SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2024

Shoppers Defy Cost-of-Living Crisis, Throng Markets Ahead of Yuletide

Appeal Court Upturns Judgement

CDS: We Need Equipment to Fight Terrorists, Others, Not Mercenaries

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa yesterday once more ruled out the need for mercenaries to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the fight against terrorists and criminal groups in the country.

Musa who stated this during an interview monitored on ARISE News Channel yesterday, also revealed that Nigerian military has started assembling its own Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC).

He stressed the need for the federal government to provide modern and sophisticated military hardware to the AFN in order to win the war against terrorism and other emerging security threats confronting the nation. Furthermore, he pointed out that Nigeria was stabilising the West Africa sub-region and the Sahel, as it had always done.

Tunde

and former Minister

and

Ogunwusi Ojaja II; Former President Muhammadu Buhari; former Presidential aide, Mr.

Shaibu

of Labour

Productivity, Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure, during the traditional ruler’s two- day private visit to Buhari in Daura, Katsina State…recently

Linus Aleke in Abuja

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION...

L-R: Kaduna State Governor; Senator Uba Sani; Minister of Information and National Orientation; Mohammed Idris; Chairman; Senate

on

and

House Committee on Information; National Orientation; Ethics; and Values; Hon. Olusola Steve Fatoba and the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary; Federal Ministry of Information and

Orientation; Mrs. Comfort Ajiboye at the 48th National Council of Information and National Orientation in Kaduna...yesterday

Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu Named in Forbes’ 2024 World’s Most Powerful Women

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation Ngozi OkonjoIweala and the Chief Executive Officer of the EbonyLife Group. Mo Abudu have once more been named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.

The latest ranking placed OkonjoIweala at 89, making it a total of eight times she has made the list, while at 97, Abudu was in for the

fourth consecutive year. Okonjo-Iweala was recently re-elected the Director General of the WTO, the global trade body.

For her part, Abudu shared her excitement stating, “I am deeply humbled to feature once again on the Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list. It is an incredible honor to represent the media and entertainment sector, to stand as a

proud Black woman, and to fly the flag for Nigeria and Africa on this prestigious global platform.

“A huge congratulations to all the phenomenal women on this list!

A special shoutout to my dearest sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose unwavering brilliance and leadership inspire us all year after year,” she said. Mo Abudu emphasised the importance of representation, noting

that seeing women of color and women from developing nations recognised globally inspires others to break barriers.

According to Forbes, “The good news, however, is that the 100 women on this year’s Power Women List are defying many of the headwinds challenging female progress. Just a few examples: In May, Malina Ngai took over as Group CEO of

AS Watson—the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer. Melinda French Gates has pledged $1 billion over the next two years to advance women’s power globally. India finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is overseeing an economy that she says could soon become the world’s third-largest.

CDS: WE NEED EQUIPMENT TO FIGHT TERRORISTS, OTHERS, NOT MERCENARIES

According to him, "We don't need mercenary fighters, we don't need any foreign boot on our soil and that was why it was not even being thought out. We don't have a foreign military base in Nigeria. We have the capacity to wage the war, we are training together.

"All we need is to get the equipment that we are fighting with. The ongoing war has also helped us to build the capacity to also produce our own armaments.

"I just came in from Jaji this morning, we are now producing and assembling our own armoured personnel carrier (APC), before we start full production. "We believe that if we are able to get these things right, we would be able to do the right thing. We don't need external help. Remember that we stabilised Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other west African nations, so we can still do same thing here".

Noting that the Armed Forces of

Nigeria has become a beacon of hope for Nigerians, Musa said the military would continue to support democracy in Nigeria.

Stating that no military personnel in Nigeria was interested in coup, Musa said the country was working hard to return Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to democratic governance.

"We are better in a democratic setting, so we want to sustain it," he said.

Musa noted that the military was rising to the occasion, stressing that

though the nation's armed forces are trained in conventional warfare, they have adjusted to the asymmetric nature of insurgency tactics.

"We are used to fighting countries, but now we have to deal with enemy within and that becomes very difficult because the enemy understands that we are subjected to human rights and other international legal instruments governing armed conflict," he said.

Meanwhile, the AFN, the Nigeria Police Force and Parliamentary

APPEAL COURT UPTURNS JUDGEMENT STOPPING RELEASE OF FEDERAL ALLOCATIONS TO RIVERS STATE

budget being operated by the state was not passed by a lawful arm of the Rivers State House of Assembly, therefore the government should be prevented from alleged further violation of the laws.

Displeased with the judgement, the Rivers State Government and the Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, had approached the Court of Appeal to vacate the judgement of Justice Abdulmalik.

The appellants besides, sought a stay of execution of the trial court's judgement, arguing amongst others that the judgement would have adverse effect on the economy and people of Rivers State.

Among the issues canvased at the appellate court was that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit brought by the plaintiffs, adding that the subject matter is not within the powers of the trial court to adjudicate upon.

Delivering judgement in the appeal yesterday, the three- member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Hamman Barka, agreed with the appellants that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit seeking to seize Rivers State allocation.

According to the judgement, the mere listing of federal agencies does not confer unrestricted jurisdiction on the Federal High Court.

Besides, the appellate court held that the subject matter which centered on the appropriation of a state ought not to have been entertained by the trial court.

The appellate court having held that the case of the appellants has merit, subsequently allowed the appeal and set aside all the orders made by Justice Abdulmalik.

The appellate court held that the said orders were unconstitutional, null and void having made without jurisdiction, adding that the lower court over reached itself and didn’t have the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Justice Abdulmalik had in October ordered the stoppage of the release of federal monthly allocations from the consolidated funds to the Rivers State Government.

She had made the order while delivering judgement in the suit filed by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the speakership of RT Hon Martin Amaewhule.

Following the alleged defection of 27 lawmakers from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) that sponsored them to office, a division had erupted in the state legislature, with the Amaewhule-led faction said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike and the Ehieled four-member legislators loyal to the Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara.

Insisting that the Amaewhule-led faction are no longer lawmakers of the state on account of their defection, the governor had last December presented the 2024 appropriation to the Ehie-led four-member legislators.

Miffed by this action, the Amaewhule-led faction had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, to challenge the action of the state government.

According to the plaintiffs, the action of the government was not only unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful, but was an affront to the principle of separation of powers.

Delivering judgement Justice

Abdulmalik held that the defendants failed to show any prove that the governor complied with the law in submitting the 2024 appropriation before a proper parliament.

Besides, Justice Abdulmalik held that the judgement of a Rivers State High Court upon which Fubara leveraged on to present the appropriation before a four-member legislator have been set aside by the appellate court.

"The questions raised by the

plaintiffs are meritorious to warrant the grant of the injunctive and declarative reliefs sought" , Justice Abdulmalik held.

Specifically the court pointed out that the Rivers State government missed the point when it failed to accept the fact that the state budget have been invalidate by a Federal High Court, adding that the same judgement nullifying the budget was affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, recently.

“For what might be the most heartening sign of progress, look to our neighbor to the south: In June, Claudia Sheinbaum won the Mexican presidency in a landslide victory that came just 71 years after Mexican women received the right to vote.

Agencies yesterday unveiled plan for the National Drumline and Marching Band Festival to promote synergy amongst the military and other security agencies to effectively tackle crime and criminality across the federation.

The festival, is being organised by the Armed Forces of Nigeria Performing Arts Band Festival (AFOPPIBAF).

Unveiling the planned National Drumline and Marching Band Festival during a press conference in Abuja, the Director General, AFOPPIBAF, Amb Justin Duru explained that the initiative was aimed at uniting Nigeria’s military and paramilitary bands, while promoting cultural diversity and regimental music.

He also underscored the importance of collaboration among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defense, and other bands to enhance synergy and boost the fight against insecurity.

This was as Musa also stated that the military high command would continue to prioritise the welfare of personnel, especially those in the

“Just because a woman is not in the top 100 of the Forbes Power List does not mean she lacks influence; there are many people whose power is on the rise.”

frontline.

Also, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday said troops across all theatres of operations killed no fewer than 181 terrorists and nabbed 203 others in one week.

Speaking during the press conference, Duru said the planned festival was themed, “Togetherness: Unity in Diversity,” which was inspired by Sonny Okosun’s iconic song, and aimed to showcase Nigeria's military music heritage on the global stage.

The event, he said will feature street parades; bands competing in ceremonial displays and creative performances, drumline competitions, inspired by the movie drumline, focusing on skill and creativity, cultural displays, vibrant performances celebrating Nigeria's heritage, unity band serenade, a special performance by a joint ensemble of military and paramilitary bands.

He further revealed that the festival also include a symposium, colloquium, and serenades to foster collaboration and preserve military traditions.

SHOPPERS DEFY COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS, THRONG MARKETS AHEAD OF YULETIDE

retailers report increased sales of essential commodities such as textiles, rice, meat, vegetables, seasonings, vegetable oil, varieties of gift items, and hampers, in the past few days.

Speaking with THISDAY, a foodstuff trader at Mile 12 market, Ms. Aminat Babatunde said, “Truly, I didn’t expect business to be good. But despite the economic crunch, I’m shocked at the level of patronage. With the way things are in this country, and the high cost of rice which is now N95,000 for Caprice, I was expecting slow sales, but to my surprise, my stall has been flooded with customers non-stop. People are buying rice, beans, garri, and groundnut oil in large quantities.

““Instead, they're willing to spend a bit more to ensure they have a wonderful celebration with their loved ones. I've had to restock my supplies multiple times to keep up with the demand. It's a welcome challenge, but I'm grateful for the unexpected boost in sales.”

"I know things are tough, but Christmas is a time for joy and

giving,” said Mrs Nneoma Okoro, a shopper at the popular Balogun Market in Lagos. “I'm trying to make the most of it, even on a budget.

“We just have to thank God for surviving the year of T-pain. Christmas is just that one opportunity we can at least breathe for once this year, and not think about all our problems.”

“Business has been good, despite the economy,” said Alhaja Moimot Usman, a textile merchant at Oshodi. “People are still buying, even if they're being more careful with their spending.

“Now they patronise us more because readymade clothes are currently more expensive, especially for a large family. I am not surprised at all. It is expected. Even though textile has also become more expensive unlike how it was before, it is still cheaper than readymade because we have different grades and quality that fit into everybody’s pocket.”

The surge in holiday spending has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the desire for festive cheer, amongst others.

Speaking with THISDAY, economic expert, and Chief Strategist, The Whispers Pls, Dr. Wisdom Peters, said, “The surge in demand for foodstuff during the festive period in Nigeria is a classic example of the ‘income effect’ versus the ‘substitution effect’.

“While the cost-of-living crisis would normally lead to a reduction in consumption, the festive period creates a unique scenario where consumers are willing to prioritise spending on essential items, such as food.

“In this case, the income effect, which refers to the change in consumption patterns in response to changes in income, is outweighed by the cultural and social significance of the festive period.

“Consumers are willing to allocate a larger portion of their budget to food and other festive expenses, even if it means reducing spending on other non-essential items.

“Furthermore, the high patronage of foodstuff traders can be attributed to the low price elasticity of demand for food items, particularly during the festive period. This means that

consumers are less responsive to price changes and are more likely to continue buying food items even if prices increase.

“From a macroeconomic perspective, the increased demand for foodstuffs during the festive period can have positive implications for the economy, particularly for small-scale traders and farmers who rely on the festive season to boost their sales.

“However, it also highlights the need for policymakers to address the underlying structural issues driving the cost-of-living crisis, such as inflation, exchange rate volatility, and supply chain disruptions.

“To mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on consumers, policymakers could consider implementing targeted interventions, such as subsidies on essential food items or cash transfers to vulnerable households.

“Additionally, investing in agricultural productivity and improving supply chain efficiency could help reduce food prices and increase access to affordable food for all Nigerians.”

Committee

Information

National Orientation; Senator Kenneth Eze; Chairman

National

24 Persons That Shaped Nigeria in 2024

Ferdinand Ekechukwu, Peter Uzoho, in Lagos and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

As 2024, a year that saw Nigerians groaning under the weight of aggressive reforms initiated by the federal government the previous year gradually comes to an end, THISDAY highlights some personalities that shaped the outgoing year. The outgoing year which has been momentous and challenging, especially on the socioeconomic landscape, was marked by heightened hunger, poverty, inflation, and macroeconomic weakness, among others, which saw pockets of social and industrial unrests. Despite the challenges, the country saw some individuals move the needle in different sectors of the economy, ranging from business, entertainment, politics, among others and their contributions helped in shaping 2024. Their diverse backgrounds and achievements highlight the vibrant tapestry of talent and innovation within the nation.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu who initiated the twin reforms of fuel subsidy and elimination of the country’s multiple exchange rate in 2023, used every opportunity he had in 2024 to explain to Nigerians the benefits of his policies. He kept on assuring the public that the inconveniences occasioned by the reforms were temporary and that the citizens would reap the benefits in the years ahead. Also, the President intensified his foreign trips in his bid to woo foreign investors. He also rejigged his cabinet during the year in a bid to enhance public service delivery.

Aliko Dangote

The outgoing year saw the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery, which effectively ended the country’s decade of the importation of refined petrol products. The new 650,000 barrel-a-day oil refinery in Nigeria owned by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man has been widely described as a game changer as it is expected to in the medium term boost the country’s forex earning, boost employment and help the country save the huge billions of dollars.

Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi

Following a remarkable year, Nigerian singer/ songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, made history as she bagged three nominations in the 67th Grammy Awards taking place early next year. The nominations, announced in November, came on the heels of her first musical tour in support of her debut studio album. Tems leading the pack of Nigerian artistes with her three nominations joins the year’s top nominees list. Tems was nominated for Best Global Music Album for her debut studio album “Born in the Wild,” Best Global Music Performance for her hit single “Love Me Jeje,” and Best African Music Performance.

Victor Osimhen

“Osimhen’s Goals Turn Turkish Giants to Europe’s Invincibles.” That apt caption tells how far the Nigerian international striker, Victor Osimhen has emerged as the unstoppable victor, living up to his name by refusing to let his new team, Galatasaray, taste defeat since joining the team this year. Currently the joint-second all-time highest goal-scorer of the Nigeria national team, a feat recorded this year, his impact transcends mere goal-scoring; the 25-year-old striker has become the catalyst for repeatedly rescuing points and turning potential defeats into victories both at club and national levels this year.

Ademola Lukman

Ademola Lookman ranked 14th on the men’s 2024 Ballon d’Or list, confirmed his elite status in world football. The Nigerian winger grabbed global headlines last May when he scored a stunning hat-trick to help his Italian Serie A side, Atalanta, clinch the 2024 UEFA Europa League cup. It was the first domestic or continental trophy the club has won in 61 years. No player had previously scored a trio of goals in the final of the competition. Olawale Edun

Olawale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is tasked with the monumental challenge of revitalising the nation’s economy amidst global challenges and uncertainties. His unwavering commitment to reform was evident in the outgoing year as he gradually lays the groundwork for transformative changes by driving broad-ranging fiscal reforms. These are geared towards improved fiscal governance, revenue transformation, and economic growth.

Olayemi Cardoso

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso in 2024 faced the daunting task of steering the nation’s monetary policy amidst a challenging economic landscape. Undoubtedly, his first year has been marked by some achievements and challenges that have tested his leadership and the institution’s resilience. Some of these challenges include a forex liquidity crisis exacerbated by limited dollar inflows, a volatile naira exchange rate and the scarcity of the nation’s currency.

Siminalayi Fubara

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara’s attempt to maintain the political control of Rivers State in 2024 pitched him against his godfather, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Fubura, who is determined to assert control over his government and the party structure that brought him into office, is proving he was well-schooled in the shenanigans of Nigerian political office holders. The local government election held this year is one major highlight.

Allen Onyema

This year, Allen Onyema, the founder and CEO of Air Peace, marked 10 years of the carrier’s foray into the Nigerian airspace. In March 2024, the airline made headlines with its entry into the Lagos-London route and subsequently received approval to operate the AbujaLondon route. The launch of Air Peace's London flight service sparked what industry observers described as a “price war”, with foreign carriers dramatically slashing their fares in what Onyema described as a "devilish conspiracy" to drive his airline out of the market. His airline's expansion has undeniably made international air travel cheaper for Nigerians during a very difficult year.

Burna Boy

Aside being drawn into a needless controversy by wannabe, Speed Darlington, Burna Boy continued to make history as African artiste of Nigerian descent with a 2025 Grammy nod announced this year in five consecutive years. The feat brings him a total record of 11 nominations, winning one. The ‘African Giant’ also landed a spot one of ‘TIME’ 2024 Most Influential 100 People. Priorto that was also his record-breaking performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards for the first time, with his representatives noting he is the first Afrofusion artist to do so in a press release distributed prior to Grammy night.

Taiwo Oyedele

Taiwo Oyedele is the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms (PCFPTR).

A former partner at PwC Nigeria, Oyedele has played a pivotal role in shaping tax reform discussions under the current administration. He has emphasised practical solutions to address inefficiencies in Nigeria's tax system and policy formulation to enhance overall effectiveness. His proposed changes are contained in the four tax reform bills President Tinubu transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration in September 2024. However, Oyedele's technocratic vision faces resistance from state governors, particularly regarding proposed changes to Value Added Tax (VAT) allocation.

Peter Obi

Mr. Peter Obi, a member of the Labour Party and the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election continues to keep his hope of getting to the presidency alive with characteristic political moves

befitting of his leadership style and persona. While it seems his ‘Obidients’ waves have gone to rest, the former two- term governor of Anambra State remains active in the political space this year, making speeches that speak to the heart of the people. This seem to be paying off as a coalition of Northern groups, under the umbrella of Northern Obidients Youth Assembly (NOYA), warned against alleged plots to sabotage Peter Obi’s legacy following the internal wrangling within the Labour Party,

Festus Keyamo

In a significant move to enhance Nigeria's aviation standards, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, continues to drive his five-point agenda focused on advancing safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development, and revenue generation in the sector. Under Keyamo’s guidance, Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure has made significant upgrades, with improved airport facilities and enhanced safety measures. He has also increased connectivity by establishing new routes and flight frequencies, thereby boosting tourism and job creation through strategic investments.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was during a special General Council meeting on 29 November, 2024, reappointed Director General of the World Trade Organisation by the General Council for a second four-year term, which will commence on 1 September 2025. In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping Members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions. The DG is deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.

Chidimma Adetsina

Chidimma Adetshina made history during the year as the first Nigerian to secure the first runner-up position at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico City, Mexico. Born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina's journey to the Miss Universe stage was marked by controversy and resilience. Her initial participation as a contestant for Miss Universe South Africa 2024 ended amid xenophobic abuse and scrutiny over her nationality, leading to her withdrawal from the competition. These challenges provided her an invitation to represent Nigeria, her paternal country of origin. Adetshina's announcement, two days after the pageant in Mexico, that she would be retiring from the beauty pageant world and relocating to Nigeria after her one-year reign was also followed by an outpouring of support for her decision.

Funke Akindele

The title ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ appears the singsong now across Nollywood for Funke Akindele, a celebrated Nigerian actress and filmmaker following the premiere of her latest film. Her movie, "A Tribe Called Judah," broke the N1 billion marks at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time in 2024 and surpassing her previous record with "Battle on Buka Street." As Nollywood seeks greater international recognition, Akindele stands as a testament to the industry's potential for commercial success.

Davido

Music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, married the love of his life Chioma Rowland in a grand affair. The glamorous wedding ceremony dominated social media space days after the wedding. The occasion marked the culmination of years of friendship and love, characterised by setbacks, series of scandals, drama and trolls. Davido also bagged a Grammy nomination for the second time, ahead of the 67th Grammys taking place early next year. He also continued his tradition of giving back with plans to donate N300 million to orphanages as part of his 32nd birthday celebration. 2024 also renewed the feud between Davido and Wizkid.

