Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos Seplat Energy Plc yesterday confirmed the completion of its acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited
L-R: Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc; Paul Usoro, SAN, Chairman, Access Bank Plc; Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings Plc, and Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief
president to Access Bank Plc's headquarters in Lagos... yesterday.
A DESERVING RECOGNITION...
Chairman/CEO, Lee
Allied
PenCom Seeks to Rejig Micro Pension Policy, Projects N22tn Pension Assets by Year-end
Oloworaran: Inflation, Naira devaluation, unorthodox monetary policies have eroded real value of pension funds, impacted contributors’ purchasing power, reviews investment regulations
James Emejo in Abuja
The Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Omolola Oloworaran, yesterday projected total pension assets to reach N22 trillion by year-end from the current N21.92 trillion as of October.
Speaking at the 2024 PenCom media conference with the theme, "Transforming the Nigerian Pension Industry through Technological Innovations", in Abuja, she also said the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) had recorded 10.53 million registered contributors, adding that the numbers reflected the commission's unwavering commitment to fund safety, prudent management, and sustainable growth.
She also said the economic realities of 2024 and the preceding years presented unique challenges amid inflation, devaluation of the Naira, and lingering effects of unorthodox monetary policies, which had eroded the real value of pension funds, impacting contributors’ purchasing power.
The PenCom boss said to address some of the macroeconomic challenges, the commission had initiated a comprehensive review of the investment regulations, focusing on diversifying pension fund investments into inflation-protected instruments, alternative assets, and foreign-currency denominated investments.
Oloworaran further disclosed plans to rebrand the micro pension
scheme to make it more attractive to the informal sector particularly ordinary Nigerians, encouraging them to save as well as revitalise the economy.
She said micro pensions remained an “area that I'm very passionate about because it's important that we get the informal sector into the CPS, particularly ordinary Nigerians.
“Since I resumed office, I've been having a series of engagements with the operators and also within PenCom on how we can drive micro-pensions
“In the next few months, what we hope to do is a rebranding, because right now we call it micro-pensions, and there are some people in the informal sector who are not micro.”
She said, “And they are far from being micro. You have people in Nollywood, you have people who are running their own businesses, small businesses, but make a lot of income from that.
“The name micro-pension doesn't resonate across the board, yes. What we are trying to do is to rebrand and give it a name that resonates across all Nigerians.
“And what we want to do in the rebranding is to make it personal to people. So, it won't just be one name. We will have an umbrella name, and then we will have segments that speak to various components of society, such that people can feel and buy into it.”
The PenCom DG further explained
that products that address the concerns of separate components of the society will also be introduced. She said micro-pension will come under an umbrella name after the rebranding exercise.
She said, “One thing I'm passionate about is ordinary Nigerians. Yes, we know they are struggling, things are tough, but we must get them to save. So, I am very passionate about that.
“We are trying to look at how we can incentivise them such that they are propelled to contributeimagine that things are tough today for ordinary Nigerians, and you don't
In
Nigeria's Access Bank Plc has offered to acquire Bidvest Bank Holdings Limited to help the country's biggest lender by assets expand in South Africa.
The purchase is expected to move Access Bank, a unit of Access Holdings Plc, closer to its 2027 goal of becoming one of the continent’s largest lenders.
In a statement yesterday, the bank said the acquisition supports its ambition to expand across Africa
have savings. What then happens in your old age?
“And things are getting tougher by the day. So, that's an area we are passionate about and we are working on. In the next few months, maybe through next year, is what we are focused on.
“It's a huge plan in terms of how we want to expand the current micro-pension scheme, and we are working on that and I do hope that and pray that we make a success of it because the success of the scheme, bringing the informal sector into the CPS, into the contributory pension
scheme, will help to also revitalise the economy.
“You make people want to work more, people put their money and savings, these savings then become capital that people can employ to do other businesses. It creates free access to capital.”
Nonetheless, Oloworaran said the goal was to safeguard contributors’ savings and ensure resilience against future economic volatility.
She said expanding pension coverage remained a top priority for the commission, pointing out that the revamped Micro Pension Plan (MPP)
leverages technology to incentivise informal sector participation, making it easier for everyday Nigerians to save for retirement.
“This initiative aligns with our vision of inclusive growth and financial security for all,” she added.
According to her, the commission is also addressing delays in retirement benefit payments to retirees of federal government treasury-funded MDAs, stressing that N44 billion was recently released under the 2024 budget appropriations to settle accrued pension rights for retirees from March to September 2023.
The leadership of the Labour Party, has filed legal actions in the court to compel the National Assembly leadership to declare the seats of the defected Labour Party lawmakers vacant. The party also asked that every salary, emolument or privileges received, from the date of defection be returned.
It said it received with dismay news of the betrayal of the people of Jos South/Jos East by Mr. Akangbe Illiya, a man whom the Labour Party and the people of Plateau State entrusted with their collective hopes and aspirations for a just and equitable society through
legislation. According to the party, Hon. Illiya has engraved his name on the Labour Party 'Hall of Shame' register, and brought dishonour to himself through this action. In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party said while it was true that the constitution guaranteed citizens the right to freedom of association, the constitution qualified such rights regarding the membership of political parties. Ifoh said the law did not protect an individual who stole the mandate of a people and a political party to run into another without first surrendering the mandate he deceitfully acquired.
and solidify its presence in key markets, with South Africa being a top priority.
Although the statement did not indicate the value of the transaction, a Bloomberg report put it at about 2.8 billion rand or roughly $159 million.
The statement signed by the bank's Managing Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna added that the binding agreement for the acquisition of a 100 per cent equity stake in Bidvest, reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in
German Agency Urges Tinubu to Restore Peace in S'East by Releasing Nnamdi Kanu
A German international agency, the German Initiative for Knowledge Transfer, has renewed its call for the federal government to end the insecurity in the South East zone by releasing Nnamdi Kanu.
The Country Director of the Agency, Hon Obinna Ichita, made the call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene on Kanu's travails, saying his continued detention has perpetuated the insecurity plaguing the South East. In a statement, Ichita advocated the need for presidential intervention to resolve the Kanu issue and free the South-East from the stranglehold of insecurity.
The Country Director of the German Initiative for Knowledge Transfer, had made similar demand on the presidency when Muhammadu Buhari was in power but the advice yielded no result.
He, however, urged Tinubu to succeed where his successor failed by freeing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) and restore peace to the zone.
"I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to kindly intervene and graciously approve and direct the activation of a process that will see to the release of Mazi Kanu and the restoration of peace and security in South East through negotiation and alternative dispute resolution mechanism," he said.
South Africa.
In addition , it said it will help in consolidating its position as the continent's gateway to global markets as it seeks to optimise the benefits of recent acquisitions and accelerate its transition towards a greater focus on efficiencies.
Founded in 2000, Bidvest Bank is a niche and profitable South African financial institution providing a diverse range of services, including corporate and business banking solutions and diverse retail banking products.
As of its financial year ended June 2024, Bidvest Bank reported total assets equivalent to $665.0 million and audited profit before tax of $20.0 million.
The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approval, Access Bank said in the statement.
Upon conclusion of the acquisition, Bidvest Bank will be merged with the Bank’s existing South African subsidiary to create an enlarged platform to anchor the regional growth strategy for the SADC region, it added.
Commenting, Access Bank's Managing Director, Ogbonna said: “This acquisition supports our ambition to expand across Africa and solidify our presence in key markets, with South Africa being a top priority.
"It underscores our commitment to establishing a more resilient, diversified, and sustainable business
model that leverages technology to meet evolving customer needs.
"Bidvest Bank provides a unique opportunity to blend its strong local expertise with Access Bank’s robust trade and retail banking capabilities, creating a platform for long-term growth and value creation.”
Chief Executive of Bidvest Group, Mpumi Madisa, said:
“As a well-respected, experienced, and prominent financial services entity, I am pleased that Access Bank meets our objectives and provides reassurance for the continued sustainability and prosperity of the bank.
"It will enable the bank to advance, scale, and sustainably grow in today’s fast-changing, technology-driven, and highly competitive sector.”
The transaction, Access Bank said, aligns with its expansion objective to build the scale needed to become a major player in its market.
By leveraging Bidvest Bank’s robust local capabilities and Access Bank’s established pan-African presence, Access said it will have increased capacity for intra- and inter-Africa trade, connecting businesses and creating new opportunities for regional integration.
The Nigerian bank is on an ambitious five-year growth plan that seeks to double the share of assets outside its home market by 2027 and rank among Africa’s five biggest banks.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Founder/Group
Engineering Group and
Companies Limited, Dr. Leemon Ikpea (CON) during the conferment of Honourary Fellowship of Nigerian Society of Engineers on Chief Ikpea in Abuja…yesterday
HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL LEADERSHIP EVENT TO END TB...
House Investigates Alleged Mismanagement of $232 Million World Bank Loan
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged mismanagement and misapplication of $232 million for Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) World Bank Program.
The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Thursday by Hon. Chike Okafor.
Moving the motion, the lawmaker said ANRiN is a World Bank-funded, performance-based project that uses loans to address nutritional challenges in Nigeria.
Okafor stressed that the program aimed at providing improved nutri-
tion for vulnerable communities by increasing access to quality, cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five years of age in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, and Plateau states.
He explained that ANRIN Program was entered into by the federal government in 2018 to achieve a balance between the urgent need to protect Nigerian children from the devastating and life-long effects of malnutrition with the expectation of improved nutritional interventions and outcomes before December 2024.
Okafor said: “Concern that the
programs so far have been alleged to be “water, water everywhere but no water to drink,” a beautiful program for solving malnutrition challenges, but it has appeared to produce miraculous and obviously ineffective outcomes, taking cognizant of the reports and current indicators of Nigeria amidst such a huge and humongous loan from the World Bank.”
He expressed worry that the recently released Nigeria Demographic Health Survey 2023/2024 indicated a worsening of nutrition specifics with indices showing an increase in under five stunting and malnutrition and the current realities raising questions about the $232 million
spent for nutritional interventions and Nigeria's poor global ranking.
The lawmaker said an investigation would determine the extent of the alleged mismanagement of funds in the ANRiN Program, evaluate its impact, identify responsible parties, and propose accountability measures for future $50 million interventions.
The House resolved: “Mandate the Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, Finance, Aids, Loan, and Debt Management to investigate the ANRiN World Bank loan to ensure that special programs of nutrition values are not abused or mismanaged; “Also mandate the Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, Finance,
FG to Adopt Strategy to Ensure Longevity of Nigerian Airlines with Advent of Cape Town Convention
To end the high mortality rate of domestic airlines, the federal government has outlined strategies to push for longevity of Nigerian carriers through favourable policies that would provide them favourable environment for them to thrive.
This was disclosed by the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, who said that government will put in place policies and processes that will ensure domestic airlines in the country do not become extinct within a short period of time as witnessed in the past.
The Vice President, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, gave the assurance during the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development Conference on the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol Implementation in Abuja yesterday.
Shettima lamented that in the last 40 years Nigerian airlines have witnessed high mortality rate but this has to come to an end.
“It behooves on us now in office
to find out why they went under and how we can ensure that it does not happen again. And the only way we can do that is by introducing policy frameworks to ensure that they survive. We can't keep giving them money, then we must make the business conducive environment for them to survive.
“One of the key elements that we recognize as a government is to ensure that we unlock the international markets on aircraft, and at the heart of that is to ensure the full compliance with the tenants of the Cape Town convention," he said.
While commending local operators for their resilience despite the excruciating business environment, he said the Cape Town Convention has proven to be a transformative legal framework, harmonizing diverse global legal systems to foster predictability and stability for aviation stakeholders.
"For Nigeria, this Convention has not only enhanced our global standing but has also opened doors to increased investment and growth in aviation financing. The recently issued Federal High Court Practice
Naira Rebounds at Official, Parallel Markets to N1,535, N1,700
The naira rebounded yesterday, posting gains in both the official and parallel markets following three consecutive days of losses. At the parallel market, the currency appreciated by 1.18 per cent, strengthening from N1,720 to N1,700, a gain of N20 in a single day. In the official market, the naira recorded modest improvement. The average rate rose to N1,535.67, up from Wednesday’s N1,537.12, marking an appreciation of 0.09 per cent. The highest rate traded at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) was N1,550, while the lowest stood at N1,532.
Directions and Advisory Circular mark significant milestones in our journey to align with international best practices.
“These initiatives have streamlined legal processes, enhanced jurisdictional clarity, and improved Nigeria's compliance index, positioning our nation among global leaders in aviation governance,” the Vice President said.
Speaking now as Minister of Aviation, Keyamo recalled that when he came to office and saw the situation on ground in the aviation sector, especially with the domestic operators, he decided to initiate a new trajectory to rejuvenate the sub-sector.
"When I came to office, and I
saw this situation on the ground with our aviation sector, with our local operators. For the first time in the history of aviation sector, we put it as a focal point to support the growth and development of our local operators, having realized that the Nigerian state system is unique and different from others,” he said.
On the way forward, the Minister said: "We have made commendable progress, such as ensuring consistent judicial interpretations and aligning local laws with international standards remain. However, these successes present opportunities for further innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building within our aviation sector.
Aids, Loan, and Debt Management to invite the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Bank, the twelve beneficiary states and
other relevant stakeholders involved to provide necessary documents and insights on the program for ease of investigation and report within four weeks for further legislative action.”
EU Extends Climate Funding to over 350 Local Govt Councils in Africa
The European Union (EU) said yesterday that it has extended assistance to over 350 local government councils across sub-Saharan Africa to mitigate the impact of climate change.
In his keynote address at the closing event of the Abuja Urban Lab, the European Union delegation to the event led by Tomasz Gawlik, highlighted the EU’s role in supporting cities and infrastructure development in Africa, particularly through the Covenant of Mayors in Sub- Saharan Africa (CoMSSA).
“The EU has committed to ambitious climate action, not only within its borders, but also globally,” Gawlik said.
This initiative, led by CoMSSA and co-funded by the European Union, brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders to collaboratively address critical waste governance and Infrastructure challenges in the city. The programme is co-implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The Abuja Urban Lab has been an inclusive, platform, fostering dialogue and joint problem-solving between institutions such as the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
One of the key outcomes of the Urban Lab was the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that provides a roadmap for Inter-agency collaboration on waste management In Abuja.
This closing event presented the agreements and commitments mode within the framework to the public. Additionally, a Declaration of Commitment was signed by the key stakeholders, reaffirming their shared vision for sustainable waste governance. Gawlik said that this reflects the broader strategy to address climate change with special focus on Africa, which faces significant urbanisation and climate-related challenges.
“And cities, while responsible for a large portion of global emissions, are also centres of innovation and solutions for climate change. And in Africa, rapid urbanisation, extreme weather and resource scarcity pose huge challenges to cities.
“But through effective climate action, cities can reduce emissions and increase their resilience. To support this, the EU has been actively involved and engaged in global climate activities, notably through CoMSSA, which was launched in 2015.
The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal has inaugurated a state-of-the-art container freight station in Onne Port, to offer value-adding services to exportation and importation businesses.
The firm also inaugurated two new mobile harbour cranes, at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), in Onne Port, Rivers State.
The Managing Director of OMT, Mr. Jacob Gulmann had disclosed that the investments cost the OMT about $25 million, as the 25 tons per hour capacity cranes were imported from Germany.
They have the ability to move at
least 20 containers each across the country, he clarified.
Speaking during the commissioning held at the OMT quay area recently, in Onne, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, lauded OMT for the investments, saying that the investment is in line with trade facilitation policy of the federal government.
Dantsoho, represented at the event by the Onne Port Manager, Abdulrahmon Hussain, said OMT has shown commitment to Nigeria’s economy in the recent years and has grown from strength to strength.
He said: "This is a big victory for the company, for NPA, and for the Nigerian economy. You see what OMT has done. The two harbour
cranes will bring in more businesses to the country, more revenue to the federal government, to investors and to others."
He noted the commitment of OMT to continue to invest into state-of-the-art equipment, to ensure ease of doing business is in line with the policy drive and vision of Dantsoho.
During his visit to Onne and Port Harcourt ports recently, Dantsoho had emphasised the continuous investments to enhance smooth operations in the ports to boost FG revenue.
The Onne Port MD also spoke on the need for collaboration between investors, government agencies and critical stakeholders in maritime business.
"I want to thank OMT Management
again for this bold step in increasing your investment capacity in the Maritime/Blue Economy." he insisted. According to him, "This kind of investment, if emulated by other operators, Nigeria economy will boom, and become a maritime hub in the sub-African region."
Speaking earlier, Mr. Gulmann thanked NPA for providing strong leadership in developing the blue economy, being proactive.
Gulmann said the introduction of the new cranes for OMT operations is a major milestone: "These cranes are the biggest mobile harbour cranes operating across Nigerian ports and they will allow our customers MSC and PIL to bring in the largest vessels to call Nigeria”.
L-R: Minister of state for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziak Adekunle Salako; Executive Director Stop TB Partnership Global, Dr Lucica Ditiu; Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pete; First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and wife of the speaker, Hajiya Fatima Abbas, during the High Level Political Leadership event to end TB at the Conference Hall Presidential Villa, Abuja....yesterday
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Chinedu Eze
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Nume Ekeghe
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT...
States Will Implement Minimum Wage By January, FG Assures Workers
The federal government has assured that many state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration will comply with the new national minimum wage by January 2025.
A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Patience Onuobia quoted the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, as having given this assurance when he received a delegation of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCN),
NAHCO Employee Wins Ground Handling Unsung Hero Award in Spain
Chinedu Eze
An employee of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Auwal Dankode, has won the Unsung Hero category of the Pride of Groundhandling Award at the Ground Handling International (GHI), Conference, Barcelona, Spain.
Dankode was recognized for his exemplary honesty after returning a substantial sum of $10,000 found during a cabin cleaning operation at his Kano International Airport station.
A panel of international judges adjudged Dankode's act of admirable integrity as excellent enough to trump other five finalists from other countries.
Dankode, a cabin cleaner with NAHCO Plc, received widespread acclaim both within and outside the country after he returned the sum of $10,000 found in the seat just vacated by travelers on an Egypt Air aircraft.
“His story, shared across various
platforms, including on the social media pages of prominent Nigerian personalities and blogs, has captured the nation's attention with many acclaiming his extraordinary act of honesty. This Award is testimony of the fact that this has attracted international attention, as well,” said NAHCO Plc management in a statement.
In recognition of his exceptional behaviour, NAHCO has bestowed upon him numerous accolades, including cash rewards, a double promotion, and the prestigious role of brand ambassador.
Furthermore, the National Orientation Agency honoured him as the Nigerian of the Week on August 28th, acknowledging his unwavering honesty and accountability.
Nigerians on various media platforms have praised Auwal with majority of them noting that his brand of honesty is hard to come by especially considering the current exchange rate of the naira to the United States Dollar.
who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja.
Dingyadi, who appealed for patience from the workers, said his ministry was yet to know the states that have complied and those yet to comply, because the implementation just commenced.
According to him, based on information provided by the workers, four or five states were yet to comply with the new minimum wage while some have complied with it to some level.
The Minister said: “The FCT said it will comply with the new minimum wage in January. But your FCT Chapter is saying that they want it done right now. I am not sure whether that is fair.
“Many states are going to do it
in January. So, I don't know why your FCT Chapter is not accepting the same January. So, since you have raised this issue, we are going to look at the matter once again and see what could be done, particularly about the federal agencies you talked about.
“You have not given us the names. We can be better guided with a list of those who have not complied, to see what we can do.”
He said the ministry had taken note of all the issues in contention, including the one pertaining to the Office of the Accountant General and the issue of Federal Civil Service Commission, which the ACSN had been trying to resolve, and assured that all of them were going to be looked at thoroughly, and resolved
amicably.
The minister thanked the delegation most sincerely for the courtesy visit, and the notes of congratulations they extended to him on his reappointment as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dingyadi assured the union of his determination to do all that is required to ensure peace, tranquility and stability within the labour industry in the country, adding that his doors would always be open to trade unions.
He, however, appealed to the leadership of the union to lead by example and always conduct themselves in a peaceful manner by bringing issues to the roundtable for resolution as they arise.
Earlier, the President of ASCN, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, congratulated the minister on his appointment, describing it as “a very good opportunity to reinvigorate the Ministry of Labour towards enhancing industrial relations across the country.” He sought the minister’s intervention in the matter of non-remittance of the union's check off dues by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, as well as on other issues of concern.
Mohammed lauded the Ministry for doing wonderfully well in terms of reforming the trade unions in the country and also conducting oversight responsibilities, which has really impacted the operations of most unions in the country.
NSE Honours Leemon Ikpea, Chair/ CEO Lee Group with Fellowship
Nigeria’s foremost industrialist, indigenous technology promoter and founding chairman/CEO of Lee Group of Companies, Dr. (Chief) Leemon Agbonjague Ikpea, was yesterday conferred with Honourary Fellowship of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, at the Abuja headquarters of the 66-year-old organization.
In a formal ceremony presided over by Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, the 34th and first female president of NSE, Chief Leemon Ikpea was decorated and subsequently conferred with Honourary Fellowship of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, FNSE.
Engr. Kamila Maliki, FNSE, Mni, Chairman, Board of Fellows of NSE, decorated the new conferee, Chief Ikpea, watched by a cross section of top personalities including the NSE President, NSE Board of Fellows, Ex-co members and dignitaries.
