Hunter Biden: US President Under Fire as White House Defends Sweeping Pardon...
Oyedele: We'll Not Withdraw Tax Reform Bills, Committee Ready to Re-engage Stakeholders
Dogara: Nigerians should remove cap of regionalism, religion
James Emejo in Abuja, Mary Nnah and Funmi Ogundare
Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax
Reform, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, yesterday, said the federal government did not intend to withdraw the controversial tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on “Tax Reform Bills: Charting the Way Forward”, which was hosted by a national television, Oyedele said the committee was rather ready to
repeat engagements with stakeholders. There had been growing calls by some northern politicians that the bills be withdrawn to allow for further engagements following the
controversies they had generated since their introduction. However, Oyedele explained that contrary to speculations, there were no provisions in the bills that
allowed for tax consultants to take over tax collection responsibilities. He added
Presidency: No Provision Will Impoverish North in Tax Bills
Tinubu welcomes public debate generated by proposed law Like PIA, NASS will pass bills, Seriake Dickson declares Says sky won't fall during public hearing Peter Obi backs reforms, calls for robust debate
L-R: Managing Director, OSTAP International Water Consulting, Christopher Gierlinger; MD, WANDE Nexus Nigeria, Nnaemeka Nwankwo; Executive Chairman, WANDE Nexus, Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Ambassador of Austria to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger; Corporate Secretary, WANDE Nexus, Mr. Nwabueze Ugwu; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Water and Waste Management, Andreas Gebauer, at Government House, Enugu, during the signing of the $100 Million Investment by the Austrian firm to boost water infrastructure and delivery in Enugu City ... yesterday (Seestoryonpage10) Continued on page 10
in Lagos
LAUNCH OF FOUR DOCUMENTS ON HEALTH...
L-R: Director Family Health, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire; Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom; Honourable Minister of state for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas Ibrahim; and Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah, at the Launch of the Four Policy Documents by Prof. Pate during the 65th National Council on Health held at Maiduguri, Borno State… Weekend
MAN: Poor Industrial Growth Rendering $1trn
GDP Target by 2026
Doubtful
Says industrial sector being choked
Dike Onwuamaeze
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has declared that the low growth of the Nigerian industrial sector would hinder the attainment of the federal government’s aspiration to achieve a $1 trillion economy in Nigeria.
MAN also blamed the Nigerian industrial sector’s poor performance in the third quarter 2024 GDP report on high interest and exchange rates as well as escalating energy costs.
Those views were expressed yesterday by Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, in a statement, titled, “Position of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria on the GDP Report for the Third Quarter of 2024 as Released by the National Bureau of Statistics.”
Ajayi-Kadir observed that the industrial sector, according to the GDP report, recorded a growth of 2.18 per cent, which was an improvement from the 0.46 per cent recorded in the third quarter of 2023. He added that the services sector accounted for 53.58 per cent of GDP, while agriculture and industry contributed 28.65 per cent and 17.77 per cent, respectively.
He stated, “Apparently, the service sub-sectors dominate the composition of the country’s GDP and its pattern of growth. This poses a significant drawback for the industrialisation agenda.
“In other words, as the services sector continually booms at the detriment of employment and production in the manufacturing
sector, the economy is set to fail in its aspirations of reducing forex demand pressures, promoting value addition, generating mass employment, increasing export earnings, driving industrial-led growth, and ensuring sustainable development.
“By implication, achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2026 is apparently difficult, as the growth rate clearly falls short of the 6 percent average targeted by the present administration.”
Ajayi-Kadir pointed out that it was unfortunate that the manufacturing sector was one of the least growing sectors during the period under review, with a growth rate of 2.18 per cent.
According to him, this meagre growth highlighted that the “sector is being choked by interest rate hikes, high exchange rates, and escalated energy costs”.
He said, “Manufacturers' negative outlook on the economy has resulted in decreased production and employment.
“Foreign investors are hesitant to invest in a weak economy, and the scarcity of foreign exchange further hinders manufacturing operations.
“In all, while the higher growth recorded in the reviewed period is laudable, it is still relatively modest. Given the prevalence of high unemployment and poverty, a double-digit GDP growth rate is necessary to achieve inclusive growth that benefits all segments of society.”
The director general of MAN stated unequivocally that the decline in the growth of the manufacturing
sector was a clear indication of the detrimental effect of the prevailing macroeconomic policies. He stated that this was further evidenced by the significant drop in nominal growth from 36.59 per cent to 32.97 per cent year-on-year, driven by high inflationary pressure and the exit of major multinational manufacturing companies.
According to him, “It is evident that inflation has been a significant factor in undermining the growth of the manufacturing sector, as the sector has been particularly vulnerable to the unstable macroeconomic environment, exacerbated by recent
by high interest, exchange rates
economic reforms.”
Ajayi-Kadir said in spite of the crucial role of agriculture in fuelling the growth of the manufacturing sector by ensuring a steady supply of affordable local raw materials, “both the agricultural and manufacturing sectors failed to rank among the top five growing sectors during this period, primarily due to security challenges in farming areas and their subsequent negative impact on agro-allied industries”.
He stated that the limited growth in those sectors would lead to increased costs for local raw materials; high cost of living that would be
characterised by high unemployment and inflation; and reduced consumer purchasing power that would lead to increased unsold inventory for manufacturers.
Ajayi-Kadir stressed that a vibrant manufacturing sector was essential for driving economic growth and prosperity, and urged the federal government to take decisive actions that would address the challenges hobbling the industrial sector in order to unlock its potential.
MAN, therefore, recommended that the government should create special windows for providing single-digit interest rates to productive
sectors and relax stringent conditions for SMEs to access funding.
The recommendations included the recapitalisation of the Bank of Industry (BOI) to meet the growing credit demand of industries, enhancing credit information systems and broadening the scope of assets for collateral.
MAN also urged the government to “implement the recommendations of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.
“Reduce the excessive increase in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Effluent Discharge (EMP) fees imposed by NESREA.
Nigeria to Deepen Cooperation With South Africa in Infrastructure, Mining
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu yesterday expressed Nigeria's readiness to expand its strategic partnership with South Africa across diverse fields, particularly in infrastructure development and capacity building in the mining sector.
Speaking at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) ministerial session in Cape Town, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said
Nigeria would present a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration with South on the certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in the field.
The meeting co-chaired by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola is a precursor to Tuesday’s presidential BNC where President Bola Tinubu and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa will jointly lead the discussion
To Curb Corruption, MacArthur-backed Centre Graduates 30 Change-makers
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), backed by the MacArthur Foundation, has graduated its first cohort of 30 anti-corruption change-makers, through its Behavioural Insights Network Transparency & Accountability (BiNTA) fellowship.
PIC boasts of being the first national institutionalised behavioural initiative in Africa supporting government and stakeholders to make behaviourally informed decisions and generate evidence for impact driven interventions in critical areas.
It is an initiative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), a leading think tank in Africa redefining evidence-based policy
advocacy.
The anti-graft fellows drawn from various sectors are expected to double their commitment to driving anti-corruption initiatives in Nigeria, a statement in Abuja by the Project Coordinator, BiNTA Fellowship, Femi Obidare, said.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Executive Director of PIC, Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, emphasised that the BiNTA fellowship was designed to strengthen the capacity of anti-corruption change-makers to leverage behavioural insights to disrupt the socially normative status of corruption in Nigeria.
“We are moving you from being fellows into collaborators. Together, we will be driving a large ecosystem of people who can do valuable work
to fight corruption in Nigeria,” Dirisu said.
She affirmed that the centre will continue to build capacity for Nigerians committed to combating corruption, ensuring the initiative’s sustainability beyond this first cohort.
Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) Dr. Abdullahi Bello, in his remarks, described the fellowship as a milestone in the fight against corruption and promotion of ethical practices across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
“It is my firm belief that the knowledge, insight and solutions by the BiNTA fellows will make a significant impact on the way we approach governance and anticorruption initiatives in Nigeria,” he stated.
“I'd like to extend my sincere appreciation to the MacArthur foundation for their support for this important initiative. Your continued investment in Nigeria’s future is invaluable and we are all deeply appreciative of your partnership and quest for a more transparent and accountable society,” Bello added.
Also speaking, one of the BiNTA fellows, Winner Mugana, described the fellowship as an incredible journey that provided the support she needed to drive change in the energy sector within Kabusa Community, Abuja.
"Beyond the impact on the community, I have personally gained so much from this fellowship that I can apply in my work in the energy sector," she stressed.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: ''I must stress that Nigeria is prepared to explore new vistas of cooperation with the Republic of South Africa in various fields.
''Apart from exploring opportunities in the co-financing of infrastructural projects capable of benefiting our two economies, we are seeking collaboration with South Africa in capacity development in the area of certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in that field.
''To this end, we have prepared a draft MOU for the consideration of South Africa.
''We hope that the derivable benefits from this arrangement would help to enhance the capacity of our mining professionals to become globally competitive.’’
The ministerial session will agree on the minutes from the working groups on the thematic areas and a draft communique to be adopted at the presidential level BNC.
The key areas under discussion include trade and investment, political consultations, consular and migration matters, defence and security cooperation, and collaboration in banking, energy, manufacturing, and the social sector.
She urged the delegates to the meeting to maintain a high spirit until the end of the process while underscoring the strategic nature of Nigeria-South Africa bilateral relations and a shared belief in their common destiny as leading economies on the continent.
Sectors
According to her: ''The BNC owes a lot of promises for the future off Nigeria, South Africa relations and we have got many more miles to go. Let us therefore approach it with zest and faith.
''Together, we shall win for our respective countries and Africa. I look forward to working alongside my co-chair, Honorable Lamola to make today's proceedings and that of our principals a resounding success".
Nigeria’s delegation to the ministerial meeting includes Ministers of State, Defence, Women Affairs, Industry Trade and Investments, Agriculture and Food Security, Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, alongside the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service.
They were joined by their South African counterparts and senior government officials from both nations. This year’s Bi-National Commission marks the 25th anniversary of the framework established to strengthen ties between Africa’s two leading economies.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation emphasised the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries, which have existed for 30 years, following decades of Nigeria’s relentless support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.
''This is a gesture we will always cherish,'' he said.
AN EVENING WITH EQUINIX...
L-R: Director; Solutions Architecture, MainOne Solutions by Equinix, Oluwasayo Oshadami; President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere; Director, Supply Chain Management, Airtel Nigeria, Raghvendra Gupta; Director, Service Providers, MainOne, Solutions by Equinix, Dolapo Onah; Incoming Managing Director, Equinix West Africa, Wole Abu; and MD, 9Mobile, Obafemi Banigbe, at customer event tagged “An Evening with
held in
World Bank Report: Nigeria, Other Developing Countries Spent $1.4tn to Service Foreign Debt in 2023
Developing countries across the world including Nigeria spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt as their interest costs jumped to a 20-year high in 2023, the World Bank’s latest International Debt Report (IDR) shows.
The International Debt Report, formerly known as International Debt Statistics (IDS), is a longstanding annual publication of the World Bank featuring external debt statistics and analysis for the 121 low- and middle-income countries which report to the World Bank Debtor Reporting System (DRS).
According to the new report, interest payments surged by nearly a third
to $406 billion in 2023, squeezing the budgets of many countries in critical areas such as health, education, and the environment.
The financial strain was fiercest for the poorest and most vulnerable countries—those eligible to borrow from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), the data revealed.
Nigeria’s external debt service stood at $3.5 billion in the fiscal year which ended December 31, 2023, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Nigeria is the third-largest debtor to the World Bank’s IDA as of June 30, 2024, following a significant increase in its borrowing from the institution, making her the third-largest debtor
to the IDA following a significant increase in its borrowing from the institution.
Based on the latest World Bank IDR, Nigeria and other IDA-elligble countries paid a record $96.2 billion to service their debt in 2023.
Although repayments of principal decreased by nearly 8 per cent to $61.6 billion, the IDR noted that interest costs surged to an all-time high of $34.6 billion in 2023, four times the amount a decade ago.
On average, interest payments of IDA countries now amount to nearly 6 per cent of the export earnings of IDA-eligible countries—a level that hasn’t been seen since 1999.
For some countries, the payments run as high as 38 per cent of export
earnings.
As credit conditions tightened, the World Bank and other multilateral institutions became the main lifeline for the poorest economies.
Since 2022, foreign private creditors have received nearly $13 billion more in debt-service payments from public sector borrowers in IDA-eligible economies than they disbursed in new financing.
Over the same period, the Bank and other multilateral institutions pumped in nearly $51 billion more in 2022 and 2023 than they collected in debt-service payments.
The World Bank accounted for a third of that sum—$28.1 billion.
The Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, Indermit
Dangiwa Wants Raise in Mortgage Banking, Housing Sector’s Contribution to GDP
MBAN seeks reforms to accelerate growth
Addeh
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, at the weekend stated that there was the need for the mortgage banking and housing sector to increase its contribution of 0.5 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Besides, speaking at the 21st Mortgage Bankers and Brokers Conference in Abuja, he called for greater innovation and collaboration among mortgage bankers and brokers to expand access to affordable housing loans for Nigerians.
Dangiwa noted the underwhelming contribution of the mortgage banking and housing finance sector to Nigeria’s GDP, currently below 0.5 per cent, highlighting the renewed commitment to innovation and collaboration to transform the sector.
“We can commit to a better future here and now by committing to do things differently with innovation and better collaboration,” he stressed.
The programme was themed: “Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships in Mortgage Banking to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Also, addressing the disparity in loan rates, Dangiwa urged stakeholders to work together to create hybrid products that bridge the gap between commercial mortgage rates of 28 per cent and the 6-7 per cent offered by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
He said: “That way, more Nigerians within the low and middle-income
brackets can access affordable housing loans. Of course, this will require intuition, innovation, and sacrifice.”
Dangiwa highlighted the ongoing cross-subsidy initiative under the ‘Renewed Hope Cities’ programme as an example of innovative financing, explaining that a portion of the profit realised from units sold at commercial rates is used to subsidise some of the units reserved for low- and middleincome earners.
Speaking on regulatory challenges, especially the single obligor limit imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which restricts the amount that financial institutions can lend to a single borrower, he urged stakeholders to support FMBN's efforts to advocate for the removal of this limitation, describing it as a key barrier to sector growth.
However, the minister pointed to the recent launch of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) Real Estate Investment Fund as a promising avenue to attract capital market funds into the housing sector.
He encouraged mortgage bankers and brokers to explore the fund and engage with MOFI to foster collaboration, emphasising the importance of Public-private Partnerships (PPP) and sustainable practices in housing development.
In his remarks, the President of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Nigeria (MBAN), Ebilate Mac-Yoroki, called for key reforms and strengthened public-private partnerships to enhance Nigeria’s mortgage banking sector and bridge the housing affordability gap.
He emphasised the sector’s pivotal role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that inclusive housing finance was essential for realising SDG 11 on sustainable cities and SDG 1 on eradicating poverty.
Mac-Yoroki advocated leveraging assets to issue mortgage-backed securities and digitalising title documents for easier transactions, explaining that by fostering collaboration, promoting innovation, and addressing key
challenges, mortgage banking can become a powerful force for sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of FMBN, Mr. Shehu Osidi, who delivered a presentation on “Leveraging Technology in Customer Service Delivery”, highlighted the bank’s progress in adopting cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotic process automation, to streamline mortgage origination, underwriting, and loan servicing.
Gill said: “Multilateral institutions have become the last lifeline for poor economies struggling to balance debt payments with spending on health, education, and other key development priorities.
“In highly indebted poor countries, multilateral development banks are now acting as a lender of last resort, a role they were not designed to serve. That reflects a dysfunctional financing system: except for funds from the World Bank and other multilateral institutions, money is flowing out of poor economies when it should be flowing in.”
The COVID-19 pandemic sharply enlarged the debt burdens of all developing countries—and the subsequent surge in global interest rates has made it harder for many to regain their footing. At the end of 2023, the total external debt owed by all low- and middle-income countries stood at a record $8.8 trillion, an 8 per cent increase over 2020.
The percentage increase was more than twice as large for IDA-eligible countries, whose total external debt climbed to $1.1 trillion, an increase of nearly 18 per cent.
In 2023, borrowing abroad became considerably more expensive for all developing economies. Interest rates on loans from official creditors doubled to more than 4 per cent.
Rates charged by private creditors climbed by more than a point to 6%—a 15-year high.
Global interest rates have since begun to subside, although they are expected to remain above the average that prevailed in the decade before COVID-19.
The latest International Debt Report highlights key insights from the World
Kaduna: Sani Presents N790bn Budget Proposal
By John Shiklam in Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has presented a budget proposal of N790 billion for the year 2025 fiscal year.
Making the presentation to the state house of assembly on Monday, the governor said priority would be given to critical sectors like infrastructure, education, health, human capital development, security, and agriculture.
The budget is made up of N553 billion for capital expenditure while N237 billion is for recurrent expenditure.
Sani said his administration adopted a conservative but strategic approach to resource allocation, giving the prevailing financial headwinds.
He said: “The capital allocation
reflects our continued focus on infrastructure, with particular emphasis on rural roads, healthcare facilities, education infrastructure, and housing projects.
“We have deliberately focused on projects that will have a lasting impact on the economic wellbeing of our citizens”.
The education sector was allocated a large chunk of the budget with N206.6billion, while the health sector got N127 billion.
Agriculture and security got N74 billion and N11.2 billion respectively.
Justifying the huge allocation to the education sector, the governor said, more schools would be constructed while existing ones would be rehabilitated as well as recruitment and capacity development of teachers and the provision
of learning materials.
He said: “We will invest in agricultural innovations, providing support for smallholder farmers, promoting agro-processing, and expanding irrigation projects.
“We will improve the capacity of our state security agencies, purchasing equipment, and supporting community policing efforts.
“We will focus on completion of ongoing road construction, rural electrification, water supply and other critical public works across the state.”
According to him, the budget proposal is a bold commitment to the future of Kaduna State.
According to the governor, “It is a reflection of our determination to drive inclusive development, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and invest in the people of Kaduna state.
Bank’s International Debt Statistics database—the most comprehensive and transparent source of external debt data of developing countries. It reflects an upgraded effort to ensure accuracy in the debt data of IDAeligible economies—by matching data these economies report to the World Bank’s Debtor Reporting System with data held by G7 and Paris Club creditors. This loan-by-loan reconciliation exercise produced a 98 percent match rate in the data, lowering the margin of error from 10 points to just two.
“Comprehensive data on the liabilities of governments can facilitate new investment, reduce corruption, and prevent costly debt crises,” said the World Bank Chief Statistician and Director of its Development Data Group,Haishan Fu: “The World Bank has played a leading role in improving debt transparency across the world, especially in IDA-eligible economies. In 2023, nearly 70 per cent of these economies published fully accessible public-debt data on a government website—a 20-point increase since 2020. That is a hopeful sign for the future.”
The International Debt Report is a longstanding annual publication of the World Bank featuring external debt statistics and analysis for the 122 countries that report to the World Bank Debtor Reporting System. IDR 2023 is the 50th annual edition and includes analyses of external debt stocks and flows as of end-2022 for these countries; the macroeconomic and debt outlook for 2023 and beyond; and a focus on improved public debt transparency and the quality of debt reporting.
“We remain steadfast in our resolve to build a state that is safe, prosperous, and equitable for all.
“We engaged widely with the people of Kaduna state to ensure that the budget reflects their aspirations, addresses their concerns, and lays a solid foundation for long-term development.”
He thanked the law makers and stakeholders for their contributions and support, noting that town hall meetings, engagements with civil society groups and inputs from various sectors had been invaluable in shaping the framework of the budget.
The governor urged the law makers to give the budget the necessary support it deserves, assuring that he will work with the house to ensure its successful implementation.
Equinix”
Lagos at the weekend
Emmanuel
in Abuja
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ON THEIR MINDS...
L-R: The High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria, His Excellency Wendell De Landro; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works and Senator representing Rivers South-East, Barinada Mpigi; Group Chief Executive Officer of Solewant Group, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi; Deputy Senate Minority Whip and Senator representing Enugu West, Osita Ngwu; and Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya, during the 8th Energy Summit of Solewant Group in Alode Eleme, Rivers State... weekend
Crude production by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) increased for a second month in November as Libya continued to recover from a political feud that had shuttered its biggest oil field.
OPEC pumped an average of 27.02 million barrels a day last month, up by 120,000 from the previous month, according to a Bloomberg survey. Libya, restoring output disrupted during a clash between rival governments, accounted for most of the addition.
Libya’s vagaries are separate from the core supply agreement between OPEC and its partners, which will meet this week to consider plans to revive production that has been halted since 2022. Output changes in two other key members last month illustrate the dynamics at play ahead of those talks.
Iraq cut production for a third month as it continued efforts to belatedly implement supply cutbacks agreed at the start of the year, bowing to pressure from OPEC’s leadership. Its daily output fell by 70,000 barrels to 4.06 million, still slightly exceeding its quota.
The United Arab Emirates, which has secured a unique dispensation to gradually pump more next year, raised daily production by 90,000 barrels to 3.26 million — considerably above its current designated limit. Libyan production increased by
110,000 barrels to 1.14 million per day, the highest since July, after restarting its Sharara oil field in October. It had been halted in August as authorities in the east of the country clashed with the Tripoli-based government over control of the central bank.
Before this week’s meeting, several OPEC+ delegates have privately said that the coalition, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, is discussing delaying its scheduled output restart as crude prices struggle amid signs of an impending glut. Oil futures are trading near $72 a barrel in London, down 18 per cent since early July.
The group currently plans to begin a series of monthly hikes, with an initial increment of 180,000 barrels a day in January. But the move has been delayed twice already and will probably be postponed for another few months, the delegates said.
The UAE has been accorded the right to slowly ramp up an additional 300,000 barrels a day of production over the course of 2025, in recognition of recent investments in its capacity.
Emirati officials say this increase is ring-fenced from any negotiations later this week about whether to proceed with the January supply hike, though one delegate from another member country said it may be up for debate.
The OPEC+ online meeting on December 5 was delayed from Sunday, officially to allow some ministers to attend a meeting of the
Gulf Cooperation Council in Kuwait that day. However, delegates have said that the coalition has needed extensive talks to work toward an agreement.
There has been a flurry of shuttle diplomacy, with Saudi Arabian
Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak traveling last week to Iraq and Kazakhstan. Baghdad, Moscow and Astana have all dragged their heels in delivering supply curbs.
On Sunday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in the city of Al Ain, according to UAE state news agency WAM. They discussed bilateral ties as well as regional and
international developments. Bloomberg’s survey is based on ship-tracking data, information from officials and estimates from consultants, including FGE, Kpler Ltd., Rapidan Energy Group and Rystad Energy.
As court disposes 10, 148 cases in 2023/2024 legal year Seeks sanction against lawyers, litigants disparaging judges
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho has reiterated his determination to ensure that the effective administration of Justice, and the welfare of Judges and the support staff of the court remain his priority.
Justice Tsoho reiterated his commitment yesterday, at a ceremony marking the commencement of the 2024/2025 Legal Year of the FHC, in Abuja.
The CJ disclosed that to realise the court's goals, a lot of policy initiatives were embarked upon, amongst which are the successful implementation of the e-affidavit system and the
successful signing of two key practice directions, namely: Federal High Court (Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol) Practice Directions, 2024 and the Federal High Court (Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria) Proceedings Rules, 2024. He described the e-affidavit system as a digital leap which has not only streamlined the court's processes but has, "significantly reduced the time and costs associated with the traditional means of filing affidavits."
Tsoho stated that by embracing technology, the court has enhanced accessibility and efficiency within its judicial system, thereby ensuring a smoother and more convenient experience for all court users.
Experts Task NDDC Directorate of Legal Services on Technology, Efficiency in Public Services
Sunday Okobi
The Directorate of Legal Services of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been urged to up its game to provide the professional gateway for the engagements of the interventionist agency with the people of the region it was created to serve. These experts emphasised seriously on the use of technology, training, and retraining of the officials of the Directorate to enhance efficiency and specialization of their roles in the commission.
At a retreat organised by the Directorate of the Commission held in Lagos yesterday, one of the resource persons, Malachy Ugwummadu esq, who dwelt on the sub-theme: ‘Promoting Efficiency and Excellence
in Legal Service Delivery’, emphasised the importance of the department to success of the agency in the Niger Delta region.
In his address, he adopted an approach that examines the enabling statute, the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment ETC) 2000 in details and had intermittent recourse to the repealed pioneer Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission Decree as well as the extant Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) (Establishment Etc) Amendment Act 2017.
He highlighted the relevant sections of the Act that relate to the specialized schedule and operations of the legal services department hugely needed for an efficient and effective commission.
His words: “This address emphasizes few judicial authorities
in a practical demonstration of the knowledge, expertise and skill set expected from drivers of this Directorate. In the event, the address provides some recommendations and innovations towards an enhanced and improved legal service delivery for the commission.
“Therefore, the directorate requires skill sets, professional knowledge, and technical know-how which its officials must possess with a view to safeguarding and facilitating the attainment of the objectives of the commission.
“We have also identified the inadequacies of the applicable legal frameworks and the constraint of their optimal implementations and applications and focuses on recommended proposal for organizational reforms and efficiencies.”
Ugwummadu noted that a detailed analysis of the functions of the NDDC under Section 7 of the Act provided greater insights and perspectives to the needs and operations of the commission.
According to him, “In view of the decided authorities examined, the position of the laws became clearer on some of the recondite areas of controversies applicable to the commission and, in particular, the Directorate of Legal Services.
“In the event, the following proposals are submitted, with profound respect, as my recommendations moving forward: ‘A functional and structured system of partnership, consultation, and collaboration with the National Assembly in all the processes of legislations, amendments and reviews that affect the commission.
"This achievement stands as a testament to our commitment to modernisation and our dedication towards serving the public better, with innovations", he said.
Speaking on the two new practice directions, the CJ pointed out that the Federal High Court (Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol) Practice Directions promotes international best practices in the enforcement of contracts of sale, security interests, leases and conditional sale contracts to provide uniformity and predictability for businesses operating across the court's jurisdictions.
"On the other hand, the AMCON Proceedings Rules provide a specialised framework for resolving non-performing loans and facilitating a more efficient and transparent process for all stakeholders. These achievements underscore our commitment towards adopting best practices in our legal framework and ensuring a conducive environment for economic growth and stability", he added.
In the area of welfare, the CJ disclosed that he introduced the Chief Judge’s Merit Awards to motivate staff of the court while maintaining the professional development of Judges and the staff through workshops, seminars, and training programmes.
Besides, he stated that the court has invested in infrastructural development including the renovation of courtrooms, the construction and completion of Judges’ quarters in some Judicial Divisions, and the provision of essential technological equipment. According to him, "All these are aimed at ensuring effective service delivery in the court, but only within the scope of our meagre resources."
Meanwhile, Tsoho disclosed that
a total of 152, 469 pending were carried into the 2023/2024 legal year which ended in July 2024.
"Within the Legal Year under review (2023/2024), a total of 13, 648 cases were filed and 10, 148 were disposed of, leaving 155, 969 cases pending, which have been carried over to the current Legal Year. These figures represent Civil - 43,030; Criminal - 41,335; Fundamental Rights Enforcement - 28,760 and AMCON cases, as well as Petitions and Motions together - 42,844.
"From the foregoing analysis, it is apparent that we have done well in the face of our enormous Jurisdictions; notwithstanding that 8 (eight) of our Judges were elevated to the Court of Appeal Bench within the period under review. We warmly congratulate those 8 (eight) worthy ambassadors of ours and pray for their successful careers at that level.
"The Impact of the additional twenty - three Judges appointed late last year (2023) is visible and I wish to implore you all to rededicate yourselves for greater performance in the days ahead," he said.
On a disappointing note, the CJ lamented the increasing attacks on judges by lawyers, litigants and some members of the public, stating that the FHC has been worse for it, arising from its wide territorial and vast subject matter jurisdiction.
"This trend seems to have become a ready means of seeking fame, employed mostly by failed lawyers and litigants. They do not realise that the field of law and indeed adjudication, is not a pedestrian affair.
"I wish to use this rare opportunity of voicing out, which comes just once in a year, to comment at length on this canker, as it poses great danger, not only to the Nigerian Judiciary, but the Rule of Law generally", he said.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Enugu Govt, Austrian Firm Formalise $100m Deal to Boost Water Infrastructure
Enugu State Government and WANDE NEXUS, an Austrian firm, have formalised an agreement to implement the Sustainable Last Mile Connectivity and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project in Enugu. With the signing of the agreement, which took place yesterday in Enugu, the state capital, in the presence of the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger, WANDE Nexus was to inject $100 million as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), to modernise water infrastructure, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to clean water for all households in Enugu City.
Speaking at the event, Governor Peter Mbah described the agreement as an example of the relationship that could exist between a sub-sovereign and a sovereign, and a major step to getting water to the last mile in Enugu City.
Mbah was quoted as saying, in a statement, “We now have an investment of $100 million to deal decisively with the last mile connection, the downstream part of our water system. This huge sum shows that the economic reforms of the federal government and our effort to position Enugu as the premier destination for investment are yielding results because this is a major FDI, not just for us as a state, but even as a country.
“For the record, this is not a case where we are just signing an agreement that is exploratory. This is an agreement we signed today for the funds to begin to flow. This is a discussion that started eight months ago. From signing an MoU, to Terms Sheet, to getting a Concession Agreement, today we are signing the final agreement and we expect that the investment funds will start to flow
immediately, as they should have started with the connectivity to the last mile, and the procurement of the metres will commence.”
The governor explained that while the administration had been able to increase water production from an occasional two million litres to 120 million litres, the biggest challenge was in expanding the network and connecting the tertiary pipelines to the various homes.
He said with the signing of the FDI agreement, the problem would become a thing of the past.
According to Mbah,“This is purely an investment of $100 million being injected in our downstream water sector and we have the responsibility, as a state government, to continue to manage the upstream sector.
“If you look at our budget for 2025, there is fund slated for water, and that is essentially to increase
our water production capacity. The volume will grow from 120 million litres of water per day to 200 million litres per day.”
In his address, Schlesinger said the investment had the strong backing of the Austrian government, and commended Mbah for building the necessary international relationships and showing a strong commitment to making life better for his people.
Schlesinger stated, “Governor Mbah is a great friend of Austria. He has visited Vienna twice, where he met with ministers, international organisations and the business community; and he is a very active supporter of Austrian companies in Enugu.
“This investment in the amount of $100 million is, therefore, a testimony of his excellent work and his vision for Enugu State.”