Gbenga Komolafe

The pioneer Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Gbenga Komolafe has repositioned the exploration and production sector of the country's oil and gas industry through several key enabling initiatives churned out by the commissioned since he came on board. The commission has issued some regulatory guidelines and measures aimed at attracting investments, boosting competitiveness, and increasing production in the industry. The commission under Komolafe has completed the bid rounds for 57 marginal oil fields, which are now at various stages of development in the race to first oil production. Komolafe has also led the successful completion of the Gas Flare Commercialisation Progrqmme, with the utimate aim of monetising Nigeria's huge gas volunes being flared.

Mele Kyari

Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari has continued to drive the rebound of the country's oil and gas industry. From the loss of momentum in the industry arising from underinvestment and security issues, leading to a decline in oil production to sub-one million in August 2022, NNPC under Kyari has galvanised the industry to grow production to about 1.8 million barrels per day currently including condensate. The national oil company under Kyari's leadership has finally delivered on its promise of bringing back Port Harcourt Refinery to production.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

The Ministry of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was no doubt one of those that shaped the outgoing year with the series of innovations he introduced around his ministry. Today, the ministry is leveraging advanced technology such as biometrics, artificial intelligence, and advanced surveillance systems, to enhance security and operational efficiency across its various departments and agencies. This initiative includes the integration of digital tools and platforms to streamline administrative processes, improve data management, and facilitate real-time intelligence sharing among security agencies. Few days ago, the Ministry launched the e-Gate system, which is expected to help enhance national security.

Peter

Mbah

The Enugu Governor in 2024 was focus on giving his State a facelift. Since his election in 2023, he has significantly ramped up the State’s internally generated revenue (IGR). The 2025 appropriation bill which he presented to the State House of Assembly few days ago is focused on improving education, healthcare, rural connectivity, bolster trade, and enhance overall accessibility and attract investments that create jobs in the State.

Nike Davies-Okundaye

In 2024, the populat Nike Art Gallery was more like a Mecca as it hosted a lot of global leaders that visited the country. Recently, the German President, Mr. FrankWalter Steinmeier, accompanied by the Consul General of Germany, Weert Börner, and some delegations from the United Nations were hosted by Davies-Okundaye. The gallery showcases a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary African art including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. It also serves as a cultural hub promoting Nigerian heritage and empowering local artists.

Bishop Matthew Kukah

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria, in 2024 remained a tireless advocate for justice, democracy, and human development. He has remained vocal in his call for good governance and a free and fair electoral process in the country.

Asisat Oshoala

Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcons captain continued to dominate the female football space in 2024. Playing her club football in the US, she continues to be a leader both on and off the pitch for the national team.

Tinubu

Peter Obi

Cardoso

Kyari

Osimhen

Okonjo-Iweala

Dangote

Adetsina

Edun

Burna Boy

Tems

Bishop Kukah

Will the agony end?

In Praise of President Buhari

Man Who Shot Himself Testing ‘Bulletproof’

Charm

WThen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.

he Advocacy for Alleged Witches informs the public that Mr Islmail Usman, the man who shot himself in the stomach in the process of testing a ‘bulletproof’ charm known in some parts of the country as Odeshi, can no longer be traced. The police stated this during a telephone conversation with AfAW. The police informed AfAW following some inquiries to provide the man with humanitarian assistance. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches campaigns to support victims of witch persecution and ritual attacks. In the case of Usman, he was his victim, both the victim and the victimizer. He did not shoot someone while testing the bulletproof charm, he shot himself.

by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.

police could no longer trace him. The DPO said that they were told that Usman had gone for some traditional treatment for his injuries; that he preferred traditional treatment.

Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.

After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.

It is evident that this is an attempt to evade justice knowing that the police planned to charge him in court. Also Usman disappeared to avoid paying the cost of treatment. Many Nigerians resort to traditional treatment not really because they believe in its efficacy, potency, or effectiveness but because they cannot afford the cost of orthodox medical treatment.

Cashless ATM Machines

Stop Ritual Attacks and Killings

ITAsk the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.

It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.

Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).

Usman believed in the charm’s potency, hence, he used himself to test the charm. AfAW planned to provide Usman with humanitarian assistance and use his case for public education and enlightenment. But the plan is on hold because the police have no information regarding his whereabouts. Few days ago the Advocacy for Alleged Witches contacted the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, proposing to give Usman some humanitarian assistance. The CP readily welcomed the idea and referred AfAW to the FCT police public relations officer, who referred AfAW to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Byazin, the division where the case happened. In a telephone conversation, the DPO commended the Advocacy for Alleged Witches for the initiative. He noted that Mr Usman was not at the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital as speculated. Usman was referred to the hospital but did not go there. The police officer said they were told that Usman had returned to Katsina and could no longer be contacted. That the police had no information about his current location. They could no longer trace him.

The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.

The DPO said some officers visited his residence in Abuja, but the place was deserted. He promised to contact AfAW if they had any trace of him or his whereabouts. This development is worrisome because it demonstrates a failure in policing and police intelligence. How could such a person disappear without trace in this 21st century? What does that tell the world about the capacity of the Nigeria police to protect citizens, enforce the law and combat crimes in the country?

And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches warns Nigerians against the use of ‘bulletproof’ charms. The case of Usman shows that superstitions are not innocuous. Superstitions are dangerous and harmful; superstitions kill. Those who believe in the nonsense called bulletproof charms end up harming themselves, as in the case of Usman; they eventually harm or kill others, as has widely been reported. Bulletproof charm has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Nigerians should abandon bulletproof superstitions and embrace evidence-based ways of protecting themselves against bullets and gunshots.

What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA

Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

s it right for POS operators to be doing business opposite Union Bank, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State? I ask because the bank’s ATM Machines do not dispense cash, but over seven different stands of POS operators are opposite the bank and they always have cash.We are beginning to believe that they are in cahoots with the bank management because it is surprising that ATM machines never have cash but the Pos operators have the new Naira notes displayed on their tables. Also, how do those who hawk monies at parties get their new notes?

Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Ogwashi-Ukwu

A Poisoned Chalice?

resident-elect

Donald Trump seemed very pleased to be named the Times

‘Person of the Year’ for a second time, an honor he shares with a number of people including Richard Nixon and Joseph Stalin.

MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder.

Before referring AfAW to the DPO, the PPRO stated that Usman would be charged in court if he recovered. From all indications, this would never happen. Usman would not be prosecuted as stated. His case would gradually fizzle out because the

Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending.

Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

What might not be obvious is that it isn’t the best, or bravest or most generous but rather more for the most prominent or most influential, and not all of them were good people. There are people that most consider evil with the obvious examples being Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Putin and those that have seen better times, especially Rudy Giuliani. He should work to make the world a better place and be remembered for his good works and leadership. At present he is too well known for his misdemeanours and his all caps tweets. Time will judge him more accurately and maybe harshly which will decide how he is really remembered. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense.

What a waste!

HONOURING NYESOM WIKE...

STrATeGIC ALLIANCe TO SANITISe FX MArKeT…

L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria, Wale Edun; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede and the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, in a Strategic Alliance to Stimulate the forex market in Abuja…yesterday

FAAC Shares N1.727 Trillion to FG, States LGs

Federation accounts grosses N3.134tn for November

Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed a total of N1. 727 trillion to the federal, states and local governments as well as other stakeholders from a gross revenue of N3.134 trillion for the month of November.

Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to stop securing loans, noting that the N9 billion loan recently approved by the House of Assembly was needless and will plunge the state into financial distress.

The total distributable revenue of N1.727 trillion for the month of November was drawn from Statutory Revenue of N455.354 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N585.700 billion, N15.046 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and N671.392 billion from Exchange Difference.

Citing a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, from the N1.727 trillion shared, including Gross Statutory Revenue, VAT, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), Exchange Difference (ED), the federal government received N581.856 billion, states received N549.792 billion, and local government councils got N402.553 billion.

preceding month, resulting in a decrease of N39.318 billion.

From that amount, the sum of N25.159 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and the sum of N18.114 billion given for transfers, intervention and refunds.

N1.827 trillion received for the month of November was higher than the sum of N1.336 trillion received in the previous month by N490.339 billion.

The sum of N121.849 billion was given to mineral producing states as 13 per cent derivation revenue.

has been swindled by Obaseki-led administration with an unassailable, humongous debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion, the governor is unyielding and unstoppable in his characteristic design to leave Edo State in ruin, by asking for a facility of N17.5 billion few days ago, which was said to be N9 billion."

Oil producing states received N193.291 billion as 13 per cent derivation.

The disbursement took place in Abuja yesterday during the December meeting of FAAC which was presided over by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

MTN

But in a swift reaction, the Edo State Government said it was perplexed to learn of what it termed “laughable and incredibly ridiculous tantrums attributed to the new acting chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC, Jarret Tenebe where he made baseless and spurious allegations on the fiscal management of our dear state by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government.”

Kayode Tokede

The remaining sum of N628.973 billion was distributed to the three tiers of government, of which the federal government got N87.855 billion, the states received N292.850 billion while local government councils got N204.995 billion.

The Gross Statutory Revenue of

The sum of N103.307 billion was given for the cost of collection, while N1.312 trillion was allocated for 1ransfers, intervention and refunds.

The Gross Revenue available from the VAT for the month of November 2024, was N628.972 billion as against N668.291 billion distributed in the

Tenebe, said "It is important to state, that it is now in public and political space that the fiscal budget of Edo State was passed few weeks ago before the Edo State House of Assembly proceeded on leave without the commencement of the execution of the budget by the executive.

Nigeria Raises

captured. "Information at the behest of the members of the Edo State House of Assembly is to the effect that they were recalled from their holiday or leave by the Speaker on the request of the state governor for the immediate approval of the said facility which according to them is said to be N9 billion but as event unfolded, after the mammoth request by the opposition in the House as to the rationale for a facility as

From the stated amount, the sum of N77.521 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and the sum of N1.294 trillion for Transfers, Intervention and Refunds.

The remaining balance of N455.354 billion was distributed with the federal government receiving N175.69 billion, states receiving N89.113 billion, and N68.702 billion was allocated to local governments.

stupendous as N9 billion for fathom projects which only existed in the imagination of the governor, it was discovered that the facility was not even N9 billion but a figure wrapped in secrecy as much as N17.5 billion to which the opposition in the house rejected and or refused to be part of the approval.

But in its reaction, the Edo State Government stated that the Edo APC was “obviously pained by the achievements of

N72.18bn Through CP Issuance

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Tenebe had said the state was already suffering under a debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion.

He said, "While it is a monumental disaster that Edo State patrimony

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has notified the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public of the successful completion of its Series 13 and 14 Commercial Paper (CP) issuance under the Company’s N250 billion Issuance Programme.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

CP is an unsecured form of promissory note that pays a fixed rate of interest. It is typically issued by corporations to cover short-term receivables and meet short-term financial obligations, such as funding for a new project.

The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has announced plans to launch a 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in primary schools across the country.

The Company Secretary, MTN Nigeria Communications, Uto

He made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Ibadan during a working visit to Oyo State.

Charles Ajunwa

It is most disheartening that the Edo State Government now is requesting for a facility of N17.5 billion with no corollary of project attached there to the said facility and also that the facility is not contained as loan to be taken in the 2024 fiscal budget just recently passed. A cursory perusal of the entire budget does not reveal where the project for the facility is ever

Ukpanah in a statement stated that the telecommunication giant sought to raise N50 billion, but the offer recorded a 144 per cent over subscription with N72.18 billion issued.

The 180-day and 270-day CP were issued at yields of 27.50% and 29.00%, respectively, with an issue date of Friday, 29 November 2024. This follows the N75.18 billion CP issued on 7 November 2024, demonstrating investor confidence in the management and financial performance of MTN Nigeria. The proceeds will be used to support short-term working capital requirements.

among the youthful population. He said the government is worried that about 72 per cent of the nation’s youthful population have become foreigners through the influence of cartoons and movies which are foreign in contents, values and cultures.

Enugu SME Celebrates Completion of Vocational Training Programme

He said 1,000 Citizens’ Brigade would be set up in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to promote national values as of old, stating that the essence of the Brigade was to revive and rebuild the national values and create positive models

Issa-Onilu said as a way out of the malaise, NOA would soon launch a Mobile App containing indigenous cartoons through which local contents, national values and culture would be promoted.

The Enugu SME Centre has successfully concluded the third edition of its Construction Skills TVET Programme under the ITF-NECA Vocational Training initiative.

According to him, "These various policies are geared towards changing the narratives and the wrong impression that the outside world is having about the country.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The programme, designed to equip youths with practical skills in plumbing, electrical installation, and maintenance, according to a statement, aligns with Nigeria Skills Qualification Board (NSQB) standards, ensuring international alignment with World Skills Standards.

Centre, the initiative trained and certified over 150 participants after four months of intensive hands-on mentorship with master craftsmen. The certifications were awarded during the third edition of the Amadeo Business Summit, a significant platform showcasing youth empowerment in action.

The sum of N15.046 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was distributed to the three tiers of government as follows: Federal government received N2.257 billion, states got N7.523 billion, local government councils received N5.266 billion, while N0.0627 billion was allocated for cost of collection.

the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki across all sectors of the state over the past seven years.”

government received N316.054 billion, states got N160.306 billion, the sum of N123.590 billion was allocated to local government councils, N71.442 billion was given for Derivation (13 per cent of mineral revenue).

Also, the sum of N671.392 billion from Exchange Difference was shared as follows: federal

“Tenebe has been on a frenzy looking for lies to tell since he assumed office as Acting Chairman. Rather than focus on reawakening his completely comatose party, which is unable to provide constructive criticisms expected of a viable opposition, he has resorted to spreading misinformation in a desperate attempt to curry cheap popularity.

“In his infertile rambling, Tenebe made wild and completely off-themark comments suggesting that Edo State is owing $35 billion. Even if that was what was written for him, he should have known that the figure is wrong and can't be true.

According to the communique, oil and gas royalty and CET levies recorded significant increases, while Excise Duty, VAT, Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Companies Income Tax (CIT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy ( EMTL), decreased considerably.

"In reality, our debt stock is not a secret and in fact, we are ‘under borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe would have known this if he understood the economics of governance, fiscal responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio.

Mrs Tinubu To Second Chance School Girls: Your Past Doesn't Define You

Gives N50m business recapitalisation grant to 1,000 women traders in Osun Inaugurates alternative high school for girls in Osogbo

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

lid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has described the United States as Nigeria’s longstanding ally and strategic partner for the nation’s mining sector development.

Speaking while receiving

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has admonished girls who dropped out of school due to early pregnancy, abuse, domestic violence and financial difficulties not to give up on achieving their life long dreams and goals.

She gave the advice yesterday during the inauguration and formal handover of the Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo, Osun State capital.

under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Access to Education For All Programme, which according to the First Lady will provide a second chance at formal education for such girls.

Charge d'Affairs, US Embassy, David Greene, in his office on Thursday, Alake lauded the United States’ commitment to fostering cooperation with Nigeria in diverse sectors of the economy, stating that it underscores the significance of the smooth bilateral relations between both countries.

According to her, "Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential. It is not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or circumstance.

also want to be part of the move to reduce global emissions and put our mining sector on the global map. We have critical minerals that are in commercial demand globally,"Alake said.

Her words: “To the beneficiaries of this school, I want to say to you all, your past does not define you. This is another chance; another opportunity and you must embrace it with determination and focus. Just believe in yourself and know there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The facility which was built in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is

“We are establishing, this year, 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in Primary School. 1,000 in each state, including FCT, Abuja. These Citizens’ Brigade are going to be like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild of the olden days.

She noted that the formal education of the girl-child cannot be over emphasized.

formalisation of artisanal miners into cooperatives amongst others.

“I thank you for your visit. I met the US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, on the sidelines of the Mines and Money conference in London past year, and we had a fruitful engagement. I did analyse all our issues, and fundamentally, we just want to diversify our economy from oil. Not just for our own economic survival but also to be in tune with global trends for reduction in global warming. We

The minister welcomed partnership with the US on investments in the mining value chain, expanding access to technology in extracting and processing minerals and securing mining areas.

"Through this facility, we are not only giving these girls and women a second chance at formal education but equipping them with life skills to rebuild their confidence, independence and potential to contribute meaningfully to society. I like to add that investing in women and girls education, is investing in the future of our nation.”

that she is highly committed to the well-being and welfare of the ordinary Nigerian, which is also one of the strong qualities of President Bola Tinubu. In his remarks, Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke, commended the efforts of the First Lady especially through her Renewed Hope Initiative which he said, is truly living up to its mantra “towards a better life for families”.

The First Lady also disclosed

Throwing light on reforms embarked upon by the federal government, the minister highlighted revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) guidelines geared towards reducing friction in host communities; on-going plans for new security architecture to secure natural resources; efforts to generate big geo-data; the

He said the state has benefited immensely and is still benefitting and thanked her for the establishment of the school and also for handing it over to the state government to run.

"The mining sector provides a veritable avenue for increased trade between Nigeria and the United States, especially in the area of value addition, which implies processing of extracted minerals and setting up factories here. We would also require financing from multilateral institutions for our local operators. We are providing incentives for investments like tax waivers for mining equipment, policy of full repatriation of profits to home countries amongst others," Alake emphasised. In his remarks, the US Ambassador commended the renewed interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, stressing that the sector has huge potentials to rival the contribution of oil to the nation's economy.

France Reiterates Willingness to Foster Mutual Relations with Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

“Across the world, Nigerians are known to be the smartest people on earth. This is a positive development but some people mischievously tend to portray us in negative light. But this is not who we are as a people.

“To change the negative narratives, we are setting up the Citizens’ Brigade to produce young Nigerians and create positive models to rebuild the national values."

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, has reaffirmed France's commitment to fostering respectful partnership relations with Nigeria, insisting that there has at no time been a plan by the French government to establish a military base in Nigeria.

Alex enumah in Abuja

of Activism campaign, and featured a performance by Nigerian artist Morell, who created a special Hausa song for the occasion, and a documentary screening by Anti-Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative ASVIOL.

a call for change.

The evening showcased the power of art as a driver of social transformation.

bordering on terrorism and murder.

Burning of Rivers Assembly Complex: Court Dismisses Application Challenging Competence of Charge Oyo Govt Suspends Monarch in Ibadan

In his speech, Fonbaustier highlighted the French Embassy’s collaboration with Nigerian civil society organisations to address gender-based violence.

Ambassador Fonbaustier praised the creative advocacy tools employed during the campaign, such as Morell’s music and ASVIOL’s documentary, which blended sound, storytelling, and visuals to convey powerful messages.

including Morell, Hassana Maina, and various grassroots organisations. Their contributions, he said, underscore the importance of collective action in building a future free from violence.

This edition marked a major milestone in a programme that has now trained approximately 750 youths in the last few years. The programme’s emphasis on rigorous, hands-on training ensures participants are well-equipped for the labor market. Upon completion, these graduates are placed in jobs, guaranteeing immediate economic impact and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Government Area of the state. The government, in a letter dated 2nd of February, 2024 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on 1st of February, 2024. The letter read in part, "I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue of all other enabling powers in

Implemented in partnership with the COPEN Group, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and C-STEMP Skills Training

Speaking at a music show to roundup the French Ambassador activities to celebrate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, the envoy said France does not impose its interests on any nation, including Nigeria, while acknowledging the deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The event, themed around the fight against gender-based violence, marked the culmination of the 16 Days

that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State." It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the Chairman of Ido local government. In the meantime, the state government has vowed to hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, dismissed the application by two Rivers State indigenes challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try them over alleged complicity in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He explained that over 13 major projects were launched across 11 states, raising awareness among more than 600 people through debates, workshops, and innovative tools like educational games.

The Ambassador lauded the courage and resilience of survivors, urging society to move beyond viewing them as victims and instead honour their voices as a source of inspiration and

Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Prince Lukman Oladele, were among five persons charged with terrorism and murder. The others are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod. They were last week arraigned on a seven-count criminal charge

"These artistic expressions transcend cultural and social boundaries, uniting diverse communities in a shared commitment to ending violence."

