approving advertising content, the ASP upholds strict standards to ensure fairness, truthfulness,

financing, without enough attention on investment in infrastructure that monetises content.

According to him, all the longlasting film industries in the world, including China, India, Turkey and the United States, have put up strong resilience in the area of infrastructure despite the kind of challenge they faced.

He challenged all filmmakers, financiers, actors, actresses, and those behind the cameras, to remain creative, and come up with compelling stories and content.

“For the first time in the last four years, we’ve seen strong resilience this year. This is going to be the first year in the cinema industry that we will be seeing attendant growth by about 10 per cent to 15 per cent by December, God willing. I think cinema is more than just another business. I think for us, there’s something cultural about

and consumer protection.

The ASP boss, who spoke with advertisers and creative agencies during a forum at the just concluded National Advertising Conference in Abuja, noted that the advertising code of practice exists to enforce ethical standards that protect consumers from exploitative practices, underscoring the importance of clarity in advertising promotions and urging brands to specify the number of prizes and other finite details. “Everything about regulation is about safeguarding consumers’ interests. Our economy is challenging, and deceptive

it,” Babatope said, while urging industry stakeholders to make better use of the opportunity currently available in the film industry that is projected to generate between N12 billion and N13 billion from sales of tickets alone from box office by December this year.

“In cinema business, you have revenues from box office, you have retail revenues, and you have advertising revenues. If you put all these together, the projected revenue is between N25 billion and N30 billion in a year from the entertainment industry, and I’m yet to see any business that has that kind of numbers,” Babatope further said, adding that the entertainment industry is the only industry in Africa where the local content is the mainstay. The local content is therefore the very reason why the cinema industry exists and

practices undermine trust. If you claim there are prizes to be won in a promotion, you must be transparent about what is actually on offer,” Agu said Regarding the use of superlatives in advertising claims, Agu pointed out that terms such as ‘best’ require clear substantiation, especially within competitive categories. “Superlatives must be finite. You can’t simply declare your brand as the ‘best’ without evidence. Comparative and superlative claims have clear guidelines in the code,” he said.

He further noted that many industry professionals, despite

is working,” Babatope added.

In his keynote address, Co-Chair of the Creative Africa Advisory Group (CAAG) at Afreximbank and Founder, Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, challenged the federal government to invest in the film and entertainment industry, in order to revive it and position it for job creation and economic growth.

According to him, “The industry has great value to the economy. The transformation in the industry and the things that need to be done, are changing so rapidly, which underscores the need for huge investment from the federal government.”

He added: “The motion picture industry is not different from the manufacturing sector. You produce. You distribute. You have wholesalers and retailers. And that is the value chain. The

claiming familiarity with the code, continue to breach its guidelines, suggesting a gap in their comprehension. “Those who say they’ve read the code often make violations that indicate they didn’t fully understand it. The rules on comparative advertising and the use of superlatives are clear, but it’s crucial to thoroughly understand and follow them,” he added.

He encouraged all advertising professionals to thoroughly read and understand the advertising code of practice.

“The rules are set out for everyone. Take time to read and

government needs to take a position and make funds available at rates that are affordable and accessible to the people who have basic intelligence and who can turn the economy around. Nigeria has over 200 million people, with large population of youths between 25 and 35 years of age, and the government has a moral, legal, and ethical obligation to make funds available for the industry to cater for the youth population. If government can build refineries that do not work, construct roads without maintenance, there is therefore a great need for government to release funds for the entertainment industry. It’s all about common sense, since Nigeria and America are the only countries that can conquer the world of entertainment.”

He challenged the Bank of Industry (BoI) to do more in

truly understand the guidelines, especially around comparative and superlative claims. With multiple brands competing in each category, you cannot simply assert superiority without substantiation,” he said.

Also speaking at the forum, Group CEO of First Primus West Africa, Mr. Seni Adetu, emphasised the importance of consolidation within Nigeria’s fragmented advertising industry.

According to him, the high number of agencies leads to inefficient standards, where clients often leverage competitive disadvantages.

“Consolidation will strengthen

funding the entertainment industry by approaching the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for more funds to support the industry.

Project Manager, Creative and Digital Industry, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Erezi Okpakpa, said BoI has funded over 50 per cent of film production in Nigeria, with plans to expand the financial support. CEO of 9mobile, Mr. Obafemi Banigbe, called on industry stakeholders to leverage on digital infrastructure provided by telecoms operators to drive Nigerian film industry, using the hybrid approach. In another keynote address, the Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu, pledged federal government’s support for the Nigerian film industry.

the industry, allowing fewer, stronger agencies to exist. The current fragmentation gives rise to challenges, with some agencies struggling as the market shrinks,” he posited, stressing that higher entry barriers could foster stronger, more competitive agencies. Adetu also advocated for sound governance and the integration of technology to improve business efficiency. “Technology is meant to enhance the structural quality within an organization. It’s crucial to have a strong structure in place that technology can then amplify for efficient, profitable growth,” Adetu said.

Dantsoho Harps on Increased Ports Investment, Assures Terminal Operators of Support

Eromosele Abiodun

Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho yesterday in Lagos pledged more investment in port facility to further enhance efficiency, assuring terminal operators of support. He stated this when he undertook an operational tour of the Apapa in the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), and TinCan Island Port Complexes. The NPA boss also visited Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL) and

APM Terminals, Apapa.

According to Dantsoho, “I would like to implore all terminal operators to take advantage of the investor-friendliness of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and put in more investment.

Given Nigeria’s huge population, Nigerian Ports definitely deserve greater investment than what is currently obtainable.

“In alignment with the World Ports Sustainability program, my management is keen on Ports

eco-friendliness, and we will insist on investor compliance with this global imperative. On our part as a regulator we assure you of all the facilitation necessary to protect your investment and guarantee return on investment.

“As you are aware, with the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, the NPA has concluded the final phase of the Port Community System (PCS) which will provide the linkage backbone for the forthcoming

National Single Window (NSW) project.”

Dantsoho who was recently elected as the first ever Nigerian President of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA), added, “We must translate our vision of being the maritime logistics hub for sustainable Port services in Africa to reality as quickly as possible.”

The NPA boss stated that the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports are important to the nation’s economy and to the authority,

ICANN Empowers Underserved Communities with Top Level Domain Programme

Stories by Emma Okonji

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the nonprofit organisation that coordinates the Domain Name System (DNS), has announced the opening of the Applicant Support Program (ASP) for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round.

The New gTLD Program: Next Round is an initiative that will enable the introduction of new

Smile Communications has announced a strategic partnership with TECNO smartphone brand to offer an unbeatable connectivity bundle.

Announcing the offer in a statement, SPBU /Operator Channel for TECNO, Oluwasegun Salami, said: “We’re excited

Raheem Akingbolu

gTLDs (including those longer than three characters and in non-Latin scripts) into the Internet’s domain name space. It will be the first opportunity since 2012 to secure a gTLD, and the ASP makes it possible for lesser-resourced organizations to benefit from this transformation in their presence online.

Giving details of the initiative, Vice President, ICANN, Africa, Pierre Dandjinou, said: “The New gTLD Program: Next Round will give businesses, communities, and

about this partnership, as it truly represents the best of both worlds: smartphones that are both affordable and powerful, paired with the superfast connectivity that Smile is known for. This promotion will provide consumers a seamless and enhanced mobile experience.”

Since its initial launch in Q3

others the opportunity to apply for new top-level domains tailored to their community, culture, language, business, and customers. The program reinforces ICANN’s commitment to encourage innovation, competition, and consumer choice in the domain industry. The ASP supports that commitment by paving the way for more entrepreneurs, small businesses, governments, and communities around the world to apply to operate a generic top-level domain of their own

2024, Smile’s free 3GB SIM offer has proven to be a favorite among customers across Nigeria.

Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications, ‘Goke Olaleye, said: “This partnership will give consumers immediate access to the speed and reliability of Smile’s network, while using

choosing.”

“To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet financial need and financial viability criteria, and fall into at least one of the following entity categories: ASP applicants will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. The first applicants to apply and qualify for support will the first to take advantage of the available resources. The application window will remain open for 12 months. Applicants are encouraged to apply early,” Dandjinou said.

some of the smartest devices on the market from TECNO Mobile Limited.”

Olaleye encouraged consumers to visit identified TECNO exclusive shops and retail locations across Nigeria to take advantage of the connectivity bundle from Smile Communications and TECNO.

saying the authority is ready for the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) and upgrade of the seaports through the port modernisation upgrade.

Dantsoho, further stated that Apapa Port is currently the number one port in Nigeria as it receive the highest number of containers in the country.

“Apapa Port is the number one port for the NPA and the federal government. Apapa Port received the highest number of containers in Nigeria because of APM Terminals. We will begin implementation of PCS. We will be on the same page with our terminal operators, other government agencies and our stakeholders. APM Terminals is 100 per cent ready for the PCS and ABTL is almost ready.”

“All the terminals will have electronic integration, what is called the Port Community System, which will now advance into the National Single Window (NSW).

This is a major project of the federal government and the Minister

of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who has been focused on that,” he stated. The NPA boss further commended the terminal operators for their support through investment in the Nigerian economy. He stated that the terminal operators are currently investing heavily in equipment and infrastructure but would want them to do more so that the government can acheive the aim of Port concessioning.

“Compared to the last 20 years, or even more, the reform that ended in 2006 was a clear departure from when NPA was doing both the cargo and the shipping part of the business. Right from 2006, NPA is structured in the way that we are concentrating on the ship side of the business, private sector are involved in the cargo handling, and the essence of bringing the terminal operators is for Nigeria to be able to have a more advanced infrastructure and equipment without using pubic sector fund,” he said.

Nume Ekeghe

The Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, has reiterated the bank’s commitment to champion ethical practices that will strengthen Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

He stated this at the grand finale of the 2024 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Nigeria, Universities ethics challenge, in Lagos.

the complexities of the financial sector. Champion ethical financial practices that strengthen the reputation of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem globally. Contribute to national development by nurturing leaders who can drive sustainable growth.”

For the Executive Director, CFA Society Nigeria, Yemi Ajagun, ethics is at the core of what they do as a professional body.

Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, the pioneer and leading composite Takaful insurance firm in Nigeria, has launched a new Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), NOOR Health, with the aim of providing access to reliable, quality, and affordable healthcare in line with Sharia principles.

Worried about Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at over 22 million units, which presents a daunting challenge, especially for those in the lower end of the ladder, Kenburger Homes, a technology driven real estate developer, has promised to change the narrative.

In his opening remarks at the occasion, the Founding Chairman of the Noor Group, Ambassador Shuaib Ahmed,

described the launch of Noor Health and RAHA by NOOR as a significant milestone and a leap in the company’s collective vision for a healthier and more financially inclusive Nigeria.

Ahmed noted that the expansion of Noor Takaful, which incorporates

comprehensive health solutions and digital accessibility, offers a lot of hope and pride. He disclosed that Noor Health has been designed with a clear mission to enhance individuals’ and families’ access to healthcare by providing a safety net when they need it most.

Alebiosu stressed that FirstBank is driven by the belief that businesses thrive in environments built on trust and transparency.

He noted that this ethos underpins their support for and sponsorship of platforms like the Ethics Challenge.

“It talks about excellent professional conduct for aspiring students and professionals that are aspiring to work in the industry. Because there is no amount of skill that you have if you are not ethical in the way you practice your profession, you are not likely to go very far.

Speaking with newsmen in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Kenburger Homes, a USA real estate consultant, Kene Onyia, said all hands must be on deck to ensure that the larger Nigeria populations have a home to call their own.

Onyia said Kenburger Homes would focus on middle-to-upperincome individuals and families seeking affordable, luxurious, and sustainable housing solutions.

He said within the next five years, the company aimed to develop 50 additional estates across Nigeria, deliver 10,000 housing units, create over 50,000 jobs, in order to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP growth.

He disclosed that after training over 300 Africans from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia in USA real estate Wholesaling,

“we are ready to take it to the next level by April 2025 with a massive Afro Real estate Wholesaling/STR hybrid Conference (Online and Physical simultaneously).”

On what Kenburger Homes’ can contribute to boost the sector, Onyia said as an innovative real estate developer, the firm would continue to provide affordable luxury housing.

He said: “Our sponsorship of the ethics challenge is more than just a partnership; it is an investment in the potential of young Nigerians. It is also a testament to our shared vision with CFA Society Nigeria to create a finance industry that serves as a model of integrity for other sectors.

