Kayode Tokede
of 2024, amid rising inflationary pressure and increasing Monetary
Pacts include diverse financial, technical assistance programmes worth over €300m President upbeat Nigeria's economic reform'll impact Africa positively Macron optimistic Tinubu will transform Nigeria's economy like he did as Lagos Gov Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has announced that reforms in the foreign exchange (FX) market are yielding substantial results as foreign portfolio inflows (FPIs) have risen by 72 percent in the first half of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023. Also, as part of efforts to address the lingering naira scarcity and difficulty in withdrawing cash being experienced by customers of banks, Cardoso expressed the CBN’s preparedness to heavily sanction banks involved in the act.
Cardoso, who said these yesterday, while delivering the keynote address at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) annual dinner in Lagos, pointed out that the average daily turnover in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market rose by 226 percent year-on-year, while forex governors, and some top government
President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Pius Olanrewaju; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr.
Cardoso, at the 59th CIBN Annual Bankers’ Dinner, after Sanwo-Olu and Cardoso were conferred with honorary Fellowships of the Institute in
Nume Ekeghe
The agreement was a significant indication of support by the French Government for the development of UBA's full banking operations in France.
Speaking at the signing cer-
As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's state visit to France, the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Tony Elumelu, in the presence of President Tinubu and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, signed a landmark business cooperation agreement with the French Finance Minister, Antoine Armand.
emony, Elumelu, was quoted in a statement yesterday, to have said: “This partnership reinforces our commitment to seamless international banking services for our customers, not just across the 11 Francophone African countries we serve, but Africa as a whole; and French and
European customers transacting with Africa.
“Expanding into France is a natural progression, with Paris serving as our European Union hub, as we continue to bring Africa and the world together, through innovative financial solutions. Paris will join London, New York and
CARDOSO: FOREX REFORMS BOOST NIGERIA'S PORTFOLIO INFLOWS BY 72%
reserves grew from $32 billion in May 2023 to over $40 billion, equivalent to eight months’ import cover and the highest level in three years.
Also highlighting upcoming measures to bolster the market, Cardoso confirmed that FX matching would commence on December 2, 2024, introducing an electronic system to enhance transparency and attract investments.
The move he reiterated, was expected to further bolster confidence in Nigeria’s FX market while driving diaspora and foreign investments in the coming year.
On the forex market, he noted that the previous fragmented regime not only stifled foreign investments, but also significantly drained the country’s external reserves and public revenue.
He added that the forex subsidy regime far exceeded that of fuel subsidies in 2022 alone and that Nigeria lost an estimated N6.2 trillion in potential revenue due to the less flexible FX regime a striking comparison to the N4.5 trillion lost to fuel subsidies.
On the increase in portfolio inflows, he said: “Our efforts to improve the functioning of our FX market are having the desired impact. Average daily turnover in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market increased by 226 percent in the first half of the year when compared to the same period in 2023.
“Foreign portfolio inflows have increased by over 72 percent during this period, while foreign exchange reserves have risen from $32 billion in May 2023 to over $40 billion today.
officials of both countries at the Palais des Elysée in Paris, France, during President Tinubu's state visit.
Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and Mr. Armand signed the Letter of Intent.
According to the document:
“The two countries affirmed their commitment to work together on investment and development of critical infrastructure, healthcare transportation, agricultural value chain, renewable energy, and human capital development, through diverse financial and technical assistance programmes, of over Euros 300m spread across all geopolitical zones in the country.
"The two countries committed to forge a strategic relationship in project implementation and enhance mutual trade and cross border services by removing fiscal barriers while protecting labour rights."
Minister of Finance, Edun, and Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD), Mr. Remi Rioux, signed another Letter of Intent to support the Renewed Hope Agenda reforms designed to stimulate and strengthen the economy.
"The Declaration”, the document stated, “ set out the enduring relationship between the AFD and the FRN, and the AFD's continuing commitment to support the socioeconomic growth of Nigeria through financing sustainable projects in urban infrastructure development, transportation network, housing infrastructure, human capital development through improved education specifically in STEM, agriculture, food security and healthcare.
"The AFD reaffirmed its commitment to long-term support of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President on energy access and transition, sustainable agriculture and food security by financing the improvement of agro-logistic hubs. Importantly, the AFD committed to supporting the real sector by providing capital from MSME in high-impact sectors.
This represents the equivalent of eight months’ import cover and marks the highest reserve level in nearly three years.
“In the foreign exchange market, we faced a backlog of over $7 billion in unfulfilled commitments and a fragmented FX regime characterised by multiple forex rates, which had encouraged arbitrage opportunities. This regime stifled much-needed foreign investment and led to the depletion of our external reserves, which fell to $33.22bn in December 2023. It must also be understood that the cost of the FX subsidy regime is estimated to exceed that of fuel subsidies.
“In 2022 alone, the potential revenue lost due to a less flexible FX regime was approximately N6.2 trillion, compared to N4.5 trillion from fuel subsidies. These funds could have significantly contributed to critical investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.”
On the lingering naira scarcity, Cardoso urged customers who experience any form of challenge in cash withdrawals from bank branches and ATMs, effective December 1, 2024, to report such issues directly to the CBN through designated phone numbers and email addresses to enable it to sanction the financial institutions.
Cardoso explained: “Effective December 1, 2024, customers are encouraged to report any difficulties withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs directly to the CBN through designated phone numbers and email addresses for their respective states. Guidelines will be distributed widely
"The Federal Republic of Nigeria also affirmed its support for the projects financed by the AFD and committed to ensure that the implementation of the projects are expedited efficiently."
The two Presidents had earlier in Paris, the French capital witnessed the signing of the agreement by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and Mr. Antoine Armand, the French Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry for the bank to commence operations in Paris.
Zenith Bank also inaugurated its services in the country during the visit.
Meanwhile, Tinubu once more assured Nigerians that the ongoing reforms in Nigeria would improve Africa's economic prospects.
Speaking Thursday night at the State Dinner organised by the French government for him at Palais des Elysée in Paris, the President said: "Regarding Nigeria's economy, as you have said, we have embarked on a very strong reform, and there is no looking back. It is in the interest of the entire continent that we don't continue in the past. We must brace up for the future with commitment and optimism. And with the courage of our founding fathers.
"President Macron, all your efforts about Africa, I promise you shall not be in vain," he stated.
President Tinubu while noting that the future remained bright for better relations with France emphasised that he was glad to be leading Nigeria during the trying times of the nation.
His words: "It is a good time for all of us. I cannot be prouder than I am to be President of Nigeria at this challenging time. I have people who are very clearly inspired, who are determined to change the course of Africa by changing the rot of the past, blending a future that our children and grandchildren can hold, and be open, and be proud."
The President also lauded the amicable relations with French President Emmanuel Macron,
to raise public awareness. “We also urge full regulatory compliance by all stakeholders, including Mobile Money Operators and PoS Agents, to promote digital transaction channels and improve service delivery. I repeat, financial institutions found engaging in malpractices or deliberate sabotage will face stringent penalties.
“The CBN will continue to maintain a robust cash buffer to meet the country's needs, particularly during high-demand periods such as the festive season and year-end.
“Our focus is on ensuring a seamless cash flow for Nigerians while fostering trust and stability in the financial system.
“I must express my concern over recent delays in some payment gateways in settling financial transactions. Trust is fundamental to fostering digital transactions, and we must take every necessary step to preserve that trust in our payment systems.
“These delays often disproportionately affect vulnerable segments of our population. To address this, we will impose strict penalties on noncompliant institutions to safeguard consumer trust and ensure swift redress mechanisms are in place.”
Speaking further, the CBN Governor said: “We also recognise the ongoing challenges with cash availability at ATMs, which disproportionately affect ordinary Nigerians. To address this, we are conducting spot checks across Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and will impose penalties on underperforming institutions.”
Also, he noted that in a push
appreciating his interest in Africa.
He also expressed confidence that Macron's goodwill would foster stronger bilateral ties, benefiting the entire continent.
The Nigerian leader encouraged both Nigerian and French citizens to uphold the cordial relationship shared by their nations.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu accompanied the President to the dinner, along with top Nigerian government officials, businessmen, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
"It is a great honour for me to be here. And it's been a great day because you have arranged a great reception.
"Appreciating that you have a good knowledge of Nigeria is not enough. Your warmth, your commitment, and your foresight in Africa are remarkable.
"You stirred my excitement and caught my attention as a leader. Thank you.
"France went through a lot to put freedom, democracy and commitment together. Your effort is very inspiring for us to work together. We have no choice but to build a continent that connects, resonates for its people, and cares about the people and development," President Tinubu said.
He thanked the French leader and his wife, Brigitte, for the State Visit and the three-day reception.
"In addition to the economic prospects and what you mean to Europe, to America and the African continent, there is a good prospect that you will not forget who we are. You open your doors for investment for our friends and brothers here.
I could see Aliko Dangote, Aig Imoukhuede, and Tony Elumelu here. You have memories of your friends in Nigeria. You asked for Mike Adenuga earlier today. Thank you," he added.
In his remarks, President Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in Africa, recognising its role as a 'big brother' to the continent.
Dubai, as a critical component of our unique global network."
UBA is Africa's Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional
to improve governance within the financial sector, the CBN imposed N15 billion in penalties on 29 banks for breaches, including violations of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations. According to Cardoso, these penalties were aimed at addressing root causes of compliance lapses while strengthening regulatory accountability. Financial institutions would also be required to refine compliance frameworks starting in 2025 to align with evolving risks.
He said: “Starting in 2025, financial institutions will be required to refine their compliance and governance frameworks to address evolving risks. We are enhancing regulatory effectiveness and accountability, as demonstrated by recent changes to our supervisory and enforcement approach. Recently, penalties totaling N15 billion were imposed on 29 banks for breaches, including AML/CFT violations.
“In addition to these penalties, the banks are required to address the root causes of the lapses, which is crucial for improving regulatory effectiveness. Historically, the industry
has struggled with recurring issues, but we are confident that this approach will help change that narrative.”
He also added that the CBN’s return to orthodox monetary policy has shifted the focus away from direct intervention in development finance and reported a recovery of nearly N1 trillion from earlier development finance programs, driven by enhanced monitoring and enforcement. He added that moving forward, the apex bank plans to prioritise indirect funding through Development Finance Institutions, emphasising transparency, governance, and oversight to ensure sustainable economic development.
He said: “As previously noted, the central bank’s return to orthodox monetary policy means that we will refrain from direct intervention in development finance initiatives.
That said, I am pleased to report that, as of October 2024, nearly N1 trillion has been recovered or repaid under previous development finance programs, thanks to the enhanced monitoring and enforcement of the guidelines we put in place.
“Our focus remains on ensuring
banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.
the effective utilization and recovery of outstanding loans within the framework of established guidelines. While development finance has a role in an economy like Nigeria’s, it must be approached with proper governance to achieve meaningful impact. Looking ahead, we are exploring indirect funding strategies through Development Finance Institutions, focusing on accountability, transparency and oversight to drive sustainable development.”
On its path to price discovery he said: “The unification of the exchange rate is a pivotal reform, but it marks just the beginning. On the 2nd of December 2024, the foreign exchange market will begin trading on the electronic FX matching system to further enhance transparency, restore confidence, and attract new investments.
“Coupled with an improved framework for deploying products targeting the Nigerian diaspora and efforts to establish a well-functioning forex market, we anticipate increased diaspora and foreign investments over the next 12 months, building a more resilient and liquid forex market.”
Oluchi Chibuzor
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has opposed the tax reform bills, saying that if passed into law it would be detrimental to the Northern region and other parts of the country.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa yesterday, Zulum faulted the speed with which the bill was progressing in the National Assembly He said: “Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution so
that even after our exit, our children will reap its benefits.
“We condemn these bills sent to the National Assembly. They will drag the North backward and also affect the South East, South West, and some South-Western states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.”
“It is not opposition. This, based on our understanding, is something that will destroy the north in its entirety. Therefore, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others to review this decision. He secured 60 percent of his votes in the north. He should not listen to those telling him that northerners are not supporting him. If our interest is served, that is all. What
we need now is the withdrawal of the tax bills.
According to Zulum, beyond its efforts on hunger and poverty, the proposed legislations could also heighten insecurity.
“But they’re saying otherwise. We are against it, Lagos is against it; that it will drag it backwards. If this is the situation, then why won’t they rescind it? Our National Assembly members and even some from the Southern region are not in support of these bills.” Zulum further alleged that some individuals might be influencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into believing that the North does not support his administration.
N18.2
Year-till-Date (YtD) growth as the local economy is faced with doubledigit inflation, increasing MPR and exchange rate volatility.
Inflation rate, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stood at 33.88 per cent as of October 2024 from 28.2per cent November 2023, while MPR has been increased by CBN to 27.50 per cent as of November 2024 from 18.75 per cent November 2023.
“The considerations of the meeting were held on the backdrop of renewed inflationary pressures as the headline food and core measures rose year on year in October 2024. Members therefore agreed unanimously to remain focused on addressing price developments,” the CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso had said.
This was the sixth time the CBN has raised the interest rate since February 2024. In September, the bank pushed the rate to 27.25 per cent following a drop in the country’s inflation level in August 2024.
Among other key macroeconomic challenges was the weakening of the Naira to N1, 663.396 against the dollar as of November 2024 from N942.117 against the dollar in November 2023.
Amidst these challenges, foreign investors have increased their participation in the stock market, trading about N744.34 billion out of the N4.47 trillion in 10 months of 2024 as against N291.38 billion out of N2.9 trillion transactions in
10 months of 2023.
With foreign investors increasing participation in the stock market, the likes of Airtel Africa Plc., Dangote Cement Plc., Seplat Energy Plc., Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc., among others have appreciated in stock prices significantly.
THISDAY checks showed that the stock price of Dangote Cement gained 49.7 per cent YtD to close on November 29, 2024 at N478.80 per share, while Airtel Africa appreciated by 14 percent YtD growth to close at N2, 156.90 per share. Seplat Energy also gained 129 percent to close November 29, 2024 at N5, 300 per share.
Also, the stock price of Zenith Bank Plc grew by 15 percent YtD to close at N44.50 per share while GTCO’s stock price gained 30.7 percent YtD to close at N52.95 per share as of November 29, 2024.
The listing of Transcorp Power Plc., and Aradel Holdings currently valued at N2.7 trillion and N2.25 trillion by market capitalisation also contributed to the stock market N59.107 trillion growth in the period under review.
With the 30.4 percent in 11 months gain in the stock market, analysts have projected that the bourse is not expected to surpass its performance in 2023.
The stock market in 2023 gained 45.90 percent.
Commenting on the performance of the market in the first 11 months of 2024, the chief operating officer of
InvestData Consulting Limited, Mr Ambrose Omordion said, “trading on the Exchange this year is buoyed by renewed buying interest after a series of reforms that has attracted foreign investors amid mixed corporate scorecards by listed firms.”
He stated that many companies across various sectors posted impressive numbers, while some recorded mixed performance and others were disappointing.
On market outlook, Omordion said “we expect buying sentiments to continue as investors and bargain hunters react to December spending and the current hike in MPR by CBN.” He, however said, “pullbacks are creating ‘buy’ opportunities amidst the economic reforms of the government, just as more policy pronouncements and economic managers hit the ground running, a situation expected to offer investment direction eventually.”
On his part, Investment Banker & Stockbroker, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka, attributed the stock market gain in 11 months of 2024 to impressive corporate earnings and policies of Tinubu led-administration, stressing that foreign investor, especially, utilised the cheap price of some fundamental stocks on the bourse. He added that the overall market performance was driven majorly by sentiment arising from the smooth handover and President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic policy on foreign exchange.
UBA
Deji Elumoye, Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja and Oluchi Chibuzor in Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland; Deputy Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, among other key local and global figures and bodies have hailed the reappointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for a second term.
The United Kingdom, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and several world organisations and individuals applauded her reappointment.
Members of the WTO agreed yesterday to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala
for another four-year term as chief executive officer of the global body.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described her reappointment as "global trust earned."
The statement read: "President Bola Tinubu congratulates Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, on her unanimous re-election today as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
"The renowned development economist and global finance expert made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member WTO.
"Her first term as the seventh
Director General of the WTO will expire on August 31, 2025, while the second term begins September.
"The Nigerian leader notes with delight that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala's unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrates the trust and confidence the international community places in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development.
"President Tinubu is confident that her continued leadership will strengthen the international economic organisation's role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance in the next four years.
"As a committed member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),
Nigeria will continue to support the WTO's mission to foster a fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system.
"President Tinubu assured OkonjoIweala of Nigeria's steadfast support as she consolidates her bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation."
Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Festus Ahon, in Asaba, yesterday, expressed appreciation to relevant stakeholders of the WTO for rewarding Okonjo-Iweala with a second term after she was first appointed in 2021.
The governor said Okonjo-Iweala has had exceptional career and expertise in economics and international develop-
ment with focus on economic reform, poverty reduction, and global trade, earning her numerous accolades and widespread respect.
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate a worthy ambassador of Delta and Nigeria, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her reappointment as Director General of the World Trade Organisation.
"Your reappointment is, indeed, a testament to your competence and experience as a renowned economist and international development expert.
"Your reappointment without any opposition is indeed a reflection of the hard work you put in your first appointment.
"It is our prayer that as you continue in this remarkable journey, our prayers
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) yesterday disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has decided to cut its ex-depot price for petrol from its Port Harcourt Refinery from N1,045 per litre to N1,030 per litre.
PETROAN President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, who revealed this in
Abuja, during a Strategic Meeting and Award Presentation, noted that the organisation was able to make a case convincing the NNPC of the need to reduce the ex-depot petrol price.
However, in reaction, the NNPC yesterday said the Port Harcourt Refining Company was yet to commence bulk sales or open its purchase portal, saying essential processes were still being finalised.
“Currently, the products we are selling originate from the Dangote
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday said that their FIDIRT operatives in Zamfara State successfully apprehended five suspects involved in trans-border gun running.
This was as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated his directive to operatives of the force, particularly, tactical units, to mop up every illegal arms and ammunition across the country.
The arrest, the force said, followed their unyielding resolution and unwavering commitment to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, as well as continues to work tirelessly to prevent and combat all forms of crime and criminality.
A statement by Force Spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, identified
the cross border gunrunners as "Adamu Noma ‘m’, Matthew Audu ‘m’, Andrew Poyi ‘m’, Aminu Sani ‘m’, and Aminu Talha ‘m’," stating that they were apprehended in Zamfara by the operatives of the FID-IRT, on the 18th of November, 2024.
"Upon arrest and conducted search, 10 locally fabricated Ak-47 rifles, five Israeli AK-47 rifles, one revolver pistol, one pump action rifle, 20 rounds of Ak-47 ammunition, and one welding machine for fabrication of rifles were recovered from the suspect," Adejobi said.
He averred that these feats, and several more recorded by police operatives across the country are indications of the steadfastness and commitment of the current police leadership to decimate and subdue criminal activities and insecurity in the country.
Refinery and include applicable NMDPRA fees. Products from PHRC are exclusively for our retail stores at this stage. Our pricing is reviewed and adjusted periodically as necessary to reflect operational realities.
“We advise the public to disregard any misleading information regarding pricing. Official announcements will be made if and when price reviews occur,” a statement signed by the NNPC spokesman, Olufemi Soneye said.
The NNPC on Tuesday said it had begun trucking out about 1.4 million litres of petrol per day from the Port Harcourt refinery which had
remained decrepit for years. However, there have been argument that the facility was only blending products.
However, at the event during which a former Managing Director, Crude Oil Marketing Division, NNPC, Prof. Billy Okoye, was conferred with life patron of PETROAN, Gillis-Harry emphasised that there was nothing wrong with blending products.
“One of the great things that have come out in the last few days is that PETROAN was able to make its case to ensure that petroleum products are received at a cheaper price.
“Today, NNPC has reduced their
price to N1,030, and we are still hoping and pushing that it will still come down lower. Our energy security is very critical, and that is why PETROAN as an organisation has consistently pushed for in-country refining capacity to be enhanced.
“And that is why we are at the forefront of those who are advocating for the naira-for-crude oil for domestic refining. We were at the forefront of organisations in the country that asked for the refineries to be given at a state of emergency to make sure that our refineries are working,” Gillis-Harry stated.
are with you always, you will re-enact that which you have always done by bringing pride and honour to Delta and Nigeria," Oborevwori added. Also, in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter), the Deputy Speaker, Nigeria's House of Representatives, Hon. Kalu said the remarkable achievement was a testament to her outstanding leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in advancing global trade reforms and promoting economic development
He said, "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our dearest sister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala @NOIweala on her reappointment as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation @wto for a second term.
"This remarkable achievement is a testament to her outstanding leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in advancing global trade reforms and promoting economic development.
"Her visionary approach has indeed strengthened the WTO’s role in addressing complex global challenges, promoting inclusivity, and championing sustainable growth, particularly for developing nations.
"I am confident that this reappointment will have a profound impact on the global economy and I wish her more success and accomplishments as she continues to make Nigeria, Africa, and the world proud through her exceptional service."
While congratulating her on the reappointment, the Secretary General, Commonwealth of Nations, Scotland wrote in her X handle: "Heartfelt congratulations to my dear sister, @ NOIweala, on her reappointment as WTO Director General.
James Emejo in Abuja
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Wale Adeniyi, yesterday reaffirmed the service's continued dedication to serve the country with pride, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.
He spoke at the CGC Awards 2024 ceremony in Abuja, where the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, was also honoured with the CGC Award for his support for the service.
The Director, Home Finance, FMF, Aliyu Mohammed, received the award on behalf of the minister.
Adeniyi said the present challenging times required movements that are absolute best, expressing confidence that working together, the officers and other stakeholders
would continue to elevate the service to greater heights.
He said, "We must continue to build on these successes, foster the culture of excellence, integrity, and humanity that will define the future of our service.
"I congratulate all award recipients and thank every officer who has continued dedication to duty.
"Together, we will continue to serve Nigeria with pride, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.
Adeniyi noted that 2024 started on a technical note for the service, adding that, "We carried over a deficit of about 15 per cent off from our revenue targets which we had filed in 2023.
"However, in 2024, we left no stone unturned to ensure that by the end of the year, we want to proceed to perform our best credibly in the
service of nation building."
He said the award night was a celebration of excellence which surpassed the routine achievements of time and space.
He said, "It is about exceeding expectations, showing country dedication and demonstrating exceptional commitment to our nation's interests.
"Tonight, we gather to celebrate officers and stakeholders who have exemplified these qualities and more.
"At the beginning of the year, we made conscious decisions to reshape our organisational culture moving beyond the traditional emphasis on punitive measures.
"We choose to amplify the recognition of exceptional service and celebrate excellence.
"This strategic shift springs from our belief that punitive, positive reinforcement nurtures a more dynamic,
motivated and high-performing workforce."
The CGC further noted, "Tonight's ceremony affirms this vision as the acknowledgement and reward of excellence continues to inspire greater dedication and achievement across our ranks and hopefully across the entire customs ecosystem.
"The past year has been transformative for us.
As we implement the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2020, our officers have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and professionalism.
"They have also embraced new technologies, enhanced representation processes, and strengthened empowerment and performance."
He said, "Tonight's celebration surpasses the conventional bounds of an award ceremony.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
French energy major, TotalEnergies
SE may greenlight a $750 million gas project in Nigeria next year, potentially
signalling that the African nation’s efforts to revive investments in their hydrocarbon production are making progress.
Earlier this year, the French
The Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Tony Elumelu, has passionately called for a change of long-standing workplace stereotypes that continue to hinder women's professional growth and potential.