Schlesinger equally expressed
PRESIDENCY: NO PROVISION WILL IMPOVERISH NORTH IN TAX BILLS
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Sunday
The presidency yesterday reacted to the controversy surrounding the four tax reform bills that had passed second reading in the Senate, but got stuck in the House of Representatives, where further debate on the matter was suspended indefinitely.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the
presidency said no provision in the bills would impoverish the northern states or make the southern states, like Lagos and Rivers, more affluent. Rather, it stated that the bills were out to better the lives of disadvantaged Nigerians struggling to earn a living.
Weighing in on the matter yesterday, Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and senator for Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, declared that the federal legislature would pass the tax bills, despite some opposition to them.
Dickson, a two-term governor of Bayelsa State, told journalists that if the National Assembly could pass the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), nothing would stop it from doing the same thing with the tax bills.
Former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, called for urgent devolution of powers across Nigeria’s three tiers of government to improve national governance, efficiency, and development.
However, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Tijani,
described the bills as anti-people. Tijani, who represents Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi Federal Constituency of Kano State in the Green Chamber, maintained that the bills were not in tandem with public interest.
Equally yesterday, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, stated that while there was nothing wrong in embarking on tax reforms, it must be done transparently.
The presidency, in the statement, stressed that the bills never made
OYEDELE: WE'LL NOT WITHDRAW TAX REFORM BILLS, COMMITTEE READY TO RE-ENGAGE STAKEHOLDERS
undertaken by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Oyedele also denied allegations that the tax reform committee did not consult the state governors during its engagement process. He said while he agreed that more consultation might be required, it was not correct that they were not engaged during the process.
But Governor of Nasarawa State, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, said the position of state governors on the tax reform bills was totally misunderstood.
Sule said while the governors believed the bills would address issues of multiple taxes, as well as waive duties on agricultural equipment imports, the increase of VAT from 20 per cent to 60 per cent at point of generation and consumption were rather confusing.
He said all the governors were agitating was for the bill to be withdrawn to allow for further discussion.
Sule also emphasised that the reported disagreement did not amount to a regional controversy.
Nonetheless, Oyedele said now that the bills appeared to have generated renewed interests from stakeholders, who hitherto showed no interest, the committee was prepared to repeat the engagement process.
He said consultation will also continue even after the bills had been passed into law.
Commenting on allegations that the presidential tax reform committee did not consult the state governors, Oyedele said, “No, they won't say we didn't consult them. They are saying we need to consult more, which we agree with because consultation will never end. Even after passing the bills, we must continue to consult.
"We had two sessions with the National Economic Council. We had almost a whole day with the finance commissioners from all over Nigeria.
"We've had at least four sessions with the heads of the internal revenue services from all the 36 states plus the FCT. To six geopolitical zones, we identified one governor per zone and wrote to them to go and meet them where they are with their cabinet and discuss. We did some of that.
"Some of them did not have time for us. For those who had, who appreciate the government of Nigeria, they say, no, let's even set up a committee between my cabinet and your team to work through the details."
Oyedele stated further, "We worked for more than six months. We always
welcome opportunities to engage. But it is not correct to say that we did not consult."
He also refuted claims that the federal government appeared to be in a rush to get the bills passed into law.
He explained, "And we are not in a hurry, sorry because when you find yourself in a situation where we are now, where people are starving, there's poverty in the land, some people can't make ends meet. The time to cut their taxes.
"The time to provide relief. The time to create opportunity for them. The time to make our businesses thrive is now, not tomorrow. In fact, we should have done it yesterday, but now is the next best time."
On assumptions that the tax reform might cost President Bola Tinubu a second term, Oyedele said, "I feel really very sorry for Mr. President. Even though he says nobody should feel sorry for him. I have to be honest with you, in this role, Mr. President has never for once asked my committee to make sure that we do something when we are done.”
The tax reform committee chairman said Tinubu had given them a free hand to do their job without interference.
He said it was “Nigerians from all over Nigeria, who came up with this analysis using data to make those recommendations.
"But they blame everything on him. He's taking all of it in good faith. I hope that the reason why, if anything happens in 2027, will not be because of this bill.
"Because that way, we'll be doing an injustice, not only to him, but to the whole of this country, Nigeria."
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, called on Nigerians to be fair in their assessment of the tax reforms bills.
Dogara faulted the criticisms of the bills and said Nigerians should critically examine their benefits.
He said, “We should remove the cap of regionalism, the cap of sectionalism, the cap of religion and put on the cup of leadership because that is what will resolve the quarrel that we have.”
With inflation over 30 per cent and millions of Nigerians battling to afford basic commodities, critics believe the tax reform bills are coming at the wrong time.
Others say there is inadequate consultation over the bills.
But Dogara said the arguments were insufficient to throw the bills
away. He said, “I think one of the major objections is related to the issue of timing. I’ve heard this from leaders that I respect.
“But in leadership, when you talk about timing, the way I have heard them talk about is a tragic misconception of the notion of time itself because there’s nothing like the future, there’s nothing like the past.”
According to Dogara, “All we have is now. It is what you are doing now that will become your past. It is what you are doing now that will affect your future.
“I don’t even care if it was part of the president’s agenda. All I am bothered with as a leader is: is it the right thing?
“Secondly, I have heard about insufficient consultation. I had heard even legislators speaking as if they were spokespersons for some governors’ forum or others instead of looking at what is right and proffering solutions.
“Now, I don’t know why he (Taiwo Oyedele, who leads the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee and a panellist for the event) didn’t address some of these issues. But I believe in the course of our interface, he will address whether there was enough consultation with the governors.
“But I want to say this, at the state level, how many people do governors consult when they are making laws? I’m not challenging them. As a matter of fact, in some cases, state laws are written from the living rooms of governors.”
An Economist with SPM Professionals, Dr Paul Alaje, called for the harmonisation of how the country collected taxes, integrated them using intelligence, and ensured that everyone focused on their primary mandate, saying Nigeria would be better for it.
Alaje explained that over 60 government revenue agencies seemed distracted from their primary markets.
"They are chasing revenue to the detriment of the economy," he said.
He recalled that agencies like Ghana Revenue Authority, Kenya Revenue Service, South Africa Revenue Service, and HMRC, collected social security.
According to Alaje, "If you go to Rwanda and you want to do your driver’s license, it is the revenue authority that collects it. Why? Because they have been set up to collect revenue. So they have the system, they have the structure, they have the training, they have the experience, they have the capacity. What we are doing in Nigeria is at the federal government level."
strong confidence in the capacity of Chairman of WANDE Nexus Group, Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, to lead the transformation of the downstream water sector.
He stated, “In order to implement such a plan as the governor has, you need strong leadership at the top of the project, represented by Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, the Chairman of WANDE NEXUS. He spent more than 20 years in Austria, where he played key roles in international organisations, addressing critical infrastructure and sustainability challenges, as enshrined in another Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations.”
Earlier, in his address, Ugbor said he and the Austrian investors were encouraged into the venture by the speedily improving ease of doing business, conducive investment environment, and trustworthiness
provision for the scrapping of some parastatals and agencies, like Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as being speculated in some quarters.
The release added that while President Bola Tinubu welcomed the public debate being generated by the bills, he advised leaders across the country, including governors, traditional rulers, students, and activists, among others, to use the opportunity of the public hearing to be organised by the National Assembly to ventilate their views on how to reform Nigeria's tax and fiscal regimes.
The presidency stated, "Since the public debate around the transformative tax bills before the National Assembly began in the last few weeks, various political actors and commentators have tried to obfuscate the facts, deliberately misinforming and misleading the public.
"Unfortunately, most reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills. While some commentators have attempted to incite the people against lawmakers, others have polarized one section of the country against another.
"The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer. The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living.”
It explained, "Contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills.
"Government agencies, such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, are funded through budgetary provisions with company income tax and other taxes paid by the same businesses that are being overburdened with
the special taxes.” The statement said, "One reason President Bola Tinubu embarked on the Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms is the need to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and make the operating environment conducive for businesses.
"For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies, including those earmarked to fund various government agencies and initiatives.
"The multiple taxes complicate the economic environment, making Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and preventing many businesses from growing or continuing their operations. Some companies have had to make the rational decision to relocate to other countries. We cannot continue on this path or wait for 20 years if this country is to deliver the prosperity we need for our people.
"The proposal, as contained in section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill, only seeks to consolidate some of the earmarked taxes imposed on companies and replace them with a single tax to be shared with the key agencies as beneficiaries in a phased manner until 2030.
"The time frame offers ample opportunity for the affected agencies to explore other funding sources in addition to budgetary allocations in line with the constitution and international best practices.
"It is a misrepresentation of facts to conclude that changing an agency's funding source amounts to scrapping it. None of the countries leading globally in education, science, engineering, or information technology have similar earmarked taxes.
The released stressed, "The government imposes major taxes, be it income tax, consumption tax, or other taxes, to channel resources to its areas of priority at the time. Imposing a separate tax to fund an
FG’S $1.7BN EUROBOND OVERSUBSCRIBED AT $9.1BN, SIGN OF INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN ONGOING REFORMS
raised meant to primarily support Nigeria’s 2024 budget, which has come under pressure due to persistent revenue shortfalls and rising public spending.
However, the bonds were issued under the Regulation S/144A structure, making them available to both US and international investors.
The oversubscription reflected continued investor interest in Nigerian debt, even though the yields have raised concerns about the country’s financial stability.
In a statement yesterday, the Debt Management Office (DMO) announced the successful issuance of the Eurobonds, explaining that the bonds attracted a wide range of investors from multiple jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and participation from Nigerian investors.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria successfully priced $2.2 billion in Eurobonds maturing in 2031 (6.5year) and 2034 (10- year) in the international capital markets on 2
December 2024, with $700 million and $1.5 billion placed in the 2031 and 2034 maturities, respectively.
“The notes were priced at a Coupon and Re-offer Yield of 9.625 per cent and 10.375 per cent, respectively.
Nigeria is pleased to have attracted a wide range of investors from multiple jurisdictions including the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and participation from Nigerian investors.
“This it views as an expression of continued investor confidence in the country’s sound macro-economic policy framework and prudent fiscal and monetary management.
“The transaction attracted a peak orderbook of more than $9.0 billion. This underscores the strong support for the transaction across geography and investor class.
“With respect to investor class, demand came from a combination of Fund Managers, Insurance and Pension Funds, Hedge Funds, Banks and other Financial Institutions,” it stated.
DMO’s Director General, Patience
Oniha, celebrated the landmark achievement, citing strong investor demand and reaffirming DMO’s commitment to transparency and continued engagement with investors.
DMO said the notes would be admitted to the official list of the UK Listing Authority and available to trade on the London Stock Exchange’s regulated market, the FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, and the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“The proceeds from this Eurobond issuance will be used to finance the 2024 fiscal deficit and support the government’s budgetary needs,” DMO said.
Also, Finance Minister, Mr. Olawale Edun, in a reaction, emphasised the confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to stabilise the Nigerian economy and promote sustainable growth.
He noted the strong investor interest in the Eurobonds as a sign of increasing confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.
“The broad range of investor appetite to invest in our Eurobonds
is encouraging as we continue to diversify our funding sources and deepen our engagement with the international capital markets,” he said. Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, highlighted the positive outcome as a reflection of investor confidence and Nigeria’s improved liquidity and market access.
Nigeria is returning to the international capital markets for the first time in over two years with the significant offering. The Eurobond sale is managed by a consortium of international and domestic financial institutions, including Citigroup Inc., Goldman Sachs Group Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Standard Chartered Plc, with Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited acting as the Nigerian bookrunner. In November, Edun said approximately $1.7 billion was expected from the Eurobond offer and $500 million from a sukuk financing to strengthen the country’s finances and support economic reforms.
Aborisade, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Lagos
exhibited by the Mbah administration. He added that the company would deliver on expectations, create 500 direct jobs for a start, build human capital in modern water management, and also directly improve health and economic opportunities in Enugu State.
Mbah
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
Anambra PDP Seeks Return to Winning Ways
In November 2025, eligible voters in a nambra state will be returning to the polls to elect a new governor. David-Chyddy Eleke reports that the Peoples Democratic Party plans to use the opportunity to regain its winning streak.
Between 1999 and 2006, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held sway in Anambra State, dominating its political space. The party was later ousted from power in 2006 after a court judgement obtained by the then candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the 2003 election, Mr Peter Obi removed then Governor Chris Ngige from office.
Even after it was displaced as the ruling party in the state, PDP remained a dominant force in the state, lending its umbrella as shelter to almost all the top politicians in the state. In the very days of its height in the state, any meeting by the party could be likened to a statewide meeting of who is who in the state.
After being out of power for several years, and losing every attempt to stage a come back, dwindling return sets in, causing it to lose its members to other political parties.
A major attempt to breathe life into the party was in 2014 when a former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi pulled out of his former party, APGA, and pitched tent with it. Obi, an influential politician who possesses a cult following in the state moved all his supporters to the party, causing a ground swell for PDP.
Using his influence, Obi attempted to launch the party to limelight again, using former secretary to state government, Oseloka Obaze who served in his government to try to stall the re-election of his former protege, Chief Willie Obiano. The attempt however failed. Another attempt in 2021 to use erstwhile Transcorp boss, Mr Valentine Ozigbo to revive the party also failed.
Within this interregnum, the party had already lost steam, with most of its members seeking shelter in other parties, especially All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Obi also later left the party too for Labour Party, sounding what almost looked like a death knell on the party.
Also, within the period of trying to stage a comeback, the party also grappled with internal leadership crisis that caused it to remain in court for a long time, denying it the opportunity to properly elect a state
chairman. For many years, it was administered by caretaker committee, setting it back significantly.
In October this year however, the party under Chidozie Umeh as caretaker committee chairman mustered the courage to call for election of a substantive state chairman. The election saw Mr Chidi Chidebe emerging as the chairman of the party.
Last week, during a unity gala organized by the party to receive the new executive, and also send forth the outgoing caretaker committee, the party vowed to regain its winning streak, while also marshalling out strategies that can help it take back the state, especially as election approaches next year.
Former Chairman of the party in Anambra State, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu pledged to help rebuild the party by working closely with the new executive. He accused some leaders of the party of sabotaging the party in the past, saying that was the reason for its failure to bounce back, despite all efforts.
He said: “Anambra loves the PDP, and the only problem is that those
who call themselves our leaders were going out to collect money from our opponents and working against the party. The PDP is back in Anambra State to reclaim its rightful position. If you believe in the PDP, believe with one mind. We are now united, focused, and have purposeful, committed leaders to take the party to greater heights.”
Nwobu urged the newly elected leaders not to disappoint the party faithful, given the overwhelming support from members.
“You must do everything possible to ensure that the PDP returns to the state as a winning party,” he urged.
This is coming as the newly elected Chairman of the party, Mr Chidi Chidebe pledged to set up seven committees to work towards repositioning the party ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra state.
The outgone caretaker chairman of the party, Chigozie Igwe insisted that despite all the travails of the party, it still remained the most popular in Anambra, and the most cherished by people of the state.
He said: “I’m happy that PDP has resurrected again in Anambra, and we have been able to navigate away from caretaker leadership. We now have an elected PDP exco and I’m appealing to you all to join hands and let’s make PDP great again and
Leadership starts where politics ends. The politics of who becomes the chairman is over, let’s now join hands to provide leadership for PDP. Let’s work to take Anambra governorship seat again. Primary election is in March 2025 and election is in November. If we field a good candidate, we can take back Anambra State. From there we will move to win the House of Reps seats and then Senatorial seats. Our real opponents are other parties and not ourselves. Let us come together and defeat our opponents. They is opportunity for everyone to be carried along.
regain our winning ways.
“Leadership starts where politics ends. The politics of who becomes the chairman is over, let’s now join hands to provide leadership for PDP. Let’s work to take Anambra governorship seat again. Primary election is in March 2025 and election is in November. If we field a good candidate, we can take back Anambra State. From there we will move to win the House of Reps seats and then Senatorial seats.
“Our real opponents are other parties and not ourselves. Let us come together and defeat our opponents. They is opportunity for everyone to be carried along.”
In his speech, the new chairman of the party promised to carry everyone along to ensure that no one felt cheated. He promised to run the party through committees that would galvanize every member of the party and represent every section.
He also added that he would run a five-point agenda, which would include reconciling aggrieved members of the party, enhancing the structure of the party to make it formidable enough to win elections, to build strategic partnership, reenergize the party and promoting accountability and transparency.
“It has become important to have these committees. Seven of them have the task of reaching out to stakeholders and the aggrieved members as well as showcasing and selling the party to the outside world” he said.
Chidebe stressed that these committees would not be used to witch-hunt anyone but to understand the challenges faced and find solutions for the future. He called on the party faithful to support the new executives and promised not to disappoint in his duty to raise the PDP once again.
The event was attended by all ward chairmen from all the 326 political wards in the state, the executives of the party in the 21 Local government areas and several notable politicians in the state. Speaker after speaker at the event harped on the return of unity to the party in the state, believing that with the new found unity, the party can gain back lost grounds in the 2025 election.
Nwobu Chidiebere
LAWYER
4TH PReSIdeNT OF THe INTeRNaTIONaL cRIMINaL cOURT, JUdGe cHILe eBOe-OSUJI
“No Immunity for Any President Implicated in International
Quotables
‘I don’t think the EFCC is the answer, I think there’s a need for a new Commission. It may be that you take the best of the EFCC, ICPC and the Police Financial Crimes Unit, because there’s no need to replicate those functions among three organs of the State, and waste public resources. It’s better to have a single organisation.’ - Professor Fidelis Oditah, KC, SAN
‘It is the man that has all the power, that evades the justice system.’ - Rufai Oseni, Arise TV’s Morning Show Anchor
Kubi Udofia PhD
Kubi Udofia holds a Doctorate degree in Law from The University of Nottingham, a Certificate in International Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management, London, a Masters degree in Corporate Law from University College London and a Bachelors degree from University of Uyo in Nigeria. He is a leading and an acknowledged expert, in corporate restructuring and insolvency law in Nigeria. As a scholarpractitioner, Kubi Udofia has extensively researched and written on a broad spectrum of topical issues in corporate restructuring and insolvency law. He is a seasoned transactional and dispute resolution specialist, with extensive knowledge and practical experience in corporate and commercial law. He is a Partner at Babalakin & Co, a leading commercial law firm in Nigeria.
Power of Court to Reduce/Reformulate Issues for Determination
Page IV
Sexual Assault: Appeal Court Acquits Dr Olaleye
Page V
Bamise’s BRT Bus Murder Case Suffers Another Delay
Page V
Lagos High Court Announces Christmas Vacation Dates
Page V
Olanipekun Donates Senate Building to Bamidele Olumilua University
Page V
Anti-Graft War: The China Example
China, Corruption and the Death Sentence
The former Chairman of the Bank of China, Liu Liange, was recently sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, having been found guilty by a Shandong Province Court of accepting $16.8 million in bribes, and issuing illegal loans to unqualified companies causing a loss of about $27 million. He was found guilty of abusing his position at the Export-Import Bank of China and Bank of China. He was also stripped of all his properties and illegal earnings. The two-year reprieve means that he will be executed, only if he commits another crime within the two-year time period; if he gets the reprieve, the death sentence will be commuted to life imprisonment. In January 2021, Lai Xiaomin, the Chairman of the Huarong Asset Management Company, China, was executed, having been found guilty of bribery and corruption to the tune of about $277 million (apparently the largest amount in a corruption case in decades) and bigamy. Like Liange, his political rights were also rescinded. China takes its anti-graft war very seriously. And, while I agree that the death sentence is not a 100% deterrent against bribery and corruption even in China, corruption appears to be much less pervasive there! Meaning that the death sentence is a fairly effective deterrent against corruption. Sometimes, a particular punishment may work better on certain categories of people. My point?
An armed robber for instance, who is unable to feed, may have felt constrained to go into a life of crime to survive. Therefore, he/she couldn’t care less about the death sentence if they are caught, its not even a consideration, because either way, the possibility of death stares them in the face - death from hunger and starvation as a result of poverty, or death as a result of conviction as an armed robber.
But, the circumstances of Public Officials/ Politicians is not the same - they would have everything to lose, including their lives, if they are caught and executed, particularly if they were lower middle class to middle class before their public positions. Apart from languishing on death row for decades in our less than conducive prisons, living under harsh conditions which they are not accustomed to, they would forfeit their illegally acquired wealth and properties, and their families and generations to come will also bear the shame of their family member being executed for corruption.
Nigeria: The Law and Double Standards 1) Armed Robbery vs Corruption
The conviction and execution of Mr Xiaomin, shows that China doesn’t seem to have sacred cows when it comes to the enactment or application of the law. The Chinese Government’s harsh stance against corruption, is probably because they realise how it can completely destroy a country, and so, offenders are not spared. Everyone appears to be accountable for their actions. However, unlike China, in Nigeria, the law appears to be skewed against the common man, as/and he is the only one that appears to be fully accountable for his crimes here. See Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution) on discrimination.
Using the examples of Liange and Xiaomin, in Nigeria, the death penalty is a sanction that is easily used to punish offences mostly committed by the common man, like armed robbery, and not those committed by the elite - see Section 1(2)(a), (b) & (c) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act 1984 (RFA) which provides the death penalty by hanging or firing squad, for a Defendant found guilty of armed robbery. Also see the case of Ogbomor v State (1985) LPELR-2286(SC) per Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, JSC where the Supreme Court held inter alia that “Under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Decree of 1970, the punishment for armed robbery is death”. The punishment for robbery is 21 years imprisonment - see Section 1(1) of the RFA. See the definition of robbery, the illegal taking of property with violence and intimidation, and armed robbery, with a dangerous weapon, regardless of whether the weapon is used or not in Agboola v State (2013) LPELR-20652(SC); Okanlawon v State (2015) LPELR-24838(SC). And, is there really any difference between the common man’s armed robbery, and the ‘pen robbery’ that the elite commit? In fact, pen robbery is worse, because while armed robbery affects and sometimes results in the death of only the particular victims who have been attacked in an incident, in the case of pen robbery - bribery and corruption, the negative impact is felt by all Nigerians, as it stunts the country’s growth and development, and results in the people’s repeated deaths. A simplistic example, is a General Hospital where those
onIkepo BraIThwaITe
onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com
onikepo braithwaite The Advocate
“…. Lai Xiaomin, the Chairman of the Huarong Asset Management Company, China, was executed, having been found guilty of bribery and corruption….while offences like robbery and armed robbery are given the harshest punishment, corruption which is just as destructive to society, if not more, is treated with levity…in Nigeria….”
in charge have stolen the funds allocated for the running of the hospital; patients needlessly die there on a daily basis as a result of inadequate medical care, which may have been avoided had the funds been applied judiciously. If the same type of corruption is rife among all the General Hospitals in Nigeria, then the healthcare in all of them would be deficient, and many common men who have no option but to seek medical attention there, will die needlessly. Is that not why top Nigerian Government officials, are most famous for medical tourism abroad?
The bitter truth is that, while offences like robbery and armed robbery are given the harshest punishment, corruption which is just as destructive to society, if not more, is treated with levity; and the death sentence as punishment for corruption in Nigeria, may probably be the most effective deterrent, because we see that those who stand accused of engaging in corruption are usually cowardly in nature, like former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and appear to be afraid of being remanded in custody, let alone running the risk of being executed, if convicted for corruption. The fear of the consequence of being executed, may reduce the appetite of the more ‘elitist’ people for corruption. However, it more unlikely than a cold day in hell, that the National Assembly will ever enact any law that will prescribe the death penalty for corruption, as a number of even those members enacting the law, may themselves have to be sentenced to death! And, as we all know, self-preservation is the very first law of nature!
2) The Common Man vs The Elite But, isn’t it unacceptable, that the law appears to be skewed against the common man who comprises the majority of the population
of Nigeria? Though the Shari’ah Courts do not have criminal jurisdiction - see Sections 262 & 277 of the Constitution and Magaji v Matari (2000) LPELR1813(SC) per Abubakar Bashir Wali, JSC & Uthman Mohammed, JSC; take for instance Jigawa State’s Shari’ah Penal Code Law 2000 (JPC) - while Section 144 defines the offence of Theft of a movable property of another, Section 145 thereof prescribes the punishment of amputation of the right hand from the joint of the wrist, and where the offender is convicted for a second theft, then the left foot will also be amputated, then the left hand for a third theft and the right foot for the fourth theft - such a gruesome punishment. Similarly, the common man like Sharif Aminu, a Musician, was unlawfully sentenced to death for blasphemy by a Kano Shari’ah Court in 2020. But, Muslim Public Officials/Politicians and those who engage in bribery and corruption involving billions of Naira to the detriment of Nigeria and millions of Nigerians, as opposed to a person who may steal a cow, come under Section 164 of the JPC, that is, criminal breach of trust, the punishment for which is up to 10 years imprisonment, or a fine or both (see Section 165 of the JPC) - there’s absolutely no connection with the death penalty, or amputation of body parts.
3) Bail
Murder, Armed Robbery, Rape, Corruption Offences are all non-bailable offences, that is, they are felonies that carry a punishment in excess of three years imprisonment, and the grant of bail is not as of right. For non-bailable offences, the court must be approached for bail, and the Defendant must satisfy the conditions for the grant of bail in order to get same. So, why is it
that an elitist Defendant who is arrested by the EFCC for humongous money laundering and corruption charges, is given administrative bail and is allowed to go home same day or the next, almost immediately by the EFCC without visiting the court, unless Government wants to make an example of such a person like former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele? It is because the issue of corruption, is not taken as seriously as it should be.
Last week, in court, I saw a good number of the Accused Persons/Defendants who had been languishing in custody for years, awaiting trial. And, even though a number of these Defendants had been charged for serious offences like murder, armed robbery and kidnapping, Section 36(5) of the Constitution provides that there is a presumption of innocence until an accused person is proven guilty; and the common man certainly does not have less fundamental rights than a Defendant like Yahaya Bello, who stands accused of stealing over N110 billion (over $60 million) of government funds, and was not arrested by the EFCC until he gave himself up a few days ago.
In the case of the common men Defendants I saw in court, the issue of bail doesn’t arise, or many of them may not meet the conditions for the grant of bail because of the nature of the offences, but, I’m sure Yahaya Bello whose alleged offences are no less heinous than those of these common men, is already eager to have his application for bail moved. In Dokubo-Asari v FRN (2007) LPELR-958(SC) per Niki Tobi, JSC, the Supreme Court held that “The main function of bail is to ensure the presence of the accused at the trial”. Other conditions for consideration in the grant or refusal of a bail application, enumerated in that case, include the nature of the charge against the Defendant and the punishment; the strength of the case against the Defendant; the likelihood of the Defendant being a flight risk, or interfering with witnesses while on bail.
A person like Yahaya Bello who has evaded arrest for months, looks like a flight risk to any right thinking person, and granting him bail may go against the main function of bail which is to ensure his presence at his trial. The current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, who could have stood as a surety for Yahaya Bello, was instrumental in helping him evade justice, and when he’s no longer Governor and the Section 308 immunity from suit and legal process is lifted, he can actually be charged for offences like obstruction of justice amongst others. So, what will be trial court do? If it was a common man, the application for bail would most certainly be denied. Nigerians haven’t forgotten the case of Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team who is now serving an eight year prison term for pension fraud amounting to about N2 billion. Despite being charged with serious offences and being a fugitive from the law, he was able to sneak back into Nigeria and not only resume his job as a civil servant, he was also promoted! And, despite being a flight risk, after he was re-arrested, he was granted bail and he fled to Niger Republic where he was finally arrested and brought back home to face justice.
Conclusion
If a criminally minded elite knows that if he/she loots the State treasury, even if they are arrested by law enforcement they will be back to the comfort of their home on bail in the twinkle of an eye; that if they are lucky, they can enter into a plea bargain agreement and return N10 million of the N100 billion they have looted, where lies the deterrent against such corrupt activities? Treating such offenders with kid gloves, serves more as an enabler for others to engage in all manner of corrupt practices and underhand activities, knowing that their punishment will be light, if at all.
Even when the common man enters a plea bargain agreement, for example, a person charged with murder facing the death sentence or life imprisonment; such Defendant will still plead guilty to a lesser offence like Manslaughter, and bag a healthy prison sentence of 10 or more years. In Nigeria, the more privileged pen robber is able to get off more easily than the common man, even if the crimes are just heinous.
Of course, those who are against the death penalty do not recommend it as a punishment for any offence whatsoever. But, in Nigeria, if bribery and corruption, money laundering etc by public officials or whoever is not taken as seriously as the common man’s armed robbery, murder, rape and kidnapping, it is obvious that as the years go by, the scale of corruption in Nigeria will continue to multiply in unbelievable proportions and dimensions.
eFcc chairman, ola olukoyede
Power of Court to Reduce/Reformulate Issues for Determination
Facts The Respondent as Plaintiff before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (“the trial court”) took out a Writ of Summons filed on 15th February, 2010 against the Appellants as Defendants wherein he claimed inter alia, “The sum of N25 million being professional fee payable to the Plaintiff for professional services connected to/ or rendered to the Defendants from 1998 — 2000 in respect of Suit No. FHC/C/CS/18/98 and Appeal No: CA/K/32/04 respectively”.
The Respondent’s case before the trial court, was that he rendered legal services to the Appellants as itemised in his bill of charges “Exhibit H” in Suit No. FHC/C/CS/18/98 and Appeal No. CA/K/32/04, but was not paid for the said services. As such, he claimed the sum of N25 million as professional fees. The Appellants, in their defence, stated that the Respondent’s participation was limited to (a) filing of the Writ of Summons in Suit No. FHC/C/ CS/ 18/98 (b) letter by the Respondent on behalf of the Appellants to the Military Administrator Sokoto State dated 1/7/98. That another Counsel took over the prosecution of Suit No: FHC/C/ CS/18/98 from the Respondent until judgement at the trial court, as well as the Appeal in Appeal No. CA/K/31/04 for which settlement was reached. They asserted that the Respondent had then been debriefed by the Appellants vide Exhibit “J”, as shown in the printed records of appeal.
The Appellants’ case was that although the Respondent was remunerated at various intervals, he was entitled to some payment, but not the amount claimed by the Respondent. They stated that there was need for parties to agree on the professional fees payable to the Respondent rather than have the Respondent impose a fee on them, especially as there was no evidence before the trial court that the Respondent carried out the enumerated items in his bill of charges - Exhibit “H.” At the end of the trial, the trial court found for the Respondent as Plaintiff in the sum of N12 million including 10% annual interest on same from 1st August, 2008 till 21st day of May, 2012 when the judgement was given, and a further 10% annual interest on the judgement sum till liquidation of same.
Dissatisfied, the Appellants appealed to the Court of Appeal, and formulated two issues for determination. The lower court reformulated both issues into a single issue “in order to avoid repetition.” In its judgement, the Court of Appeal reduced the award made in favour of the Respondent from N12 million to N5 million. The Appellants still felt aggrieved by the decision of the appellate court, particularly the omission by the court to make a finding on the said Appellants’ issue two, before it was subsumed into the reformulated sole issue in the determination of the Appeal; hence, the further appeal to the Supreme Court. The Respondent equally filed a Cross-appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal, reducing the amount awarded to him by the trial court.
