FRIDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2023

Finally, Dangote Refinery Set for Production, Gets First 1m Barrels Crude Oil Feedstock

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The much-awaited Dangote Refinery located near Lagos, yesterday received its first tanker

of crude oil feedstock volume of about one million barrels from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

An S&P Global Commodity

Insights report revealed that the cargo was supposed to have landed at the 650,000 barrels per day facility yesterday.

Quoting market sources and

tanker tracking data, S&P indicated that fuel production at the new $19 billion refinery was set to start after years of delays and deferments.

Specifically, the OTIS tanker, conveying the crude, loaded a 950,000 barrel cargo of Nigeria's Agbami crude on December 6, and was flagged as en route to Lekki,

the nearest land port to Dangote's offshore crude receiving terminal, according to the S&P Global MINT Continued on page 5

Afreximbank’s President, Oramah Emerges FORBES Africa’s 2023 Person of the Year... Page 8 Friday, December 8, 2023 Vol 28. No 10467. Price: N250

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2027: PDP, NNPP, SDP, Four Others in Coalition Talks... Page 41

Showing Compassion, Shettima Leads FG's Delegation to Visit Kaduna Bomb Victims, Promises Rebuilding US seeks responsible deployment of artificial intelligence DHQ says 81 dead, 71 injured, receiving treatment Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, John Shiklam in Kaduna, Laleye Dipo in Minna

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, hinted at plans by the federal government to rebuild Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local

Government Area of Kaduna State, hit by an accident bomb from drones belonging to the Nigerian Army, last weekend.

According to Shettima, who visited victims of the attack, President Bola Tinubu had directed that the Pullako Initiative should

be kick-started in Kaduna State.

This, he said, should be with a complete package, including houses, clinics, schools, veterinary

clinics, empowerment initiatives and solar energy, among others, Continued on page 5

Tinubu: Every Commitment to Clear FX Backlog Will Be Fulfilled Sanusi says president shouldn’t be petroleum minister, insists NNPC must account for dollar inflows Opposes removal of AMCON levy Declares banking sector regulation a necessity Chike-Obi: Era of regulations without consultation should end Cardoso: Regulation key to sound financial system, reduction of operational excesses James Emejo in Abuja President Bola Tinubu yesterday assured that every commitment by his administration towards resolving foreign exchange (FX) backlogs through injection of funds into the market would be fulfilled.

Speaking at the opening of the 2023 Bank Directors’ Summit in Abuja, Tinubu said funding of liquidity in the FX market, even though a shortterm solution, remained critical for the economy at the moment.

The summit was organised by the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN), with the theme, “Emerging Issues: Navigating the Complex Balance Between Regulation and Compliance.”

In his remarks, the 14th Emir of Continued on page 5

ORAMAH IS FORBES AFRICA MAGAZINE 2023 PERSON OF THE YEAR...

L-R: Managing Director CNBC Africa, Mrs Roberta Naicker; President and Chairman Board of Directors of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dr Benedict Oramah and Forbes Africa Founder and Publisher, Dr Rakesh Wahi, during the presentation of FORBES Africa Magazine 2023 Person of The Year award in Cairo, Egypt ... recently

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Ex-President Koroma Invited by Police over Failed Nov. 26 Coup Michael Olugbode in Abuja Former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Koroma, has been invited by the police in the country in connection with the November 26th failed coup in the West African country.

Koroma was president of Sierra Leone between 2007

and 2018.

Sierra Leonean Information Minister Chernor Bah said in a statement on Thursday that Koroma is invited to report to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown within 24 hours.

Koroma said he would honour the invitation. In a

statement, he said: “I maintain an open mind and stand ready to support the police investigations to the fullest. Let the rule of law reign supreme in our democracy." He also called on the public to remain calm.

Gunmen had attacked a military barracks, a prison and other locations in Sierra

Leone last month, freeing about 2,200 inmates and killing more than 20 people in what the authorities said afterwards was an attempt to overthrow the government.

The government said the failed coup was led mostly by the former president's bodyguards.

Koroma

condemned the attacks in a statement shortly after they happened.

So far 71 people have been arrested within the context of the ongoing investigation, including 45 serving military officers, seven serving police officers and 13 civilians, said information minister Bah.

Koroma

TINUBU: EVERY COMMITMENT TO CLEAR FX BACKLOG WILL BE FULFILLED Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, said the idea of the president doubling as petroleum minister was not good enough, as it hindered constructive criticism of the oil industry.

Nigeria has adopted the petroleum minister’s role for the president as an unwritten tradition since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

But Sanusi said that was bad for the industry that formed the mainstay of the country’s economy, as it created a situation where, “Nobody can talk; they say you are attacking the president.”

Commenting on the current fiscal and liquidity change, Sanusi doubled down on his call on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to give account of the dollar inflows from its operations.

The former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also rejected calls for the removal of AMCON levy.

This followed a request by Chairman of BDAN, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, that the federal government should put a stop to the AMCON Levy because it had exerted heavy cost on the industry.

The incumbent Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said regulations were crucial for maintaining compliance and curtailing excesses in the banking sector.

Tinubu, who was represented at the summit by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, insisted there was “no reason to feel that the indications that were made earlier had changed”, adding, “It just takes time.” He said the government was doing everything in its power to try to attract funds that would shore up liquidity in the FX segment.

There had been concerns by stakeholders that the government appeared to have reneged on its earlier commitment to inject between $7 billion to $10 billion into the FX market to clear the existing backlogs that impaired investors’ confidence in the economy.

But Tinubu said it was only a matter of time before short, medium and long-term funds would be mobilised across the spectrum.

He stated that overregulation of the banking industry could be counterproductive and stifle innovation, and added that there was need to strike a balance between regulation and overregulation.

The president said, “The regulator must partner with the industry to promote innovations that drive financial access, and banks must embed integrity and transparency into our culture and technology systems.”

Sanusi, in his own comments, said the concept of the president

doubling as petroleum minister was not a good idea, stressing that it hinders constructive criticism of the oil industry.

He also emphasised the need for NNPC to give account of dollar inflows from its operations, querying, “Where are the dollars? Ask NNPC.” Sanusi said that was the same question that cost him his job as CBN governor, adding that he would continue to demand answers until NNPC was properly reformed or “till I die”.

He said the current fiscal challenges resulted partly from the inability of revenue agencies to account for their stewardship transparently in order to reduce revenue leakages.

The former CBN governor particularly blamed the central bank’s overdrafts on the federal government through “Ways and Means” for the country’s high inflation and FX woes.

He queried the National Assembly for reneging on its oversight functions and allowing the previous administration of the apex bank to exceed the five per cent lending threshold to the government without first amending the law.

Sanusi described NNPC as the opaquest institution in the world, stating that to achieve FX stability “you must follow the money as we asked in 2014”. He said so much attention was being focused on the CBN, and no one was demanding answers regarding N11 trillion subsidy payment without accountability.

He criticised the ongoing advocacy by the banking industry for stoppage of AMCON levy.

Under the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act, banks are required to contribute an equivalent of 0.5 per cent of their total assets, plus 0.5 per cent of all contingent assets as of the preceding year-end to AMCON sinking fund in line with existing guidelines.

But the non-refundable contribution, which is for 10 years effective 2013, and with no ownership interest, had been the subject of controversy in recent times. While, on the one hand, government actors called for increase of the levy, the banking sector advocated its stoppage.

But, the former CBN governor said, “I don't support the removal of AMCON levy.”

He said the government had spent a lot of money to bail out banks in 2005, adding, “If we had not bailed those banks, all of you would have gone underground”. He explained that CBN pumped in N50 billion during the bailout and hoped to recoup the money from the banking sector.

Sanusi argued that taking the levy off the banks could pass the burden to taxpayers. He also said any move

to remove the independence of CBN and subject it to political manipulations could be dangerous for the economy.

He stressed that the CBN Act remained one of the best laws in the world, and added that the solution was not in changing the bank’s law, but ensuring its implementation.

Sanusi challenged the boards of banks to pay more attention to stopping loans from going bad and improving risk assessment. He said as the first line of defence, the boards must focus on the quality of risk management, set the guidelines, and follow up.

Sanusi said the boards should be

up and doing, and decried a situation where the management teams called the shots for the former. He warned that jettisoning regulation could lead to the collapse of the banking sector, as recently witnessed with the Silicon Valley Bank in the United States, where lax regulations were fingered.

Sanusi said trust and integrity, among other things, remained crucial in the banking industry.

Cardoso, in his contribution, said regulations were crucial for maintaining compliance and curtailing excesses in the banking sector.

Represented at the occasion by CBN

Director, Payment System Management Department, Chibuzo Efobi, Cardoso said given the sophistication of banking operations, aided by technology, CBN regulations were key to ensuring that only fit and proper persons were allowed to hold banking licenses.

Chike-Obi had earlier restated the commitment of the banking sector to partnering with the federal government towards achieving economic growth.

He urged the CBN to always consult the banking industry in crafting its policies, adding that the “era of regulations without consultation should end”.

He said the central bank should initiate regular meetings with bank directors.

Chike-Obi said the AMCON levy tended to be unsustainable and should be reconsidered. He said something needed to be done to make pension funds yield something higher than inflation.

Equally speaking at the summit, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised the critical role of the banking sector to financial stability and growth. Shettima believed the banking system would get stronger through the various regulations.

SHOWING COMPASSION, SHETTIMA LEADS FG'S DELEGATION TO VISIT KADUNA BOMB VICTIMS, PROMISES REBUILDING in Tudun Biri community as a way of compensation for the destruction caused by the drone misfire.

Shettima, according to a release by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, made the disclosure after visiting the victims of the drone misfire at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna State, where some of the casualties, most of whom were women and children, were receiving treatment.

The Vice President also directed the Management of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilise and provide adequate support to the victims of the tragedy in Tudun Biri village.

This was as the United States government, yesterday, called for a responsible deployment of artificial intelligence by the military.

At the same time, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has released the official casualty figure of the Kaduna drone strike, which it put at 81 dead and 71 injured and receiving treatments.

Meanwhile, not less than 300 heavily armed terrorists, fleeing from the joint military operations in parts of Niger and Kaduna States on Wednesday, flooded the Tsohon Kabula village in the Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

However, announcing Tinubu's decision to rebuild the community, Shettima, who spoke at a meeting with leaders and other stakeholders of the community said, "Most importantly, the president approved the commencement of the Pullako Initiative by next month. The Pullako Initiative is the President's unique response as a non-kinetic approach to the challenges in the North West.

"Beneficiary states are Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and for the purpose of equity and justice, we deliberately included Niger and Benue States.

“Actually, our intent was to kick off the programme in Sokoto, but in

the light of recent development, the President directed that the Pullako Initiative should be kick-started here in Kaduna State.

“And Tudun Biri will be the first beneficiary of that scheme. We are going to build houses that will complement the efforts of the Right Honorable Speaker.

"But ours is a complete package as well, including houses, clinics, schools, veterinary clinics, empowerment initiatives and solar energy. It's a complete package of solutions as a non-kinetic response to the problems of banditry and kidnapping in the North West."

The vice-president also noted that the president was worried about the tragic incident, pointing out that away from the number of casualties, it was gruesome to lose even one life.

Taking a leaf from the late renowned journalist, Dele Giwa, Shettima said, "I am here because the president is deeply concerned.

He was deeply touched by what happened. As the late Dele Giwa rightly said, let's not talk about the numbers; 'one life taken in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in a pogrom'.

"The heart of the President is with the bereaved families. We were in the hospital to sympathise with the victims and rest assured that the federal government stands by the community affected, the government and the people of Kaduna State on this unfortunate incident.

"It is already directed by Mr. President and an investigation is being conducted, to prevent a recurrence of the incident and we expect a report to be submitted in the shortest time possible," said the vice-president.

Shettima thanked religious leaders and elders of the community for not yielding to what he described as a plot to politicise the incident in an attempt to inflame passions.

Earlier at the hospital, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Shuaibu Musa, told the vice-president that the hospital received 71 victims with different degrees of injuries.

He said some of the casualties had been referred to 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.

Shettima, in company with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the state Governor, Uba Sani; APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; Minister of Defence, Ibrahim Badaru and other senior government officials, moved from bed to bed consoling victims of the attack, while receiving briefings on the health condition of each of the patients on their hospital bed.

US Seeks Responsible Deployment of Artificial Intelligence

In the wake of the the wrong targeting of drone strike by the Nigerian Army, claiming many lives in Kaduna, weekend, the United States government, yesterday, called for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence by the military.

Speaking in Abuja, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence and Stability at the US Department of State, Paul Dean, called for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence to avoid unintended consequences.

"So, first of all, deep condolences on the tragedy that happened over this week. I do think your question raises the very salient point that artificial intelligence will help militaries improve their operations in a very tangible way.

"Artificial intelligence will help militaries deliver on their international humanitarian law obligations. It will help militaries improve efficiency, eliminate biases and improve overall decision making.

"And this, I think, will be of enormous value to global stability.

We want to encourage the positive applications of artificial intelligence in the military.

"The initiative that we and our partners have launched just last month is centered around achieving just that, maximising the tremendous value of artificial intelligence in military applications and at the same time ensuring the international community has coalesced around a series of norms of responsible behaviour to make sure that we are reducing the risk of unintended consequences or negative applications.

"So, we are convinced that when states commit themselves to using this technology in a predictable, transparent, stable and responsible way, the international community will be in the position of maximising the advantages while reducing the risks of a irresponsible approach."

He however, commended the commitment of the Nigerian government to responsible behaviour and stability.

"I think Nigeria is a natural leader in this area, and their commitment to the responsible behaviour and stability that I've heard during my visit here convinces me that Nigeria would be an indispensable and valuable partner whose perspective would greatly add to the discussion of how the international community can ensure that artificial intelligence in the military is incorporated in a safe, stable and reliable manner," he said.

DHQ: 81 Dead, 71 Injured, Receiving Treatment

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, released the official casualty figure of the Continued on page 41

FINALLY, DANGOTE REFINERY SET FOR PRODUCTION, GETS FIRST 1M BARRELS CRUDE OIL FEEDSTOCK tanker tracking platform.

“It is expected to arrive later on December 7 at around 1900 GMT,” the report added, The Suezmax tanker, chartered by state-owned NNPC, was the first of Dangote's initial crude supplies as the giant new plant starts to ramp up operations, a West African oil trader said.

The privately-owned refinery was officially completed in May but has yet to make any oil products, partly due to a lack of domestic crude feedstock.

NNPC, which owns a 20 per cent stake in the refinery, recently agreed to supply six million barrels

of crude oil as feedstock to the Dangote refinery in December, company sources said November 5.

Operated by Chevron, Agbami is one of Nigeria's largest deepwater developments pumping about 100,000 bpd in the central Niger Delta.

Agbami produces light sweet crude with a gravity of 47.9 API and a Sulphur content of 0.04 per cent, according to Platts' Periodic Table of Oil. The crude is known in the market for yielding a large proportion of naphtha and kerosene.

However, the crude feedstock would initially be used for test runs,

industry sources with knowledge of the matter said recently, including testing the different units that make products, from petrol to diesel and making sure they respond to the control panels.

Experts said it could take months for refineries to move from test runs to producing high-quality fuels at full capacity.

The refinery, built by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was expected to transform oil trading in the Atlantic Basin and remove a lucrative outlet for fuels produced in Europe and the United States that have for years powered the cars, trucks and generators on the continent.

The refinery is in the Lekki Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and once it is fully up and running, would turn oil powerhouse Nigeria into a net exporter of fuels, a long-sought goal for the country.

But S&P said the NNPC has also chartered a number of other tankers to transport further crude shipments from Nigerian offshore fields to the refinery later this month, quoting an oil trader.

The project had been repeatedly delayed since it was unveiled in 2013, although most of the key units were installed in 2019.

The crude distillation unit was designed to process 12 crudes at

one time and has been engineered to process three Nigerian crude grades, namely: Escravos, Bonny Light and Forcados.

Once fully operational, the plant would yield 327,000 bpd of petrol, 244,000 bpd of gasoil and diesel, 56,000 bpd of jet fuel and kerosene as well as 290,000 metric tonnes per year of propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), according to previous Dangote presentations.

The country hopes the Dangote refinery would help end its dependence on petrol imports.

Nigeria has to import about one million to 1.25 million metric tonnes per month of petrol to meet

national demand due to the poor state of its existing refineries, all of which are currently shut for repairs.

Nigeria currently exports almost all of the crude and condensate it produces.

Dangote officials have previously told S&P Global Commodity Insights that the refinery would start operating at 370,000 bpd, producing mostly jet fuel and diesel initially.

However, S&P Global said its analysts expect that the refinery will not hit full operating capacity until mid-2025, with further delays still possible.

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NEWS

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322

SHELL DELEGATION VISITS TINUBU… L-R: Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC), Mr Osagle Okunbor; Global Integrated Gas & Upstream Director, Shell Plc, Zoe Yujnovich and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the visit of the leadership of Shell Nigeria Plc to the Presidential Villa Abuja on Wednesday GODWIN OMOIGUI

NMDPRA Moves to Streamline Management of Confiscated Illegal Crude Oil Assets Rolls out seven new regulations for operators Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has moved to streamline the management of illegal oil assets seized from operators, with the rollout of the Disposal of Confiscated Materials and Equipment Regulation, 2023.

In addition to the confiscation of materials regulation, the industry regulator also commenced a threeday consultation on anti-competition and customer protection regulation as well as the code of conduct and petroleum data depository regulation.

Others include the registration and publication of licences, permits and authorisations regulation; separation of licensed activities and surrender of licence or permit regulation as well as third-party access and open access regulation.

Speaking at an event, the Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, noted that

the consultation was necessary because the operators needed to be engaged to lessen friction during implementation.

Represented by the Executive Director, Distribution Storage Systems and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI), Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, Ahmed stressed that 16 regulations had already been gazetted, while four were yet to be processed.

“Let me make a point about regulations. Statutes such as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are meant to provide a framework or the legal skeleton for the work that we do.

“They provide the necessary details and flesh as well as breath life into it. Therefore, it is the authority’s responsibility to provide that kind platform for the industry.

“But more importantly, regulations are only an aspect of it. Compliance is also really critical to regulations.

And it's because of this that the PIA compels us that when we want

to draft any regulation, we invite operators to discuss it, consult with them and then get feedbacks from them,” he stated.

Giving an overview of the new regulations, the Secretary and Legal Adviser, NMDPRA, Dr. Joseph Tolorunse, said the code of conduct regulation outlines industry-specific conduct and corporate governance standards for companies operating in the sector and provide sanctions and penalties for non-compliance.

For the data depository regulation, he explained that it provides the procedure for the submission, collection, and management of technical data in a repository to help in data analytics.

“The Disposal of Confiscated Materials and Equipment regulation provides common, simplified, and documented processes and procedures for the disposal of confiscated materials and equipment in the Nigerian midstream and downstream petroleum industry.

“It encourages transparency and accountability in the use of financial resources generated from the disposal of the properties.

“It applies to all activities relating to or connected with the disposal of confiscated materials and equipment in the Nigerian midstream and downstream industry.

“More often than not, we receive these things, especially in the downstream space where illegal operators are very prevalent, sometimes when security officers arrest them and hand them over to us, we do not know what to with them. So, we need these procedures for the these products or equipment,” Tolorunse added.

According to him, the registration and publication of licences, permits and authorisation regulations would establish publicly accessible registers of licences, permits, authorisations as well as exemptions issued, revoked, suspended, surrendered or withdrawn.

Tinubu Names Lokpobiri Chairman of Nine-man Governing Council for NCDMB

Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe is new Executive Secretary, Komolafe, Abubakar, Thomas, four others are board members Appoints four new private sector members for NCP Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Content Development Act (2010).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, as Chairman of a nine-man Governing Council and Management team of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The appointment, according to a release issued on yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, is in conformity with Sections 71(1), 72, and 73 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry

Other members of the management team include Engr.

Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary; Oritsemyiwa Eyesan, Member/EVP Upstream, NNPCL; Gbenga Komolafe, Member / CEO, NUPRC and Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, Member.

Others members of the governing council are Nicolas Odinuwe, Rapheal Samuel, Sadiq Abubakar and Olorundare Sunday Thomas.

President Tinubu expects the highly qualified body of experts

to discharge their duties with patriotic resolve to significantly enhance indigenous industry participation in the energy sector as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda's mandate to achieve the goal of 70% indigenous content and participation in the nation's energy industry during the lifespan of the present administration.

Also yesterday, the president approved the appointment of four new members to the National Council on Privatization (NCP), representing the private sector in the Council.

The members, according to a statement issued on Thursday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, are Oluwole Osin — South-West; Mohammed Mustapha Bintube — North-East; Olayiwola Yahaya — NorthCentral and Akwa Effion Okon — South-South The President charged the new members of the Council to bring the best of their private sector experience to bear in ensuring that Nigerians receive the greatest value and impact from investments that were made on their behalf.

It would also include any modifications, renewals, assignments, amendments or exemptions, or any other matter affecting the status of or any interest in a licence, permit or authorisation, he noted.

Also, the NMDPRA secretary said the third party access rule would foster a competitive environment in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector by ensuring equitable and non-discriminatory access to facilities, infrastructure, and

services for third parties.

Besides, he noted that it would help optimise the utilisation of existing petroleum infrastructure, minimise duplication of investments, and facilitate the efficient movement of petroleum products within the supply chain.

Furthermore, Tolorunse stressed that it would facilitate the availability of affordable and diverse petroleum products to consumers by reducing transportation costs and promoting market-driven pricing.

Initial Works to Commence on Proposed Abuja-Lagos Superhighway in 2024 Project gets N500m allocation Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Preliminary works are set to begin on the proposed Abuja-Lagos Superhighway in 2024, with the project getting N500 million allocation in the proposed 2024 budget.

According to the proposed document, which is currently before the National Assembly, aside the highway marked ERGP12211937, the Lagos-Port Harcourt coastal highway will also get N500 million if the lawmakers do not adjust the sum.

In September, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, declared that the proposed 470 kilometres Abuja-Lagos Greenfield superhighway will be completed in 2027.

He added that it will last 100 years, adding that the highway that will pass through Lagos, Oyo, Kogi, Ekiti, Ogun, Niger, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be built by a private sector consortium at no cost to the federal government.

Umahi stressed that superhighway will be tolled to enable the investors to recoup their investment, explaining that plans were underway to make

the road a business and industrial corridor with hotels, factories, and housing estates, among others, on the route.

He also warned that if the consortium backed out unreasonably, it may have to pay a fine of $10 million.

Currently, Nigerians spend about 14 hours to get from Abuja to Lagos.

However, the minister said that commuters will spend less than five hours on the superhighway when it becomes functional in the next four years.

On the whole, the federal ministry of works and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) are expected to spend a combined total of N617.853 billion on capital projects from the N657.227 billion allocation . Also, the sum of N39.374 billion has been earmarked for recurrent expenses.

In other parts of Nigeria, road projects earmarked for construction or rehabilitation include Lafia road and the ‘dualisation’ of the 9th Mile from Enugu to Otukpo-Makurdi (Keffi Phase II), which got N94.828 billion.

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NEWS

TO LAUNCH A PARTNERSHIP WITH OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT… L-R: Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Adeola; Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Madam Abiola Arogundade during a meeting to launch a partnership with the Ogun State Government at the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja ... yesterday

Atedo Peterside: Why Investors Will Continue to Exit Nigeria NECA: Business departures will render FG’s drive for FDIs ineffective LCCI: FG should engage multinationals, business community to forestall the exodus Dike Onwuamaeze An Economist and Founder of the Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Atedo Peterside, has stated that businesses that value rule of law, policy consistency, macroeconomic stability and level playing field would continue to depart from Nigeria, saying only investors who know how to “partner” with politicians would stay.

Peterside’s sober and penetrating insights to the factors behind the trend where some multinational manufacturing concerns were shutting down operations and leaving the country followed the announcement

by Procter &Gamble (P&G) to stop its manufacturing activities in Nigeria.

Peterside wrote on his X (Twitter)

handle: “Another way to look at this @ProcterGamble exit story is that multiple investors who cherish the rule of law, policy consistency, macroeconomic stability, a level playing field etc. are running away from Nigeria.

“They are being ‘replaced’ only partially by investors who know how to ‘partner’ with politicians and/or game the system through waivers, exemptions etc.”

P&G is the third multinational to announce its exit from Nigeria after GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc (GSK) and Sanofi-Avantis Nigeria Limited, a French pharmaceutical company had announced similar decisions.

Reacting to P&G’s decision to

quit Nigeria, the Director General of Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. AdewaleSmatt Ayorinde, urged the federal government to take proactive action to stop businesses organisations from moving out the country because, “these regrettable departures will persistently undermine the federal government's efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment, rendering its initiatives ineffective.”

NECA, according to Ayorinde, “strongly emphasised the immediate need for decisive measures to halt the ongoing trend of companies divesting from the country.

“We urge a quick and definitive action to arrest the continuous exit and divestment of legitimate

organisations in Nigeria. In the last few years, hitherto strong brands, both multinationals and strong local brands have either closed shop or divested fully or partially.”

He noted that Nigeria’s “challenging business landscape, marked by stringent regulatory and legislative activities, insufficient infrastructure, and policy inconsistencies collectively exacerbates the difficulties faced by businesses.”

He observed that the situation whereby, “regulatory bodies tasked with fostering business growth persist in prioritising revenue generation at the expense of their core mandate while legislators, in the guise of oversight functions,

Afreximbank’s President, Oramah Emerges FORBES Africa’s 2023 Person of the Year The President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof. Benedict Oramah, yesterday, in Cairo received the FORBES AFRICA magazine 2023 Person of The Year award.

According to a statement, at a well-attended award ceremony, which also included the unveiling of the cover for FORBES AFRICA’s December 2023/January 2024 edition featuring Oramah as Cover personality, FORBES AFRICA Founder and Publisher, Dr. Rakesh Wahi and Managing Director, Roberta Naicker, said the award recognised the stellar accomplishments of leading Africans contributing to the development of the continent.

“With a career spanning three decades at Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah is a true pan-Africanist,” Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA, Renuka Methil said.

“In our almost hour-long interview Prof. Oramah’s stellar track record, coupled with his unbridled enthusiasm, passion, and contribution to the economic development of Africa shone through.

“Amongst many initiatives under his visionary leadership, Afreximbank launched the Pan-

African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) which will be a historic project for cross-border payments in local African currencies. He is a resilient risk-taker and articulated so well what a new united Africa should, and would, look like,” Methil added.

It stated that nominations for FORBES AFRICA Person of The Year were submitted by members of the magazine’s editorial and research teams, including journalists from its bureaus across Africa, and a winner was selected after an Africa-wide review of the prominent contributors to the continent.

“Prof. Oramah’s name was shortlisted and unanimously adjudged the winner for 2023.

“With the award, Prof. Oramah joins a prestigious list of high achievers who had previously received the award, including Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Dr. James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Group; Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank; Aliko Dangote, CEO, Dangote Group; Mohammed Dewji, President, MeTL Group; and Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa.

“On 18 November, President Oramah also received the Zik Prize in Professional Leadership at an event in Lagos, Nigeria.

He is also the recipient of numerous other awards for his

contributions to the development and promotion of trade in Africa, and for the many initiatives he has championed to drive intraAfrican trade,” the statement added.

consistently create impediments for organised businesses, hindering their operations” would frustrate businesses and foster their exit from Nigeria.

Oyerinde, “earnestly implored President Bola Tinubu, as well as the Minister for Finance and the coordinating Minister of the Economy, to prioritise the survival of local businesses as the primary step before actively seeking Foreign Direct Investment.”

He, however, commended the federal government for supporting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and manufacturers through the disbursement of N125 billion as part of Presidential Palliative Programme (PPP).

The Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Chinyere Almona, described the increase in exit plans, or a reduction in involvement in the Nigerian market, by the multinationals as worrisome.

Almona said: “In Nigeria, lingering foreign exchange scarcity, poor power supply, port congestion, multiple taxation, insecurity, and poor infrastructure, among others, have taken a toll on many businesses in the country.

“The chamber recommends that the government should implement measures to stabilise and ensure the availability of foreign exchange for businesses, particularly those operating in dollar-denominated environments.

“The LCCI also implores the government to create a more flexible and transparent foreign exchange policy to address scarcity issues.

“Furthermore, the chamber urges the government to engage multinational corporations and the business community to understand their challenges and gather input and feedback on policy decisions to collaboratively develop solutions that will forestall the exodus of businesses from Nigeria.

“The CBN should prioritise the stability of the country’s currency and adopt the right policy mix to ensure price stability.”

Recently, the Chief Financial Officer of P&G, Mr. Andre Schulten, stated at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference that “we have announced that we will turn Nigeria into an import-only market, effectively dissolving our footprint on the ground in Nigeria and reverting to an import-only model.”