He said this while delivering a compelling address during a meeting with the Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB), at the UBA Head office in Marina, Lagos.
Elumelu, who highlighted the exceptional abilities of women in business, addressed the additional obstacles women encounter, such as imposter syndrome and unfair stereotypes that portray them as "too emotional" or "sentimental" in professional settings.
"From my experience, women in our group are tenacious, hardworking, and deliver results. They don't expect special treatment - they command respect," a statement quoted Elumelu to have stated.
"My admiration for women comes from personal experience. My 97-year-old mother still goes to the market and cooks for us every Sunday. My wife, five daughters, and two sisters continue to inspire me daily, and the women I work with constantly surpass expectations."
The chairman noted that his own organisations and those he has invested in stand as a testament to women's leadership potential.
"At UBA Group for the longest time, our board has been predominantly female, and most
of our CEOs are women. At Heirs Holdings Group, women head more group companies than men—not by design, but by merit," he highlighted.
Elumelu cited examples of women's leadership within his organisations, noting that Transcorp Group, valued at N4.5 trillion, and Transcorp Hotels Plc, valued at N1 trillion, are both led by women who are breaking barriers and redefining corporate leadership.
Drawing inspiration from the story of Mary Jane Patterson, the first Black woman graduate in America, Elumelu advised the female professionals to build confidence, ignore stereotypes, and focus on personal goals as these are the most prominent ways they could break glass ceilings and open paths for young girls.
"The story of the first Black woman graduate in America, Mary Jane Patterson, resonates deeply. She wasn't allowed into classrooms, so she stood in hallways to learn.
Decades later, this university apologised and awarded her an honorary doctorate. She paved the way for millions of successful Black women today."
"To all women who are running businesses or climbing the corporate ladder: please note that confidence is key. Ignore stereotypes, focus on your goals, build expertise, and let your work speak for you. As I told the APWB, leadership is about showing what you can do, regardless of labels," Elumelu concluded.
company approved an investment of about $500 million in a joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to develop the Ubeta onshore field.
That project with output of 300 million cubic feet per day would boost supply to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas plant.
“We have another dry gas project called Ima which we hope to sanction next year for about $750 million,”
Bloomberg quoted Senior Vice
President Africa, exploration and production at TotalEnergies, Mike Sangster, to have said at a FranceNigeria business forum in Paris.
The shallow-water project, developed with a local partner, would further boost supply to the LNG facility.
Since coming to office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu has worked to address challenges in the oil and gas sector, signing two executive orders this year to boost
efficiency.
Nigeria hopes to attract as much as $10 billion of new investment in deep-water gas exploration through tax breaks and other measures proposed in a new policy framework.
“There’s still more to be done in terms of regulation, simplifying, accelerating the process, but we have appreciated some of the changes that have been made over the past year,”
TotalEnergies’s Sangster said.
They “have given us now the
incentive or the motivation to go ahead and renew our investments in Nigeria so that we can stop the decline and start to increase production.”
He called for further relaxation in local content rules to encourage international contractors specialised in deep-water projects to return to Nigeria, which would in turn stimulate competition and unlock some investments that have been put on hold.
Okon Bassey in Uyo, Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday joined some eminent Nigerians and the people of Akwa Ibom State to pay glowing tributes to the wife of Governor Umo Eno, late Patience Eno, describing her as a beacon of faith, compassion and women’s transformative leadership.
Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, state governors, and other dignitaries graced the funeral.
The remains of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State were yesterday laid to rest.
At the funeral service held in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit-Ubuim Local Government Area of the state, Shettima described the deceased as a wonderful woman who lived a life of service to God and humanity in pastoral care, just like her husband.
The Vice President said the invaluable contributions of late Mrs. Eno to society and her exemplary role as a silent yet profound leader in Nigeria will be an inspiration for
generations.
He said, “We are here to celebrate life, the life of an Amazon who has contributed immensely and tremendously to the peace, stability, and progress of Akwa Ibom State, the South-south region, and the nation as a whole. She was a pillar of support to her husband, the family, and we are all going to surely miss her.”
Shettima who attended the funeral at the behest of President Bola Tinubu prayed God to "grant the Governor, the Senate President, the government, and the good people of Akwa Ibom State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
According to the Vice President, the late “Mrs. Patience Eno embodied the essence of women’s unsung leadership in our society.
"Her actions spoke louder than words, through her service to the underprivileged, her pastoral commitment, and her tireless dedication to the well-being of others,” he added.
Shettima lauded her charitable initiative, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), which provided essential resources such as food, shelter, and education to vulnerable members of the community.
“She was not just a wife or a mother; she was a leader who exemplified the strength and grace of Nigerian women. Through her work with GIFA and her unwavering faith, she touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on Akwa Ibom and beyond,” the Vice President stated.
Noting the broader significance of Mrs. Eno’s life as a reflection of women’s leadership in Nigeria, Shettima said the nation owes much of its progress to women like her, "who led not with titles but with actions."
"They are the backbone of families, communities, and our nation’s moral compass. Her legacy of service, compassion, and faith is a beacon that will continue to inspire generations. She lived not just for herself but for others—for God, for Akwa Ibom, and humanity.
“She showed us all that leadership is not always in the spotlight. It is in the quiet sacrifices, the selfless acts of giving, and the courage to care for others,” the Vice President added.
Akwa Ibom State Governor and husband of the deceased, Umo Eno said the funeral was an opportunity to thank God for the life of his late
wife and applauded the support and show of love from all over the nation over the death and burial of the wife.
"We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, starting from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love by the mother of the nation, distinguished Senator Remi Tinubu who led all the Governor's wife, all of the minister's wives to pay us the first condolence visit. Mummy, we thank you, and all the women of this country.
"I want to say that you have shown us love and that love strengthens us. If we stand here today strong, it is because the nation has risen as one to condole us and to give us a shoulder. I thank you," he stated.
The governor charged Nigerians to rise in one accord and stop faultfinding, but support President Tinubu so that he can lead the nation into light.
According to Eno, his wife became larger in death than in life, saying he would miss her, and promised to do extra things and continue to live for the legacies his wife stood for.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has stressed the urgent need for a swift alignment of the pharmaceutical sector with government initiatives. Salako said at a meeting with Pharma and Healthcare Stakeholders organised by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) that it was important that the nation focuses on addressing the challenges related to policies and interventions within the
pharmaceuticals and related sectors. He urged action to enhance collaboration and improve the effectiveness of health policies in the country.
During the high level conference held in Lagos, yesterday, Salako assured manufacturers of the federal government’s recognition of their critical roles in touching the lives of millions through the medicines and therapies produced. He also highlighted the govern-
ment's strategies to harness the emergent industrial base in driving economic growth, advancing research and development, and creating high-value jobs.
The Minister of State highlighted significant reforms in the Pharma Space initiated by Tinubu's administration, including the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and the Executive Order pertaining to certain pharma sector inputs, as a means of revitalising
Nigeria's Health Sector.
Salako pledged the government's commitment to foster a more inclusive approach that brings all stakeholders to the table, government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry players, research institutions, healthcare providers, and the public.
He further pledged the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration to supporting the growth of the pharmaceutical
sector by creating a more enabling environment for the industry.
The Minister of State assured manufacturers and stakeholders of the government's continued prioritisation in a bid to ensure improved local capacity in medicine production in a bid to drastically reduce the reliance on importation of pharmaceutical products.
He commended Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe and the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Research and
Development Institute for the innovative adoption of an all-ofgovernment approach to catalyse industry and all critical stakeholders in the expedited achievement of Nigeria’s medicine’s security. Notably, the leadership of customs, finance, industry and other critical government organs in attendance pledged alignment in fast tracking policies to catalyze the emergence of a world-class pharma sector.
Peter Uzoho
As Nigeria's oil and gas industry continues underperforming in terms of investment inflows, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and even revenue generation despite its huge potential, the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria (HBSAN) has stressed the need for the federal government to create a robust and stable market for the sector to make it competitive and flourishing like the telecom sector of the Presidenteconomy. of HBSAN and Chair-
man of Signal Alliance Holdings, Mr. Collins Onuegbu, made the call yesterday during an exclusive chat with THISDAY, on the sidelines of the association's Golf session in Lagos. Onuegbu also urged the government to take some urgent policy actions targeted at extracting the full values in the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery as well as attracting more investments into the nation's upstream oil and gas sector.
He hinted that the association was also planning to convene a dialogue aimed at spotlighting and proffering
Concerned Citizens Appeal to Sanwo-Olu, Dangote Foundation, Banks, Others to Assist Journalist for Brain Surgery
Some concerned citizens including media and corporate affairs practitioners have appealed to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commercial banks and other financial institutions, the Dangote Foundation, MTN Foundation and other notable organisations and citizens to help provide financial assistance for Kolawole Kuforiji, a Nigerian journalist who requires Deep Brain Stimulation surgery that is expected to cost $35,000 about N57 million in Turkey.
A statement said that "Specifically, friends of Kola Kuforiji that initiated moves to seek financial support from concerned organisations and citizens have so far sent SOS For Journalist Kola Kuforiji requesting for financial assistance to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dangote Foundation, MTN Foundation, All Nigerian Banks through the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), NNPC Foundation, Chevron Nigeria Foundation, Guinness Nigeria Foundation, Nigerian Breweries Foundation, Shell Nigeria Foundation, Total E&P Nigeria Foundation
Leading payment service bank, MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank (MMPSB), continues to excite its existing customers with various giveaways with every transaction.
The bank recently announced the launch of a new 100MB data offer for new customers in an initiative designed to incentivize the unbanked and underbanked population to ease the creation of their own mobile wallet via its USSD banking platform. The promo is available for Glo customers using the
and Babcock University.
"Beside the calls for institutional supports to save the life of Kola Kuforiji, the group of friends have opened an bank account with Polaris Bank (Name of Account: SOS FOR JOURNALIST KOLA KUFORIJI/ Account Number: 1790322317) and have started making individual donations.
"Donations to the fund from as little as N1,000 donors to N150,000 donors have risen to N842,940.00 from the last count.
"The life of Kola, a 54-year-old husband and father of two, who had worked for about two decades with Rhythm FM (Silverbird Group) reporting business was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a drug-resistant, Parkinson's disease with pronounced difficulty in walking and tremor has been very ill for more than two years and the severity and debilitating nature of his illness has depleted the finances of his family.
"He was initially treated at Ikorodu General Hospital, Lagos, where a presumptive diagnosis of his medical condition was made.
bank’s USSD banking code, *995#. A few weeks ago, MoneyMaster had launched a 10 percent data bonus for existing and new customers on the Glo network for recharges of N1000 or more. The offer was adjudged as one of the best in the country based on the volume of data offered. The data purchases come with a 30-day validity and unused data can be rolled over on next plan subscription.
Speaking about the data offer, Julius Arhebun, Head of Agency
solutions to the challenges emanating from the ongoing banking industry's fundraising and restructuring process.
In addition, the HBSAN boss revealed that the body would also be signing an agreement with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) to enable its members to begin to offer mentorship to young businesses in Nigeria to help catalyse their growth.
Specifically for the oil and gas sector, which he viewed as crucial to the Nigerian economy, Onuegbu said the government must create a robust and stable market for the sector to make it competitive and flourishing like the telecom sector.
He said the telecom sector has become more competitive and performing well because of the market that was created around it, which enabled it to drive the banking, fintech, insurance and pension sectors, saying similar markets should be created for the oil and gas industry.
"I think that one of the things that we need to do is to build markets. When we reformed the telecom industry, we built a huge market. The telecom market has driven fintech, banking, commerce, social commerce, so many sectors today, just by that reform. We built a market around health insurance. We built a market around pension. Those are all markets that were built, they were not there.
"I think one of the things government needs to do is to build a very competitive market for oil and gas industry. I think that the market that has existed in the downstream oil and gas sector has been import and distribution. Meanwhile, where are the raw materials?" Onuegbu stated.
But now, he said Dangote has changed the equation in a way, recalling that Nigeria had started trying to change the import dependence
position by building its own refineries but that mismanagement jeopardised that effort.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
A political pressure group under the aegis of Simplified Rivers Elders Forum (SIREF) has aligned with the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, on his call for bye-election to occupy 27 seats of the members of Rivers State House
Banking at MoneyMaster disclosed that “as a payment service bank, one of our core mandates is to promote financial inclusion. This offer builds on the various financial education we have been providing online and across our various customer touchpoints.
“With this new 100MB offer, we want to encourage Nigerians in the unbanked and underbanked pools to be financially included by having at least a mobile wallet. The account number of this mobile
The Boeing Company, a leading global aerospace company in the US, has restated its unalloyed support to Air Peace, Nigeria’s premier airline and West Africa’s largest carrier. This is a testament to the critical role Air Peace plays in the development of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
Senior Organisational Consultant and Programme Manager, Boeing Global Learning Institute, Harry Magui, made the disclosure when a delegation from The Boeing Company and Cranfield University, a specialist postgraduate university in the UK with world-class expertise, large-scale
He said what Dangote has done now was very strategic as the building of the $20 billion refinery has rescued Nigeria. Arguing that NITEL died when the nation's telecom sector was reformed, the HBSAN president noted that it was also possible that some refineries will die when other players enter the market. He rebuffed the complaints in some quarters about Dangote having a monopoly, saying Africa's richest man "didn't say I should have a monopoly."
He explained, "There's opportunity for any other person who wants to come in, but it requires a lot of investment. Because if you invest that kind of money, it changes the dynamics of the entire business."
facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships that creates leaders in technology and management globally visited Air Peace to conduct a fiveday in-person classroom training, to fortify safety culture and operational excellence at Air Peace Limited.
“Air Peace has been phenomenal in advancing the Aviation Industry in Nigeria, so we are here to support them to harness more opportunities in the future with the Advanced Leadership in Safety Excellence Training for all its top leadership within the organisation. We recognise your achievement and are proud of
Air Peace.”
He explained that “all airlines know, even more so Air Peace, that safety is the number one metric within this industry. Without safety, there can be no business in Aviation and also, it is a very important metric not just for the airline but also for regulators, but also for the passengers.” Magui assured that the leading global aerospace company will continue to collaborate with Air Peace in critical areas such as psychological safety, change management processes, safety leadership, crisis management and just culture.
of Assembly who allegedly defected from PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This comes as a pro-PDP group, the PDP Collectives Forum (PCF), rebuked the PDP Governors Forum and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for the alleged false impression of equating their selfish interest with the greater interest of the party.
wallet is derived from their mobile number, and can be easily recalled,” he noted.
MoneyMaster PSB is a leading provider of innovative digital financial products and services that transform lives and contribute to sustainable living. With a mission to deepen financial inclusion, MoneyMaster has been instrumental in providing financial technology services to bridge the gaps between the banked, underbanked and unbanked population.
In Rivers State in the past months, the 27 lawmakers led by the Speaker Martin Amaewhule have been in a legal battle with the state government and other groups over the alleged defection.
The lawmakers went to court claiming that they never defected from PDP despite their alleged public show of defection to the opposition APC, following the misunderstanding that ensued between the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking during a press conference held in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the Rivers Elders Forum lauded the PDP national chairman on his recent position in the political crisis in Rivers.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Prof. Solar Obianime said, "We align ourselves with the recent position of the Amb. Umar Damagum, Acting National Chairman of PDP, stating that the seats of the pro-Wike lawmakers be filled in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act."
The group convened by Ikay
Thomas Amadi, also disassociated from the position of the state chapter of PDP on the political crisis, noting "the need for a disciplined political party" in the country. The spokesperson of the group recalling the incident that led to the lawmakers battling to own back the seats from the court, alleged that Amaewhule-led members of the state House of Assembly planned a political coup against a sitting governor.Obianime recalled that, "One year ago, a group of 27 lawmakers decided to engage themselves in a political coup, to impeach a sitting governor, our governor, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara," saying that, "After the coup had failed, the President intervened." He said, "Even before the President intervened, these same lawmakers decided that they will decamp from the party and vehicle that brought them to power. Some local government chairmen also took it upon themselves to become cowboys who would address the press and insult the person and office of the governor.
Anietie Usen writes on the life and times of the late Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Umo
he walked up to me in her beautiful dining room in Eket where a few of us had joined her husband, Governor Umo Eno, for lunch after a local event. I was nibbling on things rather than settling down with others to eat the rich, sumptuous meal provided by her and arrayed across a large glass table.
Like the mother hen who watches over her chicks, she was not comfortable with my tentative attention to the sumptuous lunch. In her trademark benign style she said to me in vernacular: “Sir, Aba nte afo usumaha idia mkpö. Mbök dia mkpö na anie inwek anam utom itök ndufom…[Sir, it seems you don’t like to eat much. Please eat so that you have strength to do the running around you people are doing now…]. It was more or less a veiled order by the king’s wife, Her Excellency Pastor Patience Umo Eno, and I obeyed her immediately.
The next time we met, she complained that she had not seen me enough lately and hoped everything was okay with me. I told her I was doing a book on how God made her husband a governor overnight against all odds. It was music to her ears. She smiled in apparent satisfaction. I promised to interview her for the book which she agreed. That evening, I forwarded a list of areas of interview through her daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, but it turned out they were on their way out of the country to a hospital overseas.
On Sunday, March 10, 2024, I was with her husband, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, in the private dining room of the Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, when Her Excellency, returned from the Presbyterian Church, where she preached the sermon that morning during the grand finale of the 2024 Mother’s Emphasis Week and Thanksgiving Service organised by the Uyo Cathedral Women’s Guild of the Presbyterian Church Nigeria.
She walked straight to where the husband was seated at the head table and threw her arms around his shoulders to hug him. The Governor leaned on her in a partial embrace, holding her hand over his shoulder. In that position, they gisted intimately for a while in Yoruba language, before she left us alone and returned to her room.
That Sunday, which coincided with the International Women’s Day, Mrs Patience Umo Eno preached on the topic of “Who Is A Real Woman”? She said a real woman is a virtuous woman not a vile woman, a home builder not a home destroyer, a loyal woman not a rebellious woman, a caring and thoughtful woman, not uncaring and thoughtless woman, a patient and tolerant woman and not the short-tempered and impulsive woman, a woman that sacrifices her comfort and stand in the gap for her family and not against the family, a woman that the heart of the husband ‘safely trust’ and never distrust her.
Her message was aired and repeated on many local FM Radio stations. She spoke with fervency, intensity and accuracy. Her authority on the subject matter and her impeccable English combined to confirm that she was preaching what she practises and not just a sermon. In other words, she simply told the women to “do as I do, and you will have all round success”. One of the women who was highly inspired was Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Education. She told me: “The woman is loaded. Her command of the Scripture, the pulpit and spoken English is
uncommon”.
Not long after that sermon, Her Excellency became scarce and faded briefly from the public glare. Thereafter came the unwelcome news: The king’s wife is dead! “No, no, no, God forbid” many cried in disbelief. But God forbade it not!
The news sent shock waves across the country and left the entire landscape with weeping and mourning and gnashing of teeth. That was on September 26, 2024, in a far away London hospital. Was the sermon of March 10, 2024 her farewell message, a parting gift to women, families and all?
Back in time. The young Umo Eno first met the beautiful homely Miss Patience Inyang, the girl that later became his wife in the church. Two of them were choristers in the Apostolic Church, first in Maboju and later in Babaponmile, all in Lagos.
Eventually they became good friends and wedded on July 12, 1986, in the same Apostolic Church.
Some marriages are public success and private failure. Not this particular marriage. Whether in the public or back at home, or even in the church, their friendship and intimacy were unmistakable, inseparable, glaring and genuine to the core. They didn’t need to proclaim it. But to every aide and close friend of the couple, there was no mistaking nor hiding the fact that the two were bosom friends, love birds, confidantes, prayer partners, soul mates and each other’s fanatic. Perhaps that is what many couples call “my better half”. It was a marriage to be envied and emulated.
She was a woman that symbolised all that a good woman should be, in virtue, in industry, in wedlock, in deportment, in comportment, in what she said and how she said it. Together with the husband, they had weathered every weather, clement and stormy, together in love, peace, harmony and patience. Yes Patience was her name and I will return to the subject of patience later.
Years back, when Governor Eno was the Group General Manager (GGM) of Norman Holdings in Lagos, a minor problem arose in the office. At the Board meeting of the company, a proposal on the diversification of the company‘s line of business, spearheaded by the GGM (Umo Eno) was rejected. Umo Eno felt disappointed and deflated about the Board’s decision.
Suddenly, he threw in the towel. He resigned. When he got home to inform the wife that he had just resigned as GGM of Norman Holdings, the patient woman simply took a quiet look at the husband and said: “Ok! I will see whether we are going to eat sand in this house”. That was all, as she went away to pray.
GTHAT SUNDAY, WHICH COINCIDED WITH THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, MRS PATIENCE UMO ENO PREACHED ON THE TOPIC, “WHO IS A REAL WOMAN”? SHE SAID A REAL WOMAN IS A VIRTUOUS WOMAN NOT A VILE WOMAN, A HOME BUILDER NOT A HOME DESTROYER, A LOYAL WOMAN NOT A REBELLIOUS WOMAN
It was the same rejected proposal for Norman Holdings that Umo Eno took to Eket a few weeks later to start a small business that later blossomed and became the second largest employer of labour in Akwa Ibom State with more than 2,500 workers, second only to the State government. The concept of a good quality wife transcends mere stereotypes and cultural narratives. Traditionally viewed as a home keeper, a good quality wife embodies a multitude of roles that contribute significantly to the overall well-being of the family, household and beyond. That’s who Pastor Patience Eno was. Usen, a multiple award journalist and author, is the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Eno on Media
Tinubu’s Renewed Hope for food security has found a fitting convergence in Buni’s Yobe agro-business initiatives, reckons BOLA
overnor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state is clearly a silent visionary. A leader who would rather quietly screw the greasy bolts and nuts to get the job done than mount the soapbox to announce how he intends to do the job. My visit to Damaturu last week after many years was an adventure worth the time and the money
Yobe is advancing on many fronts into becoming a major frontier market in Nigeria, nay Africa. Though blessed with many solid minerals, Yobe has its strength in agriculture. And it will amaze any visitor the diversity of farm produce possible from the state.
Obviously, Governor Buni has long realised this and he’s equipping farmers in the state to scale up their productivity. The governor has aligned his vision with that of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope which has three key components namely: growing the economy, lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty and Creating an enabling environment for businesses. All of these can be broken down into job creation, food security, economic growth, access to capital, poverty eradication, anticorruption efforts and inclusive development. This is exactly what Buni is doing in Yobe through empowerment of the women folk, upskilling the youths, enhancing productive capacities of farmers, providing hybrid seeds for greater yield, and making funds accessible to the farmers.
Yobe has the largest pastoral market in West Africa and can feed Nigeria and still have enough meat for export. Aside the meat, the hides and skin component of the pastoral industry has the capacity to turn Yobe to an export state with huge returns of forex. Buni has already worked out this
possibility. By completing the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport conceived and started by his predecessor, Ibrahim Gaidam administration in 2017, Buni has shown foresight to turn Yobe to a commercial hub and a ready source of both raw materials and agro-processed products.
The airport was initially proposed to cost N11 billion, but the cost increased to about N18 billion due to variations. The completion of the cargo airport commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 at the twilight of his government has renewed the hope of Yobe farmers and entrepreneurs of an assured future when their produce and products will easily find their way into the global market.
Yobe’s pastoral farming sector alone can drive the economy of the state if it is well structured and strategically linked to the global market. In 2023, Nigeria’s exports of raw hides and skin (other than fur skins) and leather was US$85.34 million, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. This value, experts say, would double if there had been a direct link between the farmers and the international market. Lack of direct access to the markets has resulted in endless wait by the farmers and waste of products usually due to poor preservation of such products. A cargo airport like the Yobe airport will break this cycle of waste and wait.