The Ambassador concluded by urging sustained action beyond the 16 Days of Activism, emphasising that the event was a continuation of the conversation on gender-based violence, not its conclusion.

He expressed deep gratitude to the partners who made the evening possible,

Although, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges, the judge however, ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center, pending the hearing of their bail application fixed for February 2, as well as the motion of the 1st and 2nd defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit against them. Ezebalike and Oladele had argued that by the provisions of the Terrorism Act, it is only the Attorney General of the Federation that can file any charge of terrorism against them. Their lawyer, Mr. Lukman

In an interview with journalists at the sidelines of the event, the envoy said: “I think France can be, frankly, a genuine reference partner for many issues. And I would quote four of them. Training, agriculture, culture and arts activities and industry.”

He added that tech is very important, and energy is already very present, “but we can really enlarge, I would say, the scope of economic business-to-business cooperation. That's my conviction as ambassador. We are good and right in doing APD, you see, public aid development.

Fagbemi, SAN, submitted that the charge having been filed by the Inspector General of Police, was incompetent and asked the court to strike out counts 1,3,4,5,6, and 7 of the charge or strike strike out the entire suit for been incompetent. Responding, Police lawyer, Mr. Simon Lough, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application for lacking in merit. According to Lough, besides Sections 4 and 66 of the Police Acts that empower them to bring the charge against the defendants, Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism Act, shows that the police have powers to also initiate terrorism charges against the defendant.

Adibe emenyonu in Benin City

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

L-R: Deputy Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin; Minister of State Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmud; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Chairman Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Asuquo Ekpeyong, at the book presentation in honour of the FCT minister, during his 57th birthday celebration in Port Harcourt…yesterday

HAPPY MARRIED LIFE…

Alleged N80bn Fraud: Court Grants Yahaya Bello N500m Bail

Alex

Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, admitted immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to bail in the sum of N500 million.

Justice Nwite in a ruling held he was minded to grant the bail even though it was at his discretion, due to the good behaviour of Bello's lawyer, Chief Joseph Daudu, SAN and the show of understanding from prosecution lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.

He said, "I have listened to the submissions of both counsels. It is not in dispute that both counsels have filed applications in respect of this.

"Based on the account exhibited by learned counsel for the defendant, which was exhibited and supported by prosecution counsel, I am minded to change my earlier stand on this matter," the court held.

As part of the conditions, the court ordered the former governor

to produce two sureties in like sum, who must own landed properties in Abuja, and also swore to an affidavit of means.

According to Nwite, the said property's documents must be verified by the registrar of the court.

The two sureties alongside Bello shall deposit recent passport photographs to the court, while Bello in addition is to deposit his international passport with the court.

Justice Nwite who ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja, however held that the former governor should be released upon perfection of the bail conditions.

Bello, earlier told the court that he is not guilty of the N80 billion fraud charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello denied the allegations shortly after the entire 19 count criminal charge bordering on money laundering, fraud and misappropriation of funds to the

tune of N80.2bn was read to him.

He was said to have committed the allegations when he was governor of Kogi State between 2015-2023.

At the resumed trial, EFCC's lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the prosecution's intention to withdraw an earlier application for abridgment of the earlier date fixed for arraignment, on grounds that the application had been overtaken by events.

Responding, Bello's lawyer, Chief Joseph Daudu, SAN, said he was not opposed to the application, following which the judge granted the request.

After the defendant had taken his plea, Daudu made clarifications on the reasons he had not been in court during the previous hearings.

"I would like to place on record that for any impression that might have been created that the defendant did not wish to appear before your lordship, coincidentally, the ruling on my lord's sitting this morning

dealt with the issue of jurisdiction.

"What the defendant did was to ask his counsel to challenge the jurisdiction of the court, which got to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

"So it was not a wishful disrespect but he was only trying to defend himself. So we all hold your lordship in high esteem. If that impression must have been, he should not have presented himself for arraignment. That episode is gone and things are clearer now," Daudu stated.

While moving an application for bail, he assured that the former Governor would always be present in court for the trial.

"I am saying this with the highest sense of responsibility that the defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State, who travelled only two times out of his eight years in service, will always be present in court at all times.

"There should be no apprehension that he will jump bail. So we urge your lordship to grant us very

CBN Reaffirms Validity of Old N1000, N500, N200 Denominations

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday reiterated that the old N1000, N500, and N200 banknotes remained legal tender. The central bank's clarification followed recent misinformation regarding the validity of the old currency denominations currently in circulation.

In a statement, CBN acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, pointed out that in line with the Bank's previous position on the issue, the subsisting Supreme Court ruling granted on November 29, 2023, permits the concurrent circulation of all versions of the N1000, N500, and N200 denominations of the Naira indefinitely.

She said, "For the avoidance of

doubt, all versions of the naira, including the old and new designs of N1000, N500, and N200 denominations, as well as the commemorative and previous designs of the 100 denomination, remain valid and continue to be legal tender without any deadline.

reasonable conditions of bail such that he will be able to bear," the senior lawyer said. He also informed the court of an understanding between counsel not to stress the court over the issue of bail.

Responding, Pinheiro confirmed that "we have been engaging in series of discussions to ease the burden on your lordship in compliance with Rule 26 of Rules of Professional Ethics.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, yesterday formally received Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) at a brief meeting in Abuja. The appointment follows the commencement of the mandatory pre-retirement leave of Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, the outgoing AGF, in accordance with Public Service Rules. During the event, the SGF reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to upholding accountability, probity, and transparency in the management of public finances.

He emphasised the critical role of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) in the execution of fiscal policies and the realization of the administration’s economic reform agenda.

Senator Akume commended Mr. Ogunjimi’s appointment, describing him as a seasoned professional whose extensive experience and qualifications make him well-suited to lead the nation’s treasury operations during this transitional period. According to reports, the SGF reiterated that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu places a high premium

on financial integrity and efficiency. Mr. Ogunjimi’s track record in public financial management is expected to enhance his capacity to uphold those values.

In his remarks, acting AGF Ogunjimi expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged to continue discharging his duties with dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to transparency. He emphasized his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the optimal functioning of the OAGF and the success of ongoing fiscal reforms.

Sidi-Ali further urged Nigerians to continue accepting all Naira banknotes both old and redesigned for their daily transactions and to handle them with care to ensure their longevity.

The CBN further encouraged the public to embrace alternative modes of payment, such as e-channels, to reduce pressure on using physical cash.

"We, therefore, advise the public to disregard any claims that the old series of the aforementioned banknotes will cease to be legal tender on December 31, 2024."

Mr. Ogunjimi, a Chartered Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Chartered Stockbroker, brings over 30 years of expertise in financial management across the public and private sectors. His appointment underscores the Federal Government’s focus on continuity, competence, and efficiency in fiscal administration.

The meeting concluded with a call for collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s financial management systems and achieve the government’s vision for a sustainable, transparent, and accountable public finance framework.

"By so doing, we will ease the burden on the court. Therefore, we will not be opposing the eminent SAN's submission."

Pinheiro said although they had filed a counter-affidavit, they would not oppose the bail, going by the assurances of the learned SAN. Recall that the ex-governor was earlier remanded in a fresh N110bn charge by the EFCC, pending his bail application.

"I also note that your lordship has delivered not less than five rulings in this matter and it is our aim to ease the work. We are prosecutors not persecutors and EFCC is a professional commission, a prosecutorial and not prosecutorial commission," he said. He added, "We accept the assurances of the very eminent SAN that the defendant will make himself available subject to your lordship's discretionary terms that may be imposed.

New Tax Bill: ASUU Urges

N/Assembly's

Intervention to Stop Abrogation of TETFund

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Academic Staff Union Of Universities (ASUU) has asked the National Assembly to prevent the scrapping of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as proposed in the new Tax Bill.

This was as the TETfund has denied reports that it paid the sum of N325 million to the Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for running the party’s activities in the state between October 2023 and 2024.

In a statement titled: 'Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 and its potential danger to Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND)', ASUU said that any move to abrogate the TETFund Act 2011, either by design or default, will be a great disservice not just to education but to Nigeria as a nation.

The statement signed by ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, urged the National Assembly, especially the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to do all within their capacity to protect TETFund from being abrogated under the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024.

"The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has observed with keen interest the ongoing debate on the review of the tax system in the country under a proposed bill tagged, Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, which is currently before the National Assembly.

"ASUU is alarmed by this dangerous and unpatriotic aspect

of the proposed new tax regime to wit: that the Education Tax, called Development Levy, used to bankroll TETFund’s programmes should be ceded to the newly established Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)."

"It is our considered view that abrogating the TETFund Act 2011, by design or default, will be a great disservice not just to education but to Nigeria as a nation.

"As a result, ASUU is urging the National Assembly, especially the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to do all within their capacity to protect TETFund from being abrogated under the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024," it said.

ASUU expressed concern that Section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill (NTB) 2024 which specifically states that only 50 per cent of the Development Levy would be made available to TETFund in 2025 and 2026 while NITDA, NASENI, and NELFUND would share the remaining percentages.

It said the Tax Bill also proposed that "TETFund will receive “66.7 percent in 2027, 2028 and 2029 years of assessment” but “0 per cent in 2030 year of assessment and thereafter.

"The far-reaching consequence of the new tax system is that from 2030, all funds generated from the Development Levy will be passed to NELFUND.

"ASUU finds this development not only worrisome but also inimical to our national development objective because of the potential danger to the survival of TETFund.

James Emejo in Abuja

Enumah in Abuja

L-R: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Speaker House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Senate President, Jubril Barau, during the Jummaáh prayer and wedding fatiha of the Children of Senator Barau and Emir of Bichi, Ado Bayero at the National Mosque Abuja…yesterday

AWARD WELL DESERVED...

Shettima Seeks Quick Resolution of Nigeria’s Power Sector Crisis to Spur Economic Devt

Regrets inability of Nigerians to formally access electricity Departs Abuja for Dubai

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said there is no way Nigeria can dream of meaningful national economic development without addressing the power sector crisis and ensuring Nigerians have access to electricity and other affordable energy.

Shettima departed the nation's capital, Abuja, yesterday, for Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration and naming of a $315 million oil production and storage facility. The facility, a fully Nigerian-owned oil and gas company acquired by Oriental Energy Limited, is scheduled for inauguration today.

Apart from being expected to undertake key engagements in development financing, agric investments, the Vice President is billed to perform lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia before returning to Abuja. He urged nation's leaders to rise above differences to confront the power sector crisis and become part of the reincarnation of Nigeria as an industrialised nation.

The Vice President, who made this disclosure while inaugurating the National Economic Council (NEC) Ad Hoc Committee on National Electrification and NEC Ad Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication at the State House, Abuja declared: "There is no doubt that we cannot dream of meaningful national economic development without addressing

the issue in the power sector and ensuring that Nigerians have accessible, available and affordable energy."

Shettima made reference to countries with similar challenges of energy insufficiency, such as Indonesia, India, South Africa, and Uganda, pointing out that they are already in the league of those at the forefront of post-industrial revolution.

According to him, "One common thing with these countries and others in the post-industrial revolution community is that they have largely resolved the issue of energy insufficiency."

Regretting that an estimated 40-70 per cent of Nigerians have no formal access to electricity, the Vice President said he is comforted by the knowledge that the calibre and experiences of state governors and other members of the committee "will definitely change the narrative in a positive trajectory."

He acknowledged the basic challenges in the nation's power sector, especially the national grid which has been witnessing system collapse.

Shettima however expressed hope that there will soon be significant improvement following the recent reforms in the energy sector which have opened the sector, "not only to the participation of, otherwise, excluded players, but also to attract investments, both foreign and local.

"I believe we are well endowed with resources, be it gas, hydro or solar, that allow us to have an optimal energy

First Bank Refutes Allegations of N7bn Fraud

Nume Ekeghe

First Bank of Nigeria has denied allegations of a N7 billion fraud incident, describing the claims as “entirely unfounded” and lacking any factual basis.

An online news platform had cited an unnamed individual with purported direct knowledge of the matter, alongside three others who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the claims.

However, in an official statement signed by the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi,

the bank firmly rejected the report. “We have been made aware of a recent publication by Tech Cabal containing allegations of fraud involving our institution. We wish to categorically state that the story is entirely unfounded and not supported by any factual evidence,” the statement read. First Bank reiterated its unwavering commitment to operational integrity and customer trust. The bank assured its customers and stakeholders that its security systems remain robust, and there has been no breach affecting customer accounts.

mix and leverage these resources to build a sector in a resilient manner that ensures energy security for every Nigerian," he added.

The Vice President urged members of the National Electrification ad-hoc committee to come on board and work for the nation.

He said, "I wish you the best as you embark on this critical assignment, and I want to assure you of my availability as you discharge this onerous assignment. With this, I hereby inaugurate the NEC ad hoc committee on National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan."

While inaugurating the NEC ad hoc committee on Polio Eradication, Shettima urged members of the committee and stakeholders to reinvigorate efforts to confront the reemergence of the disease head-on.

According to him: "If at all we have relied heavily on assistance from partners to address the devastation caused to our people by this disease, it is time to take a determined step to eradicate this disease from our people. I am confident we can do it if we work collectively and collaboratively with partners and all the stakeholders."

The Vice President discouraged short-term measures in tackling polio, urging the committee members to come up with long-term measures, including the local production of polio vaccines.

His words, "We cannot fight this virus, Your Excellencies, by constantly responding to its recurrence, as shortterm measures will always fail. We must develop a futuristic plan, and this calls for a long-term approach to containing the virus.

"It is in this regard that we must take seriously the overarching need for the local production of polio vaccines. This, I believe, will ensure that we take a long-term view of the containment of the virus and ultimately its extermination in the future.

"It is clear that we should never rest on our oars, as the virus keeps mutating and reemerging in new forms such as the new variant in Kano and Sokoto, but it is heartening that these states have taken firm action to confront the new variant".

In his remarks, Chairman of the NEC ad hoc committee on National Electrification and Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, noted that the Vice President has impaneled the committee with four terms of reference to change the ugly history of incessant national

grid collapse in the country, noting that their next task is to get down to work, and do so assiduously until they produce credible, achievable and sustainable results.

According to him, "In the command list, one, is to put an end to consistent grid collapse in the energy sector and to work towards deepening states' engagement within the Electricity Reform Act 2023 to address the challenges in the power sector to the best expectation of Nigerians and the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan.

"These tasks are tall but looking at the members of the committee, we are individually and collectively taller, especially in our avowed commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President and the golden ethos of nation-building."

Rivers Crisis: Akpabio Mocks Fubara, PDP at Wike's Birthday Lecture

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has mocked Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) handling of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

Akpabio who recognised Martins Amaewhule at the event held in Port Harcourt, yesterday, as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, reminded Fubara how independently powerful the legislature is.

He was the Special Guest of Honour at the Public Lecture and Book Launch

Tinubu,

organised to mark the Birthday of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt.

The lecture titled 'Pragmatic Strides of a Visionary Leader and Contemporary Issues of Society', attracted thousands of Wike's loyalists, friends and associates from different parts of the country and various walks of life.

The event was organised by the NEW Associates, a new political movement coined from the initials of the minister's names, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

Speaking at the event, Akpabio said

every wise governor or president like President Bola Tinubu must fashion a way to hold the leadership of the legislature closely.

Akpabio said he realised as a governor in Akwa Ibom State that a governor could only be hurt by the House of Assembly and fashioned out ways to work with the Speaker during his tenure.

He said: "For those of you, who may not understand politics, we were taught that the parliament can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman. As a governor my greatest fear was my House of Assembly.

Abbas, Govs, Senators,

"So because of that I never travelled anywhere without my Speaker. Any time I didn't see him for a day I would send somebody to his house to invite him to come and have a launch with me and I used ideas to look at his face to know whether he was happy with me or not.

"The only place that can hurt a governor is the House of Assembly and no court or democracy can stop that from happening. Any President that wants to survive like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu must hold the Speaker and the Senate President very closely the way he is holding us.

Others Attend Barau's Children's Wedding In Abuja

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, governors, and senators were among dignitaries who attended the wedding fatiha of the children of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau in Abuja yesterday.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and nephew of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mamman Daura, were also in attendance. The wedding fatiha was between Barau's son, Jibrin Barau I. Jibrin (Abba) and Maryam Nasir Ado Bayero, the daughter of the Emir of Bichi.

The second was between Aisha Barau I. Jibrin and Engineer Abubakar, the son of Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, President of the Azman Group of Companies. The event was held at the National Mosque, Abuja, after the two raka'at Juma'at prayers. Tinubu served as both Wakil and Waliy to the two children of the Deputy President of the Senate through the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Ganduje, the APC Chairman, served as the Waliy to the daughter of the Emir of Bichi, former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Almakura, served as Wakil of Abubakar, the son of Dr Abdulmunaf Sarina.

L-R: King Charles' Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London, Dr. Yvonne Thompson; CEO of Optiva Capital Partners, Dr. Jane Kimemia, and Professor Simon Hepburn of Aston University presenting Kimemia with the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the Global Reputation Forum held at Financial Times Headquarters, London…recently

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Julius Agwu: I Groomed Many of the Established Names in Comedy Now

You can call him an all-round entertainer. That’s because he acts, sings, dances, and compere shows. A master in the art of entertainment, Julius Agwu years after hitting fame in the industry was beset with a brain tumour that threatened his life, dimmed his career, and forced him backstage after a successful surgery in the United States in 2015. Notable for his wisecracks, Julius Agwu is now back fully and ready to crack ribs with laughter. Following a chance meeting last weekend, Julius, fondly dubbed ‘D Genius’, tells Ferdinand Ekechukwu about his flagship show, Crack Ya Ribs set for Christmas Day. He also shares memories of his days growing up in Port Harcourt, and the lessons learnt during the period he was off the scene. Excerpts:

Not a lot has been heard fromyouinrecenttimes, whathaveyoubeenupto withregardstohappenings aroundyou?

I just want you to know that while things are happening you just have to pick a side to lie low, to restrategise, and start from there. My resting period is over now. So I’m back fully. And I have also decided that based on that, I’m having an event this December, on Christmas Day. I have my ‘Crack Ya Ribs’ with Julius Agwu in Port Harcourt. I’m telling people that no matter how the country is, they should come out and laugh away their sorrows, laugh away their pains since we are entering 2025 and thank God for the new year.

WhatshouldwebeexpectingthiscomingCrack YaRibs?Whoareyoufeaturing,whoaretheother artistes,andcomediansperforming?

The other people performing are basically from Port Harcourt. I’m featuring artistes in Port Harcourt. And I have some artistes coming to Port Harcourt, like Arinze Baba, he’s a Port Harcourt artiste; I’m mentioning the Port Harcourt boys to you now because social media has helped. Unlike those days when there were no social media which made all of us come to Lagos to grow our brands. You know I’m a full-time Port Harcourt boy, I’m from Rivers State. So I have them; they are based in Port Harcourt Arinze Baba, KO Baba, Angel D’ Laff, Akpan Okon, GSN, Son of Man, and then Kevin Briggs. And there is another one, Busy Mouth. He imitates Tinubu. The other comedians that are coming and are not based in Port Harcourt are M.O.P, MC Casino, Abarie. Com, Action, Effizzy D British and many more.

WhythechoiceofmostlyPortHarcourtgrown/ basedartistes,onewouldhaveexpectedestablished names on the list?

You know the truth is many of these big stars, started from somewhere. I grew many of them; they started from somewhere. But nonetheless, I have Senator. He will come for the show too; that’s the surprise. There’s another thing… most of these Port Harcourt guys I’m featuring are big too. Like MC Casino, he is big and a couple of others that are on the list from Port Harcourt but based outside Port Harcourt are big artists.

Basically you are featuring majorly some of yourhomeboysandIhavewatchedyouspeak fondlyofIkwereyourhometown,whyareyou proudofbeingIkwere?