NCS Denies Attempt by EFCC, DSS to Forcefully Remove Emefiele from Kuje Prison Juliet Akoje in Abuja The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Haliru Nababa, yesterday denied that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to forcefully abduct a former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, from the custody of the NCS in Kuje, Abuja.

Nababa, said this during his appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, following a petition by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, that had alleged that the EFCC and DSS had attempted to forcefully remove Emefiele from the NCS. The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Mike Etaba, dismissed the petition on the grounds that it was

subjudice, when it came on for first hearing yesterday, as the Director Legal and Prosecution Department of EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, said it was inappropriate to entertain the petition as it bordered a subsisting court matter.

Represented by the Assistant Controller-General in Charge of Operations, Nwakeze Emmanuel, Nababa said, “As far as we are concerned, we are not aware of any alleged attempt to forcefully release Dr. Emefiele. Emefiele is still in our custody, bubbling."

However, in response, the Committee Chairman said, “This matter is in court, we can't forge ahead with this matter because it is subjudice to us. This matter is hereby dismissed from this committee.”

However, the EFCC’s legal representative, Tahir, earlier said, “The petition which we perused

borders on a pending court case.

There is a subsisting criminal charge against Mr. Godwin Emefiele on whose behalf the petitioners have petitioned.

“I am wondering whether it is appropriate given the fact that it borders on a subsisting court matter for this committee to by way of public hearing delve into the matter more so that Mr. Emefiele is ably represented by very senior lawyers in this matter including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and this petition did not emanate from them and in any event, we believe if the allegations have substance as the petitioners would want this committee to believe it would have been ventilated before the honourable court before which this case is pending because they are alleging case of contempt."

The petitioners however, produced

pictorial evidence of the EFCC operatives, which laid siege at the prison.

The lawyer to the petitioners, while addressing the media, insisted that the alleged attempt to forcefully abduct Emefiele from lawful custody did take place, and the organisation will take out contempt proceeding against executive rascality of EFCC and DSS should there be a repeat of the illegality of November 22, 2023.

The representative of CESJET, Mr Ahmed Tijani, slammed the EFCC and DSS over their penchant for disobedience of court orders, adding that the agencies had failed to respect several orders of courts granting Emefiele bail.

He said: “We are not here to challenge the matter in court but to report the alleged attempt to forcefully remove Emefiele by EFCC from the Correctional Centre.”

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POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

As Ekiti Democratises Governance at LG Level...

Last Saturday’s Local government election in Ekiti state could be described as remarkable because of the peaceful and orderly manner it was conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission.

Segun James and Gbenga Sodeinde report.

E

very election, they say, is important.

More so when it comes to local government poll.

The reason for this is not far fetched because citizens know who is who and their capability and standing among the people and communities that make up the council area. Hence, election into the third tier of government has always been difficult, contentious and sometimes, bloody.

This is so because the council areas are the nearest to the people at the grassroots and it is very difficult to rig at this level, hence most state governments never conduct elections into this level of government.

This is why it was unprecedented last Saturday when in Ekiti state more women vied for various positions at the local governmentlevel.

The list include seven female candidates for chairmanship; 16 candidates for Vice Chairmanship position and 33 candidates for the councillorship position.

The development, according to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is not only heart-warming, but speaks to the fact that democracy is taking a firm root in Ekiti state.

Recall that pursuant to Section 5, Subsection 1 of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission Law (Third Amendment) No. 13 of 2021, on September 29, 2023, the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) announced that the 2023 LGA and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections will be conducted on December 2, in the 16 LGAs and 22 LCDAs across the state.

On Saturday, 7th of October 2023, Ward Congresses were held to elect Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates.

Submission of the list of qualified and unqualified candidates to political parties and replacement of candidates by political parties was held between 6th and 10th of November, 2023.

Publication of names of electoral officers nominated by political parties and issuance of notice of polls took place on the 20th of November 2023.

On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), kicked off their campaigns across the state at ward and local government levels ahead of the December 2, 2023 polls.

Thursday, November 30, 2023: Distribution of election materials by the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission for the LGA/LCDA elections commenced.

However, last Saturday’s elections into Local Government offices went smoothly and ended on a peaceful note across the State, though the exercise witnessed low turnout of voters in many voting centres THISDAY correspondent who monitored the polls in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital and other major towns and villages, gathered that counting of votes went smoothly.

The exercise, covers the 16 Constitutionally recognized Local GovernmentAreas (LGAs), and 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), while 13 political parties participated while the timeline for the elections was between 8:00am and 4:00 pm in the evening.

Political parties on the ballot of the election include, Action Alliance , Action Democratic Party, African Democratic party Party, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, People’s Redemption Party and Zenith Labour Paty The local government elections, which were though greeted with low turnout of voters in many places, were largely adjudged violent-free across the 2,195 polling units in the state by the electorate.

The restriction of movement between 8a.m. and 2p.m, announced by both the state government and the police, was largely ineffective, as motorists and motorcyclists were seen moving around Ado-Ekiti and other towns visited.

Also at many popular markets, such as Oja Oba, Oja Irona and Oja Enu Odi markets in Ado-Ekiti, and other towns, traders were seen doing their businesses unhindered, while com-

mercial motorcyclists were seen doing skeletal works across the capital city.

Some shops and filling stations in the capital city and other towns also opened for business activities as the polls lasted.

Speaking to newsmen after casting his vote at his family compound in Unit 003, Okelele, Ward 06, Ikogosi-Ekiti, in Ekameta LCDA, Governor Oyebanji, though confirmed the low turnout, commended the transparent process.

He described the election as free and fair, based on the peaceful reports he received from the field so far.

According to him, there had never been any reports of harassment or intimidation of individuals or parties so far by anyone, from any quarter across the state, saying this must have contributed to the overall peaceful atmosphere witnessed.

The governor lauded the electorates for fulfilling their civic obligation by coming out to exercise their franchise while also commending the State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) for their transparent conduct, urging residents to remain peaceful, even after the outcome.

He said, “local government elections can get better, as the most critical arm of government in respect of delivery government policy at the grassroots level”.

Oyebanji, said he was happy as a government that the election was taking place, in order to democratize the government at that level.

His words: “The people on their own will have the opportunity to choose their representatives at the local government level.

The turnout is a bit low, that tells me that we need to do more on voter education and sensitization.

“Local government election is very critical to the survival of any democracy, because it is the closest to the people. I commend all the people for taking interest in this election and I commend all officials involved for doing what is right and allowing the people to exercise their right without any form of harassment or intimidation”.

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

Should We All Go ‘Plane’ Crazy?

Peter Ikechukwu takes a look at the recently held COP28 in Dubai and wonders why the opposition is upset with the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, rather than focusing on the gains of the summit.

I

f you pay a visit to the United Nations Climate Change ‘Cop 28’ website, you will find various statements proudly announcing the aims of their yearly summits.

Part of it says they serve as the formal meeting of the United Nations FCCC parties (Conference of the Parties, COP) to negotiate and agree on actions to tackle climate change, limit emissions and halt global warming. This year’s COP28 UAE in Dubai is targeted at providing a milestone opportunity for the world to come together, course correct, and drive progress.

While the 2023 event has been largely successful, rumours that the President of this year’s session, Sultan Ahmed al Jaber, said there is no science behind calls to phase out fossil fuels as a way of limiting global warming might have left a sour taste in the mouths of climate change advocates.

That said, countries relying on crude oil trade as their primary national income earner (this includes the UAE) are (understandably?) not going to be very enthusiastic about the march of climate change advocacy.

One can only imagine how upset the most popular climate change advocate, Greta Thunberg, is right now. The heat radiating from her famous red face is, no doubt, helping to warm her Swedish apartment. Or, in the case of her Nigerian counterpart, Adenike Oladosu, keeping her beans on the boil. But Greta and Adenike can only do so much.

The fallout from this will be widespread and, perhaps, remain a talking point until next year’s Cop 29 - wherever that may be.

While we are on the subject of proportionate reactions to news…

The Nigerian delegation flew into COP 28 in the UAE and, as expected, social media was

keen to offer observations on their arrival.

President Bola Tinubu and his immediate entourage were filmed entering their hotel but certain parties seemed upset that his son, Seyi Tinubu, was also seen in the entourage, especially as he had apparently flown in on the same plane as the President and his team.

Other self-sponsored members of the contingent from Nigeria have also come under similar criticism. It is understandable that government expenses should be measured - considering the times we are in.

At the same time, factual commentary would be conscious of the fact that less than a quarter of the total number were government-sponsored - and the relatively small government team was sponsored by multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), not the Presidency itself as the commentary would have us think.

That said; as you may have already observed, there seems to be a fascination towards Seyi Tinubu and planes that is starting to border on obsession. I’m beginning to think an army of planespotters are patrolling all the airports,

checking to see if Seyi is boarding or disembarking.

First, there was the furore over the incident involving Seyi’s trip to a Polo tournament, where taking a private plane without his President was deemed as unforgivable. Now, we find ourselves in a position where travelling on the same flight is also an unacceptable transgression.

Could you imagine if Seyi had taken a private plane to this ‘climate conference’?

The ‘spotters’ would have been apoplectic over his thoughtless carbon footprint.

Although he has no official role in the government, Seyi is often seen escorting his father to events. However, even after helping the President to win the election this year, many deem this relationship as too close for their comfort.

A close source of Seyi Tinubu commented: “It’s always something. Seyi paid for his own room during the stay and yes, did indeed travel here with the delegation, as he felt it would be the practical choice - for obvious reasons. He is simply here to support his father, that’s all.”

I’m sure the ‘spotters’ will be eagerly tracking the Presidential plane when it touches down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, desperate to grab yet another photo of ‘supersonic’ Seyi.

I only wish these individuals would expend as much energy covering the current climate catastrophe, its impact on the weather, agriculture and food production, flooding, or other associated core issues, as they do on Seyi Tinubu’s ongoing collection of frequent flyer miles.

-Ikechukwu writes from Enugu

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POLITY As Wigwe’s Phenomenon Spreads Beyond Banking Having conquered the finance sector, where his Access Holdings Plc has continued to set standards of performance, Herbert Wigwe’s entry into the education sector, which he said was driven by his desire to create a crop of fearless but well-prepared leaders promises to serve as catalysts for transformative change in Africa, writes Festus Akanbi

T

hroughout human history, certain individuals are usually propped up as men of ideas who are driven by an innate impulse to innovate and find solutions. Men of ideas are those who thrive amidst challenges, leveraging their creative intellect to navigate complexities and overcome obstacles. Rather than succumbing to despair, these individuals perceive challenges as opportunities to exercise their ingenuity and problem-solving abilities.

At every epoch of Nigerian economic history, certain individuals are usually positioned to envision possibilities, explore uncharted territories, and craft solutions that redefine conventional thinking.

Certainly, one of these history-making men is the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, who has continued to bestride the Nigerian financial sector like a colossus.

Wigwe, without any doubt, ticked all the boxes as a remarkable leader, builder, dreamer, philanthropist, and financial services executive.

That might be because he has a rare mix of charisma and intelligence. But it’s mostly because he has earned the right to be listened to, having made Access Holding not just one of the most successful and powerful banks in Africa but also one of the most successful Nigerian companies.

Although Access was among the leading banks as of 2014 when Wigwe took over as the Group Managing Director of the bank, he has succeeded in taking the bank to a fantastic level, as it emerged as the number one bank in terms of assets in Nigeria.

Under Wigwe, Access Holdings is not just about size, it is also about quality. The story of the success of the holding company captures the fullness of a man whose mind for business and appetite for adventure was matched only by his heart for giving and a sense of responsibility to others. And with his venture into the education sector, there is no doubt that his impact will continue to be felt, and now the inspiring lessons from his life will reach an even wider audience.

Wigwe University: Eyes on Fearless Leaders Herbert Wigwe’s story has been told many times, and many of the statistics that back up the tale are well-known, but here is the account of the dizzying innovation he is bringing into Nigeria’s educational sector.

Having conquered the financial services sector, and given his very rich experience in terms of human resources, Wigwe beamed his searchlight into Nigeria and Africa’s job market and concluded that the only way to build effective human resources for business and economy in Nigeria and Africa is to change the narrative and build a university that will produce fearless and adaptive students.

Currently, Wigwe, the problem solver, is building a $500 million eponymous university, to produce a set of fearless leaders, in his hometown, Isiokpo, Rivers State Nigeria.

This focus was effectively captured in the university’s mission statement which is to set

Wigwe

a standard of educational distinction for our continent, students, and educators, nurturing the next generation of African leaders to become guiding lights for positive impact in a rapidly changing world.

Outlining some of the challenges of quality education, Wigwe listed issues like low-quality standards, lack of qualified manpower, mentorship and pastoral care, infrastructural deficits, poor funding, and outdated curriculum and systems.

According to findings made by the university promoter, the consequences of the challenges are poor employability capacity as fresh graduates are often deemed unemployable, even where the jobs exist, due to a lack of skills for the current human resources requisition and the fourth industrial revolution.

These findings, it was gathered, made Wigwe University innovate a curriculum within NUC-approved ambits, to create an exciting cocktail of cross and multi-disciplinary degrees and courses, which would prepare students for the current skills requisitions of the fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), future of work, leadership capacity and entrepreneurial pursuits and fill their aspirations.

Writing about his resolve to create a fearless generation of Africans, Wigwe explained that the university is the culmination of his lifelong ambition to build an exceptional, world-class, innovative, yet uniquely African institution to grow Nigeria’s next generation of leaders who will change the face of

our continent.

“Through my foundation – The HOW Foundation, my mission is to shape the course of Nigeria’s future by grooming a fearless generation of Africans, who would be future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, who would propel Nigeria and Africa forward in leadership, socioeconomic growth and inspiration. Wigwe University will develop world-class faculties, innovative curricula, and modern learning methods to rival, if not exceed, the globe’s most respected Ivy-League universities,” he stated.

Explaining further, Wigwe said “With state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative spaces, innovative programmes and partnerships, mentorship, pastoral care, and a vibrant campus culture, we will foster an environment that unleashes the potential of future fearless African generations.

“The truth is that the end to the good we can achieve is nowhere in sight. There’s so much more to conquer. There are more lives to impact and generations to uplift to achieve their full potential. History will favour the brave, those who knew their limitations only because they had to defy them. History will favour the fearless.”

With 1,400 students expected to be enrolled next year, Wigwe is betting that by leveraging technology, the institution will offer the same quality of education as universities in the US and UK—where he plans to recruit 30% of teaching staff.

Wigwe disclosed that the university has built a power plant to supply electricity to

the university and will use holograms and artificial intelligence to ensure a student hybrid system.

He said, “We embody Nigeria’s resilience, fearless culture, values, her entrepreneurial spirit. We are the African spirit of strength in numbers, teamwork, and collaboration.

We symbolise and express the irrepressible human spirit of design thinking. We strive for sustainability and a shared prosperous future for all.

“The world needs the problem solvers, torch bearers, and game changers that will form part of our community of learning.

They will create sustainable solutions for our planet and people. They will have the most conducive environment to do this and attain their highest potential.

“I cannot change the world overnight.

But if I can empower even one youth today, or tomorrow, they could join me in empowering others. With time, we could change the world.”

The Man Wigwe Born on August 15, 1966, Wigwe has a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria, an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor), an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.

Wigwe started his career at Coopers & Lybrand, Lagos as a management consultant, later qualifying as a chartered accountant.

After a stint at Capital Bank, he joined GTBank where he spent over a decade working in corporate and institutional banking, rising to become the executive director in charge of institutional banking.

In 2002, Wigwe and his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede bought into what was then a small commercial bank, Access Bank – at the time, the 65th largest of the 89 banks in the country.

Over the past 30 years, Access Corporation has evolved from an obscure Nigerian Bank into a world-class African financial institution. Today, the Corporation is one the largest in Nigeria in terms of assets, loans, deposits, and branch network; a feat which has been achieved through a robust long-term approach to client solutions – providing committed and innovative services from Banking, Payments, Lending, to Insurance and Pension Assets.

Access Bank is now one of the top five banks in Nigeria and ranked among the top 500 global banks according to a 2015 report by The Banker magazine and is aiming to be Africa’s top bank.

As one of Nigeria’s foremost corporate bankers, he has helped develop some of Africa’s biggest companies in the construction, telecommunications, energy, and oil and gas sectors through a unique model, which involves understanding and providing financial support and expertise.

His career in financial services spans more than 25 years including over a decade as Deputy Managing Director.

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IMAGES

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Malogy Nigeria Limited, Lolomari George; Country Director, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Ijeoma Anadozie; Partner, KPMG, West Africa, Lawrence Amadi; and Chief Financial Officer, Digital Realty, Nigeria, Oluseyi Olarewanju, during the 2023 members’ dinner organised by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in Lagos…recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Igbo community leader in Lagos, Elder Ben Bright; the Igwe Ndigbo in Lagos, Jude Arinze; and Chairman of Greenfield Estate CDA, Lagos, High Chief Monday Akunna, at the inauguration of the CDA’s secretariat and road project as well as their end-of the-year party in Ago Palace, Lagos…recently

Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department ( FCID) Annex (in suit) Lagos, Idowu Owohunwa (right), discussing with the officers of Lagos State Police Command during the handover of the newly acquired patrol vehicle for Ilupeju Division at the Force Criminal Investigation Annex, Lagos… recently

L-R: 9mobile’s Public Relations Lead, Chineze Amanfo; winner of the 9mobile x ALX Nigeria Pitch Your Business Competition, Judith Ekwunife; and, Country Growth Marketing Manager, ALX Nigeria, Seun Babajide-Duroshola, during the ‘Pitch Your Business’ competition organised by ALX Nigeria in partnership with 9mobile in Lagos…recently

L-R: Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Apapa Local Government Area, Hon. Sola Adesaya Atiroko; Supervisor for Health Apapa LGA, Hon. Fatai Awere; Permanent Secretary, Health District 4, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abimbola Bowale; Chairman, Apapa LGA, Hon. Idowu Sebanjo; and the Lisa of Apapa and Iganmu Kingdom, Chief. Adejiyan Adejiyan, at the sensitisation workshop and engagement with community stakeholders in the local government area organised by Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), District 4, held in Apapa, Lagos…recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Director, Airtel Business, Ogo Ofomata; Chief Executive Office, Ladybird Advertising, Bunmi Oke; Founder, NECCI, Nkechi Ali-Balogun; Convener, the Industry Women Conference, Goddie Ofose; Corporate Communications Manager, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Ogochukwu Geraldine Eloike; and Chief Press Secretary to the Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Akosile, during the 2023 Industry Women Conference, with theme: ‘She Wins’, in Lagos…recently

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

AN AGENDA OF STABILITY AND RENEWAL FOR ECOWAS GBARA AWANEN urges ECOWAS leaders to be steadfast in ensuring that democracy thrives in the sub-region

See page 25

AMNESTY: APPRAISING KUKU’S ATTESTATION ON NDIOMU Barry Ndiomu is doing remarkably well, writes RANAMI OLALI

See page 25 EDITORIAL

A THOUSAND DEATHS ON THE WATERWAYS

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The situation in Ondo State arose from the mixture of politics with the law, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

THE DELICATE PEACE IN ONDO The delicate balance of power in Ondo State has instituted a fragile peace, which no one can hazard a guess on how long it will last. Even President Bola Tinubu’s intervention has only helped to postpone the proverbial evil day as the gladiators are still baying for blood to the detriment of the people whose interests the combatants claim to be pursuing.

Hostility broke out in September when ailing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who had been abroad in Germany on medical leave returned home. He had in compliance with section 190 of the 1999 Constitution as altered transmitted a letter to the state House of Assembly, stating that he was proceeding on medical leave in June. Power was subsequently transmitted to his deputy, deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

With the governor’s return, a fresh letter was transmitted to the legislature, intimating LW WKDW KH KDG UHVXPHG R΀FH +RZHYHU UDWKHU than report at his desk in the governor’s R΀FH LQ $NXUH WKH VWDWH FDSLWDO KH VWRSSHG over in his Ibadan home and has remained there. As if that was not curious enough, a move to remove the deputy governor from R΀FH ZDV LPPHGLDWHO\ VWDUWHG LQGLFDWLQJ D political dispute, which cause had remained foggy to the public.

Aiyedatiwa refused to go down and approached the court for reprieve He got a UHVWUDLQLQJ RUGHU HͿHFWLYHO\ W\LQJ WKH KDQGV of the legislature for a moment. With that order, the chief judge of the state declined to set up the mandatory committee that would look into the alleged gross misconduct of the deputy governor. In the meantime, the embattled deputy governor launched a FRXQWHU RͿHQVLYH DLPHG DW GHFODULQJ WKH governor invalid. As the balance of terror LQ WKH VWDWH·V SROLWLFDO ÀUPDPHQW WKUHDWHQHG WR GHJHQHUDWH LQWR D YLROHQW FRQÁLFW WKH president stepped in from Abuja.

Tinubu’s intervention established a middle ground where all the contending parties were required to berth. The status quo ante belum, he said, would have to be maintained. Meaning? Ailing Akeredolu remains governor even as he is incapacitated as he could not attend the peace meeting.

Aiyedatiwa also remains deputy governor and must not make any move to upstage his principal. To secure the deputy governor’s compliance with the terms of the resolution, he was reportedly asked to submit an undated letter of resignation to the president.

Although the presidential truce has brought some calm to the storm, many knowledgeable observers say what exists is the peace of the graveyard that could be torpedoed shortly by the hard political permutations on the ground. Akeredolu is said to be terminally ill. Disappointed

by Aiyedatiwa’s politics in his absence, he is said to be unfavourably disposed to his deputy succeeding him. There are also a couple of commissioners who are interested in the governorship contest scheduled for next year, who fear that the deputy governor will be conferred an undue advantage if he KROGV R΀FH LQ DQ DFWLQJ FDSDFLW\ A lame-duck governor and an idle deputy is a sure recipe for a vacuum in governance, which can lead to social restiveness as the government becomes increasingly incapacitated and unable to cater to the needs of the citizens. It is against this background that some analysts have criticized the presidential truce as not only too tentative but also a pushback at the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as altered. Somehow, it has created a stalemate and truncated a constitutional process.

Following the almost constitutional crisis created by the long absence of President Umaru Yar’Adua from the country due to ill health between November 2009 and February 2010, the National Assembly in July HͿHFWHG WKH ÀUVW VHULHV RI DOWHUDWLRQV WR the 1999 Constitution. To cure the mischief created by section 145 of the Constitution, which gave the president the discretion to WUDQVPLW D QRWLFH RI KLV DEVHQFH IURP R΀FH WR the legislature, the federal legislature altered the section and made the notice mandatory.

It also added subsection 145 (2) which empowered the legislature to within 21 days RI WKH DEVHQFH RI WKH SUHVLGHQW IURP R΀FH declare the vice president acting president.

The same alterations were made to section 190 of the Constitution concerning WKH R΀FH RI WKH JRYHUQRU $ VXEVHFWLRQ ZDV also added. It reads: “In the event that the Governor is unable or fails to transmit the written declaration mentioned in subsection (1) of this section within 21 days, the House of Assembly shall, by a resolution made by a simple majority of the vote of the House, mandate the Deputy Governor to perform

WKH IXQFWLRQV RI WKH R΀FH RI WKH *RYHUQRU as Acting Governor until the Governor transmits a letter to the Speaker that he is now available to resume his functions as Governor.”

Although the alterations sought to cure the mischief of an ailing president or JRYHUQRU VLWWLQJ WLJKW LQ R΀FH SROLWLFLDQV have devised a way of undermining the intent of the law. President Muhammadu Buhari, after initially complying with the alterations, short-cut them by ensuring WKDW KH UHWXUQHG WR R΀FH D IHZ GD\V EHIRUH the expiration of the mandatory 21 days.

Akeredolu would seem to have followed in the footsteps of Buhari, handing over power but refusing to yield ground even when it was clear that he was unable to perform the IXQFWLRQ RI KLV R΀FH In fairness to Tinubu, he was handicapped by both politics and the Constitution. In KLV GL΀FXOW ELG IRU WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO WLFNHW of the All Progressives Congress, he found a pillar in Akeredolu, who vigorously leading the campaign for a southern presidency, backed him. It was only fair he protected an ally. Meanwhile, a charge of a breach of the Constitution would have to go through a rigorous court process to prove that Akeredolu has deftly complied with the provision of Section 149. The only outstanding issue is his absence from the state capital, which could be interpreted to mean incapacitation. How will that be proved?

When some agitators, incidentally including Akeredolu, mooted the idea of declaring Yar’Adua medically incapacitated in 2010, Babatunde Osotimehin, a professor of medicine and minister of Health, told them that it was a medical impossibility to declare a breathing human being incapacitated. That closed the move to use the executive council to resolve the logjam.

This is not likely to change. What is to be done?

There has to be an undertaking by all political actors to commit to the rule of law rather than politics in matters of governance.

Had this been the case, Akeredolu would have followed through with his adherence to the provision of section 190. But feeling betrayed, he diluted the compliance, in the belief that there was a legal possibility that his action could be proved to be lawful. This mixing of politics with the law has a way of lowering the standard of governance.

That is what is happening in Ondo. It is not novel though, and it’s unlikely to stop given everyone’s propensity for opportunism.

Adebiyi, the executive editor of Western Post, is a member of the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers

T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2023

GBARA AWANEN urges ECOWAS leaders to be steadfast in ensuring that democracy thrives in the sub-region

Barry Ndiomu is doing remarkably well, writes RANAMI OLALI

AN AGENDA OF STABILITY AND RENEWAL FOR ECOWAS

AMNESTY: APPRAISING KUKU’S ATTESTATION ON NDIOMU

When ECOWAS leaders last convened in a Summit in Abuja in July 2023, it was a hastily arranged gathering to craft a response to a military coup in Niger Republic in the wake of a troubling succession of unconstitutional change of government in the region. As the leaders once again meet in Abuja on Sunday, it is plausible the political crisis in Niger Republic would dominate the agenda, but it would be a mistake to treat this issue in isolation. The overarching challenge remains democracy recession in the region, which is why the leaders would do well to remain laser-focused on the pressing issue of democracy reversal in the region. Before the Niger coup, military juntas have installed themselves in power in Guinea Conakry,

Burkina Faso and Mali. Only last Saturday, an attempted coup was foiled in Sierra Leone, a tragic reminder of the fragility of democracy in the region.

As vexatious as the defiance and antics of the military juntas are, ECOWAS leaders must figure out how to nudge intransigent military juntas in the region from the brink and integrate their countries back into the ECOWAS family.

The goal, of course, must remain early return to constitutional rule in these countries. In all of this, no one should minimize the enormity of the challenge, but it is a mission the leaders must find the courage to embrace, not because but in spite of the fragility of democracy in the region. In this task, the leaders themselves must lead the charge, providing the capable leadership and governance that deliver jobs and security to their citizens. But an agenda of renewal and hope must also include a dogged commitment to free and fair elections, respect for term limits, human and minority rights - conflict triggers that have often provided facile justifications for military power grab across the region.

There is yet a creeping geopolitical challenge that ECOWAS must not ignore. In the past few weeks, the military juntas that have constituted themselves into an axis of the disgruntled in our region have been busy dismantling historical, stable and tested politico-security structures, alliances and partnerships, substituting these with uncertain and improbable new initiatives and coalitions. Last Saturday, the juntas in Burkina Faso and Niger followed Mali to exit the G5 Sahel Force, an anti-jihadist group that had battled rampaging jihadist forces without much success since 2017, dealing a blow to the fight against sundry terrorist insurgencies in the region. In its place, the angry military juntas have created the Alliance of Sahel States, a mutual defence arrangement apparently

hurriedly cobbled together to project strength and resolve and scare ECOWAS into submission. Also, talks are reportedly underway to create a political confederation linking Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Nothing wrong here, except that the incipient confederation is a clear repudiation of ECOWAS. According to Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, the Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Confederation “will help to consolidate political and economic integration” among the Alliance of Sahel States, a declaration that appears to be a cheeky swipe at ECOWAS. Apparently fueled by resentment and vengeance against France, a historical partner and benefactor in security and stability operations in the Sahel, the juntas appear to revel in renouncing ties with former Western partners. But it is reckless to thrash stable structures and partnerships in a knee-jerk fashion, not least because these anger-fueled policies could easily unravel and imperil the security and stability of the entire West Africa.

The leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States must be reminded that anger is not a strategy.

Choosing to be pawns in the geopolitical competition between the West and Russia is their prerogative, but bad choices in a fragile security environment as the Sahel unfortunately come with grave geopolitical risks. With the G5 effectively disbanded, France in disfavor and Russia the new sheriff in town in the Sahel, there is an elevated risk of proxy conflicts, upsurge in jihadist violence and sweeping insecurity in the Sahel and beyond. ECOWAS must be concerned.

