Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
As Nigerians embark on yuletide journeys to their hometowns and various destinations, a significant surge in transportation costs has left many travelers frustrated and financially strained.
THISDAY findings revealed that fares have increased substantially across major transportation companies in Lagos State compared to just a month ago.
Therefore, to lessen the cost burden on the citizens during the festive period, the federal government through the Minister of Transportation Sa’id Alkali, yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the transport union to commence a 50 percent discount on road fares during the 2024 yuletide season.
The agreement followed directives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that passengers should board buses to their destination for only 50 percent of the fares.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Adeleye Adeoye, on behalf of the Minister, signed the MoU between the federal government and the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
He also signed the agreement with the Association of Luxurious Bus of Nigeria (ALBON) and God is Good Motors (GIGM) as part of the government’s efforts to offer transportation palliatives from Abuja,
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos (Oshodi) to other parts of Nigeria.
He stated that people going for celebrations of Christmas and New Year respectively could have affordable transportation with the agreement.
"Before this, the federal government also provided free train rides for passengers during the festive season."
Meanwhile, findings by THISDAY prior to the signing of the MoU, revealed that transport fares had increased substantially across major transportation companies in Lagos
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Suspected vandals have again thrown some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into darkness, striking the ShiroroKatampe transmission line, a key infrastructure that supplies power to some axes in the capital city.
The vandals have recently increased their attacks on electricity assets belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in recent times, despite the collaboration between the ministry of power
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday disclosed that an annual investment of $20 billion was needed for Nigeria to achieve a seven percent economic growth rate by 2027.
He said this while speaking on ARISE News Channel yesterday.
Edun, also pointed out that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework recently passed by the National Assembly envisioned substantial investments between 2025 and 2027, revealing that the federal government had launched a presidential initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain to produce 70 per cent of the country’s pharmaceutical needs locally by 2030.
This was just as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that it has temporarily allowed Bureau de Change (BDC) operators to access the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) to buy up to $25,000 weekly from authorised dealers to address seasonal demand for foreign exchange.
Edun said: “We need to commit ourselves to raising another $20 billion in investment expenditure that would take us by 2027, to about seven percent economic growth. I am sure you will agree that with our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing
chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils.
The court, presided by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, granted the order in a suit filed by the affected chairmen and vice chairmen.
In the order, Justice Ikponmwonba, also restrained the defendants, including the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Edo State Government, among others from acting on the resolution of the state House of Assembly suspending the claimants.
The court order declared that the status quo ante bellum, as at December 12, 2024, be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed on December 12, 2024.
The judge therefore adjourned to February 17, 2025, for hearing, adding that a hearing notice would be issued and served on the defendants.
The Attorney-General of the
and the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to curb the renewed onslaught.
However, THISDAY learnt yesterday that power had been restored in virtually all the affected parts of the capital city.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regrets to announce that its 330kV Shiroro – Katampe transmission line was vandalised on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. At approximately 11:43 pm, the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe circuit lost supply on the grid. A trial
at seven percent, the issue of human development index, multi-dimensional poverty as well as other social and economic indicators would be moving in the right direction.
“Looking at the information available to us, the Nigerian economy is stabilising and is indeed set to move on an upward trajectory, trajectory.”
On the initiatives being taken to boost the healthcare sector, he said: “Just yesterday (Thursday), we had a meeting with the healthcare sector, and it was a presidential initiative on unlocking the healthcare value chain with a commitment of producing 70 percent of our drugs, our pharmaceutical products and needed supplies in Nigeria by 2023.
“Already, there is a $5 billion pipeline of investments awaiting investors in that sector. So things are definitely on the move. There is a change for the better.”
He added that the tax reform was in progress, with legislation advancing through the National Assembly, saying the reform aims to increase tax revenue as a percentage of GDP, bringing it closer to levels observed in other African nations and globally.
Speaking on the 2025 appropriation bill, Edun said: “We are confident that given the work of the economic management team, given the preparation that has gone into the medium-term expenditure framework
Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, had on Thursday, insisted that no governor has the legal powers to remove elected local government officials from office.
“It must be stated categorically and emphatically that for now, local government chairmen can only be removed through the legislative arm of the local government itself and not the State House of Assembly,” Fagbemi had said. Governor Okpebholo had Tuesday suspended the council chairmen and their deputies in the state over alleged acts of insubordination and misconduct after the purported approval of the State House of Assembly.
The governor had said the refusal of the LG officials to submit their financial accounts as demanded by him amounted to acts of gross misconduct, hence the need for their suspension.
reclosure was attempted, but the line tripped again immediately,” the company said.
In a statement in Abuja signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the TCN noted that it had since mobilised its engineers to fix the damage.
“A TCN lines patrol team was dispatched from the Abuja regional office of TCN to investigate the cause of the fault. The team discovered that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218.
this budget will be diligently executed.
“Above all, it's so important to emphasise that what is the basis of a budget? It is revenue. Where is Nigeria's revenue headed? up? Why?
“Because the President has stopped the hemorrhaging. He has stopped the loss of five percent of GDP, worth $15 to $20 billion a year.”
Also, earlier yesterday, while speaking in Abuja, at a Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables for the Fourth Quarter of 2024, organised by his ministry, Edun explained that the federal government was cautious in implementing the recently announced duty-free policy on food imports in order not to harm local production.
According to Edun who gave an overview of the President Bola Tinubu administration's eight priority areas, the government had done a lot to reform and bolster the economy in the last 18 months, leading to a modest GDP growth of 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, which he stressed was slightly above population growth.
But he admitted that the kind of growth capable of engendering inclusivity and impact on the masses was not yet visible.
He stressed that the government has its role to play to stimulate investment and drive infrastructural development. He also highlighted the role of the private sector as well as foreign investors in stimulating investment.
“"Where does that come from? It comes from federal government's increased revenue, federal government's
proposal. He also projected that the pump price of petrol may increase to N1,200 per litre in 2025.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the week presented a proposed 2025 budget to the National Assembly. The appropriation bill was made up of N49.74 trillion expenditure, N36.35 trillion revenue and a deficit of N13.39 trillion.
According to Rewane, even though the “base case for GDP growth is four percent, the best case scenario of six percent is feasible if the right things are done. If we get six percent we should be celebrating. Generally speaking, I am cautiously optimistic that 2025 will not be as hard as 2024.”
He averred that there was more to a budget than a name because in economic management, a budget’s impact is always determined not by
“The TCN lines maintenance crew has since mobilised to the site and is working assiduously to replace the vandalised 330kV power conductor. Restoration of bulk power supply through the affected line is expected soon.
“We appeal to the general public to assist in identifying and reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us to prevent acts of vandalism or apprehend the culprits,” Mbah advised.
maxmisation, but also from investment by Nigerians and also investment by foreigners in the Nigerian economy, in joint ventures; whether government, whether with other Nigerian partners.
“It comes from investment. Investment comes from savings. So, that's really the picture--a N50 trillion budget with N35 trillion in revenue expected to be generated, and then over the next two years or so, $20 billion attracted in investment that will push the economy to grow at a pace that nobody will be able to say that they can't see the effect; they can't feel the effect.
"And of course, that additional capital must be properly deployed, particularly on the government side, to invest in the constraints to growth, to generate employment and to reduce poverty."
The minister explained that social protection was a priority to the administration, also stated that with improved security across the country, "in 18 short months, Tinubu has changed Nigeria for the better."
Lending further credence to the allusion that country had changed for the better, he noted that people no longer circumvent the process by getting forex allocation from the CBN.
He added that people no longer depend on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) through subsidy, adding that GDP per capita was also growing.
He noted that with improved oil sector and local value addition, "Nigeria is now on the way to indistrialisation" while local production of petroleum
its label but by its outcomes.
Rewane said: “In 2000, President Obasanjo referred to his budget as ‘The People’s Budget,’ while President Buhari in 2016 called his ‘The Budget of Change.’ Similarly, the 2025 ‘Budget of Restoration’ may not gain significance from its name but from its role as a tool for economic management.
“However, some of the key assumptions underlying the 2025 budget are over optimistic. The inflation target of 15 per cent, down from the current level of 34.6 per cent sounds far-fetched. The benchmark price of Brent leaves no headroom for market swings. Furthermore, the reference to $40 billion of gross external reserves could be misleading.”
But, will Nigerians be better off in 2025? According to Rewane,
State compared to just a month ago. According to THISDAY survey across major transportation companies operating from Lagos State, including, ABC Transport, God is Good (GIG), GUO, Chisco, Libra Motors, Ekesons, Faith Motors, and Greener Line, among others, fares from Lagos to other regions of the country, and outside Nigeria, had skyrocketed by at least 15 percent to 35 percent, compared to what they used to be a month ago.
Transportation to Ondo, Benin, Asaba and Onitsha which used to range between N28, 000 to N35, 000, a month ago, depending on the transportation company, now cost between N46, 500 to N60, 000.
Transportation to Port Harcourt, Yenegua, Uyo, Calabar, Enugu, Abakaliki and Aba, which used to range between N30,000 to N43,500, a month ago, depending on the transportation company, now cost between N51,700 to N68,300.
Transportation to Lokoja, Abuja, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna (Command Junction) which used to range between N32,000 to N55,000, a month ago, depending on the transportation company, now cost between N48,500 to N68,000.
Speaking with THISDAY, an
products has created price modulation.
Edun who boasted that "inflation is being wrtestled," stated that it was expected to moderate by 2025.
Responding to a question on the implementation of multiple budgets at the same time, the minister said there was no such thing as multiple budgets.
According to him, the National Assembly only extended the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget by six months.
Also responding to a question on the progress made in the 150-day duty-free policy on food imports announced by the administration in July, the minister said the government was careful not to hurt local production.
He pointed to a deluge of applications that trailed the announced duty-free import.
Edu stressed that the government was supporting local farmers and millers to produce enough for local consumption.
Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite applauded the ministry's performance in the last three quarters, especially in the area of revenue generation.
She disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) exceeded their revenue targets.
In the meantime, for BDCs’ accessing the NFEM, the CBN disclosed in a statement signed by its Acting Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, T.G. Allu that the temporary access would be
the economy was expected to see incremental improvements in 2025, but progress would require coordinated efforts from the government, corporations, and consumers alike.
“Luckily, promising investments, such as the Dangote Refinery, and Shell’s investment in Bonga are a shot in the arm.”
Rewane projected that the price of petrol would increase to N1,200 per litre in 2025 while the price of diesel might decrease to less than N1,000.
According to the economist, the Naira could appreciate and stabilise at N1,550/$ (parallel market) in 2025.
He, however, viewed government’s inflation target of 15 percent in 2025 as too optimistic, predicting the consumer price index to be around 25 percent next year.
The analysts however pointed
Economist, Francis Durojaye, attributed the surge in prices of transportation to the high demand for transportation services during the holiday season, as well as the limited availability of vehicles and drivers.
According to him, “The surge in transportation prices during the yuletide season is a perennial issue in Nigeria, and this year is no exception. I’ll attribute it to the fundamental principle of supply and demand.
“During the yuletide season, there is a significant increase in the demand for transportation services as people travel to their hometowns and various destinations to celebrate the holidays. This increased demand, coupled with the limited supply of transportation services, results in higher prices.
“Another factor contributing to the surge in transportation prices is the lack of investment in Nigeria's transportation infrastructure. The country's roads, railways, and waterways are in various states of disrepair, making it difficult for transportation operators to provide efficient and affordable services.
“As a result, transportation operators are forced to increase their prices to compensate for the additional costs incurred in navigating the country's poor transportation infrastructure.
available from December 19, 2024, to January 30, 2025.
The circular stated: “In order to meet expected seasonal demand for foreign exchange, the CBN is allowing a temporary access for all existing BDCs to the NFEM for the purchase of FX from Authorised Dealers, subject to a weekly cap of $25,000.
