MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2024

Facing Stiff Local Competition, Cement Maker,

Exits Nigeria, Sells Lafarge to Chinese Firm

Emmanuel

After roughly 65 years of operations in Nigeria, Swiss cement and other building materials’ maker, Holcim, yesterday announced that it was set

President Biden Pardons Son, Hunter,

Port Harcourt Refinery Operational, Trucking

Out Products Daily, Says Facility’s MD

NSChE president, Ogbuigwe, backs NNPC, insists refinery churning out fuels

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited

(PHRC), Ibrahim Onoja yesterday dismissed an allegation that production at the refinery was halted, after it was inaugurated Tuesday last week. The Group Chief Executive Officer

of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, had flagged off the rehabilitated plant at the Area 5 terminal of the refinery, with the national oil company

saying that about 200 trucks would be loading out from the plant on a daily basis.

However, the joy that accompanied the event appeared to have been

short-lived when some individuals and groups started insinuating that supply at the plant had been halted and facility shutdown, alleging that the resumption of activities was

staged-managed. But during a tour of the facility alongside journalists in Eleme, Rivers

Ohanaeze Joins South-west, South-south, North-central in Backing Tinubu’s Tax Bills

Atiku wants transparency and full disclosure of NEC's recommendations Zulum reiterates opposition to proposed fiscal alterations

Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja, Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s plan to reform Nigeria’s tax laws got a boost yesterday, with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio- cultural organisation from the South-east joining the South-west, South-south and North-central parts of Nigeria to support the landmark bills expected to significantly alter the existing fiscal framework.

Wading into the debate on the much-talked-about proposed legislations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a statement issued by the Secretary General of the body, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the bills represent a transformative opportunity for the rejuvenation of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the enhancement of the fortunes of Nigerian workers.

But the controversy over the four tax bills continued yesterday, with former Vice President Atiku Abubukar, however urging federal lawmakers to prioritise equity and inclusivity

10

SIGNING OF AN MOU FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SOLID MINERALS...

L-R:

Brigitte Macron at the signing of agreement on Solid Minerals Development at the Elysee Palace, Paris during President Tinubu's official visit to France ... recently Continued on

Addeh in Abuja

President Emmanuel Macron of France; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu and French First Lady,

Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0807 401 0580

ORONNA ILARO DAY CELEBRATION....

L-R: The member representing Yewa-South and Ipokia Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade; the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun; the Olu of Ilaro and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and the Minister of state for Health, Dr Isiaq Salako, during the Oronna Ilaro Day celebration, held at the Empire Pavilion, Ilaro Ogun State... yesterday

Nigeria, France Sign MoU on Development of Critical Minerals

Deal to open opportunities for remediation of over 2,000 abandoned pits

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigeria and France have agreed to develop joint projects to promote and diversify the critical minerals’ value chain in the solid minerals sector of both countries, the West African nation has said.

These critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential to clean energy technologies, a statement signed by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, said yesterday.

In the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both countries on the sidelines of the official visit to France by President

Bola Tinubu, both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training and Franco-Nigerian students exchanges for knowledge and skills transfer.

A key component of the MoU, the ministry said, is the promotion of sustainable mining activities by executing projects and programmes that reduce the environmental impact of mining on carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change.

“It also includes the establishment of joint extractive and processing projects through co-financing by public and private entities to diversify and secure the supply of critical minerals and decarbonise energy projects critical to the value chain,” the statement made available in Abuja stressed.

President Tinubu to Launch Unemployment Benefits Programme

In a move poised to address Nigeria's persistent unemployment crisis, the federal government is to launch a ground breaking National Youth Unemployment Benefits Scheme soon.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, during his opening remarks at the Media Activation/Townhall Meeting on the federal government’s loan scheme in Lagos over the weekend.

Speaking to a gathering of MSME stakeholders, the minister said: "To further underline these measures above, and incorporate the unregulated informal sector into the mainstream framework of our economy, our administration is in the final stages of designing a National Youth Unemployment Benefits Program.

“A comprehensive social welfare initiative designed to support the unemployed, the underemployed, and those struggling with selfemployment."

The initiative, according to the minister, is a vital step in addressing Nigeria’s unemployment challenge. This challenge it seems, has been compounded by the suspension of earlier social investment programs (now handed over to the new leadership at the Humanitarian Ministry).

The announcement comes at a critical juncture, as the country grapples with rising unemployment

rates and a struggling informal sector.

Experts have described the program as one of the most urgent and necessary social investments in recent years, with potential to restore stability and hope among the nation’s youth.

He added that since the beginning of the year, social intervention programs have been under review, with signals suggesting that N-Power, a flagship youth empowerment program, may be phased out.

This development has heightened the need for a more robust and inclusive framework to cater to Nigeria’s unemployed and underemployed youth.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the minister explained that the National Youth Unemployment Benefits Scheme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of ensuring economic inclusivity for all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable.

The groundwork for the scheme was laid earlier this year when the finance minister, addressing journalists after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in February, disclosed plans for a Social Security Unemployment Program.

He stated that the president had given clear directives for a scheme that would provide direct financial support to unemployed graduates, underemployed workers, and others in dire need of assistance.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Alake signed for Nigeria while the Inter-Ministerial delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of the Republic of France, Mr Benjamin Gallezot, signed on behalf of France.

“Both nations agreed to adopt international best practices in the execution of projects conceptualised to improve the conditions of the local

populace affected by mining while placing premium on transparency.

“The MoU is expected to open new opportunities for the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned pits in the country through its plan to intervene in environmental rehabilitation and post-mining projects,” the statement added.

Through regular bilateral and

multilateral training, seminars, and events, administrators of institutions in the critical metals sector are expected to improve their capacity to manage the sector's value chain, the statement said.

Describing the deal as a boost to the efforts of the Tinubu administration to reposition Nigeria's solid minerals sector for international

competitiveness, Alake stressed that the ministry would leverage the partnership to open up the mining sector to French investors. Blessed with abundant solid minerals, Nigeria has for years been unable to fully explore the huge opportunities available in the sector, mostly due to very low investment.

Creditors Ask FG to Repay N12bn Loans Taken By Civil Servants

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Humanity Development and Empowerment Organisation (HDEO), commonly known as the Lenders Association, has urged the federal government to repay the N12bn loans it extended to federal civil servants.

The HDEO said the federal government had since deducted the money from the civil servants’ pay-slips and salaries but refused to credit the accounts of the lenders.

Speaking during a leadership handover ceremony in Abuja yesterday, the outgoing National President, of the HDEO, Dr. Osita

Nebolisa, revealed that the loans, though deducted from workers’ pay-slips and salaries, remained unremitted.

He tasked the newly elected executives, led by National President Mr. Dele Apanisile, to prioritize resolving the matter with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

He said: “One of our most pressing challenges remains the recovery of over N12 billion in deducted but unremitted funds.

I urge all members to provide unwavering support to the EXCO

in addressing this critical issue.

“The incoming leadership, comprising largely of experienced members from the current team, brings valuable continuity to this effort.

“To those few who may have reservations, I appeal for unified support of their strategies to retrieve these funds and prevent future losses through the IPPIS deduction system.”

During his tenure from November 2022 to November 2024, Dr Osita Nebolisa, the founder of Visa Microfinance Bank Ltd noted that over N6.2 billion in loans were provided to more than 2,400 federal civil servants.

He also highlighted the signing of

a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) in 2023, which established a framework for equitable access to credit while protecting stakeholders’ interests. The new executives pledged to build on the achievements of the past administration.

The Lenders Association is a coalition of financial institutions, including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and finance companies, working collectively to promote equitable lending practices and financial inclusion for Nigeria’s workforce.

Mini-grids: NEMSA, Stakeholders Brainstorm on Compliance with Technical Standards

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has met with stakeholders in the electricity mini-grids space to sensitise them on the need to ensure that high technical standards set by the organisation are strictly complied with.

Speaking at the one-day event which held in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA, Aliyu Tukur, said that the sensitisation workshop was important, given that the mini-grids market was rapidly expanding in the country.

According to him, it has become even critical, with further international development financing like the $750 million World Bank funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) being

anticipated by Nigeria.

Themed: "Strengthening and Safeguarding Nigeria's Renewable Energy Landscape through Adherence to Established Standards and Regulations," the meeting was held with support from the European Union (EU) and the German Government through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

At the event which brought together major industry stakeholders, including solar mini-grid developers, component manufacturers, development partners and regulators, Tukur urged participants to collaborate with NEMSA from the onset of their projects to ensure efficient inspections.

He said: "Following our mandate under the Electricity Act (EA) 2023 to enforce technical standards and regulations, inspect, test, and certify

all categories of electrical installations, including renewable energy projects, this event serves as a platform to create awareness and guide stakeholders on compliance.

“Our goal is to ensure that projects meet the necessary standards, guaranteeing safety and reliability across the sector. The market is rapidly expanding and further international development financing is being anticipated.

“This include the $750 million World Bank funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme and funding from our development partners like the EU and the German Government. We are committed to safeguarding the solar mini-grid sector.

“We urge funders, developers and manufacturers to collaborate with

NEMSA from the onset of their projects to ensure efficient inspections and certifications, ultimately speeding up deployment and commissioning timelines," Tukur stated. The NEMSA boss reaffirmed the commitment of the organisation to enforcing the strict regulations and standards, ensuring a safe and sustainable renewable energy sector. He emphasised that by adhering to established standards and regulations, stakeholders could collectively contribute to reliable power delivery, safety, and sector sustainability.

Representing the Head of Section, Green & Digital Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Godfrey Egbemudia, in his goodwill message emphasised the agency's critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of solar mini-grid systems.

COHORT 14 INDUCTION AND END OF YEAR PARTY...

L-R:

Tinubu Departs Paris for Cape Town Today

Co-chairs 11th session of Nigeria-S/Africa commission with Ramaphosa Tuesday To parley on bilateral,

Deji

President Bola Tinubu is expected to depart Paris, France, on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa, to co-chair the

regional issues, sign MoUs on defence, finance, others

11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa. Tinubu will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including

state governors, ministers, and senior government officials. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a release issued on Sunday, revealed that the

presidential BNC, scheduled for Tuesday, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on December 2 at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.

Tinubu and Ramaphosa will

Energy Transition: Stakeholders Demand Investments

in LNG, CNG, Other Cleaner Energy Sources in Nigeria

Ejiofor Alike

Stakeholders in Africa’s oil and gas sector, who gathered at the 8th Energy Summit of Solewant Group, held in Alode Eleme, Rivers State, at the weekend have called on the Nigerian government and other countries in Africa to invest massively in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and other clean energy solutions for the continent’s clean energy transition.

The oil and gas industry experts, in their presentations at the yearly international conference, with the theme: “Pioneering Technology and Innovation for Transition to Sustainable Energy Development in Africa,” argued that Nigeria and other countries in Africa should utilise their abundant hydrocarbon resources to effectively transition to clean energy.

In his paper titled “Unlocking Gas Potential as Catalyst for Energy

Transition in Africa,” the High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria, Wendell De Landro, kicked against the continued flaring of gas by oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria.

De Landro, who cited how his country utilised its gas for clean energy, noted that the Nigerian government has failed to stop multinational oil companies from flaring gas due to a lack of political will.

The High Commissioner, who formerly worked with Shell, said Nigeria needed to build gas-gathering stations to store its abundant gas and adopt clean energy solutions.

He also stated that Africa’s abundant resources have continued to be exploited, adding that Nigeria should stop gas flaring and prioritise clean energy initiatives over continued fossil fuel exploration.

Also, in his paper presentation titled “Exploring Oil Sector Innovations for

Energy Transition in Africa,” the Dean of the School of Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Remigius Uche, noted that Africa’s experience has proven that the continued use of fossil fuels as the primary energy source had failed to address the continent’s energy challenges, especially in Nigeria.

The professor of mechanical engineering stated that despite possessing about 125 billion barrels of oil reserves, which constitute about 7.2 percent of the world’s total crude, and 17.89 trillion standard cubic meters of gas as reported in 2023, Africa’s per capita energy consumption is lower than the global average.

He stated that for Nigeria and Africa to effectively achieve their energy transition plans, they must adopt a robust sustainable development strategy and utilise emerging and clean energy sources such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas

(CNG), and carbon capture technologies, for which the resources are abundant

Earlier in his address, the Group Managing Director of Solewant Group, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, stated that the summit was a premier platform for advancing innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in Africa’s energy sector, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to driving transformation in the energy landscape.

Ewanehi said: “With the theme for this year’s summit, the event underscores the urgent need for adaptable, forward-thinking solutions that meet Africa’s unique energy demands while supporting global sustainability goals.”

He also explained that the summit was designed to drive innovation in energy technology and sustainability, foster collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and academia, and explore pathways to tackle Africa’s energy challenges while boosting opportunities.

Day Celebration: 50 Senators Storm Iperu

No fewer than 50 Senators on Saturday attended the 38th Akesan Day Celebration held at Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. Speaking at the occasion, the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who led the delegation on behalf of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said they were at the event to identify with Governor Abiodun, whom he described as "a legislature-friendly governor" who has always been there as friend of the National Assembly. Senator Bamidele, who recounted events during the election of principal officers of the National Assembly, noted that Governor Abiodun was one of the few governors who believed and stood by them when most people did not believe in their ability and candidature.

He said: "Let me hint here that during the campaign that led to Godswill Akpabio emerging President of the

Senate and election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbass, Governor Abiodun was the first to identify with us when most people did not believe in their candidature.

"Governor Abiodun was with us from the very first beginning. After him came Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and of course Governor Masari of Katsina, and then the Senator-elect and outgoing governor in person of Governor Dave Umahi.

"For us, this means so much and every opportunity that we have to identify with Governor Abiodun, we will not hesitate. Let me also say this for the record that this is the most attended programme from Abuja where you have the highest concentration of distinguished senators and honourable members of the House of Representatives.

“It is not by accident; it is because

Governor Abiodun is involved and so it was not difficult for our dear brother and colleagues, Distinguished Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), to invite us.

"Let me say that those who are not here amongst our colleagues are out of the country or attending some other programs outside of Abuja. The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio who would have led the delegation personally is currently shuttling between Calabar and Uyo.

"In Calabar, he is standing on behalf of the National Assembly, the burial of former president of the Senate, Dr. Joseph Wayas and from Cross River, Akpabio will crossover to Uyo to also represent us at the burial of the late wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor.

“That explains why he is not here. I am saying this so that you know the extent of respect we all have for Governor Abiodun."

Senator Bamidele expressed the admiration of the National Assembly to the government and people of Ogun State, describing the governor as an achiever, a serious-minded democrat and an astute public servant whose monumental infrastructural drive has placed the state as an investment destination of choice.

The senator stated: "We have also known that Governor Abiodun is an achiever and a serious-minded democrat and public servant. Flying into the international airport today (Saturday) did not only confirm the seriousness that we had always attached to Governor Abiodun, it also holds him out as a governor who did not only work hard during his first term, but because he realized that the second term is even more important. Those are the years of legacy creation and we are happy that he is leaving a lot of legacies behind.

engage in substantive talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral, regional and international matters.

Building on commitments from their June 20 meeting in Johannesburg shortly after Ramaphosa's inauguration for a second term in office, the two leaders will review the progress achieved since the 10th session of BNC held in Abuja from November 29 to December 1, 2021.

The 11th session of BNC will feature deliberations across eight working groups, each focusing on a specific area of mutual interest. These include political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments.

At the high-level meeting, officials of both countries will sign several Memoranda of

Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.

The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission was established in 1999 to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The first session at the Heads of State level was held in October 2019 in Pretoria.

BNC provides a platform for sustaining high-level dialogue and promoting cooperation in critical areas, such as diplomacy, economy, trade, security and other areas of mutual interest.

This year's meeting is particularly significant as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the commission, a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.

Tinubu would return to Abuja at the end of the BNC meeting.

Union Bank of Nigeria PLC. has announced the appointment of Mr. Bayo Adeleke as its new Board Chairman, along with seven other new members to its Board of Directors.

The new appointees, according to a statement released yesterday, include two Executive Directors, Mr. Kelechi Nwaoba and Mr. Taiwo Shote, and five Non-Executive Directors: Mr. Mohammed Balarabe, Mrs. Chiamaka Ezenwa, Mr. Ibrahim Oruma, Mrs. Oluyinka Morgan, and Mrs. Eileen Shaiyen.

The new Board Chairman, Mr. Bayo Adeleke, brings extensive experience in the banking and financial services industry, having held leadership roles at First Bank of Nigeria.

His strategic acumen and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in guiding the bank's next phase of growth and transformation.

The other new appointees according to the statement, also bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the board.

For instance, Mr. Mohammed Balarabe has a distinguished career in corporate banking and regulatory compliance, while Mrs. Chiamaka Ezenwa has global experience in financial services, particularly in M&A and sustainable infrastructure.

The bank's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs.

Yetunde B. Oni, expressed satisfaction with the new appointments, stating that they demonstrate the bank's commitment to building a robust leadership framework. The new board members are expected to contribute significantly to the bank's strategic goals and reinforce its position as a leader in the industry.

Commenting on the financial institution’s recent board reconstitution, Mrs. Yetunde B. Oni, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with the calibre of appointed board members who will help and guide the Bank in achieving its strategic vision.

According to her: “These appointments are a testament to Union Bank’s unwavering commitment to building a robust leadership framework. The collective expertise of our newly appointed Chairman, Executive Directors, and Non-Executive Directors will significantly contribute to our strategic goals and reinforce our position as a leader in the industry.”

The bank according to the statement, promised all its customers that “the new additions to its leadership structure would continue to evolve, innovate, and ensure excellent services that would meet their demands and propel the financial institution to long-term, meaningful growth.”

Seed Coach, Stanford Seed, Mr. Mark Phelps; Regional Director, Mr.Emmanuel Kitcher; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; President,Stanford Seed, Transformation Network, Nigeria, Omololami Ajani; and Network Manager, Stanford Seed, Kwame Dadson, during the Cohort 14 Induction and end of year party organised by Stanford Seed Transformation Network, Nigeria held in Lagos ... recently

Elumoye in Abuja

OANDO VISITS KYARI...

ICAO, NCAA Recertify NCAT, as Rector Appeals for Capital Projects’ Fund

Says Boeing 737 simulator to commence operations

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have recertified the country’s premier aviation training institution, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), located in Zaria, Kaduna State, after both bodies declared that the college met required standards.

Acting Rector of the college, Mr. Joseph Imalighwe, speaking on Sunday, described the feat as an enviable one for the training institution.

Imalighwe added that his mission was to take NCAT to a level where training will be refocused, as the college was moving away from the traditional training to the digital model.

He said NCAT was in association with a number of training institutions and universities to improve its curriculum.

The acting rector called on the federal government to increase allocation to the college to enable it meet its capital project expenditure.

He affirmed that NCAT’s status as ICAO TrainAir Plus Training Centre of Excellence required more resources to continuously improve the college.

He disclosed that the leading aviation training institution recently established the Airport Emergency Training (AET) School to offer initial fire fighter courses, competence aircraft live fire simulator, and fire-fighting course and airport emergency procedure course.

Imalighwe said the college had made giant strides in the last one year since he assumed office. He said

he recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and other organisations for training, but required massive funding to complete some capital projects that will ensure it met the needs of its students.

He said NCAT currently contributed averagely 45 per cent of the aviation industry licensed personnel requirements.

However, Imalighwe said, "it is faced with challenges ranging from inadequate training facilities, like hostel accommodation and classrooms, high cost of aviation gasoline, and inadequate number of required specialised instructors due to high attrition to the industry.

"Others include encroachment on the college land, security of college premises, aged college buildings, inadequate budgetary envelope while the staff remains the lowest remunerated in the aviation industry."

Speaking on the college’s Boeing 737 simulator that had remained inactive for some time, the rector disclosed that Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, had sent experts who came and evaluated it.

He said, "They will soon start work on it so that it will be functioning in earnest once NCAA certifies it.

"The college and NCAA are closely working together assiduously to ensure it come on board as the minister has already sent people to look at it. We want the federal government to increase our annual budget, we need lecture theatres, offices, meeting rooms, hostels.

Gov Mbah Hails Okonjo-Iweala on Her Appointment as WTO DG

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her reappointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO. Mbah, however, said that the development did not come to him as a surprise, given her great leadership of the organisation so far in her first term.

A statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (External Relations), Uche Anichukwu, at the weekend quoted Mbah as saying, "On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu

State, I congratulate you on your reappointment, which is a testimony to your exceptional leadership of the organisation in your first term.

"You remain one of Nigeria's greatest exports to the world and your experience, deep knowledge, and global goodwill have no doubt counted greatly in repositioning the WTO towards achieving its goals and mandate. We can only urge you to keep excelling and keep making us proud," the governor said. He wished her well in her second term, which commences in September 2025.

"We require the purchase of a fire tender to be dedicated for the airport emergence training school. We also require about 200 computers for the ICT centre as well as capacity training for the college instructors."

Imalighwe commended the minister stating.

He said, "We have a minister who is cooperating with us since we came into the office. I have also received maximum cooperation from all staff, especially with the management staff,

and that have helped us a lot.

“The ICAO Centre of Excellence regional officials just came to recertify us after three years, we do recertification with ICAO after three years, and they wrote very good things about theEvencollege.NCAA came a week after the ICAO officials to recertify us also. We have smooth sailing with those organisations.”

Imalighwe added, "In spite of the short period training has been

sustained, MOU has been sustained, the college has undergone tremendous improvement in areas of facility upgrade and development of new ones, staff has been undergoing various trainings. We are trying to sustain it.

"We have just bought Zaria Hotel because we understand the limitation of accommodation within the college, the contractor is starting renovation works. The hostels are not enough and the building of our guest 150 rooms, the contractor has taken

possession of the place so that he will start construction.

"The college’s fire simulator is working very well, the simulator that we have challenges with is the flight simulator, the Boeing 737 simulator. The minister has sent some people to come and evaluate it, they will soon start work on it so that will be functioning in earnest once NCAA certifies it because, initially, they said they needed training on it to be able to do the certification.

Protection of Human Rights Key to Ending AIDS, Insists Global Celebrities

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Sixteen global celebrities including Hollywood film star Luke Evans and singer-songwriter Sia of the Unstoppable hit song, are uniting behind UNAIDS’ call for world leaders to protect human rights, which they say is vital to ensuring the success of efforts to end AIDS.

The celebrities, including actress and comedian Margaret Cho; comedian and poet Alok Vaid-Menon; fashion designer and television personality Tan France; actor Alan Cumming; actor, broadcaster and comedian Stephen Fry; actress Uzo Aduba; Moroccan artist OUM; South

African actress Thuso Mbedu; Chinese actor and singer Huang Xiaoming.

Others are professional football player Racheal Kundananji; PakistaniBritish actor and comedian Mawaan Rizwan; Filipino model and actress Pia Wurtzbach; Ukrainian singer and TV show host Vera Brezhneva; and popular television presenter Erkin Ryzkullbekov have come together in support of UNAIDS call to “Take the rights path to end AIDS.”

In their words: “The choice is clear if we want to end AIDS as a public health threat. World leaders must take the rights path to protect people’s right to health and life.

When human rights are respected and guaranteed, their lives are greatly improved because they can freely seek healthcare, including HIV prevention and treatment.

“In far too many countries, people are still criminalized for being who they are or for who they love. When LGBTQ+ people are criminalized, they are driven underground and out of reach of health services, including services to prevent and treat HIV.” said Alok Vaid-Menon, American comedian and poet.”

The report highlights gaps in the realization of human rights and shows how violations of human rights are obstructing the end of the AIDS

pandemic, noting that 63 countries still criminalize LGBTQ+ people. Discrimination against girls and women, from denial of education to denial of protection from genderbased violence, is also undermining progress in the global HIV response. In 2023, women and girls accounted for 62% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa.

“We all win the fight against AIDS when human rights and the right to health are secured for everyone everywhere. We can end AIDS as a public health threat by promoting rights, respect and dignity for all." said, Margaret Cho, actress and comedian.

27 Riverine Children Benefit from Olu of Warri, Wife’s Foundation

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri and Olori Atuwatse III’s Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), have partnered with Valley Stream British Academy (VAB), Sapele, to provide 27 children of primary and secondary school enrolment age with three to six-year scholarships.

A statement describing it as ‘remarkable’, noted that the move was in an effort to advance access to education opportunities for children in underserved communities within the Warri Kingdom.

The partnership, according to the statement, exemplifies a strong commitment from RIF and VAB to cultivate future leaders who will contribute to the socio-economic advancement of the Warri Kingdom and impact the global landscape.

Speaking on the importance of the RIF Scholarship Fund, Olori Atuwatse III stated:“The agency to transform our country and continent is education. We understand how critical it is for our children to access quality developmental education.

"This is why we invest robustly in education at the Royal Iwere Foundation to ensure the potential of marginalised communities, especially the riverine, are not sidelined. I also applaud the management and staff of the Valley Stream British Academy, Sapele, for supporting this vision to nurture great minds regardless of their backgrounds.

"I also use this opportunity to encourage more education institutions across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels to partner with us, as over 20 million children are out of school according to the UNESCO

Global Education Report and we have many more lives to impact.”

She added that RIF was resolute in its mission to empower and nurture great minds in the Warri Kingdom, explaining that there was need to equip these children who are the leaders of tomorrow.

The RIF Scholarship Fund is an initiative under the Education Project pillar of the Royal Iwere Foundation, the humanitarian arm of the Warri Kingdom Monarchy.

The pillar has been described as a catalyst for positive change, and has created educational pathways through pipeline projects such as the Teachers Training Programme, Teach For RIF, Love Gardens, STEM Hub Boot Camp and Story Time with Mama Iwere.