ECOWAS leaders must also be attentive to the seemingly intractable scourge of terrorism in the region. Furthermore, a good case could be made for the intensification of sanctions but it would suffice to merely retain the existing regime. Sanctions work, and the purpose is to force a course correction and not to punish.

While sanctions take time to achieve their intended objectives, there is ample evidence that the junta in Niamey is feeling the heat, so now is not the time to ease sanctions, as some Nigerians, including the Northern Senators Forum, would want President Bola Tinubu to do.

It bears repeating to stress that subsisting sanctions on Niger Republic were imposed by ECOWAS, so our president cannot ease those sanctions unilaterally. Those clamoring for sanctions to be eased need to be reminded that such posturing undermines Nigeria’s foreign policy, while also portraying its promoters as unwitting propaganda tools for the defiant military junta in Niamey. Because they represent constituents, legislators instinctively gravitate towards populism, but even so they must recognize that democracy is at risk in West Africa and every effort must be made to reverse the trend. Indeed, there is a Northern Senators Forum today only because Nigeria is a thriving democracy. In all of this, it is essential that at the Summit on Sunday and beyond, President Bola Tinubu continues to provide the steady and principled leadership that ECOWAS badly needs in this moment of turmoil and uncertainty.

Ambassador Awanen is Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Security and Intelligence Studies, Baze University, Abuja

By default or design, two great minds and passionate crusaders for the betterment of the lives of Niger Deltans met recently in Abuja. Dr. Kingsley Kuku, a former boss at the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) was guest of Major-General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd), the incumbent Interim Administrator of the Programme.

For Kuku who was Special Adviser to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua on the Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Implementation Committee, it was homeFRPLQJ WR WKH R΀FH WKDW KH SUHVLGHG RYHU and used to calm the nerves of agitators in the oil-rich region. Yar’Adua had in 2009 created the Amnesty Programme through an implementation committee. Kuku was one recommendation. The then President of earliest Niger Deltans to rock the peace- Buhari had sought for a rounded Niger building baby in its cradle. This makes him Delta person who commands respect in the D PLGZLIH RI WKH SURJUDPPH VSHFLÀFDOO\ area. The brief was straight forward; get designed to deradicalize the restive youths in someone the people of the region can easily the Niger Delta, train them through various UHODWH ZLWK WUXVW DQG KDYH FRQÀGHQFH LQ WR capacity-building initiatives and have them guide them out of the paths of violence. mainstreamed into the larger society. $ IDWKHU ÀJXUH ZKR ZLOO HQVXUH WKDW ZKDW The obvious success of the Programme was meant for the people, especially the exin re-orientating the once restive youths agitators, gets to them. and ensuring peace within the region made Those things earmarked for the people President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint Kuku ZHUH FOHDUO\ GHÀQHG FDSDFLW\ EXLOGLQJ as his Special Adviser on the Niger Delta and through skills acquisition, monthly Chairman, Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty stipend and turning the ex-agitators Programme in January 2011. Jonathan later into employable, skilled up personnel or reappointed him into the same position in making them entrepreneurs and creators July 2011 after he was sworn in as duly elected of wealth and jobs. president in the 2011 general elections. That Ndiomu understands this brief and he marked a tipping point for the programme has set out to actualize them. Little wonder as Kuku and his team at PAP achieved the visiting Kuku was full of laudation for disarmament and demobilization of 30,000 Ndiomu for expanding the frontiers of ex-agitators. The instant and visible impact of the brief beyond training and upskilling the programme was noticed in the increase in of ex-agitators but also setting up a crude oil production which translated to more unique cooperative scheme solely for the revenue for the nation. empowerment of the participants.

It was, therefore, expected that President The cooperative scheme initiated by Muhammadu Buhari would retain the Ndiomu has enabled most of the youths programme against spirited campaigns from to grow their businesses and become some persons for its scrapping. Buhari did entrepreneurs. Though funding is still a not only retain the programme, he stridently FKDOOHQJH EXW ZLWK WKH ÀVFDO SUXGHQFH sought for a Niger Deltan of integrity to man exhibited by Ndiomu so far, it is expected the programme after series of corruption that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government allegations that trailed the administration of will deploy more funds to the agency to the programme. He found one in Ndiomu.

HQDEOH LW HͿHFWLYHO\ DFKLHYH LWV PDQGDWH From inception, PAP has been administered More funds will translate to more by six chief executives. Such high leadership empowerment and more people being turnover is symptomatic of a dysfunctional captured into the programme.

DJHQF\ 7KH UROO FDOO /XFN\ 2FKXNR $UDULOH Both Ndiomu and Kuku agreed that PAP (a retired Air Vice Marshal); Timi Alaibe, (a KDV KHOSHG WR UHÁDWH WKH QDWLRQDO HFRQRP\ former managing director of the NDDC) and They reason that full resuscitation of Kingsley Kuku, (a former member of the the vocational centres within the region 2QGR 6WDWH +RXVH RI $VVHPEO\ 7KH\ ZHUH coupled with other trainings and Special Advisers to the President on Niger scholarships will not only migrate Niger Delta and Coordinators of PAP, at various Deltans from pain street to productive times. Then came Paul Boroh, (a retired clusters, it will advance the Renewed Hope Brigadier-General); Charles Quaker Dokubo, vision of President Tinubu by increasing D SURIHVVRU RI ,QWHUQDWLRQDO $ͿDLUV DQG the threshold of local content in aviation, Milland Dikio, (a retired Colonel). Sadly, none oil and gas and other sectors where the exof these men served out a full tenure of four agitators are daily being trained. years as recommended by law. In some cases, The overall goal of PAP is to achieve UHSRUWV RI DEXVH RI R΀FH DQG XQZKROHVRPH enduring peace in the region. Ndiomu’s ÀQDQFLDO GHDOLQJV ZKLFK QHJDWHG WKH IRXQGLQJ innovative management style has objectives of PAP trailed the tenures of these helped the agency to achieve and sustain &(2V SUHFLSLWDWLQJ LQ WKHLU UHVLJQDWLRQV RU this through active communication outright dismissals. But Kuku was an exception engagements with the various communities among the past leaders as he was adjudged the of the Niger Delta by upgrading the best by stakeholders in the region. strategic communications team.

The appointment of Ndiomu by Buhari, in context, was hailed as a masterstroke.

Olali, +H ZDV VHHQ DV WKH ÀW PDQ IRU WKH MRE RI environmental activist, writes from Port interfacing and re-orientating the ex-agitators Harcourt in the creeks. He was appointed on very strong

26 4

T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2023

EDITORIAL

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

A THOUSAND DEATHS ON THE WATERWAYS Regulators should enforce minimum standards for water transportation

A

the fact that most often, there are no lifejackets on ‘Leadership’ newspaper report board is a sure guarantee that casualty was bound has put the death on the nation’s to be high. waterways between January and Aside from overloading, most of these boats that November this year at 911. With SO\ RXU ZDWHUZD\V DUH ROG DQG VXͿHU IURP ODFN RI the highest number of fatalities proper maintenance. Perhaps more important is the (285) in Niger State, others include obvious lack of safety standards. In fact, not much Kebbi (144), Kwara (125), Sokoto (117), Lagos LV NQRZQ DERXW WKH H[LVWHQFH RI DQ\ PDQGDWRU\ (92), Anambra (80), Bauchi (76), Adamawa (60), operational guidelines for ownership of ferries and Taraba (50), Kano (45), Bayelsa (40) Benue (34) boats and the minimum standards that must be met and Ondo (34). Considering that many accidents to be in the business. To compound the problem, JR XQUHSRUWHG HVSHFLDOO\ ZKHQ FDVXDOW\ ÀJXUHV the absence of any search and rescue agencies often are not high, more than a thousand fatalities may FRQWULEXWHV WR WKH KLJK FDVXDOW\ ÀJXUHV UHFRUGHG have been recorded in what has become avoidable since the operators have little or no knowledge tragedies. Stakeholders blame the situation on the about what to do when faced with emergency National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) situations. It is even more whose regulatory lapses disturbing that we have remain glaring. marine police who always Established in 1997, seem to be nowhere to be NIWA should come up with strategies that would help to keep our NIWA manages the found in environs where nation’s 3000 navigable waterways safe, especially for the most vulnerable of our society in rural water tragedies occur. waterways from the :LWK WKH H[LVWHQFH RI Nigeria/Niger Republic communities who are usually the victims of these recurring accidents waterfronts in various and Nigeria/Cameroon parts of the country borders to the Atlantic and the increasingly Ocean. These comprise devastating state of our T H I S D AY Rivers Niger and Benue as well as the creeks, lagoons, roads, innovative leaders would have ordinarily EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU lakes, and intra-coastal waters. NIWA’s mandate DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE H[SORUHG WKH RSWLRQV RI WKLV PRGH RI WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ also includes providing “regulatory, economical MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO by heavily investing in our waterways with a and operational leadership in the nation’s inland DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU view to making them safe. Unfortunately, that is waterways system and develop infrastructural CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI not the case in Nigeria today, even though water EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN IDFLOLWLHV IRU H΀FLHQW LQWHUPRGDO WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ transportation is one clear source of de-congesting THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE V\VWHP WKDW LV VDIH VHDPOHVV DQG DͿRUGDEOHµ %XW the roads across the country. by most accounts, NIWA’s presence is hardly felt.

We reiterate our previous calls that operational As we have highlighted repeatedly, it is a standards be enforced nationally for those in the notorious fact that there is hardly any ferry, canoe business of ferry and canoe transportation. There RU WKH VR FDOOHG ¶Á\LQJ ERDW· WKDW NHHSV WR WKH H[DFW T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D should also be regular inspection of these boats just EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA SDVVHQJHU QXPEHU VSHFLÀFDWLRQ ,Q VRPH Lnstances, like motor vehicles are inspected and deemed road GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, boats that were constructed to carry not more than ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI worthy. Provision of emergency services along the 40 persons could be loaded with over a hundred DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, waterways is also worthy of consideration. We passengers especially at peak periods when people ANTHONY OGEDENGBE therefore call on NIWA to come up with strategies are in a hurry to get back to their places of abode.

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI that would help to keep our waterways safe, SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH Consequently, when the canoes encounter stormy especially for the most vulnerable of our society in ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI conditions along the water, the sheer weight of rural communities who are usually the victims of the human cargo and other luggage would make CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO these recurring accidents. them easily susceptible to accidents. Furthermore, TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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

LETTERS HOW SAFE IS HPV VACCINATION FOR GIRLS? Lagos State is the most populous state in Nigeria. It is also the commercial capital of the country. By these distinct attributes, LaJRV LV DUJXDEO\ D SDFHVHWWHU WKXV QLFNQDPHG ¶&HQWUH RI ([FHOOHQFH· It therefore places a high demand on the state to be in the lead of every positive programme that can contribute to the wellbeing of citizens particularly its residents. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case vis-à-vis the recent November 2023 report released by National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on Human Papillomavirus popularly known as HPV. The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for about 95% of cervical cancer. +39 LV WKH PRVW FRPPRQ 67, VH[XDOO\ WUDQVPLWWHG LQIHFWLRQ JOREDOO\ ZLWK DQ HVWLPDWHG RI VH[XDOO\ DFWLYH LQGLYLGXDOV LQIHFWHG DW VRPH SRLQW LQ WKHLU OLYHV 7KH FHUYL[ LV WKH ORZHU SDUW RI WKH XWHUXV (womb). Cervical cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled growth RI DEQRUPDO FHOOV LQ WKH FHUYL[ $FFRUGLQJ WR VFLHQFH +39 FDXVHV VL[ W\SHV RI FDQFHU QDPHO\ FHUYLFDO FDQFHU DQDO FDQFHU ² YXOYDU FDQFHU ² YLUJLQDO FDQFHU RURSKDU\QJHDO FDQFHU ² DQG SHQLOH FDQFHU ² 0RVW +39 LQIHFWLRQV DUH DV\PSWRPDWLF DERXW RI the infections may clear within two years, but some infections continue. Infection that continues can progress to cervical cancer

ZLWK VSHFLÀF W\SHV RI +39 SDUWLFXODUO\ W\SHV DQG 7KLV SURgression takes 20 years on average and tends to cause symptoms only after the cancer has reached an advanced stage. It is held that long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer. In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, accounting for apSUR[LPDWHO\ RI DOO IHPDOH FDQFHUV *OREDOO\ &HUYLFDO FDQFHU LV the fourth most common cancer among women with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 31,421,000 deaths annually. Cervical HPV LQIHFWLRQ DOVR DͿHFWV PDOH JHQGHU WKRXJK LQ YHU\ ORZ SHUFHQWDJH Nigeria has a population of 56.2 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has an estimated 12,075 new cases of cervical cancer and 7,968 deaths from the disease each year. Current estimates indicate that every year, 12,075 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 7,968 die from the disease. Characteristically, HPV infects the basal keratinocytes of genital mucosa, oral mucosa and skin and is predominantly spread E\ VH[XDO FRQWDFW DQG UHFXUULQJ LQIHFWLRQ PD\ ULVN FDUFLQRJHQHVLV $V D UHPHG\ +39 YDFFLQDWLRQ LV VDIH DQG HͿHFWLYH )URP YHULÀDEOH UHFRUGV PRUH WKDQ PLOOLRQ GRVHV RI +39 YDFFLQHV KDYH

been distributed since they were licensed, and data continue to VKRZ WKDW WKH YDFFLQHV SURYLGH VDIH HͿHFWLYH DQG ORQJ ODVWLQJ SURWHFWLRQ DJDLQVW FDQFHUV FDXVHG E\ +39 7KH VL[ +39 YDFFLQHV FXUUHQWO\ SUH TXDOLÀHG E\ :+2 DUH *DUGDVLO &HUYDUL[ &HFROLQ :DOULQYD[ &HUYDYD[ DQG *DUGDVLO )RU LQVWDQFH *DUGDVLO ZDV studied in clinical trials with more than 29,000 females and males. $OVR &HUYDUL[ ZDV VWXGLHG LQ FOLQLFDO WULDOV ZLWK PRUH WKDQ IHPDOHV DQG ZHUH IRXQG WR EH VDIH DQG HͿHFWLYH LQ FOLQLFDO WULDOV However, common reported AEFIs (Adverse event following imPXQL]DWLRQV DUH /RFDO HͿHFWV UHGQHVV ORFDO SDLQ DQG VZHOOLQJ LQ WKH LQMHFWLRQ VLWH 2Q JHQHUDO HͿHFWV VHOGRP DUH GL]]LQHVV KHDGaches, fever, muscle pain, joint pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, general bad feeling and weakness.

Now, in a phase cumulative coverage by states for HPV vaccinaWLRQ UDWH XVLQJ 0$& FDPSDLJQ WDUJHWV RI WDUJHW SRLQW GDWD DV DW 1RYHPEHU DUH DV IROORZV 7DUDED ² $NZD ,ERP ² 1DVDUDZD ² $ELD ² .DQR ² %DXFKL ² -LJDZD ² )&7 ² $GDPDZD ² 2VXQ ² .HEEL ² · (QXJX ² 2JXQ ² DQG /DJRV ² Carl Umegboro, Abuja

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

27

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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REPO

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

D E C E M B E R

S & P INDEX

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S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

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19.12%

INDEX LEVEL

611.31%

1/4 TO DATE

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OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

16.25%

1-DAY

0.03%

YEAR TO DATE

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15.75%

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NIS: Over 3.6m Nigerians Migrated to Other Countries in Two Years

Chinedu Eze The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has disclosed that over 3.6 million Nigerians migrated to other countries within a space of two years.

The Controller, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, Mrs. Adeola Adesola Adesokan, disclosed this in a speech during the facility tour of the remodeled ‘E Wing Arrival’ at the airport.

She said data from NIS’s Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), showed that about 2, 115, 139 persons emigrated from Nigeria in 2022, while 1, 574, 357 left the country from January to September 31,2023, making it a total of 3,679, 496 that

have left Nigeria in the last two years.

It was learnt most of the migrants left for greater opportunities overseas due to economic hardship, while some secured admission for further studies.

Adesokan also disclosed that since the Tinubu administration, more investors have been coming into the country adding that about 700 foreign investors apply for visa on arrival every day, a figure she described as encouraging, and higher than what used to be previously obtained.

She disclosed that visa on arrival of the Nigeria Immigration Service has been upgraded and made easier for those who intend to invest in Nigeria.

“In terms of visa on arrival, if

you are coming into Nigeria, you have to apply first, and somebody has to recognise and acknowledge you in Nigeria. Sometime ago, we shut down the service in order to upgrade it. We carried out maintenance that will allow you to upload within the comfort of your house, your pictures, put all your documents in the system, pay online and when you pay online, we will be able to see it before you arrive here. And that makes the system seamless. But you know, most times, people want to come and start the process here, which is cumbersome and it will waste your quality time. So, with this visa on arrival, the systems are already waiting and also being in use. It will ease the problem of people

coming, particularly the investors don’t want to stay for so long on the queue standing and waiting.

The ambience of the place will also enable them to feel comfortable, and they will be processed faster,” Adesokan said.

She further explained that visa on arrival applicants go through serious screening by immigration officials and if the applicants meet the criteria, they are given visa on arrival and because of the new system at the E Arrival, MMIA, the applicants would spend less than 20 minutes before the would receive their visa because the process has been completed before their arrival.

She said that visa on arrival is strictly for businessmen who wish to invest in the country

and also for expatriate with special skills who are needed by organisations in Nigeria.

“If you apply for a visa on arrival, we will check whether you have local objections, if there is no local objection, you are permitted. Not everybody is qualified for it. It is meant for investors, special professionals and others who meet similar criteria. We have categories whereby the Nigerian Immigration Service has spelt out conditions for visa on arrival. The first one is for business travellers who are moving and investors who want to come and invest in this nation. So if you don’t fall into these categories and you apply for it, you will be rejected and even if you are coming as a businessman, there are procedures,

you have to upload your business CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) form, the company you want to meet here. That is, the company inviting you, If they do not have that, you are not expected to be granted approval,” she explained.

“Another category of those that could be given visa on arrival are citizens from some countries in Africa. These countries also give Nigeria visa on arrival and Nigeria reciprocates the gesture. Besides, there is a growing disposition to give Africans visa on arrival, those who meet other conditions in terms of security, good citizen record and others.

The story continues online on

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Sanusi Advocates Stable Exchange Rate for Businesses, Economy Oluchi Chibuzor Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammadu Sanusi II has stated that the rate at which the naira exchanges against dollar is not as important as the stability of the naira at official and parallel markets.

Speaking as a special guest of honour at the seventh Financial Markets Dealers Association of Nigeria (FMDA) Annual Conference in Lagos, he advised the apex bank to pay more attention to achieving exchange rate stability for the growth and development of the businesses

and economy.

Sanusi, who was the 14th Emir of Kano, spoke on the theme: “Impact of Forex Policies in the Nigerian Economy,” adding that the primary task of CBN is to provide exchange rate stability, not growth but should create environment that supports growth.

He said: “There is nothing we are facing today, that was not foreseen. Exchange rate should be predictable. The rate at which the naira exchanges to dollar is irrelevant, what is key is stability of the exchange rate.”

Sanusi said although the CBN

does not generate dollar, it should creates an environment that attracts dollar investment into the economy.

He kicked against free float of the naira, saying that the naira exchange rate should not be left entirely on market forces to determine.

He advised the apex bank team to keep naira around N850/$ and reduce the gap between the official and parallel market rates.

Speaking on the role Central Bank in Macroeconomic Stability & Financial System Supervision, Chairman, Titan Trust Bank and former CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo, said

the financial system is sound, but requires close monitoring.

“We should support the planned recapitalisation of banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria, but one cap fits all is not correct. Banks should be recapitalised based on the risks they want to take,” he advised.

Lemo said the the recent foreign exchange reform, which paved the way for a fully liberalized FX market, is laudable, but more efforts should be geared toward improving FX availability to reduce the rate of currency depreciation and inflation pass-through.

Also speaking, Managing Director/CEO Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, Miriam Olusanya, said Nigeria is shifting to a more market-driven economy, that should be supported with the development of strong credit market.

Shee said the as agents of financial markets, banks have continued to support the economy and businesses through deposit mobilisation.

“Banks enable capital to move to areas of support. Safety and soundness of financial markets should be of concern to regulators,” she said.

In her opening remarks, President,

FMDA Ms. Nadia Zakari, said FMDA has also for years, helped to guide the financial services sector and supported markets growth. She said that role will be sustained in the interest of the economy. The central theme of the conference was: “The Role of Financial Markets in Repositioning the Economy” CEO, Graeme Blaque Advisory, said Nigeria’s growth is tied to dollars because we have not developed key industries in the country.

He said that infrastructure bottlenecks have limited business growth and development.

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 7 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS Change Updated Time DESCRIPTION Price Yield (%) ^13.53 23-36, November 101.40 12.14 MAR-2025 00 2, 2023 ^12.50 22-12, November 99.00 13.00 JAN-2026 00 2, 2023 ^16.2884 November 108.14 13.23 -1,00 17-MAR-27 2, 2023 ^13.98 23November 99.81 14.02 -6,00 FEB-2028 2, 2023 ^14.55 26November 98.98 14.82 -5,00 APR-2029 2, 2023

BILLS

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

MATURITY

Discount Yield

NTB 26-Oct23 NTB 9-Nov23 NTB 7-Dec23 NTB 25-Jan24

1.80

1.80

Change (%) Updated Time November 0.00 2, 2023

MATURITY

2.57

2.57

November 0.00 2, 2023

3.92

3.94

November 0.00 2, 2023

3.50

3.53

November 0.00 2, 2023

JULI CP II 25-OCT-23 ZEDC CP I 17-NOV-23 NSDL CP IIA 22-NOV-23 MTNN CP V 23-NOV-23

NTB 8-Feb24

4.39

4.45

November 0.00 2, 2023

NSDL CP IIB 23-NOV-23

Change Time Discount Yield (%) November 0.00 2, 16.95 17.00 2023 November 14.71 14.89 0.00 2, 2023 November 19.25 19.60 0.00 2, 2023 November 11.27 11.39 0.00 2, 2023 19.24

19.60

November 0.00 2, 2023

CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS OCT 1 – 30 2024 NGUS NOV 2 – 27 2024 NGUS DEC 3 – 24 2024 NGUS JAN 4 – 29 2025 NGUS FEB 5 – 26 2025

Date

November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023

28

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Akwaaba African Travel Market Marks 20 Years Chinedu Eze One of Africa’s successful travel markets, the Akwaaba African Travel Market, has attained a milestone for recording 20 years existence in the turbulent business climate in the continent.

Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, the foremost travel and tourism fair in Nigeria and West Africa, is gearing up to celebrate two decades of shaping the landscape of travel and tourism on the continent.

The organisers have announced the dates for the 2024 event, scheduled from 22nd to September 24th in Lagos, Nigeria, promising an extraordinary three-day experience that will bring together over 50 countries.

As Akwaaba African Travel Market reaches the remarkable milestone of 20 years, the event stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to promoting the rich tapestry of travel and tourism in Africa. Over the years, Akwaaba

has evolved into a pivotal platform that facilitates connections, fosters collaborations, and showcases the diverse offerings of the African travel industry. The upcoming 2024 event holds the promise of being a truly captivating experience, with the participation of more than 50 countries adding a global dimension to the celebration.

Attendees can expect a dynamic showcase of destinations, travel products, and tourism initiatives that reflect the richness and diversity of the African continent.

In addition to the grand anniversary celebration, Akwaaba will also host its 3rd Medical Tourism Fair concurrently with the main event. This unique feature underscores the fair’s commitment to addressing diverse aspects of the travel industry, bringing together top hospitals from Nigeria, Ghana, Turkey, Kenya, and other nations. The Medical Tourism Fair will serve as a platform for engagement between stakeholders in the

medical industry and participants, fostering discussions and collaborations that contribute to the growth of medical tourism in the region.

The 2024 edition promises not only a grand celebration of past achievements but also a forward-looking exploration of future possibilities that will shape the trajectory of travel and tourism in Africa for years to come. Over the years, Akwaaba has played host to prominent African leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, former President of the Republic of The Gambia, Dauda Jawara, former Commonwealth Secretary, Sir Emeka Anyaoku, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Nigeria Minister of Tourism, Amb. Frank Nchita Ogbuewu, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, former deputy Tourism Minister of Zimbabwe, Ananstasia Ndhlovu, Tourism Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mrs. Memunatu Pratt amongst many others.

Dana Air Decorates New Captain, Bags NECA’s Award Dana Air has promoted a member of its Cockpit crew - Captain Charles Omiete, to the position of a Captain.

The Director of Flight Operations, Captain Anselem Okojie while decorating the new captain at the airline’s Corporate Head office in Lagos said: ‘’My heartfelt congratulations to you Captain Charles Omiete on your well-deserved promotion to the esteemed position of Captain here at Dana Air. This achievement is a

testament to your dedication, skill, and commitment to excellence. ‘’Your elevation to the role of Captain not only signifies a personal milestone but also reinforces our confidence in your capability to lead and operate with the highest standards of professionalism.”

He added: ‘’I want to personally urge you to uphold the core values of Dana Air, especially when it comes to safety and adhering to global best practices. Your role as Captain

carries significant responsibilities, and we trust in your ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize safety above all.’’

Similarly, Dana Air again bagged another award at Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Employers’ Excellence Award which was held recently at Eko Hotel, Lagos The award is designed to bridge the gap by celebrating and acknowledging businesses for their contribution to national development.

SAHCOL Becomes Member of ISPON Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has been awarded the Affiliate Corporate membership by the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), in recognition of applying safety management Principles in her operations.

The institute is responsible for setting relevant safety standards, registering persons and organisations that are involved in Occupational Health and Safety Practices and for providing impartial and authoritative guidance and trainings.

At the Induction ceremony, SAHCO was presented with the award in recognition of applying Safety Management Principles in her operations especially in line with ISPON’s best practice.

Also, members of the SAHCO’s Safety and Quality Assurance team whom had attended trainings organised by ISPON, that have written membership examinations and undergone oral interviews according to their membership grade, were sworn in at the induction

ceremony. The team was admitted to different grades as Full member, Associate Member and Graduate Member respectively in accordance to the statutory requirement of ISPON. Additionally, SAHCO as an aviation ground handling organization is involved in Passenger handling services, Baggage and Ramp handling services, Cargo handling and Warehousing services, Aviation Security services, Premium Lounge services and other aviation related services.

Delta Air Celebrates 16-years of Service Delta Air Lines marks its sixteenth anniversary since the start of its daily nonstop service between Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Delta remains the only US carrier to operate nonstop service between Nigeria and Atlanta, offering hundreds of onward connecting opportunities via Delta’s leading USgateway.

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporters Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

“Delta’s flight between Lagos and Atlanta has grown from strength to strength, and we have continued to see strong demand for our service to popular US destinations including to Houston, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas and New York,” said Jimmy Eichelgruen, Delta’s Regional sales manager for Africa.

“Traffic between the United States and Africa remains a growing sector in aviation. We have maintained a strong footprint between the African continent and the US and we currently operate service from Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal and Ghana.”

Delta is up-gauging its aircraft on the Lagos to Atlanta route over the Christmas and New Year period operating an Airbus A350-900 to support additional holiday traffic.

Effective 16 December 2023 until 14January 2024 customers will have the opportunity to experience the A350-900 offering an additional 166 daily seats between the two countries.

Delta customers flying from Nigeria to the U.S. will continue to enjoy the opportunity to fly on full-flat Delta One beds, Delta Premium Select, as well as Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service.

FCMB Wins NEXUS 2023 Courage Award First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been recognised and awarded the prestigious NEXUS 2023 Courage Award for the Most Technology Pioneering Commercial Bank.

The esteemed accolade was presented to FCMB at the maiden edition of the NEXUS Customer Experience Event, hosted by Qore recently.

The NEXUS 2023 Courage Award is an esteemed recognition of FCMB's dedication and commitment to pioneering technological advancement within the commercial banking sector.

FCMB, in partnership with Qore, has consistently demonstrated its

openness to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences, amidst the risks associated with being pioneers.

The event, hosted by Qore, provided a platform for industry leaders and experts to discuss the future of financial services delivery in Africa. It served as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among key stakeholders in the banking and technology sectors. At this event, Qore’s existing and potential financial institution clients were provided with invaluable insights to craft strategies for growth and expansion in the evolving digital landscape.

A I R WATCH IATA Projects Increased Airlines’ Profitability in 2024 Chinedu Eze The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has projected that there will be increased profitability for airlines in 2023, which will then largely stabilize in 2024.

However, IATA said net profitability at the global level is expected to be well below the cost of capital in both years and very significant regional variations in financial performance will remain.

IATA stated that airline industry net profits were expected to reach $25.7 billion in 2024 (2.7 per cent net profit margin), which will be a slight improvement over 2023 and is expected to show a $23.3 billion net profit (2.6 per cent net profit margin).

