THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2024

TotalEnergies, MRS, Sifax, FIRST E&P, Sahara, Others Win Oil Blocs as Dangote Crashes Petrol Price Undermining Imports

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Targeting Inflation at 15 Percent, Tinubu Presents N49.7trn 2025 Budget Proposal

Govt allocates N4.9trn to defence, security; N4.06trn for infrastructure; N2.48trn for health and N3.52trn for

N15.81trn Says economic recovery in sight as foreign reserves hit $42bn, trade surplus stands at N5.8trn Revenue collection hits 75% of target in 2024 Akpabio justifies extension of 2024 budget lifespan to June, 2025 Defends tax reform bills, says critics yet to read proposed laws

15 percent in the 2025 proposal.

In the proposed fiscal plan, the Defence and Security were closely followed by infrastructure with the sum of N4.06 trillion, while the sum of N2.48 trillion was allocated for the health sector and N3.52 trillion budgeted for the education sector.

Tinubu, in the budget presentation held at the House of Representatives Chamber, noted that the budget

Hon

during the

the

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos In Nigeria's first oil bid round con-

Bola Ahmed Tinubu assisted by Special Adviser to the President on Nass Mathers (SENATE), Senator Basheer Lado (left), and Senior Special Assistant to the President on (House of Reps),

Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, (middle),

Presentation of

2025 Budget Proposal to the Joint Session of the National Assembly, in

Deji Elumoye, Ndubuisi Francis, Sunday Aborisade, Adedayo Akinwale and Juliet Ekoje in Abuja

L-R: Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, and the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Revd, Dr Daniel Okoh, during the Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons, held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.

STATUTORY BRIEFING OF SENATE COMMITTEE ON BANKING, FINANCE...

CBN: At $42 Billion, Nigeria’s External Reserves Can Finance Nine-month Imports

To Boost cashless economy, combat fraud, others, apex bank unveils cash-out limits for agent banking transactions Senate asks central bank to address interest rate hikes, naira scarcity

James Emejo and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said the country’s $42.01 billion external reserves could finance importation of goods and services for more than nine months in 2025.

This was as the apex bank, assured Nigerians of better economic fortunes in 2025.

The Governor of the CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso stated this during a performance index report presentation to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions.

Cardoso made the remarks just as the CBN introduced policy interven- tions to enhance the use of electronic payment channels for agency banking operations in the country.

The move also seeks to boost ongoing efforts by the apex bank to advance a cash-less economy, and address identified challenges, combat fraud and establish uniform operational standards across the industry.

The new policy review was conveyed in a circular dated December 17, 2024, and signed by Oladimeji Yisa Taiwo for the CBN Director, Payments System Management Department, which addressed to all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Microfinance Banks, Mobile Money Operators and Super-Agents.

Speaking during the session with the Senators, the CBN Governor said, "External Reserves rose from $38.35 billion it was on September 30, 2024,

to $42.01billion as of December 12, 2024.”

He explained that the increase in external reserves within the stated period, was driven largely by receipts from crude oil related taxes and third party receipts in the third quarter of 2024.

He explained, “We maintained a current account surplus and saw remarkable improvements in our trade balance.

"Our external reserves level can finance over 9.09 months of import of goods and services or 13.91 months only, higher than the international benchmark of 3.0 months and a robust buffer against shocks.”

On cash shortage, the CBN Governor reiterated application of new policy of N150 million fine against any bank branch caught indulging in illegal distribution of new naira notes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous elements.

He added that the Nigerian economy would take a better shape in 2025, through policies and measures that had been put on ground.

Cardoso said, "Despite the challenges facing our economy, there are clear reasons for optimism.

"The gradual stabilisation of the forex market, ongoing banking sector recapitalisation, positive growth trends in key sectors, especially the services sector indicate a path toward recovery and stability."

He explained that diaspora remittances through the International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) totalled

$4.22 billion from January to October 2024, almost doubling the $2.62 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2023.

“The increase in remittances represents a growth of approximately 61.1 percent in one year,” he added.

Providing a monthly breakdown, Cardoso noted that remittances rose from $336.61 million in September 2024 to $402.38 million in October 2024.

The CBN Governor attributed the increase to enhanced efficiency in the remittance process, the positive impact of President Bola Tinubu's policies, and the growing confidence of Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to national development.

Cardoso further projected that

remittance inflows would continue to rise by the end of the year, given the current trajectory.

The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the occasion, urged the CBN to address its interest rate hikes. It warned that economic productivity cannot be enhanced in a high interest rate environment where access to credit is equally constrained.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Tokunbo Abiru, gave the advice during the interactive session with the CBN delegation.

Abiru said, "It goes without saying, therefore, that productivity cannot be enhanced in a very high interest rate environment where access to credit

is equally constrained.

“This is why we think the bank should devote more time to assess the impact of sustained rate hikes not only on the general price level but also on the overall economic activity."

Further expressing concerns over rising inflation, the chairman urged the apex bank to consider deploying monetary policy tools to support productivity noting that traditional tools for maintaining inflation are weakened by huge cash circulating outside the banks.

"This is without prejudice to the banks' primary mandate of maintaining price stability and its instrument of independence," he added.

Abiru highlighted the role of

increased output, especially in the agricultural sector, in moderating inflationary pressures dominated by the food index.

To further support productivity, he recommended that the bank should consider resuming targeted interventions to SMEs through developing financial institutions, and other mechanisms, as part of efforts to achieve the $1 trillion of economy. He further emphasised the importance of synchronising monetary and fiscal policies to achieve desired macroeconomic goals.

The chairman also raised concerns around the persistent cash scarcity in recent times despite assurances by CBN to address the challenge.

Minister Vows to Ensure Zero Tolerance for Unfair Labour Practices

Says only three states yet to commit to new minimum wage

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dangyadi, yesterday, said the federal government would not tolerate unhealthy labour practices, including child labour and irregular labour migration. He also said the federal government was committed to the full implementation of the new minimum wage Act, adding that all the states of the federation except three had made similar commitments to pay workers N70,000 or above.

new minimum wage.

He gave assurance that latest January ending, most of the States, if not all across the country would have commenced payment of the

Health Ministry Wins SERVICOM Award, Named Overall Best Performing MDA

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has emerged as the overall best performing Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) in the country as it was bestowed with additional three distinguished awards by the SERVICOM Office in the Presidency. In a statement by Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, said the four awards were - the Special Recognition Award; Most Innovative in Team A; Best Performing in Team A, and Overall

Best Performing MDA, which was the ultimate; according to the Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare Prof Muhammad Ali Pate.

Speaking during the SERVICOM’s end of year award ceremony for all MDAs, Pate noted that public service was rooted in purpose, driven by commitment and focused on results. Pate, dedicated the awards to Nigerians whom the Health Ministry serves and, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing the enablement to serve.

While describing the moment as humbling, he affirmed the four

awards as more than an acknowledgement of effort, stressing, it was a declaration that our collective work, our systems and, early results are making a real difference.

These awards, the Coordinating Minister added, were symbol of unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery and “to the promise we strive to fulfill every single day.”

According to Pate, the Special Recognition Award acknowledged the Health Ministry's sustained drive to connect government to citizens and, to touch lives through quality

service delivery in the country.

"It is a validation of the processes we have strengthened through Sectorwide Approach (SWAP)- the enabling catalyst that has aligned efforts across government, development partners and, other stakeholders to drive meaningful change," he further asserted.

While commending the President for prioritising health in his declarative statement on 12 December 2023, Pate reaffirmed and quoted him to have said: “health is back on the front burner of Nigeria's policy agenda."

Dangyadi, who spoke at a media parley with journalists in Abuja, said the government was committed to not only tackling the symptoms of joblessness, but also addressing its root causes, by fostering a culture of skill development, innovation, and sustainability.

As part of efforts to promote industrial peace, the minister said that federal government had put together a National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) with which it hopes to strengthen relationships between labour unions and employers.

"We expect that the development of this policy will further strengthen cordial relationship between this Ministry and the various labour unions, as well as employers in our conduct of industrial relations practice.

"Our administration has zero tolerance for unhealthy labour practices, including child labour and irregular labour migration. Working with local and international partners, all these are going to be confronted headlong while we are here," he explained.

On the issue of unemployment, the minister said the matter was receiving adequate attention from

the government. He said the Ministry was about to launch the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a strategy for creating more employment opportunities.

According to him, the initiative was projected to train and equip 2.5 million people annually within the next four years with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in the digital age.

He explained that the project was being driven by the Minister of State, adding that necessary committees have been set up to organise the launching of the programme soon.

Speaking further, the Minister said job creation was key among the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

"We cannot pretend about the fact that youth unemployment remains high, and millions of capable Nigerians face barriers to achieving their full potential.

“The situation is not peculiar to Nigeria or Africa, though, but a global phenomenon.

"We already have a roadmap for the future of work in Nigeria as encapsulated in the theme of the job fair, ‘Empowering Nigerian Workforce with Green and Digital Skills.’

L-R: Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammad Sani Abdullahi; CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso; and the acting Director Banking Supervision CBN, Adetona Adedeji, at the statutory briefing of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance and other Financial Institutions by CBN ... yesterday in Abuja.

PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI.

2024 AFCFTA CONSULTATIVE FORUM...

PDP Faults 2025 Appropriation

Bill, Says It’s Hopeless, Anti-people CUPP: Proposed budget is recurring tale of debt service, neglect LCCI lauds FG, say budgetary plan robust

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday described the N47.9 trillion 2025 federal government’s Appropriation Bill presented by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly as anti-people, which if implemented could plunge the nation deeper into the abyss of insecurity, poverty and hopelessness.

Also reacting to the 2025 Appropriation Bill, Secretary General, Coalition of Opposition Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ameh, described the fiscal document as a stark reminder of the country's persistent fiscal woes.

The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary,

Debo Ologunagba, asserted that the proposed budget as presented further confirmed the insensitivity of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration towards the plight of Nigerians.

He said the proposed fiscal document made no meaningful provisions and investments for critical productive sectors of agriculture and food production, electricity, petroleum and gas, and small businesses which are the real drivers of the national economy.

The PDP stated that the budget presentation by the president sounded more like a campaign rhetoric laced with unsubstantiated economic statistics, false promises and conjured performance claims without clear-cut

operable steps and mechanisms to address insecurity.

It also said there were no cogent plans to resuscitate the economy, revamp ailing industries, shore up food production, increase the value of the Naira, reduce overall cost of living, create jobs for youths and guarantee better living standards for citizens.

According to Ologunagba: ''President Tinubu dashed the hope of millions of suffering Nigerians who expected him to use the 2025 budget to make strategic provisions that will lead to the reduction in the cost of fuel, food items, electricity tariff and other essential goods and services that have direct bearing on the wellbeing of the people.

He added: ''The PDP is dismayed

that instead, the budget speech was an assault on the sensibility of Nigerians when Mr. President claimed that the 2024 budget recorded a bogus 85 per cent performance without a breakdown of the component between recurrent and capital expenditure.

''Further distressing is President Tinubu’s claim that the economy improved under his watch even in the face of acute poverty, excruciating hardship, comatose infrastructure, collapsed productive sectors, deteriorating value of the Naira, alarming 34.6 per cent inflation and 40 per cent unemployment rates in the last 18 months as validated by official figures.

''Equally ludicrous is Mr. President’s voodoo economy claim that the 2025 budget will reduce the current infla-

Adelabu: 13m Nigerians to Benefit from World Bank’s $750m Renewable Scale-up Programme

No other president has given so much priority to alternative power sources, says Aliyu

The federal government yesterday disclosed that over 13 million Nigerians will benefit from the takeoff of the $750 million of Nigeria's Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, an initiative backed by the World Bank.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said this in Abuja at the 2024 Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Stakeholders Engagement Workshop themed: “Powering Partnerships for Sustainable Energy Access and Innovation.”

Adelabu said that the government was also on course to delivering an additional 150mw to the grid while impacting 14 existing substations and establishing 21 new ones.

“The team at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has also been hard at work as we approach the kick-off of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, which I believe many of you must have heard about.

“Our partners at the World Bank have committed $750 million to this groundbreaking project and we are certain that over 13 million Nigerians will be impacted through the DARES,” the minister, who was represented by the Director of Renewable Energy and Rural Access at the ministry, Sunday Owolabi, explained.

Adelabu pointed out that the days of glossing over ideas and strategies in the power sector were long gone,

insisting that now is the time for action as energy poverty has been a persistent challenge for decades, especially in rural communities where millions lack access to electricity.

Just as the REA, an implementing agency of the federal government, and ASolar, a player in the private sector collaborated to make the workshop a success, Adelabu stressed that the dichotomy between on-grid and off-grid solutions should no longer be seen as a division but as complementary components.

“As we speak, the nation continues to grapple with peculiar on-grid energy challenges. We are able to openly speak about these challenges because, since we assumed office, the ministry has been hard at work, day-by-day, tackling these challenges and converting them into opportunities for growth.

“The light that we will see at the end of the dark tunnel will shine bright and remain so, sustainably. Our dedication to this cause and our promises to Nigerians are being met and we are delighted that Mr. President is giving us all the support we need to tackle the nation’s energy challenge,” he noted.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of REA, Abba Aliyu, said the kind of priority being given to the renewable energy sector by the Bola Tinubu-led government had never been received in the past.

He added that decentralisation of the power sector had given sub-national governments and communities the leeway to participate in providing

reliable electricity in the country.

“For the first time in the history of Nigeria, the entire electricity value chain has been liberalised and the subnational and the private sectors have been given the opportunity to play a key role in providing electrification in this country.

“Apart from that, Mr. President approved the request of the Minister of Power by approving the $750 million

DARES Fund which I'm happy to stand here to tell you that the programme has been launched yesterday,” he pointed out.

He urged the private sector to utilise the opportunity provided by the government to go to communities and begin the deployment infrastructure so as to benefit from capital grants and subsidies based on the predetermined framework that was approved.

tion rate from 34.6 per cent to 15 per cent and improve the value of the Naira from approximately N1,700 to the Dollar to N1,500 without any indices for tangible investment in the productive sector and in the face of a staggering N134.3 trillion ($91.3 billion) debt accumulated under the APC watch.''

The PDP noted that the resident in his speech failed to disclose the capital and recurrent profiles of the 2025 budget.

This, it argued, heightened public apprehension on the issue of full disclosure and transparency in government spending under the current administration.

‘''Given the crippled national productive sector, it is clear that with the N47.9 trillion expenditure including N15.8 trillion provision for debt services, the projected N34.8 tril- lion revenue with N13 trillion deficit will be financed by excruciating taxes and levies on already impoverished citizens and companies operating in the country.

''The 2025 budget as proposed will shrink our national business environment, further cripple the productive sector, discourage domestic and foreign investors, lead to further depreciation of the Naira, worsen unemployment and inflation rate and push million more Nigerians into abject poverty and invariably heighten insecurity,'' it argued.

The PDP therefore called on the National Assembly not to pass the 2025 budget as presented, but activate its legislative powers as guaranteed under Sections 80, 81 and 82 of the 1999

Constitution to rejig the budget and make provisions that are critical and pivotal to the growth of the economy and the welfare of Nigerians. Meanwhile, Secretary General, CUPP, Peter Ameh, described the 2025 budget proposal as a stark reminder of the country's persistent fiscal woes. In a statement he signed, the CUPP scribe said, ''A cursory examination of the line items reveals a familiar pattern: debt servicing continues to take a substantial chunk of the budget, while allocations for critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure remain woefully inadequate.

''This phenomenon is not new; rather, it is a recurring tale that has plagued Nigeria's budgeting process for years.''

But the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has commended the ‘robust’ plans of the federal government as presented through the 2025 Budget, aptly themed the "Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity."

The Chamber also noted the attention on key priorities, including security, infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture, focusing on achieving macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth.

The LCCI, however, warned that beyond the figures and assumptions, budget implementation is the key performance driver. It said that the 2024 budget implementation cycle extension to June 2025 should be closely watched to avoid such in the future as it can signal weak budget execution.

Rewane: FG’s $1tn GDP Ambition Lacks Clear Strategy

Says

Dike Onwuamaeze

naira

The Managing Director of Financial Derivative Company Limited (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has said the federal government's $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) economy ambition lacks a clear strategy to achieve it, describing it as akin to “aiming for the moon.”

Rewane gave this description in his December 2024 presentation at the Lagos Business School (LBS) Breakfast titled: “Economic Reform 2023/2024: Economy on a Mend or at a Bend.”

He said: “Nigeria’s ambition of $1 trillion GDP could be like aiming for the moon and the absence of a clear development strategy could be a major drawback.”

He remarked that the reforms

devalued by over 26%

were initiated in search of economic redemption but policy credibility will be stretched at a high political cost.

Rewane recalled that the economic destination of Bola Tinubu’s administration’s broad macroeconomic goals for the next eight years included the attainment of a GDP of $1 trillion, average annual growth rate of 7.0 per cent, single digit interest and inflation rates of 9.0 per cent and an exchange rate of N900/$ as well as natural rate of unemployment.

He further pointed out that the policy direction of the federal government for realising these goals are elimination of (petrol) subsidies, managed floating of the exchange rate in reality, palliatives targeted at the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), monetary policy tightening,

tax reforms and palliatives that are targeted towards consumptions.

However, 19 months into the implementation of these reform measures, Rewane said that evidencebased macroeconomic scorecard has shown that the economy recorded a mere 0.34 percentage change in its average real GDP growth from 2.86 per cent in 2023 to 3.2 per cent in 2024 while average inflation growth rose from 24.7 in 2023 to 33.2.

In the same manner, the average official exchange rate rose from N889 to N1,603 between 2023 and 2024, representing a percentage change of 43.92 per cent, it said. The scorecard also showed that Nigeria’s trade balance improved from $3.5 billion in 2023 to $13.78 billion in 2024, representing a positive

70.54 percentage change while the stock market capitalisation grew from N39.56 trillion in 2023 to N58.3 trillion in 2024, representing a 51.92 percentage change.

Commenting on the exchange rate, Rewane said he expected the “Naira to trade at N1,550/$ by February 2025,” adding that the exchange rate of “the Naira will remain stable but misaligned” at parallel market rate of N1620/$; NAFEM rate of N1567/$ though its fair value should be N1151.26/$. He concluded that the Naira is undervalued at the foreign exchange market by 26.53 per cent. Rewane also commented that the impact of the reforms on government is that FAAC allocation rose from N16.09 trillion in 2023 to N23.07 trillion, which represent a change by 43.38 per cent.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; wife of former governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; and former Minister of Trade, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, during the Oyo State 2024 AfCFTA Consultative Forum, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan

When the going gets tough… the tough get rewarded!

Awards2025

the
men
and
the
women
and
the
institutions rebuilding
Democratic
Nigeria.

Nominations are now being invited for the consideration of the Board of Editors of the THISDAY ARISE Group in the following categories:

Titans
of
the
Year

The
men
and
women
who
through
their
vision,
Action,
Guts and
courage
have
made
a
lasting
impact
on
Nigeria.

Man
of
the
Year

That
man
who
has
significantly
influenced major
events
that
defined
the
year
2024.

Woman
of
the
Year

That
woman
who
has
significantly
influenced major
events
that
defined
the
year
2024.

Bank
of
the
Year

The
bank
which
has
used
innovation,
technology and
inclusion
for
growth
in
earnings
and
shareholder
value.

Banker
of
the
Year

The
banker
whose
leadership
and
impact changed
the
banking
landscape
for
good.

Global
bank
of
the
Year

The
bank
with
the
most
global
impact
on
Nigeria.

Brand
of
the
Year

That
brand
whose
impact
and
identity
have created
memorable
and
unforgettable
experiences.

Company
of
the
Year

A
well‑regarded
company
with
most
impact
in
the
lives
of
nigerians
in
2024.

Product
of
the
Year

A
strong,
life
‑
changing
product
whose
value proposition
is
better
than
any
other
in
the
marketplace.

Minister
of
the
Year

That
Minister
who
stands
out
in
the
cabinet
as
an
agent
of
reform.

Governor
of
the
Year

That
governor
who
combines
vision,
passion,
dedication and
courage
to
make
the
lives
of
the
people
of
his
state
better.

Senator
of
the
Year

That
senator
With
legislative
impact
for
the
greater
good.

Representative
of
the
Year

That
House
member
With
Legislative
impact
for
the
greater
good.

Government
Agency
of
the
Year

The
government
agency
whose
leadership
and action
promote
service
to
the
people
of
Nigeria.

Investor
of
the
Year

The
investor
with
most
impact
on
the
lives
of
the
people
of
Nigeria.

Young
global
leaders
of
the
Year

Driven,
young
and
daring
leaders
under
40
shaping
the future
of
the
world
according
to
Nigeria.

Nominations close on 25th of December 2024; winners will emerge on 31st December, 2024 for the Awards Ceremony in January 2025 in the usual THISDAY style where global leaders and legends will gather to celebrate the best of Nigeria.

Submit your nominations, stating the contributions of your nominees, to - awards2025@thisdaylive.com; awards2025@arise.tv

Birthday Grtings CHAIRMAN

- DR LEEMON IKPEA TO OUR

Kizi Oil & Gas felicitate our Chairman, Chief Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, FNSE, CON, JP on this auspicious day of his birthday

We wish our Chairman a very happy birthday and many more years of fruitful service to the nation and humanity in general. Congratulations, Sir

CHIEF (DR) LEEMON AGBONJAGWE IKPEA, FNSE, CON, JP

Chair man Kizi Oil & Gas Ser vices Ltd

C E L E B R A T I N G O U R CHAIRMAN -

Dr Leemon Ikpea

ith much joy and happiness, Wwe celebrate our Chairman/CEO Chief (Dr) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, FNSE, CON, JP on his natal day

Sir, your unwavering commitment to excellence and the growth of this organization has left an indelible mark on all of us. You keep on scaling new heights, garnering well merited awards for yourself and the company.

We wish you a very happy birthday .

May this new year bring you boundless joy, good health, and the strength to achieve even greater heights.

Congratulations, great leader

CHIEF (DR) LEEMON AGBONJAGWE IKPEA, FNSE, CON, JP

Chairman/CEO Lee Engineering Group and Allied Companies Limited,

Felicitations

ON YOUR

Birthday

ABLE CHAIRMAN

The management & staff of

Wright Projects Nigeria

Limited felicitate our amiable Chairman, Chief (Dr) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, FNSE, CON, JP, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday anniversary. Every experience with you has been top-notch. An uncommon performer who has exhibited uncommon wisdom, with remarkable vision and exemplary leadership.

We salute you, sir, and wish you a happy birthday with many Happy returns of the day. Congratulations! Sir

CHIEF (DR) LEEMON AGBONJAGWE IKPEA, FNSE, CON, JP

Chairman, Wright Projects Nigeria Limited

Hay Birthday TO

A HIGH

ACHIEVER

- DR LEEMON IKPEA

we join his family, friends and

numerous well wishers to felicitate our Chairman, Chief (Dr) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea FNSE, CON, JP, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday We are very privileged to have a Chairman like you, with a penchant for quality service delivery, which TREBET AVIATION has exemplified in the aviation world.

We wish you a Happy birthday, long life, good health and more prosperity. Have a wonderful day, able boss.

CHIEF (DR) LEEMON AGBONJAGWE IKPEA, FNSE, CON, JP

Chairman, Trebet Aviation Company Limited

Signed: Trebet Aviation Limited

ROYAL FELICITATIONS

- OVIE OF UVWIE KINGDOM

We join the Royal family of Uvwie

kingdom, friends and numerous well wishers, to felicitate His Royal Majesty, the Ovie of Uwie kingdom, Dr Emmanuel Ekemejewan Sideso Abe 1, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday anniversary.

Your Majesty has established himself as a forthright, wise, and capable ruler with great developmental strides for the kingdom

We wish the great Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom more fruitful years on the throne of his forebears in excellent health conditions

Signed: Chief (Dr) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, FNSE, CON, JP For: Self and Family

Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources

I, Engr A. Hashim, on behalf of myself and my

family, heartily felicitates with a father, mentor and Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Indimi (OFR) on the s u c c e

Production Storage & Offloading Vessel (FPSO) which took place recently at the Dry Docks World Dubai Shipyard in the United Arab Emirates.

The launch of the FPSO, a major engineering milestone for Nigeria's indigenous oil & gas sector is a testament to your tireless efforts and commitment to delivering world-class projects which has earned you and our organization great recognition and respect. I am honored to work under your guidance and leadership.

P

congratulations on this remarkable achievement. I wish you continued success in the future.

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Lawal: Zamfara Was a Dysfunctional State When I Resumed as Gov

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state, in this interview, speaks on the very bad state he met the agrarian state when he assumed office in May, 2023 and his current moves to improve the lots of the state amid growing insecurity. John Shiklam brings excerpts:

How do you meet Zamfara state when you took over as governor on May 29,2023?

Let me give you a brief of how we started when we took over on May 29, 2023.

We inherited a virtually dysfunctional state and what we saw cannot be explained. In the first place, we met an empty treasury, we met about N4 million with a backlog of three and a half months salaries of workers.

For six months, there was no drop of water in Gusau, the state capital. Electricity supply in all government offices, including the Government House, were disconnected.

Our children in secondary schools did not write WAEC and NECO for two years. Gratuities and pension were not paid since 2011, amounting to N13.6 billion. There were so many debts and we had to think of what to do. When we took over, the minimum wage in Zamfara state was N7,000. I inherited a huge debt profile from the previous administration.

We had no single official vehicle either for the governor, deputy governor or any other government official. Everything was taken away.

The first thing we did was to settle the three months’ backlog of salaries. We paid N1.3 billion to restore electricity. We had to negotiate with WAEC and NECO to address the situation of our secondary school students. We paid WAEC N1.6 billion to get certificates for the previous students.