It also includes Raising Royalty Academy for riverine children and

youths in underprivileged communities of the Warri Kingdom to achieve their academic goals and contribute to the socio-economic advancement of Warri Kingdom, Delta State and Nigeria at large.

The RIF Scholarship Fund works closely with community leaders, parents, and partner schools to provide comprehensive support across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education.

Since its inception, it has impacted 43 beneficiaries: 22 at the primary level, 18 at the secondary level, and three at the university level, ranging from nine to 25, including 19 males and 21 females across 15 communities in Warri. The annual net worth of the scholarships is currently valued between N150,000,000 and N200,000,000, the statement said.

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

L-R: Managing Director, Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL), Dr Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, during a courtesy visit by the Oando team to the NNPC Towers in Abuja…recently

President Biden Pardons Son, Hunter, Weeks Before Leaving Office

MSays charges were politically motivated

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

President Joe Biden 'fully and unconditionally' pardoned his son, Hunter, last night, using the power of his office to wave aside years of legal troubles, including a federal conviction for illegally buying a gun.

In a statement issued by the White House, Biden said he had decided to issue the executive grant of clemency for his son “for those offences against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.”

He said he did so because the

charges against his son were politically motivated and designed to hurt the president politically, the New York Times reported.

“The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election.

“No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son — and that is wrong.

“There has been an effort to break Hunter — who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective

prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me — and there’s no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough,” the US president added

Many of the president’s allies and critics had expected him to use the unique authority vested only in his office, even though the president’s spokeswoman had denied for months that Biden had any intention of doing so. NBC News first reported Sunday evening that Biden had in fact decided to pardon his son.

The reversal by Biden came just 50 days before he is set to leave the White House and transfer power to President-elect, Donald Trump, who

spent years attacking Hunter over his legal and personal issues as a part of series of broadsides against Biden’s family.

After the president’s son was convicted on three federal felony counts for illegally purchasing a gun, Biden said he would not pardon or commute the sentence of his son.

“I said I’d abide by the jury decision,” Biden told reporters during the Group of 7 summit in June. “I will do that,” he stressed. It is not the first time a president has used his executive power to commute the sentence of a family member. On his last day in office, President Bill Clinton pardoned his

half-brother, Roger Clinton, for old cocaine charges.

A month before leaving office, Trump pardoned his son-in-law, Jared Kushner’s father, Charles Kushner, for tax evasion and other crimes.

Both Roger Clinton and Charles Kushner had long since completed their prison terms, and the pardons were about forgiveness or vindication rather than avoiding time behind bars.

Over the weekend, Trump said that he would nominate Charles Kushner to be the US ambassador to France.

“I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction –

mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,” Hunter said in a statement.

“I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering” he said. Hunter

OHANAEZE JOINS SOUTH-WEST, SOUTH-SOUTH, NORTH-CENTRAL IN BACKING TINUBU’S TAX BILLS

in deliberations on the proposed legislations.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections emphasised that Nigerians are currently united in their demand for reforms that do not exacerbate the nation’s uneven development.

THISDAY learnt that federal lawmakers from the South-west, South-south and North-central were already in on the need to alter the current framework to serve the generality of Nigerians.

The bills have recently received mixed reactions from members of the public, as the gulf between the proponents and those opposed to the bills, especially the part dealing with the derivation formula in Value Added Tax (VAT) has widened.

Among key figures that have publicly spoken on the issue are the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibril, who opined that those criticising the tax bills had not even read them.

However, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who had

earlier raised the alarm that the tax bills will further pauperise the northern states, speaking during an interview on a national television yesterday, doubled down on his opposition to the proposed legislations.

In backing the federal government’s move, the Isiguzoro-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo added that by eliminating the scourge of double taxation imposed by state governors, the reforms would pave the way for an equitable business climate that significantly elevates both local and foreign investment potential.

"In an emphatic affirmation of progress and economic empowerment, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the esteemed apex socio-cultural organisation representing the Igbo nation, hereby announces its steadfast endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's proposed tax reforms bills.

"This endorsement comes after rigorous reviews, exhaustive consultations with an array of stakeholders, and an in-depth analysis of the bills' implications for the Nigerian economic landscape.

"Our comprehensive evaluation

PORT HARCOURT REFINERY OPERATIONAL, TRUCKING OUT PRODUCTS DAILY, SAYS FACILITY’S MD

State, it was observed that trucking was ongoing at the loading bay with over 10 trucks positioned to evacuate products from the facility.

THISDAY also observed that at the Old PHRC Area 5 process plant, there was an extensive rehabilitation and upgrade of facility, with refining also ongoing. Onoja who led journalists on the tour, explained that "the plant is running and trucking out products".

Also, the Terminal Manager at the Port Harcourt depot, Molokwuu Joel, told journalists that activities were going on at the facility, stressing that in less than 15 minutes, the loading bay was able to truck-out three 45,000-litre tankers.

He said: "This is PPMC loading arm. We have 11 loading bays that are functional, but because it has a huge capacity to deliver, we are using three at the moment.

"Out of the three loading bays, each one has the capacity of loading three trucks in 15 minutes. A truck is 45, 000 litres minimum. We have the ones of 60, 000 litres. Already, we have loaded more than 10 trucks. So before the close of work today (Sunday), just in the next one hour, we are going to evacuate minimum of 15 trucks."

Molokwuu revealed that there were surplus products available, explaining that the petroleum marketers had been contacted to access the facility for quality products.

"We have our loading arms operational and we have been begging them (petroleum marketers) to come in since yesterday but because today is weekend that is why they have not turned up. If you give us 100 trucks today we will evacuate them in less than 5 hours.

“So it is not our problem if there are no loading trucks, it is the tanker drivers’ problem. We have been begging them since yesterday to come around and take the products but they didn't turn up, it was just this morning after pleading with them that they came," Molokwuu revealed.

Explaining further, the Executive

Director, Operations, of the Nigeria Pipelines and Storage Company Limited, Moyi Maidunama, said:

"As you are seeing here, you are witnessing the truck load-out, we have been doing this since morning.

“We are evacuating the refined products from the refinery and this is obviously going to be a continuous process. We have done a couple of trucks today and intend to do many more today."

Maidunama said operations were not halted, stressing that: "It was actually reduced due to some improvements that we needed to make and we have been able to do very much.

Maidunama added: Though there is a lot more than we can do in terms of getting more loading arms operational, but we are managing due to the number of trucks they we have available today. So we are using a few loading arms to execute the number of trucks we have today."

The Chief Security Officer of Alesa Eleme, Dibia Isaiah, who dismissed some negative reports on the state of the refinery stressed: "Everybody is seeing it live and direct that production is on. I suspect it was the enemy of this rehabilitation that is going that is peddling the rumours.

“I am one of the leaders from the host community, I have loaded four trucks this morning. Now, we are loading tomorrow, there is no time we will not load. This time is a very busy period us. I wonder how people are giving out fake information just to run down the management. It is not good. I want to urge Nigerians to disregard such rumours".

Also yesterday, the National President of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), Tony Ogbuigwe, maintained that the refinery was indeed up and running, and is refining petroleum products.

Speaking in an interview with Arise News, he explained that although it was not yet fully on stream, the NNPC was working hard to ramp up the production capacity of the facility.

has led us to the resolute conclusion that these tax reforms are not merely legislative proposals; they represent a transformative opportunity for the rejuvenation of SMEs and the enhancement of the fortunes of Nigerian workers.

"By eliminating the scourge of double taxation imposed by unscrupulous state governors, these reforms will pave the way for an equitable business climate that significantly elevates both local and foreign investment potential.

"The Igbo people, renowned for our entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to economic self-determination, stand to gain immensely from these reforms," Isiguzoro argued.

According to him, the proposed measures are expected to safeguard the private sector, particularly benefiting the ‘industrious Igbos’, who he said play a pivotal role in driving the Nigerian economy through vibrant SME activities.

The apex Igbo body further called on southern lawmakers in the National Assembly to unify their efforts in support of what it described as Tinubu's transformative restructuring programme within Nigeria's economic and fiscal sectors.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasised: "It is disheartening to observe the substantial opposition that has emerged from certain factions within Northern Nigeria regarding these critical reforms.

"There is palpable concern that Northern governors are mobilising their forces to stifle the progression of the tax reforms bills within the National Assembly, relying on their numerical predominance to assert undue influence.

"This orchestrated opposition appears driven by a desire to perpetuate the current VAT derivation principles that unjustly favour select interests at the expense of equitable national growth.

"The implications of such manoeuvres are profound. If the Northern

FACING

political elites succeed in thwarting President Tinubu's initiatives, it could set a dangerous precedent, fostering a climate of resistance against meaningful reform.

“This scenario poses a tangible threat not only to the president's agenda but also to the broader economic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for a reformed and equitable system."

The body further urged all stakeholders, including lawmakers, business actors, and citizens to unite in support of these pivotal tax reforms bills.

But Atiku while making his position known on the matter in a post on his official X handle, called for transparency in the entire process.

The four tax reform bills passed second reading at the Senate last Thursday and were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by the Senator representing Niger-east, Sani Musa, for further legislative action, including a possible public hearing.

Besides, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, directed the committee to involve the National Economic Council (NEC), Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) in the proposed public hearing.

The four bills are: The Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

Appearing to be cautious in his comments, Atiku who said that due process should be followed, noted that the proposed public hearing on the tax reform bills must facilitate an open and inclusive conversation by all concerned stakeholders.

“Nigerians are united in their call for a fiscal system that promotes justice, fairness, and equity. They are loud and clear that the fiscal system we seek to promote must not exacerbate the uneven development of the federating units by enhancing the status of a few states while unduly

penalising others'', the former vice president stated.

However, proponents of the new tax bills have said that the majority of those criticising the bills have not read their provisions and are only amplifying ‘falsehoods’ circulated by uninformed interest groups.

Atiku added: “I have followed the intense public discourse on the tax reform bills with keen interest. I call for objectivity and transparency in the conduct of the public hearing being organised by our representatives in the National Assembly.

“As a concerned stakeholder, I firmly believe that transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making.

“The public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and subject matter experts.”

The former vice president further urged the National Assembly to publicise the resolutions of the National Economic Council (NEC) on the bills.

“In this wise, I call on the National Assembly to revisit and make public the resolutions of the National Economic Council, a key stakeholder and an important organ of the state with the constitutional power to advise the president concerning the economic affairs of the federation.

“The National Assembly must be appropriately guided and ensure that in the final analysis, the contents of the bills align with the interests of the vast majority of Nigerians,” he noted.

The two chambers are expected to organise separate or joint public hearings on the bills. No date has been announced for the public hearing. Besides, after the public hearing, the committees will present the resolutions and recommendations to the Senate and the House for approval.

The lawmakers will then make a final decision on the bills at the ‘Committee of the Whole’ where the

clauses of the bills will be debated and considered.

However, Zulum, while explaining why he, along with some northern governors advised Tinubu to withdraw the tax reform bills, insisted that more time was needed for consultation, admitting that there were a lot of misconceptions about the proposed law.

“On this tax issue, there are a lot of misconceptions. We felt that the VAT provision in the tax law based on the calculations that we did, only Lagos and Rivers States will benefit from this scheme. We did our own research and concluded that we would lose.

“Why are we in a rush? We advised the federal government to take a pause, and expunge some of the clauses that are inimical to not only Northern Nigeria. What we are saying is that give more time, let us do a deeper consultation to understand the nitty-gritty of this tax regime before passing it into law,” he argued.

The governor maintained that if the bills scale through the National Assembly, states would be shortchanged, stressing that only Lagos State and Rivers would be the main beneficiary of the policy.

Zulum argued that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the northern governors were not against Tinubu’s administration, regretting that some people were passing a negative narrative that the north was opposed to the current government.

He also contended that if the bills become law, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will all cease to exist by 2029.

Besides, he expressed reservations about some of the provisions of the bills, including the status of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the sole tax collection agency in Nigeria. Continues online

STIFF LOCAL COMPETITION, CEMENT MAKER, HOLCIM EXITS NIGERIA, SELLS LAFARGE TO CHINESE FIRM FOR

Company (WAPCO), began operations in Nigeria in 1959 as a joint venture between the Western regional government, Blue Circle, and United Africa Company of Nigeria.

The company’s first kiln (furnace) was lit on December 3, 1960, at the Ewekoro factory in Ogun State and the firm eventually listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1979.

Lafarge Africa has been a leading building materials company in SubSaharan Africa and a subsidiary of Holcim, a global leader in building materials.

In Nigeria, THISDAY gathered that Lafarge Africa's operations include: the Mfamosing plant located in Cross River State, which was originally established in 2002 as United Cement Company Nigeria (UNICEM) Limited. At the last count , it had an annual production capacity of 5 million tons per year.

In addition, there’s the Ashaka Cement plant located in the North-east region, incorporated in August 1974 and which began production in 1979. It has an annual production capacity of 1 million metric tons per year, by some estimates. Besides, Lafarge in 2019 established a new mortar plant

in Sagamu factory.

But Holcim said it is now focused on sustainable growth in its core markets, higher-margin products and strategic infrastructure investments. It is also seeking to improve its environmental credentials and in September it took a stake in Sublime Systems, a US tech start-up working on low-carbon cement.

Besides, in October Holcim reported a slightly better than expected recurring operating profit of 1.67 billion Swiss francs ($1.90 billion) for the third quarter.

Specifically, the sale of its 83.8 per cent stake in Lafarge Africa plc implies an equity value of $1 billion on a 100 per cent basis, the Zug, Switzerlandbased company said.

Holcim, which makes roofing and other housing products, is trying to tap into surging demand in that market fuelled by a shortage of single-family homes and regulatory pressures for more energy-efficient buildings.

The planned sale in Nigeria follows the disposal in 2021 of a majority stake in its Zambian operations, also to Huaxin Cement.

“Holcim has signed an agreement with Huaxin Cement Ltd to sell its entire 83.81 per cent shareholding in

Lafarge Africa PLC, at an equity value of $1 billion on a 100 per cent basis.

“The transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to customary and regulatory approvals,” the brief statement seen by THISDAY added.

Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 27.0 billion in 2023 and has about 63,448 employees globally.

In Nigeria, Lafarge Africa has recently accelerated green growth to become the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions and is at the forefront of decarbonising building across its lifecycle, in line with Holcim’s purpose of ‘Building Progress for People and the Planet’, the firm said in its website.

With four plants in Nigeria spread across Sagamu and Ewekoro, Ogun State in the South-West; Ashaka, Gombe State in the North-East and Mfamosing in Cross River State, Southsouth, Lafarge Africa Plc, currently has an installed cement production capacity of about 10.5 million tons per annum, it was learnt.

Aside its cement operations, located in Sagamu and Ewekoro, both in Ogun

State, with a combined production capacity of 4.5 million metric tons per annum (MTPA), the geocycle and mortar plants are also located in the South-west. Its product portfolio includes five brands - Elephant Cement, Supaset, Powermax, Etex and SRC, a sulphate resistant cement for coastal construction. Its mortar products include: TectorPlast used for floor screed, floor tiling, wall screed, and wall tiling, among others.

On the other hand, Huaxin, the new investor, checks showed, boasts 116 years of operations, having established itself as a leading company in China as well as the global cement industry. For over two decades, Huaxin Cement said on its website that it has consistently maintained an average annual compound growth rate of 25 per cent, securing its place as one of the top 10 manufacturing companies in China.

Huaxin Cement operates across over 300 branches and subsidiaries within China and overseas, working across multiple sectors, such as cement, concrete and environmental protection.

SANWO-OLU'S WORKING VISIT TO LAGOS FOOD SECURITY SYSTEMS AND LOGISTICS HUB...

Nigeria's Telcos Name Obaseki Digital Governor of the Year

Highlight e-gov system, health sector automation, digital transformation of civil service, others as grounds for honour

Nigeria’s major telecommunications companies under the aegis of Association of Telecommunications Companies in Nigeria (ATCON) have named the immediate past governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, as Digital Governor of the Year.

The honour, according to the telcos, was based the bold and transformative reforms in the state’s digital and technology space, which revolutionised the state, propelling it to the forefront of digital innovation in governance in the country and launching its people into the super digital highway.

The former governor will be

conferred with the honour at the 31st Anniversary Celebration of ATCON, scheduled to take place on December 6 in Lagos.

Obaseki, among other achievements in the state’s digital and technology space, superintended the launch of Edo State Digital Policy and Edo Data Centre, the first data centre owned by a state in Nigeria.

His administration also transitioned the state’s public and civil service from an archaic, analogue system to a fully digitised and seamless operation.

Today, Edo boasts the most digitised civil and public service in

Nigeria, with all local government areas connected via fibre optics.

Edo State also made history as the first state in the country to entirely shift to a digital mode of administration, with a service-wide e-government platform that ensured that all government files were processed digitally, ensuring quicker turnaround times and fostering a paperless work culture.

Beyond the public sector automation, the Obaseki government also prioritised creating a conducive work environment for state workers, which featured a state-of-the-art secretariat complex, supported by an advanced

Olanipekun: Six-year Single Term System Will Stabilise Nigeria

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Legal icon and elder statesman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), has recommended that a six-year single term is the best to stabilize Nigeria and resolve geopolitical agitation and marginalization if properly structured.

It could be recalled that bill seeking the six-year single term for president, and governor was sponsored by Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere from Imo State and 33 other lawmakers.

They proposed a six-year term for governors and rotation of executive powers among the six geopolitical zones to “ensure equal representation and reduce the desperation and tempo of agitation for the creation of state".

In addition, the bill sought to amend the Constitution to create the offices of two vice presidents from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria.

The 1st Vice President shall be a succession vice president, while the 2nd Vice President shall be a minister in charge of the economy. Both vice presidents shall be ministers.

Legal icon and elder statesman, Olanipekun, (SAN), who is the sponsor of the twin projects, spoke in Ikere-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, his country home, during the weekend at the 28th Scholarship Award Scheme, and 5th Empowerment Programme of the annual event where a total of 4,219 Nigerians benefited from

the Wole Olanipekun's scholarship, and empowerment programmes, in 28 years.

Olanipekun said: “When I was the president of NBA, 2002-2004, we originated it. It was one of the proposals we brought to Obasanjo as president but he rejected it.

“The proposal was beautifully crafted and the plan was to stabilise the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we suggested a single term of five or six years for presidents.

“We suggested that since there are six geo-political zones in Nigeria, if the President comes from the southwest, there will be six Vice Presidents but those VPs must have a portfolio like ministry of Justice, education, Defence, FCT, Works.

“A geopolitical zone that has a Vice President of education will not have a minister of education. We read it out for him and if per adventure, the president of a geo-political zone whether impeached or dies in office, the Vice President from his geo-political zone will complete his tenure."

The legal icon therefore proposed a constitutional review that would stabilize the system and correct all the abnormalities in Nigeria constitution.

“We would have stabilized the system but it didn’t work. I am still on the view that we have to do something about the constitution; we have to look into it. The constitution to me is not federal; it does not reflect what we have on ground as people of Nigeria, within the context of Nigeria.

We should have a constitution

that is homegrown; no constitution is perfect but we can’t be going on with an imperfect constitution. It’s just a house with no good foundation and something has to be done to it. I am still of the view that we have to do something about our constitution and we have to look into it.

His words: "The current Nigeria constitution to me is not federal, the constitution to me does not reflect what we have on ground as Nigeria, as people of Nigeria, as the content of Nigeria as the context of Nigeria.

e-government protocol, making it a model for digital governance in the country.

Those and many other laudable achievements, according to President of ATCON, Tony Emoekpere, were the grounds on which the former governor of Edo State was nominated as the Digital Governor of the Year.

In a letter to the former governor seen by THISDAY, ATCON said the state's achievements in digital governance had earned it recognition as a leader in public service automation, and demonstrated its commitment to modernising governance through technology.

The telcos said in the letter to Obaseki, “We are thrilled to recognise your outstanding contributions to the digital landscape of Edo State, earning you the esteemed title of Digital Governor.

“Your visionary leadership has propelled the state to the forefront of digital innovation, and we are honoured to celebrate your achievements at ATCON's 31st Anniversary Celebration, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 6, 2024, in Lagos by 6pm. Your tireless efforts have yielded remarkable results.”

Some key achievements that contributed to the outcomes, the telcos said, included, “The Edo State E-Governance Platform: Edo State's E-Governance platform is at the heart of its digital transformation efforts, making Edo State the first Sub-National to be fully transited to a Paperless state in Nigeria.

“This platform has automated several government processes, including e-protocols-procurement, education, healthcare services, e-

petitions, and internal operations. By making government services easily accessible online, it fosters greater transparency and public participation in governance.

“3-TIER Data Centre and Automation: The Edo State 3-TIER Data Centre is a state-of-the-art facility which has been critical in managing digital services for government agencies. The data centre is structured into three tiers, each providing a higher level of redundancy, scalability, and security.

“The centre hosts upgraded server systems, including the Odoo application for Local Government Management, and strengthens cybersecurity through firewall upgrades. It also supports the storage and management of state records, contributing to the Document Management System (DMS).

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled the launch its newly redesigned website, which has officially gone live today.

In a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the apex bank described the revamped platform as a significant step toward enhancing public access to its services and information.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website (Error! Hyperlink reference not valid which will be operational on Monday, December 2, 2024,” the statement read.

The redesigned platform features a comprehensive overhaul, including expanded content that provides deeper insights into the Bank’s mandate, operations, and policies. It also boasts a responsive design, ensuring seamless accessibility across a range of mobile devices, web browsers, and platforms.

“The redesigned website introduces a variety of new content, encompassing a broader spectrum of information regarding the Bank’s mandate. Additionally, the website is responsive to mobile devices, facilitating navigation across various web browsers and devices,” the statement added. The Bank emphasised the critical role of public feedback in shaping the redesign, underscoring its commitment to transparency and effective communication.

Gov Aliyu: We’ve not borrowed a dime or owe contractors

Onuminya Innocent

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu has presented 2025 state’s appropriation bill amounting to N526 882,142,484.39.

This was announced through a statement released by Press Secretary to the state Governor, Abubakar Bawa on Friday, obtained by THISDAY.

In a related development, Governor Aliyu also declared his administration has not borrowed a dime from any financial institution to execute the myriads of developmental projects and is not owing any contractor.

The governor gave this hint while presenting the 2025 Ap-

propriation Bill before the state legislature. His words: “Since we came on board, we have executed a number of projects in line with our 9-point agenda without taking loan from any financial institution.

“So, also my administration is not owing any contractor executing projects in the state.”

The 2025 budget tagged - “Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability Budget” - prioritises developmental projects in the coming year.

The breakdown of the budget indicates that capital expenditure gulped N349,386 540,354.25, while recurrent expenditure stood at N176,295,602 130.14.

Gov. Aliyu said his administra-

tion would continue to emphasis infrastructural development in the state.

He also said during the year under review, his administration had executed numerous peopleoriented projects across the state in line with his Nine-point Smart Agenda.

On the security challenges facing the state, the governor said over 130 patrol vehicles were procured and distributed to the security agencies in the state to checkmate the nefarious activities of bandits in the state.

He further said the state government has also set up Community Guard Corps, providing them with 40 patrol vehicles and

700 motorcycles, in addition to securing office accommodation for them at state and local government levels.

On the issue of promoting Islamic affairs, he said the present administration had constructed and renovated many Mosques, and provided them with boreholes, carpets as well solar systems for the comfort of the worshippers.

He added: “We have also introduced monthly cash allocation to 87 Juma’at Mosques, amounting to N32,000,000 monthly.”

“We also gave food and cash assistance to the Imams, Deputy Imams and Muazzins as well as Malaman Zaure and grassroots preachers across the states.

L-R: Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Origin Tech Group, Prince S J Samuel; Chairman of Ikosi Ejirin LCDA, Hon. Adewale Anomo and Speciql Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture (Rice Mill Initiative), Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, during the inspection tour of the ongoing building of the Lagos Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, by the governor, last Saturday

Nume Ekeghe

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

MONDAY DISCOURSE

As Trial of Ex-Kogi Gov Bello Begins...

a fter months of hide and seek game, former Kogi State Governor, Mr Yahaya Bello has finally turned himself in for trial over alleged corruption charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, writes Alex Enumah

Last Tuesday, news of the former Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello turning himself in, at the Abuja headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was received with some scepticism, although it was not the first time that the former governor would be doing so.

For over seven months, the anti-graft agency had made several efforts to get the former governor answer to corruption allegations against him. While Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, had on April 17, 2024 issued a warrant of arrest against Bello, in respect of an N80 billion money laundering charge filed against him at the court, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had on October 3, 2024 issued a Public Summons, ordering Bello to also appear before her court over a similar charge, but this time, to the tune of N110 billion.

Before he turned himself in on Tuesday, November 26, efforts by operatives of the agency to arrest him in April, at his Abuja residence were not successful. Surprisingly also, the anti-graft agency had refused to arrest him or detained Bello when he first honoured the invitation of the Commission on September 18.

The EFCC is accusing Bello alongside two other persons, of embezzling billions of funds belonging to the state, between May 2015 and May 2023, when Bello was governor. Before his arraignment on Wednesday before Justice Anenih and his subsequent “not guilty” plea, Bello had challenged his trial by the EFCC.

Recall that a High Court of Kogi State had earlier restrained the anti-graft agency from inviting, arresting, investigating and prosecution the former governor in respect of the funds belonging to the state. However, this order was set aside by the Court of Appeal, while the Supreme Court in a judgement dismissed the suit challenging the legality of the establishment Act of the EFCC.