Nationwide, Buni is among the top tier governors making sense and giving meaning to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda through agriculture. Yobe is blessed with vast arable land suitable for cultivating sesame, gum Arabic, rice, guinea corn and other crops for local consumption and for export. Just like Yobe, many other states, especially in the north, are endowed with resource-rich, ar-
able land. The challenge has been how to make agriculture both attractive and lucrative such that the youths can embrace farming knowing full well that it will not only help put food on the table, but will be a veritable source of income for them and their families. Buni has unlocked the storehouse of funds targeted mainly at agriculture and its extensive value chain.
This year alone, the state government has invested over N15 billion to procure inputs and equipment under the Agricultural Revitalization programme. The equipment includes tractors and smaller machines for ploughing, tilling, threshing, planting, among others. The equipment and inputs have been distributed free of charge to 5,300 farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state. The state has also completed the training of 178 extension workers in collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. The capacity building for the extension workers is paying off as it has equipped them to effectively disseminate information on new agricultural innovations to peasants and low scale traditional farmers in a manner they will understand.
Governor Buni’s needs assessment of his state places him ahead of his peers. He understands the verdant opportunities available in the agro-value chain. He is equipping the farmers for greater-yield seeds and with potential direct flights to key markets within and outside the country. Yobe in the coming years will morph to a major source of food to meet Nigeria’s food security needs, boost Tinubu’s renewed hope of making Nigeria less dependent on oil and gas money and become a reliable source of forex.
Buni’s renewed focus on agriculture is not lost on
the farmers. On countless occasions, Yobe farmers under the auspices of All-Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN), have applauded the governor for his unrelenting support to farmers in the state.
The chairman of AFAN in Yobe, Alhaji Usman Ngari, bears the bouquet of gratitude of the farmers to the governor for “the provision of critical infrastructure and launch of the massive multi-billion naira agricultural empowerment programme,” coupled with other interventions including procuring and distributing fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides to farmers across the states at subsidised prices.
On account of the pastoral success story from Yobe these past years, many have hailed Tinubu for creating the new Ministry of Livestock Development. Experts say the new focus on livestock development will not only assuage the burden of meat supply in the country but create another stream of forex for the federal government from the $137.71 billion hides and skin global market in 2024, anticipated to hit $174.69 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1 per cent. This is a huge market made possible by growing offtake of hides and skin to sustain the rise in the fashion and apparel industry, footwear manufacturing, automotive upholstery, furniture production and changing consumer preferences. Leather is taking up huge space in the fashion industry. Nigeria, and indeed Yobe, has positioned strategically to feed from this huge global market. This is the sense in which Tinubu’s Renewed Hope for food security has found a fitting convergence in Buni’s Yobe agro-business initiatives. It’s a smart way to achieving sustainable economic diversification.
Odugbesan, agric-extension expert, writes from Abuja
One too many...
nsecurity had continued to rear its very ugly head in Kaduna State with the historically volatile area continuing to count the cost of Nigeria’s expensive and extensive tangle with non-state actors.
hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.
killings have drastically reduced, recent attacks in the state show that there is still a lot of work to be done.
Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.
Pounded by bandits for many years, the people of Ruruma in Kauru Local Government Area of the state have cried out to President Tinubu to establish a military base in the area to ward off incessant attacks by bandits. According to them, the establishment of a military base in the area will deter bandits who have turned the area to their favourite stomping ground resulting in over one billion Naira paid as ransom in the last one year, and dozens of residents kidnapped.
More than electricity, more than economic development, Nigeria requires peace and security of lives and property. Without peace and security, there can be neither development nor prosperity.
That some parts of Nigeria remain in turmoil despite considerable efforts made, feeds the irreducible conclusion that there are those who fuel the trouble in those areas. It is in the interest of national security to stop them in their tracks.
Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.
It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.
Among Nigerians, there is a chilling consensus that more than grinding poverty, it is insecurity that has forced the citizens of Africa’s most populous democracy and economy to reckon with the failure of leadership and the complacency of followership. Security breaches used to be limited to episodic incidents quickly contained by security forces until about 2009 when Boko Haram, after many years of filing its teeth on the back of Borno State, launched an all-out assault on the Nigerian state. Expectedly, the Nigerian state was caught cold. More than a decade since it was forced to muster a response, it remains an uphill task for the Giant of Africa to dislodge criminals growing in sophistication and ruthlessness by the day. To put into context what relentless fighting has meant for Nigeria, more than a trillion Naira has been spent on humanitarian aid in the Northeast since the fighting started.
The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.
For the long-suffering people of Southern Kaduna and their history of oppression in the state, the years between 2015 and 2023 proved to be a period of spectacular upheaval.
Under Muhammadu Buhari as president and Nasir el-Rufai as governor, parts of the state were practically abandoned to the ravages of insecurity. In those heady, bloody days, hardly did a week pass without the killing of dozens, and many houses razed, breaking the news and hearts across the country.
In May 2023, the disastrous administrations of Buhari and El- Rufai shuddered to a close with the advent of new administrations giving the people much needed hope that peace could return to their regions. While the
Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending.
Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted
Since it has become clear that it is in the ravenous interest of a select few who do not mean well for Nigerians that insecurity should remain a burning issue, it is in the interest of Nigerians that such people and their schemes should be dislodged permanently.
TEven with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).
by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.
After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.
And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.
There is the lingering sense that parochial interests in Nigeria are not keeping the war on insecurity honest.
Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com
What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.
he attention of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has been drawn to an incident of murder linked to Okeite beliefs in Nsukka in Enugu State. Okeite is a money ritual scam that some self-styled native doctors and diviners carry out. The belief is that people could become rich through magical means after performing certain rituals using Ite (pots). These so-called diviners instruct seekers of ritual money to pay huge sums of money according to the size of the pot. They ask them to indulge in certain acts including murder or having sex with mentally challenged persons. Prospective ritualists are told to murder their relatives including their parents or siblings, or to bring human body parts.
TAccording to a post that one Sen Chijinkem Ugwuanyi made on Facebook, a young man from Amaeze in Nsukka in Enugu killed
THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA
Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.
Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja
DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU
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THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
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MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
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THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED
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MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
four people including his Mom, grandmother, sister, and sister’s child through food poìsoning in his quest to make easy money called Okeite. According to the post, this guy committed this crime after a friend lured him to indulge in Okeite. The friend took him to a native doctor in the Agbani area in Nsukka. The so-called native doctor instructed him to poison and kill his mother. On the day he was told to carry out this dastardly act, the grandmother and other relatives including a child visited. He poisoned their food and they all ate the food and died. According to the Facebook post, one of the people who ate the food, a 9-year-old, survived. The young man who poisoned family members confessed to the crime and asked for forgiveness. In a video that was posted on Facebook, a local mob paraded and forced him to go to the grave of the mother and asked for forgiveness.
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
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THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI
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DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com What a waste!
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
47K views · 424 reactions | This one happened yesterday at #Amaeze Villa... This one happened yesterday at #Amaeze Village Nsukka Town.... He is from #Amaeze_Nsukka Town... This young m... AfAW contacted Mr Ugwuanyi for more information but was directed to a contact in Nsukka. The local contact confirmed the incident. He stated that the Okeite ritualist was in police custody, at the state CID in Enugu. AfAW will pressure the police to carry out a thorough investigation. It will work with local contacts to support the child who survived this vicious act. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches condemns this horrific incident and urges the police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. This young man did not act alone. Some people lured him into committing this atrocity. The police should arrest and investigate the so-called native doctor and all who were implicated in this crime.
Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches
Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense.
L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua, representing Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Assistant High Commissioner (Operations), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, Raouf Mazou; Chief Executive Officer, Outsource Global Technologies, Ms. Amal Hassan; Special Adviser on Solutions to Internal Displacement, UNASG, Robert Piper, and Vice President, Tropical General Investment (TGI Group), Farouk Gumel, during the 2024 Africa Roundtable on Private Sector Solutions to Internal Displacement held in Lagos...Thursday.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed public servants in 14 states and the Federal Capital Terri-
tory (FCT) to commence industrial action from Sunday, December 1, over failures to comply with the N70,000 new minimum wage.
The affected states are: Abia,
Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, FCT, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara.
Legislation on the N70,000 new
minimum wage in Nigeria was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July this year but many states and organisations are yet to implement it for their workers.
In a letter dated November 29, 2024, and addressed to all presidents and General Secretaries of all the NLC affiliates, the labour movement stated that following the resolution
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Chief Executive Officer/Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, has stated that the council is targeting increased transparency, standardisation of process, improved accountability and accuracy as well as alignment with international standards in the proposed valuation regulations for financial reporting in Nigeria.
Olowo stated this yesterday in his keynote speech at the Stakeholders' Engagement on the Proposed Valuation for Financial Reporting Regulation held in Ikeja, Lagos State.
He explained that the significance of the stakeholders’ engagement could not be overstated as it would provide an invaluable opportunity for dialogue, collaboration, and shared perspectives on a subject that is central to the transparency, accountability and integrity of financial reporting.
He said: “Financial reporting is the cornerstone of trust in our markets and economy.
“The quality, reliability, and accuracy of financial statements directly impact investors, businesses, regulators, and the broader public.
“Today, we are discussing an aspect of financial reporting that plays a crucial role in the valuation
Dike Onwuamaeze
Hungary is targeting Nigeria's agricultural, energy, medical and Information and Computer Technology (ICT) among other sectors as it drives to deepen its economic relations with Nigeria.
Speaking during the NigerianHungarian Business Forum, which took place this week in the premises of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Ambassador of Hungary, Mr. Lorand Endreffy, described the Nigerian-Hungarian Business Forum that brought 12 Hungarian companies to interface with their Nigerian counterparts as a groundbreaking event.
Endreffy said: “I am truly delighted to witness the Nigerian-Hungarian Business Forum, a ground breaking event that, to my knowledge, is unprecedented in scale between our two nations.
“Bringing together 12 Hungarian companies from diverse sectorsagriculture, ICT, energy, medical technology, industrial innovation and waste management- and over 120 Nigerian participants, this forum demonstrates our shared commitment to build long-term and prosperous partnerships.
“The numerous B2B meetings
symbolize a new chapter of col- laboration between our business communities.”
He pledged that “our embassy will do its utmost to continue providing support to everyone interested in further building business relations between our countries.”
Speaking during the business forum, the Executive Director of Agrofeed, Mr. Akos Mezolaki, said that his companies premix and feed mixes recipes are developed on the basis of most recent research and practical results and international recommendations.
Mezolaki said: “Agrofeed Limited is actively exporting to Nigeria and meanwhile exploring opportunities to expand its presence in the Nigerian market.
“Furthermore, the company is committed to contributing to the development of the region’s animal feed industry through knowledge transfer and collaboration with local experts.”
Speaking in the same vein, the Sales Manager Africa, Babolna Tetra, Mr. Laszlo Lengyel, said that the company is one of the major layer breeders in the world.
Lengyel said that the name of Tetra is known for continuously developing and cutting edge work in genetics.
of assets and liabilities – an area that directly influences financial decisions, economic policies, and market behaviour.”
Olowo explained that standardised valuation practices would provide clear and concise guidelines on how valuations should be conducted to ensure consistency in the approach used by different professionals and institutions and reduce the room for ambiguity and subjective interpretation.
“The proposed regulations require that the methods and assumptions used in valuations be clearly disclosed. This level of transparency is essential to ensure that stakeholders have a clear understanding of how values were derived and the underlying assumptions.
“By outlining the roles and responsibilities of valuers, auditors, and other key stakeholders, the regulations aim to improve the accountability
of those involved in the valuation process. This will foster a culture of accuracy and integrity in financial reporting," he said.
He added that the “the regulations are aligned with international best practices and standards, which is crucial for ensuring that our financial markets remain competitive, credible, and attractive to both domestic and international investors.
“Clear and objective valuation standards help minimise the risks of errors, conflicts of interest, and disputes that can arise from inconsistent valuation practices.”
Olowo averred that valuation is not merely an exercise of assigning a monetary value to assets or liabilities but an intricate process that required rigorous methods, a deep understanding of market dynamics, and adherence to well-defined standards.
He said: “The proposed valuation
regulations are designed to address the need for consistency, clarity, and reliability in the valuation process, ensuring that financial statements reflect the true financial position and performance of an entity.
“The accuracy of these valuations is vital, as financial reporting influences key decisions, from the allocation of resources to investment strategies, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and tax assessments.
“Moreover, in an increasingly globalised and interconnected economy, the ability to compare financial statements across borders demands a robust and universally accepted framework for valuation.”
According to him, the proposed regulations are an important step forward in ensuring that valuations are conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, and accuracy.
by its Central Working Committee in Kano, workers in the non-compliant states were required to proceed on strike to compel the government to implement the new minimum wage law.
The letter signed by NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja stated: "Recall that NEC of 8th November, 2024 in Port Harcourt directed that industrial action to compel the implementation of the new national minimum wage should commence in any state that has not complied by the end of November 2024.
"This position was reinforced by the CWC in Kano on 27th of November, 2024. Following the above, it is our information that your state has not commenced the said implementation as workers are still paid on the old structure and there is no subsisting agreement to show the date of commencement of the implementation.
"You are hereby directed as a matter of utmost seriousness commence the implementation of the said, NEC and CWC directive, effective Monday, December 2nd, 2924". The NLC warned the state branches that failure to adhere strictly to the directive would attract dire consequences.
A leading Nigerian diabetologist, Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade, has raised concerns over the alarming rise in diabetes cases, warning of a potential 46 per cent surge by 2045.
Fasanmade, a consultant endocrinologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, highlighted the dire consequences of this trend, including
increased hospitalisations, kidney failure, blindness, and cardiovascular diseases.
He spoke at a virtual media roundtable meeting organised by a pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk to commemorate the 2024 World Diabetes Day, themed, 'Breaking The Barriers, Bridging The Gaps'.
“Diabetes is a major driver of hospital admissions in Nigeria.
Walk into any hospital, and you will find many beds occupied by people with diabetes,” he said.
The expert emphasised the urgent need for intervention, particularly in terms of prevention and early detection. He stressed the importance of regular screening, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely medical attention to manage the condition effectively.
“Less than three per cent of Nigerians with diabetes achieve their health goals due to poor medication adherence and rising treatment costs,” Fasanmade lamented.
He called on the government to prioritize diabetes care, increase funding for research, and implement policies to reduce the cost of diabetes medications. Additionally, he urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, discharged and acquitted 50 individuals alleged to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on terrorism. This was as 109 foreign hackers standing trial on cybercrime offenses were admitted to bail in the sum of N1 billion yesterday.
Justice Ekerete Akpan admitted
the foreign nationals from China, Indonesia, Brazil, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand to bail, shortly after they were arraigned on a six-count charge, bordering on cybercrime and staying in Nigeria without valid documents.
Justice Omotosho freed the IPOB members on the grounds that the prosecution failed in its entirety to establish the allegations made against them.
Delivering judgement in the suit filed by the Nigeria Police Force, the court agreed with the defense that
the police was unable to establish a prima facie case and subsequently upheld the no-case submission of the defendants.
According to the judge, the prosecution did not adduce any credible evidence linking the defendants with the allegations contained in the charge.
After upholding the no-case submission, the court subsequently struck out the three-count charge preferred against the defendants.
Recall that the Inspector General of Police (IGB), Kayode Egbetokun,
had in the charge filed on February 9, and marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024, accused the 50 defendants of acts bordering on terrorism. According to count one of the charges, the defendants were on or about December 12, 2023, at Umunze Village, Uga Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra, arrested by the officers and men of the Anambra State Police Command led by CSP Collins Eruogwu together with Local Vigilante Group, following a tipoff on intelligence gathering.
Ahead of all local, state and federal elections in the country, a coalition of civil society organisations has formed modalities in which democracy can be strengthened through the revitalisation of political parties, call for accountability and public scrutiny with targets in three focal points namely, inclusivity practices, legal compliance and public outreach. Addressing journalists yesterday at the launch of the Political Party Performance Index (PPPI) in Abuja, Country Director of Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Adebowale Olorunmola, said despite reforms such as the Not-Too-Young to-Run Act, advocacy for increased women’s political participation and the establishment of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, there remains a huge deficit in accountability, inclusivity and performance excellence within the 19 registered political parties.
He said Nigeria’s political parties must rise to meet the expectations of the citizens they aim to serve, hence, the need for innovative mechanisms to address the persistent challenges and pave the way for the introduction of the PPPI which will also checkmate discriminations against marginalised groups including women, young people and persons with disabilities. According to him, “Challenges persist across several critical areas. Internal democracy remains weak as many parties lack the structures and systems to support inclusive decision-making and long term planning. Marginalised groups, including women, young people and
persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to meaningful participation despite party constitutions that profess inclusivity.
“Financial opacity and the absence of accountability mechanisms have further eroded public trust, while the limited capacity of parties to engage constructively with citizens has hindered their ability to address critical societal needs.”
Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
The Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has presented
a N526,882,142,484.39 billion 2025 budget to the House of Assembly for approval. Governor Aliyu made the
Business Leaders Convene to Advance Private Sector Investment in Displacement-Affected Areas of Africa
Charles Ajunwa
Business leaders from across Africa gathered in Nigeria to advance private sector solutions for internally displaced people and other impacted communities.
presentation yesterday at the Assembly chamber in Sokoto, urging the House members to give it attention as quickly as possible.
Christened 'Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability Budget,” the Appropriation Bill which has 66 per cent allocated to capital expenditure and 44 per cent to recurrent expenditure was broken down as are as follows: Recurrent expenditure - N176.3 billion and capital expenditure - N349.3 billion.
areas. "My administration remains focused on pursuing synergy and effective collaboration with all security outfits, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders in the state to address these challenges.
have also supported the Nigerian Air Force with the logistics required for the operationalisation of its unit in Sokoto," the governor said.
Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and Lead Political Governance Expert, Bukola Idowu, said the three focal points will address critical gaps in the Nigerian political landscape as studies including research conducted by WFD on the 2023 elections highlight the shortcomings of political parties in promoting inclusivity, adhering to regulations and engaging with the public.
He said with the establishment of the PPPI, political parties will be incentivised to adopt reforms aligned with democratic ideals by evaluating their performance across its laid down pillars as well as encourage parties to democratise their internal structures, improve transparency and broaden their outreach to the citizens.
The two-day roundtable which took place in Lagos,brought together over 250 participants from 11 countries and focused on nations with the highest populations of IDPs, including Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, and Chad. Other countries discussed included Niger, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, all grappling with significant displacement challenges.
Participants, including governments, development actors, private sector companies, civil society and international organisations, discussed key areas where the private sector can drive durable solutions and generate livelihood opportunities.
The 2024 Africa Roundtable on Private Sector Solutions organised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria, the Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General on Solutions to Internal Displacement and co-hosted by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), explored innovative ways the private sector can support communities impacted by internal displacement in fragile contexts.
According to the governor, the security challenges being experienced in some local government areas in the state remain a major concern despite the tremendous achievements recorded in many
"Efforts to tackle banditry are yielding positive results. Our commitment to securing the state against all forms of criminality has led to the procurement and distribution of over 130 patrol vehicles to security agencies to enhance their operations. Additionally, the establishment of the Community Guard Corps, equipped with necessary operational tools and logistics, complements the efforts of conventional security agencies. We
Aliyu further explained that "In line with the second point of my nine-point innovative smart agenda, we have constructed and renovated many mosques in the state, providing them with boreholes, carpets, and solar systems for the comfort of worshippers. We introduced monthly cash allocations to Juma’at mosques amounting to N90,000,000 per month and provided food and cash assistance to Imams, Deputy Imams, Muazzins, grassroots preachers, and Islamic scholars across the state.
Court Declines Arraignment of Former Kogi Gov, Yahaya
The arraignment of former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, was yesterday stalled.
Recall that Justice Nwite had on October 30, adjourned till January next year for ruling in the application seeking Bello's arraignment in absentia.
the EFCC informed the court that his lawyers were not aware that he was being taken to court yesterday.
He said, “The political party performance index aims to enhance the functionality and inclusivity of political parties in Nigeria by providing a robust framework for assessment and accountability. The specific objectives are measure inclusivity, evaluating legal compliance and assessing public engagement.
“The overarching goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions by fostering transparency, accountability and inclusivity in political parties, ultimately promoting public trust and citizen engagement in governance."
rights to fair hearing.
According to the judge, fair hearing should not be sacrificed on the altar of bench warrant.
Unlike in previous occasions when the proceedings could not go on because of Bello's absence, in yesterday's case it was the absence of Bello's lawyer, who according to the former governor was not aware of the arraignment.
of Gender-Based Violence
The Ogun State Government has promised critical support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, stated this while declaring open a 5-day training programme organised by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) in conjunction with the ministry staff of the Ogun State Assault Referral Centres (SARC) and Gender Officers in the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The training was part of the global effort on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. Participants were trained with the necessary skills to manage the centers effectively and provide critical support to survivors of GBV. Mrs. Adewole underscored the state government's commitment to safeguarding survivors and ensuring that GBV issues were treated with professional and compassionate responses, stating that the training was in line with the global call to action.
Wale
Igbintade
The Court of Appeal Lagos Division has discharged and acquitted the Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, following a successful appeal challenging his conviction and life sentence for defilement and sexual assault of a minor, his wife's niece.
A three-man panel, comprising Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada (Presided), Justice Abdu Dogo and Justice Mohammed Abubakar in a
However, following the former governor's arrest last Tuesday, and subsequent arraignment before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday brought him to court for arraignment.
When the matter was called, Bello who was brought to the court by
unanimous decision held that the trial court erred in convicting Dr. Olaleye based on "tainted" and "unreliable" evidence of his estranged wife, Oluremi and the alleged survivor (names withheld).
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted Olaleye in October 2023 for defiling his wife’s 16-year-old niece.
Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution represented by the Lagos State Government had proven the
But, counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment of Bello, reminding that request had been made earlier for his arraignment even in his absence.
Responding, Justice Nwite declined to arraign the former governor on the grounds that taking his plea in the absence of his lawyers would amount to breach of his fundamental
charge against the defendant and that the evidence was compelling.
The judge emphasised Olaleye’s confessional statement before his former counsel, Mr. Olalekan Buruji, and the Divisional Police Officer at the Anthony Police Station in Lagos, as proof that he had committed the offences.
Dissatisfied, Olaleye, through his lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), filed an appeal in November 2023, seeking to overturn Justice Oshodi’s judgement.
The judge subsequently directed EFCC's lawyer to apply for an abridgement of time and serve notice of the same on Bello's lawyer.
Following a request by Pinheiro, the court ordered that Bello remain in EFCC's custody till December 13, when the application of abridgement of time for the arraignment of the former governor.
In his 35 grounds of appeal, the appellant through his lawyer contended that there was no direct evidence confirming the alleged victim’s age, asserting that the prosecution failed to provide any documentation to support its claim that she was 16 years old at the time of the offence. Pinheiro contended that the alleged victim’s testimony was riddled with inconsistencies, noting that she did not initially accuse Dr. Olaleye of rape when making her statement to the police.
L-R: Senator representing Enugu East, Senator Kelvin Chukwu; Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede; Chairman House Committee on Privatisation, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, and Managing Director, Ports and Cargo handling services, Mr. John Jenkins, during the House Committee's oversight visit to Ports and Cargo Handling Service Terminal in Lagos …recently
The National Inland Waterways (NIWA) has confirmed a boat accident
that claimed the lives of no fewer than 200 market women from Kogi State.