“Today, we honour a remarkable individual, Chief (Dr.) Leemon Ikpea, CON, JP, a man of exceptional achievements, inspirational leadership and dedicated community service.
“This honorary Fellowship is so conferred on Chief (Dr.) Leemon Ikpea to recognize his outstanding contributions and it is a prestigious acknowledgement of his enduring legacy to engineering and engineering
practice. We express a special welcome to our distinguished conferee and his friends who have joined us for this special occasion.
“The Nigerian Society of Engineers, now 66-year strong, has a proud tradition of excellence. Since its inauguration the society has conferred honourary fellowships on only 42 individuals, making this conferment a distinguished honour. Congratulations sir, for this exceptional recognition.
“This event not only provides us with the opportunity to celebrate but to engage in meaningful discussion on how we can contribute in driving infrastructural and economic development of our nation,” Engr. Kamila
UN Women, NNWM Collaborate on Peaceful Cohabitation in Nigeria
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The United Nations (UN) Women and the National Network of Women Mediators (NNWM) are interfacing to enhance peace cohabitation in Nigeria.
The two came up with strategies to strengthen the integration of state-level women mediation networks into national and regional network of women mediators, as well as their larger commitment to improving synergies and collaborative engagement for enhancing women’s leadership in peace processes and gender responsive mediation in Nigeria. In her goodwill message at
the Second Annual Forum of Women Mediators in Nigeria themed - Women Leading Peace Building: Amplifying the Role of Nigerian Women Mediators” - the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, noted the Annual Forum of Women Mediators is one of the strategic initiatives within the framework of the Programme on Women Peace and Security in Nigeria (Phase II), being implemented by UN Women, with support from the Government of Norway, and the Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project in Nigeria (Phase II), funded by the Government of
Germany.
She said: “The overall objective of these initiatives is to attain a more peaceful and gender-equal society by creating an enabling environment for the implementation of the Women Peace and Security Commitments through strengthening policy frameworks, capacity, coordination, and oversight of federal and state entities and increasing the meaningful participation of women to deliver on UNSCR 1325 commitments for conflict prevention and sustainable peace.”
The minister explained that: “A major component of these Programmes is designed to
strengthen the capacity of Nigerian women mediators and promote their leadership in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, while enhancing collaboration, learning, and coordination among women mediation networks and peacebuilding architectures at all levels, in line with the provisions of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
“Efforts are made to support women’s mediation capacities, networks, and actions for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
“Moreover, women in their diversity are supported to ensure that those in conflict-affected grassroots communities are empowered to
voice and assert their rights to protection and have enhanced collaboration with security institutions to address community security needs in an inclusive and gender-responsive manner.”
On her part, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, noted that the specific objectives of this 2nd Annual Women Mediators Forum include development of actionable steps and modalities for increasing leadership capacity, influence the participation of Nigerian women mediators in mediation and the implementation of Nigeria’s 3rd National Action Plan (NAP) on Women Peace and Security.
Maliki told his rapt, distinguished audience in the preliminary conferment statement. Thereafter, the President of NSE, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, proclaimed the honourary conferment. Her words: “I, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, by the Grace of God and common will of Nigerian engineers, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, by the powers vested in me, hereby confer on you, Chief Leemon Ikpea, CON, JP, Fellowship of Nigerian Society of Engineers. Congratulations.”
An elated Chief Ikpea told THISDAY that “This honour by the Nigerian Society of Engineers means a lot to me. This special society is a crucial stakeholder in our national journey. I am so excited and humbled. It challenges me to do more and go further. Today is indeed a really special. Working together, we can indeed aid in transforming our country. I thank and appreciate the Nigerian Society of Engineers.” The newest NSE Fellow, Chief Ikpea, is the founding Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the 33-year-old Lee Engineering Group of Companies, a conglomerate traversing oil and gas services, engineering construction, travels and tours, and equipment fabrication and manufacturing. Lee Engineering and Allied Companies Group is now a leading indigenous oil, gas and power services company performing brilliantly and professionally in the league of multinationals.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
L-R: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Enugu State, Dr. Kingsley Udeh; Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; CEO, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, CWEIC, Mrs. Rosie Glazebrook; CWEIC Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Obinna Anyanwu; and the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Enugu State, Adaora Chukwu, during the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between Enugu State and CWEIC at the Government House, Enugu... yesterday
When the going gets tough… the tough get rewarded!
Awards2025
the men and the women and the institutions rebuilding Democratic Nigeria.
Nominations are now being invited for the consideration of the Board of Editors of the THISDAY ARISE Group in the following categories:
Titans of the Year
The men and women who through their vision, Action, Guts and courage have made a lasting impact on Nigeria.
Man of the Year
That man who has significantly influenced major events that defined the year 2024.
Woman of the Year
That woman who has significantly influenced major events that defined the year 2024.
Bank of the Year
The bank which has used innovation, technology and inclusion for growth in earnings and shareholder value.
Banker of the Year
The banker whose leadership and impact changed the banking landscape for good.
Global bank of the Year
The bank with the most global impact on Nigeria.
Brand of the Year
That brand whose impact and identity have created memorable and unforgettable experiences.
Company of the Year
A well‑regarded company with most impact in the lives of nigerians in 2024.
Product of the Year
A strong, life ‑ changing product whose value proposition is better than any other in the marketplace.
Minister of the Year
That Minister who stands out in the cabinet as an agent of reform.
Governor of the Year
That governor who combines vision, passion, dedication and courage to make the lives of the people of his state better.
Senator of the Year
That senator With legislative impact for the greater good.
Representative of the Year
That House member With Legislative impact for the greater good.
Government Agency of the Year
The government agency whose leadership and action promote service to the people of Nigeria.
Investor of the Year
The investor with most impact on the lives of the people of Nigeria.
Young global leaders of the Year
Driven, young and daring leaders under 40 shaping the future of the world according to Nigeria.
Nominations close on 25th of December 2024; winners will emerge on 31st December, 2024 for the Awards Ceremony in January 2025 in the usual THISDAY style where global leaders and legends will gather to celebrate the best of Nigeria.
Submit your nominations, stating the contributions of your nominees, to - awards2025@thisdaylive.com; awards2025@arise.tv
Polaris Financial Series 7
Strategies for making Informed and Rational financial choices.
In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable economy, making smart financial choices has never been more important. This is especially true in Nigeria, where staying financially stable can be tough. Managing your finances doesn't have to be overwhelming—with the right knowledge, a solid plan, and some discipline, you can secure your financial future. This article is here to help you make the best decisions for long-term stability and growth.
Understanding Financial Literacy
Financial education is important for making informed financial decisions. In simple terms, financial literacy means understanding and using skills like personal money management, budgeting, and investing to improve your finances. It is the foundation for making smart financial choices.
Key Steps to Enhance Financial Literacy:
Improve Your Financial Knowledge: Improving your financial knowledge is the first step towards financial literacy. Take the time to learn about basic financial concepts, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. There are resources online, including articles, videos, and courses that cover these topics in an accessible way.
Seek Professional Advice: Financial advisors have the expertise and experience to provide tailored advice based on your specific needs and goals. They stay updated on market trends, economic changes, and financial products to offer you the best guidance.
Develop a Budget: Developing a budget involves two main steps. First, track your expenses to gain insight into how your money is spent. This helps you identify areas where you might be overspending. Next, create a budget plan by allocating funds to different categories such as essentials (like rent and groceries), savings, and discretionary spending. This structured approach helps you manage your finances more effectively, ensuring that you stay within your means and work towards your financial goals.
Budgeting and Planning
Managing your finances effectively starts with understanding budgeting and planning. Budgeting helps you track your income and expenses, while planning involves setting financial goals and creating a strategy to reach them.
Start by tracking what you spend each month. Then, set aside money for important things like expenses, savings, entertainment, etc. This way, you stay on top of your finances and work towards achieving your financial goals.
Steps to Create an E ective Budget:
Track Your Spending: Monitoring your spending is important for managing your finances. Keep a record of where your money goes each month. Whether it’s on bills, groceries, or entertainment. By tracking your spending, you can identify where you might be overspending and adjust your budget to stay on track.
Categorize Expenses:
Organizing your spending into categories helps you see where your money is going and manage it better. Divide your expenses into key areas like housing, food, transportation, and entertainment. This clear breakdown makes it easier to spot where you might be overspending and adjust your budget to ensure you’re saving and spending wisely.
Set Realistic Goals: Establish financial goals, both short-term (saving for a vacation) and long-term (retirement planning). Ensure these goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).
Prioritize Needs Over Wants: Focus on what’s Important and necessary before indulging in non-essential expenses. Identify your core needs and make sure these are covered first. After addressing these priorities, limit spending on non-essential which includes luxuries, dining outside, etc. This approach helps you manage your finances more effectively and ensures you are meeting your most important needs before considering extras.
Building a Robust Savings Strategy
Savings provide a safety net for unforeseen expenses and contribute to long-term financial goals. A disciplined approach to saving can significantly enhance your financial stability.
Key Savings Strategies:
Establish an Emergency Fund: Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account. This fund will help you handle unexpected expenses without resorting to debt.
Automate Savings: Recently, banks have begun to help customers save more by incorporating features that automatically allocate a percentage of their transfers into a fixed account until the saving term expires. This way, customers can save effortlessly without having to remember. It also ensures regular contributions and reduces the temptation to spend.
Utilize High-Interest Accounts: Consider high-yield savings or money market accounts for more attractive interest rates compared to standard savings options. The Polaris Wise Savings Account, for example, offers a unique 3-in-1 approach, blending features of a savings, current, and fixed deposit account. This combination is designed to help you grow your savings efficiently and encourages you to save more to achieve greater returns.
Strategic Investing for Growth
Investing is essential for growing your wealth and achieving long-term financial goals. A well-diversified investment portfolio can provide higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts.
Investment Strategies: Understand Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance based on your financial goals, time horizon, and comfort level with market fluctuations. This will guide your investment choices.
Diversify Your Portfolio: Spread your investments across various asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate) to mitigate risk. Diversification helps protect your portfolio from significant losses.
Regular Contributions: Invest regularly, regardless of market conditions. This strategy, known as dollar-cost averaging, reduces the impact of market volatility on your portfolio.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of market trends and economic indicators. Adjust your investment strategy as needed to align with your financial goals and market conditions.
Prudent Debt Management Managing debt effectively is crucial for financial health. High levels of debt can impede your ability to save and invest, making it essential to develop a strategy to manage and reduce debt.
Debt Management Strategies:
Understand Your Debt: List all your debts, including interest rates, minimum payments, and due dates. Prioritize high-interest debts to minimize the amount paid in interest.
Consolidate Debt: Consider consolidating multiple high-interest debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This simplifies payments and can reduce overall interest costs.
Avoid New Debt: Avoid taking on new debt unless absolutely necessary. Focus on paying off existing debts.
Risk Management and Insurance
Protecting your assets and income through insurance is a critical aspect of financial planning. Although many Nigerians do not trust insurance, however insurance helps mitigate financial risks and provides peace of mind.
Key Insurance Considerations:
Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health coverage to protect against high medical costs.
Life Insurance: If you have dependents, life insurance provides financial security in the event of your untimely death.
Property Insurance: Protect your home and valuable possessions against risks like theft, fire, and natural disasters.
Liability Insurance: Consider liability insurance to protect against legal claims and lawsuits.
Ongoing Financial Assessment and Adjustment
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your financial plan is essential to stay on track with your goals. Life circumstances and economic conditions change, necessitating periodic reassessment.
Steps for Ongoing Financial Assessment:
Review Goals: Regularly review your financial goals and adjust them based on changes in your life circumstances, such as marriage, children, or career changes.
Track Progress: Monitor your progress towards your financial goals. Use software or spreadsheets to keep track of your budget, savings, and investments.
Adjust Strategies: Make necessary adjustments to your budget, savings, and investment strategies based on your progress and any changes in your financial situation.
Behavioural Awareness in Financial Decisions
Understanding the psychological aspects of financial decision-making can help you avoid common pitfalls. Cognitive biases and emotional responses often lead to irrational financial choices.
Key Behavioural Strategies:
Recognize Biases: Be aware of biases like overconfidence, herd behavior, and loss aversion. Understanding these biases can help you make more rational decisions. Nigerians learned this lesson the hard way during the banking consolidation era of Chukwuma Soludo as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Stay Disciplined: Stick to your financial plan, even when market conditions are volatile or when tempted by impulse spending.
Seek Objective Advice: Consult with financial advisors or brokers to get an unbiased perspective on your financial decisions.
In summary, making informed and rational financial choices is a continuous process that requires education, strategic planning, disciplined execution, and regular reassessment. By understanding financial concepts, creating a detailed budget, saving and investing wisely, managing debt, and leveraging technology, you can achieve financial stability and success. Remember to stay informed, adapt to changes, and seek professional advice when necessary to navigate the complexities of personal finance effectively.
The presidential election in Ghana holds lessons for Nigeria, argues JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA
See page 21
EDITORIAL
RISING CASES OF ABANDONED BABIES
JAMES
AFRIPERF symbolises a commitment among African countries to collaborate on managing their hydrocarbon resources, writes AKPANDEM
APRIPERF AND AFRICA’S OIL AND GAS ASSETS
Between the end of the first and the opening weeks of the second quarters of every year, a diverse group of energy professionals from around the world converge at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, to network, share knowledge, showcase innovations and generally advance the global energy sector from their respective and collaborative perspectives. Nigeria, a major petroleum-producing and exporting country, usually parades a sizeable delegation from government and industry establishments at the annual global energy summit. Other African oil and gas-producing countries are also usually adequately represented.
During the 2024 outing, an idea that could fundamentally change the energy landscape in Africa was unveiled. It was an idea that would clip the wings of scavengers in the oil and gas terrain and open a vista for the growth and prosperity of oil-producing African countries. The inauguration of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) represents a pivotal step towards safeguarding Africa's oil and gas assets through enhanced collaboration and regulatory coordination. The idea was proposed by Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), during the African Energy Leadership Forum at the OTC.
The initiative targeted creating a continental platform for oil and gas producers to connect, share knowledge and form strategic partnerships that would ultimately drive investment and sustainable development in the petroleum sector. Giving a hint on the desirability of the initiative, Komolafe noted that the recent surge in hydrocarbon discoveries across Africa, combined with the urgent need for a sustainable energy transition, requires concerted efforts from all parties involved. “AFRIPERF will enable us to tackle these challenges directly, ensuring that our regulatory frameworks are robust, our policies are forward-thinking and our actions align with global best practices,” he stated.
By collaborating with other African regulators, he indicated they could collectively benefit from benchmarking regulatory practices. It was an idea inspired by potential threats to the sector's survival in the continent and the crucial need for collaboration to protect it. The complexities of the global oil market require that African countries safeguard their petroleum resources from undue exploitation. Advocating for the platform, Komolafe pointed out that economic factors, including revenue generation and political leverage, are critical in the protection effort. He emphasized that oil-producing countries must leverage their collective strengths to secure energy sources for their populations, especially in light of evolving global energy dynamics.
He explained that regulators could utilise the new platform to collaborate, share insights and build a brighter and more sustainable future for Africa. Summarising the central theme of the initiative, the NUPRC boss noted that establishing AFRIPERF represents a
commitment to working together to overcome common challenges while leveraging opportunities ahead for the development and utilisation of hydrocarbon resources across the continent.
As a follow-up to the discussions at the OTC, African regulators later convened in Abuja for the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week, in July 2024, where they formally launched AFRIPERF. The forum was designed to facilitate collaboration among regulators, aligning with global best practices to address common challenges in the petroleum industry. Being the initiator of the idea, Komolafe was mandated to lead the initiative, whose primary focus is preventing "forum shopping" by operators seeking weaker regulatory environments.
The Forum which has membership from oil and gas producing countries in Africa, including Angola, Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Sierra-Leone and Senegal, principally aims to enhance governance through a unified regulatory framework to attract investment and ensure environmental protection; foster cooperation and improve regulatory practices through the promotion of knowledge sharing among African regulators; support sustainable practices by encouraging technology transfer and sustainable management of petroleum resources and improve operational efficiencies; and advocate on the global stage for the interests of African petroleum producers, ensuring their voices are not just heard but considered in international discussions about energy policies and practices.
AFRIPERF is, therefore, primed to be a pivotal force in driving regulatory harmonisation within the energy sector across Africa, with a mission focused on fostering sustainable growth, maximising the economic benefits of its hydrocarbon resources and ensuring a balanced and equitable energy transition. It seeks to promote sustainable development in the oil and gas industry while tackling the challenges related to energy transition. The mission revolves around the emplacement of a cohesive framework that enhances the management of the continent's hydrocarbon assets and encourages a sustainable shift towards cleaner energy alternatives, ultimately contributing to economic development across the continent. The cumulative focus on harmonising petroleum regulations and standards, enhancing regulatory capacity through training and promoting dialogue
with industry stakeholders and international organisations reflects a strong commitment to harnessing the rich natural resources of the continent while ensuring that their development aligns with sustainable practices that benefit local economies and communities across the continent.
There are concerns however, that though a strategic and necessary initiative to salvage the sector from rampaging scavengers for enhanced growth and development of the respective national economies, AFRIPERF might suffer setbacks in implementing some core objectives because of peculiar national exigencies, including diverse regulatory environments, capacity constraints among member states, political instability and competing national interests. These factors could hinder cohesive action and standardisation across the continent. Furthermore, balancing immediate economic needs with long-term sustainability goals will be crucial as the continent navigates its energy transition.
Notwithstanding, these issues are not peculiar to the sector or region. They are ever-present in multinational collaborative engagements. A deliberate resolve to surmount them by focusing on the long-term economic gains could help push the objectives through less bumpy terrain. Last month’s meeting of the Forum anchored from Abuja, Nigeria, which featured no fewer than ten oil-producing countries, noted this challenge and enjoined regulators in Africa’s oil-rich countries to fashion out ways of ensuring the relevance and effectiveness of the forum for individual countries as well as for collective prosperity on the continent.
At that meeting, the regulators reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, harmonisation of regulations and sustainable growth within the continent's petroleum sector. Discussions centred on strengthening collaborative efforts among member countries, including organising a pan-African webinar on regulatory trends and investing in harmonised training programmes. The collective resolutions of the APRIPERF are expected to pave the way for a more robust and resilient African petroleum sector, equipping the continent to tackle current and emerging challenges in the energy industry.
There is no doubt that this is a bold step in the right direction, given the nature of the sector and its criticality in global politics and the economic growth and sustainability of nations. AFRIPERF, therefore, symbolises a commitment among African countries to collaborate on managing their hydrocarbon resources effectively while ensuring sustainable development. By addressing these challenges collectively, the platform can create a more resilient and innovative oil and gas industry in Africa, ultimately benefiting local economies and communities across the continent.
Even in the darkest of days and nights in Nigeria, there are adorable persons to celebrate in fine fettle.
Kunle Ajibade, the Executive Editor/Director of PMNEWS and TheNEWS Magazine, Mr Kunle Ajibade, belongs to that class of excellence.
Kunle was on Saturday, November 30, 2024 deservedly presented with the DAME Honorary Fellowship Award by the Lanre Idowu-powered Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) in Lagos.
True to his ever rendering nature, Kunle dedicated the esteemed award to two greatly mourned Nigerian patriots – Dr Stanley Macebuh and Prof Tejumola Olaniyan.
In the words of Kunle Ajibade on the award night, “There are two people whose fond memories I would like to honour with this award: Dr Stanley Macebuh who died 14 years ago and Professor Tejumola Olaniyan who died exactly five years ago today. Both of them were amazing spirits of enlightenment.”
Even as I served as a judge in different categories of the 2024 DAME awards, I never knew anything about the honour to be bestowed on Kunle.
The award to Kunle came to me as a pleasant surprise, and I cannot but report it as news of the worthiest echelon.
Kunle was that one dogged public intellectual General Sani Abacha could not kill in his murderous reign over a benighted Nigeria.
Abacha charged Kunle with treason, and our very dear self-effacing guru of the word had to spend time in General Sani Abacha’s gulag for his courageous efforts.
He was in 1995 jailed for life alongside General Olusegun Obasanjo and others, and Kunle was only released in 1998 after the death of Abacha.
Kunle published his prison memoir, Jailed for Life: A Reporter’s Prison Notes, in 2003 and it deservedly won the first Victor Nwankwo Book of the Year Award instituted by the Nigerian Book Fair Trust.
To underscore the critical fact that he may have been bloodied but remained fervently unbowed, Kunle published another incisive book on his life and times aptly entitled What a Country! with the requisite exclamation mark.
In his as ever combative foreword to What a Country!, the acclaimed poet, essayist and political commentator, Odia Ofeimun, wrote of Kunle Ajibade: “Largely on the strength of his moral comportment as a journalist and because of what I came to know of his love of decency, we grew to be friends. That’s how come, when he and his other colleagues left M.K.O. Abiola’s African Concord magazine in the 90s and began to run THE NEWS and TEMPO – two magazines that had been banned but refused to stay banned – I swore from my London redoubt as an intellectual exile to write for them free of charge. On my return to Lagos, I yielded my place in a more established medium in order to get embroiled in the more indeterminate waters of guerrilla journalism of which they were such intrepid exponents. I later became Chairman of the soon-to-be-rested A.M. NEWS of which he was editorial page editor, the job from which General Sani Abacha’s goons yanked him away before we could evolve a work ethic.”