The judgement which removed every encumbrance to Bello’s arraignment is said to be the major reason the former governor decided to face his trial. According to the spokesman of the EFCC, Mr Dele Oyewale, Bello was arrested in company of three of his lawyers shortly after he entered the premises of the anti-graft agency. Report has it that he drove himself to the EFCC’s headquarters, where he was interrogated and arraigned the following day before Justice Anenih of the FCT High Court on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, among others. Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, in the charge marked: CR/7781/2024, were accused of spending over N110 billion of public funds to acquire several properties in Abuja and Dubai. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges following which their lawyers moved their respective applications for bail, which were at the same time objected to by the anti-graft agency. The EFCC’s lawyer, Mr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, had based his objection on the fact that Bello is facing charges at the Federal High Court and has refused to appear there to take his plea.

But, Bello’s lawyer, Chief Joseph Daudu, SAN urged that, “the court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High Court”. Besides, Daudu argued that, “when the jurisdiction of the court is challenged, the defendant need not to appear until the issues arising from the jurisdiction are resolved”.

However, Justice Anenih in a short ruling, held that her decision in the bail applications would be delivered on December 10 and directed that the three defendants should remain in the custody of the EFCC till then.

Capitalizing on the arrest of Bello, the EFCC on Friday, November 29, 2024 again took him for arraignment before Justice Nwite of the

Federal High Court, who had earlier adjourned till January 21, 2024 following Bello’s absence for arraignment. Recall that Nwite had in April, 2024 ordered the EFCC to arrest Bello and produce him in court to respond to money laundering charge against him. But, Bello had continued to challenge the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja, to try cases of alleged money laundering said to have been committed in Kogi State. Unfortunately, the arraignment could not proceed because of the absence of Bello’s lawyer in court. When the matter was called, Bello who was brought to the court by the EFCC informed the court that his lawyers were not aware that he was being taken to court that day. But, Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with the arraignment reminding that request had been made earlier for his arraignment even in his absence. “What the law requires is the presence of the

defendant, not the presence of his lawyers,” he argued.

Responding, Justice Nwite observed that it will not be in the interest of justice to proceed with the arraignment and subsequently declined. “The matter came up on October 30, 2024. It was adjourned to January 21, 2025. From the statement of the defendant, his lawyers are not aware of today’s date. In the interest of fair hearing, I will not proceed for arraignment.

“The prosecution should serve the defendant’s lawyer with the application for abridgment of time while we come back to take that.

“This matter is peculiar. It is peculiar in the sense that we have already agreed on a date, which is in January.

“It will be unfair if the matter is taken without the defendant’s counsel. It would be a different thing if the defendant had no counsel,” the Judge said.

Also, following request by Pinheiro, the court adjourned till December 13, 2024 and directed EFCC’s lawyer to apply for an abridgement of time and serve notice of same on Bello’s lawyer.

Bello who was already in the dock, stepped out shortly after the court rose and went straight to his supporters to appeal to them to exit the courtroom for trial to continue. Everyone he asked to step out did so without hesitation. Shortly after decorum was restored, Justice Anenih then resumed sitting for the continuation of the proceedings. As events unfold in the coming days, one of the questions on the lips of many is whether the EFCC is in possession of strong evidence to nail the former governor or simply playing to the gallery.

With the arraignment of Bello last week at the FCT High Court, trial is expected to commence in earnest. Recall that the EFCC had told both courts that it was prepared for full blown trial and had some of its witnesses in court.

On the other hand, Bello appeared to be unperturbed, exuding some measures of confidence, to the admiration of his teeming supporters, who had besieged the courtroom to solidarity with the governor. Most of his supporters were seeing him for the first time in months after he went into hiding when the EFCC attempted to arrest him last April. Following his surrender the previous day (Tuesday), the operatives of the EFCC, had brought him to court under a very tight security. From the moment he stepped down from the EFCC’s vehicle, the defendant who was wearing a white kaftan dress and a spotted cap was beaming with smiles all the way into the courtroom. The former governor at a point stole the show, when he commandeered most of his supporters to decongest the court after compliant by the court. Recall that the judge had stood down the matter, threatening not to return until the court was decongested. Reacting, Bello who was already in the dock, stepped out shortly after the court rose and went straight to his supporters to appeal to them to exit the courtroom for trial to continue. Everyone he asked to step out did so without hesitation. Shortly after decorum was restored, Justice Anenih then resumed sitting for the continuation of the proceedings.

As events unfold in the coming days, one of the questions on the lips of many is whether the EFCC is in possession of strong evidence to nail the former governor or simply playing to the gallery.

Meanwhile, Nigerians are waiting eagerly for the outcome of the trial, starting with the ruling on bail while following each day’s proceedings with keen interest.

Soludo

In Securing the GoG Waters, Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 Strengthens Maritime Defence, Collaboration

In a determined effort to bolster maritime security and enhance amphibious warfare capabilities, the Nigerian Navy, in partnership with the French Navy, recently held Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024, a threeday multinational exercise focused on countering piracy, sea robbery, and crude oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that it featured cutting-edge naval assets, tactical simulations, and coordinated operations, but beyond this, the exercise also underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing transnational maritime threats while showcasing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to fostering a secure and prosperous maritime domain

In what was a showcase of amphibious warfare excellence, the Nigerian Navy (NN) in collaboration with the French Navy, recently concluded the 2024 edition of Exercise Crocodile Lift, a three-day multinational maritime exercise at the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) waters aimed at bolstering amphibious warfare capabilities.

Launched on November 23, 2024, onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA, at the jetty of the Naval Base Apapa, Lagos, the exercise featured the deployment of cutting-edge naval and air assets, troops, and advanced operational techniques.

This year’s exercise, held in tandem with the French Navy, saw the deployment of the French Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, FS Dixmude, which added an international dimension to the operation, and featured simulated amphibious operations aimed at combatting piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft, and other criminal activities.

The exercise followed closely on the heels of Exercise Grand African Nemo, which focused on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, underlining the strategic importance of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Critical Demonstration of Nigerian Navy’s Commitment to Maritime Security

With the deployment of NNS KADA, supported by the DB ABUJA, two Special Boat Service detachments, and two helicopters, the NN demonstrated its commitment to maritime security. While NNS KADA and DBS ABUJA, were commanded by Captain Andrew Zidon and Captain Idongesit Udoessien, respectively, troops from Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and Naval Air Base, Ojo, led by its Commanders, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo and Commodore Stephen Ega respectively, provided ground and air support for the exercise.

According to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Exercise Crocodile Lift was a critical demonstration of the NN’s commitment to regional maritime security, showcasing amphibious operations that are crucial for addressing threats within the Gulf of Guinea.

Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Doctrine Command, Rear Admiral Shehu Gombe, who officially flagged off the exercise, the CNS said it underscored the commitment of the NN and its international partners to safeguarding maritime territories and fostering a thriving blue economy.

He said: "This year's Crocodile Lift builds upon the success of Exercise Grand African Nemo by focusing on amphibious operation. It offers

a unique platform to enhance regional collaboration and develop African-led solutions to trans-border maritime threats.

"The objective of Crocodile Lift 2024 is to ensure freedom of navigation and create a secure maritime domain conducive to legitimate business activities.”

Rear Admiral Gombe reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy's dedication to protecting the country’s maritime territorial integrity, combatting maritime crimes, and fostering a thriving blue economy, just as he said the navy remains committed to building partnerships that advance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Exercise Crocodile Lift

The primary objective of Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 was to enhance the Nigerian Navy’s lift and beach landing capabilities, critical for supporting amphibious and maritime security operations.

According to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, the exercise was specifically designed to simulate amphibious operations to counter threats such as piracy, sea robbery, and crude oil theft, which have long plagued the Gulf of Guinea.

Represented by Chief Staff Officer Rear Admiral Abdul Hamid Baba-Inna, emphasized the operational importance of the combined amphibious operation with the French Navy.

He said: “On our part, we deployed NNS KADA, supported by the DB ABUJA, two Special Boat Service detachments, and two helicopters, while the French Navy deployed FS Dixmude and their amphibious forces.”

The simulation began on November 24, 2024 with a realistic scenario involving notorious sea pirates terrorising Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The exercise unfolded with the Nigerian and French naval forces launching coordinated assaults on criminal hideouts, executing troop insertions, and conducting arrests. It concluded with the safe withdrawal of troops, demonstrating seamless interoperability between the two navies.

Strengthening Collaboration

In addition to bolstering maritime security, the exercise fostered professional exchanges, enhanced interoperability between participating navies, and laid the groundwork for future multinational

collaborations.

Essentially, Exercise Crocodile Lift underscored the importance of regional and international collaboration in combating transnational maritime threats.

Corroborating, French Consul-General, Laurent Favier, described the exercise as a testament to the enduring Franco-Nigerian maritime partnership. Our participation reflects France’s commitment to fostering security in the Gulf of Guinea, a region vital to global trade and economic stability.”

"Crocodile Lift symbolizes our shared commitment to maritime security and reinforces the deep ties between our navies," Favier said, just as he reiterated France's decade-long support for Nigeria in combating terrorism through intelligence sharing and capacity building.

In his address at the flag-off ceremony, Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasised the role of partnerships in achieving African-led solutions to security challenges. “This platform provides an invaluable opportunity for participating units, ships, and formations to work together in addressing threats and enhancing maritime security,” he said.

Building Tactical and Operational Proficiency

One of the standout features of Exercise Crocodile Lift was its focus on developing tactical and operational proficiency. Commodore OA Akinbami, the Officer in Tactical Command (OTC), detailed the precision and coordination required to execute the exercise’s complex manoeuvres. He stated, “The exercise provided an excellent platform for our personnel to hone their skills in amphibious operations, ensuring readiness for real-world scenarios.”

This sentiment was echoed by the Commanding Officer of FS Dixmude, who commended the professionalism of Nigerian Navy personnel.

“The Nigerian Navy demonstrated exceptional capability and adaptability throughout the exercise. This collaboration sets the stage for future joint operations,” he remarked.

Gains Recorded

The exercise recorded significant gains, both in terms of operational outcomes and strategic insights. Rear Admiral Oamen, in his closing remarks, declared Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 a resounding success, noting that it achieved its primary objective of enhancing joint operational efficiency and maritime security.

“This exercise is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and ensuring a thriving blue economy for Nigeria,” he said.

Among the key gains were the enhanced tactical coordination which ensured that the seamless execution of joint operations by Nigerian and

French forces demonstrated improved tactical coordination, crucial for countering piracy and other maritime crimes.

It also strengthened bilateral relations as the collaboration with the French Navy reinforced Nigeria’s strategic partnerships, paving the way for future joint exercises and training initiatives. Additionally, it led to improved regional security as the exercise showcased the effectiveness of African-led solutions in addressing trans-border threats, contributing to a safer Gulf of Guinea. In terms of operational readiness, the successful simulation of amphibious operations validated the Nigerian Navy’s capability to respond to maritime security challenges swiftly and effectively.

Sustaining the Momentum

As Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 concluded, the debriefing session held on November 25, 2024 provided an opportunity to review the exercise and identify areas for improvement. Senior officers, including Rear Admiral Baba-Inna, Chief Staff Officer (CSO) WEST, who represented the FOC West and Commodore AA Zubairu, Chief Observer of the exercise, shared their insights during the session.

Rear Admiral Oamen assured participants that their feedback would be thoroughly analysed to enhance future operations. He also emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum generated by the exercise. “We must continue to build on these gains to ensure our maritime domain remains secure, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire region,” he said.

A Blueprint for Future Collaboration Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 stands as a blueprint for future collaborative efforts in maritime security. By integrating advanced techniques, fostering partnerships, and addressing real-world threats, the exercise has set a high standard for subsequent iterations.

As Vice Admiral Ogalla aptly stated during the flag-off ceremony, “The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mission to protect our maritime environment, ensuring a safe and secure space for legitimate economic activities. Exercises like Crocodile Lift are critical to achieving this vision.”

Indeed, the success of Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s role as a maritime sentinel, dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s waters and fostering a secure and prosperous Gulf of Guinea, and as the curtains closed on the exercise, it was apparent that Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 served as a crucial step toward regional maritime stability, strengthening international cooperation, and ensuring a secure environment for economic prosperity in Nigeria and beyond.

Rear Admiral Shehu Gombe, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Doctrine Command with French Consul-General, Laurent Favier, and other senior officers from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army and French Navy during the flag off

The insertion and capture of beach head by the troops of the Nigerian Navy and its French counterpart

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CARDOSO’S REFORM AGENDA

ABDULWASIU

ONIYANGI argues that the CBN reforms are aimed at strengthening economic stability

See page 21

AIDS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

LEOPOLD ZEKENG writes that the human rights of people living with or at risk of HIV is vital for ending AIDS by 2030

See page 21

EDITORIAL

HIV/AIDS: TAKING THE RIGHT PATH

The federal government must work with the National Assembly to design a system that is fair, transparent, and conducive to national development, writes ABIODUN J. OLUWADARE

NIGERIA'S VAT IMBROGLIO

The recent drama in the National Assembly over the President's new bill has cast a spotlight on one of Nigeria's perennial economic dilemmas—the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT). The scenes of discord within the chambers not only reflect a deeprooted problem in the nation's fiscal policies but also expose the fractures in our federal system of governance. At the heart of this controversy lies a critical question: Who should benefit from VAT collection, and how should the revenue be shared?

This debate, while seemingly technical, is symbolic of larger issues concerning resource allocation, regional development, and the fiscal relationship between the federal and state governments. For too long, Nigeria has operated a system that many argue rewards inefficiency and indolence while penalizing those who actively contribute to the nation's revenue base. The consequences of this approach have been glaring, resulting in uneven development across the country and fueling tensions that a more equitable system could otherwise mitigate.

In the First Republic, Nigeria operated a system that promoted fiscal responsibility and competition among the regions. Each region was largely responsible for generating its revenue and managing its expenditures, with the federal government taking a smaller share. This model encouraged innovation and hard work, as regions had to develop their resources to fund their operations.

The shift to the current model, which centralizes revenue collection and distribution, has stifled this spirit of competition. States now rely heavily on federal allocations, leading to a situation where many states are unable—or unwilling—to develop alternative revenue sources. This overdependence on federal allocations is unsustainable and counterproductive to the goal of achieving balanced national development.

Under the current system, VAT is collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and distributed according to a predetermined formula: 15% goes to the federal government, 50% to state governments, and 35% to local governments. This distribution needs to take into account the actual source of the VAT, meaning that states that generate higher revenue often feel shortchanged. States like Lagos, which accounts for a significant portion of the nation's VAT, are forced to share their contributions with less economically active states.

This system's inequity has long been a point of contention. Critics argue that it encourages fiscal laziness among certain states, as they are guaranteed a share of the VAT pool regardless of their efforts to generate revenue. This "monkey works, baboon shop" scenario— where one party labours while another reaps the benefits—has led to growing resentment and calls for reform.

The practice of sharing VAT revenue without consideration for its origin not only discourages productivity but also fosters a culture of dependency. States that receive substantial allocations despite minimal contributions have little incentive to develop

their economies. This has led to a widening development gap between regions, with the southwest, for example, pulling far ahead of others in terms of infrastructure, investment, and human capital development.

This disparity is not merely a function of geography or natural resources but a direct consequence of governance and fiscal policies. States that invest in creating enabling environments for businesses to thrive should logically enjoy the fruits of their labour. Conversely, those who neglect such efforts should not expect to share equally in the benefits.

The current impasse in the National Assembly is a symptom of the larger problem of emotional and partisan decision-making. Lawmakers must rise above parochial interests and engage in a rational, evidence-based debate about the VAT-sharing formula.

This issue is not just about fairness but about the future of Nigeria's economic stability. A system that rewards effort and productivity will naturally drive competition and innovation, resulting in overall national growth. Conversely, maintaining the status quo will only deepen existing inequalities and fuel discontent among states that feel shortchanged.

The argument against reform often centres on fears that weaker states will struggle without federal support. While this concern is valid, the solution lies not in perpetuating dependency but in empowering states to become self-reliant. Federal support can still play a role, but it should be structured as an incentive for states to improve their revenue generation efforts rather than a crutch that perpetuates inefficiency.

The National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to legislate on issues of national importance, so it occupies a pivotal position in resolving the VAT controversy. Its role in this debate transcends political maneuvering or regional bargaining; it must ensure that the resolution aligns with the broader national interest, fostering unity and sustainable economic growth. Lawmakers must appreciate the long-term implications of their decisions, understanding that their actions will shape Nigeria's fiscal landscape for years to come.

In this regard, members of the National Assembly must resist the allure of short-term political gains that come from pandering to regional, ethnic, or partisan interests. The VAT debate should not devolve into a zero-sum game where one region's gain is perceived as another's loss. Instead, it should be approached

as a collective endeavour to create a fairer, more efficient system that benefits the nation as a whole.

To achieve this, transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process are non-negotiable. Closed-door deliberations and opaque decision-making would only deepen public skepticism and erode trust in the system. Instead, the National Assembly must engage in open and participatory discussions, allowing stakeholders—including state governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and tax experts—to contribute their perspectives. Such an inclusive approach will not only enrich the deliberations but also ensure that the outcome enjoys widespread legitimacy and acceptance.

Furthermore, the Assembly should commission in-depth studies and analyses to inform its decisions. Drawing on empirical data and expert opinions will help legislators craft evidence-based policies that are aligned with global best practices. By demonstrating a commitment to reasoned and moral decisionmaking, the National Assembly can restore public confidence in its ability to address complex national challenges.

Nigeria does not exist in a vacuum, and valuable lessons can be gleaned from other federal systems that have grappled with similar issues. One of the most instructive examples is the United States, where states have considerable autonomy over tax collection and expenditure. This decentralization has fostered healthy competition among states as they strive to attract businesses and investments through innovative policies and efficient governance. The result is a dynamic and resilient economy characterized by regional diversity and interdependence.

Canada also provides a useful model. In its federal system, provinces have significant control over taxation and resource allocation, enabling them to tailor their economic strategies to their unique circumstances. This has allowed resource-rich provinces like Alberta to thrive while also contributing to national revenue through mechanisms like equalization payments, which support less prosperous provinces.

While Nigeria's socio-political and economic context differs from these countries, the underlying principle remains consistent: fiscal federalism that rewards productivity and innovation is crucial for national development. Col Oluwadare (rtd) is Assoc Professor, Department of Political Science, Nigerian Defence Academy

ABDULWASIU ONIYANGI argues that the CBN reforms are aimed at strengthening economic stability

CARDOSO’S REFORM AGENDA

In September 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated - and the Nigerian Senate confirmed - Oluyemi Cardoso and a four-man management team to oversee the affairs of the Central Bank of Nigeria. They were tasked specifically with the successful implementation of critical reforms at the country’s apex bank including a sound monetary policy for the country, which will enhance the confidence of Nigerians and international partners in the restructuring of the Nigerian economy toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all as part of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Over the past year since that appointment, Nigerians have seen the bank attempt to reposition itself, weaning its systems from a number of what had been seen as encroachments by the bank in territories outside its scope in previous years.

The Central Bank of Nigeria under Olayemi Cardoso launched a reform agenda aimed at strengthening economic stability, including measures like clearing backlogs of inherited foreign exchange obligations and halting quasi-fiscal activities that previously inflated the money supply.

Any of these policy reforms, taken singly, could have easily been a defining move for the Nigerian economy. That the Cardoso-led management has undertaken to confront all of them head on, and within the first one year, suggests either the height of bravery, a burning passion to deliver or both.

A shift back to traditional monetary tools saw the CBN unify various foreign exchange windows. Given Nigeria’s dependence on imports, the bank prioritized inflation control to increase domestic productive capacity. It also raised the monetary policy rate by 850 basis points (from 18.75% to 27.25%) to combat inflation. The bank is also transiting to an inflation-targeting (IT) framework to ensure price stability and enhance confidence in the economy.

Pioneered in New Zealand in 1990, this framework has been used in many countries including Canada, Great Britain, United States of America, Chile, Russia, Poland and a host of others and has shown to be effective in combating sustained inflation by maintaining low and stable prices, anchoring inflation expectations, and reducing financial market uncertainties.

By implementing this framework, the CBN aims to create a stable and predictable economic environment, which will benefit both businesses and consumers. The move is expected to stabilize prices, reduce currency volatility, and promote sustainable economic growth. This modern approach positions Nigeria for enhanced economic stability and resilience, aligning with global best practices in monetary policy.

To manage liquidity and support the naira, the bank began using Open Market Operations (OMO) to encourage Nigerians to hold local currency, thereby stabilizing the exchange rate.

Specific changes to CBN’s key policy tools include, the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) increasing by 850 basis points from February 2024 to September 2024, bringing it to 27.25%, with an asymmetric corridor of +500/-100 basis points. Additionally, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for Other Depository Corporations (ODCs) was raised to 45.0% from 32.5%, while the CRR for Merchant Banks was increased to 16.0% from 10.0%. The Liquidity Ratio for ODCs remained steady at 30.0%.

Reforms in the Bureau de Change (BDC) sec-

tor introduced new regulations to reduce unregulated practices and ensure smoother operations, thus helping stabilize exchange rate differences. These reforms include updated licensing standards and a franchise model to ensure only qualified operators participate in the market.

Already, significant wins have been recorded in this area including enhanced supply from Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), that have helped the CBN clear FX backlogs and restore confidence in the market. It has also led to a reduction in arbitrage opportunities and speculative activities.

In March 2024, the CBN’s settled $3.60 billion out of a $7 billion FX forward backlog inherited by the present management, a move which has contributed to stabilizing exchange rates and normalizing financial market operations and spur confidence in the banking system and the economy.

Meanwhile, in February 2024, the bank introduced a corporate strategy set to run through 2028, focusing on the core values of integrity, meritocracy, professionalism, courage, accountability, and tenacity, with the aim of transforming the financial system.

Also, in its efforts to boost diaspora remittances, the bank set a $1 billion target for the year, and by this December 2024 will launch a non-resident BVN platform. This will allow Nigerians abroad to manage local accounts, conduct business, and address KYC requirements with ease, enabling them to engage in the Nigerian economy without barriers.

Aligned with federal goals, the CBN is actively collaborating with the government to move Nigeria to a $1 trillion economy. This includes the bank’s recapitalization process for Commercial, Merchant, and Non-Interest Banks (CMNIBs) to make the bank’ capable of supporting this objective.

This move is expected to further strengthen the banking system - especially in the face of the devaluation of the currency over time which has seen an erosion of the capital base of our banks in dollar terms - and support economic growth.

With four years left to go in their first term in office, the Cardoso-led team certainly hit the ground running. Though still early days yet and knowing that reforms are never magic wands, expectations are high, and Nigerians are waiting with bated breath for the results of these reforms to begin to cascade across all the entire economy. Hopefully, when the records are being reviewed after the next year, the impact of these reforms will be more apparent.

Oniyangi, a public policy expert, writes from Garki, Abuja

LEOPOLD ZEKENG writes that the human rights of people living with or at risk of HIV is vital for ending AIDS by 2030

AIDS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The world has made enormous progress in reducing the impact of HIV over the last 15 years.

Globally, a total of 30.7 million people -77% of those living with HIV were on treatment in 2023, up from just 7.7 million in 2010. This has resulted in a dramatic decline in AIDS-related deaths, down by 51% over the same period.

Similarly, Nigeria has made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Currently, approximately two million people are living with HIV in the country, with an adult prevalence rate of 1.3% among individuals aged 15–49. In 2023, there were 75,000 new HIV infections, reflecting a decline in new cases over the years. The country has also achieved notable progress in treatment access, with 85% of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy.

But although a range of effective treatment and prevention tools have been developed, the world is still not on track to end AIDS as a global health threat by 2030. Global progress is too slow. Indeed, in at least 28 countries, new HIV infections are on the rise.

So how do we protect the gains already made against HIV and make further progress towards that vital 2030 goal? A new UNAIDS report released ahead of World AIDS Day, entitled Take the Rights Path, shows that upholding rights is the pathway to an HIV response that is robust and sustainable. The world can end AIDS as a public health threat, if the human rights of all people living with and at risk of HIV are protected.

In Nigeria, 160,000 children are living with HIV, and many more are at risk of infection. With 8 million pregnant women yearly, only about 33% receive anti-retroviral treatment for their own health and to prevent the transmission of HIV to their babies. Regrettably, mother-to-child transmission of HIV rate is 23%. The Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Nigeria is a signatory, obligates all state parties to act in the best interests of the child and to ensure “such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being.” These obligations have special importance in the context of HIV.

The denial of education and information puts people at risk. Recent data by UNICEF reveals that 10.2 million children of primary school age and 8.1 million children of secondary school age are out of school in Nigeria. There also remains an urgent need to invest in girls’ education and to provide comprehensive sexuality education -a critical component of HIV prevention.

Upholding the rights of women and girls is central to ending the AIDS pandemic. Genderbased violence increases vulnerability to HIV. Women aged 15 - 49 account for 1,200,000 out of the 2,000,000 people living with HIV in Nigeria. Just like in some other parts of the world, about one in three women have experienced sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria. Global rankings have consistently placed Nigeria within groups of low performers in terms of gender equality. Societal norms and stereotypes continue to further perpetuate gender inequality.

The social and legal climate faced by people from key populations and women can be lethal.

For instance, in August 2024, Christopher Ikbu Terpha, chair of the Nigeria Key Populations Health and Rights Network, and one of his colleagues were brutally murdered. In some instances, key populations in Nigeria have experienced discrimination, violent law enforcement practices, arrests and other forms of human rights violations. These violations and abuses often shove people living with HIV and key populations to the margins of society, denying them access to life-saving health and social services, including HIV services. When marginalized communities are criminalized or stigmatized, their vulnerability to HIV infection increases, and their access to HIV prevention,

treatment, care, and support services is obstructed.

In Nigeria, 10.9% of the estimated 446 000 people who inject drugs are living with HIV. Like many countries, Nigeria has punitive laws criminalizing possession of drugs for personal use. A substantial and growing body of evidence reveals that criminalization of drug use worsens HIV prevention and treatment outcomes and triggers a plethora of additional human rights violations.