The Head of Media Department of NIWA, Suleman Makama who confirmed the incident yesterday,
The Head of Sustainability at TGI Group, Yosola Onanuga, has highlighted the need to embrace circular economy practices to enhance resource efficiency and reduce waste in agriculture and food production.
Speaking at the 12th West African Clean Energy and Environment (WACEE) conference in Lagos, Onanuga underlines TGI Group’s commitment to sustainable business.
“Transitioning from a linear to a circular economy requires significant investment, but the long-term benefits—both economically and environmentally—are immense”, she said. “At TGI, we’ve embedded circularity into our business model. From food production to agribusiness, we focus on maximising resource recovery, ensuring that every part of the process adds value,” she said.
Onanuga also stressed TGI’s
innovative work in its rice milling operations, where agricultural by-products are transformed into energy.“Our rice production facility in argungu, Kebbi State, is a great example of how waste can be turned into a resource. By utilising by-products from rice processing, we are not only reducing waste but also generating power for our operations, demonstrating the tangible benefits of a circular economy," she adde.
Onanuga reaffirmed TGI’s alignment with Nigeria’s environmental goals as well as the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its commitment to sustainable business practices.
explained that the deceased were on their way to the market in Niger yesterday morning riding on a boat when it capsized along the Dambo-Ebuchi sections of River Niger, killing yet to be ascertained number of women.
Also, yesterday, the Niger State Emergency Management confirmed that 22 passengers died in a boat mishap which occurred on the river on Thursday night.
According to a statement made available to newsmen, the capsized boat was sailing from Ebe community in Kogi state to Katcha market in Niger state with 50 passengers on board.
The statement signed by the Director
General of the Agency Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, stated that 22 bodies have been recovered while eight persons were rescued alive
He said "NSEMA is directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee" adding that, brave local divers and other community volunteers were also involved.
Commenting further on the accident in Kogi, Makama said: "It's true that there was a boat mishap on Thursday involving quite a number of women going to the market in Niger State,we are still investigating to ascertain the number of people involved as well
as what led to the accident."
According to eyewitnesses, the boat which belonged to one Musa Dangana was carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers, en route to the Katcha weekly market in Niger State.
As of the time of this report, eight bodies were said to have been recovered while search and rescue operations continue to look for the remaining passengers.
He said that he is still waiting for clearance from the management before he will issue an official statement where details of the incident would be provided.
Asked how long that would be,
Makama said that he can't give a specific time frame but promised to get back as soon as possible.
The Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebanji, had identified human errors, drugs and disobedience to the rules and regulations as the major causes of boat mishaps that have occurred in the past three years . Oyebanji, who disclosed this while fielding questions from the members of House Representatives Committee on NIWA who were on oversight function to the Headquarters of the Authority in Lokoja on Wednesday, said that the NIWA was committed to the safety of the Nigerians using water transportation .
Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Northcourt Real Estate, the real estate research, valuation and advisory powerhouse, Tayo Odunsi, was recently elected new Chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Nigeria Group.
The institution is 60-year-old in Nigeria and boasts the elite of estate surveyors and valuers, quantity surveyors, land surveyors, project managers and other built environment professionals in its membership.
Founded over 150 years ago in the United Kingdom, the RICS has remained a “mark of property professionalism” all over the world in line with its slogan.
After weeks of intense competition, Covenant University students have emerged as the overall winners of the 2024 Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA) Business Leaders Challenge.
The panel of judges, who are professionals from the accounting and financial management fields, including Dr. Seyi Olanrewaju, Mr. Stanley Ubani, Mrs. Gbemi Adelowore, and Mrs. Folake Ogundipe, adjudged “Team Analyst” from Covenant University, Ogun State, as the winners at the grand finale, which featured five finalists, held at the Bankers House in Lagos on Thursday.
Team Analyst beat “Team Lot” from Nile University and “Team Visionary Titan” from Landmark University to second and third, respectively. TopFaith University and the University of Lagos got consolation prizes for reaching the finals.
Team Analyst received N1 million in prize money for their efforts, a year registration for the CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) worth £2,000 (around N4.2 million) per participant, and an internship opportunity at a renowned corporate organisation. Team Lot received N700,000 and a two-month internship opportunity while Team Visionary Titan won N500,000 and also a two-month internship opportunity.
According to a statement, at the Groups’ annual conference event installing Odunsi as the new RICS Nigeria Group chair, the theme was focused on technology infrastructure and its role in creating a connected Nigeria.
Speakers included TMT Leader, Deloitte West Africa, Oluwole Oyeniran; CEO Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson; CEO Smart Lockers, Benjamin Adeyemo; CEO ATC Nigeria, Soji Maurice-Diya and Elom Lassey Africa VC Investor at IFC amongst others.
Odunsi who exited the company he founded about 10 years ago - North-
PressPayNg, Nigeria’s leading education financing platform, celebrates three years of remarkable achievements in transforming access to tertiary education for students across the nation. This milestone underscores the platform’s unwavering commitment to bridging the financial gap in education and creating life-changing opportunities for students and families.
Since its inception in 2021, PressPayNg has become a trusted
court, just last year, now runs Build Africa Technology Company, which is an e-commerce company focused on building materials and promoting environmental consciousness in the construction process.
In just a year, Build Africa has created web, mobile (iOS and Android) apps, while servicing clients in four states of the country including Lagos and Abuja.
Build Africa is backed by a good
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
American tech conglomerate, Meta, recently hosted its first Youth Summit in Lagos, bringing together over 200 young professionals, students, fresh graduates, creatives, tech enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs in a fun and interactive atmosphere, making best memories and connecting with the young Nigerians.
With 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population under age 30, young and vibrant, Meta appreciates and understands that, hence the need for engaging every one of the attendees.
The summit, essentially, was birthed out of the need to take
partner for over 300,000 subscribers, solidifying its reputation as a gamechanger in the education ecosystem. The platform has not only delivered innovative financial solutions but has also empowered students with critical resources, creating a holistic approach to educational advancement.
PressPayNg’s success story is defined by its ability to combine cutting-edge technology with strategic partnerships, resulting in
line-up of institutional and highnetworth investors, and supported by top tier local building materials manufacturers including Lafarge, Dangote Cement, Africa Foundries, Landcraft international, Berger Paints, Plascon, Coleman, Ratcon, Kabelmetal to name a few. This in part explains the meteoric success the company has attained in less than a year of operations servicing a good array of top property companies and developers across the country. The RICS Nigeria Groups’ new Executive Committee includes Vice-Chairman, Lanre Fatimilehin CEO Trilium Real Estate, SecretaryLawunmi Olashore Partner, Jide Taiwo & Co, Asst. Secretary- Ayo Ibaru CEO Northcourt Real Estate, Publicity Secretary- Dolapo Omidire CEO Estate Intel, Treasurer -Babafenwa Omoniyi Director, Broll Nigeria and other key Exco members.
advantage of the energy of that vibrant, young population of Nigerians and opening up a world of possibilities.
Themed ‘Empowering Youth Through Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’, the summit included a series of thoughtprovoking panel discussions, a mentoring session and an interactive workshop designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills, insights and networks needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.
Commenting about the event, Phil Oduor, Head of Policy Programmes, Sub-Saharan Africa said, “At Meta, we believe that today’s youth are
measurable outcomes across multiple dimensions; from facilitating seamless disbursement of school fees to enabling thousands of students to complete their education without interruptions by providing education loans with flexible repayment terms - the platform has redefined financial accessibility for low-income families, ensuring that education remains within reach.
Through strategic collaborations with philanthropists, corporate
tomorrow’s change-makers. Through initiatives like the Youth Summit, we aim to foster innovation, promote digital literacy and empower young Nigerians with the tools and opportunities to realise their potential and contribute to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.”
Delivering the keynote address, Femi Aluko, CEO/Co-Founder, Chowdeck, shared his journey of breaking barriers to achieve success in tech. He encouraged attendees to embrace the limitless opportunities within today's technology ecosystem."Keep working, keep moving and the winning will come" Aluko charged the audience.
donors, and government agencies, PressPayNg has delivered scholarships and school fees grants to over 20,000 low-income students, alleviating financial burdens and opening doors to quality education for those who need it the most. Recognising the importance of holistic development, PressPayNg has conducted multiple cohorts of soft-skills training programs, preparing thousands of students with employability and entrepreneurial skills.
Osaro Aloba, who lives in America, is one of the children of Ebenezer Williams Abiodun Aloba, a former General Manager of Midwest Newspaper Limited now known as the Nigerian Observer and one of the newspaper gurus inducted into the Nigerian Observer Hall of Fame by former Governor Godwin Obaseki. He spoke glowingly of his father and his legacies as a newspaper man while also expressing appreciation to Obaseki for honouring his father. Charles Ajunwa brings the excerpts
As a son, what kind of father was he to you and your siblings?
He was a very caring father and at the same time, he was a disciplinarian. He was a man with principle that did whatever he felt he needed to do in the best interest of his family especially being that we lived in a polygamous home.
People of his era were known to be disciplinarians; would you describe your father as such?
He was a great disciplinarian but the only thing he did differently was that in his days, he was not physical with us in trying to correct us. He was more or less verbal. He utilised every opportunity to take it upon himself to educate us anytime that we did things wrong. He would always lecture us on issues of life. So, his principle was really very strong. It was something that every one of us had to abide by.
Wasthereanyoccasionwhenhehadtoapplycorporalpunishment on you or any of your siblings?
Therewasnotimethathedidthatwithme.ThereisnostorythatIcan tell you about how he punished my other siblings or had to do that with me. Whenever he punished anyone of us for anything, he would make us write an essay on why we shouldn’t do whatever we did. We had to explain the importance of not doing it. That was the kind of punishment that he gave us as children. He never gave us any physical form of punishment. That never happened at all to the best of my knowledge. Whatdoyouthinkwouldmakeyourfatherangryatanyoneofyou?
(Cuts in) Stealing or any kind of wild behaviour that he considered as not worthy of an Aloba which was the common word he used. He used to tell us that ‘this is not worthy of an Aloba.’ Stealing was something he could not tolerate. He had zero tolerance for lying too.
Considering your father’s status in the society, what kind of people visited him at home?
Myfatherwasnotreallyhomeattheheightofhiscareer.Iwasbornin the late 1960s but towards the end of his career when he relocated to Benin, I spent time with him. At that point he had people like the former Governor, Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia, who used to visit him. He also hosted people like Alhaji Babatunde Jose too. He was a thoroughbred newspaper man, who rose through the ranks to the top echelon of the Nigerian journalism profession. A nationalist and member of the Zikist Movement, he worked at different times with the Daily Times of Nigeria, Morning Post, the Nigerian Observer, The Herald and The Mail. My father was a fearless newspaper man and columnist, writing under the pen name of Ebenezer Williams, which
was
Tellustherelationshipbetweenhimandsomeofcolleaguessuch Chief Anthony Enahoro and other nationalists.
Interestingly, the relationship between the two of them went a long way. According to my father, the first time they met as contained in his autobiography was when the two of them sat down for the entrance examinationforcommonentrance,Ithink,Idon’tknowwhatitwascalled then but the examination took place in Akure. He said they both wrote the exam in the same hall. That was the first time they met and they have been friends ever since. This was around the 1930s. When the late Enahorowasarrested,AbiodunAlobawasalsoarrestedwithhimduring the coup hoopla. Enahoro was a Zikist and he was arrested when he was trying to address a crowd. He claimed he was there just to visit Alobabuthe(Aloba)toowentthereatthesametime.Thatwasthefirst time that Enahoro got arrested and Aloba was arrested with him too.
Why didn’t he join politics like his friend?
He never really believed in running for office as doing so will weaken his position as a journalist. So, he wanted to be free to say whatever he wanted to say or write without fear or favour. He wanted to be able to do so and damn the consequences.
Which other journalist was your father close to?
Aretired colonel of the Nigerian Army, Babatunde Bello-Fadile,went backmemorylane, stating that late GeneralSaniAbachawouldn’thave wrested power from the interim governmentoflatebusinessman ErnestSonekanifhewasallowed to resume as the aide-de-camp (ADC) of the interim president.
Over30yearslater,Bello-Fadile believes that the circumstances behindSonekan’sresignationwere abnormal.
On November 18, 1993, three months into his administration, Abacha overthrew Sonekan in a palace coup.
He further said, “I was posted ADCtoSonekan.Idon’tknowwhy I was not allowed to resume. Still, ifIhadbeenADC,it(thetakeover) probablywouldn’thavehappened,” Bello-Fadile,whospokeyesterday, on a programme monitored onChannelsTelevision,explained:
“Why didn’t I resume? The Chief
of Army Staff said I should wait until he (Sonekan) comes back from Malta where he went for the Commonwealth Head of State meeting that year. So, I was hanging around. The whole thing happened by the time he came back.”
In 1993, after a controversial annulment of an election whose winnerwasadjudgedtobethelate MKO Abiola, General Ibrahim Babangidawhotookoverpower in 1985 through a coup against General Muhammadu Buhari resigned and formed an interim government with businessman SonekanaspresidentandAbacha as Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence.
The lawyer and former head of the Legal Unit of the Nigerian Army,Fadile alsotookatripdown memory lane and narrated how he confronted Abacha after he took over power from Sonekan. AccordingtoFadile,“Themilitary decidedtoleaveafterJune12and aninterimgovernmentwassetup and it was agreed that we would midwifeandelectedgovernment.
goes back to the 1940s and 1950s. He was closed to people like the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, in fact, when he left as the General Manager or I think the editor of Daily Times, it was Babatunde Jose that took over from him. He had so many of them as friends, I can’t remember many ofthemagain.Apartfromfriends,healsohadsomanyprotégéswhom he nurtured. I can remember that many prominent young journalists in the 1950s worked with Aloba.
WhatwashisrelationshipwiththelateBrigadier-GeneralSamuel Ogbemudia?
The two of them were very close till he died. They worked together and I can say that they had their ups and downs too when they were setting up the Observer but I know that I went with him to pay courtesy visits to the late Ogbemudia in Benin but the interesting thing is that when he was asked by Ogbemudia, to set up the Observer, he (Aloba) wasactuallyanationalfigureandinternationalsensation,socomingto Observer was somewhat condescending but I think he felt he needed to do something for his home state of Bendel at that time. It was Aloba and late Chief Tony Enahoro who started it.
How did your father make his way into the government of late President Shehu Shagari?
Oneinterestingthingwasthatmyfatherwasnotinanywayassociated with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), which was the ruling party when he was offered that appointment. He told me something that was also corroborated in an autobiography written by late President ShehuShagariwheretheformerpresidentwrotethatmyfatherwould be responsible for his image making. He said that Aloba was the one that actually wrote an article about the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari in the 1955 titled, ‘Watch this man’. When he became the president and the government was having issues about having someone with the right credibility to write the president’s speech. They said they have discussed the issue and then came to the conclusion that Aloba was somebody he needed around him. Interestingly enough, one thing that former leaders going back to the time of the late Alhaji Tafawa Balewa all through the Presidency of the late Alhaji Shagari, they all felt that they needed a voice of someone who would tell them the blatant truth. They needed that kind of person to be part of their government and they felt my father was such. My father never really had a position that was elective. He was always appointed. In the case of the late Alhaji Balewa who wanted a voice for the government and I remember that Aloba advised him to set up the Morning Post. He told the late Prime Minister that, it was what the government needed to always put its message across.
There were so many of them. Don’t forget that what we are saying Read full Article online - www.thisdaylive.com
of Profession to Nation’s Development
The Association of Professional Women Engineers inNigeria(APWEN) has reiterated the importance of engineeringinnationdevelopment, calling on more girl children to embrace the study of engineering.
ThechairmanofAPWEN,Awka Chapter, Engr. Ifeyinwa Dimson, stated this in her inaugural speech, after her swearing in as the chapter chairman at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, yesterday. Dimson and members of the newly elected executive of the group were sworn in for a two-year term at the ASUU secretariat complex of the university by the national president ofAPWEN,Engr.Dr.AdebisiOsim. She said: “I remind you all of the critical role that engineering plays in shaping society, influencing our economy, and improving the quality of life of all Nigerians.
“We as professional women engineers stand in a unique position to drive impactful change in our society, and that is what APWEN under my watch will do.”
She listed three key areas where her leadership of the organisationwouldconcentrate on in her three-year term.
They include empowering and developing female engineers, promoting STEM education and youth engagement and equipping the association’s secretariat.
She said: “For us to see a new generation of female engineers, it is essential to nurture interest in STEM fields from an early age. This we will achieve through career talks, STEM competitions, Boot camp, basic tech trainings and scholarships.”
She promised to visit as many schools as possible to speak with young female students to encourage them to become engineers.
The event was graced by several personalities and also featured awards to deserving individuals from Anambra and beyond.
The importance of training in tackling the scourge of drug trafficking has been emphasised by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd).
Marwa stated this yesterday, at theclosingceremonyofatwo-week trainingsponsoredbytheGerman government for NDLEA officers on combating international drug trafficking.
Marwa said: “To tackle the drug challenge,thenumberonepriority, obviously,istheprofessionalismof thehumanresources,whichyoucan onlyachievethroughtraining.Unless personnel are properly equipped withtraining,theycannotdotheirjob.
“That is the more reason we are emphasising the training of our personnel.”
Thetwo-weektrainingorganised by the German Federal Criminal Police Office, otherwise known as Bundeskriminalamnt(BKA)covered core areas including principles of
crime scene investigations and training in West Africa Police Investigation System (WAPIS). The 23 participants, drawn fromvariousdepartmentsofthe agency,wereengagedinclassroom work,presentationsandpractical exercises for the duration of the programme.
The representative of the German embassy, Ms. Uduak Abasi Akpabiosaid:“Thefederalforeign officefundingofthisprogramme is part of the German government’s greater engagement in policereformsandsecuritysector reformmoregenerally.Oursupport reflectstheGermangovernment’s commitmenttofosteringstability, especiallyasitpertainstoaddressing the menace of international drug trafficking.”
She further appreciated the work of the NDLEA which she described as, “a critical pillar in safeguarding Nigeria’s stability, security and wellbeing of its citizens”,addingthat:“Byinvestingin thecapacityoftheseofficers,you havestrengthenednotonlyNigeria’sfightagainstdrugtrafficking butalsotheglobalframeworkfor combating this menace.”
Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394
Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com
Nollywood actress, Uzoamaka Onuoha is a fast-rising actress with several works to her credit, including, If I Am President (2018), Inside Life (2022), and Blood Sisters (2022). This year, at the just concluded Africa International Film Festival, Onuoha, who played the lead character, won Best Female Performance for her role in ‘Agemo’, a feature directed by Moshood Abiola Obatula. The supernatural title explores themes of manipulation, power dynamics, and the consequences of exploiting the vulnerable. The actress speaks candidly about her victory, its significance to her craft and career and her journey to this moment. Excerpts:
Canyousharewithushow you felt when you found thatyouemergedwinner?
I felt great. For some reason, I just couldn’t stop cracking up. I was laughing. I did watch my film ‘Agemo’ so I knew we had something in hand. We had done something good, something incredible. The nomination didn’t come as a surprise to me because this is good work. But the win was just like a great moment. At the end of the day as a creative, for me, it’s just me working. We were not expecting a nod; we were just working and doing our best. The recognition was really beautiful. It was like a pat on the back. I kept smiling and laughing.
Takeusthroughyourpreparationforthisrole, andwhatpartofitfeltthemostchallenging orrewardingforyou?
My preparation was intertwined with constant interaction with my director because it was his vision. It was a story created by him and written by Esther Olayinka. I needed to know where his head was. Normally when I get a script, I do a run-through and get an idea of what it is. Next, I discuss it with the director so I know if what I read is in alignment. We had enough meetings before the actual production. This is the best set I ever came on. It was collaborative; we bounced ideas off each other. Whatever I felt was tasking, I knew I wasn’t going to carry the burden alone. We had limited time to shoot and we were running on adrenaline to do this. What kept us going was the collaboration. The
rewarding aspect was coming every day on set and knowing you had something in the bag.
What does winning the Best Female Performanceawardmeantoyoupersonallyand foryourcareer?
It means so much to me. I am an artist who was nominated alongside incredible artists. I don’t know what it means yet for my career. I am hoping for something incredible and something great along my journey. Being nominated is a pat on the back. It’s saying, ‘I see you, you did good work, and this is an exceptional film’. I watched my film and I said, “Uzoamaka Onuoha well done.” The visibility too is great and we’re hoping for better opportunities. I came into this line of work wanting to tell stories and that is what has kept me going. If I get bigger and better opportunities and tell stories, I will do that. That is what I am hoping for.
AFRIFF is all about celebrating African cinema—howdoyouseeyourrolecontributing tothismission,andwhatexcitesyouaboutthe future of African film?
It’s such a growing industry. One of my hashtags is #africanstoryteller. That’s reflected in my art. I am African first of all and I believe we have lots of stories to tell. There’s so much to translate in our art and AFRIFF is such a great initiative when it comes to pushing the culture forward. It is one of the awards I regard and hold in high esteem. If they give you your flowers, you really deserve to sit. I feel like the future of African cinema is great. The films that screened in AFRIFF this year, my goodness; you
know the future is safe–incredible filmmakers, it was absolutely beautiful. It’s because of initiatives like this. It inspires filmmakers to do things like this. They paid attention this time. I’m thankful to be part of the movement.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in theindustry,andwhatadvicehaveyoufound mostvaluableinyourjourney?
I watch everyone and everything. Kate Blanchet, Hrithik Roshan, I love that he acts with his eyes. Halit Ergenç, Jeremy Irons. I believe there’s something to learn even if the actor might not
be great, I don’t mind. I watch actors and works from as old as the 50’s. But these actors inspire me. In Nollywood, Femi Adebayo is my favourite at the moment. I loved him in King of Thieves and Jagun Jagun.
Whatwasitlikeworkingwiththecastand crewonthisfilm?Anymemorablebehind-thescenesstoriesyou’dliketoshare?
I’m an avid promoter of the crew members. In every set I have been to, the crew members have always been good. On the set of ‘Agemo’, we had crew members who wanted to do their work and do it well. Sometimes you can be on set and not know what they are doing but this set; everyone was on their toes. They loved the story. We had a director who was a leader. If you have your directing right and the right producer, things will show. The set worked so well because we had crew members who made collaboration easy.
Are there any dream roles or projects you hopetotake?Wheredoyouseeyourselfgoing from here?
There are so many roles and I am very imaginative with these roles. I just stay and act it out by myself. The hope is to get more good jobs, more channels and avenues to be translative in my art. For now, the goal and the objective is to do roles that challenge me. I watched ‘Agemo’, and there was a scene that ended, and a tear just dropped from my eyes. The vision is to watch yourself and truly forget that this is you, to watch yourself and say this resonates with someone out there. There are lots of characters I want to play.
With a hint of an album in the works for release early 2025, and as headliner in an upcoming music festival next month, superstar artiste David Adeleke, aka Davido is most likely to remain in the news following widespread backlash his remarks generated recently about the state of the Nigerian economy which he describes as in “shambles”.
Speaking during an appearance on The Big Homies House podcast in the US earlier, the globally acclaimed singer had urged Black Americans to reconsider relocating to Nigeria due to economic difficulties.
“It is not cool back home. The economy is in shambles,” the award winning singer said, among other things.
The Afrobeats artiste would receive massive backlash from media personalities and public
figures after the interview went viral as much as several prominent celebrities and music executives like Paul Okoye, Tiwa Sawage, Rugged Man, took to their various social media handles to voice their concerns and defend the ‘Fem’ crooner.