Issues for Determination
The Apex Court adopted a sole issue for determination of the main appeal, to wit:
Whether there was an omission by the Court of Appeal, to make a finding on the Appellants’ issue two which was subsumed into the lone issue raised for determination of the Appeal by the court. The issue for determination in the Cross-appeal was:
Whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were not wrong, when they reduced the sum of N12 million award in favour of the CrossAppellant for professional services rendered to the Applicants in Suit No. FHC/C/CV/18/98 to N5 million.
Arguments
Counsel for the Appellant argued that the lower court failed in its duty with respect to the Appellants’ issue two which it subsumed into a new issue, thereby defeating the end of justice despite having earlier agreed with the Appellants’ submissions that Exhibit “K” (the Petition by the Respondent to the Inspector-General of Police alleging that the terms of settlement at the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/K/31/04 was obtained by fraud), is an admission against the interest of the Respondent in respect of its finding on Exhibit “A3”- the terms of settlement at the Court of
In the Supreme court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 7th day of June, 2024
Before their lordships
uwani Musa abba aji chidiebere Nwaoma uwa
Stephen Jonah adah abubakar Sadiq umar
Mohammed Baba Idris Justices, Supreme court Sc/47/2015
Appeal where J.C. Shaka Esq. signed as representing the 3rd Respondent therein, and not the Respondent in this appeal. It was argued that having allowed the appeal, the lower court ought to have dismissed the Respondent’s claim, failure of which caused the injustice complained of by the Appellants. They concluded that, no award should have been made in favour of the Respondent.
In response, the Respondent, representing himself, submitted that the sole issue reformulated and determined by the lower court took care of all the issues raised by the parties in the appeal, based on which the lower court reduced the award made in favour of the Respondent from Nl2 million to N5 million. He submitted that the trial court did not award any professional fee to the Respondent for professional services rendered to the Appellants at the Court of Appeal, despite its finding that the Respondent rendered professional services to the Appel-
“…..a court of law is permitted to formulate issues different from those formulated by the parties, as long as it covers the issues at stake between the parties covered by the grounds of appeal. It is done to narrow down the issue or issues in controversy, also to make the issues precise, clear and in some cases, to avoid proliferation”
interest, which the Cross-Appellant did not give any evidence to water down”. Finally, Counsel submitted that ground 4 of the cross-appeal arose from the judgement of the lower court and was not a fresh issue, and grounds 1 and 4 were live issues that should be determined.
Court’s Judgement and Rationale Determining the issue in the main appeal, the Supreme Court held that a court of law is permitted to formulate issues different from those formulated by the parties, as long as it covers the issues at stake between the parties covered by the grounds of appeal. It is done to narrow down the issue or issues in controversy, also to make the issues precise, clear and in some cases, to avoid proliferation. The Apex Court held that this was what the lower court did, in resolution of the two issues formulated by the Appellants and the Respondent after his issue two was struck out, not having arisen from the Appellants’ ground of appeal. Their Lordships found that the Appellants’ issue two questioned the Respondent’s entitlement to make a claim for his professional fees in respect of Appeal No. CA/K/31/04, which would entitle him to the award of Nl2 million awarded by the trial court. The lower court examined the circumstances of the case at the trial court, and in its wisdom, intervened with the award and reduced same to N5 million. It was clear that neither the trial court nor the lower court made any award in favour of the Respondent, in respect of Appeal No. CA/K/31/04. The lower court reduced the award in favour of the Respondent, having held that the Respondent failed to show in the proceedings the one hundred and fifty appearances he made as claimed in Exhibit “H” in respect of Suit No. FHC/CS/S/ 18/98. In all, the Supreme Court held that the appeal was without merit, and same was dismissed.
Determination of the Cross-Appeal
The Supreme Court, in determining the preliminary objection first, held that the reduction of the award by the lower court was in the course of its resolution of the reformulated sole issue in which the Cross Respondents’ issues one and two were subsumed into a sole issue, likewise the two surviving issues of the Cross- Appellant at the lower court. It was the reduction of the award that gave rise to the Cross-Appellant’s Grounds 1 and 4 of the Cross appeal to challenge the decision of the lower court. It was clear that the Cross-Appellant’s Grounds 1 and 4 arose from the decision of the lower court, they were not fresh issues raised on appeal without prior leave of court as erroneously argued by the learned Counsel for the Cross-Respondents. Furthermore, Exhibit “K” was a live issue in controversy between the parties, in which the Court of Appeal made its findings and arrived at the decision leading to the Cross-Appeal. As a consequence, their Lordships found the preliminary objection without merit and dismissed it.
lants in the said Appeal, and the award made in his favour was for professional services in respect of Suit No. FHC/CS/18/98. Finally, the Respondent concluded that it was wrong for the Appellants to have argued that the lower court did not pronounce on Exhibit “K”, as there were definite findings on Exhibit “K” to which there was no appeal. With respect to the Cross-appeal, Counsel for the Cross-Respondent filed a preliminary objection argued in the Cross Respondents’ brief of argument. He challenged the competence of the Cross-appeal on the following grounds: (1) That Ground 1 and Ground 4 of the Notice and Grounds of Cross-Appeal are incompetent, as same did not arise from the judgement of the Court of Appeal; (2) that leave of the Supreme Court was not sought and obtained by-the Cross-Appellant to raise Ground 1 of the Notice and Grounds of Cross-Appeal as a fresh point of law; (3) that the sole issue formulated by the Cross-Appellant was distilled from Grounds 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Notice and Grounds of Appeal; and (4) that the sole issue formulated and argued by the Cross-Appellant is incompetent, same having been derived from the competent and incompetent Grounds of Appeal. Responding, the Cross-Appellant submitted that the finding of the lower court on Exhibit “K, was the major reason for reduction of the award made in favour of the Cross-Appellant. Also, that ground 4 of the Cross-appeal is also a challenge on the same reduction of the award made by the trial court in favour of the Cross Appellant. The lower court relying on same found that Exhibit K was a “solemn declaration and admission against
On the merits of the Cross appeal, the Supreme Court held that the trial court that heard and saw the witnesses and documents tendered in the matter rightly held that Exhibit “K” had nothing to do with the validity of the claim of the Cross-Appellant for his professional fee. The trial court did not attach any probative value to Exhibit “K”; therefore, the Court of Appeal erred when it ascribed probative value to the said Exhibit “K”.
The Apex Court held further that there were concurrent findings of facts that the Cross-Appellant rendered professional services to the Cross-Respondents in Suit No. FHC/ CS/S/18/98, and as found by the trial court and the lower court, there was enough evidence to support the findings that the Cross-Appellant rendered solicitor’s services and the other duties outlined by the trial court. Their Lordships acknowledged that no perversity had been shown in the case before them; nonetheless, the court arrived at the conclusion that the Court of Appeal was wrong to have reduced the award made in favour of the Cross- Appellant and set same aside. As such, it restored the N12 million award made by the trial court to the Cross-Appellant and granted cost of N500,000.00 to him.
Appeal Dismissed; Cross-Appeal Succeeds.
Representation
Ad Zubairu with D.D. Killi and Victor Orih for the Appellants/Cross- Respondents. Respondent/Cross-Appellant appeared in person.
Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)An Affiliate of Babalakin & Co.
Honourable Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa, JSC
Sexual Assault: Appeal Court Acquits Dr Olaleye
Stories by Steve Aya
The Lagos Division of the Appeal Court, on Friday, discharged and acquitted Dr Olufemi Olaleye for the offences of defilement and sexual assault by penetration, following his conviction by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the High Court of Lagos State on October 24, 2023.
The Appeal Court presided over by Hon. Justice Jimi Bada, JCA, in the unanimous decision resolved all five issues as distilled by the Appellant through his Counsel, Dr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who had led a team of Lawyers on behalf of the Appellant when the Appeal was heard on September 24, 2024.
In discharging and acquitting Dr Olaleye, the three-man Panel held that the prosecution was unable to prove and establish the age of the alleged victim of the crime beyond reasonable doubt.
In upholding the arguments of the Appellant as put forward by his Lawyer, Dr Pinheiro, SAN, the court held that the prosecution’s case was bereft of any credible evidence that the alleged victim was a child of the age of 16 years, being a border line age, which was not one which the court could determine by just seeing the witness. The court also held that credible and reasonable
doubt had been created in the prosecution’s case in relation to age, which is a critical ingredient for the offence of defilement.
The court in resolving issue two in favour of the Appellant condemned the approach of the trial court in admitting in evidence, statements purportedly written by the Appellant without conducting a trial-within-trial, notwithstanding the fact that the Appellant had stated that the statements were not written by him voluntarily. The court further held that, the failure to conduct a trial-within-trial was fatal to the prosecution’s case.
In its conclusion on issue two, the court held that the trial court was wrong in relying on the very statements that it had acknowledged were written by the Appellant under duress, in convicting the Appellant. Resolving issues 3, 4, and 5 together, the court held that none of the six witnesses adduced credible and reliable evidence in proof of the prosecution’s case. Adding that the wife of the Appellant, Mrs Aderemi Olaleye, who had given evidence as PW1 at the trial court was a ‘tainted witness’, as it was apparent that she was motivated by greed and her desire to take over the Appellant’s assets while he was in custody.
The Court of Appeal referred to the evidence at the trial court, where Mrs Aderemi Olaleye had changed the Appellant’s ownership of his car without his consent, as well as his signature mandate in respect of his account in a commercial bank. The Court also referred to documents that formed part of the records, where Mrs Olaleye had pressurised
the Appellant to sign off his house to her while he was in custody. Adding that, Mrs Olaleye’s testimony was not only illogical, but an affront to reason.
The Court further held that, the medical doctor’s evidence was impeached and unreliable. In the words of the Justice, “This is what happens when instead of prosecuting
an accused person, you are persecuting him”.
The Court of Appeal held that from the Record of Appeal and the arguments canvassed, it was obvious and apparent that the trial court descended into the arena in the course of determining the charge before it. And, that the trial court had hinted to the prosecution Counsel the line of argument
to proffer, and interfered with the proceeding while assisting the prosecution in bridging the gap in its case. The Court of Appeal in allowing the appeal and setting aside the conviction of Dr Olufemi Olaleye, as pronounced by the High Court of Lagos State on October 24, 2023, accordingly discharged and acquitted him.
Bamise’s BRT Bus Murder Case Suffers Another Delay
The trial of Andrew Nice Omininikoron, a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver accused of killing 22-yearold Tailor, Oluwabamise Ayanwola, has suffered another delay due to the illness of his Counsel, Abayomi Omotubora. When the case came up for continuation of trial on Thursday, Counsel for the defence, Abayomi Omotubora
was absent, and his representative, P.O. Idogun, sought an adjournment, citing Omotubora’s critical health and inability to bring two witnesses. Idogun expressed regret at the situation, but highlighted his wish to proceed if the witnesses had been present. Prosecution Counsel, T.E. Onilado objected to the delay, noting that the case had
already experienced multiple adjournments, and that the Governor of Lagos State had enquired about the delays. Onilado called for the court to close the Defendant’s case. Justice Sherifat Sonaike refused the adjournment and closed the Defendant’s case, referencing the ten prior adjournments since the prosecution closed its case on October 20, 2023. The Judge
insisted that the defence had ample opportunity to present their case. Justice Sonaike ordered both parties to file written addresses, with Omotubora required to do so within 21 days and the prosecution to respond by January 29, 2025. The case is adjourned until January 30, 2025, for the adoption of these written addresses.
Lagos High Court Announces Christmas Vacation Dates
The Lagos State High Court will on December 24, 2024, begin its Christmas vacation. This is contained in a notice signed by the acting Chief Registrar of the Court, Mr Tajudeen Elias, dated November 27, and made available to journalists last week. According to the notice, the court will resume from vacation fully on January 3,
2025.
Elias said the decision was made by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, following Order 49, Rule 4(c) and 5 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019. He said that during the vacation period, Judges would handle urgent applications related to cases already assigned to them.
The notice further reads: “Arrangements for dealing with urgent causes during the Christmas vacation are that, each Judge will deal with all urgent applications related to any substantive cause already assigned to him or her.
“Any urgent application will be handled by the Judge to whom the application is specifically assigned. “Notwithstanding the provisions of Order 49, rule 4 (supra) any cause or matter may be heard by a Judge during the period of the Christmas vacation where such a cause or matter is urgent, provided that the conditions prescribed by Order 49 Rule 5 (supra) shall be observed and complied with.”
Olanipekun Donates Senate Building to Bamidele
Olumilua
University
dignitaries from ekiti and Ondo State gathered in the bustling town of Ikere ekiti, ekiti State, to grace the occasion of the commissioning of the magnificent edifice, the Wole Olanipekun Senate Building gifted to the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti (BOUESTI) by Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN last Thursday, November 28, 2024. Jude Igbanoi who was present at the event, reports
TThe BOUESTI Senate Building Commissioning
All roads led to Ikere-Ekiti, a serene, hilly town in Nigeria’s Ekiti State on
he legal icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, has left indelible footprints in different philanthropic spheres including the legal profession, education, health, Christianity and communication. Most have lost count of Chief Olanipekun’s charitable projects. But, looking back in the past few years, one can easily mention the 400-seater ultramodern lecture hall he gifted to the University of Ibadan, a state of the art High Court Building in Ikere Ekiti donated to the State’s Judiciary, a 26-bed Special Amenity Ward to the General Hospital, a fully equipped Vice Chancellor’s Lodge built and donated to the Ajayi Crowder University, Ogbomosho, a sprawling Bar Centre built and donated to the Ikere Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, and a new 20,000 sitting capacity Church building to the Anglican Church at Ikere. Thousands of students at all levels of education have benefitted from the Wole Olanipekun Foundation, indigent women and widows get empowered every year. The list is endless.
Thursday, November 28, 2024 as personalities from all walks of life, from within and outside the State, converged on the campus of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere (BOUESTI) for the official commissioning of the ultra-modern Wole Olanipekun Senate Building by the Ekiti State Governor, HE Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
The three-storey edifice, which was donated to the University by one of Nigeria's foremost legal luminaries, a one-time President of the NBA, and a former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN.
The state-of-the-art facility is intended to serve as the administrative nucleus of the young University. Apart from the Governor and his entourage, the event was graced by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa; a former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; the Ogoga (Monarch) of Ikere Kingdom, HH Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN and his wife, Erelu (Princess) Omolara Olanipekun; the Vice Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of BOUESTI and many other dignitaries. cont'd on page VI
Dr Olufemi Olaleye
Late Oluwabamise Ayanwola
Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba
I mages
Olanipekun Donates senate Building to Bamidele Olumilua University
cont'd from page V
The formal commissioning of the facility by the Governor and a quick inspection by him, along with the Education Minister, Dr Alausa, the royal fathers and their respective entourages signalled the commencement of the day’s proceedings. They were duly impressed by the scale and beauty of the facility's interior ambience. The facility comprises of the following offices, among others: on the ground floor is located the University Consult; the Alumni Relations Office; the Cleaners’/Drivers’ Lounge; offices of the two Deputy Vice-Chancellors; the Meeting Room; and the CSO’s office. The first floor holds the Registry and the Registrar’s
Office; three offices attached to tWhe Bursary (including the Bursar’s Office); the 150-capacity Senate Chambers; and the Senate Anteroom. On the second floor are the Vice-Chancellor’s offices; the VC’s Conference Room; office of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council; and the 150-capacity Council Chambers. In addition, the edifice has 43 restrooms and other modern conveniences, a functioning borehole and a 6,200-litre capacity overhead water tank to service the building, as well as a number of utility and storage facilities on each floor.
Welcoming guests to the occasion after
the commissioning and inspection, the University’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Oladipo Aina paid glowing tribute to the Chancellor, Chief Olanipekun, SAN, describing his gesture as a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to the development of education in Nigeria, his belief in the transformative power of education, and his profound dedication to the welfare of his fellowmen and women. Prof Aina then went down memory lane, as he recalled the humble beginnings of BOUESTI and the remarkable strides (in academics and other areas of endeavour) it has recorded in a relatively short time.
Established on October 16, 2020, the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere is an upgrade of the Ekiti State College of Education. In his response to Chief Olanipekun’s plea for support, the Governor vowed to commence the tarring of the 5km road on the BO UESTI campus. He also promised to send a furniture expert from the Government to make an assessment of the furniture needs of the Senate Building, with a view to supplying the required items in the shortest possible time.
Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of education, science and Technology, Ikere ekiti, Professor Olufemi Victor adeoluwa
L-R: Dr Olusegun mimiko; minister of education, Dr Tunji alausa; He Biodun Oyebanji; Chief Wòle Olanipekun, saN; Princess Omolara Olanipekun and the Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom, HH Oba samuel adejimi adu alagbado
Pro-Chancellor of University of Lagos, senator Dr Lanre Tejuoso (left) and Otunba Olurotimi Daramola
L-R: mrs eunice aruleba; Chief Olanipekun, saN; Princess Omolara Olanipekun; HH Oba adu alagbado and erelu Tolabo ajibade
senate Building donated by Chief Wòle.Olanipekun, saN
Prof siyan Oyeweso (left) and anthony a. malik, saN at the event
L-R: Chief Wole Olanipekun, saN, ekiti state governor, He Biodun Oyebanji and Former Ondo state governor, Dr Olusegun mimiko
Princess Omolara Olanipekun (left) and her Husband and Donor of the senate Building, Chief Wòle Olanipekun, CFR, saN
secretary to ekiti state government, Dr (mrs) Habibat adubiaro
INSOLVENCY DISCOURSE
Liquidation of Heritage Bank Plc: Matters Arising (3)
Impact on Actions and Other Proceedings
The revocation of Heritage Bank’s licence and on-going liquidation do not extinguish its right of action against third parties. NDIC, as liquidator, may commence or defend any action in the name of Heritage Bank with the addition of the phrase “in-liquidation” after the name of Heritage Bank. Alternatively, NDIC may bring the action in its name disclosing on the face of the process that it is the liquidator of Heritage Bank: Section62(1) (b) of NDIC Act 2023.
Automatic Stay of Actions and
Proceedings
Section 69 of the NDIC Act 2023 embodies provisions aimed at protecting NDIC in actions and judicial proceedings. In furtherance of this objective, Section 69(2) provides for an “automatic stay” of actions and proceedings. No such action, suit or proceedings may be proceeded with or commenced against Heritage Bank or NDIC except with the Court’s permission with any terms imposed by the Court. This provision is materially similar to section 580 of CAMA 2020 which applies to companies in liquidation.
“Court” is defined in Section 99 of NDIC Act 2023 as “any Court of competent jurisdiction including a Federal or State High Court, Tribunal, National Industrial Court, or any other Court created by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or an Act of the National Assembly”. This broad definition is instructive as it would avoid the uncertainty shrouding the interpretation of Section 580 of CAMA 2020 due to the narrow definition of “Court” in CAMA as “Federal High Court”. The narrow definition has resulted in conflicting decisions regarding the operation of the automatic stay in proceedings outside the Federal High Court and the proper Court to seek for leave in such instances.
Application for Stay of Pending Suits
In addition to the automatic stay provision in Section 69(2), where NDIC applies to Court for stay of any suit, application, proceedings, execution, attachment or action against Heritage Bank or NDIC, the Court is required to grant such application whether or not leave had earlier been granted to commence or proceed with the action. At first glance, it may seem that Section 73(1) conflicts with the earlier examined Section 69(2) which provides for an automatic stay on actions and proceedings upon the commencement of liquidation. However, Section 73(1) has a different objective from Section 69(2).
Section 73(1) may come into play in at least two circumstances. First, in view of its clear wordings, Section 69(1) only stays actions commenced against a failed bank (for example, Heritage Bank) and NDIC. It will not stay actions commenced or continued by Heritage Bank. In contrast, Section 73(1) makes reference to actions or proceedings “by or against” such failed bank or NDIC. Accordingly, NDIC may rely on Section 73(1) to apply to Court for stay of action which had been commenced by Heritage Bank or NDIC against a third party. Second, Section 73(1) may also apply where the NDIC seeks to stay an action in which a party had previously obtained leave of court under Section 69(2) to either commence or continue the action after the commencement of liquidation. This explains the focus on “staying pending suits”, that is, continuing on-going suits as opposed to commencement of new suits.
Section 73(3) disallows the enforcement of judgement sums against the assets of a failed bank like Heritage Bank undergoing liquidation in certain circumstances. In this regard, a judgment creditor that
has obtained judgement sum against Heritage Bank will be disallowed from enforcing the judgment where the judgement debt, (i) has not been satisfied prior to commencement of the liquidation; or (ii) is obtained after the commencement of the liquidation. Although the side note to Section 73 of NDIC Act 2023 reads “stay of pending suits”, section 73(3) does not appear to deal with stay of pending proceedings. Perhaps, this provision would have been more suitably placed under section 69 which broadly deals with protection in respect of judicial proceedings.
From a practical standpoint, Section 73(3) aims to, (i) preserve assets of a failed bank like Heritage Bank from dissipation; (ii) promote the pari passu rule by ensuring that similarly situated creditors are treated similarly. Instructively, judgment creditors whose judgement debts are not subjects of appeal are to be treated as unsecured creditors in the liquidation process: Section 57(4) NDIC Act 2023. Furthermore, interest on any judgment debt ceases from the date of commencement of liquidation: Section 57(6) NDIC Act 2023.
Protection in respect of Judicial Proceedings
In addition to the previously examined Section 69(2) of NDIC Act 2023 which embodies automatic stay of actions and proceedings, there are other subsections under section 69 which are aimed at protecting NDIC in judicial proceedings. From a practical standpoint, these provisions are ultimately aimed at protecting assets of failed banks like Heritage Bank from dissipation through enforcement actions or other proceedings. The provisions are summarily examined below.
First, Section 69(1) disallows courts from granting “restorative, prohibitive or like order” against NDIC in relation to (i) payment of insured deposit to depositors of Heritage Bank
“Heritage Bank’s liquidation is the first liquidation of a deposit money bank, under the NDIC Act 2023….. it is crystal clear that the NDIC Act 2023, has significantly strengthened NDIC for the purposes of liquidation of failed banks like Heritage Bank, and maximising returns or recoveries to stakeholders such as depositors and creditors”
or (ii) NDIC acting as liquidator or provisional liquidator under the NDIC Act 2023. It also limits the remedies available to a claimant in such an action against NDIC to damages not exceeding specified thresholds. As previously noted, this provision appears to violate Section 6(6)(a) and (b) of the Constitution and may receive a similar judicial treatment as Section 34(6) of AMCON Act 2019 in AMCON v Shittu - Appeal No. CA/L/1266/2019.
Second, Section 89(3) disallows courts from making a garnishee order nisi or absolute or attachment, sequestration, distress or execution against the NDIC in respect of any judgement debt or other liabilities owed by Heritage Bank or against Heritage Bank’s accounts, assets or effects.
Third, a creditor who had issued execution against any goods or land belonging to Heritage Bank or attached any debt due to Heritage Bank is disallowed from retaining the benefit of the execution or attachment unless the creditor had completed the execution or attachment before Heritage Bank’s liquidation commenced: Section 69(4) NDIC Act 2023. This provision is similar to Section 666 of CAMA 2020 which applies to companies in liquidation.
Fourth, NDIC may recover goods of Heritage Bank which have been taken in execution if prior to the sale of the goods or execution by receipt or recovery of full amount of levy, NDIC notifies the court sheriff that it has become that it has become the liquidator of Heritage Bank. In such circumstance, the sheriff must deliver the goods and any money seized or received in part satisfaction of the execution to NDIC provided NDIC satisfies the charge for costs of execution: Section 69(7) NDIC Act 2023.
Power to take Interim Custody of Debtor’s Property
In addition to the protection which NDIC has as liquidator, NDIC is armed in diverse respects for debt recovery. NDIC may, by an ex parte application, apply for an interlocutory order to take custody of movable or immovable property of a debtor pending the determination of the debt recovery or other actions: Section 63(1) NDIC Act 2023. In this regard, a court’s order will subsist till the determination of the action except discharged by court notwithstanding any contrary provision in any enactment: Section 63(3). The NDIC may make such application before filing the action or at the time of filing the action or any time thereafter. Unlike in regular applications for mareva injunction, the NDIC is not required to show, amongst other things, real or imminent risk that the debtor may dissipate the asset or put it beyond the
reach of NDIC.
Power to Obtain Freezing Orders against Debtors
The NDIC may also apply to Court to freeze accounts of debtors of Heritage Bank where it has reasonable cause to believe that such debtor has funds in such accounts in a bank or other financial institutions in Nigeria. In this regard, NDIC may either before, after or at the time of filing an action in Court apply by way of a motion ex parte for an interlocutory order freezing the accounts of the debtor: Section 64(1) of NDIC Act 2023.
Where a Court makes a freezing order, such an order will subsist till judgment or the final determination of the action unless discharged by the Court. This is notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any enactment: Section 64(2) NDIC Act 2023. Section 64(2) will come in useful to NDIC in relation to debtors who, for any reason, had not signed the GSI mandate with Heritage Bank at the time of obtaining credit facilities. As previously highlighted, the GSI is strictly contractual and cannot be employed against a debtor who has not signed-off the GSI mandate form.
Disapplication of Limitation Laws
Limitation laws of the States and the Federal Capital Territory do not apply to: (i) actions by NDIC for the recovery of debts owed to Heritage Bank, and (ii) civil actions by NDIC on behalf of Heritage Bank against any third party: Section 61 NDIC Act 2023. In consequence, NDIC has a right of action in perpetuity against debtors of Heritage Bank -- even after its dissolution. This right of action in perpetuity is re-enforced by Section 62(2) which empowers NDIC to recover interest on any debt owed to Heritage Bank “at any time” and “notwithstanding any provision in any other law”. Such interest will continue to accrue even after the conclusion of Heritage Bank’s liquidation. Conversely, the disapplication of limitation statutes does not apply or extend to actions against Heritage Bank.
Conclusion
Heritage Bank’s liquidation is the first liquidation of a deposit money bank, under the NDIC Act 2023. It is a test case for the application and operation of some of the novel provisions of the NDIC Act 2023. Based on the three-part discourse, it is crystal clear that the NDIC Act 2023, has significantly strengthened NDIC for the purposes of liquidation of failed banks like Heritage Bank, and maximising returns or recoveries to stakeholders such as depositors and creditors. The extent to which the NDIC would (be able to) effectively and efficiently deploy these statutory powers in that regard, remains to be seen.
Concluded.
“No Immunity for Any President Implicated in International Crimes”
despite the seeming challenges at home, Nigerian Lawyers and Judges have, over the years, distinguished themselves, including at being Prosecutors, Judges and chief Justices of some african countries. This chain of achievements has not yet ended. onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi sought out one of these rare gems who rose from the Nigerian legal sphere, Judge chile Eboe-osuji, the first black and African President of the International criminal court, seated at The Hague, Netherlands (Icc). called to the Nigerian and canadian Bars, Judge eboe-Osuji is actually home-grown. He graduated from the university of calabar, practiced in Port Harcourt before going abroad for his Masters and subsequently, his doctorate. In 1997, Judge eboe-Osuji started worked at the uN where he served in various capacities. It was from the uN that he was elected to serve as a Judge of the Icc in 2012. He distinguished himself and earned the confidence of his fellow Judges at the court, and in 2018, they elected him as the 4th President of the court where he presided over sensitive international criminal cases during his three year tenure which ended in 2018. The author of a book titled “End of Immunity”, a detailed discussion on the history of international law on immunity, Judge eboe-Osuji shares his views on several issues, including the Icc issuing an arrest warrant in relation to crimes committed in Gaza and ukraine
Judge, kindly, give us an overview of your career and how you ended up as the 4th President of the International Criminal Court at The Hague
To summarise, starting with my educational background: I received my LLB degree from the University of Calabar in 1985. Did the legal professional training course
at the Nigerian Law School, and was called to the Bar in 1986. And, so, yes, I’m a member of the “notorious” Call Class of ’86. I did my National Youth Service in Port Harcourt and after that, I went to Canada two years later. I did my LLM degree at McGill University in Canada; and eventually, my PhD much, much later at the University of
“I was the first Nigerian to be recruited as a Prosecutor, in an International Tribunal….I was elected to serve as a Judge of the International Criminal Court, starting in 2012 - the first Nigerian to serve as an ICC Judge. In 2018, my fellow Judges at the ICC, elected me to serve as Court’s President. That was the first and the only time, that a black person and an African served in the position”
Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Regarding my legal work, before going to Canada, I practised law in Port Harcourt from 1986 to 1988. In Canada, I re-qualified, got called to the Bar and practised law in both Vancouver and Toronto. Come 1997, I was recruited to work at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, as a Prosecution Counsel. I was the first Nigerian to be recruited as a Prosecutor, in an International Tribunal. Later, I also worked as a Prosecutor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown. I eventually ended up in Geneva working as the Senior Legal Advisor to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
It was from that last position that I was elected to serve as a Judge of the International
Criminal Court, starting in 2012 - the first Nigerian to serve as an ICC Judge. In 2018, my fellow Judges at the ICC, elected me to serve as Court’s President. That was the first and the only time, that a black person and an African served in the position. Why does it appear as if Nigerians/Africans do not play many roles in these international courts unless their springboard is from outside Nigeria, from places such as UK, Europe, USA, Canada etc?
I can’t speak to the experience of other Africans. Regarding Nigerians, however, I will insist that a Nigerian is a Nigerian. I don’t accept the mindset of finding reasons to draw distinctions between Nigerians - “What’s her ethnic group? What’s his religion? Is she ‘home-based’ or a ‘Diasporan?” and so on.
4th President of the International criminal court, Judge chile Eboe-osuji
“No Immunity for Any President Implicated in International crimes”
Nigerians are driven by one circumstance or another, to ply their trades where they do. Naturally, when the time comes to dive into the swimming pool of opportunity, you leap from springboard on which you stand. And, when I speak of swimming pool of opportunity, I must stress that these are veritable swimming pools - often infested with things that can bite you - in which you must swim well, lest you sink or drown.
The more interesting question, though, should be why it is that Nigerian Lawyers don’t serve as Judges in the various international courts as frequently as Nigeria’s size commands - given a population of over 220 million people and more than 200,000 Lawyers according to certain estimates. It has been a hit-and-miss; a oncein-a-blue-moon story.
The primary reason for the spotty showing, is because these positions are filled through highly competitive international elections. But, more often than not, those who nominate Nigeria’s candidates will brush aside the best candidates available - and then send forward candidates on the basis of other non-professional considerations. The candidate then goes to compete and ends up losing, because they were competing with better candidates from the other countries. And, the cycle is repeated next time.