Countries that are beating the AIDS epidemic are doing so by repealing laws and policies that discriminate, by expanding human rights for all and by allowing marginalized communities to lead the response. The anti-rights backlash which threatens to undo much of the progress made in the global and national AIDS response needs to be challenged head on. To protect everyone’s health we need to protect everyone’s rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the WHO Constitution recognize the right of all people to the “highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.” Having ratified the ICESCR, Nigeria has an obligation of ensuring the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of health services and health promotion efforts and for addressing the underlying determinants of health. In the context of HIV, this requires, among many other things, that all people living with or at risk of HIV have meaningful access to person-centered health services that meet their needs.

Under international human rights law, Nigeria has an immediate obligation to guarantee the enjoyment of the right to health without discrimination. The enactment of the HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act -a national law on the protection of the rights of people living with or affected by HIV/ AIDS from discrimination based on their HIV status, is indeed a right path towards fulfilling this obligation. However, 10 years after its passage, only about 19 states have domesticated the Act.

It has been demonstrated that scientific advances on their own cannot ensure the world will end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Indeed, the protection and promotion of human rights has been central to the successes of the global and national HIV response. The World AIDS Day commemoration presents an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its commitment towards ensuring that the human rights of all are respected, protected and fulfilled.

UNAIDS’ new report provides a clear road map: To end AIDS, take the rights path.

Dr Zekeng is UNAIDS Country Director in Nigeria

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

HIV/AIDS: TAKING THE RIGHT PATH

The authorities could do more to contain the scourge

Nigerians joined the rest of humanity to celebrate the World AIDS Day 2024 with the theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” It was another reminder that there is an urgent need for a renewed commitment in fighting the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) burden in our country. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling on global leaders and citizens to champion the right for addressing the inequalities that hinder progress in ending Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as a public health threat by 2030, stakeholders in Nigeria don’t seem to be paying much attention. Yet, the threat is huge.

At a recent ceremony to mark the launch of Preventing Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee, then Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, painted a grim picture of the situation in Nigeria. “As you are aware, Nigeria contributes 25 per cent of the global burden of HIV transmission between mothers and their children,” said Alausa who is now the Minister for Education. “Despite testing approximately four million pregnant women in 2023, our Prevention of Motherto-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric HIV coverage remains at about 35 per cent, falling significantly short of the 95 per cent target.”

ment to prevent its transmission to their infants.

To address this huge burden, health authorities in Nigeria must scale up their enlightenment campaigns, particularly in the rural areas, especially on the many risk behaviours that could lead to infections. Unprotected sex is said to account for about 80 per cent of new cases in the country. According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria ranks third among countries with highest burden of HIV infection in the world. But it is more prevalent among people in prisons and highrisk drug users. The UNODC studies on HIV prevalence in Nigerian prisons reveal that 2.8 per cent of inmates and 9 per cent of people who inject drugs (PWIDs) live with HIV/AIDS.

Less than 50 per cent of people needing antiretroviral treatment have access while barely half the numbers of people living with HIV know their status

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

To compound the challenge, a recent report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) stated that Nigeria contributes 46 per cent of new infections among children in the West and Central African region and 18 per cent of the global figure. Furthermore, only about 30 per cent of children who need antiretroviral therapy (ART) are receiving it compared to 90 per cent of adults living with HIV. And only about a third of pregnant women living with the virus are receiving antiretroviral treat-

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

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Letters to the Editor

It is indeed worrisome that HIV/AIDS epidemic is still a serious public health issue with enormous negative impact on the health of Nigerians and the economy. Yet one of the key issues fingered by health authorities for the present scary situation is inadequate funding but there are other challenges. For instance, less than 50 per cent of people needing antiretroviral treatment have access while barely half the numbers of people living with HIV know their status.

It is even more disturbing that critical agencies of government continue to understate the national prevalence rate of the disease as well as the total number of people living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (PLWHAN) because it wants the country to look good to the AIDS world. The annual allocation for health in Nigeria is far below the 13 per cent recommended by WHO and the 2001 African Union (AU) 15 per cent Abuja declaration. While the prevalence varies from one state to another, it is estimated that about two million Nigerians are infected with the virus.

The consequence of this situation is that several Nigerians die needlessly of a preventable disease that is also no longer life-threatening if properly managed.

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

THE RISE OF THE PHOENIX IN PORT HARCOURT

Nigerians love a feel-good story. When Chidinma Adetshina recently emerged first runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, Nigerians rallied to celebrate. In 2022, when sprint Queen, Tobi Amusan, put Nigeria on the map of the World Championships for the first time ever, Nigerians were united in their celebrations. The same frenzied celebrations were displayed when Hilda Baci cooked her way into the history books in May 2023.

This often rapturous celebrations of feats which warm the cockles of the heart can partly be pinned down to the fact that in 64 years of independence and 25 years of democracy, Nigerians have not had a lot to cheer. Bad leadership, poverty, and recently insecurity have cast a permanent pall over a country that once promised so much at independence.

At the center of Nigeria’s problems is the fact that it has not managed its oil resources well. Exploration of oil has become a direct exploitation of the Niger Delta, and an indirect exploitation of Nigerians by a kleptocracy that has somehow kept its proboscis stuck into power.

President Tinubu came to power with a pledge and promise to renew hope. Nigerians will hold him to this pledge.

The quest to renew hope in a country that has known hopelessness and haplessness for so long has proved a daunting task even if the presidency appears either not to know it or is deliberately refusing to acknowledge it.Since the beginning of the year, sporadic protests have broken out across the country, with pockets of people all over protesting the lack of direction shown by the government. This uncharacteristic impatience by Nigerians who are otherwise known to give very long ropes to those who lead them is a sign of the hopelessness that has broken out like a case of hives.

But the return to operation of of the Port Harcourt refinery offers hope during what is a dark period for Nigerians.it is no news that costs of living have soared to unprecedented heights, dragging with it the frustration levels of Nigeria. This in turn has made even more frantic the frenetic efforts of those leaving the country while casting those leading the country as frauds. At the heart of the spike in cost of living is the removal of fuel subsidy. The singular removal of fuel subsidy, a decision many years in the making, which, however, was dropped like a bombshell by President Tinubu on

the day of his inauguration is set to go down as the defining move of this administration, for good or for bad. But it was an act of courage given its long-term prospects and the backlash it provoked from Nigerians. It is doubtful that the presidency anticipated the fallout from the decision to remove fuel subsidy given that its post-subsidy direction was hazy at best, but time, may yet vindicate the decision.

In the time since subsidy was removed, Dangote refinery has started operations and the Port Harcourt refinery has roared back to life after many years of coma induced by incompetence.

The operation of both refineries and the revamp of other refineries in the country should change the complexion of the fuel economy in Nigeria. This will in turn reduce the price of fuel. That can be a catalyst for easing the hardship crushing millions of Nigerian families. It may just be what the doctor ordered for Nigeria. It may just be the elixir Nigeria needs as hope is the ultimate discovery as the elixir of life.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

Kayode Tokede

Boosted by investors quest for higher returns, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised N11.29 trillion worth of Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) across its auctions in 11 months of 2024 as stop rate on 364-day increased to 23.5 per cent.

The N11.29 trillion raised during the period under review is 106.4 per cent higher than the N5.47 trillion raised in 11 months of 2023.

NTBs or T-Bills as they are sometimes called are short-term debt securities issued by the government to make up for budget deficits and fund projects. In Nigeria, NTBills are issued by the CBN on behalf of the federal government.

Despite the increase in the fuel pump price, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has stated that there was a drop in the price of transportation fare in October year-on-year (YoY).

The NBS in its transport fare report said the drop was experienced in comparison to prices paid in October 2023.

According to the bureau, the average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within the city per drop increased to 0.98 per cent from N899.31 in September 2024 to N908.15 in October 2024. On a year-on year basis, it declined by 18.72 per cent from N1,117.30 in October 2023.

The average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys

The amount raised between January and November 2024 indicates continuing confidence among investors in the Nigerian government’s debt instruments.

By tightening its monetary policy through higher interest rates and large NTBs auctions, the CBN aims to curb raising inflation and stabilise the foreign exchange rate, thereby fostering a more balanced economic environment.

The Mr. Olayemi Cardoso-led Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN has jacked up the interest rate by 870 basis points to 27.50 per cent from 18.75 per cent at the start of the year to combat rising inflation, this has led to an equal increase in the yields of Treasury

within the city per drop increased to 0.98 per cent from N899.31 in September 2024 to N908.15 in October 2024. On a year-on year basis, it declined by 18.72 per cent from N1,117.30 in October 2023.

In another category, the average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity per drop was N7,187.62 in October 2024, indicating an increase of 0.18 per cent on a monthon-month basis compared to N7,175.06 in September 2024. On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose by 22.12 per cent from N5,885.68 in October 2023.

For air travel, the average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey was N126,293.05 in October 2024,

bills compared to last year.

The primary market auctions showed that CBN in the 11 months under review offered N6.42 trillion worth of NTBs to investing public but eventually recorded a total subscription worth N34.16 trillion.

The total sale of N11.29 billion in NTBs in 11 months of 2024 underscores a robust appetite for Nigerian sovereign instruments, with a significant over-subscription, especially in the longer tenor, suggesting that investors are looking for higher returns and are willing to engage with longer maturity profiles.

THISDAY observed that investors demand for long maturities NTBs continued to grow as its stop rate reached 23.5 per cent in November

indicating an increase of 1.28 per cent compared to previous month (September 2024). On a year-on -year basis, the fare rose by 60.31 per cent from N78,778.38 in October 2023.

The average transport fare paid on Okada transportation was N535.98 in October 2024 which shows an increase of 0.75 per cent when compared with the value recorded in September 2024 (N532.00). On a year-on-year basis, the fare increased by 5.65 per cent when compared with October 2023 (N507.30).

For water transport (waterway passenger transportation), the average fare paid in October 2024 was N1,478.09 which indicates an increase of 0.67 per cent on

2024, the highest so far in 2024.

The variation in stop rates across tenors also offers insight into investor sentiment regarding short-, medium-, and long-term economic outlooks.

While the lower stop rate on the 182-day bill suggests anticipation of stable interest rates, the higher stop rate on the 364-day NTBs could imply a cautious stance towards potential future economic volatilities.

Investors’ diversified demand across the different maturities of NTBs reflects strategic positioning for various investment horizons and signals a healthy trading environment in the Nigerian debt market.

Demonstrating the highest demand in the 11 months under review, the 364-day NTBs had an

monthly basis. On a year-on-year basis, it increased by 5.90 per cent from N1,395.68 in October 2023.

On state profile analysis, for intercity bus travel (state route charged per person fare), the highest fare was recorded in Anambra with N9,589.96, followed by Gombe with N8,345.26. The least fare was recorded in Kwara with N5,588.74, followed by Ebonyi with N5,616.74. Taraba state recorded the highest bus journey within the city (per drop constant route) in October 2024 with N1,161.86 followed by Zamfara with N1,148.01. On the other hand, Adamawa recorded the least with N451.85, followed by Abia with N455.05. Similarly, Oyo recorded the highest air transport charges for specified

offer of N4.64trillion, with a total subscription of N30.67 trillion, far exceeding the other tenors.

However, the CBN allotted N8.86 billion at a stop rate of 23.5 per cent as of November 20, 2024 from 8.399 per cent January 2024, indicating investors’ willingness to hold longer-term bills despite a higher yield reflecting the risk premium for extended maturities.

Analysts have attributed the high yield to the factor of demand and supply, stressing that the government deliberately increased NTB supply to encourage higher stop rate at 23.5 per cent or that some institutional investors held back their bids.

“The essence is to encourage foreign inflows that could help

routes single journeys) with N129,440.66, followed by Anambra with N129,412.24. Conversely, Ekiti recorded the least fare with N121,388.11, followed by Nasarawa with N122,802.18. Also, Lagos State had the highest motorcycle transport fare in October 2024 with N929.04, followed by Ondo with N772.60. Anambra recorded the least fare with N320.90, followed by Bayelsa with N321.36. Similarly, water transport fare was highest in Bayelsa with N4,575.37, followed by Delta with N4,268.33, while the least fare was recorded in Borno with N477.75, followed by Gombe with N629.56.

For Analysis by zone in October 2024, transport fares of bus journeys within the city

improve dollar liquidity in the foreign exchange market and cause a moderation in Naira exchange rate until the market attains equilibrium level. I have no doubt that this is the most appropriate decision on the part of CBN and the government at this time. There’s a need to improve dollar liquidity that will eventually force domestic interest rates to moderate subsequently. The higher interest rate will likely filter into the equity market to temporarily moderate the bullish sentiments in that market as well,” said Investment Banker & Stockbroker, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka

recorded the highest in the SouthWest with N949.48, followed by South-South with N931.94, while the North-East recorded the least with N873.60. In terms of bus journey intercity, the South-South had the highest fare with N7,681.73 followed by the South-East with N7,378.71, while North-Central recorded the least with N6,912.04. Air transportation in October 2024, the South-East recorded the highest fare with N127,189.61, followed by the South- West with N126,732.40 while the South-South had the least with N125,686.78.

Sanwo-Olu Vows to Replicate Dangote Refinery’s

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared that the state government would replicate an equivalent of Dangote Refinery in the state’s food system with the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Park, which is being constructed on 220 hectares of land in Epe.

Sanwo-Olu declared this during a working visit to the project site that being handled by the Origin Technology Group.

He said that the Phase 1 of the project would be completed and commissioned in the second quarter of 2025.

He said: “What you see in Dangote Refinery on the

petrochemical side is what you are seeing in this food security hub project on the food side. We are writing our destiny with our hands. We want the citizens of Lagos to have the ability to have food sufficiency.

“This project will enable us to stabilise prices once we are able to have off take from some of the states that are producing food items. They will bring them down and we can store them here and redistribute.”

Sanwo-Olu said that the vision to embark on the construction of the food security system and logistic park flowed from the disruption of global food chain during the COVID-19 period and ongoing wars.

He said: “Then we come up

IGP Kicks Against Bill to Exempt Police from CPS

Ebere Nwoji

At last the much agitation for police exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme(CPS) may have rested as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has kicked against the bill seeking to exempt the agency from the CPS saying it would not favour the police force.

Egbetokun who stated this while addressing some police officers recently at a public function noted that if the police exit the CPS, they would go back to square one.

“Yes it is true that a bill has been passed by the National Assembly for the police to exit the CPS and that bill is awaiting presidential assent, but has anyone of you seen the details of the content of that bill? You need to go and look at the bill and see

where you are exiting to.

“Everybody is shouting ‘let us go, let us go’. You must know where you are going before you start shouting, ‘I want to go. When I became IG, I set up a committee to look into the pension issue and we discovered that the bill awaiting the assent of the President does not favour us. If we exit the present Contributory Pension Scheme, we are going back to square one, where we were before the introduction of the scheme.

“Our pension will be in the hands of politicians and they will be the one to address our pension. Our pension will be subject to budgetary allocation every year and when the government does not have money, you will not be paid. You remember those days when retirees will go and line up and wait for months and they will not get anything, that is the place you want us to go back to,” he stated.

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Energy

Emmanuel Addeh

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Also speaking during a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service on the bill sponsored by Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe, representing Adamawa South, Mr. Ivor Takor, Director, Centre for Pension Rights Advocacy (CPRA), stated that the CPS remains the most secured and sustainable system for ensuring police officers’ pensions and safeguarding them from old age poverty.

Rather than exiting police from the CPS, Takor made the following recommendations: “Enhanced Gratuity Payments: He recommended that the Federal Government should provide police retirees with a gratuity amounting to 300 percent of their final annual gross pay upon retirement, while their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) continue to fund their monthly pensions etc.”

with a strategy that Lagos should be able at a very large scale to protect itself from food insecurity. And now we can see that that audacious move we made three years ago in our view is on a right course as the largest food logistic hub in the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa is here. It is sitting in a land of over 220 hectares. You can see what would

be the largest cold and dry chain storage facility.”

The Executive Chairman of Origin Technology Group, Mr. Samuel J. Samuel, in his welcome address, said that the only project that could be likened to this is in France, which is on about 247 hectares of land and took six years to build. He said: “It has taken us just

two years plus to get to where we are now from ground zero. All thanks to the commitment of Mr. Governor. We have the cold store which is going to be the largest glass freezer anywhere around Africa. It is a 25,000 square meter of glass freezer. It will be able to stock over 250 trucks of any cold goods from fish, vegetable, beef and others. With this project, Lagos will drive the price of food items down by 50 per cent when completed.

“We also have the dry store, which is about 11 football fields. We also have the admin building of five flours; we have the clinic and fire station. We have a 4.0 mega power plant that has already been procured waiting for installation.”

$100m Catalytic Investments Sealed at Agriculture Summit Africa

Nume Ekeghe

Over $100 million in catalytic investments were secured at the recently concluded Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2024.

The event organised by Sterling Bank, Sterling Foundation, Security the African Union, and other stakeholders, held in Abuja under the theme, “Transitioning from Scarcity,” served as a platform to drive innovation and forge transformative partnerships in addressing Africa’s food security challenges.

A major highlight of the event was the Nigeria Feed, Fodder, and

Livestock Investment Deal Room, where key commitments were made to strengthen agricultural value chains.

Prominent stakeholders at the event included Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, and Michael Oglegba, Benue State Commissioner for Finance and Budget Planning, among others.

The bank in a statement noted that the Nigeria Feed, Fodder, and Livestock Investment Deal Room, Series 1, held at the Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA), was a high-level forum for catalytic investments that facilitated discussions and commitments of

‘Nigerian Businesses Suffering

Mary Nnah

Managing Director of Seven-Up Bottling Company and convener of SME Scaleup, Ziad Maalouf, took the stage at TEDx PAU (Pan-Atlantic University) to address a critical challenge facing many small-tomedium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria: the Scaleup Deficit Disorder (SDD).

The renowned business leader, who has successfully led the growth of Seven-Up Bottling Company for over a decade, shared his journey and insights to help Nigerian entrepreneurs avoid the mistakes he made in scaling up his business. He emphasised that while 98%

Raheem Akingbolu

The President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Lanre Adisa, has called on creative agencies in the country to ignite the flame of creativity and uphold the standards that make their work exceptional.

In his opening remark at the 2024 Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Award, Adisa said the competition has become a beacon for the creative talent that abounds in Nigeria, setting the stage for bold ideas and impactful storytelling.

of Nigeria’s entrepreneurs have this disorder, they are extraordinary in their potential.

“The problem is YOU,” Maalouf emphasised. “The cure for Scaleup Deficit Disorder starts with a clear focus on growth strategies. You have to take responsibility for your business’s growth and not wait for external factors to change”, he said Maalouf’s talk resonated with many, as he highlighted the critical need for business owners to invest in scalable systems, disciplined decision-making, and a growthoriented mindset.

He also shared a compelling case study of a Nigerian SME that adopted a structured approach to

“Let us continue to push boundaries, to innovate, to collaborate. Let us ensure that LAIF remains not just a festival but a movement—a movement that champions creativity, celebrates excellence, and inspires generations,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the board for the incredible work, pointing out that the award has grown to become a symbol of excellence and a platform that showcases the ingenuity and resilience of the advertising industry.

The award ceremony, held

over $100 million to strengthen agricultural value chains.

Key stakeholders in the room included Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi; Director of Animal Husbandry Services at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Winnie Lai-Solarin.

Commenting on the significance of the ASA Deal Room in addressing food security and agricultural transformation, Commissioner for Finance and Budget Planning, Benue State, Michael Oglegba stated, “The Deal Room

cost reduction, strategic hiring, and operational efficiency, resulting in significant success.

In just four months, the company’s revenue soared to 310 million Naira, and within a year, it crossed the billion Naira mark.

Maalouf attributed this success to the company’s focus on scalable systems, disciplined decisionmaking, and a growth-oriented mindset.

Other speakers included Dr. Cosmas Maduka, President and Chairman of Coscharis Group, on entrepreneurial success and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, Mr. Michael Olugbemi, Programme Director,

recently in Lagos, saw Insight Publicis took the lead on the medals table. The agency amassed 327 points, winning 7 Gold, 26 Silver, and 36 Bronze, which resulted in the agency being crowned 2024 Agency of the Year.

X3M Marketing Ideas Limited came second on the medals log, taking home 10 Gold, 10 Silver, and 8 Bronze, while Noah’s Ark Communications Limited emerged third, winning 3 Gold, 10 Silver, and 15 Bronze.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman, Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF)

at ASA provided a platform to attract strategic partnerships that address key challenges in agriculture. Through this forum, Benue State secured a partnership with South African investors to enhance feed production and livestock systems.” CEO, Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, highlighted the significance of the foundation’s role at ASA, stating, “ASA exemplifies the power of collaborative action in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges. Food security is one of our focus areas, and this aligns with the investments and partnerships made possible through the Deal Room.”

Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), on how gas can power Nigeria into the future, Mrs Adesuwa Ifedi, Africa Senior Vice President for Heifer International, on leadership, scaling for development, and fostering strategic partnerships Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor at Lagos Business School, on education that amplifies entrepreneurial skills, Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, on the importance of collaboration and innovation in entrepreneurship and Ms Temitope Runsewe, of Dutum Construction, on navigating the complexities of the family business.

Management Board, Jay Chukwuemeka, congratulated all the participating agencies for the exceptional work of creativity done in the last year despite challenging times. He described this year’s edition of the award as keenly competitive, stating that it broke the record for the highest number of entries in the award’s 19-year history. He stated that entries for this year’s edition went through a strict and rigorous judging process, which eventually led to the emergence of winners in different categories.

NPA Advocate Review of ISPS Security Code for Secured Maritime Industry

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has called for a review of the implementation of the International Ships and Port Facility Security, (ISPS) Code to ensure a more secured maritime industry.

Speaking at the 2024 National Conference of the Port Facility Security Officers Forum of Nigeria, Dantsoho said a review will ensure the nation’s ports and shipping lanes are secure and resilient and fit for demands of a modern and global maritime domain.

Dantsoho also said that the move to review implementation of the Code will enable Nigeria develop proactive and innovative solutions for a better secure maritime industry.

According to him: “As we reflect on the past two decades, we are reminded of the critical role that maritime security plays in facilitating international trade, protecting our national interests and ensuring the safety of seafarers, port workers and the environment. The ISPS Code which came into force in 2004 to emplace adequate security measures in our ports to mitigate existing and potential threats, was a game changer as it has helped in addressing emerging security threats in the maritime sector.

“For Nigeria, it was a call to action, a call to invest in robust systems and frameworks that would not only secure our ports but also enhance our reputation not only as a safe and reliable maritime nation but

also as a maritime logistics hub for sustainable port service in Africa. In early 2020, preparatory to the introduction of the ISPS Code, the global maritime industry faced a range of unprecedented challengessecurity threats such as terrorism, piracy and illicit trafficking were becoming more complex and widespread. The world is changing and so too were the risks we faced on the seas.”

He added, “NPA recognised early on the necessity of aligning with international standards and implementing the ISPS Code with the utmost seriousness is required. Our ports were at the heart of the change. Our ports facilities have been upgraded following concession and adoption of the landlord model by

Kuku Commended for Airport Infrastructure, Manpower Development

Chinedu Eze

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has been commended for the improvement of infrastructure at some of the nation’s and embarking on massive training of the personnel within the short period she was appointed to head the agency.

Under Kuku, the major airports in the country witnessed the renewal and rehabilitation of critical facilities, as FAAN management prepared the international airports for ICAO certification. While Abuja and Enugu have been certified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano airports are getting

ready for certification, which NCAA approves in accordance with ICAO regulation. Former Commissioner for Information, Plateau State and erstwhile General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Yakubu Dati who commended Kuku, pointed out that being the first woman to head the agency, she has shown unusual competence and inimitable efficiency.

“I must say that for the first time we are having a lady as the managing director and chief executive. So within such a short time, in fact just barely 11 months, she has been able to get this in the kitty, the recertification of two airports which was not done for more than four years ago, the putting Nigeria on the global aviation map. For instance, FAAN

received two awards at the ACI (Airport Council International) conference in South Africa just last quarter of the year. And by that recognition she was also made a board chairman of Africa region of the Airport Council International,” he said.

Dati said that Mrs. Kuku’s achievements have confirmed the fact that women can sometimes do it better; so, Nigeria should take the affirmative action more seriously.

He also noted that since the Tinubu administration started, there has been greater development in the aviation industry, recalling the removal of Nigerian from non-compliant countries and the Cape Town Convention Aviation Working Group moving Nigeria’s rating from 49 to 70.05 and later to 75.

INTELS Empowers 62 Women, Donates Garments to Host Communities

INTELS Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s leading oil and gas logistics company, has graduated 62 beneficiaries of its Women Empowerment Project Scheme Synergy (WEPSS), and donated 500 garments designed by the graduating class to its host communities.

The graduation ceremony took place at the WEPSS Training Centre, Rosa Volpi Women Development Centre, Federal Lighter Terminal, Onne Port, Rivers State.

As part of the graduation event, INTELS presented the 500 garments to the Tilda Goes Green Foundation in Port Harcourt.

This marks the 11th graduation since WEPSS was established in 2013, bringing the total number of trained beneficiaries to 2,047.

The program aims to empower 5,000 women over a 20-year period with skills in fashion design and tailoring.

During the ceremony, INTELS Managing Director Mr. Pasquale Fiore highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering women and uplifting communities.

“We believe that when we invest in a woman, we are investing in a powerful source for global development. Since its inception, WEPSS has empowered over 2,000 women. Each year, we strive to improve by taking on bigger projects to support more women and provide them with the tools they need to succeed,” Fiore said.

Addressing the graduates, he added, “Knowledge is power,

and ambition is the driver. Use the skills you’ve acquired to excel in the fashion industry, and always remember the importance of giving back to society.”

WEPSS Project Manager, Nancy Freeborn, applauded the continuous support of INTELS leadership in sustaining the program.