“In both 2023 and 2024 return on invested capital will lag the cost of capital by 4p.p., as interest rates around the world have risen in response to the sharp inflationary impulse. Airline industry operating profits are expected to reach $49.3 billion in 2024 from $40.7 billion in 2023. Total revenues in 2024 are expected to grow 7.6 per cent year over year to a record $964 billion. Expense growth is expected to be slightly lower at 6.9 per cent for a total of $914 billion. Some 4.7 billion people are expected to travel in 2024, an historic high that exceeds the pre-pandemic level of 4.5 billion recorded in 2019 and cargo volumes are expected to be 58 and 61 million tonnes in 2023 and 2024, respectively, “IATA said.

IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, said: “Considering the major losses of recent years, the $25.7 billion net profit expected in 2024 is a tribute to aviation’s resilience. People love to travel and that has helped airlines to come roaring back to pre-pandemic levels of connectivity. The speed of the recovery has been extraordinary, yet it also appears that the pandemic has cost aviation about four years of growth. From 2024 the outlook indicates more normal growth patterns for both the passenger and cargo.”

Walsh further said: “Industry profits must be put into proper perspective. While the recovery is impressive, a net profit margin of 2.7 per cent is far below what investors in almost any other industry would accept. Of course, many airlines are doing better than that average, and many are struggling. But there is something to be learned from the fact that, on average airlines will retain just $5.45 for every passenger carried. That’s about enough to buy a basic ‘grande latte’ at a London Starbucks. But it is far too little to build a future that is resilient to shocks for a critical global industry on which 3.5% of GDP depends and from which 3.05 million people directly earn their livelihoods.

Airlines will always compete ferociously for their customers, but they remain far too burdened by onerous regulation, fragmentation, high infrastructure costs and a supply chain populated with oligopolies.”

IATA also stated that overall revenues in 2024 are expected to rise faster than expenses (7.6 per cent vs. 6.9 per cent), strengthening profitability adding, “While operating profits are expected to increase by 21.1 per cent ($40.7 billion in 2023 to $49.3 billion in 2024), net profit margins increased at less than half the pace (10 per cent) largely due to increased interest rates expected in 2024.”

On revenue, IATA said that industry revenues are expected to reach an historic high of $964 billion in 2024.

“An inventory of 40.1 million flights is expected to be available in 2024, exceeding the 2019 level of 38.9 million and up from the 36.8 million flights expected in 2023.

Also, passenger revenues are expected to reach $717 billion in 2024, up 12 per cent from $642 billion in 2023. Revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) growth is expected to be 9.8 per cent year on year.

While that is more than double the pre-pandemic growth trend, 2024 is expected to mark the end of the dramatic year-on-year increases that have been characteristic of the recovery in 2021-2023.

“The high demand for travel coupled with limited capacity due to persistent supply chain issues continues to create supply and demand conditions supporting yield growth. Passenger yields in 2024 are expected to improve by 1.8% compared to 2023. Reflecting the tight supply and

demand conditions, efficiency levels are high with the load factor expected to be 82.6 per cent in 2024, slightly better than 2023 (82%) and the same as in 2019.

IATA’s November 2023 passenger polling data supports the optimistic outlook, as third of travelers polled say they are traveling more than they did pre-pandemic. Some 49% indicate that their travel habits are now similar to pre-pandemic. Only 18% said that they were traveling less.

Looking ahead, 44% say that they will travel more in the next 12 months than in the previous 12 months. Only 7 per cent say they will travel less and 48 per cent expect to maintain similar levels of travel in the coming 12 months as in the previous 12 months.

According to IATA cargo revenues are expected to fall to $111 billion in 2024. That is down sharply from an extraordinary peak of $210 billion in 2021, but it is above 2019 revenues which were $101 billion. Yields will continue to be negatively impacted by the continued growth of belly capacity (related to strong growth on the passenger side of the business) while international trade stagnates.

“Yields are expected to further correct towards pre-pandemic levels with a -32.2 per cent decline in 2023 followed by a -20.9 per cent decline expected in 2024. They will remain high by historical standards, however. Note that yield progression has been extraordinary in these last years (-8.2 per cent in 2019, +54.7 per cent in 2020, +25.9 per cent in 2021, +7 per cent in 2022, -32.2 per cent in 2023).

On operational expenses, IATA said expenses are expected to grow to $914 billion in 2024 (+6.9 per cent on 2023 and +15.1 per cent on 2019).

Fuel price is expected to average $113.8/barrel (jet) in 2024 translating into total fuel bill of $281 billion, accounting for 31 per cent of all operating costs. Airlines are expected to consume 99 billion gallons of fuel in 2024.

High crude oil prices are expected to continue to be further exaggerated for airlines as the crack spread (premium paid to refine crude oil into jet fuel) is expected to average 30 per cent in 2024.

Industry CO2 emissions in 2024 are expected to be 939 million tonnes from consumption of 99 billion gallons of fuel, “IATA said.

IATA stated that the aviation industry will increase its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and carbon credits to reduce its carbon footprint.

“We estimate that SAF production could rise to 0.53 per cent of airlines’ total fuel consumption in 2024, adding $2.4 billion to next year’s fuel bill.

In addition, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a global market-based carbon offsetting mechanism designed to stabilise international aviation emissions.

The CORSIA-related costs are estimated at $1 billion in 2024, “it said.

It disclosed that nonfuel expenses have been controlled relatively well by airlines despite inflationary pressures.

“With fixed costs being distributed over a larger scale of activity as the industry recovered from the pandemic, non-fuel unit costs are falling in line with pre-pandemic level. In 2024 we expect non-fuel unit costs of 39.2 cents per available tonne kilometer (ATK) in 2024 which is 1.6 per cent above 2023 levels and matches 2019 levels.

Total non-fuel costs are expected to reach $633 billion in 2024, “IATA stated.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

29

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Nwafor: Not All State Airports are Unproductive The Managing Director/CEO, Anambra International Cargo Passenger Airport, Martins Nwafor, in this interview said while some state airports have become waste of economic resources, others can be repositioned to become highly productive and efficient. He spoke to Chinedu Eze Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said recently in Abuja that many state owned airports could be waste of resources because they are not profitable. How is your airport different from others, and what is your view about its utility? he Director General of Nigerian civil aviation authority may be correct but not in all cases, for example, in my airport, that is Anambra international passenger and cargo airport, we are not in any way a waste to the state, to Nigeria and the general aviation system globally.

Some may actually not be profitable because of the way they were conceived. But I can assure you that Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport was well conceived and initially was a project between the Anambra State government and Orient Petroleum Resources. However, the construction of the airport was eventually carried out by Anambra State government alone and before that was done, there was a business plan outside the fact that there was a crude oil discovery by orient petroleum resources in the Anambra area where the airport was sited.

It was precisely sited at Umueri in the Anambra east local government. Just like I said, we had a business plan and that plan is working out right now. We’re just a year and seven months old and as we go on, I am going to show you what we have done. And of-course you’ll understand that profitability of an airport is not something you can talk about in one moment, it takes a while for you to talk about the profitability. For the viability, I can say yes. I will not say we are not viable because there are indications to show that we are viable.

In the first place, the Anambra people do a lot of travels. It is predominantly business people. Our airport is located at the point where the farthest distance in Anambra State to the airport is about 30-35 minutes. We are closer to Onitsha, the business hub of not just south-eastern Nigeria, but Nigeria as well. Nnewi is about 30-31 km away and Awka City of the capital of Anambra State.

owner of the airport, as a matter fact has been very supportive except that we still have some areas needed to complete the job. Some areas like working on the navigational aids. We have Instrument Landing System here, we have DVOR (Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range, we also have GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), which is developed for this airspace. So, all we needed to do now is fly-check and as I am telling you now, we paid for that last year to NAMA because they’re the only organization that does calibration and flight check in Nigeria and we’re expecting them very soon to flight check this equipment and once that is done, we will become an instrument airfield. That money was paid by the government and there are so many other areas the government is supporting the airport to reach its optimal capacity.

T

Have you settled issues with the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) about the calibration of your landing aids?

We are still on it. We paid the agency N75 million for the calibration of Instrument Landing system (ILS) and VOR (voice omnidirectional radio range).

The team for the calibration came in January but left without doing anything. They collected N75 million for the calibration. They are supposed to be calibrating the ILS every six months. How can we be generating money to pay such whooping sum for calibration? Maybe it is because it is state owned airport. Recently they asked us to review our ILS and align it well for calibration because it has not been used since it was installed and it has to be calibrated before it is commissioned. They have told us they will come next week to do the calibration. We are putting everything in place to wait for them. We are hopeful that this time they will not disappoint us.

How many airlines are currently operating at your airport?

At the moment, there are two major scheduled airlines that operate into Anambra State and that is the largest airline in Nigeria today, Air-Peace and United Nigeria Airlines. In six days in a week, AirPeace has daily operation, one inbound from Lagos and one outbound to Lagos and an inbound from Abuja and one outbound to Abuja. While United Nigeria airlines which initially started like Air-Peace, but maybe due to shortage of equipment presently does four days in a week same way, inbound Lagos , outbound Lagos, inbound Abuja and outbound Abuja. So, AirPeace uses the new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft and sometimes the Boeing 737-500/300 series while United Nigeria operates with Embraer 145.

But don’t forget that when we started the operation into this airport on December 7, 2021, we had some restrictions and at that time, they were both operating Embraer 145 until sometime in March, 2022 when we obtained approval for 737 equivalent due to the improvements made in fire service, we brought in the three brand new Zeigler fire trucks from Germany.

Then, of-course, claimed additional CAT-9 fire service personnel. Based on that, we began to operate Boeing 737 and its equivalents.

In additional, we also do have numerous number of private non-scheduled operation. It is important because when you look at the statistics, it would definitely count.

What is the passenger traffic like and what is the average number of passengers per week?

The passenger traffic at Anambra International Cargo & Passenger Airport is not as it should be because we are not fully operational. We still fly VFR (daylight service) but even at that, our number is encouraging. I can tell you that we do an average

Nwafor of 450-600 passengers a day. 450 passengers on days only Air-Peace flies into our airport, but on the days that we have United Nigeria as well, it rises to 600 passengers because United Nigeria does not operate on daily bases. So, on the average we’re looking at between 450 - 600 passengers daily and then, of-course, when you translate that to weekly, it gives you 4, 200 passengers.

What is the cost of operating the airport and how do you power the airport?

The cost of operating an airport at the moment is high. You must understand that aviation is capital intensive, so it is a bit high in the sense that we still have the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) providing the air navigation services. We have FAAN providing fire services and aviation security while Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) is also here, provides us the weather information and all these organizations are paid on monthly basis.

Each cost very huge indeed. That is majorly where we have loads of our problem now. And also, in power supply, we run eight generators in this airport even though we have EEDC dedicated 33kva power supply, but you know how many times the grid has collapsed this year, so we do more with generator sets and you know the cost of diesel very high these days.

So, these are the major aspects of the costs that we incur while running the airport these days, but I still believe that if we improve on our services and have more airline operators join us, we will be able to overcome some of them and, of-course, deal with the issue of EEDC primary power supply and to ensure that it is at least 80 or 90 per cent of the time and the rest time ran on generator. That, I believe, will be of great help to the airport.

Nigerian airports are largely dependent on aeronautical revenue. What are your plans to attract non-aeronautical business into the airport to boost the revenue?

Yes, most airports in Nigeria truly depend more on aeronautical revenue. It is a thing that is happening everywhere, we are just a year and seven months, so, we still grapple with teething problems to explore the other areas because at the moment I can tell you, we have many people who have shown interests in investing in the airport. In eateries, restaurants, shops etc. We have well-built shops in the departure halls, they are 24 in number, and other open spaces that can be worked on and now people are beginning to take them up and we have a large parking area that can take 750 cars. So, when we do these, our non-aeronautical revenue, we believe, would complement aeronautical revenue.

Like I said earlier, we’re still grappling with two airlines even though we have been doing two cycles in a day. Air-Peace flies in from Lagos and goes back to Lagos and then flies in from Abuja and goes back to Abuja. Same thing united does on the days they operate.

What level of support are you getting from the state government?

The state government, which is the rightful

DG NCAA also said that the Asaba airport runway is one of the best in Nigeria, how do you manage night landing at Anambra airport?

Yes, the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) may be right, because he is the chief regulator of civil aviation in Nigeria. So perhaps during one of their inspections, they were able to come up with that. It’s not for me to begin counter what Director General has said, but I can tell you that Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport has the second longest runway in Nigeria with 3.7km length and Runway End Safety Area (RESA) of one kilometre on either sides and also the runway width is 45m and 7.5m shoulders on either side of the runway. For the airfield light, the airport airfield is presently equipped with runway edge lights, runway centre lights, runway threshold light, and runway end lights and approach lights on both sides of the runway. On the 06 is simple approach lighting system, while on 24 is Calvert 900m lighting system.

For the Calvert, I must be honest, we are yet to complete it but we have done about 600m and we will put the light in use soon. But however, because we’re still a VFR station, our operations are daylight operations, so we do not envisage to fly at

night as VFR do not operate at night. So, the issue of night operation is not really what we consider now, but as soon as we are able to come up with NCAA’s approval, we will be able to commence night operations.

Is it possible to have entertainment hub close to the airport in order to attract more people to the airport?

Yeah, truly we’re expecting to develop a very large area. If you’re used to the airport, once you drive past the gate, you will drive almost another 500 to 600 meters before you get to the car park that’s a very large expanse of land there. It is marked for an entertainment hub. In the entertainment hub, there are a whole lot that will take place there.

The hub is intended to attract a whole lot of people into the airport without necessarily getting to the proper landing area of the airport. They can have their recreation, enjoy themselves, listen to music and drink while enjoying the theme of the hub.

We can also have a small theatre for film and stage performance going on there. we’re also looking out for investors to help us in developing that more.

We’re consulting to get that done. We have the eatery already given out for construction. That is also facing the entertainment hub. As I said earlier, don’t forget we’re just one year and seven months old.

Do you think regulation is hard on airports in Nigeria?

Yes, I want to believe that the regulation, in this case you’re thinking of the civil aviation regulation, I think even the primary legislation too is a problem to most state and private owned airports. In situations where we still have FAAN, NAMA, NIMET to provide most of the major services and at a fee that is determined mostly by them, in as much as we sit to renegotiate, it is a big burden on some of the state owned airports.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

30

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

This

Weekend

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

WALIU ADEOLU The Fascinating World of an Engineering Geologist

32

˜ Ͷ˜ ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

COVER

Waliu Adeolu: The Fascinating World of an Engineering Geologist Chief Executive Officer of Geophase Resources Limited, Dr. Waliu Olukayode Adeolu is a licensed geoscientist by the Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists, COMEG. He is an Alumni of the Prestigious Lagos Business School, LBS, with a Bachelor of Science, B.Sc., degree in Geology from Olabisi Onabanjo University and two master’s degrees in Applied Environmental Geophysics and Engineering Geology. Adeolu has a knack for continuous learning which has inspired him to acquire professional certification in Geocharacterisation for Foundation Design and Earthquake Hazards using the Seismic Piezocone Test at Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA. Currently, the National President of the Nigerian Association for the Engineering Geology and the Environment, NAEGE, Adeolu in this interview with MARY NNAH gave an insightful discourse as he delved into the fascinating world of geology and its intersection with the Earth while insisting that collapse can be averted by contacting the right professionals What prompted the concept of GEOPHASE? ou would understand that “geo” pertains to the entire world. However, there’s a misconception that GEOPHASE solely revolves around geology. In reality, GEOPHASE extends its operations beyond geology, encompassing construction, energy, and oil-related businesses. The overarching idea behind GEOPHASE is to capture the world comprehensively, reflecting our commitment to global upliftment and development.

The term “GEOPHASE” represents a phased development. This signifies our strategic approach to capturing the global sphere. “Geo” embodies our connection to the world, while “phase” represents the stages where we provide services globally. Our philosophy revolves around taking things one step at a time, and this approach has been a key factor in our continued success.

GEOPHASE’s journey involves venturing into diverse sectors, acknowledging that our impact extends beyond the geological space. From construction to energy and oil, our focus remains on contributing to global development. By embracing a phased approach, we navigate the complexities of various industries, ensuring our services resonate globally. This commitment to step-by-step progress has been instrumental in our ongoing success.

treatment before building. Engineering geology and geotechnical techniques can provide valuable information even for constructions near water bodies.

Beyond technical considerations, good construction practices, including the proper use of materials such as high-quality iron, granite, and cement, play a significant role in preventing building collapses.

However, the responsibility doesn’t solely lie with the technical aspects. Government involvement is crucial, and it requires a deliberate effort to prevent building collapses in the country. Unfortunately, there is a concern that agencies responsible for approving buildings have become more focused on revenue generation than ensuring safety standards. The approach of setting revenue targets for these agencies might compromise their integrity, potentially leading to unsafe approvals.

Government programmes aimed at curbing building collapses need to be more deliberate and focused on safety rather than revenue. There’s a need for transparency in the approval process, ensuring that the integrity of construction projects takes precedence over financial gains. While suggestions have been made at various forums to address the issue, the hope is that the government will prioritize safety, listen to recommendations, and implement the necessary measures to prevent building collapses in the future.

How would you describe Geophase’s journey in the last 15 years and what are the challenges facing exploitation activities in Nigeria?

As much as I would love to delve into business discussions, it’s crucial to consider the operating environment. Sometimes you mean so much good for the nation but you are determined by the government policies that come into play. And the inconsistency in government policies over the past 15 to 20 years has hindered progress. Nigeria boasts over 46 solid minerals with economic value not only for the country but for the entire African continent.

The libation of Nigeria’s economic strength, as regards solid minerals, would have been a liberation to the whole of Africa. And when policies are not consistent, with this kind of development, then we always have issues.

The inconsistency in government policies has impeded the potential growth of the geosciences and mining sector.

Nigeria, rich in resources like lithium, faces issues with undocumented mining processes, potentially eroding our economic strength. Reflecting on the geoscience world’s progress in the last two decades, it’s evident that despite immense potential, growth has not been as rapid as desired.

To address this, policy consistency is paramount. A stable policy framework would encourage investors to contribute to mining economic quantities under the strategic control of relevant government agencies. The prevalence of illegal mining operations, often termed artisanal miners, could be transformed through a systematic and controlled approach, benefiting the country more effectively.

While the journey in the geoscience and mining sector hasn’t been without challenges, as a businessman, it’s clear that solutions are imperative.

Over the last 15 years, GEOPHASE has consistently worked towards positively impacting the sector. We strive to offer solutions that, when considered by the government, can contribute to a better country. In every problem, there lies an opportunity for a solution-driven approach, and that is the ethos GEOPHASE upholds in its business endeavours.

As president of NIEGE, how has your association impacted the nation?

I am hopeful and pray that we never witness another building collapse. However, as emphasised in Lagos Business School, hope alone is not a strategy.

While positive thinking is essential, a pragmatic and deliberate approach to solving the problem is crucial.

At the association level, we have actively engaged with the government, paying courtesy visits and providing training to senior cadres in agencies like the Lagos State Building Control Agency.

Nevertheless, the challenge extends beyond government agencies. The construction space faces significant issues with quackery, where individuals without proper licenses engage in unchecked practices.

Nigerians must be intentional in their choices.

When seeking construction services, it’s crucial to hire professionals with the right certifications. For engineers, certification by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is essential.

Geoscientists should be certified by the Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), the regulatory body for the construction space.

If citizens refrain from patronising unqualified practitioners and opt for certified professionals, we can significantly reduce the occurrence of building collapses in the industry. The responsibility lies not only with the government but also with individuals making informed choices in selecting competent and certified professionals for construction projects.

Y

What are your services at GEOPHASE? One crucial aspect I consistently emphasize is the critical nature of our work to the very existence of humanity. In geoscience, specifically as an engineering geologist or geophysicist, the information we provide about the subsoil directly impacts infrastructure. Unlike a medical error during surgery that may affect one life, our accurate data protect numerous lives using these infrastructures, such as bridges and buildings.

When we offer precise information, we contribute to safeguarding people’s lives and preventing accidents and fatalities. Over the past 15 years, GEOPHASE

Adeolu has proudly been involved in projects without any casualties. This achievement positions us as industry leaders, not just due to our longevity but also because of our significant impact on society.

Our involvement spans various sectors, including construction and oil and gas. We are on the verge of presenting a 15-year gift to the nation – an innovative app called “Build on the Go.” This app integrates AI, different algorithms, and digital automation into the building process, enabling seamless construction from anywhere. This initiative aims to facilitate building projects, especially for those in the diaspora, ensuring transparency and preventing fraudulent practices.

Our focus on integrity has been the bedrock of GEOPHASE’s reputation over the last 15 years.

With the introduction of the “Build on the Go” app, we intend to enhance and maintain this integrity. This forward-thinking approach reflects our commitment to providing valuable services to the nation and beyond, ensuring a positive impact on the construction industry and beyond. The app is readily available on iOS and Google Play Store, reflecting our dedication to transparency and accessibility.

What we are introducing is a revolutionary approach that allows you to monitor every step of your construction process, offering transparency and control. To build trust, we provide escrow accounts, ensuring your funds are securely held until specific project milestones are reached. Recognising the financial preferences of diasporans, we’ve partnered with mortgage companies, offering facilities for building in Nigeria.

Our app addresses common issues in construction projects, preventing unnecessary expenses and ensuring you receive the exact quantity of materials you paid for. For instance, we eliminate the risk of receiving less material than intended, saving you both money and the headache of dealing with extra trips for materials. We pride ourselves on bringing together accomplished professionals, our service partners, and reliable suppliers, our product partners, ensuring a seamless and confident building process.

By digitising the entire process, we empower you to comfortably monitor your project’s progress through a user-friendly dashboard. You can visit our website at www.buildonthego.com to witness animated demonstrations of the streamlined processes. Our commitment to accountability is unwavering - we promise not just to take your money but to provide exceptional value, exceeding your expectations.

We differentiate ourselves from others in the industry by not just claiming to do real estate but by thoroughly studying the market over the past 20 years. Viewing this endeavour not merely as a business but as a gift, we’ve identified, isolated, and provided solutions to the industry’s challenges in our digital space. As we forge ahead, we are confident that our approach will reshape the construction landscape in Nigeria, ensuring transparency, accountability, and unparalleled value for every invested Naira.

How can geoscientists help in providing solutions to building collapse in Nigeria?

What holds utmost importance is what we term a pre-construction investigation. This entails conducting thorough investigations before commencing construction activities to understand the specific conditions of the intended construction site. Geologically, it involves assessing the subsoil and materials at the location where the construction is planned.

It’s crucial to recognize that each location requires a unique approach, and the foundation design for a 10-story building in Abuja might differ from that in Lagos.

Pre-construction investigation serves as a foundational point of information for structural engineers and architects, aligning their designs with the subsurface characteristics. This information guides decisions on the type of foundation suitable for a particular area. For example, some areas in Lagos, like Maryland and Anthony towards Onworonshoki, are characterised by deposition that produces unstable, swampy materials requiring special

Tell us how to detect areas prone to earthquakes in Nigeria.

In the realm of geology and the environment, stating that nothing is impossible would be misleading.

The Earth is a dynamic entity, constantly in motion.

Earthquakes, for instance, signify reactions within the continent to particular movements. Fortunately, Africa, including parts of Nigeria, is not situated on active plate boundaries prone to high earthquakes, although there have been recorded mild tremors in certain areas, such as Kaduna in the northern parts.

While earthquakes may not be an impossibility, it is crucial to be deliberate in protecting our only space - Earth. Even with ventures like Elon Musk’s efforts to take people off Earth, the majority of us cannot relocate to those distant places. Therefore, safeguarding our environment becomes paramount.

Every human activity should be approached with consciousness about its potential negative impact on the environment. Professional institutions and governments play pivotal roles in highlighting and addressing these concerns.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

33

˜ Ͷ˜ ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

How GTCO Fashion Weekend Made Indelible Imprints on the Fashion Landscape Stories by Mary Nnah The recently concluded Guaranty Trust (GTCO) Fashion Weekend, which ran from November 11th to 12th, a haven for fashion lovers, left an unforgettable memory for fashion enthusiasts and on the Nigerian fashion landscape in general.

Like the previous editions, the 2023FashionWeekend,whichtook placeattheGTCentre,Oniru,Lagos, kept the guests and fashion lovers hypnotised with the tremendous creativity and style innovations on display. This year’s event featured insightful masterclasses, and free retail stalls, for over 120 fashion designers.As well as a street-wear village. Aside from the master classes, the runway shows were impeccable.

Fashion devotees and other guestswerethrilledandentertained with glamorous, creative designs, which came in various designs including casual, corporate, party wear and Afrocentric styles.

Renowned designers unveiled theirlatestcollections, settingtrends that will influence fashion in the future. Attendees at the fashion weekend, which showcased variousfashionitemsandfashionicons around the world, were treated to immersive experiences, including interactiveinstallationsanddiscus-

Retail stalls at the recently concluded GTCO Fashion Weekend sions on the future of sustainable fashion. During one of the master Classes, international model Jourdan Dunn spoke on different issuesrangingfromself-confidence, and mental health, to her sense of insecurityandforayintomodelling amongothers,FameNewsreports.

Dunn told the audience that her sojournintotheworldofmodelling had its ups and downs.

She recalled that at first, she suffered a sense of insecurity because she was not that fleshy, and that people kept staring at her slim stature.

Dunn explained further that

because of this development, she finds it difficult to venture out of her parents’ home.

“Like every time I went out, I always felt that people would just haveeyesonmeandjudgeme.And yeah, I just was at a stage where I justdidnotenjoybeinginmybody.

I didn’t, I felt uncomfortable.”

However, she had encouraging newsthatthesituationhaschanged, as her current figure has won her many modelling jobs which has made her the centre of all eyes, includingA-listmagazines,frontline casting directors and fashionistas.

“And then I’m now a model

and it’s all about the body. It’s all about the face and that’s what I’m selling. So I had to learn the most important thing, I’ve learned about self-love.”

Jourdan who is also a mental health expert added that the highest form of self-love is selfacceptance. She says she has learnt that she has to love herself first and does not seek any validation from anyone.

“The dusting from self-love is self-acceptance. And it’s like, for me, anytime I saw a comment, it madesensetomebecausethatwas already my mindset.

Emmanuel Fadipe Inducted as ECOWAS Youth Ambassador Emmanuel Fadipe, a Nigerian humanitarian was on September 3rd, 2023 inducted as an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador in acknowledgement of his numerous humanitarian activities and projects done in Nigeria andAfrica as a whole.

The great occasion hosted high dignitaries around the world and the awardee was greatly applauded for his active participation in youth development in Africa among many others.

Fadipewhobaggedtwoawards on this day dedicated them to his parents whom he called his pil-

lars of strength and fortune. He briefly spoke on the huge role his parents played in his life by giving him and his siblings the best of education and making sure that they lacked nothing.

“My parents sacrificed everything for us to be who we are today, I must say. They overdid themselves. They had days of hunger to make us a great feast and days of ashes to adorn us with royalty. They emptied themselves and made us glittering vessels. We knew it then but now we know much more”, said.

Above all, they brought us up

in the way of the LORD and made us imbibe the virtues of humility, empathy and hard work. They lived by example and we found it easy to follow suit. To date, I’m nothing without God”, he said.

The diaspora-based humanitarian who travelled to Nigeria to receive this award is the CEO of the Emmanuel Fadipe Foundation.

The Germany-based researcher whose research area focuses on environmental hygiene, animal health and livestock infectiology, covers the continents of Africa, Europe

and North America.

His positive impact on Africans in the diaspora especially in Europe is limitless and aside from winning a lot of academic awards, he’s won a lot of international leadership awards in recognition of his exploits during his leadership era for the various organisations he has led over the years.

His humility, selflessness, empathy, hard work, calmness and passion for excellence make him an admirable asset to all organisations and people he comes in contact with daily.

World Toilet Day 2023: Harpic Remains Steadfast in Its Resolution for Improved Sanitation in Nigeria

Nigeria’s leading toilet cleaning brand, Harpic, manufactured by Reckitt, continued its advocacy and commitment to sanitation and proper hygiene by collaborating with the Lagos State government and Federal Government to commemorate the 2023 World Toilet Day. As of today, the United Nations’ statistics reveal that about 3.5 billion people do not have access to safe toilets, over 40% of wastewater is discharged into the environment without treatment, and about 419 million people still practice open defecation. In Nigeria, over 100 million people lack access to basic sanitation, and an estimated 48 million practice open defecation.

Going by the global theme for 2023 World Toilet Day, ‘Accelerating Change’, Harpic organised a series of impactful events to give Nigerians the necessary sensitisation to tackle the national challenge of poor access to sanitation and adversely affecting the economies.