Me too, I had to abandon the about-to-bebirthed daily newspaper which I had been given the start-up capital to found, and I took a pay cut of nearly half of my take-home salary to serve on the selfsame editorial board that Odia wrote of.
So I was there live when Kunle was taken away to serve an imprisonment for committing no offence whatsoever, least of all plotting a coup to topple Abacha!
It still rankles as one of the saddest memories of my life.
Kunle served Abacha’s prison sentence with the redoubtable human rights activist Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, the legendary musician Fela’s brother.
Kunle may look soft on the outside, but he takes no prisoners, as his words on then President Obasanjo’s abandonment of Beko Ransome-Kuti are indeed galling.
For Kunle, it’s tragic that Obasanjo whom Beko was ready to pay the supreme sacrifice for ended up not bothering about his fellow Abeokuta man when serving eight years as Nigeria’s President.
According to Kunle Ajibade, “It was one of the coincidences of history that President Obasanjo, who had not met the victims of the 1995 phantom coup since he had been in power, eventually had a meeting in Abuja with some of them – Col. G. Ajayi, Chris Anyanwu, Ben Charles-Obi, Shehu Sani, etc. – on the very day that Beko Ransome-Kuti died in Lagos: 10 February 2006.”
Kunle Ajibade deserves celebration as the DAME award showcased.
In a sordid world where darkness is an ever present danger, Kunle Ajibade shines forth with the endearing humanity of his being. He belongs to the frontline, and assuredly so because he does not mince words - where he stands is as clear as daylight.
Let’s end with Kunle Ajibade’s words on his dedication of the DAME award to the duo of Dr. Stanley Macebuh and Prof Tejumola Olaniyan thusly: “My hope is that our country, our continent, will eventually find replacements for these ancestors.”
Uzoatu is a Journalist and Poet
The presidential election in Ghana holds lessons for Nigeria, argues JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA
THE CURSE OF INCUMBENTS AND JOHN MAHAMA’S RETURN
If you ignore the pun, the ovation has been quite loud this week in Ghana with President John Mahama pulling a Trump; he is back for his second term. There is a lot to be said for two presidents who were rejected at the polls only to return to win years after their first term. If for nothing, it speaks to context and time in politics. A good candidate can run at the wrong time, take a John McCain, only to end up losing. And a bad candidate can win if the atmosphere is desperate for change, any sort of change, I have no examples for this one. You must think of one for yourself.
I was in Ghana about nine years ago. I was flying from Accra to Kumasi for an event and happened to be on the same flight with then presidential hopeful, Nana Akufo-Addo. Nigeria had just elected Buhari and many in Ghana, at the time, desired that sort of change. They found a lot of inspiration in the Nigerian result and many indeed saw Nana as their own Buhari. Akufo-Addo was at least tested, if you believe trust is subjective.
He made his first run for the Ghana presidency in 1998 but lost his party’s ticket to John Kufuor. He served under the Kufuour government as their party won the polls. AkufoAddo went a step further the next time in the 2008 election cycle by clinching his party’s ticket. However, he lost the tightest of races to John Atta Mills. In 2012, he lost his first of three back-to-back election battles to John Mahama. He then defeated the incumbent president four years later and held out against him to win reelection in 2020 in another tight race.
When we landed in Kumasi, everyone wanted to shake the man’s hands. He looked like a rockstar, and you could tell that he was going to mount a real challenge. He did more than that, because he won the election the following year. Nana Akufo-Addo became president amidst a lot of optimism. He was seen as the people’s president.
As usual though, the lovefest with the people was not to last. He barely survived re-election, and his party ultimately paid by losing to a resurgent John Mahama last weekend. Despite a few shortcomings, Ghana showed why it remains one of Africa’s better democracies. Plenty to learn there for other African countries where organizing elections remain a herculean ask.
The Ghana election result aligns with global trends. There has been an unusual rate of defeat for incumbent governments all over the world. Whilst the trend is global, some polls show that the reasons for voters making these decisions are more local than global. Real everyday issues; hunger, unemployment and the general rise in the cost of living. Global in nature, personal in reality.
The Democrats fell amidst a chaotic election run in the United States whilst the Conservatives were sent packing in the United Kingdom. It was unthinkable to see the African National Congress (ANC) losing its hold on the South African parliament and presidency but elections this year showed that the ANC has a tougher future ahead. It lost its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid.
In Senegal, Macky Sall, who came on the back of popular Sunu 2012 protests, saw his alliance fall to Bassirou Diomaye Faye. In neighbouring France, Emmanuel Macron lost some ground after calling for snap elections. There were similar trends in Japan, India and Bangladesh.
Nigeria’s elections aren’t until 2027 but if you consider that 2025 is here soon enough, we are in the tick of the actions and inactions that will decide that election in just over two years. We already see the usual attempts at alliances. But we do know that serious conversations for those may not truly begin until after the election, when the conversation is certain to focus on what might have been.
In a few months, it will be half term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He did the unusual this quarter when he fired some ministers after just about a year in office. He will likely make such a move once or twice before the elections are here. His chances at the polls will either be bolstered by the benefits of his reforms, or God forbid for the sake of Nigerians, the costs. That said, politics will play a bigger part than anything else and the president knows that.
Will he keep his party united? The current trends do not suggest there will be any major cracks within the incumbent party. That is not to say some members will not stay within to help execute for political interests without. Hate it or love, whilst muted, the games are already in play.
If Nigerians want the best for themselves though, better to ask of the government now what they want now. There will always be elections and rumours of elections. We have mostly moved on as a collective in that sense; always with an eye on the next government when in truth, the only government that can change things at scale is the government in power, per time.
The dynamics of the 2023 elections remain largely in play, with many still looking at the country through the lens of that poll. Some continue to wallow in the pain of the loss whilst others keep basking in their victory. Both are right, because after two years of an event, it really must make sense to them that at some point, one must get in the moment and also look to the future.
Ghana, as it often shows with its elections, has led the way. It is never ever a do or die affair. You win, you lose, you return to win after losing or lose after winning. Or indeed, never win no matter how many times you run. Whoever plays a competition must keep all the possibilities in mind, irrespective of your wishes. That is one of the many promises of elections.
Omojuwa is chief strategist Alpha Reach/ BGX Publishing
Editor, Editorial Page PETER
ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
RISING CASES OF ABANDONED BABIES
Children, the most vulnerable member of the society, need all the care
Last Wednesday, a week-old baby was dumped at a refuse site behind the mini campus of the University of Abuja, in Gwagwalada. Covered with a cloth, it was the cry of the baby that attracted passersby. Two weeks earlier, another newborn baby was reportedly abandoned inside an uncompleted building in the same Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In recent weeks, several such cases have also been reported in Bwari and Kuje area councils of the FCT. Worried by the trend, the FCT police command has expressed concerns over the incident of ‘baby dumping’.
While it is difficult to get the correct statistics, it is a widespread phenomenon, and cuts across the length and breadth of the country.
Only recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) raised the alarm over the increasing rate of child abandonment in Nigeria, saying that it received 339 complaints concerning the issue in the month of February 2024. The cases were recorded across the commission's 36 state offices and the FCT. While some of the babies are abandoned in hospitals, some are dropped off at odd hours at unconventional places such as dump sites, public toilets, roadsides, among others. The lucky ones are rescued by members of the public, while the not so lucky die before help could reach them.
the Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Safiya Umar in 2019 decried the rate at which newborn babies were being dumped.
Youths must be educated more on the values of protected sex in order not to bring forth babies they can ill-afford
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
T
The frequent occurrence and the negative implications make the dumping of babies a serious social problem that requires urgent attention. According to the register of the Child Care Unit of the Oyo State government, for instance, 114 cases of abandoned babies were recorded in Ibadan between January 2009 and December 2012. The Kogi State Government rescued 39 babies abandoned by their mothers some five years ago. And even in the FCT, a former acting secretary of
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
Meanwhile, the dumping and abandonment of children is a serious offence in Nigeria, attracting fines or imprisonment. Section 16 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 says clearly it is a criminal offence to abandon children or leave them without a means of sustenance. The Act imposes on any offender, upon conviction, an imprisonment of three years or a fine of N500,000. The Child Rights Act which has been adopted by 24 of the 36 states of the federation also stipulated that no child should be subjected to torture or inhuman treatment, an Act backed by the 1999 Constitution as altered, as it accords every individual respect and dignity. Besides, Nigeria is a signatory to the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the Child, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, all aimed at protecting the right of the child.
Unfortunately, the indiscriminate dumping of newborns, infants or others branded as ‘witches’ is on the rise. The practice runs counter to the values and culture of the Nigerian, indeed, African society where children are treasured not just by the parents but the community at large. A recent study blamed the problem largely on poverty. Due to the prevailing economic conditions many can hardly afford a decent meal a day, not to talk of an additional burden. Many of the foster homes are struggling to take care of the ones in their custody. In this wise youths must be educated more on the values of protected sex in order not to bring forth babies they can ill-afford. Children are the most vulnerable member of any society, and they deserve all the care. But the society must also be concerned by the kind of pressure that could make women abandon their babies.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
THE IMPERMANENCE OF POWER
On the night of 6th December 2024, Syrians slept in chains and woke up the next day on the cloud, specifically on cloud nine.
As rebels encircled Damascus, the country’s capital, a decades-long dynasty disintegrated. Who was it that had to scamper down from the high horse of power in Damascus and scurry like a terrified rat, tail between his legs to Moscow? It was Bashar al-Assad, the former strong man of Syria, suddenly reduced to its fleeing scoundrel. How Syrians wished they could have laid their bare, burning fingers on the spoiled scion of a family complicit in the ruin of one of the world’s most iconic countries, very much like Libyans did with Gaddafi in 2011.
As the volcano of freedom vaporized the barriers of the infamous Saydnaya prison, which a ruthless dictator had turned into his personal holding pen, the prisoners, some of whom were broken by their incarceration, suddenly felt the air of freedom waft in, something they had considered impossible.
The world has also borne witness to how terminal tyranny is. Together with his family, al-Assad has been granted asylum in Russia, a country that seems to be a magnet for all manner of illegalities and fugitives at the moment thanks to extremely ill-informed decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022.
For long-suffering Syrians who have somehow managed albeit
painfully to keep their faith through a slow disintegration of their country at the hands of a ruthless dictator who succeeded his father in infamy to serve as Russia’s pawn in the proxy war in his country, it is freedom at last.
There are definitely lessons out of Syria for the world at this time. Territorial sovereignty may be a key cog of international law and relations but in the interest of the most vulnerable of humanity, it must become impossible for dictators that have neither respect for their people nor regard for any principles to hold people to ransom in the name of dubious leadership.
Democracy has many devils driven into its details. For the impatient and impious, democracy may seem a lot of drivel, especially when there is the temptation to hasten things up.
In the history of the world, the most enduring lessons of democracy is that the patience to build institutions, put rules in place and hold people accountable which democracy does expertly have its merits after all.
Without the languid but luminous lines which democracy recites to leaders and the led, haste by dictators masquerading as pragmatists would make waste of society. History is replete with such scoundrels exporting their execrable expediencies and exigencies. For years, Syrians had watched their country’s fragile institu-
tions come under heavy attack by al-Assad and his supporters.
Now that the dynasty that destroyed everything they held dear for years has been dismantled, they have to pick the pieces and rebuild their country.
They must be determined to move on from the debris of dictatorship and rebuild their beloved country, which had the terrible misfortune of falling into the hands of a debauched Dr. Death.
The rebuilding will be slow, painful and tasking, but it is necessary for the memory of Syrians killed by the regime, for the present generation of Syrians who have survived everything thrown at them and the unborn to whose magisterial promise Syria will be entrusted to.
Crucially, Syrians must remember that vigilance is the price for freedom and must be ready to pay this price. Their unflinching vigilance will protect their country and ensure that its future will become their past.
Now that Satan has finally fled Syria to Russia, another country where devils are in charge, may the long-suffering people of Syria and their many homesick exiles hit the long but luminous path to discovery and recovery.
Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com
Birthday Celebration Of A Visionary Leader @57
Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (CON) Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Teritory
Today we celebrate a leader whose dedication, vision, and commitment to the progress of Nigeria Federal Capital Territory inspire us all. As you mark this special day, the Management and staff of wish SALINI NIGERIA LIMITED you joy, good health, and the strength to continue your impactful work for Nigeria. May this new year bring you countless blessings and even greater achievements.
Managing Director/CEO
Courtesy: Dr. Piero Capitanio
(On behalf of Salini Nigeria Limited)
Report: Economy Deteriorates as Productivity Record
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Nigeria’s business conditions deteriorated further in November as productivity of the private sector of the economy stood at 49.6 in November 2024.
This was revealed in the Stanbic IBTC Bank’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report for November 2024, which stated that, “business activity in the Nigerian private sector continued to fall in November as strong inflationary pressures again weighed on customer demand.”
It should be noted that the PMI’s readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month while readings below 50.0 shows deterioration.
Air
Chinedu Eze
Engineers and Air Traffic Controllers in the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), have raised concern over the continuous reduction in the number of personnel that offer critical services in the management of flight operations, warning that this may impair efficiency and jeopardise flight safety in the country.
They said the reduction in the number of engineers who maintain the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) and other related equipment and operations staff, like the Air Traffic Controllers (ATC), that manage the movement of aircraft in the airspace, could affect air safety management in Nigeria.
THISDAY learnt that in the
The report said: “The headline PMI posted below the 50.0 no-change mark for the fifth consecutive month in November to signal a further deterioration in business conditions in the private sector. That said, at 49.6 the latest reading was up from 46.9 in October and pointed to only a marginal decline.”
It added: “The inflationary environment and muted demand conditions meant that business activity continued to fall, the fifth month running in which that has been the case. The latest reduction was only marginal, however.
“Sector data pointed to increases in output in agriculture and manufacturing, but decreases in wholesale & retail and services.
“Purchase costs rose rapidly
again in November amid currency weakness and higher prices for fuel and raw materials. Although slowing slightly for the second month running, the pace of inflation remained elevated.”
In his comment of the latest PMI’s report, the Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Muyiwa Oni, said: “The Nigerian private sector activities deteriorated further in November, albeit at a less pronounced rate relative to October.
“This less pronounced deterioration was primarily due to the return to growth of new orders in November, having decreased solidly in October.
“Some panelists saw signs of demand picking up, but others reported that high costs again
acted to deter customers. Elsewhere, higher energy prices, increases in the cost of raw materials, and lingering currency weakness continue to lead to intensification of price pressures in November.
“Thus, input prices increased at a substantial rate again during November, with the pace of inflation only slightly lower than that seen in October and remaining one of the sharpest on record.
“Indeed, based on the November PMI survey results, companies reported some tentative signs of demand improving although some customers were deterred by high prices.”
The PMI report stated that employment ticked down in November, thereby ending a six-
month sequence of job creation as sector data indicated that the overall reduction in employment was centred on services.
The report said, “A combination of low sales volumes and high prices for inputs led Nigerian companies to cut their purchasing activity again during November,” noting that “input buying was down for the fourth time in the past five months. The latest decline was solid and among the largest on record, despite easing from the previous survey period.”
The report said that overall input prices increased at a substantial rate again during November, with the pace of inflation only slightly lower than that seen in October and remaining one of the sharpest on record.
It said: “Manufacturing posted the fastest rise in overall input costs, closely followed by wholesale and retail. The rate of purchase price inflation remained elevated in November as 64 per cent of respondents signaled a rise over the course of the month.”
It said that the weakness of the Naira against the US dollar was a key factor pushing up purchase costs while other factors were higher fuel and raw material prices.
“Higher input costs continued to feed through to rises in output prices during November. Although ticking down from October, the pace of charge inflation remained rapid and was among the fastest in the series history,” the report said.
engineering department instead of two or three people running a shift of 24 hours, only one personnel run it currently, overseeing the equipment, which the operations staff, ATC, use to manage aircraft movement at aerodromes and at the airspace.
A senior engineer in the agency told THISDAY that the challenge of inadequate staff had remained real, disclosing that operations area is the most affected and confirmed that one staff work for 24 hours without assistance from co-staff as it used to be. The senior engineer was worried that the shortage of personnel could give rise to fatigue and stress, which according to him can lead to serious mistakes during operations.
According to the engineer,
international standard practice stipulates that TRACON and other equipment should be manned by three persons at any time but now only one person mans the system at a time because the agency has lost many of its engineers to oversea jobs.
“We are facing acute problem about inadequate staff right now and I fear that if action is not taken to recruit and train competent staff, we won’t have people that will efficiently manage the system in the near future and this will be a threat to flight operation in Nigeria. For example, two people left in my department and since then they have not been replaced. The existing staff members are now making up for the vacant positions. That is energy sapping and could lead to fatigue, lack of concentration and lack of
coordination. You won’t be able to take the right decision,” the official said.
It was learnt that although there is inadequate number of technical and operations personnel but few years ago, there was recruitment, and those recruited cannot do the job because they were not receptive to the training given to them at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria due to poor entry behaviour.
“They were not intellectually prepared to take additional mental tasks, especially in complex areas like engineering and ATC. So, the newly recruited could not take on the jobs they were trained for, hence lack of adequate personnel in the recommended number, as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation
Organisation (ICAO),” the official added.
“The challenge is real. One person works 24 hours. The newly recruited refused to come down to the airports where they are needed.
All of them are in Katsina. I heard that NAMA may embark on another recruitment exercise, but the most affected currently is in the operation area. When one person works for 24 hours there will be fatigue and he or she will make more mistakes, which is not good for this sensitive job,” the officer said.
The rapid reduction of NAMA personnel is attributed to the endless japa syndrome and lack of the requisite experience among the young officials, while the older ones are at the verge of retirement and this makes recruitment of new
batch of new officers very important. THISDAY spoke to the newly elected President of National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Edino Emos, who highlighted the planned recruitment of new controllers. According to Emos, it is not easy working with inadequate number of personnel, considering the critical role Air Traffic Controllers play in airspace management.
“Recruiting the personnel that can make meaningful contributions to the job that we do, takes some time. You must work for three years. From the year you are employed you will spend at least two years at the Nigerian College of Aviation
Flybird Promises to Investigate Remote Cause Plane Crash
Chinedu Eze
Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited (AMSL) an indigenous Nigerian company and a subsidiary of Flybird Aviation GmbH Berlin Germany has said it is working closely with relevant aviation authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ascertain the root cause of its recent incident.
On December 6, 2024, a Flybird AMSL Hawker 900XP aircraft, registration 5N-KAL, experienced an in-flight incident while traveling from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja to Kotoka Airport, Accra.
Preliminary information by Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) indicates that the aircraft, with four persons on board (three crew
members and one passenger), was climbing through flight level 240 en route to flight level 280 when the crew reported an engine indication issue.
According to NSIB, the aircraft was at a position approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of VOR station VONUK at 17:54 UTC when the crew requested a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication. The request was promptly granted, and the aircraft was cleared to descend to flight level 190.
In a statement by the company, it noted that in accordance with safety protocols and as a precautionary measure, the aircraft safely executed a return to the point of departure.
The company stated that all persons on board including three
crew members and a passenger are safe and unharmed.
“We are currently working in close collaboration with relevant aviation authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ascertain the root cause of the incident,” Flybird management stated.
According to the company, as a responsible and responsive organisation, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our top priority. As a Nigerian company operating globally, we are proud of the progress we’ve made. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our professional and committed crew members, who successfully landed the aircraft safely despite the mishap,” the company said.
Air
WAtCh
Arik, Aero Operation Under AMCON
The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has joined global forces to push for submarine cable resilience across West African countries, Nigeria inclusive.
This is coming on the heels of the appointment of WATRA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Aliyu Aboki, as a member of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, which is cochaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Communications Authority of Portugal (ANACOM),
The President Foreign Airlines and Representative in Nigeria (AFARN) Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma has called on the federal government to confirm the appointment of acting Director General of NCAA, Captain Najomo as the substantive director general. Speaking during a press conference at the AFARN office on Lagos recently, Nwokoma said the man presently acting as Director General has proven that he can do the job. He pointed out that it will not be too good for the government
The advisory body, established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), aims to bolster the resilience of submarine telecommunication cables that form the backbone of global digital connectivity.
Submarine cables, which carry the majority of the world’s internet traffic, enable essential global services, including commerce, financial transactions, government operations, digital health, and education. Enhancing their resilience is critical for ensuring continuity in a digitally connected world.
Aboki’s inclusion in the high-level
to shy away from the fact that, a body like NCAA, the regulator of the aviation industry should be politicized given the nation’s ratings and also as a contracting state in all ICAO conventions.
Nwokoma urged the government to avoid anything that would bring clog in the wheel of progress in the industry and therefore confirm without further delay the man presently on the saddle to avoid lacuna of any sort that may not augur well to the industry at this time of our national development.
International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience comes at a critical time when disruptions to digital connectivity in West Africa have highlighted the urgent need to safeguard vital telecommunications infrastructure.
As the Executive Secretary of WATRA, Aboki brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive regional perspective to the Advisory Body’s mission. His appointment provides an opportunity for the region to contribute meaningfully to shaping global best practices for the deployment, maintenance, and protection of submarine cables, ensuring a stable and resilient digital ecosystem for millions across the continent.