She emphasised how the initiative has transformed lives over the past 11 years.

“Many women have walked into this training center with dreams and left empowered with skills to achieve them. Today, we celebrate 62 new success stories as they step into the world of fashion,” Freeborn said.

She cited examples of past beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed by the program.

Trade Facilitation: Senate Committee Offers Support to APM Terminals

Eromosele Abiodun

The Senate Committee on Privatisation has offered its support to APM Terminals Apapa in tackling obstacles hindering efficient trade facilitation.

Led by Senator Aminu Tambuwal, the committee made this known when they visited the terminal to carry out their oversight functions.

the NPA, new security measures and technologies have been introduced and there has been substantial investment in training of security personnel to ensure that we are not only compliant but also proactive in addressing emerging threats.

“We are proud of the progress we have made but we recognise that this success has been the result of the hardwork and commitment of a wide range of stakeholders. The Nigerian Ports Authority alongside federal and state agencies, port facility operators, security services and our international partners has worked in synergy to ensure that our maritime environment remains secure and that Nigeria continues to be a trusted player in the global shipping business.”

Speaking, Tambuwal said, “APM Terminals has made impactful contributions to port modernisation and investment in Nigeria. We encourage you to continue enhancing your services while we in turn, promise to support you in tackling obstacles hindering trade, such as the numerous government agencies involved in inspecting cargo at the port.”

Also speaking during the visit, a member of the committee, Senator Sunday Katung, commended APM Terminals for consistently paying its taxes and other dues into the coffers of government.

“I saw your financials and I am very impressed. It is impressive and I would want more improvement, which is predicated on some of the things we have mentioned here,” the Senator said.

The lawmakers were accompanied on the visit by officials of the

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

Highlighting the transformative impact of the federal government’s 2006 port concession programme, which allowed private terminal operators to take over cargo handling operations at the port, Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen said, “Since the concession programme, we have witnessed a significant transformation of the port, including increased efficiency, better equipment, and faster vessel turnaround times.

This public-private partnership model has been a game-changer for Nigeria’s port system and the Nigerian economy.” He also mentioned the terminal’s intention to invest in a comprehensive upgrade of the infrastructure at the port.

General Manager, Legal and Corporate Affairs of APM Terminals Nigeria, Chinenye Mirian Deinde, highlighted the company’s recent efforts to enhance the terminal’s capacity and support Nigeria’s economic diversification.

She noted that APM Terminals Apapa recently expanded its yard capacity to accommodate the growing volume of export cargo, particularly non-oil exports.

Eromosele Abiodun

L-R: Senator Sunday Katung; Senator Aminu Tambuwal; Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen; Senator Mustapha Khabeeb and Senator Kelvin Chukwu, when members of the Senate Committee on Privatisation visited APM Terminals Apapa, Lagos… recently

SEC Announces New Requirement for Capital Market Operators

Kayode Tokede

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced evidence of registration with a Trade Group as a new requirement for capital market operators seeking to renew annual registration at the commission.

The new requirement, is contained in a statement signed SEC’s Director of Registration, Exchanges and Market Infrastructure Department (REMI), Hafsat Rufai, on behalf of the commission’s director general at the weekend.

“This is to inform all Capital Market Operators (CMOs) that the annual renewal of Registration of CMOs for the year 2025 will commence on January 01, 2025. All CMOs applying for

renewal of Registration are required to include their 2025 annual receipt from their respective groups as part of their application. In line with the Commission’s Rlules and Regulations, all CMO are to complete the process of renewal of registration for 2025, on or before January, 31, 2025., Note that CMOs without valid registration will be penalized and may be excluded from carrying out capital market activities,” the SEC said.

Responding to the announcement, the Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Sam Onukwue, lauded the commission and urged market operators to take advantage of the new directive.

“It is a welcome development, and we duly commend the

Elects First Female President

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Sixty-seven years after its establishment, the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), has elected Dr Chinyere Nwoga as the first female president of the chamber.

Nwoga was elected at the 2024 Elective Annual General Meeting of PHCCIMA held in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Addressing journalists shortly after her election, Dr Nwoga said she was coming on board to build on the legacies of the

chamber, assuring that the new executives of the chamber would work together to sustain the growth of the chamber.

“I am coming to build on what has been handed over to us and we are going to work as a team, we have outlined our plans and gradually we are going to unveil them. But the bottom line is that at the end of the day, what we need to do is to move this chamber forward and higher than we met it. That’s the commitment we are making today,” she said.

She promised to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure

SEC for this directive. It will strengthen Trade Groups in their advocacy role as well as in promoting market transparency and professionalism,” he said.

Market watchers were quick to say that this new requirement is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the capital market.

SEC believes that registration with a trade group will help to ensure that capital market operators adhere to industry standards and best practices. The Commission is committed to protecting investors and promoting the development of the Nigerian capital market. This new requirement is an important step towards achieving these goals,” explained a Custom Street Analyst.

that the right environment is provided for businesses to thrive in the state.

Earlier in his valedictory speech, outgone president of the chamber, Mike Elechi commended members and the past executives for giving him much needed support which culminated in his achievements while in office.

He said during his stay in office, he was able to contribute to the growth of small and medium scale business in the state and built several partnership between the chamber and government agencies, urging the new administration to build on them.

Rite Foods Wins Waste Reduction Initiative Award

Rite Foods Limited, has clinched the ‘Waste Reduction Initiative of the Year Award’ at the Social Impact & Sustainability Awards (SISA 2024).

According to the organizers of the award, Rite Foods recognition with the award is “For innovative efforts in waste reduction, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and promoting sustainable practices within the industry”.

Specifically, three initiatives by the company this year qualified it for the award. They include: Rite Recycle Initiative, which is

designed to educate children on the importance of recycling in building a sustainable world; Rite-on-the-Beach, which focuses on clearing plastic waste from coastal areas in partnership with Popbeach Club; and its partnership with Sterling One Foundation to carry out extensive clean-up exercises on Lagos beaches.

Presenting the award to Rite Foods, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CSR Reporter, Eche Munonye, congratulated Rite Foods for its commitment to sustainable practices, adding that “SISA recognizes organisa-

MARKET INDICATORS

tions and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to social impact, environmental stewardship and ethical business practices”.

In his remarks, Corporate Communications Manager of Rite Foods Limited, Innocent Adulugba, said as a responsible organisation, environmental sustainability is integrated into the Company’s business strategy and expressed fulfilment that the Company’s initiatives and partnership efforts have been recognized by the wider public, including CSR Reporters.

IIUSA EB-5 Investor Information Series Returns to Abuja, Lagos

BraveICONS Global, in partnership with Invest in the USA (IIUSA), is bringing the IIUSA EB-5 Information Series back to Nigeria.

The 2024 series scheduled for Abuja and Lagos will provide Nigerian investors with valuable insights into the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, a pathway to U.S. Permanent Residency and Citizenship.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the program’s benefits and requirements, understand the application process, explore successful project opportunities, and network with industry experts and fellow investors.

Chairman of the IIUSA Nigeria Forum, Mr. Fife Banks in a statement stated that the event provides a unique platform for Nigerian investors to achieve their immigration and investment objectives.

Harpic Commemorates World Toilet Day

As the global community commemorates World Toilet Day 2024, Reckitt, makers of Harpic, has reiterated its commitment to promoting clean and hygienic toilets for all Nigerians by marking the global event. This year’s global theme, “Toilets – A Place for Peace,” underscores the crucial role of sanitation in fostering health, dignity, and sustainable communities. was marked by a gathering of stakeholders in Lagos and Abuja. Reckitt, in collaboration

with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, emphasized the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s sanitation challenges during the commemoration in Lagos. This commitment aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which calls for equitable access to sanitation for all by 2030. The event saw Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources laud Harpic’s contributions in the fight to preserve the environment.

According to Mr Wahab, “When sanitation services are destroyed, damaged or disrupted, untreated human waste spreads in the environment, unleashing deadly diseases such as cholera. The act of Open Defecation in the State from statistics is about 3% according to WASHNORM 2021 report.

The Lagos State Bureau of Statistics put this figure at 8%, therefore, our gathering here today is to proffer solutions to the sanitation in the State.”

following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

ManagingDirector,INTELSNigeriaLimited,Mr.PasqualeFiore(left)presentingachequeofN2milliontoObarijimaLewa, the 2024 Best Graduating Trainee of the INTELS Women Empowerment Project Scheme Synergy (WEPSS) at the FederalLighterTerminal,OilandGasFreeZone,Onne,RiversState...recently.

PHCCIMA

Dangote Cement Overtakes Airtel, 11 Others as Most Capitalised Stock on NGX

Kayode Tokede

Dangote Cement Plc has outpaced Airtel Africa Plc, 11 others trillionaire companies as the most capitalised listed stock on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

With investors demand for Dangote Cement in November 2024, its market capitalisation reached N8.16 trillion, leading Airtel Africa currently at N8.11 trillion, BUA Foods at N7.11 trillion and MTN Nigeria Com-

munication at N3.57 trillion by market capitalisation.

Dangote Cement, among other stocks have recorded an upward trajectory since the entry of the new administration led by President Bola Tinubu, and it is due to the proactive implementation of reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market.

Foreign investors and High Network Investors have continued to take positions in

these 13 stocks amid Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) foreign exchange policies as their prices in the past was undervalued on the bourse.

THISDAY gathered that in October 2024, Airtel Africa was the most capitalised listed company when its market capitalisation was around N8.27trillion, followed by Dangote Cement and MTN Nigeria Communication that stood at N8.16 trillion and N7.11 trillion by market

capitalisation, respectively.

The stock price of Dangote Cement in its Year-till-Date performance has appreciated by nearly 50per cent to close November 2024 at N478.80 per share from N319.9per share the stock price opened for trading this year.

The N8.16trillion market capitalistion of Dangote Cement is about 13.8per cent of the N59.107 trillion overall market capitalisation of all listed companies on the

Exchange.

Dangote Cement saw a marginal increase in its profit before tax in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 to N406.38 billion as high finance and production costs gulped revenues during the period.

Company in its unaudited financial statement for the period September 2024 where revenue increased by 69.5per cent from N1.51 trillion in the nine months of 2023 to N2.56 trillion in the period under

review.

The company’s profit in the period under review rose marginally by less than N2 billion to N406.38 billion from N404.89 billion in the corresponding period of 2023. Despite a 70per cent increase in revenues, the company only managed to increase profit after tax by a meagre 0.56per cent owing to a near doubling in production cost and more than 100per cent increase in finance cost.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF NOVEMBER 28/24

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 28-November-2024, unless otherwise stated.

Business Special

UBA’s N239bn Rights Issue Offers Shareholders Opportunity to Invest for Improved Returns

United b ank for a frica (U ba ) p lc on Friday, n ovember 15, 2024 commenced its n 239.4billion r ights i ssue, an opportunity for existing shareholders to expand their holdings in a frica’s Global b ank with customer touch points in 20 a frican countries, international presence in n ew york, l ondon, paris and d ubai, writes Kayode Tokede

On November 15, 2024, UBA commenced its N239.4 billion rights issue and it is expected to close December 24, 2024. The Pan-African financial institution is offering to existing shareholders 6,839,884,274 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N35 per share.

This offer is on the basis of one new share for every five existing shares already held by shareholders as of November 5, 2024. The rights issue is part of a broader N400 billion equity shelf programme approved earlier in 2024.

The management has budgeted N94.01 billion or 40 per cent of the proceeds amount on expansion of its lending portfolio; N70.51billion or 30 per cent on technology & digital transformation and N70.51 billion or 30 per cent on business network expansion and upgrade.

Of the N94.01billion on expansion of its lending portfolio, the management said it planned to utilise N15.98billion to grow the retail lending portfolio; N19.74billion to support SMEs and Entrepreneurs; N31.96 billion on infrastructure lending and N26.32billion on corporate and institutional portfolio.

As gathered by THISDAY, the stock price of UBA reached 52-high of N35.05 per share and 52-low of N18.9 per share this year.

The stock price of UBA has appreciated by nearly 29 per cent year-to-date (YtD) to N32.35per share as of November 22, 2024 from N25.10 per share it closed 2023.

However, the offer gives existing shareholders the opportunity to purchase additional shares in proportion to their current holdings as the financial institution is working in compliance with the revised minimum capital requirements for Nigerian commercial banks announced by the apex banking regulator in Nigeria – the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) earlier this year.

With an additional 6,839,884,274 ordinary shares, UBA after the offer is expected to have 41,039,305,642.00 outstanding shares on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and market capitalisation around N1.44 trillion (considering the price at N35.00 per share).

UBA as of September 2024 declared N1.31 trillion retained earnings from N919.87billion reported in 2023 full year (FY), while its “other reserves” stood at N2.04trillion as of September 30, 2024 from N926.5billion in 2023.

From the balance sheet position, it closed September 2024 with a total equity of N3.6trillion, about 76.6per cent increase from N1.96trillion reported in 2023FY.

The offer is expected to further strengthens regulatory capital and positions the Group for growth in lending, digital banking and

unique diversified global banking strategy. Also it will enhance shareholders’ return amid growing profit and stock price appreciation.

UBA has consistently demonstrated growth and resilience, evidenced by the Group’s strong financial performance and recent recognition within the industry.

UBA’s progressive dividend policy, which has seen an increase of 14.8per cent in annualised dividend yield has demonstrated the Group’s ability to reward shareholders consistently.

The Africa’s global bank for the first time in its history, paid shareholders an interim dividend of N2.00 per ordinary share of N0.50 each payout for half year(H1) ended June 30, 2024.

The board proposed an interim dividend of N2.00 per share as against N0.50 per share paid in H1 2023, translating to a dividend yield of 7.8per cent based on the last closing price of N25.75 per share September 27, 2024. The N2.00 interim dividend amounted to total payout of N68.4 billion and translates to a 21.6 per cent dividend payout ratio, one of the highest in the industry.

Reporting N316.36 billion profit after tax in H1 2024, the Group’s proposed interim dividend payout brings the shared value with shareholders at N68.4 billion. This also positioned UBA’s dividend payout ratio to 21.6 per cent and it is ahead of other banks.

The Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, had stated that the economic environment in H1 2024 remained challenging across the regions where it operates.

According to him, UBA in H1 2024 delivered strong double-digit growth across high-quality and sustainable revenue streams.

“This performance reflects our disciplined execution of strategic goals, focusing on balance sheet expansion, transaction banking, and digital banking businesses across our markets,” he said.

On building an even better bank, he said: “We continue to invest in building a better bank through improvements in People, Processes, and Technology.”

On technology investments, he added: “Our ongoing investments in technology are enabling us to deliver superior customer experiences, drive operational efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities.”

He stated that UBA’s strategic partnerships remain central with its growth strategy.

“In 2024, UBA was one of six banks to sign a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the Pan-African Payment Settlement System (PAPSS), enhancing cross-border trade and financial integration across Africa. We successfully deployed instant payment systems in five African countries, with more to follow.

“Our collaborations with telco partners have also expanded, with funds under management now exceeding $1 billion. These partnerships enable us to deliver impactful solutions such as micro-lending and savings products, enhancing financial inclusion.”

UBA in 2023 financial year paid shareholders a final dividend of N2.30 per share (N0.90 per share in 2022).

The proposed final dividend of N2.30 per share and the N0.50 per share interim dividend paid in September 2023, brought the total dividend for the year to N2.80 in 2023 compared with N1.10 per share total dividend paid in the 2022 financial year.

The financial institution this year has demonstrated resilient amid domestic and foreign macroeconomy challenges.

In the latest unaudited financial statement, UBA announced a 20 per cent growth in profit before tax to N603.48 billion in nine months ending September 2024, from N502.09 billion recorded in nine months of 2023. Similarly, profit after tax also rose remarkably by 16.9 per cent from N449.26 billion recorded a year earlier to N525.31 billion in nine months of 2024.

On the Offer tO sharehOlders

In his letter to the shareholders, the Group Chairman of UBA, Mr. Tony Elumelu, noted that following the resolution of the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held in May 2024, authorising the establishment of the N400 billion Equity Shelf Programme, UBA will embark on a Rights Issue, as the first step in its broader capital raising programme.

“UBA’s Rights Issue aims to raise N239.4 billion, through the issuance of new Ordinary Shares to our shareholders. The primary objective of this Rights Issue is to further strengthen our capacity to take advantage of growth opportunities and sustain our leadership in the banking industry,” Elumelu said.

Explaining the use of proceeds, the Group Chairman noted that, beyond regulatory compliance, the funds will expand the Group’s lending capacity,

investment in digital infrastructure, support sustainable business practices and expand the Group’s African operations.

Elumelu also highlighted how UBA is driving economic growth across Africa.

“Our historic partnership with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, where UBA pledged up to US$6 billion in financing over the next three years to support eligible SMEs across Africa underscores our commitment to fostering economic development.”

Operating structure

UBA operates in 20 African countries and four international financial centres. Its African operations are: UBA Ghana Limited; UBA Cameroun (SA); UBA Cote d’Ivoire; UBA Liberia Limited; UBA (SL) Limited; UBA Uganda Limited; UBA Burkina Faso; UBA Benin; UBA Kenya Bank Limited; UBA Chad (SA); UBA Senegal (SA); UBA Tanzania Limited; UBA Gabon; UBA Guinea (SA); UBA Congo DRC (SA); UBA Congo Brazzaville (SA); UBA Mozambique (SA); UBA Mali; UBA Zambia Limited and UBA Plc (Nigeria). The International operations are: UBA America, UBA UK, UBA France, and UBA UAE. The UBA African banks are engaged in the business of banking and provide corporate, commercial, consumer, and international banking services, trade services, cash management, and treasury services.

UBA UK Limited is a UK bank regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority and received its banking license in March 2018. Prior to gaining its bank status, the company was authorised in the UK to undertake investment business and was originally incorporated on September 25, 1995.

The bank is primarily engaged in wholesale banking, with a focus on facilitating trade and treasury flows between Europe and Africa. The bank offers trade finance, corporate banking, and treasury solutions to corporate and institutional clients. Also, the Bank operates New York and Dubai-DIFC offices to support trade with Africa and the Americas on one hand and Africa and Asia on the other hand.

UBA Pensions Custodian Limited obtained an operating license on 20 February 2006 and commenced operations in Nigeria on 3 May 2006. It principally operates as a custodian of pension assets, to hold and deal in such assets as directed by the Pension Fund Administrators and in line with regulations of the National Pension Commission in conformity with the Pensions Reforms Act 2004 and as amended in 2014.

This Week In Tech

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Tech Top 5 News

HOW MTN NIGERIA’S $120M PUSH REDEFINED INTERNET SPEEDS IN AFRICA

MTN Nigeria’s $120 million investment in 5G technology has positioned the telecom giant as the leader in internet speeds across West and Central Africa (WCA).

The latest Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data reveals MTN Nigeria’s download speeds soared to 95.62 Mbps in Q2 2024, the fastest in the region, with upload speeds hitting 17.01 Mbps.

This technological leap directly benefits Nigeria’s 2.6 million 5G subscribers, offering unparalleled speed and reliability. With 50 per cent of the nation’s telecom market under its belt, MTN Nigeria is cementing its dominance, even as the country’s 5G penetration climbed to 35.7 per cent in Q2 2024, overtaking South Africa’s 31.6 per cent.

MTN launched its 5G network in September 2022, initially covering seven major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. By the end of 2023, its coverage extended to 11 per cent of Nigeria’s population through over 2,100 5G sites. The company’s ambitious rollout continues to reshape connectivity in Africa’s largest telecom market.

Competitors are trailing. Airtel’s median download speed on 4G remains at 30.35 Mbps, while MTN’s advanced infrastructure powers far superior performance. Meanwhile, Mafab Communications, another 5G licence holder, has yet to launch its services.

MTN Nigeria also outpaces its regional counterparts, including MTN Ghana, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, in both download and upload speeds. Ghana follows closely with a median upload speed of 16.74 Mbps.

“MTN Nigeria’s 5G rollout sets a benchmark for the entire region,” said Karim Yaici, lead industry analyst at Ookla.

As part of MTN Group’s broader vision, Nigeria serves as a model for 5G adoption across Africa. MTN has expanded 5G coverage in Uganda, Zambia, Congo-Brazzaville, and Benin, with trials underway in South Sudan.

As of September 2024, Nigeria has 3.3 million 5G subscribers, representing 2.19 per cent of the country’s 154.9 million mobile users, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). MTN accounts for 79 per cent of these users, underlining its leadership in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.

With internet speeds tripling since 2022, Nigeria is fast becoming a hub for digital innovation, and MTN Nigeria is at the heart of this revolution. Its commitment to expanding connectivity is paving the way for economic growth and digital inclusion, offering faster and more reliable internet to millions.

NIGERIA

LAUNCHES DIGITAL

HUB TO TACKLE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

Nigeria has launched a state-of-theart Electronic Data Centre to modernise environmental health management, promising faster service delivery, better transparency, and cost efficiency. The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) spearheaded the initiative, marking a significant step in the country’s push for digital transformation in public administration.

Speaking recently at the launch in Abuja, Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, representing President Bola Tinubu, emphasized that the Data Centre aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This platform will enhance data-driven decision-making, improve environmental monitoring, and support inclusive governance,” Lawal said.

The centre will act as a centralised hub for collecting, storing, and analysing environmental health data. It provides federal, state, and local government stakeholders real-time access to crucial information, enabling evidence-based

TECH PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK

LAYO OGUNBANWO: Developing Products

Impacting over 100m Users Worldwide

This week’s featured tech personality is Layo Ogunbanwo, founder and CEO of Splice—a comprehensive platform for booking, payments, and business management tailored to beauty and wellness businesses in Africa. Before founding Splice, Layo held key roles such as VP of Product Strategy at Piggyvest, West Africa’s largest savings and investment platform, Product Lead at Nubank, the world’s largest digital bank, and a leadership position at Axxess, a leading healthcare software provider in North America. With over 13 years of global experience spanning Latin America, Africa, and the US, Layo has developed products impacting over 100 million users worldwide.

Layo is also deeply committed to fostering gender inclusion. She is a founding member of the Feminist Coalition, an organisation dedicated to advancing equality for women in Nigerian society. Beyond her entrepreneurial work, she mentors budding businesses as part of the Google for Startups Africa Accelerator, sharing her expertise to empower start-ups to thrive.

policymaking and swift responses to environmental issues.

EHCON’s Registrar, Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, described the project as a “game-changer” in reducing bureaucratic delays. Processes like license renewals and registrations, previously taking weeks, can now be completed within 48 hours online.

Baba added, “We aim to make reporting environmental abuses seamless. Soon, users will report violations via a mobile app, enabling swift action from nearby officers within minutes.”

The system will also enable real-time environmental monitoring and early warning systems to address crises before they escalate. Supported by the World Bank and 19 northern states, the project aims to foster international collaboration and bolster environmental research efforts.

The Centre’s design includes provisions for distance learning and the creation of secure documents for other agencies, potentially generating additional revenue.

Dr. Edwin Isotu of the World Health Organisation (WHO) applauded the initiative, highlighting its potential to reduce climate risks, improve public health outcomes, and create jobs.

“This investment not only aligns with Nigeria’s climate commitments but also strengthens the country’s position as a leader in sustainable environmental practices,” he stated.

PAYSTACK PARTNERS OPAY TO BOOST PAYMENTS FOR MERCHANTS

Nigerian merchants can now accept payments directly from OPay’s over 40 million users due to the new feature launched by Paystack, a subsidiary of Stripe.

This partnership aims to streamline transactions, offering customers a seamless way to pay through the OPay app or web interface, bypassing traditional debit card systems.

In 2023, over 50 per cent of transactions on Paystack were processed via bank transfers, a jump from just 13 per cent in 2021. The fintech’s latest move continues its push for efficiency by integrating alternative payment methods, reducing merchants’ costs while improving user convenience.

“Businesses need payment options their customers trust,” said Shola Akinlade, Paystack’s CEO. “This integration offers that reliability.”

The integration builds on OPay’s reputation as a trusted platform, especially during Nigeria’s 2023 cash crunch when banks faced unprecedented transaction volumes. OPay’s mobile app became a lifeline for millions, processing payments with a near-perfect success rate of 99.9999 per cent, according to Paystack.

OPay Managing Director Dauda Gotring highlighted the collaboration’s potential, stating, “OPay is committed to leveraging

modern technology to deliver innovative financial solutions.”

The feature allows merchants to enable ‘Pay by OPay’ via Paystack’s dashboard, granting access to over 26 bank channels. Customers can authenticate payments through OPay’s app or web platform, providing flexibility for both mobile and desktop users.

The broader fintech sector in Nigeria has seen exponential growth, with transactions in 2024 estimated at N46.91 trillion. This surge is driven by a population eager for faster, cost-effective payment solutions.

FRAUD SURGE: NIGERIAN BANKS LOSE N10BN TO CYBER FRAUD IN Q3

Concerns are mounting in Nigeria’s financial sector as fraud cases and losses linked to fraudulent activities continue to surge.

In the third quarter of 2024, Nigerian banks reported a sharp increase in fraud, with attackers attempting to steal N115.9 billion—more than double the N56.6 billion targeted in the previous quarter.

Although banks could reduce the actual losses, N10.1 billion was still stolen, a significant sum highlighting the growing sophistication and frequency of cybercrimes affecting the sector.

The latest report from the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) revealed that the number of fraud cases reported by Nigerian banks jumped by 65 per cent, rising from 11,532 cases in Q2 to 19,007 cases in Q3.

The total amount of fraud attempted in the third quarter was the highest in recent years, pointing to an alarming trend of increasing fraud risks in the financial sector.

The report also showed that fraud was not limited to a single platform but was widespread across various channels, including online banking, mobile transactions, and point-of-sale terminals.