We also went into agreement with NECO and paid N1.3 billion in order to get certificates for over two years. As a matter of fact, in 2023, our children did not write WAEC because it was late. We were fortunate, we wrote an undertaking and they wrote the NECO exam sometimes in July, 2023.

There was no money for water treatment, most of the machines were obsolete and we had to fix them. Within a week, we were able to restore water in the state capital.

Our residence in Kaduna was garnished in court, we had to pay about N600 million to take the property back.

As we speak, we are still trying to fix our liaison office in Abuja because everything was taken away, including curtains. The only thing we met was non functional air conditions. That was the Zamfara we met.

How did you confront these challenges?

When we took over, we had 48 commissioners and 52 permanent secretaries. We trimmed down the ministries to 16 by merging them. We reduced permanent secretaries to 22, some have retired and we have about 16 now.

We have our students that were studying outside the country on scholarship and were not settled. We have our students studying in India and Sudan, we still have students in Cyprus that we are still battling to bring home because the whole thing was a scam.

Over 90 students were sent to Cyprus to study, but after going through the whole process, there was not even an agreement with the state government and the school.

Initially, we settled about 200,000 Euros for them to continue with classes. We made a second payment, but after we realised that the whole thing was a scam, I delegated the commissioner of education, my adviser on economic matters and the commissioner of finance to go to the school and ascertain the extent of the debt, but the school was not willing to cooperate. We realised we were just spending money. We have agreed to bring the students from Cyprus and provide scholarship for them in Nigeria.

Amid the security challenges facing the state, you seem to be thriving pretty well?

Insecurity is an issue. For over 11 years we’ve been facing the challenge, so we have to make conscious efforts to see what we could do to bring immediate relief to our people. That was what informed our decision to form the

community protection guard backed by law. Those recruited were fully trained by security agencies - Army, DSS, police and civil defence. It is community- based because we recruited them from the 14 Local Government Areas of the state. They have done wonderfully well.

You have established three Almajiri integrated schools in the three senatorial zones in the state to address the issue of out of school children. How are you getting the cooperation of stakeholders in this direction?

Having realised the gap in education and the nature of our people, we thought of how we could synergise with Islamic scholars.

The most difficult thing was convincing them that there is the need to combine Western and Islamic educa-

tion. We gave them the assurance that we are not going to take away their Qur’anic schools but to integrate Western education with Islamic teaching, having realised Zamfara is a sharia state.

We came up with that concept and decided to give it a trial. We constructed three Sangaya schools in the three senatorial zones of the state- one is in Kaura- Namoda, one in Gusau and another one in Gumi.

We are also going to teach them skills for them to be able to be self-reliant if they do not want to further their education. They should be able to have something doing to sustain themselves after completing the school. We did that in collaboration with the Ulamas and all the Islamic scholars before they allowed the integration, which so far is working fine. We are still fine-tuning the process in terms of how to give them full scholarship, how to feed them, and how to train them.

I am happy other governors are calling to find out how we did it so that they could also

We inherited a virtually dysfunctional state and what we saw cannot be explained. In the first place, we met an empty treasury, we met about N4 million with a backlog of three and a half months salaries of workers. For six months, there was no drop of water in Gusau, the state capital. Electricity supply in all government offices, including the Government House, were disconnected. Our children in secondary schools did not write WAEC and NECO for two years. Gratuities and pension were not paid since 2011, amounting to N13.6 billion. There were so many debts and we had to think of what to do. When we took over, the minimum wage in Zamfara state was N7,000. I inherited a huge debt profile from the previous administration.

introduce it in their states. Sustainability in everything is key. We are making conscious efforts to see the operations of the schools. It is an ongoing process in terms of feeding curriculum development, and technical know how.

Will you say insecurity has limited your performance as governor ?

We didn’t limit ourselves because of security challenges. First of all, we understand the root causes of the problems. So, many things are responsible - poverty, illiteracy, etc. So, as a responsible government, having realised some of the challenges, we begin to address some of them by engaging the communities right from the ward, local government and the state levels to first understand the implication of what is going on.

Our state is blessed with solid minerals which if we are able to harness, we will not be depending on federal allocation.

If you are talking of gold, Zamfara gold is hot cake. If you are talking of lithium, we have the highest deposits of lithium. Name any mineral, it is in Zamfara. So, we have to begin to think of the way out, having realised this is where we have comparative advantage.

We must capitalise on our comparative advantage to be able to develop the state. That is why there is this engagement between the state and the federal government. Solid minerals is on the exclusive list, but the land belongs to the state. So, there must be a synergy, which is an ongoing process.

You are constructing a big airport in Gusau, what are the economic benefits of such project to the people?

We realised that, no matter how we want to move fast, no matter how we want to bring investors, no right thinking investor will come to Nigeria, land in Abuja or Kano and drive seven hours to Zamfara to come and invest his money with all the negative security reports. Insecurity has been a major concern, so no serious investor will take his money and come and invest in Zamfara the fact that he has to travel all the way for more than seven hours.

We realised we have to open up the state and the only way is to make transportation much easier for people to fly. Initially, it was just a cargo airport, but we decided that we should go beyond that by making it a combination of cargo and passengers. That is exactly what the airport is. We have domestic terminal and international terminal. It is a world standard. I am sure if you come to Zamfara in the next five months, you will see a different thing all together. The economic benefits of the airport cannot be overemphasised because that is the only way we can bring investors to the state.

Anytime, I am going to Abuja, I spend the whole day travelling when I can easily fly to Abuja to attend meetings and be with my people if we have our airport. It takes me two days to and from Abuja. If we really want to tap on the potential of the state, then air transportation is very important.

The airport will also create employment for the people. It will add to revenue generation. Zamfara state is an agrarian economy. By the time you go into agreement with the Qataris or the Saudis in terms of importing some of these farm inputs, you will see the number of cargoes landing in Zamfara. There was a time when the Saudis found some special grasses here which they needed and wanted to construct the airport to enable them evacuate it to Saudi Arabia.

All these potentials and opportunities will not be explored without the airport. In the entire country, it is only Zamfara state that has no airport.

Gov. Lawal

FEaturEs

Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo: Redefining the Nigerian Theatre Through Seamless Blend of Traditional Storytelling

In the dynamic world of contemporary theatre, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo stands out as a visionary whose creativity has redefined the Nigerian stage. A graduate of theatre arts, she seamlessly blends traditional African storytelling with modern sensibilities, crafting performances that captivate both emotionally and intellectually. Drawing inspiration from renowned African playwrights, Dr. Gbadebo uses theatre as a platform to celebrate overlooked African brilliance, breaking boundaries with her innovative directing, acting, and producing. In a new play, The Jewel, Dr. Gbadebo explores the complexities of human connection in a fragmented world, through her extensive expertise as co-director. While commending the role Eko Hotel plays in promoting theatre, her signature approach promises a rich, immersive experience that transcends the ordinary. Critics and theatre enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this transformative piece, knowing her work is more than a performance—it’s a journey. As she continues to push artistic boundaries, Dr. Gbadebo's vision is set to inspire a new generation of theatre makers and audiences. Precious Ugwuzor brings excerpts

Help us understand Theatre from your perspective. Why this much passion for it?

Theatre is my greatest love—both as a career and as a passion. The business of theatre and the performing arts is something I care deeply about. From my youth, and even now with so much youthfulness still in me, I’ve always aspired to be a theatre artist. I overcame numerous obstacles to pursue this dream, including turning down an admission offer to study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos in favour of theatre and performing arts. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for that decision because passion was, and still is, my driving force. When passion fuels your pursuit, you pour your entire being into it, excelling not just through effort but through the joy, happiness, and fulfillment it brings. Your dreams become a race worth running, a goal you must achieve, because passion makes it irresistible.If you ask me to tell you about my love for theatre, I cannot over-emphasise how fulfilling and satisfactory it is for me every time I achieve anything that takes me a step further to ensuring that Nigeria fully utilizes all the talent that exists within its vibrant population. Many young people aspire to be famous, as evidenced by the booming music and film industries. However, thespians and theatre artists often lose their way, gravitating towards movies, music, or social media influencing, largely because there isn’t a purpose-built platform to nurture theatrical talent.

The future, if you ask me, lies in creating such platforms. One day, a visionary philanthropist with the financial capacity and foresight will invest in theatre, recognizing its vast potential. It’s a broad industry with numerous specializations, capable of engaging countless creative minds and lifting them off the streets. For me, that is the goal—a safe haven where talent can be nurtured. Despite the challenges, my dream, vision, and passion for theatre have never wavered.

Can you share your journey into theatre and your early experiences?

I studied theatre and performing arts at the University of Lagos, and throughout my four years there, I was deeply involved in plays—writing, directing, and producing. Back then, my dream was to transition from the UNILAG Auditorium to more prestigious venues like the MUSON Centre, which was new at the time and represented a professional space where audiences would pay to watch quality productions. There was also the Agip Recital Hall which was the closest thing to staging a proper play in a space where you have people who would spend money to actually pay to watch those plays.

Of course, there was also the National Theatre, which holds a special place in my heart. I’m thrilled about the restoration efforts by the Bankers Committee, and I hope they have prioritized creating purpose-built spaces with revolving stages and multi-dimensional theatre designs. Producers like Mrs. Austen Peters deserve kudos for investing in the culture, providing spaces where thespians can thrive, even though these venues aren’t purpose-built for theatre and often lack the capacity to fully showcase creativity.

How do you see the current state of theatre in Nigeria compared to other parts of the world?

Globally, purpose-built spaces like those on Broadway allow plays to run for decades, drawing audiences willing to pay premium prices. On the African continent, we’re not short of storytelling talent. Look at the movie

industry—there’s deliberate investment in epic stories, cinematography, set design, and casting. The results are evident in the high-quality productions coming out of Nigeria.

This level of investment is what the theatre industry needs. While our storytelling is powerful, we lack the infrastructure and resources that could elevate Nigerian theatre to its rightful place on the global stage. However, with deliberate focus and investment, the potential is limitless.

What role does Eko Hotel play in promoting theatre, and what are your future plans?

Eko Hotel is a force to reckon with in this regard. We have the platform, the audience, and, most importantly, the talent in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. As a hospitality concern, we are making significant investments in reviving theatre. By 2025, our plan is to scale up productions and ensure that the amazing plays presented during the festive season continue throughout the year, at least four times annually. I’m incredibly grateful to the management for their bold vision. They see beyond profits and focus on nurturing talent, boosting Nigerian tourism, and placing us firmly on the global map. I’m immensely grateful to board, starting from the Chairman, Mr. Chris Chagoury and the executive director, Madam Caline Chagoury. Also worthy of praise is the leadership provided by Mr. Ghassan Faddoul, the Managing Director and Mr Danny Kioupouroglou, the general manager. Another worth mention is Zenith bank, our major partners and sponsors whose support has been critical. Nigeria’s younger generation is unstoppable, and this is the perfect time to create a legacy—a platform for them to express themselves and turn their passion into a sustainable

livelihood.

What inspired the play, The Jewel?

The Jewel is a play heavily inspired by Ola Rotimi’s Our Husbands Have Gone Mad Again and Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel. These are literary classics that many people are familiar with, having studied them in school.

If you examine the trend of plays on Broadway, you'll notice that old stories are often reenacted and transformed into musicals, making them creatively spectacular and engaging without losing their core essence.

Both of these works have powerful storytelling at their heart. The Lion and the Jewel in particular stands out for its satirical approach, which critiques and radicalizes societal norms. For me, theatre is about storytelling - it is a form of documentary, capturing the essence of our past and offering a glimpse into the future. When two internationally renowned playwrights inspire a piece, you know the foundation is a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.

What themes are explored in The Jewel, and how are they relevant today?

At its core, The Jewel explores love, societal dynamics, and the interplay of different societal elements that often create chaos, which ultimately resolves into a meaningful storyline. These are themes that resonate deeply, especially in African societies.

For instance, The Lion and the Jewel tells the story of Sidi, the village belle, and the men who vie for her heart. Isn’t that a narrative that mirrors today's society? Young women, admired for their beauty and vibrancy, often become

the centre of attention, with men of all ages competing for their affection.

This dynamic reflects how societal values persist across time. By retelling such stories, theatre provides a unique lens through which we can document and analyze human behaviours, relationships, and cultural evolution. It allows us to see ourselves - our joys, struggles, and triumphs - through a creative and thought-provoking medium.

Why do you believe theatre is crucial for preserving cultural narratives?

Theatre is an essential tool for documenting history and culture. For example, many of today’s children might struggle to recount the time of slavery because there aren’t enough accessible narratives documenting it. Theatre can fill that gap. It encapsulates the diversity, oneness, love, hate, joys, and struggles of society, creating a rich outlook of our collective identity. In telling stories like those found in The Lion and the Jewel, theatre becomes a mirror reflecting the intricacies of human relationships and societal norms. It’s not just entertainment; it’s an archive of how Africans live, love, and navigate the complexities of life.

What makes the theatrical presentation of The Jewel unique?

The beauty of The Jewel doesn’t lie solely in its storyline - although it is a simple yet powerful tale - it’s in the way the story is brought to life on stage. The live performances by brilliant actors and actresses, coupled with the vision of creative directors and producers, elevate the narrative to something extraordinary. These creatives possess a way of thinking that goes beyond the ordinary, crafting a theatrical experience that is immersive and awe-inspiring. Theatre, in this context, becomes more than just storytelling; it’s an art form that combines talent, creativity, and passion to create a spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.

What goes into creating a play like The Jewel?

Creating a play like The Jewel involves an incredible fusion of elements that come together to form a masterpiece. From sound and music to costumes, makeup, lights, sets, staging, production, and rehearsals - every detail is meticulously planned and executed. The process is intense, involving hours spent reading scripts, rehearsing lines, and ensuring that every component aligns seamlessly. All of that effort culminates in a beautiful piece of art - a theatrical performance where, for an hour or an hour and thirty minutes, the audience experiences pure, unfiltered talent. It’s the finest form of art, blending musical prowess with the skill to embody and deliver a character that feels real, even when it’s not.

What makes The Jewel stand out as a production?

The Jewel isn’t just a play—it’s a musical adaptation inspired by two renowned works by internationally acclaimed playwrights. What sets it apart is its futuristic setting. The production reimagines Nigerian and African society in the future, offering audiences a glimpse into what lies ahead while staying rooted in rich cultural narratives.

Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo

www.thisdaylive.com

Thursday December 19, 2024 Vol 27. No 10847

opinion@thisdaylive.com

NIGERIA’S RISING PROFILE

ADEMOLA OSHODI

contends President Tinubu’s domestic reforms and international diplomacy are earning the nation renewed attention

See page 20

TETFUND: THE INS AND THE OUTS

TETFUND does not award contracts, but releases money to beneficiary institutions, argues Johnson Momodu

See page 20

EDITORIAL

ADDRESSING THE MALNUTRITION CHALLENGE

There are lessons from the bitter exchanges generated by Badenoch’s negative comments about Nigeria. MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE writes

BETWEEN NIGERIA AND KEMI BADENOCH

Ordinarily, the recent election of Kemi Badenoch as the head of Britain’s Conservative Party and also the opposition in the parliament should bring joy, reassurance and pride to Nigerians who keep craving for signs of redemption on various fronts. The first official indication that what was supposed to be euphoric would turn anticlimatic appeared in the form of a post from the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on diaspora matters, Mrs Abike DabiriErewa, in which she revealed her frustrations with reaching Badenoch to convey the nation’s gladness and excitement about her unprecedented feat.

It was no surprise, however, to those who were already used to her unflattering, ridiculous public comments on Nigeria at every given opportunity. “I grew up in Nigeria and I saw first-hand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks, when they promise the earth and pollute not just the air but the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others. I saw what socialism is for millions. It’s poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere,” Badenoch declared two years ago in her earlier effort to lead the Tories.

Truth be told, the veracity of that statement can hardly be faulted by many Nigerian citizens and watchers of the nation’s chequered history. Down the years, most of our political leaders, not exonerating their colleagues in other spheres, find it increasingly difficult to convince the people that they’re in public offices for the common good. The despicable position the country has found itself is traceable primarily to the cluelessness, deviousness and incompetence of the persons entrusted with the task of nation-building.

But Kemi’s unprovoked, unfair, debatable comparison of the United Kingdom with Nigeria is unfortunate on many grounds. She might soon realise that no matter the justifications for her anger against and distaste for the land of her forefathers, she shouldn’t have let them boil over in the global square. And regardless of the gains she hopes to garner that way, common sense should have directed her along the path of caution, propelled by the demands of selfpreservation in the treacherous terrain of politics. But no, not this Kemi.

The other day at a migration event in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima gave her a candid advice and reinforced the country’s stature, its obvious degeneracies notwithstanding: “We are proud of her despite her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin. She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove Kemi from her name, but that does not underscore

the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria. One out of every three or four black men is a Nigerian and, by 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States and will be the third most populous nation on earth.” Even if one dismisses Shettima’s assessment as superfluous, when weighed against the ugly present realities, that intervention is a worthy recommendation of how Nigerians should react in a world where other citizens simply do not wait for perfection to both own and positively project their own countries.

Again, as if possessed by an overpowering hubris, Badenoch couldn’t let the VP’s comment pass without savaging it. And she went for the jugular this time: “I find it interesting that everyone defines me as a Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with my specific ethnic group. I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram, where Islamism is. Being Yoruba is my true identity and I refuse to be lumped with the northern people of Nigeria who were our ethnic enemies, all in the name of being called a Nigerian.” Actually, it was this new lowlaced with manic generalisation, mischief, hate, contempt and ignorance - that made me decide to contribute my humble kobo to the ongoing potentially divisive discourse.

Kemi has since attracted a deluge of venom to herself and it’s not in my character to add to it. Strangely, perhaps, what I have for her is pity. She parades a personality that’s at variance with her humanity. Psychology has robust explanations for her type, for the benefit of those interested in fathoming her motivations. One private fear I nurse for her is that the political patrons she’s trying hard to please are too intelligent not to notice their leader’s flawed capacity for sound judgment devoid of vile sentiments. Of course, she must have been put forward to serve specific self-preserving purposes in these perilous times of her party’s life. May Badenoch not discover too soon that she’s still an outsider insider. Posterity doesn’t always treat kindly those who inflict injuries on their own roots. The example of trees ought to be enough. But in the metaphysical configuration of fate, the obstinate and self-righteous often move

inexorably towards a certain unintended, usually ignoble end.

And may that not be so for our lady who’s on a very high horse, a possible future prime minister of a former colonial powerhouse and convener of the Commonwealth. That is if she listens to counsels like that of the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, contained in an article published last week on several media platforms. Titled, “Kemi Badenoch: Some Thoughts and a Prayer”, the respected clergyman stated that her “speed of progress is phenomenal by any measure. She had no visible name recognition, experience, age or even resources. Like Oscar Wilde, the controversial Irish writer, who was asked by Immigration what he had to declare, Kemi can only declare genius! Against the run of play, she is today the Leader of the Conservative Party of the United Kingdom, and Leader of the Opposition.

“Coming from a background where patriarchy holds supreme, many men are still holding their breath. After over a hundred years of presence, no black person has accomplished anything close to this. The drums ought to roll out…. Kemi’s ascendance is special. It points at the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead for those who dare. It is often the case that some doors are closed but not locked. When that right moment comes, you need boldness, courage, character and self-belief and, of course, the grace of God…. She has shown that her identity does not define her, but she cannot either ignore that she is black and the daughter of immigrants. Not only because it would smack of self-hatred, but it would rob her of the authenticity and largeness of spirit required of all transformative leaders.”

That mixture of panegyric and admonition is a must for Kemi and whoever would find himself or herself at such a height in similar circumstances. Thankfully, there’re still many Nigerians abroad who haven’t lost their minds to the relative prosperity of the lands of their sojourn. Personalities like the BritishNigerian boxing legend, Anthony Joshua, have remained proud of their origin against all odds. It’s actually not too late for Kemi to retrace her steps.

Last note, because communication is one activity that takes place every time, everywhere and in various forms, it tends to be taken for granted. Something as simple as knowing the differences between interpersonal and public communication, or coming to terms with one’s personality in relation to views rendered publicly via media of mass communication, can make a huge difference in outcomes. Realising these in an age of volatile and speedy information dissemination is now more pertinent than ever.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

ADEMOLA OSHODI contends President Tinubu’s domestic reforms and international diplomacy are earning the nation renewed attention

NIGERIA’S RISING PROFILE

In a rapidly globalizing world, a nation’s international standing is pivotal in shaping its development trajectory and the well-being of its citizens. A formidable global profile can attract foreign investments, foster bilateral partnerships, and inspire national pride. This has become increasingly important for Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. Over the years, the country’s global image has been shaped by its rich cultural heritage, abundant resources, and regional leadership. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria’s global profile appears to be transforming.

His tenure has been marked by bold domestic reforms and proactive international diplomacy, earning the nation renewed attention globally. His approach underscores a commitment to repositioning Nigeria as a key global player - fostering stronger relationships with world leaders and advocating for policies that promote economic stabilitysetting the tone for a new chapter in Nigeria’s global narrative.

Under President Tinubu, Nigeria has strengthened bilateral relations with world economic and political powers including Germany, China, France, India, Britain, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates (UAE), to mention a few. The country has attracted billions of dollars in aid and investments. Recently, two landmark agreements were signed between Nigeria and France, focusing on infrastructure development, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, renewable energy, and human capital development with a value exceeding 300 million euros. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable growth, supporting Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”. Nigerian banks like Zenith Bank launched operations in Paris and United Bank for Africa is set to follow, strengthening cross-border financial integration and economic diplomacy. The French Development Agency also committed to supporting infrastructure, education (especially STEM) and agriculture with sustainable funding models which reinforces Nigeria’s reform agenda. Nigeria’s rising global profile shows prospects for improved trade relations, global policy impact, tourism and cultural exchange, soft power, and enhanced territorial integrity.

Domestically, President Tinubu’s petroleum subsidy removal, although criticized by

many, is a bold step toward fiscal and environmental sustainability. The unification of Nigeria’s multiple exchange rates has been lauded by local and foreign investors and global financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF. This addressed foreign investors’ difficulty in repatriating their funds from Nigeria. The decision of the Tinubu administration to clear all backlogs of over seven billion dollars has restored confidence in the Nigerian economy, exemplified by the restoration of flight operations and resumption of visa issuance to Nigerians by the UAE. These changes aim to make Nigeria more competitive and attractive for investment, as an active participant in the global economy.

Nigeria’s participation at the 2024 G20 and BRICS summits reflects her aspiration for active engagement in shaping global economic and political agendas. Her presence at these fora increased her visibility to international investors. Nigeria has also used these platforms to champion issues critical to Africa like debt restructuring, climate finance, and equitable trade policies, leveraging her position as one of Africa’s largest economies. Nigeria’s invitation to join the BRICS, and the country’s positioning to join the G20, suggests a new aspiration that will further elevate her global profile.

Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (SC) has received a strategic boost. In a recent telephone call with President Tinubu, President Biden expressed America’s commitment to securing two permanent seats for Africa in the UNSC. He specifically highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in Africa, and global relevance as reasons it should be considered for one of these seats. Just a few days ago, Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was re-elected, unopposed, as Director-General World Trade Organisation.

As ECOWAS Chairman, President Tinubu has led the regional bloc’s response to military coups in Niger and other Sahel countries, promoting democracy and regional stability. His ‘stick and carrot’ approach in tackling these crises highlights John F. Kennedy’s statement “let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate”. The US and Europe have variously consulted Nigeria on the Sahel crisis and the crises in Niger and Mali. These consultations reflect recognition of Nigeria’s influential position in West African affairs and its potential to lead initiatives that align with broader international interests in combating extremism and stabilizing the region. Regional instability portends a threat to the global community.

President Tinubu’s democratic emergence set the stage for Nigeria’s continuous institution-building, boosting international observers’ confidence. While the global profile of Nigeria continues to soar, improvements in the country’s domestic realities are important for sustainability. Cushioning the effects of his economic reforms on Nigerians is critical. Measures being taken to mitigate the economic hardships on the most vulnerable need to be constantly evaluated and reviewed for greater impact. Recent successes in combating insecurity must also be sustained. Preventive and punitive actions must be taken to address the global perception of Nigeria as being corrupt. If these issues are managed effectively, Nigeria could solidify its position as a key player globally.

Oshodi is a Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs

TETFUND does not award contracts, but releases money to beneficiary institutions, argues Johnson Momodu

TETFUND: THE INS AND THE OUTS

The legendary Nelson Mandela did describe education as a formidable weapon useful to positively reset the stability and progression of society and humanity. But in Nigeria, education has virulent enemies who curiously revel in chaos, misinformation, and distractive mischief. What is the best way to derail educational progression in Africa’s largest country? Simply pull down - or attempt to collapse - the structures, the powerful pillars that support and grow the sector.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is one such structure - and it is under attack. TETFund is an intervention agency set up to provide supplementary support to all levels of public tertiary educational institutions, specifically Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the main objective of using funding alongside project management for the rehabilitation, restoration and consolidation of tertiary education in Nigeria.

TETFund was originally established as Education Trust Tax by Act No 7 of 1993 as amended by Act No 40 of 1998. The Act was later repealed and replaced with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act No. 16 of 2011.

What is the substance of the attack initiated by some shadowy operator (s) that petitioned the National Security Adviser (NSA), claiming the Fund gave out money to a political party in a Northern state? Specifically, a section of the social media has been inundated with images of a letter purportedly written by a woman politician in Adamawa State to the NSA, part of which contains insinuations that the All Progressivs Congress received funding of N325 million between October 2023 and October 2024 from TETFund. The lady also alleged that “Contracts from TETFund at FCE Yola and GMMC Yola for the benefit of the party was kept secret. They sold contracts and concealed the proceed.” Basic ignorance by any stretch cannot become a licence for defaming critical institutions and responsible personalities who manage them.