The events began with a ‘Walk Against Open Defecation’ on Saturday, November 18, 2023, where Harpic and its brand ambassador, Helen Paul, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Water Resources and Environment, alongside other participants, took over 3 locations in Lagos; Ajah, Ketu, and Mile 2, sensitizing communities with proper sanitation practices for maintaining clean and hygienic toilets.

Harpic continued its fight

SABI CHEF TO HOLD FINAL CONTEST ON DECEMBER 8 Sabi Chef, a street food cooking competition has announced Friday, December 8, 2023, as the grand finale date where all the contestants would meet to exhibit their street cooking skills. Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island Lagos has also been announced as the venue for the 2023 final contest.

After the announcement of the competition in a media conference in early November this year, Sabi Chef stormed several major markets in Lagos state to sensitise residents, traders, chefs and vendors about the upcoming show.

The street activation which started at the popular Tejuosho market, Yaba saw many Sabi Chef ambassadors move from shop to shop, street to street speaking with and onboarding prospective participants at the cooking competition and food festival.

The grand finale will witness many side attractions including good music, dancing competition, games, food tasting and family-oriented merriment.

During the week-long street sensitisation activities, other markets and areas visited in Lagos include Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Ogba and Oshodi.

Many fans of the show won various cash and other prizes for participating in dance, quizzes and other recreational activities.

The fun-filled street activation event witnessed a large turnout of people at every centre, thus showing how much the people have quickly embraced the competition.

Speaking on the street activation, Uche Nnadozie, the Editorin-chief of Newspread.ng, the online publication who are the organisers of Sabi Chef expressed joy over the incident-free week-long activities.

RUFF ‘N’ TUMBLE LAUNCHES ITS 2023 CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Nigeria’s leading children’s fashion brand has announced the launch of its 2023 Christmas Collection bringing joy and style to the holiday season for young ones.

With the festive season upon us, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble has curated a delightful collection that captures the spirit of celebration and elegance. The collection features an array of stylish yet comfortable outfits perfect for various Christmas festivities, from cosy family gatherings and end-of-year recitals to formal services and every occasion in between. Ruff ‘n’ Tumble offers a wide range of choices, in different styles to suit kids of all ages.

Founder and CEO of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, said, “Our Christmas collection is a celebration of the holiday spirit combining colour, texture, style, comfort and durability.

As we share the joyful spirit of this collection, we hope it brings joy to families and creates lasting memories this festive season.”

The collection showcases the brand’s commitment to quality and trendsetting designs, incorporating vibrant colours, playful patterns, and the attention to detail that Ruff ‘n’ Tumble is known for.

The 2023 Christmas collections have been curated with features such as: Luxurious Fabrics: Ruff ‘n’ Tumble’s Christmas Collection features garments crafted from premium high-quality fabrics and fittings ensuring a comfortable yet beautiful experience for children during the holiday season.

Exclusive Designs: This collection features limited edition pieces produced in small batch sizes. Ruff ‘n’ Tumble is the exclusive stockist for the Special Moments dress line and Adey suit line.

Chief Transformation Officer, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Toyin Bajomo, said, “At Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, our goal is to create an exclusive and unique shopping experience with the modern Nigerian customer in mind.”

Versatility and Durability: Ruff ‘n’ Tumble understands the importance of clothing that can withstand the energy and playfulness of kids. The Christmas Collection is not only stylish but also durable, making it ideal for both special occasions and everyday wear.

PROPRIETRESS ENCOURAGES KIDS TO IMBIBE HUMANITARIAN GESTURE against open defecation with a commemoration event in Lagos on Monday, November 20, 2023.

Held at Ndubuisi Kanu Park in Ikeja, the event was attended by notable figures from the Lagos State Ministry of Water Resources and Environment united to tackle this global issue.

Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Lagos State, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, stressed the Government’s and the public’s need for active participation. He said, “Open defecation has become a menace, polluting our water, soil and air, and on the verge of reversing the gains already established in the pursuit of attaining the 2030 target. Hence, there is a need for accelerating change to scale up actions and to harness innovative ideas and investment not only by the Government but also by corporate and individual citizens of this State to solve the problem of Open defecation in Lagos State.”

The next day, Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Harpic wrapped up

this year’s commemoration event organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Speaking at the event, Head of External Communications and Partnerships, Sub-Saharan Africa Reckitt, Uzo-Ogbugh Cassandra, highlighted the effects of open defecation and Harpic’s commitment to tackling this global issue. “Inadequate sanitation leads to the contamination of drinking water sources, rivers, and food crops, consequently propagating life-threatening diseases within the broader population. We have partnered with the Federal GovernmentthroughtheCleanNigeria campaign to drive awareness of the ills of open defecation and the importance of toilet hygiene by refurbishing, maintaining 150 public toilets and providing Harpic products to sustain the maintenance of these toilets.”

In addition, the Honourable MinisterofEnvironment,MrBarabe Lawal, affirmed the Government’s dedication to eradicating open defecation in Nigeria. He stated,

“From now, all government institutions that are responsible in planning approvals must ensure that all buildings that come to them must have a toilet. We will do that, and we are going to have our Environmental Council in Kano state in December. These are the issues we will also push to state governments across the country, that all building plans, particularly shopping malls, must have a functional toilet as a matter of necessity and we must take these into consideration.”

The Minister of Water Resources, Sanitation Professor Joseph Terlumun, declared the Government’s commitment to end open defecation. He said, “I wish to use this opportunity to reiterate Government’s commitment to support sub-national level initiatives towards ending open defecation and improving access to WASH services for the populace. In the light of the 2023 World Toilet Day theme “Accelerating Change” we must do all we can to ensure everyone, everywhere has access to safe water and sanitation.”

The Proprietress of Blooming Greens School, Yaba, Lagos State, Mrs Susan Babatunde-Yamah has urged every child, especially children born with silver spoons to engage in charitable and humanitarian deeds as a means of spreading love to indigent kids across the country.

Babatunde-Yamah made the call following the School’s art exhibition with the theme: “Artrageous Charity 2023” stressing that charity plays an important role in addressing the most pressing issues facing today’s humanity.

The issues include poverty, hunger, inequality, and access to education and healthcare.

Explaining, how the charity exhibition started seven years ago due to her passion for humanitarian deeds, she said, “I have been involved with humanitarian deeds before the establishment of the school, so when the school came I decided to inculcate that passion on the school calendar.

“We have to teach the students how to love and share. Ensure they understand that there are less privileged kids who do not have the opportunity and life they have been privileged kids.

They have to see life from a different perspective and understand that kindness is a virtue they must exhibit”, she noted She explained further that the exhibition has brought parents of school kids, family, friends, vendors and multinationals together to affect lives, adding, “You can see the banks here today, Fidelity, Sterling and other financial institutions who have bought the idea to be part of our corporate social responsibility to our immediate community.

On his part, the Art Teacher for the exhibition event, Adeniran Odumbo said it took them tenacity, consistency, passion and hard work to achieve the 2023 Artrageous Charity Exhibition.

“The works from the students were sourced from each term, the best were selected and equal opportunities were given to the children to showcase their talents.

34

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Adeniran: NBS Working on Innovation Lab for Seamless Data Dissemination, Exchange Kemi Olaitan ÓØ ÌËÎËØ The Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Adeyemi Adeniran, has emphasised the importance of making data more accessible at the sub-national level to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all in Nigeria.

Adeniran who said this in the keynote address he delivered at the second bi-annual meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS) 2023, held in Ibadan, disclosed that the Bureau is working on Data Innovation Laboratory to facilitate seamless data dissemination and exchange.

Adeniran highlighted the need for accurate, timely, and accessible data, stressing that it is the responsibility of data custodians in Nigeria to

ensure that data is not only collected and analysed but also disseminated effectively to empower decision-makers at all levels.

According to him, Nigeria is a diverse and dynamic nation with unique challenges and opportunities, and to address the needs of the population adequately, sub-national entities must be empowered with the tools and information necessary to make informed decisions, tailored to their specific contexts.

He said, “At the heart of this theme is the recognition that Nigeria is a diverse and dynamic nation, comprised of states and regions with unique challenges and opportunities.

This issue of data accessibility and dissemination at the sub-national level is one of the contemporary issues that has emerged from several

inputs and suggestions we have received during recent stakeholder engagements we have had in the past month, towards the development of the third phase new National Strategy for the Development of Statistics, (NSDS), which you are all familiar with, given your participation in the consultations.”

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in his keynote address lauded the NBS for holding the meeting in Ibadan and for their commitment to releasing timely data for evidence-based planning in Nigeria, advocating for effective collaboration between the NBS and the State Statistical Agency, especially the Oyo State Bureau of Statistics, to ensure reliable and comprehensive data is available at the sub-national level for evidence-based decision-making.

UBA to Empower SMEs on Benefits of E-commerce In line with its commitment to support the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) on the continent, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to organise its UBA Business Series.

The UBA Business Series is a regular seminar/workshop organised by the bank as one of its capacity-building initiatives, where leading business leaders and professionals share wellresearched insights on relevant topics and best practices for running successful businesses, especially in the face of difficult business challenges.

Founder/CEO RenDoll Fashion Brand; Nnamdi Ekeh - CEO

Konga; Media Personality & Entrepreneur, Kaylah Oniwo and Founder Money Africa, Tosin Olaseinde will be on ground to give helpful tips on wealth management in today’s economy to business leaders. They will also provide guides on the best ways to take businesses to the next level amid a challenging economic terrain.

UBA’s Head, SME Banking, Babatunde Ajayi, who spoke ahead of the workshop, explained that the vast knowledge and experience of the panellists, will in no small measure help business owners with invaluable business tips that will help take boost businesses of entrepreneurs

and most importantly guide them in navigating the harsh economic terrain while ensure business growth in the process.

“At UBA We are passionate about the growth and success of small businesses because their contribution helps in catalysing economic advancement of any nation that is why at UBA, we constantly look for ways of ensuring that these business owners and operators are well-equipped to grow their businesses successfully, which is why we picked this particular topic as we believe it is one area that businesses need to valuable information and experience that can take them to the next level effortlessly,” he said.

Heirs Insurance Donates 30KVA Sola Station to Ikoyi Passport Office Ebere Nwoji Heirs Insurance Group, has donated a 30KVA solar power station to the Ikoyi Passport Office, of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), to facilitate 24-hour passport production, a major challenge of the Service.

Through this project, Heirs Insurance Group demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and community development with a focus on impacting the lives of Nigerians.

Non-Executive Director, Heirs Holdings, Dr Awele

Elumelu (OFR) the parent company of the Heirs Insurance Group, led the delegation for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, alongside the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju.

She said the group made the donation because it discovered that Passport issuance at the Nigeria Immigration Service has been plagued by frustrating delays in the recent past, mostly influenced by erratic power supply.

During her speech, Elumelu

expressed her enthusiasm for the positive impact of the project, also drawing attention to the deliberate use of solar power which aligns with the group’s commitment to clean energy solutions, a facet of its long-term sustainability goals.

She said: “As a Group, we continue to take pride in proactively creating value that impacts our community positively. This solar power initiative reiterates our commitment to improve lives and transform our country, and by extension, our continent.”

Okaro Emerges National President of AWEP Nigeria The Immediate Past Governor of Rotary International District 9142, Dr Grace Okaro has been elected the new National President of the African Women Entrepreneurship Program, Nigeria (AWEP) during the recently concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the organization held at the African School of Economics, Abuja. Okaro who joined the organization about six years ago had served the Zonal Secretary of South East, State Coordinator of Abia and National Public Relations Officer respectively.

Others elected include Hajia

Farida Yahaya as Deputy National President, Mrs Nelly Ndaguba as National Secretary-General, Hajia Ruqayyah Mohammed as National Financial Secretary and Mrs Rosemary Akwashiki as National Treasurer. Ms Amede Achingale was returned as the National Internal Auditor while Mrs Helen Imoagene Clinched the position of National Publicity Secretary.

In her acceptance speech on behalf of her colleagues, Dr Okaro thanked the members of the organization for the confidence reposed in the newly elected members of the executive

and pledged to live above their expectations.

She promised to leverage Leadership experience in various spheres of her life, established networks and relationships and systems thinking for the transformation of AWEP and members’ businesses.

She also committed to provide platforms for regular entrepreneurial leadership trainings for the enhancement of members’ knowledge and skills and create an inclusive business environment tailored to the diversified needs of members in different zones.

L-R: Chief Financial Officer, Union Bank Nigeria, Joe Mbulu; French Minister for Foreign Trade, Olivier Becht; French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann and CEO JR Farms Nigeria Limited, Olawale Rotimi at the Launch of the Food For Nation initiative held at the SpaceNXT, Union Bank Head Office, Stallion Plaza in Lagos.. yesterday

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) August, 2023

Money Supply (M3)

65,445,154.2

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

552,553.58

Money Supply (M2)

64,892,600.61

-- Quasi Money

40,870,301.28

-- Narrow Money (M1)

24,022,299.33

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,295,309.10

---- Demand Deposits

21,726,990.23

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,144,158.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

58,300,995.27

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

87,273,966.81

---- Credit to Government (Net)

32,511,333.17

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

54,762,633.63

--Other Assets Net

13,347,376.27

Reserve Money (Base Money

19,429,603.25

--Currency in Circulation

2,660,138.92

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

16,769,464.34 428,519.21

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

August 2023

Inter-Bank Call Rate

3.89

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

18.75

Treasury Bill Rate

5.13

Savings Deposit Rate

5.26

1 Month Deposit Rate

7.31

3 Months Deposit Rate

7.55

6 Months Deposit Rate

8.30

12 Months Deposit Rate

8.13

Prime Lending rate

13.99

Maximum Lending Rate

27.59

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 29TH SEPTEMBER , 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $97.48 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $97.08 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), 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).

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

35

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Drops by N192bn Amid Profit-taking in Banking Stocks Kayode Tokede The stock market yesterday closed on a negative note, as investors’ profit-taking in banking stocks among others dragged the overall capitalization lower by N192 billion.

Specifically, FBN Holdings dropped by 9.86 per cent to close at N26.50 per share, while Access Holdings Plc depreciated by 5.21 per cent to close yesterday at N20

per share.

Jaiz Bank Plc and Unity Bajk Plc tumbled by 5.63 per cent and 3.90 per cent to close at N1.51 per share and N1.48 per share, respectively.

Zenith bank Plc also dropped by 2.35 per cent to N35.25 per share as Guaranty Trust Holding Company dipped by 1.76 per cent to close N39 per share.

FCMB Group and United Bank for Africa (UBA) also dropped by

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

0.72 per cent and 0.45 per cent to close at N6.90 and N0.10 per share, respectively.

This brings the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) to a lost of 350.72 basis points or 0.49 per cent to close at 71,457.92 basis points from 71,808.64 basis points it opened for trading.

Accordingly, the NGX Monthto-Date and Year-to-Date returns moderated to +0.1per cent and

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

39.4 per cent, respectively.

Similarly, the market capitalisation of listed companies declined by N192 billion to close at N39.103 trillion from N39.295trillion it opened for trading.

Analysing by sectors, the NGX Banking dropped by two per cent, while the NGX Insurance added 1.8per cent. The NGX Consumer Goods, Industrial Goods and Oil & Gas indices

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S O F

closed flat.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative, as 29 stocks lost relative to 24 gainers. Multiverse Mining and Exploration emerged the highest price gainer of 9.91 per cent to close at N8.54, per share.

SCOA Nigeria and AXA Mansard Insurance followed with a gain of 9.76 per cent each to close at N1.35 and N4.50 respectively, while The Initiates Plc (TIP) and

Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank rose by 9.52 per cent each to close at N1.15 and N1.61 respectively, per share.

On the other side, FBNH led the losers’ chart with 9.86 per cent to close at N26.50, per share.

Secure Electronic Technology followed with a decline of 9.64 per cent to close at 75 kobo, while Deap Capital Management & Trust shed 9.46 per cent to close at 67 kobo, per share.

D E C E M B E R / 7 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

36

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

37

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

NEWS

PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK, "AN INTRODUCTION TO STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION"...

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Federal University Kashere Gombe State, Prof. Umaru Pate; Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd); representative of Governor of Kano State, Sanusi Bature Dawakintofa; former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adeshina; Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero; former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and chairman of the occasion/former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, during the Public Presentation of the Book, "An Introduction to Strategic Communication" Written by Dr. Sule Yau Sule, in Abuja ... yesterday

Stakeholders Lament High Taxes in Aviation Sector Insist they discourage investment, lead to increase in airfares

Chinedu Eze Aviation industry stakeholders yesterday in Lagos, attributed poor investment in the sector, high airfares and cargo charges to what they described as outrageous taxes and charges levied on airlines, entrepreneurs and other users of airports.

This, according to them was partly responsible for the high airfares being charged by airlines.

They said this during the Business Breakfast Meeting hosted by the Aviation Round Table Initiative with the theme, “Nigerian Aviation Sector Charges, Duties and Tariffs: Truly

Exorbitant?.”

The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Policies, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said disturbing reports indicated that it was more expensive to transport imported goods from Apapa port to the hinterland than it was to bring them from China.

He noted that the export process was equally arduous, with prolonged clearance and certification procedures, coupled with an array of levies, prompting some exporters to opt for alternative routes through neighbouring countries.

He said recent revelations from IATA ranked Lagos and Abuja airports as the two most expensive in the

Niger Junta Fails to Stop Sanctions Imposed By ECOWAS Michael Olugbode in Abuja The ECOWAS Court of Justice has thrown out the request by the Republic of Niger for the Court to suspend sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States Authority of Heads of State and Government, following the overthrow of a democratically elected government.

The request for interim measures was part of a broader case brought by the Republic of Niger and seven other applicants, challenging the legality of sanctions imposed by ECOWAS following a military coup in the West African country in July 2023 that overthrew President Mohammed Bazoum.

In the ruling delivered yesterday by Justice Edward Amoako Asante, the court acknowledged that it has prima facie jurisdiction over the substantive application.

However, the court ruled that it could not grant the request for interim measures since the additional requirement for the case to be prima facie admissible had not been met.

The Court explained that the Republic of Niger, as currently controlled by the military junta, lacked prima facie capacity before the Court, making the substantive application prima facie inadmissible.

The substantive application was also held to be prima facie inadmissible in respect of the rest of the applicants within the meaning of Articles 9(2) and 10(c) of the Protocol

of the Court.

At the hearing held on 21 November, 2023, the Applicants represented by their lawyers, Mr Moukaila Yaye, and five others, argued that the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS have had adverse effect on the Nigerien people, including shortage of food, medicine and electricity, due to the closure of borders and suspension of electricity supply by Nigeria.

They asked the Court for interim orders that would compel the ECOWAS to immediately suspend the sanctions.

They argued that ECOWAS overreacted by imposing the sanctions and that Niger was unequally and unfairly treated compared to three other ECOWAS member states (Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea) that have experienced coup d’états in recent years.

Mr François Kanga-Penond, who represented the ECOWAS Authority and other respondents in the case told the court that the Republic of Niger was currently controlled by a military junta, which seized power unconstitutionally in violation of ECOWAS legal instruments.

He argued that since such an unconstitutional government which had been denounced by ECOWAS and the international community could not be legally deemed to represent the country, both the substantive application and request for provisional measures were inadmissible, and therefore urged the court to decline the request for interim measures.

world, due to the endless levies, taxes, fees and charges but that whether or not this assertion was accurate, the mere perception of it was detrimental and demands urgent attention.

“Some reports indicate that carriers often opt to fly outbound cargo planes empty rather than incur exorbitant charges for loading goods from Nigeria to other countries.

“Similarly, expensive overnight parking has led to some airlines favouring neighbouring countries.

To remain competitive regionally and on the global stage, we must address the burden of multiple agencies, complex paperwork, and a plethora of taxes and levies.

“As a nation, we cannot aspire to be competitive while at the same time burdening businesses with complex processes.

“We must cease taxing seeds and instead, foster an environment that

encourages businesses to thrive, bearing fruits that we can tax.”

However, he said the federal government has promised to intervene in challenges caused by agencies collecting double taxation, multiple levies and charges which had plagued the aviation sector for decades.

“In this pursuit, the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee was established, with a clear mandate to harmonise taxes and revenue collection agencies, promote business growth, and cultivate a competitive landscape, among others.

“On behalf of the PFPTRC, I assure you of our readiness to support the aviation sector in overcoming these challenges.

“Your insights and recommendations from this conference will not only shape our collective understanding but also guide our

decisions as we work towards crafting appropriate policy measures and interventions to achieve a vibrant and globally competitive aviation industry for our dear country,” he said.

In his welcome remarks, the President of ARTI, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (rtd), said, the meeting was put together after controversies that trailed the recent submission by some participants at both local and international aviation events to the effect that charges at Nigerian airports especially Abuja and Lagos Airports were among the most prohibitive in the world.

He said as with most issues deserving attention, the ARTI decided to gather a respectable collegiate of knowledgeable individuals and organisations to interrogate the subject of charges and tariffs as applicable in the sector.

One of the guest speakers,

Dr. Gbenga Olowo, who is the immediate past president of ARTI, while presenting his paper, asked if the airlines were revenue collectors, saying that commercial aviation particularly in Nigeria had not been a priority for subsequent governments.

“IATA has severally described airlines as cash-cow, meaning that they collect cash from one party and deliver to the other.

“This is truly so, especially in Nigeria when you consider the revelations during the just concluded 55th Annual General Assembly and summit of African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in Kampala, Uganda which rose with a statement

by IATA that Lagos and Abuja are the most expensive airports in the world.

“Passenger Service Charge in Nigeria is $100 per passenger, while Doha, the best airport in the world, it is $44 and Dubai is $40.

Aduda: FG Bidding to Bring Headquarters of Proposed African Energy Bank to Nigeria Says continent not obligated to the world on reduction of fossil fuel production Peter Uzoho The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, has stated that the Nigerian government was currently bidding hard to become the host country for the upcoming African Energy Bank (AEB).

Aduda, also dispelled the position of anti-fossil fuel advocates otherwise known as climate change and energy transition campaigners, saying Africa was not obligated to the world to reduce its oil and gas production but to contribute in de-carbonisation and emission reduction.

The Permanent Secretary stated these in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while giving his closing remarks on the last day of this year's Practical Nigerian Content (PNC), where he cautioned African countries not to blindly focus on climate change to the detriment of the continents huge fossil fuels resources left in the ground The theme of the forum organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) was, “Deepening Nigerian

Content Amidst Divestment, Domestication and Decarbonisation.”

The chief promoter of the AEB, the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), working in synergy with the African ExportImport Bank (Afrexim-bank) had pledged $5 billion for the establishment of the energy bank, which would significantly help in advancing oil and gas projects across oil-producing member countries.

However, Afreximbank had said last November, that the proposed African Energy Bank would be inaugurated in June 2024 to mitigate the crisis in the continent’s energy sector.

At a budgeted share per capital of $5 million, Afreximbank had said the proposed AEB would be able to help African oil-producing member-states to take advantage of the over 125 billion barrel reserves of oil and that of the over 75 trillion cubic feet of gas present on the African continent.

But speaking at the session in Bayelsa, Aduda also urged oil and gas industry stakeholders not to be

discouraged by the anti-fossil fuels projections, but to remain resilient as the government was also working to ensure that the country was able to continue to take advantage of the enormous crude oil resources in the country.

He acknowledged efforts being made by the NCDMB to grow local content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and enable the country take advantage of its hydrocarbon resources, noting that the federal government was also complementing such efforts to support the players.

He stated: “At the federal level, we are working to see that we support. A lot is in play and just yesterday, the Executive Secretary took his time to reel out laws, the technical support, the financial support, now research has been added, and all these are put in place for you to be able to take advantage of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

“Apart from that, the government is working right now, and we are bidding hard to bring the African energy bank to Nigeria. We want to

host it here; we want the headquarters of the African energy bank to be here in Nigeria.

“And why is the African Petroleum Producers Organisation pushing for the African Energy Bank? It’s simply because very soon, we know that the western world is going to use funding against us, against the development of fossil fuels.

“We are saying no, we are going to put up our own bank that can support Africa because what we owe the world actually is reduction in carbonisation and harmful emission, but we do not owe the world a reduction in the production of fossil fuel."

He maintained that Africa cannot leave the certainty of fossil fuel and begin to pursue an uncertain future with renewables, advising African people not to allow the continent to be emasculated by the world into their own agenda.

Aduda, explained that the complete shift towards renewable energy would only further destroy the environment which the climate team was fighting against.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

NEWS

BANK DIRECTORS SUMMIT...

L-R; Chairman Board of Director Wema Bank, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola; chairman, Bank Director Association of Nigeria and Fidelity Bank, Mr. Mustafa Chike Obi; former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Chairman NGX group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga during the 2023 Bank Directors Summit in Abuja ... yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Fubara: I Won’t Submit My Mandate to Sabotage, Intimidation, Blackmail Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday, responded to alleged orchestrated threat to his mandate, and vowed never to submit to sabotage, intimidation and blackmail from any quarter.

Fubara, who reaffirmed his commitment to serve with “humility, sincerity of purpose

and accountability,” assured that he would not abandon the mandate given to him to serve, protect and advance the fortunes of the State.

The governor made the assertion while declaring open the 115 and 116 combined Quarterly General Meeting of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt.

He said, "Although these are trying times, let us not forget that Rivers State is our collective

Remove TETFund Budget from National Budget, ASUU Tells FG Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the country’s budgeting agencies to separate the budget of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) from Nigeria’s annual budget to enable effective implementation.

ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodoke, made the call at the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research, TETFAIR, Showcase and Closing Event held on Thursday at Innov8 Technology Hub, Abuja.

Osodeke, who was speaking against the backdrop of suspicion that the national budget may not enjoy 100 per cent implementation, observed that strangely, for the first time, government decided to add TETFund’s budget to the national budget.

The ASUU president added that once TETTund’s budget is included in the national budget, "it is finished.”

He also called on Nigerians to deal with inferiority complex, which allows them to depend on services abroad, stating that every country in the world that wants to develop must use its ideas and use its people and those ideas are in the universities.

Osodeke decried continuous patronage of foreign goods and services by Nigerians even when they can be sourced locally.

According to Osodeke, “In 2020 we were challenged to produce something better than IPPIS. It took us two months to produce it. We have presented UTA to National Assembly; to the House. Then we said let’s test the twin and IPPIS came last; but Nigeria insisted on using IPPIS. “Every year, the Nigerian

government pays $40 to a company in UK for paying me salary and you reject the one in your university. You want to do anything you run abroad.”

While commending TETFund for the TETFAIR project, he assured that the men engaged in the scheme can solve Nigeria's problems, stating that “we must come back home and use our ideas.”

Osodeke also warned against political interference in TETFund from authorities overseeing the ministry.

“Nigeria is in deep crisis. Our best brains whether in the academic or medical are leaving the country.

Thousands of our colleagues, the good ones are leaving the country.

Some are leaving to go and farm.

We must rescue our country. Allow the money for universities go into universities,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Labour, Hon Simon Lalong, who described the occasion as a celebration of the remarkable innovative achievements over the year, said the scheme serves as a platform for researchers and innovators to showcase their groundbreaking ideas to transform them into tangible solutions.

Lalong expressed confidence that the valuable experiences gained through the TETFAIR will empower Nigerian scholars to contribute significantly to their fields at home and internationally.

On his part, the Minister of State for Education, Hon Yusuf Sununu, said the TETFAIR was not the only research effort being made towards national development, stating that Nigerian researchers were also engaged in multi prong efforts, including the development of vaccines for preventable diseases in Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

inheritance, presently under my watch, to protect, defend and advance it as the governor.

"I assure you that I will not fail in this responsibility nor will I surrender our mandate and progress to intimidation, blackmail and deliberate sabotage. I reaffirm my earlier statement and recommit myself to the path of peace as there is nothing to gain in a State of needless crisis."

On development, the governor said drastic measures would be taken to strengthen education, healthcare and social services across the state, so that no part, including the rural areas, would be left behind.

Advancing his efforts in human

capital development, the governor said his 2024 budget would prioritise and provide sufficient funding to create universal access to affordable and quality education and healthcare services in the state.

"We will also take deliberate steps to unlock the entrepreneurial spirit among our teeming unemployed youths through viable initiatives on skills development, entrepreneurship training and targeted investments in commercial agriculture."

Fubara urged the traditional rulers to be upright and royal fathers of integrity, who would not compromise their neutrality.

He further enjoined them to be courageous to speak truth to power

so that they would not lose their moral authority and legitimacy before their people.

"We must all be worried about the plight of our youths, especially those in rural communities, most of whom are poor, neglected and almost forgotten in the government’s development plans, policies, and actions.

"As we all know, no human society can progress without peace and security. I will, therefore, urge you to continue to work tirelessly for the preservation of peace and security to attract sustainable development to your communities."

The governor, also harped on the need for everybody to have faith in the renewed hope agenda

of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration at the federal level, asserting that the president has shown determination at pulling the nation out of the prevailing economic straits and usher in a new era of sustainable and reassuring economic progress.