Also, AFARN President urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to look for ways of reducing the multiplicity of airport taxes in the country’s aviation industry.
Nwokoma pointed out that Nigeria airports are the most expensive in the world in terms of charges, observing that FAAN Managing director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, is doing a good job, but that she needs to do more in this area of encouraging air cargo export, adding that export in Ghana is zero tax.
EU, IDEA Support Nigeria on International Anti-Corruption Day
In an ongoing effort to tackle corruption and strengthen governance, Nigeria is set to commemorate the 2024 United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), with a series of national and sub-national events.
The activities, organised by the
Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT) and supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, aim to unite citizens and institutions in the fight against corruption.
Themed: ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity’, this year’s commemoration had a symposium in Abuja, the official IACD. Events will include school debates, rallies, sensitisation campaigns, and a symposium showcasing the performances of
Group Business Editor
Eromosele Abiodun
Deputy Business Editor
chinedu Eze
Comms/e-Business Editor
Emma Okonji
Asst. Editor, Energy
Emmanuel Addeh
Asst. Editor, Money Market
Nume Ekeghe
Correspondents
Kayodetokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
reporter
Peter Uzoho (Energy)
In a significant step towards enhancing military infrastructure in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has announced a strategic partnership with the Department of Defence Standards and Evaluation. The collaboration aims to ensure that all military projects meet the highest quality and compliance standards, ultimately promoting sustainable Engineering practices and bolstering national security.
During a familiarisation visit to the NSE headquarters, Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Major General A. A. Ariyibi, welcomed the initiative. President of the NSE, Margaret
anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) and law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
Highlighting the significance of the event, RoLAC Programme Manager, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, stated: “Corruption undermines democracy, hampers economic development, and destabilizes governance. Through coordinated efforts like these, we aim to emphasize the role of every citizen and institution in combating corruption and building a more transparent society.”
AinaOguntala, expressed the Society’s commitment to providing technical expertise and innovative solutions that will improve project outcomes and support the operational needs of the armed forces.
The partnership underscores the importance of integrating engineering expertise into military infrastructure to ensure efficiency, safety, and adherence to best practices. The President highlighted that Engineering plays a crucial role in national development and security, while Major General Ariyibi emphasized the need for strict compliance with construction and procurement standards.
Chinedu Eze
Last week, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) took credit for the success story of Aero Contractors, where it has a 60 per cent stake and is in charge of the management.
After many years the airline was moribund, even under AMCON management, it turned the corner with 14 per cent profit, the first it recorded since 2016. Eulogising AMCON for its feat, the Managing Director, Mr. Gbenga Alade, said the corporation had pushed back Aero Contractors to profitability following its takeover of the management in 2016.
The head of the management of the airline Captain Ado Sanusi, who is the Managing Director and CEO, announced last week that the airline has achieved a significant financial turnaround, reducing its liabilities by 33 per cent and recording a 14 per cent profit margin in 2024, a sharp contrast to the -69 per cent loss recorded in 2022.
Beating his chest, Alade said the new management of the airline had been able to turn around its fortune with two aircraft they got from the Cross River State government.
According to him, “Right now, they have only two aircraft flying and yet they were able to make money from them and the two aircraft did not even belong to them. They were given to them to manage by the Cross River State government. They don’t even have their own.
The ones they have had problems, and they are trying to fix them.
“Now that they have started to make a profit, they are creating a pool of funds to refurbish their own aircraft. They also have plans to bring five more 737-500 series very soon on dry lease arrangement.”
He confirmed that Cross River State government had given Aero two additional aircraft, which the airline would put into use soon and expressed optimism that Aero would transform the airline market with almost 10 aircraft, remarking that it is an airline to watch out for and because they have a history of safety among the airlines, they will take the market by storm very soon.
“If they don’t have their own aircraft but leasing and hiring engines to fly and are able to make a profit, imagine what will happen if they have their own,” Alade said.
But Ironically, while Alade was eulogizing Aero Contractors, he was mute about Arik Air, which was allegedly run down by AMCON, considering that the corporation inherited 19 aircraft (AMCON oscillates on the number between 17 and 19) when it took over the airline on February 9, 2017. But on December 10, 2024, the 19 aircraft had been reduced to three airworthy aircraft under AMCON’s receivership. And in the past few years, the airline has never had more 4 of the inherited aircraft that were airworthy at any point in time. AMCON also inherited about 5, 000 personnel and currently the workforce is about 1, 500.
Consequently, Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, last Tuesday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ahmed Lawal Kuru, the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, over an alleged fraud involving N76 billion and $31.5 million. The bench warrant was issued after Kuru failed to appear in court for his arraignment.
The court had scheduled the arraignment of Kuru alongside Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the Managing Director of Arik Air; Kamilu Omokide, the receivermanager of Arik Air; Union Bank PLC; and Super
Bravo Limited.
The accused faced six charges, including making false statements, fraudulent conversion, abuse of office, stealing, and dishonest conversion of property, all brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC alleged that in 2011, Union Bank Nigeria Plc caused the unwarranted sale of Arik Air’s loans and bank guarantees by making false statements to AMCON regarding Arik Air’s performing loans, later transferring N71 billion to AMCON.
The commission further claims that Kuru, Omokide, and Ilegbodu stole and fraudulently converted N4.9 billion for their own use through NG Eagle Limited in 2022.
The EFCC also accuses Ilegbodu, in his role as MD/CEO of Arik Air Limited in receivership, of stealing N22.5 million in May 2024, which he fraudulently converted for the use of Magashi Ali Mohammed’s property of Arik Air Limited. Additionally, the Commission stated that on July 11, 2019, Kuru and Omokide, in their roles as public officers, incorporated NG Eagle Limited (RC Number 1600277) to secure undue advantage for themselves and their associates.
The accused parties are also alleged to have authorised the destruction of a Boeing aircraft, valued at $31.5 million, on February 12, 2022, in an arbitrary act harmful to the economic stability of Nigeria and Arik Air.
On November 29, 2023, the defendants allegedly converted three Boeing aircraft, registered 5N-MJG, 5N-MJN, and 5N-MJE, belonging to Arik Air, for use by Super Bravo Limited.
The EFCC said these offenses contravene various sections of the criminal law of Lagos State, including Sections 96, 278(1)(a), 278(1)(b), and 278(6) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2011 and 2015).
So, while AMCON brought the hitherto biggest Nigerian carrier down, it resurrected Aero Contractors. But according to industry observers, the success of Aero Contractors was due to the dexterous management of one man, Captain Ado Sanusi. Aero Contractors was at the quagmire of extinction when Sanusi took over the management of the airline in February 2017. Then the company was not able to pay the salary of the workers; in fact; the Management Director of the airline then was about to throw in the towel, when captain Sanusi was appointed to take over.
Everything was bleak. Ahead was foggy, dark labyrinthine towards a cul-de-sac. Then Sanusi decided to revive the aircraft maintenance arm of the company. It received the Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certification from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and started the maintenance of some aircraft types, including Boeing 737 classic, Bombardier Q300 and Q400 and helicopters. That success revived some hopes. Aero recalled the engineers and others sent on redundancy and then started paying the salary arrears of the workers.
It is worthy to note also that Aero Contractors slumped again when Sanusi left the company to manage another emerging airline. Salary stopped coming for nine months, but in October 2022, Sanusi was called back to manage the airline and he revived it again. And as Mr. Alade noted, the airline has moved from nothing to profitability, credit will only be given to AMCON for appointing the man that made the change.
Sanusi had told THISDAY that the secret of his success at Aero, was prudent management of resources. The industry wished that AMCON was so prudent at managing Arik Air.
Emma Okonji
Prof. Sandra Maximiano.
Dr Felix oisamoje: reflecting on Leadership, CBN Africa’s 30-Year of Spreading Hope and Transforming Lives
dr. Felix Oisamoje’s visionary leadership has propelled Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) africa’s transformative impact over two and half decades, spreading hope, transforming lives, and shaping nations across africa. as regional director for anglophone West africa, dr. Oisamoje has steered CBN africa to the forefront of promoting economic growth, social justice, and spiritual development. in commemoration of CBN africa’s 30th anniversary, dr. Oisamoje shares impactful stories and humanitarian efforts from the past three decades, highlighting the organization’s unwavering commitment to leadership excellence, unshakeable faith in africa’s potential, and tireless pursuit of a brighter future for all, in this exclusive interview with Sunday ehigiator
Can you share CBN Africa’s origin in Nigeria, and its evolution over three decades?
CBN Nigeria started small, when in 1994 after his studies at Regent University, Pastor Ina Omakwu along with his wife registered the organization in Nigeria. They registered it as the 700 Club to avoid confusion with the Central Bank of Nigeria. In 2003, CBN switched its name to CBN Africa to align with the global practice of CBN Inc., in the US.
I joined in 1998 with five full-time employees and a few volunteers, to place our programs on more TV stations. Over time, we launched local versions of 700 Club, One Cubed, and Living the Life, which were quite popular. Our humanitarian activity began in 1998 with the Jesse pipeline disaster in Delta state and Kaduna religious disturbances. After distributing relief items, we added medical brigades, water wells, and cleft lip/palate surgeries.
We also began training Nigerian TV station staff with U.S. trainers instead of sending small groups abroad. We launched Flame TV to show family-friendly programs to support our mission to change lives and strengthen families in West Africa through media and humanitarian services.
What are the most impactful programs and initiatives in CBN Africa’s journey?
The Blitz in 1997 was our first major milestone, with over 60 million viewers and almost 20 million praying with at least one program host in just a week. It was considered one of, if not the most successful Media Blitz organized by CBN anywhere in the world.
At the time, I was a volunteer, joining at Pastor Ina’s request. The Blitz’s success even earned Pastor Ina the President’s Award.
Next, we launched local TV training in Nigeria in 1998, enabling us to train around 20 people from partner stations at once instead of sending small groups to the U.S.
In content creation, we began with the 700 Club Nigeria, followed by One Cubed Naija, Heart to Heart, Living the Life, You Were There, and more recently, Superbook Special.
The Flame TV milestone came later as our dedicated TV channel. Our humanitarian projects also became key milestones, expanding our impact beyond the media.
How has CBN Africa leveraged technology to expand its reach?
We’ve adapted well because, as anyone who knows TV production will tell you, it’s all technology-based, so you can’t afford to lag.
For instance, we invested in purchasing a Tricaster, which at the time was cutting edge in TV production and this reduced our turnaround time for productions from three weeks to 30 minutes.
However, our focus was always on getting highquality, creative people on board, because people are the best assets, not technology. That investment, for us, was a true adaptation to technology, making our process more effective and efficient.
How has Operation Blessing contributed to CBN Africa’s humanitarian efforts?
The impact has been huge. Most communities we’ve visited have seen improvement in their lives. In one community ladies were constantly bitten by snakes as they fetched water from the stream. We dug a water well and saved them.
Waterborne infections plagued another community. After providing a clean Water Well, those cases were reduced to almost none. Our work has grown thanks to Operation Blessing (OB). OB has helped us establish mobile medical clinics, clean water projects, hunger relief, and disaster aid. Orphan’s Promise, which helps orphans and vulnerable children, has also supported us greatly.
What’s the synergy between CBN Africa’s media and humanitarian efforts?
As a faith-based organisation, our TV programs preach hope to combat the prevailing despondency, making our mission easy to balance. Each program promotes hope.
We realise that preaching hope may not be enough for persons confronted with physical challenges like hunger or lack of basic amenities. We thus support their physical needs to make this message more meaningful. Our humanitarian projects and media content complement each other. While our TV programs show individuals that God is constantly working and caring despite hardships, we demonstrate that message by helping the rural poor. The programs air in cities, while our humanitarian projects are carried out in
rural areas where the need is highest.
In doing so, we are demonstrating that God cares for people in real, practical ways through us as His hands.
What are CBN Africa’s top achievements in its 30-year history?
Each new initiative whether a program or a humanitarian project, has contributed significantly to our growth.
Every new program required additional staff, producers, camera operators, editors, etc. so as we added programs, our team expanded naturally. Similarly, each new humanitarian project needed more hands.
Our growth has been organic, directly tied to projects developed through needs assessments. Each initiative brought new team members to help fulfil identified needs, driving consistent growth.
Can you discuss CBN Africa’s role in spreading Christian values?
We promote Christian principles through familyfriendly programming. Our programs are safe for all ages because they respect Judeo-Christian values. Since we cannot generate all programming in-house, we obtain similar, high-quality shows that enhance viewers’ ethical and moral development and follow these ideals on our 24-hour TV channel.
The impact is tremendous. We consistently rank among the top three CBN offices globally for program impact, according to independent analysis. This shows the beneficial impact our broadcasts and humanitarian initiatives have on viewers and recipients every year.
How does CBN Africa engage with local communities and faith groups?
We have trained church members as counsellors to answer calls from viewers affected by our broadcast. In partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria, we guided viewers to churches in their neighbourhood. We believe this relationship increased church attendance tremendously.
Our humanitarian projects also require community involvement. For example, our water well installations involve local churches and community committees to protect the wells.
We train locals to manage basic health issues in rural clinics in communities remote from medical facilities. Our cost-recovery program provides initial drugs to sustain supply independently in the rural clinics.
Organizations and embassies have generously funded these endeavours. The Japanese, Australian, and Irish embassies supported rural clinics, schools, and water wells, respectively. These partnerships have increased our impact on needy communities.
How many lives has CBN Africa impacted in Africa over the past decades?
Looking back at the Blitz in 1997, where over 60 million people watched at least one program and almost 20 million made decisions for Christ, it’s clear that we have had a significant impact. This level of outreach is not just a one-time event; we conduct annual surveys and consistently see substantial engagement.
What fuels your passion for Christian media in Africa, and how do you see it shaping Africa’s future?
My passion for Christian media lies in its ability to reach places individuals cannot access directly. By using media, we can extend our message of hope beyond our immediate surroundings, making a significant impact. After all, what’s the point of a message if no one hears it?
In Africa, the media is vital as the fourth estate of the realm, informing the public and bridging the gap between the government and the governed. While this is important, my focus is on individuals who need messages of hope and redemption. In a society where many struggle to find a meal, sustaining hope is essential.
Our message is particularly relevant today, given the rising rates of despair-induced suicides Many feel trapped in their circumstances. We aim to remind people to hold on and maintain faith.
There is hope, and the one who embodies hope will reach them. Our message is critical now, as people face hunger and health issues without access to care. Thus, it resonates powerfully with the struggles individuals face today, just as it always has.
What strategies drove CBN Africa’s expansion under your leadership?
The first strategy is recognizing that people are the most important assets any organization has. Through my leadership studies, I’ve learned that prioritizing people leads to remarkable outcomes. When individuals know you care about their welfare, they will go above and beyond for you. That’s what true leadership entails.
I focus on people over money or machines, ensuring my management team shares this vision. We constantly ask ourselves, “What can we do to improve their situation?” By doing so, we create an environment where both staff and resources thrive.
I always tell young leaders that leadership must have a human face. When people feel valued, they will follow willingly and enthusiastically. Another key aspect of my leadership is encouraging staff to pursue self-development; I urge them not to settle for their qualifications from years ago.
We support these efforts because as our staff grow, so does the organization. I’ve witnessed firsthand how their self-improvement translates into enhanced quality and productivity.
Another strategy is to be future-focused. It is always easy to stay in the here and now. But to guarantee growth I always ask myself “Where do I want this organisation to be in 20 to 30 years from now?” I then try to initiate programs and projects that will bring us to the envisaged future state.
How do you stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving media industry?
Being ahead of the curve involves keeping employees happy. Contented workers will go above and beyond the call of duty to finish tasks and excel. This mindset keeps us industry leaders.
A director at the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) once spoke on using CBN
as a model for great programming in her training. Having the broadcasting regulator praise our efforts is the best recommendation. It validates our work and inspires us to continue to strive for excellence.
What strategies drove CBN Africa’s expansion under your leadership?
Everything we accomplish requires leadership. Media is about people over equipment; people use tools to create great content. Humanitarian initiatives require empathy. Putting yourself in others’ shoes helps you create programs that meet their needs.
Leaders must care for the people they lead, even if they’re not in charge. My leadership approach is to discover solutions or help a community find them when I perceive suffering. Ultimately, leadership is about helping people attain their highest potential.
What advice do you have for emerging Christian media leaders?
True leadership is leading from the front in any sector. A true leader leads the team through problems and does not let them face the problems alone. Leadership requires enthusiastic engagement from followers. If not, you risk being a ruler instead of a leader; subjects follow out of duty, whereas true followers are motivated by a shared vision. Effective leadership must be human, promoting team happiness. Early clarity helps people comprehend their direction and builds excitement about the future. Leaders succeed when they inspire enthusiastic and willing followers.
What inspired 700 Club Nigeria and Living the Life?
We aired international versions of 700 Club Nigeria and Living the Life, produced in the U.S. Nigerian stories are few in the 700 Club Int’l, despite its success. Since CBN’s HQ office can only cover a few stories at a time, I realized the necessity for a Nigerian-friendly version. Using recognizable characters and situations in the Nigerian version increases engagement. Women-specific Living the Life was also created. We concluded that Nigerian women professionals sharing relatable experiences would have more impact than American guests.
The program’s attraction increases when viewers can relate to someone from their own culture. Living the Life is now on many TV stations nationwide due to its popularity.
They support CBN Africa’s objective to strengthen families through media and humanitarian aid. Living the Life supports women by addressing their issues, while 700 Club Nigeria spreads optimism, strengthening society.
What’s Flame TV’s role in promoting African Christian content?
Flame TV viewership is growing exponentially. Our quality shows have won awards, demonstrating their impact. Three of our programs were nominated recently, showing how our programs compete.
Our content is entertaining without being offensive or unethical. Flame TV is designed to be more than a church extension. Since many viewers attend church numerous times a week, we developed a channel with engaging, non-preachy content, which viewers enjoy. We avoid airing church services unless sponsored to develop a niche. Our station is constantly praised for its entertainment, defying the preconception that faith-based media is boring.
We’ll keep improving and pushing innovation and clean entertainment. We’ll make news entertaining instead of boring.
How effective is Superbook in reaching African children with Christian values?
The impact of Superbook is huge. The first two seasons on NTA drew over 100 million viewers every week. That’s significant!
SuperBook Special (Nehemiah) had over a million views on our Superbook YouTube channel, demonstrating its reach. Despite not planning a Vacation Bible School (VBS) this year, we had several requests. We had to organize one due to strong demand.
Our 52-week “binge-watching” on YouTube and Flame TV ended recently. Children and grown-ups watched in great numbers.
Superbook is crucial to CBN Africa’s children’s programming. We cannot neglect the children as we aim to improve families. Superbook is crucial to serving the whole family.
Dr Felix Oisamoje at the Operation Blessing’s Karu shoe making empowerment project in 2023
Enugu Govt, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Seal Strategic APartnership Deal
Oluchi Chibuzor
The Enugu State Government and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, CWEIC, on Thursday, signed a strategic partnership agreement that would accelerate trade and investment inflow to the state.
This is as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was named a co-chair of the Governors Roundtable at the 2025 edition of Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit coming up in London in April.
Speaking during the partnership signing ceremony at the Government House, Enugu, the leader of the delegation and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CWEIC, Mrs. Rosie Glazebrook, expressed the organisation’s eagerness to support the investment drive of the Governor Mbah administration.
“We are delighted to sign the strategic partnership with the
Governor. We work primarily with the private sector, businesses. Our organisation is there to drive trade and investment. We do this with very excellent convening power. We will bring this to bear in our partnership with Enugu State.
“Our organisation is there to support and collaborate to really showcase anything that Enugu is ready to offer in investment and trade. Our organisation’s aim is to look out for how we can bring down barriers to trade and to encourage investment,” he stated.
Speaking, Mbah said the strategic partnership deal with CWEIC was very much in line with his administration’s humongous projection to grow Enugu State’s economy exponentially from $4.4billion to $30billion.
“We know that we cannot wish that growth into existence. Instead, we need to take steps. We have to do things
deliberately and we have to be very intentional; which is why we see the partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council as quite strategic.
“The value of this strategic partnership cannot be lost on us because we see it as a platform that will enable us to tap in. We have over 140 private sector partners. Whether it is partnership between government and business or between government and government, we see you as that channel that would give us access.
“So, we are truly looking forward to the opportunities that this partnership brings. I have received your invitation and I can tell you that it is truly an honor to be able to participate in your Investment Submit next year and to co-chair your Governors Roundtable,” he said.
Chartered Institute of Taxation Calls for Equity in Tax Reforms
Amid ongoing debate around federal government’s tax reform bills, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has highlighted the need to prioritise equitable taxation to drive economic sustainability.
President of CITN, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi at the institute’s fellowship conferment ceremony in Lagos, reiterated progressive tax system, urging government to revisit proposed Economic Stabilisation Bills.
He recognised taxation role to national development, as well as the institute’s obliga-
tion to shaping the country’s fiscal landscape by enhancing tax compliance, amongst other initiatives.
He said, “While it is true that CITN’s contribution to policy dialogue has been invaluable in recent years, particularly in supporting the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, concerns remain about certain areas in the current Economic Stabilisation Bills under consideration.”