In the first nine months of 2024, Nigerian banks lost an estimated N53.4 billion to fraud, a staggering increase from the N9.4 billion lost throughout the previous year.

The bulk of these losses came in the second quarter, where fraudsters stole N42.8 billion, followed by a further N10.1 billion loss in the third quarter. These numbers paint a troubling picture of the growing threat that fraud poses to the Nigerian banking sector.

The Managing Director of FITC, Chizor Malize, expressed grave concerns over the rising fraud rates, noting that such activities erode public trust in the country’s financial institutions.

“The increasing rate of fraud affects businesses and undermines the confidence of the public in our financial services,” she said.

Malize pointed out that fraudsters are now targeting all channels of financial transactions, including web platforms, mobile devices, and PoS systems, highlighting the need for urgent action to safeguard these platforms from exploitation.

SAMSUNG CHAIRMAN FINED, FACES FIVE-YEAR PRISON TERM

Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee has been handed a fine of $375,000 and may face up to five years in prison after being convicted of stock price manipulation. Lee, along with 13 other executives, is accused of orchestrating illegal actions during the controversial 2015 merger of two Samsung affiliates.

Despite a prior ruling in February where Lee was acquitted of accounting fraud and stock manipulation, prosecutors have appealed the decision. The case has reignited concerns about Lee’s leadership as the company struggles with slow profits and declining stock values.

The charges relate to the merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries, which critics argue did not protect the interests of minority shareholders. Prosecutors allege that Lee engineered the merger to enhance his control over the Samsung conglomerate, which he inherited after his father’s health crisis in 2014. The case has put the spotlight on Samsung’s governance and its future under Lee’s leadership, raising questions about his ability to navigate the company through its ongoing financial difficulties.

POLITY

Olaseinde Odimayo at 75: Celebrating a Rich Legacy of Art and Inspiration

Ayoola Ajanaku

As we mark the 75th birthday of Prince Olaseinde Odimayo on Monday, 2 December 2024, we honour a life and career dedicated to elevating art and culture to new heights in Nigeria, sub Saharan Africa and beyond. Renowned for his vision, passion, and unwavering commitment, Odimayo has established himself as a transformative force in the world of art curation, inspiring generations through his tireless advocacy for creativity and excellence.

Odimayo’s journey in the art world is a story of brilliance and dedication. From his early days, he demonstrated a rare ability to uncover and amplify the voices of both emerging and established artists. Through his curatorial genius, he has brought global attention to art forms that challenge, uplift, and reflect the human experience. His work has transcended borders, creating bridges between cultures and fostering deeper understanding through the universal language of art.

Throughout his career, Odimayo curated exhibitions that remain milestones in the art world, such as . His influence has extended far beyond galleries and museums, reaching into communities where art serves as a catalyst for change, education, and empowerment. He has always believed in the transformative power of art and has worked tirelessly to ensure it is accessible to all.

As a renowned mentor, Odimayo has nurtured countless artists, curators, and art enthusiasts, sharing his knowledge, wisdom, and passion with humility and grace via Treasure House Fine Arts. His ability to connect with people - whether artists or audiences is a testament to his generous spirit and profound belief in the potential of art to bring us closer together.

One of his protege’s is Nana Asumah, the brain

BOOK REVIEW

talent, Odimayo offered her an opportunity to work with him and he polished the rough diamond christened Nana Asumah whose artistic DNA was carved while digesting the artistic locomotion of the old school

exponents of Nigeria arts as a teenager.

And perhaps most importantly, his love for art is contagious. Whether in private conversations or public lectures, his words have inspired all who’ve crossed his path. For Prince Olaseinde Odimayo, the act of curating is not just a profession but a lifelong journey - a never-ending search for the next transformative experience, the next story that needs to be told, the next boundary that should be pushed. As a prince, he carries not only the title but also the responsibility of stewardship, and he has fulfilled this role with grace and dignity. His contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage and his work in fostering a deeper appreciation for African art have brought him recognition both at home and abroad. Yet, it is his enduring passion for his people, his culture, and his art that makes him a true leader—not just in title, but in the legacy he leaves behind.

Today, we celebrate not only Prince Olaseinde Odimayo’s remarkable achievements, but also the enduring legacy he has built. At 75, he continues to inspire us with his boundless energy and commitment to enriching the art world. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

Here’s to Olaseinde Odimayo—an extraordinary curator, a visionary leader, and a true champion of art and humanity. Happy 75th birthday! Here’s to you - A true master of your craft, a visionary, and an eternal champion of the arts. May the next chapter of your journey be as rich, as inspiring, and as impactful as the many that have come before. We celebrate you yesterday, today, tomorrow, the future and always -Let the champagne and Prosecco flutes clink to the leading light of the arts ecosystem in this part of the world.

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

Mastering 2025 Day by Day

Book: Daily Manna (A Devotional Guide, January-December 2025)

Author: W. F. Kumuyi

Reviewer: Banji Ojewale

William Blake was the Romantic English poet who believed that if you had it right from sun-up, you’d be positioned for success all through the day till sun-down. What he simply meant was that you needed to dedicate quality time to plot your vision of the trajectory of the day as you leave the bed. You impose your wishes on the day before you move into it, he insists; otherwise you’d run into elemental and untameable circumstances. The writer, who lived between two centuries (1757-1827), put it this way: “Think in the morning. Act in the noon. Eat in the evening. Sleep in the night.”

An extrapolation of the poet’s theory leads to this breakdown: as you wake, think and plot your movement for the day; by noon, turn what you thought through and plotted into weapons to subdue your challenges; at dusk return to enjoy the gains of the day; finally, you retire into the warm nocturnal embrace of sleep.

But our take as we read the devotional of Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi is that although he subscribes to Blake’s proposal about opening your day with a strategic mental cogitation, the cleric strongly declares that such inner effort must have Biblical props, without which one wouldn’t experience a triumphant day. That’s the uncompromisingly sublime tip Kumuyi offers in the Daily Manna book: the God factor and its infallible instructions.

Now, some cynical critics may ask: what else do you expect from the man Heaven used to establish the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), an organisation completely given to the irreducible ideals of holiness and craving for Heaven in a world centrifugal from its Creator? I may concede some point here.

But Kumuyi has long left behind this history, even if it was the cradle leading to the birthing of a thousand and one other histories, including his monthly anti-denominational Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), along with the recently launched project, Change Makers International (CMI). These are radical flights from the norm in Christendom and society.

So, how did the clergyman open his day into his world and then went on to sustain the streak of successes he’s been identified with all these decades? You may not need to meet the octogenarian physically to unearth answers. Just go for the nuggets he’s dropping in Daily Manna of 2025. He delivers what I think has helped him in his Ministry. He shares his secrets, and says if daily we apply them, we’re guaranteed victory, growth, development, and spiritual and physical fulfilment.

Pastor Kumuyi has exhibited all these phenomenally in Ministry and in secular life. Why won’t we enjoy same or more if we emulate him? Therefore, every entry in the Daily Manna under review is about going to God early in the day for the transformation we need to connect

to His riches and enablement. Take the inspiring presentation that launches the reader into 2025.

After considering some five resolutions of American revivalist preacher and philosopher Jonathan Edwards of the 18th Century, Kumuyi argues that they “provide a reflective template for the New Year.” He then explains: “This New Year (2025) offers new opportunities to recalibrate all our dreams, desires and decisions. It offers a new dawn of new opportunities to rewrite our stories for greater accomplishments and impacts in our professions, family life, and God-honouring social entrepreneurship endeavours. Of course, it offers new resources to rejuvenate our waning energies for service and exploits in the Kingdom…Our God is a God of New Beginnings.”

We are, thus, inspired to apply the same principle to everyday of the year all our life. What guides us safely through the entire year should hold true for our daily encounters. Chief among what is recommended is a godly life in society. There are references to great men and women in the Bible and in secular history who modelled virtuous character.

The January 10 article recalls William Wilberforce, the British human machine who battled slave trade. Kumuyi says we need men and women like him to administer the society on the routes of justice, equity, and fairness, since “the Bible affirms that righteousness in private and spaces will continue to exalt a nation”. This piece has a fitting parting shot, called thought for the day: “Godliness and good governance are allies.”

Kumuyi wouldn’t do without teaching on salvation, the core of Christianity. So here comes an anecdote on Billy Graham, late American evangelist. He’s prosecuted for speeding. He pleads guilty and is fined.

Now the judge, after recognising the famous minister, pays the fine and proceeds to take the man of God to dinner. The bottom line: God surprises repentant sinners with extras after pardon. Salvation is full and free because it was fully paid for by Jesus Christ.

As we’re moved by the narratives, so are we by the openings and the headings. We have one, which says, “Is the Bible cruel?” Another: “What the dying world needs.” One more: “Between the messenger and his message.” These are one-liners of suspense meant to arouse thirst for more of

the article.

Daily Manna’s dramatic openers have the same effect. Check these two: “Indifferent people cannot build a different world.” And, “There’s not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of one candle…”

These, along with the witty “Thought for the day” depositions, are pithy expressions that brighten the delivery of the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC), as he reveals how we can sail through the year one day at a time. Another feature in the devotional is the guide to read the entire Bible in a year, again taking a few passages in a day.

The whole package has benefited many worldwide, with Kumuyi’s Daily Manna finding its way into homes, schools, hospitals, hotels, prisons, police cells, markets, airports, lawmakers’ chambers, etc. The book has become a silent evangelist; it is changing lives and improving society.

For wider and penetrative coverage, there are translations and audio versions of Daily Manna in various languages worldwide.

The 2025 edition is coming, for the first time, with testimonies from Daily Manna readers across the globe: Ghana, USA, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, etc. See these: “This Daily Manna is my morning bite. I run on it.” Another: “What a daily refreshment and rejuvenating experience to hear from the Eternal God every morning.” A third: “Lives are being enriched and blessed with the Daily Manna…”

Pastor Kumuyi applies Olympian language to reach his readers with the Word of God they need to glide through the potential storms of the season. It is a style that is also earthy without being banal. His words drop enlightenment without exhibiting a judgmentally condescending tone.

Finally, the evangelist is at his legendary best as he flies on the wings of Divine inspiration to address the multifarious needs of his unseen audience. That’s a vantage peak, because it’s only there he can connect in spirit to the concerns of those he’s writing to. This is the reason some of the articles, written before the previous year, assume an uncanny garb of prophecy as they deal with challenges of the moment, even when in the womb of time, long before they unravel.

•Ojewale is a writer and journalist at Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

behind Art Pantheon Gallery and arguably the leading light of her generation who has grown in leaps and bounds. She passed through the tutelage of the Odimayo curatorial conveyor belt much earlier when she cut her teeth in the arts ecosystem.

With a cursory eye for the inherent

Odimayo

The book

BRITISH COUNCIL GOING GLOBAL AFRICA 2024...

L-R: Country Director, British Council South Africa, George Berett; TVET/FE sector student representative, Nkangala FET College, South Africa, Ms Kgothatso Masetla; Senior Phase and FET Qualified Educator and Entrepreneurship Programme Officer: Makers Launchpad Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropies, South Africa, Ms Linda Lindani; Policy Advisor, Education Policy and Advocacy, All African Students Union (AASU), Ghana, Mr Divine Edem Kwadzodeh; Education for Sustainable Development Specialist, and Chairman of Council of Earth Charter International, Nigeria, Dr Akpezi Ogbuigwe and Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, The Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK, Professor Colin Riordan CBE, at the British Council Going Global Africa 2024 in Abuja, ... yesterday

UNICEF Warns of Alarming Child Welfare Statistics in Nigeria, Canvasses Media Action

Christian Munduate, UNICEF's Nigeria Representative, weekend, called on the media to prioritise children's issues and raise awareness to foster a culture of accountability within society.

Munduate made this known

at a symposium in Lagos, themed “Reinforcing the Role of Media in Mainstreaming Child Rights”, as part of World Children's Day celebrations.

The event brought together renowned editors, seasoned journalists, broadcasters, government officials, private sector representa-

Katsina Government Partners French Company to Develop Hydroelectric Power

Moves to revamp 10mw Lambar Rimi wind project

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Katsina State Government has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a French company, Ocean Solutions Energie, to develop hydroelectric power project to boost electricity supply in the state.

The State government has also put plans in place to revamp 10mw Wind Farm in Lambar Rimi after nearly two decades.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, in a statement, noted that the MoU aligned with the Electricity Act of 2023, which emphasised decentralised energy solutions, integration of renewable sources into Nigeria power grid and fulfills the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 on affordable and clean energy.

He explained that the Frenchbased company specialised in co-development of renewable energy

projects in Africa was represented by its Chairman, Mr. Minkaila Salami.

He revealed that Governor Dikko Radda and his Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ahmed, signed the MoU following critical engagement with development partners and industry experts in Paris, France.

Mohammed said: “In line with these objectives, Governor Radda revealed plans to establish a mini hydroelectric power station as part of a pilot project.

“The governor noted that the initiative will focus on providing reliable, renewable energy to local communities and will serve as a model for future hydroelectric developments across the State's 43 dams.

"Katsina State Government is committed to providing financial support to ensure the successful installation and long-term sustainability of the power station," the Governor assured."

tives, influencers, and child rights advocates to discuss the pressing issues affecting children in Nigeria.

She highlighted the critical role of the media in advocating child rights, emphasising the need for them to make children's welfare a central focus in their reportage through high-quality investigative stories that go beyond individual cases and follow up on long-term solutions.

According to her, "you need to make it a long-term vision," she said, "so that you can contribute towards ensuring that government, religious and traditional leaders, communities, and families are equipped with the right information."

She pointed out that the media holds a unique power to connect with the public and shape societal attitudes.

"By using your platform, you can inform the public about the state of children, raise awareness, and

encourage everyone to understand their role in ensuring the well-being of children," she added.

Munduate stressed that the influence of media professionals could drive meaningful behavioral change by reaching both policymakers and everyday citizens.

"Your words are powerful. You can reach millions and have a lasting impact on entire communities," she stated.

The UNICEF representative also highlighted alarming statistics about the state of children in Nigeria, including the fact that one in two children lives in poverty, 41 out of every 1,000 newborns die from complications, 40 per cent of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition, and 2.1 million children remain unvaccinated.

She also mentioned the troubling issue of open defecation in the poorest households.

While acknowledging UNICEF's

role in providing vital data on children's welfare, Munduate explained that the true impact comes from the media's ability to engage communities, translating complex data into accessible language to raise awareness and drive action.

Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, echoed the need for the media to focus on telling the right stories and urging Nigerian leaders to invest in children's future.

"We need to help children confront these challenges so they can realize their full potential," he stated.

Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), also addressed the media’s responsibility to advocate children's rights and well-being.

He highlighted the critical need for the media to draw attention to issues like education and health disparities and mobilise public support to pressure policymakers.

"Nigeria is home to around 220 million people, nearly half of whom are children. While we celebrate the resilience of our young population, we must confront some harsh realities. Our role in mainstreaming child rights is vital," Anaba said. He emphasised that accurate data is the foundation for effective advocacy and urged the media to amplify the voices of children and uncover untold stories.

Speaking with journalists, Olugbenga Olayiwole, National Program Coordinator and Technical Lead for Rotary International’s PolioPlus Program, highlighted the importance of parents and caregivers in ensuring that children receive the polio vaccine. "Ideally, two drops are sufficient, but we administer multiple doses to build immunity faster. There is no risk of overdose. Our goal is to ensure no child is left unvaccinated," he said.

Oborevwori Lauds DESOPADEC for Building Future Entrepreneurial Leaders

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has lauded efforts of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) in building future generation of entrepreneurial leaders that will contribute to the growth of local economy in the state.

Oborevwori, who gave the commendation weekend during the fifth graduation ceremony of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy yesterday said empowering the youths with skills and starter packs

would stimulate them to becoming successful entrepreneurs and job creators.

The governor, who was represented at the event held over the weekend at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Prince Johnson Erijo, highlighted the crucial role of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy in equipping young people with the necessary technical skills, vocational training, values, and resources to become successful entrepreneurs.

He said the provision of skills

Amina Oyagbola Calls for Greater Support for Women in Politics, Highlights Key Barriers

Funmi Ogundare

Founder and Chairperson of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, weekend, called for systemic changes to support women in Nigerian politics, citing significant barriers that hinder their full participation.

She made this known while briefing journalists in Lagos, on plans to host its 16th Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference in December 12, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, themed, 'Fueling Resilience: Empowering Diversity for Economic Success'. Oyagbola addressed the challenges

women face when seeking elected office, emphasising the crucial issues of funding and the multiple roles women must juggle. According to her, "the elective process is very challenging. One of the biggest barriers for women in politics is funding. The financial demands of campaigning, especially in a system that often prioritises money politics, make it nearly impossible for many women to run for office."

In addition to financial barriers, Oyagbola who is a prominent business leader, highlighted the challenge of managing multiple responsibilities, especially for women who may have

family obligations.

She questioned the culture of late-night political meetings, which she argued disproportionately affects women, particularly those who are married or have children.

"Why must we have midnight meetings? Why can't we have political conversations during the day, at a more reasonable time?" she asked.

She also pointed out the issue of 'godfatherism' in politics, which often undermines women who might be seen as having less influence or power in male-dominated networks.

"If a woman has a godfather, the assumptions and implications about

that relationship are often negative," she stated.

Despite these challenges, Oyagbola acknowledged the achievements of women who have succeeded in politics, despite the odds.

She referred to Natasha AkpotiUduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central; and a speaker at the upcoming WISCAR conference, as an example of someone who has overcome these barriers to rise to prominence.

Looking beyond elected office, the founder also addressed the gender disparity in appointed positions within the Nigerian government.

and starter packs by DESOPADEC was a project that underscores Delta State government's commitment to the growth, empowerment and development of its people.

His words: "The provision of starter packs is not about offering equipment or infrastructure. It is about creating an environment that nurtures, the entrepreneurial spirit and equips our youth with the necessary tools to succeed.

"We are ensuring that every beneficiary has access to a structured pathway, to not only acquire valuable skills, but also to immediately apply them in real world. We believe this will directly impact the lives of thousands of young people across the oil producing areas of Delta State."

Executive Director of Social Services at the DESOPADEC, Chief Favour O. Izoukumor, said that the project, this time, was departure from the previous editions noting that the beneficiaries had initially trained themselves before DESOPADEC intervention to retrain and empower them for successful business ventures.

Izoukumor, while congratulating the graduates, acknowledged their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.

He urged the graduates to embrace the challenges and obstacles that come with stepping into the next phase of their journey, reminding them that the greatest achievements often arise from the most difficult

circumstances.

The Managing Director/CEO of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, said the commission was not only providing starter packs to each of the beneficiaries but also offered a cash grant of N500,000 to enhance the smooth take-off of their businesses.

"Each pack is a well-structured environment designed to provide the tools, workspace and infrastructure needed for these young entrepreneurs to thrive. Also, the cash grant of N500,000 is a seed investment to enhance their smooth take-off their craft and business ventures immediately", he said.

Ochonogor also disclosed that many women were also empowered with N100,000 cash seeds to improve on their petty trading.

Chairman, Board of DESOPADEC, Hon. John Nani urged the beneficiaries to utilise the starter packs and seed monies judiciously for the growth of their businesses.

He thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his support to the commission to enable it meets its responsibilities with provision of infrastructure, human capital development to the people of the oil producing communities in the state.

Two resource persons, Pastor Afolabi Adun and Dr. Charles Akpoki had lectured the beneficiaries on how to grow businesses and challenges they might face in the course of running their businesses.

Funmi Ogundare

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF STUDENTS OF LAGOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL...

L-R: Parent of the overall Best Student, Mrs Monica Nwajei; Head, Department of Nursing, Mrs Adebanke Oladunni; Overall Best Student, School of Nursing, Miss Isioma

Provost, College of Nursing Sciences, Dr. (Mrs) Olubunkola Olawuyi; and Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, LUTH, Prof. Ayodeji Oluwole, during the Year 2024 joint graduation ceremony of students of

University Teaching Hospital and presentation of the LUTH Schools in Lagos...weekend

Tinubu: No Easy Way Out of Nigeria’s

Socio-Economic, Political

Problems

Says his govt aware of challenges plaguing nation's tertiary education

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia and Fidelis David in Akure

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, said there were no easy solutions to the myriads of socioeconomic and political problems facing Nigeria.

He also said the federal government was aware of the challenges plaguing tertiary education and declared that they were not

insurmountable.

He first spoke weekend at the 12th Convocation ceremony of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike(MOUAU), Abia State. Th second time he spoke was at the combined 34th and 35th convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

While he was represented by the Director (Extension) in the Federal

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Deola-Tayo Lordbanjou, at the first event, he was represented by the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, at the other occasion.

The president said his administration "inherited socio-economic and political problems that are gradually being addressed."

According to him, "Our nation’s problems are diverse and

deep-rooted, but we are strongly determined to confront them", noting that, "We are making significant progress despite the myriads of interlinked challenges bedeviling our country."

He acknowledged "the difficulties our citizens are passing through" due to the implementation of his economic policies, but he insisted that there was no going back as the end would eventually justify

Insecurity: Niger to Transfer Students in Boarding Schools to Safer Locations

Declares state of emergency on education in Niger North Senatorial Zone

Laleye Dipo in Minna

As insecurity continues to fester in some communities across Niger State, the government has said it will now transfer students in insecure environments to safer places. This is just as the governor has

declared a state of emergency on education in the Niger North Senatorial zone.

Governor Mohammed Umaru

Bago announced these in Kagara town at the weekend when he began an inspection of projects being embarked by his administration in

Kaduna Commences Payment of N72,000 Minimum Wage

The Kaduna State Government said it has commenced the implementation of N72,000 minimum wage in the state.

The government, however, faulted claims by the state chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) that it failed to implement the wage.

The NLC had in a statement on Friday, threatened to embark on strike over alleged failure by the state government to pay the new wage.

But in a statement yesterday by the spokesperson to Governor Uba Sani of the state, Ibraheem Musa, dismissed claims by the NLC, saying the state government had commenced payment of the new regime.

Musa frowned at NLC’s lumping of Kaduna State with other states that had not implemented the new wage, saying it is "grossly unfair because the least paid worker in Kaduna received N72,000 as gross

salary in the month of November.’’

The statement said, "His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has complied with the spirit and letter of the National Minimum Wage Law, by paying the lowest paid civil servant N72,000 last month.

“NLC is harping on the issue of consequential adjustment, but the labour body should realise that there is a difference between salary increment and minimum wage.

"Kaduna State receives an average of N8 billion from Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC) from the centre every month. It also generates around N4 bn monthly. That translates to N12 billion revenue monthly.

“However, the monthly wage bill has jumped from N5.4 billion to N6.3 billion with the implementation of the minimum wage last month.

"There is also the deduction of N4 billion for loan payment every month. So, the wage bill and the deduction have gulped over N10 million out of the total N12 billion revenue.

Rafi Local Government Area that all Day Schools in the local government area will be renovated while students in boarding schools will be transferred to other safer boarding schools considering the activities of bandits in the area.

A statement on the tour made available to newsmen in Minna by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Bologi Ibrahim, also said Governor Bago announced plans to remodel the Kagara General Hospital after which medical students from the area would be posted to the facility for improved service delivery. In a different statement Bologi

Ibrahim said Governor Bago has declared a state of emergency on education in the Niger North Senatorial zone following discovery that there are inadequate school facilities in the zone especially along Bangi, Mariga Local Government’s axis of the zone.

Bago, according to Bologi Ibrahim, the declaration of state of emergency on education will help to address the lack of educational facilities in the zone saying that as a first step more Schools will be established in the zone while all existing day schools will be renovated and furnished with modern equipment.

the means.

"We have accepted the challenge of confronting our problems. With great determination, we are vigorously evolving sound policies, swiftly finetuning and strategically re-aligning them to deal firmly with the root causes of the problems.

"There are no easy fixes for these problems, but I do not doubt that our people will gladly rejoice when these measures are implemented," Tinubu said.

He cited the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, saying, "painful as it may be at the beginning, (it remains) the key to our energy security and a catalyst for investment in that sector.

"Healthy competition would ultimately be to the advantage of the consumer and at no cost for the poor. We are committed to these measures and to the overall development of our nation."

Tinubu, who is the Visitor to MOUAU, said the policy of establishing Universities of Agriculture was "well thought-out and properly planned to make our country selfsufficient in food production.

"As a nation, we are looking up to the universities to innovatively drive the transformation of our agricultural sector to achieve food security, diversify the economy and broaden the base for industrialisation," he said.

At the FUTA combined convocation, he called on the organised

private sector to collaborate with research institutions across the country with a view to develop and replicate research outputs for the benefits of citizens and improvement of the economy.

"Government is not unaware of the challenges facing our higher educational institutions. I want to use this opportunity to assure all Nigerians that our government is making concerted efforts to address the situation holistically.

“My government would not shirk its responsibilities in this regard. We will ensure that educational institutions get their dues in order to function effectively and efficiently. I know for a fact that stability of academic calendar is key to growth and development of educational institutions.

“I have no doubt that we can achieve stability in the University academic calendar if we come together as critical stakeholders. However, this cannot be achieved unless a peaceful industrial harmony is provided, and purposeful and participatory governance fostered.

"At this juncture, I would like to implore all the unions in our universities to cooperate with the government in order to deliver the needed development by ensuring an atmosphere of peace and tranquility on our campuses. On our part, we will ensure that incentives are emplaced for improved productivity.

“Let me also seize this opportunity

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos a businessman who left the country 35 years ago for Brazil, Ezeokoli Sylva, with a 700 grammes of cocaine buried in his stomach.

According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the 59-year-old Ezeokoli was arrested last Friday at the E-Arrival Hall of the Lagos airport upon his return from Sao Paulo, Brazil on Ethiopia Airlines flight via Addis Ababa Babafemi said when the returnee was taken for body scan, the result confirmed that he had foreign objects

concealed in his stomach, which made him to be placed under excretion observation during which he excreted 29 wraps of substances weighing 700 grammes that tested positive to cocaine.