Good a thing, Mr. Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director, Public Affairs of TETFund, has responded to bring quick clarity to defog the misinformation wittingly or unwittingly deployed in the mix of mischief to damage a vital institution and its founding principles.

His words: “We wish to state unequivocally that the insinuation is not only preposterous and totally false, but also a great disservice to the nation that an individual of such political standing, would engage in such frivolity without an iota of evidence.

“To further buttress the futility of the allegations, we wish to state in clear terms that General Murtala Mohammed College (GMMC), Yola, where TETFund contracts were alleged to have been sold is not a beneficiary institution of TETFund; while FCE Yola which is a beneficiary institution is solely responsible for engagement of its contractors in line with the policy of the Fund.

“The Fund has observed that allegations of this nature, sponsored by desperate individuals, have become the trend in recent times but will not be deterred in carrying out its statutory mandate which remains funding for the rehabilitation, restoration and consolidation of tertiary education in Nigeria.

“The Fund has undertaken this mandate steadily over the years both as ETF and TETFund and with renewed vigour under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We advise that detractors get their facts right so as to avoid misleading the public.”

Clearly, TETFUND does not directly award

contracts but releases money to beneficiary institutions. Its statutory configuration does not permit it to patronise political parties or politicians but only beneficiary public educational institutions in all corners of the country. Its statutory mandate would be defeated if it strays to patronizing political entities or politicians.

Many politicians - largely unproductive folks jostling for political appointments - must seek their fortunes somewhere else rather than maligning TETFund. It is also worth noting that TETFund’s transactions are pretty open because it has only one account with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Beyond the informed pushback by TETFund’s public affairs directorate, another unsavoury consequence of this needless misinformation is that some sections of the media have bought into the false narrative peddled by a disgruntled lady politician. In rushing into publishing unverified allegations, they broke a cardinal, common rule of responsible journalism by not getting the other side of the story.

But apparently, they misread TETFund’s Executive Secretary’s unassuming mien as a sign of weakness. Arc. Sonny Echono has responded appropriately without beating about the bush - with the instrumentality of law. He is a core, competent professional who understands the scope and sweep of his responsibility in a strategic sector at a challenging period.

Many may not know that Arc. Sonny Echono covets knowledge-driven innovations, proactive engagement with stakeholders, relevant institutions, policymakers, and, more importantly, sure-footed action. These dimensions have been boldly mirrored in his leadership of the TETFund despite the overarching challenges.

As it were, a powerful vision draws in ideas, people, and other resources. It creates the momentum and will to catalyze change. It inspires individuals, complementary organizations, and institutions to commit, persist, and give their best.

Keying into this enduring philosophy, unassuming Echono has also deployed impeccable professionalism, discipline, and persistence in the endeavour to change the traditional narrative of growing the education sector in Nigeria.

It would be pertinent, at this juncture, to illuminate some of the statutory principles that drive TETFund’s critical operations. The main source of income available to the Fund is the three per cent Education Tax paid from the assessable profit of companies registered in Nigeria. The Federal Inland Revenue Services assesses and collects the tax on behalf of the Fund.

The distribution of funds to beneficiary institutions as stipulated in the TETFund Act is in the ratio of 2:1:1 as between universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education.

The Fund is neither involved in the award of contracts in beneficiary institutions nor even in the nomination of scholars in the capacity building intervention, but only responsible for the disbursement of funds and monitoring of projects in beneficiary institutions. Awards of contracts are carried out by beneficiary institutions. Though these points have been made previously, they are worth repeating.

Momodu writes from Benin

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ADDRESSING THE MALNUTRITION CHALLENGE

The authorities should do more to contain the food crisis

Since food is needed for survival and well-being, there is a need for urgent intervention to avert a human catastrophe in the country. With the fear of malnutrition for millions of children (and mothers) who are deprived of a healthy and productive life, the situation is already dire, especially in the northern part of the country where the main contributing factors to acute malnutrition include low food consumption and poor health behaviours, according to the federal ministry of health and social welfare. “Other factors that lead to acute malnutrition include banditry and population displacement, as well as insecurity limiting access to vulnerable population,” the Director and Head, Nutrition Department of the ministry, Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi added.

Earlier in the year, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and its partners had predicted that many Nigerians would face severe food insecurity or hunger this year. Medicines Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders), had also revealed that it had in the last one year recorded a 100 per cent increase in the number of malnourished children with life-threatening complications in the North. While we commend the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, for his efforts in tackling the challenge, we urge him to mobilise stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. For instance, MSF has raised the alarm about the urgency of the situation in Nigeria. “Everyone needs to step in to save lives and allow the children of northern Nigeria to grow free from malnutrition and its disastrous long-term, if not fatal, consequences,” said MSF Country Representative, Simbia Tirima, who disclosed that because its facilities are full, they are laying patients on mattresses. “We’ve been warning about the worsening malnutrition crisis for the last two years. While 2022 and 2023 were critical, an even grimmer picture is

unfolding in 2024. We can’t keep repeating these catastrophic scenarios year after year. What will it take to make everyone take notice and act?”

Meanwhile, the MSF alarm merely confirmed a United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) report that Nigeria has the second highest burden of stunted children in the world, with a prevalence of 32 per cent of children under five. According to the report, an estimated two million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), but only two out of every 10 children affected are currently reached with treatment. Forty per cent of these cases are said to be concentrated in six states. Also, more than six million children are moderately malnourished, and many women, pregnant and lactating, suffer from micronutrient deficiencies.

An estimated two million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition, but only two out of every 10 children affected are currently reached with treatment

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

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

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

For years, the cost of the general insecurity, particularly in the north, has adversely affected agricultural production and cost of living. Staples such as beans and tomatoes have seen astronomical surge in prices, just like onions, and cassava flour. The United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) has warned repeatedly that millions of Nigerians are at the risk of hunger as prices of foodstuff skyrocket. “People have been forced to adopt negative coping mechanisms such as survival sex and child labour to stay alive,” said the head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nigeria, Trond Jensen.

While urging federal and state governments in Nigeria, donors, and other stakeholders to commit resources and implement measures to avert a potential food and nutrition disaster, the UN warns that timely action is of essence. According to the UNWFP Country Representative, David Stevenson, “the hunger crisis in Nigeria, fueled by the ongoing conflict in the northeast, needs urgent addressing. Restoring peace in the northeast is critical for us to build pathways to production and achieve the northeast’s potential as the food basket of the country”.

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

NEEDED: A DENTAL HOSPITAL IN YOBE NORTH

In the heart of Nigeria’s northeastern region lies Yobe North, a resilient community striving to overcome the challenges of underdevelopment and limited healthcare infrastructure. While the area has witnessed significant progress in sectors such as education and road construction, one glaring gap remains—access to specialized dental care. This pressing need for a dedicated dental hospital in Yobe North is not just a matter of improving healthcare; it is a necessity for enhancing the quality of life and economic productivity of its people.

Oral health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in discussions about healthcare priorities. In Yobe North, residents frequently suffer from preventable dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. Many endure chronic pain, difficulty eating, and loss of productivity due to untreated dental problems. The nearest dental hospitals are located hundreds of kilometers away in Maiduguri or Bauchi, making access to specialized care a luxury that few can afford.

Moreover, the lack of dental facilities in Yobe North exacerbates the stigma surrounding oral health. Without proper education and treatment options, many residents resort to harmful traditional practices or live with untreated conditions that worsen over time.

The absence of a dental hospital in Yobe North is not just a healthcare issue; it has significant economic implications. Poor oral health has been linked to decreased workforce productivity, as individuals with untreated dental problems are less likely to work efficiently. For a region striving to rebuild its economy, this is a setback that cannot be ignored.

Additionally, a dental hospital would create job opportunities for local healthcare professionals, including dentists, nurses, and administrative staff. It would also attract patients from neighboring communities, fostering economic growth in the region.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of inadequate dental care. Poor oral health in children can lead to malnutrition and developmental issues, while untreated dental problems in the elderly can result in serious complications such as heart disease and diabetes. Establishing a dental hospital in Yobe North would serve as a lifeline for these vulnerable groups, ensuring they receive the care they desperately need.

Building a dental hospital in Yobe North requires a multi-stakeholder approach. The government must take the lead by allocating funds and prioritizing oral health in its healthcare agenda. International organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

can provide technical expertise and financial support. Additionally, local leaders and community members must advocate for this essential facility, emphasizing its importance to the region's development.

The success of this initiative also depends on integrating dental health education into community programs. Awareness campaigns on the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can significantly reduce the prevalence of dental issues and promote a culture of preventive care.

The establishment of a dental hospital in Yobe North would mark a transformative step towards achieving comprehensive healthcare in the region. It would not only alleviate the suffering of countless residents but also send a powerful message about the value of equitable healthcare access.

As we envision a healthier future for Yobe North, let us recognize that oral health is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right. The time to act is now. By prioritizing the construction of a dental hospital, we can build a legacy of health, dignity, and opportunity for generations to come.

Aisha Umar Lawan, Mass Communication Dept, Borno State University Maiduguri

INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTERESTS (EOI) FOR THE PROPOSED DEPLOYMENT OF A PHYSICAL RECORDS MANAGEMENT SOLUTION FOR CBN RECORDS CENTRE AND ARCHIVES

1.0 INTRODUCTION:

The Central Bank of Nigeria (hereafter referred to as “CBN” or “the Bank”), being the apex Bank of the country, occupies a central position in the economic and social development of Nigeria. In an effort to fulfil its vision of being the best in class among the world's central banks, the Bank aims at building a capable workforce by providing effective learning and development solution that will close competency gaps and enable the delivery of its strategic objectives.

2.0 Records management is the systematic control of the processes for records creation, utilization, storage and disposal to ensure that the right information is available to the right person, in the right format, at the right time and at the least possible cost. The CBN has need to deploy a solution that would automate its critical processes including inventory management, retrieval, tracking and retention management for the effective and efficient management of records in the Bank's Records Centres.

3.0 Consequently, the Bank now wishes to invite reputable and competent vendors with certified knowledge, verifiable capacity and experience to indicate interest to prequalify for the Proposed Deployment of a Physical Records M

Centre and Archives.

4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

I n t e r e s t e d a n d c o m p e t e

documents for verification:

Mandatory Requirements:

a) Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation and Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Form CAC2 and CAC7;

b) Certified true copy of Memorandum and Article of Association;

c) Evidence of Company Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years (2021, 2022 and 2023) as at when due (such evidence should reflect the value of the projects undertaken by the company in the last three (3) years;

d) Current Pension Clearance Certificate from PENCOM;

e) Evidence of Compliance Certificate with the provisions of Section 6(1)(3) of the amended Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Act No.19 of 2011;

f ) Sworn affidavit disclosing:

- That the company is not in receivership, insolvent or bankrupt

- That the company does not have any Director who has ever been convicted in any court in Nigeria or any other country for criminal offence in relation to fraud or financial impropriety

- Whether or not any officer of the relevant committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is a former or present Director, Shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder

- That all documents submitted for the bidding are true and correct in all particulars.

g) An Interim Registration Report (IRR) as Evidence of Registration on the BPP National Database of Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers;

h) Employees' Compensation Scheme (ECS) Compliance Certificate issued by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF);

i) Comprehensive company profile including registered office, functional contact email address, GSM phone number(s) and facsimile number(s) with the Curriculum Vitae of Key Staff to be d e p l o y e d f o r t h e p r o j e c t , i

Academic/Professional qualifications;

j) Company's Audited statement of Accounts for the last three (3)

years (2021, 2022 and 2023) duly stamped by licensed Auditors;

k) Evidence of financial capability to execute the project including Reference Letter from a reputable commercial bank indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed;

l) Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last four (4) years including Letters of Awards, and Job Completion Certificates;

m) E v i d e n c e o f p o s s e s s i o n o f In s t i t u t e o f C e r t i fi e d Re c o rd s Managers (ICRM) Certificate would be an added advantage;

n) All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firm's Letter Head Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No ), and e-mail address. The Letterhead Paper must bear Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorised officer of the firm.

5.0 SUBMISSION:

The submissions shall be in two separate sealed envelopes boldly marked at the top left corner:-

“PREQUALIFICATION for the Proposed Deployment of a Physical Records Management Solution for CBN Records Centre and Archives.”

And addressed to:-

The Secretary, Major Contracts Tenders Committee 2nd Floor, Wing C CBN Head Office Complex, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT Nigeria. Phone No: 08176656099, 08091020000

6.0 CLOSING DATE:

All submissions must be received at the above Office not later than 2:00 th pm on 29 January 2025.

7.0 OPENING DATE:

The submissions will be opened immediately, after close of submission th of the bid on the 29 of January 2025.

8.0 IMPORTANT NOTICE:

a) This is not an invitation to tender Full tendering procedure will be applied to Companies prequalified and found capable of executing the contract;

b) Only successful Companies will be contacted for the bidding process;

c) Documents included in your submission must be clearly itemized on the Application;

d) Applicants are entirely liable to the veracity of the documents submitted by them.

e) The Central Bank of Nigeria is not bound to pre-qualify any bidder and reserves the right to annul the procurement process at any time without incurring any liabilities in accordance with section 28 of the Public Procurement Act 2007;

f ) Nothing in the advert shall be construed to be a commitment on the part of the CBN

Signed Management Central Bank of Nigeria

Mobile GSM Technology Leads in Internet Penetration, as Fewer Subscribers Patronise ISPs,

The latest industry statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has revealed that more subscribers patronised the services offered by GSM operators like MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile, including ntel, for their internet connectivity, via their mobile devices such as snartphones and tablets.

According to the statistics, which THISDAY obtained from the official website of NCC, the active internet subscriptions by technology, from January 2024 to October 2024, revealed that internet subscriptions via the mobile GSM technology, led other technologies, through which Nigerians also connect to the internet. The other technologies include the Wired and Wireless technologies offered by licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs),

Eromosele Abiodun

InfraCredit, a ‘AAA’-rated specialised infrastructure credit guarantee institution, has announced credit enhancement of Prado Power Limited’s Guaranteed Fixed-Rate Senior Green Infrastructure Forward Ijarah Lease Sukuk under a cofinancing arrangement with the £10 million Climate Finance Blending Facility.

The scheme, it said in a statement, was funded by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the fourth transaction under the Facility.

According to the statement, “The InfraCredit’s Clean Energy Funding Programme seeks to aggregate, derisk, and unlock domestic institutional investments to support eligible clean energy projects in Nigeria

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and the Fixed Wired technology.

From the statistics, as at October 2024, the total number of active internet subscriptions across all connecting technologies in Nigeria, was put at 134,787,935, while the number of those connected to the internet via mobile GSM technology alone, using smartphones and tablets, was put at 134,279,501, followed by Wired and Wireless technologies, offered by ISPs, which was put at 285,702. The VoIP technology for internet connectivity was next, with a total number 212,071 internet subscription, as at October 2024. The least of the technologies is the Fixed Wired technology, which has 10, 661 internet subscriptions as at October 2024.

Another technology that was initially used for internet

to contribute towards meeting the country’s universal electrification goal by 2030 and the SDG 7 target of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, whilst putting the country on a path to achieve net zero emissions by 2060.

“The Climate Facility provided subordinated first-loss capital that helped de-risk and reduce the capital cost of the Project by unlocking InfraCredit’s “AAA”-rated Guaranteed Fixed-Rate Senior Green Infrastructure Forward Ijarah Lease Sukuk that crowded in matching investments from domestic institutional investors in a solar mini-grid project for unserved markets, resulting in a blended affordable interest rate.

It is the fourth transaction under the Climate Facility and the first

connectivity in the past was the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, which became obsolete in Nigeria, immediately after Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology was introduced in 2001.

From January 2024 to October 2024, the mobile GSM technology maintained its leading position in internet connectivity and penetration in Nigeria. According to NCC’s statistics, the total number of active internet subscriptions in Nigeria via mobile GSM technology as at January 2024, was 161,504,390, and the figure increased to 162,808,826 in February 2024, with another increase to 163,895,185 and 164,023,607 in March and April 2024 respectively. The figure however dropped in May, June, July and August, to 136,561,704; 135,942,275; 134,435,733; and 130,946,321 respectively. The

blended local currency Green Infrastructure Forward Ijarah Lease Sukuk for a Solar Powered Rural Infrastructure Project in Nigeria. Green Sukuk is an Islamic Shari’ahcompliant finance instrument for eco-friendly projects, creating a new asset class for climate finance and offering investors non-interest based financial returns.”

Speaking on the transaction, the Chief Executive Officer of Prado Power, Mr. Washima Mede stated, “Prado Power is excited to be supported by InfraCredit and the Climate Finance Blending Facility towards the construction of four (4) mini-grids and productive use hubs across communities in Benue and Akwa Ibom states. For us at Prado Power, it is important that energy infrastructure investments are accompanied by socio-economic

internet penetration figure however picked up again in September 2024 to reach 132,406,212, with a further increase to 134,279,501 in October 2024.

As at January, February and March 2024, the total number of active internet subscriptions in Nigeria via the Wired and Wireless technologies, offered by ISPs, maintained the same figure of 213,876, and the figure increased in April 2024 to 262,206, with a further increase in May to 285,702, and maintained same figure in June, July, August, September and October 2024.

VoIP internet connectivity was 238,180, as at January 2024, but the figure dropped in February 2024 to 236,212, before increasing again to 238,139 in March, with a further increase in April and May 2024 to 248,504 and 265,183 respectively. The figure however dropped in June

improvements in the communities where we operate through job creation and improved livelihood across diverse groups. Through the InfraCredit-backed senior debt and the Facility, we are accessing long-term blended capital that will be used to scale investments in mini-grids and productive use appliances for rural dwellers and smallholder farmers. We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the support of the FCDO and the team at InfraCredit for structuring the transaction with an eye on mitigating risks related to long-term infrastructure finance.”

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter said: “We are delighted to reach yet another milestone with the UK-funded Climate Finance Blended Facility playing a critical

2024 to 262,126, with a further drop in July and August 2024 to 259,734 and 199,960 respectively. The internet penetration figure however increased in September and October 2024 to 205,634 and 212,071 respectively.

As at January 2024, internet penetration via Fixed Wired technology was 21,437, but the internet penetration figure dropped in February same year to 20,627, before it increased in March same year to 21,092, with a further increase in April to 21,459. In May same year, there was a sharp decline in the number of connected subscribers to the internet via the Fixed Wired technology to 6.921, with a slight increase in June, July and August 2024 to 7,281; 8,060, and 8,680. It however increased again to 9,453 in September and to 10,661 in October 2024.

Speaking about dominance of mobile GSM technology in

role in mobilizing more greencertified local currency debt for offgrid solar projects in Nigeria. This Project demonstrates the importance of Distributed Renewable Energy in providing efficient and reliable productive use energy access in unserved and underserved regions, boosting economic activities, and ensuring a safe environment.”

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr. Abba Aliyu said, “The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is proud to support this groundbreaking transaction facilitated by InfraCredit and the Climate Finance Blending Facility, marking the first blended local currency Green Infrastructure Forward Ijarah Lease Sukuk for a solar-powered rural infrastructure project in Nigeria. This innovative

internet penetration, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, said although ISPs were initially licensed as core internet service providers, the GSM operators, with better technology in terms of speed and cost of deployment, were also registered to offer mobile internet service. He further said because the GSM technology is faster and cheaper to deploy, and based on the large coverage areas, the GSM operators were able to deploy internet service much faster and cheaper that the ISPs. “It’s about technology evolution. The GSM technology is more advanced and easy to deploy than the Wired and Wireless technologies and the Fixed Wired technology, and that is the advantage that GSM operators have over ISPs,” Adebayo further said.

Shari’ah-compliant financing model not only represents a significant milestone in closing Nigeria’s energy access gap but also aligns with REA’s vision to explore and adopt innovative financial frameworks that de-risk the sector while enhancing project sustainability. By leveraging such models, we aim to attract increased investment and ensure the longterm viability of renewable energy projects. With over 15,000 connections projected to benefit unserved communities, this initiative highlights the transformative power of renewable energy in driving socioeconomic progress and sustainable development.

Emma Okonji

Nourishing Nigeria Through Dairy: Unlocking Milk’s Potential for Healthier Nigeria

Oluchi Chibuzor

Malnutrition remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing health challenges, affecting millions of children and undermining the nation’s economic potential. Nigeria’s nutrition statistics underscore the urgency for action: one in three children under five years of age is stunted due to insufficient intake of essential nutrients. This has severe consequences, including impaired cognitive development, reduced physical growth, and diminished productivity. As Nigeria’s plant-based staple foods predominantly lack amino acid lysine and low-protein quality, dairy protein has been identified as an effective source of lysine that helps close the amino acid gaps in the diets of the average Nigerian.

According to the EAT-Lancet report, Sub- Saharan Africa has a very high intake of starchy foods which are generally low on nutrients. Rich in high-quality protein, vitamin B12, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin A, and other essential nutrients, scientific evidence highlights the transformative potential of dairy products like milk in combating nutritional gaps, particularly in predominantly high-carb diets common in Nigeria.

An intervention of creating access to one glass of milk daily for every Nigerian can create an impactful ripple effect through communitiesimproving health outcomes and boosting long-term economic resilience. There is a need for industry leaders to leverage nutrition-sensitive strategies to increase dairy consumption among Nigerians through collaborative efforts and shared expertise that address the country’s urgent nutrition challenges but also elevate the country’s dairy industry through sustainable practices.

Companies like Arla Foods understand the power of dairy and work to create innovative partnerships and champion best practices in the dairy sector to improve local supply, boost food security and foster long-term health outcomes across the nation. Arla’s commitment to this vision extends beyond providing milk, it encompasses creating an equitable dairy value chain that ensures accessibility, affordability and sustainability.

Key to this transformation is tackling barriers that limit the growth of Nigeria’s dairy industry. The sector remains largely underdeveloped, characterized by poor infrastructure, inadequate cold storage facilities, limited market accessibility

and capacity, as well as knowledge gaps that impact innovation, quality, and public health. There is a growing awareness of the need to ensure that dairy products are safe, affordable, and accessible to all Nigerians.

Echoing this vision for the dairy sector, Arla Foods, in partnership with the Financial Centre for Sustainability (FC4S) and the Danish Consulate of Nigeria, hosted a transformative workshop “Nutrition in the Dairy Sector” earlier in Lagos. Bringing together stakeholders from across the dairy value chain - farmers, nutritionists, policymakers, and international development organisations- to reimagine the future of nutrition and sustainability in Nigeria through dairy.

To unlock the full potential of the dairy sector and boost access to milk, experts noted that Nigeria must prioritize the development of a sustainable dairy industry through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach:

1. Capacity Building: Invest in targeted training programs for dairy farmers, focusing on critical areas to improve productivity and expertise in key areas related to nutrition, public health, sustainable dairy production, dairy quality, and more.

2. Consumer Education: Collaborate with health and safety government bodies like NAFDAC to drive further nutritional knowledge amongst consumers when it comes to identifying the level and supply of nutrients on products. Hence, promoting the importance of getting the right nutrients and educating the Nigerian public on the varying health benefits of non-dairy creamers and milk.

3. Infrastructure Development: Enhance essential infrastructure, including roads, storage facilities, and processing plants to improve dairy quality and safety by streamlining milk collection, storage, and distribution.

4. Market Access: Expand market access by creating stronger links between dairy farmers, consumers, and processors, enabling farmers to access fair markets and ensuring consistent supply of dairy products.]

5. Policy Support: Implement policies that support dairy development to foster domestic production, attract investment, and promote industry growth.]

6. Research and Innovation: Encourage cutting-edge research and innovation

in dairy production through the development of new dairy products, improved processing methods, and more sustainable production techniques that drive nutritional development, the sector’s competitiveness and local supply/ demand.

Significant progress has been made in Nigeria’s dairy industry through public-private partnerships between companies like Arla Foods and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The sector’s growth has been informed by initiatives geared toward formalizing best practices, knowledge sharing and expanding local production through backward integration.

One of such initiatives includes Sahel Consulting’s Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN) program centred on boosting dairy farming in Northern Nigeria – a hub for local dairy farmers – through distributing 15,000 milks cans, enrolling 210,000, including 60,000 smallholder dairy farmers, facilitating the collection of 190,000 litres of milk per day, alongside other impact-driven outcomes.

Similarly, we see positive efforts through the Milky Way Partnership between Arla, SEGES Innovation, the Milk Value Chain Foundation (MVCF), the Danish Agriculture and Food Council (DAFC), CARE, and CORET aimed at boosting milk yield and quality, strengthening the dairy value chain, creating job opportunities and sustainable growth. Through the continued partnership between the organizations under the Partnership for Green and Productive Dairy in Nigeria (PGPD), milk supply is expected to grow to 30 tons per day – boosting productivity across the dairy value chain.

More is expected from the dairy sector’s outputs with the development of dedicated governmental bodies like the Ministry of Livestock Development. Nigerians will continue to experience further growth through frameworks that promote sustainable and technologically advanced livestock practices, protect farmers’ rights, and ensure food safety.

Dairy, in all its forms, has the power to transform Nigeria’s nutritional landscape as a crucial link between the nation’s well being and growth. By prioritizing efforts within the dairy sector, Nigeria can make quality milk accessible to millions. As a vital component in the average Nigerians diet, we can improve public health, boost economic growth, and build a healthier, stronger nation.

Kwara Commends Olam Agri’s Effort to Boost Soybean Production

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Kwara State Government has declared that Olam Agri has provided significant boost to soybean production in the state with the donation of soybean threshing machines to farmers in Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State.

The Kwara State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said that the donation of the threshing machines by Olam Agri would strengthen Nigeria’s food security, drive economic growth, and improve farmer livelihoods,

adding that the state government’s partnership with Olam Agri has been transformative.

Soybean, a vital crop for food security, animal feed, and biofuel, plays a significant role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy.