While many of his fans/followers hailed him for being vocal, he expressed concerns that his shows in Nigeria might be cancelled due to the remarks. The statement, however, continued to be a subject of criticism from various quarters. Reacting to the backlash in a tweet on Monday, the Grammy nominee said in a post, “God Bless Nigeria”.
Unfazed by the backlash, Davido further took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to defend his position while hitting back at critics in a series of posts. Davido maintained his position as a “real ambassador” of Nigeria, he wrote. In a follow-up post, Davido alleged threats to cancel his show in Lagos this December over his remarks.
He wrote, “Dem say dem go cancel my show cus of my interview … loooool. I don’t have to perform in Nigeria.” Preceding his scathing remarks, Davido emphasised that he is originally
Beth Beauty Medical Spa, a premier spa in Lekki, Lagos, is excited to welcome clients this holiday season and provide them with tranquil escape to relax, recharge, and leave feeling rejuvenated. The holiday season is all about giving, and the spa is honored to offer discounts along a special place of comfort where people can treat themselves to the gift of self-care.
With a wide range of advanced aesthetic treatments in a luxurious and professional setting, the spa outfit would be offering discounts on all its services to old and new customers as a way to support their journey to self-care amidst the holiday hustle and bustle during the Christmas, the CEO and Director, Beth Beauty Medical Spa, Adenike Adebagbo said.
“This holiday season, guests can indulge in signature treatments designed to help them
glow inside and out. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering the highest level of care that’ll leave you refreshed and revitalised,” she said, adding that whether social gathering such as wedding, or simply seeking a moment of self-care.
“Beth Beauty Medical Spa is committed to providing a relaxing, welcoming environment, where clients feel pampered and cared for. From the moment you step through the door, you’ll be greeted with warmth, festive cheer, and a serene atmosphere designed to take the stress out of the season,” Adenike assured.
The beauty medical spa offers a full range of cutting-edge aesthetic and wellness services, from advanced skincare treatments and facials to body contouring and injectables, including facials, acne treatments, IV therapy, Botox and fillers, body scrub, jelly pedicure, sauna bath, massage, and manicure and pedicure.
from Atlanta, USA, as he was born there. However, due to his cultural ties, he identifies with Nigeria, his parents’ homeland.
Davido also mentioned that he is a proud Atlanta native, revealing that all his children were born in the same Atlanta hospital where he was born in 1992. He also said that his brothers and sisters were all born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Since rising to fame in 2012, Davido has become one of Africa’s most influential artistes.
Interestingly, one is of the view that Davido’s appearance on the foreign podcast where his infamous comment about the Nigerian economy started was strategic and subtly timed to blight his rival, Wizkid’s shine of his sixth studio album, Morayo, which dropped just on Friday, November 22, 2024.
While Davido’s trending podcast clip surfaced about same time the Wizkid album was released and has remained a trending issue online and on the entertainment scene. Prior to Morayo release, Wizkid had tapped into his feud with Davido, reigniting controversy, promoting Morayo, which was before now the talk of social media.
Kunle Afolayan, Felix Olojede, James Abinibi Team Up on New Prime Video Hit
Tosin Clegg
The trio of Kunle Afolayan, Felix Olojede, and James Abinibi have captivated audiences with their latest film, Miss. PJ, which has risen to the number one spot on Prime Video. This gripping drama follows the journey of a young woman on her National Youth Service assignment as she unexpectedly becomes the savior of a small town haunted by a mysterious killer. The film’s blend of suspense, drama, and cultural depth has resonated with viewers, showcasing the brilliance of Nigerian storytelling. Felix Olojede, the producer, played a significant role in bringing this project to life, working closely with writer and director James Abinibi to create an authentic and powerful cinematic experience.
Olojede’s contributions extended beyond casting and actor selection to the detailed work of location scouting and set design, ensuring each scene felt vivid and real. This collaborative effort between Olojede, Abinibi, and co-executive producer Kunle Afolayan was crucial in transforming the film from concept to a finished masterpiece that audiences can’t stop talking about. However, the journey was not without its challenges. Filming in Nigeria, with its unique set of limitations, tested the team’s resolve. Traveling out of Lagos to the chosen location posed logistical hurdles, from navigating rough terrains to managing unpredictable weather conditions that threatened to delay production.
Equipment transport, accommodation for cast and crew, and maintaining a seamless workflow amid infrastructural constraints required careful planning and on-the-spot problem-solving.
Sylvanus Ogolodom-Clinton
Set up in 2000 to tackle widespread poverty and devastating youth restiveness within the Niger Delta area, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) came on stream as a tailored solution to the multifaceted conundrums within the oil-rich region at the time.
Wanton destruction of national assets, kidnapping of expatriates, rival gang wars, bursting of oil pipelines, disillusionment, rising poverty, mistrust and general state of insecurity were among the milieu common to the region before the advent of the commission.
More than two decades later, the commission, despite teething challenges, has continued to sustain the people’s hopes for a brighter future.
On an incremental basis, there have been marked physical developments within the Niger Delta States that attest to adherence to the vision and mission of the commission. Not to mention the sheer quality of human capital development taking place regularly under the watch of the Commission especially of late. Since his appointment as Managing Director of the NDDC, many agree that Dr. Samuel Ogbuku comes with the requisite experience needed to creditably discharge his duties as NDDC boss. Little wonder why he has been able to crystalise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed Hope agenda in his operations at the NDDC where he provides economic life-lines that cascade down to a vast majority of the masses, especially among the nine Niger Delta states where the commission has a first line mandate.
One of the unique ways in which Dr. Ogbuku has been transforming lives more than any other has been through the massive mobilisation of people especially the youth to form the core of his broad based human capital development program within and outside the shores of the nation.
Pundits agree that since its inception in office, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has successfully transitioned the commission from being a mere transactional agency to one that truly connects the region and its people to their true aspirations of living a sustainable and dignified life.
This implies that through purposeful stewardship , the commission now places high premium on set objectives that directly impact on the wellbeing and prosperity of the people and the region over and above any group or individual interests .
This perhaps explains why some aggrieved underdogs who once benefitted massively from the old transactional order find the new era in the NDDC highly disquieting and bad for business as usual, hence the stuttering rented crowd paid to destabilize the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku led NDDC and its board, albeit a failed hatchet job.
Fortunately, Tinubu , a highly visionary and intuitional leader has long assessed and found the qualities needed in Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and appointed him as his ombudsman worthy to undertake the task of delivering prosperity ,equity, and peace throughout the length and breadth of the oil rich NDDC states.
This is why despite distractions from fifth columnists, the commission has remained steadfast in actualising goals that are in keeping with the renewed Hope agenda of drawing many families and communities out of the clutches of poverty for life.
This is no mean task but the commission is already fully equipped to achieve this feat, not only to prove cynics wrong but also to demonstrate goodwill to all people in the region.
Recently, the commission under Ugbuku’s leadership launched the largest educational investment in Africa by distributing 45,000 U-Lesson Educational Tablets and Software in primary and secondary schools across the Niger Delta region.
This project has already been dubbed the largest ever educational technology investment in the Africa sub-region.
Ogbuku at the phenomenal launch of the project described the U-Lesson Educational Tablets and Software initiative as a game changer in the ICT driven educational sector needed to break away from the obsolete method of teaching in the modern world. He remarked that the agency is determined to further avail the people of the region with the wherewithal they require to make a head start in life going forward.
He maintained that the initiative is a legacy project of the NDDC designed to key into the vision of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to drive growth in the region through ICT backed education.
He explained that the tablets and software have already been built to adapt to the nation’s educational teaching format, making it relevant, effective and cost free to use.
One of the key adaptive features of the software is the offline video library which allows learners to play, pause and rewind educational materials without the need for internet. This is indeed a launch into the digital world as reiterated by the paramount ruler of Onopa in Bayelsa state, Chief Tamama Morris who also lauded the initiative for being first of its kind.
At a recent two-day meeting organised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Development in collaboration with the Delta state government held in Asaba the Delta state capital,the NDDC boss reiterated the marching order given to him by Mr President to ensure that all nooks and cranny of the nine states of the NDDC are transformed to significantly improve the living standards of the people.
Ogbuku hinted that efforts are already in top gear to commission the completed 132/33kv electricity sub-station the NDDC built at Ode-Erinije in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo state.The installation is expected to power electricity to five local government areas of the state.
In the same stride, Ogbuku hinted that the commission has also completed another flagship project ready for inauguration this time in Bayelsa state. It is the 29-kilometers Ogbia-Nembe road which the commission completed in conjunction with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
No doubt, that road comes with significant amount of socio-economic benefits for the people of the state and her neighbouring communities.
The NDDC boss further emphasized that although media mention of projects executed is vital for public enlightenment,
L-R: National Key Account Manager, Beiersdorf Nigeria, Damilola Ojo; Marketing Activations Manager, Oluwadamilola Adeyemi; Chief Operations Officer, The Dorcas Cancer Foundation, Korede Akindele; Country Manager, Beiersdorf Nigeria, Oladele Adeyole; Paediatric Oncologist and Founder, The Dorcas Cancer Foundation, Dr. Adedayo Joseph; Human Resources Director, Central East and West Africa (CEWA), Beiersdorf, Eniola Onimole, and Shopper and Customer Marketing (S&CM), Derma, Central East and West Africa (CEWA), Beiersdorf, Motolani, Ipadeola, at the presentation of N16,456,500.00 Cheque by Beiersdorf Nigeria to Dorcas Cancer Foundation in support of the foundation’s care for paediatric cancer survivors in Nigeria, at the Beiersdorf Nigeria office in Ikeja, Lagos.
Charles O’Tudor; awardee; Mr. Tony Agenmonmen; Dr. George Thorpe; Ayo Akingbade; represented Mr. Bola Akingbade; the recipient; and Prince Dapo Adelegan during the 3rd edition of the Nigerian Marketing Awards held in Lagos …recently
nevertheless the commission has on several occasions completed landmark projects without spotlight in the press.
One of such major project completed but unannounced is the 1-15MVA 33/11kva injection substation in Amufi-Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo state.
Going forward, the NDDC boss has pledged that the commission would deliver 100 percent on all it’s core mandate, especially in view of the new Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreements recently signed with strategic partners across board.
Such synergy he said positions the commission to increase the scope and value size of projects, thus empowering the commission to deliver massive projects in record time.
One of such strategic PPP agreement is the one between the NDDC and the Liquified Natural Gas Limited(NLNG) to deliver on long term sustainable projects.
Additionally, in the health sector, the NDDC boss has hinted that the commission has reached an understanding with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to implement health insurance cover for people within the region. This no doubt would go a long way to boost life expectancy level in the area as well as impact general wellbeing of the people.
To prioritise the health needs of the people, it has been observed that the NDDC has reintroduced the free healthcare program of the agency to cater for the health and medicament needs of rural dwellers in the NDDC states.
Not many people may have heard of Miriam Olusanya. But Ms. Olusanya is currently Managing Director of GT Bank, a company with a market capitalisation in excess of a trillion Naira and well over three thousand permanent employees. GTBank generated a profit slightly in excess of a trillion Naira in the first half of 2024.
Ms. Olusanya originally trained as a pharmacist. Were she to have pursued a career in pharmacy and chosen to work in a hospital, she would never have been privileged to lead any public hospital whatsoever. Indeed, she would never have risen above the role of Director of Pharmaceutical Services, which is where pharmacists tend to be capped in the hospital environment.
This is the paradox of Nigeria’s health institutions: Chief Medical Directors, as managing directors of hospitals are known, must be medical doctors, according to a decree that was engineered by Prof. Ransome-Kuti, health minister in the Babangida years. Even though it is irrational and illegal, being discriminatory against other health practitioners, that decree has since become entrenched in our statute books.
Managing an enterprise, as the world has long come to realise, is not necessarily a function of professional training. You do not necessarily need to have trained as a banker to run a bank successfully, as Olusanya and many others have proven. Nor do you need to be a trained physician to successfully run a hospital. In fact, in the United States, less than five percent of hospitals are led by medical doctors. Managing a thriving hospital as the US has long realised, is a function of how skillfully a leader synergistically aligns all the critical elements such as planning, organizing, staffing, controlling and leading. While a medical doctor may indeed possess all of these qualities in addition to his skills as a physician, those traits are not exclusive to medical doctors and may also dwell in the sundry other professionals who provide service in the hospital environment: pharmacists, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, accountants, physiotherapists, psychologists, health economists, administrators, and many more.
Unfortunately, doctors, aided by Ransome-Kuti’s decree have continued to feed Nigerians with the wrong impression that only doctors can run hospitals. In the process, the dragnet for the selection of Chief Medical Directors of hospitals in Nigeria, is deliberately constricted, being restricted to doctors. These critical public institutions are therefore denied the potential leadership that may have been provided by hordes of talented professionals in disciplines other than medicine.
The situation is not different in Nigeria’s medical or health universities. While Nigeria’s first specialised university is the Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijebu-Ode, medical universities have over the years, gradually sprung up across the country. These universities train doctors and in addition, pharmacists, nurses and other medical specialties. They are staffed by medical doctors as well as teachers from other disciplines including the medical sciences. It doesn’t take rocket science to know that medical or health universities are not fundamentally different from other universities. They are only different in that they are limited to
teaching courses in the medical and health fields. Managing these universities, therefore is no different from managing any other university in Nigeria.
Curiously, however, only medical doctors can aspire to become Vice Chancellors of Nigeria’s medical and health universities as any advert for that position will confirm. The current VC of Lagos State University is a physiologist – Physiology is one of the medical sciences. Were the College of Medical Sciences of Lagos State University to be upgraded to a full-fledged medical university today, LASU’s VC would not qualify to be its VC.
A few months ago, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka threw up a case that presents a perfect opportunity for medical doctors to hold a mirror to themselves for a thorough examination. Seeking a new VC to replace the outgone one whose tenure had expired, the university advertised the vacant VC position. Any aspiring VC it stipulated, in keeping with a key requirement by the National Universities Commission, must possess a PhD.
Hell was let loose as the same doctors who have for decades been beneficiaries of the discriminatory RansomeKuti decree which makes the CMD position exclusive to them, who have been discriminatory of other professions with regard to VCship of medical universities, cried blue murder. The university, they complained, was being “discriminatory” against medical doctors. In their reckoning which they presume is superior to the NUC’s prescription, the clinical training which a medical doctor undergoes in the quest to become a specialist or consultant, is “equivalent to a PhD.”
Interestingly, quite a number of medical doctors possess both the clinical qualifications as well as PhDs which suggests that the PhD is not quite the superfluous degree they
Your Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila was my colleague during my time in the House. He knows me well and can confirm to you that I’m not given to frivolities. I write to you as a concerned Nigerian citizen praying for your success in tackling our country’s myriad problems. I have followed your journey closely - from your days as a democracy advocate with NADECO, through your involuntary exile to the UK; your return to Nigeria and subsequent emergence as Governor of Lagos State, and now, by the Grace of God, the President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am glad to have witnessed your leadership style and do believe that you possess both the capacity and the will to transform our beloved country if you so desire.
“O God of all creation; Grant this our one request; Help us to build a nation; Where no man is oppressed, and so with peace and plenty Nigeria may be blessed.”
This final stanza of our reintroduced national anthem aligns with the sentiments of many Nigerians, who, despite facing numerous challenges, remain resilient and optimistic about the future. Your administration’s decision to reinstate the original anthem at the beginning of your tenure in office appeared to signal some hope for good governance and nation-building.
You recognised that after more than sixty years of independence from colonialism, Nigeria is still far from nationhood and remains a country of diverse peoples in search of shared goals. Your implied vision of nation building resonated deeply with Nigerians, particularly those of us from the Niger Delta and other minority groups who continually face systemic marginalisation. If this prayer is indeed your vision for our country - then there is hope for light at the end of the tunnel! Effective nation-building, however, demands strong and accountable leaders who demonstrate commitment not only through their reforms and actions, but by their body language as well. Please remember Mr. President as you embark on
building a nation “not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act”
Having been born before the country’s independence from the colonial masters, I have had the privilege of living in a Nigeria that was once a land flowing with milk and honey, led by people with a conscience.
Between 1954 and 1964, Eastern Nigeria boasted the fastestgrowing economy in the world. Up until 1980 the Naira exchanged for approximately $1.50 in international markets. Over the years, I have also witnessed the gradual and painful decline of our economy and core values. Political office is now perceived as an opportunity for personal gain rather than as a responsibility to serve the public. Those entrusted with overseeing public assets often brazenly convert them for personal enrichment, seemingly without repercussions.
Political power has become an instrument wielded, without remorse, for the benefit of office holders and their cronies. Public officials ignore the concerns of the people, confident of their immunity from consequences. I’m sure you will agree that this troubling trend, if allowed to continue, risks normalising unethical behavior among future leaders with dire and predictable implications for our grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Eighteen months after it has become your turn, I am hopeful that you will begin to address some of our major concerns moving forward. Recent nationwide protests underscored the fact that bad governance is viewed as our greatest obstacle to sustainable development. The protests also presented an ongoing opportunity for you to change our narrative and inspire a renaissance of values and morality. A simple gesture such as committing to a zero-tolerance policy toward bad behavior can catalyze significant change, and many Nigerians stand ready to support any leader who embraces this ideal. With the removal of fuel subsidies, you have already demonstrated the resolve to make the tough but inevitable decisions. You have also for the most part surrounded yourself with people who hopefully share your vision for Nigeria. However, the growing perception of a dysfunctional judiciary, more interested in pursuing everything but true justice, raises
would want the world to believe.
The medical consultants went further. In typical fashion, they went on strike. They abandoned the sick and dying to their fate, in order to justify a claim that is at best questionable, and at worst an attempt to deceive the public.
Which brings us to the question: Why do Nigerian doctors go on strike at the drop of a hat? Medical consultants are the top doctors in Nigeria – the most experienced and perhaps the most skilled. In downing tools over an unproven assertion that claims parity between clinical fellowships and PhDs, abandoning the same sick and dying patients whom they swore to protect and save, what manner of example do they leave their younger colleagues?
University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan has been in the news for all manner of reasons lately. The hospital has defaulted serially in paying its energy bills and its current circumstances are deplorable. Could leadership be its problem? Is it not plausible that opening the CMD position to sundry professions and in so doing broadening the pool from which the best leaders can be selected, could help redress the hospital’s pathetic situation?
The current system that imposes the doctor as the compulsory head of all health institutions, including medical universities, is anachronistic and has no place in the present day where all the health professionals are equally well-educated. Nigeria needs to jettison this ancient practice and allow the country benefit from the value potentially derivable from selecting leaders of Nigeria’s healthcare institutions from a diverse pool of professionals. This will also help to considerably curtail the disharmony that exists in the health sector.
It is unfortunate, however, that other health professionals have over the years tended to accept with equanimity, a situation where they are perpetually subjugated in hospital settings and now, in medical university settings. Why have they been unable to challenge prevailing laws which are discriminatory even when Nigeria’s constitution explicitly states that citizens must not be discriminated against, under any guise? They need to borrow a leaf from the pragmatism of their doctor colleagues who typically waste no time in agitating vehemently, whenever they imagine they are oppressed.
George Bernard Shaw was spot on when he asserted that every profession is a conspiracy against the laity. Apparently, no profession anywhere in the world typifies this assertion better than Nigeria’s medical doctors whose conspiracy of deceit has often left Nigeria with the short end of the stick.
Do medical doctors play an incredibly vital role in our lives? Without question. That role, however, should embody honesty, honour, humility and responsibility. Doctors need to temper their sense of self-importance with a recognition of the sanctity of the lofty oaths they have taken to save lives. Governments on the other hand, must also learn not to become slaves to the demands of doctors, however irrational.
And other health professionals must eschew complacency and fight for their rightful place in Nigeria’s healthcare settings, currently monopolized by their doctor colleagues.
Okoruwa, a fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, is chief executive officer of the communications consultancy, XLR8
alarms and could pose an insurmountable obstacle to your wonderful vision of nation-building.
A Chatham House survey conducted in 2022, revealed that an astounding 61 percent of respondents anticipate bribery in court judgments. Many judgments, particularly in cases involving elections and political figures, appear to defy both logic and justice, fueling suspicions that they are influenced by external pressures rather than being grounded in the law. This erosion of public trust undermines the foundations that must be laid for us to even begin to dream of a functional society. In such a society, the judiciary serves as a beacon of hope for ordinary citizens, ensuring justice and fairness. Its role in fostering accountability, promoting good governance, and advancing social progress cannot be overstated. If any meaningful progress is to be achieved toward this dream, it is essential for your administration - and indeed all Nigerians - to hold the judiciary to the highest standards of integrity ensuring it embodies the ideals of our national anthem. It must not be allowed to become a tool for anyone. “Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done.”
The hope for our nation lies in our collective ability to demand accountability and uphold the rule of law. As Desmond Tutu famously noted, “If you are silent in the face of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” In an ocean of chaos and confusion, it is imperative that the judiciary remains an island of sanity, stability and clarity. This, unfortunately, appears very far from being the current reality.
Of great concern also is the ongoing divestments of oil and gas assets by multinational companies in the Niger Delta. I hope that these activities are being conducted in a manner that ensures proper representation of the local inhabitants who will bear the consequences of the devastation left behind once the oil is exhausted and the companies have departed.
Additionally, the recent dissolution of a Niger Delta Ministry that was established with a clear mandate is also very troubling. I am uncertain how the newly formed Ministry of Regional Development will encompass this mandate and whether it can deliver on it more effectively.
Given the skyrocketing petroleum prices and the attendant consequences on the populace, the Nigerian government recently found respite in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to cushion the impact of exorbitant fuel price on Nigerians.
The price of petrol has soared by roughly 488 per cent, climbing from N175 to over N1,000 since the new government assumed office in 2023.
CNG solutions came timely, while Nigerians have not delayed to embrace the innovation said to be about 40 to 60 per cent cheaper than petrol or diesel. Users have been testifying to its efficiency.
Far from its affordability, CNG is proven to be environment-friendly, minimal maintenance expenses, and enjoys government’s incentives, amongst others.
Speaking on the gains of CNG at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting, Programme Director, Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi said, “It has the capacity of reducing inflation. It is cheaper. You can realiSe between 40 per cent to 50 per cent savings from petrol. This is good for Nigeria and it is safer. It is 18 times safer than petrol and diesel. It is cleaner and safer for the environment. “
On the broader scene, Oluwagbemi added that Nigeria would be saving up to 6,000,000 litres daily and about $2.5 billion yearly from every one million vehicle converted to CNG.
Although, the gains may not immediately spread to commuting public as commercial transporters take time to adjust their charges to recoup conversion cost that presently runs into a million, the innovation offers lot more long- term security for vehicle owners and businesses.
Notwithstanding these dividends, this invention can yet spell doom for users, given its technology and newness in this environment.
The recently exploded CNG-powered vehicle in Edo state, injuring several is one incident that readily comes to mind
Concerns such as limited range and fueling infrastructure, high upfront costs, infrastructure cost and safety issues are been raised about the innovation and depending on users’ approach, can likely defeat its fiscal gains or do worst more.
Getting the best of this innovation requires being strategic. Some of the tips are provided below:
Strategic Vehicle Selection
Not all vehicles are suitable for CNG conversion. Consider vehicles with high mileage potential, such as commercial buses, taxis, or delivery trucks. The higher the mileage, the faster you will recoup your initial investment.
Route Optimisation
Plan your routes strategically to minimise fuel
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on Nigerian youths to harness the opportunities provided by creative industry and technology to excel in their chosen career.
Abiodun made the call at during the Ogun Creative Industry & Technology Conference, held at Abeokuta.
The conference had in attendance, a foremost film makerTunde Kelani, stand-up comedian, Ali Baba, Showbiz personality, Denrele Edun among others, and who pledged to change the narrative about youths in the state from negative to positive ones.