“This window will be open between December 19, 2024 and January 30, 2025.
“BDC operators can purchase FX under this arrangement from only one authorised Dealer of their choice and will be required to fully fund their account before accessing the market at the prevailing NFEM rate.
“All transactions with BDCs should be reported to the Trade and Exchange department, and a maximum spread of 1.0 percent is allowed on the pricing offered by BDCs to retail end-users.”
CBN noted that the personal travel allowance, PTA, and business travel allowance, BTA, remain available and could be accessed from their banks to meet travel requirements.
“The general public is also reminded of the continued availability of PTA/BTA from their banks to meet their personal and business travel requirements and that all legitimate and eligible foreign exchange transactions are expected to be completed in the NFEM, at the market determined exchange rate.
“The CBN remains committed to a fully functional foreign exchange market and will continue to provide liquidity when necessary to manage price volatility.”
out that even though the proposed 2025 federal government’s budget increased nominally by 41.76 per cent, “Nigeria is spending less in dollar terms” thereby “limiting the government’s ability to stimulate growth.”
According to him, Nigeria’s federal budget has declined successively in dollar terms from $47.39 billion in 2023 to $36.7 billion and $32.09 billion in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Rewane said the important thing about a budget was not the label attached to its presentation but how much would be spent, “how much is to be earned, its surplus or deficit, how it would be funded and the economic objectives it is targeting because a budget is a tool of economic
L-R: Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the
Lagos… yesterday
Adibe emenyonu in Benin City
Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to stop securing loans, noting that the N9 billion loan recently approved by the House of Assembly was needless and will plunge the state into financial distress.
Following the reduction of its ex-depot petrol price to N899.50 per litre, from N970, and the resultant slashing of pump prices by some filling stations to N939.50, major marketers have called on Dangote Refinery to prioritise supplying the product through vessels to make the price reduction have more impact in the market.
But in a swift reaction, the Edo State Government said it was perplexed to learn of what it termed “laughable and incredibly ridiculous tantrums attributed to the new acting chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC, Jarret Tenebe where he made baseless and spurious allegations on the fiscal management of our dear state by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government.”
THISDAY gathered that marketers lifting petrol from Dangote Refinery, have started responding to the reduction of the ex-depot petrol price by the Aliko Dangote-owned refinery by slashing their retail prices by 11.8 per cent to N939.50 per litre, from N1,060 per litre. Dangote Petroleum Refinery had on Thursday announced the reduction
Addressing a press conference yesterday, Tenebe had said the state was already suffering under a debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion.
He said, "While it is a monumental disaster that Edo State patrimony
captured.
of its ex-depot price, in a move it said was expected to provide much-needed relief for Nigerians ahead of the holiday season.
has been swindled by Obaseki-led administration with an unassailable, humongous debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion, the governor is unyielding and unstoppable in his characteristic design to leave Edo State in ruin, by asking for a facility of N17.5 billion few days ago, which was said to be N9 billion."
In a statement signed by the Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, the company stated: “To alleviate transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery is offering a holiday discount on PMS. From today, our petrol will be available at N899.50 per litre at our truck loading gantry or SPM.
Tenebe, said "It is important to state, that it is now in public and political space that the fiscal budget of Edo State was passed few weeks ago before the Edo State House of Assembly proceeded on leave without the commencement of the execution of the budget by the executive.
‘‘Furthermore, for every litre purchased on a cash basis, consumers will have the opportunity to buy another litre on credit, backed by a bank guarantee from Access Bank, First Bank, or Zenith Bank.”
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
It is most disheartening that the Edo State Government now is requesting for a facility of N17.5 billion with no corollary of project attached there to the said facility and also that the facility is not contained as loan to be taken in the 2024 fiscal budget just recently passed. A cursory perusal of the entire budget does not reveal where the project for the facility is ever
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has flagged-off the construction of N30.4 billion road projects traversing riverine communities in Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru local government areas of the state.
The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has announced plans to launch a 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in primary schools across the country.
He made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Ibadan during a working visit to Oyo State.
Governor Fubara said that he is propelled by strong conviction and genuine love for Rivers people to develop all sections of the state equally, which is why he directed the construction of the Buguma-AbalamaTema-Degema-Abonnema Road project for the Kalabari people.
The governor made the assertion during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Road project in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, yesterday.
He said 1,000 Citizens’ Brigade would be set up in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to promote national values as of old, stating that the essence of the Brigade was to revive and rebuild the national values and create positive models
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Fubara said his administration has undertaken projects that previous administrations had shown lack of courage and political will to embark on, to demonstrate that he does not want to deny any section of the state requisite projects that will have far-reaching impact on the people.
The governor stated that the nature of projects already accomplished and those still being executed, though very expensive, attest to the inclusive policy thrust of his administration, adding: "I want you to understand
among the youthful population. He said the government is worried that about 72 per cent of the nation’s youthful population have become foreigners through the influence of cartoons and movies which are foreign in contents, values and cultures.
something today. It takes one who loves you to do this. In my place, the only thing that I have done is the Ring Road, which is less than N10 billion. The other section of the road is the Kalaibiama and the connection that we want to do in Epellema. It is also less than N21 billion.”
Issa-Onilu said as a way out of the malaise, NOA would soon launch a Mobile App containing indigenous cartoons through which local contents, national values and culture would be promoted.
According to him, "These various policies are geared towards changing the narratives and the wrong impression that the outside world is having about the country.
He explained that his led government has already committed N225 billion for the construction of the Trans-Kalabari Road. “This government is also committing another N30.4billion for the BugumaAbalama-Tema-Degema-Abonnema Road. What is the government trying to tell you? It is telling you that the government loves you, genuinely. So, no amount of social media attacks from those who worked under me, that I don't want to say the kind of terrible things they did, will change that. Our love for you is pure, and our mission is to make sure that every sector, every section of this State is developed equally."
"Information at the behest of the members of the Edo State House of Assembly is to the effect that they were recalled from their holiday or leave by the Speaker on the request of the state governor for the immediate approval of the said facility which according to them is said to be N9 billion but as event unfolded, after the mammoth request by the opposition in the House as to the rationale for a facility as
the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki across all sectors of the state over the past seven years.”
But one of the major oil marketers, who belongs to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) told THISDAY that allocating more volumes of the Dangote petrol will further make Nigerians feel the impact of the downward price adjustment by Dangote Refinery.
Speaking with THISDAY yesterday, the MEMAN member said markets would always respond to developments like the reduction of ex-depot prices by Dangote Refinery.
He, however, called on the refinery
lid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has described the United States as Nigeria’s longstanding ally and strategic partner for the nation’s mining sector development.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
stupendous as N9 billion for fathom projects which only existed in the imagination of the governor, it was discovered that the facility was not even N9 billion but a figure wrapped in secrecy as much as N17.5 billion to which the opposition in the house rejected and or refused to be part of the approval.
to prioritise supplying more volumes to the big marketers by selling to them in vessels rather than preferring selling by trucks.
But in its reaction, the Edo State Government stated that the Edo APC was “obviously pained by the achievements of
"I think the questions you people should be asking are, are we getting products we want from refineries? What I mean by that is, big time players in the market, they want to buy with vessels in large quantities. Is that available? Because if you are only selling truck by truck, that doesn't favour somebody who is a large investor in the business and it doesn't favour the market that
“Tenebe has been on a frenzy looking for lies to tell since he assumed office as Acting Chairman. Rather than focus on reawakening his completely comatose party, which is unable to provide constructive criticisms expected of a viable opposition, he has resorted to spreading misinformation in a desperate attempt to curry cheap popularity.
is waiting to see sufficient supplies. It only favours those who have one station and are going to buy one or two trucks.
"So, Dangote Refinery should make products available to big players by selling to us in vessels rather than favouring those buying with trucks," the major marketer appealed. He further said, "Also, I'm not sure the big people are getting the quantities they want. Even though you hear statements like, I have 500 million litres and whatever. If you have
“In his infertile rambling, Tenebe made wild and completely off-themark comments suggesting that Edo State is owing $35 billion. Even if that was what was written for him, he should have known that the figure is wrong and can't be true.
500 million litres, then why do you not sell to people in large quantities? Why are you more or less insisting that they come truck by truck? Because that's not what you want.
"In reality, our debt stock is not a secret and in fact, we are ‘under borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe would have known this if he understood the economics of governance, fiscal responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio.
"So what they want is to be able to buy in large quantities, take to their tanks and sell. But if you are the one now selling to the people they sell to, then it's not good for the business.
"I think if there is anything I can say at the end of the day, it's the market's reaction. So, the market will react to all those things in circumstances."
Speaking while receiving
Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has nullified the congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The court nullified the congress which produced Tony Okoch as the substantive chairman of the APC in Rivers, following a contempt of court proceeding filed by the faction of the embattled chairman of the party, Emeka Beke.
The court had earlier issued an order stopping the conduct of the
“We are establishing, this year, 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in Primary School. 1,000 in each state, including FCT, Abuja. These Citizens’ Brigade are going to be like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild of the olden days.
“Across the world, Nigerians are known to be the smartest people on earth. This is a positive development but some people mischievously tend to portray us in negative light. But this is not who we are as a people.
Charge d'Affairs, US Embassy, David Greene, in his office on Thursday, Alake lauded the United States’ commitment to fostering cooperation with Nigeria in diverse sectors of the economy, stating that it underscores the significance of the smooth bilateral relations between both countries.
congresses in the state, but the APC had gone ahead to hold the process.
However, the embattled members of the party, who had secured the order, had returned to court notifying it that the party had conducted the congresses despite the valid order of court.
also want to be part of the move to reduce global emissions and put our mining sector on the global map. We have critical minerals that are in commercial demand globally,"Alake said.
Obomanu issued an ex-parte order restraining the APC and its National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, from conducting elective congresses for the Rivers State APC without tackling the issue at the court.
formalisation of artisanal miners into cooperatives amongst others.
The minister welcomed partnership with the US on investments in the mining value chain, expanding access to technology in extracting and processing minerals and securing mining areas.
Justice Godswill Obomanu, after listening to the presentations and submissions of the counsels nullified the congresses of the party.
It would be recalled that at the notice of the party congresses in the state, the court presided by Justice
“I thank you for your visit. I met the US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, on the sidelines of the Mines and Money conference in London past year, and we had a fruitful engagement. I did analyse all our issues, and fundamentally, we just want to diversify our economy from oil. Not just for our own economic survival but also to be in tune with global trends for reduction in global warming. We
Justice Obomanu, was reacting on the motion filed by aggrieved members of the party, including Okwu Joebrown-Ndike, Peace Oganu, and Samuel Uchegbule, who claimed that they were denied nomination forms, despite making payments and as authentic members of the party.
The court however issued an
Throwing light on reforms embarked upon by the federal government, the minister highlighted revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) guidelines geared towards reducing friction in host communities; on-going plans for new security architecture to secure natural resources; efforts to generate big geo-data; the
"The mining sector provides a veritable avenue for increased trade between Nigeria and the United States, especially in the area of value addition, which implies processing of extracted minerals and setting up factories here. We would also require financing from multilateral institutions for our local operators. We are providing incentives for investments like tax waivers for mining equipment, policy of full repatriation of profits to home countries amongst others," Alake emphasised.
interim injunction, ordering that the congresses should not continue, also preventing further steps towards recognising any winner elected in the ward congresses, until the motion on notice is heard and determined. Despite the order which was yet to be set aside, the congresses were held with the supervision of the national leadership of the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), both from the state and national and subsequently the inauguration of the elected executives.
In his remarks, the US Ambassador commended the renewed interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, stressing that the sector has huge potentials to rival the contribution of oil to the nation's economy.
“To change the negative narratives, we are setting up the Citizens’ Brigade to produce young Nigerians and create positive models to rebuild the national values."