Thomas said: “This year, we trained all our extension agents on soybean and maize production and are helping farmers to access quality seeds to boost yields and improve livelihoods. The donation of threshing machines and packaging bags further supports this effort to enhance the quantity and quality of soybean production in Kwara State.”

She emphasised that the Kwara

State Governor, Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, commitment to improving agricultural productivity ensured the success of Olam Agri’s soybean crushing plant, which required 250,000 tons of soybean annually.”

The Commercial Manager for the Soybean Value Chain at Olam Agri, Mr. Amit Mathur, explained that the company’s focus is on sustainability and farmer welfare.

Mathur said: “We are dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods through backward integration programs. Our soybean processing plant, with a capacity of 250,000–350,000

metric tons per year, is part of this commitment. We aim to increase farmers’ productivity and incomes by addressing low yields and creating market linkages while ensuring sustainable practices.”

Speaking in the same vein, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Idris Abubakar, the Sinaboko Serobetete III, expressed appreciation for the partnership.

Abubakar said: “Olam Agri and the Kwara State Government have brought tremendous opportunities to our farmers. This collaboration will help us achieve food security goals and uplift our community. We are deeply thankful.”

The Managing Director of Olam

Cardiologist Debunks Myths About Fats and Heart Health

In a world overflowing with health advice, myths about food, particularly fats are common. Many people trying to improve their heart health or manage their weight are told to cut out fat entirely, but this advice can be harmful. Scrolling through my Instagram feed one lazy Sunday, I stumbled upon a post by Dr. Monisola Adanijo, a respected cardiologist known for her straightforward health advice. Her topic caught my attention immediately: “Myths and Facts, Weight Loss Edition.” I couldn’t help but click through. As someone who often sees people making drastic dietary choices in the name of health like ditching fats entirely, I was curious. Wasn’t cutting out fats a good way to lose weight, avoid heart problems, and “eat clean”? The answer, it turns out, is more complicated. Adanijo’s post got right to the point. “Healthy fats,” she wrote, “are not just beneficial but essential for the body.” It was clear she wasn’t promoting the trendy low-fat

diets that often dominate health circles. Instead, she was talking about a balanced approach, emphasizing how polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (found in foods like avocados, nuts, and certain oils) are actually good for us. They support everything from energy production to heart and brain health.

I realised how many people, myself included, might have fallen for the idea that all fat is the enemy. But as Adanijo put it, when people cut out all fats from their diet, they’re depriving their bodies of key nutrients. Healthy fats are essential for the heart, the brain, and overall energy. It struck me: by eliminating fats, we’re not necessarily protecting ourselves but may be creating new health challenges.

It turns out that even something as simple as cooking oil can make a significant difference in heart health.

Adanijo’s partnership with Golden Terra Oil, a brand that prides itself on creating heart-friendly options,

made sense in this light. Golden Terra Oil is particularly high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFAs)—the healthy types of fats she was referring to—which are beneficial rather than harmful. I realized this was about changing the narrative on what healthy eating really means.

“Healthy fats don’t just add flavour to our meals,” Adanijo explained further, “They support our metabolism, help regulate hormones and are essential for heart function. When we try to remove them completely, we’re working against our health goals.”

Her words echoed what Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya, later shared in an interview, “At Golden Terra, our goal is more than just providing a product but empowering people to make informed, health-conscious decisions. We’re committed to sharing research-based, hearthealthy insights directly with our consumers. We believe that

cooking with Golden Terra Oil can support a balanced lifestyle, making everyday meals healthier and enjoyable,” He mentioned. It was refreshing to see a brand emphasizing education and long-term health over quick fixes and fad diets. As I read more, I noticed how Golden Terra Oil wasn’t claiming to be a miracle product. Rather, it was presented as the choice for people wanting to maintain a balanced, heart-healthy diet. Through online campaigns, edu]cational posts, and collaborations with health professionals like Dr. Adanijo, they seem focused on clearing up common misconceptions about fats.

In a time when health trends are constantly evolving, the real message here was one of moderation and understanding that cutting out entire food groups can be more harmful than beneficial, and that healthy fats, like those in Golden Terra Oil, can actually be allies in our wellness journey.

Agri in Nigeria, Mr. Anil Nair, highlighted the broader impact of the company’s investments.

Nair said: “Our focus is on empowering farmers and building resilient supply chains, in line with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By

investing in tools, training, and sustainable practices, we aim to significantly impact Kwara State’s economy, create jobs, and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Together, we are fostering agricultural self-sufficiency and socioeconomic development.”

The President of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), Mr. Tijjani Borodo, has launched the institute’s mentoring scheme for young directors.

Speaking during the launching of the programme, Borodo said that the launch of the “CIoD Nigeria’s Mentoring Scheme” marked a historic moment as the institute “take another bold step to kickstart a unique initiative aimed at bridging the gaps in knowledge and competencies within the corporate governance space.”

He explained that the mentoring scheme was initiated in the first quarter of 2022, during the tenure of the CIoD’s immediate past president, Dr. Ije Jidenma, when the governing council approved that the development of the scheme should be coordinated by the then Director, Development Committee (DDC).

He said: “It is my pleasure today to stand before you to launch this laudable programme” that is aimed at fostering “a culture of excellence in corporate governance, develop the next generation of directors and leaders, provide guidance and support for professionals, navigating complex governance issues and enhancing the competitiveness

of Nigerian businesses globally.” According to him, mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth by providing a safe space for learning, reflection, and exploration. Borodo said: “Our mentors are seasoned professionals with vast experience in corporate governance, leadership, and management. They will share their expertise, experiences, and networks to support the development of our mentees. The CIoD Nigeria Mentoring Scheme is designed to be transformative. We aim to create a community of practice where knowledge is shared, expertise is developed, and relationships are built.

“Our mentees will have access to regular development sessions, CIoD Nigeria’s resources and network, and opportunities for professional certification and recognition. To our mentees, we welcome you to this transformative journey. I encourage you to embrace the opportunities, challenges, and learnings that lie ahead. This scheme is designed to support your growth, but it requires your active participation and engagement. Take advantage of the knowledge, expertise, and networks available to you.

Dike Onwuamaeze

Brands, Events that Shaped 2024

Though a challenging year for businesses, for some brands, 2024 is a defining moment as a result of their resilience and innovative approach to the market, which gave them an edge. Raheem Akingbolu reports

UBA @ 75

In a market where the mortality rate is high, and many companies will graciously roll out the drum to celebrate their 10th anniversary, this year, the United Bank of Africa celebrated its 75 years of existence with many accomplishments.

The story of today’s UBA is that of not giving up despite all odds. Like every corporate entity, UBA has recorded both low and high moments but its promoters have consistently fixed their eyes on the ball and remain guided by the vision of its founding fathers, which is to be the undisputed leading and dominant financial services institution in Africa.

Perhaps the number one factor that has continuously worked for the brand lies in its name -United Bank for Africa. True to its name, UBA became stronger as a real bank of destiny, after the industry consolidation between 2004 and 2005, which changed the dynamics of banking in the country.

While it belonged to the exclusive club of firstgeneration banks, UBA has been able to combine age with modernism that warmed into the minds of its customers. Through innovation, global best practices, and commitment to its patrons, 2024 remains a success story for the Tony Elumelu-led financial giant. As a socially responsible brand, this week, the bank donated N500 Million to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and promised to consistently support the state’s effort at improving security.

ARISE TV AS ChAllEngER of STATUS QUo

12 years after Nigeria’s media entrepreneur, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, sowed the seed for an international media platform -Arise Television, the brand appears to have redefined news consumption and successfully created a stronger platform for African advertisers to leverage on. In 2024, Arise Television successfully raised the stake and emerged as the undisputable market leader by revolutionising Broadcast Journalism. As a premium brand, Arise, in 2024, challenged the status quo and the monopolistic posture of the existing brand in the category. Like a phoenix from the ashes, Arise Television

suddenly became a sensation and toast of all during the #EndSARS imbroglio in 2021. For the dexterity and daring stance of the Arise TV crew, who were on the field at the peak of the protest against police brutality, the brand warmed itself into the hearts of television viewers. Perhaps the icing on the cake was the live stream of the broadcast from the scene of the Lekki Toll Gate Shootings and many other protest grounds, which aired on various platforms like DStv channel 416, YouTube, Twitter, and the Arise TV website. This was happening at a crucial time when Nigerians desired trusted news sources, considering that a lot of information — both genuine and questionable — had been making the rounds on social media and traditional news outlets. It was not long before social media went awash with many influencers endorsing the station as the star station of the resistance of young Nigerians who wanted a positive change for the country. Arise Television thus earned a superbrand status from this protest. But for its outstanding performance in reporting the protest, perhaps many viewers, who had earlier regarded the brand as too elitist, wouldn’t have known the stuff it was made of.

Since then, Arise Television has been a top-

of-the-mind brand, with many analysts and observers viewing it as the only television station in Nigeria with an international template. To this end, top corporate brands that were used to struggling for advertising exposure on CNN and BBC started looking inward to place their ad on Arise Television. Then came 2023. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had just lifted a ban on political campaigning for the general elections. Political analysts were moving from one television station to the other to set an agenda for the players on the field. Spokespersons of various presidential candidates and political parties were also on the prowl to sell their candidates. Again, the Arise brand suddenly became a game changer. In 2024, Arise sustained the tempo in politics, business, and entertainment.

fIRST BAnk’S ‘gIAnT In YoU’

For the 13O-year-old First Bank Plc, its ‘Giant in you’ campaign in 2024 again confirmed the common expression that ‘apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’ given the history of the financial brand and its legendary relevance to the growth

of enterprises, within and outside Nigeria. In its usual creative conjecture, the bank hit the airwaves and other media outlets with various visuals to articulate the new campaign, ‘The Giant in You.’

Breaking down the central message, ‘there is a giant in you’ the campaign stylishly reminds the bank customer that ‘First Bank Puts You First so you can’ before giving the match order, ‘Live the Giant-Life. For a bank that settles for the big ‘elephant’ as its logo and has remained strong for 130 years, words like giant, tall, and strides, used in the various visuals, are simply validations of its robustness, endurance, doggedness, and tall ambition. As part of the ways to convey the bank’s message to its array of patrons, SO&U, the creative agency behind the campaign cleverly selected its cast and buildings, including First Bank’s corporate headquarters, to reflect the bigness, the tallness, and the boldness of the 130-year-old financial institution to rule the world as far as banking and business support are concerned.

CAVISTA’S UndYIng SpIRIT

Driven by the belief that business should be a force for good, Cavista Holdings appears not deterred by the current economic challenges as it consistently unites capital, expertise and partnerships to unlock opportunities in Nigeria and some other African countries . While the news of a few companies’ exit from Nigeria, has given stakeholders concern, the effort of Cavista Holdings to turn businesses around in Nigeria and Botswana as pilot countries to fulfil its mission to be the most successful investment and holding company in Africa, has remained like a light at the end of the tunnel. With the support of its global partner, Axxess, a leading innovator in home healthcare technology around the world, Cavista’s presence in Nigeria has led to various strategic investments in agriculture, energy, hospitality, mining, and technology. The expansion of the Agbeyewa Cassava farms owned by the group remains one of the most impactful investments by any company in 2024.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

1. INTRODUCTION:

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/CNL Joint Venture, invites interested and prequalified service providers for this tender opportunity for the Provision of MWD, LWD, GWD, RSS Services at company's operational areas. The proposed award strategy is multiple contracts of five (5) years term with an option of two (2) year extension.

2. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of MWD, LWD, GWD, RSS Services shall include, but not limited to the following:

1. Provide Engineering support.

2. Provide Directional Drilling, Measurement-While-Drilling, Gyro while Drilling and Logging-While-Drilling Services

(A) Provide following Engineering support at 'No Cost' to Company:

(1) Job Plans, Job Execution Summaries and Post-Job Report,

(2) Interpretation of Downhole data,

(3) Other 'Engineering Service' Technical Requests as required by Company for Services,

(4) Travel and Personnel time for:

(a) 'Working Sessions' in Lekki, Lagos (or elsewhere in Nigeria) Contractor Personnel will need to attend when invited.

(b) Operations Meetings in Lekki, Lagos (or elsewhere in Nigeria) Contractor Personnel will need to attend when invited.

(c) Final 'Job Completion Report' (Post-Job Report) and/or Well Operations Reports (detailed Report for Operations on/at Rig Site) Contractor Personnel will need to come to Company's Lekki office to turn in Report(s);

(d) Rig site inspections/surveys for Equipment rig up and documents afterwards.

(B) Provide Directional Drilling, Measurement-While-Drilling, Gyro while Drilling and Logging-While-Drilling Services as required by Company For purposes of this Contract, Directional Services shall be defined as furnishing complete Directional Drilling/Surveying/MWD/ GWD /LWD /Geo-steering Services inclusive of 'Inclination at Bit' Tools (with Hydraulic motors and Rotary Steerable Tools) for Hole section ranges 16”36”, 12” to15”, 8 3/8” to 97/8”, 5 ¾” to 6 ¾” & 10 5/8” to 12 ¼” , as required, and Real-Time Data Transmission of MWD and LWD parameters to Lagos, Port Harcourt or Onne

Note: Applicable RSS must be capable of delivering planned DOGLEG; may be PUSH, POINT or HYBRID

Contractor shall provide and operate the following engineering software models:

3. Dumb Iron: 26” and 17-1/2” Hole Section

a 9½” OD x 30 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar 3” ID

b 9½” OD x 15 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar 3” ID

c 9½” OD x 5 Foot - 10 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar 3” ID

d 9½” OD Short Steel Drill Collar 3” ID, 10 Foot - 15 Foot long

e 17½” Non-Magnetic String Stabilizer, Integral Blades

f 17½” Steel Near Bit Stabilizer, Integral Blades

g 26” Steel Near Bit or String Stab, Integral Blades

h 26” Steel Near Bit or String Stab, Non-Mag Integral Blades

i 17½” Steel Near String Stabilizer, Integral Blades

j 9½” OD Non-Magnetic Drill Collar Flex Sub 3” ID

4. Dumb Iron: 12-¼” Hole Section

a 8” OD x 30 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar 2-13/16” ID

b 8” OD x 15 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar 2-13/16” ID

c 8” OD x 10 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar 2-13/16” ID

d 12¼” Non-Magnetic String Stabilizer, Integral Blades

e 12¼” Steel Near Bit Stabilizer, Integral Blades

f 12¼” Steel Near Bit or String Stab, Integral Blades

g 8” OD Non-Magnetic Drill Collar Flex Sub 2-13/16” ID

5. Dumb Iron: 8-1/2” Hole Section

a 6¾” OD x 30 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar

b 6¾” OD x 15 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar

c 6¾” OD x 10 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar

d 8½” Non-Magnetic String Stabilizer, Integral Blades

e 8½” Non-Magnetic Near Bit Stabilizer, Integral Blades

f 8½” Steel Stabilizer, Integral Blades

g 8½” Steel Near Bit, Integral Blades

I 6¾” OD UBHO Straight Sub j 6¾” OD Non-Magnetic Drill Collar Flex Sub

6. Dumb Iron: 5-3/4” – 6-3/4” Hole Section

a 4¾” OD x 30 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar

b 4¾” OD x 24 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar

c 4¾” OD x 10 Foot Non-Magnetic Drill Collar

d 6” Non-Magnetic String Stabilizer, Integral Blades

e 6” Steel Near Bit, Integral Blades

f 6” Steel String Stabilizer, Integral Blades

g 5¾” Steel String Stabilizer, Integral Blades

I 5¾” Non-Magnetic Stabilizer, Integral Blades

j 6¾” OD Non-Magnetic Drill Collar Flex Sub

7 Dumb Iron: Others

a Non-Magnetic Comprehensive Drill Pipe

b Filter Sub

c Filter Valve

d Float Sub

e Float Valve

8. MANDATORY TENDER REQUIREMENTS:

A. To be eligible for this tender exercise, interested bidders are required to be pre –qualified and 'live' in the product/service category code 3.04.07 (MWD / LWD Services Measurement While Drilling, Logging While Drilling) in NipeX Joint Qualification System (NJQS) database. All successfully pre-qualified and 'live' in this category by the bid close date will receive Invitation to Tender (ITT).

B. To determine if you are pre-qualified and to view the product/service category you are listed for: Open www vendors.nipex-ng.com and access NJQS with your log in details. Click on Products/Services tab to view your status and product codes.

C. If you are not listed in the product service category and you are registered with NUPRC to do business in this category, please contact NipeX office at 27b Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi Lagos with your NUPRC certificate (formerly called DPR Certificate) as evidence for verification and necessary update

D. To initiate the JQS pre-qualification process, please access www.nipex-ng.com click on services tab followed by NJQS registration.

E. To be eligible, all bidders must comply with the Nigerian Content requirements in the NipeX system.

4. NIGERIAN CONTENT REQUIREMENTS:

Chevron Nigeria Limited is committed to the development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas business in observance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (NOGICD Act) enacted by the Federal Government of Nigeria in April 2010

Pursuant to enactment of the NOGICD Act, the minimum Nigerian Content in any project, service or product specification to be executed in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry shall be consistent with the level set in the schedule of the Act and any other target as may be directed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Contractors shall comply with the provisions of the NOGICD Act and all applicable regulations. Bidders that do not meet the Nigerian Content criterion will not be allowed to participate in next Tender Stage

Protecting Nigerians’ Data Rights

In order to protect citizens’ data from further abuse and theft, the National Identity Management Commission, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, must up their games and block all loopholes that will help protect citizens’ data and build trust, writes emma okonji

Nigerians freely give out information about their personal data during different registration processes, such as the National Identification Number (NIN) registration, SIM Card registration, Vehicle Licence registration, Driver’s Licence registration, among others.

In all of these registration exercises, information about personal data of citizens are collected and stored in a database for easy access. The biggest of all the different databases, is the database for NIN and SIM Card registrations, which sit in the custody of NIMC, and protected by the NDPC law of data protection.

Although Nigerians are worried that they kept releasing the same information freely to government agencies during different registration processes, without government taking further steps to harmonise such data that are already in silos, but Nigerians are even more worried about the safety and protection of their data, following disturbing news about data theft and abuse.

Worried about the rate at which data is abused and stolen from NIMC’s database, and in order to make NIMC and NDPC accountable to citizens’ data, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a pan-African organisation and thought leader in digital rights and inclusion space, has stressed the need for government agencies that are in possession of data of Nigerian citizens, to protect such data zealously.

PIN has accused NIMC of improper protection of citizens’ data and has gone to a High Court in Abuja to challenge NIMC for negligence of duty in protecting Nigeria’s data.

Data theft aND abuse

Executive Director at PIN, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, who revealed this at a media briefing in Lagos recently to spotlight key digital rights and inclusion issues on the African continent, said PIN also joined in the lawsuit, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Interbank Settlement Systems (NIBSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Attorney General of the Federation.

According to him, “The reason we’ve joined all of them in the lawsuit is because they all have questions to answer in the matter.”

Sesan insisted that Nigerian citizens must be treated with equal rights and their data must be protected at all cost.

Giving reasons why PIN had to challenge NIMC in court, Sesan said: “We went to court to challenge NIMC for three reasons. Number one is to establish that there was a data leak. Number two is to invoke the powers of the Nigeria Data Protection Act that seeks to protect any citizen whose data is abused. The third reason is to make NIMC accountable for all Nigerian data in its possession.”

He said the court fixed January 22, 2025 for hearing of the lawsuit filed against NIMC and other defendants.

PRotectiNg citizeN’s Rights

In order to protect citizen’s rights through data protection, PIN said it has developed toolkits for reporting rights violation and data abuse. “The toolkits, known as Ripoti and Ayeta, empower citizens to report abuse of citizens’ rights and data. While Ripoti, empowers citizens to report and document rights violations, Ayeta equips users with tools and knowledge to stay safe and secure online,” it said.

Chief Operating Officer at PIN, Nnena Paul-Ugochukwu, who gave details about the reporting tools, said PIN would continue to leverage research outcomes as powerful tools for effective policy advocacy.

According to her, “PIN has developed toolkits called Ripoti, which empowers citizens to report and document rights violations and Ayeta, which equips users with tools and knowledge to stay

safe and secure online.”

Paul-Ugochukwu said PIN also developed the Londa 2023 report that focused on the crosscutting issues affecting digital rights and inclusion in 26 African countries. The report, according to her, identifies key developments and proffers critical recommendations.

“Londa’s recommendations cover a range of stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, governments, the media and academia. By implementing these recommendations and working together, stakeholders can build a strong and sustainable digital environment in Africa where everyone can exercise their rights Online,” PaulUgochukwu said.

“PIN monitors the environment, documents violations, and reports on the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa annually in Londa. Londa is a title of Zulu origin calling for action to protect or defend. The annual report is an advocacy tool for engaging with different stakeholders in the reported countries, serves as a yardstick for measuring performance, and provides critical recommendations for improving the digital space. Through the digital rights and inclusion community, meaningful strides in some African countries are being taken to bridge the digital divide.

NDPc’s autoNomy

“In order to empower NIMC and to enable it discharge its duties and mandates to effectively protect citizens’ data, PIN is calling for the autonomy of Nigeria Data Protection Council (NDPC), in a manner that it will be able to enact and implement policies that will promote data protection in Nigeria. NDPC, according to PIN, should be able to get direct federal government allocation and be able to generate funds, without depending on the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy for funding and supervision,” it added.

“NDPC has done excellent work in terms of training Data Protection Officers (DPOs), and Data Compliance Officers (DCOs), but where their hands seem to be a bit tight, which gets us worried, is in asserting their independence. We did complain about section 16 of the NDPC Act, which gives the supervising ministry, which is the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the right to supervise and control the activities of NDPC. We have raised concern about this, because what it means is that NDPC is not autonomous and it also gets orders and funding from the supervising ministry.

“NDPC is supposed to be an independent agency, to enable it perform very well, but unfortunately right now NDPC was not only moved away from its own independence, it was moved under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy,” Sesan said.

According to him, Data Protection Commissions all over the world are independent commissions, “but right now in Nigeria, the independence is not as strong as it should be. He explained that NDPC had zero naira budget in 2024, a development, he said, had compelled NDPC to depend on the goodwill of organisations and partners to fund its annual programme of activities, which include training of DPOs and DCOs to further strengthen data protection and citizens rights in Nigeria.”

uNDeRmiNiNg Digital Rights

Speaking about digital revolution during a recent media parley with PIN in Lagos, Paul-Ugochukwu said Africa, along with the entire world, had been and is still witnessing a digital revolution which has afforded it immense opportunities, but also presented new challenges.

NGX Group, SEC Deepen Global Partnerships Through Strategic Visit to India

Kayode Tokede

Nigerian Exchange Group, in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, has taken a significant step toward enhancing global partnerships within the Nigerian capital market. This was achieved through high-level engagements with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India and key players in India’s financial ecosystem.

The two-day visit brought together the leadership of SEC, NGX Group, and NSE to explore shared opportunities and strategies for driving innovation, market expansion, and sustainable growth.

Speaking, Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, lauded India’s achievements as a global economic powerhouse, drawing parallels between the two nations. He

stated, “We congratulate you on your success as a nation and an exchange, but, more importantly, we are here to learn from your experiences as a vibrant, innovative, technology-driven exchange in a bustling economy.”

Director-General of SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama emphasised the regulatory benefits of the visit, noting, “Collaborations like these allow us to adopt global best practices in regulating and developing our markets. The insights gained from this engagement will play a critical role in shaping policies that promote transparency, stability, and investor confidence.”

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, reinforced the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This interaction marks a new

chapter in our commitment to fostering innovation and driving growth in Nigeria’s capital markets. By learning from the National Stock Exchange of India, a leader in leveraging technology for market development, we aim to enhance our operational efficiency and introduce cuttingedge solutions tailored to our market’s unique needs.”

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSE India, Ashishkumar Chauhan, expressed pride in the contributions of NSE to India’s economic development. He stated, “We are proud of what NSE has achieved for the Indian economy and government, particularly in increasing retail participation and facilitating capital raising for companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Jaiz Bank Concludes N10.04bn Private Placement, Meets CBN Capital Requirements

Jaiz Bank has said it successfully listed N10.04 billion from its private placement on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), following regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and NGX. This milestone,the bank said in a statement, places it among the few banks that have already met the CBN’s revised capital

requirements, ahead of the June 2026 deadline.

The bank said its financial position remains robust, with a well-structured, diversified, and resilient balance sheet.

Speaking on the successful capital-raising exercise, the Chief Executive Officer, Haruna Musa, (PhD) stated: “This achievement underscores the commitment of the board and management to adding value to our custom-

ers by providing bespoke ethical finance solutions. Jaiz Bank is well-positioned to compete effectively on all fronts, fulfilling customer needs through ethical and innovative financing.”

He further emphasised the bank’s strategic focus, saying: “Looking ahead, we will continue strengthening relationships with our loyal customers while attracting new ones.”

IWG Signs Agreement with Bank on New Workspace

Emmanuel Olorunda-Otaru

To meet the rising demands for flexible workspaces in Lagos, the International Workspace Group (IWG) has partnered with the Alternative Bank, a subsidiary of Sterling Bank, with the opening of a new workspace, under the HQ Brand of IWG at the ALT Place, Lekki Lagos.

The HQ Workspace which will be on the second and third floor of the building, is set to open in March next year in Lekki, Lagos. The center will be HQ and other brands.

According to the CEO/ Founder of IWG Plc, Mark Dixon, “we are establishing a stronger and much needed footprint in Nigeria with these latest openings. As an important business hub, Lagos is a fantastic place for us to boost our expansion plans.