I’m proud of being an Ikwere boy because when I say I’m an Ikwere boy some people doubt it, they see me as an Igbo man. I’m proud to be an Ikwere man because Ikwere is a large community; it’s a family to me because my mum is Ikwere, my father is Ikwere. Ikwere is always contended with what it has. Ikwere is always proud of itself as an Ikwere boy (laughs). An Ikwere is always a hardworking person. An Ikwere man is a hardworking man. So yes… that’s why.

Also at Port Harcourt, what fond memories doesitholdforyoulookingatyourchildhood and career?

The truth is that Port Harcourt is home for me. Its home for me because everything about Port Harcourt I live those days my childhood was that of seeing people playing around with people; watching

everybody how they do things. Intermingling, going to visit people, watch them how they play, and growing up. I miss those lives, those things. I’m seeing that this is a homecoming for me because I miss those times when we used to dance, go to visit, eat anything from one place. But times have changed. Those days I remember that if you are chewing gum and someone begs you ‘abeg give me chewing gum,’ you will take it from your mouth and give the person and say, ‘take I never chop am finish.’ But these days now they buy chewing gum in cans there are plenty of chewing gums.

Doesitsortofbotheryouasitseemsthough thatyourfans,friendsandcolleagueswouldand hadwantedtoseeyoucomebackfully?

Yes, I’m sure they would. They would want to see me fully back. This just goes out to everybody who prayed for me while I was ill that I do not know. I’m telling everyone that knows me that I do not know that thank you. God should bless all of them.

Nowthatyouarebackfullyarewegoingto see you bring up your other shows like Laff 4 Christ’s Sake and Festival of Love which you seem to have rested following the period you wereresting?

Yes, yes, yes… we would see Laff 4 Christ’s Sake, we would see Festival of Love, yes.

Sofar,arethereanychallengesorstruggleyou werefacedwithlately?

After my surgery I was told by my doctors to rest so that I can fully recover. But now I’m better, I’m ready to entertain my fans like never before.

Theperiodyouwereoffthescene,whatlessons didthosemomentsteachyou?

It taught me that anytime somebody works, that person should find time to rest. ‘Body no be firewood e no dey easy.’ And then the fact that it is always good to trust God. And have good friends. Because I have friends; some friends who have never asked me ‘brother how are you managing?’ And some friends have been with me all through the journey. They ask me, ‘how far, how you doing you know?’ That’s life for you. I have friends who celebrated with me when everything was ripe. That’s how life is so that people can learn. But I will tell my friends,

my well-wishers, everybody, that in life, everybody should believe in God. Or if you want to believe in ‘juju’ na you know. Anything you want to believe in hold it very well (laughs). I know that God works. God works in miraculous ways, Satan works in mysterious ways. And to my fans and my fans to be, be good always. Keep your hands clean and always strive for the best no matter what it takes.

You have stated a couple of times that you ‘died’andwereabouttobetakentothemortuary beforeyoucamebacktolive.Canyourecallthat experience?

Yes, I just started shooting “The Vendor” that year. I remembered that I went back to Lekki, and I decided to rest for a while. So I slept off, and behold I just had a serious seizure. And then my guard had to rush to the kitchen and brought spatula to use to demarcate my teeth so that I don’t jam my tooth. So they rushed me to a hospital inside the Estate in Lekki then in Phase 1. After a while, the doctor declared me dead. So after some time, they called my elder sister to tell her. She told them not to rush me to any mortuary because that was what they were planning. She started rushing to houses, begging people to pray for me, Julius Agwu. So they were praying for me. In the realm, I remember vividly that I met some people that had died, they hugged me hailing me ‘welcome, welcome’. As they were doing that I saw about two of them that I remember well. And then I saw my father. I was trying to hug my father and my father said no, I should go back and at that point, I started shaking my hands. That was when the doctor announced that I was alive. As I came back to life I told my wife that we should book the next flight to America. That was how we got to America. That was in 2015. We got to America and then did an MRI of my head and behold they saw a tumour in my brain. That was how I ended up doing the tumour surgery. However, it may interest you to know that, the ‘Vendor’ that I was shooting, that I paid people to write, after shooting the whole thing someone else went ahead to release ‘The Vendor’. I had finished shooting my 13 episodes before I was involved in my surgery. But someone else went and shot the Vendor the same way I wrote and released it on Netflix and titled it the Vendor. Well the bottom line is I thank God that I’m alive.

Celebrities Ring Support at Victor Tulutu Briggs’ Foundation Launch

The official launch of the Victor Tulutu Briggs Foundation (VTBF) at Lekki Centre Hall, Lagos recently witnessed a mix of distinguished personalities from across Nigeria’s social firmament, including A-list entertainers, business icon, academicians, and political figures, as they graced the occasion in support and celebration of the initiative.

Among the many remarkable guests were the chief launcher, Senator Daisy Danjuma; co-founder Sahara Group, Tonye Cole and former Director General Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Hon. Dakuku Peterside; Professor Iyeopu Siminialayi of University of Port Harcourt; actors Julius Agwu, and Charles Inojie.

Others were BBNaija star and sports analyst, Ozo, comedian Omeni, music sensation, Inyanya, his manager Ubi Franklin, and a host of other socialites who lit up the event. They mostly recalled their encounter with the President of the Foundation, Victor Tubotamuno Briggs, a passionate advocate of social change and pledged to partner and support him.

As the vision bearer, Victor together with his wife, Amelda, has in ways worked with various stakeholders given some form of engagement,

and collaboration, to bring about positive change in different spheres. It has expanded its reach beyond education, healthcare, empowerment, human capacity development, sports, with a focus on creating lasting change.

“Over 15 years ago I embarked on this philanthropic journey, with the support of my beloved wife and immediate family, giving back to my people and encouraging economic prosperity. Today, the vision has grown into what we are witnessing now, with a greater reach and across Nigeria and plans to extend beyond the walls

of Africa,’ he remarked.

Born out of deep desire to make lasting impact on the lives of individuals, especially youths, and women, who are most often affected by the challenges of poverty and lack of access to essential services, the foundation through its diverse range of projects and programs, continues to touch lives and inspire hope among those it serves.

Victor lauded the support given by Sen. Danjuma to the Foundation.

“She and her husband have spared us a lot

to do what we are doing here. While we are celebrating the Victor Tulutu Briggs Foundation today we just cannot celebrate without involving her. Since staying here in Lagos I said if God has blessed me, we have to give back to the society.

“And that’s what you are seeing here that brought all of us together to see how we can give back to the society and to see how we can help the less privileged ones that do not have the opportunity to go to school; to see how we can help the less privilege that cannot feed their families, that cannot get even a basic living,” he said.

Continuing, he said, “I started from my community. Today we are all over Nigeria, helping people, helping society to see how they can have a better living. So I appreciate all of you being here today to support this great vision that we have today. I cannot complete my speech without also recognising Professor Allen. Allen is my lecturer; he’s my Professor in Uniport.”

On her part, Sen. Danjuma recalls meeting Victor Briggs over two decades ago, saying many are called but few are chosen. “I actually believe that strongly. I was chairman of women and youth development of the Nigerian Senate when I met Victor with a group of some young men, he stood out. That quality he had then still showcases itself today.”

Julius Agwu

Victor Briggs with BBNaija Star, Ozo

Victor Briggs with Sen. Daisy Danjuma

Ferdinand ekechukwu

As Pa Oyekanmi Marks 100th Birthday Amid Pomp, Pageantry

Sunday Ehigiator

Pa Yekini Ayinde Oyekanmi, a man whose life exemplifies service, resilience, and devotion, celebrated his 100th birthday in grand style on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at The Stable, Surulere, Lagos. The milestone event, which drew family, friends, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, was a dual celebration featuring a thanksgiving prayer and a reception where Pa Oyekanmi was conferred with a chieftaincy title by representatives of the Alake of Egbaland.

The festivities began with a heartfelt thanksgiving prayer, during which Pa Oyekanmi expressed profound gratitude to God for a remarkable life spanning an entire century. A respected elder statesman, quiet philanthropist, and devoted father, Pa Oyekanmi has touched countless lives through his unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and faith. His life has been a source of inspiration to his family and community.

The thanksgiving prayer session brought together a constellation of notable figures. Among the dignitaries present were the Olowu of Owu Egba Land; the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba Adesesan Okutayo; Chief Mrs. Obasanjo; representatives of the Alake of Egbaland; Dr. Abdulwaheed Olabanire; and former Minister of State for Finance, Remi Babalola, who served as chairman of the occasion. Their presence was a testament to the profound respect and admiration Pa Oyekanmi commands across Nigeria.

During his opening remarks, Remi Babalola shared anecdotes about Pa Oyekanmi’s vibrant personality, underscoring his passion for soccer, Formula 1, and politics. He marveled at the centenarian’s ability to fast and pray with unwavering commitment, even at his advanced age. Babalola described Pa Oyekanmi as a man whose life is focused on impact rather than wealth, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the audience.

In his keynote address, Prof. Oloyede lauded Pa Oyekanmi for his exemplary parenting and urged attendees to emulate his approach to raising disciplined children. “You should not see your children misbehaving and praise them,” Oloyede remarked, stressing the importance of instilling accountability

and moral values in the next generation.

The centenarian’s daughter, Omolara Oyekanmi Olanrewaju, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks during the thanksgiving session. She expressed her family’s deep appreciation for the overwhelming love and support shown by everyone present, emphasizing how their presence added significance to the momentous occasion.

Born on December 4, 1924, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Pa Oyekanmi was raised in Lagos by his grandfather. His upbringing, which combined secular and Islamic education, laid a strong foundation for a life marked by discipline, humility, and service. Over the years, he built an illustrious career that spanned roles in printing, accounting, and international diplomacy, including a 26-year tenure with the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

Pa Oyekanmi’s steadfast faith has been a cornerstone of his life. A devoted Muslim, he begins each day with prayer and engages in regular fasting, a practice that has sustained him physically and spiritually. His generosity and humility have endeared him to many, with friends and acquaintances often speaking of his kindness and commitment to helping others.

The reception that followed the thanksgiving prayer was a glamorous affair, attended by Lagos and Ogun States’ elites. Guests were treated to an array of sumptuous meals, assorted drinks, and live entertainment, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The high point of the reception was the conferment of a chieftaincy title on Pa Oyekanmi by representatives of the Alake of Egbaland, further solidifying his legacy as a respected elder and community leader. Babalola, in his tribute at the reception, highlighted Pa Oyekanmi’s incredible intellect and curiosity. Despite his age, the centenarian remains informed about current events, engaging in in-depth discussions on politics and governance. His passion for knowledge and his ability to connect with people of all ages were praised as rare qualities that set him apart. Pa Oyekanmi’s life is a treasure trove of lessons for the younger generation. He is celebrated for his honesty, integrity, and consistency, values that have defined his interactions both professionally and personally. Known for his transparency and accountability, he managed significant financial responsibilities during his career without blemish, earning him

the respect of colleagues and superiors alike. His discipline and high standards have been instrumental in his success, as he expects the same level of excellence from others. Yet, he balances this with humility, approaching every situation with modesty and a willingness to learn. His faith, which anchors every aspect of his life, serves as a guiding light for his decisions and actions.

The celebration of Pa Oyekanmi’s centenary was more than a social event; it was a tribute to a life of purpose, dedication, and impact. As guests shared stories of his kindness, philanthropy, and wisdom, it was clear that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

The 100th birthday celebration of Pa Yekini Ayinde Oyekanmi was a historic occasion, a day that will forever be etched in the hearts of all who attended. It was a fitting tribute to a man whose century-long journey has been nothing short of extraordinary—a

Clive Christian Showcases Perfume Excellence

Clive Christian Perfume, the globally celebrated British fragrance house, hosted an exclusive launch event for its luxurious collection on the evening of December 12, 2024, at Alara Lagos.

The event celebrated the brand’s heritage of opulence through a glamorous launch blending history, artistry, and sensory experiences. Arriving at the chic venue, Lagos’s tastemakers were welcomed with fine cocktails and the soulful tunes of a live DJ, creating an atmosphere of elegance and glamour. Alara staff kicked off the event with

a warm welcome, reflecting their pride in hosting Clive Christian.

Speaking at the launch, Alara’s representative, Imisioluwa Jacobs, remarked, “This partnership underscores Alara’s mission to bring global luxury experiences to our clientele. Clive Christian represents the pinnacle of perfumery, and we are delighted to share this with our audience. This is a milestone event, celebrating a brand that embodies artistry and luxury.”

Clive Christian perfume boasts a storied history, tracing its roots to the Crown Perfumery Company, which was founded in 1872 and

became renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and iconic crown stopper, originally granted by Queen Victoria.

Earlier in the evening, Clive Christian’s representative, Tate Torongo, regional director of the UK, Africa and Europe, delivered a keynote address, sharing insights into the evolution of the brand.

He recounted how its legacy extends even further back, to 1839, when the foundation for modern perfumery was laid by its predecessor, setting the stage for the artistry the brand continues to perfect today.

In his remarks, Torongo said, “Our perfumes are a

reflection of timeless selfexpression. From our early beginnings in 1839 to the innovation that revitalized the Crown Perfumery Company in 1872, Clive Christian has consistently crafted masterpieces from the rarest and most exquisite ingredients. Tonight, we honour this legacy by inviting you to experience these extraordinary creations firsthand.”

Clive Christian’s Luxury Brand Consultant, Tanya Rupani, further elaborated on the brand’s significance, stating, “Luxury brands have an art of storytelling unfolding across all customer touchpoints, and I like to bridge that vision and reality.

Clive Christian has so much heritage to build on but also embraces a very modern approach. This brand isn’t afraid to experiment and collaborate, which already demonstrates a younger mindset while carrying forward an extraordinary legacy.”

Throughout the evening, attendees immersed themselves in an exploration of the brand’s key collections, including the Original Collection, launched in 1999 as a tribute to classic perfumery, and the Crown Collection, which re-imagines the scents that defined the company’s Victorian heritage.

Other collections featured included the Private Collection, capturing deeply personal narratives through scent; the Noble Collection, inspired by art, architecture, and culture; and the Addictive Arts, which pushes boundaries with groundbreaking formulations.

Guests were treated to scent demonstrations that brought the stories of these fragrances to life. Many remarked on the luxurious use of rare ingredients, such as 50-yearaged Indian sandalwood and damask rose, which ensure every Clive Christian perfume stands apart for its complexity and elegance.

Tanya Rupani noted, “This blend of storytelling, heritage, and modernity positions

Clive Christian as a brand that invites connoisseurs to experience scents not just as perfumes, but as works of art

designed for individuality.”

One guest described the event as “a journey through history, heritage, and the artistry of perfumery an unforgettable experience of British luxury brought to Lagos.”

The Clive Christian event at Alara Lagos marked a significant moment for the Lagos luxury scene, seamlessly blending timeless craftsmanship with modern elegance to leave an indelible mark on the city’s tastemakers.

Pa Oyekanmi

Law Mefor: Why Governor Soludo Deserves Second Term

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, tells Chuks Okocha why Prof. Charles Soludo deserves a second term in office. Excerpts:

Your Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, is due for a re-election battle in November next year. Do you think he has done enough to get re-elected?

More than enough! There is no battle whatsoever. The administration of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, can be summed up as a promise kept. What’s more, it’s all happening in just 30 months, and almost everything he promised in his ambitious and visionary gubernatorial manifesto has been completed to 80 percent or more with very little and no borrowing, with over one year left as the balance of his first tenure.

Are you saying that Soludo has not borrowed like some other governors?

It should be noted that the State House of Assembly authorised Soludo to borrow N100 billion, but Mr. Governor has refused to access the loan thus far. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership and governance of the state within its limited resources. Clever fiscal management and discipline earned him a national award as Nigeria’s most transparent and fiscally disciplined governor.

So you are saying Soludo came prepared to govern? Yes, of course. On his first day in office, Soludo began by visiting the Okpoko slum in Anambra State. Since then, the area has been transformed from a run-down area to one that now has a hospital, paved roads with gutters, street lights, and more. Once one of the worst urban slums in southern Nigeria, Okpoko is now a haven, a sophisticated urban residential area, and a remarkable example of urban renewal.

What of security because we keep reading of unknown gunmen terrorising Anambra State?

The so-called unknown gunmen had besieged eight local government districts before Soludo’s arrival as Governor: Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North, and Orumba South. The criminals’ camps were destroyed, and they were smoked out of their hiding places. They continue to make incursions in isolated bushes in pockets, primarily in Anambra South and Imo State. Eventually, these remnants will all be defeated to bring total peace and security to Anambra State. For the first time in the state’s history, Soludo created a Ministry of Homeland Affairs and selected a Commissioner to lead it to address security from a comprehensive perspective. To prevent any revival in criminal activities, Mr. Governor recently appointed a Special Adviser on Community Security. The Soludo administration is also resetting to administer the security sector in a way that can be perceived as a combination of bottom-up and up-bottom coordination, furthering both kinetic and non-kinetic methods that have been used to address security challenges in the state. The ASWAMA Law, the Traditional Rulers Law, the Prohibition of Open Grazing Law, the State Land Law, and other historic laws were enacted or amended and implemented by the Soludo administration to advance justice administration and make the promotion of law and order and expeditious administration of justice top priorities.

But there is bound to be insecurity amongst a hungry populace. What is Soludo doing to guarantee food security?

Under Soludo’s leadership, regenerative agriculture has become a state policy. The goal of the strategy is to eradicate

GMO foods and create organic, nutrient-dense, nutritious, natural foods efficiently and sustainably. The Governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has also been a champion for the administration of Soludo’s Farm-to-Feed agro policies and organic agriculture, leading to the emergence of fruits markets aka Solution Arenas in the state. As part of an effort to reduce poverty and promote economic growth, Soludo initiated the purchase and distribution of certain economic trees, including Palms, Ukwa, Ogbono, Akilu, Guava, and Soursop, in addition to the extensive purchase and distribution of coconut and oil palm seedlings to Ndi-Anambra. In Anambra State, the Soludo mantra is “farm-to-feed,” meaning that every accessible piece of land should be used for farming to deal completely with food insecurity and free families from want.

What is Soludo doing to make Anambra State investment-friendly?

With the holding of the Anambra Investment Summits 1 and 2 and the Export Emporium, the industrial sector in Anambra has kicked off. Africa’s largest drug distribution hub has been established in Oba, Idemili South drug market, a project that aims to relocate the well-known wholesale drug market from the bridgehead in Onitsha to Oba. More than 100 pharmaceutical enterprises, a pharmaceutical school, and other facilities would also be housed within the 200-hectare Anambra State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Hub in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government.

But what is he doing about the bad roads?

Soludo declared a state of emergency on road construction to fulfil his promise in his People’s Manifesto to transform Anambra into a livable and prosperous homeland. As a result, an astounding 500 kilometres of roads have been awarded, with more than 300 kilometres already asphalted and delivered in the last 20 to 30 years. In their own right, the iconic Ekwulobia Flyover and Bus Terminal are models of both contemporary buildings and historic constructions. Another watershed legacy project is the Aroma Flyover that connects

old and new Awka. The development of state-of-the-art mega bus terminals in Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia, all jutting up, is the driving force in the transportation sector. Nwa Agu Agulu to Nnobi to Nnewi and Ozubulu to Ekwusigo are turning Anambra into a mega-one-city state combined with the dual carriageway’s construction from Amawbia to Agulu and Uga to the Imo State border and existing Onitsha – Enugu Expressway. Chinua Achebe International Cargo and Passenger Airport in Umueri now has direct access to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and the airport is now being kitted by the Soludo government with equipment to permit night landings.

I heard that the Anambra Government House used to be a contractor’s working base?

See, after 31 years of abandonment, Anambra State can today boast a state-of-the-art government house and a lodge. A 2.22-kilometre surrounding fence, guest houses, gate houses, police posts, and other internal features including driveways, parking lots, walkways, drainage systems, water supplies, green spaces, etc. are all part of the new government house that is almost ready.

What is Soludo doing in the area of education?