Alex enumah in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos
Limited (SNEPCo) to invest $5 billion in the long-awaited 300 million barrels Bonga North Deepwater Project.
bordering on terrorism and murder.
The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Government Area of the state. The government, in a letter dated 2nd of February, 2024 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on 1st of February, 2024. The letter read in part, "I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue of all other enabling powers in
Commenting on the project, Fubara explained that it was about six months ago when the Emohua-Tema Junction Road project was being inaugurated, that Kalabari people requested his gracious consideration to reconstruct the axis of the Buguma-Abalama-TemaDegema-Abonnema Road.
that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State." It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the Chairman of Ido local government. In the meantime, the state government has vowed to hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.
Nigerian authorities agreed to allow the $2.4 billion oil assets Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) between Shell and a consortium of five firms, because the oil major tied its new offshore investments in the country to the approval, the Financial Times reported yesterday. This was as the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has lauded the Final Investment Decision (FID) announcement by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company
Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, dismissed the application by two Rivers State indigenes challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try them over alleged complicity in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The parties to the deal had Wednesday announced that the federal government had given the go-ahead for the transaction to proceed, months after it was roundly rejected by the Nigerian authorities. Shell's sale to the Renaissance Consortium, comprising five companies, was announced in January but was blocked in October by the industry regulator, citing several reasons, including environmental impact issues, non-optimisation of existing assets, among others,
Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Prince Lukman Oladele, were among five persons charged with terrorism and murder. The others are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod. They were last week arraigned on a seven-count criminal charge
Although, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges, the judge however, ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center, pending the hearing of their bail application fixed for February 2, as well as the motion of the 1st and 2nd defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit against them. Ezebalike and Oladele had argued that by the provisions of the Terrorism Act, it is only the Attorney General of the Federation that can file any charge of terrorism against them. Their lawyer, Mr. Lukman
THISDAY had earlier reported. However, the FT report said that part of the negotiation was what led to Shell's agreement to invest a reported $5 billion in the Bonga North project, a deepwater field 130 kilometres off the west African coast. Shell made the approval of the sale of its controversial assets in the Niger Delta a condition of fresh investments off the coast of Nigeria, FT quoted people familiar with the deals, as saying. The $5 billion in the Bonga North project, remains a boost for President Bola Tinubu’s drive to attract much-needed capital into the Nigerian economy.
However, the approval, according to the report, was a sharp turnaround for a deal that was rejected by Nigerian regulators earlier and faced significant obstacles, including questions over how decades of environmental damage would be cleaned up.
Three people familiar with the talks, told the news medium that conversations between Shell, Tinubu and his officials centred around the company’s wish to continue investing in Nigeria, and to commit resources to the deepwater oil sector and lucrative liquefied natural gas projects in the country.
Fagbemi, SAN, submitted that the charge having been filed by the Inspector General of Police, was incompetent and asked the court to strike out counts 1,3,4,5,6, and 7 of the charge or strike strike out the entire suit for been incompetent. Responding, Police lawyer, Mr. Simon Lough, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application for lacking in merit. According to Lough, besides Sections 4 and 66 of the Police Acts that empower them to bring the charge against the defendants, Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism Act, shows that the police have powers to also initiate terrorism charges against the defendant.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given owners of the 762 plots of land in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone, A10, Abuja, a fresh two-week
ultimatum to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or risk final revocation of their allocations.
A statement yesterday by Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, said
the minister’s primary interest was not for people to lose their lands, but to get them to make necessary payments to the government.
He said that after January 3, 2025, there would be no further extension and withdrawal R-of-O
titles of defaulters would commence.
"It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, list of 3,273 allottees/ title holders that were yet to pay for their C-of-O were published. They were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their Right
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian military yesterday said it has apprehended a terror leader linked to the murder of a monarch in Sokoto.
It also promoted 73 Colonels to the next rank of Brigadier General and 35 Brigadier Generals elevated to the rank of Major General.
The military revealed that the arrested terrorist was a staunch ally of a wanted high profile terrorist Bello Turji.
A statement by Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said the arrested terrorist leader, Bako Wurgi, eventually succumbed to gun shot injuries sustained during the fire fight. Wurgi, he said, provided valuable intelligence to support troops' operations before he died.
According to him, "Troops are on high alert and have increased readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression, particularly during the yuletide.
"Accordingly, robust operations targeted at terrorist leadership are being conducted across the various theatres of operations.
"Significantly, high profile terrorists identified as Hamisu Sale (aka Master) and Abubakar Muhammad were arrested during separate operations conducted in NC theatre of operation.
"The duo are cooperating and providing valuable intelligence on the terror network.
"Similarly, troops in the NW theatre of operation, arrested another high profile and notorious terrorist identified as Bako Wurgi."
Meanwhile, during the week under review, troops killed 212 terrorists and arrested 272 others.
Troops also arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 152 kidnapped hostages.
In another development, a statement by Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Army Council on 19 Thursday, December 2024, approved the promotion of senior officers to the
next ranks of Major General and Brigadier General, respectively.
According to him, "A total of 35 Brigadier Generals have been promoted to the rank of Major General, while 73 Colonels have also been elevated to the rank of Brigadier General accordingly.
"Those promoted to the rank of Major General include, Brig. Gen. A Garba Acting Provost Marshal Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. UM Alkali Deputy Chief of Administration, Directorate of Veteran Affairs (Army), Brig. Gen. AGL Haruna, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector
1 North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brig. Gen. IA Ajose Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector
2 North West Operation FANSAN YAMA, Brig. General NB Ebulue Headquarters Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Brig. Gen. LG Lepdung Commander Operation WHIRL STROKE, Brig. Gen. OA Awolo Director Military Training
Nigerian Defence Academy, Brig. Gen. UG Ogeleka Commander Nigerian Army Space Command, Brig. Gen. OA Fadairo Commander 12 Brigade, Brig. Gen. OD Williams Commander 22 Brigade, Brig. Gen. JR Lar Commander 32 Brigade, Brig Gen AG Mahmuda Commandant Warrant Officer Academy, Brig Gen VD Beryo Commander Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brig Gen AOD Okoro Director Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes, Brig. Gen. SO Adejimi Director Movement Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics, Brig. Gen. TT Sidick Director of Finance Nigerian Defence Academy, Brig. Gen. MCE Ejike Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brig. Gen. MF Babayo Commander Sector 3 North East Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Brig. Gen. H Yanet Commander 51 Signal Brigade and Brig. Gen. MK Gara Army Headquarters Department of Training.
of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles. Out of the 3,273, a total of 2,511 complied, leaving 762.
"Yesterday, a notice of withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters was published.
"Since then, many of the affected allottees have offered to pay, and since the primary aim of the government is to ensure payment, a two-week grace has been given. "Consequently, the 762 allottees and the 614 others with outstanding payment on C-of-O will have till January 3, 2025 to pay, or have their R-of-O titles withdrawn, under the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
Legal luminary and human rights advocate, Professor Mike Ozekhome, has called for an end to the frequent reliance on the courts to decide the winner of election, saying that "the judiciary cannot substitute the ballot".
He gave the warning in the lecture entitled the 'Judiciary as the Final Arbiter of Electoral Outcomes: Aberrations and Judgments without Justice' delivered at the 9th convocation of the Gregory University Uturu(GUU).
Ozekhome, who is an ardent advocate of judicial reforms, noted that adjudication of electoral cases had in many instances led to subversion of justice thereby supplanting the will of the people as expressed in the ballot box.
He argued that "while judicial independence is widely acknowledged as a cornerstone of electoral democracy, it cannot be assumed that courts are inherently equipped for this role, as they risk overstepping their mandate."
Ozekhome decried the prevailing situation where the judiciary has increasingly become involved in
election matters to create "the facade of adherence to normative processes while effectively engineering authoritarian outcomes."
He used the 2023 Nigeria general election to substantiate his claim of overbearing influence of the judiciary in the electoral matters, saying that 94 per cent of contested electoral offices were decided by the judiciary at an unprecedented rate.
"This judicial overreach extends beyond validating electoral rules to determining outright winners and losers in specific contests," he said, adding that "this judicialisation of electoral processes facilitates democratic recession."
"When judges resolve such a significant proportion of electoral disputes, it signals judicial overreach and diminishes the Judiciary’s capacity to perform its broader responsibilities due to the sheer volume of election-related cases," the law professor said.
Ozekhome, who is a constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, condemned the overreliance on technicalities in resolving electoral disputes thereby jeopardising both democracy and the judiciary's credibility.
Executive, MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Takang, said, "This achievement is a pivotal moment for Nigeria's housing sector. It sets the foundation for private sector participation and reinforces our vision to deliver sustainable housing solutions for all Nigerians.
"We thank Mr. President for his bold leadership in tackling our nation's housing deficit." MOFI celebrated the imminent completion of Series 1 following receipt of initial approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, said the initiative was a "milestone in the history of Nigeria. This initiative reflects the
Renewed Hope agenda's focus on creating sustainable homeownership opportunities for Nigerians." Series 1, fully subscribed to by MOFI, lays the foundation for Series 2, which will seek to mobilise N100 billion from a wide range of private sector institutional investors. Essentially, MREIF is designed as a bold public-private partnership, addressing systemic challenges in housing finance.
Dike Onwuamaeze
Ten Nigerian companies are among the corporate entities in the world that have continued to make progress in their climate-related disclosures and
are preparing to make the transition from disclosures prepared using the TCFD recommendations to disclosures prepared using ISSB Standards. This was disclosed in the, “Progress on Corporate Climate-
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday hosted a special Christmas brunch for children from two foster homes with a call on Nigerians to embrace the essence of the season—love, compassion, and unity—urging them to make every day look like Christmas.
Speaking at the event held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu declared "Christmas should remind us to love our neighbours and go all out to help others. Next year, let’s make it a year of love and a cleaner, greener Nigeria.”
The First Lady pointed out that the federal government has been doing all to ensure that lives of Nigerians get better and will continue to do so with all vigour in the New Year.
She described the incoming year 2025 as one of hope, love and actualisation of God's goodness in
the nation.
The First Lady urged the children to show love to their friends, sisters, brothers and neighbours as exemplified by Christ who is the reason for the Christmas season.
“The reason we are all here is to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ.”
She read from the book which she authored 'The Christmas Story' which explains about the birth, life and times of Jesus.
The book, which reimagines the story of Jesus’ birth with Nigerian characters, bringing the message of hope and purpose closer home.
The First Lady also answered questions from the children.
The kids from Abuja Children Home and Vine Heritage Home Foundation (VHHF) who were the guests at the annual Children’s Christmas Brunch, competed in a national anthem contest, receiving cash prizes, and were treated to gifts, food, and drinks.
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said that from January 2025 government would begin to sanction some real estate companies who are engaging in sales of land without developing houses to reduce the housing deficit in the state.
The governor stated this at an endof-year event organised by Reapfold Properties, a real estate company in the state. Soludo who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Pauly Onyeka, said many of such companies would be delisted.
He said: "Soludo is working hard to limit housing deficit in Anambra State, and we are hoping that real estate companies will complement his efforts and not sabotage it.
"The governor has serious love for people having their own houses. What is key is that there are many real estate companies in Anambra, but by January we will wield the big stick and we will inspect what people are doing in that sector.
"We want them to be real estate developers and not just land sellers. Many people just set up companies and they sell land to people and walk away, without thinking of how that land can be developed.
"People just sell land without development, but we want people to focus on developing estates and this is the way we will develop the state. You are here as real estate developers to help government develop the state and not just to sell land.
related Disclosures—2024 Report,” prepared by the IFRS Foundation, which reviewed 113 companies in 13 jurisdictions that are headquartered in Africa included. It stated that the review of reporting by companies in Africa for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 showed an increase in or nearly consistent levels of disclosures for all TCFD recommended disclosures.