“The need for high quality flexible workspaces continues to soar as hybrid working becomes the new normal. We are very pleased to work in partnership with Sterling Bank to develop the brand under a management agreement that will add cutting-edge workspaces to the building.’ Adding, ‘our openings in Lagos come at a time when more and more companies are discovering that flexible working boosts employee happiness and satisfaction, while helping the environment. Our workplace model is also proven to increase productivity and allows for a business to scale up or down at significantly reduced costs.”

On his part, the Country Director of IWG, Mr Ayo Akinmade, said, “The partnership wasn’t just about creating offices for people to use but in collaboration that we expect to

endure across Nigeria over the next couple of decades. The vision is to create the space that will be used to be productive but beyond that to enable them to meet their banking needs as they want it and whenever they want it. This is a pilot that we expect to become a norm.”

Also at the occasion, the Sterling Bank MD/CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, said, “What we see here today is part of a holistic thinking for the Sterling Bank Group. The expression of this place is through our subsidiary, The Alternative Bank Limited. This is our interpretation of embedded banking in real life.

“We think that you can do digital embedding correctly, you have to first embed in physical spaces and that means you have to first find the community or ecosystem where financing improves value for everyone.”

Global Citizen Announces John Legend to Headline Move Africa 2025

Global Citizen, the international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty, announced EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer, John Legend, will headline the next installment of Move Afrika, the first-of-its-kind music touring circuit headlined by international artists. Next year’s tour, it said in a statement, will expand from East to West Africa, with Nigeria joining Rwanda as host countries. “The tour will begin with Move Afrika: Kigali at the BK Arena on February 21, before continuing with Move Afrika: Lagos at The Palms on February 25, 2025. Move Afrika is a longterm, large-scale effort to pioneer the music touring circuit across

Africa, driving economic investment, job creation and supporting entrepreneurship opportunities in each host country.”

“I’m honored and excited to perform in Kigali and Lagos as part of the Move Afrika tour – an initiative that not only brings unforgettable shows, but also creates entrepreneurship and job opportunities, empowering young people to engage with Africa’s growing music and creative industries,” said John Legend.

“Africa has always been a global cultural powerhouse, and it’s an honor to be part of the future of live music on the continent.”

“We’re thrilled to have John Legend, our longtime Global Citizen Ambassador and friend, headline Move Afrika, as we

expand the tour from Rwanda to Nigeria,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen.

“Global Citizen and Move Afrika’s return to Rwanda in February 2025 underscores our shared commitment to showcasing Africa’s creative talent and leveraging the global entertainment industry to address the continent’s development priorities,” said Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board.

“Together, we aim to position Rwanda as an entertainment hub that benefits all African countries, including by creating youth-focused employment and income-generating opportunities.”

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00 the previous Thursday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference

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

The Management of the NDIC led by the MD/CE NDIC, Mr. Bello Hassan (3rd from left) on a working visit to the Minister of State Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite (2nd from Left) at the Federal Ministry of Finance Abuja along with the NDIC Executive Director, Operations, Mustapha Ibrahim (1st Left) and the NDIC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mrs Emily Osuji (1st Right).

Demand for Aradel Holdings, 41 Others Lift Stock Market by N258bn

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market yesterday sustained positive momentum amid share price appreciations in Aradel Holdings Plc and 41 others.

The benchmark Nigerian Exchange Limited All Share Index (NGX-ASI) increased by 426.52 basis points or 0.43 per cent to close at

100,477.46 basis points. Consequently, market capitalisation rose by N258 billion to close at N60.908 trillion.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 42 stocks gained relative to 19 losers. MRS

Oil Nigeria emerged the highest price gainer of 9.99 per cent to close at N159.70, per share. Learn Africa followed

with a gain of 9.97 per cent each to close at N3.53, while International Energy Insurance advanced by 9.77 per cent to close at N1.46, per share.

Wapic Insurance increased by 9.74 per cent to close at N1.69, while Livestock Feeds up by 9.73 per cent to close at N3.72, per share. On the other side, Africa Prudential led others on

the losers’ chart with 10 per cent to close at N14.40, per share. John Holt followed with a decline of 9.96 per cent to close at N6.51, while Guinea Insurance shed 8.33 per cent to close at 66 kobo, per share.

Deap Capital Management & Trust lost 5.26 per cent to close at N1.08, while Consolidated Hallmark Holdings depreciated

by 4.17 per cent to close at N2.30, per share. However, the total volume traded declined by 18.5 per cent to 389.701 million units, valued at N9.199 billion, and exchanged in 9,573 deals. Transactions in the shares of Sterling Financial Holdings Company led the activity with 43.558 million shares worth N216.662 million. United Bank for Africa (UBA) followed with account of 26.219 million shares valued at N874.917 million, while Fidelity Bank traded 25.648 million shares valued at N398.348 million.

traded 18.462 million shares worth N6.789 million, while AIICO Insurance traded 16.230 million shares worth N21.561 million.

A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE –COMMUNITY LAND CRISIS NEED NOT CONSUME MORE LIVES IN OUR COUNTRY!

To the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Your Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Your Excellency Sir,

We the ISIENU Amagunze autonomous community in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State humbly and respectfully bring to your notice the impending danger and time bomb our community is facing presently in the hand of your Minister, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, and his younger brother who is a member of Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji. These two men are using their Federal power presence to constantly intimidate and attack our people and thereby destroyed the cordial relations Nkanu people have enjoyed over the years.

In the year 1996, the old Nkanu LGA was split into two to create the now Nkanu East and Nkanu West LGAs, and Amagunze became the Headquarters of Nkanu East while Agbani was retained as the headquarters of Nkanu West LGA. The then Traditional rulers, especially those at the boundary towns, were signatories to the MOU creating Nkanu East from the old Nkanu LGA under the leadership of His Royal Highness Igwe Vincent Nnaji of the blessed memory, and who happened to be the Igwe of Ndiuno Uwani Akpogu, the very autonomous community of Akpugo bordering Isienu Amagunze that houses the headquarters of Nkanu East LGA.

To be clear, there has never been any land dispute between Ndiuno Akpogu and Isienu Amagunze, these two neighbouring communities have lived harmoniously for over 300 years until the aforementioned two men acquired Federal powers just six years ago. And sadly these two men are not from the very community of Ndiuno-Uwani Akpogu town bordering Isienu Amagunze. They are from another autonomous community far removed from the boundary community.

About four years ago, Minister Uche Nnaji emerged from nowhere and began constructing Warehouses, which he later said would be a factory, on our community land. Soon after that his younger brother Hon. Nnolim Nnaji sent thugs to destroy our Customary Court buildings located opposite our LGA headquarters premises; also destroyed in that affront was the revered monument erected in honour of our late Igwe, Igwe Samuel Emeka Nnaji, in utter provocation. At that senseless provocation our youths charged out for retaliation but were prevailed upon by our community leaders and Enugu State Government who assured and promptly invited the Enugu State Boundary Commission to clarify the boundary position of the area, since these two brothers began claiming ownership of the area. Since then, the duo of Minister Uche Nnaji and Hon. Nnolim Nnaji have not let our community enjoy

peace. The State’s Boundary Commission just visited the two communities a fortnight ago on what they called “Field Completion Exercise” to reconfirm and determine the boundary points for the area, then knowing full well that they have no claim over our community land and that their lies and concocted stories are about to be exposed, the Minister and his younger brother brought forth another abhorrent and needless provocation capable of breaching peace in our communities.

On Wednesday the 11th of December 2024, by 9am a large Construction signboard bearing the name of our President and Commander in chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our Federal government Coat of Arm with bogus project names and titles, was mounted on our community land. And at about 12 noon on that same day, Bulldozers were unleashed on over 6 hectares of casava and yam plantation owned by our peasant farmer in the area, and the whole farm plantation was wiped out, leaving everyone to wonder what callous men could do this type of evil.

We know that our President is a very peaceful leader and cannot have sanctioned this type of blatant abuse of power being displayed callously by men without shame. We know that Federal Government under your able leadership cannot cause any Minister to encroach on our land in the disguise of bringing Federal project to a community without informing the real owners of the land or even our State Government or the Local Council.

Your Excelleny Sir, with the current intractable insecurity situation in the South East region of Nigeria, we the ISIENU Amagunze autonomous community do not want escalation of more crisis as we are peace abiding people, we therefore plead for your urgent intervention to call Minister Uche Nnaji and his younger brother Hon. Nnolim Nnaji to order, as we cannot guarantee what will occur should the provocation continues - our youths are almost losing it.

Sign:

Isienu Amagunze Town Union,

Enugu Branch

Isienu Amagunze

Nkanu East LGA

EVENT AND PRESENTATION OF CHEQUE TO WINNERS OF THE FCMB AGRITECH HACKATHON...

L-R: Managing Partner, Heave Ventures, Mr. Kolapo Ogungbile; Head, Agribusiness & Structured Trade Commodity Finance, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Daniel Olorunsuyi; Executive Partner, Heave Ventures, Mr. Abiodun Lawal; Technical Assistant Officer, Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), Mr. Loandro Schweitzer and Divisional Head, Agribusiness, FCMB, Mr. Kudzai Gumunyu, during the Demo Day event and presentation of cheque to winners of the FCMB Agritech Hackathon and Venture-building programme in Lagos ... recently

FG’s CNG Conversion Centres Exceed 170 Nationwide, Govt Targets 500 by 2025

Portland Gas launches new Abuja branch

The federal government through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) yesterday disclosed that vehicle conversion centres in the country have now exceeded 170, with a target of 500 centres in 2025.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of a new conversion centre by Portland Gas in Kado, Abuja, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive of the PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the government intends to raise the number to 200 by the end of this year.

He stated that so far, the government has not spent a kobo in building the conversion centres spread nationwide, explaining that all the investments are a product of public and private collaboration.

According to Oluwagbemi, the number one success factor of the programme in the last one year has been the entry of the private sector, and the partnership of the public sector to ramp up the penetration of CNG in the country.

At the start of the year, he stated that the conversion centres were just seven, but have now increased to over 170, with not a single one of them built by the federal government. He added that over 1,000 technicians have already been trained this year.

Oluwagbemi also assured of the safety of CNG-powered vehicles, stressing that they remain even safer and more efficient than cars that use petrol and other fuels.

“Before the end of this year, I promise in the next two weeks, we will get to 200 centres. We are already looking for and certifying at least an additional 35 to 40 on our record. I believe we will get to 40 at the end of this year. And that is double our target. You remember this time last year, I told you our target was 100 and now 200.

“Next year, we have set a target of 500 for us and I believe we will meet it. We went from seven conversion centres to what we have now. Easily, I would say we are around 170. So today, from seven to 170, there is not a single one of those that were built by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he explained. Also speaking, the Chief Executive of Portland Gas, Folajimi Mohammed, reiterated the plan of the company to ensure that the building of conversion centres is accelerated nationwide, revealing that it takes roughly one hour to convert one vehicle.

On the durability of the gas tubes, he put it at 20, advising Nigerians to only patronise standard conversion centres to avoid the dangers associated with the use of inferior materials for reconstruction of the vehicles to enable CNG use.

He said: “What we have here is a full state-of-the-art conversion center, where we have been able to segment different parts of the conversions from the mechanical part of it to the electrical and then the calibration. And of course, the calibration can be done without gas.

“So what we do here is a turnkey solution, where from the conversion part of it, you can make sure that you leave here within an hour or thereabouts, and you have a fully converted CNG car. And when I mean fully converted CNG car, I mean, it's still a hybrid. You can have the option to switch from petrol to gas where you want to.”

On the safety of the CNG vehicles, he said that although there had been one or two reported incidents, they were generally blamed on substandard materials used by persons who attempted to cut corners.

“Now, the content of this gas is methane. And methane, as we know, is CH4. It's lighter than air. So in the event of any collision, it disperses

into the thin and dissipates. Every tank has an average of about 20 years. The oldest of our tanks that we have here were just made last year. So it still has a good duration of 19 years to go,” he added.

He pointed out that carrying out hybrid conversion was more advisable since the CNG infrastructure is still limited in the country, which will

allow vehicle owners to switch to petrol anytime the need arises. Also speaking, the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, stressed that with the partnership, the government was providing policy guidance, infrastructure, and protection of intellectual property for investors.

Tinubu Names Chairmen, MDs, Executive Directors For 12

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Executive Management of 12 River Basin Development Authorities under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

According to a release issued on Wednesday by Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the appointments include Chairman, Managing Director and four Executive Directors for each of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities.

For Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Abeokuta (Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun), Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun is appointed Chairman (Oyo); Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, Managing Director (Osun); and four Executive Directors namely Ayo Oyalowo, Finance (Oyo),

River Basin Devt Authorities

Dokunmu Olufemi Oyekunle, Planning and Design (Ogun); S u l e i m a n Oris, Agric Services (Lagos) and Engr. Julius Oloro, Engineering (Lagos).

Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Yola. (Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi) has Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed Babantanko as Chairman (Bauchi); Samuel Mahmud Mohammed, Managing Director (Taraba) and four Executive Directors vis Hon. Usman Babandubu Bakare, Engineering (Taraba); Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo, Finance (Gombe); Hon. Isa Matori, Planning and Design, Bauchi and Hamman Dikko,Agric Services (Adamawa).

Chad Basin Development Authority, Maiduguri (Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa) has Prof. Abdu Dauda as Chairman (Borno) and Tijjani Musa

NBA President Urges Confidence in Electoral Processes to Reduce Reliance on Courts

"The president of the Nigeria Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has emphasised the need for Nigeria to build confidence in its electoral processes and reduce reliance on courts to resolve electoral disputes.

Osigwe stated this in Abuja, at a YIAGA Africa press conference on lessons for African countries from the just concluded election in Ghana.

Osigwe speaking on some of the issues affecting Nigeria’s electoral process highlighted the critical gap in the transparency of results collation, particularly the period between the close of polling and the announcement of results, which he identified as a source of public

distrust He stressed that the confidence of Nigerians needs to be restored in the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Electoral Act and the electoral process.

Osigwe said: “The problem in Nigeria seems to be shifting from the polling unit to collation. What happens between the hours of the end of polling and the day breaking when some results are ultimately announced that is where we really need to do some work in Nigeria people need to have more confidence that the votes as announced in the polling units will be declared.

“So, it’s an issue of the attitude of the people, the politicians, the party agents, and indeed our courts and

when there is more confidence in the process, there will be less involvement of the courts in determining the outcome of electoral contest.

“And so, you see in Ghana, even before the official announcement of the results, the man who lost, who is an incumbent vice president, said that based on parallel tallying by agents of his party, he accepted his faith and nobody threatened that.

“Even the other party said, from our parallel tallying, we have won. Nobody was threatening, we are going to jail you for saying this. You shouldn’t say it.

“There was confidence in the process. Of course, there were some violent reactions to the results but overall people had confidence and

the process was transparent.

“I’m sure they will not spend so much money setting up an election tribunal disrupting the entire judicial system moving judges from one place to the other to determine this contest.

“We need to stop that and we need to de-emphasize making electoral matters a priority in our courts thereby making it difficult for our courts to determine the real issues that affect our day-to-day life like criminal matters, fundamental rights issues, commercial transactions, and other things that will make people find Nigeria a place to invest in. We should make our laws work. We should allow these laws to work.”

Tumsa, Managing Director (Yobe) while the Executive Directors are Bashir Baale, Finance (Yobe); lliyasu Muazu, Agric Services (Adamawa); Engr. Mohammed Shetima, Engineering (Borno) and Vrati Nzonzo, Planning and Design (Borno) BeninOwena Development Authority (Edo, Delta North, Ondo and Ekiti) Hon. Mike Ohio Ezomo, Chairman (Edo); Femi Adekanbi, Managing Director (Ondo); Dr. Austin Nonyelim Izagbo, Executive Director Planning and Design (Delta); Hon. Johnson Oghuma, Executive Director, Agric Services (Edo); Adegboyega Bamisile, Executive Director Finance (Ekiti) and Bayode Akinduro, Executive Director Engineering (Ondo).

Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (Rivers, Bayelsa and parts of Delta) Chief (Barr.) Ebikemi Boi Bosin, Chairman (Delta); Hon. Amgbare Ebitimi, Managing Director (Bayelsa); Chief (Mrs.) Mary Alagoa, Executive Director Finance (Rivers); Dr. Austin N. Izagbo, Executive Director, Engineering (Delta); Mr. Felix Kurogha, Executive Director Agric Services (Bayelsa) and Dr Nnamdi Akani, Executive Director, Planning and Design (Rivers) Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Minna (Niger, Kaduna and FCT) Haruna Y. Usman, Chairman (Niger); Dangajere Shuaibu Bawa Jaja, Managing Director (Kaduna); Mohammed Usma, Executive Director, Finance (Niger); Dr. Abdullahi A. Kutso, Executive Director, Planning and Design (Niger); Ayuba Waziri Tedde, Executive Director, Agric services (FCT) and John Hassan, Executive Director, Engineering (Kaduna).

Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority; Ilorin (Kwara and Kogi) Alhaji Abdullateef Alakawa, Chairman (Kwara); Engr. George Olumoroti, Managing Director (Kogi); Engr. Babajamu Adeniran, Execu-

tive Director, Engineering (Kwara); Hon. Abdullahi Sadiq, Executive Director, Agric Services (Kogi); Engr. Alanamu Ayinla Abolere, Executive Director, Planning and Design (Kwara) and Hon. Abidemi Adeyemi, Executive Director Finance (Kogi). Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Makurdi (Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kogi) Dr Amos Gizo Yadukso, Chairman (Plateau); Engr. Ninga Terese, Managing Director (Benue); Chief Chris Takar, Executive Director, Engineering (Benue); Hon. Yusuf Omaaki, Executive Director, Finance (Nasarawa); Hon. Hassan Omale, Executive Director, Agric Services (Kogi) and Okibe Timothy Ogomola, Executive Director, Planning and Design (Benue).

Anambra – Imo River BAsin Development Authority, Owerri (Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi) Senator Emmanuel Anosike, Chairman (Anambra); Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka, Managing Director (Imo); Nwebonyi Priscilla Nkechi, Executive Director Finance (Ebonyi); Hon. Evaristus Asadu, Executive Director, Engineering (Enugu); Onukwubiri N.Ojigwu, Executive Director, Agric Services (Abia) and Abigail Igwe, Executive Director, Planning and Design (Anambra). Hadejia Jamaere River Basin Development Authority, Kano (Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi) Mamman Da'u Aliyu, Chairman (Jigawa); Engr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, Managing Director Director (Kano); Tijjani Musa Isa, Executive Director, Planning and Design (Jigawa); Hajiya Zainab Gamawa, Executive Director Agric Services (Bauchi); Baffa Dandatti Abdulkadir, Executive Director, Engineering (Kano) and Hon. Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, Executive Director Finance (Kano).

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Ex-NNPC GMDs Visit PH Refinery, Say Public Criticisms Misguided

Dangote Refinery says it was never desperate for FX

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Former Group Managing Directors of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) have visited the Port Harcourt refinery, with a verdict that the recent criticisms of the facility which recently recommenced operations were misguided.

The former top NNPC officials under their forum of former GMDs commended the efforts of the current management team led by Mr. Mele Kyari after inspecting the refinery, describing the work done so far as ‘magic.’

Speaking on behalf of the group, Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, who served as GMD from 1999 to 2003, explained that many critics fail to

understand the magnitude of work involved in revamping a facility of that complexity.

He clarified that it was not a routine Turnaround Maintenance (TAM), but a full rehabilitation that modernised a plant originally built in 1965 into what he described as a ‘state-of-the-art’ facility by 2024. “Some of those who criticise do not understand the extent of the work carried out. They mistake it for the usual turnaround maintenance. This is a complete rehabilitation—transforming a plant built in 1965 into a modern one in 2024. We appreciate the effort,” Gaius-Obaseki was quoted as saying. On petroleum pricing, GaiusObaseki emphasised that petrol pump prices are influenced by

crude oil prices and called for public understanding. He hailed the achievement as a testament to courage and dedication, urging Kyari to remain focused on delivering value to Nigerians.

Other former GMDs present at the meeting included Chamberlain Oyibo, Funsho Kupolokun, and Andrew Yakubu, who were said to have collectively lauded the success of the project.

Meanwhile, the Dangote refinery yesterday said that at no time was it desperate for foreign exchange during the construction and commissioning of the 650,000 barrels per day facility, in response to a recent comment by the national oil company.

It said it had received numerous

inquiries from the media and other concerned stakeholders seeking clarification on a recent report attributed to the NNPC that their decision to secure a $1 billion loan backed by its crude was instrumental in supporting the Dangote refinery during liquidity challenges.

“We would like to clarify that this is a misrepresentation of the situation as $1 billion is just about 5 per cent of the investment that went into building the Dangote Refinery. Our decision to enter into a partnership with NNPC was based on recognition of their strategic position in the industry as the largest offtaker of Nigerian crude and at the time, the sole supplier of gasoline into Nigeria.

“We agreed on the sale of a 20 per

cent stake at a value of $2.76 billion. Of this, we agreed that they will only pay $1 billion while the balance will be recovered over a period of five years through deductions on crude oil that they supply to us and from dividends due to them. If we were struggling with liquidity challenges we wouldn't have given them such generous payment terms.

“As at 2021 when the agreement was signed, the refinery was at the pre-commission stage. In addition, if we were struggling with liquidity issue, this agreement would have been cash based rather than credit driven,” the refinery said in a statement by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina.

However, the Dangote refinery

TARGETING INFLATION AT 15 PERCENT, TINUBU PRESENTS N49.7TRN 2025 BUDGET PROPOSAL

christened, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” strikes at the very core of his Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrated his government’s commitment to stabilising the economy, improving lives, and repositioning the country for greater performance.

The President added that the 2025 budget proposal again reinforces its administration's roadmap to secure peace, prosperity, and hope for a greater future for our beloved nation.

He explained that the journey of economic renewal and institutional development, which commenced 18 months ago as a nation, was very muchTinubuunderway. noted that while it wasn't a journey the country chose, his government had to embark on it for Nigeria to have a real chance at greatness.

He said: “The road of reforms is now clearly upon us, and as the President of this blessed nation, I know this less-travelled road has not been easy.

“That there have been difficulties and sacrifices. They will not be in vain. And we must keep faith with the process to arrive at our collectively desired destination.

“We must build on the progress we have made in the past eighteen months in restructuring our economy and ensuring it is strong enough to withstand the headwinds of any future shocks of the global downturn.”

The President assured that the 2025 budget was one of restoration, saying it sought to consolidate the key policies his government has instituted to restructure the economy, boost human capital development, increase the volume of trade and investments, bolster oil and gas production, get manufacturing sector humming again and ultimately increase the competitiveness of our economy.

Tinubu stressed that his government does not intend to depart from this critical path to strengthen the Nigerian economy, saying just as he believes in the resilience of the economy to withstand the current challenges.

He emphasised that the objective of his government was to further stimulate the economy through the implementation of targeted fiscal stimulus packages through public expenditures and specific non-inflationary spending.

The President said the reforms his government instituted were beginning to yield results, adding that Nigerians would soon experience a better and more functional economy.

He noted: “Global economic growth for the outgoing year 2024 was projected at 3.2 percent, and against predictions, our country made significant progress.

“Our economy grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, up from 2.54 percent in the third quarter of 2023. Our Foreign Reserves now stand at nearly 42 billion US dollars, providing

a robust buffer against external shocks.

“Our rising exports are reflected in the current trade surplus, which now stands at 5.8 trillion naira, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.”

These, Tinubu pointed out, were clear results of gradual recovery, among others, reflect the resilience of our economy and the impact of deliberate policy choices we made from the outset.

On 2024 budget performance, the President informed the National Assembly that his administration attained remarkable milestones, noting that they achieved N14.55 trillion in revenue, meeting 75 percent of the target as of the third quarter.

He said his government achieved N21.60 trillion in expenditure, representing 85 percent of its target in the third quarter.

Tinubu stressed that while challenges persist, they have improved revenue collection and fulfilled key obligations, saying the transformational effects of this on our economy are gradually being felt.

He explained that the budgetary allocations in the 2025 budget reflects the administration’s strategic priorities, especially in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda and its developmental objectives.

The President further said in 2025, his government was targeting N34.82 trillion in revenue to fund the budget, while government expenditure in the

same year is projected to be N47.90 trillion, including N15.81 trillion for debtHeservicing. added that a total of N13.08 trillion, or 3.89 percent of GDP would make up the budget deficit.

Tinubu noted that the proposed budget projects inflation would decline from the current rate of 34.6 percent to 15 percent next year, while the exchange rate would improve from approximately N1,700 per US dollar to N1,500, and a base crude oil production assumption of 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd).

He stated: “Our budgetary alloca- tions underscore this administration’s strategic priorities, particularly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and achieving its developmental objectives.

“Highlights of the 2025 Budget Allocations: Defence and Security: N4.91 trillion; Infrastructure: N4.06 trillion; Health: N2.48 trillion; Education: N3.52 trillion

“Security is the foundation of all progress. We have significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and police forces to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory.

“The government will continue to provide our security forces with the modern tools and technology they need to keep us safe. Boosting the morale of our men and women

in the armed forces will remain our government's top priority.

“When we launched the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, it was with the conviction that infrastructure remains the backbone of every thriving economy. Under this programme, we are accelerating investments in energy, transport, and public works.

“By leveraging private capital, we hope to complete key projects that drive growth and create jobs. We have already embarked on key legacy projects: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will have a huge impact on the lives of our people and accelerate economic output.”

The President further said his administration has so far disbursed N34 billion to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He added: "In the 2025 budget, we have made provision for N826.90 billion for infrastructure development in the educational sector.

“This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and the nine new higher educational institutions.

“We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated N402 billion for infrastructure investments in the health sector in

the 2025 Budget and another N282.65 billion for the Basic Health Care Fund.

“Our hospitals will be revitalised with medication and better resources, ensuring quality care for all Nigerians. This is consistent with the federal government’s planned procurement of essential drugs for distribution to public healthcare facilities nationwide, improving healthcare access and reducing medical import dependency.”