In his statement, the suspect was said to have claimed he operates an African store in Brazil where he sells provisions, shoes and clothes, and that he bought the illicit consignment in Sao Paulo to resell in Nigeria with a view to raising substantial capital to boost his business.

Babafemi said in the course of the week in review, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Investigation and General Investigation (DOGI) last Tuesday intercepted two consignments containing cocaine and pentazocine

injection going to the United Kingdom via a courier company in Lagos.

While the cocaine weighing 200 grammes was concealed in local fabrics, 40 ampoules of pentazocine injection weighing 110 grammes were hidden in cartons.

In Kano, NDLEA operatives last Thursday arrested three suspects: Jamilu Adamu, 38; Umar Musa, 32; and Bunu Ali, 27, with 2,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 3,135,000 pills exol-5 at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria Road.

Babafemi also disclosed that no fewer than 2,120 kilogrammes of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis produced in Ghana were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the Ilesan beach, Lagos last Thursday,

adding that a suspect, Onibogi Muftau was arrested in connection with the seizure while four vehicles that were to convey the shipments from the water front were also recovered. He stated that this came on the heels of the seizure of 472 kilogrammes of the same psychoactive substance at Idi-Iroko, Imeko area of Ogun State last Monday. He said in Edo State, two suspects: Monday Onyenemue, 60, and Evans Omogiede, 42, were last Thursday arrested and 185.6 kilogrammes cannabis as well as a Toyota Previa bus marked BEN 06XL conveying the consignment were recovered during an intelligence-led raid by NDLEA operatives at Ukuwague street, Benin City.

Nwajei;

Lagos

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

John Shiklam in Kaduna

GRAND FINALE OF THE 5TH EDITION, MPULSE SPELLING BEE 2024...

L-R: Second runner-up of mPulse Spelling Bee, Ayomide Ibigbemi; President National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (Lagos State Chapter), Chief Alaka Yusuf; Winner of mPulse Spelling Bee2024, Ikenna Ikechukwu; Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Basic and Secondary Education, Honourable Opeyemi Eniola; Third runner-up, Munachimso Opara; and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, MTN Nigeria, Obiageli Ugbomw, during the Grand Finale of the fifth edition of mPulse Spelling Bee 2024 in Lagos…weekend

Labour Leaders, Govt Fault NLC for Including Abia among Wage Defaulters

Oyebanji Begs for Ekiti to be exempted

The industrial action called by the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in 14 states over allegednon-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage would not take place in Abia State. This emerged yesterday at a joint press conference addressed by the Abia State government and the leadership of the organised labour in the state, with both parties saying Abia was erroneously lumped among defaulting states.

Workers in the 14 states listed by the national leadership of NLC were directed to commence strike effective midnight of December 1, 2024 to compel the defaulting governors to pay the new minimum wage.

Chairman of the Abia State Council of NLC, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, said Abia had started implementing the N70,000 minimum wage since October.

"For anybody to put Abia among states that have not started implementing the minimum wage is a wrong perception," he said.

Okoro said government and organised labour had on October 24, 2024 jointly worked out a schedule of the consequential adjustments as it affected all salary grade levels.

The Abia NLC leader pointed out that the only issue that cropped

up was that the consequential adjustments was not properly effected as it "favoured workers on grade level one to seven while level eight to 16 were not favoured."

Corroborating his NLC counterpart, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Ihechi Enogwe, stated that Abia was included erroneously" among the states yet to implement minimum wage.

Chief of Staff to the Abia Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, also faulted the national leadership of NLC for including Abia among states to be grounded with industrial action, saying that the state has no issue with its labour force.

="It is not true that Abia is among states not implementing the minimum wage. The implementation has taken off," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to the national leadership of labour movement to spare the state from the planned strike, taking full effect from today, Monday, December 2, as proposed in states, where payment of the N70,000 minimum wage was yet to take effect.

Oyebanji, who spoke during the weekend at an event, where eminent lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun, staged the 28th annual Scholarship Award Scheme, and 5th Empowerment Programme of

his Scholarship and Empowerment Programme, of his twin projects, held at his Ikere-Ekiti country home.

This was as a total of 4,219 Nigerians benefit from the Wole Olanipekun's scholarship, and empowerment programmes, in 28 yrs

Oyebanji, who commended the patriotic zeal of Olanipekun, and his kind gestures' effects, in helping the unemployed, and the brilliant, but indigent residents to have a new lease of life, said all arrangements had been concluded to commence the minimum wage

payment, which he said, had since been approved, and agreed upon by the labour unions.

The governor explained that the delay in payment was not deliberate, as it was, due to the fact that the long negotiations, preparatory to the payment,

had just been agreed upon with workers, few weeks ago. Besides, he said the budget, to signal commencement of the said payment of the new minimum wage, had just been signed into law, as contained in the next fiscal appropriation bill.

Northern Politicians Move to Pull Out of APC, Unseat Tinubu in 2027 National Polls

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

A coalition of northern politicians under the aegis of Team New Nigeria (TNN), yesterday, announced it resolve to float a new political party, to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 elections.

National President of the group, Modibbo Yakubun Farakwai, who announced the decision at the official inauguration of harmonization committee in Kano, said, the decision to pull out of APC was informed by the failure of the President Tinubu administration.

According to him, all their members worked tirelessly with the APC in 2015, to wrest power from the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but, were disappointed and regretted their actions.

"The TNN has already ap-

14,776 Ebonyi People Receive N50,000 Presidential Grants, Says State Government

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Government, has disclosed that 14,776 persons have benefitted from the N50,000 presidential grants of the federal government from the state. At a town hall meeting in Abakaliki, Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, also urged Ebonyi people to register and access the ongoing N75bn presidential loan for all business owners across the 774 local government area of the state.

The team leader from the office of Nigeria's Vice President, Mr Martins Zohu, noted that President Bola

Tinubu has increased the maximum loan per an individual from one million naira to five million naira.

"We are here on the many interventions by the federal government. President Bola Tinubu has deemed it right to inject life into the economy. World over, we know that small and medium scale businesses are the backbone of every economy.

"There is no gain saying that President Tinubu is the lover of the masses. Mr President and his vice, Senator Keshim Shettima, who happens to be the chairman of the National Economic Council are doing their very best to improve the lives of Nigerians.

"This 75 billion naira is the second phase. Over 14,000 Ebonyians benefitted from the presidential grant scheme of 50,000 each. The beneficiaries testified how it impacted positively on their businesses.

“This second intervention is a loan to business owners. The process is ongoing and admirably, President Tinubu has increased the maximum loan from 1 billion to 5 billion each," Zohu said.

The Ebonyi State office Manager of the Bank of Industry, Mr Chukwudi Asiegbu, also is closed that 14,776 Ebonyians benefitted from the presidential grant scheme of N50,000 each.

proached the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to commence the process of the party registration. We have already come up with a name, TNN.

"We have developed a logo, constitution, manifesto and the flag and submitted to INEC and now awaiting approval of the INEC to become a political party.

"We are part of the 2015 arrangement, where we worked to see that APC won election in 2015. And today, we did not only regret doing that but, we have made up our minds to take over in 2027 to make a better and a true democratic Nigeria," he said.

Farakwai, lamented that the APC has failed woefully in every aspect, saying, "There is insecurity, hunger among others and the president is insensitive to Nigerian plights.

“It is very clear that the government has failed in almost everything, it has proved unable to secure the nation's internal environment. There is insecurity everywhere. There is spiraling lawlessness all over the country.

“There is widespread and rising poverty and unemployment across the length and breadth of the country. There is a complete and total decline in the quality of social services and an irremedi-

able dilapidation in the nation's socio-economic infrastructure across board.

“There is an unprecedented fall in the nation's standard of living and an astronomical rise in the standard of living. In short, today, there is nothing going right, and we have become a nation in which nothing works as it should, that is, if it works at all.”

Farakwai, said they already have 26 million registered members to form the new party, and called on INEC to be impartial and neutral in the discharge of their constitutional duties by registering TNN as new political party.

NYSC Vows to Seek Redress over Assault on Female Serving Corp Member in Kwara

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kwara State, weekend, said it would seek redress on the recent attack on a female serving corper at Government Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin, the state capital.

The serving corper was allegedly assaulted last Thursday by one of the teachers of the school, Mrs. Amuzat Fatima Nike for allegedly refusing to greet her.

The development, it was gathered, led to altercation between the duo and which was said to have snowballed into the tearing of the clothes of the serving corper.

The state government has since condemned the act.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, in a statement, described the act as

unacceptable in the society and Kwara State in specific.

“The state is known for peace and harmony and the state government will not allow anything to truncate the existing peace in its academic institutions.

“The Anti-Loitering Team of the ministry and the management team of the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission have paid an unscheduled visit to the school to investigate the alleged assault case and calm has been restored."

However, the teacher, Mrs. Amuzat in a chat with journalists in Ilorin denied attacking the female corp member as being raised in certain quarters in the state.

According to her, “While the corper was passing by, I queried her on why she could not greet people. She responded by saying she greeted but people did not

hear her and she walked away.

“Coming back, I called her, but she did not respond. I then asked what was wrong with her, saying, ‘I spoke to you, but you did not respond’.

“Responding, she said, ‘Don’t abuse me, if you abuse me, I will abuse you.’ And I didn’t abuse her.

"She claimed I called her a bastard. I refuted it. I told her I didn’t call her bastard. She pushed me and I fell to the ground. If I knew the gravity of the offence, I would have recorded the video of the incident on Thursday.”

But, the Head of Information and Public Relations of NYSC in the State, Mr. Morakinyo Oladipo in a chat with journalists in Ilorin confirmed the attack on the female serving corper in the state. He, however said, "NYSC would seek redress on the alleged attack against the corper."

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

INAUGURAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF NIBSS QUICK RESPONSE...

L-R: Elliot Sangoleye, head, e-Business & Digital Banking Group, Providus Bank; Akwaugo Sylva-Ezemoka, head Banks Team 2, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS); Abidemi Asumo, vice chairman, Committee of e-Business Industry Heads CeBIH; Ajibade Laolu-Adewale, chairman, CeBIH; Abednego Ugwueke, head, Digital Channels, First Bank; Henrietta Kadiri, head, Banks Team 1- NIBSS; and Olukayode Olubiyi, head, Digital Banking, UBA, at the Inaugural Annual General Meeting of NIBSS Quick Response (NQR) Payment Industry Committee in Lagos, hosted by UBA Plc…last Thursday

Jonathan: Rivers Crisis Will Eventually Make Fubara Emerge a ‘General’ in Politics

Says God’ll see

him

through current travails Urges the people to keep

supporting their governor Ex-president has

Former president of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, told the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, that he would someday emerge a general in politics.

Jonathan said though antagonism is a common experience that leaders face, the political war staged against the Rivers governor would eventually make him emerge as political general.

The former president made the assertion at the 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art and Culture Exhibition held at Nihi Community in Etche Local Government Area of the state.

Jonathan, therefore, pleaded with Rivers people to collectively ensure that they continue to support Fubara while making sure that the state remained peaceful in order to engender enduring development.

He also urged Fubara not to be perturbed over the political

antagonism against his administration but to remain dedicated to the obligations of governance without being distracted.

He noted that his current political experience was turning him into a better leader, adding: "I know you (Gov Fubara) are passing through challenges, and at occasions like these, I try to keep quiet. I don't like to say certain things.

"But this is first time you are holding top political office. You will pass through a lot. And, just know that nobody becomes a General without fighting wars.

“So, whatever challenges you are meeting now is baking you to be a General in politics. And with your total commitment and with the support I have seen from the people of Rivers State, God will surely see you through."

Jonathan emphasised the critical position that Rivers State occupied,

and warned that whatever happened to it negatively would impact on the entire country in the long run.

"We want a peaceful Rivers State, because Rivers State is the centre of the Niger Delta. And I always make it very clear: if we create serious perturbation in Rivers State, we are creating crisis in the Niger Delta, which is not good for our economy as a nation.

"We want a peaceful Rivers State. We want the Governor of Rivers State to be allowed to remain calm and do his work. After he finishes serving, another person will take over.

"In political office, we have tenures. And so, we don't need to kill ourselves over any political office. Allow those who are there to do their work, and after that, anything can happen."

The former president, who alongside Fubara, was conferred with a traditional title, commended

stood by me, Fubara reveals

His Royal Highness, Eze Ken O. Nwala, traditional ruler of Etche for the success he had achieved in 10 years on the throne and the commitment of Etche people to farming that has reckoned the place as the food basket of the state.

Fubara, who expressed delight over the recognition and the chieftaincy title, said his administration would continue to provide projects and social services that would improve the standard of living of the people.

Fubara urged the people to expect more government attention because of their support, and assured them that he would not disappoint them.

To the former president, Fubara said: "Let me thank our father for coming to grace this occasion. It is not just for the celebrant being close to him.

"This goes to show that he is a man who is very simple, who believes that humanity is the most priceless

Abiodun: Why I Consistently Focus on Devt of Ogun West

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has declared that his administration consistently focused on the speedy development of Ogun West Senatorial District due to agelong neglect of the zone by previous administrations.

Abiodun, who spoke at this year's grand finale of Oronna Day Celebration held at Ilaro, in Yewa South Local Government Area, noted that despite the zone being the largest non-oil revenue earner and the food basket of the state, it was not given the needed attention.

He said: "When I assumed office and for some reasons, most of my predecessors did not accord this zone the place and attention it deserved. Kabiyesi called me and said 'before you, all that happened here is that they will do some ground breaking but they never commissioned any project in this local government or in this zone' and I told Kabiyesi that the narrative will change.

"We will do ground breaking and we will also commission projects. I beat my chest and proudly say that we have done just that. The very important arterial road that connects the local government area to Ado/ Odo-Ota Local Government Area and other five local government areas that is the Ilaro-Owode road, we totally reconstructed it and the journey that take probably two and a half hours now takes few minutes.

“We have commissioned at least one road in each local government in this zone and some even have more."

Governor Abiodun identified the importance of the zone to the state as it is home to the Agbara Industrial Estate with about 500 industries just as the largest deposit of limestone and the largest cement factory is located in the zone.

He said his administration has completed the construction of one lane of the Atan-Lusada-Agbara dual carriageway, adding that efforts are on to complete the second lane.

The governor, while commending the indigenes for their contributions to the development of the town, particularly praised the Olu of Ilaro for his passion for the uplifting of Yewaland and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adetola for his developmental projects which has made life easier for the people.

While assuring of government's commitment, Governor Abiodun called on the people to partner and collaborate in development activities as government would not do it alone.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jubril, in his speech, appreciated the state government's efforts at galvanizing the people for community development.

He said the celebration, apart from serving as a cultural awakening and survival, could be used as developmental tools and source of foreign exchange revenue.

He commended the Olu of Ilaro and his people for the vision to use the celebration to improve education, infrastructure and the health of the people, saying it tallies with the vision of the National Assembly and that of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Chairman of the occasion and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. BosunTijani, represented by Senator Iyabo Anisulowo,

said the occasion is the celebration of the people's heritage that would not only engender development, but communality.

The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, in his remarks, appreciated Governor Abiodun for keeping to his promise to extend developmental projects to all sections of the State, appealing to him to work towards commissioning the housing estate sited in the town.

thing you can give to anybody.

"Coming here to celebrate with the Etche people is a sign of humility. So, I want to thank you for coming and to be with us today.

"When I was told that our Daddy (Jonathan) will be coming here, I had to cancel all other programmes to be here to receive him and to honour him.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), yesterday, said operatives attached to the Borno State Command foiled a move by a group of armed terrorists to attack Jakana Divisional Police Headquarters in Borno State.

The force averred that the police operatives foiled the terrorist attack at about 01:00 am on 28th of November, 2024.

A statement by Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, explained that the band of terrorists met strong resistance from gallant operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, who successfully repelled the attack and left many of the attackers with varying degrees of bullet wounds.

He, however, regretted that one police officer was injured and was currently responding to treatment.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Force Marine Officer, to lead a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the Kogi State boat mishap.

The boat tragedy which occurred on the 29th of November, 2024, along the Dambo-Ebuchi waterways of the River Niger in Kupa Local Government Area, involved over 160 passengers, with 24 rescued and others still unaccounted for.

In another development, the FCT Police Command said a local herbalist identified as Ismail Usman shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun in a misguided attempt to test the effectiveness of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm.

"Similarly, on November 25th 2024, operatives attached to the Sokoto State Police Command, along with operatives from other sister security agencies, conducted raids on several black spots and bandits camps across various areas in the State, clearing out the camps and recovering some AK47 rifles and several magazines, each loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition.

"Occupants of the camp took to their heels upon noticing the presence of the operatives while efforts are on top gear to apprehend them all," Adejobi said.

Sunday Okobi

A Lagos-based businessman, Mr. Chinedu Ernest Nwaka, through his lawyers, Dorminus Attorneys, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, against the Police Public Relations Officer, Force CID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, ASP Mayegun Aminat, threatening a N2 billion against her for declaring him a fraudster on X formerly known as Twitter.

He alleged that ASP Mayegun on November 27, 2024, defamed and maligned his character through her official X handle, where she made a post, captioned: ‘Arrest of serial fraudster, Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka

for fraud involving N320,000,000,’ thereby portraying him as a criminal and fraudster even when he has not been convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Lagos over the weekend, Ngwaka’s lawyer, Chris Ejima Johnson, said the police arrogated to themselves the position of a court of law when they convicted his clients on social media.

He noted that the controversial publication was replete with unfounded claims and defamatory imputations deliberately intended to defame his client and lower his estimation before the right-thinking members of the public.

The businessmen stressed that the petition to the IG demanded that the post be taken down with apologies to his client to be published in two national dailies and N2 billion as damages for the injuries caused by the defamatory post to his client’s reputation.

He also said the police had been 48 hours to comply with the demand or his client would be left with no option but to seek redress in court for commensurate remedies.

Johnson said his client was also a victim of a business that went wrong, a development he said the police were aware of and lamented that instead of carrying out their

investigation professionally to get the culprit for prosecution, they turned themselves into a court of law with the power to convict. According to him, “To set the records straight, our clients have never been convicted fraud or any criminal activity by any court. Our client is also a victim of the fraud which the police know or ought to have known if they had sincerely and professionally carried out their investigations. The police have abdicated their statutory role to investigate crimes but transmogrified into social media contents creators wherein they subject our client to media trial and convicted him by themselves.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Experts, Policymakers, Monarchs Harp on Solutions to Insecurity in Africa

Yinka Kolawole in osogbo Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, has emphasised the urgency of tackling insecurity, which he described as a multifaceted barrier to development on the African continent.

Adebooye, stated this at a high-profile conference on the theme “Drivers of Insecurity in

Nigeria and Africa organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, UNIOSUN at the Okuku campus on how to stem security palaver in Africa. The event brought together experts, policymakers, and traditional leaders to explore solutions to the continent’s pressing security challenges.

In his opening address, Professor Adebooye Adebooye, emphasized the urgency of

NYSC Hails Bauchi Gov for Completing Camp’s Renovation

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, for the completion of the renovation of the state NYSC permanent orientation camp.

The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier:-General Yushau Ahmed, made the commendation in Bauchi at the weekend during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream I corps members at the orientation

camp in Wailo, Ganjuwa LGA.

Represented by the state Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Rifkatu Yakubu, the DG also lauded the governor for embarking on construction of more structures in the camp, saying this would make the camp more conducive for both the corps members and NYSC staff.

According to him, “Let me use this opportunity to specially commend the government of Bauchi State for their unwavering commitment to the realisation of NYSC objectives in the state.

Sule Presents N382.5bn 2025 Appropriation Bill to Nasarawa Assembly

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill of N382, 5 billion to the state House of Assembly for approval.

When presenting the appropriation bill at the state Assembly complex in Lafia last Friday, Governor Sule said the total budget estimate for 2025 was structured into N159.97 billion (41.82%) for recurrent expenditure and N222.60 billion (58.18%) for capital expenditure.

“The budget estimate allocation based on main sectors is as follows: Administrative Sector;

N80.14 billion, Economic Sector; N139.84 billion, Law and Justice Sector; N10.61 billion, and Social Sector N151.97 billion,” he said. Sule continued that the 2025 Budget estimate aims to continue on the path of recovery, with a focus on improving education, expanding infrastructure, agriculture, health, security and technology sub-sectors.

Allocations to the sub-sectors are: Education, Science and ICT N 78.16 billion, Infrastructure N71.70 billion, Governance, Security and General Administration N50.75 billion, Health, N36.20 billion, Agriculture and Water Resources N36.07 billion, Environment- N27.02 billion.

tackling insecurity, which he described as a multifaceted barrier to development.

He highlighted the regional complexities of insecurity in Nigeria, citing terrorism in the North-east, banditry in the Northwest, herder-farmer clashes in the Middle Belt, and militancy in the Niger Delta as examples.

“Addressing insecurity is not the responsibility of governments alone. It requires collective action from academia, civil society, the private sector, citizens and international organisations. This conference is a platform to propose bold, actionable solutions that can resonate beyond these walls.”

Professor Adebooye underscored the role of universities in developing evidence-based strategies and called for research that transcends academic journals to influence policy and governance.

Concluding his speech, he shared his personal phone number with the students, encouraging them to contact him if they encounter cultism, harassment, or feel unsafe.

The keynote speaker, Professor Akanni Ibukun Akinyemi, a renowned expert in security studies, delivered a compelling address on the drivers of insecurity in Nigeria and Africa.

Food Crisis: Uzodimma Canvasses Special Funds for Agricultural Research

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has canvassed the setting up of a special fund for agricultural research to combat food insecurity in Nigeria and diversify the economy away from oil.

He said since it has been established that the future of agriculture in Nigeria depends on research, technology, and innovation, there is an urgent need to put in place ,” a dedicated specialised research fund to aid research in universities and other tertiary institutions.”

Uzodimma, who spoke in Umuahia as the guest lecturer, during the 12th Convocation ceremony of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, suggested that the fund be called Tertiary Agricultural Education Research Fund

The governor who was repented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Victor Nwachukwu, said a law should be made for a mandatory contribution of one per cent of the profit of all agro based corporate bodies,

infrastructure and industries to the fund, while federal and state governments should contribute an equal amount from the tax to the fund.

He listed other potential contributors to the fund as regional organisations like Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and Arewa to facilitate research in agriculture to avert food crises.

Uzodimma noted that the future of agriculture in Nigeria “ depends on our ability to keep innovating, keep researching and keep pushing the boundaries

of what is possible.”

He recalled that great countries in the world that are self-sufficient in agriculture, like America, relied heavily on research and innovation to achieve the feat. “China and India have seen rapid mechanisation in recent decades leading to huge gains in productivity. Brazil has emerged as a major agricultural exporter, thanks to its research into tropical farming. So. Nigeria cannot stand still. We need ways to innovate and push forward,” he declared.

Nigerian Banks Collaborate to Drive NIBSS Quick Response Adoption

Leading Nigerian banks, spearheaded by the United Bank for Africa (UBA), hosted the inaugural annual general meeting (AGM) of Committee of e-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH) in a bid to enhance financial inclusion in Nigeria.

The meeting brought together senior executives from major banks, including UBA, First Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and Providus Bank. Key figures such as Chairman of CeBIH, Ajibade Laolu-Adewale, and digital banking leaders from participating banks convened to chart a roadmap for advancing the platform’s adoption.

A member of the committee speaking to THISDAY noted that the meeting marked a major milestone in the collective effort to accelerate the adoption of the NQR NIBSS Quick Response(NQR) payment platform, a key innovation driving seamless and secure digital

Carleton University QES Project Empowers W’Africa Women Scholars

Wale Igbintade

Carleton University has empowered West African women scholars under its Carleton QES West Africa Scholarship Programme.

The scholarship programme is made available to West African women in the final stage of their PhD programme, postdoctoral researchers, and early career academics affiliated to institutions.

The programme provides the

expertise, research materials and sundry support as well as the enabling environment for emergent scholars and early career female professionals from West Africa to learn.

Carleton University is a partner in the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship (QES) programme, which aims to develop the next generation of global leaders and community builders. This initiative cuts across the West African region

including countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, Togo, Benin Republic, Togo. The QES scholars affirmed that the programme afforded them the required and muchneeded intellectual and logistic support.

It was also the general opinion of the speakers at the event that the scholars would benefit more for themselves and the larger society with the benefit of more grant opportunities.

Tax Body Proposes Review of FG’s Economic Stabilisation Bill

Omolabake Fasogbon

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has suggested a review of the federal government’s recently approved Economic Stabilization Bill.

President of CITN, Samuel Agbeluyi, cited concerns around specific provisions within the bill, noting its impact on taxation practice.

While speaking at the

institute’s 51st Induction ceremony in Lagos recently, Agbeluyi commended the bill for being timely, stating that it was a step towards for a comprehensive reforms to taxation and fiscal policy frameworks in Nigeria.

He asserted that a review of some provisions in the bill would enhance output in tax administration as well as uphold highest standards of professionalism within the tax

system.

“I recognise that some tax professionals have raised concerns about certain areas in the bills. As an institute, we have set up a committee of esteemed members to conduct a thorough analysis, and submitted our recommendations for consideration. We remain committed to always providing technical support and advice to the government as we progress in these reforms,” he stated

Montego Celebrates Role in Port Harcourt Refinery Rehabilitation

Montego has expressed satisfaction over its role in rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Refinery, as a main subcontractor, driving local content and contributing to this historic venture.

According to a statement, Montego, a leading Nigerian energy servicing company, played a critical role in the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning (EPCIC) of the refinery. This transformative effort, which has collectively achieved over 16 million man hours, includes Montego’s outstanding contribution of nearly 6 million man hours—all accomplished

without a single Loss Time Injury (LTI).