What are the core objectives of the ICC? How well would you say the court has done in achieving same?
The core objective of the ICC is to be a court of last resort, which insists on accountability when international crimes - that is, aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes - have been committed and the national authorities with the primary jurisdiction either fail to investigate and prosecute, or fail to do so genuinely.
So far, the ICC has done remarkably well, if we all keep in mind what the court was set up to do - also keeping in mind the structures of its jurisdiction. Often, people impose their own interpretations of the court’s mandate - as well as their own expectations upon the court - without having actually read the court’s statute to see what its mandate really is, and the framework that constrains what the court is permitted to do. Here, we must consider that the court can exercise jurisdiction only in any of the following circumstances: first, over nationals of
member States wherever those nationals commit international crimes; second, over individuals who commit international crimes on the territory of a member State of the court, even when the State of nationality of the culprit is not a member State of the court. The court’s jurisdiction over Russian nationals for alleged crimes committed in Ukraine- and the jurisdiction over Israeli nationals for alleged crimes committed in Gaza - come under this rubric.
A third way to seise the court of jurisdiction is when the UN Security Council refers a case to the ICC, regardless of the nationality of the territory or of the accused person; and it doesn’t matter that the State concerned is not a party to the Rome Statute.
The record of the court’s activities, shows that it has generally done quite well in discharging its mandate.
The court’s biggest image problem, comes from two primary sources. The first is that, when the court seeks to subject the leaders of a country to accountability - as it must when the occasion requires - those people invariably unleash the most ferocious propaganda campaigns against the court, regardless of
“…. the concern that the court “hounds” the leaders of African States is a mistaken view. For one thing, there are arrest warrants now out for the President of Russia and one of his Ministers; as well as for the Prime Minister of Israel and his former Defence Minister. These are not African leaders”
the truth. The second source of image problem comes from the failings of the court’s member States, who fail to play their own parts - often due to their own political choices. In a strange, unexplained phenomenon, the court gets blamed for those failings of the States. Take for instance, arrest warrants. The court issues two arrest warrants in legally identical circumstances: one against the leader of an ally, the other against the leader of an adversary State. What often happens is that an ICC member State - or a State with interest - will cheer the court for the arrest warrant against the adversary, and then simultaneously vilify the court for the arrest warrant against the ally. We see this phenomenon in the arrest warrants against Mr Putin and Mr Netanyahu. And, the vilification is based on nothing more than political gas fire - not on the facts and the law. No one ever says, “No the facts do not support the arrest warrant”. It is always other arguments - mostly political noises. And, some gullible people end up believing the tripe. Even some of the questions in this interview, reveal the extent to which the unwary seem to believe or unintentionally relay these campaigns against the court. It is on record that the USA, UK, Russia and a few other major countries are neither members of the ICC, nor signatories to the enabling statutes, particularly the Rome Statute. This appears to lend credence to the assumption that the court was set up mainly to hound African leaders and leaders from third world countries. To what extent would you
say this assumption is justified?
The UK is a member State of the court. So is France, Germany, Italy, Spain and all of Western Europe. By regional distribution, there are 33 African States, 28 States from Latin America and the Caribbean, 25 from Western Europe and their kindred States (including Canada, Australia and New Zealand), 19 from the Asia-Pacific region, and 19 from Eastern Europe. All for a total of 124 States. That number is 47 States more than the 77 States that have accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. So, the premise of concern is not borne out, when it is contended that the preferences of any State - such as US, Russia, China or India - to not ratify the Rome Statute lend credence to the argument that the ICC was set up “mainly to hound” the leaders of developing countries.
But, even in itself the concern that the court “hounds” the leaders of African States is a mistaken view. For one thing, there are arrest warrants now out for the President of Russia and one of his Ministers; as well as for the Prime Minister of Israel and his former Defence Minister. These are not African leaders.
Finally, I was not impressed with the concern, which was rife at some point, that the Court was too focused on Africa. The complaint was not impressive, because the argument was never that the crimes never occurred. Nor was the concern lodged from the perspective of the African victims of atrocities. No one ever pointed out one African victim of atrocities, who complained that the ICC should not be doing the cases it was doing.
I remember a discussion I once had in 2018 or 2019 with a Rwandan official who complained
4th President of the International criminal court, Judge chile eboe-osuji
“No Immunity for Any President Implicated in International crimes”
that the ICC was “too focused on Africans.” It turned out that the official was Tutsi. I asked him whether he realised that the logic of his complaint would have meant that the Rwandan Genocide Tribunal should not have done its work, because that work was “too focused on Africans.” But, we cannot ignore the fact that the crimes we are talking about here, are crimes which Africans committed against Africans. ICC takes them up, only because the national system concerned did not investigate or prosecute.
You recently authored a Book ‘End of Immunity’. Tell us briefly about the Book which we are told is a must read, and whether you agree that certain leaders are not accountable for their actions. Some have said that if an African leader did a quarter of what Netanyahu has done to the Palestinians or Putin to the Ukrainians, they would be facing sanctions by now, if not, arrest for offences like genocide and crimes against humanity. Take Charles Taylor of Liberia for example; he bagged a 50 year jail sentence for his crimes against humanity etc, while some countries are defending Netanyahu for his own atrocities. Why the double standards? Will the stronger world leaders ever be made accountable?
I’m grateful to those who see my new book, End of Immunity, as a must read. A family member who is a medical doctor and a friend who is an engineer, both of whom have read the book, said very much the same thing about the book. I intentionally wrote the book in a style and language that make it accessible to everyone - and not only to Lawyers. My engineer friend told me that his copy was delivered to him at 11:30 pm and he made the “mistake” of starting to read it then - he couldn’t put it down.
Regarding the subject-matter, there are some people who mistakenly think that international law had recognised immunity for Heads of State alleged to have committed international crimes. The book is an in-depth exposé of the history of international law on that question. And, it reveals that, at no point had international law ever recognised immunity for even Heads of State who are under investigation or prosecution before an international court for international crimes. Quite the contrary, at every opportunity -
since 1919 - the international community had rejected such immunity.
That, in a nutshell, is the central story of the book. But, it needed telling with all the historical records that demonstrate the proposition.
How can we make our own Nigerian leaders accountable?
It depends on the subjectmatter. In relation to ordinary crimes, immunity is often provided in the Constitution of nations. Many national Constitutions - not only Nigeria’s - provide that while in office the Head of State may not be prosecuted for ordinary crimes. That privilege is exclusively reserved, for Heads of State within national law.
But, for international crimes, there is no immunity for anyone including heads of State. So, any Nigerian - including the President - who is implicated in a genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, should expect to be tried at the ICC. There is no immunity. It is that simple.
There was no ICC during the Nigerian civil war. I have no doubt at all that, had the court existed at the time, Nigeria’s leaders would have found themselves under investigation and prosecution at the ICC. There’s no doubt at all about that. So, it is important to ensure that that national experience is never repeated.
Kindly, share with us a few
“There was no ICC during the Nigerian civil war. I have no doubt at all that, had the court existed at the time, Nigeria’s leaders would have found themselves under investigation and prosecution at the ICC. There’s no doubt at all about that”
cases which you adjudicated upon at the ICC that impacted on global diplomacy in any way. There was the Kenyan case involving Ruto and Kenyatta, even before you became President of the ICC.
One matter that I adjudicated at the ICC that remains topical, was the question of immunity in relation to President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan. I was the presiding Judge of the appellate chamber of the ICC, when the question was presented to the Appeals Chamber for the first time. The question was whether there was immunity for a Head of State in international law.
Following an extensive research and analysis, we unanimously answered the question in the negative: no, there never was immunity in international law for anyone - including Heads of State - when facing charges of international crimes before an international court.
There have been quite a number of complaints that the ICC since its inception in 1998, with tens of billions of Dollars, has only been able to secure very few convictions so far. What could be responsible for this state of affairs at the court?
For one thing, I don’t know where the statistics of “tens of billions of dollars” comes from. You better verify the actual figure.
Then again, every Lawyer knows that you don’t judge the performance of a legal system, by the number of convictions its criminal courts have rendered. I cannot not imagine how anyone could see it as a good thing, for a legal system to be renowned for a high rate of convictions. That was the hallmark of the inquisition! Some may reasonably worry about the opposite problem, in the event of a high rate of acquittals. But, an old legal aphorism may well tell us where the right mark should be. You will recall that old saying by
William Gladstone, that it is better to acquit 10 guilty persons than to convict one innocent person. But, the statistics of the ICC comes nowhere close to a 10:1 ratio of verdicts in favour of acquittals. Although there have been some acquittals, there are more convictions than acquittals. Then again, I insist, that should not be the measure of justice.
There are applications before the court that the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu be arrested and tried by the court. How can this be achieved since Israel isn’t a member of the ICC? Can the same call for arrest be extended to Vladimir Putin, given the alleged crimes being committed in Ukraine? Does such a call for arrest bear upon the sovereignty of these countries?
As I indicated earlier, the ICC has jurisdiction over nationals of its member States regardless of where those individuals commit crimes. ICC also has jurisdiction over crimes committed on the territory of its member States, even when the accused is a citizen of a State not party to the Rome Statute. It is on the latter ground, that the ICC has issued an arrest warrant in relation to crimes committed in Gaza and Ukraine. Beyond the foregoing considerations, there is an old doctrine of international law - going back to the time of the Roman Empire - to the effect that, States are entitled to punish persons or other States who violate legal norms that serve to preserve the international community or its member States. You don’t need the States being punished to give their consent, or to be members of the court doing the punishing. It was on that basis that nationals of Germany and Japan were prosecuted at the end of World War II in international courts established under legal instruments, to which Germany and Japan were not parties. The same goes for the ICC, in relation to nationals of Russia and Israel.
Thank you Judge.
Judge eboe-osuji sitting with other Icc Judges
NASD Advocates Compliance with SEC Rule on Trading Unlisted Securities
Kayode Tokede
NASD OTC Exchange has urged public limited companies (Plcs) to comply with the rule of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that specifies that securities of public unlisted companies be mandatorily traded on a SEC-registered Over-the-Counter (OTC) Exchange.
By the rule, purchase, sale and transfer of unlisted securities are prohibited for dealing between bilateral parties outside a registered stock exchange in order to ensure transparency.
The Rule specifically states that:
“ All Securities of unlisted public companies shall be bought, sold or transferred only by means of a system approved
by the Commission and under such terms and conditions as the Commission may prescribe from time to time.
“No person shall buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities of an unlisted public company except through the platform of a registered securities exchange established for the purpose of facilitating over-the-counter trading of securities.
“Any unlisted public company, director, company secretary, registrar, broker/ dealer or such other persons who facilitate the buying, selling or transfers of the securities of an unlisted public company otherwise than through the platform of a duly registered securities exchange, shall be liable to a penalty of not less
than N100, 000 in the first instance and not more than N5, 000, for every day of default.”.
A statement from NASD, indicates that currently, securities of many unlisted public companies are not traded on the SEC-registered OTC Exchange and this prevents SEC from monitoring the activities of these companies as part of its investor protection mechanism.
“If the Rule is enforced by the Commission, it will make the securities of unlisted public companies more accessible to investors and other interested market participants on a trusted platform. This will enhance liquidity of shares for the issuers, “said the Statement.
Fiducia Expands Partnership with Mynd to Advance Supply Chain Financing
Kayode Tokede
Fiducia Data Services Limited (Fiducia) has deepened its collaboration with Mynd Fintech, a subsidiary of M1xchange and a prominent digital lending marketplace. Building on their successful partnership that began in 2022, the two companies are set to extend their innovative supply chain financing solutions across Africa and the Caribbean.
In 2023, Fiducia Data Services Limited launched the Fiducia platform leveraging on M1xchange’s TReDS platform expertise to address liquidity challenges in the Nigerian market. Working together with Mynd Fintech,
Fiducia will launch its supply chain finance solutions in new markets across Africa and the Caribbean in 2025.
Chief Operations Officer of Fiducia, Chukwuka Amadife in a statement said, “This partnership signifies an exciting chapter in Fiducia’s journey. After successfully launching a digital marketplace in Nigeria, we are set to unlock new opportunities for SMEs across Africa and the Caribbean. In partnership with world-class financial institutions, Fiducia is well-positioned to deliver innovative financing solutions and accelerate the adoption of its marketplace platform in emerging markets.
Our collaboration with Mynd Fintech will enhance our digital
The Alternative Bank Introduces Elite Banking,
The Alternative Bank (a member of the Sterling Financial Services Holding Company) proudly unveils the next level of premium banking services with the AltElite product suite and Gold Card offering. This innovation redefines luxury, personalization, and convenience in financial services, empowering customers to achieve their goals with unmatched liquidity and flexibility.
Director, Digital Products & Innovation at The Alternative Bank, Mohammed Yunusa, shared his enthusiasm about the
product: “We have reimagined AltElite with a focus on personalization and accessibility. With features like interest-free liquidity solutions and bespoke investment opportunities, this ensures our customers experience the future of banking today.”
The Gold Card, a symbol of prestige and privilege, complements AltElite with advanced spending power, personalized rewards, and global acceptance. It also offers. exclusive travel perks, enhanced purchase protection, and access to premium services, ensuring that every
resilience, drive operational growth, and provide sustainable financial solutions for businesses in these key markets.”
Promoter and Director of M1 Group, Sundeep Mohindru said, “Our partnership with Fiducia underscores our commitment to redefining supply chain financing for underserved markets. By combining M1xchange’s technology expertise with Fiducia’s market insights, we aim to deliver efficient and scalable financing solutions to SMEs across Africa and the Caribbean. This expansion builds on the success of India’s fintech sector in addressing global SME financing needs, empowering businesses to thrive in competitive economies.”
Gold Card Offerings
moment of the customer experience is elevated.
Group Head of Private Banking & Wealth Management, Chidinma Akanle, elaborated: “The Gold Card is more than a financial tool; it is a gateway to a sophisticated lifestyle. With access to over 1,200 airport lounges, enhanced spending power, and bespoke rewards, it has been meticulously designed to complement the ambitions and lifestyle of our esteemed clientele, elevating their experiences in every aspect.”
NCAA Organises Consumer Awareness Programme for Air Travellers
The Consumer Protection Directorate (CPD) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is marking a Special End of the Year programme for the people of South South region of the country.
CPD is inviting air travellers, airline operators, other aviation service providers to a two-day Consumer Awareness events in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, geared towards the sensitization of the travelling public on the rights and obligations of passengers.
The programme, which was put together by different organizations will involve Consumer Awareness roadshow with the theme: Effective and Efficient Travel Experience Management for
Increased Participation and Enhanced Regulation.
The Road Show, which is organized by Janvier Technologies Ltd, will be held on December 4, 2024. It will kick-off at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa by 10:00 Am. This will be followed by Town Hall, which has the theme: Repositioning Nigerian Aviation Industry for Operational Efficiency, Service Excellence and Economic Viability. The Town Hall event is organized by GPC Limited and it will be conducted in interactional manner to create opportunity for the full participation of passengers to air their experiences about travelling by air in Nigeria. It will be held at LA kings Event Centre, 31 Stadium Road, Port Harcourt.
MARKET INDICATORS
These two events will be capped by a Conference on December 5, 2024. The theme of the conference is: Enhancing Global Prominence and International Competitiveness of Nigerian Aviation Sector. It is organized by Pliance Global Aviation and it will be held at Osborn La-palm Royal Resort, 3 Olaka Street, off Abacha Road, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt
The Consumer Protection Directorate of NCAA has carried out studies and discovered that many passengers do not know their rights and obligations and also that flight delays could be caused by natural phenomena and therefore neither the airline nor the airport management could be blamed for situations occasioned by such circumstances.
The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00 the previous Thursday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference
following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L-R: Head, Human Resource Department, 9 Payment Servce Bank (9PSB), Okechukwu Ofuribe; Vice Principal Academics, Crown Jewel College, Atoki Dapo; Chief Marketing Officer, 9PSB, Ikechukwu Ugwu; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, 9PSB, Branka Mracajac; Principal, Crown Jewel College, Mrs. Remilekun Segun-Fadeyi; Vice Principal Administration, Crown Jewel College, Mrs. Ogu Evangeline; School Administrator, Crown Jewel College, AkinsunmadeAkintoyeandLead,RetailBankingandServices,OladimejiSaka,during9PSB’s4thanniversaryCSRbook donationtoCrownJewelCollege,Ikosi-Ketu,inLagos...recently
Chinedu Eze
Buy Interest in Lafarge Africa, 35 Others Lift Stock Market by 0.23%
Kayode Tokede
The local stock market yesterday opened this week’s trading on a positive trajectory, as buying interest in Lafarge Africa Plc and 35 others pushed the major market indicator up by 0.23.
Lafarge Africa gained 10per cent in stock price following the announcement of the proposed sale of the company’s majority stake to Huaxin Cement.
The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) gained 226.99 basis points or 0.23 per cent to close at 97,733.86 basis points. Thus, the stock market month-to-date and Year-to-Date returns stood 0.2per cent and +30.7per cent, respectively.
Also, market capitalisation rose by N29 billion to close at N59.245 trillion.
The upturn was driven by price appreciation in large
and medium capitalised stocks amongst which are; Lafarge Africa, VDF Group, PZ Cussons Nigeria, Eterna and Nigerian Breweries. As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 36 stocks gained relative to 25 losers. Abbey Mortgage Bank, Africa Prudential and Lafarge Africa emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent each to close at N2.64, N9.90 and N63.80 respectively, per
share. VFD Group followed with a gain of 9.88 per cent to close at N44.50, while Sovereign Trust Insurance advanced by 9.95 per cent to close at 80 kobo, per share.
On the other side, eTranzact International led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent to close at N6.75, per share. NCR Nigeria followed with a decline of 9.92 per cent to close at N4.27, while FTN
Cocoa Processors shed 8.29 per cent to close at N1.77, per share.
Honeywell Flour Mills lost 5.92 per cent to close at N4.45, while NPF Microfinance Bank depreciated by 4.46 per cent to close at N1.50, per share. The total volume traded declined by 13.45 per cent to 451.165 million units, valued at N10.150 billion, and exchanged in 9,329 deals. Transactions in the shares of Japaul Gold & Ventures led
the activity with 72.034 million shares worth N161.801 million. United Bank for Africa (UBA) followed with account of 67.868 million shares valued at N2.234 billion, while Access Holdings traded 53.627 million shares valued at N1.246 billion. Lafarge Africa traded 21.265 million shares worth N1.357 billion, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) traded 20.916 million shares worth N1.097 billion.
Celebrating the Resilience, Innovation of African Diaspora During Black History Month
Over the years, as part of their statutory responsibility, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, CBAAC, has used the platform to direct attention to matters of concern to Black and African peoples across the world. In fulfilment of that role, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the centre recently highlighted the global importance of Black History Month, using this year’s commemoration to honour the African Diaspora's contributions to world civilisation
Charged with the statutory responsibility of directing attention to matters of concern to Black and African peoples across the world, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) recently held a public lecture to highlight the contributions of Africans during the commemoration of Black History Month Celebration.
During one of the programmes held recently at the MAD House, University of Lagos, the contributions of Diaspora Africans and the need for Africans to tell her stories, were major highlights as the centre honoured the past, celebrating the present and inspiring the future of African Diaspora, as well as showcasing to the world the tremendous contributions of Black people to world civilisation.
Annual Black History Month
Black History Month celebration began in the United States as Negro History Week and was instituted by the renowned African American historian, Dr. Carter Godson Woodson. The sole aim was to protest the exclusion of the contributions of African Americans from history textbooks in the United States. Since it began nearly a Century ago, the celebration of the Black History Month has grown and gained global acceptance.
Celebrating the African Diaspora
Themed "Resilience, Innovation, and Unity: Strengthening the African Diaspora,” the event was held at the MAD House, University of Lagos, and included a variety of programmes aimed at celebrating the past, inspiring the future, and fostering pride in African identity.
This year, CBAAC brought together a wide range of participants, including students, cultural enthusiasts, academics, government officials, and notable figures such as the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by the Director-General of the National Gallery of Arts.
CBAAC placed a strong emphasis on involving young people in the celebration. By engaging schoolchildren and university students, the organisation aimed to instil pride in African identity and advocate for a deeper understanding of the African heritage.
The event was further supported by Sterling Bank, showcasing a collaborative effort to promote African heritage.
The event began on a high note with the clips from FESTAC ’77, curated by the Information Management Division of CBAAC were showcased, providing a nostalgic glimpse into African cultural history.
The Chairperson, Prof. Omobolanle Amaike of the Department of Sociology at the University of Lagos, also shared her remarks, underscoring the significance of unity and collaboration in advancing African culture. A vibrant cultural performance by the MATAFIRIKA Theatre captivated the audience, showcasing the richness of African artistry.
Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, the Director-General of CBAAC, while emphasising the importance of cultural heritage in her opening remarks, captured the essence of this year’s theme, stating that, “Resilience reflects the enduring strength and perseverance of African and African-descended people throughout history. Despite centuries
of enslavement, colonisation, systemic racism, and various forms of oppression, the African Diaspora has continuously demonstrated remarkable resilience".
According to her, the theme explored how African communities have faced historical challenges with courage, resistance, and determination, and how this resilience continues to inspire current and future generations, adding that "Africans have negative stories, but we are beautiful people. We are great people who have contributed to the development of the entire world in all spheres of life".
Corroborating, Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, said, “We always believe that if we don’t tell our story, somebody else will tell it for us. This is why we’ve supported various art events like the Ake Festival and book tours across the country. We want people to read so that they can know our history.
"What CBAAC is doing is a monthlong programme which is a way of setting a new agenda for younger people. We like the fact that they brought it to the University of Lagos to engage young people and the fact that they brought in an experienced professor to share his experience and history.”
Sterling Bank’s involvement extended to distributing books to participating students, a gesture aimed at encouraging
reading and inspiring the younger generation to write their own narratives.
The Role of History in Shaping Identity
The keynote address by Dr. Britto Bonifacio Aderemi, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University, delved into the historical context of African resilience where he shared insights into the transatlantic slave trade, which displaced millions of Africans to foreign lands and stripped them of their identities.
“Africa’s history is a long history of suffering as Europeans dehumanised Africans and made them play second fiddle in their own countries until 1994 when we had a free South Africa,” Dr Aderemi said. He noted that many Africans lost their names and cultural heritage during the slave trade, sharing his own story of retaining Latino names to spark curiosity about his heritage.
Dr Aderemi also highlighted the industrial revolution’s role in ending the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent establishment of Freetown in Sierra Leone as a settlement for freed slaves. While acknowledging the inhumanity of slavery, he pointed out the inadvertent exportation of African culture to the wider world through the enslaved.
Drawing a parallel to contemporary challenges, Dr Aderemi criticised the ongoing “Japa syndrome,” where young Nigerians voluntarily migrate in search of better opportunities. He urged a re-evaluation of this trend, calling for a renewed sense of pride and purpose in
Resilience reflects the enduring strength and perseverance of African and African-descended people throughout history. Despite centuries of enslavement, colonisation, systemic racism, and various forms of oppression, the African Diaspora has continuously demonstrated remarkable resilience
African identity.
Panel Discussions on Innovation and Creativity
The event concluded with a robust panel discussion featuring Prince Jon James Olomo, founder of Tribal Tapestry; Ambassador Nneka Isaac-Moses, co-founder of Goge Africa; Osarume Akenzua, a youth development expert; and Dr. Kehinde Adepegba, an artist and historian, where the panelists explored topics such as overcoming historical challenges, drawing inspiration from the past, creativity and innovation as tools for empowerment, and the achievements of African innovators in technology, arts, and social entrepreneurship.
While speaking, ambassador Isaac-Moses highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s creative industry, adding that, “It’s hard to think of an American artist who would not want to collaborate with African artists", just as she pointed to the growing global influence of Nigerian music, fashion, and visual arts while urging national leaders to leverage this soft power for development.
On the preservation of cultural heritage, she called for greater pride in indigenous languages and traditions. “We need to be proud of our mother tongue and communicate with our children in our diverse indigenous languages,” she said.
Prince Olomo, who spoke about the importance of technology in reconnecting the African Diaspora with their ancestral roots, also touched on how DNA testing has helped many rediscover their identities and heritage, fostering a deeper connection to Africa.
Dr. Adepegba on the other hand, emphasised the role of literature in shaping perceptions of Africa. The panel agreed that promoting African literature and storytelling is vital in countering stereotypes and reclaiming the narrative about the continent.
Showcasing African Contributions
The event also celebrated the African Diaspora’s significant contributions to global culture, science, and technology. From the rich traditions of African art, music, and dance to groundbreaking inventions and intellectual achievements, the Diaspora’s influence was a recurring theme.
In her remarks, Hon. Augie reiterated the importance of sharing these achievements with the world. “We are great people who have contributed to the development of the entire world in all spheres of life,” she said, reinforcing the need for Africans to take ownership of their stories.
As the month-long celebration unfolded, it became clear that CBAAC’s efforts were not only about honouring the past but also about setting a new agenda for the future. By involving young people, fostering dialogue, and showcasing the Diaspora’s achievements, the organisation aimed to inspire resilience, innovation, and unity among Africans worldwide. The discussion left the audience inspired and motivated to embrace the legacy and potential of the African diaspora, but beyond this, the 2024 Black History Month celebration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of owning and sharing the African narrative, ensuring that future generations understand and take pride in their heritage.
Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie DG CBAAC, Management Team and other Staff of CBAAC at the Celebration of Black History Celebration
The Director-General of CBAAC, alongside Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO of Sterling Bank, present gift bags to students from participating schools
L-R: Prince James Olomo, Dr. Kehinde Adepegba, Amb. Nneka Isaac-Moses, Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, Osarime Akenzua, Dr. Tayo Ogunlewe and Mr. Adesegun Dosumu
Flooded Communities in Ogun Were Not Properly Primed for Habitation, Says Oresanya
Ogun State government has expressed commitment to address the perennial flood ravaging some parts of the state. The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, while speaking to selected journalists in Abeokuta recently, beamed light on efforts by the state government to also address environmental pollution caused by cement factories in the state. He also tackled issues bothering on threats to biodiversity, the challenge of waste management and advantages of the CNG initiative, which he said the state has fully embraced, among others. Sunday Okobi brings excerpts
Recently, some parts of the state witnessed an unprecedented flooding. In Isheri, residents resorted to using canoe due to the magnitude of the water in the area. Since this is a perennial issue, must there be flood? So what’s the future plan to forestall this menace or should the people just relocate?
Well, let's start with your question, must there be flood? I would say yes. What is flood? Flooding is the consequences of overflow, of the pathway for a river or drainage channel overflow due to several reasons, including, most times, high level of precipitation, which is rainfall, or constriction of flow.
So, now, what are the natural dimensions to flood? Rainfall. It's so easy. Let me explain it to you. There's something we call hydraulic structure, which is your drainage channel, dams, and the rest of it. These are things that manage flow of water. It's likened to the sink you have in your toilets.
If you pour a bucket of water into that sink, it will take probably five minutes before it drains off. It's an overflow. The same sink, you now pour one drum of water inside it, will it not spill over? That's flooding. So, if you have developed your drainage channel to take charge of this level of water, and you now have a very high precipitation, you have the overflow.
The average rainfall pattern in Ogun State, which is a replica of Nigeria, is 20mm monthly average. But between the month of June and July, for one month, it can run to almost 400mm. In fact, check this on the meteorological report that was released in February this year.
In Ogun State, we're going to have about 396mm, almost 400mm of rain in one month, compared to the average of 20mm, where we have about 26 days of rain. So, can anything contain that? No. But must you allow for the overflow? Yes, you must allow for the overflow.
And in Ogun State, we have two patterns of seasonal flood, due to this kind of a rainfall pattern, the flash flood, which comes with the early rains, it is inland, it is upland. The heavy flow of rainwater, this rainfall will come within a very short time, and it will run downstream. That is a flash flood. It can be abrasive, erosive, and destructive, on a high-speed flow. And when you look at the topography of Ogun State, we have a hilly part in the northern part, and almost a flat terrain in the southern part.
So, there's a heavy runoff, which is a flash flood, and that is the first season of flood we always have in Ogun State. The second season of flood is the river flooding and the coastal flooding, which is always due to release of detained excess water of the early part of the year. And usually, that detained water that is released is necessary, so that we don't have dams being broken, things like that, coincides with the time of the tidal increase, height.
In October this year, it was reported globally that Lagos Lagoon was going to rise by 1.14 meters. As the normal tidal height day, I mean night height, usually maybe 0.2, 0.3 meters, but on October 18, it went up to 1.14, and from October 25, it's coming down. So, with that kind of lock, when you have water being released and you have a tidal lock, what do you expect in the flood plain? You're going to have water that will stay for a while before it regresses into the Atlantic Ocean.
All these areas you talk about are flood plains, they are natural plains that God created to reticulate these natural events. You're not supposed to build on them. There's a rule of engagement that guides if you must build there. Like the Bible says: ‘My people perish for lack of knowledge’ – knowledge gap within the government
A flood plain has its own rules. The rule is that if you look at 100 years height of flood in that area, what is the highest or the prevailing height? For the Isheri area and the rest of it,
water can go up to about 1.5 meters.
So, if I must build there, I must operate at a higher elevation. My road must be like almost like a few meters, my building must be at that level, if I must stay there. Go to Lekki. Lekki was dredged at about five to six meters by Westminster dredgers in the 1980s. That's why you can't build in Lekki. It was swamped. The whole of Victoria Island was swamped, but you have to prepare the land for habitation.
Most of these areas you're talking about have land speculators that just moved in there, even the government had an estate there, the government was guilty too, moved in there without preparing the land for habitation, allowing people build those houses there.
What do we do next? It's just to manage the headache. So you ask that question, must there be flood? There will always be flood, it is part of human natural events, but you must decide to manage the flood, so that it does not disturb what you will do. Give water its own way, and while you make sure you elevate yourself to habit in area where water must be.
When you look at the Isheri North, it was not prepared for habitation properly. It's unfortunate that a lot of people built houses there – beautiful, lovely estates in that area, but without proper understanding of the terrain.
The issue of air pollution, especially from cement factories in the state, has become a recurring issue in the state. At a time, host communities of the Lafarge WAPCO factory, Ewekoro, complained bitterly on how activities of the company have impacted their farming activities. What’s the state government doing to permanently end this menace?
Cement industry happens to be one of the industries with the highest level of footage when it comes to carbon emission. In Ogun State, we have the highest number of cement industries in Nigeria. Aside the cement industries, we have the highest non-oil extractive industries in Nigeria, talking about mining, limestone, and other minerals.
Three-quarter of the state is underlain by limestone, that's the appetite you have for mining. Lafarge WAPCO has two factories – Sagamu and Ewekoro. We have other industries – BUA and Dangote cements. Dangote has the biggest factory here at Ibese, and BUA is along the way. We have international cements also in the state – large industries are all here.