Free education from nursery to senior secondary school has been put in place, and Anambra State teachers and students have won prestigious national and international awards, including the presidential 2024 Best Teachers Award in Nigeria. The primary factor in this achievement is the recruitment of the most qualified teachers through a transparent and competitive system free of the accursed “man-know-man.” With the hiring of 8115 teachers, Anambra State has ended the era of schools without teachers and classrooms without qualified teachers.

But health facilities are said to be lacking?

By hiring more than 1000 multi-form medical personnel to manage the government’s medical facilities, including medical officers and consultants, nurses, chemists, medical lab scientists, lab technicians, radiographers, and others, Soludo has put an end to the period in the health sector where hospitals lacked physicians and other medical professionals. Pregnant women have been provided with free prenatal care and delivery as well as free CS delivery. In addition to the five brand-new general hospitals that Soludo constructed in just 30 months, the general hospitals in Ekwulobia, Enugwu-Ukwu, and Umueri were upgraded to modern reference medical facilities. As previously stated, there is now a general hospital in the Okpoko slum near Onitsha.

Critics accuse Soludo of being an elitist governor?

Governor Soludo is a man of all Ndi-Anambra. Being the first governor of Anambra State to visit Olumbanasaa, where a hospital and other benefits of democracy and good governance have been delivered, was a historic accomplishment for Soludo. Under Soludo’s administration, no region in Anambra State is left unoccupied or undeveloped.

What of the issue of gender balance in the administration?

Women Affairs is given priority attention in Anambra State under Soludo, which includes the creation of a sexual and gender-based violence section for timely reaction and intervention in SGBV-related matters and the designation of a court for juvenile SGBV cases through advocacy. Additionally, a situation room has been set up to monitor and submit reports of SGBV to the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

Witness to CJID, Genuine Resilience with Developmental Strides

At the height of the activities to mark the tenth anniversary of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), the truism of the reward for hard work being more work was unmistakable. It was an auspicious time to showcase the organisation’s efforts on development of Artificial Intelligence , AI tools. Thus, some four gangling, promising young men were called forward to formally present the AI, tools which were the outcome of months of the work CJID had mobilised them to do as teams of techies, journos, and analysts. The AI tools resulting from the collaborations of the four teams each of them represented turned out to be such that would aid access to information by journos and others; ensure inclusivity of the persons with visual and hearing impairment and so forth. It’s the first of any such feat in Africa

After rounds of applause came the suggestion that it won’t be a bad idea that CJID should consider rousing young talents across universities for rigorous inspiration and attention to work on AI tools development.

Without any hesitancy, Director of Programmes Akintunde Babatunde instantly acceded.

Akintunde’s immediate consent was a reinforcement of the impression of the Czar of the funding community in Africa, Dr Kole Shettima. In his goodwill message at the opening of the event, he noted with emphasis that CJID was a child already behaving like an adult. Shettima asserted with full conviction that CJID deserved every bit of support and encouragement that everyone interested in the twin entities of media and development could muster. As he spoke, Shettima also led the entire hall in series of resounding applause for CJID.

It was a protracted one that continued till Shettima returned to his seat.

As the CJID’s second edition of the Media and Development Conference cum anniversary proceeded different shades of different facets of developments across Africa came under focus. Indeed, from as many as seventeen countries of Africa covering media and technology; artificial intelligence, health including infant mortality; environment, mining, education.

The engagements with the assorted issues were as serious as solutionist clearly beyond romanticism or blame game

rituals. On account of their strategic importance, two separate sessions were dedicated to each of media and health alone. For health, one was on Improving Primary Healthcare in Afria’s Underserved Areas while the second was themed Improving Women’s Health Outcomes: Addressing Maternal and Reproductive Health Challenges.

Although it wasn’t the first session, when, on Day 2, it was the turn of the panel for Improving Primary Health Care in Africa, there was an unusual attention focused on the stage.

World Bank Senior Health Specialist, Dr. Olumide Okunola, lamented that when he heard people of the future belonging to the youths, he was always amazed at the emptiness of our so-called future.

“The future is so scary” he declared “because the future we keep talking about is like a mirage from the available data on the health of our children.”

CJID Board MemberTunde Akanni, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Journalism at the Lagos State University. Follow him on X via @AkintundeAkanni.

Tunde Akanni

Kyari: Redefining Transparency with NNPC Recruitment

Ifeanyi Onuba

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy industry. Over the years, it has weathered criticism, celebrated achievements, and undergone significant transformations. However, under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, NNPCL is making headlines for an entirely new reason—its transparent and merit-based recruitment process.

In a country where nepotism and favoritism often overshadow merit in the public sector, Kyari’s emphasis on transparency is a breath of fresh air. This bold shift is not just about filling vacancies; it’s about redefining how a national institution operates, restoring public confidence, and setting a standard that other sectors can emulate.

Recruitment in Nigeria’s public sector has often been a lightning rod for criticism, with accusations of nepotism and favoritism undermining confidence in the process. These practices erode trust in public administration, breed inefficiency, and diminish the morale of competent professionals. Against this backdrop, Kyari is charting a transformative path with a transparent recruitment process that has drawn widespread commendation.

Just last Saturday, NNPCL commenced the Computer-Based Aptitude Test for its recruitment process at various centers across the country.

The GCEO visited the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Centenary Resource Centre in Maitama, Abuja, to ensure the process was smooth, transparent, fair, and credible.

As an equal opportunity employer, the national oil company said it has made special provisions to ensure that applicants with disabilities can take the test without any hindrance.

The GCEO reiterated that only the most qualified candidates among the 45,689 applicants will be selected for employment.

Earlier in June this year, NNPCL opened a portal for qualified Nigerians to apply for various job opportunities in the organisation. The NNPCL is not just another entity; it is a national institution with vast responsibilities for the oil and gas sector, which is pivotal to Nigeria’s economy.

Historically, NNPCL has faced criticism for opacity in its operations, including hiring practices that many believed were cloaked in secrecy and subject to undue influence. Kyari’s leadership has signalled a new era of openness, one that aligns with global best practices and reinforces NNPCL’s credibility.

Within days of his appointment in 2019, Kyari unveiled his “Roadmap to Global Excellence” anchored on the TAPE Agenda. TAPE represents Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence. This concept was hitherto unknown in the company.

With a vision boldly anchored on the principle of Transparency, Accountability, Performance and Excellence (TAPE), Kyari, under the defunct NNPC, demonstrated a fundamental grasp of what he needed to do to reposition the oil company.

Kyari’s leadership has been characterised by innovation and a push for global best practices. His focus on transparency in recruitment is consistent with broader efforts to reposition NNPCL as a world-class energy company. For instance, the 2020 transformation of NNPCL from a corporation to a limited liability company was a landmark achievement that enhanced its operational autonomy and accountability. The recent recruitment process exemplifies these principles. For the first time in decades, the organisation openly advertised its vacancies, used clear criteria for evaluation, and engaged third-party consultants to ensure fairness. These steps not only levelled the playing field but also increased public trust in the organization.

Under Kyari’s stewardship, NNPCL has taken steps to make its recruitment process transparent, merit-based, and inclusive. The company now conducts a structured hiring process that involves clear job advertisements, standardized assessments, and interviews conducted under fair and competitive conditions. This approach demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices that transcend the organization and resonate across Nigeria’s public sector.

A transparent recruitment process is not just about filling vacancies. It is a statement of values that underscores fairness, competence, and equal opportunity. By adopting such a system, the NNPCL under the visionary leadership of Kyari is ensuring competence over connections. The best-qualified candidates are hired, ensuring high performance and innovation within the organization. Through a transparent recruitment process, Nigerians can also trust that the country’s resources and institutions are managed by capable and ethical individuals.

Employees hired through transparent processes are more likely to be motivated, knowing their selection was based on merit rather than patronage. Transparent hiring practices are more than just a moral imperative; they are also good for business. The energy sector, especially in a country as resourcerich as Nigeria, demands high levels of competence and ethical integrity. By prioritising merit, NNPCL has positioned itself as a credible player in the global energy market.

Moreover, the recruitment process serves as a morale booster for Nigeria’s youth. It signals that hard work and talent can triumph over entrenched systems of patronage. This ripple effect could inspire a culture of meritocracy across other sectors of the economy. Kyari’s transparent recruitment strategy at the NNPC leverages technology to reduce human interference and bias. For instance, the process of online applications ensures that every applicant has an equal chance to compete, regardless of their background or location. Digitised assessments and automated shortlisting further eliminate opportunities for manipulation, creating a level playing field for all Nigerians.

Moreover, the NNPCL recruitment process now includes external audits and public announcements of results, reinforcing accountability. These measures not only deter malpractice but also set a benchmark for other public institutions in Nigeria to emulate.

Kyari’s reforms at NNPCL are emblematic of a larger shift

Kyari

that Nigeria desperately needs. For too long, the public sector has been plagued by inefficiency driven by nepotism and favoritism. By institutionalizing transparency in the employment process at the NNPCL, Kyari has offered a blueprint for other agencies to follow. The ripple effects of thias change could be profound, inspiring a culture of meritocracy that accelerates Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Kyari’s transparent recruitment process at NNPCL is not just a managerial achievement; it is a national milestone. It signals a break from the past and offers hope for a brighter, more accountable future for Nigeria’s public institutions. By prioritising competence and fairness, Kyari has demonstrated that it is possible to set new standards in governance. His leadership is a testament to the transformative power of transparency and a call to action for other leaders to follow suit.

Kyari’s reforms at NNPCL are more than just a commendable effort—they are a blueprint for sustainable development. By championing transparency, he has turned a critical corner for the organization and set Nigeria on a path toward greater accountability and excellence. This is not just a win for NNPC; it is a victory for every Nigerian who dreams of a country where merit is celebrated, and opportunities are open to all.

Onuba is a chartered accountant. He writes from Abuja.

L-r: Prof. babatunde Asenuga from Unilag presenting Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership and management to Chief Sanjay Jain in recognition of his Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Humanitarian, Social Work and Significant Contribution to Sustainable Development and management, during the Unilag Doctorate Degree Award Ceremony at Akoka, Lagos...recently.

L-r: Nollywood film Director, Izu Ojukwu; Co-executive producer of the movie: ‘ 77: The FESTAC Conspiracy’, Adonijah Owiriwa; Nollywood Actor, ramsey Nouah and Executive Producer, Prince Tonye Princewill during a private screening of the movie 77: The FESTAC Conspiracy in Lagos...recently

Cross-section of different teenage School Leavers of different Community Secondary Schools presented Scholarship award by Furnishing mind International in Port Harcourt …. recently

L-r: Head of Sales Strategy, Promisador Nigeria, rukayat Gbadamasi; Commercial Director, Promasidor Nigeria, Nordine meguini; managing Director, Eli and Stella Enterprises, Edevine Ese; receiving her recognition award from the Finance Director, Promasidor Nigeria, Yomi Adenson, and regional Sales manager, South-East, Promasidor Nigeria, Oluwagbemi Funsho during Promasidor Nigeria’s Distributor’s Conference and Awards Night held recently in Lagos…recenly

Cosmas Maduka:

I’m Never Afraid of Mistakes, They are Part of Growth Process

His reputation goes before him so that what he lacks in stature is amply compensated by status and societal weight; a man who has conquered fear and turned every stumbling block on his way into stepping stones and foundation of success. Cosmas Maduka sits astride various boards of companies locally and internationally and is a true story of making it from grass to grace only buoyed by his faith in God and a grim determination to succeed. He told Obinna Chima, Ahamefula Ogbu and Bennett Oghifo how he bluffed his way through poverty and by dint of hard work and reliance on the principles of God, he has ticked all the boxes of his expected goals. Excerpts:

Was your childhood ambition to become a billionaire businessman?

Therewasnoambiguity about it in my mind. My childhood dream began at an unprecedented age, after the death of my father. The first person a child recognises is the mother because it sucks her breasts. Before any other person, he knows who his mother is, and my mother told me that I will go places in life, and that I should believe in myself, and that I should believe in God. She told me I’m a likable fellow and that people would favour me. I grew up with unprecedented courage. I grew up with unprecedented optimism. I started hawking on the streets at the age of six. My mother would fry akara early in the morning and put one-pound worth for me to sell and also for my elder brother, and we would go out to sell and before going to school, I would have done two pounds and sold all the akara my mother gave me to sell. How was I doing it? I’ll meet a person, I will start smiling first, and tell you to buy akara. And if you say you don’t want to buy, as you begin to move, I will hold your clothes and the person will say, “Ah, is it by force?” I will just look at them and I will say, “my mother told me nobody says no to me.” They will start laughing. So that optimism and confidence attracted them and some would end up giving me penceforakara,orputthreepence.Thosewerethe magic of my selling. You know, everything about life is practice, good or bad. If you do things over a period, you get used to it and you become excited about it. So, things like that gave me confidence and I began to believe that doors do not close. I started to move with that level of confidence and optimism growing up. So, I give the credit of my entrepreneurial spirit to my mother who inspired me to greatness, and from then, my ambition for success and prayer to make a difference grew. The rest is history as we progress.

Which childhood experience has remained indelible in your mind?

I will tell you the story. The day of my father’s funeral. I remember that it was one of the best days of my life because as a child, we had to fake illness to eat rice. Rice was the delicacy of those days, not noodles, and you have to behave like you were not feeling fine and you lost appetite and if they ask you what you’ll eat, you’ll say rice. But to me, how come this particular day was like Ofala, a big festival. People were coming, different Masquerades were coming to our house and some were shooting double barrel guns. I took the shell and put it in my nostrils and it gave off some funny smell. People came to me, an innocent boy, feeling sympathy. I ate rice about eight times on that day. I just felt, ‘oh my God, why would this kind of day not remain forever? I witnessed a man in a black suit with a bow tie, white shirt, and that was my father lying in bed lifeless. I thought the man was takinganap.Theotherthingthatmadesensetome vividly was, by the right hand, opposite the house, very close to the coconut tree, they made a small barricade, and my mother was there crying. I was wondering why this woman was angry? Because those masquerades and people were dancing, I said, ‘why is she angry? I didn’t know anything

about death, it was later part of my life that the memory came and I understood it was the funeral of my father. So, one of the early stages of my life that was very remarkable which nothing can wipe off in my memory was the funeral of my father in which innocently, I did not know it was a funeral.

Growing up, what would you say was your saddest moment?

Well, too many things have happened in my life, buttobeveryhonest,mymotherworkedveryhard to support my siblings and I. Incidentally, I was the second in my family, and from Igbo tradition, or maybe, Nnewi in particular, all attention is paid to the first son. Most of the other people are treated like second cousins in the family. I happen to be a second child. So my mother’s aspiration was what she could do to help her first son become great and all of that. So even though she could see that naturally, I was gifted, she was more inclined to supporting my elder brother, to at least have a Junior School Certificate. So, at that tender age, I had to go live with her parents, that is, my grandparents, who taught me domestic work. My grandfather was a very industrious man. He had a

yamfarmandweusedtogotothefarmearly in the morning, fetch water, feed the goats, and then take the lambs out to the field to graze. I learnt some business secrets, even by dealing with those domestic animals. Some level of discipline is required in life. Nobody grows in his comfort zone. I learnt the principles of management, and how to manage things to grow. Now, the sad thing about my life is that because of my level of cleverness as a child, it happened that everything that went wrong in the family, people will say it was Cosmas that did it. Even the ones I knew nothing about. I recall that one time I had the privilege to have a chat with the late former Attorney General of Nigeria, Uncle Bola Ige, he told me that he had the same kind of experience. So, I just decided I have to live and accept being misunderstood, provided I had not done anything to be misunderstood. Today, I teach that if you want to be successful, one of the prerequisite is the willingness to be misunderstood. If you are too careful to mind whatever everybody says about

you, you will be tele-guided by people’s opinion, and you will never actualise your dream. You can never be independent to live by your conviction. So people must know who they are and where they aregoing.Ifyoudon’tknowwhoyouare,somebody is going to tell you who you are not. So, I grew up with that level of optimism, and it does a lot of things.Godactuallyusedsomeofmychildhoodlife experience to train me for the challenges I’m going to meet in future. Many times people complain about challenges in their life, I came to conclusion that nobody grows in his comfort zone. I came to conclusion that what happened to you in life does not matter, but what you make out of it. I make statementsthatpeoplewonderwhereishecoming from. When I say success is not a degree; when I say things like, you are responsible for who you are; you cannot blame anybody that everyone of us, no matter the condition where we are in life, we are a sum total of decisions and choices we make but the reality is that decisions you make today will determine who we are going to be in the next five years. It will determine who we are going to be in the next 10 years. As a matter of fact, some decisions we make today will determine our entire

Maduka

Cosmas Maduka: I want to Die empty, So I won’t Take Any of God’s Gift to the Grave

destination. So the worst thing in life is not to do anything. That’s the worst thing anybody can do to himself. The reality of life is that any child that is afraid to fall will be lame, because God has not made any other way for you to walk, but as a child, you have to rise and fall, before you learn to walk. When you see a child trying to walk, moving like the breeze is blowing him her, your father will be excited to give you his left finger for you to hang on just to be able to walk. When you do that repeatedly, your leg becomes strong. You start standing, you start walking. So that’s how life operates. So, I am never afraid to make a mistake. I realised that mistake is part of the growth process, and what I don’t want to do is to make one mistake two times. People say that someone fell. I don’t use the word fall, I say the person is going through a learning curve. That person made the mistake so that he can learn and be able to improve and actualise his or her dream.

So, I have different philosophies in life that guide me, that are my mantles, that help me to have the right mindset that really propelled me to where I am. That is, you are a sum total of who you are, and that mindset is what makes a difference in the life of people. Also, confidence is key. When you say courage is a prerequisite for success, courage is not an absence of fear, but it’s the ability to act in thefaceofdanger.Someofthesehelpedinbuilding the confidence that helped me ultimately become who I am today. I was a child climbing palm tree before I turned eight years. If you see me on the palm three I used to look like a bird, people will be saying, ‘How did this boy get there? I rode a motorbike at the age of 11 and my leg wouldn’t touch the ground then.

So, I did many things ahead of my age, and each one of them built confidence and the courage I needed to confront other challenges. So today, when I see challenges, I just see them as opportunities. Anytime I am confronted with a situation that is overwhelming, something in my subconscious just tells me to be ready for my promotion. There’s somethinggoodalongtheway,andonceIwithstand that, then you just see something happen.

Seeing the kind of experiences you had, what will you say is your happiest moment so far in life?