“In Africa, out of the 80 companies that referenced the ISSB, more than 50 per cent mentioned current or future alignment in reporting with the sustainability-related disclosure requirements in ISSB Standards,” the report said.
According to the report, three jurisdictions with the largest number of companies reviewed were South Africa (69 companies), Nigeria and Egypt (10 companies in each).
Other jurisdictions in Africa whose
companies were reviewed were Zambia 3, Botswana 2, Ghana 2, Kenya 7, Mauritius 2, Morocco 3 and Zimbabwe 2. In addition, there was one company each from Sudan, Togo and Uganda. The report stated that companies in the materials and buildings had the highest rates of reporting on climaterelated metrics at 73 per cent, GHG emissions at 81 per cent and lower rates of reporting on climate-related targets at 62 per cent, while banking and insurance industries had comparatively similar levels of reporting aligned with the TCFD recommendations—these companies reported on average on 5.3 and 4.8 out of 11 recommended disclosures.
These three industries also had the highest rates of reporting on all 11 recommended disclosures, respectively (see Table 1.13). Specifically, insurance companies had the highest levels of reporting on board oversight and
climate-related targets—at 80 per cent and 70 per cent.
Companies in the transportation industry, on average, reported in line with one of the 11 recommended disclosures.
There was no reporting on five of the 11 recommended disclosures for the transportation industry (see Table 1.13).
The lowest level of reporting in each of the industries was on resilience of the company’s strategy under different climate-related scenarios (Strategy c).
In fact, none of the reviewed insurance, transportation or consumer goods companies reported in line with Strategy.
The reported noted that the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) phased the implementation of TCFDaligned disclosure requirements in three stages: FY 2024—companies are permitted to use ISSB Standards;
FY 2028—all public interest entities except government and government organisations;FY 2030—small and medium-sized entities. It added that the FRC has issued a roadmap for the adoption of ISSB Standards and has amended the Financial Reporting Act to reflect the application of ISSB Standards.
“In March 2024 the Adoption Readiness Working Group of Nigeria, under the leadership of the FRC, introduced a roadmap for the adoption of ISSB Standards.
“The roadmap describes four phases of adoption, starting with voluntary adoption by all groups of Nigerian reporting entities from fiscal year 2024.
“Public interest entities, except government and government organisations, will be required to apply ISSB Standards from fiscal year 2028, with requirements extending to SMEs in fiscal year 2030,” the report said.
Sunday Ehigiator
The 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) has ranked Comoros and Tunisia as the most declined countries in overall governance between 2014 and 2023, naming Ghana as the only country to register progress in the civil society space, between 2021 and 2023 out of the 17 election countries in 2024.
It also revealed that opposition parties won four elections out of 13 elections held in different African countries in 2024.
According to the report, “2024 has
been a major election year in Africa too. At the beginning of the year, 17 African countries were scheduled to hold presidential or general elections.
“With four postponed elections in Burkina Faso, Mali, South Sudan and Guinea-Bissau, 13 countries held elections in 2024, the last one being Ghana on 7 December.
“In seven countries incumbent leaders won elections: Algeria, Chad, Comoros, Mauritania, Rwanda, South Africa and Tunisia. In six countries new leaders were elected, seven including the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.
“A historic four transfers of power took place in Botswana, Ghana, Mauritius and Senegal, five including the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.”
In terms of governance over the last decade, it stated that, “Covering the 2014-2023 decade, the latest IIAG provides an assessment of the governance performance in election countries, allowing us to delve deeper into key trends in participatory and democratic measures over the years leading up to 2024.
“The 17 countries scheduled to hold elections in 2024 range from 2nd
(Mauritius) to 54th (South Sudan) rank in Overall Governance, of these, 11 showcase deterioration in governance performance since 2014.
“Six showcase increasing deterioration trajectories over the decade: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Mauritius, Mozambique, Senegal and Tunisia.
“Five countries showcase warning signs, meaning that even if the level reached in 2023 is better than in 2014, deterioration has been registered over the second part of the decade (2019-2023): Algeria, Chad, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Rwanda.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The European Union has allocated €1 million in emergency humanitarian funding to Nigeria to support the country’s response to the ongoing floods and cholera epidemic.
According to a statement by the EU yesterday, this funding will help humanitarian partners on the ground deliver essential aid, including shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene services,
and healthcare to those most affected by both crises.
The statement, in response to the devastating floods which have impacted Kogi, Delta, and Anambra states in October, the EU is providing €500,000 to support essential humanitarian activities in Nigeria.
It noted that the three states remain among the most affected. In several locations, the risk of flooding persists, as the water level remains
high due to the river flow and to the soil saturation.
The floods have affected over 78,000 people and severely damaged thousands of houses and destroyed crops nearing harvest, particularly in areas affected by the convergence of the Niger and Benue Rivers.
It said the current funding will assist in providing food, shelter, water, sanitation, and protection services to the affected populations. Furthermore,
this funding will allow anticipatory action with the replenishment of emergency stocks to be used in case of new floods occurring in the future. Earlier in September this year, the EU had already allocated €1.1 million to humanitarian partners working in the North-east and North-west Nigeria as part of its response across West and Central Africa to address the impacts of flooding in the region.
a waste!
WThe Advocacy for Alleged Witches is disappointed by a court ruling in Enugu that acquitted a suspected murderer of Ms Mgboebuba in Enugu. Ms Mgboebuba was accused and subsequently beaten to death and buried in the forest for witchcraft.
hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.
is a serious blow to measures to hold witch hunters accountable. It is unfortunate that, as in many cases of witch persecution and murder, the justice system in Enugu has failed Ms Mgboebuba and her family. The justice system has failed the advocates against witch-hunting across the country, continent, and the world.
by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.
Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.
Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.
It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.
In 2022, an informant drew the attention of AfAW to the accusation, persecution, and murder of Ms Mgboebuba:”Mgboebuba ate witchcraft and was killing our people. The number she killed was a lot. Through the efforts of her daughter (‘Chikwado’ and her husband) whom she was preparing to kill too, that was how it was discovered what she was doing. Awgu people caught her and questioned why she was killing innocent people who have clean hands, she said that her enemies were the ones that she killed. The names of the people she was preparing to kill were numerous. She had killed too many people and was going to kill more before she was caught. My father and mother, Okeke Kele, and his son, Onyebuchi, his daughter, and his grandchild were among the names found in the book of the people she had killed. The people of Awgu joined hands to drag her to Orie Awgu marketplace, mocked her, dragged her to her father’s compound in Obugo village, and beat her to death, then they carried her corpse and threw it away in the evil forest at the farm settlement of her husband’s village, Ululor”.
Since 2022, AfAW has been working with the relatives of the victim to bring all those implicated in the murder to justice. As in many cases, the police were reluctant to intervene, arrest, and file charges against the suspects.
This court ruling is a painful instance of justice delayed and eventually denied. Look, Mgboebuba’s matter is a murder case and a serious crime under the law. It was publicly committed. Mgboebuba did not die while sleeping. A local mob beat her to death and buried the body in a forest. The police were nonchalant. AfAW believes that the police compromised in investigating this capital offense. It took intense pressure and mobilization before the police made an arrest. The government of Enugu was indifferent and negligent in prosecuting the case. It showed no interest in bringing the killers to justice. The government is sending the wrong signals to the world. It is saying that it is unable to protect and defend alleged witches in the state. Mgboebuba’s family members say that they would fight on; they would appeal the judgment. And the Advocacy for Alleged Witches would support them every step of the way. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches.
Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).
The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.
AfAW worked with the widower to pressure police and other state agencies to arrest one of those who masterminded the brutal murder of this woman. Yesterday, the family’s legal counsel sent this message: “Good day, the court finally ruled against us, the judge said that the evidence given by our witnesses could not prove the ingredients of the offense of murder and that there was no confessional statement. I was surprised to hear such a ruling in court because he admitted in his statement that he reported your wife to the village council and his statement was admitted before the court”.
After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.
AAnd, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.
What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.
TTHE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA
Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja
DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE
DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU
Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending.
AfAW is deeply saddened by this development because it is a huge setback to efforts to end witch persecution and murder in Nigeria. The police and courts must rise up to their duties and responsibilities to diligently investigate and prosecute cases of witch hunts. Witch killing persists because of impunity. Witch hunting continues because perpetrators get away with their crimes. This court ruling
Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted
Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State
Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
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pparently, the creed of the jihadi terrorists says “Go, kill Christians and Jews and snatch their womenfolk.” If the Jews and Christians do self-defence, the Islamist Amnesty International, the pro-Islam UN, and all shades of Western liberals, LGBT, atheists, communists, and agnostics will holler for the “rights” of terrorist-apologists. Who talks about the progressive decimation of the local Christian population of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria? Those who are suspected of sponsoring Boko Haram have the temerity to blast Kemi Badenoch. The UN and Amnesty International think the local Christian segment of sub-Saharan Africa is fair game.
“Merry Christmas to all” or as I now told to say “Happy holidays” or “Seasons greetings”.
Several well meaning, basically sane people have told me that it could be offensive but when I have spoken to people from various non-christian faiths they are quite happy with the greeting and see it as positive.
The woke world emphasises blandness and not causing any offence but they take the pleasures out of life.
he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder.
It would be best to accept the differences that exist and support them rather than trying to silence the well meaning.
Anyway, I think I know a few people who will be getting coal from Santa in their Xmas stockings although Santa may have been told that coal is environmentally damaging. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense.
Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged
LP 2023 presidential candidate berates Nigeria's legal system over death sentence for man who stole chicken
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has confirmed that he is one of the two sureties for the bail of human rights activist Dele Farotimi who was granted bail by the Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court, yesterday.
Obi who berated Nigeria's legal system over the incarceration of a Nigerian for allegedly stealing a chicken, commended the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, for quick intervention in the matter. A post by the National Coordinator
of the Obidiemt Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, said, ''I consulted HE Peter Obi as the leader of the Obidient Movement. As a respecter of rule of law, due process, and order he offered to take Dele Farontimi on the bail conditions. ''He thanked our courts and all concerned on this matter.
''His concern is that situation be resolved to the best interest of all concerned as well as our legal system. He extended his sincere appreciation to all concerned.'' Yunusa said that all bail bonds may not be completed yesterday, ''because the bail was granted on
Friday and we may not meet all the paper documentations, but we are optimistic that by Monday, we must have perfected the bail conditions.''
A Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti under Magistrarte Abayomi Adeosun, yesterday ruled on Farotimi’s bail application and granted N30 million bail to the activist.
The bail conditions include two sureties, who are “responsible citizens in the society”, with the defendant asked to leave his international passport with the court.
Farotimi would also not grant media interviews during the
pendency of the case.
The police had accused Farotimi of “criminally defaming” Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a book titled: ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.
Before the bail ruling, Adeosun ruled that Olumide Fusika, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Farotimi’s lead counsel, is prohibited from appearing before the court.
The Magistrate cited Section 9 of the Magistrate’s Courts Law 2014 to back his decision.
The activist pleaded not guilty to the defamation charge.
Farotimi is currently facing trial in
Selected Commanders and officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have undergone series of trainings in Advance Passenger Information System (API) and Passenger Targeting/Intelligence Gathering as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen NDLEA’s operational efficiency at the country’s major airports. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which facilitated the training held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and Abuja, the workshops were designed to enhance the capacity of the Agency’s Commands at Airports to target and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo
and mail, to help combat illicit drug trafficking.
A statement from the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, pointed out that the training would also help to facilitate communication and coordination between countries of origin, transit and destination in order to destabilise illicit cross-border flows and criminal networks.
While the Commander of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Strategic Command of NDLEA, ACGN Usman Ali Wadar and his counterpart at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, CN Mohammed
Ajiya, participated in the six-day training in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 13 other officers drawn from the MMIA and NAIA Commands took part in the five-day training that held in Abuja.