“By partnering with CFA Society Nigeria, we aim to: equip students with the ethical framework needed to navigate

“So what we are doing here at CFA Society Nigeria is to instill all these values in the young ones so that by the time they graduate, they are already familiar with how to conduct themselves when they become professionals that we are trying to build,” Ajagun said. The highlight of the competition was the emergence of Isaac Ojugbana of Covenant University as the winner of First Bank CEO’s Award for the 2024 competition.

L-R: Sales Director, TCL West Africa, Mr. Daniel Ray; Chairman/CEO SIMS Nigeria Limited, Simeon Eyisi; Chief Corporate Services Officer, Mrs Bernadette Eyisi; Chief Operating Officer, Mr Ik Eyisi and Marketing Director, MEABG, Mr Majid Khan Niazi at the TCL | SIMS Dealers Meet held in Lagos… recently

ProPerty & environment

Experts Discuss Challenges, Opportunities in FG’s Reforms on Real Estate Sector

Bennett Oghifo

Nigerians have been urged not to focus only on the challenges

thrown up by the reforms being embarked on by the federal government, but search for the opportunities inherent in them,

particularly their impact on the real estate sector.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this at the

L-R: Founder and Chief Consultant of B Adedipe Associate Limited, Biodun Adedipe; Director, Monitoring and Compliance, Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), Mrs. Tamitope Akinbola representing Lagos State Government; Managing Director/CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UPDC Plc, Odunayo Ojo; Executive Director, Development & Projects, UPDC Plc, Bidemi Fadayomi; Northcourt real estate, Ayo Ibaru; and Non Executive Director, UPDC Plc, Adeniyi Falade during UPDC Plc 3rd Annual Real Estate Summit. held in Lagos… recently

3rd edition of the Real Estate Summit hosted by UPDC Plc, an annual event, held in Lagos, last week.

The Summit’s theme was, “Current Economic Reforms and Their Impact on the Real Estate Sector.”

According to governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the General Manager of Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), Mrs. Tamitope Akinbola, “Today’s summit provides a valuable platform to deepen collaboration, share expertise and generate innovative solutions as we discuss the impact of economic reforms on the real estate sector. I encourage us to think beyond challenges and focus on opportunities.

“With reforms come a chance to re-engineer processes, attract investments and build structures that are both inclusive and resilient.”

In his welcome address, the MD/CEO, UPDC Plc, Odunayo Ojo, said, “We’re meeting at an important time for our industry.

The real estate world is changing rapidly in terms of our built environment, sustainability trends, regulations and economic conditions, more so because of what’s happening around the globe and the new economic reforms taking place in our country.

“Our built environment reflects past policies and their outcomes. Today, we’re actively shaping tomorrow’s landscape, influenced by current decisions and actions.

“At this year’s event, we have invited expert speakers to talk about the main impact of the current economic reforms in Nigeria on the real estate sector, and their implications for key stakeholders.

‘They will delve into the

topic and help us navigate the opportunities and challenges that these reforms portend for our industry’s key players.

“This summit promises to be an interactive time, where we have an opportunity to network, collaborate, question norms, and set a new direction collectively. Your insights and ideas will be most useful in this regard.”

Also at their fireside chat, after their personal insightful presentations, three experts on finance and the economy, Biodun Adedipe, CEO, B.Adedipe and Associates Limited; Bismarck Rewane, CEO, Financial Derivatives Company; and Ayo Ibaru, CEO, Northcourt Real Estate, brainstormed on the challenges and, more importantly, the opportunities offered by the reforms being embarked upon by the President Bola Tinubu administration, particularly in the real estate sector.

One Year of Impact: LASEPA GM Reflects on Progress, Challenges, Road Ahead

As the General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi celebrated his first year in office, recently, he explained why the agency is committed towards protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable development in Lagos. Funmi Ogundare writes

When Dr. Babatunde Ajayi was appointed the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) one year ago, the task ahead was daunting: managing the environmental complexities of a megacity like Lagos. From noise pollution in urban centers to the rising concerns of industrial emissions, LASEPA’s role is crucial in balancing growth with environmental sustainability.

Now, as the GM commemorated his first anniversary in office, stakeholders are taking stock of the progress made so far. In an interview with selected journalists, the GM opened up about the agency’s achievements, ongoing challenges, and the vision for a greener Lagos.

Its key projects include launching the Lagos Carbon Registry, doubling air quality

monitors to 43, and providing mechanised fish kilns to reduce smoke pollution, reduction of noise pollution, among others. The agency has also digitised its processes, secured $6 million in grants, and conducted extensive research on electronic waste and water pollution, among others.

He described the launch of the Lagos Carbon Registry as the biggest and the most important project it had executed as it enabled the state to trade carbon globally.

According to him, “like other cities in the world, it helped us document our carbon footprints. We’re able to tell how much of greenhouse gas emissions we were saving or were emitted. This cut across transport sector, agricultural sector, the industrial sector, as well as home use including generators and cooking emissions.

He stated that efforts were being made to measure emis- sions from these and ensure proper documentation in the state.

Ajayi added that his agency has also doubled its air quality monitors from 20 to 43, and that before the end of the year, it would have increased it to 60 with verifiable data on it.

He stated the importance of air quality monitors so as to stem health challenges

“Air quality is important for many things, especially for health. For instance, if you have asthma and you live in an area with bad air quality, that means you are likely to have more health attacks.”

Ajayi said his agency releases air quality data every Monday on its social media platforms informing people what the air quality is like in different areas, either good or bad,adding that

it traces the source and resolve theTheproblem.LASEPA boss noted that though noise pollution is five cent of its mandate, but it takes 90 per cent of the agency’s time of enforcement , campaign and ensuring compliance.

According to him,” 352 facilities have been shut in the last one year which is more than double the statistics of the previous year.”

Ajayi revealed that religious organisations take a larger chunk of the number of facilities shutdown despite warnings issued to the owners and managers, adding,” enforcement is one very effective and existing way of advocacy. We have also done a lot of advocacy programmes by engaging the public, industries, religious organisations as well as the entertainment industry in particular , where we have

the major noise problem.”

Emphasising on the noise pollution and why the agency had to make people pay fines, the GM stated,” Residents are badly behaved in terms of complying with regulations. One major challenge of noise pollution is that after after enforcement, they comply for a while and before you know it, they go ballistic again and to the same offense. Then we start the process again . Then we start the process again.

“The reason why they comply for a while is because they pay fines and we shut them down. There is no city in the world that dies not leverage fines and penalties for violations. There must be consequences for actions. It is not only Nigeria’s problem, it is global.peopke tend to go back to bad behavior.”

Ajayi expressed concern

Erosion and Flood Control: A Surveyor’s Perspective

Lagos is dominated by its system of islands, sandbars, and lagoons. The islands are connected by bridges, and the land is low-lying. According to LagosGeoinfo, Lagos lies on a coastal plain with an average elevation of less than 15m above sea level. The land slopes gently from the interior to the sea. Water bodies and wetlands cover over 40% of the total land area of the state with lagoons and creeks consisting of 22 % of its area. An additional 12% is subject to seasonal flooding.

Perennial flooding in Lagos has left many homeless and destroyed lives and property in millions of dollars, which is a dent to the ultra-modern city concept of Lagos. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) data, more than 2 million people were directly affected

by flooding nationwide in 2020.

Beyond Lagos’ vulnerability to climate change, poor drainage systems and clogged street gutters in large swathes of the city are believed to have escalated its flooding challenges.

It was due to this that a webinar was organized and held online by 6 pm on Saturday, the 26th of October, 2024, tagged “Erosion and Flooding Control: A Surveyors Perspective.

The organisers were the Building Collapse Prevention Guild Amuwo Odofin Cell led by Bldr. Chubike Okafor. The speaker for the day was Surv. Ogonna Roberts Agwu. A vastly experienced registered surveyor and a host of a radio show “The Bench Mark” on Traffic radio 96.1fm where he advocates and enlightens the public on how environmental

challenges can be resolved through professional Surveying practice.

We had scores of professionals of the Built Environment in 7 it was filled with intense professional interaction, opinions, and solutions on how the menace of Erosion and Flooding could be curbed.

Key take-home points were:

1. Regular bathymetric survey is the study of the depths and shapes of underwater terrain, such as the ocean floor. Hydrographic surveys are deployed for this. Hydrographic survey is the science of measurement and description of features that affect maritime navigation, marine construction, dredging, and offshore operations. This gives us the predictive advantage through data to

determine and accommodate any potential disaster that might occur through flooding by ensuring our rivers and lagoons can handle such volumes generated through floods.

2. The need for flood alert systems for monitoring sea level and giving early warninga in the event of an excessive rise in the sea level.

about the use of microphones especially at bus stops and religious houses in public saying,” even Christians worshippers come out with loud speakers and microphones to preach in public. For noise pollution, they take the highest because there is little or no control in terms of how you can set up religious houses going by our current regulations.

“ It takes a strong-willed policy to have that in control. In Nigeria today, some churches want to have two branches on a street.”

The GM noted that the agency has been engaging regularly with representatives of religious houses on the effect of noise pollution and why they need to maintain less than 60 decibels for decorum during their services and the danger they may be posing to the public and themselves.

3. Systematic Dredging of lagoons, lakes, and rivers as a system of flood control by creating more volumes in the existing lagoons and water bodies.

L-R: Lagos State Special Adviser, Office of Mineral Resources, Engr. Abiola Olowu, House Committee Chairman on Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. Sabur Oluwa, Secretary to Lagos State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Mrs Abiola Kosegbe at the ‘The Forum of Commissioners of Power & Energy in Nigeria’ , held at the Black Diamond Hotel, Victoria Island... recently

FCMB GROUP PLC

NOTICE OF AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting (the “EGM”) of the shareholders of FCMB Group Plc (the “Company”, or, the “Group”), will be held virtually at 10.00am on Thursday, December 19th, 2024 to transact the following business;

Special Business: To consider, and if thought fit, pass the following resolutions as Ordinary Resolutions:

1. That the authorised additional capital raise of the Company be and is hereby increased from up to N150,000,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira) to up to N340,000,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Forty Billion Naira) or its equivalent in such other currency as the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board” or the “Directors”) may decide, through the issuance of securities comprising ordinary shares, preference shares, convertible or non-convertible notes and/or loans, notes, bonds or any other instruments, in the Nigerian and/or international capital markets, either as a standalone issue(s) or by the establishment of capital raising programme(s), whether by way of public o erings, private placements, rights issues and/or such other transaction modes, at such price(s), coupon or interest rates determined through book building or any other acceptable valuation method or combination of methods, in such tranches, series or proportions, within such maturity periods and at such dates and upon such terms and conditions, as may be determined by the Board, subject to obtaining the requisite approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities.

2. That the Board also be and is hereby authorised to divest a portion of the Company’s stake in one or more of its subsidiaries as it may see fit, and as the Board deems fit, invest such portions of the proceeds of the divestments into First City Monument Bank Limited, as parts of steps to meet its capital raise objectives outlined in Resolution 1 above, at such price(s) as may be determined by such valuation methods acceptable to the Board, at such dates and upon such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board, subject to obtaining the requisite approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities.

3. That pursuant to the Company’s Public O er which commenced on July 29, 2024 and closed on September 4 2024, that the Company be and is hereby authorized to accept surplus monies (if any) arising from oversubscription of the Public O er in such proportion as may be determined by the Board, subject to the Company’s issued share capital and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals.

4. That the issued share capital of the Company be and is hereby increased from N19,802,710,781.00 (Nineteen Billion, Eight Hundred and Two Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighty One Naira) divided into 39,605,421,562 (Thirty Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Two) ordinary shares of 50k (Fifty Kobo) each by the creation and addition of the exact number of ordinary shares which would be required to give e ect to Resolution 1 above.

5. That pursuant to Resolution 4 above, the Board be and is hereby authorised to: (a) pass the relevant resolutions increasing the Company’s issued share capital by the specific number of new ordinary shares required for the capital raise; and (b) allot such said number of new ordinary shares to relevant investors upon completion of the capital raising exercise.

6. That the new ordinary shares referred to in Resolutions 4 and 5 above shall rank pari-passu with all existing ordinary shares of the Company.