He expressed further that the bill may be misinterpreting role of professionalism in tax administration.
“The CITN is a united as-
sembly of tax experts serving the nation and stakeholders. As an institute, we have suggested corrections to identified gaps in the bills. We are hopeful that government will give due consideration to our recommendations, as it has done in the past.”
“As senior ambassadors of CITN, you must uphold accountability, transparency, and professionalism in the taxation system.We envision a future where only tax professionals will manage taxation responsibilities in both the public and private sectors. To achieve this, we must all strive for excellence,” he said.
MWUN Defeats Navy to Win Inaugural APMT-WACT Supercup
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (Haulage Unit) clinched victory in the inaugural APMT-WACT Supercup Onne Port football tournament, triumphing over the Nigerian Navy with an impressive 4-1 scoreline.
The grand finale, held on Friday, December 6, at the WACT Football Pitch, Onne Port, was flagged off by Commodore Gideon Kachim, Commander of the Navy Training School, Onne, who was represented by Lt. Commander K.S. Udoldo. The event brought together vibrant teams, enthusiastic supporters, and key stakeholders in
the Nigerian maritime sector, showcasing camaraderie and sportsmanship.
General Manager of Government and Public Relations at WACT-APM Terminals, Innocent Ogbuji, emphasised the goal of fostering collaboration beyond the workplace.
“This tournament was designed to strengthen the relationship between WACTAPMT and its stakeholders in an informal and engaging environment. The teamwork, interaction, and fun experienced during this event have been phenomenal,” he said.
Port Manager Raymond
Abdulraham, who presented the trophy to the victorious MWUN Haulage Unit, praised the organizers for their efforts:
“WACT-APMT has brought smiles to the faces of the maritime community. While everyone performed well, there can only be one winner. Congratulations to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria for this well-deserved victory,” he said.
The inaugural APMT-WACT Supercup has set a high benchmark for fostering unity and camaraderie in Nigeria’s maritime sector, promising an even brighter future for this sporting tradition.
‘Nestlé, Swiss Consulate in Nigeria Upskilling, Creating Jobs for Nigerians’
For the thirteenth consecutive year, Nestlé Nigeria has empowered more than twenty young Nigerians through the Technical Training program in its factory at Agbara. The participants received scholarships and training to attain the highly recognized City & Guilds certifications. In addition, the top five students were given the opportunity to conclude their training with an eight-week apprenticeship at two of Nestlé’s technical sites in Switzerland (Orbe and Broc).
Equipped with their newly acquired skills, the graduating batch are ready to embark on their engineering careers with Nestlé in Nigeria.
The Nestlé Technical Training Program in Nigeria is part of Nestlé’s global Needs YOUth initiative. Its objective across the three centres in Agbara, Abaji and Flowergate is to enhance the
employability of young Nigerians by providing them essential skills in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering. The Agbara training centre is run in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM).
“Africa has the largest population of young people globally, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30,” commented Remy Ejel, Nestlé Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa. “It is crucial to help the younger generations reach their full potential and support economic growth by offering opportunities for skill development and employment. Nigeria is an important country to Nestlé. We’ve been there for more than 60 years and are proud of our contributions to its development.
This partnership not only helps meet the demand for skilled labor in Nigeria but also supports the local economy and aligns with Nestlé’s broader objectives of enhancing youth employability.”
His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein added: “I am delighted to see the program’s success in enhancing the employability of young people in Nigeria. A skilled workforce is vital for our long-term growth. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on their achievements.
I encourage them to view their new skills as not only a foundation for their careers but also an opportunity to be ambassadors for their generation, by sharing knowledge and best practices with their peers.”
The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00 the previous Thursday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),
(Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L-R: Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Omerio Marthias Odo; Deputy Comptroller of Customs, MU Soul; Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (Haulage Unit) team captain, Chizoba Ndukwe; Port Manager, Onne Port, Raymond Abdulraham Hussain and Commander K.S Udoldo of the Navy Training School, Onne, at the closing ceremony of the APMT-WACT Supercup Onne Port football tournament… recently.
Omolabake Fasogbon
Stock Market Gains N152bn to Maintain Positive Momentum
Kayode Tokede
The domestic stock market yesterday sustained its positive trend for the third consecutive turn, with the overall market capitalisation appreciating by N152 billion.
The Nigerian Exchange Limited All Share Index (NGX ASI) gained by 250.91 basis points or 0.25 per cent
to close at 98,760.59 basis points. Also, market capitalisation gained N152 billion to close at N59.867 trillion. However, investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth was positive as 30 stocks advanced, while 21 declined. Conoil and Tantalizer recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N387.20 and N1.76
respectively, while Custodian Investment followed with a gain of 9.92 per cent to close at N13.85, per share. Africa Prudential appreciated by 9.79 per cent to close at N15.70, while Golden Guinea Breweries up by 9.75 per cent to close at N7.88, per share.
On the other hand, DAAR Communications led the losers’ chart by
8.47 per cent to close at 54 kobo, per share. Caverton Offshore Support Group followed with a decline of 8.16 per cent to close at N1.805, while Omatek Venture declined by 7.46 per cent to close at 62 kobo, per share.
ABC Transport depreciated by 7.41 per cent to close at N1.25, while Consolidated Hallmark Holdings declined by
7.11 per cent to close at N2.22, per share.
Also, the total volume traded increased by53.0 per cent to 320.102 million units, valued at N6.478 billion, and exchanged in 7,943 deals. Transactions in the shares of FCMB Group topped the activity chart with 77.632 million shares valued at N698.663 million. eTranzact International
followed with 70.130 million shares worth N473.408 million, while Haldane McCall traded 47.829 million shares valued at N234.317 million.
Japaul Gold & Ventures traded 33.575 million shares valued at N73.789 million, while Secure Electronic Technology sold 16.746 million shares worth N8.778 million.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF DECEMBER 12/24
Gamin G Week
Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG |
Supreme Court Judgment: Lull at NLRC Headquarters as Lottery Operations Continue Unhindered Nationwide
Several weeks after the Supreme Court restricted its operations to the FCT, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission has yet to issue an official position on the ruling. Nseobong
reports, however, that lottery business continues nationwide without any hindrance
Lottery business continues unhindered all over the country without the least disruption, signifying that the recent Supreme Court judgment on November 22 in the case of the Attorney General of Lagos State vs the Attorney General of the Federation and Others that nullified the National Lottery Act, which established the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to regulate the
Adeyanju
lottery industry in Nigeria is being complied with.
The matter had been in court for about 16 years, since 2008, when the Lagos State Government sought a judicial declaration to affirm its constitutional right to be the sole administrator of lottery operations within its jurisdiction based on the provisions of sections 4 (2), (3) and 4 (7) (a) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Its contention was that the constitution vests states’ assemblies with powers
Calls for Collaboration, Innovation at NLRC Stakeholders Conference
iyke bede
At the recent National Lottery Regulatory Commission’s (NLRC) All Gaming Stakeholders Conference, Tosin Adeyanju, the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), shared insights into the Trust Fund’s strategic goals, highlighting its alignment with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ set by President Bola Tinubu to uplift Nigerians.
Adeyanju outlined the NLTF’s commitment to promoting infrastructure and socio-economic development, advocating for a cooperative approach among stakeholders to achieve these ambitions. He emphasised that partnerships are vital for nurturing a balanced, impactful gaming industry that benefits everyone involved.
“Promoting good causes is a social service to the nation that can cater to the sick and the aged, the unemployed and educated, the talented and the undiscovered sportsmen and women, victims of natural and ecological disasters, the refugees and the homeless,” stated Adeyanju. “Therefore, as prescribed by the legislature, proceeds received from the lottery will be utilised to provide quality healthcare and education—which we’ve been doing across the country since 2007—undertaking over 7,000 good causes projects across various sectors.”
Addressing key challenges in the sector, the recently installed Executive Secretary voiced particular concern about ensuring equitable gaming activities across the country. He has been working to bridge gaps in the northern states by lobbying for smoother operations and greater participation.
His efforts are centred on educating stakeholders about the positive impact of gaming proceeds, which fund various good causes. Adeyanju’s drive to promote awareness aims to foster trust and collaboration, ensuring that the advantages of gaming are recognised nationwide.
In addition to equity, Adeyanju tackled the issue of uneven allocation of resources among states. He
called for unified action and collaboration among stakeholders to create a more balanced distribution that supports the development of all regions. He stressed that joint efforts and shared responsibility are critical to overcoming these challenges and creating a fairer gaming landscape.
Another significant focus for Adeyanju is the digitisation of remittance processes within the industry. By leveraging technology, the NLTF aims to enhance transparency and accountability, making financial operations more efficient and reliable. He believes that integrating digital solutions will strengthen the sector, ensuring that funds are properly accounted for and utilised to support public interests.
As the NLTF moves forward with these initiatives, Adeyanju’s leadership highlights the importance of strategic collaboration and technological advancement in shaping the future of Nigeria’s gaming industry.
to legislate over matters outside the exclusive list. Because lottery is a residual matter, the Federal Government could not make laws to administer its operations all over Nigeria.
It is instructive that all seven Supreme Court judges unanimously agreed with Lagos’s position that the Federal Government could only regulate lottery business in the FCT and not in states.
During the long years of the judicial process that climaxed with the Supreme Court judgment, different parties obtained favourable judgments for themselves from various courts. One of them is the popular NECA case in which the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association got the Court of Appeal to uphold the validity of the National Lottery Act.
In another matter, the Association of Nigeria Bookmakers, the umbrella body of the sports betting trade group, initiated a lawsuit to determine the legitimate regulators of gaming businesses because
they complained about paying multiple taxes and licensing fees to states and the Federal Government. In suit no. FHC/L/CS/15992020 filed before Hon. Justice I.N Oweibo of the Lagos High Court, the judge declared that the Federal Government should be the sole regulator of the gaming business in the country as the constitution is clear on the position of lottery in the exclusive list and the National Assembly can legislate on lottery matters There is an instance where Western Lotto filed an originating summons before the Federal High Court challenging the power of the Lagos State Lotteries Board to issue licenses on lotteries and other gaming activities within the territory of Lagos State. Justice M.B. Idris ruled in favour of Western Lotto, but Lagos State expressed dissatisfaction, and the case went before the Court of Appeal in suit no: CA/L/809/18.
iyke bede
The International eSports Federation (IESF) has announced its National Federations Ranking for 2024, with Indonesia leading the pack. Boasting 1949 points, Indonesia has solidified its status as a global eSports powerhouse. Myanmar and Poland follow in second and third places, with 1910 and 1833 points, respectively.
Among African nations, Egypt claimed an impressive 18th place, while Ghana secured 36th, showcasing the continent’s growing eSports presence.
Nigeria ranked 56th, a position that highlights the country’s steady strides in the global eSports arena. Nigeria finished just above Azerbaijan in 57th place, while Hong Kong is 58th. Hungary and Serbia rounded out the top five, with 1822 and 1821 points, respectively. Nepal achieved sixth place with 1814 points, continuing to demonstrate its emerging potential in competitive gaming.
The 2024 rankings reflect the increasingly global nature of esports, with countries across various continents making their mark. The IESF remains a key driver in promoting and fostering this growth, offering a platform for national federations to excel on the international stage.
According to an official press release by the IESF, while Indonesia earned the Overall Champion
was their unwavering commitment to promoting esports, supporting national teams, and maintaining professionalism throughout the year that solidified this recognition.
Lawal Pedro, san, attorney General of Lagos state olajide boladuro
Lateef Fagbemi, san attorney General of the Federation bashir are Lanre Gbajabiamila
Award at the 16th World eSports Championship (WEC24), it
adeyanju
NYT: Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s Father-in-law, Not Billionaire
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President-elect, Donald Trump’s incoming Middle East Adviser, Massad Boulos, said to have strong connections with Nigeria, is not a billionaire as previously thought, the New York Times reported yesterday.
Boulos who has enjoyed a reputation as a billionaire mogul at the helm of a business that bears his family name, has never sought to correct the wrong impression, the paper said.
He has been profiled as a tycoon by the world’s media, telling a reporter in October that his company is
worth billions. Trump has also called him a “highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the international scene.”
The president-elect even lavished what may be his highest praise: a “dealmaker”, the report said.
On his Nigerian connection, Boulos is said to hold Lebanese, Nigerian, French and American citizenship. He married Sarah Boulos, who is also a businesswoman that founded the Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria and is the owner of Cred International Lagos Island franchise.
Together they have four children. In 2022, their son Michael married
Tiffany Trump, daughter of the US president-elect.
Still on his connection to Nigeria, after studying in Texas, Boulos went on to build his 'wealth' in West Africa. He became the chief executive officer of SCOA Nigeria, previously described as an automotive conglomerate.
His ascendancy from businessman to a close confidant of Trump has now landed a diverse portfolio on his desk.
But the NYT report revealed that records show that Boulos has spent the past two decades selling trucks and heavy machinery in Nigeria for a company his father-in-law controls.
The company, SCOA Nigeria PLC, made a profit of less than $66,000 last year, corporate filings show, it said.
It added that there is no indication in corporate documents that Boulos, a Lebanese-American whose son is married to Mr. Trump’s daughter Tiffany, is a man of significant wealth as a result of his businesses.
Instead, it explained that the truck dealership is valued at about $865,000 at its current share price, with Boulos’s stake, according to securities filings, being worth $1.53. As for Boulos Enterprises, it said the company that has been called his family business in The Financial
Times and elsewhere, a company officer there said, is owned by an unrelated Boulos family.
Boulos will advise Trump on one of the world’s most complicated and conflict-wracked regions — a region that he said this week that he has not visited in years. The advisory position does not require Senate approval.
The confusion over Boulos’s background — and his failure for years to clear up misunderstandings until questioned this week by The Times, the report said, raises questions about how thoroughly Trump’s team vetted his nominees.
UBA SANI: VIRTUALLY ALL STATES SUPPORT STATE POLICE, DELIBERATION IN JANUARY
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The National Economic Council (NEC), has scheduled to consider reports of the 36 state governments on the creation of state police, submitted yesterday, during its next meeting in January, 2025.
According to the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who briefed the media, virtually all states are in agreement on the establishment of State Police.
NEC, yesterday, also called on the state governments to key into the programmes of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) in the bid to address the challenges militating against food security and their underlying causes.
NEC took the decision during its 147th meeting presided over by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the NEC meeting, Governor Uba
Sani of Kaduna State explained that majority of the governors were already in agreement with the creation of state police because of the security challenges in their states.
Sani said only the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was yet to make a submission on the matter.
He stated, "Today (Thursday), one of the discussions we had at the NEC meeting was the update on the creation of state police. As you are aware, there were submissions by states towards the establishment of state police.
"Today, about 36 states have already made their submissions for establishing state police in Nigeria. And I can say here that from what is available, virtually most of the states are in agreement with the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
"But, today, the council decided to step down the discussion until the next council meeting, because we need to come up with a report
from the secretariat. And after the report, there will be deliberation at the next NEC meeting that is likely taking place in January.
"And not only that, there's also a resolution in the last NEC meeting, which today the secretariat has also agreed on that there will be further stakeholder engagement after the panel and deliberation by the members of the NEC.
"So, all we are saying here is that 36 states have made their own submissions, and many states are in agreement for the establishment of state police, considering the fact that virtually every state has their peculiarity in terms of the problem of insecurity we are having in our own states.”
The governor added, "Knowing full well that we have a lot of ungoverned space in Nigeria, and also that we have a lot of deficit in terms of number of boots on ground, looking at the fact that a lot of security agencies, the
police, the army and other relevant security agencies have no personnel to cover all the government space, that is the reason why most of us agreed that establishment of state police in Nigeria is the way forward towards addressing the problem of insecurity in our own country."
On PFSCU, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture (Office of the Vice President) and Coordinator of PFSCU, Marion Moon, in a presentation to council, highlighted the strategy proposed by the unit to collaborate with sub-nationals in addressing food insecurity and unlocking Nigeria's agricultural potential across the country.
Moon said PFSCU’s priorities, especially in agri-business, would enhance delivery mechanisms and expedite action on the attainment of targets set in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the various aspirations by the respective state governments.
ACF CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE TO STUDY BILLS ON TAX REFORMS
before the National Assembly and come up with recommendations that would be forwarded to appropriate organs of government. This was contained in a statement by the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba.
ACF said the current debate on the proposed tax reform by the National Economic Council and other critical stakeholders suggested that not enough consultation went into the preparation of the bills.
Meanwhile, a research by SB Morgen said the arguments on the tax amendment bills appeared to be “inherently more political than economic”.
The statement by ACF said, “ACF accepts that periodic public policy reforms are in line with the political and public administrative processes, in which regards reforms are indeed necessary and desirable.
“Nothing in the life of any community is static and policies must try to address emerging challenges, and take advantage of new opportunities, etc.”
The forum alleged impatience by supporters of the bills, especially the federal government, which wanted to have them speedily processed through the senate. It said the rush created and sustained the impressions of underlying interests.
The forum commended the senate for electing wider consultation with relevant stakeholders to address areas of concern on the bills.
It urged all citizens and every interest group to cooperate with the relevant senate committee tasked with the assignment, and called for restraint, decorum and mutual respect in the discussion of provisions of the bills.
ACF stated, “Debates have continued to rage on the pros and cons of the proposed bills, with positions being argued vehemently and stridently with passion. However, it is concerning that the emerging debates have become acrimonious, pitting sections of the country against each other.
“It is highly regretful that opinions have tended to involve unsavoury and often abusive words meant to denigrate, blackmail or intimidate anyone perceived, rightly or wrongly, as standing in support or opposing the bills or their specific aspects therefrom
as are now under consideration in the senate.
“Needless to remind all, the proposed bills’ impact will have ramifications on every citizen and every part of the country. ACF notes that debates over bills are part and parcels of the public policy process, especially in democratic settings.
“Reforms meant to correct policy shortcomings or inadequacies must necessarily address all areas of concern that citizens may wish to raise.”
While urging every interest group to see the debates for or against any provisions in the bills as essential inputs into the policy process, ACF said expressions of contrarian opinions and views were necessary ingredients of the legislative process, in line with the dictates of democracy, to ensure the emergence of robust laws that will stand the test of time.
“Ultimately, the outcome of such laws emanating from the process will serve the interests of the whole country and not, as some insinuate, specific sections or interests, to the detriment of others.”
How APC Governors Outwitted Their Other Colleagues at Meeting
Details of the meeting between the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and President Bola Tinubu, which ended in a deadlock, have begun to emerge.
A governor, who anonymously disclosed some of the contentious issues discussed at the Wednesday meeting, said because of the position of governors from the north, it was resolved that APC governors should meet Tinubu and brief him first.
At the meeting with Tinubu, APC governors were said to have tried to convince the president that the tax reform bills should be stepped down for more consultation with stakeholders.
The governors allegedly told the president that their meeting, which preceded the one with Tinubu, was contentious and it was resolved that they should meet him first before any further moves.
The source said the president insisted that full legislative course should be followed to determine the fate of the tax reform bills.
It was at this stage that the APC governors decided to attend the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) meeting at their Maitama office, according to the source.
Some of the APC governors, including their chairman, Senator Hope Uzodinma, arrived in an Imo State liaison office bus.
A decision of no comment or communique was reached when
they were at the Imo liaison office bus, it was gathered.
The meeting started about 10pm with some of the northern governors still maintaining their position.
Sources revealed that the governors failed to reach an agreement on the contentious tax reform bills presented by Tinubu to the National Assembly.
Continued on page 37
In its resolution, NEC “commended the presentation by the coordinator of the unit and urged state governments to key into the initiative.” It “requested the unit to prepare key achievements of its unit at the next meeting of the council”.
NEC also approved the request by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to seek a National Assembly amendment to its subsisting Act to provide an alternative funding source for the commission.
The council’s approval followed an earlier presentation by RMAFC seeking approval of its proposed bill to the National Assembly to amend its subsisting Act, and approve 0.05 per cent of non-oil federation revenue as an alternative funding source for the commission.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the vice president said the economic seeds sown by the federal government by way of reforms and interventions in 2024 were already beginning to bear fruit.
He urged members of the council to brace up for the new year, taking cognizance of the extent the programmes, projects, and policies executed this year had influenced the course of the country's economy.
Shettima stated that the meeting was not just the final gathering of the council for the year but also a session to assess progress made so far in advancing the aspirations of the Nigerian people, whether the
actions and decisions taken had justly prioritised the collective good over individual interests.
He said, “Difficult decisions have been taken to redirect the course of our national economy, and the results are beginning to show. The recent report of a 3.46 per cent GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024 is a reassuring sign of the harvests ahead. This growth reflects not just numbers, but the collective efforts and sacrifices made by all stakeholders in this room.
“Our agenda today includes a presentation on the current state of the economy by the World Bank. This is a timely discussion as we approach what promises to be our season of harvest. The economic seeds we have sown throughout this year, through reforms and interventions, are beginning to bear fruit.”
Shettima observed that the NEC meeting had been an avenue for sharing diverse viewpoints, including dissenting and contrarian voices, saying that attests to Tinubu’s democratic disposition. According to the vice president, “This is a testament to the strength of the democratic traditions upon which this Council is built, traditions upheld and championed by President Tinubu. A democrat in every sense, he has stood with you, recognised your voices, and ensured that this council remains a centre of collaborative governance.