“They are all expected to impact the knowledge and skills acquired during the sessions on their other colleagues.
“The trainings were funded by the European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States under the AIRCOP Airport Communication Project, implemented by the UNODC,” the statement added.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), commended the facilitators: Ms. Fabienne Russel of UNODC and Anderson Leme Siqueira of Brazilian Customs Administration for taking their time to be in Abuja for the training after the engagement in Abidjan. He equally praised the two NDLEA Commanders and other officers who participated in the Abidjan and Abuja training sessions for their interest and commitment. He charged them to immediately reflect the new skills and tools in their operations across the international airports in the country.
The International Parliament Engagement Network (IPEN) has announced the appointment of Oke Epia, Founder/ Executive Director of OrderPaper Nigeria, into an international advisory group to support the development of essential resources to enhance public engagement within parliaments globally.
Epia joins an elite assembly of parliamentary officials, academics, and civil society leaders from countries such as Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, and the UK, as well as the Solomon Islands, the Isle of Man, and state parliaments in Australia, to enhance the development of a comprehensive series of eight guides on citizen engagement, designed to assist parliaments worldwide in optimising
their public engagement activities.
A statement by Juliet Ollard, Senior Research and Engagement Officer for IPEN and project lead, said the initiative is supported by INTER PARES, a collaborative capacity-building programme by the European Union and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). Its mandate is to “support an ongoing project to develop resources that will support parliaments to design, deliver and evaluate public engagement activities.”
The statement explains that the developed guides will address crucial elements essential for effective parliamentary engagement and will contain topics such as principles of
parliamentary public engagement, youth engagement, petitions and citizens’ legislative initiatives. Furthermore, the guides will explore methods to enhance education programmes, increase committee consultations, and engage underrepresented groups.
“Since the project is aiming to support parliaments across the world through these guides, it is important that the project includes collaboration with colleagues working in different parts of the world and a range of engagement traditions,” the statement noted, adding that the advisory group of parliamentary officials and other experts from around the world will “provide feedback, input and challenge as we develop the guides.”
He expressed delight in being invited to join the global advisory group, saying the time has come to reflect new thinking into parliamentary engagements worldwide. He said: “I am delighted to be part of the Advisory Group for this very important project. At a time of doubtful, if not decreasing, confidence in democracy, developing resources to foster public engagement with parliament becomes critical. As the bedrock of representative democracy, there is no better time than now to rethink, relearn, and possibly unlearn traditional ways of citizen engagement with parliament. I am happy to share thoughts from the African perspective to enrich the group’s contributions to the project."
two courts on charges bordering on the alleged defamation of Babalola.
On December 9, the Federal High Court in Ekiti granted Farotimi N50 million bail with one surety, following a 12-count charge bordering on cybercrime filed by the Inspector General of Police.
Meanwhile, reacting to the incarceration of a Nigerian for allegedly stealing a chicken yesterday via his X handle, Obi commended Governor Adeleke’s intervention
while condemning the disparities in the Nigerian judicial system. He wrote: “I commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for stepping in to prevent the inhumane punishment of death by hanging for the theft of a fowl and eggs—an offence for which the individual had already spent 14 years in prison.
“That sentence alone far exceeded the demands of justice, if the crime warranted such consideration in the first place.
The United Kingdom and Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) have pledged to collaborate with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to achieve a higher rate of gender inclusivity in political representations in Nigeria.
IPAC is made up of all the registered political parties in Nigeria.
They expressed these views at a three-day Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Constitution Review and Adoption that was held in Lagos between December 17 and 19, 2025, with the aim of transitioning the council from a body governed by code of conduct to a working constitution.
In his goodwill message to the conference, the Deputy Head
UK, WFD to Collaborate with IPAC on Gender Inclusivity in Political Representation Filmhouse Cinemas, Giwa Gardens Water Park Partner on Entertainment
Filmhouse Cinemas and Giwa Gardens Water Park are excited to announce their partnership to bring vibrant and engaging family recreation opportunities to Nigerian households. This collaboration, which includes the distribution of 30,000 free tickets, highlights the joy and importance of family entertainment, offering families the chance to connect and create lasting memories.
As Nigeria continues to grow as a hub for entertainment and culture, family recreation remains a vital aspect of fostering connections and enriching lives. The collaboration
of Mission, British Deputy High Commission Lagos, Mr. Simon Field, who represented The High Commissioner, British High Commission/Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Mr. Richard Mongomery, said that the importance of the conference could not be overstated.
Field said that IPAC’s constitution would regulate the conduct of its members and publicly reaffirm their commitment to democratic principles and enhance the credibility and legitimacy of Nigeria’s political process both domestically and internationally. He said: “In particular, I would like to commend you for your strong and unequivocal commitment to inclusive political participation, for giving a voice to marginalised and vulnerable groups.
brings together the strengths of two industry leaders in a shared commitment to ensuring families across the country can access highquality, enjoyable experiences.
Keji Giwa of Giwa Gardens Water Park shared, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Filmhouse Cinemas to enhance the family entertainment landscape in Nigeria through our innovative Cross Promotional Partnership program that’s already seeing positive results for many brands. Our shared vision is to make fun, connection, and laughter more accessible to families, enriching their lives with every visit.”
The Republican-controlled United States House of Representatives yesterday passed legislation that averted a government shutdown, defying President-elect Donald Trump's demand to also greenlight trillions of dollars in new debt. Next, the Democratic-controlled Senate would need to pass the bill to ensure the government will be funded beyond midnight (0500 GMT Saturday), when current funding
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday, extended his condolences to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) following the passing of the recently elected Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI), Hajiya Rafat Salami.
The President, in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Salami's loss was deeply felt across the journalistic community and beyond. Tinubu commiserated with the leadership and members of the IPI, the Voice of Nigeria (VON) staff, and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), acknowledging Salami's unwavering commitment to her profession and nation.
The President called upon her colleagues, friends, and family to honour her by continuing the impactful work she championed as they bid farewell to the multilingual and multitalented journalist.
Hajiya Salami also served as the
Secretary of the NUJ, Abuja Council, dedicating her talents and passion to advancing journalism in Nigeria.
In her career as a reporter, broadcaster, and producer, Hajiya Salami tried to keep the public informed on crucial developmental issues.
Her advocacy for women's and children's rights was a testament to her strong voice and compassionate spirit.
Earlier yesterday, the IPI, Nigeria, announced the sudden death of its treasurer.
In a statement released in Abuja, signed by Secretary, Mallam Ahmed I. Shekarau, the organisation described the late Rafatu Salami as a journalist that made her mark in the profession and rose to the position of Assistant Director, Digital Media, at the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
According to the statement: “Rafatu was a compassionate woman who was always ready to give a helping hand to her colleagues with her wealth of experience gained over the years.
IPPG: Adeyemi-Bero's Appointment as OPEC Chairperson Marks Milestone for Nigeria
Ejiofor Alike
The Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) has congratulated one of its founding members, Adetola Adeyemi-Bero, on his historic appointment as the Chairperson of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Board of Governors for 2025.
Reacting to the appointment, IPPG stated that it represents a significant achievement for both Nigeria and Africa's energy sector.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Chairman of IPPG, Abdulrazaq Isa at the 2024 IPPG Annual Dinner, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Nigerian oil and gas producers, Dr. Layi Fatona, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the appointment.
Fatona, who is the Executive Vice Chairman of ND Western Limited, also hailed the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, for his role.
"This appointment is a momentous milestone for IPPG, Nigeria, and the African continent, further cementing our leadership in the global energy market," Fatona stated.
"Adeyemi-Bero’s rise is a reflection of the exceptional talent within our industry and brings immense pride to our nation," he added.
While praising the IPPG for nurturing Nigeria’s OPEC Governor and Board Chairperson, Fatona hailed the ND Western/Renaissance Africa Energy Consortium for its contributions to the industry, just as he acknowledged Nigeria for producing exceptional global energy leaders.
expires.
According to Reuters, the White House said President Joe Biden intends to sign it into law if they do.
The legislation would extend government funding until March 14, provide $100 billion for disaster-hit states and $10 billion for farmers. It would not raise the debt ceiling -- a difficult task Trump has pushed Congress to do before he takes office on January 20.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans would have more power to influence government spending next year, when they will have majorities in both chambers of Congress and Trump will be in the White House.
"This was a necessary step to bridge the gap, to put us into that moment
where we can put our fingerprints on the final decisions on spending," he told reporters after the vote. He said Trump supported the package.
A government shutdown would disrupt everything from law enforcement to national parks and suspend paychecks for millions of federal workers. A travel industry trade group warned that a shutdown could cost airlines, hotels and other companies $1 billion per week and lead to widespread disruptions during the busy Christmas season. Authorities warned travelers could face long lines at airports.
The package, which passed by a bipartisan vote of 366-34, resembled a bipartisan plan that was abandoned earlier this week after an online
fusillade from Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk, who said it contained too many unrelated provisions, such as a pay raise for lawmakers and a crackdown on pharmacy benefit managers.
Republicans struck most of those elements from the bill -- including a provision limiting investments in China which Democrats said would have conflicted with Musk's interests.
"He clearly does not want to answer questions about how much he plans to expand his businesses in China and how many American technologies he plans to sell," Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro said on the House floor.
Trump has tasked Musk, the world's richest person, with heading a budget-
cutting task force, but Musk holds no official position in Washington. Musk wrote on his social media platform X that he was happy with the package. "It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces," he posted.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the package still accomplished important goals, such as delivering disaster aid, averting a shutdown and stopping Republicans from enacting a debt-ceiling hike that would make it easier to cut taxes.
"We have successfully advanced the needs of everyday Americans, but there are still things to be worked on and we look forward to that fight in the new year," he told reporters.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting his
bail terms.
Bello was earlier granted bail by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The release of the former governor
was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza, to journalists yesterday.
Duza said the former governor was
Oluchi Chibuzor
Traddify, a global remittance platform, has announced the launch of enhanced payment solutions in Nigeria, introducing new features to make cross-border money transfers faster, safer, and more convenient for individuals, businesses, and SMEs.
Speaking at a recent virtual meeting, Traddify’s CEO and founder, Gold Sylvester, emphasised the increasing need for efficient crossborder payment systems, driven by Nigerians' growing involvement in international trade, remittances, and global business operations.
She explained that Traddify
addresses this demand by leveraging innovative technology to simplify transactions, offering a seamless experience for both traditional and digital currencies.
“At Traddify, we aim to make transactions easy and efficient for individuals, businesses, and traders. By tackling challenges faced by SMEs, we ensure reliability, speed, and convenience in every transaction. Our commitment is to foster trade and enable millions across Africa to thrive in global operations,” Sylvester said.
She added, “We understand the critical role financial technology plays in advancing economies like
Nigeria, where access to secure, inclusive, and seamless financial solutions can drive innovation and empower small businesses. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Traddify has the potential to bridge economic gaps, foster financial inclusion, and catalyze sustainable growth.”
Sylvester outlined key features of Traddify’s enhanced payment solutions, including a secure virtual dollar card, quick money transfers, and a multi-currency account.
For her, the multi-currency feature allows users to effortlessly manage various currencies, including Naira, Kenyan Shillings, and Cedis.
released yesterday after meeting the bail conditions.
He noted that: “The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was on the ground to ensure his smooth release and that all protocols were observed.”
The former Kogi governor was granted bail on Thursday by Justice MaryAnne Anenih in the sum of N500 million.
The conditions for his release also included providing three sureties, each owning property in select high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. Bello was also ordered by the court to surrender his passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior permission.
The former governor faces alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. All three had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Edo Assets Verification C'ttee Reveals How former Administration Spent N3.8bn as State Contribution to MOWAA Project, Others
The 14-man Edo State Asset Verification Committee set up to look into the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki has disclosed how the latter allegedly spent the sum of N3.8 billion as contribution in the construction of the Museum
of West Africa Arts (MOWAA) project that is supposed to be a private venture.