7. With reference to Resolution 1 above, that the Company be and is hereby authorised to raise capital of up to US$15,000,000.00 (Fifteen Million, United States Dollars) or its equivalent in Nigerian Naira, via a mandatory convertible loan o ered to a select group of qualified investors and that the mandatory convertible loan inclusive of any accrued interest be converted into ordinary shares of the Company on such terms and conditions as the Board may deem fit, subject to obtaining the requisite approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities.

8. That the Board be and is hereby authorised to seek the listing and admission to trading of its securities issued pursuant to the foregoing resolutions, on the O cial List of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (the “NGX”), or on such other stock exchange(s) or securities market(s) (as the case may be).

9. That the Board be and is hereby authorised to appoint such professional advisers and other parties and to enter into and execute all such agreements, deeds, notices and other documents as may be necessary for and/or incidental to the foregoing resolutions, (including without limitation, the conversion of any convertible securities into ordinary shares of the Company) and that all lawful actions previously taken by the Board with respect to the foregoing resolutions be and are hereby ratified.

10. That the Board be and is hereby authorised to take such further action and do such further things as may be required to give e ect to the above resolutions including but not limited to obtaining the approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NGX as well as complying with the requirements of the Corporate A airs Commission (the “CAC”) and the directive(s) of any relevant regulatory authority.

11. That the Company Secretary be and is hereby authorized to do all things necessary to give e ect to the resolutions passed at this EGM at the CAC.

Dated this 27th day of November 2024.

By Order of the Board

MRS. OLUFUNMILAYO ADEDIBU Company Secretary

FRC/2014/NBA/00000005887

NOTES:

Explanatory Notes to the Shareholders of FCMB Group Plc (the “Group” or “Company”) on the Resolutions Proposed for Adoption at the Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”) of December 19, 2024

Dear shareholders, as you are aware, on March 28, 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (“CBN”) announced an upward review of the minimum capital requirements for banks in Nigeria, which impacts the Group’s flagship banking subsidiary, First City Monument Bank Limited (“FCMB Limited” or the “Bank”), a Nigerian bank with an international license. These new capital requirements for banks are to be achieved within 24 months from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.

At the 11th Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of May 24, 2024, the Group obtained shareholders’ approval for a capital raise plan of up to N150 billion and to increase the company’s share capital by the creation of additional 19,802,710,781 ordinary shares. As a first step in executing the Group’s capital raise plan, the Group launched a public o er to raise up to N110 billion, which closed on September 4, 2024, is currently undergoing regulatory review.

The o er, based on feedback received from the Issuing Houses, and subject to regulatory approvals, was oversubscribed, receiving strong demand from investors across various classes. This oversubscription reflects robust investor confidence and underscores the Group’s strong performance in recent years and its significant growth potential.

To address the anticipated oversubscription in the Public O er and to achieve execution of further steps in the Group’s capital raise plan, the Directors have proposed the resolutions above to:

i. Increase the Group’s capital raise from up to N150 billion to N340 billion to fully address the capital needs of FCMB Limited in line with the CBN’s revised capital requirements.

ii. Leverage on the strong investor demand by accepting surplus monies from the oversubscription of the public o er, subject to requisite regulatory approvals.

iii. Increase the Group’s share capital by the creation and addition of ordinary shares required to achieve the N340bn capital raise.

iv. Ensure full allotment for investors in the public o er, thereby reducing the amount of capital that may be required for subsequent capital raise phases, and brings the Group closer to achieving its recapitalization goals.

The Directors have also proposed the issuance of a convertible loan of up to US$15,000,000 (Fifteen Million United States Dollars) which protects shareholder returns and leverages on the momentum from the public o er. The capital raised from select investors will convert into common equity on a mandatory basis at a future date.

Opting for a convertible loan instead of a direct equity capital raise such as the recently concluded public o er ensures that no ordinary shares will be created or issued to the loan providers at financial close, thereby limiting any dilutive e ects of a further increase in the number of shares.

The Group is evaluating several non-dilutive capital-raising options, including the potential divestment of a minority stake in one or more of its operating subsidiaries, subject to the creation of value. Where any such divestment transactions are undertaken, the Group will invest the proceeds thereof into the Bank to further meet the recapitalisation requirements. This would not result in any changes to existing shareholders' holdings in the Group, with the subsidiaries remaining a part of the Group post transaction.

Action to be Taken

The Directors appreciate the support and confidence reposed in the Group’s management by the shareholders and hereby request that you vote in favour of all the resolutions that will be proposed for adoption at the EGM of December 19, 2024.

Proxy Only a member (shareholder) of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his/her stead. All valid instruments of proxy should be completed and deposited at the o ce of the Company’s Registrars, Cardinal Stone Registrars Limited, 335/337 Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo Yaba, Lagos; Or emailed to: registrars@cardinalstone.com not later than 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting. Payment of stamp duties for all instruments of proxy shall be at the company’s expense. A copy of the Proxy Form and other information relating to the meeting can be found on the Company’s website at www.fcmbgroup.com

Closure of Register

The Register of Members will be closed from 9 December 2024 to 12 December 2024 (both days inclusive).

Virtual Meeting Link

Further to the signing into law of the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, which allows public companies to hold meetings electronically, this EGM would be held virtually. The Virtual Meeting Link for the Extraordinary General Meeting is https://on.fcmb.com/EGM

Live Streaming of the Extraordinary General Meeting

The meeting will be live streamed online and on social media platforms, to enable shareholders and stakeholders, to follow the proceedings.

Rights of Shareholders to Ask Questions

Shareholders and other holders of the Company’s securities reserve the right to ask questions not only at the meeting, but also in writing prior to the meeting, and such questions should be submitted to the Company on or before 13 December 2024.

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING to be held virtually on Thursday, December 19th, 2024 at 10.00am

I/We being a member/members of FCMB Group Plc hereby appoint

(PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS)

or failing him, the Chairman of the Meeting as my/our proxy to act and vote for me/us and on my/our behalf at the Extraordinary General Meeting of FCMB Group Plc, which will be held virtually at 10.00am on Thursday, December 19th, 2024 or at any adjournment thereof.

Dated this… …day of…………………………………..2024

Shareholder's Signature

A member (shareholder) entitled to attend and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting is allowed by law to vote by proxy and the above proxy form has been prepared to enable you to exercise your right to vote at the meeting.

Following the normal practice, the Chairman of the meeting has been entered on the form to ensure that someone will be at the meeting to act as your proxy but, if you wish, you may insert in the blank space (marked*) the name of any person whether a member of the company or not, who will attend the meeting and vote on your behalf.

Please sign and post the proxy form so as to reach The Registrar, Cardinal Stone Registrars Limited, 335/337 Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo Yaba, Lagos, not later than 48 hours before the time appointed for the meeting and ensure that the proxy form is dated and signed.

If executed by a corporate body, the proxy form should be sealed with the Common Seal or under the hand of an o cer or attorney duly authorised in that behalf. PROXY FORM AND RESOLUTIONS

That the authorised additional capital raise of the Company be and is hereby increased from up to N150,000,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira) to up to N340,000,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Forty Billion Naira) or its equivalent in such other currency as the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board” or the “Directors”) may decide, through the issuance of securities comprising ordinary shares, preference shares, convertible or non-convertible notes and/or loans, notes, bonds or any other instruments, in the Nigerian and/or international capital markets, either as a standalone issue(s) or by the establishment of capital raising programme(s), whether by way of public o erings, private placements, rights issues and/or such other transaction modes, at such price(s), coupon or interest rates determined through book building or any other acceptable valuation method or combination of methods, in such tranches, series or proportions, within such maturity periods and at such dates and upon such terms and conditions, as may be determined by the Board, subject to obtaining the requisite approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities.

That the Board also be and is hereby authorised to divest a portion of the Company’s stake in one or more of its subsidiaries as it may see fit, and as the Board deems fit, invest such portions of the proceeds of the divestments into First City Monument Bank Limited, as parts of steps to meet its capital raise objectives outlined in Resolution 1 above, at such price(s) as may be determined by such valuation methods acceptable to the Board, at such dates and upon such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board, subject to obtaining the requisite approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities.

That pursuant to the Company’s Public O er which commenced on July 29, 2024 and closed on September 4 2024, that the Company be and is hereby authorized to accept surplus monies (if any) arising from oversubscription of the Public O er in such proportion as may be determined by the Board, subject to the Company’s issued share capital and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals.

That the issued share capital of the Company be and is hereby increased from N19,802,710,781.00 (Nineteen Billion, Eight Hundred and Two Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighty One Naira) divided into 39,605,421,562 (Thirty Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Two) ordinary shares of 50k (Fifty Kobo) each by the creation and addition of the exact number of ordinary shares which would be required to give e ect to Resolution 1 above.

That pursuant to Resolution 4 above, the Board be and is hereby authorised to: (a) pass the relevant resolutions increasing the Company’s issued share capital by the specific number of new ordinary shares required for the capital raise; and (b) allot such said number of new ordinary shares to relevant investors upon completion of the capital raising exercise.

That the new ordinary shares referred to in Resolutions 4 and 5 above shall rank pari-passu with all existing ordinary shares of the Company.

With reference to Resolution 1 above, that the Company be and is hereby authorised to raise capital of up to US$15,000,000.00 (Fifteen Million, United States Dollars) or its equivalent in Nigerian Naira, via a mandatory convertible loan o ered to a select group of qualified investors and that the mandatory convertible loan inclusive of any accrued interest be converted into ordinary shares of the Company on such terms and conditions as the Board may deem fit, subject to obtaining the requisite approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities.

That the Board be and is hereby authorised to seek the listing and admission to trading of its securities issued pursuant to the foregoing resolutions, on the O cial List of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (the “NGX”), or on such other stock exchange(s) or securities market(s) (as the case may be).

That the Board be and is hereby authorised to appoint such professional advisers and other parties and to enter into and execute all such agreements, deeds, notices and other documents as may be necessary for and/or incidental to the foregoing resolutions, (including without limitation, the conversion of any convertible securities into ordinary shares of the Company) and that all lawful actions previously taken by the Board with respect to the foregoing resolutions be and are hereby ratified.

That the Board be and is hereby authorised to take such further action and do such further things as may be required to give e ect to the above resolutions including but not limited to obtaining the approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NGX as well as complying with the requirements of the Corporate A airs Commission (the “CAC”) and the directive(s) of any relevant regulatory authority.

That the Company Secretary be and is hereby authorized to do all things necessary to give e ect to the resolutions passed at this EGM at the CAC.

Electronic Delivery Mandate Form

Dear Sir/Madam,

To enable you to receive your shareholder communications promptly, FCMB has introduced the electronic delivery of its Annual Report and Accounts, proxy forms and other statutory documents to shareholders.

With this service, instead of receiving a hard copy of our annual reports and other corporate documents, you can elect to receive a soft copy of the Annual Report, proxy form, etc., either as a link to a downloadable version of the report that will be sent to your email address or on a compact disc (CD), which will be posted to you.

Please complete this form to register your preference and return the completed form to: the Registrar, Cardinal Stone Registrars Limited 335/337 Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo Yaba, Lagos or any of the Registrar’s o ces nationwide.

Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adedibu Company Secretary

of HEREBY AGREE TO THE ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FCMB GROUP PLC’S ANNUAL

REPORTS, PROXY FORMS, PROSPECTUSES, NEWSLETTERS AND STATUTORY DOCUMENTS TO ME THROUGH:

Please tick only one option:

An electronic copy via compact disc (CD) sent to my postal address, or I will download from the web address forwarded to my email address stated below

Continue receiving the report in hard copy to my postal address

My email address:

How often would you like to receive them?

Annually Semi-annually

Description of Service

By enrolling in the electronic delivery service, you have agreed to receive all future announcements/ shareholder communications, as stated below, by email. These communications can be made available to you either semi-annually or annually.

Annual reports, proxy forms, prospectuses and newsletters are examples of the shareholder communications that can be made available to you electronically. Enrolment to our electronic delivery service will be e ective for all your holdings in FCMB Group Plc on an ongoing basis, unless you change or cancel your enrolment. This initiative is in line with our determination to help protect and sustain our planet’s environment and the consolidated SEC Rule 128 (6) of September 2011 which states that “A Registrar of a public company may dispatch Annual Reports and Notices of Meetings to shareholders by electronic means”.