My happiest moment in life so far, with no ambiguity, was that I met the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 14. Before I turned 15, I embraced the gospel, and by the grace of God, I’ve been consistent. I’ve never looked back. So for over five decades of my life, I’ve been in this agenda that I am. The reason is that when I came to meet the LordJesusChrist,mylifewastotallyrevolutionised. By the age of 14, I was thinking 40; by 15, I started thinking 50 by 16, I was already thinking like 60 years old men, and I was like a magician. People could not comprehend me. At the age of 15 after I became a Christian, I decided there are five things I wanted to accomplish before I turn 25. I didn’t have them in my head. I wrote them down because of the principles of law of God that I understood from the Word of God. You may carry a mobile phone around for 20 years, it doesn’t matter how many years is on it, if you do not understand the manufacturer’s mind, the laws he built in it, how to operate it, you can’t make the right demand from it. You can hold this phone, it will not deliver to you what the manufacturers promised, but somebody who read the manual and understood it well or use this phone to perform a function that you do not know that the phone has would be able to operate it better. So, I studied the laws of God and I understood how life operates. Jesus spoke in Matthew Chapter 16, verse 19, I will give you the keys, plural, not single key, of the kingdom of God. I tell people, when you get to a door and start speaking in tongues, it means you didn’t have the right key, because door does not submit to speaking in tongues. If you put the right key, that door will submit or obey. So if you understand the principles of God, life become easy and you operate in a position of authority. So, the best moment of my life and the greatest thing that ever happened to me was to meet the Lordatatenderagewhenmymindwasopen,clean, looking for ideas, and my leaders pumped in the Word of God in me. At the age of 15, after working for my uncle for five and half years, sleeping at Keffi Street, Oyingbo bus stop, Lagos, in 1976, he gave me N200 and for my brother, with just N200, the worst thing in life had happened to me. So, in life, it is not what happened to you that matters. It’s your attitude and the way you react. I turned to my uncle, I said, I worked for you for almost six years, how would you give me just N200 as

my stewardship? I served you to the best of my abilities. I managed your branch in Jos, you moved me to Sokoto, Lagos, and Nnewi. What do you want me to do now? He said, whatever you like to do. If I had stolen my uncles money, I would not have been able to confront him like that. There were things you don’t expect a 15year boy to say. And my uncle responded saying he knew I would succeed. I was excited because I needed that blessing from him. My excitement was not about the N200 because if I didn’t have the right mindset, I would have used that N200 to eat goat head that evening and started blaming everybody around me, including God.So,thereafter,Iestablishedacompany called Maduka Brothers. I wrote down that by 18 years, I wanted to live in three bedroomapartmentofmyown;by20years, I wanted to take a lady to the altar; by 23 years I wanted to own a car, and by 25 years I wanted to be a millionaire. I wrote all these down and hung it on the wall. Before I go to bed, I will always I look at the things I wrote and remind myself about my purpose in life. With that, when I am sleeping, I will be dreaming that I am in Japan; I see myself clearingcontainers;discussingwithexperts in trade and things like that. In the morning, when I get up, I will pray. I avoided anything or anybody that didn’t align with my goals in life. If I am chatting or discussing with you, if you don’t fit into any of those five goals I had written down to achieve, then you are a distraction. I will cut you off. With that, people started saying I was arrogant. No, I wasn’t arrogant, I was pregnant with my vision. A pregnant woman doesn’t play karate.

Your vision is your goal, it is your GPS, your direction. You don’t get to a bookshop and start thinking which book to buy. So, true to my vision in life, by 18 years, I was living in a three-bedroom apartment of my own and my senior brother was still living with my mother in a one-bedroom apartment in my father’s house. I wasn’t competing with him, but I knew where I was going. So when you get your vision, you get your acts together. Again, true to my goals, at 19 years and nine months, I wedded my wife Charity and took her to the altar. I got married before I turned 20. I wanted to have my first son at 21 years, but God thought otherwise. The baby didn’t come immediately, so I pursued my other dream. At 22 years, I passed through old Awka road in Onitsha, I saw a Passat car, blue colour wagon, 3000 kilometers. I

can ever come out of it,’ that is your word. Nothing is useless that will bless you. I admit, that we may not be living in the best place in the world, but I’m very optimistic that tomorrow will be better than today for Nigeria. I went to America when I was about 22 years in 1980. That was my first trip to America. I arrived and finished what I went for and everybody I met convinced me to stay back. I told them was going back to Nigeria. A lady asked me at the airport,‘what is your frustration, why go back to Nigeria?’ By that time, people said this country was useless and that nothing was working here. But I had common sense and knew that to be a true Nigerian, I have to be identified with her shame and glory, whatever she is, is what I am. Then, in 1980, I decided against all advice and returned back to Nigeria. All those who advised me to stay said, ‘you know you didn’t go to school, you can get a scholarship.’ Of course, I had already integrated into the US system. Then, you could get a Social Security that either states valid for work or not valid. So I had the American social security that didn’t say not valid for work. And I got a driver’s license,soIwasalreadyintegratedintothesystem. However, I returned to Nigeria. Even though I was not a millionaire, I believed in this country. So your belief is important in whatever you want to do because there are opportunities to grow here. Everybody that advised me not to come back to Nigeria, the only thing they have better than me today is the bottle of milk and orange juice in their refrigerator and a 24-hour power supply, which I can also afford if I want it. I don’t need national grid. So that’s my life in a very precise manner. Where God took me and where I am.

So as a successful serial entrepreneur, what counsel will you give to the Nigerian youth today?

negotiated it and closed the transaction. So, at the age of 22, I owned a car. The next thing, on that list, which I missed the target by one year was to be a millionaire. Right from childhood, I have always been conscious of time, because your time is your life. People ask me, ‘why are you behaving like a mad man? Every day you have speaking engagement, you are going everywhere. What are you doing? I tell them, I’m conscious of time. I will be 66 years on December 24 and 14 years from now I will be 80 years. I’m running out of time, so what I’m doing is to use the rest of my life to fertilise the young generation; use the rest of my possibly 14 active years to empty out completely, so that when I get to the cemetery, the cemetery will be disappointed with my carcass because no gift of God in me that will go back in there. I tell people that the cemetery is the best goldmine if it is to be mined because there you have dreams that were never actualised. You see business plans that were never put in place; you see poems that were never written; you see movies that were never actualised, because those people kept on procrastinating and when they died, they carried their gifts to the grave. So, I want to die empty, such that nothing God gave me to humanity, is taken back to the grave. That is why I’m giving out everything,fertilisingyoungpeople,helpingpeople to change their mindset. The industry that I came from, I have revolutionised it. People today are beginning to structure their business. So, nobody is remembered for what they did not do. You are only remembered for what you did. Nobody is remembered for the problem they caused, they are remembered for the problems they solved for humanity. We came to this world, every one of us loaded with gifts to impact humanity. So life is not about duration, but about donation. What did you give back to life? You can live an effective 33 years, the world will never forget you, you can live and become Metusellah, it will only be in record of 967 years and then he died. No other thing was said about him. But we can’t stop talking about Peter, we can’t stop talking about John. We can’t stop talking about James, because they lived effective lives. They touched humanity. I made my first $2 million at the age of 24 and the rest is history. I built this building (at Adeola Odeku, Lagos), where you are at 37 years, not 45. I built the house where I still live in today, in the village at the age of 25 years. I had junior, my first son at 26 years and i built that house before i had my first son. I built the house I live in at Ikoyi at 40 years. It’s not an exaggerated story. So, that is the power of vision. Vision is not a function of sight, it’s a function of the spirit, your mind and where you plan to go. And this is what I try to explain to young people the power of positive confession that is matched with action. When you get up and say, ‘this country is useless, there’s nothing that

The first thing I will tell any Nigerian youth is to believe in him or herself, because every one of us is the first believer of ourselves. Nobody will believe you until you believe in yourself. And your belief in yourself has to be tested. Joseph saw himself as a Prime Minister in Egypt. He would not have had any trouble if he never told anybody. When I didn’t have N10,000 I told people I would be a millionaire. Go to Nnewi today, my nickname is ‘Cosmas Nwa Jesus Nnewi millionaire,’ and they used to use it to mock me. How did God create this world? The Bible said he speaks things that are not as though they were. that is power of positive thoughts and your words are powerful. And that is why I tell everyone of us, don’t be in a hurry to make a statement. You are justified by the words of your mouth and you are taken to captivity by the words of your mouth. In this room now, people are talking, voices are moving, you don’t see them. I do not see them. If I am thinking right, my positive thought will be in sync with some of the things and they will be downloading inside of me, if you are thinking negatively, all the negative waves will be downloading into you, and you get hooked up to negativity. Every one of us is a spiritual being trying to have a natural experience, because we came from God, and we are going to go back to God. So believinginyourselfisthefirstadvice.Butbelieving in yourself is not believing in yourself for you to just cross your legs and do nothing. Believing in yourself is believing in your vision, that you have always won, that you are one in a million out of five billion cells that left your father’s body and clamoured for one egg. So, if you have made it amongfivebillion,whywouldyounotmakeitamong 200 million people? It’s a much easier race to run. You are going to be different no matter what the situation is. So that self-belief is infectious. It will infect people around you. All of us must not be business people. You can do many things and make your mark in the Guinness Book of Records. People like me don’t believe that success is money. Many billionaires are not successful. That’s where many people also get it wrong. Their description of success is the money in their bank account. No, that’s not it. Otherwise, who is more successful than Abacha of Nigeria? how many billions did we discover after his death? That money is not success, power is not success, neither is education success, because I’ve met many great intellectuals that can speak all kinds of grammar, but they can never organise their thought into productivity. So what is the benefit of that success? Success is a journey you never get to any place in life and say you have arrived. You just know that you keep going, pursuing a worldwide goal of your life. So the journey is continuity in the affairs of life.

Maduka

In Mbah, Ndigbo Have Another Peter Governing Igbo Seat of Power

bismack Orji

On 13th October 2023, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, captured the hearts of many citizens and residents of the Coal City State based on the humongous vision he espoused in his manifesto as well as the erudition and passion he exhibited in presenting it at the Law Auditorium, Godfrey Okoye University, Thinkers Corner, Enugu.

The manifesto was indeed laden with daring and disruptive, innovative ideas. Those daringly ambitious campaign promises included: growing the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, eradicating poverty, building 10,000km roads, etc, all in four to eight years. He equally promised to restore water to Enugu metropolis in 180 days. Indeed, he spoke that day with fire, power, and conviction; and for the nearly three hours that he stood before the audience, he spoke without any written notes as he constructed and deconstructed his governance blueprint which was hinged on disruptive governance.

While many in the audience dismissed them as mere campaign promises hinged on oratorical brinksmanship, wondering how on earth he intended to achieve those jaw-breaking promises. Yet, his inner circle, members of his think tank, and those who saw what he did in the oil and gas sector believed him.

With what he has done in less than two years, many believe that Mbah and Peter Obi have several things in common in their approach to governance. One is their uncommon self-belief. In a society where nothing seems to work and everything appears to have been programmed to fail, they think big, talk big and are bold enough to put their “outlandishly disruptive ideas” into practice without being afraid to step on toes or even stand alone. They are also technocrats and successful entrepreneurs, not ‘career politicians’, as they come from the private sector where they have successfully run their own businesses with the attendant risks. As such, they are not afraid of taking risks, after careful calculations.

Again, they are both averse to monetisation of the governance process. Although both of them have given so much in philanthropy (there is the Peter Mbah Foundation that has existed for years, quietly building hospitals, awarding scholarships, constructing rural roads, etc.), in Nigerian parlance, they both believe in “we no de give shishi” when it comes to governance.

This author recalls an episode in June, 2023 when, as Convener, South East Good Governance Project (SEGGOP), he led other activists to organise the “Enugu Say No To Sit At Home” March. Governor Mbah called the organisers and thanked them for caring to support his government in its fight against insecurity. Those who believed that they would go home with cash booties like was previously the style in the state were disappointed. Unlike before, you don’t find governor’s aids in choice bars and lounges. Not only do they not have time (Mbah is a workaholic and enforces Key Performance Index), there is no money because he puts virtually everything into projects. Reports after reports continue to show that Enugu under his leadership is by wide margins the very least in cost of governance across the country. He is very frugal.

He left no one in doubt about the path he wanted to toe when he presented the record N521.5 billion 2024 budget to the House of Assembly. The recurrent expenditure component was N107.2 billion (21%), while the capital component was N414.3 billion (79%). It was a paradigm shift in budgeting in Nigeria and left the media agog. Mbah has further crashed the recurrent expenditure in the 2025 budget proposal. Out of another record

N971.8 billion, he is proposing only N133.1 billion (14%) as recurrent expenditure, while a whooping N837.9 billion (86%) is for capital expenditure.

Again, just like Obi did during his tenure as Anambra State Governor, Mbah has played less politics in his appointments and governance. The ratio of technocrats to politicians in his cabinet is about 95 to five. He believes that politics should be about service to the people and not transactional.

What of Obi’s “Consumption to Production” mantra? Mbah, as an astute businessman and creator of wealth has made that his governance principle. Accordingly, he has prioritised the completion of abandoned projects in the state so as to boost the government’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). They include the International Conference Centre started by then Governor Chimaroke Nnamani and abandoned for seventeen years by previous governors despite its huge economic potential. In fact, a previous government carved out and sold about 30 percent of the premises, but Mbah demolished the illegal structures. Today, the Conference Centre stands completed.

He is currently turning the structures on Rangers Avenue, which were recovered by his administration from the EFCC into a 300-bed Enugu Internal Hospital. Also, Mbah’s ongoing renovation of Hotel Presidential, Enugu, is remarkable in that it has wiped away the tears of Dr M.I. Okpara, the legendary Premier of Eastern Nigeria who founded Hotel Presidential in Enugu and Port Harcourt in the 1960s. For over a decade, this iconic hotel, one of Coal City’s landmarks, had been allowed to rot away. Also, other abandoned projects such as Nigergas Company Ltd, Enugu United Palm Products Limited, Niger Steel limited and Sunrise Flour Mills are all being revitalised.

In the area of tourism, Mbah has made Enugu the Tourism Destination of the South East. Apart from the annual Road Block Christmas fiesta, which bounced back last December due to improved security, a retinue of activities have been lined up for this Yuletide season including the Unity Park Christmas carnival. Again, his celebration of Igbo iconic Musician, Mike Ejeagha, by constructing the roads leading to his Enugu residence and naming same after the “Gwo gwo gwo ngwo” crooner, has shown him as a true man of the people and a genuine Nwa Enugu, who has respect for our heroes past and present.

As a media practitioner and a civil society activist, it is obvious both from interactions with international agencies and available

analysis of good governance indices in the South East region that the Enugu and Abia State Governments presently enjoy good reviews in terms of projects, foreign direct investment, ease of doing business, security & rule of law, etc. Governors Peter Mbah and Alex Otti of Enugu and Abia States, respectively, share something in common with Peter Obi – the private sector entrepreneurial background. Indeed, you cannot run a government effectively if you haven’t effectively run your own business. Peter Mbah is indeed in a hurry to transform Enugu State. Today, he is a trailblazer in different regards. Firstly, Enugu was the first state to have its own electricity regulatory commission and the only state currently engendering a new dawn in the education sector through the construction of 260 Smart Green School. Currently and for two consecutive years running, it is the only state allocating a whopping 33 percent to the education sector. It has never happened anywhere else in Africa.

As Obi did in Anambra State, Mbah is demolishing mansions and other property linked to kidnapping in accordance to Enugu State laws (as Obi also did). He is aggressively fighting crimes and insecurity. Today, Enugu is the safest state in the South East and one of the safest in the country. What the man is doing with technology against insecurity has never been seen anywhere else in Nigeria. In less than one year, he completed one the biggest, if not the biggest and most sophisticated Command Centres in Africa. He has installed sophisticated, AI-enabled cameras in Enugu City and LGAs. He is intentionally in securing Enugu and building massive infrastructure that are turning Enugu into the preferred investment destination and home for all Nigerians.

Although Flavour Chinedu Okoli is from Anambra State, the iconic Nigerian musician held his late father’s funeral ceremonies in Enugu. Also, Senator Victor Umeh from Anambra held his daughter’s traditional marriage in Enugu. That couldn’t have been possible without Peter Mbah tackling insecurity headlong on assumption of office. Before now, the state was locked down every Monday. Even roads around the Lion Building, the state’s seat of power, were barricaded, causing serious traffic on the Rangers Avenue and Presidential Road axis. Normal work was paralysed at the Government House on Mondays in those days. But today, most businesses now open on Mondays and whatever is left of the weekly sit-at-home scourge is dying a natural death, as Ndi Enugu have seen their governor successfully call the bluffs of the Finland-based terrorizer of his people, whom he described as a “murderer, scammer, and common criminal”. Looking at all these, it is little wonder and somewhat prophetically intriguing that Nigeria’s Minister of Works and a former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Dave Umahi, refers to Peter Mbah as the “Governor General of Eastern Nigeria”. Coming from Umahi, a key figure in the ruling All Peoples Congress (APC), as opposed to Mbah, who is a member of the leading opposition, such a proclamation cannot be taken for granted. Simply put, Umahi recognised the fact that Governor Mbah is way ahead based on all Good Governance Key Performance Indicators such as Security & Rule of Law, Infrastructural Development, Education & Human Capital Development, WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) & Healthcare, Ease of Doing Business/Commerce & Industry, Inclusivity (Gender/ PWDs/Child Rights). Again, it captures the essence of Enugu as the seat of power of the defunct Eastern Region, just like Kaduna and Ibadan play similar roles in the former Northern and Western regions, respectively. This status of Enugu had gravely waned over the years, but Mbah is vigorously reviving it through infrastructural crusade and repackaging.

Oji is the Convener, South East Good Governance Project (SEGGOP)

Trajectory of Senator Godswill Akpabio at 62

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio’s foray into politics from his humble beginning as commissioner in three key ministries in Akwa Ibom State to the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a narrative characterised by humility and tenacity. Akpabio’s leadership qualities became manifest when he served for two terms, as a Governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015.

During his tenure, Akpabio worked assiduously to transform the social and economic landscape of the state. Within this period, Akwa Ibom State witnessed unprecedented improvement in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, capacity building and education that earned him the name, “Uncommon Transformer.”

Some of his remarkable achievements as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State included, free and compulsory education, free medical/healthcare to children, pregnant women and the elderly, construction of an International Airport that has today placed Akwa Ibom on the global aviation map, building of roads and flyovers, payment of the 13th-month salary to civil servants popularly called “Akpabiomber” and the provision of civil service buses which today are still conveying civil servants from their respective local government areas to the state capital.

Other legacy projects are the Ibom Multi-Specialist Hospital in Uyo, a befitting Government House, a five star hotel in Ikot Ekpene and an international stadium in the state capital, fit-

tingly named after him as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Today, the stadium which is the only FIFA-approved stadium in Nigeria for international matches, hosts Grade A matches involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria. A few months ago, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had directed Ghana to secure an alternative venue outside the country for the Matchday three and four ties involving the Black Stars of Ghana because the African Football Authority had declared all the stadia in Ghana not good enough to continue hosting CAF competitions.

Consequently, Ghana was already looking the way of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium until the issue was sorted out.

Ghana had considered the Godswill Akpabio Stadium because of its top-notch facilities. Regardless of the aesthetic of the stadium and its facilities, Akwa Ibom State is a modern statement in development architecture and luxurious flora and fauna to complement the uncommon transformation legacies.

According to a one-time British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”

Senator Godswill Akpabio’s trajectory in engraving his name in gold and leaving legacies that sprawl the sands of time comes handy.

The imposing structure of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo serves as a testament to the visionary leadership and enduring legacy of the former governor, now President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a testament that

the Uncommon Transformer School of politics of transformation and good governance is never a ruse.

It is indeed a study of the lexicon of democracy and its derivatives. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in particular, has become an iconic symbol of his legacy, showcasing the state’s capacity to foster regional cooperation and promote sports tourism.

Akpabio has also left indelible marks in the sands of time as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. He completed many abandoned projects, despite the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and scarcity of funds. Some of the iconic projects he completed were the 20-year old abandoned 13 and 8-storey buildings at NDDC Headquarters.

It is on record that Akpabio took pro-active steps to address burning issues, including underdevelopment, corruption in the NDDC through forensic audit of the commission, Ogoni cleanup, insecurity in the region, the East-west Road, Foreign Direct Investment and engagement of Public-Private Participation to complete some projects through alternative sources of revenue. Today, Senator Akpabio is the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Executive Member of the International Parliamentary Union, deploying legislative and diplomatic enablement to help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transform Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda. Happy Birthday to a Development Czar and Uncommon Transformer at 62.

Eyiboh, Special Adviser, media and Publicity and official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate, writes from Abuja

Eseme Eyiboh

Mbah

feATure

Examining Human Assets Behind Advonics’ Success

At the heart of the success of any organisation or institution are its human assets. Advonics Services Nigeria Limited, a security company offering a wide range of high-tech security products and services, is not oblivious of this functional truth, and therefore boasts a team of experts and experienced hands, writes Oluchi Chibuzor

The greatest resource of any organisation is its human assets. Not the machines, materials, and money. Thus, despite his acknowledged entrepreneurial ingenuity that has helped to steer Advonics Services Nigeria Limited on the path of monumental and mouth-watering successes, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Egboh, is fastidious about staff strength.

Hence, he is quick to say: “At Advonics, humans are our greatest asset. We have multi-talented and committed individuals, whose passion aligns with the company’s mission statement to provide excellent security services.”