Now, for the Ewekoro area, what we did was to take the stack records, we got consultants of international repute to give us what is coming up from the stack. What we got in Ewekoro was within permissible limit, where Ewekoro had a problem was on their mining site. It was the emission from their mining site. They were not able to precipitate the dust from their mining site, not from the stack.
Where they had a stack problem was at the Sagamu factory, and we shut them down. Up
Must there be flood? There will always be flood. It is part of human natural events, but you must decide to manage the flood, so that it does not disturb what you will do. Give water its own way while you make sure you elevate yourself to habit in area where water must be…The average rainfall pattern in Ogun State is 20mm monthly average and we're going to have about 396mm, almost 400mm of rain in one month, compared to the average of 20mm, where we have about 26 days of rain. So, can anything contain that? No. But must you allow for the overflow? Yes, you must allow for the overflow
till today, the Sagamu factory is not working, because we shut it down two years ago. And we told them that until they complete the installation of their centrifuge precipitator, which is a pollution abatement device, both for their waste scrubbers and for dry scrubbers, they will not open that factory.
At the Ewekoro factory, they have the scrubber, they have the precipitator there, so what is coming from their stack is not what is causing any pollution there, the pollution is coming from the mining. That probably would have disrupted farming activities. But while we did the investigation further, we found out that the land those people are farming actually belongs to Lafarge. But because they were not there to mine for years, the people started using this land for farming.
When we asked the communities to bring their title hold on this farmland, they could not bring any, but Lafarge brought theirs. So we were able to come in, to resolve that community issue. I think it was more of a community disagreement and I think so far, they are doing their thing. What happened at Ibese was worse than what is going on at Ewekoro, but we were able to intervene there. I was there, likewise the Minister of Environment, and we told them what to do to avoid any kind of backslide. So, we are working seriously with these cement industries. One other thing to support the cement industry in their decarbonisation programme is by using refuse in the state, because Ogun State is holding firmly on decarbonising these industries because they are adding so much to the national footage.
We turn refuse to what we call the refusederived fuel. They are going to use it as a main component of their energy transition programme to reduce the fossil fuel quantity they are using in their plants. And they are working with us seriously. We are working with McKenzie on this. We are working with what we call Manufacture Africa, which is a British Government –owned SPV that is working with us in Ogun State. We are the only state in Nigeria where Manufacture Africa is a British government-owned organisation working with us. And we have McKenzie, which is a global organisation. We have the National Sovereign Fund and several conglomerates working with us on decarbonising these cement industries using the refuse, not just from Ogun State alone, but from other contiguous states.
We are working seriously in that direction. And we are pitching on this at the Climate Change Summit (COP) coming up in Azerbaijan.
The issue of open defecation has become a norm, mostly on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, especially from Mowe, Ibafo stretch to Kara Cattle Market, including some border communities. How’s the state government nipping this environmental crisis in the bud?
When we're talking about open defecation, there are several things to make people indulge in that – lack of infrastructure for toilets; social values – this is because some people, even with the toilet beside them, prefer to go to do the thing out there; or lack of consequences for that kind of misbehavior. So, whatever we're doing, we're conscious of what warranted that. For Kara, it's not just lack of infrastructure; it's about social values, because the people that indulge in that area, most of them have been displaced. Inside Kara, we have public toilets, but rather than go there, they will still want to indulge in that open-air thing where they will smoke, where they’ll get kind of relief from doing their thing openly, smoke whatever weed they want to smoke, and they tell you that's the way they enjoy their life.
Oresanya
PERSPECTIVE
Matawalle: Tinubu’s Northern Pillar on the Scale
By Louis Achi
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s swathe of often controversial governance policies exits the gestation phase into the critical, if impatient, evaluation stage, a key section of his Northern backers are ominously signaling they may abandon the Jagaban of Borgu as he schemes for a 2027 comeback. But powerful voices are standing for the president in the challenged region.
A key standout voice and very influential personality who would indisputably impact President Tinubu’s comeback bid in 2027 is the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
Significantly, in the North-West geopolitical region of the nation, Dr. Matawalle, projects a large formidable political figure - both in defence of his state, President Tinubu and the nation - with good reason. But cut to the bone, this could be why the governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, incidentally his successor, is curiously hostile instead of being totally supportive of this colossus from his own state.
Significantly, Dr. Matawalle has found himself at the centre of both political storms and adulations as he navigates Nigeria’s complex security challenges, particularly in Zamfara State. Widely acclaimed for his relentless commitment to fighting banditry and general terrorism, Matawalle’s actions in defence of Nigeria’s security are increasingly being politicised. Yet, his determination to see an end to the region’s ongoing violence remains unswerving.
A former governor of Zamfara State and a key figure in the war against banditry and terrorism, Dr. Matawalle has a special grasp of the local terrain and the root causes of the insecurity plaguing the region. Following his appointment by President Tinubu, Dr. Matawalle has made significant strides in addressing the insecurity crisis in Zamfara and the larger Nigerian space.
It is worth recalling that one of his most notable successes was the elimination of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu, achieved through coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. His proactive leadership, including his regular visits to the Sokoto base of Operation Hadarin Daji to boost troop morale, reflects his hands-on approach to combating the insurgency.
Surprisingly, Dr. Matawalle’s efforts have been met with political jealousy, as critics, particularly from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have been attempting to discredit his commendable work. Instead of focusing on the urgent need to restore peace and security, the PDP has been viewing Matawalle’s progressive actions with myopic negativity tainted with unfounded allegations, turning a critical national security issue into a political battleground.
The opposition PDP scaled up its negative war against Matawalle when President Tinubu signaled a cabinet rejig to reinvigorate his administration’s governance trajectory. Governor Dauda Lawal and his bitter allies were alleged to have sponsored protests to pressure the president into removing Matawalle. But they totally misread the president.
Not surprisingly, their misguided efforts fell flat and the Minister of State was not only retained to continue his good works but also retained his critical defence portfolio in President Tinubu’s cabinet. This bold, far reaching presidential decision has been accurately hailed as a resounding vote of confidence in the minister’s capabilities, competences and loyalty.
President Tinubu’s decision to retain Matawalle implicitly recognises his pivotal role, not just in the Northwest, but also across Nigeria. Matawalle has demonstrated exceptional capacity in combating banditry, a scourge that has plagued Zamfara and the wider northwestern region for years.
Matawalle’s critics, particularly those within the political establishment, fear his growing influence and popularity among the Northern masses. His
commitment to dismantling the networks of bandits and illegal mining operators, who have long exploited the region’s resources and created chaos, poses a direct threat to those who benefit from the instability. This explains the vigorous attempts to undermine him. But the good news is that Matawalle remains focused on his mission. The urgency of Zamfara’s situation cannot be overstated. The human cost of banditry and terrorism are staggering, with communities devastated by kidnappings, murders, and forced displacement. The region’s socio-economic fabric is unravelling, with farmers unable to work in their fields, children kept from schools, and health services in disarray. While political distractions continue to cloud the security debate, Matawalle’s strategy - focusing on boosting troop readiness and eliminating key criminal figures - offers a glimpse of hope.
Dr. Matawalle’s critics may continue their campaign against him, but the facts on the ground are clear: the fight against banditry is far from over, and the stakes for the people of Zamfara are higher than ever. If his critics put aside partisan politics and unite to support ongoing security efforts, there is a real possibility that Zamfara could finally see peace.
In the meantime, Dr. Matawalle’s resolve to bring an end to the bandit crisis and terrorism remain as strong as ever. His commitment to a secure, peaceful Zamfara is a testament to his leadership and patriotism in the face of both
political opposition and security threats. Matawalle’s often understated political relevance and quiet influence both in his region and President Tinubu’s administration can be best appreciated when some of his key interventions and engagements are properly deconstructed.
It could be recalled that a few months ago, Dr. Matawalle firmly reined in the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, who faulted President Tinubu’s administration and threatened to withdraw support for him come 2027.
Reacting to an interview where Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, spokesman of the forum, said the north regretted voting President Bola Tinubu, Matawalle dismissed the group as naïve and characterized them as a political burden to northerners which doesn’t represent the region.
His words: “My attention has been drawn to the threats issued by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is ‘reprehensible and naive’. It is preposterous for a group of people seeking political relevance to overburden the system and create political disunity among Nigerians.
“The so-called NEF is more or less a political paperweight trying to embark on a destructive journey that will bring the North to disrepute for the group’s personal and selfish gains.
“This NEF is more of a political burden to Northerners. The group is seeking to erode other people’s rights in order to be recognised
or made relevant in the scheme of things despite the failure of their sponsored candidates in the 2023 general elections.
“In as much as many have overlooked them in respect of their utterances, it is pertinent to underscore their overbearing attitude on issues that affect political unity and cohesion. They cannot offer any positive idea or thought about the future of Northern Nigeria or, indeed, of Nigeria and its unity and togetherness.”
He maintained that the NEF doesn’t have the power to challenge Tinubu’s victory at the 2027 polls. This sage political counsel can only be ignored at the North’s peril.
The emerging consensus is that in aftermath of Governor Dauda Lawal and his proxies failed effort to get Matawalle removed from President Tinubu’s cabinet, it is genuinely time to put aside political differences and embrace responsible governance and astute cooperation.
Governor Dauda Lawal would do well to emplace a new governance model that prioritises the interests of the people of Zamfara over and above any churlish political differences. Clearly, the state stands to gain immensely from a harmonious working relationship between its governor and the minister.
It is indisputable that with Matawalle as a close and trusted ally of the president, Zamfara is uniquely positioned to enjoy federal patronage, resources and even more.
President BolaTinubu
60% of Drilling, Engineering Firms in Nigeria’s Oil Sector Blame Govt Policies for Stunted Activities
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
A new report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that as much as 60 per cent of companies operating in the wells, drilling and engineering services segment of the Nigerian oil and gas sector believe that government policies are constraining their activities.
The document on the: “Baseline Census for Well, Drilling and Petroleum Engineering Services in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry,” was conducted alongside the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and aimed to ensure data availability and accessibility for improved policy and decision-making.
For instance, out of the 125 companies which are active in the oil sector, 74 said that the policies of government impede them from sourcing for materials locally.
However, while 227 companies were in the database for the research, 70 firms were discovered not to be ‘involved’, 14 firms denied
the team access to their facilities, while there were unsuccessful attempts in reaching out to 18 firms.
According to the report coauthored by the NBS and NCDMB, overall, the data suggested a significant reliance on local suppliers by many establishments, but stated that there is also evidence of varying levels of dependence on foreign suppliers for different raw materials.
“The most common constraint encountered in sourcing raw materials is government policy with 74 establishments (among 125 companies). This suggests that regulations, tariffs, or other governmental policies may pose challenges or restrictions in obtaining necessary materials.
“In addition, security concerns rank as the second most prevalent constraint, with 60 establishments facing issues related to safety or instability in their sourcing environments. This could include risks such as theft, vandalism, or conflict affecting the transportation or procurement of raw materials,”
production subsidiary in Nigeria to Oando Plc for nearly $800 million.
Eni and the Ministry of Mines, Oil and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire have signed in Abidjan the contracts for the acquisition of four new exploration blocks in the country’s offshore.
Recall that in August this year, the Italian multinational oil company finalised the divestment of its onshore oil and gas exploration and
The sale included 40 oil and gas fields, 12 production stations, three gas processing plants, the Brass River Oil Terminal, and the Kwale-Okpai power plants.
The sale was part of Eni’s strategy to rationalise its upstream activities by divesting non-strategic assets.
But the signing in Cote d’Ivoire,
the report added.
The data also highlighted availability and quality of materials, financial limitations, and infrastructure-related issues, noting that addressing these constraints effectively is crucial for ensuring efficient and reliable supply chains.
Other government policies that adversely affect businesses in the sector, according to the oil firms, include: multiple taxation, foreign exchange rate, high cost of clearing goods, fiscal policy, multiple agency reporting and access to loans.
Players in the drilling and engineering services segment of the oil and gas sector also listed community issues, where they are compelled to spend on the locals before they are allowed to carry out their activities.
Other inhibitions include: high Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) fees for critical services, long certification process, bureaucracy in government ministries as well as customs law and equipment export restrictions.
Eni said further consolidates its presence in the country, a statement released by the company said.
The blocks CI-504, CI-526, CI-706 and CI-708 cover a total area of about 5,720 square kilometres with a water depth ranging between 1,000 and 3,500 meters.
According to the oil major, their proximity to the Calao discovery, made in Block CI-205, represents
In terms of solutions, the report recommended that government should implement reforms to streamline the tax system and eliminate duplicate or overlapping taxes, while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should use all monetary tools to correct the foreign exchange problems.
Besides, it called for reduce customs rates, introduction of tax incentives for local businesses, merging or consolidating agencies that have overlapping functions and provision of favourable credit facilities.
The operators also called for measures to fast-track certification processes, permission of free in and outward flow of tools/ equipment and stoppage of frequent review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
In all, in terms of business collaboration, 59 per cent of the active companies encompassed a spectrum of partnership arrangement, followed closely by alliances at 35 per cent and joint ventures representing 6 per
a strategic opportunity to create further synergies in the area. Under the agreements, Eni will be able to explore the area for up to nine years.
Eni has been present in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015 and currently has an equity production of around 22,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company already operates six blocks in the Ivorian deepwater: CI-101, CI-205, CI-401, CI-501, CI-801
cent of activities in the oil and gas sector.
It also shed light on the financial challenges encountered by companies, particularly in labour, technology, equipment, and securing capital.
Among the companies, 45 reported high labour costs, 64 reported medium labour costs, and 16 reported low labour costs. This revealed that a notable portion of companies encountered moderate to high expenditures related to labour.
“The majority of companies, 87 in total, reported high costs linked to technology and equipment. Conversely, 25 companies reported medium costs, while 13 reported low costs in this domain. This underscored the significant financial investment required for technology and equipment in many businesses.
“Regarding the cost of capital, 79 companies reported high expenses, whereas, 28 reported medium expenses and 18 reported low expenses. This highlights that a considerable number of companies contend with substantial costs
associated with acquiring capital for their operations, such as interest payments on loans or financing,” the report added. As for the distribution of annual business costs related to infrastructure and utilities, 95 of the 125 companies, representing 76 per cent reported high costs for electricity, indicating a substantial financial burden in this area. Additionally, 19 companies or 15 per cent reported medium costs, while 11 companies or 9 per cent of the bunch reported low costs, highlighting the diverse range of expenditures related to electricity consumption among businesses. In terms of transportation costs, 82 of the companies, representing 66 per cent reported high expenses, 35 companies or 28 per cent reported medium costs, and 8 companies or 6 per cent reported low costs, underscoring the varied nature of transportation expenses across companies.
and CI- 802, all with the same partner Petroci Holding.
Eni has made the two largest discoveries to date in the country, Baleine and Calao, and is in the process of significantly increasing its production.
Just one year after the start-up of Baleine Phase 1, the company is preparing for the launch of Phase 2, scheduled for this December 2024, bringing total production from the Baleine field to 60,000 barrels of oil per day and 70 million cubic feet of associated gas (equivalent to 2 million cubic meters of associated gas). This, it said, will increase to 150,000 barrels of oil per day and 200 million cubic feet of associated gas during Phase 3, currently under study.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Food Commodities
e t oday
Olam Agri, LCRI Announce Release of Improved Wheat Variety to Support Nigerian Farmers
Dike Onwuamaeze
Olam Agri and Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI) have released a novel heat-tolerant and super-early durum wheat variety suitable for local
cultivation during the harmathan season. This is in furtherance of their commitment of helping Nigeria to achieve wheat production selfsufficiency and food security.
The novel heat-tolerant and super-early durum wheat variety, which is called “Crown,” emerged from the work of a specialist wheat breeder at the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry
UAC Deepens Commitment to Sustainable Development with Flagship CSR Initiatives
UAC of Nigeria Plc (UAC), has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development with the launch of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
This, the company said in a statement, represents a holistic and transformative solution to addressing critical challenges in early childhood education, paving a way for a brighter future for underserved communities nationwide.
The CSR activities began with the launch of the Book Donation Drive, a project designed to enhance literacy and provide quality educational resources to underprivileged children in the communities where UAC operates. The first donation drive, held on November 25, 2024, at Anglican Girls Seminary Primary School and Cathedral Primary
School in CMS, Lagos Island, benefited over 120 students who received books aligned with the national primary school curriculum to support their academic year.
Speaking at the event, Chief Operating Officer at UAC of Nigeria Plc, Queenette DurosinmiEtti, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to advancing early childhood education as a key pillar of the Company’s CSR strategy.
She stated, “At UAC of Nigeria PLC, we believe that early childhood education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. This initiative represents our commitment to investing in the future of our children, providing them with the tools they need to reach their full potential. Through initiatives like these, we are helping to
BAT Nigeria Wins MAN, NESREA’s Award for Environmental Excellence
The BAT (BAT) Nigeria’s Ibadan Factory has won the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s (MAN) coveted Best-Kept Industrial Premises Award in the Multinationals Category.
The accolade that was presented
build a more equitable and literate society.”
Areas (ICARDA), Dr. Filippo Bassi, as part of the work that received the Olam Prize for Innovation in Food Security back in 2018. Bassi said: “The Crown wheat variety is tailored for the Nigerian growing conditions after working closely with local farmers to understand their needs, especially the need to grow super-early varieties that allow farmers to harvest and replant rice on time. Based on test results run with Crown Flour Mill Nigeria, this variety is certified as suitable for high-quality pasta production.”
An LCRI breeder and lead in the project, Dr. Kachalla Mala, added, “availability and accessibility of quality seed varieties are important to farmers, and we are excited to release ‘Crown,’ a heat-tolerant, high-yielding wheat variety. In collaboration with Olam Agri and ICARDA, this is the first step in a chain of actions to work with women’s cooperative unions and local farmers to multiply and commercialise the seed.”
The Managing Director of Crown Flour Mill Limited, Mr. Nitin Mehta,
which is Olam Agri’s wheat milling business, said: “We are glad to reach this critical milestone of releasing Crown, a novel heat-tolerant durumwheat seed variety tailored to the Nigerian farming conditions. Also the Managing Director of Olam Agri’s Nigeria, Mr. Anil Nair, emphasised the company’s dedication to food security, stating that “the milestone release of the novel durum wheat seed variety supports the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and focus on food security.
Nigerian-led WAPP Declares Electricity Supply Fundamental Human Right
Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The West African Power Pool (WAPP), a specialised institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared that access to electricity supply remains a fundamental human right.
WAPP covers 14 of the 15 countries of the regional economic community, including Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The meeting was presided over by Mamadou Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Côte d’Ivoire, according
to a statement by the General Manager of Nigeria’s state-owned Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ndidi Mbah.
In his opening remarks, the minister emphasized that access to electricity is a fundamental right and a vital necessity. Highlighting the scale of resources required to meet growing regional electricity demands, he called for collaborative efforts across ECOWAS member states.
“He stated that we must work together, pooling our financial and natural resources to make it work,” the statement made available in Abuja said.
Coulibaly stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation, describing energy as
a resource that transcends barriers. He commended WAPP for its vital role in promoting regional integration and reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to advancing energy production and sharing to support the ECOWAS community’s growing electricity needs.
Speaking at the event, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation, Mr. Sediko Douka, provided an overview of ongoing efforts to enhance the electricity sector.
He underscored the importance of robust institutional and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, and improved energy access. He noted that challenges such as the demand-
supply deficit and low electricity access remain critical barriers to the sector’s progress.
Addressing the Assembly, the Chairman of WAPP, Sule Abdulaziz, reaffirmed the commitment of member utilities to the organisation’s vision. He announced the appointment of Mr. Abdoulaye Dia from Senegal as the new Secretary General, beginning a three-year renewable term, and also welcomed eight new power utility members to the General Assembly.
Earlier, Acting Secretary General of the WAPP, Nazif Abdukadir, presented key achievements, including the operationalization of the Regional Market Information and Coordination Centre.
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by MAN in partnership with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), underscored BAT’s leadership in environmental stewardship and workplace safety.
The External Affairs Director, BAT West and Central Africa, Ms. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, attributed the success to the collaborative efforts of the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) and Facility teams at the Ibadan Factory, adding that their relentless pursuit of sustainability and operational excellence was instrumental in securing this recognition.
Erewa-Meggison said: “This Award reflects the values we hold dear at BAT - a commitment to fostering a sustainable and safe working environment. Every team member has played a vital role in this achievement, and this recognition validates the hard work and dedication that goes into our daily practices and environmental initiatives.”
Also, the Operations Director, BAT WCA, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq, said: “At BAT, we believe operational excellence goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility.”
Lansar Bags CIAN 2024 Auctioneer of the Year Award
Lansar Aghaji & Co., a firm of Estate Surveyors, Valuers & Auctioneers has won the auctioneering company of the year 2024 award, bestowed by the Certified Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria (CIAN).
Accepting the award, Chief Executive of the firm, Ikenna Aghaji, speaking at the event held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja,
expressed joy that all the efforts put in had been crowned with the honour.
Although the economy is current going through tough times, he however, said that it was both good and bad for the auction industry, since the business involves disposing of assets of businesses folding up due to the prevailing hardship.
“The auction industry is facing
the same thing other industries are facing economically, though as businesses folds up, it’s a boost to the auctioneer. An example was the liquidation of Heritage Bank assets,” he said.
Aside the Heritage matter, the firm which also handled auction sales for Canada High Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), among others, noted that auctioneering helps with easy and quick disposal of items at reasonable prices. Aghaji promised to play the leadership role in the area of mentorship for upcoming auctioneers, expressing optimism that the ailing nation’s economy will soon bounce back.
‘Collaboration, Knowledge Sharing Essential in Addressing Nigeria’s Dairy Sector Challenges’
Oluchi Chibuzor
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s dairy value chain have underscored the need for collaboration and cross-boarder knowledge sharing in addressing some of the challenges facing the sector.
This was the key Highlights at a recent Workshop on Nutrition in the Dairy Sector organised by Arla Foods in partnership with the Consulate General of Denmark, and the Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S).
Speaking at the event, the
Managing Director, Arla Foods. Peder Pedersen, said he was inspired by the collective vision and commitment seen from the dairy sector to address critical issues around nutrition and access.
He also said the high-level workshop represented Arla’s ongoing strategic and collaborative efforts to drive the future of dairy in Nigeria forward through nutrition, innovation, sustainability, knowledge-sharing and access.
According to him, “Arla’s commitment to support the industry under the Partnership for
Green and Productive Dairy (PGPD) project, its content development initiatives, green dairy farming practices, and integration of advanced technology continue to effect key developments in the industry’s journey to scaling local production and building a sustainable environment for dairy players and every day Nigerians to thrive.
“This is the kind of transformative, community-driven change that is at the heart of Arla’s mission, and I’m excited to continue this important journey alongside
our industry partners.”
Commenting, the Danish Consul General, Jette Bjerrum, said challenges in the sector requires shared commitment in collaboration and knowledge sharing,” Bjerrum said. The high level workshop brought together key stakeholders from the dairy value chain— including government officials, farmers, nutrition experts, policymakers, and industry leaders—to discuss strategies for improving dairy nutrition, sustainability, and access.
Dike Onwuamaeze
President, France-Nigeria Business Council and Chairman, Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, (first right); Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, (second right), and others at one of the meetings of the France-Nigeria Business Council in Paris, France… recently
Wema Bank Awards N145m to Outstanding Innovators
Kayode Tokede
Wema Bank Plc has said it successfully concluded the 5th edition of its Hackaholics
initiative, a premier ideathon designed to empower and support the nation’s brightest tech innovators. According to a statement, the grand finale,
Medical Doctor Wins Brand New SUV at Access Bank Promo
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
A medical doctor and consultant Family Medicine from Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau state, Dr. Yinnang Wushipba has won a brand-new SUV as part of Access Bank star prize rewards in the ongoing Season of the DiamondXtra rewarding scheme.
Appreciating the bank, Wushipba who was visibly overwhelmed with joy, and flanked by family and wellwishers said, “My appreciation and gratitude goes to Directors, Management Staff, and hardworking staff of Access Bank for this innovation. I appreciate you all, and I thank you all. May God continue to sustain you, and lift Access Bank higher and higher.”
Speaking at the presentation of the key to the winner and other customers who equally won other prices, at the Club Road branch of the bank in Jos, Regional Manager of Access Bank in Plateau State, covering the nine branches in Jos and a branch in Kafanchan (Kaduna State), Mr. Adebayo Adeyeye said other customers won series of prices ranging from N200,000, N100,000, N50,000, N20,000 to N5,000.
The financial expert said, “This has been going on over the years, and people have been winning various prizes. In Jos alone, we have had three on-site draws; at the Katako branch, we had to do twice in one day; even though we planned for one when we saw the turnout of the people, we had two draws for them.
“Today, we are not just having a draw, we are presenting one of the biggest prizes available under season 16, which is a brand new SUV, to a customer who won it through a raffle. This is to show the people what they can get when they bank with Access Bank and save in the diamond extra. Anybody can have a diamond extra account: a trader, a civil servant, or those in self-employment. Your money is earning interest for you, and then we reward our customers through various types of rewards.”
Team Lead, Consumer Liabilities of the bank, Mr. Olanrenwaju Adetula sensitized customers present at the event on fraud prevention as he answered questions raised by the customers and also disclosed that in the last seasons, the bank has spent over N6bn in rewarding its customers.
9PSB Marks 4th Anniversary with Financial Literacy CSR
To commemorate its 4th year anniversary, 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), has donated 10,000 branded exercise books to various schools across several regions of Nigeria.
The schools include Crown Jewel College in Lagos, LEA Primary School in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Kano Capital School Kano and Shokwari Junior Secondary School, Maiduguri, Borno State.
Speaking at the donation ceremony at Crown Jewel College in Lagos, Branka Mracajac, MD/ CEO of 9PSB, expressed her pride in the initiative. “This is our way of adding value to the society. We are confident that this educative session with the students, as well as the books donated to them, will immensely improve their knowledge of finance, their money management skills and their overall ability to prepare for their future at an early age. As we mark our 4th year anniversary, we are committed to playing a role in the CBN’s mission to promote financial literacy and education in schools across the country”, she said. She further emphasised that financial literacy is a cornerstone of the bank’s commitment to driving financial inclusion in Nigeria.
which took place recently in Lagos, witnessed a remarkable showcase of ingenuity and problem-solving prowess, culminating in seven startups sharing an impressive N145 million in prize money—nearly double the initial prize fund of N75 million.
“This year’s Hackaholics stood out with a recordbreaking 3,500 applications from across Nigeria. From this pool, 10 finalists showcased innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges, ranging from education accessibility to sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and more.
“Feegor, the overall winner, was awarded the top prize of N50 million for its innovative B2B wholesale marketplace and SaaS platform. Feegor empowers SMEs to discover, negotiate, and source goods from verified suppliers while accessing credit through a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) model. This groundbreaking approach is set to drive growth and create significant economic impact.
“The first runner-up, Empayment AI, received N35 million for its AI-powered invoice discounting platform, revolutionizing how businesses manage payments. Bloom
Beauty, the second runner-up, was awarded N20 million for its personalized, AI-curated solutions that are transforming the beauty industry,” the bank said.
It added, “In the women-led category, MyTherapist secured the position of first runner-up, earning N12 million. MyTherapist connects users with mental health professionals, providing accessible and affordable therapy solutions for emotional well-being. Meanwhile, MyItura, an innovator delivering remote healthcare services, clinched the position of second runner-up in the women-led category, receiving N8 million.
Wema Bank’s CEO, Moruf Oseni, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the brilliance of our youth through the Hackaholics initiative. At Wema Bank, we are more than a bank; we are enablers of dreams and drivers of transformation. When I stood here earlier, the total prize money was N75 million. But, inspired by the potential we saw, we decided to increase the total prize pool to N145 million. Wema Bank’s legacy of 79 years remains rooted in innovation, and with initiatives like Hackaholics, we continue to empower lives and shape the future.”
Schneider Reiterates Commitment to Accelerate Data Centre Market
Schneider Electric, has reiterated its commitment to accelerate growth in the data centre market across East and West Africa regions that have become vital due to rapid digitalisation and increasing Internet penetration.
Commitment on the company’s drive, End User Sales Director, Anglophone Africa, Schneider Electric, Rohan de Beer, said, the African data centre market
is witnessing unprecedented growth, creating a fertile ground for resellers and distributors to enhance their capabilities and foster stronger relationships with local end users.
De Beer explained that previously, Schneider Electric relied solely on external channels for market development, which sometimes led to missed opportunities and increased competition.
He noted that the new dual
approach adopted by the firm seeks to address these gaps by enabling closer engagement with end users to influence technology decisions and secure a larger share of the market.
He added, “Crucially, these engagements will still be fulfilled through Schneider Electric’s extensive channel network.This strategy allows us to influence project lifecycles at an earlier stage while maintaining our channeldriven fulfilment model,” explained
De Beer. “Our goal isn’t to increase direct business but to expand our market presence and share while empowering partners.”
“In addition to self-paced learning resources, we are hosting instructor-led training sessions across the Anglophone cluster. The first half of the year saw successful training completions in East, West, and Southern Africa, focusing on technical solutions for partners and distributors,” De Beer added.
Brands, Agencies Celebrated at Nigerian Marketing Awards
Raheem Akingbolu
To inspire passion among marketers and acknowledge excellence, brands, individuals, agencies, and journalists were honored at the prestigious Nigerian Marketing Awards, themed “Ignite,” held recently in Lagos.
Dettol stood out as a double winner, clinching Campaign of the Year with their “Big Bang Blossom” campaign and taking home the Fragrance of the Year award with Dettol Skin Care.
Indomie Noodles was recognized for the Best CSR Campaign of the Year, while Chivita won for Best Use of Social Media.
In his keynote address, a Brand management expert, Charles Otudo emphasised the importance of personal branding, connecting it to the event’s theme, “Ignite.”
He highlighted that personal branding is no longer optional but a crucial competitive advantage, urging marketing professionals to embrace authenticity. “True personal brands lead and solve
problems, creating campaigns that go beyond mere sales,” he said, noting that marketers play a vital role in fueling the economy.
Head of the Awards Decision Council, Uquo Ukoh, remarked that the marketing industry has evolved significantly, adapting to the needs of Generation Z and Generation Alpha. Although this year saw a decrease in the number of entries, there was a noticeable improvement in their quality. She explained that assessments were based on criteria like definition,
identification, application, and performance of solutions.
The convener of the Nigerian Marketing Awards, Tony Agenmonmen, welcomed guests with a speech celebrating the event’s third edition. He highlighted the Awards’ dedication to transparency, credibility, and the spirit of celebration, embodied in this year’s theme, “Ignite.” Agenmonmen called on the marketing community to continue pushing boundaries and elevating standards across Nigeria.