Name (surname first) Signature

+234(0) 1 279 8800 www.fcmbgroup.com

STAR DEEP WATER PETROLEUM LIMITED A Chevron Company OPERATOR OF THE AGBAMI UNIT (PML 52/OML 128)

NipeX Tender: STARDEEP.00000121

1. INTRODUCTION:

Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited (SDWPL), a Chevron company and operator of the Agbami field on behalf of its partners (NNPC Limited, FAMFA Oil Limited, Prime 127 Nigeria Limited, Equinor Nigeria Energy Company Limited, and Texaco Nigeria Outershelf Limited) invites interested and prequalified companies to this tender opportunity for the provision of Platform Supply Vessels to support its operations.

The proposed contract commencement is 2nd Quarter, 2026, with a proposed term of two (2) years with a one (1) year option to extend.

2. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work for the services includes, but is not limited to the following:

o Provision of PSV in support of Deepwater operations

o Provision of onsite engineering/maintenance support and emergency repair capability is required at Company location in Agbami field. Nevertheless, substitute PSV to be provided by Contractor, at Contractor's expense, when a PSV must be removed for repairs outside the Agbami field.

o Vessel shall be fitted for oil field support services and related duties.

o Vessel shall have a Master and full complement of officers and crew, all of whom shall be competent and capable of carrying out the Services.

o Vessel shall be self-catering i.e. meals and bunks should be provided on the vessel by the contractor

o Provision of related/complementary services as advised by company using service order

3.

MANDATORY TENDER REQUIREMENTS:

A. To be eligible for this tender exercise, interested bidders are required to be pre-qualified and “live” in the 3.08.01 (Tugs/ROV Support / Diving Support Vessel) category in NipeX Joint Qualification System (NJQS) database. All successfully pre-qualified and “live” bidders in this category after the bid close date will receive Invitation to Technical Tender (ITT).

B. To determine if you are pre-qualified and to view the product/service category you are listed for: Open www vendors.nipex-ng.com and access NJQS with your log in details. Click on Products/Services Status tab to view your status and product codes.

C. If you are not listed in the product/service category you are registered with DPR to do business, please contact NipeX office at 27b Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi – Lagos with your DPR certificate as evidence for verification and necessary update

D. To initiate the JQS prequalification process, access www.nipex-ng.com, click on services tab followed by NJQS registration.

E. To be eligible, all tenders must comply with Nigerian Content requirements in the NipeX system

4. NIGERIAN CONTENT:

SDWPL is committed to the development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas business in observance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (NOGICD Act) enacted by the Federal Government of Nigeria in April 2010

Pursuant to the NOGICD Act, the minimum Nigerian Content in any project, service or product specification to be executed in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry shall be consistent with the level set in the schedule of the NOGICD Act and any other target as may be directed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Contractors are required to comply with the provisions of the NOGICD Act and all applicable regulations. Bidders that do not meet the Nigerian Content criterion will not be allowed to participate in next Tender Stage

In line with the NOGICD Act, 2010 and its provisions to give full and fair opportunities to Nigerian indigenous companies in all bidding process, Nigerian owned vessels yet to be equipped with the heave compensated crane and/or any upgradeable equipment onboard vessels shall not be out-rightly disqualified during the bidding process provided the vessel owners commit to upgrade such vessels with heave compensated cranes as well as any other fit for purpose equipment in the event of being successful as the preferred bidder

The following are the Nigerian Content requirements bidders are expected to comply with in their technical bid submission.

1. Tenderer to demonstrate that entity is a Nigerian-registered company. Submit certified true copies of CAC forms 10, 02 & 07 (or its equivalent; CAC 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, etc.) and other evidence of entity's incorporation, shareholding & ownership structure in Nigeria. Tenderer shall provide evidence of registration on the NCDMB NOGIC JQS and NUPRC.

2. Tenderers shall provide detailed description of the location of in-country committed facilities not limited to administrative office, technical office, and workshop for execution of the work scope

3. Tenderers shall provide category A or B Nigerian Content marine Vessel certificate (NCMVC) of the proposed vessel (PSV) to be utilized for execution of the contract.

4. Provide a Nigerian Content Execution Plan providing a detailed description of the role, work scope, man-hours and responsibilities of all Nigerian companies and personnel that would be involved in executing the work. Also provide details of Nigerian Content focal point or manager

5. Tenderer shall comply with the latest approved version of NCDMB HCD guideline by committing (via a letter of undertaking) to providing ProjectSpecific training, man-hour, budget, skill development, and understudy plan for Nigerian personnel utilizing OGTAN registered trainer(s) or other approved NCDMB training institution(s)

6. Tenderers to provide firm commitments with MOAs executed with proposed Nigerian indigenous service providers for the following on-board vessel services: Healthcare services, Cleaning and waste disposal services, emergency response services, security services, maintenance services, catering services, housekeeping and laundry services, Logistics services and petroleum product supply

5 CLOSE DATE:

Only bidders who are prequalified and “live” with NJQS Product/Category 3.08.01 (Tugs/ROV Support / Diving Support Vessel) by 16:00 Hours, December 11, 2024, being the advert close date shall be invited to submit technical bid.

Additional Information:

1. Suppliers eligible for this tender opportunity are expected to be prequalified in NJQS under this product/service category

2. The Invitation to Tender (ITT) and any further progression of this tender shall be via NipeX.

3. All costs incurred in preparing and processing NJQS prequalification shall be to the contractor's accounts.

4. Suppliers eligible for this tender opportunity are expected to meet the requirement of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA.

5. This advertisement shall neither be construed as any form of commitment on the part of Chevron Nigeria Limited to award any contract to any company and or associated companies, sub-contractors or agents, nor shall it entitle prequalified companies to make any claims whatsoever, and/or seek any indemnity from Chevron Nigeria Limited and or any of its partners by virtue of such companies having been prequalified in NJQS.

6. The tendering process shall be the NNPC contracting process requiring prequalified companies to submit technical tenders first. Following a technical review, only technically and financially qualified contractors will be requested to submit commercial tenders.

7. Chevron Nigeria Limited will communicate only with authorized officers of the pre-qualifying companies and NOT through individuals or Agents.

Obasanjo: Ecobank’s Design & Build ExpoTestament of What Nigeria Can Achieve

Oluchi Chibuzor

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has applauded Ecobank Nigeria for organising its ongoing design & building expo saying that talents on display shows what is possible in Nigeria.

Obasanjo stated this yesterday in Lagos during a chat with newsmen after a tour of all the pavilion, showcasing several products made locally.

An elated Obasanjo said, “When I was invited, I had no idea what I will see. They said design and build. Well, are they going to be designing and building for me to see? But now that I have come and I’ve seen with my own eyes and now understand What they really are talking about. It takes the facilities, the opportunities, and the expertise that we have in Nigeria to bring them together and build houses, offices, and monuments from what we have.

And it’s very interesting, very exciting.

“It confirms my belief that God has been extremely generously, and kind to Nigeria. There’s nothing you want in this country that you cannot get. Your problem is leadership, and don’t tell me anything; that’s your problem. We have everything, but as you rightly said, put them together and make them hang together, move together, and grow together. You need leadership, not your political leadership, but leadership at all levels and in all walks of life. And I believe that is what Ecobank is trying to do through an exhibition like this.”

The Design & Build Expo 2024 is an initiative of Ecobank Nigeria. It is designed to showcase the latest trends, innovations, and sustainable practices in Architecture, Construction, Building Materials, Household Appliances, Engineering and Interior Design Sectors.

The expo is positioned as a go-to hub to empower businesses,

provide financial solutions, promote economic growth, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in the real estate, design and construction sector with the overarching message: “Building Nigeria Together”.

Speaking, the Managing Director of the bank, Jubril Lawal said the objective of the expo is to facilitating connections between industry professionals, including architects, builders, suppliers, and clients.

“We are offering workshops, seminars, and presentations to educate attendees on best practices, new techniques, and industry standards. We are raising awareness about sustainable building practices and materials, encouraging ecofriendly designs and low-impact construction methods. The expo will be fostering partnerships between designers, contractors, and suppliers to streamline the design and construction process,” he said.

NOVA Bank Achieves Global Cybersecurity Milestone with ISO 27032 Certification

NOVA Bank has achieved a major milestone in its commitment to safeguarding customer data and digital operations by attaining the globally recognized ISO 27032 Cybersecurity Standard certification.

This significant achievement positions NOVA Bank among the elite financial institutions in Nigeria with such a distinction.

The ISO 27032 certification focuses on fortifying cybersecurity measures, ensuring robust protection for data, systems, and online transactions amid

an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

Speaking on the achievement, Acting Managing Director and CEO of NOVA Bank, Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, described the certification as a pivotal moment for the Bank and its customers.

“This certification underscores NOVA Bank’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest global standards in cybersecurity. As we continue to innovate with customer-centric retail products, cybersecurity remains at the heart of our operations. Our customers can rest assured that

their data and transactions are protected by some of the most advanced security frameworks in the industry. Trust is built on security, and NOVA is committed to providing a secure, reliable, and innovative banking experience,” Mrs Iloghalu stated.

The Bank’s Executive Director for Operations and Information Technology, Dr. David Isavwe, who also serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Information Security Society of Africa, Nigeria (ISSAN), emphasised the broader implications of the certification.

Wema Bank Announces Hackaholics 5.0 Finalists

Wema Bank has announced the top 10 teams proceeding to the grand finale of Hackaholics 5.0, following a pre-pitch.

The Top 10 finalists for Hackaholics 5.0 are University X, Empayment AI, BloomBeauty, Aceede, Fegor, Northino, Nimsy, MyTherapist, GbalePrime, and MyItura.

The pre-pitch ceremony is the precursor to the Hackaholics 5.0 Grand Finale, scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024, with the theme “Meta Idea: Catalyzing Africa’s Growth Through Innovation”.

Following their shortlisting to Top 10, the finalists are set to prove their mettle, battling for N75,000,000 worth of prizes in the Hackaholics 5.0 Grand Finale.

Included in this N75,000,000

prize package is N30 million worth of prizes for the grand prize winner, N20 million worth of prizes for the first runner-up, N15 million worth of prizes for the second runner-up and N10 million worth of prizes for the top women-led team.

Beyond the prizes, winners will gain mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to scale their innovations globally, potentially boosting Nigeria’s economy and contributing to the advancement of the African continent on the global scale.

Speaking, Chief Transformation Officer of Wema Bank, Babatunde Mumuni, expressed anticipation for the grand finale event.

He said: “Hackaholics em-

bodies Wema Bank’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering youth empowerment. The enthusiasm demonstrated by the youth across the many institutions visited is evidence of the creativity and determination of young Nigerians and tech enthusiasts, seeking a platform to hone their skills and maximise their creativity. This is why we birthed Hackaholics.

“Hackaholics not only underscores the role of technology and entrepreneurship in addressing Africa’s macroeconomic challenges and accelerating its socio-economic progress, but also takes the important step of providing a platform and enabling environment for this technology and entrepreneurship to thrive,” Mumumi concluded.

Parallex Bank Rewards Customers with Save and Win Promo

In a bid to promote a culture of savings among Nigerians, Parallex Bank has launched its Save and Win Promo, rewarding customers in Delta State with cash prizes, airtime, and other exciting gifts. The first draw of the nationwide campaign took place in Warri, Delta State, attracting hundreds of participants and notable dignitaries, including Chief Benson Onyiyega, Olorogun Barrister Chief Akone of Warri Kingdom, Chief Terry Ezeru, Efechukwu Awunli, and Okoro Fidelis.

Addressing the audience, Branch Manager of Parallex Bank’s Warri branch, Mr.

Akanni Owolabi, explained that the promo is designed to encourage Nigerians to cultivate saving habits. To qualify, customers must deposit a minimum of N10,000 monthly for a chance to participate in the weekly and grand prize draws. The campaign runs nationwide from October 14, 2024, to April 14, 2025.

The Warri draw, which is the first in a series of planned events across Nigeria, recorded 24,328 verified customers, with 154 winners emerging. Mrs. Lucky David, who won the grand prize of N1 million, expressed disbelief when

MARKET INDICATORS

initially informed of her win, suspecting it might be a scam. “When I got the call that I won N1 million, I doubted it and thought it was a scam. I came here to confirm, only to discover it was true,” she shared with excitement, thanking Parallex Bank for delivering on its promise and encouraging others to participate in the promo.

Chief Akone of Warri Kingdom praised the initiative, highlighting its dual benefits of fostering financial discipline and rewarding customer loyalty. He also commended the fairness and transparency of the draw.

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).