Indeed, and in spite of all the new technology, strategic marketing, and top-notch customer services that have elevated the rating and renown of the company, Advonic’s human resource is credited as the most important element of its success story.

Egboh is the driving force behind one of the foremost security services companies in Nigeria, with clientele that traverse the nation’s security agencies, the Department of State Servuices, inclusive.

But he always says he could not have come this far without his team of dedicated and experienced specialists in diverse fields of expertise, who consistently demonstrate a penchant for excellence, evidenced by the outstanding performances that have enhanced the company’s growth, potential, and profitability. The CEO has a dynamic sound board, support system, and deputy in Naomi Egboh, a seasoned strategic alliances and partnerships.

The mass communication graduate of Madonna University, where she also bagged a PGD in Business Administration, is an Agile Scrum Master and Project Management Professional with over a decade of experience in the technology and telecommunications sectors.

Before her current role, she had honed her skills in business development, risk management, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance, and brings to bear a unique blend of business acumen, customer-focused strategies, and partnership excellence to drive success in dynamic and challenging environments.

Leading the business development team is Maxwell Nkemchor Egboh, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos.

With over 27 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Maxwell possesses nonpareil communication, marketing, technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. He is also widely reputed for his strategic sales techniques and strong

Egbon relationship-building capabilities.

Emeka Onyema is the Chief financial officer. He has over 24years of experience in treasury and business development in the Nigerian banking industry.

Emeka seamlessly interfaces with suppliers, consultants, external contractors, external auditors, and key decision-makers to streamline business operations that drive growth, increase efficiency with the bottom line, and develop and implement financial controls matrix and processes. He is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

The chief operating officer of the company is Ajih Noel Emeka, a former special adviser to the billionaire chairman of Zinox Technologies, Dr Leo Stan Ekeh. He oversees every aspect of marketing, resource allocation, and client relations.

Anthony Chiedu Onwordi is the chief technical officer and HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) coordinator. Behind his youthful dashing looks are almost two decades of robust experience in the telecommunications and security sectors, where he successfully managed diverse projects.

Anthony is responsible for guaranteeing the success of specific products or product line implementation and maintenance of project plans including troubleshooting and potential issues by reviewing plans, specifications, and designs. An Applied Physics graduate, Anthony possesses a diploma in Operations Management, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Fundamentals of Quality Assurance and Institute

With Gossy Ukanwoke, Youthful Leadership Delivers Big Wins at BetKing

Dike Onwuamaeze

In a world where experience often trumps innovation, a new generation of leaders are rewriting the playbook, proving that youth can drive transformative change. Among these pioneers is Gossy Ukanwoke, one of Nigeria’s youngest and most influential Managing Directors. His journey is proof to the fact that age is no barrier to achieving greatness when vision, resilience, and leadership converge.

Pioneering Change at an Early Age

Gossy Ukanwoke’s leadership story began long before BetKing. He made his mark as a groundbreaking entrepreneur in his 20s by introducing BAU, Nigeria’s first online university, at a time when digital education was virtually non-existent in the country. His foresight and commitment to education earned him accolades, including the Ernst & Young Global Accelerating Category Winner in 2015, proof of his innovative approach to solving real-world problems.

By his early 30s, Gossy had semi-retired, focusing on investing in startups and mentoring young entrepreneurs. But his journey was far from over. In 2019, BetKing recognised his exceptional track record and persuaded him to take on the role of Managing Director, catapulting him into the spotlight as one of the youngest leaders in Nigeria’s competitive sports betting industry.

At the time of Gossy’s appointment, BetKing was one of many players in Nigeria’s crowded sports betting market. Under his leadership, the company experienced a meteoric rise, becoming a household name in entertainment and digital gaming. His approach combined strategic partnerships, product innovation, and a commitment to people.

One of his first moves as Managing Director was to reposition BetKing as a digital-first company. By 2020, when the COVID-19

pandemic disrupted global markets, BetKing was already prepared with a robust virtual gaming platform. This strategy not only sustained the business through the pandemic but also established BetKing as a leader in digital entertainment. Beyond products, Gossy transformed BetKing into a cultural icon, enlisting stars like Tobi Bakre, Broda Shaggi, and football legend Jay-Jay Okocha to represent the brand. This move extended BetKing’s appeal beyond sports betting, positioning it as a brand synonymous with entertainment, culture, and community.

What sets Gossy apart is his deep commitment to social impact. Under his leadership, BetKing has created over 300 direct jobs and more than 80,000 indirect jobs through its network of betting shops. Recognizing the socio-economic challenges in many parts of Nigeria, these outlets provide critical income opportunities for thousands of families.

Under Gossy Ukanwoke’s strategic leadership, BetKing’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been structured around four core pillars—Health, Education and Human Development, Sports, and Environmental Sustainability—to drive focused and impactful contributions across Nigerian communities.

Take The BetKing Cares initiative, for instance, introduced by Ukanwoke in 2022, which has become a hallmark of the company’s CSR efforts. Since inception, the BetKing Cares campaign has made a tangible impact by providing essential services such as healthcare, nutrition, and hygiene support to over 25 million households across 45 communities in 15 states by mid-2024.

Young CEOs as Catalysts for Change

Gossy Ukanwoke’s rise is part of a broader trend of young leaders stepping into influential roles and disrupting traditional industries. These leaders bring fresh perspectives, a tech-savvy approach, and a strong sense of social responsibility, which are essential in today’s dynamic business environment.

Gossy’s journey serves as a blueprint for how young leaders

of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Compliance.

For more than 30 years, Jignesh Mehta, worked in both private and public sectors where he successfully incubated and managed diverse projects across India and eight African countries and in the military and civil PPE market segment. Mehta, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mathematics, and advanced graduate certifications in software engineering and internet security and telecommunication programming technologies, has consulted with several organisations and agencies to optimise their physical and digital asset security management. He is the OEM Technical Partner for ASNL.

Onoigboria Ogbaimen Nathaniel serves as technical advisor. A political science graduate of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nathaniel has over three decades of experience, straddling both the public and private sectors. Notably, he has served as General Manager of the Technical and Capacity Building Department, Directorate of Aviation Security Services, FAAN Headquarters; and Chief Security Officer at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

Interestingly, Advionics continues to tap from the financial management wizardry of Sam Anani, an accomplished banker and former commissioner for finance in Cross River State (1999 – 2003) who supervised the growth from six in 1999 to over 20 banks, establishing a presence in Calabar, the state capital. He was also responsible for generating tremendous private sector goodwill and confidence in the government, which saw the attraction of substantial support from financial institutions that enabled the enormous developmental initiatives recorded by the state during former Governor Donald Duke’s administration.

In the second term of the Duke Administration, Anani served as Commissioner for Trade and Investments before being redeployed as the pioneer managing director of the Tinapa Free Zone and Business Resort, where he supervised the implementation, from concept to the realisation, of the US$400m Tinapa project (a mixed-use development) in Cross River State. He resigned in 2007 to establish Management Investment Trusts Limited, a consultancy firm focused on delivering cutting-edge business development, incubation, and business restructuring/ reengineering services. Anani is the Financial Advisor for ASNL.

It is no wonder, therefore, that Advonics has continued to attract recognition from major institutions, groups and business owners, who not only have confidence in its ability to deliver but are living proof of its capacity, and competence.

can balance business success with social good. His formula—bold leadership, relentless innovation, and a people-first approach—highlights the value of empowering youth to drive meaningful change.

Building a Legacy

For Gossy, leadership is not just about building businesses but creating lasting impact. He envisions BetKing as more than a gaming company—it’s a platform for empowerment, entertainment, and community building. Beyond BetKing, Gossy continues to invest in people and businesses, fostering opportunities for the next generation.

As young CEOs like Gossy Ukanwoke continue to rise, they are redefining what it means to lead. They are not only transforming industries but also shaping a future where success is measured by the positive impact on society.

Gossy Ukanwoke is more than a game-changer—he is a colonist to the transformative power of youth in leadership, proving that with vision, innovation, and determination, young leaders can build legacies that inspire and empower generations.

Ukanwoke

COURTESY VISIT...

Moghalu: Africa’s Biggest Problem is Lack of Good Governance, Not Poverty

Dike Onwuamaeze

The President of African School of Governance (ASG), Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has stated that the biggest problem in Africa, including Nigeria, is the absence of good and competent governance and not poverty and lack of foreign investments. The African School of Governance, is a new international Pan-African university located in Kigali, Rwanda.

Moghalu made this declaration in Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday during the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria’s (CIoD), 2024 Annual Directors’ Dinner and Awards Night with the theme, 'Celebrating Resilience, Excellence and Leadership', where he was honoured with the institute’s Good Governance Award.

The award was bestowed on him by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIoD, Mr. Tijjani M. Borodo.

Other organisations and individuals who were also conferred with various awards such as Corporate governance Award, Entrepreneurial Award and Director of the Year Award, were the Seplat Energy; the Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka and the Chairman of Ecobank Plc, Ms. Bola Adesola respectively while the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, was conferred with the Anofi Guobadia Award for Leadership and Excellence.

Moghalu, who doubled as chairman of the event, described the CIOD as one of Nigeria's most respected professional associations that has had no rancor,

no stories and no scandals.

He said: “You just do the business professionally. In this country today, that is not something we can take for granted, so I'm really very honoured to be here with you tonight.

“I just want to say a few things about why we are here.

“The CIOD is about governance. Governance is a very fundamental principle of human existence.

“The difference between a civilised society and an uncivilised society is that the civilised society has governance.

“It is governed. It has structures that organise it and create productivity and progress.

“Uncivilised society is the law of the jungle. There is no order. There is no governance. Good might is what reigns, and so this matter of governance

is so fundamental to our existence.”

Moghalu recalled that he was appointed a deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2009 and was saddled with the responsibility of heading the Financial System Stability Directorate that was tasked with reforming the financial system to bring new standards of corporate governance and new standards of risk management.

He said: “I'm pleased to see that in the years since then, many aspects of the private sector have grown in their maturity when it comes to corporate governance, and a large part of it is because of contributions from the CIoD, which is training a lot of corporate directors and a lot of its members.

“But there's a problem. You can

Tinubu, AGF, Akpabio, Others Sued over Sack of CCT Chairman, Umar

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the Senate President, Senator Goodswill Akpabio, have been dragged before a Federal High Court in Abuja, over the removal of Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The President and 10 others were sued by two civil groups, Community Rescue Initiative, Toro Concerned Citizens of a Relief

Foundation and an Abuja-based lawyer, Comrade Nasir Bala.

The three plaintiffs are praying the court to restrain the Clerk of the National Assembly from transmitting to President Tinubu the concurrent resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives which purportedly removed Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

They are also praying the court to stop the President from giving effect to the resolution of the two chambers of the National Assembly, on the

grounds that clear provisions of the law, especially the 1999 Constitution were not followed in the purported removal of the CCT boss.

Among others, the aggrieved plaintiffs are seeking seven declarative reliefs against the President and 10 other defendants.

The suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/1796/2024, was instituted on their behalf by Mahmoud M. Maidoki, A.G Salisu, Jibrin S. Jibrin, Abubakar S. Idris and Munir Umar.

In faulting the action of the National Assembly, the plaintiffs

asked the Federal High Court to determine: Whether by virtue of the provisions of Sections 1(1) and (3) , 6(5), 153 (1) (e) & (i) of the Constitution as well as Paragraph 13 (a) (vii) and (b) of the Third Schedule thereof, the purported removal of the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal by the 4th Defendant is illegal, void, unconstitutional and of no effect whatsoever same having been made pursuant to the provisions of section 157 (1) of the 1999 Constitution or any other law for that matter."

Delta Wins $400,000 Bill and Melinda Gates PHC Award

Delta State Government, Thursday, received $400,000 from the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge, organised by the Nigerian Governors' Forum in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for outstanding performance in primary health care management.

The award, which was organised by the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), Federal Ministry of Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF was in recognition of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's initiative in the health sector for the past one year, in line with the MORE agenda of his administration.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Chairman of the Governors' Forum, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, who is also Governor of Kwara State, were present during the handover of the prize and money to Delta State Government officials.

Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, were on ground to receive the award on behalf of Governor Oborevwori.

The award, which started in 2019, is to shore up performance at the Primary Health Care level so as to

make healthcare more accessible to the people at the grassroots.

It is the first time since the inception of the awards that Delta would be considered for mention in any category of recognition. It had never won any prize money.

After receiving the award on behalf of Governor Oborevwori, Dr. Onojaeme said that the award was proof that the administration's MORE agenda was on course and yielding positive results.

He disclosed that Governor Oborevwori's determination and commitment to revamping the health sector was not in doubt, adding that

the recent approval for the renovation of over 150 Primary Health Care centres must have been pivotal to the state earning the award.

Delta State was considered for the award after a visit of the technical committee set up to assess the state of PHCs in all 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital.

The committee comprised representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank and the United Nations Food Programme (UNFPA), among others.

have corporate governance all you want in the private sector, but if you don't have good governance in the public sector, there's a problem. There is a gap.

“Gap needs to be plugged, and we should think seriously about what to do, about what I'm saying and what I'm about to say.”

He noted that Africans tend to think that their problem is poverty and need for foreign investors and debt forgiveness but pointed out that “the biggest problem the African continent faces, and that also includes our dear country, Nigeria, is the absence of

good and competent governance.

“That country or a continent that was well governed the way it should be, with purpose-driven leadership that is thinking about improving lives of the citizens and the people, about taking people from poverty into the middle class, about taking people from being mid-range to being globally.

“We would not be in the situation in which we are today. The private sector in Nigeria is bleeding, bleeding massively, and if the private sector is bleeding, you can imagine the condition of Nigerians who are not corporate citizens, just ordinary. Ebonyi Governor Announces N150,000 Christmas Bonus for Workers

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has announced the sum of N150,000 each as 2024 Christmas bonus for all civil servants in the state.

The governor made this announcement at a state banquet organised in honour of the visiting British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, at the Government House Abakaliki.

The 2024 Christmas bonus is N50,000 higher than the 2023 bonus.

He said the gesture is in appreciation of workers' commitment to duty and their understanding during the strike action.

"Our workers have shown a lot of commitments and respect to us as a government. During the strike action they heeded our appeal because they understood the situation and

we were most grateful and ready to always dialogue on how to improve their welfare."

The governor directed that every worker should receive the bonus before close of work on Tuesday next week He had earlier received the British Deputy High Commissioner in his office at Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, where he solicited the assistance of the British Government in the areas of water, health, power and education as well as agriculture . "We are committed to industrialising the state, with progress in Ebonyi Pipe Production Company, Ebonyi State Fertilisers and Chemicals Company, Industrial Clusters, and Ebonyi State Hatchery, Nkaliki. We cultivate rice in large quantities and seek your collaboration to enhance production for exportation.

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), The Safe Haven Foundation (SHF), has opened an office in Abuja, the federal capital territory to cater for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

SHF was established by the immediate past Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, to provide holistic support to individuals who have experienced violence.

Founded in 2016, SHF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing domestic violence through strategic legal interventions, research driven advocacy and support to survivors and offenders.

With the latest opening of its shelter,

the foundation marks a significant step forward in its mission to create a society where everyone can live free from fear and harm.

According to Waziri-Azi, by offering comprehensive support services, the foundation seeks to empower survivors, foster awareness, and advocate for systemic change to end the cycle of abuse in Nigeria.

She noted that the services offered at Safe Haven Foundation include:

“Advocacy: Raising awareness across communities with a focus on fostering behavioral change; Free Legal Representation and Referral Services: Assisting survivors with obtaining protection orders, securing compensation, and handling custody or divorce proceedings.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Alex Enumah in Abuja

L-R: Head, Corporate Communications, TGI Group, Rafiat Gawat; Executive Director, Cormart Nigeria Limited & Chi Farms Limited, (A TGI Group subsidiary), Dr. Johannes Flosbach; Expert in Poultry and Swine, JBS, Brazil, Osorio Dal Bello; Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi; Managing Director, Cormart Nigeria Limited & Chi Farms Nigeria Limited, Martin Middernacht, Head, International Expansion, JBS, Fabio Maia; and Director, Corporate Affairs, TGI Group, Sadiq Kassim, during the courtesy visit to Chi Farms by JBS delegates and NIPC officials…recently

All e yes on Lookman, Nnadozie As CAF p OTY

Nominees p runed to Three

The Confederation ofAfrican Football,CAF,onThursday streamlined the nominees for theAfrican Footballer of theYearAwards from five to three ahead of Monday night’s showdown in Marrakech,Morocco.All eyes are on Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman and Super Falcons goalkeeper,Chiamaka Nnadozie to repeat the double for Nigeria,writes Kunle Adewale

Last year, Nigerian players enjoyed a very good outing at the CAF African Footballer of the Year awards after the duo of Victor Osimhen andAsisat Oshoala carted away the male and female categories of the award, and ahead of Monday’s award at the Le Palais des Congrès, Morocco, Nigeria’s soccer fans would be hoping for another double for their nominated players.

On Thursday, Super Eagles and Atalanta of Italy winger, Ademola Lookman and Super Falcons and Paris Saint-Germain goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie, made the last three nominees’ list and they were trimmed from five to three.

The Confederation of African Football will host the annual CAF Awards ceremony in at Le Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday, where the continent’s top players, coaches and teams will be honoured.

Aside Lookman, Cote d’Ivoire and Brighton & Hove Albion winger, Simon Adingra, along with Borussia Dortmund’s Guinea international striker, Serhou Guirassy and Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Paris SaintGermain, have been nominated for the men’s category.

However, the Atalanta’s exciting winger will be the pick of Nigerian fans.

Lookman was Nigeria’s key creative force at the last Africa Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire, inspiring the Super Eagles’ attacking unit with Victor Osimhen not at his sharpest, and showcasing his inventiveness, as the West African giants reached an unexpected final.

Troost-Ekong was named Player of the

Tournament, but it was Lookman’s double against Cameroon in the Last 16, and winner against Angola in the quarter that gave Nigeria the momentum to progress.

Unlike South Africa’s Williams or Cote d’Ivoire Adingra, however, the AFCON wasn’t the highlight of Lookman’s year, and he compensated for Nigeria’s final defeat with his hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory over previously undisputed Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin in May.

It was an unforgettable showing, and surely the highlight of Lookman’s career - which hasn’t always enjoyed a steady upwards trajectory - to date. Thanks to the Nigerian, Atalanta won the first continental title in their history, and a first major honour since 1963, while ending Bayer’s 51-match unbeaten streak in the process.

Interestingly, Lookman on Tuesday continued his charge towards a maiden Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Player of the Year title with another scintillating display against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Widely regarded as a favourite for the 2024 CAF Awards, the Nigerian forward once again proved his class as he showcased his finishing prowess in the 65th minute, halving the deficit with a stunning near-post strike past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to score his 11th goal of the season.

Despite Atalanta’s defeat, Lookman’s outstanding performance was recognised as he was awarded the Player of the Match prize for his outstanding performance against Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Lookman has admitted that playing for Nigeria’s senior national team

was the turning point in his football career.

Having earlier appeared for England in the age-grade teams, he made his Super Eagles debut against the Black Stars of Ghana in a 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff.

Since then, the Atalanta winger has made 28 appearances and scored eight goals for Nigeria.

In an interview with Sporty TV, Lookman stated that his football career has been fruitful even since he played for the Super Eagles.

“It was massive for me because that was really a big turning point in my career. Ever since I’ve put on the Super Eagles jersey, it has been fruitful,” he told Sporty TV.

“We have been able to achieve together as a team and we are still growing as a team. The togetherness of the team is something that is very special within the squad.

“We showed that in the last AFCON, we got to the final but unfortunately we came up a bit short,” the U21 World Cup winner with England said.

In the same vien, Super Falcons goalkeeper, Nnadozie, is poised for the African Women Player of the Year Award to make it a double for Nigeria.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) listed the Super Falcons and Paris FC safe hands among the last five nominees for the 2024 Player of the Year, as well as the Goalkeeper of the Year Award category. on Thursday announced the final shortlist for the 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award, with Nigeria’s Chia-

maka Nnadozie making the cut alongside Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Morocco’s Sanaâ Mssoudy.