Speaking on the achievement, Montego’s management commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for its leadership and the federal government for its unwavering commitment to energy security.

payments across the country.

The NQR platform enables consumers to make payments by scanning QR codes through their banking applications, streamlining transactions across diverse sectors, including retail, transportation, and small businesses. This cost-effective solution is poised to expand financial inclusion, particularly in underserved areas.

UBA’s Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, delivered a keynote address emphasising

the role of partnerships in driving innovation. He noted the critical role of innovation, adoption, and collaboration within the banking and payment ecosystem in delivering sustainable value to stakeholders and customers.

He also reaffirmed UBA’s dedication to driving payment innovation. As the event host, UBA underscored its strong commitment to advancing cuttingedge payment solutions that align with Nigeria’s push toward a digital economy. Through its

leadership in hosting the AGM, UBA further solidified its position as a champion of transformative financial technologies designed to improve accessibility, security, and convenience for Nigerians. The AGM focused on strategies to enhance user experience, develop tailored solutions for businesses, and promote the NQR platform’s scalability. Discussions centred on leveraging the platform’s potential to reduce transaction costs while fostering a cashless economy.

NumeEkeghe

Segun Awofadeji in bauchi

BACK PAGE CONTINUATION

WHEN METHOD RUINS THE GOAL

dispel their fears regarding the bills. As far as we could see publicly, nothing of the sort happened, though there may have been some moves underground.

Perhaps the Presidency did not want to cave in to the Northern leaders’ demand on these bills so as not to be seen in the West, and in the South generally, as having caved in to the North. Even if that is the case, it was much less understandable that the Presidency ignored the advice of the National Economic Council [NEC], chaired by the Vice President, to withdraw the bills from the National Assembly and allow room for more consultation. NEC includes all the country’s 36 governors. Its resolution was read by the Governor of Oyo State, who is not known to be anyone’s lackey and who in fact crossed party lines to help APC candidate Tinubu to win his key state in last year’s elections. Besides, no state governor has as yet come out to say he did not agree with the resolution. All they asked for was time for more consultation.

While many members of the National Assembly have been described as bench warmers and the Deputy Senate President himself suspects that many members have either not read nor understood the contents of the bills, state governors are on the whole of higher quality than the MPs. One of them is one of the country’s leading economists. Governors have more staff help than MPs, and almost every one of them must have assigned his commissioners and advisers to brief him on the implications of the tax reform bills with respect to his state. Besides, the Federal Government’s key economic managers, including the Finance, Budget and Planning Ministers and Governor of the Central Bank all

KUKAH

sit in the NEC. The Vice President, who chairs it, is no push over in these matters either, as a former banker, state finance commissioner, two-term governor and senator. It was shocking indeed when the Presidency publicly declared that it will not heed the request of NEC, the country’s highest economic advisory body, and that the bills should instead continue through the legislative process! Now, in a clime where the legislature has demonstrated visible capacity and independence, that would have been okay, because the MPs themselves can be relied upon to scrutinize the bills and admit the feelings of their constituents. I was once part of a media team that visited a US Congresswoman in Washington D.C, who chaired a House sub-committee. She told us that she had forty aides, including many researchers and pollsters. The latter constantly conduct opinion polls in her constituency to find out what her constituents are thinking before she takes a position on any bill.

Here in Nigeria, MPs may not have professional pollsters as aides [the “opinion polls” published ahead of last year’s elections were a fiasco] but they sure have their traditional means of knowing the feelings of their constituents. Quite often, they ignore these locals’ feelings in order to ingratiate themselves with powers in the Presidency or the party leadership. Why because, these powers can more predictably ensure an MP’s return to his seat in the next election than the feelings of his constituents. State governors are however a different kettle of fish. In most cases they were the ones that nominated, supported, bankrolled and in some cases, rammed MPs through to their seats. They could also undo them in the next election. When the Presidency and an

ON ACCIDENTAL LEADERSHIP

exposure to governance, leadership roles, or structured mentorship are equipped with clear goals, strategic vision, and the capacity for effective policy execution. These leaders inspire confidence and focus on long-term national development, offering a beacon of hope for the country’s future. Examining global leadership recruitment systems highlights the importance of grooming leaders systematically. For example, the United Kingdom’s parliamentary system emphasizes years of experience in lower offices, enabling figures like Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair to rise with proven credentials and a record of policy achievements. Similarly, Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew transformed his country from a struggling island to a global hub through decades of planning and visionary leadership. In China, the Communist Party systematically grooms leaders over decades, requiring them to serve in various regional and national roles before ascending to top positions. Xi Jinping, for instance, served in provincial leadership for years, gaining experience in administration, policy formulation, and implementation before becoming president. These systems contrast starkly with Nigeria’s, where party loyalty and opportunism often outweigh competence.

In Nigeria, the historical trajectory of leadership since 1999 reveals a pattern of accidental leaders propelled to power by chance, opportunism, or external influence. The result has been inconsistent policies, failure to diversify the economy, and an inability to tackle pressing issues such as unemployment and insecurity. President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration (2015–2023) is a case in point: while his initial election was greeted with optimism, delays in forming a cabinet and a lack of clear economic direction in the early years of his presidency hindered his administration’s ability to tackle pressing issues. At the state level, governance mirrors this trend. Many governors have been criticised for prioritizing political survival over developmental goals, exacerbating local challenges. These failures manifest in poor policy formulation, resource mismanagement, misplaced priorities and a lack of continuity in governance.

Prepared leaders globally, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Lee Kuan Yew, and Nelson Mandela, exemplify how strategic preparation, mentorship, and clear vision can transform nations. Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance and vision for a unified India, Yew’s emphasis

MP’s state governor are pulling in different directions on this matter, then he or she is caught between a rock and a hard place.

When you take all these pieces of the jigsaw puzzle into consideration, it was inevitable that the impression was created in many minds that the Tinubu Presidency is bent on ramming through these four tax bills through the National Assembly irrespective of anyone else’s feelings. Such a stance naturally breeds suspicions. Matters are not helped by the widespread feeling that the current National Assembly is a rubber stamp which always does the President’s bidding. However useful and beneficial to the country a leader believes a certain measure is, it is a sacred duty to educate and enlighten citizens. An American professor who visited Nigeria fifteen years ago said the fulfilment of democracy is the process, not the outcome. If all the correct procedures are followed without manipulation, then democratic expectations are fulfilled even if the final outcome turns out to be wrong. Adopting a know-it-all stance could prove to be ruinous in the long run.

The little public debate on the substance of these bills so far has already thrown up issues which, with wisdom and national peace in mind, could be artfully resolved. For example, the point has been made about the calculation of VAT for derivation purposes and the fact that big companies lump up all the tax and pay it at the location of their head offices. That is a point to ponder. The point has also been made that states that ban alcohol consumption in their states still benefit from VAT collected from it during the sharing process. As the former chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission [RMAFC]

on meritocracy and strategic governance that turned Singapore into an economic powerhouse, and Mandela’s post-apartheid leadership that emphasized reconciliation and institution-building, creating a framework for South Africa’s fragile democracy, are all powerful examples. Joe Biden’s decades of experience in U.S. politics prepared him to handle complex governance challenges, including navigating the post-COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery. Conversely, accidental leaders often produce short-lived policies, foster corruption, and exacerbate socio-economic instability. Haiti, for instance, has suffered from a cycle of accidental leadership, perpetuating political instability and underdevelopment. These global examples underscore the need for Nigeria to systematically groom leaders who can navigate complex governance challenges and build long-term resilience. The leadership crisis in Nigeria is rooted in systemic and structural issues. Party structures prioritize loyalty over competence, and electoral processes often reward

explained two years ago, alcohol is not an important VAT contributor as some people think. Still, VAT from alcohol could be removed from the whole collection and shared to only states where alcohol consumption is legal [never mind it is still consumed even in the states where alcohol is banned, especially in mammy markets adjoining military barracks].

This brings me to another aspect of the methods being used by both proponents and opponents in this tax reform bills imbroglio. Personally, I do not support the religious blackmail tactics often employed by clerics in the course of political debates. Of course they are citizens too and they are entitled to their views, but I don’t think the pulpit is the right place to campaign against a non-moral, non-religious piece of legislation. A friend and colleague of mine will remember that two years ago, I criticised a column article he wrote in which he described our senators as “agents of Satan” because they passed a Corporate Affairs Commission amendment law that Pentecostal churches’ leaders did not like. Why not simply go to the public hearings and make rational, instead of sentimental arguments?

Personally, I do not support the clerics’ all-out assault against DSP Barau Jibrin. But since my view is totally unlikely to influence them, my advice to the Presidency is to soften on this matter and not put pressure on DSP, House Speaker and other MPs, especially those from the North, to ram through these bills without further consultation and consensus building. Otherwise, it could win the battle and lose the war, because in the medium and long run, its friends in the region will be politically ruined.

now. Does Nigeria have trained or prepared leaders? Where and when do leaders train for their role? Are they motivated? These questions merit serious consideration.

To address these challenges and create a system that produces prepared leaders, leadership training and development must become institutional priorities. Establishing leadership academies, such as the proposed National Institute for Leadership Development, could help build competence. Incorporating leadership education into school curricula and creating mentorship programs can also build a pipeline of skilled leaders. Institutional reforms are critical, including strengthening electoral integrity to prioritise merit-based selection and enhancing transparency mechanisms to evaluate leaders’ preparedness and performance. For instance, adopting a primary debate system like those in the U.S. could help assess candidates’ policy depth. Citizen engagement is equally vital; educating the public on the importance of leadership quality and encouraging active participation in political processes can drive demand for visionary leadership.

popularity rather than merit. In the 2023 elections, many elected officials were chosen based on party endorsements rather than competence, independent credibility or a track record of public service. Weak institutions further fail to hold leaders accountable, and divisive ethnic and religious politics prioritize sectional interests over national unity. These factors are compounded by public apathy: a 2023 survey by Afrobarometer revealed that only 34% of Nigerians believe their votes influence governance outcomes, highlighting a lack of faith in the political system. This disconnection fosters a cycle where citizens disengage from political processes, reducing accountability and enabling the emergence of incompetent leaders.

It is established that there exists a strong correlation between leadership preparation and performance. Going by this measure, it is not in dispute that most of our elected and appointed leaders have not performed in office. How can we improve the quality and preparedness of those who attain public office? This should be our preoccupation for

The debate on whether leadership is an innate or a skill that can be learned underscores the importance of structured training. While some argue that leadership is a natural trait, examples from global systems such as Singapore and China’s meritocratic model, and Britain’s parliamentary system suggest that systematic preparation enhances governance effectiveness. In Nigeria, most leaders lack innate qualities and formal training, perpetuating systemic failures. Developing platforms for systematic leadership grooming, such as state-level training programs for young politicians, is essential. Bishop Kukah’s assertion about accidental leadership underscores a fundamental issue in Nigeria’s governance: the prevalence of leaders emerging from flawed recruitment processes that favour expediency over competence. This phenomenon has entrenched systemic challenges, as unprepared leadership often leads to poor governance. By contrast, global examples illustrate the transformative impact of well-prepared leaders. For Nigeria to progress, it must prioritise leadership development, reform political structures to value competence, and actively involve citizens in cultivating visionary leaders. Addressing this leadership vacuum is essential for the country to realise its full potential.

President Olusegun Obasanjo

Never Again Will Nigeria Return from an Olympic Games Without Medals, Says NSC Chairman

Dikko pledges to work with private sector at SAPETRO

Duro Ikhazuagbe

In apparent reference to Team Nigeria’s poor showing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has pledged that the country will never again return from a global sporting event like the Olympics without winning a medal.

development going forward.

Junior Tennis Finals

guests with the high level of skills and tactics.

Speaking at the Sapetro Futures Tournament finals which took place at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos at the weekend, the NSC Chairman promised to work

Nigeria’s male and female teams to the last summer Games in Paris failed to win a single medal, a repeat of London 2012 and Rio 2016 where the John Mikel Obi led Dream Team won the solitary bronze medal in the men’s football event in Brazil.

with the private sector, states and organizations like the International Tennis Academy involved in the structured age group development of talents in the country to ensure that Nigeria becomes a global sports power.

“My attending this event underlines the emphasis we are going to place on grassroots sports

“We will work with the states to make sure that we can identify the best talent in all the major sports in age groups, starting from age 10 and I am sure that working with all stake holders, Nigeria will never again return from an Olympic Games empty-handed,” observed Dikko.

The Sapetro Futures Championship featured singles competitions in three age groups – Boys and Girls 12s, 14s and 16s – with the finalists surprising

Man Utd’s revival begins with first EPL win under Amorim

Liverpool defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Anfield Sunday evening to go nine points clear at the top of the English Premier League.

After Cody Gakpo got the opener in the 12th minute with assist by Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward added the icing to the cake in the 78th minute when he converted from the penalty spot.

Salah’s assist was record 36th time in a Premier League game. His record is the joint-most by a player in the competition's history, equalling Wayne Rooney's record (36) yesterday.

The win was Liverpool’s biggest margin as leaders in the competition

since the final day of the 2019-20 campaign, when they won their last league title (18 points).

Elsewhere, Ruben Amorim collected his first Premier League 4-0 victory in emphatic fashion as his Manchester United side easily put away lowly Everton at Old Trafford.

United drew at Ipswich last weekend in Amorim's first game in charge since replacing interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, before beating Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.

On

Rivers United are back on top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standing after they beat visiting Kano Pillars 1-0 and closest rivals Remo Stars fell 2-1 at Niger Tornadoes.

Rivers United pipped Kano Pillars courtesy of a first-half strike by Aniekeme Okon to return of the top of the table with 29 points from 15 matches.

Remo Stars slipped to second in the standings after they lost 2-1 at Niger Tornadoes.

They have 26 points, three points behind new leaders Rivers United.

Ikorodu City and Heartland FC continued their steady climb

to top reckoning after they both won at home.

Ikorodu City smashed past Akwa United 4-1 to shoot to third place on the table with 24 points.

NPFL leading scorer Anas Yusuf broke his four-match run without a goal when he scored after 45 minutes to draw Nasarawa United level at 1-1 only for ‘The Solid Miners’ to fall 3-2 at Heartland. Heartland are now ninth on the table on 20 points.

Bayelsa United held El Kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw in Maiduguri, while Katsina United edged past Sunshine Stars 1-0 at home.

The 32nd edition of the prestigious boxing show, GOtv Boxing Night, will be held on 26 December at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

This was disclosed on Saturday by Flykite Productions, organisers of the event. The organisers also announced that Afrobeats stars, Mayorkun AKA "Mayor of Lagos" and YKB will be among artistes to perform live at the event.

Also billed to be at the event along with other soon-to-announced artistes is ace comedian, MC Lively.

According to the organisers, the show will be a fusion of music and top-class boxing action.

"Boxing fans know that the December edition of GOtv Boxing Night is always a vibrant celebration of boxing and music. This year, we are taking it up a notch by blending thrilling bouts with electrifying music and comedic performances by top entertainers, to give the fans a Boxing Day experience to remember," said Bamidele Johnson, Flykite Productions' Chief Operating Officer

A total of six fights are scheduled for event, with the clash between the flamboyant Raheem “Badoo” Animashaun and Hammed “Ese” Ganiyu the pick of the lot. Also billed to hold is the national super welterweight title fight between Lateef “Enuoshe” Azeez and Rasheed “Fally Boy” Adeyemo.

In the other bouts, Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan will battle Imole “System” Oloyede in a national super featherweight challenge bout; Taiwo “Gentle Boy” Olowu will confront Jafaru “Tanka” Suleiman in a national super welterweight challenge, while Akintunde Abolade will square up against Emmanuel Abimbola in the national super flyweight category. There will also be the exhibition clash between Kehinde Owoeye and Emmanuel Bamidele will face-off in the amateur flyweight category. The boxing showpiece sponsored by GOtv will be broadcast live on SuperSport channels across 50 African countries.

Bayelsa State took both the Boys and Girls’ 12 titles with Excellency Oginiba beating Ghazal Ashim from Oyo State and Karina Opuene outlasting Barakat Ganiyu also from Oyo State in three 10-point tiebreak sets

Mofi Atilola, Nigeria’s precocious tennis talent from Lagos, once again emerged the star of the junior tournament.

The 12 and under champion was pushed to the 14s and 16s and reached the finals in both events. She beat Success Godwin of Ekiti in straight sets in the 14s but lost by the same margin to Goodnews Aina from Ekiti State who was winning back-to-back titles in the Girls 16s.

The Boys 16s title was won by Gbolahan Olawale from Ondo State who defeated Onyekachi Ogumjiofor from Oyo State in the finals.

Lagos-based Isa Yahaya won the Boys 14s event with a surprisingly

The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has promised massive support for Abakaliki FC in their bid to gain promotion to the elite league.

Abakaliki FC are featuring in the 2024/2025 NNL League and the governor believes that with massive support, the team will gain promotion to the NPFL next season.

The Governor made the commitment after watching the state team play out a 2-2 draw with Madiba FC of Lagos in the NNL Opener played last Saturday in Abakaliki.

easy two straight sets victory against Goodluck Tersoo from Abuja who had claimed the 14s title in their last meeting.

The most improved players trophies, which was described by Godwin Kienka, director of the International Tennis Academy organisers of the event, as the most important and most prestigious, were won by Tolu Agunbiade from Calabar and Ogumjiofor, the Boys 16s runner-up playing in his first ITA Junior Circuit finals.

The NSC Chairman who stressed that his attending the Sapetro Fuures final should underline the importance he was going to place on grassroots development of all the major sports, presented a “thank you Plaque” to the MD of Sapretro, Emeke Anagbogu who said the level of organization and standard of the competition was a sure sign that Nigeria has a lot of sports talent who will do well at the world stage in the near future.

Femi Solaja with agency report

Sebastien Haller who was the hero for hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the 2-1 win against Super Eagles in the final match of AFCON 2023 last February is set for another podium appearance as his winning goal is one of the several shortlisted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in the ‘Goal of the Year’ category.

The Elephants came from behind

to beat Nigeria and won the AFCON final on home soil and it was his clever flick in front of Captain William Troost-Ekong that beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for the winner.

Yesterday, CAF unveiled the nominees for the prestigious Goal of the Year category at the #CAFAwards24, with fans getting the chance to have their say over who wins the prestigious award.

The shortlist created by an expert CAF Technical Panel features 11 goals

scored in CAF competitions between January and October 2024, reflecting the incredible talent of players across the continent. Voting was declared open yesterday and to end on Thursday, 12th December 2024.

To

Fans

The Governor also stated that his government will give the playing turf of Abakaliki stadium a face lift as part of efforts in making the team have a good pitch to compete in the league.

The Governor who splashed one million Naira each to both Abakaliki FC and Madiba of Lagos further explained that the league newcomers (Abakaliki FC) are too dear to him and having a team from Ebonyi State in the Premier League is his priority.

"I'm impressed with the performance of Abakaliki FC in the league opener with Madiba FC and my plan is that my government will give adequate financial support to the team to ensure that they stay only one season in the second tier League.”

Mohamed Salah...sealed victory for Liverpool to go nine points clear at the top top of Premier League

L-R: Ebonyi State Governor, His Excellency Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru; former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim; and Nigeria National League (NNL) Chairman, George Aluo, at the Abakaliki Stadium during the NNL league opener on Saturday

Sunday they were initially wasteful in the final third and had

little control of the contest, but they were clinical once they broke through with Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee both scoring twice.

MISSILE

ATT to Tax Bills Antagonists

“Based on our understanding, tax reform is something that will develop the North in its entirety...there are big fortunes and prospects in the tax reform bills. We disagreed in totality with some quarters that these bills transmitted to the National Assembly will drag the North backwards, and some parts of the country will have problems with these bills” --Convener, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), Muhammad Yakubu, faults the myopic view of some Northerners and lawmakers, against the tax reform bills.

MAHMUD JEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

It has been long since I saw anything like it. Since last week, when the Senate turned down objections from some members and [hurriedly] admitted Federal Inland Revenue Service [FIRS] Chairman Zach Adedeji and other experts [interested parties, is more like it] to brief it on the contents of the four tax reform bills lying before it, a clerical and social media storm enveloped Northern Nigeria this past weekend. Leading Muslim clerics all over the region converted their pulpits during last Friday’s congregational prayers to lambast Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who chaired that particular Senate session [with Senate President Godswill Akpabio strategically absent], for allowing in the government officials to brief the Senate when it was not on the order paper.

Sure, it was a curious thing to do. DSP later explained that most Nigerians, including many members of the National Assembly, had either not read nor comprehended the fine details of the bills in question and the input of experts would therefore help. That is true, except that the right time to call them in would have been when the relevant legislative committees hold public hearings on the bills. This is not

far away, since the Senate passed the bills for second reading, after which they will be referred to committees and all stakeholders can then come forward to make their inputs. So why should such a small procedural

misstep ignite so much passion and allegations? Well, because, in the past few weeks, the impression has been created, in the North if not in the rest of the country, that the Tinubu Presidency is hell-bent on ramming these tax reforms bills through, for that matter in great haste. Back in October, a major meeting of Northern state governors, traditional rulers and other community leaders objected to the bills and feared that they could reduce the Northern states’ takings from Value Added Tax, VAT, which today is a major contributor to the Federation Account.

Quite likely, the Presidency viewed that stance as political blackmail and proceeded with the bills, though that was unwise. Governors and traditional rulers from 19 states out of 36 is a sizeable number. Nor are they known rabble-rousers. Thirteen of the 19 Northern governors belong to the President’s own party, APC, which suggests that there was no harmony even within the ruling party on these bills. In Nigeria, state governors are the most politically potent persons after the Presidency. APC has a total of twenty state governors in the whole country, and if 13 of them sign on to the dissatisfaction, there will be no harmony even in the party’s National

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Executive Committee meeting.

To boot, they were joined in the protest by the North’s most prominent traditional rulers, including Sultan of Sokoto, Shehu of Borno, Emir of Zazzau, Etsu Nupe and Ohinoyi of Igbirra. Now, one may suspect that traditional rulers only do the bidding of governors. I don’t think that is the case because in recent decades, these traditional rulers include retired Army Generals, retired Police, Customs and Security Service commanders, big businessmen and even a professor or two. They are strong enough to pull back if they felt that the governors were taking them for a political ride.

The cross-party nature of the gathering should have also given the Presidency a cause for pause. Five of the Northern governors are PDP members, including the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. One of them belongs to NNPP. All these non-APC governors have hot political issues with APC chapters in their states, so their coming together with APC governors on this issue should be noteworthy. At the very least, the views expressed by this gathering deserved engagement, education, enlightenment and persuasion in order to

When Method Ruins the Goal Kukah On Accidental Leadership

In reflecting on Nigeria’s leadership journey, Bishop Matthew Kukah, a Catholic priest, activist, and philosopher, delivers a searing observation: “Almost every leader who came to power did so by accident.” With these words, he stirred an hornets’ nest, igniting a spirited discourse on the nation’s perennial struggle with leadership.

Kukah’s critique strikes a resonant chord with voices like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has long lamented the opportunistic nature of Nigeria’s leadership selection. It also echoes the trenchant wisdom of Chinua Achebe, who famously diagnosed the nation’s ailment in The Trouble with Nigeria: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”

Achebe’s words, though decades old, still carry the weight of an unheeded warning, underscoring the cyclical nature of Nigeria’s governance woes.

This column seeks to interrogate Kukah’s provocative theory, dissect its implications for governance, and chart pathways to reform the nation’s leadership recruitment

process. At the core of this analysis lies an urgent imperative: to confront the systemic failures that perpetuate unprepared leaders and to cultivate mechanisms that nurture visionary and capable stewards. For Nigeria to transcend the quagmire of accidental leadership, the nation must embrace deliberate, transformative change—one that prioritises competency, character, and a clear sense of purpose over happenstance.

A shared understanding of an accidental leader would be helpful in the interrogation of what the bishop said. An accidental leader, from base understanding, is one who came to the office without requisite training or necessary preparation. It refers to a scenario where individuals ascend to power without adequate preparation, experience, or strategic vision. This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria but is particularly pervasive in its political landscape, where political actors often emerge through circumstantial opportunities rather than deliberate grooming or merit-based processes. These leaders frequently lack the fundamental skills necessary for effective governance,

resulting in poor decision-making, reliance on narrow circles of influence, and an inability to address critical national challenges. For instance, between 1999 and 2023 under the present democratic era, Nigeria experienced significant challenges under leaders like Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who, despite his integrity, struggled with health issues that hindered governance, and Goodluck Jonathan, who admitted he was unprepared when he unexpectedly became President following Yar’Adua’s death. Same goes for President Buhari.

Accidental leaders differ significantly from prepared leaders in several ways. They often lack a clear vision, operate without a coherent strategy or strategic plan, and struggle with effective execution. Their knowledge is limited, they are indecisive, and they rarely take responsibility for their actions. These leaders typically have a narrow circle of influence, and dishonesty can further undermine their leadership. In the specific context of Nigeria, unprepared leaders tend to exhibit unpatriotic and nepotistic tendencies. Their shallow understanding of the

nation’s challenges often leads to misguided solutions to critical developmental issues. Governance under such circumstances often results in short-term thinking, nepotism, and an indifference to the broader national interest. These outcomes are reflected in Nigeria’s inability to meet key development indicators. For example, as of 2024, over 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, and unemployment hovers at 33.3%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. These figures are further compounded by insecurity, with over 10,000 people reported killed in banditry and insurgency-related violence annually in recent years. Such statistics reveal the broader implications of accidental leadership: leaders unprepared for the demands of office often fail to tackle systemic issues or establish the conditions necessary for sustained national growth. This not only hampers economic development but also undermines social cohesion and national unity, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment and instability. By contrast, prepared leaders with prior

Akpabio