President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA),

Dele Kelvin Oye (left), with the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, during the 45th Trade Fair hosted by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA)…recently

Kayode Tokede

Stock Market Down N482bn on Profit-taking in Aradel Holdings, 25

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market yesterday closed trading on negative note as investors’ profit-taking in Aradel Holdings Plc and 25 others dragged the overall market capitalization lower by N482 billion.

As Aradel Holdings dropped by 10 per cent, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) shed 343.31 basis points

or 0.35 per cent to close at 97,296.57 basis points. As a result, the stock market in its Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns stood at -0.4per cent and +30.1per cent, respectively.

Also, market capitalisation dipped by N482 billion to close at N58.696 trillion.

Sectoral performance was mixed, as the NGX Consumer Goods Index declined by 0.3 per cent, while the NGX Insurance Index appreciated

by 1.2per cent, NGX Oil & Gas Index gained one per cent and NGX Banking Index advanced by 0.1 per cent. The NGX Industrial Goods index closed flat.

Also, market breadth closed negative, as 23 stocks gained relative to 26 losers. SUNU Assurance emerged the highest price gainer of 9.97 per cent to close at N4.19, while Guinea Insurance followed with a gain of 8.16 per cent to close at 53 kobo, per share.

Conoil and Daar Communications rose by 6.56 per cent each to close at N276.00 and 65 kobo respectively, while NASCON Allied Industries appreciated by 6.23 per cent to close at N32.40, per share.

On the other side, John Holt led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent to close at N9.90, per share.

Aradel Holdings followed with a decline of 9.98 per cent to close at N473.30, while Eterna declined by

9.88 per cent to close at N22.35, per share. Haldane McCall lost 8.43 per cent to close at N5.65, while UPDC depreciated by 8.13 per cent to close at N1.47, per share.

The total volume traded increased by 48.97 per cent to 882.462 million units, valued at N10.286 billion, and exchanged in 9,385 deals. Transactions in the shares of Haldane McCall led the activity with 373.722 million

shares worth N2.159 billion. Japaul Gold & Ventures followed with account of 115.927 million shares valued at N285.525 million, while Tantalizers traded 30.734 million shares valued at N34.872 million.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) traded 29.439 million shares worth N930.044 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) traded 28.748 million shares worth N1.516 billion.

PRESENTATION OF HEADLINE SPONSOR AWARD OF RECOGNITION FOR OUTSTANDING TAXPAYER...

Gowon Explains Nigeria-Biafra War, Creation of 12 States

Says no group, tribe should dominate others Insists his political party is Nigeria

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former military head of state and octogenarian, General Yakubu Gowon, yesterday went down memory lane, explaining why Nigeria undertook a three-year civil war and division the country into twelve states, stating it was to ensure that no tribe or zone dominates other.

Gowon who commended the League of Northern Democrats for their foresight in ensuring the unity and growth of the 19 northern states, said that his political party is Nigeria and explained it was for this reason that the civil war was fought with ‘No Victor, No Vanguished’.

Speaking when the League of Northern Democrats led by the former governor of Kano State visited him, General Gowon said: ''My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria.

“From your speech, I understand that this is your intention - to ensure the north, in its current state, focuses on national unity. It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country's unity.

''This perspective was born out of extensive discussions with political leaders, chiefs, and various groups. The north had to make sacrifices to address fears of domination by one region, especially given the size and population of the north.

“At that time, there was considerable anxiety from the south about the north's dominance, which nearly led to calls for secession from all regions - the west, the east, and even the north.

''This deeply worried me. I was

Funmi Ogundare

Principal

Adviser

at the Generation Unlimited (GenU) Secretariat in New York, Urmila Sarkar, yesterday, called for equal access to skill-building opportunities for both young men and women, emphasising the importance of enabling youth to follow their passions and pursue sustainable livelihoods.

Sarkar made this call, during a project visit to Yaba College of Technology and Computer Village, Ikeja, on the Girls Education Skills Programme (GESP) with UNICEF, which aims to empower one million young girls and women between

born in Nigeria, raised in Nigeria, and served a profession that represented the country's collective interest. My decision to advocate for state creation stemmed from a desire to prevent the fragmentation of our nation.

''Even now, I recall that at one point, people believed the north wanted to secede, just as similar claims were made about the east and the west. This fear of disintegration weighed heavily on me.

“If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? We might have ended up with separate nations - whether Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or otherwise. I hesitate to say more, as I might risk offending someone here.

''You know I’m not affiliated with any political party. My only allegiance is to Nigeria. My profession shaped my belief in serving the country above all else, and I’ve avoided partisan politics.

“I encourage others to think beyond regional interests and focus on Nigeria as a whole. Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never prevent us from working together to resolve issues for the good of the country.”

Further according to Gowon: ''Nigeria’s population and diversity are strengths. If we can unite despite our differences, we can build the Nigeria we all envision. You’ve shared your paper with me, and I’ll review it carefully. As you mentioned, you can return at any time for further discussions or my thoughts on your proposals.

''I joked earlier that your League of Northern Democrats isn’t yet a party. It appears to be a northern group, but it’s made up of individuals from all parts of the country. The north is incredibly diverse,

encompassing various tribes, such as the Igbo-speaking communities in Benue and the Yoruba presence there as well. These differences enrich our region and should encourage unity rather than division.

''The northern identity, however, is often associated with the HausaFulani. Even within that label, there is significant diversity. For instance, among the Angas people, we have distinct names like "Ngas," and they call us "Ngali." The cultural nuances are fascinating and a testament to our rich heritage.

''Unfortunately, I feel saddened by the challenges currently facing the north, such as the emergence of groups like the Lukarawa from Mali. Their activities have only created more problems for us.

''Nonetheless, I’m honoured and delighted by your visit. Your introductions touched me deeply. Many of you are descendants of

respected leaders such as Tafawa Balewa and Shagari. I see this gathering as a continuation of their legacy.

''I must commend your group’s efforts to bring over 700 members together. It’s a remarkable achievement. However, I urge you to remember that the north’s division into states was meant to preserve national unity. Whatever you do, always prioritise the nation’s interest. While cooperation among states is vital, it should never compromise Nigeria’s collective good.

''I’m impressed by your initiative and wish you success. Perhaps your movement will evolve into a national party that unites all Nigerians. While various groups work on a new constitution, I encourage you to engage with them to ensure their proposals serve the country’s best interests.

''I’ve always believed in taking

the best from all ideologies - be it socialism, capitalism, or others - and applying them for the greater good.

During my time in government, we valued diverse perspectives, but decisions were always made in the interest of the people and the nation.

''You’ve started something significant, and I hope you’re prepared to collaborate with others for the future of Nigeria. Your dedication gives me hope for the nation’s future.

''Let me also say that I hope your visit isn’t just about returning to the old thinking where the north prioritises the north, the west prioritises the west, and the east prioritises the east - until, of course, the Mid-West emerged to think for itself.''

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the League of Northern Democrats, former governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, told

General Gowon that the mission of the LND is encapsulated in their objectives: He listed the objectives to include:

"'To foster unity and brotherhood across the diverse ethnic, religious and cultural groups of Northern Nigeria, strengthening our common destiny;

''To build enduring political networks that promote dialogue, consultation and collaboration among Northern elites, ensuring the North’s strategic influence in Nigeria’s politics; ''To harness our collective resources to combat poverty, create opportunities for our youth, and secure sustainable development for the region; and''To devise practical strategies for conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence and a renewed sense of community in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious polity.''

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has announced the abolition of widowhood practices in Anambra State.

This is coming as the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), under the Touch-A-Life Housing Initiative on Sunday donated 10 set of fully furnished two-bedroom bungalows to 10 indigent widows in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Soludo who in company of wife of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Karimatu Mohammed

Ali Pate, commissioned the buildings commended the chairman of the foundation, Sir Emeka Offor for his benevolence, calling on other well-to-do individuals to emulate the gesture.

Soludo pledged the enforcement of laws against oppressive practices in Anambra burial laws, including forceful shaving of widows’ hair; just as he promised to contribute to the widows’ upkeep through their cooperatives.

“We’ve come to celebrate humanity, Sir E and his wife for living out the admonition of doing the work of God while we’re here on earth. No

one is too poor to give or too rich to receive.

“Oraifite community is privileged to have men of timber and caliber like Emeka Offor. We call on everyone to keep partnering with government for the growth and development of the State. We will work to stop widowhood practices, and we will strictly enforce the Anambra burial laws soon,” he stated.

Vice President, SEOF and President, Touch-A-Life Housing Initiative, and wife of the president, Dr. Adaora Offor said: “Let me speak frankly about the reality faced by widows in our society. In many parts of Nigeria, we

UK Collaborate to Break Barriers forYoung Women’s Empowerment

the ages of 13 to 24 with high quality and market relevant skills to enable them become employable and entrepreneurial.

Sarkar stressed the need to provide equal chances for young people, especially women, to succeed.

"To make meaningful progress, we must ensure that young women in Nigeria and elsewhere have the same opportunities to develop skills and pursue livelihoods as their male counterparts," she said. Sarkar expressed her admiration for the numerous organisations supporting girls' education and skills development in Nigeria, highlighting it as a global issue.

"Many adolescent girls urgently need skills and opportunities to earn a living," she said, noting that young women often lack access to digital opportunities.

In countries like Nigeria, she pointed out, such challenges are significant but not insurmountable.

The principal adviser further explained that her organisation works to connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need, with a particular focus on reaching marginalized young women.

"Youth unemployment and the skills gap are among the greatest challenges of our time, and they are critical to global socio-economic

development," she added.

Addressing the topic of gender mainstreaming, Sarkar noted that the needs of adolescent girls should be at the forefront.

"Globally, one in five young people is neither in education, training, nor employment, and young women are twice as likely to be in this situation," she said.

She emphasised that barriers such as limited access to education, community restrictions, and lack of information prevent young women from pursuing opportunities.

"GenU, UNICEF, and other public partners must work together to break down these barriers and ensure that

young women have equal access to opportunities," she said.

When asked why the focus is on girls, she explained that statistics show girls face more obstacles than boys in terms of education, digital access, and skills development.

"This disparity is reflected in the labor market, making it even more crucial to level the playing field for both genders," she added.

Phoebe Hill, Team Leader for Higher Education & Skills at the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), emphasised the UK government's commitment to supporting initiatives that empower girls.

have come to accept as normal what is, in truth, profoundly abnormal.

“We have accepted laws and traditions that strip women of their dignity simply because they have lost their husbands. We stand by as they are forced to drink water used to wash their husband’s corpse. We remain silent as they are denied their right to inheritance and cast out of their homes - all in the name of tradition.

“The Touch-A-Life Project was born out of a deep awareness of these injustices. A woman does not lose her rightful place in society simply because she has lost her husband - that is the essence of a just world. What some call tradition is, in truth, oppression disguised as culture.

“Today, as we commission these houses, we are not merely constructing buildings; we are making a bold statement: widows deserve dignity, respect, and safety.

“I say this to everyone here today: You don’t have to build houses to make a difference. If you can speak, speak up against these injustices. If you can write, document these stories. If you can do neither, stand in solidarity with these women. But please, don’t be silent. Don’t be passive. The cost of inaction is too high.

“A woman does not lose her rightful place in society simply because she has lost her husband—that is the essence of a just world.

L-R: Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Abdul-Kabir Ogungbo; Chief Finance Officer, Wemabank, Mrs. Bunmi Oladosu; and Secretary to Lagos State government, Bimbola SaluHundeyin, during the presentation of Headline Sponsor Award of recognition for outstanding Taxpayer to Wemabank at the Eko Revenue Plus Summit 2024 in Lagos... yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

SIGNING OF AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST BETWEEN LAGOS AND EUROPEAN UNION-AFRICA CHAMBER...