The President said the government would be supporting farmers with funding and inputs to reignite productivity, saying food security is non-negotiable.

He said: “Our nation faces existential threats from corruption and insecurity and suffers from many past poor choices. These challenges are surmountable when we work collaboratively to overcome them. We must rewrite the narrative of this nation together, with every leader, institution, and citizen playing their part.”

Welcoming the President earlier to the 2025 budget presentation, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, explained that the impressive performance of the 2024 national budget encouraged members of the National Assembly to increase the lifespan of the 2024 budget beyond December 31 this year. He said, “We have noted the 2024 budget performances of 50 percent for

TOTALENERGIES, MRS, SIFAX, FIRST E&P, SAHARA, OTHERS WIN OIL BLOCS AS DANGOTE CRASHES PETROL PRICE UNDERMINING IMPORTS

from the N970 per litre announced by the company last month.

Also, yesterday, the Renaissance Consortium announced in a statement that the federal government had finally approved Shell's $2.4 billion onshore and shallow-water assets sale to Renaissance Group, the consortium of five firms that had purchased the asset.

Recall that on January 16 this year, Shell had announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to Renaissance, a consortium of five companies, comprising four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria and an international energy group.

At the commercial bid conference for the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round and the 2024 Licensing Round held in Lagos yesterday, Nigerian companies including Sifax, MRS, Applefield, FIRST E&P, Sahara Deepwater, among others, emerged winners of oil blocks in the 31 PPLs put on offer by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in 2022 and 2024.

Of 31 blocks initially put on offer by the NUPRC - seven in the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round and 24 offered in the 2024 Licensing Round, bidders only showed interested in 25 blocks while six assets failed to attract any bid.

Curiously, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) failed to win any block despite appearing as qualified bidder in some blocks as it lost to MRS and others competitors.

At the occasion, NUPRC announced that it would be conducting another bid round in 2025 after the completion

of the current exercise, adding that it had begun the implementation of the Drill or Drop provision in the PIA to ensure that idle blocks are taken away from the holders and put back into the basket for auctioning.

However, according to the results of the bid exercise announced real-time at the conference, Sifax & Royalgate Consortium won two deep offshore blocks -PPL 300-DO and PPL 304-DO.

Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited won two deep offshore assets -PPL 302-DO and PPL 3007.

Panout Oil and Gas Limited won one cluster block PPL 300/301CS and PPL 3015. TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited won PPL 2000/2001; and MRS won PPL 303-DO.

Also, Hakilat Oil and Gas Consortium won PPL 305-DO and PPL 3016. Biswal Oil and Gas Limited won PPL 306-DO and PPL 2002; while Sahara Deepwater Resource Limited emerged winners of two blocks -PPL 270 and PPL 271.

Other winners were: First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited - PPL 2003 and PPL 2006; Dewayles International Limited -PPL 2004 and Broron Energy Limited - PPL 2009.

Also, Applefield Oil and Gas Limited won two assets - PPL 2005 and PPL 3017; R28 Holdings Limited won PPL 2007 and PPL 3011 while Petroli Energy Marketing and Supply Limited won PPL 269. Similarly, Tulcan Energy Exploration and Production Company Limited won two assets -PPL 2008 and PPL 3012.

Presenting the summary of the result of the bid exercise, Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, said

the bid round was the most transparent in the history of the Nigerian upstream oil and gas industry.

He noted that the exercise was in compliance with the provisions of Section 73, Subsection 1A of the PIA, which states that bid exercise shall be conducted in the most transparent, fair and competitive atmosphere.

Proceeding with the declaration of the results, Komolafe said: "So the first is PPL 300-DO, it was won by Sifax and Royal Gate Consortium. And for that asset, the company is the only bidder, so there's no reserve bidder. So, in effect, Sifax won that block.

"Also, we have PPL 302-DO, it was bidded and won by Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited. And also, there's no reserve bidder in that respect.

"We have PPL 303-DO, won by MRS Oil and Gas Company Limited. The NNPC Limited is a reserve bidder in that exercise.

"For PPL 304-DO, Sifax & Royal Gate Consortium won that block. But there's a reserve bidder by Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Limited.

"For PPL 305-DO, Hakilat Oil and Gas Consortium Limited won the block. NNPC E&P Limited is a reserve bidder.

"For PPL 306-DO, Biswal Oil and Gas Limited won the block. Also, for PPL 269, Petroli Energy Marketing and Supply Limited won the block.

"For PPL 270 and PPL 271, Sahara Deepwater Resources Limited won the two PPLs.

"For PPL 300 and PPL 301CS, I think it's listed as a cluster. It was won by Panout Oil and Gas Limited.

"For the cluster, we have assets PPL 2000 and PPL 2001. TotalEnergies

Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited Nigeria Limited won the cluster, with a reserve bidder in Star DeepWater Petroleum Limited.

"Then, PPL 2002 was won by Biswal Oil and Gas Limited. Of course, there's no reserve bidder."

He added, "For PPL 2003, First E and P Development Company Limited. There's no reserve bidder. For PPL 2004, Dewayles International Limited won the block. PPL 2005 was won by Applefield Oil and Gas Limited.

"PPL 2006 was won by First E & P Development Company Limited. PPL 2007 was won by R28 Holdings Limited..."

Earlier in his opening address, Komolafe revealed that the commission has begun the recovery of Idle oil blocks in Nigeria as it announced a fresh oil licensing round for 2025.

According to him, the 2025 licensing round will focus on underexplored assets, fallow fields, and natural gas development as part of Nigeria’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Komolafe emphasised that the NUPRC aims to make the licensing rounds an annual event to address challenges such as declining production and rising global competition.

He stated, "While we are proud of our recent achievements as industry stakeholders, we must remain mindful of the challenges ahead. Declining production levels and increased global competition demand strategic action. Fortunately, the Petroleum Industry Act has given us a unique opportunity to transform the industry, attract investment, and position Nigeria as a leader.

“To this end, I am pleased to announce that the NUPRC will

launch another licensing round in 2025. Building on the lessons learned from this year’s round, the 2025 exercise will focus on discovered and undeveloped fields, fallow assets, and prioritise natural gas development to support Nigeria’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Komolafe further explained that the regulator’s focus has been on restoring investor confidence in the industry, adding that this has been achieved by ensuring that its activities are fully aligned with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

He said, “What we are doing here today is not a matter of discretion by the commission but is in line with the statutory provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act. The law stipulates that the commission should conduct licensing rounds.

“The law did not make it annual, but to ensure that we grow, preserve, and optimise our hydrocarbon resources, as I said, we are committed to annual licensing rounds. And that’s why I said that at the conclusion of this (2024) exercise, we will commence another one in 2025.”

The CCE also stated that the commission has begun recovering idle assets based on the ‘drill or drop’ provision of the Petroleum Industry Act.

“There is a provision in the Petroleum Industry Act that speaks to ‘drill or drop’. We have been engaging with the industry to ensure that unexplored areas and resources are returned to production. We intend to revitalise these idle assets, as many of them remain unused, which is not the intent of the Petroleum Industry Act.

“So, as a commission and as a regulator, we have started activating

the ‘drill or drop’ provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, which is intended to ensure that our assets do not remain idle. We are reintegrating them into the pool, and they will be available for bidding by interested parties in the next licensing round,” he added.

Also, in a statement yesterday, the NUPRC boss stressed that the launch of the 2024 licensing round marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria's energy landscape.

Komolafe noted that the licensing round was not merely a commercial exercise; but a bold declaration that Nigeria was ready for business.

“The 2024 licensing round launched in May, represents a significant leap in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon development strategy. The licensing round offers 24 carefully selected blocks spanning onshore, shallow water, and deep offshore terrains. Complementing these are the seven deep offshore blocks from the 2022 Mini Bid Round, bringing the total to thirty-one (31) blocks.”

According to him, key objectives of the licensing round included “growing our country’s oil and gas reserves through aggressive exploration and development. Boosting production while expanding opportunities for gas utilisation across the value chain. “Enhancing energy security and economic growth. Attracting investments while creating employment opportunities and enabling technology transfer.

Optimising the value of our petroleum assets and ensuring sustainable development of Nigeria’ untapped potentials.”

said the NNPC was later unable to supply the agreed 300, 000 barrels a day of crude given that they had committed a greater part of their crude cargoes to financiers with the expectation of higher production which they were unable to achieve.

Kyari

PUBLIC SENSITISATION ON SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF USED COOKING OIL...

L-R: Representatives of Ororo Waste Mangement Limited, Mr Olaitan Daodu, Mrs. Kemi Areola; and Mr. Ayo Banjo; General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA),

Managing Director, Foods Concept, Mr. Kofi Abunu; and former General Manager, LASEPA, Engr. Ayodele Anthonio, at the

Tinubu Bringing Down Crimes, Improving Governance Architecture, Bwala Declares

Army general orders soldiers to brutalise six FCTA enforcement officers

The Bola Tinubu administration introduced the Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS), through the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), marking a significant step towards a data-driven

approach to governance.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, in a release, said CESPS reflected a positive shift in Nigeria’s governance framework.

According to Bwala, “The CESPS is a novel concept designed to provide data-backed insights into issues

affecting the polity, moving away from conjectures or assumptions."

He stressed that the first CESPS report offered a comprehensive breakdown of crime experiences in 2024 across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The report showed that the South-east recorded the lowest

incidence, with 6.2 million cases, while North-west topped the chart with 14.4 million cases.

Further breakdown of the crime incidents for 2023 showed South-west had 6.9 million cases; South-south 7.7 million cases; North-east 7.9 million cases; and North-central 8.8 million cases.

Atiku Hails Ndimi's Oriental Energy for

Inaugurating First Self-funded FPSO

Okocha in Abuja

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated the Chairman of the Nigerian Independent producer, Oriental Energy

Resources

on the successful completion and commissioning of the Okwok Field’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel/ platform in Dubai.

Ganduje: Oyo Part of Our Blueprint in 2027

National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said Oyo State was part of the blueprint of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election. Ganduje disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, when APC stakeholders from Oyo State, led by Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, paid him a courtesy visit.

He expressed concern about the unity of Oyo State and the homogeneity of the South-west, maintaining that the task of delivering President Bola Tinubu in 2027 must be achieved.

Ganduje stated, “Oyo State is part of our blueprint, which we call political party homogeneity. We have been looking for unity and uniformity in Oyo State. Now we are seeing elements of unity and uniformity.

“We are concerned about the unity of Oyo State and the unity of Nigeria and the homogeneity of the South-west, because our 2027 is a task that must be done.”

The national chairman urged Oyo leaders to organise a mega stakeholders meeting in Ibadan

that would involve all the members of the party to the point that the opposition would be intimated.

Ganduje added, “We made it clear when we came on board that it will not be business as usual.

Political parties in developing countries are always active during election time.

“We want the party to be active in the state throughout the year. We want your party offices from the ward, to the local government levels be physically habitable and functionally operational by having constant meetings.

“I have already told you our blueprint about President Bola Tinubu. Coming home as the son of the soil, he cannot afford to see a beautiful fowl with a head of the vulture and Oyo State political party homogeneity is the answer.

“Anybody, who is patriotic about the unity of this country, anybody in love with this country, should be happy that your geopolitical zone has produced the president.”

Earlier, Adebayo said division within APC led to the electoral loss in 2019 and 2023 elections, and added that the state chapter was now united.

In a statement in Abuja by his Media Office, Atiku described the commissioning of the FPSO as one of the most gladdening news coming out from the upstream sub-sector of Nigeria's oil industry in recent times.

“The vessel’s deployment at the Okwok field is expected to significantly increase Nigeria’s crude oil output, contributing to the government’s revenue growth and economic development objectives.

“This is the first FPSO entirely funded by an indigenous Nigerian company and this landmark achievement being championed by OER showcases the rising capability of Nigerian firms in conceptualising and successfully executing complex projects in the nation’s upstream oil industry.

“The successful building and commissioning of the FPSO marks a

significant step toward enabling an indigenous oil and gas company to independently develop a marginal oil field. This development marks an important milestone for Nigeria and its indigenous energy sector, he said.

“No doubt, this latest investment would boost economic growth, generate job opportunities for Nigerians, and ensure steady growth and development of not only the oil sector but the nation’s economy in general,” he said.

He described Indimi as a man who so much believes in the capabilities that exist in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

“From onset of his foray into the nation’s oil sector, his vision of standing out as a player of reckon in the nation’s upstream oil business has been top-notch,” he said.

Despite the figures, the report highlighted a decline in crime compared to 2023, underscoring the administration's effort to enhance security.

“The synergy among security agencies, including military, paramilitary, and private sector collaborations, fostered by the Renewed Hope administration, has been instrumental in this progress,” Bwala stated.

He pointed to reduced kidnapping in the south, decreased banditry in the north, and a significant decline in attacks by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its affiliates.

The arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based instigator linked to unrest in the South-east, was cited as a milestone in the fight against insecurity.

Additionally, fewer school attacks in the north this year further illustrated the administration’s achievements.

CESPS also touched on inflation, attributing recent increases to flooding in northern states, which disrupted agricultural output.

Meanwhile, soldiers, acting on the orders of a superior officer, by name, Maj Gen JT Audu, yesterday, brutalised six officials of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration on enforcement duties.

Two operation Hilux vans and one other were destroyed during the onslaught that happened at Sabo Lugbe on the corridor of the international airport.

The Development and Control

officials were trying to remove an illegal structure with no approval at plot 416, said to belong to the officer, when crisis escalated. One of the victims said when the removal was going on, the army top brat, upon getting information about the exercise, promptly sent two soldiers to his house to ascertain the situation.

When the soldiers, who drove in an unmarked vehicle, arrived the scene, they blocked the entrance to the property, to prevent the enforcement team from escaping from the premises, and even threatened to shoot them.

A rating, Private Jamilu (surname unknown) with a corked rifle, threatened to shoot the operator of the bulldozer if he refused to disembark from his seat on heavy duty machine.

Despite complying with the order, the operator was beaten to pulp by the two soldiers, who indiscriminately shot at and deflated the four tyres of the bulldozer.

More soldiers were mobilised to the scene and they abducted and took the six enforcement officers, led by Sector Sodangi, to the General's house, where they were pulverised and held hostage for hours. The three Hilux vans were driven to Major Gen JT Audu’s house, while the remaining vehicles that they could not lay hands on were flattened by gunshots.

Upon receiving the information, the DPO Trademore, visited the scene, but the General blatantly refused to listen to her.

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal, yesterday, dismissed a call by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strike out the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

APC, in a motion argued by its counsel, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, had during a pre-hearing sitting of the tribunal, described the petition as incompetent.

Orbih told the three-man panel, sitting in Benin City, that the PDP petition was not filed in accordance

with the provisions of the law, stating that the tribunal lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

He said further grounds for seeking the dismissal were contained in the motion paper dated November 30, and supported by a seven paragraph affidavit.

In another motion, APC asked the tribunal to strike out some paragraphs in the petition filed by PDP and its candidate in the election, Dr Asue Ighodalo.

While arguing the application, Orbih urged the tribunal to deliver its ruling on the motion before commencing hearing on the petition

In a counter-argument, however, PDP, through its counsel, Ken Mozia, SAN, urged the tribunal to discountenance the argument of APC. Mozia explained that the petitioners had filed a reply and counter-affidavit to challenge the motion.

The PDP counsel also countered the APC application, urging the tribunal to dismiss it for lack of merit.

In its ruling, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Kpochi, dismissed the argument of APC, saying rulings on all preliminary motions would be delivered on the final judgement day.

The tribunal adjourned to Saturday, December 21, 2024 for the parties in

the case to file a common proposal that would guide the tribunal during the hearing.

Earlier, PDP had moved four different motions calling on the tribunal to expunge various paragraphs in the replies of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, and Okpebholo to its petition. PDP is challenging the declaration of Okpebholo as winner of the September 21 governorship election by INEC. The APC candidate polled 291,667 votes to defeat PDP's Ighodalo and LP's Olumide Akpata, who recorded 247,274 and 22,763 votes, respectively.

Dr. Tunde Ajayi;

Public Sensitisation on Sustainable Management of Used Cooking Oil held in Ikeja, Lagos…yesterday

Chuks

(OER), Muhammadu Indimi,

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

VISIT TO NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE INDIA...

L–R:Independent Non-Executive Director, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Mrs. Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman; Head, Group Communications and Partnership, NGX Group, Mr. Clifford Akpolo; Non-Executive, NGX Group, Mr. Mohammed Garuba; Independent, Non-Executive Director, NGX Group, Mrs. Ojinika Nkechinyelu Olaghere; Non-Executive Director, NGX Group, Mr. Sehinde Adenagbe; Group Managing Director/CEO, NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola; Group Chairman, NGX Group, Dr, Umaru Kwairanga; MD/CEO, National Stock Exchange (NSE) India, Mr. Ashishkumar Chauhan; Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria, Mairiga Katuka; Independent Non-Executive Director, NGX Group, Mrs. Mosun Belo – Olusoga; Director-General, SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama; Independent, Non-Executive Director, NGX Group, Dr. Okechukwu Crescent Itanyi, and Non-Executive Director, NGX Group, Mr. Nonso Okpala, during a strategic business visit to NSE India… yesterday

Abia Airport Underway as Keyamo Performs Ground Breaking to Kick Off Project

The federal government has approved the upgrade of the airstrip initially earmarked for Abia State to an international cargo airport, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has said.

Keyamo spoke yesterday at the ground-breaking ceremony for the commencement of work on the airport project sited at Ubahu Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, about 10 kilometres from Umuahia, the capital city.

The minister said the upgrade of the airport, a presidential initiative, was readily approved by President Bola Tinubu to make the airport an international cargo airport to boost the industrialisation of Abia and the entire South-east.

He said Tinubu desired that no part of the country, particularly the South-east, should be excluded from aviation development for the overall development of the country.

Abia is the only state in the Southeast without an airport, as efforts by previous administrations to build one ended up as pipe dream even after acquisition and clearing of land for the project.

But Keyamo said it was unacceptable for Abia to remain without an airport, hence Tinubu specifically requested the siting of an airstrip for Abia State, as captured in the 2024 budget.

However, he stated that the decision to upgrade to international cargo airport came after Governor Alex Otti offered to have his government join hands with the federal government to upgrade the planned airstrip to a full-blown airport.

The minister justified the need for the Abia airport given the prominent status of the state in Nigeria’s economic and industrial ecosystem.

According to him, Abia is considered the industrial hub of the South-east, with the famous "Made in Nigeria" goods being churned out of Aba, the commercial and industrial hub of the state.

The aviation minister said a cargo airport in Abia would make it possible for goods to be processed and exported directly to expected.

He said the airport would primarily focus on cargo operations to support industrialisation and trade in Abia and the South-east geopolitical zone.

Keyamo said an airport stood as an enabler that generated economic activities, and its construction should not be dependent on existing commercial demand.

Otti said the airport was a signature project jointly being executed in partnership with the federal government.

He said the airport would transform Abia's transport system by enhancing connectivity through air-travel and boost tourism and hospitality businesses.

"In the new Abia, an airport is not just an important project for the long term prosperity of the state, it is an integral component of our vision to open the state to the world," Otti said.

He stated that building an airport was in line with the commitment of his administration, saying, "Under our watch Abia will never let any promising opportunities slip by."

Otti saidl,"We are constantly open to making the most of the opportunities we find because there lies the path to sustained progress."

To underscore the long yearning of Abians for an airport, the groundbreaking event attracted political and business bigwigs from the state, who all expressed their delight at the prospect of Abia having an airport.

Kalu promised that the green chamber would provide the needed legislative support to ensure the realisation of the project.

"We are promising Abians that when the budget comes we will look out for the budget that is going to

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Kalu, said he was optimistic that the project would be completed in record time as, "Abia is blessed with a governor that understands the importance of synergistic partnership."

benefit Abia and we will approve it," he said.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the project represented the determination of Mr. President to deliver dividends of democracy to the citizens.

Onyejeocha lauded Tunubu for considering Abia for an international airport, adding that the people of Abia would gain enormous economic benefits from it. Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, said 1,325.86 hectares of land had been acquired from nine communities for the airport project, adding that full compensations would be paid to all land owners.

Yuletide: Abiodun Seeks Love for Less Privileged, Vulnerable

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the people of the state to celebrate Christmas with moderation and extend hands of fellowship to the less privileged and vulnerable in society.

Abiodun made the call in his Christmas message at the Ogun State Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons, held at the Arcade Ground, the State Secretariat, OkeMosan, Abeokuta.

He said Christmas is a time that transcends barriers and unites people across different divides, emphasizing that it is a period that focuses on the timeless values of love, compassion, kindness, and faith.

He said: "It is a season that inspires us to look beyond ourselves and embrace the bond of family and friendship. Let us extend our hands to the needy, for such acts reflect Christ’s life to the world."

Abiodun called on the people

to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which entails giving and sharing, adding that without Christ, there is no Christmas.

"It is a time to give back to our community and support the needy," he added.

He said his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the vulnerable by fostering inclusiveness, which is necessary to build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

"We will continue to focus on promoting programs that spread love, compassion, and empowerment across Ogun State. Our administration has worked tirelessly to enhance public service, improve infrastructure, and drive sustainable development," he said.

The governor, however, noted that his administration's greatest success is not the legacy imprinted on the hearts of the people, but the strength of the community, the resilience of the people, and the compassion shown

Migration Day: FG Says Doors Remain Open in Agriculture, Technology with Huge Improvement in Security

The federal government has revealed that its doors are still open in the area of agriculture and technology to migrants and persons of goodwill who wish to reside in Nigeria and contribute to the development of the country.

This is in line with its commitment, it said, in providing enabling environment, protection and security as so far, there has been huge improvement in the area of security which has encouraged the reintegration of 10, 500 stranded Nigerian migrants into the system.

It said that migration remittance of not less than 23 million dollars which has been used for national

development is not being taken for granted.

The federal commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, NCRMIP, Tijani Ahmed, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja during the 2024 commemoration of the International Migration Day themed - “Beyond borders: Celebrating migrants’ legacy, protecting their rights”.

He said the commission has been given the mandate to provide protection to migrants as the government is watching and preparing by next year, 2025, to take over the leadership of migrant process of everyone within and outside the country to support Nigeria for the country to succeed

in the governance of migration internationally.

He said the resettlement city projects in Edo, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Kano and Nasarawa states stand as testament to providing durable solutions offering a fresh start, complete with access to housing water and sanitation, healthcare, education, markets and mini skills acquisition centres which goes to ensure their efficient reintegration, resettlement and readmission.

According to him, “The government has provided an enabling environment for those migrants that are living here in Nigeria. You can see that there is high level of improvement in the security of the country, and we are willing to

receive those who are already here to develop the country in the area of agriculture and technology.

“Don’t forget the contributions of our migrants in the diaspora towards the development of Nigeria.

“We have taken many migrants because of their developmental contributions towards the development of this country we are also celebrating them today in order to inform them that the Nigerian government and the people of Nigeria are there for them.

“The government is willing to provide protection, security and an enabling environment for them to thrive. And for our brothers out there, we thank them for all they are doing as contribution for the development of Nigeria.

to one another.

While praying for the spirit of Christmas to continue to strengthen the people's bond, inspire progress, and bring peace and prosperity to every family, the state helmsman urged people to carry forth the lessons of Christmas, which are kindness, unity, and hope for a brighter future as they look forward to the new year.

In his sermon titled "Building Our Future Together," the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Nicolas Okoh, said Christmas represents an opportunity to reconcile man to God through Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.

Taking his text from John 2:7, the CAN president said it was impera-

tive for believers to be champions of reconciliation and not merchants of bitterness, as the birth of Jesus drew man closer to God.

His words: "Christmas should not be celebrated only with friends, but with all men. As believers, we should bear the burden of peace and cross the mountain of hatred. It is not a time to abuse others but a time to make peace because it is only peace that brings development.

"As we celebrate, let us focus on things that bind us together. Let us remember the poor and the needy because there are people who have not experienced the joy of Christmas in their lifetime. Let us visit the homeless to make them know that they are part of society."

NAFDAC Raids Aba Market to Halt 'Mass Destruction of Lives' with Fake Products

Umuahia

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raided the popular Eziukwu Market (Cemetery Market) Aba, Abia State, and confiscated huge haul of fake products produced and sold in the market.

NAFDAC Director in the South East zone, Martins Iluyomade, who led the market operation that lasted several hours, said the confiscated fake products were akin to "weapons of mass destruction".

The unwholesome products include different brands of wines, whiskey, yoghurt, carbonated drinks, chips, dry gin and many other foreign and indigenous drinks all produced at a dirty area of the market.

Aside producing the fake products, the traders also have a section of the market where expired products have

their expiry dates re-validated for redistribution to unsuspecting consumers.

The NAFDAC Director noted the agency carried out similar operation last year at the same market and stressed that all plans have been made to get the culprits, yet the faking of consumer products has persisted. According to him, the market leadership at Eziukwu had in December 2023, during the last operation, signed an undertaking with NAFDAC to help identify those involved in the nefarious activities.

But Iluyomade regretted that despite the commitment to change their ways the product fakers have remained recalcitrant and hell-bent on making money by endangering the lives of their fellow citizens. He said the "market leadership has questions to answer" over the persisting business of faking.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF SUCCESS...

L-R: Head, Underwriting and Compliance,Life Worth HMO, Mr.Douglas Chibueze; Head of HR/ Legal

Quality Assurance,

Admin,

Afenifere: Release Farotimi Now, Else…

Segun James Yoruba foremost group, Afenifere, yesterday, warned that the continued incarceration of human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Dele Farotimi, might have adverse political consequences for the country. In order to avert this, Afenifere insisted that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and travails in the hands of his abductors must be undertaken.