In his address, the Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Sergeant Chidi Awuse, declared the firm support of the council to the administration, saying he was elected as the best and trusted to lead the state.

Awuse urged troublemakers, who were fanning the ember of discord to cease from the acts and allow the governor to concentrate on the work he was elected to do.

OEDC Report Reveals ‘Unprecedented’ Decline in Global Literacy Scores Singapore is world's best, Math scores in US 'stubbornly low' Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The latest global education survey published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has revealed an “unprecedented” decline in academic progress in many countries across the world.

Working with over 100 countries, the OECD is a global policy forum that promotes policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey, the first study on state of global education since COVID-19 pandemic also focused on the mental state of students, showing the historic setbacks suffered by students globally.

The PISA survey is carried out every three years by the OECD, and tests 15-year-old students' knowledge in mathematics, reading and science across 81 countries and regions.

The report revealed that the average international mathematics score fell by 15 points since the 2018 tests, the equivalent of three-quarters of a year of learning.

This showed that reading fell by the equivalent of half a year, with only science scores remaining more

or less the same.

According to the assessment, 20 points is seen as equivalent to a year of learning.

Asian countries dominated the top spots in a keenly watched survey of education capabilities, while levels in Europe slipped at a record pace – and not just because of Covid-19.

However, the report also showed that students in top performing countries were not necessarily happier.

The PISA survey is carried out every three years by the Paris-based OECD to assess the ability of 15-yearolds to meet real-life challenges.

"The PISA 2022 results show a fall in student performance that is unprecedented in Pisa's history," OECD education analyst, Irene Hu said.

Singapore took top ranking in the latest assessment, which was carried out in 2022 and involved 690,000 students in 81 participating countries and economies.

The South-east Asian island city state scored highest in all three of the survey's areas: mathematics, reading and science.

"These results suggest that, on average, Singaporean students are the equivalent of almost three to five years of schooling ahead of their peers," the report said.

Five other Asian education systems – in Macao, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea – came next in mathematics, and also scored near the top in reading and science.

But while Asia did well, other parts of the world declined, sparking an overall "unprecedented drop in performance", the report said.

The usual survey schedule was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and the overall results from 2022 reflected the changes since the previous tests in 2018 across both rich and poor nations, eliciting concern from officials.

It was administered in 2022 to a sample of 15-year-olds in 37 OECD member countries plus 44 other partner nations. The OECD has been conducting the test since 2000.

In the United States, despite President Joe Biden’s investments in education, including $190 billion in pandemic relief that the US Congress sent to schools, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said that the country’s math scores remain “stubbornly low”.

“We cannot be complacent at home,” he said, “not when math is critical to our global competitiveness and leadership.”

European countries also showed a particularly sharp decline. Iceland,

the Netherlands, Norway and Poland were among countries that saw notably lower achievements in math, the report showed.

While in other countries, “the average 15-year-old in 2022 scored at the level expected of a 14-year-old in 2018,” the report said.

Germany and France scored in the lower ranks among European countries, with German pupils performing worse than ever in reading, math and science in what OECD education analyst Eric Charbonnier called a “worrying” decline.

Countries such as Germany, Iceland and the Netherlands saw drops of 25 points or more in math scores.

While some of the decline is likely due to school shutdowns and interruptions during COVID-19, “long-term issues in education systems are also to blame for the drop in performance,” the report said.

“It is not just about Covid,” OECD analysts said, arguing that the issue is systemic.

A key factor is “the level of support pupils received from teachers and school staff”, according to Irene Hu. Charbonnier agreed that “countries have invested in education over the past 10 years, but may be they didn’t invest efficiently or sufficiently into the quality of teaching”.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

NEWS

DISCUSSING NIGERIA’S GAS SECTOR… L-R: President, Middle East & Africa, Emerson Automation Solutions, Mr. Matthias Schinzel; Special Adviser, Gas Investments to Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Henry Oki; Group President, Global Sales for Emerson, Mr. Roel Van Doren; Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Emerson's Vice President/General Manager, Middle East & Africa, Emerson, Mr. M. S Prakash, after a meeting with Ekpo at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirate…yesterday

Keyamo, Saudi Authorities Meet over Seamless 2024 Hajj Operations To fast track implementation of BASA with Republic of Seychelles Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo has met with the President of the General

Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Duailj, at the ongoing 15th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air

Services Negotiation (ICAN2023) holding in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia .

The meeting which had officials of the Aeronautical authorities from both countries in attendance, including representatives of

airlines from Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, discussed critical issues with respect to the performance of Nigerian Air Carriers during the 2023 Hajj operations.

The meeting also discussed

Senators Fume as NCS Spends N800 to Feed Dogs, N750 on Prisoners Daily Correctional Service CG demands N3,000 as feeding allowance of each inmates daily Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Members of the National Assembly joint committee on the Interior yesterday, described as unacceptable, the revelation by the authorities of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) that it spends more money to feed dogs than the inmates The Controller General of the NCS Haliru Nababa, appeared before a joint National Assembly Committee on Interior to defend his 2024 Budget.

He said the agency spends N800 daily to feed each of its 100 dogs while it spends N750 daily on each of the inmates.

He said, "The Nigeria Correctional Service has written the Minister of Interior requesting for the review of the amount we are using to feed the inmates from N750 per day, to N3, 000 per day. We are still waiting for the approval.

"We are therefore seeking the assistance of the National Assembly to approve the increment.

"We have made provision for the

feeding of inmates, dogs and staff on training in six training institutions across the country. The money is grossly inadequate.

"The total number of the inmates in 2023 is 81, 354 nationwide while 53, 352 are awaiting trial.

"The budget for feeding each of them per day is N750 at N250 per meal, per inmate. We also have about 100 dogs that we feed with N800 per day."

The CG explained that the feeding allowance per day reduces to N720 after the reduction of VAT and tax When the joint panel demanded for the breakdown of the menu being served the prisoners as breakfast, lunch and dinner, the CG and his team said they have the menu of what the prisoners should eat as breakfast, lunch and dinner based on the locality they are being remanded.

The CG however said they were not with the menu chart.

The CG said the quantity of the food and the ingredients needed to prepare it were contained in the chart.

Oshiomhole, who is the Chairman

of the joint committee wondered how the authorities of the NCS manage to feed the inmates with such paltry sum going by the market price.

He said, "53, 352 or more are not convicted yet, they are awaiting trial. They are not guilty of any offence known to law.

"They are innocent under our laws. For an innocent Nigerian who is being held in a correctional home N250 per meal is grossly inadequate. I wonder what you are feeding them with. They are obviously underfed.

"The Minister of Interior said yesterday that the NCS rather than being correctional is dehumanising.

"I am surprised that the 2024 budget is still based on old figures. I am surprised the CG cannot, based on the market forces cannot present before us, the realistic amount that could feed an innocent Nigerians who has not been pronounced guilty by any court of "You mean the chart is so complicated that you will need to read a book to tell us?"

Oshiomhole further caused a stir when he asked the NCS team how much it costs them to buy the quantity of the foodstuff and ingredients needed to prepare the meal of a prisoner.

Oshiomhole said, "This is a very important assignment. A lot of Nigerians under your care are innocent. They are in prisons, courtesy of big men and women who want to ‘teach them a lesson.’

"Many of them are there on offences they knew nothing about.

However, the system has put them under your care.

“Somebody said if Mandela was in a Nigerian prison for 27 years, he would have lost his sanity by the time he was released to govern South Africa.

"Our prisons are meant to correct the behaviours of the people. They are not condemnation centres. They are not to dehumanise.

"How can you look at us eye to eye and tell us that you feed a grown up man in Nigeria with N750 a day?

challenges of Hajj operations during the 2023 Hajj season; recommendations for 2024 Hajj season and the preparation for the exercise.

Keyamo, in a statement released yesterday, in Abuja by the Head of Press and Public Affairs of the Ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, noted that the ongoing ICAO’s ICAN2023 provides countries and participants a forum to learn about current industry trends and issues, and exchange experiences, in addition to negotiation of agreements with respect to air services on direct flight connectivity between countries for the purpose of promoting commerce, trade and tourism.

He said the conference would provide the Nigerian government opportunity to discuss extensively with its Saudi counterpart on all the issues and ensure flawless and seamless Hajj operations in the interest of the pilgrims.

According to Keyamo, "A standing committee was constituted with representatives from the two countries with the mandate to meet weekly to discuss on progress being made

by Nigeria towards preparations for the pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Makkah and Medina."

Similarly, in order to deepen the implementation of the subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Seychelles, Keyamo also met with his counterpart, the Minister of Transport of Republic of Seychelles, Mr.

Anthony Derjacques.

The meeting, Keyamo hinted was at the instance of Seychelles to discuss on how to further accelerate direct air connectivity between the two countries.

The Aviation Minister, applauded Derjacques for initiating the meeting and promised to fast track the implementation of the signed BASA to promote trade and tourism between the two African nations.

Continuing, he stated that he would liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure that adequate profiling was done on those who had the intention of visiting Seychelles from Nigeria to prevent those with bad intentions from entering the country.

Speaking, Derjacques who noted that the subsisting BASA between the two countries was signed at the 2022 ICAN meeting held in Abuja, had not been operational, noted that the signed BASA instrument had been deposited with the parliament of Seychelles for ratification.

He, therefore, stated that nothing should stop the commencement of direct flight between Seychelles and Nigeria, either through chartered flight or scheduled operations.

He further disclosed that his country had put in place a robust system that would ensure that those with genuine intentions were allowed into the country known for tourism and her aquatic splendour.

AbdulRazaq Restates Support for MSME, Opens Trade Fair in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Governor and Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Thursday, said his administration will continue to provide a conducive environment for businesses to blossom.

AbdulRazaq said this in Ilorin while declaring open the Christmas/ New Year Exhibition for Macro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

The exhibition, which is being organized by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on

Culture and Tourism, Hon Muka Ray Eyiwumi, is located in the premises of the Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture, Geri Alimi Ilorin, and will last for a month, with effect from December 5.

According to him, "There is need for us as Nigerians to showcase what we are producing to the world and as a government we will continue to encourage the patronage and use of made in Nigeria products," The governor said the contribution of large, small and medium sized businesses to IGR

and economic stability of the country cannot be overemphasized, thereby requiring support to achieve the set objectives.

He said his administration places high premium on assisting the growth and development of MSME, having recognized the pivotal roles it plays in economic development.

"We have witnessed the exhibition of products being made by our people, meaning that Nigerians are up to the task and as a government, we are going to encourage them so that they can contribute to economic

growth and development of the state and the country at large", he said.

The governor who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Special Duties Hon John Bello, called on people, especially those who reside in that neighborhood, to patronize the vendors, saying their goods are quality and most of them are locally made.

"The people of Kwara State should increasingly embrace and patronize the locally made products. If we all inculcate the habit of patronizing made in

Nigeria products, people will be self-reliant, and our local economy will be boosted," he said.

He appreciated the Convener of the exhibition, Hon. Mukay Ray, for the initiative which he described as a welcome development, urging him to sustain the good tempo.

The Speaker, State House of Assembly, Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Abdulqowiy Olododo, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Shehu Ndanusa Usman, and Commissioner for Social

Development, Hon. Afolashade Kemi were among the dignitaries that graced the event.

Convener of the programme and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Muka Ray Eyiwumi, said the event was to uniquely showcase made in Nigeria products especially in the yuletide period.

While describing the turnout as impressive, the governor's aide said no fewer than 150 vendors are currently displaying their goods, expressing hope to see more vendors.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

NEWS

LAUNCH OF HERO HUNTER BIKES… Mr Vikas Mehra, Business Head Tolaram Africa Enterprise Limited and a cross section of participants at the recent launch of Hero Hunter bikes in Ibadan, Nigeria

Foremost Unionist, Frank Kokori, Dies on 80th Birthday Tinubu, Oborevwori, Keyamo, Dafinone, others mourn

Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri A foremost Trade Unionist and former General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori, has died.

According to reports, the trade unionist, who passed on at about 1:30am yesterday, died on his 80th birthday.

The passage of the octogenarian was made public at about 2:30 am by his personal assistant, Atawada

Barry Oke. Oke said the former labour leader’s health relapsed on Monday as he was unable to interact with people around him while he was placed on life support.

Kokori was an advocate for workers' right and the struggle for democracy in the country. He was to be appointed to head the board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) by the former President Muhammadu Buhari but later dropped.

The irrepressible trade unionist later retired into a quiet life until recently when he reportedly took ill.

Anambra Airport Marks Two Years of Operation with 260, 000 Passengers Throughput Chinedu Eze The Anambra State airport, now known as the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport, has marked two years of its operation, recording 260, 000 passengers and over 4000 flights within the period.

In a ceremony yesterday, to mark the anniversary, many Anambra sons and daughters that attended the event commended the decision to build the airport, which has become one of the viable state airports in the country.

According to the Managing Director and CEO of the airport, Martins Nwafor, many airports in Nigeria have not recorded such number of throughput in five years.

He noted that the Anambra airport has met expectations of the people and has also filled a vacuum by making it convenient for people to board flights in their state.

Nwafor, said the state government would later celebrate the naming of the airport Chinua Achebe, the late erudite scholar and writer who hailed from the State.

He said as the yuletide was approaching, the airport was prepared for the upsurge of passengers and holiday makers that would return to the State, disclosing that the airlines that already operate to the airport would increase their frequency and capacity to the airport.

“We hope to operate to near capacity. Already Air Peace and

United Nigeria Airlines are operating to the airport.

“The airport has the approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to operate mid-size aircraft, Boeing 737 or its equivalent to the airport. Air Peace is already operating its Boeing 737 and Embraer E195-E2; while United Nigeria is operating its ERJ 145, but the airline may likely bring in its Airbus A320 during the festive period.

“We have also prepared the airport for better service. We have realigned our Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Voice Ominidirectional Radio Range (VOR).

“We are working on getting our runway light. We have also spoken with NAMA to calibrate the landing aids at the airport and we scheduled this will happen next week,” he said.

The Managing Director also complained about the charges by government agencies: the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), saying that what they charge the airport to provide their services was exorbitant.

He disclosed that FAAN charges the airport N8 million monthly; NAMA - N6 million and NIMET, N2, 250, 000 – saying it was difficult for the airport to expend such charges and still remain in business and called for the review of the charges by the said agencies.

Kokori’s death came barely one month after he cried out from his hospital bed on Thursday, November 9, 2023, that he had been neglected and abandoned to die in spite of his huge contribution to the democratic growth of the country.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu, governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo and the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, have led other Nigerians to mourn the deceased.

Tinubu, in a release by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, condoled with Kokori’s family, the civil society, the government, and the people of Delta state over the deeply painful loss.

Tinubu, who described the former labour leader as a man of conscience, highly principled, courageous, and true, said, "Frank Kokori was a thoroughbred democrat and activist.

He fought for democracy at a great

personal cost.

“He surrendered his liberty to fight for truth and justice. He was the finest among reformers and champions of civil rights in Nigeria.

"He was a brother in the June 12 struggle. He was uncompromising, unbending, and irrepressible. He was an exemplary comrade."

Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, commiserated with the family, the people of Ovu community in Ethiope East Local Government Area in particular and the Urhobo nation over the passing of the fiery labour leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC).

He described Kokori's passing as a "monumental loss" not just to NUPENG, Deltans and Nigerians, but to the entire world, adding that he fought gallantly for the people.

According to him, the deceased was a well respected elder statesman and an illustrious Deltan and recalled his visit to him on his sick bed in

Warri.

"I have just received with shock, news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s greatest statesmen, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, a Deltan of unparalleled patriotism.

"I am saddened that at a time like this when his patriotic zeal is needed in our dear nation, Nigeria, death came calling. I will forever cherish our last moments together when l visited him in the hospital. He was ebullient and was in very high spirits despite his ailment. He fought a good fight.”

Senator Dafinone described Kokori as an iconic labour leader, a staunch progressive politician and a fearless defender of democracy, highlighting the labour leader’s valiant efforts alongside other pro-democracy leaders in establishing the current democratic government in Nigeria.

In a condolence statement, the Delta Central lawmaker emphasised that Kokori’s demise was a significant loss not only to the progressive and labour movements, where his contributions

remained indelible, but also to the Urhobo nation.

“The news of his death deeply saddens me. Although we grieve, we must accept that we are mere mortals, who cannot question God’s will. I firmly believe that Chief Kokori led a fulfilling life and has left behind a remarkable legacy,” Dafinone expressed.

Also, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has described the deceased as a giant in trade Union struggles and a courageous fighter In a condolence message by its General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, TUC said Kokori exhibited selflessness during his life time.

According to him, Kokori had the choice to become one of the richest Nigerians just by agreeing to support military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha but "rather, he put his life on line for the de-annulment of the 1993 June 12 Presidential Elections and enthronement of democracy in the country.

2023 Elections: 70-Year-Old APC Chief Imprisoned for Vote Buying Wale Igbintade

Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, yesterday, sentenced a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Wahab Olaniye Hammed, to one year imprisonment for vote buying.

The judge sentenced the 70-yearold electoral offender after convicting him on a two-count charge of conspiracy and bribery.

Hammed, an APC Surulere ward leader was sentenced following the review of the fact in the case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

The anti-graft had accused the convict of vote buying and bribery contrary to the provision of Sections 121 (1) and (5); 121 (1) and (3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The prosecution counsel, Mr Samuel Daji, told the court that Defendant had on February 25 conspired with one Segun Ijitola, who was still at large, to pay voters

during the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

Daji told court that they committed the offence at Unit 28, Gbaja Girls Junior High School, Surulere, where they bribed voters at the unit.

However, at the resumed proceeding for review of fact and sentence, the court directed the interpreter to interpret for Hammed as the prosecution reviewed the fact of the case since the convict claimed he did not understand the English language or pidgin.

The prosecutor, Daji said while the Commission officers on election monitoring duties were at Surulere, Lagos, during the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Election held on the 25th February, 2023, they received intelligence about the activities of individuals engaging in vote buying and bribery at polling unit 28, located at Gbaja Girls High School Surulere area of Lagos State.

"After the receipt of the

intelligence, a team of operatives were dispatched to the polling unit and the defendant was seen sharing money to bribe voters of his party. On citing the operatives of the Commission, the voters ran away, while the defendant was arrested with the sum of N121,000.00.

"The defendant was brought to the Commission's office located at 15A Awolowo Road Ikoyi Lagos with the exhibit. He was interviewed and he made voluntary statements, where he stated that he was a ward leader of APC in Unit F3 Surulere, Lagos.

"He confessed that the money found with him was given to him by one Hon. Seun Ijtola, a Senior Special Assistant to Chairman Surulere Local Government, to bribe voters to vote for their party APC. He confessed that he had bribed a few voters before he was arrested, and the money was in N500 denomination."

Justice Ijelu, however, asked the defendant if he understood the facts reviewed against him by the prosecuting counsel, the defendant

answered in affirmative.

The judge, therefore, found him guilty and convicted him.

Before the sentence, the defendant pleaded for mercy in tears.

He said, "Milord I am an old man above 70, I have never been arrested and I have no criminal case or record. I am also set for surgery slated for Saturday. Since I was arrested and detained, I have not been feeling fine. I battle with high blood pressure and ulcer.”

He further pleaded that at his age, he would not have been involved in such activity if his children were employed, and providing for him.

The defendant counsel, Mr Olabiyi Ademola, also pleaded that the Defendant had been remorseful and regret his action, and vowed not to involve in any of such act again or any criminal act.

The judge, therefore, sentenced him to one year imprisonment. He, however, gave him an option of N500,000.00 in each for the two counts charge against him.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

NEWS

SHETTIMA VISITS VICTIMS OF DRONE ATTACK...

Vice President Kashim Shettima sympathising with victims of the of Kaduna Drone Attack at Barau Diko Teaching Hospital Biri Village , Kaduna..... yesterday

2027: PDP, NNPP, SDP, Four Others in Coalition Talks LP Chair: We’ll consider it if it becomes an option

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

With 2027 on their minds, seven opposition political parties have commenced talks for a possible coalition or merger ahead of subsequent elections in the country.

The coalition is made up of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC),

Social Democratic Party(SDP) Allied Peoples Movement, (APM) New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The seven opposition political parties, which spoke on the umbrella of Coalition of Concerned Political Parties, expressed concern over the integrity of the judiciary in Nigeria

SHOWING COMPASSION, SHETTIMA LEADS FG'S DELEGATION TO VISIT KADUNA BOMB VICTIMS, PROMISES REBUILDING Kaduna drone strike which it put at 81 dead and 71 injured and receiving treatment.

At a media briefing in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj Gen Edward Buba, said the figures stood at 81 dead, 71 injured.

"The village leaders have 81 killed, 70 receiving treatment," he said, adding that, the military "is interested in the protection of civilians. We have demonstrated this. The military will go to great length to protect civilians."

He denied that lack of synergy and intelligence coordination was responsible for the wrong targeting of the drone strike.

"We will continue to conduct our operations consistent with rule of engagement as always done. Our operations is joint. If we talk about cooperation, we have not had it better than this. We are determined to improve upon synergies. In future, we will work towards zero occurrence," he said.

Fleeing Terrorists Flood Niger Community, Sack Villagers

Not less than 300 heavily armed terrorists, fleeing from the joint military operations in parts of Niger and Kaduna States on Wednesday, flooded the Tsohon Kabula village in the Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

The gunmen were said to be riding three on each motorcycles at the time they arrived the community.

THISDAY was told by a villager, who preferred to remain anonymous that the arrival of the terrorists had made the villagers to scamper to

safety and vacate the village because of fears that the gunmen could unleash havoc on them.

So far it was said the gunmen had only just taken over the abandoned residences and food bans of the villagers without attacking them while some of the bandits were reportedly stationed at strategic locations as security in the event of arrival of men of the local vigilante and the armed forces.

It was learnt that the villagers, who only recently returned to Tsohon Kabula after several months of staying in Internally Displaced People's Camps because of the restoration of peace have returned to Sabon Kabula and Sarkinpawa towns, where they are staying with their relations.

THISDAY was also informed that another batch of the terrorists escaping from the operations were also on Wednesday morning neutralised while trying to cross the river Kusasu to the other side.

The gunmen were said to have seized a wooden boat and forced it's owner to pilot them across the river to the other side.

However, it was learnt that the boat was sighted from the skies leading to its being bombed by the government force.

Miraculously THISDAY learnt that all those in the boat apart from its owner, who was forced to convey them escaped death.

The air component of the military operations and some local vigilante were said to be on their way to Tsohon Kabula to dislodge the bandits hibernating there.

The owner of the boat, it was further learnt, has already returned to Zumba, where he was congratulated by friends and relations.

and national security as well as fear of Nigeria sliding into a one party state.

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, had hosted a delegation of the Inter-party Advisory Council, where he expressed fears on the possibility of the country falling into a one-state party, and urged them to see the need for unity.

The coalition also expressed worry on the level of instability in the country, urging the judicial system to save Nigeria’s democracy and rid itself of political and executive interference.

The coalition, however, urged the judiciary to strengthen their conviction towards delivering judgements that could stand the test of time.

Although the Labour Party was not at the meeting, its National Chairman, Julius Abure, who spoke differently, said if merger or coalition became an option, his party would consider the option.

Arising from the outcome of the 2023 elections and the off-season elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections, he said it was apparent Nigeria was gradually sliding to a one-party state.

"From the pronouncements of courts, there are genuine fears that are being expressed that Nigeria is moving towards one party state.

"If it will save Nigeria, why not?

If it will save our democracy, why not? If it will help us have result, why not? If it will enhance our institutions and put food on our table, why not?"

Abure, however, said the Labour Party was yet to consider the idea, but added that, "It is an option we can look at. But the labour party has not taken a position on this. Personally, if that becomes an option to save Nigeria, why not?"

Speaking at a press conference after a preliminary meeting, the acting National Secretary of the PDP, Setonji Koshoedo, who represented the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, said, “This coalition wants to offer strong opposition for the good of Nigeria. Our duty is to offer alternative solutions to government policies.”

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, noted that, "We looked into the issue of the judiciary. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man, if it still stands.

"We are worried about the level of instability the country is going through. If you look at recent developments in Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kano and Plateau States, it is very clear that the judiciary must exercise

extreme caution with some of its decisions.

“The judiciary should strengthen their conviction towards delivering judgments that can stand the test of time. They should not allow we politicians to infiltrate their rank, sanity and capacity to deliver judgments that are internationally sound and can be recognised," he said.

Speaking on insecurity, he averred that the security situation in the country was getting worse.

“We have looked at the security situation in the country with a lot of concern. When the President came in, he promised to do everything humanly possible to secure lives and properties of Nigerians. We want to urge him to do more than he is doing; the security situation is not improving.

“For him to have a conducive environment, where people can invest domestically and internationally, the nation must be secured. Any nation that can’t secure the lives of citizens cannot think of attracting investors from anywhere. The environment is choked, it is not secured, people cannot move freely; they need to rejig the security system.”

Gabam urged the National Assembly to review and rejig the 2024 budget, lamenting that Nigeria

was operating a theoretical budget and not an ‘operational budget.’

His words: “We have also looked at the issue of the renewed hope budget. We have analysed that budget and in our own humble analysis and opinion, we believe strongly that the National Assembly needs to step in and review the budget.

“Our population is over 200m, and by now it must have doubled that number. We don’t want a budget that is theory based, the budget must be operational. It is in the interest of the country for the leadership to develop an operational budget, not a budget based on projections and theories that cannot be realised."

On his part, the national chairman of the ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, said the idea behind the coalition “is to strengthen our democracy. We have seen that people in government are trying to stifle viable opposition.

Representatives of other parties at press conference were the National Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement of APM, Yusuf Dantalle and Acting National Chairman of New Nigeria Peoples Party, Abba Ali. Others were the National Publicity Secretary of Young Progressive Party, Egbeola Martins and the National Secretary of Zenith Labour Party, Yahaya Makama.

NAPTIP Prosecuting Woman for Selling 120 Children, DG Tells Senate Expresses readiness to fight trafficking in persons with modern Techs, Trends Sunday Aborisade and Michael Olugbode in Abuja The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) told the Senate Committee on Special Duties, yesterday, that it was prosecuting a woman who was arrested for selling over 120 children The agency also said it had no tracking machine in its 20 years of existence. The Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, stated this when she appeared before the Senate panel to defend its 2024 budget.

Waziri-Azi said apart from the prosecution of the woman whose name she didn't disclose, said they are also investigating a lot of fake orphanages

and those who use fake documents to run organizations they are using to traffic children.

In another development, NAPTIP also said it is ever ready to evolve modern technologies and practices to fight growing incidences of trafficking in persons in the country.

NAPTIP D-G said this, Thursday, during the Official Launch of the NAPTIP-IPA Collaborative Project titled “Promoting Evidence-Based Anti-Trafficking Efforts in Nigeria.”

Her words: “This collaborative venture between NAPTIP and IPA marks a pivotal shift towards strategic and informed interventions, setting the stage for a more impactful and nuanced approach in our ongoing fight against

human trafficking, generously supported by the US Department of State Program to End Modern Day Slavery.”

Meanwhile, in her Senate appearance, Prof. Waziri-Azi said, "We are currently prosecuting a woman who has sold over 120 children. Young girls are lured into baby making where they are camped in houses and they sleep with different men," Fatima said, adding that human traffickers have capitalized on the japa syndrome and are now exploiting Nigerians.

"We have 32 offices in the country.

We don't have offices in Kogi, Niger and Bauchi States and we spent a lot from our shelters.

"We feed the victims, cloth them, provide support, trace their families

and also help in repatriation."

Waziri-Azi said, adding that 20,200 victims have received support.

She said there were a lot of rescued victims in Lagos, Katsina, Kano and Abuja with Benue having the highest number of rescued victims.

Waziri-Azi said NAPTIP has secured 639 convictions in 20 years adding that in 2021 alone, they received 1,232 human trafficking complaints.

"Every State in Nigeria is faced with trafficking especially Jigawa, Kano, Katsina. Before, it was Edo State," Fatima said, adding that they have always relied on donors to fund their activities, which is inadequate.

We are supporting 32 victims in school with additional 21 in university.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

NEWS

AGENDA FOR THE OFFICIAL CAST UNVEILING "DEAFENING SILENCE"...

L-R: DG, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC , Mr Charles Ebuebe; First Lady, Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Chioma Otti; Deputy Head of Mission, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos; First Lady Wife of the Governor of Katsina State, Hajia Fatima Radda, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha ; United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mathias Schmale and Wife of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Aisha Baguda and UNDP, Deputy Resident Representative, Mr Blessed Chimrimuta, during the agenda for the official cast Unveiling "Deafening Silence' in Abuja

Audit Query: NPA Blames Private Ports Operators for Unremitted $852m, N1.8bn Seeks Senate nod to write-off bad debts

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The leadership of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) appeared before the Senate Public Accounts Committee yesterday to defend the query of the Auditor General for the Federation(AuGF) which indicted it of not remitting $852 million and N1.8 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

The Office of the Auditor General for the Federation had in the 2019 audit report said the NPA did not collect remittances from terminal operators which amounted to $852 million and N1.8 billion.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts , on the strength of the audit queries against NPA had on Tuesday given its Managing Director , Bello Koko and other management staff , to appear before it unfailingly within 48 hours .