Flymate Launches Travel App to Enhance Travel Experience
Agnes Ekebuike
In an innovative move to modernise and simplify visa application processes, Flymate Travel Limited, a leading provider of innovative travel solutions, has launched the Visadoc, a cutting-edge travel app designed to simplify and enhance users’ travel experiences worldwide. Speaking during the launch of
the app in Lagos recently, Chief Executive Officer of Flymate Travel Limited, Gbenga Badmus, said: “Visadoc is designed to offer customised services to the end users. With its help, applicants can apply with ease by doing it themselves end to end. By completing the documentation process and waiting for the biometric capturing invite, without putting a physical face to the
agent’s office.”
He said: “Within five years, we’ve successfully trained over 250 Nigerians, guiding them toward fulfilling migration goals,” he noted. His travel agency has helped clients secure visas to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the UAE, earning accolades like the Capitalist Award and recognition by City People Magazine.”
Project Manager at Flymate Travel Limited, Abdullahi Yusuf, said: “Families, Individuals with their specific needs and preferences, are an essential target audience for travel brands. Family travelers look for visas to destinations and accommodations that cater to the interests and safety of their children. They prioritize family-friendly activities, spacious accommodations, and convenient amenities.”
Oluchi Chibuzor
Unleashing Local Resources in Agribusiness
As more companies begin to look inwards for raw materials, Raheem Akingbolu, who recently participated in a tour of Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti State, writes on how the multi billion naira agribusiness initiative can impact the economy
Things appear to be looking up for manufacturers of goods in the country. In a fresh move to bridge the gap following the fall in the value of naira, which has stressed raw materials importation, and in line with government calls on companies to look inwards for untapped resources, more manufacturers are beginning to source for raw material locally. Today, companies are yielding to the advice with many of them either cultivating their own raw materials or partnering with agricultural companies that have farms that can fill the gap.
At the last count, manufacturing giants like Nigerian Breweries, FrieslandCampina Wamco Plc, Nestle, PZ Wilmar; Dangote Group and Flour Mills of Nigeria, have shifted drastically to local inputs for their products. Others are; De-United Food, Chi Limited, Presco Oil, Okomu Oil, and BUA Group.
The establishment of Agbeyewa Farms, a privately owned multi billion naira agribusiness initiatives in Ekiti is coming in at the Nigeria is facing significant food security challenges, with nearly 25 million people at risk of hunger due to bandits/terrorists attacks on farmers, climate change, inflation, and rising food prices.
The Agric revolution, currently seated on about 5 thousand hectares of land in Ekiti State, could not have come at a better time when the country’s food insecurity is further exacerbated by factors such as widespread flooding in some parts of the country, which damaged over 676,000 hectares of farmland in 2022.
Aligning with the lofty vision of Ekiti State to boost Agricultural sector, the owner of Agbeyewa Farms, a subsidiary of Cavista Holding, has invested in Cassava farming in Ekiti especially due to its array of derivatives when processed. Currently, the farm is harvesting about 380 hectares, which would go into the market in the South West region and also other parts of Nigeria.
Speaking during a tour of the farm on the future goal for the agricultural initiative, the Executive Director of Agbeyewa Farms Limited, Mr Oscar Seyi Ayeleso said farm would establish
the best agro-allied cassava processing plant in the whole of Africa. “And I will tell you that where you are seeing today, where you are today will soon become a cassava farming estate. We are growing 10,000 hectare and we have our agro-allied company here, okay? We will be processing so many varieties.
“In fact, we are even going into some table food? We are going to produce semovita, noodles, we are going into spaghetti, all those chips, cake, and everything, and we are going to all of them. And by the time you see that, that product line is growing; we need housing facilities for our managers. We are constructing a facility for the field staff, as you are seeing there, that is the accommodation for all the field staff, and they won’t be going home again. We want to also have a facility for managers; we want to have a facility for directors.
“By the time you are having all of that, the bank will be approaching you, and we will have banks here. By the time you start all those estates, their children will want to go to school. We will establish school here, by the time the family will want to go for groceries, they will have a supermarket here. By the time people start coming in and seeing all of this, they say, ah come on, I want to sleep here, I want to sleep here and see some of the things, for two days, two days is not enough, I want to go now, but we have hotel here where you can lodge and stay and go around and everything.
“By the time we are doing that, we are creating a colony here, and that’s what we are going to. So, we are going to have a farming estate that has never been seen in the whole of Africa and we are liken that to Omnicane in Mauritius. That’s what we are liken Agbeyewa farms. So Agbeyewa is not an ordinary farm, it’s a revolution, it’s a movement. Agbeyewa is a movement and you will see in the next few years, that’s the dream of my chairman- John Olajide
and we are walking to get to that dream and get it there, “he said.
Ayeleso said that the farm has invested a lot of money in cassava cultivation and presently harvesting about 380 hectares, saying, “if 380 hectares go into the market in the South West region and also in Nigeria, it means a lot of things because of the varieties of products, by-products that come out of cassava in terms of garri, fufu, starch, flour.”
“So we have so many customers who are coming here to buy our cassava for their agro-allied processing company and they are using our cassava in various varieties to actually process into fufu, starch, and flour. Now, the economy of any state has to come, or the GDP, the gross domestic product of any state, has to come from the local level. Okay? If we want to grow the GDP of any state, we have to start from the local level. What are the products and cash crops are they producing that will dovetail into enhancement of a state GDP and for there to national GDP and I can tell you that cassava is one of those cash crops that can contribute very immensely to the GDP, not only of local government, of the state, and also of the nation,” he added.
Ayeleso spoke further on how the Agbeyewa is helping to create employment and improve local economy. He said: “You can see how many labourers who have been offered jobs, today people that are working in Agbeyewa farm are over 500. Our direct staff is over 200. We grew from five. We started from five staff to over 200. Now, if you see in the indirect labour that are in the farm today, some cutting stems, some harvesting cassava roots, some planting cassava, some doing ridges and everything, they are all about 400.
“As of today, we have about 500 people working in this farm and you can imagine what has done to the local economy, to the family economy of such individuals who are working here. You can also see people who are also coming to establish
their trade, food sellers; you have all manner of people who are coming to do all of these things. We are also improving the economy of their family, and by improving the economy of their family, we are also improving the economy of the local government.”
“Now, we have planted over 1,000 hectares this season and when that one begins to ripe for harvest, you can imagine how it will go into the aspect of the state economically in Ekiti state. This is going to be the largest cassava plantation I’ve ever seen in all of Ekiti state, and so part of western region. We are planning to do 3,000 hectares. We are close to about 4,500 now, but our target by next season is to do 5,000, and by 2026, we are targeting 20,000,” he said.
Speaking on how the vision that gave birth to the Agbeyewa Agric Revolution was consummated, one of the farm’s board members and a traditional ruler, Oba Dr Sunday Aniyi of Erimope Ekiti, said the Agbeyewa Farm was an idea that came about around 2021 immediately after the COVID 19 pandemic during the administration of former Governor Fayemi.
He said: “The chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, John Olajide, is from my community, and leadership of the community approached in 2021 on the possibility of investing in Ekiti. There was also a meeting with the state government under Dr. Kayode Fayemi. So, it was like an investment meeting. After the meeting, we all toured Ekiti, went to Emure, Ise and everywhere where land could be available.”
“So, we came around this place, too. And finally, the government advised that they have an Agric processing zone around this corridor and that their intention is that big agricultural industries should concentrate around here, so that it is easy for infrastructure development and deployment, especially around the power corridor.” The monarch further stated.
With the promise of the management of Agbeyewa that the farm was conceptualised to become a major hub for raw materials, the future surely looks bright for many Nigerian manufacturing companies that will soon begin to partner the farm for sourcing raw materials.
Omosehin Warns Insurance Operators against Claims Payment Delays
Ebere Nwoji
The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, has warned insurance operators against unnecessary delays in the settlement of genuine claims, stressing that the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM) has zero tolerance to genuine claims delays.
Omosehin, speaking at the 2024 Insurance Directors’ Conference in Lagos emphasised the importance of addressing certain critical areas that were pivotal to the insurance sector’s expansion and safeguarding policyholders’ interests.
This year’s edition of the
insurance sector directors’ conference has the theme, “Board Performance in the Nigerian Insurance Industry: A GRC Approach.”
While highlighting the steps taken by the commission to ensure prompt claim settlement, he called on all insurers to significantly reduce their outstanding claims by the end of this year. He stated that the commission was committed to enforcing the law and taking action against any insurer failing to meet his claim obligations, underscoring the importance of financial stability and soundness of insurance institutions.
“The Commission’s primary focus is ensuring timely payment of genuine claims (payment of claims and timely too). We expect
Emma Okonji
Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated digital payments and commerce companies, has successfully concluded the fourth edition of its TechConnect series, marking the culmination of an impactful journey across five major Nigerian cities including Enugu, Asaba, Abuja, Ibadan, and Lagos.
Delivering his keynote address, Managing Director, Payment Processing and Switching, Interswitch Purepay, Akeem Lawal, highlighted the transformative potential of digital
and the benefits of adhering to best practices.
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has signed agreement with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) with the aim of enhancing data protection within the insurance sector.
According to NAICOM, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has as its objectives training and capacity building in the area of providing training to enhance awareness and skills in data protection, establishing privacy clinics by setting up specialised clinics to address data protection concerns and provide guidance.
NAICOM said other objectives of the agreement include conducting compliance activities, regularly monitoring and enforcing compliance with data protection regulations, promoting awareness in the area of educating insurance companies on the importance of data protection
Developing data protection guidelines through creation of specialised guidelines for insurance institutions to ensure they are equipped to handle data protection responsibilities effectively.
NAICOM said the collaboration marked a significant milestone in safeguarding the personal data of insurance policyholders and promoting trust in the insurance sector.
The commission said to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement, an implementation committee would be established.
The committee, the commission said, would comprise of representatives from the two agencies, as well as other key industry associations, including the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).
Ebere Nwoji
Sanlam General Insurance Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Sanlam Life Insurance Nigeria said it has been decorated with the Financial Inclusive Insurer of the Year Award at the second International Financial Inclusion Conference 2024.
all insurers to significantly reduce their outstanding claims by the end of the year, as emphasised during the last Insurers Committee
payment solutions.
According to him, “At Interswitch, we are deeply committed to financial inclusion, recognising that digital payment solutions are pivotal in expanding access to underserved populations. By enabling broader participation in the economy, we believe we can create a rising tide that lifts all boats, empowering individuals, businesses, and financial institutions alike. Our vision is simple yet profound: to power a seamless, connected payment ecosystem across Africa, turning challenges in the payments landscape into
The event, which was hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has the theme, “Inclusive Growth: Harnessing Inclusion for Economic Development,” According to the organisers, the event brought together notable leaders, including the Vice President of Nigeria,Kashim Shettima (GCON);
meeting. Unnecessary delays in the settlement of genuine claims will no longer be tolerated.
“As a Commission, we are
opportunities for economic growth and shared prosperity.”
The Lagos finale featured a dynamic fireside chat themed, “Regulating New Technologies: Strategies for Innovation and Compliance, Harmonising Regulatory Frameworks and Risk-Based Approaches.”
The speakers emphasised the critical role of collaboration between regulators and industry players in navigating the rapidly evolving technology landscape. They also highlighted the importance of designing regulatory frameworks
Governor of the CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso; and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Sanlam Managing Director, Bode Opadokun, said the award affirmed Sanlam’s unwavering commitment to advancing financial inclusion through innovative and impactful solutions tailored to the
CcHUB Announces Call for Applications
Emma Okonji Co-creation HUB (CcHUB), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is calling for applications for the third iteration of the EdTech Fellowship after the successful completion of the second cohort’s acceleration program.
High-potential EdTech ventures across Nigeria are encouraged to
apply for the opportunity to be part of the next iteration of the Fellowship, which aims to make education and learning more inclusive by using technology as an enabler. The third cohort will kick off in 2025. Giving further details, Managing Partner, Co-creation HUB, Nissi Madu, said: “Over the past six months, these start-ups have dedicated themselves to refining
their solutions, with a clear focus on enhancing learning experiences and driving improved learning outcomes. Through active engagement with key stakeholders—ranging from government officials and educators to students, young people, parents, and schools—they’ve gathered invaluable feedback to fine-tune their offerings.”
committed to strictly enforcing the law and taking swift action against any insurer failing to meet his claim obligations.”
that balance innovation with compliance to create a sustainable fintech ecosystem. Two thought-provoking panel sessions enriched the discussions at the event, offering diverse perspectives on critical industry topics. The first session, themed: ‘Navigating the Future of Financial Services: Integrating Compliance, Technology, and Collaboration to Combat Fraud and Drive Growth’, focused on leveraging compliance, technology, and collaborative efforts to address fraud challenges while unlocking new growth opportunities.
unique needs of Nigerians. The underwriting firm said its winning submission in the category of Financially Inclusive Insurer of the Year showcased the following initiatives:Proud Moments celebrated by Sanlam: A public relations campaign that encourages success stories.
CEO, Harde Business School, Dami Oguntunde, said: “The Mastercard EdTech Fellowship gave Harde Business School a clear pathway to better understand and optimize our product. The comprehensive support from the CcHUB Team has also helped with the development of our App based EdTech solution, which is scheduled for launch in January 2025.”
Ebere Nwoji
POLITY
Stakeholders Seek Reforms at National Lands, Housing Conference
Recently, major stakeholders in the lands, housing and urban development sector gathered in Gombe state to brainstorm on Nigeria’s challenges in the industry and ways to resolve the myriad of issues. Emmanuel Addeh writes that if implemented, the resolutions could prove critical to solving the problems facing the sector.
For years, Nigeria has faced significant challenges in the administration of its lands, housing, and urban development plans, ranging in the lands segment, from fragmentation, land grabbing and inadequate land governance.
In the housing sector, Nigeria’s housing deficit is by some estimates, over 20 millions units, made worse by a significant shortage of affordable shelter and prices that are often out of reach for the low- and middle-income earners.
Over the years, Nigerians have also complained of living in substandard houses with inadequate amenities coupled with limited access to housing finance options, thereby hindering homeownership.
On the other hand, rapid urbanisation has continued to put pressure on existing infrastructure and services as urban areas often lack adequate roads, water, and sanitation.
Added to these, poor urban planning has led to haphazard development, congestion, and environmental degradation, even as inadequate waste management systems lead to environmental pollution and health risks.
So, to discuss these issues and find solutions to them, the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development met in Gombe recently at a meeting chaired overseen by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa.
Dangiwa was very clear about his vision and mission in the sector and what needed to be done to clear the mess that had been created over the years. Specifically, he assured that the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP), currently in the works, will make Nigerian cities sustainable and resilient.
Delivering the keynote address at the meeting, the minister said that although rapid urbanisation will see the nation’s urban population rise to 70 per cent by 2050, there’s an ongoing plan to make Nigerian cities ‘15-minute cities’.
Dangiwa added that the policy is currently awaiting approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), stressing that it is necessary for Nigeria’s sustainable future as it can promote public health, mitigate climate change, and create a safe ecosystem for all.
“The NUDP’s vision is clear: to transform Nigeria’s cities into well-functioning, prosperous, resilient, secure, and liveable spaces for all. Achieving this vision demands a ‘business unusual’ approach, one that replaces ‘urban pessimism’ with ‘urban optimism,’’ he said.
According to him, this means embracing high-density urban development over sprawl, safeguarding agricultural land and resources, and adopting integrated, evidence-based urban policies.
The NUDP, he stressed, also promotes a ‘healthy cities’ concept, integrating environmental health with secure, resilient urban spaces. This, according to him, involves essential services like waste management, water, sanitation, and local public health systems.
He described the ‘15-minute city’ model as one where essential services are within walking distance and offer accessible, self-sufficient neighbourhoods that promote health and connectivity.
Dangiwa emphasised that the need for an urban policy was long overdue considering the fast pace at which the nation’s urban population was increasing.
“We must grasp the scale of our urban growth and the profound challenges it brings. Nigeria’s urban population is expanding rapidly, driven by an annual growth rate of 4.1 per cent.
“From just 9.4 per cent in 1950, our urban population now exceeds 52 per cent, with projections indicating a rise to 70 per cent by 2050. By then, Nigeria will likely be the world’s third most populous country, with over 400 million people,” he stressed.
According to him, Nigeria has eight cities with a population above 1 million people each, and another 81 cities each with a population ranging from 100,000 to 1 million, and yet with 58.8 per cent of the urban dwellers living in slum conditions.
At the end of the event tagged: “Housing the Future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilience and Urban Development” held at the Gombe International Conference Centre,
the stakeholders said they were sure about how to go about getting the problems solved.
The purpose of the council meeting was for relevant stakeholders in the sector from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT to deliberate and adopt policy measures towards provision of affordable housing for economic growth, climate resilient and urban developed society.
The event which had in attendance the Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya as well as several federal lawmakers, it was learnt, reviewed a total of 84 memoranda submitted by the stakeholders of which 61 were actionable while two were informative and 21 were stepped down.
Yahaya highlighted Nigeria’s significant housing deficit, which he put at 28 million units and the need for substantial investment to address this challenge.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which aims to construct 100,000 housing units over three years, and expressed Gombe state’s gratitude for being selected as a pilot state for the initiative.
The governor outlined the state’s achievements in land administration and urban planning, including the establishment of the Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS) to eliminate fraud and digitise land processes.
In their recommendations, the technical committee resolved to consider allowing state housing ministries to collaborate with private entities through partnerships managed by state housing corporations, rather than assuming direct control over housing projects.
In a communiqué after the meeting, the stakeholders agreed to support the quest for institutions to develop indigenous alternatives and natural green building materials for affordable housing delivery in Nigeria and sensitise on the construction standards to guarantee the structural integrity of buildings.
Among others, they also agreed to promote
the issuance of executive order on compliance of all building construction in the country with the provision of the national building code and promote gradual adoption of green building practices into all housing developments to ensure sustainability and resilience against climate change.
Others included: “To establish a geospatial technology team and form a specialized team to integrate geospatial data into planning processes; initiate the review of the national policy on housing which among other things mandates governments at all levels to allocate at a fair price, 20 per cent of developable lands to low-income earners and provide them with credit facilities to help develop these lands within a specified period of time.”
The stakeholders also agreed to seek the introduction of educational initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and capacity for green building practices among relevant stakeholders and general public.
Aside the aforementioned, they resolved to encourage government at all levels to recognise through awards and honours for major green projects that meet a certain percentage of compliance.
In the main, the conference further resolved to convoke regular National Technical Developments Forum (NTDF) to strengthen the relationship between the federal and state governments on land administration matters.
The key decision makers in the sector also sought the collaboration of the federal, state, and local governments in the utilisation of the reviewed compensation rates.
Besides, they called for the collaboration of the World Bank, RAAMP, DFID, and other international funding organisations for continuous review and utilisation of the reviewed compensation rates for crops and economic trees.
They further resolved to encourage government at all levels to provide incentives to foster Community-based Organisations (CBOs) to engage in more affordable housing initiatives to ensure that developments align with local needs and
preferences, as effective community engagement fosters local support and builds trust, thereby improving the success of projects.
In addition, the group called for financial institutions to create low-interest mortgage products and construction loans specifically tailored to low-and middle-income households;
The enactment of a law to enforce the provisions of the National Building Code, the group said, was a matter of urgency and adherence to building regulations at all levels of government to ensure quality and safety standards.
“It was resolved to encourage the use of survey co-ordination Act of 1962 and its amendments, which empowers the office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation to keep all geospatial information and data sets amongst others and make them available.
“To encourage government at all levels to enforce guidelines for periodic infrastructure assessments utilising Continuous Operating Reference Station (CORS) data, with a particular focus on areas prone to geological instability to identify early warning signs of structural instability and allowing for preventive measures to avert disasters and minimize costly emergency repairs;
“Seek the adoption of CORS technology for automated and high-precision monitoring of public infrastructure by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation for public safety, operational efficiency, and effective risk management.
“To encourage the building of a robust technologydriven data system for social housing, leveraging the multidimensional poverty index and other relevant tools to ensure accurate targeting, monitoring & evaluation and encourage Mortgage Institutions to ensure ease of access to low interest long-term loans,” the stakeholders agreed.
The need for collaboration between the federal, states, and local governments in implementing the solutions for the improved wellbeing of people and the society at large was also discussed.
Besides, states were encouraged to grant tax rebates and incentives to public housing agencies and private developers that are willing to engage in social housing as well as create land banks for this purpose.
In addition, the government at all levels, the attendees said, were expected to allocate a percentage of budget for social housing provision; encourage Surveyors General to produce geo-spatial maps and data of flood plain zones to guide designers, developers and regulators in building right to mitigate the effect of flooding in Nigeria.
According to the communiqué, government at all levels are also to invest in technology towards enhancing land administration for improved national development.
This is geared towards achieving sustainable development and streamlining and digitalising land titling and registration system to reduce delays, corruption and barriers to entry.
“State governments are encouraged to harmonise land titling procedures towards enhancing access by investors in the housing sector; governments at all levels to ride on the REDAN’s Rural – Urban Housing Initiative (RUHI) programme.
“Encourage capacity building components for the local government officials and community stakeholders in the implementation of projects and programmes. This should be focused on project management, particularly on the intervention projects in their respective Local Government Areas,” the stakeholders added.
When the resolutions are implemented, they are expected to help develop affordable housing programmes blueprint, including subsidies and financing options.
Besides, investing in urban planning, infrastructure development, and waste management systems and encouraging public-private partnerships to address housing and urban development challenges are expected to take priority.
In addition, there’s the need to build the capacity of government institutions, professionals, and communities to address lands, housing, and urban development challenges. These will in turn lead to improved access to affordable housing, enhanced economic growth and development, reduced poverty and inequality as well as raising living standards.
AhmedDangiwa
34TH AND 35TH COMBINED CONVOCATION LECTURE OF FUTA...
Registrar, Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA Mr Charles Adeleye, Pro-Chancellor, Chairman Governing Council, Professor Nora Daduut, Lecturer, Minister of the Interior, Hon.
Ojo and Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, during the institution's 34th and 35th Combined Convocation lecture... last Friday
Abbas: LGA Elections Across States Disgraceful, Threaten Democracy
Says it fosters environment for undesirable elements to infiltrate council
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has described the poor quality of elections into local government councils across the states of the federation as disgraceful and a threat to democracy.
He said this scenario is not merely an embarrassment, but fosters an environment where undesirable elements infiltrate the councils and often lack the necessary capacity and vision to govern effectively.
The speaker stated categorically that when elections are characterised by a lack of competitiveness - wherein the ruling party sweeps all positions - it becomes evident that what is being witnessed is a mockery of democratic principles.
Abba made these observations on Monday in Abuja at the national dialogue on local government and constitution amendment.
He said while local government areas are often referred to as the
closest tier of government to the people, they play essential role in delivering services, fostering community development, and ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard at all levels of governance.
However, the speaker noted that for local government areas to fulfil these roles effectively, they must operate with a degree of autonomy that allows them to respond promptly and appropriately to the unique needs of their communities.
He said in spite of the noble intentions of the drafters of the constitution in instituting the local government system, it was evident that there are significant challenges that hinder their effectiveness.
Abbas pointed out that issues such as inadequate funding, lack of autonomy, insufficient capacity, usurpation of its functions by other levels of government, corruption, and many more, have plagued local governments for decades.
He stressed that these challenges
not only stifle local governance but also impede national development. The need for reform has never been more urgent.
The speaker emphasised that inadequate funding remained one of the most significant obstacles, adding that local government areas often operate on budgets that are insufficient to meet their responsibilities.
He added that this financial constraint limits their ability to deliver essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and sanitation.
Abbas noted that as a result, many communities continue to suffer from poor living conditions and lack access to basic amenities.
In addition, he said lack of autonomy is another critical issue facing local government areas in Nigeria, saying the current structure often places local administrations under the control of state governments, which could lead to interference in their operations and decision-making
processes.
The speaker was of the opinion that this lack of independence stifles innovation and accountability at the local level.
His words: “One of the most pressing issues we must deal with, is the poor quality of elections into local government councils across our states.
“This situation not only undermines the very essence of democracy but also raises serious concerns about the integrity and functionality of our local governance structures.
“When elections are characterised by a lack of competitiveness - wherein the ruling party sweeps all positions - it becomes evident that we are witnessing a mockery of democratic principles.
“This scenario is not merely an embarrassment; it poses a significant threat to our democracy. It fosters an environment where undesirable elements infiltrate these councils, often lacking the necessary capacity and
UNICEF, Stakeholders Strategise to Tackle Menace of Child Marriage, Abuse
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with relevant stakeholders are strategising to tackle the menace forced child's marriage and other form of abuse against children in the society.
This was revealed at a workshop in Port Harcourt hosted by the UNICEF in connection with other stakeholders to review the child protection program from 2023 to 2024, while planning ahead for project 2025 to 2027.
Speaking with journalists at the programme, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Gabriel Aduda, said they are in Port Harcourt, to review activities that have covered the entire gamut of child protection, child safety across the nation, especially as supported by UNICEF.
Aduda explained that "Quite a number of activities have been looked at and we have tried to go through the entire pack, starting with provisions for law enforcement, framework for implementation of these laws that border on the children, such as the Child’s Rights Act, Child’s Rights Protection Act."
He revealed that the stakeholders looked at issues surrounding early marriages, noting that, "we
have looked at issues surrounding children that are affected by armed conflict and what we are doing here is to see how we have been able to make progress in the area of child protection and safety".
Speaking on how the project was reviewed, Aduda said: "Not only looking at that, what has Nigeria done? What is the support that Nigeria has received? How has that helped us to better the lot of the Nigerian Child, both from the abuse and then from conflict areas?
How have we been able to do that?
What are the roles of data collection?
"The roles of registration, how many of them have we been able to capture and what are we doing to even bring more into the net to ensure that the government effectively provides for the protection and safety of these children?"
He disclosed further that stakeholders at the workshop tried to look at the strategy for the next three years. "So, we are doing a review of what has been done in the past three years and trying to put together another for the next three years, 2025 – 2027. “So, the idea is to see if we can come up with new ideas that will help us to better enhance their (children) lot and to access government funding, because we are looking at all that."
On how communities can side in tackling the mentioned challenges as it affects children, Aduda stressed: "If we are able to engage community champions, educate them, create awareness amongst them, we stand to achieve a lot, not only in the area of child protection, early marriage protection but also stopping abuses at that level".
Also speaking, the Director General of National Population Commission
UNIBEN
(NPC), Dr Tellson Ojogun, said the 2020 round of censuses is gone. Ojogun explained that the next level of censuses will be dubbed 2030 round of censuses, saying that "African nations technical working committee met and agreed that the focus should shift from mere data collection demographics to what looks like population related register which takes into cognizance the essence of vital statistics".
Ex-VC:
vision to govern effectively.
“Consequently, local government areas become mere appendages of state governments or pawns in the hands of so-called godfathers who manipulate political outcomes for their own gain.” The speaker acknowledged the recent efforts made by the administration of President Bola Tinubu in strengthening the local government system.
EFCC Makes Largest Ever Seizure, Recovers 753 Duplexes, Other Apartments from Top Govt Official
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday, announced what it described as its "single largest asset recovery" since 2003, when the Commission was established.
The recovered asset from an undisclosed top government official, included a total of 753 duplexes and other apartments, on an Abuja property measuring 150,500 square metres.
This was sequel to a ruling in a final asset forfeiture, delivered yesterday, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The said property is situated on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
According to a statement by the spokesman of the anti-graft agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, the court in its ruling held that the respondent had not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, “which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, the property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government.”
The statement pointed out that the forfeiture of the property to the
federal government was pursuant to the EFCC’s mandate and policy directive of ensuring that the corrupt and fraudulent do not enjoy the proceeds of their unlawful activities.
Oyewale disclosed that the road to the final forfeiture of the property was paved by an interim forfeiture order, secured before the same court on November 1, 2024.
While he explained that the said government official linked to the just forfeited estate is being investigated by the EFCC, the spokesman described the forfeiture as an important step to depriving the suspect of the proceeds of the crime.
He added that the justification for the forfeiture is derived from Part 2, Section 7 of the EFCC Establishment Act, which stipulates that the EFCC “has power to cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organisation has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes and cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.”
Inadequate Funding, Lack of Personnel Major Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Public Varsities
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lillian Salami, has listed inadequate funding, lack of personnel among others as some of the challenges facing public universities in Nigeria.
Prof. Salami however, applauded the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) policy of the President Bola Tinubu administration, describing it as an avenue to bring those who don't have the means to pursue their academic dreams on board.
The former UNIBEN boss stated this at the Thanksgiving and Book
Lunch to mark the end of her 5-year tenure as the 10th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Edo State
She said NELFUND is a work in progress that still needs to be better administered in other to meet the needs of more indigent students who may not be able to meet their education need financially.
She said: " NELFUND is trying to bring in equity, equality to everybody and for me it is a process that is still in the works we have not gotten there. There are a lot of things we are trying to get in place, trying to bring those that are outside into
the system.
“We are still working on how to get more students to key into the system. We need to step up our game to bring a lot of people into the system."
On her efforts to make the University of Benin a better institution than she met it. She said: "With all humility, I think I have done my best to wrap it up. My prayer is that the university can grow higher than we met it.
“The challenges are the same as with other tertiary institutions alike, funding, lack of man power, constant strike by academic and
non-academic staff.
In her memoir titled, "So Much to Say", she said managing students of the University of Benin was like managing a motor park with uncultured youths.
"Overseeing the University of Benin could well be compared with that of the motor park with some highly uncultured youths. The few who were from obviously decent well-mannered homes were often overwhelmed with the majority.
“At the slightest reason, even when such was unreasonable, they would head to the road to block the highway, preventing vehicular
Olubunmi Tunji-
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
INSURANCE DIRECTORS CONFERENCE...
Kogi Boat Mishap: State Govt Expresses Shock, IGP Orders Full Investigation
Senator Natasha: It was a tragic loss
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Kogi State Government is deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic boat mishap that occurred in Kupa Ebbe Village during the early hours last week end.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has described as tragic, the boat mishap, which claimed the lives of several passengers, mostly women, petty traders, and artisans.
On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has commiserated with the Kogi State Government over the tragic incident that happened in the state.
This was contained in two separate statements signed and made available to journalists in Lokoja on Monday.
The state government explained that reports indicated that a boat transporting passengers from Kupa Ebe to Katcha Market capsized near Kpata Danbo, resulting in significant casualties.
The government noted that rescue efforts are still ongoing, it has been confirmed that 24 victims have been rescued and are currently receiving medical care in nearby health facilities. Sadly, many more are feared dead.
The state government extended its condolences to families who have lost loved ones in this unfortunate incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We remain committed to supporting rescue efforts and are working in close collaboration with state and
federal agencies to minimize the loss of life.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide immediate relief materials to affected families.