Briefing journalists in Benin City on some of its findings since the committee was set up by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Chairman of the Assets Verification Committee, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, who presented the committee's interim report, said by its findings, the Museum of West Africa Arts though captured as an independent private trust sitting on government land, received and spent N3.8b as contribution from Governor Obaseki Umakhihe, who lamented the huge funds invested by the Obaseki-led administration in the MOWAA project, said there is a need to present some findings to guide the operations of government and governance.
He disclosed that the previous administration made huge financial commitments in the MOWAA project without the input of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism in the area of supervision.
L-R: Deputy Vice
Over 179 million people in Nigeria are living in unclean environments, according to the State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) study.
The Seventh Edition of the public presentation of the State of the Nigerian Environment study showed that this was an improvement over last year’s record which stood at 183 million.
Nigeria (CUN), Mr. Prince Owoh.
The report was made available yesterday at an event tagged: 'Cleanest state champions in Nigeria' by the National Coordinator of a nongovernmental organisation, Clean-Up
John Shiklam in Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has issued an Executive Order increasing the retirement age of the academic staff in some state-owned tertiary institutions to 65 years.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Mohammed Sani Bello, disclosed this at a press conference yesterday in Kaduna.
He said the decision to increase the retirement age for academic staff in some state owned institutions was taken at a meeting with the governor, management of the institutions and the leadership of the academic unions of all state-owned tertiary institutions which was held on Tuesday. Bello said the academic staff presented five demands, and the governor pledged to fulfil some over a period of time but specifically said the issue of retirement age will be resolved within 48 hours.
"The governor fulfilled that promise by signing the Executive Order Number 2 of 2024 on Thursday, which raised the retirement age of academic staff of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Zaria, College of Education Gidan Waya and School of Nursing and Midwifery to 65 years," the commissioner said. He said the Kaduna State government is committed to ensuring the smooth implementation of the policy across the institutions, adding that the order came into effect on Thursday, the day it was signed.
The commissioner said during
the meeting that the academic staff presented a series of requests that had been lingering before the coming of his administration.
‘’There were five fundamental requests. Number one had to do with outstanding salaries and welfare benefits of the staff of these institutions. On that, His Excellency has graciously agreed to consider those outstanding payments and benefits.
‘’But of course, given the financial constraints that the state is facing, affordable amounts would be paid in staggered form until the outstanding liability is redeemed. That was the resolution.
‘’The next issue had to do with funding the institutions. We all know that since the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system in Kaduna State, tertiary institutions have been affected.
‘’They complained about funding which they require to run the day-today activities of the institutions.
"As a prelude to a complete reversal of the inclusion of tertiary institutions from TSA, His Excellency has also graciously agreed to commence sharing of the total revenue being collected by these institutions.
"There will be sharing formula within the first quarter of next year that will be mutually agreed which will be fair to all parties," Bello said.
He added that the third issue which the meeting discussed had to do with the issue of tenure of academic staff of some state-owned tertiary institutions regarding retirement age.
A business woman and community leader, Alhaja Bilikis Abake Aiyekoti, aged 62 has passed on. The deceased who owns Abake stores at Dalemo Area of Lagos State died on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. She has since been buried according to Islamic rites. She was the wife of the former News Editor of The Sun Newspapers, Alhaji Sina Aiyekoti. Alhaja Bilkis is survived by her widower and four children, including, Alhaja Sekinat Ajoke Aiyekoti Oloyede, Azeez Ayekoti, Qudus Aiyekoti and Shuaib Aiyekoti.
According to Owoh, the indicators used in the study aimed to promote comprehensive environmental policies targeting governments at all levels and citizens.
He noted that: “The 2024 zonal rating has significant merits, expected to improve Nigeria's national cleanliness index rating.
"On one hand, the country has seen a slight improvement in reducing open defecation, from 24 per cent in 2023 to 20 per cent in 2024,'' he said.
Owoh said that STONE aimed to highlight the importance of environmental cleanliness and
sustainability in terms of waste management.
He said: “Nigeria's sanitation situation is a mixed bag.Unfortunately, waste recycling efforts have declined, dropping from 26 per cent in 2023 to 19 per cent in 2024. This decrease is attributed to the rising poverty levels in the country.
"The Stone Study's findings further revealed that only seven states demonstrated good personal hygiene and sanitation practices among their citizens.”
He however noted that the annual Cleanliness Performance Index rating ranked Akwa Ibom and Abuja as
cleanest states in Nigeria which enabled some states to show commitment to environmental sustainability.
"Akwa Ibom State recently launched massive improved waste equipment combined with improving its sanitation of citizens, offering valuable insights for improvement.
"The zonal emphasis rating fosters regional integration, making the competition more relevant to local environments."
The National Coordinator who is also the Secretary, National Technical Study Group (NTSG), said the cleanliness index rating would address specific cleanliness challenges in each
Edo State Governor, Senator
Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, congratulated the newly-crowned 45th Miss Nigeria, Doris Esiokhayamhe Ogah on her achievement.
The lawyer and model was crowned Miss Nigeria at an event, which took place in Lagos.
Ogah defeated four other finalists — Ann Eneanya, Divine Nelson, Bukunmi Ogunsanya, and Diane Paul — to secure the crown.
The 44th Miss Nigeria, Shatu Garko, thereafter crowned Ogah as her successor.
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine
to be given the opportunity to serve as an example to inspire and empower countless women and girls around the world,” she wrote on Instagram after she won.
The contestants went through various stages, showcasing their cultural heritage.
Okpebholo, in a statement, noted that “as a proud representative of the South South Geopolitical Zone and Edo State, Miss Ogah has brought honour and prestige to our great state.”
Okpebhbolo conveyed his congratulatory message through his
Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, saying Miss Ogah’s triumph was not only a testament to her beauty, intelligence, and charm but also a reflection of her exceptional talents and passions.
“As a lawyer and gender advocate, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls. Her participation in the Miss Nigeria pageant was more than just a beauty contest; it was an opportunity for her to showcase her skills, values, and dedication to making a positive impact in society.
state and drive positive change in Nigeria's cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
"The zonal approach will also facilitate interstate collaboration and partnership, promoting another and adopting effective strategies to address their unique environmental challenges towards a cleaner and healthier nation."
Owoh while announcing the six zonal cleanest state champions in Nigeria, said "the yearly Cleanliness Performance Index Rating, chaired by Prof. Solomon Balogun, Chairman, STONE NTSG showed that Akwa Ibom is the cleanest state in the South-south.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) and seven Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs).
The service also announced the promotion of 4,291 senior officers.
Customs also approved a posthumous promotion in honour of the late Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Andrew Essien, who passed away on June 25, 2024, during a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.
In a statement, Chief Superintendent
of Customs, National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the approvals were given by the Nigeria Customs Board (NCSB), at its 61st regular meeting held on December 18, 2024, which was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.
REWANE: 2025 WILL BE ‘LESS HARD’ THAN 2024, CONFIDENT 6% GDP FEASIBLE
management.”
He stated that “a budget deficit is a good tool for stimulating growth during slowdowns” but remarked that, “a 5.0 per cent annual growth over the next five years would not deliver a $1trn economy by 2030.”
He added that in a period of 30 years, Nigeria's government has achieved a fiscal surplus only twice in1995 and 1996 during the regime of late General Sani Abacha.
But he cautioned that a, “deficit of today is the national debt of tomorrow.”
Rewane pointed out that despite the sustained deficit budgeting of almost 28 years, key economic indicators are revealing that Nigeria’s GDP per head declined from $1,597.4 in 2023 to $910.7 in 2024; national debt per head also declined from $438.2 in 2023 to $418.7 in 2024.
Also, foreign debt service per head increased from $46.54 in 2023 to $47.65 in 2024 while external reserves per head dropped from $175 in 2023 to $172 in 2024.
Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has described the proposed N49.7 trillion 2025 federal budget as ambitious but achievable.
Speaking to newsmen yesterday, at the Alausa-Ikeja Central Mosque where he joined President Bola Tinubu for the Jumat service Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in the government at the centre's ability to deliver on the bold fiscal plan.
He also agreed that the exchange rate assumption of N1,500 is realistic because “aligning exchange rate assumptions to market realities improves budget feasibility and economic confidence.”
Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394
Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com
Nollywood actor, Chuks Joseph, has been having an impressive run following a “wakka-pass” role he landed on the popular Flatmates TV series in 2020. Within four years, he has appeared in more than 10 film projects, quickly making a name for himself as an actor to watch out for with scene-stealing performances. He tells Ferdinand Ekechukwu about his budding career, inspirations, his dream roles, and more. Excerpts:
How did you go from studying Microbiology toacting?
I think it happened because it was supposed to happen. I completed my service in mid-2019 and was retained by my organisation to continue research work. The project wrapped up around December of that year, so I began applying for jobs at companies like Zenith Bank and KPMG. That same month, I went with a few friends to audition for a role on the popular TV series Flatmates. I was also going to interviews back and forth, but the job-hunting process was unfulfilling. So, I considered going back to modelling, maybe on a bigger scale, since I modelled in school and became Mr. SUG in my first year for the whole Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). One of my friends encouraged the idea; he even got a form for me to be part of Mr. Ideal Nigeria 2020, where I ended up being the first runner-up. That same year, around April or May, I got a call from the Flatmates team letting me know I had gotten a “wakka-pass” role. I was so excited because I wasn’t even an actor. The whole process fascinated me, from getting the scripts and rehearsing to filming. At that time, simultaneously, I had already applied for Mr. Ideal Nigeria, so when I became the first runner-up, I had the option of either doing a fashion thing for a couple of weeks or going to film school, Royal Arts Academy film school specifically. My experience on the set of Flatmates had piqued my curiosity, so I chose the latter
to see if it was something I could do. That’s where everything started for me.
Why was it necessary for you to go to a film school?
I am not a control freak, but I like to be in control even if I’m not in total control of things
happening around me; I like to be aware. I like to know my options and what I’m doing. After Royal Arts Academy, which was like an introduction to acting, I figured I needed more training to go far or be a bit different and better in general, so I went to EbonyLife Creative Academy that same 2021, around July. As a Microbiology student, I learned certain things not during the lecture but when I went for practicals in the laboratory. I figured the same thing applied to acting. So, if I wanted to be a good actor, I needed to learn, train, and gain some hands-on knowledge.
Most of your roles have been what some mightcall‘small’roles.Whatisyouropinion on‘small’roles,andwhat’syourkeytostealing the show in non-lead roles?
One thing our acting coach at EbonyLife Creative Academy used to say was that ‘there are no small roles only small-minded actors.’ When it comes to these seemingly small roles, as long as you have screen time and a part of the story, even if it’s a teeny weeny bit, you are very, very monumental in that story as long as you’re able to bring your character’s elements to life and make it believable so people can resonate with it. That’s how I approach those ‘small’ roles. When they come, and I see that I don’t have as much screen time, I ensure I Chop Am (Nigerian slang). I try to make the scripts more interesting. There is no trick; I go into every project determined to do my best.
Howdothese“small”rolesbuilduptothat big,undeniableleadingrole?
I think these ‘small’ roles go to show that I can do this. After seeing what I can do with just a few roles, people can tell I have what it takes. I am just happy to be here acting. So, if you want to make me the lead, I will take it and kill it. I will do the same if I only have a few lines. Over time, this has become my entire life. I have fallen so deeply in love with the process of acting and filmmaking that I don’t think I’ll stop doing this thing any time soon.
Ifyoucouldplayanyone,whatwouldthat character be?
I would love to play a doctor or a man of God who looks perfect on the outside but has secrets; a character slightly similar to the one in Bolanle Austen-Peters’ Man of God. Also, I would love to play a doctor with mental issues who is a master of his craft and has done ground-breaking things but occasionally makes mistakes that people overlook because of how skilled he is. I also want to play a military man, a young rebellious officer who doesn’t want to conform to how things are done. I want to shave my head and go bald. I just want roles with depth.