L-R: Assistant Vice President, Corporate Sustainability Indorama Ventures, Sasinotai Rochanutama; Chief Financial Officer, Carbonivity, Anthony Feyitimi; Head of Accra Office European Union Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC), Nele Lahrmann - Muniru; Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy for Lagos State, Titi Oshodi; Vice Chairman of Japan Group Institute of Directors, Rie Hamaguchi and CEO of Carbonivity, Dr Adebola Odunusi, at the Signing of an Expression of Interest between Lagos State's Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy and the European UnionAfrica Chamber of Commerce at COP29 to advance green financing, technology transfer, and sustainable development in Lagos ... recently

Germany to Continue Partnering Nigeria to Cage Human Trafficking, Sexual Exploitation

As France pledges support in fight against GBV

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Germany has expressed its determination towards collaborating with Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to end the scourge of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, gave the promise on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating the refurbished training office of NAPTIP and presenting ICT equipment to assist the agency in its fight against human trafficking. Meanwhile, France has promised to continue to support the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria, noting that the time has come to take stock of what has been achieved

so far to put an end to this virus.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Ketty Regis, who stood in for the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of France to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Jean Francois Hasperue, at a panelist breakfast debate as one of the activities for the 16 Days of Activism against GBV 2024, said: “In 1995-2025, next year this declaration will be 30 years old. According to the German Ambas-

sador to Nigeria, “As we gather here, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the vital work that NAPTIP undertakes every day.

Your dedication to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and your relentless efforts to dismantle trafficking networks are commendable.

“The fight against human trafficking requires unwavering commitment,

Supreme Court Affirms Ezeokenwa as APGA's National Chairman

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Supreme Court has affirmed Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa as the authentic National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The decision of the apex court is expected to put to rest all legal issues surrounded the leadership of the party.

Delivering judgements in two appeals on Wednesday, a five-member panel of the apex court faulted the claim of Chief Edozie Njoku to APGA chairmanship.

The apex court explained that its earlier judgement in the appeal marked: SC/CV/687/2021, and delivered on October 14, 2021 which

was corrected on March 24,2023, upon which Njoku purportedly relied to lay claim to APGA chairmanship, did not confer on him any enforceable rights.

According to Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgement, the only declaratory reliefs granted in the 2021 judgement were not executory.

Besides, Justice Adah stated that there was no order or orders in the 2021 judgement to be executed, adding that in the earlier judgement, the Supreme Court particularly held that issues pertaining to the leadership of a political party or who becomes the chairman of a political party was internal to the political party and was not justiciable.

He further held that it was wrong for Njoku to have gone before the lower court to seek to enforce a judgement that had nothing to be enforced as no executory reliefs were granted.

Consequently, Justice Adah advised judges of the lower courts to be cautious, stating that the judges of the trial court and the Court of Appeal, who declared Njoku Chairman of APGA were wrong to have heard the suit by Njoku.

The apex court in a unanimous decision subsequently set aside the judgement delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on June 28, 2024, affirming the judgement of the High

Police: Why We Dismissed Inspector Uduma from Service

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), yesterday justified the dismissal of one Edith Uduma, a former Police Inspector, who was recently dismissed for her act of gross misconduct and complicity surrounding the alleged rape of a 17-year-old female suspect by one Abraham Uzuobo.

Justifying the disciplinary actions against the dismissed police officer, the Force Spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement recalled that in a video that went viral on social media, where a Police Sergeant was alleged to have raped a female suspect in the station on October 7th 2024, former police Inspector Edith Uduma was the Charge Room Officer (CRO) on duty.

The video, he further recalled emerged online one week following the occurrence, stating that a thorough investigation into the matter conducted by the Edo State Police Command uncovered that the Police Sergeant, identified as Sgt Abraham Uzuobo, had removed the victim from the cell and taken her to an unoccupied office, where he attempted to engage in sexual acts with her.

"During the act, Uduma had walked

in and recorded the act. However, instead of immediately making a documented entry on the matter in the Incident Record of the Station which was under her charge, and thereafter reporting the incident to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for disciplinary actions to be initiated against the erring officer, she took advantage of the situation to enrich herself by calling her husband, Ibrahim Mohammed, who was also a Police Inspector, both of whom conspired to unlawfully demand the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) from the Sergeant to assist him in concealing the matter.

"However, the Sergeant offered only N45,000 in cash which they collected at that instance and after a few days, contacted the Sergeant to request the same sum of N1,000,000, but the Sergeant refused to comply.

“Dissatisfied by his refusal to follow through with the blackmail, they decided to report the erring officer to the DPO and also simultaneously share the video on social media," he further recalled

Adejobi revealed that everyone culpable in this case has been sanctioned appropriately as there was no intention

to impede justice.

According to him, "The erring Sergeant has been dismissed and prosecuted and is currently in prison custody as the trial progresses. Inspector Edith Uduma was also dismissed for her role, while her complicit husband has been reduced to the rank of Corporal.

"However, it has come to the attention of the Force that following her dismissal, Mrs Edith has made numerous unfounded claims regarding her innocence and has sought to taint the reputation and integrity of the adjudicating authority, the InspectorGeneral of Police in person, and the entire Police Force.

"It is imperative to set the record straight and provide clear context regarding her actions and the decision to dismiss her from service. The dismissal of former Police Inspector Edith Uduma was not only justified but necessary, based on thorough investigations that presented irrefutable evidence of her failure to follow standard incident report protocol to immediately document the incident, attempt to conceal an offender for benefit, participation in extortion and manipulating the justice process for personal gain".

Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which had declared Njoku Chairman of APGA.

The judgement in both appeals were applied to the third appeal, relating to the same issue of APGA leadership.

The three appeals are SC/ CV/824/2024: APGA & another vs. Chief Victor Ike Oye & others; SC/ CV/825/2024: Chief Victor Ike Oye vs. Otunba Kamaru Lateef Ogidan & 2 others, and Chief Victor Ike Oye vs. Otunba Kamaru Lateef Ogidan & 2 others.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the judgement, Ezeokenwa commended the judiciary for effectively laying to rest the leadership dispute in the party and affirming him as Chairman, adding that the apex court with the erudite judgements delivered on Wednesday has, once again, proved that it is indeed, the hope of the common man.

APC

and I commend each of you for your courage and resilience.”

She added: “As we all know, the government of Germany through the German Mission in Nigeria and the German Federal Criminal Police; Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) has remained committed in its support to NAPTIP since inception of the agency in various ways.”

She said: “Today marks a pivotal moment in our joint effort. It is with great pride that I officially launch the newly renovated Resource Centre, a project made possible through the generous support of the Federal Criminal Police Office, Bundeskriminalamt (BKA).”

She noted: “This Centre will serve as a hub of knowledge, information, and training, equipping NAPTIP with resources needed to tackle the complexities of human trafficking.

“It is our hope that this Centre will not only enhance your operational effectiveness but also foster collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to eradicating this crime.”

The envoy who also said Germany was involved in the ongoing training of 25 officers of the agency, noted that the equipment donated include 15 HP all in one Desktops with 15 Bluegate UPSs, 4 ACER Projectors, 15 APC Surge protector 5 outlets, 8 Samsung tablets.

She said that the equipment will be sent to the NAPTIP Zonal Commands in Enugu, Kano and Osogbo to improve their office infrastructure.

The Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello on her part, said: “The Centre is indeed, equipped to meet the diverse needs of all those who will benefit from it and for this, we remain grateful to the government and people of Germany for this excellent show of support, partnership and collaboration in the fight against Trafficking in persons, a deadly transnational organized criminal enterprise that affects both countries negatively.”

She added that: “This is a specifically prime example of how international collaboration can lead to tangible, positive results and NAPTIP on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria express the willingness of the two nations to continue to work together in addressing the negative impact of trafficking in persons.”

In Jean Francois Hasperue’s words: “Time to take stock? What have we achieved in 30 years? What have we learned? What lessons have we learned from the various commitments and recommendations?”

She noted that for the French Embassy in Nigeria, this year’s 2024 edition of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence means 13 magnificent projects across Nigeria, 11 awesome states across the country where the projects will take place, 15 creative civil society organisations supported, and between 150 and 200 people directly targeted by our activities.

She said: “Every year we remind ourselves, and this year will be no exception: 'GBV is not just a women's issue; it's a human rights issue'.

Chieftain Warns Lawmakers Against Endorsing, Passing Vote of Confidence on Ganduje

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nanfwang Dachi Gunat, has sounded a note of caution to lawmakers across the country against passing vote of confidence on the embattled national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje. Gunat who was a member of Support Groups Coordination (North Central) for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said the caution goes to former and serving lawmakers in the state and national assemblies.

He stressed that such endorsement would amount to betraying the North Central region which has been pushing to reclaim the chairmanship seat after the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu who is from the region.

Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in Jos the Plateau State capital, the APC Chieftain revealed that rumours have it that Ganduje is planning to organize both former and serving legislators across the country in order to get their support for the chairmanship seat to still remain in the North West where he is from, and that they should also endorse him for the position.

According to him, that position has been constitutionally agreed by the party to be for the North Central which has contributed greatly towards the progress of the party, but that Ganduje is trying everything possible to twist the agreement.

But the North Central region, he said, will not concede that position to another region within the party structure.

He disputed the credit given to Ganduje on the victory of the APC in the Edo and Ondo governorship election, saying that the people voted for the party because of their belief and trust in the party and not because of Ganduje who could not deliver his home state of Kano to the APC. He therefore called on President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the party to immediately convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in order to address the issue of the Chairmanship position accordingly so that it doesn't tear the party apart. Gunat said that convening the meeting to address this vital issue is key to the party's unity and success towards the 2027 election as the North Central region is already feeling marginalized and relegated to the background.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

FOUNdaTiON LayiNG CEREMONy…

L-R: Registrar, Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State, Mr. Kolawole Fisoye; former Commissioner for Education, Kwara State, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin; University’s Director of Physical Planning, Olanrewaju Ilesanmi; Deputy Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency, Kayode Alabi; Founder/ Chancellor, Thomas Adewumi University, Dr. Johnson Bamidele Adewumi, and Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State, Chief Segun Ogunwuyi, at the foundation laying of the building of the College of Medicine during the maiden convocation of the University in Oko-Irese… yesterday

Fire Guts Radio Nigeria Station Ikoyi, Lagos

Property and communication gadgets worth millions of Naira were destroyed yesterday by fire that gutted Radio Nigeria station on Plot No. 35, Ikoyi Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed the incident in a statement last night. Although the Fire Service said that the cause of the fire was yet unknown, the agency was alerted at about 5.30 p.m.

‘Attack

Adeseye said after getting the alert, the agency had firefighters from Dolphin, Ebute Elefun Fire Stations as first responders who met the fire well-alight due to the substances involved in the

on Pipelines Undermined Relationship with Chevron’

sylvester idowu inWarri

Leaders of Dibi/Olero Field Communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State have condemned the recent attack on pipelines in the Dibi-OleroAbiteye trunk line and Flow Stations, describing Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM) which claimed responsibility for the damage as faceless.

The leaders from 14 communities decried the action of the group which they described as not only reckless but also detrimental to the environment, the local economy and the livelihoods of residents.

A group, Niger Delta Liberation

Movement (NDLM), had claimed responsibility for bursting oil and gas pipelines being operated by Chevron Nigeria limited (CNL) The damaged pipelines transport various petroleum products such as natural gas and crude oil.

The group in a statement claimed it carried out the attacks at about 2 a.m. last Friday describing the action as the launch of ‘Operation Chevron Dragnet’.

But Dr. Jeffrey Wilkie in a statement issued yesterday on behalf of leaders of the Chevron host communities declared: “We the leaders categorically state that this group is unknown to us and have no tie with the host communities.”

Pepsi Re-launches 60cl Long Throat Bottle

One of Nigeria’s leading Cola brand, Pepsi, has re-launched its 60cl long throat bottle with a disruptive marketing campaign. The brand tapped into the fabric of pop culture, unveiling its message of Big Big Tinz (Big Refreshment. Big Value) while leveraging the hit Big Big Things By Afrobeat Star - Young Jonn to launch a Pepsi remix as the official theme song for this campaign. This strategic move by the brand was made to establish its message and deepen its connection with consumers.

In launching this groundbreaking campaign, the Afrobeat star created a Pepsi remix for this global hit

song, creatively and effortlessly infusing the brand within the song maintaining the same rhythmic feel of the original. Originally introduced in 2015, the Pepsi 60cl Longthroat bottle is back on shelves in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin, offering consumers within these locations big refreshment, big value, and big flex.

Speaking on the release of the new theme song, the Senior Brand Manager, of Seven-Up Bottling Company, Sam Okolie, noted that the choice of “Big Big Tinz” aligns perfectly with the return of Pepsi 60 cl product value and resonates with its youthful audience.