In response to the committee's directive , the NPA MD led his team to the red chamber to defend the queries.

Koko explained to the committee that the lump sums of $852 million and N1.8 billion raised in the queries, were accumulation of

non-remittances from private port operators who came on board through 2006 concession agreement.

He explained that the faulty concession agreements signed with the private operators by the federal government in 2006 , largely accounted for the nonremittances NPA was being held responsible for by the AuGF. Koko said: "The $852 million and N1.8 billion unremitted funds by the private operators to NPA was largely caused by faulty concession agreements the federal government signed with them in 2006 when the ports were in concession.

"The concession agreements were faulty in the sense that some of the operators are facing encumbrances in different ways to cover the space they had concession for them which also encumbered them to remit what are due from them to NPA. " The encumbrances in question range from inaccessibility of some portions of areas leased, by concessionaire, communal encumbrances and volume change or tonnage amount."

He told the committee that the

federal government that signed the concession agreement with the private operators , even contributed to the encumbrances faced by the concessionaires at the beginning by not removing structures that belong to it from the right of way of the affected concessionaires .

"Out of the $852 million , going by our in-house assessment, $504 million was accumulated unremitted levies due to encumbered areas .

"However, we have been able to remit $232.2 million and N269.4 million from the N1.8 billion .

"We have got consultancy from

the World Bank for review of the concession agreements which would be free from any form of encumbrances," he added .

On the second query of outstanding debts of $67.45 million and N32.266 billion , the NPA boss told the committee members that the debts were not incurred

by NPA but the defunct Nigerian Shippers Councils whose debtors are no longer traceable .

The Chairman of the Committee , Senator Aliyu Wadada, asked the NPA boss to furnish the committee with their financial statement and way out for government to write off the legacy debts.

New Twist as Police Serve $5.7m Fraud Charge on Akindele, Withdraw Bribery Suit Alex Enumah in Abuja

There was a mild twist in the trial of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Duport Midstream Company Limited, Mr Akintoye Akindele, as the police moved to withdraw the N150 million bribery case against him.

The request for withdrawal of the one-count charge came on a day the police handed Akindele a four-count charge bordering on fraud to the tune of $5.7 million.

The Duport Midstream Company Limited boss, in the charge marked CR/595/2023, was accused of offering the sum of N150 million

as bribe to a police officer, in order to compromise his investigation on alleged diversion of the sum of $5,636,397.01, belonging to Summit Oil International Ltd. At the resumed trial on December 5, the police prosecutor stunned the courtroom when he applied to withdraw the bribery charge against Akindele.

Responding, Akindele's lawyer while not opposing the application for withdrawal of the charge, urged the court to discharge and acquit his client.

However, counsel to Summit Oil International Ltd (the Complainant), B.J. Akomolafe (SAN) vehemently

opposed the application of the police to withdraw the charge on the grounds that no reason was given for the strange attempted withdrawal by the police.

Reacting, the trial judge, Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who was not satisfied with the oral application directed the prosecution to file a formal application, providing written reasons for the withdrawal.

She subsequently adjourned to Tuesday, December 12, 2023, for the hearing of written applications for and against the withdrawal of the bribery charge.

Meanwhile, the police on same day it sought to withdraw the bribery charge, also served Akindele with the charge filed in the substantive case of fraud and criminal diversion of funds related to Summit Oil's $5.7 million, in Case No. FHC/ABJ/OR/570/2023.

In the four-count charge sheet, Akindele was accused of theft, acting in concert to steal, conspiracy to commit felony to wit and dishonest conversion contrary to sections 516, 387, 385 and 388, and punishable under section 390 of the Criminal Code law, Cap C38 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

NJC Sacks Osun High Court Judge over Alleged Misconduct Declines Adeleke’s request to swear in acting chief judge Alex Enumah in Abuja The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the immediate sack of Justice S. O. Falola, from the bench of the Osun State High Court, over acts of professional misconduct.

The decision to sack the judge was taking at the 104th Meeting of the NJC held between December 6 and 7, 2023 and chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

A statement from the council disclosed that the recommendation was made sequel to findings of an investigation committee in a petition written against the judge by Mr Dapo Olowo and Polaris Bank.

Falola was said to have granted a Garnishee Order Absolute against the Bank for the sum of N283,174,000.00 "in a questionable

and strange manner", in addition to endorsement of the order and attaching the account of the Garnishee with another garnishee and not the account of the Judgment Debtor who had the legal obligation to pay the supposed judgment sum.

"They found that the subject judge misconducted himself by entertaining suit No HIK/41/2018 when there was no evidence of a judgement of the Kwara State High Court before him, neither was there a certificate of registration of same in Osun State to confer jurisdiction on him.

"It further found the conduct of the subject judge travelling to Lagos to visit the counsel of the Bank in his Chambers on the issue of Garnishee Proceedings, unbecoming of the standard expected of a judicial officer.

"Consequently, council resolved to recommend him to Governor Ademola

Adeleke of Osun State for compulsory retirement with immediate effect", the statement read in part.

The statement signed by the NJC's Director, Information, Mr Soji Oye however stated that the council in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the 1999 constitution has suspended Falola from office pending the approval of the recommendation of his compulsory retirement by the Osun state governor.

Meanwhile, the NJC after its consideration of the reports of other investigation committees that had concluded their sittings, dismissed the petitions against Justice Ekaete F. F. Obot, Chief Judge, Akwa Ibom State and Hon Justice Benson C. Anya of High Court Abia State.

The NJC also dismissed the cases against Hon. Justice Z. B. Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice

Opufaa Ben-Whyte and Augusta Uche K. Chuku of the High Court of Rivers State, for being unmeritorious or withdrawal of petition by the petitioners.

However, Justice A. I. Akobi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory is to be issued a letter of guidance to take proper charge and control of his court.

"The Plenary also considered the report of its three Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees on 51 fresh petitions written against Federal and State Judicial Officers and decided to constitute 11 panels to investigate petitions that had merits and dismissed the remaining petitions for being subjudice, having been withdrawn, and the subject judges having retired from service.

"Council also resolved to report A. A. Aribisala (SAN) to Legal

Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) for investigation and disciplinary action, for the unpalatable and derogatory remarks he made against a judicial officer and by extension, the NJC in his petition to the council,” the report said.

Meanwhile, the NJC in its meeting turned down request of Adeleke for the suspension of the State Chief Judge, on grounds that it is the only body by law to discipline judicial officers.

Recall that the Osun state government had been at loggerheads with the CJ over alleged acts of misconduct, leading to his suspension by the government. However, following strong condemnation by the public and the judiciary, the state government denied suspending the CJ. "Council considered and declined the request of Governor Ademola

Adeleke of Osun State requesting its permission to swear in the next most senior judge in the state in acting capacity, following allegations levelled against Justice Adepele Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend him.

"The Council affirmed that Justice Ojo is still the recognised Chief Judge of Osun State, and would not work on the resolution of a State House of Assembly, as it is the only body constitutionally empowered to investigate judicial officers and recommend same for any action to the governor. Consequently, Osun State should revert to status quo.

"It also received notification of retirements of seven judicial officers and notification of deaths of six serving judicial officers of Federal and State Courts", the statement added.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

43

NEWS

AFRICA COACHING WEEK…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Premium Power Solutions, Ejiroghene Udu; President, Life Coaches Association of Nigeria (LCAN), Omawumi Ogbe; Business Coach/CEO of Zetile Group, Yvonne Chioma Ofodile, and Chairman, LCAN Board of Trustees (BoT), Dr Lanre Olusola, during the unveiling of the second edition of the ACW Digest annual magazine at the 2023 Africa Coaching Week flagship conference in Lagos…recently

NDLEA Officers, Hoodlums in Crossfire in Notorious Edo Hemp Forest Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have engaged armed hoodlums in crossfire during a siege on forest warehouses in Opuje community, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State where drugs to be

sold during the forthcoming Yuletide period were stored.

A statement issued yesterday from the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, said the operatives repelled rain of bullets from armed hoodlums who blocked all roads in Opuje community, to prevent the anti-narcotic operatives from accessing the

Stakeholders Task Soludo on Conduct of LG Polls in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Stakeholders in Anambra State have tasked the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, on the need to quickly conduct elections into local government councils in the state.

The stakeholders stated this during a forum organised by International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) in collaboration with the African Centre for Leadership and Development.

The stakeholders comprising of members of civil society organisations, political parties,

the church, traditional institution, the media and others, noted that in a month’s time, it would be 10 years since after the last local government election was held in the state.

Delivering a lecture on the topic: ‘Strengthening accountability in governance and electoral process’, a lecturer in the Mass Communication Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Dr. Henry Duru, stated that Nigerian governors, not only that of Anambra State, have successfully cornered the local government system to their gains.

forest warehouses where tons of processed psychoactive substances have been stored for distribution nationwide ahead of the coming Christmas and New Year season.

The Ochi’Idoma,His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu, Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John has called for peace and unity among Nigerians so as to bring about positive economic and infrastructural development to the country.

He made this known when he received a delegation of the yearly Idoma International Carnival in his palace in Otukpo , Benue State yesterday.

The carnival, which returns

in spectacular fashion for its 2023 edition portrays the uniqueness of the Idoma culture and fashion.

The Ochi’Idoma, who was elated to receive the team, said the essence of the event will have a tremendous benefits to his kingdom even as he endorsed the event.

He condemned recent spate of insecurity in Otukpo while calling for more efforts by security agencies to beef up security towards the Christmas festive period.

warehouses and tents storing over 317,417 kilogrammes (317.4 metric tons) of cannabis sativa on January 18, 2023.

Babafemi recalled that at least, four suspects: Omoruan

Theophilus, 37; Aigberuan Jacob, 42; Ekeinde Anthony Zaza, 53, and Naomi Patience Ohiewere, 42, were arrested in connection with the drugs then.

Sanwo-Olu Seeks Synergy Between Govt, Industry for Creative Economy Segun James

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that only a synergy between government, industry, the academia and civil society will build a future where the digital heartbeat of Lagos will resonate across the globe.

The governor said this at the opening ceremony of the Art of Technology (AoT) Lagos 5.0 Conference themed: “The Creative Economy and a Digital Lagos” held on yesterday at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos state initiatives for the creative

industry, such as investment in infrastructure and technology, Lagos Film City and collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to support intellectual property rights, have yielded positive results.

He promised that his administration will accelerate

actions to ensure the Lagos Innovation Bill is signed into law within the first quarter of 2024.

The governor added that the innovation bill when signed into law wowuld increase employment opportunities in the creative industry, enhance competitiveness and foster economic development.

‘Restructuring Critical to Achieving Stability, Devt in Nigeria’ Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) at its Policy Dialogue held yesterday submitted that national restructuring is critical to achieving stability and development in Nigeria.

At the Dialogue themed “The National Restructuring Question in Nigeria “ and chaired by Prof.

Eghosa Osaghae, the DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), NISER presented five reports of its comprehensive studies on the issue of restructuring.

The reports addressed burning issues such as the political economy of restructuring, economic implications of a restructured Nigeria, public perception of the national restructuring question, among others which keep heightening agitations about how the federal

system is being run in Nigeria.

The dialogue noted that “despite invaluable contributions to the question of restructuring by thought leaders, politicians, academia, civil society, there is still a lack of clarity on what constitutes a national restructuring question.”

Group Calls for Removal of Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Secretary IbrahimOyewaleinLokoja

group, Project Kogi Development Benue Monarch Calls for Peace, A(PKD) has called for the removal of the Secretary of Kogi State Harmony among Nigerians Governorship Election Petition George Okoh in Makurdi

He noted that this is coming barely 11 months after armed youths recruited by drug barons ambushed NDLEA officers who stormed the community to destroy massive

Tribunal, Mr. David Umar.

The spokesman of the group, Mr. Kamal Toyin made this call while addressing journalists in Lokoja

yesterday.

Toyin commended the United Front for Democracy over its in-depth investigations into the activities of the Governorship Election Tribunal in Kogi State. “We have credible intelligence that the Secretary of the Panel, Mr Umar was heavily compromised. His claims that the SDP filed petition before the

expiration of the legally provided window was not only found to be false, but very bias and defensive of SDP by a Secretary whose watchword should be neutrality.

“A lot of things are not adding up in his story. Why did only the SDP know he was working on their purported petition as at the time of his alleged attack? Assuming

but not conceding to the fact that he was treating their petition as claimed, what was a petition doing in a private residence of a Secretary when there is a Registry to transact such administrative i business?

Why was he treating a petition he claimed he received on Saturday on a Monday night? What was he doing on Saturday and Sunday?

Plateau to Construct Access Roads, Distributes 120 Bags of Fertilizer to Farmers Distributing the fertilizer, Plateau together to celebrate the handing all the donor-funded projects Seriki AdinoyiinJos Plateau State Government under the Nigeria Government Covid-19 Action Economic Stimulus (NGCARES) programme has distributed 120,000 bags of fertilizers to farmers across the state.

State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, said the gesture was part of the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers and boosting agricultural production.

Mutfwang said: “We have come

over of 120,000 bags of fertilizers to the Nigeria Government Covid-19 Action Economic Stimulus (NGCARES) programme in Plateau State for onward distribution to farmers.

“On assumption of office as a governor, we had interacted with

in the state and discovered that NG-CARES programme has the potential of transforming our local economy, hence we declared a state of emergency on the implementation of NG-CARES programme in the state.”

Edu Calls for Establishment of States’Disability Commissions Nationwide

Edu who made the call in Tinubu had already directed that centre stage in our country’s A’Ibom Gov Appoints Transition KuniTyessiinAbuja commemoration of the International 10 per cent of all the intervention development.

“Hence he began by signing the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs Day of Persons With Disabilities, also programmes of the ministry be Committees for 31 LGAs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta called for significant improvement given to the PWDs, pointing out African Charter for Persons with OkonBasseyinUyo

Transition committees have been inaugurated to pilot the affairs of the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.

The newlý appointed chairmen were yesterday sworn into office by the State Governor, Umo Eno with a task to maintain effective security control. The governor told the chairmen that they were selected not because of being the most qualified persons and urged them to work harmoniously with their people to

advance the administration’s agenda of growth and prosperity.

He said the 2024 Budget has made provisions for the conduct of Local Government Election, after the expiration of the current Transition period as the State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), has already commenced the process.

The governor tasked the new council bosses to partner with the state government to execute at least one laudable project that would touch and impact the lives of the people of their areas.

Edu has called on state governments and state Houses of Assembly to establish, domesticate and fully implement disability laws across the country.

on the budget for the Commission for Disabled Persons in Nigeria, saying under the Renewed Hope Agenda, there is no segregation.

According to Edu, President Bola

that the president runs an inclusive administration.

“President Tinubu is prepared and committed to doing everything possible to see that PWDs take

Disability, which ensures that your rights have been protected. We are celebrating today five years of having a law in Nigeria that protects you.

SURCON Act: Ethics Committee Rejects Surveyor Generals’ Petition

Wale Igbintade

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions has spurned a call for public hearings on the amendments of enabling Act/Rules and Regulations of

Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON).

The Surveyors-General of all the states of the federation had in a petition dated July 28, 2023, and signed by the Surveyor-General of Rivers State, Noel D.C. Elenwo, on

behalf of all the states SurveyorsGeneral, urged the Nigerian Senate to stop the alleged amendments on policies and provisions of the SURCON enabling Act/Rules and Regulations by the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON).

The Surveyors-General in their petition alleged that such amendments would impact negatively on the constitutional powers of the state governors with regards to Land Administration and States Survey Laws.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

44

NEWS XTRA

Vote Buying: Adebutu, WORLD OF ISLAM Four Others Absent as FG Tackling Impending Disasters Begins Criminal Prosecution Through Islamic Wisdom

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the March 18, 2023, election in Ogun State, Hon Ladi Adebutu, and four others were conspicuously absent as the state High Court in Abeokuta commenced hearing in the vote buying and money laundering charges preferred against the candidate and nine others by the federal government.

When the case came up before Justice Abiodun Akinyemi

yesterday, five other suspects were in court while Adebutu and four other accused persons were not available.

However, Mr. Goddy Uche (SAN) announced appearance for Adebutu, who claimed to have been on “medical vacation” since April 2023, while Chief Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) appeared for the prosecution.

At the proceeding, 52 ATM debit cards bearing the name Dame Caroline Adebutu Foundation were presented and accepted as exhibits along

with a PDP polling agent tag and a motorcycle that four of the suspects were riding on the day of their arrest.

Two witnesses, including a POS operator, were presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for cross-examination.

The POS operator claimed he earned commission on each transaction of the debit N10,000 on debit card.

Hearing in the case continues today (Friday) as agreed to by both parties.

Decolonisation: Legal Practitioner Advocates Funding for Research, Policies

AyodejiAke

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, has called for adequate funding to support research and policies geared towards decolonisation.

Ali made the call at the maiden edition of a distinguished public lecture of the Thomas Adewumi University Oko, Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara State, held recently, adding that both teachers and students, “who are critical stakeholders in the education sector”, should be empowered.

He said: “Decolonising pro-

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as SHOMOYE KUDIRAT TITILOPE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO KUDIRAT TITILOPE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BABARINDE ENITAN TITILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as ROWLAND ENITAN TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AWOSANYA BUKOLA JANET, now wish to be known and addressed as ANIMASAUN BUKOLA JANET. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AYADI GBEMISOLA BENEDICTA (MISS), now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BALOGUN GBEMISOLA BENEDICTA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as UCHECHI CLAVARTRINITAS, NWAGWU, UCHE CLAVAR NWAGWU now wish to be known and addressed as UCHECHI NWAGWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

7KLV LV WR FRQ¿UP WR WKH JHQHUDO SXEOLF WKDW GEORGE ANAYOCHUKWU AHANONU and GEORGE AMEDEO AHANONU is one and the same person, and now wish to be known and addressed as GEORGE AMEDEO AHANONU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS PRECIOUS CHUKWUAZONIM SAMUEL now wish to be known and addressed as MRS PRECIOUS CHUKWUAZONIM OLADIPUPO. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

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fessional development for teachers is critical, as recognising and valuing indigenous knowledge.

Furthermore, assisting teachers in incorporating technology into school is critical for modernising the learning process.

“Decolonising educational spaces requires redesigning physical learning environments, establishing inclusive

and secure spaces for marginalised groups, and fostering conversation and critical thinking in classrooms.

“Promoting African-centered research methodology, forming collaborative research relationships withAfrican scholars, and addressing ethical concerns in African education research are all critical steps towards decolonising educational research.

Mohammad Yacoob/IslamiCity (Since they have become oblivious of God), Corruption has appeared on land and in the sea as an outcome of what men’s hands have wrought: and so He will let them taste (the evil of) some of their doings, so that they might return (to the right path) - Q30v41.

H

uman history is full of past disasters pointing to the impending disasters including the ones very much present in our midst. That are Covid-19, climate change, pollution, hunger, diseases and much more, because of our own deeds and misdeeds. This is a fact and not science fiction.

By going through the pages of history, it can easily be traced and proved that the earlier civilizations are also responsible for devastating the environment in areas where they were enjoying luxurious lives. The archeological records and collected data show and confirm the damage done and the ruins left behind by earlier civilizations.

The Global Threat of Environmental Pollution Environmental pollution is very widespread today in water, air and land threatening not only human civilization but also animal life. The dark side of the scientific evaluation points to an impending disaster and suggests that it might destroy our global existence. This is a very serious matter needing immediate attention compelling us to tackle the catastrophe for the sake of all life on our planet, the earth.

Humanity needs to think pragmatically and motivate people and masses not only from an angel of science and technology, but more importantly, also from the moral and ethical point of view. This re-thinking will help us examine our world at large and focus on the survival of the human race and other species. Many countries want to seriously combat the growing menace of pollution at different levels, recognizing the fact that they are deep and grave threats to life on this planet.

NCDMB Backs Stakeholders From Agriculture to Industry on Devt of Indigenous Firms

Blessing IbungeinPortHarcourt

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has expressed commitment to the efforts of stakeholders in the oil and gas industry as it affects the development of indigenous companies in the country.

The Executive Secretary, Mr. Simbi Wabote, expressed the board position yesterday, when he led stakeholders on oil and gas on facility tour to an indigenous firm, MG Vowgas Group, in Port Harcourt, River State.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUFUNMILAYO TOYIN CHRISTIANA BAKARE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUFUNMILAYO CHRISTIANA OGUNLEYE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note I, formerly known and addressed as MRS MAGDALENE NDIFREKE IKANNAH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MAGDALENE ASUQUO IKANNAH NDIFREKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note I, formerly known as BELO OLAYINKA EYIMOFE, by virtue of marriage now wish to be known and addressed as ASHAFA OLAYINKA EYIMOFE. All former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned and general public should please take note.

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I formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIEMA JANET UDOFE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ANIEMA JANET ILORI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MR. JULIAN HEISSL now wish to be known and addressed as MR. JULIAN HEISSL EDOBOR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

Represented by the Manager, Stakeholders Engagement and Government Relations, NCDMB, Mofe Megbele, Wabote disclosed that the facility tour was part of activities to mark this year’s ‘Practical Nigerian Content Forum’ organised by the Board in collaboration with other consulting firms.

He said it was an engagement with the oil players, both the oil companies and contractors, service providers, who came together to brainstorm on developing the oil and gas sector.

“We are here today on a sight visit and facility tour at MGVowgas Limited. This visit is part of conference that was closed out yesterday starting from December 4 to 7, called the Practical Nigerian Content.

NIPR Lauds Bauchi Gov over Proposed Flyovers SegunAwofadejiinBauchi The Bauchi State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has described the commitment of the state government to construct two flyovers in the capital as commendable.

The Chairman of the Institute, Rabi’u Muhammad Wada, who made the commendation during the Institute’s monthly meeting in Bauchi yesterday, said the flyovers to be constructed at Wunti and Central Market would add value to the state.

Rabi’u Wada maintained that as a professional body, the Institute is mindful of all the happenings at both the state and national levels, hence the need to encourage the state government on its infrastructural development initiatives.

According to him, replication of similar gesture in other towns across the state would further improve economic activities and ease transportation challenges.

The NIPR chairman stated that the institute would continue to support of the state government to deliver on its mandate especially in areas of improving the quality of lives of the citizens.

In the early days of civilization agricultural production was the biggest industry. But the situation took a gigantic leap forward with industrial revolution when electricity, the radio, powered ships, automobiles, trains, aircraft, and factories prompted labor concentration around them leaving agriculture behind. Small industries in the early days of civilization were not widespread but got involved in changing the situation by taking a gigantic leap forward with industrial revolution.

Industrial production and energy gave visible material growth but also gave all sorts of pollutants that are severely degrading the environment. Industrialized nations made a gigantic mistake by not realizing the impact sooner on the environment. And in some cases, for even hiding them or denying them once they became known.

Industrial Revolution’s Environmental Toll The uncontrolled use of energy by big industries from fossil fuels like coal, oil, gas, and later nuclear energy severely damaged the environment and spread various types of pollutions around the world and are continuing to do so. The non-renewable resources, the chemical elements like sulfur, carbon and nitrogen oxides are released as a result of coal burning, and carbon monoxide from automobiles exhaust.

The worldwide travel and transportation of goods and services are also responsible for pollution transfer because the damage in one part of the world no longer remain confined to one place but would also contaminate the entire global ecosystem. In the field of agriculture use of un-protective technical processes of using chemicals and genetic alteration methods are resulting in degradation of natural ecosystem and allowing global increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The new methods encourage use of the combination of chemicals and fertilizers in such a way that it makes it unsafe for consumption of some mass-produced agricultural products.

The Hidden Threat The available data on water reveals that dirty water and refuge cause 80% of the world’s diseases. Hundreds of chemicals - some estimates put the figure at more than 50,000 chemicals - are manufactured and are on commercial sale. Most of these chemicals are rarely found together in nature, including pesticides DDT, fire retardants PCB & PBB, asbestos, CFC, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and Halon.

The compounds, CFC and halon have been in increased use as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, foam, solvent, and fire retardants. This has resulted in a rapid rise in concentrations and ending in polluting water and the atmosphere. The gases, like smog, acid rain, ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect, released by burning fossil fuels (charcoal, oil and gases), the resources of industry and energy production can harm both things and living beings by disturbing the natural balance and slowly poisoning the environment beyond repair.

The minerals like mercury, zinc, lead, and cadmium are now being extensively being used in manufacturing for producing hundreds of items. Mercury is mainly used in manufacturing pesticides and paper and can harm fish, milk, and human food.

Zinc and cadmium used at random and without proper care can harm kidneys, lungs, and cause brain damage.

Greed, Corruption, and Injustice The real causes of the devastating disaster which have infiltrated society locally and globally are the greed, corruption, and injustice. Yet, we are an interesting species, capable of inventing things, have beautiful dreams and horrible nightmares, engage in exploring the universe and finding lost, cut off and alone in this universe.

The void and emptiness moved us in a direction where we are looking for another species like ourselves in the galaxies and worlds beyond. In all this searching, the only thing we have discovered that makes this emptiness bearable is each other.

We feel so lost, so cut off, so alone, only we are not. Allah Mighty God is with us. This fact makes us think about our existence on this planet and encourage us to work for the welfare and improvement of humanity, and to save this space ship, the earth. Let us work to save the earth and its environment.

The scientific data validated the truth.

It proved beyond any shadow of doubt that the appetite for profiteering and exploiting the resources based on greed, corruption and injustice are real causes of globally misusing the new technology, exploiting human beings and resources.

Ahmed Zaki Yamani, Saudi Arabian politician, Former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, beautifully said about human progress, “The stone age did not end because human beings ran out of stones, it ended because they found better ways to do things.”

Sustainability for the Survival of Humanity These various forms of exploitation must be controlled to save humanity. The longevity of non-renewable resources, based on scientific estimates, is very short at the current rate of consumption. There is an urgent need to develop more non-polluting hydroelectric, solar and wind power. Scientists, health authorities and environmentalists should speed up the efforts to formulate plans to use resources as needed, reuse and recycle them without damaging the environment. The world is producing enough food and goods. plans are needed to store, pack, transport and distribute food and goods to the areas around the world where needed most.

The over consumption of food and subsequent production of waste could also be considered in this planning to reduce hunger, ecological and economic damage to humanity. The energy that was dependent on coal, wind, gas, and oil and wood has been taken over by hydroelectric, nuclear, and solar energies. At this point in time, we, the human beings have become more interested in artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, micro-electronics, computers, information technology, biotechnology, and space travels.

Through Islamic Perspective Talking about space travel, the very first verse of the Le Saint Coran, the Holy Quran, recited by every Muslim during five times daily prayer launches him into the outer space. A Muslim recites, “Praise be to God, the Lord of the Universe.”

There should not be any plausible doubt that the nature created

by God is based on certain established rules and on an order.

A discipline or order not only of the earth but of the whole universe. Allah Mighty God has created this universe, and there is none like HIM. This is the cardinal truth. The intricate order and balance of the creation is an indication of the infinite knowledge Allah Mighty God, the Creator, and His power over His vast creation. We the inhabitants of the earth, animate and inanimate are only minutest particles of the vast universe.

Our responsibility for the improvement of mankind should start with the protection of environment because the destruction of environment is the destruction of this earth. Allah Mighty God has given us commands in the Quran and has compelled us to think and reflect (taffakkur) and has given us the free will to do things, to save ourselves and this earth. We must encourage health authorities and environmentalists who make demands to the various government authorities for the reduction and elimination of elements that are damaging environment.

Ripples of Change Water is the most precious commodity human beings have.

One of the main causes of water scarcity is climate change, rising temperatures, increased evaporation of water, which means that less water is stored in lakes, rivers and groundwater collected in empty spaces underground beyond the surface.

Groundwater is the source of water used for public supplies and agriculture. We must reduce water usage by not wasting water while washing dishes, showering, or brushing teeth.

Allah Mighty God told us in the Quran that he has made from water every living thing. In other Ayats Allah tells us that he wants us to eat and drink and do not indulge in wasting food and water because He does not like wasters. We should take the responsibility to save water, help in finding ways and means to divert the rain water into groundwater reservoir beneath the surface. Later wells can be dug to draw water for use.