What’snextforyou?
I am in the upcoming season 5 of The Men’s Club, which is already out of the bag with the recently released trailer. I also have a tech film where I play a very good boy, influencer, and soft boy, which is more like the real me. I am looking forward to the release of the movie because I can’t wait for people to see a different side of me.
Multiple clips from the exclusive screening of ‘The Waiter’ still trending days after the event, showing the cast and guests who had turned out to see the comedy-drama. Best described as a dazzling night of glamour, laughter, and heartfelt moments, stars lit up the premiere of ‘The Waiter’, the highly anticipated film by cerebral entertainer and filmmaker, Ayo Makun, simply known as AY.
Held at Livespot Entertarium, Lekki, Lagos, the red carpet sparkled with the presence of Nollywood’s finest and prominent figures from the entertainment industry. The evening kicked off with a star-studded red carpet event, where celebrities brought their A-game in jaw-
dropping outfits. AY, the comedic genius who executive produced the film, arrived in style, expressing his excitement for the film, which officially hit cinemas nationwide yesterday Friday, December 20.
“I’m thrilled to share this story with the world. ‘The Waiter’ is not just a comedy but as we have always done with the Akpos film series, the film has many teachable moments that we can learn from as individuals and as a country. It is a tale about resilience, humility, and finding one’s purpose in unexpected places,” AY said.
Also speaking, producer of the film, Darlington Abuda described ‘The Waiter’ as the best in the roll call of Akpos franchise yet. “If you have followed the Akpos movies, which has paraded some of Nollywood’s finest; you will know that we always
Soon after landing in Lagos, American singer and actress, Chloe Bailey has been spotted hanging out with Afrobeats superstar, Burna Boy and social media has been talking about it. Videos of the pair together have circulated online, and romance speculations have followed, particularly because of the video of them sitting cozily together at a club in Lagos, seems the Hard Rock Café. The duo looked effortlessly chic, turning heads with their stylish ensembles as they enjoyed Lagos nightlife. Because of the video of Burna Boy at the club with his arm around the ‘Have Mercy’ singer,
Nigerians have taken to social media to weigh in on it, making the singer trend. Some are excited about both artistes together with Chloe rocking Burna’s
Others think Chloe is in Nigeria for some serious music and Detty December stuff with the Grammy winning artiste. While some just love the stars together for the fun of it. There’s also speculation from gossip outlets that Burna flew her out to enjoy the sights and sounds of the African country. A viral video of the songstress hit the internet following her arrival at the Lagos International Airport.
She was warmly welcomed with a lovely pink and white coloured
bouquet. Chloe’s relationship with Burna Boy has raised questions about Stefflon Don, the Jamaican born British rapper and singer who a couple of months back declared him as the love of her life.
In 2022, Burna Boy released the hit song ‘Last Last’ believed to be about his relationship with Stefflon Don which ended in 2021.
In a recent interview, Stefflon Don however had stated that Burna Boy admitted the song was about her. Still on Burna Boy, the superstar artiste once again proved his artistic prowess by releasing his electrifying new single, ‘Bundle By Bundle’. Dropped on December 17th, 2024, the track is an ode to lavish lifestyles, club culture, and the quintessential Nigerian party spirit.
have something up our sleeves. This time around, we have ramped up the action elements in the movie to make it more enthralling.
“Producing ‘The Waiter’ was more than just bringing a story to life—it was about crafting an experience that resonates deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll,” he said. In the ‘The Waiter’, Akpos (AY) having enjoyed the thrills of Jamaica and savoured the weather of Sun City in South Africa finds himself waiting in a five star hotel. While on duty, a group of heavily armed men invade the hotel, take everyone hostage and hoping to make a statement that will jolt the federation. Akpos finds himself as the last line as he sets out to free the hostages. What follows is a night of humour, drama, and life lessons. The movie stars Deyemi Okanlawon, Shaffy Bello, Toke Makinwa, Williams Uchemba, Regina Daniels and more.
Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com
Nigerian film director, actor, and producer Femi Adebayo has consistently defied the odds, establishing himself as a formidable force in Nollywood. With nearly two decades of active contribution to the industry, he has evolved into an exceptional actor and a visionary producer. Femi’s big-screen production career has seen remarkable success, with blockbuster films like Ageshinkole and Jagun Jagun elevating his brand and earning him numerous awards and accolades. His latest film, Seven Doors, has further solidified his position at the top, receiving widespread acclaim from fans, critics, and the community within just a week of its release. Femi Adebayo took Tosin Clegg, into his process of character development, journey as a producer, his latest project, and much more
Howeasywasittomove fromJagunJaguntoSeven Doors?
What is important is that as a producer you are to define the kind of genre or project you want to do. So Jagun Jagun is a war film and we gave it our best then. Seven Doors is a drama and a love story mixed with tradition and it was easy to move into it because the scripts are totally different. And as a producer when you are working on any script what you would be thinking of is how you want to interpret the script, not even remembering what you have done before.
Yourscriptingisalwaysmind-blowing;how doyougoaboutputtingittogether?
So I have a team that we work together on any story that I have. I conceptualise it and conceive the ideas but some are born out of social messages, some are from personal stories and when I conceive the idea I call my team together so as to develop the story, then start to plot. It’s not a one-man job or what I do alone but I remember that this particular story when I presented it to my team they condemned it. But I was like I want to do this story and I remember vividly that they all turned it down. And I insisted and by insisting they all felt that it’s my thing and agreed to work on it with me. Why I insisted was that I had a picture of moving away from the action, war and epic films that people have been seeing to a vintage story. And I know my fans were waiting for Jagun Jagun 2 but I didn’t want to stereotype Femi Adebayo to just epic films. Because I know what I have in me; I insisted to do this project.
The city of Ikeja recently came to life as kids of various age groups stormed the Balmoral Convention Centre, by Sheraton, with parents and teachers for the maiden edition of The Kid Lit Fest. A statement by OAP and author Sope Martins, the organisers said the occasion featured a variety of activities: author readings, paintand-sip, VR games, board games, quizzes, and a child author showcase. There was also a panel session where they
Some participants at the event
Femi Adebayo
Withthehugeaccoladesyournewprojectis havinghowdoesitmakeyoufeel?
Of course, I feel good and I’m excited about the views. Talking about the title, many talk about it the way they see or feel it. But I don’t like giving a suggestive title which might make you understand what my movie is about. But on this project we used doors to represent women because respectfully in Yoruba land when you want to enter a woman’s room courtesy demands you knock on the door.
discussed the importance of storytelling and the need to encourage children to read and write. One of the biggest highlights of the fest was the author reading session, where various authors such as Ayo Oyeku, Ugo Anidi, and Bunmi Familoni sat with children to read and engage them with Q&As about their books.
It was a delightful sight to see so many children gather around the authors to participate in the reading session. Speaking on the event, Martins said, “I was pleasantly surprised that so many children joined the reading session even though they had the option to play around or jump on the bouncy castle.”
Ofadaboy, a renowned Nigerian food and culture ambassador, marked a significant milestone of 15 years of service and catering excellence with the successful hosting of the 6th edition of the Ofada Rice Day Festival. The event, themed “Ofadabration 2.0,” was attended by over 9,000 people, including representatives from the Canadian Deputy High Commission, American Consulate, and British High Commission. The festival featured a range of activities, including performances by top Nigerian artistes, such as
What are some lessons to take home from yournewproject?
For me there are quite a number of things. Generational curses is one and that happened through the character of Kola Adeyemi and the Esusu part which is very deep. Some of us believe in destiny and leaving it the way it is which started from him wanting to get short cuts and damning all the consequences that came with it. Another lesson is to not misuse power which we saw through the character of Gabriel Afolayan and another is also to remain good at all times.
Howdoyougetincharacterforyourfilms?
In my own case for interpreting any role I have stages. First one is character analysis understanding who my character is and I go through the character Bible. Also with the help of the director I get to know how to better interpret my character. Secondly I enter into the character like it’s my real self and from there it gets easy to interpret any character.
Canyouwalkusthroughyourcastingprocess? Howdoyouidentifyandselecttherighttalent tobringyourvisiontolife?
For me casting my movies is more of divine and I just get that feeling. For all my movies I don’t cast alone as I have a team that I work with. So when we deliberate I take it back and the divine message would come on what to do. And it’s at this point I start to get God blessings on all my projects and before this movie came out I have seen and heard so many people say I’m repeating faces and all of that. But if a divine message comes that all cast I used on other projects should be in this new project they would be for me and people would still love my movies.
Another highlight of the day was the panel session, which urged parents to encourage their children to write and communicate more.
It was an engaging session that ended with a short video of some kid authors who talked about how they started writing with the support of their parents. Other entertainments of the day included a circus performance by GKB Academy, a dance performance by Starkids, and a special performance by the headline act of the day, Makayla, who thrilled guests with an electrifying set from her catalogue of hits. The event was hosted by MC Prophecee, who led guests through all the activities of the day.
Banks , Brymo amongst others . Veteran food vendors from across different states like Ikene, Itoko, Iperu, igbokoda and other food and drinks vendors also showcased their products.
In addition to the festivities, Ofadaboy launched the Ofadaboy Charity Foundation, which aims to provide healthy meals for Nigerians and give back to the society and communities across the southwest and Nigeria at large.
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, commended Ofadaboy for its efforts in promoting ofada rice and Nigerian culture. Director-General, National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, also praised Ofadaboy for its commitment to promoting Nigerian cuisine and culture.
Tobi Fletcher, Creative Director of Ofadaboy,
Howdidyousecurefundingforthismovie andyourpreviousprojects?
Funny enough I pitched to them after I have made the film as I didn’t look for investors when I was making the film. So it was self funded and Netflix acquired it after the production. I think it is better to self fund when you have the capacity and put in everything then you would have that confidence to pitch it after. And for all my projects that has been it and it gives me that flexibility of going with whoever I want to go with but it is a lot of risk too.
How would you say it has been since you started?
Majorly, the prayer is that I want to see my children making me proud and I actually didn’t see myself coming this far, trust me. I only know I can do better and that’s all I know. Getting to this level I actually didn’t picture it because we came from YouTube and African Magic productions probably because of our capacity. So many people have asked why I do Yoruba films only when I can speak English but I would say I fell in love with Yoruba language maybe because my father acted Yoruba movies more. When they say adages and proverbs I ask questions on what they mean and when they break down the meaning I started falling in love with the language.
But for me I don’t like to do what everybody does as I wanted to do things differently. And I actually didn’t see myself getting here this fast as my first big screen, Ageshinkole is just two years and a half. So I believe there is so much to be done with prayers, belief, commitment and hard work and you can’t be praying without work.
and his partner, Oyinda Fletcher who is the Chief Operating Officer, expressed gratitude to all who attended and supported the event, adding, “We’re excited to have achieved this milestone and look forward to many more years of serving and promoting Nigerian cuisine and culture.”
Ofadaboy announced plans to take the Ofada Rice Day Festival to three countries next year, in partnership with some foreign embassies. This move is part of the company’s mission to take Nigerian culture and food to the world.
Ofadaboy operates a restaurant, offers catering services, and produces a range of food products, including packaged ofada rice and spices. The company’s commitment to promoting Nigerian cuisine and culture has earned it a reputation as a champion of Nigerian food and culture.