Keystone Bank Headlines Aba Fashion Week 2024

Raheem akingbolu

Aba Fashion Week 2024 returns for its fourth edition with the theme “Threads of Heritage,” honouring the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern fashion that defines Aba’s unique role in Nigeria’s creative landscape. This landmark event, which started yesterday will end tomorrow at the GIA Event Centre in Aba. It is showcasing the talents of emerging and established Nigerian designers

and artisans, including notable names like Ria Bani, Packson Couture, and Kweens & Kings.

According to a statement, Keystone Bank proudly headlines this year’s event as the title sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to being the bank of SMEs and supporting businesses on their journey to growth and wealth creation. By backing Aba Fashion Week, Keystone Bank continues to champion initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and foster innovation in Nigeria’s thriving creative sector.

material composition of the studio section.

She said: “The Agency which was alerted at about 17:30 hours had Firefighters from Dolphin,

Ebute Elefun and Oba Onitolo Fire Stations as first responders who met the fire well-alight due to the substances involved in the material composition of

the studio section.

“The public is however assured that the collaborative efforts with the Federal Fire Service and other Emergency Responders including

the Nigerian Police has put the situation under control and confined it to the studio section of the U-shape one storey building where it emanated.

Gunmen Kidnap Three Innoson Motors Staff Members in Nnewi

david-Chyddy Eleke in awka

Unidentified gunmen last Tuesday evening kidnapped members of staff of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Limited in Nnewi, Anambra State, near their factory.

A source said the workers of the

indigenous vehicle manufacturing company involved included the company secretary, financial manager, and one security officer.

The source said the gunmen arrived in the factory just a few minutes after the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, left his factory. This

AP Unveils 150m Litres Lube

KayodeTokede

Ardova Plc (AP) has set a new benchmark in the lubricants market with the unveiling of its state-of-the-art lubricant oil blending plant (LOBP).

With a production capacity of 150 million litres per annum and

was confirmed by the police authorities in Anambra State, which said they have begun tracking the gunmen in a view to releasing the kidnapped staff members.

A statement issued by the state Police Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, however, did not reveal the identity of those

kidnapped.

The statement read: “Anambra State Joint Security Forces are on the offensive for possible rescue unhurt of three abducted victims and arrest of the abductors on November 26, 2024, by 6:45 p.m. at Innoson motorcycle showroom along Owerri Road in Nnewi.

Plant, Strengthens Partnership with Distributors

a storage capacity of 14 million litres, the new facility is designed to meet the evolving demands of the Nigerian market while ensuring consistent supply across all product lines.This announcement was made at the AP Lubricant Distributors’ Forum held at the company’s terminal in Lagos, where Ardova also

introduced several initiatives aimed at strengthening its partnership with distributors after a tour of the facility.

The Executive Chairman, Ardova, AbdulWasiu Sowami, shared insights into the decision to build a new blending plant instead of upgrading its existing facility.

He said: “Three years ago, we

realised that to accomplish our goal of adequately meeting the Nigerian market lubricant demand, we needed to transform our lubricant plant to state-of-the-art Lubricant Blending Oil Plant that will represent our commitment to innovation and excellence and our vision is to lead the lubricants market.”

Tokunbo Wahab Reaffirms Commitment to Tackle Flash Flooding in

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling flash flooding and addressing environmental infractions across the state.

Speaking during an inspection tour of critical drainage projects in Eti-Osa Local Government

Area, Wahab emphasised the importance of sustainable, community-driven solutions to combat these challenges.

Accompanied by the Permanent Secretaries of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, and Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite, Wahab assessed ongoing projects aimed at improving Lagos’s flood management systems.

Among the key sites visited was the Orchid Road/Royal Pine Estate Secondary Collector, a vital drainage project designed to mitigate flooding in vulnerable areas.

Lagos

One of the tour’s highlights was addressing long-standing issues with Systems 156 and 157, where residential infractions had disrupted natural water flow, significantly increasing flood risks.

Wahab outlined the government’s collaborative approach, noting that after months of negotiations, affected residents agreed to either restore the natural discharge path to the Ikota River or fund alternative designs.

USAID, Ascend Studios Launch $3.5m Initiative to Boost Nigeria’s Film Industry

Mary Nnah

In a landmark move to revolutionise Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Ascend Studios have launched the

Africa Creative Blueprint, a groundbreaking $3.5 million initiative designed to empower Nigerian creativity and propel African stories onto the global stage.

This strategic partnership is a significant milestone in the growth and development of Nigeria’s creative industry, and is expected to have a profound impact on the country’s economic and cultural landscape. By providing intensive training in TV production to 3,500 Nigerian youths by December 15, 2024, the initiative aims to develop a skilled TV workforce that can compete with the best in the world.

The Africa Creative Blueprint will also bring together at least 200 young Nigerians to collaborate on the production of a high-quality, music-infused 13-episode TV drama.

98 PAP Delegates Complete Specialised Maritime Skills

Ninety-eight maritime delegates sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) for a boot camp and a refresher course in specialised maritimerelated skills at the Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research, Otomewo, Delta State, have completed their training. A ceremony was held for

the 98 PAP maritime cadets to mark their graduation from the rigorous one-month vocational training.

Speaking at the event, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, said their deployment for the exercise was part of the PAP’s manpower and human

resources development schemes for the Niger Delta.

He described the training as strategic, stressing that it was aimed at equipping the maritime cadets with the requisite skills for the country’s maritime industry that was anchored on President Bola Tinubu’s policy on the blue economy.

5,000 Benefit from Pastor Folu Adeboye’s

Wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, has continued to amplify the need to foster a community that selflessly served the elderly through her foundation.

Marking the 12th anniversary of Heart of Love in South Africa on Thursday, 21 of November 2024 the spiritual mother reiterated her compassion for the old people, stating that the love of Christ should be spread to such people. Speaking at the programme held

Training

Otuaro said: “I am very delighted that you have successfully completed your boot camp and refresher course. It is another significant milestone that underscores the commitment of the PAP under my leadership towards developing the requisite manpower and human capital for the Niger Delta.

Foundation in S’Africa

in South Africa, she said for over a decade, Heart of Love has selflessly served the elderly community in Alexandra, South Africa, extending the love of Christ to over 1,000 “go-go’s” (elderly women) and “madala’s” (elderly men) through monthly prayer meetings and

grocery support.

“Although, this idea came up when I visited the Consul General of Nigeria embassy in South Africa Hon. Okey Emuchay , in 2011 when he was giving report of how old people are dying in South Africa.

Enyimba Crash in First Group Match against Egypt’s Al Masry

Enyimba got off to a losing start in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after they fell 2-0 at Al Masry of Egypt on Wednesday evening.

brace for the

team at the Suez Canal Stadium in Port Said.

He opened scoring after just five minutes, before he grabbed his double on 74 minutes.

Goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena pulled off several top saves in the second half to ensure Enyimba avoided a bigger losing margin.

The Aba Elephant will next welcome holders Zamalek also of Egypt on December 8.

Elsewhere yesterday, Algerian side CS Constantine pulled off a late upset against hosts CS

forward's clinical finish,

following Mohamed Benchaira's through ball, silenced the home crowd at the Stade Olympique Hammadi-Agrebi.

Despite their dominance in

possession, Sfaxien failed to convert their chances, with Hazem Haj Hassen missing a crucial header in the dying minutes.

Earlier in the day, Simba SC from

edged

NPFL: Remo Stars Win ‘Western

Derby’ against Shooting, Return to Top

For the third consecutive season, Remo Stars maintained perfect result against Shooting Stars of Ibadan with a 2-0 win at their Ikenne stadium in one of the Match-day 14 fixtures of the NPFL played yesterday.

The win moves the Kunle Soname lads back to the top of the log. They are on same 26 points with Rivers United who were held 1-1 away at Sunshine Stars.

A goal in each half assured Remo Stars’ return to winning ways after

three winless matches including a loss at Katsina United last weekend.

Former Shooting Stars striker, Sikiru Alimi, converted a penalty deep into the stoppage time of first half for Remo Stars. The Oluyole Warriors were unfortunate to play a man down following a red card given to Taiye Muritala few minutes before the opening goal.

Both teams put up decent performances in the opening stages of the return from break but it was

obvious that the one man less was putting Shooting Stars game plans in disarray.

However,Olamilekan Adedayo returned to scoring form with the second goal for Remo in the 67th minute to put the match beyond the reach of the visitors from Ibadan.

In Ijebu Ode, former champions, Rivers United, were unfortunate not to have secured the maximum points against hosts, Sunshine Stars at the Dipo Dina Stadium. The defeat leaves

Rivers United trailing Remo on the log. The visitors shot to the lead in the third minute with the goal by Timothy Zachariah but Sunshine equalised in the 61st minute and retained the 14th position with 17 points.

In Enugu, defending champions, Rangers International compounded the woes of Lobi Stars with a 3-0 win at the Cathedral.

Goals from Frank Uwumiro, Igboke and Onyebuchi Ifeanyi assured maximum points for Rangers in the first half at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium roared to life.

While in Lagos, Ikorodu City continue their good runs with another 2-0 win against El Kanemi at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. After a goalless first half, Shola Adelani puts the hosts in front in the 62nd minute while Ayomide Cole doubled the lead in the 77th minute. The win pushed the Oga Boys into fifth position on 21 points while El Kanemi retained their fourth spot on the log. In Ilorin, Kwara United ended Heartland of Owerri’s winning streak with a lone goal win while Nasarawa United snatched a 2-1 victory against Bendel Insurance in Lafia.

Barcelona's Yamal Wins 2024 Golden Boy award

Barcelona and Spain's Lamine Yamal has won the 2024 Golden Boy award.

The award, founded by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, is given to the best European men's player under the age of 21 years with journalists voting using a points system. Yamal, 17, established himself as a first-team regular for Barcelona last season before helping Spain to win Euro 2024.

The winger scored one goal

Super Falcons,Team Officials, Jet into France for Friendly

Players and officials of nine-time African champions the Super Falcons have started arriving in the city of Angers, France from Wednesday morning, ahead of Saturday’s much-anticipated international friendly game between Nigeria and France’s Les Bleues. It is the second time both teams will engage in a friendly encounter – the first being a forgettable experience for the Falcons as they lost by eight goals in freezing weather inside Le Mans’ Stade Marie-Marvingt on 6th April 2018.

Only goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who plays her club football in France, and Mexicobased defender Osinachi Ohale, remain from that squad that was undone by, among other things, a hat-trick from Valérie Gauvin and an own goal by defender Faith Ikidi-Michael.

The defeat equalled the Falcons’ biggest-ever defeats – by Norway at the 1995 FIFA World Cup finals in Sweden and by Germany in a friendly in Leverkusen’s Bay Arena on 25th November 2010.

However, clashes at the FIFA World Cup finals have been much closer, with the Falcons losing by the odd goal against the Les Bleues in Germany in 2011, and by the same margin at the Roazhon Park when both sides clashed at the 2019 finals hosted by France.

The consummation of Saturday’s encounter is further confirmation of the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led administration’s commitment to fully blood a new Super Falcons’ squad, by implementing a process of exposure and experience-garnering for the new squad, following an

under-par outing at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer.

The big game with the Les Bleues comes up only five weeks after the first of two friendly matches with Algeria’s Green Ladies in Nigeria (2-0 and 4-1 wins), and eight days

after the Super Falcons learnt they would be playing Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in the group phase at the 13th Women AFCON in Morocco next summer.

Saturday’s match will commence at 9.30pm France time, same time as in Nigeria.

Nigeria, Botswana Book Places at 2025 Africa Regional T20 Cricket WCQ Final

With one match to spare host Nigeria and Botswana went four games unbeaten to secure the top two spots at the ongoing Interna- tional Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-regional Africa Qualifier C in Abuja.

The two teams now join Tanzania, Malawi (from Qualifier A), Zimbabwe, Kenya (from Qualifier B), and the two African representatives at the last T20 World Cup; Namibia and Uganda, who are drawn bye to the regional finals. Despite the two spots already decided, the closing event will still see all the six countries dueling on the closing day of the Sub-regional final. The Patriots of Sierra Leone (as the Sierra Leonean side is called) will be hoping to redeem themselves against Eswatini after

losing to Botswana and Nigeria in earlier fixtures.

Also, Ivory Coast men’s team will be hoping to deliver their best performance against St. Helena, to taper the heavy losses that their maiden international appearance has earned them so far.

The biggest game, however, is the afternoon clash between Nigeria and Botswana, where the winner would lift the tournament trophy.

Coach Stephen Tikolo, Nigeria’s men’s national coach and highperformance manager is confident Yellow-Greens have all it takes to finish strong at the event.