Concerning wastage and destruction, Prophet Muhammad instructed Muslims to avoid cutting down trees and killing animals except for food. He wanted them to plant trees or sow fields, when humans, animals and birds eat, then it is considered as a sadaqah. We should plant trees. They will not only help humans, animals, and birds, but also prevent land erosion. Also, thwart character and decency erosion; uphold human dignity, fight against greed, corruption, and injustice.

Beauty Beyond Toxins Potentially harmful chemicals are being used in cosmetic products such as hair products, bodywash and nail polish.

The manufacturers are selling cosmetic products containing ingredients commonly used in shampoo, conditioners, hairspray, and other hygiene products. The other products are lotions and fragrances such as perfumes and laundry powder. Please take a note that personal care products and cosmetics should be non-toxic for everyone.

As Muslims we have a choice; sacrifice health and use too much make-up, apply perfume and fragrance. To look good inside and out communicate with others with a smile, use common sense, follow family and Islamic values, talk positive, the choice is yours. Prophet Muhammad said even a smile is a charity.

Allah Mighty God says in the Quran that he loves those who do good, those who are equitable and those who put their trust in HIM. Also, He gave us this earth as a trust. To earn Allah’s love, we must work for the welfare and improvement of our society, mankind and the environment on this space ship, the earth.

45

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Obaseki’s Plaudits for Edo-born Osimhen over AIC Award The Napoli forward in final battle with Salah, Hakimi for CAF Award

Duro Ikhazuagbe Victor Osimhen who was yesterday selected along with Egypt and Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah and Ashraf Hakimi of Morocco and PSG in the final three shortlist for the CAF men’s Player of the Year award, has been congratulated by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his accomplishments.

Osimhen on Monday became the first African to be crowned Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) 2022/23 Player of the Year at the Gran Gala del Calcio which held in Milan.

In a statement, Obaseki celebrated the exploits of the superlative striker, noting that he has continued to make Edo and Nigeria proud with his accomplishments, putting the state and country on the global map for good.

The governor said, “I heartily congratulate our own superstar, Victor Osimhen for bagging the Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) Footballer of the Year Award, becoming the first African to clinch the prestigious award.

“Osimhen has continued to display the indefatigable Edo spirit of excellence and hard work with his extraordinary brilliance, agility, resilience and outstanding performance on the pitch, solidifying his position as one of the best strikers in the world.

“We are immensely proud of your accomplishments as you continue to serve as a fine example to millions of Edo youths needing role models as they journey

through life, and are confident that you will continue to soar to greater heights in your football career. Congratulations champ!” concludes Governor Obaseki.

Nwankwo Kanu was the last Nigerian star to win this prestigious CAF Player of the Year award in 1999.

Other past winners include;

Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke and Victor Ikpeba.

Nigeria and Barcelona Femeni forward, Asisat Oshoala is also gunning for a record-extending

sixth CAF Award top prize.

However, she has to be voted ahead of South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Barbara Banda from Zambia to achieve this milestone.

L-R: Victor Osimhen, Ashraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah are the final three shortlists for the CAF’Player of the Year award released...yesterday

Iwobi Salutes Willian after Big Gunmen Attack Sunshine Stars Players, Officials Win at Nottingham Forest Fidelis David in Akure

Super Eagles playmaker, Alex Iwobi, has reserved kind words for Willian after both Stars played key roles in Fulham’s massive 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international was one of the Cottagers’ most outstanding stars as they dispatched Steve Cooper’s side with ease.

Iwobi scored two goals for the first time in the Premier League as Fulham recorded their biggest win over the struggling visitors.

Willian provided the assist for the first of Iwobi’s goals, sending a pin-point cross into Forest’s danger area where the Nigerian midfielder was on hand to direct home for Fulham’s opening goal.

Raul Jiménez scored a goal each either side of the halftime break before Thomas Cairney completed the rout in the 85th minute shortly after Iwobi grabbed his second

of the night to hand Forest their eighth loss of the campaign.

Of the several impressive performers across the pitch for Fulham, Iwobi has singled out Willian for praise, highlighting the quality of the former Chelsea talisman despite his advancing age.

“Yeah, I mean we know he’s quality, we see it every time in training and everyone’s seen it in the Premier League,” Iwobi said when asked about the 35-year-old Willian, as per Fulham News.

“Willian’s such a great player, he makes it easy for us because you just run into the box and he’s able to find you nine times out of ten.”

Iwobi now has three goals in 11 appearances for Fulham, having joined from Everton in the summer.

Interestingly, the Nigeria international managed only six goals across four years and 123 league games for Everton, a team he joined from Arsenal in 2019.

Pele’s Santos Relegated First Time in 111-year History Santos, Brazil legend Pele's former club, have been relegated for the first time in their 111-year history.

A 2-1 home defeat by Fortaleza in their final league match of the season meant they dropped out of Serie A, Brazil's top flight.

Santos won 12 state titles, six league titles, and two Copas Libertadores during their golden era of the 1950s and 60s.

Three-time World Cup-winner Pele died at the age of 82 last year.

Santos, who also produced Brazil's record scorer Neymar, have suffered financial problems in recent years.

Heading into the final game of the

season, America Mineiro, Coritiba and Goias had been relegated.

With Santos level at 1-1, Vasco da Gama - drawing 1-1 with Red Bull Bragantino - occupied the fourth relegation spot in the 20-team division.

But Serginho scored for Vasco in the 82nd minute and a stoppagetime winner from Fortaleza's Lucero left Santos one point adrift of safety.

Palmeiras were crowned champions for the second season in a row - and 12th in total - thanks to a 1-1 draw at Cruzeiro.

Flamengo and Sao Paulo are the only remaining sides who have never been relegated.

Players and Officials of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure were Thursday morning attacked along the BeninOre highway by gunmen on their way to Benin City.

THISDAY gathered that the team was travelling to honour Match- day 13 of the Nigeria Premier Football League fixture

with Bendel Insurance of Benin.

It was further learnt that the Curator of the team got shot while the Team Manager and some other management officials were injured and have been taken to hospital for treatment.

The Media Officer of Sunshine Stars FC, Mr Michael Akintunde, confirmed the development to THISDAY, noting that it took

the intervention of officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps that helped to rescue the injured officials and the shot individual to the nearby hospital.

"It' saddens our hearts to inform Nigerians , especially football lovers that out team was attacked early this morning along the Ore-Benin Expressway to honour a topflight tie against Insurance of Benin ,

scheduled for this weekend.

"Our ball boy (Curator) was shot in the horrible attack, Our team manager and other club officials including players are seriously injured . It took the intervention of officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps that helped rescue the injured officials and the shot individual to a nearby hospital", Akintunde concluded.

NPFL Inaugurates Committee to Organise U-17 Youth League Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has inaugurated the NPFL U17 League Youth Committee.

The Chairman NPFL, who also doubles as the 2nd Vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye performed the inauguration yesterday in Abuja.

The committee is to be headed by former Chairman of Abia Warriors, Pastor Emeka Inyama.

Other members of the committee include: Alhaji Gafar O Liameed; Patrick Pascal; Paul Edeh; Nicholas Morisson Kemeghde and Sabo Abdulahi Eka. Prince Dapo Ajibade and Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim will serve as the Assistant Project Coordinators while Sunday Johnson Obaseki will serve as the Secretary.

Speaking at the inauguration, Elegbeleye said the NPFL expected the products of the league to form the bulk of the next U-17 and U-20 national teams given that from 2025 FIFA has said that the FIFA U-17 World Cup will now be organised yearly.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of the committee to deliver on the mandate and make the youth football league to work in Nigeria by getting the best in the league from U-15 to U-17 to U-20.

“We expect you to do the work towards the first half of this season

And this suppose to be a mid season affairs beginning from January 21, 2024.

“There will be zonal play off and we expect each zone to produce a champion. The champions will converge somewhere in February for the championship playoff. We will showcase the best 11 plus the reserve team, who will go on a playing tour of Europe to understand more aspect of football and

come home and become useful for Nigeria in terms of getting a pool of next U-17 players” Elegbeleye said .

He charged the committee to screen for genuine U-17 players, adding that any club that cheats will not be eligible to participate in the tournament where players will be selected for the playing tour of Europe.

Elegbeleye said that the selected

players will be subjected to intense MRI screening to ensure they are true U-17 players.

In his response, Inyama assured that the committee will be intentional about the mandate by drawing on their experience and orginising a first class programme.

He thanked the Chairman of NPFL for finding them worthy while assuring that they would not let down Nigerians.

54footballxTakes Control of Direct to Fan Revolution With digital revolution shaping the face of football, leading fan engagement platform, 54footballxis steadily seizing ownership of the direct to fan revolution.

Since its conception this year, 54footballxhas been consistent with creative content creation and is unarguably the top player in the fan engagement space reaching out directly to football fans.

This is the first direct to fan revolution which is creating a fan economy dedicated to passionate fans of African football.

The brand targets three types of fans; The seasoned supporter of a top-tier club, fan of a local team and the regular fan who simply appreciates the joy that football creates.

Maximising Social Media to boost

its direct to fan engagement with football content from the national team, the Super Eagles and to the domestic Nigeria Premier Football League, it has come up with content creation that has kept fans excited and creaving for more.

From a partnership with Lagosbased Nigeria Premier Football League side, Sporting Lagos, the brand has made huge impact.

College football experienced the 54footballximpact as it sponsored the Yabatech Rector's Cup Since then, it has created a leading platform for engagement by fans of the innovative side.

Its ability to attract leading personal brands as Brand Ambassadors and presence in over 10 cities in the country has boosted top-of-mind presence and brand recall.

It's latest offering: TheFootballBooth on @54footballx was a huge success with no fewer than 1,756 fans listening to the special guest & Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa as well as anchor, Tobi Adepoju.

For over two hours, fans engaged with Musa who is one of the leading Sports personalities in the country.

CORRIGENDUM In the caption of our photograph on PG 39 yesterday, Nigerian international midfielder, Alex Iwobi, was erroneously referred to as Everton player. He's a Fulham midfielder. Error regretted.

-Group Sports Editor.

46

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION ENUGU’S BUDGET OF DISRUPTIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH volume of 120 million cubic meters per a day as against less than 2,000,000m3 we met on resumption of office. This achievement disrupts over two decades water scarcity in Enugu urban, and also fulfils our promise to Ndi Enugu to provide Enugu urban residents with water within 180 days.

We have awarded contracts for the construction and rehabilitation work on the over 81 roads, including several urban roads as well as some priority non-urban roads such as the dualization of Enugu Airport flyover, to Eke Obinagu and Ebonyi border, approximately 22km, and also the construction of Owo-Ubahu-Ama Nkanu-Neke-ikem road of approximately 45km. As you may be aware, work on these roads has since commenced.

We have also expanded the National Cash Transfer Register of the Federal Government from 43,000 to 260,000 beneficiaries. The expansion was to accommodate more poor and vulnerable residents in the state in line with our vision to eradicate poverty.

We have commenced the accumulation of 300,000 hectares of land for our land bank, which will be made available to corporate farmers for massive cultivation of agro produce. In line with this, one partner firm is already planting cassava under the pilot scheme of Cassava to Ethanol Programme in Aninri, Nkanu East, and Uzo Uwani LGAs. Related to this, we are advancing conversations with key development agencies for the development of Special Agro Processing Zones (SAPZs) in the 3 senatorial zones of the state.

We also held the Enugu State Investment Roundtable which attracted the best of the private sector as well as development partners such as AfDB, AFREXIM, FCDO, the WB, etc, thus signalling our government’s zeal to transform Enugu State into private sector driven economy.

In line with our commitment to reinvent our education system in Enugu State, we are constructing 260 Smart Model Basic Schools across the 260 wards in the state which will rank amongst the best in the country. The pilot Smart Model Basic School in Owo, Nkanu East Local Government Area is now ready for commissioning and similar Schools will be replicated in all the 260 wards across the 17 LG councils in the state.

We are also in the process of constructing 260 Type-2 Primary Health Centres across the 260 wards in the state to carter for the health needs of rural communities which are paramount in our health care agenda.

Last but not least, in recognition that no economic growth is possible without security, we have ensured the discontinuation of the ignoble Monday sit-at-home campaign and boosted the security framework within the state with the introduction of the Distress Response Squad, which has recorded several successes, effectively bringing the crime rate in Enugu State to a bare minimum. We are going further by commencing the installation of a CCTV surveillance network around the state. Work is at an advanced stage on this initiative.

The 2024-2026 Multi-Year Budget is named Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth.

This is on account of the fact that it is structured to drive growth in a markedly different pattern than we had attempted to do hitherto. This departure from the usual is most apparent in two main areas. First, our approach to basic education where we are bringing into effect our cut-off program through the development of the 260 model schools to which I had earlier alluded.

These schools are unique, not only in the fact that they will house the entire basic school classes from creche to JS3, but also in terms of the significant changes we are making to the curriculum of the children, where we will be infusing new subject areas like Technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, to mention but three. In addition,

the approach to teaching in these schools will be experiential, with extensive use of practicals, examples, dramatization, gamification, and so on. This naturally requires extensive retraining of our teachers to enable them to grasp these new learning approaches as well as the various technology-based teaching and learning tools which we shall deploy examples of which are tablets, interactive white boards, learning management systems, etc. Beyond the ‘hard’ elements of learning, we will also infuse many ‘softer’ elements such as ethics, morals, critical thinking and hygiene to prepare our children to become the leaders we need tomorrow.

Another major area of positive disruption that finds expression in this budget is our drive to change our approach to public service by infusing the use of technology. In this regard, we are in the process of developing a new automated approach to governance, that will involve the automation of all MDAs in the government both in terms of how they run their internal operations and in terms of how they serve the populace. Upon conclusion of this transition to e-governance, it will be possible to initiate most government services without once visiting any government office or physically interacting with any public officer. This will result in increased operational efficiency in government and a higher level of service delivery with fewer revenue leakages. Implementing this will naturally require extensive training and re-training of our public servants to acquaint them with both the new technological tools required as well as the improved work processes to be adopted in executing their work functions under this new dispensation.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, permit me to present the summary of recurrent and capital allocations and its proposed allocations to each sector that makes up this new Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth.

We are proposing a total budget of size of N521,561,386,000.00 for the 2024 fiscal year as against the approved revised provision of N224,697,899,063.00 for 2023. This represents a 132% increase from the 2023 revised budget.

The budget is broken down as follows: Recurrent Expenditure: N107,227,266,000.00 Capital Expenditure: N414,334,120,000.00 Total: N521,561,386,000.00 In the area of our revenues, we estimated that total recurrent revenues during 2024 will amount to N383,789,000,000.00 as against the approved revised provision for 2023 of N143,571,592,917. The recurrent revenues for 2024 are broken down as follows: Opening Balance: N11,000,000,000 Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): N252,789,000,000 Statutory Revenue: N60,000,000,000 Excess Crude and others: N16,000,000,000 Value Added Tax (VAT): N44,000,000,000 Total Recurrent Revenue: N383,789,000,000 For 2024 Fiscal Year, Recurrent Expenditure which is proposed at N107,227,266,000.00 is made up of: Personnel Costs: N47,583,677,000 Overhead Costs: N41,804,698,000 Consolidated Rev. Fund Charges: N17,838,891,000 Total Recurrent Expenditure: N107,227,266,000 With the total recurrent Expenditure at N107,227,266,000.00, this translates to a Net Recurrent Revenue of N276,561,734,000.00, which is thus transferred to the Capital

Development Fund.

The total Capital Expenditure for the year 2024 is projected at N414,334,120,000.00 as against N135,715,099,693.00 for 2023 Revised Budget. The current capital expenditure estimate will be funded from the sum of N276,561,734,000.00 to be transferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and the capital receipts of N137,772,386,000.00 to be realized as follows: External and Internal Aids and Grants: N27,922,386,000 Public Private Partnership: N6,100,000,000 Domestic Loans/ Borrowings Receipts: N71,000,000,000 International Loans/ Borrowings Receipts: N32, 750,000,000 Total: N137,772,386,000 On a sectorial basis, the capital expenditure is broken down as follows: Administration Sector N20, 877,662,350 Economic sector N207,837,753,513 Law & Justice Sector N1,225,643,490 Regional Sector N1,443,550,000 Social Sector N182,949,510,648 As I mentioned earlier, education is a key plank in our strategy to eradicate poverty in our state. Consequently, N134,587,982,647.78, representing 73.6% of the social sector has been earmarked to help reinvent education in our state by developing the new Smart schools which I mentioned earlier as well as repositioning our senior secondary and tertiary institutions by training and retraining teachers and updating our curricula across all levels of education to infuse technology and technology appreciation and skills. This capital expenditure on education combined with the planned recurrent expenditure in the sector will bring our total spend on education to 33% of the total budget.

Healthcare remains paramount, especially in these challenging times. This budget allocates the sum of N21,777,421,000 to enhance healthcare facilities, expand access to quality healthcare services, and bolster our response to health emergencies. Our goal is to ensure every citizen has access to reliable and efficient healthcare. We pledge to upgrade healthcare facilities, ensure the availability of essential medicines, and implement initiatives to enhance public health awareness. In particular, we have commenced the construction of 260 Type-2 Primary Health Centres across the 260 wards in the State to carter for the health needs of rural communities.

We also understand the significance of infrastructural development in propelling economic growth. Hence, N82,535,147,361.03 is planned for road construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of public building across the state.

This initiative will facilitate smoother connectivity, bolster trade, and enhance overall accessibility, and attract investments that create jobs.

The sum of N28, 970, 250, 000 is planned for the enhancement of the water sector to ensure safe and quality water supply to Ndi Enugu. This investment will ensure the expansion of the current water scheme by boosting reticulation of water across the Enugu Metropolis.

Agriculture remains a crucial sector in our drive towards self-sufficiency and economic diversification. We are committed to developing at a Special Agro Processing Zone in each of the senatorial zones. In deed, we have reached an understanding with a development agency for the first one on which work will commence this year. These zones will enable us to support farmers with modern techniques, infrastructure and access to markets, ultimately boosting food production and creating employment opportunities. We are also in advanced stages of discussions

with funders for the development of a Quality Assurance Centre in Enugu to facilitate the export of agro commodities from the Enugu Airport. In order to achieve this, a sum of N25,184,154,671.81 has been earmarked for this sector in the 2024 budget.

Additionally, this budget prioritizes job creation, empowerment programs for our youth, and initiatives to attract private sector investment. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, thereby unlocking the full potentials of our vibrant populace.

Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring good governance, accountability, and the prudent management of public funds. We will work tirelessly to eradicate corruption and promote a culture of transparency in all government activities. Fiscal prudence and accountability will remain at the core of our financial management. We will ensure transparency in the utilization of resources, optimizing every naira to deliver maximum value for the citizens of Enugu State.

To support our fiscal initiatives and improve implementation effectiveness, this administration will also pursue the following initiatives: Sustain an effective collaboration with security agencies and strengthen our logistic support to remain among the most peaceful states in Nigeria; increase Public Private Partnership (PPP) with relevant investors to invest in the key sectors of the state economy and undertake robust human capital development; expand the industrial base of the state through rapid industrialization and harnessing of untapped mineral resources in the state; provide an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive through extensive improvement in the ease- of-doing-business ranking of the state; increase the domestic revenue base (IGR) significantly by eliminating evasion and leakages in collection and expenditure; develop the tourism potentials of the state and enhance creative industry; stimulate the agricultural and agro-allied industries to boost production of local farmers to ensure food sufficiency for local consumption, exports as well as the provision of raw materials for the industries; rapid empowerment of children, women and youths through capacity building, empowerment, skill acquisition and elimination of gender discrimination practices; re-orientation of public servants through training & retraining, effective intra and inter MDAs collaboration by digitizing operations to enhance service delivery; provide recreational and sporting facilities to increase life expectancy, boost sports development and ensure improved performance of the state representatives at local, Nlnational and international sporting competitions; strengthen performance monitoring mechanism with a central coordinating unit at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Commission; improve fiscal transparency and accountability in all MDAs with emphasis on due process and cost effectiveness in all programs and projects of government.

Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, this budget of Disruptive Economic Growth of ours represents our collective aspirations and endeavors to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Enugu State. Consequently, I urge all stakeholders to join hands in this journey towards a better future for all residents. Together, we will achieve greatness and leave a legacy of progress for generations to come.

Thank you and God bless you and the entire people of Enugu State. I wish you a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Certainly, our Tomorrow is here!

•Being the text of Governor Mbah’s speech during the presentation of the 2024 Appropriation Bill at the Enugu State House of Assembly on 5th December 2023

FOR A JUST ENERGY TRANSITION, NIGERIA MUST REFORM OIL INDUSTRY DIVESTMENT decommissioning.

Transitions can be difficult. The current global transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy economy is both urgently necessary and inevitable. Many who profit from the current unsustainable fossil fuel economy continue to resist the transition, resulting in perverse, self-destructive policy choices by industry and government. It is obvious that oil majors and their host governments currently have no intention of reducing production to support global climate security. Their greed may be humanity’s ultimate undoing.

In this context, it is imperative that Nigeria’s new president, Bola Tinubu, makes different choices, and reform the nation’s approach to oil industry divestment, decommissioning & abandonment into a positive model for a Just Transition. The 30 million people of the Niger Delta, who have suffered 65 years of reckless oil extraction, deserve no less.

Rick Steiner is a professor and conservation scientist in Anchorage Alaska, Director of Oasis Earth and has worked globally (including the Niger Delta) on oil and environment issues for decades. In July 2023, he conducted a fact-finding mission to the Niger Delta to explore the issue of oil industry divestment, decommissioning, and abandonment, and his report: “Just Transition: Reforming Oil Industry Divestment, Decommissioning, and Abandonment in the Niger Delta, Nigeria” was just released

Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri

•Iniruo Wills is an attorney in Nigeria’s oil capital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State (Niger Delta); a former Environment Commissioner for Bayelsa State; involved in pursuing remedies for several large-scale environmental disasters; co-President of the Ijaw Professionals Association, and a governance and development consultant.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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Atiku Abubakar to Bola Tinubu “How will the head of a government turn a conference of climate change to a jamboree, all-comers and ‘Owambe’ party of over 1,400 delegates? It is ridiculous and a confirmation that he is still in a slumber as far as governance is concerned.

It makes no sense for us to continue to borrow money to throw a street party outside the country” –Former Vice President, blaming President Tinubu for Nigeria’s unwieldy delegation to COP28 in Dubai.

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PETERMBAH GUEST COLUMNIST

Enugu’s Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth

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t is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to present our state’s 2024-2026 Multi-Year Budget before this hallowed chambers. This event is of even more import given that it is this administration’s first full year budget, which will go a long way in setting the pace for the achievement of our growth objectives.

It is not so long ago that we presented the revised budget for 2023 before you, honourable members of the House of Assembly, and I must again recognise your expedited consideration of that bill and put on record our appreciation for your commitment. In line with human nature, we have become accustomed to this level of commitment and, therefore, request that you deploy a similar degree of dispatch in your consideration of this current bill.

As you are aware, we had taken a bold view of the growth our state is capable of achieving if we are willing to believe in ourselves and utilise our God-given human and material resources to their fullest. Our vision remains ‘To make Enugu one of the top 3 states in Nigeria in terms of Gross Domestic Product and achieve a zero percent rate in the poverty headcount index.’ We also intend to grow our GDP from the current $4.4b to $30b before 2031.

To achieve these ambitious goals, we have adopted a number of philosophies, which have also found expression in this budget I am presenting today. The first philosophy is that private sector involvement is critical to the generation of the growth that we seek, and consequently we must invest in the factors required to attract private sector

Enugu governor, Peter Mbah presents N521.6 billion budget investments such as basic infrastructure and amenities (like roads and water supply), transport services as well as modernisation and digitalisation of our public services and their associated processes. Second, we have taken the view that one of the surest ways of ensuring sustainable eradication of poverty is through the aggressive enhancement of our education and public health systems. After all, we know that education corelates all over the globe with economic advancement

and prosperity, while health, on the other hand, is critical for the optimisation of the human resources of any nation or sub-national entity. Finally, but most critically, we have taken the view that reliance on allocations from FAAC has not served us well to date and is unlikely to take us to the ‘promised land’. Consequently, you will see in this budget a philosophy to maximise our internal revenue generation efforts, by improving the efficiency of collections, enhancing the efficacy

of government services to the populace and evolving creative new revenue generation sources particularly by optimising our natural resources, for example, improved oversight and regulation of mining activities and landed assets.

Before going into the current budget proposal, permit me to cast a glance backwards at our performance in the past period. By end of year 2022, this Honourable House approved a budget size of One hundred and sixty-six billion, six hundred and two million, four hundred and sixteen thousand, seven hundred and seventy naira (N166,602,416,770).

During the 3rd quarter of 2023 there was need for a supplementary budget to accommodate new projects and programmes arising from priorities of the new administration in Enugu State and also to reflect the price variations due to inflation. The budget was therefore revised to a tune of two hundred and twenty four billion, six hundred and ninety seven million, eight hundred and ninety-nine thousand, and sixty three naira (N224,697,899,063).

Based on this revised budget, we have been able to make some appreciable progress in fulfilling our promises to Ndi Enugu over the last few months. In our view, some of the more notable achievements have included the following: We have recently launched the ultra modern water scheme at Ninth Mile which has a daily production capacity of 70 million cubic meters (70,000,000m3) of clean water, combined with the production of 50 million cubic litres from Oji River. This gives a total Continued on page 46

For a Just Energy Transition, Nigeria Must Reform Oil Industry Divestment Rick Steiner and Iniruo Wills

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s world governments discuss a transition from oil to lowcarbon energy alternatives at the U.N. climate conference in Dubai this week, how the oil industry should transition its operations must receive greater attention. An example of how not to transition is the current trend in oil divestment and decommissioning in Nigeria.

In the past, oil majors including Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Total, ENI/Agip, along with their federally-owned joint venture partner Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, were the only oil and gas producers across Nigeria’s Niger Delta. But with the 2010 passage of Nigeria’s Local Content Bill, and growing social strife in the region, multinationals began divesting (selling) marginal, high-risk onshore and nearshore assets to smaller domestic companies.

It is likely that by 2030, all onshore and nearshore assets in the Niger Delta will be owned and operated by domestic companies.

And oil divestment in Nigeria is being conducted without effective government

oversight. Ever since its independence in 1960, Nigeria’s government has been heavily dependent on oil revenue, non-transparent, plagued by corruption, and strategically dysfunctional, thus allowing the oil industry essentially free rein in its profit-taking, capture of regulators, and recklessness.

As international oil companies publicly signal their intention to reduce high-carbon holdings to meet climate goals, these companies are mainly just selling high-risk, marginal assets in socially distressed areas (such as the Niger Delta) to domestic oil companies with far lower environmental standards, to continue production, indeed “significantly increase production,” resulting in even greater carbon emissions and environmental damage.

What is presented as an environmental positive for one multinational oil company is actually a net environmental negative globally.

For decades, all oil majors have committed environmental atrocities in the Niger Delta, while reaping billions in profits. Communities suspect that by divesting now, these companies are attempting to escape liability for their decades of negligence.

Most of the new operators do not conduct due diligence on the acquired assets, and

lack the financial and technical capacity to safely manage these complex operations.

After some sales, buyers often disagree who actually owns and operates the assets, and some have filed suit against the companies that sold the assets.

Given communities’ concerns that these new domestic companies lack operational experience and adequate safety standards, in 2015 the Nembe community (Bayelsa State) placed a caveat emptor (“buyer beware”) decree on a proposed sale from Shell to Aiteo. This was prophetic, as in 2019 and 2021 there were two major blowouts from a wellhead transferred in the sale (https://homef.org/wp-content/ uploads/2021/12/well-head-woes-single-pages. pdf), and several other spills since.

Local communities continue to raise serious concerns about derelict oil facilities (wellheads, manifolds, flow stations, and pipelines) in need of proper decommissioning, asserting that many of these old facilities are like landmines strewn across the Niger Delta, ready to explode at any time, such as the Oct. 2023 explosion of an abandoned wellhead in Bayelsa State (Explosion at Abandoned Oil Well in Okpoama Kingdom, Bayelsa State (bnn.network). These improperly abandoned wells present risk

of groundwater contamination, ecosystem impacts, and human health issues.

The oil industry’s carbon footprint in the Niger Delta is one of the darkest spots on the climate conscience of the world. As with other petrostates, Nigeria is resisting the urgent need to transition from oil. The government is currently incentivizing oil and gas production by lowering taxes and royalties, and establishing a Frontier Exploration Fund to stimulate new oil and gas production in non-traditional areas of the country.

To reform this dangerous trend, a broad array of civil society organizations in the Niger Delta propose adoption of a new code of conduct for responsible divestment of oil and gas assets, the National Principles for Responsible Petroleum Industry Divestment; an accelerated plan to ensure the safe decommissioning of oil facilities, and involving host communities and State governments in all divestment & decommissioning decisions; and negotiation of a global U.N. Multilateral Environmental Agreement on fossil fuel divestment and Continued on page 46

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