Abiodun, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Youth Development and Technology Innovation, Mr. Dennis Ogunnaike, expressed the confidence that the youths would leverage
on technology, to harness creative potential for maximum economic growth and development.
The governor who identified crimes and criminalities among youths as a “a major crisis and ticking time bomb” said his administration, was particularly committed to youth development and empowerment through information technology.
He said, “If you look at the creative industry in Ogun State, this is the bedrock of creativity and innovation in Nigeria. We can see where it all started and how we can take it to the future we want.
“The World Bank says the creative industry in Nigeria can generate over four million jobs annually if properly harnessed. But how much of that harnessing are we doing?
“If you watch African Magic Yoruba, you’ll realize that over 85% of the movies shown on Africa Magic Yoruba are shot here in Ogun State. But how much investment do we have to keep that as an economic multiplier here in Ogun State?
consumption. Avoid unnecessary idling and aggressive driving. Efficient route planning can significantly impact your fuel economy and profitability. Consider using GPS tracking and route optimisation software.
CNG Infrastructure Awareness
Before committing to CNG, thoroughly research the availability of CNG filling stations along your regular routes. Running out of fuel can lead to significant downtime and lost revenue. Plan your routes carefully, ensuring access to reliable CNG refueling points.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular maintenance is crucial for maximising the lifespan and efficiency of your CNG vehicle. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and address any issues promptly. Investing in preventative maintenance will save you money in the long run.
Driver Training
Train your drivers on fuel-efficient driving techniques specific to CNG vehicles. Proper driving habits can significantly impact fuel consumption and vehicle longevity. This training should cover aspects like smooth acceleration, consistent speeds, and anticipatory driving.
Explore Government Incentives
The Nigerian government currently offers subsidies for CNG vehicle adoption. Research available programs and explore opportunities to reduce your initial investment costs.
Market Analysis
Conduct thorough market research to understand passenger demand and pricing strategies in your area. Adjust your fares strategically to remain competitive while ensuring profitability.
Diversification
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Consider diversifying your services to cater to different market segments. For example, a CNG-powered bus company could offer both regular routes and charter services.
Accurate Record Keeping
Maintain meticulous records of fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and revenue generated. This data will help you track your profitability and identify areas for improvement.
Stay Updated
The CNG industry is constantly evolving. Stay informed about new technologies, regulations, and market trends to maintain a competitive edge. Additionally, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) advised on subscribing to standard and certified CNG equipment and conversion kits to pull ahead.
Foremost noodles brand, Indomie has strengthened support for local culture and tourism through sponsorship of the Abuja Carnival which held recently to showcase and celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Being the headline sponsor, the noodles brand demonstrated its support through varying activities that brought the carnival to life and captivated audiences with engaging activities and treats.
The carnival which returned in colour after an eight-year hiatus showcased Nigeria’s diverse culture by way of a street parade, display of traditional attire, and dance performance, immersing attendees in a world of tradition and modernity.
In addition to promoting culture and tour- ism, the festival was a prime platform where businesses engaged with diverse audience and forged new partnership.
Commenting, the Marketing Manager of the brand, Oluwaponmile Alabi stated that the sponsorship of the carnival further exemplifies the brand’s commitment to supporting local communities and contributing to the nation’s economic growth
She said, “As a family brand, we are more than just a meal, our participation in the carnival is a part of our way of bring- ing people together, resonating with what matters most to Nigerians. Being part of this historic celebration reaffirms our commitment to fostering unity and celebrating our rich and diverse heritage. Every bowl of Indomie served here is a symbol of our shared identity and culture”.
He further enlightened on the need for brands to evolve to remain in the spotlight, noting that Indomie has always explored innovative solutions to connect with consumers.
The importance of personal branding for marketing players to stay afloat has been reiterated at the just concluded Nigerian Marketing Awards in Lagos, recently.
Themed ‘Ignite’, the event recognized outstanding achievements by brands, agencies, and individuals, fostering a spirit of innovation and excellence.
In his keynote address, Brand Strategist, Charles Otudo stressed that personal branding and authenticity remained an indispensable traits for players seeking to be outstanding and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
“Marketers no doubt play a vital role in fueling the economy. To remain a strong force, they need to embrace a true personal brands to lead, solve problems and create campaigns that go beyond mere sales,” he said.
Also speaking, covener of the award, Tony
Agenmonmen commended the awardees, noting that their selection was based on tough criteria such as definition, identification, application, and performance of solutions.
“As we gather to celebrate each other, our remarkable brands, and our shared accomplishments, we do so with a spirit of unity and shared purpose. Our journey has not been without its challenges, yet we remain unwavering in our commitment to the principles of transparency and excellence”, he added.
Some of the brands honored at the event were Dettol which bagged two awards in the category of Campaign of the Year and Fragrance of the Year. More so, Indomie Noodles was honored for its exceptional CSR campaign, while Chivita’s effective use of social media earned it the Best Use of Social Media award.
The MCB has announced the appointment of Abiodun Azeez as its new Representative Officer in Nigeria. A statement from the company which disclosed this, noted that with a wealth of experience in the banking sector and a deep understanding of the African market, Azeez was set to strengthen MCB’s presence in Nigeria and enhance its engagement with the Nigerian corporate sector.
“MCB is confident that its new Chief Representative Officer’s extensive experience and strategic vision will contribute to our mission of connecting Africa with MENA and support the growth of the Nigerian economy,” it added.
Before joining MCB in 2021, the new Chief Representative Officer headed Africa coverage for a Middle East Bank, facilitating trade flows and raising capital into Africa. Recognising the
significant knowledge gap and the need for a reliable partner in Africa, Azeez saw MCB’s establishment of the Dubai Office as the perfect platform to engage with Middle East and North Africa (MENA) players interested in Africa. His experience in the Dubai Advisory Office, which aimed at connecting Africa with MENA, has equipped them with valuable knowledge about the sectors of interest in Nigeria for MENA corporates.
As the Chief Representative Officer in Nigeria, his primary objectives include strengthening MCB’s presence in Nigeria by being closer to existing clients, particularly in the oil and gas and financial institutions sectors, growing MCB’s share in the corporate segment by developing new relationships that meet the parameters for its Global and International Corporates (GIC), and covering sectors such as manufacturing, trading, private equity, telecommunications, and FinTechs.
Oluchi Chibuzor
The city of Warri, Delta State was abuzz with excitement on Thursday, November 24th, 2024, as digital solutions company, Globacom presented prizes to lucky winners in its ongoing Festival of Joy Promotion. The event, which took place at Gloworld, Effurun –Sapele road, was testament to Glo’s commitment to empowering Nigerians and spreading joy across the country.
From Nollywood actors, market women and leaders, representatives of regulatory authorities, Glo dealers and the media, the venue was filled to the brim.
Conspicuously displayed were the promo prizes including brand new Toyota Prado SUV, Kia Picanto, tricycle, generators, sewing machines and grinding machines which were presented to lucky winners from the area.
Some of the winners who came with friends and family members to share the joy and testimonies of the day were full of excitement, while others kept their joy in check. For this last group, it was a case of wait and see if truly the prizes would be given out to the winners. It however ended up being true.
As stated by a Warri- based Engineer, James Okechukwu,” In a country where economic challenges often dominate the headlines, it’s refreshing to see a company like Globacom bring joy and excitement to its customers”. No doubt, the telecommunications giant’s Festival of Joy promotion has been making waves across the country, with lucky winners in Warri chosen as the first set to receive prizes in the current season. The event turned out to be a pure delight as Globacom lived up to its billing as a network that constantly puts smiles on the faces of its subscribers.
The arrival of the Ema Dance troupe with their entertaining dance steps electrified the venue and the atmosphere came alive with many of the guests dancing alongside the troupe ushering the special guest to the event with mesmerizing dance steps and delightful songs. Not too long after the guests arrived and all was set for the event which was compeered by very resourceful and highly entertaining comedian, Gordons, who kept the venue alive with jokes and wisecracks all through. The arrival of Nollywood actors Eriata Ese and MC Forever further added to the fun, with their fans celebrating their arrival with a loud ovation.
The same with the arrival of other guests, including the Speaker of Delta House of Assembly Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, representatives of Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Eyela and Chief Mike Okeneni, the representative of Urhobo community in Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Hon. Karo Goru Jonathan and President General of Igbudu Market Association, Warri, Chief Rume Kugberu.
The Regional Manager of Globacom in Warri, Frederick Oiboh, kicked-off the event with his speech, explaining that the promo was launched in furtherance of Globacom’s determination to continue to make its subscribers joyous.”
“We launched the 2024 season of the promotion in October with a promise to deliver different prizes including Toyota Prados, Kia Picantos, tricycles, power generating sets, sewing machines and grinding machines to lucky subscribers who
opt in for the promo and also recharge as appropriate. “It is this promise that we are here today to redeem”, he said.. To participate in the Festival of Joy promo, he said new and existing Glo subscribers should dial *611# to opt into the promo and to keep recharging, adding that new subscribers can participate immediately by purchasing a new SIM, registering it and dialing *611#.
Customers are required to recharge up to N100, 000 cumulatively during the promo period to qualify for the draw for the Prado Jeep, N50, 000 cumulative recharge for Kia Picanto, N10, 000 in a month for tricycle and N5, 000 total recharge in a month to win a generator. For the sewing machine, a total recharge of N2, 500 in a month is required, while for the grinding machine, a recharge of N500 in a day will be eligible for the draw. New subscribers can participate immediately by purchasing a new SIM, registering it and dialing *611#.
Amidst dancing, felicitations and exchange of congratulations among the guests, family and friends , the prize presentation started and it was the biggest prize of the day that was first presented . The special guest of the day and the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor with the Chairman Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Anthony Ofoni, presented the keys of the brand Toyota Prado to the winner, Mr. Daniel Mayuku who could not contain his joy. Hundreds of friends, admirers, and other Glo subscribers joined him, in celebrating his windfall.
The speaker said of the promo, “Globacom is a network that is known for giving. Over the years, many Nigerians have been empowered by Glo.. The people of my constituency in Warri South West and the entire Delta people are grateful to Glo. We will continue to use Glo and I also want to be part of the winners one day soon so, I will ensure that my line is always on and ready. Kudos to Glo and our own Dr.Mike Adenuga. Please keep on empowering Nigerians
Mr. Mayuku who is the Chairman of Delta State Security
Trust Fund is a well known personality in Warri and environ and many of the indigenes came to congratulate him, celebrating and dancing with him immediately he received the key to the SUV. The whole atmosphere was enveloped in celebration. Mr. Mayuku, a lawyer, was until recently a four -term member of Delta State House of Assembly representing Warri SouthWest.
Mayuku’s journey to receiving the amazing prize was particularly exciting. Speaking after receiving the keys to the brand new Totota prado, he said, “When I received the first call that I won a Prado in Glo Festival of Joy promo, I believed it was a scam and I immediately told the caller not to call me again. However after few minutes, I started receiving calls from friends and I decided to call my friends in Glo and they confirmed it. I was in disbelief; I thought it was a scam. I jokingly asked for the car immediately and I was told to come to the Glo office for verification and today the jeep has just been presented to me. Globacom is truly Nigerian. A network that delights its subscribers every year. They are still the best.
It was accolades all the way as different sets of winners received their prizes from Globacom. They were all very effusive in their praise of the telecoms company for always taking their subscribers and generally Nigerians into consideration every year.
For the duo of Ughelli born Ovueve Ofojiro and Uche Okoro who both won Keke, their joy knew no bounds. Ofojiro said,” I just won Keke through the Festival of Joy promo, I am very grateful to Glo. This keke will help my family. My brother will use it for commercial purposes
In today’s hyper-connected digital world, where news circulates at unprecedented speeds, the lines between truth and fiction are increasingly blurred. Disinformation, often packaged as “fake news,” has become a global challenge with far-reaching consequences for public and private organizations alike. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer 2023, 67% of people globally struggle to discern reliable information from false narratives, a reality that undermines trust in both government institutions and brands. Studies have shown that, once shared, false news is 70% more likely to be retweeted or forwarded than true stories, amplifying the damage that disinformation can cause. In an environment where misinformation can spread to millions in minutes, organizations face the real risk of reputational harm, financial losses, and long-term damage to consumer trust. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the dangers of misinformation, where claims about vaccines and public health protocols led to
widespread confusion and undermined essential health responses. From false accusations to crisis situations, companies across the globe now contend with a constant flow of misleading information that can tarnish their brand image and affect their bottom line.
These pressing issues took center stage at the recent Peer Public Relations Conference (PPRC) on Crisis Communication in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation, organized by four MSc. Students – Jonah Nwokpoku, Jude Nnadozie, Michael Dada and Solomon Nkwagu – of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University. The conference was a much-needed intervention in a time where false information poses a significant threat to society. The hybrid event convened experts from across the nation to explore the latest insights and strategies for combating disinformation, especially during high-stakes moments when organizations are most vulnerable.
One of the focal points of the panel of the conference was the exploration of the Technological Solutions to Disinformation, a
topic addressed in depth by Mr. Oluwaseun Oyeniyi Adegoke, a seasoned media entrepreneur and founder of Tech PR Africa, a UK-based company dedicated to elevating African tech startups to a global stage. He shed light on the innovative tools and methods that can help organizations proactively manage disinformation, empowering them to protect their reputation and maintain public trust in an increasingly skeptical world. His presentation detailed how emerging technologies can provide robust defences against the spread of false information and safeguard organizational credibility. Adegoke outlined three primary tech categories currently employed in disinformation counteraction: AI-powered tools, browser extensions, and fact-checking organizations. Each of these technological avenues offers unique capabilities to identify, track, and counter disinformation, enabling organizations to respond more proactively.
AI-powered tools like Bot Sentinel and CrowdTangle were presented as key players in the fight against disinformation on social media.
Bot Sentinel is a powerful tool for combating disinformation by detecting, tagging, and monitoring bots, as well as identifying unreliable accounts on X (formerly known as Twitter). It helps users differentiate between automated bot content and genuine human interactions. By flagging suspicious accounts, Bot Sentinel provides insights into content quality and credibility on X, enabling users to make more informed decisions about the trustworthiness of the information they encounter. According to Adegoke, Bot Sentinel operates like an open-source tool, cataloguing bots known for spreading false information and providing organizations with real-time data to detect potentially harmful content. In his words, “the site operates as a repository of different bots, different accounts that are spreading misinformation. They are very prominent.” Before its shutdown on August 14, 2024, CrowdTangle by Meta was a popular social media tracking tool used by researchers, journalists, non-profits and watchdog organizations for years to monitor the spread of fake news, harmful contents and threats on Facebook and Instagram.
Former President of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo will be installed as the leader of Christians in Ijebu, the Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu on December 7th. He speaks to Dike Onwuamaeze about how religious tolerance is rooted among the Ijebus, his role in community development, among other issues
Looking back at your life, how will you describe yourself?
That is interesting. First, I thank God for who I am. I thank God that my entire life has been based on Christian values. I was brought up to appreciate the Christian values and I do not think that I have departed from those tenants. I will like to think that I am an easygoing. I do not like flamboyance. I believe that less is more. I believe in doing things right and in being fair and to the best of my knowledge I like to be honest with the things that I do. In total, it all means that I look up to God for direction all the time. Therefore, if anything happens to me I take it in my strides. For me, failure is not incompetence. Failure is something that happens to every human being and it is a learning curve. If I fail on something I take it up again. I draw a better judgment from it.
How do you feel about the new title that will be bestowed on you on December 7?
You have to understand the role and significance of the title Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu. The first time this title was ever given out was to late Chief Timothy Adeola Odetola, the then Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu. He was the first person to be made the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians. Back in those days it was never known as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Ijebu has a unique arrangement that predated CAN. So, you can see that it is rooted in the history of Ijebuland. The Muslims, Christians and members of the traditional religious institutions have always cooperated in worship and in lifting up Ijebuland. Otunba Michael Balogun became the second Asiwaju Onigbagbo. Now for this title, December 7th will mark the first time in the history of Ijebuland that the appellation “Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu,” that is the head of Christians in Ijebuland, will be used. Before it was only meant for Ijebu Ode. Thank God for the work of our Royal Father, Kabiesi, the Awujale, Oba S. Adetina. He has been able to build the consensus around Ijebuland to bring everybody together. And I am the beneficiary of that recognition. My father had always been a very strong member of the movement that later became the CAN. We have the annual week of prayer, the universal week of prayer in Ijebu headed by the Awujale who hosts all Christians on the first Monday of the year. The second day was given to Baba Odetola, who then was the Ogbeni Oja, to host Christians on Tuesday, and then my father would host on Wednesday. Thereafter, Prof. Bayo Adedeji became a host on Thursday and late Baba Oduwale on Friday. My father passed on in 1987 and I became the beneficiary of that exercise and have been hosting it on behalf of my father. But I did not think that it would ever come to this. Do not forget that Ijebuland is the only part of Nigeria, and perhaps in the world, where there is no religious conflict. Christians, Muslims and traditionalists are all united and do things together. My grandfather was formerly a Muslim but later converted and became Daniel. We have always been involved with Christian activities.
Your new title will make you the rallying ground for Christians in Ijebuland but you are holding a purely traditional title of Bobasuwa II. How do you hope to combine the two?
There is no conflict. If you remember, the way things are done in Ijebuland, few years ago a law was passed, which was promoted by the Awujale, stating that even Obas when they die would be buried according to their religious faith. The issue, in a manner of speaking, has already been regulated and we no longer have any conflict. When I took on as the Bobasuwa II of Ijebuland, I swore with the Bible. My father was the first Bobasuwa. It has nothing by way of conflict with my faith. They complement each other.
How do you feel that your installation with a new title and your 77th birthday coincided on December 7?
The title is not an age thing. It has to do with your contributions and what people perceive of you as an exemplar of what true Christian values should be. Candidly, it has nothing to do with age. It has to do with your contributions; what people perceive of you; your integrity. Just look back into the past few decades of the previous holders of this title in the persons of Baba Odutola and my dear brother, Otunba Chief Michael Balogun. I feel quiet elated, humbled and challenged that the people and authorities considered me worthy of this position. And like I said the title is about integrity which I have the benefit of showcasing in the past 37 years or so. And I hope and pray that for the rest of my natural life I will not become something else contrary
to that. I will live the rest of my life as a Christian, as a God-fearing and principled, as somebody who looks for the betterment of the society. This honour has been given to me by the grace of God and it is a challenge for me to make sure that the next person who takes it after me does not have it diminished. The next level will be enriched by me and then I will pass on a good torch to whoever will come after me like it will be passed to me on the December 7th. It seems to me as recognition of one as someone who can be found trustworthy, credible and a role model.
Looking at the pedigree of those that have held this title in the past, can you say that you can match up with them?
It is not a competition. We are not in a competition. Anybody has an opportunity to do what he has to do. When these revered men took this title they were probably younger than the age I am now. But if you put in mind to do the things that are right and proper, knowing that you are going to be an example to lot of people, then you need to fashion your life in a manner that it will engender respect, integrity and credibility. For me it is call to service to put Ijebu Christians in the forefront. It is a privilege for me to be asked to lead Ijebu Christians at this time.
What specific infrastructure projects have you facilitated or supported in your community?
When you talk about infrastructure the tendency is to look at only bricks and mortar. But that should not be so. We are talking about people. Without people there cannot really be any development. I may not have built bridges and in any case I am not expected to build bridges, all I can do is to support whatever government does and ensure that government recognises the value in the people of Ijebuland. It is not about me building hospitals, schools etc, and of course I have participated in all of that. I am the chairman of the Ijebu Congress. It is a worldwide body of all the sons and daughters of Ijebu. So I have the opportunity of galvanising both the Ijebus at home and in diaspora. I am also the chairman of the Ijebu Renaissance Group, which is a very unique organisation that looks specifically at developing Ijebuland. I am also a member of the trustee of Ijebu Development Association to actualise development in Ijebu land. I am also the patron of the foremost age group in Ijebuland. And throw that organisation we have done so many things all around Ijebuland, including hospitals and education.
How are you seeing the demand that traditional rulers should be given a role in government?
There is absolutely nothing wrong in that and it is always
for the betterment of the people that their appointed leaders are made to interface properly with government. There is no way the Obas and our leaders should not be put in position to provide advice to government. They should have a channel for discussing with the government because they know the pains of the people much more than the politicians. I will support a channel by which government can reach out or create a forum for discussion with these traditional leaders so that the free flow of discussions can help the ordinary man and woman.
Where were you when the news came to you that you will become the next Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile and what was your reaction?
I was in Ijebu Ode when the title was mentioned to me. How did I feel? I felt very humbled. I felt that it was God at work. For me, everything that I have done in my life, I have always put God first. I have asked God that I will not want anything that will not glorify his name. And I have also asked God to take away anything that will not give me peace of mind. The best thing is to work for humanity. Therefore, this gives me an opportunity to also write my own legacy and live the way the way the previous Asiwajus and indeed my father, the late Chief Emmanuel Okunowo, had lived.
How do you see the Ijebu Christian Association today and in the future?
It is a growing organisation. It is not perfect. We have to work at it to make sure that it gets better as we move along. And it is not one man’s journey. Baba Odutola started it. Otunba Balogun continued it and now it is my turn by the grace of God. And I pray that I will also hand it over to somebody in a better fashion than it was given to me.
What will the Ijebus at home and diaspora expect from you concerning the titles you are holding?
The title of Asiwaju Onigbagbo that I will receive on December 7th is purely based on service to Christianity while the title of Bobasuwa II of Ijebuland concern the whole Ijebuland, including women, men, Christians, Muslims and traditionalists. My prayer is that I can be a true representative of Ijebuland in all ramifications. I am a person who believes in doing the right things and forging forward. I must have an impact and it is my prayer that I will have positive impacts in the lives of our people going forward.
Ordinarily wives tend not to be supportive when their husbands are asked to take titles but we have noticed that your wife’s active support for this title?
My wife is from Abeokuta. She is an Egba and she has her own titles in Egbaland. She is the Otun Iyalaje of Egbaland. She is the Olori Erulu of Kemta in Abeokuta. She is the head of all the female titled chiefs in Kemta. We have integrated. The interesting thing about the December 7th is the fact that while it is also my birthday it is also our 50th wedding anniversary. We have built up over the years similar values and have appreciated each other values. She was the first managing director of Sony Music that was initially CBS Records that we founded in Nigeria with the Americans. The CBS was bought over by Sony Japan and it became Sony Nigeria until we shut it down a few years ago.
What is your lifestyle like that you are still looking agile at 77?
I have said it that I am not a flamboyant type. I believe in less for more. I take life as it comes. I do things according to my Christian values. I enjoy myself. I used to be an athlete. I participated in the world university games for the University of Lagos. I exercise. I love music and dancing. I am involved in the entertainment industry. Fela, Lagbaja, Shina Peters and so many other major artists went through Sonic Music and Premier Music. I was the one that got Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon’s permission to release Fela’s “Zombie.” I live my life in a very simple, but meaningful, way. I enjoy myself within a limit that is acceptable. I have a family that is very supportive. The worst thing in life is to go outside and conquer the world and not be able to hold your home. You will never have peace. I have peace and my family has always supported me in whatever I do.
What is your advice to CAN and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria?
It is to go back to this injunction of Jesus Christ: Love your neighbor. Period! If we can do just that then we would have achieved our goals as Christians all over Nigeria. If we can sincerely do this it is not just Christians will benefit, our country will also benefit.