Deputy Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, made the call at a

press conference held at the Lekki residence of the national leader of the organisation, Chief Ayo Adebanjo. Olaitan condemned the delay in granting bail to Farotimi.

He pointed out that such had confirmed fears that the prosecution process was driven by issues outside the facts in the petition on which the Nigeria Police and the Chief Magistrate in Ekiti hinged their actions.

He condemned outright the manner in which Farotimi was brought to court in handcuffs, saying it is a clear

attempt to humiliate him.

Olaitan called for the immediate and unconditional release of Farotimi.

He stated that the overzealousness with which some of the parties acted and the errors of judgement committed by them in this case could validate Farotimi’s portrayal of the justice system.

The press briefing was titled, "World Press Conference on the travails of democracy, the grievous curtailment of free speech and the deprivation of the constitutional right

to personal liberty exemplified in the abduction, detention and incarceration of foremost human/civil rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Dele Farotimi."

Olaitan was flanked at the briefing by Chief Supo Sonibare, Mr. Alade Rotimi, Justice Faloye, Mrs. Adenike Olujembola (Chairman, Lagos Afenifere), and Chief Olatunde Onakoya.

He declared that Farotimi must have his day in court, saying he cannot be unjustly incarcerated and his rights

must be protected. Olaitan stated, "The delay in granting bail to Mr. Farotimi has confirmed the fears of well-meaning people all over the world that these processes are driven by extraneous considerations outside the facts and laws in respect of the petition on which the police and the Chief Magistrate in Ekiti are hinging their actions.

"Even as the burden of proof of the charge against Mr. Farotimi is on the prosecution and as the accused

person is presumed innocent by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Afenifere charges the police to redeem its integrity by promptly terminating its prosecution of a matter for which the law does not empower it.

"Afenifere, therefore, calls for the immediate unconditional release of Mr. Farotimi and for the investigation of the circumstances surrounding his abduction and travails in the hands of his abductors."

God Never Made Mistake Ordaining Me as Governor of Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said God never made any mistake ordaining him the Governor of Rivers State to drive the ongoing transformation in the State and empower the people positively.

State, Fubara Declares

Northern Governors Support FG’s Plan to Restore 4m Hectares of Degraded Land

He, however, warned politicians and some leaders whom he said were demarketing the state through damaging media campaigns.

He advised such self-serving individuals to discard such depraved mentality, and prioritise the advancement, economic prosperity and positive reputation of the state

Fubara made the assertion yesterday, at the inauguration of the 3.05km long Kala-Ibiama section of the Kala-Ibiama-Epellema Road and Bridge in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of the state.

Komolafe emphasised commitment to transparency and accountability in managing Nigeria's oil and gas sector, aligning with global best practices and principles of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI).

The commercial bids were opened through an electronic bidding process supervised by representatives from NEITI, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Komolafe highlighted several unique features of the Licensing Round designed to foster an investor-friendly environment, to include, “investorfriendly terms with reduced signature bonuses and the recent Presidential Executive Orders on non-associated gas (NAG) development, optimised local content and the reduction of contracting costs and timelines, we have fostered an enabling environment that strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.

“Streamlined Allocation: This round prioritises single applicants or well-established consortia to ensure greater efficiency and accountability, as against the 2020 MFBR 2020 where the allocation of blocks to multiple companies presented certain challenges.

“Collaboration for Local Content Development: This bid round has also been designed to foster collaboration between reputable local companies and their international counterparts, promoting local content development, creating employment opportunities and facilitating technology transfer.

“Sustainability Commitments: Environmental and social considerations remain a top priority, and

we will ensure that all exploration and production activities adhere to global best practices while promoting harmonious and peaceful coexistence between oil and gas companies and their host communities.

“Following this conference, successful bidders will receive their blocks within months; payments of Signature Bonuses will be made in full before the granting of licenses or leases; awarded blocks will undergo aggressive exploration and development in line with minimum work programme obligations; capacity building and job creation for Nigerians will be proritised, while delivering optimal value to both our local and foreign investors and government will continue to integrate sustainability measures into all exploration and production activities, safeguarding host communities and protecting the environment.

As Nigeria embraces this transformative opportunity for growth driven by favorable fiscal provisions under the PIA and Presidential Executive Orders,” Komolafe expressed optimism about early final investment decisions (FIDs), increased exploration activities, and prompt first oil and gas production across all terrains.

The CCE paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the exercise, the first in showcasing transparency, fairness and competitiveness in line with the provisions of the PIA. He was optimistic that the implementation of the bid will enjoy the incentives in the Presidential Orders and initiatives recently released. He therefore urged stakeholders to

over their parochial interests.

"I want to assure everyone, more especially our leaders, Rivers State belongs to all of us, the best we can do is to contribute our little quota to better the State.

“Rivers State, as of today, even in the face of wonderful things that we are doing that people are beginning to see, is faced with dangerous media war that is demarketing the state as we are seeing today.

seize this moment to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas resources responsibly and inclusively.

FG Approves Shell’s $2.4bn Oil, Gas Assets Sale to Renaissance Consortium

The federal government's approval came via a statement by Renaissance Group, the consortium of five firms yesterday.

It was unclear as of last night why the announcement did not come from either the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) or the defacto Minister of Petroleum Resources, President Bola Tinubu.

But the approval marked the end of Shell's nearly a century of operations in Nigeria’s onshore oil and gas segment and yet a broader retreat by western energy companies from Nigeria’s onshore and shallow water oil assets, including Exxon Mobil, Italy's Eni and Norway's Equinor. Shell's sale to Renaissance, comprising five companies, was announced in January but was blocked in October by the industry regulator, citing several reasons.

Specifically on October 17, THISDAY broke the story, quoting sources as saying that Shell’s oil assets’ sale was not in the ‘Waiting Room’, having been roundly rejected by the federal government.

According to the story run by THISDAY, quoting people with deep knowledge of the goings-on in the oil and gas sector, a thorough appraisal of the proposal made by the consortium, showed that the group of companies did not have the requisite qualifications to manage the assets.

Governors of the 19 Northern States have declared support for federal government’s plan to restore four million hectares of degraded land in the region by 2030.

Stakeholders spoke in Abuja during the endorsement and validation of the first phase of the developed catchment management plans (SCMP) by the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid

However, it noted that the completion of the sale of its 30 per cent onshore assets was subject to approvals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other conditions.

“This agreement marks an important milestone for Shell in Nigeria, aligning with our previously announced intent to exit onshore oil production in the Niger Delta, simplifying our portfolio and focusing future disciplined investment in Nigeria on our Deepwater and Integrated Gas positions” said Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, Zoë Yujnovich.

The SPDC JV holds 15 oil mining leases for petroleum operations onshore and three for petroleum operations in shallow water in Nigeria. Renaissance was formed by ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith and Petrolin.

The reserves of the subject of the transaction were approximately 458 MMboe, while the consideration payable to Shell as part of the transaction was to be circa $1.3 billion.

The buyer, if the deal had succeeded at the time, would have made additional cash payments to Shell of up to $1.1bln, primarily relating to prior receivables and cash balances in the business, with the majority expected to be paid at completion of the transaction.

But THISDAY authoritatively reported that the proposal failed to impress the upstream regulator, which turned down the request by the consortium of five companies.

The key reasons the NUPRC declined to approve of the deal, it was learnt, among others, had to do

Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.

Gombe State Governor and Chairman of Northern Governor’s Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said, “We are pleased with the progress of the ACReSAL project in the beneficiary states, particularly its multi-sectoral approach to desertification control, landscape management, community livelihoods, resilience, and institutional strengthening.

“The ACReSAL project has

with the consortium’s seeming lack of verifiable capacity, having not been able to manage even up to 50 per cent of all the current oil and gas assets under its control.

It was further understood that the upstream regulator had serious posers over the financial involvement of Shell even after the proposed sale and purchase agreement, having found that there were issues with transparency in the availability of funds.

Aside from questions over management capacity, the seller’s proposal to finance the project as indicated in its January 16 statement, was also not very clear to the regulator, THISDAY was told.

Also considered were industrial relations and labour issues, as well as data repatriation plans of the parties to the deals. The regulator had also cited Renaissance's inability to demonstrate its capacity to manage the assets, which hold an estimated 6.73 billion barrels of oil and condensate, and 56.27 trillion cubic feet of gas.

However, yesterday, Renaissance said "this approval marks a significant step forward from the announcement of the sale and purchase agreements in January". With the approval, the minister of petroleum is now allowing Renaissance Africa Energy’s purchase of SPDC.

But civil-society groups led by Amnesty International (AI) had objected to the deal because of concerns about human-rights violations and asked the authorities not to proceed with it until safeguards were put in place. However, the deal would fulfill Shell’s long-term goal of exiting

contributed to creating a healthy and eco-friendly environment for human habitation through dryland management practices, which include gully stabilization, bioremediation, and afforestation activities.

“I would like to reiterate our commitment to supporting the ACReSAL project in achieving the federal government’s goal of restoring 4 million hectares of degraded land for broader landscape restoration by 2030.”

onshore operations in the challenging Niger Delta area. The company has received notification of the approval and is assessing it, the firm said in a statement.

Further recall that in October, Nigeria approved Exxon Mobil Corp.’s sale of its onshore oil and gas assets to domestic energy supplier Seplat Energy Plc.

“Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited is pleased to announce that the Minister of Petroleum Resources has granted his consent to the sale of The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to Renaissance.

“This approval marks a significant step forward from the announcement of the Sale and Purchase Agreements in January 2024,” a brief statement from the consortium said.

On October 30, Olu Verheijen, special adviser to the president on energy, had assured that the issues around Shell’s proposed sale of its onshore assets to Renaissance would be resolved soon.

“Aradel Holdings Plc, listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, is pleased to announce that the Minister of Petroleum Resources has granted his consent to the sale of The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to Renaissance Africa Energy Limited.

“For Aradel, as a shareholder in Renaissance, this approval marks a significant step forward from the announcement of the Sale and Purchase Agreements in January 2024. Further details will be provided in due course,” Aradel’s Managing Director, Adegbite Falade said separately.

and

Mrs. Foluke Adebowale; Managing Director/ CEO, Dr. Raymond Osho; Head, Health Services and

Mr. Adedamola Oladimeji; and Head of Finance, Mr. Alintola Saburi, during a press conference to herald Life Worth HMO’s 10th year anniversary celebration in Lagos…recently

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

NAF OFFICERS MESS HONOURARY MEMBERS 2024 ANNUAL LECTURE...

Chairman

Ikeja, Dr Goke

Opposition Coalition Raises the Alarm over Alleged Plot to Frame Ikenga Ugochinyere

in Abuja

Opposition political parties under the umbrella of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), have raised the alarm over a purported scheme allegedly orchestrated by certain security agencies in collusion with a faction loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to frame the opposition coalition spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere.

The opposition parties said the aim

was to silence and blackmail him into abandoning his committed exposures of the political, legal and leadership atrocities of the pro-Wike group in their bid to destabilise Rivers State, destroy PDP and the endless land grabbing allegations. The opposition coalition leadership at a world Press Conference in Abuja with the CUPP Secretary General, Chief Peter Ameh; CUPP co-spokesman Comrade Mark Adebayo, and numer-

TARGETING INFLATION

AT

capital expenditure and 48 percent for recurrent expenditure respectively.

“Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025.

“The enabling law for this extension has already being put in place by this patriotic Assembly, as a testament to our appreciation for the great performance of the budget, ensuring we build upon your momentum.

“We commend your steadfast commitment to collaborate, cooperate, and work with the National Assembly to achieve your grand vision for Nigeria.”

Akpabio advised heads of the various ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government to make themselves available for the budget defence.

According to him, “Let me take this opportunity to stress the importance of the Ministers and Heads of Extraministerial Departments being prepared to respond promptly to requests for them to come and defend their sectoral allocation in the exercise of our legislative oversight.

“We have observed concerning behaviour from some ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments, who sometimes neglect their duty to promptly submit to legislative oversight, sometimes even disregarding invitations from relevant Committees of the legislature.

“It is imperative they understand that we will not condone such breaches of the Constitution going forward.”

Akpabio noted that under the Tinubu’s administration, Nigerians had, “witnessed remarkable strides in economic reforms, aimed at enhancing our nation's stability and growth.”

He said, “The courageous decision to remove fuel subsidies, though challenging, showcases your (Tinubu's) unwavering commitment to redirecting resources to critical sectors such as education and healthcare.

“Your collaboration with the central bank has cultivated an environment ripe for investment, and your focus on infrastructure development reflects a visionary commitment to improving the connectivity that fuels our economy.

“Furthermore, your initiatives to strengthen our security framework stand as a testament to your resolve in tackling the pressing challenges of our time.”

ous other pro-democratic forces warned of dire consequences and reaction if any harm befalls the well-respected opposition spokesperson. They insisted that the opposition families were mobilising to confront these political buccaneers, who thought that the only way to shut up the incorruptible mouthpiece of the opposition was to defame him, tarnish his reputation and frame him, saying nothing on the earth could stop

the Opposition spokesperson from carrying out his God-giventask to keep speaking truth to power.

CUPP went further to restate that the plot, which aimed to frame its spokesperson on baseless allegations of bribing judicial officers, appeared to be a direct response to his vocal opposition against the pro-Wike group’s attempts to hijack the PDP and destroy the entire Opposition in Nigeria.

15 PERCENT, TINUBU PRESENTS N49.7TRN

The Chairman of the National Assembly also commended Tinubu's efforts in the era of security.

His words, “We commend your tireless efforts, along with those of our brave men and women in uniform, for liberating our lands from the grip of terror.

“Today, no community is under the threat of terrorism, a monumental achievement we celebrate together.

“The reduction in kidnapping incidents and the neutralisation of over 11,000 terrorists and insurgents is a testament to patriotism, strength and determination.”

The Senate President said Tinubu’s dedication to fostering international relations paves the way for fruitful partnerships that will propel the nation forward.

He said, “We are witnessing a resurgence in foreign direct investment, made possible by your visionary directives that ease the visa processes for Nigerians traveling to other countries, and at the same time welcome investors and tourists alike to our country.

“Your innovative approaches in our embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have opened new doors for Nigeria and its people. For this we thank you.”

Akpabio stated that the introduction of social welfare programmes embodies the President's unwavering belief in uplifting the living standards of our citizens.

“You remind us that our nation is not merely constructed of bricks and mortar, but of the resilience and determination of its people.

“Nigerians are taking notice of your remarkable achievements: you have doubled aggregate government revenues to over NGN 18.32 trillion, reduced debt service expenditures from 97 percent to 68 percent, fulfilled $7.5 billion in foreign exchange obligations, increased oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, and launched the Compressed Natural Gas initiative.

“Your administration has processed over N45.6 billion for student payments, signed the National Minimum Wage Law, and raised the national minimum wage to N70,000 a month, all while providing over N570 billion in financial support to the 36 states.”

He commended the groundbreaking tax reform initiative including the

four tax reform bills, namely the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

Commenting on the tax reform, the Senate President said: “It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics.

“I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.

“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.”

Akpabio said the infrastructure renaissance has paved the way for many roads, including the Coastal Road and crucial arteries in the Abuja Capital City and other parts of the country.

“These developments are not merely about concrete and asphalt; they represent the lifeblood of our economy, connecting our people and fostering growth."

He urged Nigerians to bear with the President whose economic reforms had imposed hardship on Nigerians but noted, that, “we are light-years away from where we began, though some rivers remain to be crossed.”

He said, “The pains we feel are not merely the pains of hardship; they are the pains of childbirth. When that season arrives in Nigeria, when this administration births that season, we will rejoice for the struggles endured.

“For now, I ask for your patience and urge all Nigerians to cooperate with the President and maintain faith in his vision.

“Mr. President, while you cannot be everywhere, you have eyes everywhere. We, the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, are your eyes in our constituencies and every corner of Nigeria.

It argued that the plan included to hijack the Rivers State government treasury and use the sacked lawmakers to destabilise the state and his recent exposé on land racketeering activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),which was helping to expose the ongoing reckless land grabbing.

''We are aware that Ikenga has conducted a comprehensive investigation into the land racketeering activities in the FCT. This dastardly plot aims to

2025

BUDGET PROPOSAL

“When our constituents struggle to afford rice, they come to us. When their shoes pinch, they seek our assistance. When the economic alarm sounds, they turn to us.

“Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that you touch the hearts and pulse of Nigerians through these appropriation bills resonating with the sounds of hope and signaling the dawn of Nigeria’s economic rebirth', he added.

Giving the vote of thanks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas described the proposed 2025 budget as ambitious and commendable.

He noted that "Nigeria’s fiscal realities warrant critical reflection.

Despite being Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, our 2024 national budget of $36.7 billion remains modest compared to countries like South Africa, with a budget of $160 billion for its 60 million citizens; Egypt, with $110 billion for 110 million people; Algeria, with $60 billion for 45 million people; and Morocco, allocating $50 billion for its 37 million residents.

"Indeed, Nigeria’s low tax revenue also remains a major constraint. Our tax-to-GDP ratio, currently at approximately 10.9 percent for 2024, is among the lowest in Africa, significantly below the continental average of 15.6 percent.

“In comparison, South Africa’s tax-to-GDP ratio stands at 25.4 percent, while Rwanda and Ghana, with much smaller populations, report ratios of 15.1 percent and 14.1 percent, respectively".

He further stated that "Even our VAT collection efficiency at approximately 20 percent is notably below the near 70 percent efficiency achieved by South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, and Zambia.

"Addressing these challenges requires urgent and comprehensive tax reforms to broaden our tax base, improve compliance, streamline administration and reduce reliance on borrowing. The National Assembly will continue to work with your administration to ensure that such reforms are equitable, effective, and considerate of the needs of vulnerable populations.

"To this end, we have engaged stakeholders to address concerns raised on the tax reform bills, fostering trust and cooperation. I have personally led

numerous high-level meetings and consultations with state governors and other key stakeholders on this issue, achieving positive outcomes.

"History teaches us that transforma- tive progress often begins with difficult decisions. Examples from China’s market reforms, India’s liberalisation, and South Korea’s industrialisation affirm the enduring benefits of such bold action. These lessons inspire confidence that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms will foster economic growth, reduce poverty, and ensure long-term prosperity.”

He further stressed that, "Stabilising prices, boosting agricultural productivity, expanding infrastructure, and investing in education, healthcare, and security remain paramount priorities.

To strengthen national unity and build trust, it is essential for the government to communicate its achievements effectively to the Nigerian people.

"Let me assure you that the National Assembly is fully committed to supporting the successful implementation of the 2025 budget. This is not merely your budget; it is a national project requiring collaboration across all arms of government.

“We will work to ensure its timely passage, provide legislative support for critical reforms, and conduct robust oversight to guarantee transparency and efficiency in its execution".

Speaking with newsmen after the budget presentation, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions, Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West), said the late submission of the 2025 budget proposals would not make the January to December national Budget cycle, possible this year.

Isunazo said, “The budget is coming late. Today is December 18, so we will lose that culture of beginning a new year with a new budget. Nevertheless, the budget has a lifespan of 12 months. So whenever we pass it, it will have a lifespan of 12 months. Even after 12 months, we still have the liberty to extend it. In fact, we are extending the 2024 budget today.

“But that culture of starting on the 1st of January, we have lost it. The executive ought to have brought this budget way before now. But I believe that maybe they are putting things together. They wouldn't want to delay deliberately bringing the budget to the National Assembly. So I'm saying that that is not a problem, but we have

take him out and stop the continued exposure of reckless land allocation, grabbing, and PR with lands. ''The CUPP is deeply concerned that these actions are part of a broader strategy to undermine Ugochinyere’s credibility and stifle dissent within the opposition ranks. The allegations being fabricated against him are unfounded and indicate the lengths some people will go to maintain their grip on power and silence critical voices,'' it state.

lost that culture.”

Meanwhile, in the Appropriation Bill, an estimated N27.8 trillion would be devoted to four key priorities in the proposed 2025 federal budget, including infrastructure, national security, human capital development, as well as agriculture and food security. Director General, Budget Office of the Federation (BoF), Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, gave the hint yesterday in a speech he delivered after President Tinubu presented the N49.7 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.

While an estimated N16 trillion was earmarked for capital expenditure, N6 trillion was proposed for human capital development, N5 trillion for national security and N826 billion for agriculture and food security.

Listing the key budgetary priorities, including security, human capital development, security, agriculture and food security, he said: "Recognising that peace is the bedrock of progress, the federal government has allocated N5 trillion to security. These funds will strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies to combat insurgency, banditry, and other forms of insecurity.

"The goal is to restore law and order and create an environment conducive to economic growth."

On infrastructure development, he stated that a significant portion of the capital expenditure—estimated at N16 trillion—will focus on infrastructure, adding that this includes the completion of critical road projects, expansion of rail networks, enhancement of power infrastructure, and investments in housing."These initiatives aim to reduce transaction costs, stimulate investment, and create jobs," he explained.

Tanimu also stated that the on human capital development, the government was prioritising education and healthcare to build a productive and resilient workforce.

"The budget earmarks over N6 trillion for social services, targeting improved access to quality education, modernized healthcare infrastructure, and expanded social safety nets," he said, even as stressed that to ensure food sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports, N826.5 billion has been allocated to agricultural mechanisation, irrigation projects, and value-chain development.

L-R:

NAFOM-HMF

T. Akinrogunde; Representative of PMC NAFOM Ikeja, Group Capt AE Bello; Representative of Guest Lecturer 2,/ MD/CEO AERO Contractors Nigeria Company Limited, Capt Imoleayo Adebule; Guest Lecturer1, Dr Daniel Adekera; Chairperson, Annual Lecture Group NAFOM-HMF, Mr Patrick Ikheloa; and Air Cdre GO Oyekale of NAF Logistics Command, during the 2024 Annual Lecture & Cocktail Party of the Nigerian Airforce Officers Mess Honourary Members' Forum in Lagos...weekend

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Chuks Okocha

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com

| Tel: 08114495324

BetKing Hosts Landmark Two-day Business Conference in Uyo

During the latest partners meeting in Uyo, Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports that BetKing underscored its leadership in the sports betting industry and commitment to empowering partners through dialogue, collaboration, and innovative solutions

L: R – Telema synger, national operations manager; oladapo olasope, Chief Finance officer;

marketing; sir Charles Udoh, Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism,

state;

Ukanwoke, managing Director; Uzoaku osele, Head of operations;

oni, Head of Legal & Compliance and adeola olaniyan, senior Product operations manager during the betking groundbreaking business Conference at ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, akwa ibom state… recently

BetKing recently hosted a groundbreaking two-day agency conference at the luxurious Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The event, which brought together BetKing partners and agents from across the country, served as a forum for meaningful dialogue to address key

business challenges and shape a stronger future for all stakeholders.

Speaking about the significance of the conference, Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director of BetKing, said, “This event demonstrates our commitment to our partners and agents. By fostering open communication and collaboration, we are building a robust ecosystem

Enugu Gaming Commission Applauds

Supreme Court Judgment

The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission has thrown its weight behind the recent Supreme Court judgment, which nullified the National Lottery Act and also restricted the regulatory powers of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to the Federal Capital Territory only.

Describing the judgement as a landmark, ESGC said the apex court’s verdict had reaffirmed the constitutional authority of state governments to regulate all gaming, lottery, and betting activities within their jurisdictions with the residual powers granted to states under the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The commission was reacting to a recent article in a national daily BusinessDay newspaper, which highlighted the continued operations of lottery businesses nationwide despite the judgment and the uncertainty surrounding the NLRC and its sister agency, the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF).

Stating ESGC’s position in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Executive Secretary and CEO of ESGC, Prince Arinze Arum, said, “The Supreme Court judgment unequivocally empowers state governments as the sole regulators of gaming activities within their territories. Consequently, any claims of regulatory or licensing authority over gaming activities outside the FCT by the NLRC or any other federal agency are illegal and unconstitutional.”

The statement added, “The Supreme Court judgment is victory for federalism, clarity in governance, and the rights of states to manage their affairs within the framework of the Constitution. We categorically state that any form of licensing, regulation, or enforcement of gaming laws by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission or any other federal agency outside the FCT is null and void. Only state gaming regulators have the lawful authority to license and oversee gaming operations across Nigeria.”

The commission, therefore, advised gaming operators in Enugu State to deal directly with it or risk being classified as illegal players within the state’s gaming

jurisdictions.

“In line with this judgment, the ESGC advises all existing and prospective gaming operators in Enugu State and across Nigeria to engage directly with the gaming regulatory bodies of the respective states where they intend to operate. Failure to do so will result in their being classified as illegal operators, with appropriate legal consequences enforced.

“The commission is committed to providing a transparent, fair, and business-friendly regulatory environment for all stakeholders. Intending operators are encouraged to contact ESGC for licensing and compliance procedures to avoid disruptions to their operations,” it explained.

It also backed the position of the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria, which celebrated the apex court verdict as a watershed moment for the Nigerian gaming industry.

where everyone thrives. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for lasting success.”

The conference featured BetKing’s entire management team, who engaged directly with partners and agents to discuss pressing issues and explore innovative solutions. The discussions highlighted BetKing’s dynamic agency structure, which includes grand master agents, master agents, and super agents. Each tier plays a pivotal role in BetKing’s business model, ensuring a seamless connection between the company and its growing customer base.

Adding to the significance of the event, Sir Charles Udoh, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in

Akwa Ibom, graced the occasion as host. His presence highlighted the strong connection between business and culture in the state. Attendees also enjoyed a vibrant gala night and an exploratory tour of the resort, fostering connections and leaving participants with cherished memories.

This landmark event underscored BetKing’s leadership in the sports betting industry and its commitment to empowering partners through dialogue, collaboration, and innovative solutions. The experience was further enriched with a fun-filled gala night and an exciting trip to explore the resort, making it a perfect blend of business and leisure.