In addition, the Ministry of Health has been instructed to ensure that survivors receive adequate medical attention.
In the governor’s words: "We commend the swift response and cooperation of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and River Marshals, as well as the authorities of Katcha Local Government Area in Niger State, who have worked tirelessly alongside Kogi and Federal officials to address the situation.”
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, deeply commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State, particularly the families affected by the boat tragedy on the 29th of November, 2024.
A statement made available to journalists in Lokoja by the Kogi Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, said: "The mishap, which occurred along the DamboEbuchi waterways of the River Niger in Kupa Local Government Area, involved over 160 passengers, with 24 rescued and others still unaccounted for.
"In response to this tragic incident, the IGP has directed the Force Marine Officer to lead a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the mishap. The aim is to identify contributing factors
and develop actionable strategies to prevent similar occurrences on the nation’s waterways.
“This investigation will also provide insights into improving the overall safety and emergency response systems for water transport across the country."
The IGP further assured the people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large of the unwavering commitment of the Police Force in coordinating
with relevant agencies to ensure the swift rescue of missing passengers. Resources and operational modalities have been activated to intensify search and rescue efforts.
The IGP called on waterway operators, boat owners, and other stakeholders to work closely with the Force Marine Department in adopting and enforcing critical safety measures to protect passengers and operators alike.
KOSACA:
and the hard to reach areas of the awareness of HIV in Kogi State.
Palpable fear may have gripped the residents of Lokoja, following the pronouncement that no fewer than over 50,000 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in Kogi State.
The Acting Executive Secretary, Kogi State Agency for the Control of Aids, (KOSACA) Ibrahim Anate, made this known while speaking during the commemoration of the 2024 world AIDS Day in Lokoja, organized by the Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP) in collaboration with Kogi State Agency for the Control of Aids.
He added that 36,066 are presently on treatment in Kogi State. He noted that, “We are seriously fighting the scourge and we are giving the awareness to all the community
"The state government under Governor Ododo is striving hard to see that people that are living with HIVAIDS are on treatment and those pregnant women that are HIV positive deliver babies that are negative.
"The current administration is also striving hard to ensure that people who are positive in Kogi State will turn to negative. The government is seriously working hard by providing support to the Ministry of Health, and KOSACA to see that we take the campaign to the very hard to reach community and the community at large in Kogi State".
He explained that with the current security challenges in some part of the state, some HIV patients find it
"The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in enhancing safety on waterways, ensuring justice for victims, and mitigating future risks through strengthened collaborations and proactive measures,” he said.
On her part, Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Israel, yesterday, stressed the importance of supporting the families of those who have passed away, urging the government and
other concerned Nigerians to aid them.
She said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Kogi boat mishap, which claimed the lives of several artisans and traders. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims.
"These hardworking individuals were the backbone of our local economy, providing essential goods and services to our communities.
The FCT Minister Nyesom Wike will this week inaugurate the construction of staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School, the construction and furnishing of office complex for the Body of Benchers and four new roads, among other projects. The Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement yesterday. He said that the projects were among the new projects to be flagged-off this week and next week, in addition to brand new vehicles to be distributed to security agencies to enhance operational performance.
"Projects to be flagged-off are; construction of Kabulsa-Takushara Access Road, construction of Kabusa-Ketti Access Road, provision of access road to the new EFCC Academy site in Giri District as well as Design; Construction and Furnishing of Office Complex for the Body of Benchers.
"Other are: Design and Construction of 10 Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari Area Council and Construction of 15km Road from A2 Junction Abuja-Lokoja Road to Pia in Kwali Area Council," the statement said. The last two weeks saw the FCT Minister visit more than 10 project sites for an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing projects in Abuja and the satellite towns.
Some of the projects he inspected were: construction of Saburi-Dei Dei road, rehabilitation of the 5km DutseUsuma Dam road and upgrading of the War College/Army Checkpoint and other ancillary roads within the Bwari Area Council. Others were reconstruction of the 25km Kwaita/Yebu road in Kwali Area Council, construction of 11km Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo road in the Kwali Area Council, rehabilitation of the Old Ushafa- LUD Road and Dutse-Lower Usuma Dam Dual Carriage being done by Abdul Val Limited, construction of 9km Paikon Kore/Ibwa Road, construction of 11km Aguma Palace - Radio Nigeria - New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area
Council and Dakibiyu District Dual Carriage Road, which leads to the Abuja Court of Appeal Complex that is also under construction.
He equally inspected the ongoing 11km Kuje Road, full scope development of 4km Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Road) from Life Camp to Ring Road III, construction of the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III with two interchanges, construction of 11.3km Access Road to the Judges Quarters in Katampe from Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way in Mabushi) and construction of 40 Housing Units Judges Quarters in Katampe District as well as internal roads within the judges quarters.
difficult to access treatment.
Anate however appealed to Governor Ododo to assent to the Anti Stigma HIV law which was recently passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
"When the governor assents to this law, people that are HIV positive can have the confidence to come out and declare their status. Many can't do this because of the stigmatization in the society," he added. Also speaking, the Kogi State Technical Lead, Centre for Integrated Health Programs, (CIHP), Inyama Lawrencia, lamented the transmission of HIV AIDS from mother to child in the state.
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The National Education Awards Programme (NEAP) has honoured and awarded cash prizes to the overall best students of the 2023 West Africa Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the National Examination Certificate (NECO) examinations
The NEAP awards which took place in Abuja and was the second of its kind themed “Incentivising Learning and Reading Processes for Optimal Performance,” gave the awards to five students of various secondary schools.
Chairman of the occasion and President/Founder, Chris Igbokwe Foundation, Christian-Ebubechukwu Igbokwe, said the award recipients stood out like colossus amongst their peers in their various schools.
Represented by the vice president of the foundation, Steve Eboh, he stated that he was privileged to have gone through certain brief of the awardees, adding that they all stood out in their academic performances.
According to him, “This is a symbol of hard work, dedication and excellence. I am convinced that with these set of awardees, Nigeria’s education will attain the required
height and become one of the best in the world again.
“As I had said times without number, the basic foundation of life begins with self which goes with the slogan ‘I CAN’. This phrase symbolises singular determination to succeed and excel in all facets of life.”
The chairman of the planning committee of NEAP, Mr. Anselm Ijebor, said no government could drive its education sector alone without partnering stakeholders in the education sector
According to him, the aim of NEAP is to identify brilliant students with high academic achievement at the level of senior secondary school examination for immediate scholarship. He said: “The mission statement of NEAP is to mobilise the citizenry and organised private sector for a robust partnership in the identification and public harmony of academic excellence and valuable contribution for education development in Nigeria."
Miss Orevaoghene Whiskey, a graduating student of Topfaith International Secondary School, Mkpatak Essien Udim, Akwa-Ibom State was awarded a cash prize of N500,000 as the overall best student in the 2023 WACE.
Defends criticism of FG's economic policies Tertiary institution workers announce 3-day warning strike in Kwara
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has deplored the threats made by the Governor of Ebonyi, Mr. Francis
Nwifuru to sack striking workers as irresponsible and unhelpful.
Workers in Ebonyi State had commenced strike on Monday in compliance with the directive by the labour movement that every state
branch should embark on strike by December 2nd to compel the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage law.
A statement by NLC president, Joe Ajaero directed all the affiliates
Lagos Lawyer/Activist,
Dele
including those in the private sector to immediately join in the strike action.
The NLC further urged the workers already on strike to not yield to the threats of the governor.
Farotimi, Raises the Alarm over Alleged Kidnap Plots
Says
By Wale Igbintade
"They want to silence me"
A Lagos-based lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Dele Farotimi, has raised the alarm that certain powerful individuals were collaborating with policemen from the Ekiti State Police Command on a mission to abduct him.
Farotimi, who spoke at a press conference in Lagos, yesterday, claimed that an influential lawyer in Ekiti State was working with the state police to abduct him in Lagos and whisk him to Ekiti, where he would face trumped-up charges.
He alleged that the plan was to create the impression that he had
Borno Begins First North’s Rail Project
Borno State Government is set to construct an intra-city rail network to connect Maiduguri and its environs.
This is the first of such project by any of Nigeria’s 19 northern state governments. According to a signed statement, yesterday, the first phase of the project would commence with 12 designated terminals within Maiduguri, to connect major markets, schools, other public places and economically viable locations.
The project, which could be expanded to cover local government areas in the future, will facilitate the seamless movement of passengers and goods, and open up economic activities and corridors across the state.
Inspecting the proposed take-off rail terminals and routes with the implementation partner, a Chinese firm, Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC), Borno’s Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga, noted that feasibility studies, environmental risk assessment (ERA) and community consulta-
tions were underway to ensure the successful implementation of the novel project.
The commissioner further stated that when completed, the project would ease transportation, revitalise the economy, create jobs and reengineer the city’s transportation network.
He said Zulum’s innovative intra-city rail project would not only be an alternative cost-effective means of transport for the people, it would be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
He noted further that it would support other ongoing transport infrastructure projects, including the 113-kilometre Maiduguri East, West and South ring roads expansion, which will link Auno, Molai, Polo and Shagari low-cost communities.
Zulum’s administration has previously commissioned electric and gas powered taxis and buses, at subsidised rates for residents of Maiduguri to cushion the ripple effects from the rise in transportation and living costs, following the fuel subsidy removal.
He has also embarked on various urban and rural infrastructure projects across the state.
been evading court summons in order to face the fabricated charge in Ekiti State, despite not having been invited by the police or served any alleged charge.
The activist, who authored a book titled: Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, believed that certain individuals were uncomfortable with the book and had orchestrated a plot to use the police to target him.
"I wrote a book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. I wrote the truth, and I stand by every word in that book. If anyone is aggrieved, there are clear legal provisions for redress.
"Even if one chooses to pursue criminal proceedings and attempt to criminalise free speech, there is still a lawful process to follow. It is no accident that the Ekiti State Police Command has been enlisted in this injustice and has become an
instrument of evil.
"Abducting me to be tried in Ekiti State is not justice; it is a witch hunt. If I have committed a crime, it was not in Ekiti State. I live and work in Lagos, and every event described in my book took place in Lagos.
“If I have committed any criminal act, it occurred in Lagos State. What we are witnessing is an unbridled display of impunity against a citizen.
"I wrote a book about Nigeria’s criminal justice system. There is justice for the accused, justice for the victim, and justice for the state. For justice to be served, the scale must not only be balanced but must also be seen to be balanced.
“Deploying this police impunity in pursuit of me, when I could simply have been invited, shows the depth of evil unleashed against me,” stated.
"They are to sustain the momentum until the governor sees the need to not only behave properly but pay the minimum wage in compliance with the Law.
While responding to the threat by the governor to sack workers, who join the NLC strike, Ajaero said, "We are dismayed by the statement credited to the Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Nwifuru, that except the striking workers in the state over non-payment of the National Minimum Wage resume work immediately they should consider themselves sacked.
"We recall that the strike action was preceded by failed conversations and notices to the governor on the need to implement the 2024 national minimum wage since it was signed into law several months ago.”
NLC said country's law has provisions for enforcement by workers, and that strike action is a lawful/legimitate tool in the hands of aggrieved workers.
According to NLC, what the governor ought to have done was to invite the labour leaders in the state for dialogue for a speedy resolution of the facts in issue.
"In light of this, we consider the threats by the governor as irresponsible and unhelpful," he said.
The NLC said its major focus was to ensure that government policies were aimed at lifting people and workers out of poverty and not push more into grinding poverty.
This comes as workers in Kwara State Tertiary institutions yesterday
declared a three-day warning strike over the non-payment of the new minimum wage of N70,000 by the State government.
NLC said the 2024 national minimum wage should be seen as a new social contract that seeks fair income for all, adding that the target was to see its complete implementation before the new year.
Addressing participants at the NLC's 2024 Annual Harmattan School held in Abuja, Ajaero said the event would enable the workers to craft better strategies to grapple with the inevitable challenges ahead.
Ajaero, who recounted several confrontations with government in the past one year, said 2024 witnessed one of the greatest turbulences in NLC history as a movement.
Meanwhile, workers in the Kwara State tertiary institutions have declared a three-day warning strike over the non-payment of new minimum wage of N70,000 by the state government. But the state government said workers had received their November salary, with others still being credited, except for those who are yet to complete their registration with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency (KWSRRA) as earlier instructed.
However, the Committee of Unions in Tertiary Institutions (CUTI) in the state in a statement issued in Ilorin stated that, the warning strike strike was scheduled to take place from December 4th to 6th.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), yesterday said they will continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to track and prosecute cybercriminals, combat cybercrime and other forms of transnational criminal activity and ensure perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law.
The Police also described as unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with incident reports submitted to the office of the Inspector General of Police by affected Commands, following a recent 34-page report released by Amnesty International, which alleged police culpability in the deaths and arrests of protesters,
and the use of excessive force during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.
Stressing the police did not fire live ammunition on EndBadGovernance protesters despite reasonable provocation, the force said that police personnel deployed to provide security for the protesters acted professionally and in line with established rules of engagement.
This was as the Department of the State Service (DSS), also challenged a popular civil society organistions - the Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP), to implement what it preaches to the society. DSS aggrieved staff who is pressing legal charges against SERAP, used an adage that "it is easier to
criticise than doing the right thing," to chastise the CSO.
Giving update on the case involving 113 foreigners being prosecuted on cybercrime and immigration offences, as well as discrediting Amnesty International report on EndBadGovernance Protesters, the spokesperson of the Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while addressing a press conference in Abuja expressed optimism that the trial court will do justice to the case.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had on Friday granted bail to the 109 foreign nationals detained on allegations of their alleged involvement in high level cybercrime and hacking activities said to be threatening the nation’s security.
Justice Ekerete Akpan, while delivering a ruling in the bail application moved by the defence counsel, James Onoja, SAN, which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel A. A Egwu, ordered the defendants to present five sureties. Adejobi said that the arraignment of these suspects followed extensive investigations that have uncovered the alleged involvement of these individuals in criminal activities spanning both cybercrime, immigration offences and human trafficking networks. Responding to question on the bail granted to the alleged foreign cyber criminals, the police image maker said that it is at the discretion of the court to grant bail.
Services, Kola Bamigboye;
COO, Aeronautics
Cargo Services, BI-Courtney Aviation Services, Remi Jibodu, during the official announcement of the 20-day Christmas Festival scheduled to hold at Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal 2 in Lagos
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
SENSITISATION ON 'NO SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES' CAMPAIGN BY LASEPA...
L-R:
Director, Air Quality and Emissions
State Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA), Mrs. Adebisi Titilayo; Deputy Director of Public Affairs,Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC), Mrs. Adewumi Okoh; the Director General/CEO, LSC, Mr. Lanre Mojola; Technical Adviser on Safety Matters, LSC, Mr. Seun Awojobi; Deputy Director/Head of Air Quality and Emissions Control, LASEPA, Mrs.
and
the Public Sensitisation on ‘No Smoking in Public Places’ campaign by LASEPA and Lagos Safety Commission at Wbar Lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos…recently
Hunter Biden: US President Under Fire as White House Defends Sweeping Pardon
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The United States President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter, for tax and firearm-related convictions has sparked criticism from lawmakers and officials, including some within his own Democratic Party.
But the Biden administration yesterday defended the announcement, which the president made despite his previous pledge not to pardon his son, on the grounds that Hunter’s persecution was political in nature.
“They (Republicans) would continue to go after his son,” White House spokesperson Karine JeanPierre told reporters on a flight to Angola on Air Force One, adding that other presidents have also pardoned family members.
At the end of his first term in office, Trump pardoned a number of political allies and donors, including disgraced real estate magnate Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared.
Also, on his last day in office, President Bill Clinton granted a pardon to his half-brother, Roger, who spent a year in prison after he pleaded guilty in 1985 to selling cocaine to an undercover police officer in Arkansas. That pardon was done to clear his criminal record.
However, the Biden decision has sparked allegations of using power to shield a family member from legal judgements and enforcing a separate standard of justice for those with
political connections, potentially tarnishing his legacy, Al-Jazeera reported.
“This is really sweeping. This is not only for the crimes that he has been convicted of but also ones he has not been charged with,” it said.
Hunter Biden faced a maximum of 17 years behind bars for the tax charges and up to 25 years in prison for the gun charges although federal sentencing guidelines were expected to result in far less time. He was due to be sentenced this month in the two cases.
Hunter, 54, came under persistent suspicion during his father’s presidency over his foreign business dealings with questions swirling over whether he used his father’s office for personal gain.
The Republican president-elect, Donald Trump, who has previously stated that he will pardon people who took part in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol in an effort to overturn Trump’s loss to Biden in the 2020 election – called the pardon a “miscarriage of justice”.
“Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years?
Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” he posted on social media, referring to those prosecuted for assaulting the US Capitol in 2021.
In his comments, Mike Johnson, Republican speaker of the US House of Representatives said: “President Biden insisted many times he would never pardon his own son for his
serious crimes. But last night he suddenly granted a “Full and Unconditional Pardon” for any and all offences that Hunter committed for more than a decade!” Johnson said in a social media post.
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpehbolo, has approved the immediate reinstatement of staff of the Ambrose Alli University, who were disengaged from service by the Special Intervention Team set up by the immediate past administration.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, he said the reinstatement was to demonstrate the governor's avowed commitment and adherence to the rule of law in governance at all times.
"It is to be announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate reinstatement of staff of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were unlawfully disengaged from the service of the
Institution by the defunct Special Intervention Team in March, 2023 under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
"It would be recalled that the staff, who were members of the Academic Staff Union of the University, were unjustly relieved of their appointment following the agitation by staff of the institution for the payment of their outstanding salaries and other entitlements owed to them by the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
"The Government of Senator Monday Okpebholo believes in the principle of natural justice, equity and good conscience, and will therefore not fail to correct any seeming injustice meted out on citizens of Edo State.
"This reinstatement, therefore, is to demonstrate His Excellency's avowed commitment and adherence
Democrats were not rushing to Biden’s defence on Monday either. Some were openly critical of the pardon.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, said: “Democrats should
Also, Republican Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said: “Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry. If that’s the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about?”
have been for reforming and curtailing pardon power from Day 1 of the Biden Presidency. As a father, I empathise with President Biden, but we must be the party of reform whether it’s about the archaic pardon power, opposing super PACs or broad war powers.”
Also, Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton, noted: “I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Democratic Colorado Governor, Jared Polis, accused Biden of putting his son above and beyond the country, describing it as as a bad precedent.
We’re Resolute in Effective Implementation of Council Autonomy, Governors Declare
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), has said it remained resolute in its commitment to effective implementation of local government autonomy.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, gave the assurance, yesterday, in Abuja at the National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment organised by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).
Abdulrazaq, who was represented by the Director, Legal Services of the Forum, Mr. Chijioke Chukwu, said
NGF recognised the Supreme Court's ruling on local government autonomy as a landmark development with profound implications for governance.
He was of the opinion that local government autonomy presented an opportunity to deepen service delivery across critical sectors, particularly health, care, education, and other social services.
“The Governor's Forum remains resolute in its commitment to the effective implementation of local government autonomy.
“The Governors are keen to collaborate with stakeholders, including development partners, civil society, and other arms of government to translate this autonomy into tangible improvements in the lives of our people.
“It is our belief that a wellstructured autonomy with mutually aligned implementation framework would not only drive accountability and efficiency in resource management, but would also catalyse sustainable development goals at
the sub-national level.
“Together, we can transform the local government system into a vibrant vehicle for economic growth, social development, and national integration.
“The Nigerian Governors Forum also reiterates its readiness to ensure that this transition to local government autonomy is impactful. Let us continue to work together in building a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria,” he assured.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said the dialogue was not only to discuss a critical aspect of governance but also to reaffirm the collective commitment to advancing democratic principles and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Kalu, who was represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, decried the current state of local government councils, saying it left much to be desired.
He noted: “The recent Supreme Court judgment reaffirming that local
government councils and areas must be democratically elected and that their statutory allocations be paid directly to them marks a watershed moment in our nation’s governance journey.
“This ruling underscores the importance of ensuring that governance at all levels adheres to democratic principles and serves the people’s best interests.
“Yet, to fully realize the intent and impact of this landmark decision, we must confront the systemic issues that have long plagued local government administration.”
Executive Director of PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, said local governments were key to any country's democracy because it was government at the grassroots. In his submission, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and State Legislatures, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, said the issue of the independence and autonomy of local governments was at the heart of grassroots governance and development in Nigeria.
to the rule of law in governance at all times."
Responding, Chairman of the union, Dr. Cyril Onogbosele, hailed the governor, saying it was in line with justice.
According to him, "The decision is in line with justice. This new government has confirmed the injustice that was meted out to some of our colleagues, who were disengaged without due process or any violation of the university rules and regulations.
"The Union is happy about the decision and we will encourage the government to continue in that line because there should be justice and fairness.
"Our members are happy and we are commending the state government especially the governor for this action. It means that his government is for justice and what is right.”
A Federal High Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday, dismissed the suit seeking disqualification of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the November 16 governorship election.
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded election, Agboola Ajayi, had approached the court to challenge the qualification of the Deputy Governor-elect, Olayide Adelami, citing inconsistency in the names submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ajayi, through his lawyer, Mr
M. Ndoka SAN, challenged the eligibility of Adelami to contest as the deputy governorship candidate on the platform of AP.
In his originating summons, Ajayi said the first defendant, (Adelami) was known by multiple conflicting and irreconcilable names of Adelami Owolabi Jackson and Olaide Owolabi Adelami.
Based on the conflicting names, Ajayi, who was the second runnerup in the election, asked the court to disqualify Adelami and the governorship candidate.
In his prayers, the PDP candidate prayed the court, “That the first defendant, (Adelami) is constitutionally disqualified from contesting the election as Deputy Governorship
candidate of APC.” Also, he sought “A declaration that the APC has no validly nominated Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidate for the 2024 election.” He further asked for an order disqualifying the defendants from participating in the election and order restraining INEC from publishing their names or allowing them to participate in the election.
But counsel to Adelami, Dr Remi Olatubora, SAN, said the West African Examination Council (WAEC) result has the name Adelami Owolabi Jackson in 1974 and that a degree certificate from Ambrose Alli University issued in 1982 has the name Adelami Olaide Owolabi.
Assistant
Control Unit, Lagos
Ayodele Osho; and Director, Public Safety
Wellbeing, LSC, Ms. Omowunmi Ibrahim, during
Fidelis David in Akure
ACCESS BANK WOMENPRENEUR PITCH-A TON COMPETITION 2024...
L-R: Group Head, Women Banking and Emerging Business, Access Bank PLC, Abiodun Olugbitan; Head of office Nigeria, International Finance Corporation, Christian Mulamila; Founder, Simkay Foods/ winner of Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton competition, Rejoice Amarachi Usim; and Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Access Bank Plc, Iyabo Soji-Okusanya, during the prize presentation ceremony of the Access Bank Womenpreneur PITCH-A-TON Competition 2024 in
FG: ICC's Unending Probe of Military Dispiriting to Laying Their Lives for Nation
Says
Nigeria steadfast in promoting justice, ending terrorism AI petitions international court to end prosecutor’s delay of
Alex Enumah and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The federal government has protested the prolonged investigation of Nigeria's military by the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it was demoralising to the service men laying their lives to defend their country against terrorists.
Nigeria, however, reiterated her commitment towards promoting the rule of law and end terrorism and other global crimes.
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF ) and Minister of Justice, Lateef
Fagbemi, SAN, made this known, yesterday, while speaking at the 23rd Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, holding between December 2 and 7 at The Hague, Netherlands. Fagbemi, who led Nigeria's delegation expressed the country's commitment in confronting impunity, holding perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, and restoring justice for victims.
The AGF noted that the preliminary examination into alleged crimes in Nigeria had lasted 14 years and was dispiriting to laying their lives to defend their country against terrorists.
to attend the public hearing with facts if they had issues with any sections of the proposed fiscal legislations.
A statement by his Media Aide, Mr Kamarudeen Ogundele, said the minister emphasised that Nigeria as a responsible state party to the Rome Statute, had consistently engaged with the Office of the Prosecutor and demonstrated its military’s adherence to international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for any personnel found guilty of misconduct.
"While we respect the court's mandate to intervene when states are unable or unwilling to prosecute such crimes, it is important to emphasise that there must be respect and regard to the principle of complementarity.
“The ICC is meant to act as a court
of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to address grave crimes.
"I must assert that Nigeria does not fall under any such situation. Our nation has consistently demonstrated both the will and the capacity to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including those committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.
“We are proud of the Nigerian Military, which has systems and structures in place to ensure their operations are guided by international humanitarian law and human rights principles."
PRESIDENCY: NO PROVISION WILL IMPOVERISH NORTH IN TAX BILLS agency is an aberration that has yet to yield results despite the huge burden on businesses. The tax bill seeks to address this problem.
"Relevant stakeholders and public analysts owe it a duty to properly educate themselves about the bills' contents and avoid misleading the public for any reason. We may be entitled to our opinions, but such views must be informed and based on facts, not emotions targeted at inflaming passions.
"In a period like this, when our people across the country look up to leaders for guidance and direction on matters of public importance, such as the Tax Reform Bills, leaders should be more measured in their public utterances to avoid heating the polity and polarising the country unduly.”
The presidency stated, "President Tinubu welcomes the public interest these bills have generated. He encourages leaders across the country, including Governors, Traditional rulers, Civil Society Activists, Students, trade associations, professional associations, and the general public, to take advantage of the Public Hearings that the National Assembly will organise to present their views on how best to reform our taxes and fiscal regime.
"What is never in doubt is the imperative of changing the existing tax laws and administration that have become obsolete and unhelpful in achieving the growth and development we desire for our country."
Meanwhile, Dickson declared that the National Assembly would pass the tax bills despite opposition to them in some quarters.
He also discarded fears that the planned public hearing on the bills could be chaotic if it was not postponed for further consultation.
The former governor encouraged anyone or group opposed to the bills
Dickson maintained that if the National Assembly could pass the PIA containing three per cent statutory fees payable to the host communities, despite the Niger Delta leaders’ insistence on the 10 per cent recommended in the executive bill, the tax reform bills won't be an exception.
The three per cent fee represents Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) of the previous year being remitted to host communities by oil companies, as stipulated in the PIA 2021.
The former governor of Bayelsa State said the late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua had proposed 10 per cent for the host communities, but the National Assembly passed three per cent, after about two decades, without any protest.
Dickson said, “The senate has passed the bills for second reading. Public hearing will take place and people should get ready to present their positions.
“The tax bill is a law like every other law and it has to go through the normal legislative process.
“Right now, taxes from Bayelsa State are paid to Lagos State and I don't want that to continue.
“When there is consumption of any good or services from any state it should be calculated and paid to that state.
“Now, there is an opportunity to review the tax laws, to correct the anomalies and that's why I'm in support.
“I know there are states that are feeling that when they apply the new sharing formula, they will earn less. It's for them to raise those issues and bring the statistics. I don't go by sentiments. I go by what is right and in the national interest.”
Asked whether there would not be uproar during the public hearing if wider consultation was not carried out, Dickson said there will be nothing like that.
He said, “Forget about uproar, there will be no uproar. Public hearing is an opportunity for people to present their matters, and nobody is going to be intimidated by the uproar.
“The PIA was passed. We wanted 10 per cent, which was what Yar’Adua proposed. They (federal lawmakers) reduced it to three per cent. Heavens did not fall. This tax reform bills will pass and heavens will not fall.”
Agbakoba, in a statement, emphasised that Nigeria's political structure was excessively centralised, with most decisions being made in Abuja, to the detriment of effective governance at state and local government levels.
He stated, "The over-centralisation of power in Abuja has stifled national development, and this is evident in the ongoing opposition to the tax reform bill.
"While the tax reform bill is beneficial in terms of revenue generation – particularly from corporate entities and the wealthy – there are concerns about its distribution formula, which some claim does not adequately favour northern Nigeria."
Agbakoba highlighted that the north had a valid argument regarding the proposed bill, given that revenue distribution had traditionally adhered to clear principles.
He pointed out that the northern region, with its vast agricultural potential, could generate substantial revenue through mechanisation, yet it lacked the necessary incentives and mechanisms to do so effectively.
"The time has come to devolve political and economic power from the federal government to the states and local governments," Agbakoba asserted.
"This shift is essential for moving Nigeria from a system focused on revenue sharing to one that emphasises revenue generation. A decentralised structure would not only foster efficiency but also ensure a more equitable distribution of resources," he added.
The legal expert also raised concerns about the excessive control held by the federal government over matters like marriage and driver’s licences, and the effect of this on governance at the local level. He questioned why such matters were centralised, when they could be more effectively managed by state and local governments.
Agbakoba pointed to the current allocation of 98 items of power to the federal government, noting that a more equitable distribution of responsibilities across the three levels of government would lead to more effective governance.
He said the approach would allow the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, to focus on matters that truly required its attention, instead of being overwhelmed by local jurisdictional issues.
He called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria's power distribution framework, stressing that without this redistribution, the country will continue to struggle with inefficient governance and unequal revenue sharing.
Agbakoba believed it was only through devolution of power that Nigeria could achieve the economic growth and development its people deserve.
However, Tijani described the tax reform bills as anti-people.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, Tijani described the proposed legislations as capitalist bills and rejected them.
He said, “We are aware it has
The statement noted that Nigeria at the 22nd Session of the Assembly, reported the establishment of an independent Special Investigative Panel by the National Human Rights Commission to address allegations against the country's military made by Reuters.
It added that after thorough investigations spanning eight months, the panel found no evidence to substantiate the allegations of killings, torture, and the recruitment of underage fighters, have been proven to be false and exaggerated.
"Indeed, the work of the panel and acceptance of its recommendations
gone through the first reading and this is the second reading and we understand it is an executive bill.
“And most of the members, including me, so many people have an opinion about it. However, I was able to have the four bills and digest it to my own understanding and to the level of knowledge.
“However, I have a background in finance, as a student of International Corporate Finance, so I have an idea of what all this is all about.
“The bills actually are not in tandem with public interest and it's not pro-masses. This is a capitalist bill and for such reason, I, Dr. Ghali
Mustafa Tijani, I am rejecting this bill as a member that represents people.
“I'm in the parliament to ensure that my people are well represented and Nigerians have all the benefits and dividends of democracy. Therefore, these tax reform bills are capitalistic and are siphoning the poor, so to say.”
When asked to explain what he meant by the bills not being pro-masses, the lawmaker stated that the federal government should block revenue leakage rather than taxing Nigerians.
Tijani added, “You see, this is a lazy way of thinking. Nigeria has a lot of opportunities to get revenue and Nigeria is not looking in that direction. Let me give you typical examples.