Continued on page 37
SEPLAT ENERGY COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF MOBIL NIGERIA, SET TO DOUBLE PRODUCTION
released by the indigenous energy firm, THISDAY had reported earlier that the deal which was previously valued at $1.28 billion, now has a final consideration of $800 million. No explanation was given for the difference.
In October, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approved the sale of ExxonMobil's onshore oil and gas assets in Nigeria to the local company Seplat Energy, more than two years after the deal was first signed in February 2022.
THISDAY further gathered that the final cash consideration payable to ExxonMobil at closing is now $672 million, with $128 million deposit paid in 2022 at first SPA signing. The deal is fully funded from available cash and debt facilities, with no new equity issuance required.
With the transaction now completed, Seplat stated that it was set to more than double its production and position the company to drive growth and profitability, while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s future prosperity.
“The completion of this acquisition has created Nigeria’s leading independent energy company, with the enlarged company having equity in 11 blocks (onshore and shallow water Nigeria); 48 producing oil and gas fields; five gas processing facilities; and three export terminals.
“The acquisition of the entire issued share capital of MPNU adds the following assets to the Seplat Group: 40 per cent operated interest in OML 67, 68, 70 and 104 and 40 per cent operated interest in the Qua Iboe export terminal and the Yoho Floating Production Storage (FSO).
“Also, 51 per cent operated interest in the Bonny River Terminal (BRT)
NGL recovery plant; 9.6 per cent participating interest in the AnemanKpono field; and approximately 1,000 staff and 500 contractors will transition to the Seplat Group,” it said.
Chairman of Seplat Energy, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, in his comments, expressed his delight over the closing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), pledging to deliver value to all the company’s stakeholders.
“Seplat Energy sincerely thanks His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for supporting this transaction, and appreciates the support and diligence of the various ministries and regulators for all the work to reach a successful conclusion.
“We are delighted to welcome the MPNU employees to Seplat Energy. We are excited to begin our journey in a new region of the country, and we look forward to replicating the positive impacts we have achieved within our communities in our current areas of operations.
“Seplat’s mission is to deliver value to all our stakeholders, and we treasure the good relationships we have developed with the government, regulators, communities and our staff,” Udoma stated.
Also in his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, Roger Brown, assured that Seplat has acquired a company with one of the best portfolios of assets and related infrastructure in a world class basin.
“Today we have achieved a major milestone in the history of Seplat Energy and I extend my thanks to the entire Seplat team for their hard work and perseverance to complete this transaction.
“MPNU's employees and contractors have a strong reputation for safety and operational excellence, and I welcome them to the Seplat
Energy Group.
“We have acquired a company with one of the best portfolios of assets and related infrastructure in a world class basin, providing enormous potential for the Seplat Group. Our commitment is to invest to increase oil and gas production while reducing costs and emissions, maximising value for all our stakeholders.
“MPNU is a perfect fit with our strategy to build a sustainable business that can deliver affordable, accessible and reliable energy for Nigeria alongside attractive returns to our shareholders,” Brown stated.
Strategic priorities and near-term outlook, Seplat said the MPNU deal adds substantial reserves and production to the company, with 409 MMboe 2P reserves and 670 MMboe 2P + 2C reserves and resources as at June 30, 2024 and 6 million 2024 average daily production of 71.4 kboepd.
“As operator, Seplat’s immediate tasks are to ensure smooth transition of MPNU staff into Seplat, and on the operations, to swiftly target numerous opportunities that exist to organically grow production and further enhance the value of the assets for all stakeholders,” the energy company stated.
Besides, it said that the detailed guidance for the enlarged group in 2025 will be provided with Seplat’s full year 2024 results, expected in February 2025, noting that further announcements will be made as and when appropriate, in line with regulatory requirements.
Separately, at a press conference held yesterday at the company's headquarters in Lagos, the energy firm said that with the successful acquisition of MPNU, the new business has changed to Seplat
Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU).
It announced that the Executive Director and Development Manager at ExxonMobil Affiliates in Nigeria, Mr. Dotun Isiaka, has now been appointed as the Managing Director of SEPNU. Among Seplat Group's priorities in relation to the new acquisition, it said, is to ramp up production as the asset which boasts of 600 wells currently stagnates at 30 per cent production.
Director of Production, Mr. Ikay Ogunmwonyi, said the export terminal under the MPNU was designed for 600,000 barrels per day of oil but was underutilised. In addition, he said the asset holds over 600 wells but that 70 per cent of those wells was not producing, leading to the 30 per cent stagnation. He explained: "The terminal itself is designed for 600,000 barrels. That's what that facility is designed for. And we are nowhere near that today. We have over 600 wells on that asset and 70 per cent of those wells are not producing.
"There's a lot of work going on right now. And they're not producing for various reasons. There's a lot of work going on right now for us to determine exactly how much production will we get out of those wells. Because you have to do some work. You have to get vessels. You have to get boats.
"You have to get all of that put together. I'm trying to leave you with the fact that there's so much knowledge capacity that we have to play with. So, I think it's the beginning of a new day.
"It's an exciting time not just for us in Seplat, but it's also an exciting time for the country. So I'll ask that you please watch that space."
Boulos
The team was earlier caught by surprise by allegations of sexual misconduct against Pete Hegseth, the pick for defence secretary.
SIGNING CEREMONY FOR ACCESS BANK'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF 100% STAKE IN BIDVEST BANK...
FG, Global Fund Deploy 333 Tuberculosis Diagnostic Machines in 36 States, FCT
As Tinubu’s wife canvasses urgent global action to eradicate scourge
Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The federal government is collaborating with Global Fund and Molbio Diagnostics to deploy 333 Truenat devices for testing of Tuberculosis in 36 states, FCT
The 333 Truenat TB diagnostic machines acquired through funding support from the Global Fund are to be deployed to selected health facilities across the country.
Each of molecular based test machine has the capacity of testing 53 persons per day and their deployment is aimed at enhancing TB and DR-TB Diagnostics in peripheral facilities in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pitched for urgent and determined universal action to eradicate tuberculosis (TB), describing it as the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
Speaking Thursday during the
38th Board Meeting of the Stop TB Partnership Global, at the Conference Centre of the State House, Abuja, the First Lady stressed the need for immediate and sustained efforts to ensure the pandemic becomes a disease of the past.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday on the intervention, Chief Executive Officer of Molbio Diagnostics, Sriram Natarajan, said the federal government with support from the Global Fund was leveraging
cutting-edge technology to scale up testing to combat TB and other infectious diseases in regions with limited access to advanced medical facilities.
He said: "Molbio Diagnostics is pleased to announce the deployment of 333 Truenat devices across Nigeria. This is a significant step by the Nigerian Ministry of Health, with support from the Global Fund, in leveraging cutting-edge technology to scale up testing to combat TB and
ECOWAS Finalises Framework for Establishment of $75m Renewal Energy Facility
The Economic Community of West African States has finalised the framework for the establishment of a $75million ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility.
The regional bloc is also interested in improving storage facilities, milling initiatives and enhancing mechanization in paddy production, stating that $19 billion investment is needed for this.
The President, ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, made the disclosure on Thursday at the opening of the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers holding in Abuja. Touray, while commending the ongoing work on the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, which is part of some of the integrated project for the community, listed other integrated programmes aimed at integrating the region including the 6,800km Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline projects, regulation on roaming, direct flight and water, amongst others.
He said: “A Framework Document for the Establishment of an ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility has been finalised by the ministers.
“This is a new blended finance facility with an initial amount of USD75
million, whose objective is to provide grants, loans and guarantees through regular demand-driven competitive calls for proposals providing clean energy solutions for the ECOWAS region.
"Towards regional self-sufficiency in rice production, the “Rice Offensive” project launched by the Commission in 2014, under the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) has now reached a second cycle with the development of a Second Regional Action Plan (2025-2035) to replace the 2020-2025 plan, which is expiring next year.”
He added that to attain regional self-sufficiency in rice, the local production of 33 million tonnes of milled rice is required to meet a planned consumption target by 2035, noting that this will also require a financial investment of US15 to $19 billion dollars of capital expenditures (CAPEX) towards improving storage facilities, milling initiatives and enhancing mechanization in paddy production."
On the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, he said: "This regional integrative project aims to build a gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Morocco, feeding ECOWAS member states and Mauritania with future extension to Europe. It is an infrastructure of 6,800 km long, including 5,100 km offshore, with a transport capacity
of 30 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year."
Touray said on other integration project: "Progress has continued to be recorded regarding the implementation of ECOWAS Regulation on Roaming on Public Mobile Communications Networks in the ECOWAS Space. Phased implementation of this roaming tariff rates is progressing through several bilateral arrangements.
"The ECOWAS Roaming is now live in at least six member states
since its adoption in December 2017 by this Council.
"Regarding the high cost of air transport in the Community, which hinders intra-regional air transport development, the ministers responsible for air transport met recently to deliberate on a Regional Strategy for the Harmonization of Air Transport Charges, Fees and Taxes in ECOWAS Member States, and a Supplementary Act relating to the Common Policy on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees in ECOWAS Member States.
other infectious diseases in regions with limited access to advanced medical facilities.
"The deployment of 333 Truenat devices in Nigeria marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide innovative diagnostic solutions to underserved regions.
"We are committed to supporting Nigeria in its fight against TB and improving public health outcomes through timely and accurate diagnostics.
"Molbio in collaboration with NTBLCP is currently conducting country-wide end users training and installation of the platform to ensure a smooth service delivery.”
The deployment of the devices followed the promising results of a recent study published in Public Health Action, which highlighted the substantial impact of the Truenat system in reducing turnaround times for TB diagnosis and increasing case detection rates, a much-needed intervention for Nigeria that collectively accounts for 75 percent of the global missing TB cases and 70 percent of missing DR-TB cases.
Sriram Natarajan said one key reason for the country's low case detection rate has been the limited access to rapid molecular testing facilities at the last mile periphery.
He explained that the country-wide rollout of Truenat will enable the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Programme (NTBLCP) to test 8,000 more people per day at minimum and two million more people per year, thus reducing the risk of community transmission while ensuring timely care.
The laboratory lead, NTBLCP, Rita Akpakpan, said the device is automated, battery-operated device used to extract, amplify, and detect specific genomic DNA loci for TB and Rifampicin resistant.
Also, the Program Management Unit Team lead, Dr. Emperor Ubochioma, the said, the deployment of Truenat devices across Nigeria is a transformative step in our battle against TB and DR-TB, adding it will empower our healthcare system with advanced diagnostic tools that reach the hard-to-reach areas Truenat, developed by Molbio Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd., based in India, is a portable, battery-operated molecular device designed for point-of-care testing. Compatible with Truelux, the solar charging station, Truenat can be used to the extent of community level, providing rapid and accurate results, making it an ideal solution for remote and resource-limited settings.
Tinubu Presents 2025 Budget to N'Assembly Next Week Tuesday
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, at plenary yesterday confirmed that President Bola Tinubu will present the 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Akpabio said the budget presentation will begin at 11:00 a.m., and will be held in the House of Representatives chamber.
Akpabio said: “His Excellency, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has indicated his intention to bring the 2025 budget proposals and estimates to a joint sitting of
the National Assembly on 17th day of December, 2024.
“That will be at 11:00 a.m., prompt. That will be at the House of Representatives as usual. I am talking about Tuesday, next week.”
The Senate had on December 3, approved the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) with a total spending of N47.9 trillion
The expenditure framework was approved with a new borrowing plan of N9.22 trillion which constitutes both domestic and foreign borrowings.
The MTEF is a projection of a three-year spending plan of the federal government. The nation’s budget is predicated on this framework.
The framework was approved with an exchange rate of N1,400 to a dollar and adopted the oil prices of $75, $76.2, and $75.3 per barrel for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively.
The proposed 2025 budget will be the second budget President Tinubu will present to the National Assembly.
In his speech at a joint session of the National Assembly on 29 May Tinubu promised to present
the supplementary budget of 2024 fiscal year to the National Assembly but he had yet to do so. The 2024 budget will expire at the end December. Based on the appropriation bills passed so far under the 10th Senate, Nigeria is currently implementing three budgets in one fiscal year. They are the 2023 budget, 2023 supplementary budget and 2024 Appropriation Act. The 2023 budget of N21.8 trillion and its supplementary of N2.17 trillion were the last two budgets implemented by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Front Row (L-R): Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director African Subsidiaries, Access Bank Pic and Mpumi Madisa, Chief Executive Officer, Bidvest Group. Back row (L-R): Phathu Tshivhengwa, Group Executive, Bidvest Group; Chuma Ajene, Head of Strategic Investments, Access Bank PIc; Mark Steyn, Chief Financial Officer, Bidvest Group, and Rami Mahlako Maja, M&A Manager, Bidvest Gro, at the signing ceremony for Access Bank's proposed acquisition of 100 per cent stake in Bidvest Bank in Dubai... yesterday
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH SELECT START-UPS...
L-R: Founder /CEO, Sosai Renewables, Habiba Ali;
some selected Nigerian start-ups
Senate Asks FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to Suspend Further Demolition in Abuja
Ireti Kingibe stages a walkout on Akpabio
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate, has asked the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to suspend the ongoing demolition of structures except those authorised by the court.
The upper chamber also constituted an eight-member panel chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, to probe the demolitions since the beginning of Wike's administration.
The resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe,
during plenary. Kingibe, in her motion, complained that demolition of buildings since the beginning of Wike's administration was not in line with court processes.
The Senator also said the demolition has increased hardship among residents of the federal capital territory because many people have been rendered homeless.
She specifically cited the revocation of an estate around the Life Camp area of Abuja owned by late Paul Osa Ogbebor, a colonel.
Kingibe urged the red chamber to compel the federal capital terri-
Edo Government Warns Contractors Against Shoddy Jobs
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Edo State Government has warned contractors handling various construction works to adhere to contract specifications, as it will not accept shoddy jobs.
Members of the state subcommittee on Physical Assets and Infrastructure set up by Governor Monday Okpebholo gave this warning when it visited construction sites to ascertain the level of compliance by the contractors who were awarded jobs by the immediate past administration.
Part of the committee’s mandate is to ascertain the true status of the inherited state government-owned assets, completed and ongoing projects from the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki.
Chairman of the sub-committee, Mr. Patrick Obahiagbon, who led other members including Abass Braimah, Prince Kassim Afegbua,
Mrs. Kenny Okojie, and Patrick Unopah, to various road construction sites, explained that the exercise was to ensure that road projects awarded by the past government were legitimate.
He said it was necessary to confirm that work was ongoing and that the amounts the projects were awarded for matched the length of the roads.
The chairman also emphasised the work should meet specifications and contract terms.
Some of the ongoing road projects inspected include the approximately 5-kilometer road stretch from Okada Avenue to Commercial Avenue, starting from the Sapele Road junction near the NNPC mega filling station.
Also inspected was the 7.38-kilometer dual carriageway awarded to Gladtrico International Limited.
This dual carriageway is being constructed at Evbuodia, Ulemon, crossing several communities to Upper Ekenwa Road
tory administration to suspend the revocation of the estate, and also requested the suspension of all ongoing demolition of buildings in the FCT area.
The Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan, seconded Kingibe’s motion.
Apoti-Uduaghan urged the Senate to direct Wike to stop the demolition of structures in FCT and also constitute an ad hoc committee to probe the demolitions.
However, the Kogi West Senator, Karmi Sunday, stressed the need for the Senate to hear from the FCT Minister before taking any decision on the issue.
The Deputy Leader of the Senate, Oyelola Ashiru, said his colleagues did not have the right to stop Wike from bringing down buildings in the FCT.
“We cannot stop the minister from
doing his work. He is cleaning the city,” he said.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said some of the buildings had been authorised by the court for demolition because they were illegal structures.
Akpabio said, “Some of the demolitions have been authorised by the court. If somebody built on the drainage and the court ordered that such buildings should be demolished, you cannot come up with a resolution to stop the order.”
Akpabio also urged his colleagues not to be emotional with the demolition of buildings in the FCT but to look at the reasons for the demolitions.
“Let us try not to be emotional with issues,” he added.
After a robust deliberation, the Senate President put the motion to vote and the majority of the senators supported it.
Akpabio subsequently asked the FCT minister to suspend ongoing demolition of buildings in Abuja except those authorised by the court for demolition.
He also constituted an ad hoc committee to liaise with the FCT administration over the issue.
Apart from Jibrin, who chaired the committee, other members of the committee are Sahabi Ya’u (PDP, Zamfara North), Victor Umeh (LP, Anambra Central), Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), Oyelola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), Agom Jaribe (PDP, Cross-River North), Mohammed Munguno (APC, Borno North) and Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West).
Meanwhile, Kingibe had earlier staged a walkout when she was prevented from presenting her motion.
Kingibe, had raised a point of order to allow her to present a motion mandating Wike, to suspend the
ongoing demolition of structures in Abuja
The senator said she raised the issue during Wednesday's plenary and that Akpabio, directed her to present it on Thursday (yesterday) at plenary to enable the senators to have extensive debate on it.
Kingibe actually raised the motion as directed but she was prevented from presenting it because it wasn't contained on the order paper as stipulated by the rules of the Senate. Akpabio asked her why the motion wasn't on the order paper and Kingibe explained that she submitted the draft of her motion to the rules and business of the Senate, so it could be captured on Thursday's order paper.
Responding to the issue, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Titus Zam, said his office didn't receive any draft of the motion from Mrs Kingibe.
IYC Seeks Upward Review of 13% Derivation
Demands
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has lamented that the 13 per cent derivation formula given to oil producing states was too small, and therefore, called for true federalism to address the anomalies and mistreatment of the people of the Niger Delta region.
The president of the council, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, made the demand on Wednesday during the 26th anniversary of the Kaiama Declaration while addressing the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at Government House Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
He expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction towards the federal government for failing to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta.
Alaye in a statement issued Thursday regretted that the oil and gas exploration activities taking place in the Niger Delta are the mainstay of the country, however, little is given to the people of the region.
He noted: “It is wrong for the people of the Niger Delta who lay the golden egg to be given little from their God given resources through the 13 per cent derivation formula. We call for a true federalism in order to address the anomalies
and mis-treatment of the people of the Niger Delta region.”
The IYC president appealed to Fubara to convey the message of Ijaw Youths to President Bola Tinubu, saying Ijaw people have contributed immensely to the growth, development and survival of Nigeria.
Alaye added: "As a people, we understand that our resources hav been a contributing factor to the well-being of Nigeria and as a result of oil exploration and exploration in the Niger Delta, our environment has been adversely contaminated and polluted therefore need a complete remediation.”
Responding, Fubara noted that the
Declaration and the Isaac Boro Day celebration is a national day for Ijaw nationality, noting that the anniversary marks a significant day in history. He appealed to the Ijaw Youths to remain peaceful and be law-abiding, saying no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of crisis and violence.
The governor urged them to work closely with the government in order to achieve the desired result.
"I feel very happy that you still appreciate the contributions of the late Isaac Adaka Boro on his sacrifices and contributions to Ijaw people,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday expressed deep grief over the tragic road accident in Maiduguri that claimed the lives of some young graduates from the Borno State University and left many others injured.
The vice president regretted that a moment of achievement and joy that should have marked a significant milestone in these young students' lives had turned into an unimaginable tragedy.
In a condolence message on Thursday, Shettima, according to a release issued by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, said,
“The loss of these bright, young lives is not just a loss for their families but a loss for Borno State and our nation. These graduates embodied hope, promise, and aspirations of a brighter future. Their untimely departure leaves an irreplaceable void.”
The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences, saying his heart goes out to the grieving families who are enduring the pain of losing their loved ones in such heartbreaking circumstances.
“To the students recovering from injuries, I wish you a swift and full recovery. Be assured that the federal government and the Borno State Government will
provide you with all the needed support,” he said.
Shettima also assured the students' families of federal government’s support, even as he promised that the administration of President Bola Tinubu “cannot let such incidents continue to rob us of our brightest and best.
“We stand with you during this difficult time. The government will extend all possible support to ease your burden and honour the memory of these exceptional young individuals.
“May Almighty Allah grant their souls eternal rest, and grant strength to their families to bear this great loss.”
Wale Igbintade
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court on yesterday lifted the bench warrant issued against the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, in connection with the alleged N76 billion and $31.5 million fraud involving Arik Airline.
Other key defendants in the case include the former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline, Kamilu Omokide; the airline's CEO, Captain Roy Ilegbodu; Union Bank Ltd; and Super Bravo Ltd. They face charges of theft, abuse
of office, making false statements to public officers, and stealing property by dishonest means, as alleged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court’s decision followed the appearance of Kuru in court and a motion filed by his counsel, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN).
Justice Dada ruled to set aside the bench warrant after confirming Kuru’s attendance and the signed undertaking by his counsel to ensure future appearances.
"In view of the attendance of the second defendant in court and the undertaking signed by the learned silk
to ensure his attendance in court at any given time, and no objection by the prosecution, the second defendant’s application is hereby granted," Justice Dada ruled.