Nnadozie, a 24-year-old goalkeeper who plays for Paris FC in France’s Division 1 Féminine, has been recognised for her outstanding performances throughout the year.

With a clean sheet ratio of 33%, Nnadozie has been instrumental in her team’s success, providing reassuring security at Her impressive form earned her the Goalkeeper of the Season award in the 2023/24 Division 1 Féminine, as her side finished third in the league. Nnadozie also represented Nigeria at the Paris Olympic Games and is expected to continue playing a crucial role in her team’s future success.

The CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious honours in African football, and Nnadozie’s nomination is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.

The winner will succeed Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, who has dominated the award in previous years.

Nnadozie also featured in the list of five players shortlisted for the Goalkeeper of the Year category.

The other four nominees for the Goalkeeper of the Year award include; Fideline Ngoy of DR Congo/TP Mazembe; Habiba Sabry of Egypt/FC Masar; Khadija ErRmichi of Morocco/AS FAR) and Andile Dlamini of South Africa/ Mamelodi Sundowns. Soccer crazy Nigerians would, however, be hoping for a double celebration come Monday, in Marrakech, Morocco.

Lookman

Nnadoxie

Rohr Backs Lookman to Win African POTY

Former Nigeria manager, Gernot Rohr is backing Ademola Lookman to be crowned African Footballer of the Year.

Africa’s finest performers of the year will be honored at the 2024 CAF Awards, set to take place at the Palais des congrès de Marrakech Morocco, on Monday, December 16, 2024.

Lookman netted a hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading Atalanta to become the only team in the 2023-20224 season to defeat German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, delivering a performance for the ages in

European football history.

On the international stage, the Charlton Athletic academy graduate shone as the Super Eagles advanced to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing three goals and an assist, and earning a spot in the official Team of the Tournament.

Although Rohr did not work directly with Ademola Lookman, he included the Atalanta star in his provisional squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations before being dismissed just weeks before the tournament in Cameroon.

“He has made a lot of prog-

ress. His difficult first seasons in England and Germany are now a thing of the past. He has managed to get back up and shine,” Rohr said to Foot Africa.

“I followed him a few years ago with the Super Eagles. He went from the shadows to the light. Today, he is a complete player, as effective as an assister as he is as a scorer.”

The German football tactician was in the Benin dugout as Lookman scored a brace in the Super Eagles’ 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September.

Ex Blues’ Hero, Petit, Charges Arsenal to Sign Osimhen

Former Chelsea star, Emmanuel Petit has urged Arsenal to make a move for Napoli-owned forward, Victor Osimhen in the January transfer window.

The Gunners have scored 29 goals in the Premier League this season, the fourth-highest in the division, but strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have struggled with consistency.

Havertz has five goals but has found the back of the net just once in the last seven games, while Jesus has been in poorer form as has not scored in 12 league games.

Arsenal trail league leaders Liverpool by six points, but have played one more game than the Reds.

There have been calls urging

Mikel Arteta to bolster his attacking options to close the gap between them and top of the table.

The former French footballer has urged his Arsenal to reinforce their attacking options, citing Osimhen as a good target.

“I think Arsenal needs one or two more players, especially up front and maybe on the left flank to make rotations and to bring more qualities as well,” Petit, who won the Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal, said to talkSPORT.

“They need a really, really good striker that can score goals because I really like Kai Havertz, sometimes Gabriel Jesus can do the job.

Ese Vows to Shut Baddo’s

Ahead of their muchanticipated clash at GOtv Boxing Night on December 26, Hammed “Ese” Ganiyu has labeled Raheem “Baddo” Animashaun a “talkative” who is yet to face a true ring test.

The two rising stars are set to square off in one of six electrifying bouts at the Boxing Jamz edition of GOtv Boxing Night, scheduled to take place at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. Animashaun, 19, enters the fight with momentum, having clinched the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of N 1 million as the best boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 31 in May. Confident in his abilities, Baddo had vowed

TGI Group has reaffirmed its dedication to corporate citizenship by proudly supporting the 2nd African Military Games (AMGA) 2024.

“But a typical striker that can score 20, 30 goals per season, this is exactly what Arsenal needs.

“I really like Osimhen. I think he’s on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain as well. I like Leao from AC Milan. They are different players but they are performing well at their clubs.”

Osimhen has been in great form for Galatasaray, scoring 10 goals in 13 games. He is the Turkish giants’ top scorer this term.

Despite the clause permitting him to leave Galatasaray next month, he has reiterated that he will be staying at the club till the end of the season, making it highly unlikely for Arsenal to succeed in a move for him.

Mouth, Says He Talks Too Much

to punish Ese for daring to challenge him.

Ese, however, dismissed Baddo’s threats, calling him untested and unprepared for what’s to come. “I like his confidence and his talk, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me,” Ese remarked. “He hasn’t lost because he hasn’t been to war. On December 26, he’ll step into the ring and experience punches that will daze him. He’ll finally know what a real fight feels like.”

In addition to the thrilling boxing matchups, the night promises top-notch entertainment with performances by

History Made as Fencing World Cup Kicks off in Lagos Today

Nigeria is set to make history as the first Men’s Junior Epee World Cup in Sub-Saharan Africa begins today, at Charterhouse Lagos.

This landmark event, sanctioned by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), will feature teams from Benin Republic, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Oman, and host Nigeria.

A total of 34 fencers will compete for honours in the individual events, with world ranking points at stake.

This two-day tournament marks the first international event hosted by the iconic Charterhouse Lagos building.

The Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC), Palle Kitty Group has donated a sum of N500,000 to Madonna Special School, Okpanam, Delta State, as part of activities to mark their end of the year event.

The presentation of the cheque for the amount by the Leader of the group, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, to Sister Agatha was the highpoint of the Kitty held at IGCC on Saturday, December 7th, 2024.

The ceremonial tee-off of the 5th Palle Kitty Group Charity Golf Tournament was performed by Delta State Deputy Governor,

music stars Mayorkun and YKB, alongside comic relief from MC Lively.

Other bouts lined up for the night include a national super welterweight title fight between Lateef Azeez and Rasheed Adeyemo. In the other bouts, Akintunde Abolade will square up against Emmanuel Abimbola in the national super flyweight category; Sikiru Shogbesan will battle Imole Oloyede in a national super featherweight challenge; Taiwo Olowu will confront Jafaru Suleiman in a national super welterweight challenge, while Kehinde Owoeye and Emmanuel Bamidele will face-off in the amateur flyweight category.

Top officials from the FIE and Commonwealth Fencing Federation will be present to oversee the competition.

Nigeria is also vying to host the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in 2026.

Coach Ibrahim Alogba has expressed confidence in the Nigerian team, led by Wisdom Okanlawon, as they prepare to challenge their international counterparts.

All eyes will be on Egypt’s Eslam Osama, the tournament’s top seed. The Egyptian team boasts three top seeds, including Youssef Shamel and Mahmoud Elsayed, ranked second and third respectively.

Other top contenders include

The excitement surrounding the event underscores its significance to the Nigeria Fencing Federation, led by Adeyinka Samuel. “Our athletes used to travel abroad for major competitions to earn ranking points. Now, with this event in Nigeria, they can save costs and gain points ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers. We are thrilled that months of preparation will culminate in this historic tournament on December 14. It signifies our growth in African fencing,” Samuel stated.

Sir Monday Onyeme, who also inaugurated the newly installed access control at the entrance and other facilities at upgraded club house executed by the club’s Excos. Meanwhile, at the end of the golf tournament,

Nathan Erebor (hcp 25) emerged winner in the men’s category with a net score of 69. Henry Onianwa won the longest drive award, while Lucky Oniovokukor (hcp 34) won the veteran men’s category with 75 net.

2024 Alake Golf Tournament Ends in Style

The 2024 Alake Golf Tournament at the Abeokuta Golf Club, Oke Mosan, Ogun State, came to a close last Saturday as Johnson Linus emerged overall winner with a net score of 67.

A total of 112 golfers teed-off at the tournament sponsored by Oando Plc. It was organised in honour of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, also to serve as a platform to honour the monarch enduring legacy and contributions to Egbaland.

Linus (7) from AGC beat

second placed Fatai Ajibade (4) who played 73 net to win the men’s 0 - 8 category while Azeez Odejayi (4) placed third with 74 net after beating Akande Omoniyi (8) on count-back. Desmond Matthew from Ikoyi Golf Club won the best gross award with a gross score of 66.

The professional category was a tough battle as Kabiru Aminu from Ilorin Golf Club played 68 gross to beat the duo of AGC based pros, Samson Arowolo, 71 gross and Nojimu Sofela, 73 gross, respectively.

In the men’s category 9 -19,

Idowu Olujimi (19) emerged AGC winner with 70 net after beating David Ogunseye on count back in AGC category. Idowu Johnson from Tiger Golf Club, Ibadan played 69 net to win the guests category. Similarly, Olaitan Shabi won the AGC men’s 20 - 28 category with 68 net just as Oluwaseun Aderibigbe from Ikeja Golf Club won the guests category. Also, Ruth Luwoye (25) won the AGC regular ladies with 79 net while the guest event went to Omolola Aderibigbe of Ikeja Golf Club with 85 net.

195th Manchester Derby Lights up Premier League Weekend on Showmax

in recent weeks.

Nigerian Armed Forces.

Team Nigeria emerged as the champions, dominating the medal table with 234 medals, including 114 golds, 65 silvers, and 45 bronzes.

In a comment, the Vice Chairman - TGI Group, Mr. Farouk Gumel, lauded the efforts of the

Held from November 18 to 30 in Abuja, Nigeria, the AMGA 2024 brought together military personnel across Africa under the theme: ‘Enhancing Africa’s Military Cooperation Through Sports’.

“As an organisation that values excellence, we must acknowledge the resilience and excellence of our gallant Nigeria Armed Forces. Their remarkable achievement at AMGA 2024 cements Nigeria’s position as a continental leader in this regard as well,” he said.

One of English football’s most glamorous match-ups, the Manchester derby, will take center stage this weekend, as Manchester City and Manchester United battle for the 195th time live on Showmax tomorrow.Both teams head into this clash with a point to prove, making it one of the most crucial fixtures of the season so far. Manchester City, the reigning champions, are coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace. Pep Guardiola’s side have been uncharacteristically inconsistent

A derby victory at the Etihad would provide a timely boost to their campaign as they chase the run-away league leaders, Liverpool. On the other hand, Manchester United are also under scrutiny after back-toback Premier League defeats. Their 2-3 loss to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford last weekend marked their second consecutive league defeat under manager Ruben Amorim. A win against their city rivals could give them a much

needed lift in their bid to turn their season around.

Following their 4-3 comeback victory against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Chelsea will host Brentford at Stamford Bridge, seeking to build on their recent dramatic success and consolidate their second position in the standings. Third-placed Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham last weekend and will be eager to regain their winning form when they face Everton at home today.

Members of the Nigeria fencing team to the world Cup whi kicks off today

L-r: Student of Masaf Science Academy, Kano, Somto patrick Onoduenyi; Acting Chairman, Kano State Sports Commission, Ibrahim umar Fagge; Vice president and Head of NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu; Coach, Secretary, Basketball Coaches Association of Nigeria (BCAN), wilson Idanwekhai; and Student, Bayero university, Kano, Ternguher princess Zaki during the Jr. NBA basketball clinic held at the Sanni Abacha Stadium Indoor Basketball Court in Kano, Nigeria…recently

Hong Kong’s Kenton Jia Hsu and Greece’s Artemios Tzovanis.

Palle Kitty Group Donates Cash to Madonna Special School, Holds Charity Tournament

Left - right: IGCC Captain, Chief patrick ukah; Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and Leader of palle Kitty Group, Dr kingsley emu, Secretary to the State Government.

MISSILE

Nigeria to Trump

“Trump has threatened so many countries, not only BRICS. He threatened Canada and China, so Nigeria should not allow any country to dictate for it. It will pay Nigeria more to be a member of BRICS” – Retired career diplomat, Sola Abolurin, urged Nigeria to dismiss Trump’s outburst, describing it as an empty threat.

AHMED ADENIYI RAJI

GUEST COLUMNIST

Nigeria and Quest for Sustainable Devt: The Wealth Tax Option

“But can we continue to service external debt with over 90% of our revenue? It’s a path to destruction, we cannot continue that. We have to make hard decisions”

–President Tinubu’s speech at the NBA Annual General Conference of 2023

The increasing decay of public infrastructures and the apparent inability of the successive governments in Nigeria to fund basic social amenities call for some concerns. Our public institutions that offer basic amenities are at the verge of total collapse. Public universities have become ghost of themselves, while many public secondary and primary schools are not fit for animal habitation, let alone humans. Our public health service is appalling while transportation infrastructure is crying for help. Our children study under dilapidated school buildings with leaking roofs, libraries lack basic books let alone latest publications while school laboratories are without basic reagents. It is also apparent that the governments at all levels have been recording budget deficits due to the increasing gap between government revenue and expenditures. This work posits that wealth taxation is one option open to Nigeria to overcome its infrastructural decay challenges.

The work explains the fundamentals of a wealth tax including the practicability and policy issue considerations involved in the design and implementation of a wealth tax. It concludes that as controversial as it may seem, with the declining economic fortunes of Nigeria, the super rich in the society must be made to contribute a token of their wealth to rescue the country.

A wealth tax is a tax levied on the market value of assets owned by a taxpayer. It is a tax that applies to the net fair market value of all or some of a variety of a person’s wealth stock including but not limited to cash, bank deposits, shares, fixed assets, cars, real estate, pension, ownership of unincorporated businesses, financial securities and trusts. It is a tax on an individual’s net worth which is generally the difference between someone’s assets and liabilities.

Historically, a wealth tax seeks to achieve some public policy goals including raising revenue to fund government programmes. A very unique tax, a wealth tax, historically, is often a response to a state of emergency. It has been used in the past by countries to raise revenues to fund State expenditures in the event of disasters, war or pandemic.

The Nigerian State presents a paradox of some super rich individuals living in a society where the majority wallow in abject poverty amidst infrastructural decay. The case for a 2% one-off wealth tax in Nigeria appears not very complex especially where the applicable threshold is, for instance, N10billion. This ensures that the tax burden is borne by the super rich only. A one-off

2% to 5% wealth tax with a relatively wide base would be an efficient way to mobilise revenue for critical infrastructures in the country. The fact that the imposition is one-off may “calm down” the rich and it may be taken as a sacrifice to be made in the overriding interest of the society. A wealth tax is often an interventionist fiscal measure rather than a recurring imposition. A one-off wealth tax (unlike an annual wealth tax) will certainly generate much less uproar and resistance among the wealthy class.

Special payment arrangements may also be made to enhance ease of payment. These arrangements may include deferred or instalmental payment, especially for the “assets rich but cash poor”. These will include dormant assets held by the aged. Government may also consider payment in kind with a portion of the asset. Beyond the immediate revenue generation, a wealth tax is also capable of reducing the spate of civil unrests such as the 2021 “end SARS” protests which appears to be a protest by the poor against the rich. With the increasing wide gaps between the “haves” and the “have nots” in Nigeria, a wealth tax is capable of creating a feeling of social justice among the less privileged. The recent removal of the fuel subsidy and its attendant economic hardship being experienced by the masses might have been prevented by the introduction of a wealth tax which targets only the super rich in the country. A one-off wealth tax could have generated enough funds to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal. With this arrangement, social justice is enhanced as the masses get the feeling that the wealth tax operates to reduce the wide gaps between the rich and the poor. A society like ours, where the rich and the poor are made to bear equal burden in national growth and development, may be sitting on a time bomb.

As controversial as it may seem, a tax system that makes the super rich to support the State appears to be very compelling at this time in our overall interest as a people. It also seem to be in the enlightened best interest of the rich class as well. The country is at the cross road and the rich elite should wake up to the reality of the discontent of the poor and its implications for security of lives and properties.

Accountability and trust is crucial to the success of a wealth tax, especially in a country like ours. Being a special fiscal measure, the tax must be administered in a way that engenders public confidence, especially the confidence of the tax payers. We recommend that while the tax may be collected by the FIRS, the use of same must be entrusted to a special committee comprised of distinguished Nigerians with clean and impeccable records of service both in the private and public sector.

In designing a wealth tax for a country, it is important to determine whether the tax will be global or domestic. A domestic wealth tax charges residents’ assets within its jurisdiction while a global wealth tax imposes tax not only on residents’ assets within its jurisdiction but also nationals’ assets located in foreign jurisdictions. It is a matter of common knowledge that the Nigerian wealthy class have a significant part of their assets in foreign jurisdictions including tax havens. A global wealth tax will, therefore, be the most appropriate for Nigeria with the potential for a very high yield. To achieve this objective, the government must have access to reliable data of foreign assets owned by Nigerians. This will require international cooperation. Exchange of information between Nigeria and other countries, particularly in Europe, UK and America, is critical to the success of a global wealth tax. The federal government may need to enter into multilateral and bilateral treaties in this regard.

Nigeria is a Federal State with each layer of government exercising certain fiscal powers within its jurisdiction. As noted earlier, international cooperation including bilateral and multilateral treaties is crucial to the success of a global wealth tax. Foreign relations including treaties fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government through the National Assembly. The federal government, through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), will be in the best position to administer a wealth tax. The revenue authorities in most States of Nigeria lack the capacity to administer an efficient wealth tax.

The prospects of a wealth tax in Nigeria are not without its challenges. These challenges will include poor data on property ownership, disguised assets ownership, the problem of valuation, endemic corruption among others. Nigeria has no reliable data of property and asset ownerships. The success of a wealth tax will depend largely on the level of property and assets ownership data available to it. The federal government may overcome this challenge by calling on all the States revenue authorities in

Nigerian to forward their taxpayers database for harmonisation. Relevant data may also be collected from agencies such as Land Registries, vehicle licencing authorities, and authorities that licence luxury goods such as private jets and yachts. Other potential sources include registers of political offices aspirants in Nigeria, Nigerian Immigration Service and Passport offices and Code of Conduct Bureau.

There is also the problem of disguised asset ownership. A wealth tax is customarily imposed on individuals and families, but many high worth properties and assets in Nigeria are held in the name of corporate entities especially limited liability companies. Because the dominant tax units for wealth taxation are individuals and families, assets and properties held in corporate names may escape the tax net. Accordingly, the tax net should cover corporate entities including those with significant market presence whether with or without permanent establishment in case of foreign companies. The FIRS should be assigned the core role with support from bodies such as National Intelligence Agency, the State Security Service, CBN and EFCC. This is to enable the authorities have adequate and full information about those who ought to be in the tax net in respect of assets both within and outside the country.

Valuation is a major challenge of any wealth tax. A wealth tax is often imposed at a percentage of the value of the target asset or property. Will the method of valuation be the open market value of the assets, self-assessment or other methods of valuation such as insurance valuation? While self-assessment method may promote voluntary compliance, the tax yield may be poor due to undervaluation. The process of valuation, tax assessment, collection and general administration of the tax may also be bedevilled by the culture of endemic corruption in Nigeria. There are various concerns and policy objectives that may motivate a government to consider a wealth tax. The current state of infrastructural deficit and decay in Nigeria calls for some drastic measures to save the situation. This has become very important in view of the level of our current national indebtedness which we are told is being serviced with over 90% of our revenue. Surely, this is a recipe for disaster which must be arrested. Wealth tax, if properly designed and well implemented, offers a great window. It should not be delayed till election cycle is around the corner otherwise the political will may be lacking. It should be now. A one-off wealth tax is a fiscal option which this current government may consider to achieve a massive urban renewal and infrastructural development. This is also in the enlightened self-interest of the Nigerian super rich elites class.

• Raji, a Senior Advocate of Nigerian, FCIArb (UK), has a Master’s degree in Taxation from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom

REASON

Tinubu