“Our mineral resources sector has not been tapped adequately. If Nigeria is looking for revenue, they should invest in mineral resources, in mining, and do the necessary investments. The resources definitely will come to the country.
“Similarly, currently, Nigeria is losing a lot of money in terms of revenue, in terms of tax evasion and transfer pricing manipulation.
“And the Nigerian government or the current government should think
justice for crimes
by the government clearly indicates that Nigeria has the political will to investigate allegations of heinous crimes and hold violators accountable.
"The conduct of military operations during conflict is regulated by international humanitarian law, and we can assure this Assembly that the Nigerian military does not engage in arbitrary killings or inhumane treatment of those no longer directly participating in hostilities. Our Military ensures that captured combatants are treated with dignity and respect.
of blocking such leakages rather than taxing more people in the country or taxing the companies that are willing to invest and employ more labour. Therefore, I think for such reasons, it's anti-masses.”
Contributing to the debate yesterday, Obi supported the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, and stated that there was nothing wrong pursuing them to a logical conclusion.
In a statement on his X account, Obi said, "However, such reform must be subject to robust and informed public debate. A public hearing on tax reform is essential, allowing Nigerians from all walks of life to engage meaningfully. This is how we build public trust and ensure inclusivity in policymaking.''
According to Obi, matters of this magnitude require extensive deliberation and careful considerations and must never be rushed.
He stated, ''Public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs. Such public hearing would also enable the broadest spectrum of public opinion to be reflected in public policy.
''When considering tax reforms and similar issues, it is insufficient to focus solely on the benefits to the government, particularly in terms of increasing revenue collection. We must also take into account the overall impact on the nation and the sustainability of all its regions.”
Obi also said government must sensitise the people and secure their buy-in on any policy changes.
He said, "Trust and legitimacy are the foundation of effective governance, and without them, even the bestintended reforms may fail. Let us prioritise transparency, deliberation, and public engagement in charting the path forward. This is how we build a truly participatory democracy.''
Lagos... yesterday
PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
BIC ART MASTER AFRICA COMPETITION…
L-R: General Manager, BIC Nigeria, Mr. Anthony Amahwe; Business Development Manager, BIC Nigeria, Mr. Adeyemi Ojo; National Winner, Art Master Africa competition , Joshua Makinde; Regional Winner, Art Master Africa competition, Joseph Akpan, and Trade Marketing Manager, BIC Nigeria, Mr .Patrick Bello, at the awards presentation ceremony in Lagos…recently
Local Farmers Accuse Nasarawa Officials of Illegally Harvesting their Rice
Igbawase Ukumba inLafia
Farmers in Anyarkeke, Ikyochiha, Shankodi and China communities of Ribi District in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State are accusing the state government officials of harvesting their rice farms. They claimed their rice were being forcefully harvested by individuals led by the Chief of Jangwa, Shehu Adamu, allegedly acting under the order from the state government.
farmers’ rights.
Narrating ordeals of his people to THISDAY who visited the communities at the weekend, the communities leader, Mr. Iorlaha Alloysius, accused the state government of acting contrary to a court order and ignoring the
Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa, Hail Olukoya’s Investment in Education
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), and Professor Adenike Oladiji have called on youths, students in the country and those in the Diaspora to emulate the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries(MFM), Professor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya for his giant strides in academic excellence and the positive marks he has made.
They spoke after the conferment of Honorary Doctorate of Management Science Award on the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Professor Olukoya during combined 34th and 35th convocation ceremony
of FUTA. Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, commended Olukoya for his huge investment in education and upliftment of society, especially the area of putting smiles on faces of the downtrodden.
He stressed that the award conferred on Professor Olukoya is well deserved, adding that the MFM General Overseer serves as a mentor and role model.
His words: “ Professor Olukoya’s investment in education and upliftment of the society is highly commendable, hence people should emulate him. He serves as a mentor and role model .His passion for lifting the downtrodden is great”
Ogundeji Appointed as MD/CEO Greenwich Merchant Bank
The Board of Directors of Greenwich Merchant Bank Limited has announced the appointment of Mr. Benson Ogundeji as its substantive Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, following the receipt of the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In a statement, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Kayode Falowo, said: “The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Benson Ogundeji as our Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.”
According to him, “The land is not under dispute, and a High Court in Abuja had restrained the state government or any party from
interfering with the Tiv farmers.
“If the government wants the land, they should call for dialogue instead of harvesting our crops without notice. This is unjust and
inhuman.”
The farmers estimated that over 400 bags of rice had already been harvested from their farms, leaving them in dire straits.
When contacted, the Chairman of Awe Local Government Area, Umar Dan’Akano, denied any involvement of the government in the allegations.
Drama as Sobotie Ends Medical Leave to Halt Factional Crisis in Delta APC
Omon-Julius Onabu inasaba
There were indications yesterday of a new wave of factional crisis rocking the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the emergence of two members laying claims to the chairmanship of the party in the state over the weekend.
The development apparently
put a question mark on recent conciliation moves with the Olorogun Emerhor O’Tega reconciliation committee meant to stamp out factional tendencies in the state APC and reuniting feuding members across identified divides.
THISDAY learnt that it all began at the weekend with the State Working Committee (SWC) announcing Chief Paulinus Akpeki
as the acting State Chairman of the party, consequent upon the medical vacation of the substantive chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie.
However, the announcement by the party’s state working committee obviously did not go down well another faction, as the State Deputy Chairman of the Party, Chief Francis Obigbor, responded swiftly by declaring himself as
the authentic acting Chairman in absence of the substantive chairman, Sobotie, who was still on medical vacation.
Decrying the decision of the SWC as “a gross violation of Article 14.2 (iii) of the APC Constitution”, Obigor asserted that such an unconstitutional action would not stand because it was a legal nullity ab initio.
2026: No Vacancy in Abere Govt House for APC, Say Osun Workers
Yinka Kolawole inOsogbo
The Osun State public service unions have yesterday declared that there is no vacancy in the state Government House in 2026 for any All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate
The unions also affirmed that the full endorsement of Governor
Ademola Adeleke for second term in office will be done at the 2025 May Day rally in Osogbo.
The declarations were made by the labour leaders at the appreciation rally organised for the Governor over the new minimum wage and the many pro-labour policies and programmes of his administration.
Addressing hundreds of workers
who attended the rally under the leadership of the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina; the state Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Abayomi Arapasopo, and the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bimbo Fasasi, told the governor and workers that the state workforce is overwhelmed by the passionate support of the governor for the workers’ welfare since he assumed office. Arapasopo said the records of the governor on workers’ welfare is unrivaled and unprecedented in the history of Osun State governance, declaring that: “The governor has made landmark achievements which touched the minds of every Osun worker.
Tinubu’s Policies Will Correct Past Mistakes, Says Oyo APC Chieftain, Olaoluwa
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Hon. Peter Abidemi Olaoluwa, yesterday expressed optimism that the policies of President Bola Tinubu will correct mistakes of past
administrations and bring about meaningful development to the country.
This is just as he said the APCled administration is committed to learning from past errors and implementing policies that will drive growth and progress in the nation.
Presidential Amnesty
Before joining Greenwich, Ogundeji held various senior leadership roles at prominent financial institutions, including Ecobank Nigeria Plc, GTBank Plc, and other notable banks, where he consistently displayed exceptional leadership skills.
Ogundeji brings over three decades of extensive banking experience to this role. A seasoned financial services professional, he previously served as Executive Director at Greenwich Merchant Bank from July 2020, where he played a pivotal role in the bank’s successful transition from the legacy Greenwich Trust Limited to a merchant bank. In this capacity, he provided oversight for Corporate Banking, Treasury and Global Markets.
Pa Simon Ekele Unwanaji Passes On at 80
It is with deep sadness, but gratitude to God Almighty, that we announce the passing of The death of Pa Simon Ekele Unwanaji, has been announced by his family. According to a statement, he died on Wednesday at the age of 80 after a brief illness.
“Pa Simon was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Pa Simon was born on September 3, 1944, in Idiri Okpoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
“He was a devout Christian who
lived for the love of God and what was just. He was a role model to many in his community and beyond.
“He is survived by his wife, six children, and 21 grandchildren, among whom is the Editor of Leadership Newspaper, Peter Agbo Ekele, who will miss him dearly.”
“His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
Pa Simon will be laid to rest on December 13, 2024, in his hometown, Idiri Okpoga.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) yesterday said that the Auditor-General of the Federation’s audit report, which highlighted alleged infractions in managing funds, does not relate to the current administration.
Olaoluwa popularly referred as OPA, while addressing party faithful at the state party secretariat in Ibadan, maintained that the party is dedicated towards ensuring that the country gets back on track and that the welfare of citizens is prioritized.
He is optimistic that the APC-led administration would turn things around and make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians, urging Nigerians to be patient and give the administration time it needs to implement its policies and programmes.
Programme Explains AGF’s Audit Report
However, the PAP explained that the audit findings and reports predate the appointment of the current Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
The report, which was published by some media organisations noted that the PAP had illegally withdrawn over N6 billion and paid tuition for students without records.
The PAP’s clarification was contained in a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Igoniko Oduma yesterday. Otuaro was appointed in March 2024, while the audit findings were for alleged infractions that took place between 2020 and 2021, three years before his appointment.
The PAP has therefore, assured the public that since Otuaro assumed office, he has diligently followed all extant rules and regulations regarding financial transactions, implementing strict financial controls and oversight to ensure transparency and accountability.
GEN Stresses Impact of Entrepreneurship for Economic Empowerment in Northern Nigeria
Sunday Okobi and Oluchi
The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Nigeria has underscored the transformative impact of entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic empowerment across the 19
northern states of Nigeria.
The event, held under the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 with the theme: ‘Entrepreneurship is for Everyone’, united entrepreneurs, aspiring change makers, community leaders, and underrepresented groups
across the northern region of the country.
Speaking recently at the walk in Kano State, tagged: ‘The Northern Nigeria Entrepreneurship Walk 2024’, the Managing Director of GEN Nigeria, Dr. Olawale Anifowose, stressed the
significance of bolstering entrepreneurship in Northern Nigeria.
He highlighted the crucial role that women play in community development, stressing the need for increased capacity-building initiatives for women in the region.
State Govts Advised on Partnerships with African Countries for Prosperity
Michael Olugbode in abuja
State governments across the country have been advised to enter into trade and investment partnerships with counties on the African continent to improve welfare and prosperity
of their indigenes and boost intra-African trade.
The advice was given by President of the Nigeria-Namibia Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ben Gbade Ojo, while presenting a paper at the Namibia-Delta State Trade and Investment Summit
held in Warri, Delta State. Ojo said state governments in Nigeria can boost their economies and create more employment opportunities for their peoples by promoting and engaging in trade and investment relations with
African countries. In his paper titled: “Unlocking New Trade and Investment Opportunities between Namibia and Nigeria,” Ojo stated: “Trade is widely accepted as an important engine of economic growth and development.”
Chibuzor
CAF Rule Knocks out Ahmed Musa as Eguavoen Invites 30 Players for Ghana
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Ahmed Musa who was initially speculated to spearhead Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been left out of the list of 30 players invited by Coach Augustine Eguavoen for the final battle with Ghana.
The Super Eagles Captain who is on his third stint in the Nigerian domestic topflight league (2009/10, 2021, and now 2024/25) was excluded because his short term contract with Kano Pillars runs counter to CAF rule of the competition.
Article 38.2 of the Regulations of the African Nations Championship spells out that: “Only players with permanent contract registered in a local club affiliated to their national association are eligible to participate in the African Nations Championship.”
The free scoring former Leicester City winger returned to Nigeria after terminating his contract with Turkish club Sivasspor last February and has lifted the Sai Masu Gida with the quality of his game.
With the Super Eagles B team facing their perennial nemesis Ghana who have twice in 2009 and 2023 stopped Nigeria from qualifying for the CHAN final, Musa was expected to bring his experience to bear on the team.
However, Musa’s Kano Pillars teammate, Rabiu Ali, who has scored eight goals this season, is among the players listed by Eguavoen in his 30-man squad to battle Ghana for the qualification ticket to the 8th CHAN finals scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania next year.
Apart from the veteran Ali, Eguavoen also called up exciting Abia Warriors’ forward, Sunday Megwo, Remo Stars’ wing-back, Ismail Sadiq, Enugu Rangers’ midfield ace, Kazeem Ogunleye
and Nasarawa United forward, Anas Yusuf.
Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole and his Enyimba counterpart, Henry Ozoemena are listed alongside Nurudeen Badmus of Kwara United to man the goal area as the Super Eagles B Team are billed to take on Ghana’s Black Stars B, at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 22nd December. The second leg will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 28th December.
Victor Collins, the Nasarawa United defender called up for last month’s 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, Plateau United’s Adamu Abubakar and Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, are also called up.
According to the statement released by the NFF yesterday, all the invited players have been instructed to arrive at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State on Wednesday, 4th December 2024, where the team will train ahead
of the first leg of the qualification fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars B. ALL THE 30 INVITED PLAYERS
Defenders: Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Mayo (Rivers United) Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars);
Seven Man City Players in FifproTeam of the Year
Seven Manchester City players are among 11 Premier League stars nominated for the men's 2024 Fifproteam of the year.
Only Real Madrid have more players nominated with eight, including France forward Kylian Mbappe, who joined the Spanish club from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
City's seven include; goalkeeper Ederson, defenders Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker, midfielders Rodri, Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden and striker Erling Haaland.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham are the other England internationals in the men's 26-player shortlist.
Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also included but there is no place for Liverpool and Egypt winger Mohamed Salah.
Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi and Al Nassr's Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo are the only two players from the list of 26 who play outside of Europe.
There are nine England Lionesses
striker Barbra Banda, BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024, are also nominated.
Seven Manchester City players listed in 2024 Fifpro Team of the Year in the 26 players on the women's World 11 shortlist. Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who won the women's Ballon d'Or for the second year in a row in October, and Zambia and Orlando Pride
The Fifpro World 11 award is voted for solely by fellow profes- sional footballers. Global players’ union Fifpro say
over 21,000 men’s players from 70 countries have voted, while over 7,000 women’s footballers have cast their votes.
The two World 11 sides will be named at the FIFA Best awards on 9 December.
Dikko is Tinubu’s Best Sporting Decision, Says Katu
a football match live before, yet they were made to oversee sports. The president must be applauded for identifying this anomaly and correcting it. You can't tell the blind to lead the blind." He continued, "In Dikko, the president has put a round peg in a round hole. I know that many people have made this statement about Dikko since his appointment
and I am joining my voice to their own. This is simply appointing someone who will hit the ground running from the get-go. I have no doubt in my mind that Dikko will excel. He knows exactly what to do and has a track record of success in the industry." "So I have come to lend him my support. Anytime he needs me, I will be there. We will back him to succeed", Katu concluded.
Forwards: Anas Yusuf
Adamu Abubakar
Osy Martins
The 2024 Lakowe Lakes Golf Club Championship, which will be played on December 7th and 8th, will feature over 100 payers in a 36-hole contest.
The much-anticipated 2024 Club Championship will unite members for an unforgettable weekend of top-tier golfing action.
The event, considered the pinnacle of the year’s golfing activities at Lakowe Lakes, will be hosted at the estate’s world-class 18-hole championship course, providing a spectacular backdrop for intense competition and camaraderie among the club’s members.
This year’s event is supported by: Gree AC, Africa Diving Services, Total Energies PLC, OPAS Nigeria, Acutech Solution, Sparkle MFB, Meristem Securities, Oilflow Global Energy, Geregu Power, and Flourmill Nigeria PLC.
Golf Manager at Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, Femi
Olagbenro, expressed his excitement about the upcoming championship.
“The Club Championship is the highlight of our golfing calendar,” Olagbenro said.
“We are proud to showcase the immense talent within our club and offer a platform for our golfers to compete at the highest level. This year, we are expecting a record turnout, with over 100 participants across various categories, including Men, Women, and Veterans.”
“The championship promises thrilling matches in each of the categories, where champions will be crowned in the Men, Women, and Veterans divisions. Golfers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in what is expected to be a highly competitive and celebratory event, filled with opportunities for both seasoned players and new participants to showcase their talent,” stressed Olagbenro.
Lakowe Lakes Golf Club Hots up for Club Championship ....Akonte Joins Golf’s Exclusive Hole-in-One Club
Jubilation filled the air at Lafarge Golf Club Sagamu last Friday as Akonte Ekine, playing off a handicap of 28, etched his name in history by achieving a spectacular hole-in-one.
Wearing his signature Titleist cap and using a Taylormade 3 ball, Akonte delivered the remarkable shot on the 16th hole. The 128-meter par-3, notorious for its combination of water hazards and trees, became the stage for this momentous feat under the scorching afternoon sun.
A hole-in-one, also known as an ace, occurs when a golfer strikes the ball directly from the tee into the cup. This rare achievement is revered in golf for its combination of skill, precision, and a touch of luck.
The historic moment was first announced by the front caddie, sending ripples of excitement through Akonte’s flight members,
Otunba Caleb Adeyemo (handicap 26), Alhaji Hakeem Amoo (handicap 23), and Olaitan Shabi (handicap 24). All expressed their joy and admiration for the incredible shot. Alhaji Hakeem Amoo described it as a "unique and worthy achieve- ment” while Olaitan Shabi remarked that witnessing such a feat in a flight for the first time was a story to cherish.
Similarly, Otunba Caleb Adeyemo praised the shot as "a testament to Akonte’s commitment to the game."
In his elation, Akonte dedicated the achievement to his wife, Adeola Ekine, his children, and members of both the Titans Group at Sadiq Abubakar Golf Club and Lafarge Golf Club, appreciating the opportunity to play among such inspiring individuals.
Over 56 Fans Killed in Guinea Stadium Stampede
At least 56 people have been killed in a crush at a football match in Guinea's second-largest city, Nzérékoré, the government announced yesterday.
That death toll is disputed by many in the country, who believe the true number of dead is closer to 100.
Some reports indicate that events unravelled following a decision by the referee, who sent off two players from the visiting team, Labé, and awarded a controversial penalty kick.
An inquiry is being launched to find those responsible, Prime Minister Oury Bah said in a statement, calling the events "tragic" and offering his condolences to the bereaved.
One doctor, who did not want to be named, told AFP news agency there were "bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital".
"Others are lying on the floor in
the hallways. The morgue is full," he added.
Local media said police had used tear gas after supporters of the visiting team, Labé, threw stones towards the pitch in anger at the referee.
"It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch," one witness told AFP.
Videos and images on social media verified by the BBC show chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with large crowds attempting to climb over walls and numerous bodies on the ground. Some of those lying unresponsive on the ground appear to be children. Paul Sakouvogi, a local journalist in Nzérékoré, told the BBC that the stadium had been "packed to the rafters" with thousands of people.
Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)
(Nasarawa United);
(Plateau United);
(Lobi Stars);
Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Samuel Ogunleye (3SC); Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars); Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance); Ngbemena Ikechukwu (Heartland FC); Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors); Umar AlAmin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors); Adams Aminu Sani (Kano Pillars)
Ahmed Musa...left out of Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles to battle Ghana later this month
Shehu Dikko's appointment as Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has been attracting commendations from industry stakeholders. Latest on the list is former Chairman of NFF Electoral Committee, Muhammad Sani Katu (SAN), and board member of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), who paid the chairman a courtesy visit on Monday in Abuja. In the company of Hon. Kamisu
Mailantarki, proprietor of NLO side Mailantarki FC also NTTB board member, Katu hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting Nigerian sports in the hands of
“Wearepartofthe2015arrangement,whereweworkedtoseethatAPCwonelectionin2015. Andtoday,wedidnotonlyregretdoingthatbut,wehavemadeupourmindstotakeoverin 2027tomakeabetterandatruedemocraticNigeria.Thereisinsecurity,hungeramongothers andthePresidentisinsensitivetoNigerians’plights.Itisveryclearthatthegovernmenthas failedinalmosteverything...”--NationalPresident,coalitionofNorthernPoliticians,TeamNew Nigeria(TNN),ModibboYakubunFarakwai,vowstounseatPresidentTinubuin2027. Northern Politicians to President Tinubu
TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI
abati1990@gmail.com
Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills And Other Stories
“Bros, I dey hail oh”
“I dey greet. What’s up?”
“We couldn’t finish our gist last week. But since then, so much has happened. That is why I am calling. Just to pick your brains, bro.”
“You will have to let me finish this bowl of hot piping amala and orisirisi before it gets cold, and then we can talk.”
“You and food. Apparently, there is no food inflation on your side. With the serious food inflation in the country and the cancer of hunger messing up many families under Tinubu, you still get a chance to swallow dollops and draw soup.”
“It is God. Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death…Psalm 23 is sufficient for every child of God. In the midst of darkness, and enemies, the good Lord provides for His own. Let me enjoy my amala and ewedu soup. When I worship my stomach, I am also invariably worshipping God and preparing for heaven. Not to deceive you, this amala is going to the very right parts of my stomach”
“Glutton. Wackie and quench”
“Hmm. Ha..Uh. Hu. Ech hen. Hen Hen. Who did you say killed the mother of Jesus Christ? Ha. Ha aaa”
“Food will not kill you one day. You better drink some water.”
“Hen. Hen Jesus is Lord”
“I am actually trying to tell you that the Lord has done it. Port Harcourt Refinery is now working at 70 to 90 percent. The Old refinery is back on stream. The new refinery will join shortly and Warri refinery too. We should be joyous.The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been put to shame. And it is a bigger shame that they have not deemed it necessary to congratulate President Tinubu and NNPC Limited who have both fulfilled an important pledge.”
“The Labour Congress is not a chorus group. Not an alleluia group like the National Assembly. They are a pressure group, an advocacy movement. You are asking for too much”
“When government does something that is good, we should be able to say so. It is not every time that we condemn and dismiss. We should be fair.”
“There is nothing to be fair about. There are questions that have not been answered. What exactly have they completed? The old refinery or the new. A refinery or a blending plant, relying on Crack 5 from Eleme Petrochemicals now known as Indorama? Who has lifted what? I hear marketers are not yet loading trucks”
“I hear trucks are being loaded”
“Has anybody talked to the elders and youths for whom petrol production is the mainstay of their community?”
“Which community? This is not about community youths and elders looking for hand-outs or royalties or whatever they call it. Oil refining is a sophisticated business. It has no room for street urchins, claiming Nigeria’s oil belongs to their forefathers. This is technical business, not a project for village thugs”
“Be careful. In everything you must carry the people along.”
“Look. Look, the people are oftentimes the problem. Everything that government tries to do for the common good, some people just think it is their lifetime ambition to sabotage everything.”
“More like some people in government suffering from executive arrogance, and we see it all the time. If the people ask questions, you explain to them. Is the refinery already loading products or not? Simple answer.”
“We live in a country where some people don’t want to see anything good in government. Negative people. I listened to one Mr. Tony Ogbuigwe on Arise News discussing this same subject. He is President, Society of Chemical Engineers. He explained everything. He was formerly in charge of the Port Harcourt Refinery. He spoke like an expert, but Nigerians refused to listen. Some people still came on the same TV station the following day to just talk.”
“Mr. Engr. Ogbuigwe spoke for himself. I am not duty-bound to accept his thoughts.”
“You are an Obidient, what else do I expect from you? Is that not the same attitude you people have brought to the issue of tax reform? Four brilliant bills sent to
the National Assembly by the Federal Government to reform the tax regime in the country, look at all the confusion you naysayers have generated. Senators from the North are kicking. Northern Governors Forum and the National Governors Forum think the bills are against them. Even Northern Youths are fighting any Northern Leader like the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin who asks for tax reform.”
“Are the Northern youths also Obidients?”
“They are behaving like that. People are all speaking out of mischief and ignorance. I suspect foul play over a subject that should not generate any problem. Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chair of the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy and FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji and others went to the National Assembly to make a presentation on the four bills, Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Abdul Ningi and others staged a walk-out claiming that the presentation was not on the Order Paper for the day.”
“Yes. They were right. Government must learn to do things the proper way.”
“So why did they come back?”
“Because they are more interested in the common good.”
“Leave that matter. Ningi and Ndume have an axe to grind. Ningi was suspended from the Senate for a while. Ndume was removed as Chief Whip. You think they will be happy? The one that surprised me is Professor Baba Gana Zulum going on television to protest. A Professor. Somebody that we all like.”
“Because you all like him, he should not have an opinion?”
“I expected that someone like him would have read the Bills. How would he say openly that if the bills are passed, there would be consequences for the people? Oyedele and Adedeji in their presentations have made it clear that the four tax bills will promote inclusion, equity, fairness and justice. It will defend the interest of the poor. It will task the rich to pay more. It will promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. It will change the formula for tax administration. Every state will get 50%, the Federal Government 10%, local councils 35%. Distribution to the states and local governments will be on the basis of derivation. And every state will collect what its people consume through sales tax. No state will collect taxes on imports and exports and international services. Fair enough. I believe the tax reform will encourage competition. Why should Sokoto state or Zamfara collect VAT on beer that is consumed
in Lagos, when people in Sokoto and Zamfara are not allowed to drink beer?”
“Very good. Executive arrogance minus political intelligence. This is what we are dealing with here. Not so?”
“There will be public hearings. The Bills have not been passed into law yet. Did you see Oyedele on TV yesterday? He gave brilliant explanations.”
“We have seen kangaroo public hearings in this country. The Federal Government should have carried stakeholders along. Organize a robust debate. The Oyedele committee should also have spoken to the public.”
“It did”
“To APC members?”
“There was consultation with Governors”
“We know about such consultations. But the Governors are saying not all of them were consulted and they needed more time to understand the bills. Professor Zulum asked the right question: why the rush? Let nobody give the impression that once Tinubu decides, then it is done. This is a democracy. We, the people, have the right to ask questions. Nobody should blackmail us into anything.”
“Nobody is blackmailing anybody. Lazy Nigerian Governors must learn to be productive. President Tinubu wants to teach them to compete and be productive in their states.”
“Okay. The headmaster knows it all. He should just be careful, especially now that members of his own party are beginning to criticize him openly. He has not spent two years in office, his party members are questioning his judgement.”
“Who are those ones?”
“Jesutega Onokpasa for example”
“Who is he to criticize Tinubu?”
“He is Chairman of the Tinubu Media Support Group”
“Who knows him? Let him go and sit down”
“This is the arrogance that I am talking about. By the way, is the President back from France? They told us he would be away for two days on a state visit. I hope he has not gone missing again for a few more days after a fashion?”
“Are you alright? Show some respect please.”
“I asked a simple question. If he is back, yes. If he is not back, No.”
“Google it. He is in South Africa for a bilateral meeting”
“From France straight to South Africa. I know he is the country’s Chief Foreign Policy Officer. I know that economic diplomacy is important. But he cannot travel every market day looking for investors. He must stay at the market and man the stall too. Over 30 trips in less than two years. Haba.”
“Investments and diplomacy are critical parts of his assignment.”
“Accountability is also part of his responsibility. And how would the four tax bills help to attract foreign investments too?”
“Stop beating yourself over nothing. Presidential powers can make anything happen. Look at President Joe Biden of the United States. He has just pardoned his son, Hunter Biden and he hopes all Americans will understand where he is coming from. The fellow was convicted in two cases of federal felony: a gun charge in Delaware and tax convictions in California. His sentencing was scheduled for December 12 and 16. Ahead of that, his father has granted him full and unconditional pardon, not just for the two criminal offences, but also for any offence that he may have committed, or may be suspected to have committed between January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.”
“The man simply transferred his immunity to his own son, and saved him from going to jail. This is the same man who in June categorically ruled out a pardon or a commutation for his son. He said he would abide by the jury’s decision”
“That is what it means to be a President. And Biden is not the first American President to use presidential powers to protect a relative. In 2001, President Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother, Roger Clinton who was in jail for a cocaine-related offence.”
“I stand with Donald Trump in this matter. It is an abuse of Presidential powers. It is a miscarriage
of justice.”
“Which Donald Trump? Kettle calling pot black. In 2020, Trump as President pardoned Charles Kushner, the father-in-law of his daughter Ivanka. He has just named the same Charles Kushner as his Ambassador-designate to France. If you were President Joe Biden, you will open your eyes and allow a judge to send your son to jail because you want to be seen to be upright? If you were in his shoes, you will leave office and allow your son to be in jail under a President Trump? He was very clear. He said his son was singled out and that there had been a miscarriage of justice”
“Pardoning his son casts a pall over his legacy.”
“So be it. When you become President, don’t use the powers God has given you. Allow your opponents to ride roughshod over you. The problem with governance is actually the people, particularly journalists who will not mind their business.”
“Journalists are not supposed to mind their business. Any journalist that minds his or her business is not a journalist.”
“And that is why journalists get knocked on the head. I am a journalist. I am a journalist. That was how Fisayo Soyombo found himself in army detention in Port Harcourt. He was lucky the social media cried out. He could have disappeared for a whole year before anybody will trace his whereabouts.”
“Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) is not just a journalist. He is one of the finest in the trade. He is a courageous investigative journalist who exposes the underbelly of corruption in our society. A man of courage who has exposed the criminal practices in prisons, the mistreatment of soldiers at the warfront, vehicle smuggling across the border and the inefficiency of the police. He was on duty in Port Harcourt to investigate the menace of illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft. Rather than arrest the oil bunkerers, Nigerian soldiers arrested him and allowed the oil thieves to go scot-free. Is that what you recommend?”
“If you make yourself a suspect, you can be arrested and interrogated. What is wrong in that?”
“What is wrong is that in this country the good guys get punished, the bad guys get a pat on the back. The army interrogated Soyombo and before they released him, they had reported everything he said to the oil thieves, thus placing him in harm’s way.”
“You have no proof. There is always another side to any story.”
“He was very specific. He mentioned names.”
“Who?”
“You should know. I think you always hear and see things.”
“I hear President Biden is visiting Angola, keeping his promise to visit sub-Saharan Africa before he leaves office. I am surprised he is not visiting Nigeria on his first visit to Africa.”
“What does it matter? He is leaving anyway. He has less than two months in office before he leaves the White House. And you can be sure when that visit is over, he will go straight back home… Maybe Trump will visit Nigeria.”
“He will come and visit you at home”
“Yes. Why not? He is after all, our in-law”
“I also hear the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has directed the money deposit banks and the Fintech firms to start charging Electronic Money Transfer Levy of N50 on any electronic inflow of N10, 000 and above.”
“For what? Why?”
“To generate revenue for government distribution”
“No. To further tax the people and punish them and to create another avenue for corruption. Distribute our money to which government? What do they ever do with all the taxes? I am willing to pay tax but I want to be sure that what is taken from me is used to build roads, fund education and healthcare and promote the common good, not the greed of government officials.”
“Nobody has ever liked the tax man. This is the real issue.”
“The real issue is President Tinubu saying Nigerians lived a fake life before he became President. He has forgotten he was part of that fake world too.”