EFCC Counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), did not object to the motion after the second defendant's counsel assured the court that Kuru would attend his arraignment on January 20, 2025. A bench warrant had been issued against Kuru on December 3 after he failed to appear for his initial arraignment. The case has now been adjourned to the previously scheduled date for arraignment.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Kaiama
President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier; and Resident Representative of the UNDP Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, at an interactive session with
during Steinmeier's visit to UNDP Innovation Centre in Lagos ...yesterday
PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI
ANNUAL FINANCIAL MARKETS CONFERENCE...
L-R: Member, Governing Council, Financial Markets Dealers Association of Nigeria (FMDA), Adetokunbo Uko; Member Board of Trustees, ‘Laoye Jaiyeola; Acting Executive Secretary, Mary Gbegbaje; Director, Financial Markets Department, Central of Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Omolara Duke; President, FMDA, Nadia Zakari, and Ex-Officio, Stepehen Amangbo, at the 8th Annual Financial Markets Conference held in Lagos...recently
INEC Demands Review of PVC as Sole Means of Identification on Days of Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),has called for a review of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) as the sole means of identification on days of elections.
The electoral body added that those who already had the PVCs could still use them to vote, but that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has
made the review imperative. It said going forward, computergenerated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the Commission’s website would suffice for voter accreditation.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this in Abuja at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on detailed issues of planning and reform learning from the experience of the 2023
general election. He said having released our 524-page main report on the election, a copy of which was available on its website, the commission has consulted widely internally with its own officials and externally with all major stakeholders.
Yakubu stressed that with the conclusion of five major off-cycle governorship elections and nine out of 21 bye-elections since the 2023 general
election, this was the most appropriate time to commence the implementation of the recommendations arising from our review of the General Election. He explained that from the internal and external engagements, the Commission has identified 142 recommendations dealing with the general state of preparedness, voter management, voter education and public communication, political parties and candidate management, electoral
NAFDAC Arrests CEO of Pharmacy Firm Over Adulterated Drugs
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has arrested the owner of a pharmaceutical companyEcomed Pharma Limited - over alleged manufacture of substandard Deekins Amoxycillin.
Consequently, the agency said it has ordered investigation in a case of suspected substandard Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg Capsule, manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd and marketed by Devine Kings Pharmaceutical Ltd, with lot number 4C639001.
She said that an alert has been placed against the product on December 3, 2024: "Alert on the recall of deekins - amoxycilin -500 capsule batch 4c639001 has been placed. Healthcare professionals and
consumers are advised to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
"Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the medicinal product to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on android.”
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said that the agency has also alerted major drug distribution outlets across the country to take measures to prevent sale of the affected medicine to members of the public until the
investigations are over.
She said that the agency took the step following reports of serious adverse drug reactions being experienced by patients that took the medication across the country.
According to Ecomed Pharma Ltd, reports of serious adverse drug reactions were received from a hospital that reported three cases of serious adverse drug reactions from patients administered with the batch of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg.
Speaking on the constraints facing the agency, she said that NAFDAC is experiencing acute short of personnel to effectively carry out its mandate.
Adeyeye said in the statement obtained from the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), capsule, Divine King Pharmaceutical Ltd, Mr. Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, he said that all products were manufactured by
Lagos Shoreline: FG Gives Developers Ultimatum to Regularise or Risk Revocation
The federal government yesterday gave a one-month ultimatum to developers on the shoreline in Lagos to come up for regularisation or risk revocation and demolition.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, issued the ultimatum and warning after an inspection visit to the Lagos Lagoon Estates and shoreline front, a statement from the ministry signed by Director of Press, Salisu Haiba, said.
Dangiwa has been on official working visit to Lagos State to inspect the federal government landed properties and assets. He is
being accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi and some directors of the ministry.
The minister stated that developments on the Lagos shoreline must be orderly and in line with existing laws and regulations, highlighting his meeting with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu the previous day.
At the meeting he said that both parties arrived at a common agreement that the federal government and Lagos state government will work together to ensure there is orderly development on the Lagos shoreline.
" The federal government is taking stock of its assets and landed properties with the view to having
proper documentation of its assets spread across the country", he said.
Dangiwa who took a boat tour with his team and officials of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to see things for himself, explained that, what they found on the Lagoon Shoreline in Lagos was alarming.
He said the shoreline was littered with irregular developments where people carved some areas, sand filled it and built without first obtaining federal government title and necessary documentations.
"There is no room for haphazard developments on the Lagos shoreline. We are working with Lagos state to fix these anomalies", Dangiwa said.
Ecomed Pharma Ltd.
According to the DG, the manufacturer Ecomed Pharma Ltd in his statement claimed to have produced only twenty packets (20) of the affected batch number 4C639001 for the purposes of renewal of his registration.
He also claimed to have manufactured One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-One (1,961) packets, Batch No 4C639002. However, Seven Hundred and Ninety (790) packs of Batch 4C639001 with manufacturing 03/2024 and Expiry Date 02/2027 were recalled, which he did not manufacture.
The NAFDAC's DG said that the products have been sampled for laboratory analysis against the suspects, Pharm. Ekene Christopher, Ecomed Pharma Ltd and Mr. Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, of Devine Kings Pharmaceutical Ltd.
operations and logistics management. These also included election officials and personnel, partnership and collaboration, monitoring and supervision, election technology, voting and result management, election security, electoral offences and the electoral legal framework.
Yakubu noted that out of the 142 recommendations, 86 required administrative action by the Commission, saying it was therefore pertinent that the commission engaged first with RECs because of your frontline role in the implementation of the recommendations.
Yusuf Reshuffles Cabinet, Drops SSG on Health Ground, Scraps Chief of Staff Office
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced major re- shufflement of the state executive council to effect pragmatic political realignment of his administration.
In a statement by the governor's spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Yusuf disclosed that the first major rejig of his cabinet took immediate effect.
Yusuf maintained the muchawaited decision came to enable optimum performance that would drive more dividends of democracy to the good people of Kano State.
"Those affected by the major shake up were the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, whose office is now scrapped, and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, dropped on health ground."
According to Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf removed some cabinet members and reassigned others to enhance administrative performance and political re-alignment.
Those who retained their positions were Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi; Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr.
Danjuma Mahmoud; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran; Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon Musa Suleiman Shannon; and Commissioner for Works and Housing, Marwan Ahmad.
Also, retained were Commissioner for Solid and Mineral Resources, Sefiyanu Hamza; Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Shiekh Ahmad Tijani Auwal; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso; Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya; and that of Internal Security and Special Services, Major General Mohammad Inuwa Idris Rtd.
According to the statement, those reassigned were the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam, from Ministry of Local Government to Higher Education; Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman moved from Science and Technology to Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata from Higher Education to Science, Technology and Innovation.
NUC Approves 277th University Named After Abdulsalami Abubakar
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has recognised the Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, Niger State, as the 65th state university and 277th university in the Nigerian varsity system.
The recognition of the university was disclosed in a letter signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Chris J. Mayaki.
The recognition came after a letter from the Niger State Government notifying the commission of the university’s establishment.
The commission also pledged its support for the university and urged the governor to take full advantage of the professional and
technical advice that the commission is statutorily required to provide on the establishment.
The letter read: “Consequent upon the receipt of the Niger State Government’s letter dated 2nd October, 2024, notifying the National Universities Commission (NUC) of the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, and the formal presentation of the Strategic documents, including the relevant gazetted University Law, Academic Brief, and Physical Master Plan, I write, on behalf of the National Universities Commission (NUC), to inform His Excellency, that with effect from Monday 2nd December, 2024, Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action,
Mokwa, Niger State, has been recognised as the 65th State University and 277th university in the Nigerian university system.
“The National Universities Commission, hereby, pledges its support to the university. We also enjoin His Excellency and the Niger State Government to take full advantage of the professional and technical advice that the commission is statutorily required to provide state governments on the establishment, sustainable funding, and operation of their universities.
“By a copy of this letter, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), are being notified of the establishment of the university.
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
LAUNCH OF ILERA N' TIWA COOPERATIVE AND MULTIPURPOSE SOCIETY...
Deputy Director, Cooperatives,
Cooperative
Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives,
Court Halts Further Publication Citing Bukola Saraki in Alleged Attempted Killing
Orders IG to investigate Facebook account of Fafoluyi Micheal HURIWA condemns order seizing Farotimi’s book in alleged defamation
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), restrained one Micheal Fafoluyi, as well as media organisations from further publication and or circulation of alleged defamation relating to the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
Justice J. O. Musa issued the restraining order while delivering ruling in an application brought by the former Senate President and former governor of Kwara State, against Mr Fafoluyi, over alleged defamatory
items in his Facebook and Twitter (now X) handle in January last year. Saraki had in the motion requested the court to amongst others restrain the defendant from further publication and circulation of the post titled: ‘Police Overpowers Saraki's PDP assassins, Ojulari on attempt to kill the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ilorin West/ Asa Federal Constituency, Muktar Shagaya, at an APC rally in Ilorin last year.
According to the former Senate President, the said publication was
defamatory and injurious to his person and reputation.
He therefore, prayed the court to direct the defendant, "to issue an unreserved public apology to the Claimant, such apology to be published in at least three (3) national newspapers widely circulated throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria and on the Defendant's Facebook.
"The sum of N10 billion being general damage for the severe embarrassment, psychological trauma, and reputational loss occasioned by the
defendant's defamatory publication. Delivering ruling, yesterday, Justice Musa, held that, "The point I am struggling to make is that the claimant has met the requirement of the law as stated in the locus classicus cases on injunction .... In the light of the facts in support and against the Motion, I therefore hold that the motion has merit and ought to be granted in the following terms.
"The Defendant, Fafoluyi Olayinka Michael is hereby restrained by this Honourable Court whether by himself and/or by his agents,
ACF CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE TO STUDY BILLS ON TAX REFORMS
The new tax bills had met criticism from some quarters, including the 19 northern governors, who rejected sections of the bills and called for their withdrawal. The National Economic Council (NEC) also rejected the bills.
The meeting, attended by 15 governors, mostly from APC, began about 10pm and ended at 11pm.
Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State were said to also be in attendance.
The governors dropped from their normal practice of addressing the media after the meeting.
On why there was no communique, the source said, "The APC governors are in majority and it would be unfair for us to outright overrule the president, who is our leader.
''We believe that with time, reason will prevail as the senate has already set up a committee headed by Senator Abba Moro to interface with other stakeholders as well with the Attorney General of the Federation.
''It is political immaturity to overrule the president. By coming up with a communique that the governors are divided will only fuel the crisis and overtly overheat the system. That was why we felt that there would be no communique.”
SBM: Debate More Political Than Economic
A research by SB Morgen indicated that the debate over the tax amendment bills appeared to be “inherently more political than economic”.
The study said Nigeria’s tax system needed the proposed reforms, and urged the senate to actively support consultations in the new year and bolster efforts by the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, to refine the bills and ensure their successful passage.
The SBM report was titled, “Much Ado about Taxes: No Taxation Without
Representation? Or Oppressive and Unfair taxes?”
It pointed out that the suspension of action on Tinubu’s tax reform bills by the senate on December 4 further highlighted the complexity of implementing fiscal changes in a politically and economically challenging environment.
The report stated that the Revenue Reform Bills 2024 sought to amend/ enact the Nigerian Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill – and reduce the tax burden for 90 per cent of Nigerian workers as well as streamline tax administration.
The report said if implemented, the reforms could provide the needed relief for low and middle income earners by reducing tax pressures, potentially improving disposable incomes and consumer spending.
It stated, “Various voices, especially from the Northeast and Northwest geopolitical zones, have expressed concerns about the impact of the tax reforms on economic equity and regional development.
“Some northern leaders fear that the tax reforms could disrupt the balance of fiscal federalism, potentially centralising tax authority and diminishing state revenues, despite Taiwo Oyedele, the chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, assuring that all states in the country would benefit from the proposed tax reform.
“The senate suspended hearings on the bill until the new year, providing time for essential political engagements and negotiations to secure its passage. This move reflects the Senate’s attempt to balance the need for reform with addressing public concerns.
“Clear and decisive action is now required from political authorities, including the presidency and the coordinating minister of the economy, to get the consultations through.”
The study revealed that most
respondents were aware of the proposed reforms and generally viewed the tax reforms favourably, particularly regarding the potential benefits for their businesses.
It said, “However, a significant concern was raised regarding the gradual increase of the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent by 2027. Respondents feared this tax hike could exacerbate inflationary pressures.
“Some respondents also recognised that the tax reform bills could incen-
“As members of the executive branch, we understand that our role is but one part of a larger democratic framework. This system of governance is defined by checks and balances; it ensures that every decision reflects not just the will of a few, but the interests of the many.
“Yet, I assure you that no recommendation, suggestion, or proposal put forward in this chamber has been taken for granted.”
Shettima also described World Bank’s HOPE Project, which focused on Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, as a significant opportunity for Nigeria.
He stated, “This initiative promises to strengthen our basic education and primary healthcare systems, ensuring that we expand our human capital indices in ways that create lasting impacts.
“Through targeted strategies, we can address long-standing inequalities and position our workforce to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.”
Chairman of the NEC Ad-hoc Committee on Flood, Erosion, Drought and Desertification, and Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, gave an update report on the committee’s activities, and noted the implementation of some of its recommendations.
Ododo spoke, especially, on the provision of financial support to states
tivise states, particularly in the North, to enhance their revenue generation capabilities, fostering greater industrial competitiveness.
“Respondents agreed that the bills should be passed promptly, provided that contentious clauses and issues related to the VAT revenue-sharing formula are adequately addressed.
“Furthermore, respondents emphasised the critical need for increased public engagement, awareness, and education regarding the tax reform bills.
and disbursement of funds to line ministries and agencies of government to address flood and related disasters across the country.
He prayed the council to approve the winding down of the committee’s activities and transfer of its duties to the Taskforce on Flood, Erosion, Drought and Desertification.
The council noted the prayers of the committee and commended the chairman and members for discharging their tasks dutifully. It approved the committee’s recommendation for the disbursement of the balance of funds approved for government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) for flood mitigation and related activities.
Equally speaking with reporters, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State said NEC approved 0.05 per cent from non-oil federation revenue based on the proposed tax reform to fund RMAFC.
Soludo said, "Among the issues discussed at today's NEC was also the presentation of a report in respect of an earlier presentation by the chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to NEC on the 21st of November, and seeking essentially to revise or repeal the existing Act of Parliament establishing the commission and to replace it with a new one, and then also seeking for revision, I mean a review about alternative funding to
servants, any media house or online platform, privies or any other person or authority howsoever named or described from publishing circulating and or/disseminating the post titled 'Police Overpowers Saraki's PDP assassins, Ojulari on attempt to kill All Progressives Congress candidate for Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Muktar Shagaya at APC rally in Ilorin," widely circulated on his X (formerly twitter) page or any other post in which the Claimant was featured irrespective of its contents in obedience to lispendis, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
"It is ordered in the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the Inspector General of Police or the Officers in charge of cyber crime under his command and control cause an investigation into the alleged use of the Facebook account @FafoIuyi Olayinka Michael (Solace) by an unknown person claiming to be Fafoluyi Olayinka Michael (Solace) and take necessary investigative action forthwith.
"It is further ordered that the outcome of the court-ordered investigation be served on all the parties in this suit. The Registrar of
the institution.
"So the report elaborately noted the very onerous responsibilities of RMAFC and as a very, very beautiful institution in the functioning of the federation, and noted the inadequate funding for this institution to be able to perform its tasks.
"And then also noted the draft repeal and replace legislation that was also pending. And after deliberating this, the council noted thus and approved as follows: first is that RMAFC should forward the draft bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law.
"And second, the council also approved the recommendation for improved funding for RMAFC and approved that the commission be funded with 0.05 per cent non-oil federation revenue based on the proposed tax reforms and subjected to further scrutiny by the National Assembly.
"I know the commission had requested for 0.75 per cent, but in the wisdom of NEC, it was 0.05 per cent of course, subject to review by the National Assembly."
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy made a presentation for the establishment of historic sites to be named Renewed Hope Creative Villages.
this court shall serve the Certified True Copy of this ruling together with the enrolled order on the Registry of the Inspector General of Police for compliance. "This suit is adjourned to February 10 and 11, 2025 for definite hearing. Hearing Notice to be served on witness on subpoena."
HURIWA Condemns Order Seizing Farotimi’s Book Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has condemned the recent court order directing the seizure of Dele Farotimi’s book, "Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System." He described the order as a glaring example of anti-intellectualism and a setback for democratic ideals.
HURIWA also decried the warning issued to bookstores by Afe Babalola’s law firm, stating that such actions were unconstitutional and amount to an infringement on the fundamental rights of individuals and businesses. The rights group's position was contained in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko.
Sanwo-Olu said, "The whole idea is for the ministry to be able to work, first, with a lot of the sub-nationals to identify some of these sites and identify some of these very historic locations, and see how they are adapted into the creative villages, as a one stop shop.
"We've talked about the enormous opportunity that abound in the creative industry, especially with our rural historic sites and with our monuments. So, the whole idea around the presentation was for the ministry to put it at the front burner and for the sub-nationals to be able to work with them to identify various sites that can become what we call thriving.
"We know that sector has the potential of giving hundreds and thousands of jobs."
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed that the indebtedness of states to the federal government stood at N16.6 billion.
According to Edun, the Excess Crude Account, as at December 10, was $424 million, Stabilisation Account was N33.3 billion, and natural resources account was N23 billion
The minister added, "As regards the surpluses that states have with the federal government, that figure is currently N363.4 billion, while the states’ deficit position with the federal government stands at approximately N16.6 billion."
L-R:
Lagos State
Trade and Investment (MCCTI),Mrs. Ayotunde Abiodun; Director, Entrepreneurship, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Taiwo Abiose; Veteran Nollywood Actor, Mr. Adebayo Salami (OGA BELLO);Board Chairman, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Adebayo Adedewe; Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; and Vice President, Ilera N' Tiwa
Steering Committee, Mr. Toriola Rasheed Ajayi, at the launch of the ILERA N' TIWA Cooperative and Multipurpose Society Limited by LASHMA in Ikeja, Lagos ... recently
PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT
Alex Enumah in Abuja
UBA SANI: VIRTUALLY ALL STATES SUPPORT STATE POLICE, DELIBERATION IN JANUARY
ANNUAL FINANCIAL MARKETS CONFERENCE …
L-R: Member, Governing Council, Financial Markets Dealers Association of Nigeria (FMDA), Adetokunbo Uko; Member Board ofTrustees, ‘Laoye Jaiyeola; Acting Executive Secretary, Mary Gbegbaje; Director, Financial Markets Department, Central of Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Omolara Duke; President, FMDA, Nadia Zakari, and Ex-Officio, Stepehen Amangbo, at the 8th Annual Financial Markets Conference held in Lagos...recently
AGF to Governors: Tampering with LG Funds Impeachable Offence
Alex Enumah in abuja
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has warned state governors against disregard to the Supreme Court judgement which granted autonomy to Local Government Councils in the country.
Fagbemi, pointed out that such disregard especially by some governors who are now passing state laws in contrast to
the apex court judgement could be courting impeachment.
The AGF, who spoke yesterday at the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Abuja Chapter of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), also threatened to file charges against elected officials that are conniving with governors to divert allocations to the 774 LGAs, in the country.
While explaining FG’s reason for going to court, Fagbemi
‘Oborevwori Committed to Quality Education in Delta’
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been described as a leader with unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality education for every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Executive Assistant to the Governor on Education Monitoring, Hon Clement Siakpere, gave the commendation during a tour of Secondary Schools in Uwvie and Warri Local Government Areas.
Siakpere remarked that in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, the governor has continued to prioritise education as a fundamental right and a vital investment in
the collective future of Delta state.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori strongly believes that education serves not only as a means of personal development but also as a catalyst for social and economic progress with improved economic outcomes for poverty reduction.
He said: “Governor Oborevwori is hell-bent in ensuring that our education system is equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
“The governor has made it abundantly clear in several forums that he is committed to implementing a comprehensive education reform agenda that prioritizes equity, accessibility, and excellence.
Healthcare: Bauchi Commends UNICEF, Others
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has commended the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and its partners for their support to improve healthcare delivery services
CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly known and addressed as NYAKNO DENNIS UKORONG now wish to be known and addressed as NYAKNO PRECIOUS AKADIKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWASEGUN ADEBOWALE ADEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWASEGUN ADEBOWALE LALA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as ADEJOKE ENIOLA ADEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEJOKE ENIOLA LALA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
in the state.
The commendation was made by ºthe state Governor, Bala Mohammed, while receiving the multibillion naira Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Medical Oxygen Plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit constructed and donated by UNICEF in collaboration with IHS Canada at the General Hospital, Azare. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Auwal Jatau, Mohammed, at the occasion, told UNICEF that: “Your commitment to improving the health of the people of Bauchi State is highly recommendable which would not go unnoticed.” He prayed that the facility will assist in reinforcing his government’s objective of providing accessible healthcare to all, saying that the Medical Oxygen Plant will ensure that patients who require oxygen therapy can receive it in a 205 timely and efficient manner, thus improving patient outcomes and alleviating the burdens on our dedicated healthcare professionals
condemned a situation where secretariat staff would have to notify governors in advance before they could spend their own money for basic things such as stationary.
“And we have listened to such
funny arguments before and after the judgement, to the effect that, oh, they are not matured enough. I said, how better are you? Are you any better? Leave them.