Charles Ajunwa writes that WO’AMA 2024 Business Conference seeks to reshape how African art is perceived, supported and developed locally and internationally
African art, brimming with cultural richness and creative energy, holds untapped potential to fuel economic growth. Yet, systemic barriers like limited government support, fragmented markets, and insufficient financing continue to stall the dream. Despite growing global interest in African art, local artists and institutions face significant obstacles that stifle growth. Public funding is scarce, financial frameworks are inadequate, and fragmented support systems make sustainability difficult for many creatives.
The WO’AMA Business Conference 2024 in its inaugural edition is a response to these challenges, offering a platform for strategic discussions and transformative ideas aimed at reshaping the future of African art. WO’AMA in Izon means “Our Community”.
Convener for the conference, Sunshine Alaibe, says the maiden WO’AMA Business Conference seeks among others, to create a space for bold ideas, collaboration, and actionable strategies.
According to her, the event scheduled for December 3, 2024, at Alliance Française in Lagos, is set to bring together artists, curators, gallerists, cultural administrators, and policymakers.
“The theme, ‘Art Business and Beyond: Navigating the Business of Art from an African Viewpoint’, reflects its ambition to go into actionable solutions for the industry’s most pressing challenges.
“The event’s agenda is packed with workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that focus on fostering innovation and sustainability,” Alaibe said.
“Panels will examine career longevity in the arts, with discussions on roles in museums, galleries, and cultural centers, offering insights into building lasting careers.
“A session on Pre-colonial Nigerian Art will explore the enduring legacy of iconic art forms like Nok sculptures and Benin bronzes, connecting these traditional works to contemporary practices.
“Another panel, Art Meets Government, will tackle how to secure public funding and embed
the arts into national development plans, while Financing the Arts will present innovative strategies for overcoming financial challenges, ranging from corporate sponsorships and philanthropic support to international grants.
“At the event, emerging artists will connect with seasoned professionals, while gallery owners, curators, and policymakers can exchange ideas and insights. This emphasis on dialogue underscores the belief that long-term progress requires collective action.
“One of the event’s key initiatives will be making the case for stronger public funding, with stakeholders working to spotlight success stories and presenting data that positions the arts as not just a cultural priority but also an economic force,” she added.
By championing sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, the WO’AMA Business Conference seeks to reshape how African art is perceived, supported, and developed, both locally and on the global stage. As the world’s attention increasingly turns toward African art, this conference positions itself as a vital catalyst for the industry’s growth.
However, the true measure of success will lie in what happens beyond December 3. The ideas, partnerships, and policies generated at WO’AMA will determine whether the African art industry can move toward a future that balances heritage with innovation, creativity with sustainability, and culture with commerce. With its bold vision and emphasis on action, the WO’AMA Business Conference represents a critical step toward a thriving African art ecosystem—one that uplifts the communities it originates from while standing tall on the global stage.
Nigeria is set to digitise its cultural heritage through a transformative collaboration between IHS Nigeria, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy. The partnership will establish a digital museum to preserve and showcase Nigeria’s historical artifacts, artworks, and cultural monuments on a global scale, ensuring innovation and accessibility for generations to come.
IHS Nigeria, a global leader in shared communications infrastructure, brings its extensive expertise with over 40,000 towers in 10 countries to this initiative.
The project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Musawa’s Digital Culture Initiative, which is anchored on the ministry’s 8-point plan to foster strategic partnerships and drive sustainable growth in the creative industries.
Musawa, who emphasised the significance of the collaboration said, “We are delighted to partner IHS Nigeria on this initiative, which aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our ministry’s commitment to innovation, global partnerships, and the sustainable advancement of our creative industries. As the first major project under our Digital Culture Initiative, this endeavour positions Nigeria as a leader on the global stage while ensuring the preservation of our cultural legacy.
“This digital museum will leverage cuttingedge technology to provide virtual access to Nigeria’s cultural treasures, enabling students, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide to explore and appreciate the nation’s rich heritage. The platform will serve as a vital educational and cultural resource while promoting sustainability and innovation in the creative sector.”
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Abuja in collaboration with Hotel Human Capital Strategy organised a workshop aimed at equipping hoteliers with new skills to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tourism industry.
The training which was held between November 21 and 22 at Owerri, Imo State, focused on middle-level managers and hospitality supervisors and received support from the International Hospitality Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF).
Themed ‘The Art of Detail: Optimising Operational Efficiency, Upskilling, and Leadership Excellence’, the two-day workshop addressed critical aspects of operational and leadership development within the hospitality sector.
In his remarks, the Principal Partner of Hotel Human Capital Strategy, Mr. Chibuikem Diala, emphasised the workshop’s role in enhancing operational efficiency. He noted that the programme was designed to empower supervisors and managers with tools to streamline operations, positively impacting profitability.
“The workshop aims to strengthen leadership pipelines by developing the next generation of leaders, ensuring a sustainable future for the hospitality
industry while also boosting job creation across the country,” Diala said. He further highlighted the importance of empowering supervisors—considered the backbone of the hospitality industry—with advanced skills and knowledge to foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth. The Imo State Commissioner for
and Tourism, Mr. Jerry Egemba, commended the workshop’s objectives.
Multi-talented print and broadcast journalist, Frank Meke, has won the 2024 Pioneer Tourism Journalism Leadership Award instituted by the National Tourism Transportation Awards, a corporate flagship arm of Institute of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ITPN).
In a letter dated November 22, 2024, and signed by Shettima Abdullahi, Fellow Institute of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (FITPN) for the organisers of award, meke was nominated for the Pioneer Tourism Journalism Leadership Award based on his achievements and demonstration of high level of excellence and standards in the reportage and interpretation of travel tourism, transportation and hospitality sectors of Nigerian economy. Meke, who cut his journalism teeth at Vanguard Newspapers and helped pioneer the newspaper’s famous national award-winning Travel and Tourism pages, is also a pioneer awardee of Nigerian Travel Journalism award by National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and a Tourism Advocate awardee by National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP) and many others for his incisive developmental reports on the industry for over three decades. Widely travelled and Nigerian tourism centric, Meke is a notable cultural tourism columnist and broadcaster, pioneering Nigeria’s first cultural tourism broadcast programme on Radio. Meke, a maritime tourism influencer, is also a certified Nature Conservation educationist and mobiliser, a trustee of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) and National Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON).
As the sun sets over Lagos on Friday, December 6th, 2024, a remarkable event will unfold. Thousands will converge on Tafawa Balewa Square, joined by millions more online, for one of the world’s largest gospel music concerts, The Experience. Hosted by House On The Rock Church, this all-night celebration of praise and worship will begin at 7 PM and continue until the early hours of Saturday morning, uniting people under the anthem: JESUS WINS.
The event’s star-studded lineup includes gospel powerhouses such as Travis Greene, Donnie McClurkin, Chevelle Franklyn, Israel Houghton, Nathaniel Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Mercy Chinwo, and Sinach. Joining them are other anointed artists like Adeyinka Alaseyori, Frank Edwards, Ebuka Songs, Moses Bliss, Prinx Emmanuel, Mr M & Revelation, Micah Stampley, Bidemi Olaoba, the Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir (LMGC), Rachel Adewale, Precious Emmanuel, and more. Together, they will lead attendees in an unforgettable night of worship and celebration.
mPharma, one of Africa’s leading patientcentered, technology-driven healthcare companies, has announced a strategic partnership with Nectar Beauty Hub, a player in Nigeria’s beauty distribution and retail sector. This collaboration is a significant step in mPharma’s mission to revolutionise healthcare and wellness in Africa.
The partnership aligns with mPharma’s growth plans for HealthPlus, a leading pharmacy chain in Nigeria, and CasaBella, a beauty-focused retail chain. Together, the two companies will prioritise a holistic customer experience, combining beauty, wellness, and healthcare to create a unique and impactful retail experience.
CEO and Co-founder of mPharma, Gregory Rockson, said: “This partnership merges the strengths of two visionary organisations. It is deeply aligned with our mission to build an Africa in good health by delivering lifechanging beauty and healthcare services. We are excited to fast-track our transformative plans for HealthPlus and CasaBella and to increase access to affordable, quality products and services across Nigeria.”
Jaguar has released a tease image of its dramatic new creative philosophy – Exuberant Modernism, that will inspire future vehicles. The image of the rear detail, provides a glimpse into the brand’s design vision that will showcase bold forms and exuberant proportions.
Jaguar will globally reveal its Design Vision Concept at one of the world’s premier art festivals, Miami Art Week on 2nd December 2024. With a presence in two locations, Jaguar will create meticulously curated gallery spaces and work with diverse emerging artists that share the Copy Nothing ethos of its founder, Sir William Lyons.
This ethos can trace its roots back to 1935 and is built on embracing unexpected and original thinking and a brand character that commands attention through fearless creativity.
Jaguar inspires like no other. Since 1935, it has been at its best when looking forward. A copy of nothing.
Now, a new era begins. The first physical demonstration of Jaguar’s exuberant design will be shown at Miami Art Week.
Fearlessly unique and emotionally engaging, it strives for the highest level of creative endeavour. This new identity and visual language are symbols of change that respect the past and inspire what’s to come.
JLR is constantly seeking ways to improve
l-r: General
Marketing and Corporate
the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort
is made to produce up-to-date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications
or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part or accessory.
Motul Lubricants and Winpart by CFAO have officially launched their strategic partnership at the Whitestone Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the automotive sector, reaffirming both brands’ commitment to delivering premium quality and exceptional value to their customers. By combining Motul’s global expertise in high-performance lubricants with Winpart by CFAO’s established distribution network for multi-brand spare parts and lubricants, this partnership makes world-class automotive products more accessible to consumers in Nigeria.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders from the automotive industry, including fleet maintenance companies, workshop owners, distributors, retailers, and biker communities. The event provided an afternoon of collaboration, insights, and networking, highlighting the shared vision of advancing automotive care with topquality products and services.
“This partnership is more than just about products; it’s about providing high-quality lubricants to a broad range of customers—from motorcycles and cars to trucks—ensuring that they can maintain and maximize the lifespan of their vehicles,” said Michael Ikiebe, Senior Marketing Officer at Winpart by CFAO.
Attendees had the opportunity to experience
Motul’s high-performance lubricants firsthand, gaining insights into their role in enhancing engine durability and overall vehicle performance.
Discussions also focused on how the partnership will foster innovation and improve automotive maintenance practices across the country.
Key Benefits of the Partnership are -Enhanced Accessibility: Winpart by CFAO’s extensive distribution network will ensure that Motul products
are widely available in key markets throughout Nigeria; Expert Support: The partnership will leverage the technical expertise of both brands to educate and guide consumers and mechanics on best lubrication practices; and Sustainable Solutions: Both Motul and Winpart by CFAO are committed to sustainability, ensuring their operations and products support environmentally friendly automotive care.
l-r: Senior Marketing officer, winpart by CFAo, Michael Ikiebe; Marketing Manager, Motul, Myriam Filali; General Manager, winpart/Autofast by CFAo, Mohamed Taleb; Business Development Manager, Africa Key Countries for Motul, omar Mecheri; Head of Sales, Motul South, west & Central Africa, Said Ammar; and Head of Marketing and Communications, CFAo Mobility, Funmi Abiola, during the official launch of Motul lubricants now with winpart by CFAo in lagos… recently
“We are thrilled to partner with Winpart by CFAO, a name synonymous with quality and trust in the automotive industry. Together, we are setting a new standard for lubricant availability and service delivery in Nigeria,” said Omar Mecheri, Business Development Manager for Key Countries Africa at Motul.
General Manager at Winpart by CFAO, Mohamed Taleb, added, “This partnership marks a significant milestone for us. Our shared values and complementary strengths will undoubtedly provide unmatched value to our customers, and we are excited for the opportunities ahead.”
The reliability and performance of Motul products were highlighted by David Yakubu, promoter of 4teesautowerks, a performance garage in Lagos, who said, “I’ve been using Motul products for over eight years, and I can personally attest to the superior quality of their lubricants and other automotive products.”
In another testimonial, Olukayode KosilePalmer, President of the Bikers with Attitude and Determination (B.A.D.) club, stated, “Our members have relied on Motul products for years to improve the performance and longevity of our bikes.”
Motul is a globally recognized leader in the formulation, production, and distribution of high-tech engine lubricants and industrial products. With over 171 years of innovation, Motul continues to set the standard in automotive and industrial performance worldwide.
The Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Joseph Osanipin, has said that for the vehicles assembled in the country to add value to the economy, 40 per cent of their components used must be manufactured in Nigeria. According to a statement by NADDC, Osanipin stated this at the close of a two-week training organised by NADDC, in Abuja recently, in collaboration with Midas IT Co. of South Korea for auto engineers and software automotive design, specifically on Midas NFX software for automotive design skills.
The director general, who was represented by Director, Directorate of Research Design and Development, Dr. Fidelis Achiv, said, “We are working to achieve a level whereby we can go back to assembling vehicles that have up to 40 per cent locally manufactured components. We have vehicle assemblies in
Nigeria but the assembling that is going on is not adding much value to the economy.
“Vehicles that have been assembled come in completely built, and they just remove the tyres, remove the exhaust system, remove the engine, ship them, come and assemble them here. But we want to transform from that to a level where these vehicles come in unpainted, the welding is done here, some components parts are produced here and the assembly will add more value, and employ more people. We have over 11 million vehicles on our Nigerian roads.
“Of the over 3,000 parts in a vehicle, if we can leverage on producing just 10 that we can beat our chest, that in the whole world, Nigeria produces these 10 components and they are best, the market is going to be huge. Our economy will change.”
Recently, during a tour of assembly plants in Lagos, with the members of House Committee on Industry, House of Representatives, the director general lauded Mikano Motors for manufacturing brake pads.
“THE rising cost of living and hunger in the land can lead to social unrest if the situation is allowed to deteriorate further.” Please end the sentence at ‘deteriorate’—‘further’ is otiose! If inelasticity sets in, you can have something like this: “The rising cost of living and hunger in the land can lead to social unrest if the situation is allowed to worsen or the situation continues to deteriorate—certainly not ‘deteriorate further’!
THE NATION ON SUNDAY COMMENT of November 24 goofed on two occasions: “…said the solution to the lingering kerosene scarcity lies (lay) in switching over to….”
“…time will come when more Nigerians will demand for it and the question of meeting the demand will surface.” ‘Demand’, when used as a verb, does not take ‘for’.
Sunday Leadership of November 24 takes over from the preceding medium with a headline gaffe and a back page blunder: “The Buni Yadi students (students’) massacre in Yobe”
“…as each of their dead children’s friends marry (marries), have children.”
Next is SOCCER STAR Front Page Bold Headline illiteracy of November 8: “Unstopable Chelsea” Spell-check: unstoppable Daily Trust of November 23 toed my misstep: “My experience in Edo is mix (mixed) bag of the good, the bad and the very ugly—CP”
“Ijaw youths split, accuse politicians of high jacking (sic) body” Is this loose
thinking or carelessness” Get it right: hijacking.
“Some of the chairmen of the existing 13 council areas were not marching (matching) the allocation they collected with equivalent developmental efforts.”
“…it would be a major triumph of the rule of law and transparency campaign if the federal authorities stick to their gun (guns)—that the rules must be obeyed.”
“Well that’s the story making (doing or going) the rounds.”
“Ex-Governor Obi’s rare gesture has never and may never be seen in (on) this shore for a long time to come.”
“To Gen Adebayo: enough of that (those) crocodile tears.”
“This man was virtually responsible for restoring back the world’s confidence in the dollar.” In readers’ interest, next time delete ‘back’ which is embodied in ‘restoration’.
“President Tinubu has all these abilities, he just have (has) to make up his mind….”
“Some may say that this may result into (in) inflation, no it won’t.”
“It bothers (borders) on the incredulous that people don’t pay tax in this country.”
“There must be some common issues that the centre will have to take care off (of).”
“Chief Rochas Anayo Okorocha returned to Owerri with pomp and pageantry.” A long time ago I came across this phrasal irritant created by Nigerians (“pomp and pageantry”)! The man returned in pomp and ceremony or pomp and circumstance. And for classical writers, simply pomp
“The contemptuous act of the duo, without fear of contradiction (a comma, please) had unleashed unprecedented
damages (damage) to the image of Afenifere in the state.” ‘Damage’ is uncountable except in reparative circumstances.
“Money spent that could otherwise be expended into (on) production is spent on.…”
“Every feasible measure should be taken to shop (shore) up the value of naira from plummeting any further.”
“In order (other) words….”
“Iwo female undergraduate students of Bayero University Kano died on Thursday night, following a ghastly (fatal) auto crash.”
“The national conference committee has precedence (a precedent) offshore in South Africa.”
“The…issues bothering (bordering) on the credentials of the leadership.”
“However, with what we are now being treated to by the power players of yesteryears…” ‘Yesteryear’ is non-count, once more.
“To most Nigerians, he is the architect of the fragile peace that Nigerians are currently enjoying.” Inclusion of currency here is clearly uncalled for.
“Let government alleviate poverty, let the taps flow with portable water, let there be light as God commanded.” This way: potable water.
“Man arrested over wife’s death.” The man was arrested for his wife’s death.
“But let him bear in mind that whatever is good for the goose is equally good for the gander…” Fixed expression: what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
“…as Nigeria humbly joins the bandwagon of the poorest countries of the world.” Not yet time for celebration: climb
Indenting into Nigeria’s economic trajectory over the past nine years reveals a bewildering conundrum: how can a country so rich in natural and human resources constantly find itself ensnared in a debt trap? The answer lies not in what we borrow, but in how we squander. In this period, the Nigerian government has embarked on a borrowing spree ostensibly to fund infrastructure development. Yet, the evidence shows that these exorbitant loans often serve no greater purpose than propping up unsustainable budgets and financing loan repayments - a damning cycle that deepens fiscal fragility.
Between 2015 and 31 March, 2024, Nigeria’s total public debt ballooned from ₦12.12 trillion to an alarmingly eye-watering ₦121.67 trillion ($91.46 billion), according to the Debt Management Office (DMO). The breakdown is sobering: ₦56.02 trillion ($42.12 billion) in external debt and ₦65.65 trillion ($49.35 billion) in domestic debt. Not content with just owing, we’ve found a way to owe even more by simply watching the naira depreciate. The DMO blames this steep increase on the official exchange rate’s shift from ₦899.39/$ in December 2023 to a dizzying ₦1,330/$ by March 2024. With figures like these, it seems Nigeria has mastered the art of turning arithmetic into acrobatics - except we’re no longer sure who’s flying and who’s falling.
Take the $500 million loan from China in 2018 to upgrade key rail infrastructure - an ostensibly commendable initiative. Six years later, those rail lines remain incomplete or underutilized, with questions about the disappearance of funds allocated to ancillary components. Meanwhile, projects like the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, which have consumed significant portions of external loans, continue to languish in delays and excuses. One cannot help but wonder: is it the projects that are cursed, or the contractors?
It is in servicing this debt that Nigeria’s true predicament lies. In 2024, over ₦10.2 trillion - 62% of the federal budget - was al-
located to debt servicing - leaving a paltry 18% for capital projects. Such proportions stifle meaningful investments in health, education, and critical infrastructure, exacerbating the very developmental challenges these loans were meant to solve. Just imagine a household where most of the income is spent repaying loans for a car that doesn’t start and a house with no roof. That’s Nigeria for you, except with more ministers, aides, and advisory committees.
Worse still, many of these loans were not directly tied to productive economic ventures. Instead, they were used to plug deficit budgets bloated by extravagant subsidies, unsustainable governance costs, and recurring expenditures. For instance, over the past decade, Nigeria spent more than $1.2 billion annually on petrol subsidies alone - funds that could have revolutionised public transportation or modernised energy infrastructure. It’s the equivalent of borrowing money to fix a leaking bucket, only to spend it all on umbrellas and a new suit for the chairman.
To fully grasp the absurdity of Nigeria’s fiscal gymnastics, one must look at countries that have successfully leveraged borrowing for growth. Germany, a powerhouse in industrial production, maintains a robust infrastructure partly financed through debt. However, its borrowing practices are governed by strict fiscal rules, transparency, and an unwavering focus on return on investment. Similarly, Japan’s public debt-to-GDP ratio exceeds 250%, yet it thrives economically because borrowed funds are reinvested in high-yield ventures, from cutting-edge technology to efficient transportation systems. Every yen borrowed generates tangible returns. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, we borrow dollars to fund white elephant projects, and when the naira predictably stumbles, we start praying for miracles - or another loan.
Even within Africa, there are cautionary tales to consider. Kenya’s debt crisis mirrors our missteps, with loans from China funding infrastructural projects that struggle to deliver projected economic benefits. Its Standard Gauge
or jump on/aboard the bandwagon.
“I also believed that dreams must preceed plans and plans must preceed building.” Spell-check: precede
“One of its main topic concerned the question.…” Just an observation: One of its main topics….
“…I saw something in Diana that was deeper than frolic and contrary to the exaggerated gossips and controversies of the tabloid and yellow press.” ‘Gossip’ is uncountable when reference is to ‘talks’, but I hate gossips (those who gossip—not gossipers!).
“Cape Verde police say that a new cadre of ‘Mules’ who can carry between 300 to 500 grams of cocaine, now specialized in supplying the local market.” Either: between 3 and 5 or from 3 to5. No alloy.
At Bukuru in the outskirts of Jos, they can no longer count breadwinners who have absconded on their finger-tips for the number continues to swell.” This way: on the outskirts.
“For the domestic fronts of multilateral imperialism—the comprador bourgeoisies.…” Get it right: the bourgeoisie (collective).
“NERC explains erractic failure of power” No erratic spelling!
“An hospital’s distress call” I am averse to Elizabethan English. A contemporary output: A hospital’s distress call Wrong: pay last respect to the dead. Stock expression: last respects.
“And there was also…in a continent where such basics as electricity supply were still luxuries for a generality of the population.” This way: on a continent.
Railway, hailed as a game-changer, remains an underperforming asset, with mounting operational costs far outstripping revenues. Ghana offers a more sobering tale: after years of overborrowing, it defaulted on its external debts in 2022, leading to IMF interventions and severe austerity measures. Like us, these countries failed to prioritise debt sustainability, transparency, and productive allocations. And if our neighbours are any indication, it seems Nigeria is sprinting toward the same cliff - only faster, and with a bigger entourage.
Foreign loans are just one part of the fiscal recklessness endemic in Nigerian governance. Oil revenue, once the nation’s backbone, has become a source of mystery rather than stability. Despite crude oil prices hitting over $100 per barrel in recent years, revenue leakage through theft, corruption, and opaque remittance practices has left Nigeria unable to reap the rewards of its natural wealth. Even bailout funds meant to rescue state economies have become case studies in profligacy. Billions of naira allocated to state governments since 2016 have either vanished or been used for frivolous projects, with little accountability from federal or state authorities. Here, governance often feels like a scene from a Nollywood epic: plenty of drama, elaborate costumes, but no clear resolution.
In advanced economies, transparency and fiscal discipline form the bedrock of debt management. Countries like Norway, with its sovereign wealth fund, demonstrate how resource-rich nations can prudently manage revenues for long-term benefits. Norway invests excess oil revenue into a globally diversified fund, ensuring financial security for future generations. Another example is the United States, where public debt finances high-yield investments like innovation hubs, military advancements, and global trade networks. Crucially, mechanisms like congressional oversight and media scrutiny ensure a degree of accountability that is glaringly absent in Nigeria. Meanwhile, over here, we debate whether our sovereign wealth fund should
be used to buy more SUVs for lawmakers or sponsor international trips for “fact-finding missions.”