Nigeria’s eSports scene is making palpable progress, with its impact most strongly felt in Lagos, where competitive gaming is steadily gaining traction. A recent testament to this growth is the conclusion of the fourth season of DECACUP, one of the region’s premier tournaments, which featured Call of Duty Mobile (CODM). Special Suicide Squad (SSS) emerged as the champions, defeating rival group NATO in a thrilling final.

Organised by 10N8E, an indigenous eSports provider based in Lagos, the tournament captured the spirit of the local gaming community. It engaged participants in various gaming activities, including PC games, virtual games, board games, and popular music. This set the stage for an epic duel between the finalists, who took the stage to battle it out in the multiplayer combat game.

Walking into the battleground, NATO members knew exactly what they were up against. SSS had maintained a perfect record throughout the tournament, winning every match. However, NATO, the underdog, put up a fierce fight in the best-of-seven final. SSS took the lead by winning the first round, but NATO responded by equalising in the next. By the fourth round, the score remained tied, creating a nail-biting atmosphere. In the end, SSS narrowly edged out NATO, winning four rounds to NATO’s three.

Adebayo Onigbanjo, founder of 10N8E, expressed his enthusiasm for the support he received in organising the fourth edition of the tournament, which featured a prize pool of N250,000. His

excitement is also fuelled by the growing interest in eSports, as evidenced by the strong turnout. “The Call of Duty: Mobile community in Nigeria is growing at an incredible pace,” said Onigbanjo. “We’ve gone from a niche group of players to a thriving culture where gamers are investing time, energy, and passion into elevating the competitive scene.”

nengi akinola, Head of

akwa ibom

Gossy

oluwaseyi

iyke bede

Prince arinze arum

MEMORaNdUM OF UNdERsTaNdiNG…

L-R: Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike(left), and Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Alhaji Abdulateef Shittu, at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on meteorological and climatological data sharing between NiMet and NGF in Abuja...yesterday

Ex-PSC Chairman, Okeke, Supports Creation of State Police

Stresses need for check and balance to prevent abuse

Chuks Okocha in abuja

Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Simon Okeke, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police in Nigeria, describing it as a critical step toward improving security across the country.

The National Economic Council had in their last meeting last week said that a final position would be taken on state police on January 29 2025. The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani said that all the 36 states, except the Federal Capital Territory .

Okeke highlighted the advantages of state policing while addressing concerns about its potential misuse by state governors. “There is no gainsaying that state police would assure better safety of life and property for this

‘Failure

Speaking during an interview with Arise News yesterday,

Fresh Oil Spill Causes Panic in Rivers Community

Blessing ibunge in Port harcourt Communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have decried a fresh oil spill that occurred in the area, spreading over the shoreline.

The spill, which occurred on December 13, 2024, community sources explained, is suspected to be from facility of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Bonny Island.

It was gathered that spill spread from the Bonny Island to Oyorokoto/Agbama/Imo River and thereby impacting communities along the stretch

of the river.

A resident of the area suggested that the spill emanated from a pipeline rupture at a Shell loading terminal in Bonny.

THISDAY gathered earlier that the spill is huge as its impact is already felt meters away from the incident site, and there are indications that due to wave, the spill will spread to other communities along that coastline.

A similar spill occurred in Shell’s Trans Niger Pipeline line III on May 11, 2024, in Asarama community, Andoni LGA, Rivers State polluting and contaminating the environment as well as destroying their other means of livelihood.

No Witch-hunting in our Mining Reforms, Says Osun Governor

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring fair practices in the state mining sector, stating that he has no witch-hunting agenda against any individual or businesses.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum held yesterday, the governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon Teslim Igbalaye, highlighted the ongoing legal and policy

challenges within the federal system, particularly in the mining sector, where state, federal, and community rights often clash.

He emphasized the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal responsibilities to address complications in the sector even as he commended the regulatory coordination by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.

“We are all aware of the policy and legal complications around our brand of federalism.

FGC Wukari Old Students Donate Furniture, Educational Materials

Wole ayodele in Jalingo

The Class of 1997 set of the Federal Government College(FGC), Wukari, Taraba State, has donated desks and white boards to the school as part of efforts to give back to the institution.

The customized desks and boards, according to the students, are to be distributed to all the classrooms in the school which is one of the leading unity schools in Nigeria established in 1978. Presenting the items to the

principal of the school, the President of the 1997 set, Alexander Oduh, stated that they were inspired to give back to the school due to the solid foundation the institution gave them, which has propelled them to excel in their various fields of endeavour.

He stressed that the old students are making positive impact within and outside the country due to the discipline inculcated in them by the school as exemplified by the school’s slogan: ‘Only The Best is Good Enough’.

country. Anything outside that is just a waste of time,” he said.

Addressing concerns over state governors potentially abusing the

system for personal or political gain, Okeke acknowledged the risks but noted the importance of regulatory oversight.

of Governance at Community Level Responsible for Terrorism, Banditry’

Michael Olugbode in abuja

The explosion of terrorism and banditry in the country has been traced to failure of governance especially at the community level, which is the closest to every citizenry.

Speaking at the inaugural

meeting of the Community of Practice for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge, Innovation, and Resources in Abuja, the Chairman of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism Network, Jaye Gaskia, described violent extremism as a “governance challenge” rather

security matter.

Gaskia said: “Governance failures, is not just security issues, but lie at the heart of violent extremism in Nigeria. Extremism doesn’t thrive in places with good governance, inclusion, and representation.”

He lamented that many Nigerian communities are effectively

Niger Assures Citizens of Adequate Security

Laleye dipo in minna

Niger state Government has assured the people of adequate security of their lives and property during the forthcoming Christmas and New year celebrations.

The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Major General

“ungoverned spaces,” relying on informal self-governance structures like community development associations, which lack formal authority.

He called for the empowerment of these local institutions to bridge governance gaps and drive sustainable solutions.

during Yuletide

Bello Mohammed (rtd) who gave the assurance while exchanging views with newsmen in Minna yesterday said everything had been put in place to ensure a hitch free celebration by the people. General Mohammed said the government is collaborating with all the security agencies in the state for them to discharge their duties diligently and thereby achieve peaceful celebration for the people.

Online Faudsters Unaware

Emma Okonji

ESET, a global leader in digital security, has provided insights into the rising threat of online scams, insisting that those employed to carry out online fraud, sometimes are unaware of the fraudulent activities of their employers.

The Managing Director for

“We are collaborating with all the security agencies to enable them perform their duties the way they used to do, we are are also telling them to ensure the

protection of all public property before, during and after the festivities,” he said..

The commissioner assured the people that the relative peace existing in the state will be sustained adding that “ all flash points have been identified and will be protected.”

of Fraudulent Activities of Employers, Says ESET

West Africa at ESET, Mr. Olufemi Ake, revealed this in Lagos, while reacting to the recent arrest of 792 individuals, which include 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for allegedly involved in a global fraud network.

EFCC had last week, conducted a large-scale raid on the Big Leaf Building in Lagos, identified as a key hub for fraudulent activities.

The arrested suspects were alleged to have operated a complex scam ring that deceived victims through fraudulent romance offers and cryptocurrency investment schemes.

Reacting to the development, Ake explained that fraudsters often use dating sites and social media platforms to assume false identities, making it increasingly difficult to detect their deceptive tactics, adding that the fraudsters frequently employ psychological manipulation and advanced artificial intelligence to build trust with their victims, thus further complicating efforts to apprehend them.

NUC Grants Maranatha Varsity Lagos Approval to Commence Law, Nursing, Other Programmes

sunday Okobi

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted Maranatha University Lagos (MUL) the approval to commence seven new programmes in Nursing, Public Health, Health Information Management, Physiotherapy, Law, English, History and International Relations.

A statement issued by the university’s management and made available to THISDAY yesterday stated that English and History will be domiciled in the Okota campus of the

university while the other five programmes will constitute the pioneer programmes of the Lekki campus. According to the statement, the university now has a total of 27 NUC-approved courses.

Maranatha University Lagos is a fast-growing faith-based metropolitan university with its motto: ‘Faith, Excellence, and Integrity’.

The management stated that the mission of the university is to provide innovative academic programmes that will equip the students with knowledge and skills for service to the nation and mankind.

Association of the Blind Calls for Implementation of Marrakesh Treaty

Kuni Tyessi in abuja

For accessibility to learning, reading and research materials as well as employability skills and leisure activities, the National Association for the Blind has called on the federal government and the 10th National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency,

implement the Marrakesh Treaty.

The Marrakesh Treaty seeks to promote the transformation of information to the visually impaired worldwide and Nigeria is a signatory. It seeks to remove all legislative barriers that have the potency to prevent the accessibility of materials that cuts across national and international borders in which Nigeria has domesticated and ratified the treaty and now is in the implementation stage.

President of the association, Stanley Onyebuchi, made the call yesterday in Abuja at a twoday stakeholders’ engagement to review the implementation of the treaty and come up with action plans that will enhance the implementation as well as boost education and research.

He said it has become worrisome that Nigeria has not gone far in the implementation of the treaty as the visually impaired cannot access many websites including those of government agencies.

PIND, CEPEJ Sensitise Riverine Communities on Flood, Conflict Management

sylvester idowu inWarri

The Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has embarked on a two-day sensitisation on flood control and conflict management for leaders of riverine communities in three local

government areas of Delta State.

The training, which was sponsored by Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) through Warri MultiStakeholders Platform (MSP) and implemented by CEPEJ, attracted participants from Warri

North, Warri South and Warri

South West Local Government Areas of the state.

Addressing participants yesterday, the National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Sheriff Mulade, said the theme of the training: ‘Peace Building and Flood Intervention

in Delta

Programme in Warri Communities: Establishment/Inauguration and Capacity Building of Flood Management and Peace Building’, was aimed at preparing community leaders for the task ahead since flooding and crisis has become part of the people of the region.

yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Gabriel Jesus Fires Hat-trick as Arsenal Berth Semi-final

4

Gabriel Jesus scored a secondhalf hat-trick as Arsenal staged an impressive fightback to book their place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace. The home side were staring

at an underwhelming exit from

Ghanaians are putting behind their missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and are battle-ready to beat their Nigerian counterparts in the first leg of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying tie this weekend.

To compensate for the AFCON 2025 loss, the Ghanaians have shifted their attention to this clash with perennial regional rivals, Nigeria.

Their rivalry dates back to 1951 when they officially met for the first time.

The two teams will engage in another confrontation on Sunday for a ticket to the CHAN.

Ghana’s Black Galaxies’ head coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has expressed confidence ahead of his team’s crucial duel against Nigeria, scheduled for the Accra Sports Stadium with the reverse fixture on Boxing Day (December 26) in Uyo.

Ghana Guardian reports that Dramani views the encounter with Nigeria as a necessary challenge for his team’s growth, stressing that facing strong opponents was vital for achieving success in football.

“In football, when you want to get to the top, you should be ready to meet the top liners. For me, it was not surprising that we were meeting Nigeria,” he remarked.

the competition at half-time after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener for Palace inside just four minutes. But Jesus, who had scored

just once this season heading into Wednesday’s fixture, fired a treble in the second period with substitutes Martin Odegaard and

ONLY JESUS SAVES...

Gabriel Jesus celebrating his hat-trick as Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 3-2 to reach the semifinal of the Carabao Cup...last night

Dikko, Keyamo, Dabiri-Erewa, Others Honour Aisha Falode at Launch of Tyler Fray Foundation

The Tyler Fray Foundation, an initiative of a board member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ms Aisha Falode, was launched on Monday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island Lagos.

The groundbreaking initiative represents a significant step in empowering the nation’s youth to achieve their dreams and establish careers in the music industry.

The programme, officially launched at the Civic Centre in Lagos, was attended by an array of prominent personalities from the world of sports, music, governance, and business.

The event served as a rallying point for influential figures to endorse the foundation’s mission and celebrate its bold vision.

The foundation is firmly rooted in the passion and what Tyler stood for; to encourage music and education for talents who do not have the financial means to pursue and make their dream a reality.

He was passionate about giving back and touching lives.

Emmanuel Adejoh, Moses Ajetomobi, John Chima, and two others are the first set of students to benefit from the Tyler Fray Foundation.

Two will go for Advanced Diploma while the rest will pursue diploma courses.

Chairman of the Nigerian Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who was amongst distinguished guests at the event, delivered a keynote address.

Other notable figures at the ceremony include; Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) were both represented, signaling the

federal government’s endorsement of the foundation.

Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Otunba Dele Momodu; Chairman/ CEO of Brila FM, Dr Larry Izamoje, Media Entrepreneur, Kadaria Ahmed, and a host of notable Nigerians reflected the widespread admiration and endorsement the initiative has garnered.

The scholarship offers recipients mentorship, access to industry net-

works, and opportunities to showcase their talents on prominent platforms with the aim of nurturing growth and confidence required to succeed in the music industry.

The scholarship programme is rooted in the legacy of Oloruntoba Oluwadamilola Falode, fondly remembered as Tyler Fray. Tyler, the beloved son of Aisha Falode was tragically killed when his music career was about to take off.

Ex international, Waidi

Chairman, National

known as Tyler Fray) who was tragically killed few years ago.

Bukayo Saka both central to his haul. Elsewhere on the night, Sandro Tonali scored twice as Newcastle moved into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Brentford at St James' Park.

The Italy midfielder, who returned this season from a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules, drove in an early opener for the hosts after Tino Livramento's cross was only partially cleared. With Eddie Howe fielding arguably the strongest side at his disposal, the former AC Milan player added a second just before the break with a cushioned side-foot volley from Anthony

corner from the

Also in the

last night, Darwin

set Liverpool on the path to 2-1 victory over Southampton as Arne Slot's side reached the semi-finals. First-half strikes from Nunez and Harvey Elliott gave Liverpool firm control, although Cameron Archer pulled a goal back to give the hosts hope. Southampton were led by interim manager Simon Rusk following the sacking of Russell Martin after Sunday's 5-0 home defeat by Tottenham, and they started brightly but fell behind after 25 minutes.

Mary Nnah

The 2024 Abuja Guards Polo Club Tournament came to a thrilling close, with MAX Air emerging victorious in the Legislative Shield Trophy. The team defeated STL 4-3 in a nail-biting finale that showcased exceptional skill and sportsmanship.

The tournament, held from December 4th to 15th at the Nigerian Army Polo Resort, Mambila Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, featured outstanding performances and fierce competition. Players demonstrated remarkable skill, captivating the audience with their impressive performances and unwavering determination on the field.

Another highlight of the tournament was the Minister's Cup match, where FK3 narrowly defeated Musaco 6-5. The game was made even more exciting by the sibling rivalry between Abubakar Aminu (FK3) and Ahmed Aminu (Musaco), who competed against each other.

Abubakar Aminu praised his brother's performance, saying, "It was an honor to play against him. He gave it his all, and I look forward to us facing off again in the future."

The tournament's success was celebrated at the President's dinner on December 14th, attended by

sponsors, team players, stakeholders, and new members.

President of the Abuja Guards Polo Club, Abubakar Abdullahi, expressed his pride in the event's success and its mission to celebrate Nigerian sportsmanship and inspire future generations.

"I am thrilled to see the level of competition and sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament," Abdullahi said. "The Abuja Guards Polo Club is committed to promoting polo as a sport that embodies discipline, hard work, and teamwork. We are proud to have provided a platform for these talented players to showcase their skills."

The tournament was made possible by the support of esteemed partners, including Jaiz Bank, Moniepoint, Fair Money, First Bank, and MAX Air, among others. Their support enabled the tournament to provide a world-class experience for players and spectators alike.

Tournament Manager, Muktar Adhama, extended his gratitude to the sponsors and participants, saying, "Your generous support and commitment were instrumental in creating an unforgettable experience for everyone. From the thrilling matches to the vibrant atmosphere, this year's tournament showcased not only the quality of play but also the unique camaraderie and spirit of polo."

The 2024 Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, the 11th in the series, has been scheduled to take place on December 29, 2024

A total of 160 participants are expected to grace this edition at the Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle along with about 30 coaches.

As usual, scholarships will be up for grabs at the event in which a football skill challenge will be staged between teams and a match between Lagos U-13 team and Ajegunle United U-13 team. There will also be showcasing of indirect kicks, penalty kicks and much more by the U-13 and U-16 boys and girls.

According to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dotun Coker, 80 players and 16 officials will compete in the U-13

Boys category just as 40 players 8 officials will vie for honours in the U-15 Girls category. Coker also stated that the main match of the day will be the U-13 encounter between Team Lagos and U-13 Alex Football Academy, Enugu. A total of 40 players and 6 officials are involved in this encounter.

“Some beneficiaries will smile home as usual with scholarships at the event just as we expect to see beautiful display of football in the main match by the youngsters from Lagos and Enugu,” Coker said. The hundreds of children participating in the event will also be feed by the organizing team. Some other side attractions will be part of the activities of the day at the Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle.

Gordon's

right.

Carabao Cup

Nunez

Akanni;

Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Member of the board of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ms Aisha Falode at the launch of Tyler Fray Foundation initiated in memory of her son, Tobiloba (also

Femi Solaja

THE VERDICT

Bismarck Rewane to ‘World Economics’

“Youdon’tjustwakeupandthrowfigures.At$2.4trillion,thatmakesusalmost3 percentofglobalGDPandyoubelievethat?Idon’tseewhattypeofhigh-heeled shoescanmakeyou10timestallerthanyouare.Today,ourPurchasingParityTerms (PPP)isabout$1trillion,andyouaredoublingitbasedonwhat?”—TheCEO,Financial DerivativesCompanyLimited(FDC)respondingtoareportbyLondon-basedgroup,that saysNigeria’sPPPislargerthanofficialfiguresby89%

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

In a chilling report released on Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), N2.2 trillion was paid to kidnappers as ransom between May 2023 and April 2024. Titled, ‘The Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024’, the report revealed that as many as 91 per cent of kidnapping incidents in the country were to extract ransom, while 2.4 per cent of cases were attributed to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives. About 2.1 per cent of the cases were linked to personal or family disputes while custody disputes accounted for 0.5 per cent of cases. Within the same period, no fewer than 2,235,954 Nigerian citizens/residents (which represents about 1 percent of our national population) were kidnapped in communities across the country at different times.

We must commend the NBS for deploying data to lay bare some of our socio-economic challenges. “Our people should never live in fear—whether on their farmlands, highways or cities,” President Bola Tinubu said yesterday while presenting the N47.9 trillion 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly. Yet, it cannot be lost on Nigerians that within the last one year, kidnappers raked in almost what the president is now proposing to spend on the country’s health sector in the coming year. And that’s why authorities at all levels must find a solution to this kidnapping menace that threatens not only our national security but also the progress of our country.

The history of kidnappings for ransom can easily be traced to the current democratic dispensation in the country. We first witnessed the problem in the Niger Delta about two decades ago with political agitation for ‘resource control’ before it became a very lucrative enterprise for sundry criminal cartels across the country. Indeed, as far back as 2012, the African Insurance Organization (AIO) designated Nigeria the kidnap for ransom capital of the world. “The number of kidnaps for ransom in Africa continued to increase. In the first half of 2011, Africa’s proportion of the global total increased from 23 per cent in 2010 to 34 per cent,” according to the AIO at the 18th African reinsurance Forum in Mauritius. “Nigeria is now the kidnap

The Multitrillion Naira Ransom Industry

Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran

for ransom capital of the world, accounting for a quarter of globally reported cases.” That was twelve years ago. The situation of course is now worse considering the details in the NBS survey. Meanwhile, this is also an issue on which I have intervened numerous times, including reporting contributions I made to ‘ransom funds’ for the release of victims. I recall sharing the experience of Nuhu Tanko, a gardener at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja who was kidnapped along with two brothers on 31st December 2020 on the way from their village (Dakunu in Chukum local government of Kaduna) to the state capital. By his account, the masked kidnappers, clad in military camouflage, numbered more than 50, all on motor bikes, each carrying at least two guns. It was after Thursday, December 19, 2024

the family had sold all their possessions, including a piece of land, and the money was not enough to complete the N10 million ransom demand that they reached out to the Centre for support. “Most people have left our village because of kidnappings. It’s like bandits have taken over our village and the surrounding communities,” Tanko lamented at the time, while sharing his harrowing experience, following his release. “They kidnap people, kill and rape women, even if the women are pregnant.”

Perhaps more heartrending was the account of Mallam Iliya Gwaram in Zamfara State. His daughter was one of the 279 female students abducted from the Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe on 26 February 2021. A few days later, he was also kidnapped. But while in captivity, the Jangebe female students were brought to join them. “l saw the schoolgirls being brought into where we were camped by our abductors. At first, l didn’t know who they were or where they were coming from, until l saw the face of my scared daughter looking at me. I quickly told some of the girls who were brought along with her and sat near me to tell my child not to show any indication that she even knew me,” Gwaram recounted after his release a few days later. “The girls were brave enough and they kept our little secret up to the last of their four days stay with us. l never cried in the whole of my life like l cried the day the girls were taken back because l felt it was the last time l would see my daughter…” From North to South, East to West, there is hardly anybody who does not know someone who has been kidnapped. Therefore, the real value of the NBS report is to put official imprimatur to a social cum security malaise that has now reached epidemic proportion. Of the reported cases of kidnappings, according to the report, 82.1 percent were released, 12.8 percent were killed while 3.3 percent remain in captivity. If one does the arithmetic, the number of kidnap victims who don’t’ return alive is quite chilling. But beyond the trauma to families, the local economies in most rural areas across the country today are comatose while in some communities, especially in the Northwest, kidnappers have taken complete control. Even within metropolis, we all

Buhari’s Birthday in a New Season

Former President Muhammadu Buhari turned 82 on Tuesday. His long-term political associate and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun led a few supporters to Daura, Katsina State, to felicitate with their man. Foremost businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote was also there. But most of the people who for eight years made a fuss over Buhari’s birthday did not remember to place the customary congratulatory adverts in newspapers. Only a few did. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, as well as Governors Inuwa Yahaha and Abdullahi Sule of Gombe and Nasarawa States respectively placed birthday adverts for Buhari. Boss Mustapha, who was Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under Buhari, former Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari and businessman, Nasiru Danu complete the list of those who remembered to place congratulatory adverts in the newspapers. Of course, Mallam Garba Shehu wrote a syndicated article on how ‘At 82, Buhari Wraps Up in Silence and Dignity in Daura’ and Mr Femi Adesina reminded us about ‘Buhari, Ore Mekunu (Friend of the Poor), at 82’. In contrast, when Buhari marked his last birthday in office in December 2022, all major newspapers were filled with adverts. From then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan to Hon Idris Wase to Senator Barau Jibrin to former Vice President

Former President Muhammadu Buhari

Atiku Abubakar and the current President Bola Tinubu, there were effusive words of praise. Then Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje wrote: “History will forever remember and celebrate your laudable achievements.” Less than two years after, Ganduje (now the ruling APC National Chairman)

can’t even remember the man’s birthday! Same with other governors at the time, including those still in office today. On Tuesday, I decided to spend time at the Daily Trust newspaper library to read the congratulatory advertisements for Buhari two years ago. Some of the words are now cringe-worthy. Let me state quite clearly that the issue here is not about Buhari or for that matter, his birthday. It is about the lack of values in our politics with practitioners who believe in nothing. In a recent column, I wrote about how sycophancy has almost become a direct principle of state policy in Nigeria such that the birthday ceremonies of political office holders and that of their spouses as well as the burial ceremonies of their parents, the naming ceremonies of their children (even from ‘side chicks’) have become state functions. But I am also aware, as most people are, that all the exertions are simply to curry favour from power holders. The moment they become ‘yesterday’s men’, they are on their own. In the absence of any ideology, our politics revolve around individuals rather than political parties which then explains the state of our democracy. President Buhari is experienced enough to know that most of those who gravitated towards him while in power did so for what they could get. But no society can develop when you have a preponderance of such people at the helm - as is the case in Nigeria today.

remember the kidnapping of six young ladies and their father from their Bwari (Abuja) residence in January this year. The father was released and asked to go and find N60 million to ransom his children. Unable to meet the payment deadline, the kidnappers killed one of his daughters, a 400-level student of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and dumped her body on the street. Now that the NBS has beamed its searchlight on this most heinous crime, we hope that the relevant authorities will take the challenge seriously and act.

The implications for the national economy are grave. In a February 2006 paper, “‘Captive Markets’: The Impact of Kidnappings on Corporate Investment in Colombia”, by the United States Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (Central Bank), the trio of Rony Pshisva, Protego Mexico and Gustavo A. Suarez measured the impact of crime on investments by exploiting variation in kidnappings in Colombia from 1996 to 2002. Instructively, the paper opened with a quote from a report in ‘The Economist’ magazine of 19th June 2004 which summed up their findings: “Who wants to invest money and effort in building a business if their reward is to risk losing their life and/or their money?”

Sadly, as it was in Columbia, so it is in Nigeria today!

Despite having held critical positions in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria, Mr Ambrose Feese remains a very private man. But he takes time to share incredible knowledge and experience with younger professionals. And I have benefitted a lot from my interactions with him over the years. A chartered accountant, banker and public administrator, Feese is a former Minister of State, Works and Housing and before then, Secretary to the 1979 presidential commission on revenue allocation in Nigeria headed by the late Dr Pius Okigbo. He was also a member of the Study Group on the Review of Federal Civil Service in 1985. On a personal note, he is the father of Member, the young lady caught in the August 2011 bombing of the United Nations office in Abuja while collecting data for her post-graduate thesis at the Institute of Development Studies of the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Although there will be a ceremony on Saturday in Makurdi, Benue State to mark the 80th birthday of this accomplished man, I cannot attend because by then I should be in Kwara State for what Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has dubbed my ‘annual Christmas pilgrimage.’ I wish Mr Feese a happy birthday, long life and good health.

Feese