“We have been consistent on so many fronts and I believe the boys are motivated to finish the event on a high. We have had support from the board and the fans here

that have come to cheer the team. It has been a huge morale booster for us,” he noted.

Nigeria’s match with Sierra Leone on Wednesday was the ‘West African Derby’ that ushered in hostilities on Match-day 4 at the event.

The Lansana Lamin-led Sierra Leonean side needed a win to stay in the hunt for qualification berth, but the race crumbled in their faces.

The highly technical Nigerian side didn’t give them any room to breathe. They won the toss and opted to field. The Patriots struggled to tame the Nigerian batters with openers Sulaimon Runsewe 28 off 26 and Selim Salau 31 off 28 accelerating the pace early on for the Yellow-Greens of Nigeria.

and assisted four more as he was named young player of the tournament.

In October Yamal won the Kopa Trophy, an equivalent prize handed out during the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony. Yamal has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 16 games in all competitions this season.

Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham won the 2023 Golden Boy.

US, Hong Kong, 12 Other Countries Set for Fencing World Cup in Lagos

Top fencing nations from around the world, including the United States, Hong Kong, Egypt, and others, are set to participate in the 2024 Men’s World Cup, scheduled for December 14-15 in Lagos.

Nigeria’s prestigious international school, Charterhouse, Lagos, will host the tournament, which will serve as a point-earning event for the athletes.

10 Countries have already confirmed their participation in the two-day championship, and they include Ghana, Senegal, Greece, Angola, Togo, Benin Republic, and host Nigeria.

According to the President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, Nigeria will be the first Sub-Saharan African country to host the Fencing World Cup, aside North African nations like Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia. This event will allow Nigerian fencers to compete with their international counterparts and showcase the country as a leading fencing nation in Africa.

“We are excited about the opportunity given to Nigeria to stage this important event. We are grateful to the management of Charterhouse Lagos for agreeing to host the tournament. This is a rare opportunity for any country

in Africa, and we are thrilled to become the first Sub-Saharan African country to host the World Cup. Having successfully hosted the African championships in 2018 and 2020, we have been eager to host the World Cup. Our bid was unanimously supported, and this event will provide our fencers with the chance to experience top-class competition at home,” Samuel said. In addition to competing, the tournament will allow local players to earn points ahead of the qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in the United States.

John Todd, Director of Education at Charterhouse Lagos, expressed the school’s enthusiasm for hosting the event. “We are excited that Nigeria is hosting such an event. At Charterhouse Lagos, fencing has been part of the UK’s independent youth programme. Partnering with the Nigeria Fencing Federation is a long-term collaboration that we believe will help grow the sport.

“We are also supporting their quest to stage the Commonwealth Championships, as we have the facilities to support them. We believe more young Nigerians will embrace the sport, and we are committed to supporting Nigeria in improving the state of fencing,” Todd said.

Tanzania

Angola's Bravos do Maquis 1-0 in Dar es Salaam. Jean Ahoua's penalty in the 27th minute was enough to secure three points for the Tanzanian giants.

Sfaxien of Tunisia with Brahim Dib scoring the decisive goal in the 81st minute. The

Lamine Yamal...wins 2024 Golden Boy award

NECA to Federal Government

“Typically,economicgrowthisexpectedtodrivejobcreation.However,despitea3.42percentGDP growth,unemploymenthasparadoxicallyrisento5.0percent,ratherthandecliningasanticipated. Theoperatingenvironmentisstillfraughtwithinnumerablechallenges,includinghighenergycost, inflation,declinedsalesrevenue,insecurityandnegativeeffectofcapitalflight,‘Japasyndrome’and manymore”–NigeriaEmployers’ConsultativeAssociation(NECA)onwhythefederalgovernmentshould becautiousaboutthelatestGDPfiguresreleasedbytheNationalBureauofStatistics(NBS).

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

Danladi Umar and Retributive Justice

The rule of law is underwritten by fundamental assumptions. One, that the law is fair to all and that citizens can approach the court expecting to obtain justice irrespective of their station in life. Two, that judges who interpret the law and dispense justice will be above reproach and remain impartial. Three, that an independent, orderly judiciary will be selfregulating. Unfortunately, recent developments in Nigeria only point to a betrayal of nearly all these foregoing assumptions.

Last week, the Senate passed a resolution asking President Bola Tinubu to sack Danladi Umar as chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over sundry allegations of corruption and misconduct. But the provisions of Section 157 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on which the resolution was anchored do not support what the Senate did. There is a difference between the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the CCT and you expect Senators to know that. It would take the votes of two thirds of members of both chambers (Senate and the House of Representatives) for the president to remove the CCT chairman. Apparently mindful of this lacuna, the House on Tuesday invoked the proper law, Section 17 (3), Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to complete the process with their concurrence that Umar be removed.

The second issue is the presidential action that preceded the two resolutions. On 13th July this year, then presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, announced “the appointment of Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT),” as directed by the president. “Kogo is a seasoned lawyer and analyst in the fields of law, security, economy, politics, and international diplomacy,” Ngelale further said. I assumed at the time that Umar’s tenure had lapsed, or he had quietly resigned. Evidently, that is not the case. With both Umar and Kogo claiming to be CCT chairman, the National Assembly has merely covered up for a presidential lapse of judgement on the matter.

The third and perhaps most substantive issue relates to the charges against Umar. First sworn-in as acting CCT chairman in 2007 at age 36 despite his thin résumé, Umar became the substantive chairman in 2011. And in the past 13 years, there have been several allegations of impropriety against him. In January 2018, for instance, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Umar of demanding and receiving bribes from one Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, a defendant standing trial before the CCT for “favours to be afterwards shown” to him. Besides, Umar also has a notorious reputation in Abuja.

Asked to repark his vehicle that was obstructing other customers at Banex Plaza on 8th April 2021, Umar (who drove himself that day and would later make a big deal of it in a reckless statement) adopted the usual Nigerian Big Man disposition of ‘Do you know who I am?’ by assaulting a security man. When the video went viral, he claimed to be the victim of assault by ‘Biafran boys’, thus profiling shop owners at the commercial complex. In calling for a full investigation into the incident at the time, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) expressed its displeasure at the “display of naked power by a public officer especially one who, by virtue of his

high office, is expected to exhibit a high standard of conduct.”

Given the foregoing, Umar’s removal is long overdue. But what I find rather surprising is that his defenders are citing the crisis orchestrated by the removal of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen to canvass for due process on the matter. This same Umar was a willing tool in the hands of President Muhammadu

Buhari and his Attorney General and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, SAN, for that judicial act of infamy. Now that his misdeeds have caught up with him, Umar is seeking equity with unclean hands.

However, the bigger lesson in this saga is for the judiciary. In my presentation at the 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja on 9th October, I made a general point about justice administration in Nigeria with a clear distinction between ‘rule of law’ and ‘rule of judges’. The latter, as I said, is a situation in which a judge places himself/herself above the law. “Regrettably, the loud and overpowering noise of the latter is becoming definitive of Nigeria’s judiciary in the perception of most people,” I concluded. “Nothing gives better expression to that than the statement, ‘Go to Court’ by conscious wrong-doers, often followed by ‘Go on appeal’ by their handin-glove judges.”

In his highly entertaining book, ‘Judges’ which I once referenced on this page, Lord David Philip Pannick used the lesson of history in both the United Kingdom and United States to highlight what could happen when the people lose faith in the judicial process. “Some judges have received more than their just deserts for injudicious behaviour. In the 13th century, Andrew Horn alleged that in

one year, King Alfred caused 44 judges to be hanged as homicides for their false judgments. In 1381, a mob pursued the Lord Chancellor, Simon de Sudbury, and cut off his hand. One year later, Lord Chief Justice Cavendish was killed after being apprehended by a mob and subjected to a mock trial in which he was sentenced to death,” Pannick, a member of the House of Lords and the Blackstone Chambers, wrote. “In 1688, the infamous judge Jeffreys, by then the Lord Chancellor, went into hiding when James II fled the country. Jeffreys was captured in Wapping when he was recognized in a tavern by a man who had been a dissatisfied litigant in his court. (The man had won his case, but Jeffreys had been rude to him and kept him waiting). Jeffreys was put in the Tower of London, where he died in 1689.”

We are living in an age when the past bears an uncanny resemblance to the present. It is therefore important for the National Judicial Council (NJC) to begin dealing with deviant behaviours among its members. Authorities in the judicial sector must not allow a situation in which the people would openly turn against our men and women on the bench. This requires an urgent need for internal cleansing. May the day never come in Nigeria when an enraged public would begin to disrobe otherwise eminent judges in the marketplace!

What the Yoruba People Have Lost

“Chief Lóògò Bámútùlá explains, ‘I grew up amid deities...In the house, the gods talked audibly and clearly. They spoke precise human language...’ This is a Chief who actively remembers his ancestors, who offers his own stories of a life lived through the Nigerian Civil War and beyond, and whose clients include those of many different affiliations. His practices include prayer, festival, charms, psychiatric care, pharmaceutical and medical interventions, and resolving curses, reminding us of the complex rituals and acts that make up what we call religion...”

The foreword by Laura Nasarallah, Scholar of Ancient Christianity and Buckingham Professor of New Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale University, United States, leads us to the story of an extraordinary man who had no formal education yet imbued with the power/knowledge to cure many ailments. Described as a “ritual specialist, native botanist and family patriarch” by Arthur Kleinman, Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in the blurb, Chief David Akinsawe Bámútùlá of Ile-Oluji in Ondo State is not only a cultural avatar but also a symbol of the body of knowledge in Yorubaland that is gradually going into extinction. But how did I get to read the manuscript of the coming book by Harvard Professor, Jacob Olupona, co-authored with Oluwole Akinyosoye who worked briefly at The Guardian newspaper before venturing into the oil and gas industry?

To get away from the drama of ‘birthday’ which holds no significance for me (village people don’t celebrate birthday), I try to take my annual holiday from the first week in November though the get-away gambit almost failed this year due to a delayed visa renewal process. But in the past two weeks, I have visited New York, Washington DC and Toronto (Canada) before

finally arriving at my main destination in Boston, Massachusetts. For the past 15 years, Professor Olupona and his wife, Josephine Modupe, have been guardian angels for my family. But for me the real attraction in always holidaying with them is not so much the warm hospitality but rather the knowledge and insights I gain from Professor Olupona who always enjoys having me around. It’s much like being in school. In the process of discussing the current situation with the traditional institution in Yorubaland, Olupona told me of a coming book, ‘In the Twilight of Time: A Biography of an African Medicine Man’ he co-authored with Akinyosoye. And the moment he handed me the manuscript, I could not put it down.

Chief Lóògò and the late Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo were contemporaries and friends who pursued the same vocation in psychiatric healing though the latter was trained by the

best Universities around the world. Lambo, a globally renowned psychiatrist and former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan (1967 to 1971) later became the World Health Organisation (WHO) Deputy Director General. Being senior to Lambo who was born on 29 March 1923, that means Chief Lóògò is well beyond 100 years in age. Lambo, Chief Lóògò recalls, usually sent a vehicle to pick him up for meetings of the association of Nigerian traditional healers where they always sat beside each other. “He was not much of a herbalist; he was a professor, an audacious fellow, ever ready to experiment,” Chief Lóògò told the authors in one of the numerous interviews conducted for the book. “Lambo chose to test me, when we needed to display the efficacy of charms at a conference in Iganmu, Lagos. Everybody was thrilled at the results.”

The second foreword to the manuscript, by HRM Oba Olufaderin Oluwole Adetimehin, Jimoko II of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, Ondo State, is significant in several respects. “I found his (Baba Lóògò’s) elucidation on Yoruba culture fascinating, especially his explanations of conceptual nuances of Olóògún (Ògún devotees) and Olóògùn (traditional pharmacist) and the differences between Babaláwo (Ifá diviner) and Onísègùn (traditional healer)” wrote the royal father, a former president of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN). “The elucidations reveal Baba Lóògò’s rich repository of Yoruba lore and culture.”

I am sure the Ile Oluji Monarch must also have learnt a great deal about our past, especially considering how Yoruba Obas are now being abducted right in their palaces. In the days of yore, criminals who dared such a sacrilegious enterprise would have had to contend with ‘Sìgìdì’…

NOTE: Piece concluded online

Justice Danladi Umar

Prof Olupona