“And we have been drumming
this into the ears of the local government officials that look, the governors have immunity, but you don’t have. So, it is very easy for you to get yourself to Kuje or other prisons spread across Nigeria.
“Before I go further, let me say that even before the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, there were so many pressures coming from left, right and center.”
BDAN: We Have no Fundamental Issues with the Proposed Tax Reforms
Nume Ekeghe
The Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) has expressed support for the proposed tax reform bills, describing them as a step towards addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.
The association stated this during a courtesy visit by BDAN to the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal
Policy & Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele in Abuja. The BDAN delegates led by their chairman, Mustafa Chike-Obi, engaged with the Oyedele to discuss the implications of The Nigeria Tax Bill HB. 1759 and The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024 HB 1756 on the banking industry.
In a statement, BDAN commended the committee’s
commitment to addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges during the discussions. The proposed reforms, according to the association, present an opportunity to eliminate inefficiencies and lay the groundwork for a more resilient and competitive economy.
Mr. Chike-Obi reiterated BDAN’s commitment to policies that strengthen Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. He said: “As an association, we are aligned with initiatives that promote fiscal accountability and support sustainable economic growth. While we have no fundamental issues with the proposed reforms, it is imperative to ensure that their implementation is inclusive and considers the nuances of the banking sector.”
Otuaro Hails Tinubu’s Effective Leadership at Nigeria-South Africa Meeting
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme(PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has commended President Bola Tinubu for providing competent leadership at the justconcluded 11th Session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission hosted in Cape Town, South Africa.
Otuaro noted that Tinubu’s leadership provided clear directions for the active participation of the Nigerian delegation to the bilateral meeting, which he co-chaired with his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He said the President, as head of the Nigerian delegation, demonstrated capacity and unwavering commitment to working closely with Ramaphosa to deepen and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relations and strategic cooperation within the ambit of the BNC.
Otuaro, who led a PAP team to the 11th session of the BNC,
expressed optimism that the bilateral talks and negotiations culminating in harmonised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed by Nigeria and South Africa, would be mutually beneficial to both nations in diverse areas of economic and political interests.
FRSC, Beer Sectoral Group, Warn Drivers on the Dangers of Drunk Driving
Raheem Akingbolu
The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has reiterated the dangers of drunk driving at the launch of the Annual “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign.
Speaking at the press conference, Chairman, BSG and CEO Nigerian Breweries, Hans Essadi, commended FRSC for its dedication to road safety and pledged continued support for initiatives that reduce traffic accidents.
He said: “Each year, countless lives are lost to preventable accidents caused by impaired driving. This campaign is built on three pillars: education, enforcement, and encouraging responsible behavior by all road users.”
Essadi also announced the park rallies, during which campaign teams visited major motor parks in Lagos—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi.
At these locations, they engaged commercial drivers in discussions on the risks of impaired driving, distributed educational materials, and offered voluntary breathalyzer tests. FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, emphasised the importance of defensive driving and passengers’ rights to challenge reckless drivers. He also highlighted FRSC’s new app, which alerts users to speed limits, dangerous roads, and potholes.
Jubilation as Roads Abandoned for 10 Years are Inaugurated in Rivers
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
It was jubilation yesterday at Ogbogoro community in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State as a road project abandoned for 10 years has been completed and inaugurated.
THISDAY, at the event
yesterday, observed as indigenes and residents of Mgbaraja, Mgbuoba, Okania in Ogbogoro were commending Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja road was inaugurated for usage by commuters.
Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas performed the inauguration of the project.
The road, which was constructed within a space of six months by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction. Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Sanwo-Olu Identifies Social Media as Tool for Growth, Societal Well-being
Ayodeji Ake
At the fifth edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH), the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stressed on the importance of social media.
Speaking at the event held in Lagos, with the theme ‘Social Media: The Influence, Power, and
Impact’, the governor, represented by Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Dr. OreOluwa Finnih, highlighted state’s commitment to leveraging social media as a tool for growth and societal well-being. Finnih reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s vision of creating a digital ecosystem that
promotes economic growth, cultural exchange, and societal well-being. The event spotlighted the transformative power of social media in shaping narratives, fostering collaboration, and addressing societal challenges.
The event also emphasised on the urgent need for Nigeria to address challenges such as fake news, cyberbullying and online harassment.
Speaking on the topic ‘The Digital Detective: Solving Crimes in the Social Media Age,’ the Nigeria Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, showcased how social media has revolutionised law enforcement.
Osun 2026: You are a Tenant in Govt House, APC Unity Forum Tells Adeleke
Yinka KolawoleinOsogbo
All Progressives Congress (APC) Unity Forum in Osun State yesterday reminded the state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to see himself as a tenant in the state Government House, saying his tenure would be
over in 2026 governorship election. Speaking at a press conference in heralding mobilisation for proper positioning of the party for 2026 governorship election, the Convener of the Unity Forum, Bimbo Amusan, stressed that Governor Adeleke is just a temporary occupant of the
office for a main time. Amusan, who harped on the need for unity of purpose for the task ahead of the next election, pointed out that the state APC is fully prepared to take over the government house. According to him, “Administration of Osun State should not
be a family business affairs, where nepotism is the order of the day.” He said the APC which is the modern architect of Osun State will be supported by the forum and make all efforts in building the bridge and help in shaping the future of the state.
Too Close to Call as Lookman, Four Others in Final Shortlist
Falcons goalkeeper, Nnadozie, makes final three list
Duro Ikhazuagbe
This year’s CAF Player of the Year in the men’s category has gone down to the wire as the organisers of the annual event have admitted that the voting patterns in the 2024 edition “is too close to call.”
CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR
CAF admitted last night that all the five shortlists in that category will go into the final out of which the winner will be announced on Monday evening at the CAF Awards ceremony scheduled to hold at 18:00GMT at the Palais des Congres in the Moroccan capital.
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman is the favorite to win the coveted gong with Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire), Ronwen Williams (South Africa) and Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) all in the race to replace Victor Osimhen as Africa’s best player of 2024.
While sports journalists were expecting the continental body to announce the final three shortlist, CAF’s Head of Content, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, confirmed in a terse statement that there was going to be a rerun as all five nominees will enter the race in the final stage.
“There’s a big tie and that’s why all the nominees will now go to the final,” Daara announced last night.
For the women’s category, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Barbara Banda (Zambia) and Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco) made the final nominees.
The voting for the CAF Awards is done by journalists, national team coaches and captains as well as members of the CAF technical committee.
THE FIVE FINALISTS
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) Club: Atalanta, Italy
Twenty-seven year-old Lookman has carried his terrific form from last season into the 2024/2025 season. He
Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, fired from all cylinders to record a 9-0 win over their counterparts from Niger Republic yesterday evening, in the second match of this year’s WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup, taking place in Ghana.
The Flamingos started brilliantly, with Aishat Animashaun scoring after only five minutes, following an in-swinger by Mary Mamudu. FIFA World Cup star Shakirat Moshood then started her own song, as she produced a screamer from 35 yards that saw the ball sail above Nigerien goalkeeper Ndiaye Fatai Basiru for the second goal in the 17th minute.
Six minutes later, the ever-relentless Moshood scored her second and Nigeria’s third, assisted by Animashaun, and in the 33rd minute, Janet Akekoromowei made it four by netting from close range.
Akekoromowei escaped the
attention of Nigerien defenders in the 42nd minute to power home for Nigeria’s fifth, and nicked her hat-trick almost immediately after with a powerful header.
Moshood, not to be outdone before recess, got her own hat-trick in the 45th minute to make it 7-0 against the hapless neighbours-to-the-north at half time.
Moshood was on song again just before the hour, collecting the ball high up the pitch and making a solo drive to fire past Ndiaye for her fourth and Nigeria’s eighth.
With 11 minutes left on the clock, Peace Effiong opted to have her own name on the scoresheet, when she fired from outside the box to beat Ndiaye for Nigeria’s ninth goal.
The Flamingos will next take on their counterparts from Cote d’Ivoire on Monday.
Nigeria Women Football League Set for Annual General Assembly in Abuja
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
FCT is set to host the 2024 Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. In a statement released yesterday, the NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, noted that all arrangements had been finalized for the AGA, billed for Fabino by Toprank Hotels, Abuja. She said the AGA meeting would be a significant gathering that would provide a compass for the women's football rising agenda and the women's football leagues in Nigeria.
Key stakeholders, including board members and representatives of
Premiership and Championship clubs, will review the successes and challenges of the outgone 2023/2024 season.
Notably, Edo Queens emerged champions of the NWFL Premiership for the first time, while Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels secured promotion to the Premiership from the NWFL Championship.
The AGM will also focus on sustaining the league's growing credibility and improving operations while setting the calendar and start date for the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership and Championship campaigns. This pivotal meeting aims to further strengthen women’s football in Nigeria and lay the groundwork for the league's continued growth.
almost singlehandedly handed the UEFA Europa League trophy to his Italian Serie A side, Atalanta for the first time in 61 years as he scored all three goals in the final of the Europe’s second-tier club competition against Bayer Leverkusen. His contribution to Super Eagles also helped Nigeria to finish as runners up to host Côte d’Ivoire in AFCON 2023 last February in Abidjan. The Nigerian star has scored 11 goals and bagged five assists in 18 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Club: Paris Saint-Germain, France
Twenty-six year-old Hakimi
stunned all aficionados of the beautiful game when as a right back helped PSG to win the Coupe de France final over Lyon in May as well as powered the Atlas Lions to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games last August in France.
Ronwen Williams (SouthAfrica) Club: Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa
Thirty-two year-old goalkeeper shot into continental reckoning at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire when he spectacularly saved penalty kicks. His heroics powered the Bafana Bafana to the bronze medal at AFCON 2023. He also helped South Africa qualified for Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and was a nominee for FIFA’s Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper in 2024. He also helped his club,
Mamelodi Sundowns, set a joint record low of 11 goals conceded in 30 games in the South African Premiership as The Brazilians won their seventh domestic league title in succession.
Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire)
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion, England
Twenty-two year-old Adingra was a key figure for Cote d’Ivoire in their rollercoaster run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil in February. He scored a 90th minute equaliser in an extra-time victory against Mali in the quarter-finals and provided two assists in the final against Nigeria as The Elephants put behind them a difficult start to the campaign to lift the trophy.
Twenty-eight year-old striker Guirassy scored a remarkable 30 goals in as many games for German Bundesliga side Stuttgart in the 202324 season and has carried on that form following a move to Borussia Dortmund for the new campaign. His tally of 28 Bundesliga goals in the season beat Stuttgart’s previous record of 25, set by Mario Gómez in the 2008-09. Only Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane managed more goals than Guirassy in the campaign. He scored 23 goals for club and country in the period under review (January-October 2024
Saturday’s clash between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid at the Estadio de Vallecas is going to be a special one for James Rodríguez and Carlo Ancelotti, as the two men’s paths will cross yet again. Having shared dressing rooms at three different clubs, on this occasion James and Ancelotti will face each other as rivals. However, off the pitch they have built a special relationship that dates back to 2014.
After thriving with Colombia and winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, James moved to the Spanish capital to play under the Italian tactician. “Real Madrid’s history will tell you that they always want to have the best players and ones with a future,” Ancelotti said at the time. “We have signed one of the stars of the World Cup. You need these kinds of players for the future, not just for the present.”
Ancelotti quickly made him a key part of the team and, under the Italian’s guidance, James flourished in an advanced playmaking role, contributing 17 goals and 18
across all competitions during his debut season.
Yet, Ancelotti’s departure from Los Blancos in 2015 marked the beginning of a turbulent period for James, whose form waned under club legend Zinedine Zidane.
Two years later, James and Ancelotti would join forces again, as the current Real Madrid boss lured the Colombia international to Bayern Munich. “We are very happy that we have managed to conclude this transfer,” said the then-Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “The signing of James Rodríguez was the big wish from our manager, Carlo Ancelotti, after the two of them worked together successfully at Real Madrid. ” In Munich, James rediscovered his form, tallying seven goals and 11 assists in his first Bundesliga season. Ancelotti’s trust gave him the confidence to excel for the German giants, demonstrating again their
synergy. “It was a very, very good transfer and I have to thank Carlo Ancelotti once again,” Rummenigge admitted in April 2018.
After winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles, James departed Bayern Munich and returned to his parent club, Real Madrid, in the summer of 2019.
It would take the two men just over a year to rejoin forces, this time in the Premier League with Everton. At the Merseyside club, James delivered several moments of brilliance, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 23 league appearances during the 2020/21 campaign.
Injuries did curtail his impact, but Ancelotti didn’t hesitate to reshape Everton’s playing style to suit James’ strengths, showing the unique bond that the two men have developed over the years. “I'll say it with all sincerity that if Carlo weren't here, I wouldn't have come,” James noted after joining Everton.
Both men departed Everton in the summer of 2021, that being the
last time they represented the same team. Fast forward three years, and now Ancelotti and James will face each other in a highly-anticipated duel on Saturday. Having returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory away at Girona FC on Saturday, Real Madrid will look to build momentum when they make this short trip across the Spanish capital. However, Los Blancos have won just one of their last four away fixtures against Rayo Vallecano, having drawn one and lost two of their other most recent visits. With Rayo Vallecano coming into Saturday’s clash on the back of two straight victories in all competitions, Real Madrid are aware that they won’t have it easy in Ancelotti’s re-encounter with James Rodríguez. The 33-year-old has played seven games so far for Rayo Vallecano this season and registered his first assist last week in a victory in the Copa del Rey. Now, he’ll look to earn minutes and show what he can do against his former club.
Ademola Lookman (left) and Chiamaka Nnadozie are in final shortlist for the men and women’s categories of the CAF Players of the Year
He was named Best Young Player at the tournament.
MISSILE
Olabode George to APC
“But look at the performances. Big joke. If you didn’t perform, they throw you under the bus. You see people are saying now there is no vacancy (Aso Rock) in 2027. No. No. And the other point. Who is happy? Unless you put smiles on the faces of the people. That’s why some of us are still shouting with our party. What the heck are you doing? Wake up. Wake up. The party we have (PDP) and I’m still ever so proud, is the real Iroko political party in this country” --Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, warns APC of people’s revolt.
ISSAAREMU
GUEST COLUMNIST
Labour Summit and the Reform Agenda
As the Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) , yours comradely bear witness that almost one thousand participants registered and participated at the 10th Labour Summit held on Tuesday 26th in Ilorin. The Honourable minister of Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha was the Chief Host of the significant event, convened by the esteemed premier Michael Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) statutorily mandated to build capacity of workers, employers and government officials in labour and industrial relations through training and research, to promote industrial harmony for sustainable development”.
In 2003 MINILS initiated annual National Labour Relations Summit (NLRS). It complements the Institute’s regular week- long seminars and In-plant/Tailor-made courses in labour relations. The National Labour Relations Summit (NLRS) is a two decade long Annual largest gathering of the critical mass of stakeholders in Nigeria’s labour relations system. Scores of thousands of participants had attended the summits with distinguished presence of labour leaders, ministers, governors, local and international partners in the labour market. The summit deliberates on employment issues with the main objective of setting agenda for the promotion of industrial harmony, social justice in work places and productivity for national development.
I commend the management and staff of MINILS for the 2024 revival of the summit which held last in 2013, some eleven years ago. The 2024 Summit assumes special importance. It is over a year, since the historic inauguration of President Tinubu as the 6th democratically elected President. An assessment of the labour dimension of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration is more than a partial commitment. Precisely “Because I was involved”(apology to late Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu).
On Monday, December 19, 2022 as the Director of Labour Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, I facilitated and set the tone at the Townhall meeting of Presidential candidate Bola Tinubu with Organised Labour at Chida Hotel Conference Centre in Abuja. Adjudged as the best and well attended by the leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) then Presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu in no hold barred 4 hour session unfolded his Action Plan for a Better Nigeria. Ashiwaju’s quotable quote hinted at far reaching reforms with labour support if elected; “I seek a Nigeria where sufficient jobs with decent wages give people the chance to live better lives. Where the private sector thrives, we will not disrupt
it. However, where the private sector cannot do it alone, my government will take the lead in lending a helping hand.”. Tinubu said his administration would make fiscal and monetary policies work for the workers and Nigerians so they can have a good life. True to his promise, President Bola Tinubu has come of age as an audacious reformer. He has initiated far reaching social and economic reforms within the framework of the comprehensive 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda. The objective to reposition Nigerian economy, tackle poverty headlong, achieve sustainable development and improve living standards of Nigerians. The most controversial are the immediate removal of the controversial Trillion-naira per annum subsidy payment on petrol products and liberalization of the foreign exchange market aimed at blocking leakages in petroleum downstream sector, freezing resources to fund critical areas like healthcare, education and infrastructural development. Expectedly the impact of the reform measures on the labour market with respect to employment, cost of living and general welfare have elicited mixed reactions. Enthusiastic supporters of the reforms on the one hand have pointed to the emerging benefits. On the other hand critics allude to the adverse effects of rising inflation and worsening wage income poverty, caused by massive Naira devaluation. The 10th Labour Summit offered a veritable platform to assess constructively the impact of the reform Renewed Hope Agenda on the future of work. Hence the Theme:The Future of Work and Renewed Hope Reform Agenda: Issues and Perspectives The Discussants included representatives of organized labour, employers, labour market institutions namely National Productivity Centre (NPC), National Directorate of Employment
moderated by Professor Emeritus labour, Dave Otobo Studies and age long friend of MINILS.
The “Ilorin consensus” is that Nigeria needs reform and complete transformation from poverty to prosperity. With 70 per cent living below the poverty line, we don’t need a sermon to critically re-look at policies that hitherto pushed the majority on the margin. It was time to reverse the paradox of deprivation amidst abundant opportunities. So much work undone, yet so much youth unemployment and abysmal underemployment. To this extent participants commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being a change agent. The ongoing national and international debate on the reform is healthy for Nigeria. “Development”is back in discourse. NBS NIgeria’s GDP in the 3rd quarter has moved to 3.46 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, a sign that reform is yielding fruit. But it’s not over until Nigeria achieves minimum of 1trilliin dollar economy, double digit growth rates as desired by President Tinubu. The GDP must be driven by revival of labour intensive manufacturing sectors like textile and automobile factories. However industrialization is impossible without electricity. No thanks to addictive national grid collapses! Let’s make and buy Nigeria. National budgets must finance national development not other countries. Following the removal of subsidy on imported fuel, the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote refinery is now a reality. Port Harcourt Refinery has finally commenced operations after undergoing renovation and modernisation that began in 2021 after the Federal Government secured a $1.5bn contract to rehabilitate the facility. There is indeed now alternative to unacceptable wholesale products imports that put pressures on Naira value. Renewed Hope indeed !. Innovative compressed natural gas (CNG) now powers buses and tricycles worth N100 billion to ease the transportation. There has been massive campaign for digital literacy to promote youth employability in the growing digital economy. MINILS has been part of the youth employability capacity building through skill acquisition.
For the first time in annals of Nigeria’s educational system, Federal Government launched a student loan scheme to serve as the platform for access to funds by prospective students.There is growing optimism in the decisions taken by President Tinubu’s administration that reforms are not only desirable but inevitable for national development. Indeed there is an urgent need for a bipartisan national partnership for national development.
All the above call for continuous constructive engagement among the stakeholders. Regular dialogue, education and evaluation are essential to address the impact of the reforms on job
creation, decent work, industrial harmony, productivity and compensation in the world of work., some features of the future of work are already here and Nigeria is not spared of its unsavory auguries. Already, Al (artificial intelligence), robotics, big data and increased computer powers are displacing human labour and big players - advanced countries and their big enterprises are strategically positioning to benefit from its trade-offs and complementarities. Remarkably, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated significant sensitivity by initiating a number of profound measures to mitigate the adverse impact of reforms on costs of living, transportation and wages of the workers.
First unlike some past reforms which “deformed” the public service through indiscriminate mass retrenchment of public employees, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commendably ensured security of public service, avoided the pitfall of the least resistance of downsizing and retrenchment. Just like the former President Muhammed Buhari who notwithstanding CIVID:19 commendably retained jobs and paid public servants during lock down. Significantly the President in response to protests by organized labour on the adverse impact of reform, initiated policy measures to address the plight of the workers impaired by inflation and devaluation. There was the Presidential wage award of N35,000 to federal workers for six months and cash transfer of N25,000.00 monthly to some millions of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians for three months. The Most historic of the interventions is the enactment of 2024 National Minimum Wage Act of N70,000. This followed an intense 6 month long tripartite (plus) collective bargaining process between the government, organized labour and employers of labour. I salute the 10th National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu and Honourable Minister of Labour Nkeiruka Onyejeocha for the speedy enactment of the 6th National minimum wage Act since 1981 with a 3 year cycle from the old 5 year drag. All hail the state governors and private employers who have paid the minimum wage backed by law. Organized labour is right to put legitimate pressures on States and employers who refuse to pay the legally permissible least wage precisely because It is illegal. But as significant as minimum wage is, it is not a living wage. President Bola Ahmed is fully committed also to living wage. I suggest that organized labour should continue the engagement through social dialogue and collective bargaining with the government on how to a have wage-job- led economic growth. Minimum and living wage should be complimented my minimum productivity and minimum discipline in the public service.
•Issa Aremu mni is the Director General, Michael Imoudu National institute for labour studies (MINILS), Ilorin.