Nigeria’s debt crisis is a symptom of a deeper malaise: the lack of foresight and responsibility in leadership. Borrowing itself is not inherently bad; it becomes destructive when driven by short-term political survival rather than long-term economic growth. The solution lies in systemic reforms. First, loan agreements must be subjected to rigorous parliamentary scrutiny, with explicit performance benchmarks and penalties for misappropriation. Second, the government must wean itself off reliance on oil revenue by seriously diversifying into manufacturing, agriculture, and digital technology. Third, a public database detailing the inflow, allocation, and repayment status of all loans should be established to enhance transparency.
Finally, civil society must play its part. A disengaged citizenry enables impunity, while an informed and vocal population can hold leaders accountable. Nigerians must demand better - not just from government officials but also from themselves. As the nation stares at another financial precipice, the time for sober reflection is now. Our natural and fiscal resources, mismanaged and misdirected for far too long, must become instruments of progress rather than emblems of failure.
The world’s wealthiest nations once faced their own economic hardships but overcame them through discipline, innovation, and accountability. Nigeria must do the same or resign itself to perpetual dependency - a grim inheritance for generations yet unborn. After all, while other nations borrow to build bridges, we seem to borrow to dig holes. The irony, it seems, is lost on no one but us.
With 31 goal contributions in 34 matches,Premier League giants,Chelsea and Manchester United are looking at the direction of Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen’s striker,Victor Boniface,as the solution to their dismal goal turn-in so far this season.However,if reports emanating from Germany is anything to go by,the German BundesligaTeam of the Season may have decided to stay put with Coach Xabi Alonso rather than a move to England
According to reports, Victor Boniface hasdecided on his immediate future, which could be a big blow on Manchester United’s hopes. The Nigerian striker is keen to continue with Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the next window, and he might decide to stay at the club regardless of which clubs are showing interest.
Finding the back of the net has proven to be a big problem for United this season, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund failing to impress. Neither star has managed to make the number nine position their own and it’s unsurprising that both were overlooked by Ruben Amorim for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. Amorim elected to deploy Marcus Rashford upfront.
It remains abundantly clear that United may need to address this position once again, either in January or during the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils continue to be linked to a host of talismans, including Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris SaintGermain) and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray).
According to Sky Germany reporter, Florian Plettenber, Victor Boniface is another forward United are eyeing.
Boniface has scored six goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances this season. Last term, he notched 14 goals and nine assists in 23 top-flight appearances as Leverkusen cruised to a historic unbeaten title win under Xabi Alonso.
Boniface’s 31 goals in 34 games in all
competitions were important for Leverkusen, and his presence in front of the goal has attracted big interest from top teams. Chelsea is scouting him extensively, and their scouts have urged them to make a move in 2025.
Manchester United are also considering a move, as the club is eager to bring in a new striker. The arrival of a new manager, Ruben Amorim will see the Red Devils make renewed plans on new transfers that involve a new punchy centre-forward, much like the one he had at Sporting Lisbon in Viktor Gyokeres.
Manchester United are indeed interested in Gyokeres, although they understand the difficulties of signing the striker ahead of future windows. Thus, they are considering Christopher Nkunku and even Boniface as potential alternatives to the Swede, although they could be dealt a blow in the chase for the Nigerian.
Boniface is not bothered by the interest coming in from other clubs ahead of the January window and will reject all overtures in the coming period. The 23-year-old attacker is focused on his task at Leverkusen and wants to continue under Alonso.
At the moment, Boniface is dealing with an injury which he sustained on international duty with Nigeria. Alonso recently admitted that the 23-year-old may not feature again until next year.
Plettenberg wrote on X, ”Victor Boniface is one of many strikers on Manchester United’s shortlist. If at all, an (expensive) sale would only become a serious topic next summer.”
“23-year-old top striker (currently injured) is under contract with Bayer 04
Leverkusen until 2028.”
“The Red Devils are actively scouting the striker market.”
“If no new striker arrives in the winter, they plan to secure one by the summer at the latest.” The 23-year-old centre forward has caught the attention of the Old Trafford board with his standout performances this season, despite currently being sidelined with a thigh injury.
Boniface played a key role in Leverkusen’s success last season, netting 21 goals and providing 10 assists as they secured both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal. His strong form carried into this season, with eight goals and one assist across all competitions before his injury setback. Plettenberg confirmed Manchester United’s interest via a post on his X account, stating: “Victor Boniface is one of many strikers on Manchester United’s shortlist. Any potential move would only become a serious consideration next summer due to his current injury status. He is under contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen until 2028. The Red Devils are actively scouting the striker market, aiming to secure a new forward by the summer if no winter signing is made.”
Under new manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United aims to enhance their attacking options. Although a January transfer may be unlikely due to Boniface’s injury. The Nigerian forward is expected to be a prime target in the summer transfer window.
As the Premier League giants continue to monitor the transfer market, Boniface’s name has emerged as a potential solution to their attacking woes.
Next summer, when things could change for the club, Alonso, and himself could reevaluate his stance before taking a call on his future. Thus, Manchester United will be dealt a blow ahead of January if they are to pursue Boniface’s signature. Meanwhile, former Super Eagles star, Sylvanus Okpala has advised Victor Boniface to improve in front of goal for the national team.
Boniface played for the Super Eagles during the recent 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
However, he failed to impress in both games, which has led to criticism from fans, who have asked for the player to be dropped. The striker has found it difficult to replicate his Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Bundesliga form for the Super Eagles.
“He needs to be talked to, given a lot of confidence, and reminded that, as a centre forward, his primary role is to score. If he can’t score, then he should start providing assists.
“He shouldn’t be too anxious to score in every game. Yes, scoring is crucial, but he needs to stay calm. When you count one, you can get to two.
“Once he starts scoring, the confidence will return. It’s normal. Bayer Leverkusen is different from the national team.”
The Nigerian forward has only once scored in 11 games for the three-time AFCON champions.
Meanwhile, Boniface has been ruled out of the year for club and country due to a thigh injury he sustained during the international break and will be looking to recover in time as Leverkusen continue their quest to retain their Bundesliga title.
The trio of Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior, and Rodri will battle it out for the men’s player of the year award at the 2024 FIFA Best Awards.
Lionel Messi, who led Inter Miami FC to the Supporters’ Shield title, their first trophy in Major League Soccer since their debut in 2020, is the only player nominated outside Europe.
He also won the 2024 Copa America trophy with Argentina in July.
The former Barcelona star scored 29 goals, and recorded 13 assists for club and country in 2024 to make it to the list.
Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri, and
his Manchester City teammate, Erling Haaland are the only players nominated for the men’s player award after they led the club to a historic fourth Premier League title in a row.
Rodri also played a pivotal role in leading Spain to the European Championship title in July.
He was named the player of the tournament, adding it to the Most Valuable Player in the FIFA World Club Cup, which Man City won in December.
The last time Rodri lost a Premier League game was a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham in February 2023.
He also went 74 games – and
475 days – without experiencing defeat for club, and country during the past year, with the run coming to an end in the FA Cup final against Manchester United in May.
Vinicius also enjoyed a successful year, leading Real Madrid to Champions League, and La Liga titles and also chipping in 24 goals and 11 assists for Real Madrid in all competitions last season.
Other nominees for the award are: Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Erling Haaland, Frederico Valverde, Florian Wirtz, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and Toni Kroos.
The African Knockout Championship (AKO6) once again solidified its status as the only pan-African Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) championship, uniting elite fighters from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Benin Republic, Angola, South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. This thrilling event transformed Lagos into the epicenter of African combat sports, delivering a spectacular night of high-octane entertainment, unmatched athleticism, and captivating showdowns.
Held at the Monarch Event Center, AKO6 featured electrifying matchups across featherweight, light-heavyweight, middleweight,
As Bendel Insurance Football Club prepare to host Plateau United in the Match-day 15 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Emperor Jaret Tenebe, has redeemed his $3000 pledge to the team.
The secretary of the Benin Arsenals, Charles Ihimekpen, confirmed Insurance FC’s receipt of the money yesterday afternoon.
He expressed the Benin Arsenal’s appreciation to the donor, saying that the club sees
Liverpool will welcome Manchester City to Anfield tomorrow for the highly anticipated Premier League clash. The match comes at a critical time in the season, with both teams experiencing contrasting fortunes. Arne Slot’s Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 14 games across all competitions, while Manchester City are winless in six games across all competitions.
A narrow 3-2 victory against Southampton in their last outing extended Liverpool’s winning streak to four games, solidifying their position at the top of the
lightweight, and women’s bantamweight divisions, cementing its reputation as a must-watch spectacle. Fans were treated to a series of unforgettable moments, further proving AKO’s ability to combine world-class sportsmanship with pure adrenaline.
In a gripping main event, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ananias Mulumba, nicknamed “Metal,” showcased dominance with a second-round TKO victory over Nigeria’s “Smiling Assassin,” Jackiel Anyana, securing his place in the championship finals and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Adding to the excitement, Nigeria’s Cornel Thompson delivered the
the gift as a huge motivation for the players.
“Tenebe has redeemed his pledge of 3,000 dollars to us and we are grateful to him.
He promised to give us the money as a gift should we win at Nasarawa but we lost the match 2-1 but he told us not to feel bad that he was still going to give us the money to further motivate us ahead of the next match, and today, he has redeemed his pledge. “
Tenebe who led Edo State Government delegation to Lafia, Nasarawa State to support
Premier League table. The Reds hold an eight-point lead and will look to further strengthen their grip on the title race.
In stark contrast, Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. This was followed by a midweek Champions League draw against Feyenoord, where they squandered a 3-0 lead to finish 3-3. With three consecutive league defeats, City are under immense pressure to turn their season around and avoid falling further behind in the standings. In other games this weekend,
Performance of the Night, dismantling Ghana’s Richard Asiedu in the first round of their lightweight final elimination with a commanding display of precision and power.
The Fight of the Night belonged to Morocco’s Faout Youseff and Angola’s Andre Mukisi, whose featherweight clash had fans on the edge of their seats. The suspense-filled bout was a masterclass of skill, precision, and relentless energy. A bloody exchange and highpaced action lit up the arena as Youseff emerged victorious via unanimous decision, earning thunderous applause for his resilience and technical prowess.
Bendel Insurance in the League match against Nasarawa United on Wednesday promised to redeem the sum of $3000 he promised the players despite suffering a 2-1 defeat in the hands of the hosts.
“Despite the fact that my team lost 2-1 to Nasarawa Utd, I will still give them the $3000 Dollars. I announced the amount as rewards for them just to motivate them. I watched the game from the beginning to the end and I was impressed with the performance of our team.”
Arsenal will travel to West Ham today, looking to maintain their push for the top four, while Chelsea will host Aston Villa on the same day and will aim to build momentum following a mixed run of form. Tomorrow, Manchester United will host Everton at Old Trafford, while Tottenham Hotspur, fresh off their win against City, face Fulham at home. All games are available to stream live on Showmax.
The Liverpool-Manchester City clash kicks off at 5:00 pm and will be available to stream live on Showmax.
Simply put, it was gold standard, exemplified by excellence. That better explains what played out at this year’s Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship which held at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938. It was the 63rd in its series and it coincided with 130th anniversary of the giant banking institution.
It was golf at its very best.
Well, it was not totally unexpected, when you are a bank woven deep into the fabric of the society, commitment to ideals that impact the society is one thing that you hold dear. That was exactly what First Bank of Nigeria Limited showcased in the weeklong competition. The impact was felt far and wide, leaving many yearning for more.
It was golf, sport for kings and royals. To achieve success in it, you must be dedicated, and as some would say; discovered early to be harnessed for future growth. For that to turn reality, you’ll need a committed partner. That’s exactly what the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank; Olusegun Alebiosu meant when he said, “that’s why we are First Bank”, a bank that is committed to the ideal that uplifts the society.
It started with search for the stars, a section of the tournament geared towards discovering talent in their prime, to donation to Charities, down to quest for fame and honour on the course.
Ever since its debut 63 -years ago, winning the championship comes with huge rewards. It throws you up as a hero and opens sponsorship doors for
In 2003, Andrew Odoh savoured such honors. The success got him sponsorship for a training tour of the more established Sunshine Tour in South Africa, got trained by Gary Polard and returned to Nigeria as a professional golfer. Similarly, success in 2002 earned Port Harcourt based Willy Gift sponsorship package from an oil company. Thus, when the countdown to this year’s edition began months back, so much was expected. It was a roll call of the best amateurs that nation can boast of. There was Remi Olukoya, 3-handicaper, Akeem Lawal, Samuel Emmanuel; the young man who lost to Isaac Umoru last year, the ever contending Olajide Owolabi and many more.
Day-one started on the light note with Hameed Adenekan, Ikoyi based young man taking part in the competition for the second time returning with an impressive level-par 71 followed by a former champion, Emmanuel Ojeabulu, a former champion as well at 73. There was also Emmanuel Desmond at 74 and Michael Raillard one of the non-Nigerian on the course at 74.
Day-two was as seamless, great golf but when the trio of Adenekan, Emmanuel and Desmond stepped out for the final round on Sunday morning, the tension was palpable. Playing 5-shot going to the finals, it was sure not going to be easy day for Adenekan, somehow he managed his
nerve securing victory with 225-score for 12-over par over 54-holes. Adenekan recorded 71-70 and a closing 82 to secure the top spot of a competitive Leaderboard. Akeem Lawal came second. Lawal started his 54-hole journey with 75, 4-over par, a second round of 76 and a closing 76 ultimately finishing two shots behind the winner and pushing favourites Emmanuel and Desmond down the leaderboard. Somewhere on the Course that sunny afternoon also were two former champions battling for money. As pros, the winning purse is always the attraction. This time around, the purse was unexpected. On offer was the biggest purse ever in the Nigeria PGA; a whooping N30 million with the winner going home with the largest chunk of N10 million. Now, if the amateur round was tension soaked, the Professional category was even more. However Ajayi Tajudeen from Ikoyi Club triumphed in an exhilarating three-hole playoff. He had locked in a tie at par with former top seed Odoh, engaging in a sudden death showdown. The intense playoff which spanned three-holes led to Tajudeen hard fought victory.
Thrilled by the impressive display and turnout, Alebiosu reaffirmed First Bank’s dedication to sponsorship of not just Lagos Open but to continue to maintain their stand as being first with sports.
As he rightly put it, “this is why we are First Bank, this is why we are first in sports.”
The 2024 Oba Alake Annual Golf Tournament has been scheduled to tee-off from December 5 - 7, 2024 at Abeokuta Golf Club (AGC), Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The annual golf event organised in honour of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland is being sponsored by Oando Plc, a leading indigenous energy solutions provider.The Caddies
and staff game will tee-off on Thursday, while the invited professional golfers, arrival, practice round, as well as cocktail hold on Friday. The amateur golfers and ceremonial tee-off is slated for Saturday just as the closing and presentation ceremony are held later in the day.
The highly anticipated tournament is aimed to bring together golf enthusiasts from across Nigeria to foster camaraderie, promote competitive golfing and celebrate the rich cultural
heritage of Egbaland and its revered monarch.
However, driven by its commitment to promoting health, fitness and wellness, Oando Plc recognises the significant benefits of golf for both physical and mental well-being. The sponsorship aligns with Oando’s broader wellness initiatives and reflects its dedication to fostering a healthy and balanced lifestyle for its employees and the community.
LSSC Boss, Fatodu, Lauds Lagos Maiden Capital City Race to the socio-economic development of the state.
The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has described the maiden edition of the Capital City Race as one of many mini-marathons aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among the residents.
Speaking at the finish line at the weekend in Lagos, Fatodu highlighted the positive impacts of the race on the well-being of participants and its contribution
He emphasised that the event provides a platform for local runners to compete among themselves, ensuring no one is left behind.
Fatodu affirmed that the initiative would cater to every community in Lagos, aligning with the inclusivity mantra championed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. Fatodu added that it meaningfully contributes to
improving public health while fostering healthy competition among long-distance runners.
In his remarks, the DirectorGeneral of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, commended the Lagos State government and the Lagos State Sports Commission for creating an enabling environment for long-distance runners to showcase their talents without any obstacles.
I disagree with the timing because Nigerians are struggling to survive. Our forefathers were paying tax; in the North we pay taxes. So, it is not like we are running away from tax, we pay taxes, every responsible Nigerian will want to pay tax, but the timing is wrong. ––SenatorAliNdumevoicinghisoppositionto thetaxreformbillsbeforetheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentatives.
okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com
With Senate Clearance yesterday, Lt Gen Oluyede has become the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS). He is, by all accounts, a thoroughbred professional soldier with no political flavorings. Confident in a very unobtrusive sort of way, sober, focused, methodical and not given to undue ceremonies and fripperies, the new COAS was once described by a peer of his to my hearing, years back, as someone who does not get involved in anything that is unnecessary. He is completely beholden to his professional calling and ocupies himself with it.
He is now heading an army that is overstretched and taking on what should ordinarily not be its business – such as deradicalization programmes and much more. The soldiers we see on the road all over the country today have no business being there. The longer they are out there, performing policing duties and without strict professional military drills and supervision, the more “demobilized” they would be; from the standpoint of military discipline, grooming and readiness for combat.
The implication of the foregoing is that the new COAS is walking into an environment that is roundly beset with many asymmetrical security challenges that are partly contrived and partly avoidable. Imagine what the nation would have been like today if we had consistently enjoyed effective and responsible civilian leadership over the decay. The bulk of what our men in uniform are facing today simply won’t be there.
The more we look at some of the security problems facing many states of the federation today, the more we feel constrained to say that they are traceable to the antics of an out-of-touch leadership elite. The notion of leadership elite meant here goes beyond the purely political. It cuts across the political, business, traditional and religious leaders. They all seem to be working together, but apparently without intending it, to create an environment with unprecedented records of grinding poverty and unemployment.
The twin facts of poverty and unemployment have poured unto the national political and sociocultural landscape a massive population of unemployed, underemployed and also “unemployable” people. Many in the latter category are not unemployable by choice, no! They are unemployable either because they hold certificates they cannot defend, are morally so damaged that they cannot be trusted with responsibility or they simply have no skills and must be “retooled’ for them to be useful either to themselves or to the wider society.
Just think of the collapse of the educational system, particularly the dearth of vocational education for those who are not interested in pursuing an academic life and career. One of the questions we may wish to ask here today is this: “Would we be where we are today, in terms of national security
Lt Gen Oluyede
challenges, if there had been serious and well thought out National Planning that is guided by strategic National Development Plans?
We have had, and still do have, “Episodic and Regime self-flagellation Plans and Programmes”. With these have come the reprehensible personalization of national resources by those charged with managing the resources on behalf of the people. Ethnic chauvinism and religious bigotry are easily recruited as major drivers of all the wrong things that are fueling insecurity in the country. And it would seem that the right lessons are still not being learnt
We see this every day and everywhere. We have also had more than enough retreats, and summits, wherein we have wasted much of our time and national resources talking about the causes of insecurity, as if we do not know where it is all coming from. Conveners of the summits, conferences and retreats will always go out of their way to quote various authorities on the subject and then tell us about the effects of insecurity on the economy or the welfare of the people.
Well, we are the people. We know the effects. We cannot safely walk the streets without fear of one misfortune or the other. So, we know. So does the military and sundry security agencies. Yet, the business of talking takes over from the business of problem solving and some people even brag that they have been talking.
That’s why the Sultan of Sokoto said, at one such event about two years ago, that we had had enough of conferences and retreats on national security. Part of what could be inferred from the Sultan’s statement was that the Nigerian public is yet to fully apprise itself of the need for a holistic understanding of national security, as well as the specific roles assigned in principle and in fact to the military, particularly the Nigerian army, and the citizenry. We can all see that, today, the Nigerian
Army is the public scapegoat in all matters of national security, simply because it is the most visible symbol of the state wherever you look. That is why Oluyede needs, and must work with, a comprehensive facts-based overview of all dimensions of the current asymmetrical security challenges facing the Nigerian Army and as an Institution of State.
Banditry and insurgency are not inventions from outer space. Every bandit or insurgent has a local address. Intelligence about such an address can only mostly come from a cooperative civilian population.
That is why holistic perspective on the imperatives of a “whole of society approach to national security” demands of everyone a sense of responsibility towards those professionally charged with protecting the nation and the rest of us. We need informed linkages between political decisions and actions, the reflexes of the various strata of the elite and other less obtrusive stakeholders, in order to really address the security challenges in different parts of the country.
The people must fully appreciate the issues at the core of our national security challenges. This includes a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the key actors, as well as the dysfunctionalities that would inevitably arise whenever there is lack of synergy in the national security activity chain.
Intelligence gathering at community and other levels rests more on the willingness of the communities concerned to cooperate and collaborate, than it does on the military and security professionals deployed to various localities. Some of the challenges with tracing the whereabouts, and hideouts, of bandits and insurgents lies in the fact that this role of intelligence support from various localities is being observed in the breach.
Once this role is observed in the breach, with some communities and community leaders even nurturing, and facilitating, the very security threat the army is trying to deal with, the problems will only fester and get worse. As it stands today, the Nigerian Army is the public face of the war against banditry and insecurity. It has also become the people’s “Whipping Boy” for everything wrong with the safety of lives and property in Nigeria today.
We need to think seriously about some overlooked aspects of the security challenges facing the nation. They include the wrong attitudes of the civil populace towards the military and security agencies, conspiracy with embedded targets in communities, refusal to support security operations with local intelligence, the targeting of military personnel for hostile civilian attention, deliberate misrepresentation of the activities and achievements of the Nigerian Army through fake news, misinformation and disinformation, among others.
The new COAS is coming on board at a time that the nation desperately needs simple and implementable solutions, around the deeper motions of personal, community and environmental security that we have since
abandoned. He is also coming on board to sustain the gains made by his predecessor, to ensure that the wrong idea that it is purely the job of the military, and the security agencies, to secure us, is summarily retired.
The civilian populace is not meant to just sit down and do nothing but watch the military “doing their job of securing us”. Communities which do not report the presence of strangers, suspicious characters, or even suspicious activities, to Institutions of State that exist to protect them only further endanger themselves and complicate our national security challenges.
Undermining the nation’s efforts at improving security comes in the form of Attitudinal, or Orientational Asymmetry. It is a distortion, and disruption, of the right attitude every citizen should adopt in his response to the nation’s security personnel and problems. It is also one of the greatest asymmetrical security challenges facing Nigeria today.
Unless we approach national security issues with a proper sense of history, we might end up mistaking hysteria for substance. The citizen’s duty in the national security ecosystem must be reaffirmed, for everyone to identify with, understand and carry out his role in the national security ecosystem.
The new COAS is familiar with retreats, conferences and summits. He does not need to organize another one now, since these often offer mostly descriptive, and sometimes purely “lamentational”, submissions. Their detailed descriptions of the problems and the generalized recommendations without any clear implementation strategies are all too familiar.
The solutions to our current national security problems do not lie in the declaration of a State of emergency on national security, either. No verbal declaration of a state of emergency can make uncooperative communities to suddenly become cooperative. To urge anyone to declare a state of emergency will not dramatically raise the morale of officers and soldiers who are overstretched. Neither will it remove the fact that the job of our men in uniform is further complicated by the missteps of a civilian ruling elite that has created a massive pool of impoverished, unemployed, underemployed and unemployable youths with the wrong social skills.
The ongoing civil/military relations efforts should be ramped up, because the military needs the independent perspectives that would arise from such engagement. Ditto for the new programs for middle level officers and soldiers. It will all help improve the quality of soldiering, as well as public understanding of the roles, and achievements, of the Nigerian Army in the ongoing efforts to protect and secure the Nigerian State.
For this to happen, we need an overarching perspective that is focused on a “whole of society approach”. This is a critical success factor that we should focus on and press for, as Lt Gen Oluyede comes on board.