In 2024, Nigeria lost some of its influential figures, whose contributions shaped the country’s history, polity, culture, and progress. Adedayo Adejobi through this piece, honours the lives and legacies of these remarkable individuals, celebrating their achievements and the lasting impact they left on their communities, in Nigeria and the world
Herbert Wigwe, Wife and Son
Nigerian banking Czar, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings and philanthropist, Herbert Wigwe died unexpectedly on February 9, 2024, alongside his wife of inestimable value, Doreen ChizobaWigwe and his 29 years old son, ChiziWigwe, in a helicopter crash in California, United States. Considering the circumstances surrounding Herbert’s death, the passing sparked shockwaves across the nation and widespread interest, leaving many in shock over the void left in the financial sector, and the Church Herbert made impact- The Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Wigwe, former CEO of Access Bank Holdings and co-founder of the bank, was indeed a towering figure and a key driver in transforming the bank, and was involved in the CACOVID coalition to establish isolation centers and feed families during the COVID-19 crisis. Wigwe’s impact extended far beyond his immediate constituency, the financial sector. He was involved in a variety of projects and made progress in everything he touched. Leveraging his private sector expertise and dynamic leadership, Herbert brought to prominence the role of the private sector in the country’s HIV/ AIDS control programme, as co-chair of the Nigeria Business Community against HIV/AIDS (NiBUCAA).
To depart with his life partner and first son, was a pain too hard to imagine. Yet, despite the immense sorrow, he left Nigeria with something invaluable—his vision, energy, resilience, and strength of character infused dynamism. Though Herbert may have departed, his generous spirit lives on. Rest in Peace Herbert, Chizoba, and Chizzy.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo was also in the ill-fated crash that took the Wigwe’s. The story of the Nigerian Exchange Plc is incomplete without the name of the late Abimbola Ogunbajo written in fine gold. He was among the men who helped Nigerian Exchange actualise demutualisation. On completion of the process, he was made the board chairman of the NGX. The transition helped the NGX to break away from the old mould of a member-owned entity to a for-profit organisation with shares publicly traded like those of quoted companies.
His supreme efforts and immense contribution to the Nigerian capital market was rewarded in October 2022, when former President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic.
The late Ogunbanjo stood out as a fresh, informed, and revolutionary voice in the Nigerian capital market, first serving as President of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and then as group chair of the Nigerian Exchange Plc.
Ifeanyi Ubah
Nigeria lost the 52-year-old renowned Nigerian politician, entrepreneur, businessman, and stocky brown man of self-assured confidence, Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, on the 27th of July, 2024, to the cold hands of death. He served as the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate until his passing in London. Ubah, contributed to Nigeria’s economic and political development and that earned him lasting recognition.
Ogbonnaya Onu
Dateline, April 11, 2024, Nigeria lost a Nigerian politician, author, lecturer, and engineer, the first civilian governor of Abịa State and former Minister of Science andTechnologyintheMuhammaduBuhariadministration, to an undisclosed sickness in an Abuja hospital. The late 72-year-old began his political career when he unsuccessfully sought a senatorial ticket under the now-defunct National Party of Nigeria in the old Imo State. He was minister from November 2015 until his resignation in 2022. He was the longest-serving minister of the ministry. The late Onu was a great patriot and a thoroughly decent, thoughtful individual. Beyond his professional achievements, Onu was a man of integrity, humility, and compassion. His legacy was not just in the positions he held or the policies he implemented, but in the lives he touched, the paths he illuminated, and the example he set.
The Elegant Stallion- Onyeka Onwenu
The 72-year-old Onyeka Onwenu, the legendary ‘elegant stallion,’ collapsed and passed on July 30, 2024, while performing at the birthday shindig of the Founder/ Chief Executive Officer, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries
Limited, Mrs. Stella Okoli, in Lagos. The superstar songstress was laid to rest in Lagos on Friday, August 30. Onwenu’s artistry and advocacy for women’s rights leave a lasting legacy.
Jimi Solanke
Jimi Solanke, the late iconic figure and Nigeria master storyteller, folklore musician, film actor, dramatist, poet, and playwright, sadly, passed away at 81. The native of Ipara-remo before death, was renowned for his mastery of storytelling as a cultural custodian who skillfully preserves and promotes Nigeria’s rich heritage through captivating performances, the legendary actor, poet, and folk singer whose voice, storytelling prowess, and passion for the arts cemented his place as a cultural treasure.
Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn- Grema
After a rather brief illness, the 70-year-old Emir of Tikau in Yobe, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn-Grema died in Potiskum, Yobe. Ibn-Grema, whose palace is located in Nangere Local Government Area, was the paramount ruler of the Karekare people. He was installed as Emir on July 25, 2001, and spent 23 years on the throne before his demise.
Mr. Ibu
Comic actor, John Okafor, affectionately called Mr. Ibu, was a household name in Nollywood comedy. Known for his comedic genius, he died
on March 2, 2024, at 62. Despite battling illness in the months leading to his death, Mr. Ibu left behind a legacy of laughter and unforgettable comedic roles to last a lifetime.
Amaechi Muonagor
Known for his comical roles in Nollywood, Amaechi Muonagor brought joy and laughter to Nigerian screens. At 62, after battling kidney disease for some months, the Nigerian actor, director, and filmmaker who made significant contributions to the Nollywood film industry answered the call of his maker. With a career spanning over three decades, Muonagor appeared in numerous flicks and worked with some of the biggest names in Nollywood. Some of his most notable films included: ‘Aki na Ukwa,’ ‘Living in Bondage,’ ‘Taboo,’ ‘Blood Money,’ and ‘Small Rats,’ among others. Muonagor’s dedication to his craft and impact on the Nigerian film industry will continue inspiring new generations of actors and filmmakers.
Sisi Quadri
The sudden demise of one the most creative actors in Nollywood,Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri occurred on Friday, March 1st 2024- making it one of the most discussed on social media. Sisi Quadri was a talent incompareable to his peers in Nollywood, dead or alive. His art was unique beyond apprenticeship. He was born with the talent of weaving words to abuse and amuse. His unique style of acting and gesticulation endeared myriad with his explosive salvo and vituperation. He mastered the art distinctively and was so perfect in his output.
He carved a niche for himself as an encyclopedia of demeaning and embarrassing adjectives. Highly respected among peers and contemporaries, an actor who had scripts in his head with endearing gestures. Unarguably, Sisi Quadri was one of the comic actors who would extricate boredom and depression in a single scene. He always put his best in movies and made the audience wonder where his heaps of abusive words were coming from. With a career spanning decades, he captivated audiences with his flawless performances in numerous Yoruba films, carving a niche for himself as one of the most distinguished actors in the industry. He died when the world began to experience the full experience of his glory.
Charles Olumo Agbako
Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, fondly called Charles Olumo or Agbako, died at 101. As one of Nollywood’s oldest actors known for incantations and proverbial phrases, his legacy spans decades, and his comedic roles brought laughter to generations. Charles Olumo, the brilliant and impressively talented actor, has been in the Nigerian movie industry for over 60 years and has made an impact.
Chief Adedeji Aderemi
Chief Adedeji Aderemi, popularly known as Baba Olofa Ina, was a veteran Yoruba filmmaker and actor who lit up the Yoruba theatre industry for decades. At 73, his impactful journey ended, leaving a void in the hearts of his fans and colleagues Baba Olofa Ina’s legacy in Nigerian cinema remains unshaken.
The Chief Executive Officer, Farm Zone, Bashir Salami tells Oluchi Chibuzor how the Ministry of Livestock can partner local and foreign professionals in the sector to provide expertise, reduce red tape bureaucracy associated mostly with government agencies and optimise its potentials... Excerpts:
Can you tell us about the journey that led you to establishing Farm Zone and the vision behind the brand?
Ialways wanted to become an entrepreneur and build sustainable businesses. As a young banker, I quickly understood the basics of business and household spending patterns, which highlighted food, shelter and clothing sectors as the main drivers. Particularly during both Muslim and Christian festivals during mid-year and end of year, I observed that organisations and individuals focus on buying livestock for consumption or gifting was at its highest. This led me to explore my inner passion for breeding and trading livestock that birthed the Farm Zone brand. In 2012, we started with about 10 sheep and sold to family and friends with a vision of delivering livestock to every nook and cranny in Nigeria, all year round. We have since achieved this feat and in the last couple of years we ventured into other areas such as processing and advisory services.
With over a decade of experience in the livestock industry, what key challenges have you identified, and how does Farm Zone address them?
Players involved in livestock breeding and processing face lack of adequate funding for the provision of infrastructure and inputs necessary for their business, education and training of players in modern methods to meet the changing demands of the consumers, and inability to connect buyers and other players in need of their products. Farm Zone has developed a network of livestock breeders and traders across the country which has largely improved their access to markets / clients in need of their products. We deliver livestock nationwide and work with local farms and markets in the 36 states to meet the demands of our customers. We have also developed a curriculum for a livestock academy and are working with governments and agencies to train young people in modern methods of livestock handling and processing. With regards to funding, our advisory arm helps farmers prepare the required documentation that give access to funds set aside for SMEs by a few private and government agencies, provided the applicants meet the requirements.
Livestock supply chains in Nigeria are often criticised for inefficiency and high costs. What innovations or strategies has Farm Zone introduced to streamline these processes?
Some of the issues associated with high costs are a result of larger economic issues that stem from inflation and insecurity around the country. Farmers are not able to provide cheap feed anymore due to the security crisis, climate change and natural disasters such as flooding. This has resulted feed scarcity in a sector that the livestock numbers are growing daily. Transportation is another challenge the business faces as the main mode
Call him a double-barreled personality and you will not be wrong. He is both an accomplished technocrat and a distinguished bureaucrat to wit. How else would one describe a professional architect of four full decades, who has also spent his entire working life in the public service? He rose to the very top of the leadership of the national umbrella body of his primary profession, and his occupation, respectively. He was the national President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, (NIA). He equally coursed all the way in the civil service to become a Permanent Secretary and a long-serving one. These attainments were bagged strictly on merit. His enterprise has not gone unnoticed as he has been deservedly decorated by the highest honours of his professional calling where he is a Fellow. He has also received national garlands in recognition of his good work, notably that of the Officer of the Order of the Niger, (OON). He retired upon grossing 35 memorable years in service, back in 2021. He was barely catching his breath when duty beckoned for him to return to avail the nation his variegated experiences in yet another capacity. This has been the story of his life.
Several decades in the ovens and furnaces of the public service have invested him with the archetypal reticence of a prototype bureaucrat. They are not given to too much talk, the essential credo of his lifelong profession requiring public officers like him being, “to be seen and not to be heard.” He is exceptionally, comprehensively grounded as a public servant who traversed nearly a dozen ministries, departments and agencies, (MDAs), in a most eventful and insightful career. What can be more all-encompassing and enriching with regards to cognate working experience than when an individual straddles the ministries of: Works and Housing; Defence; Water Resources; Agriculture; Power;
of transportation of livestock around the country is by road. As you may be aware, the road infrastructure is poor, resulting in accidents that cause death or injuries to livestock in transit. Another challenge with transportation is the high cost of fueling the vehicles, that in turn increase the cost of the livestock. The high cost of living in the country has also contributed to the increased cost of operations as employees are demanding better pay and expenses keep increasing on farm or factory maintenance. We are developing a platform that leverages technology that enables farmers connect with livestock breeders and traders to provide inputs for livestock feed that may be available on the farms after harvesting crops. The introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by the Federal Government is expected to bring down the cost of transportation. We are advising and educating livestock transporters on the benefits of converting to CNG that will help reduce the cost of fueling for their operations.
What is your assessment of the livestock industry’s current state in Nigeria, and how can the sector contribute more to the nation’s economy?
Nigeria’s livestock industry has huge potential as our livestock are in high demand across the world. Our animals are largely grass-fed and our meat is lean with less fat as compared to other livestock in many other parts of the world. Currently, we do not produce enough for our consumption, and our major supply lines come from Niger, Chad, and Cameroun. This is largely due to our high population which has focused more on other
Communications and Education, at the highest levels?
With the bifurcation of the erstwhile Ministry of Works and Housing, and the excavation of a “Ministry of Livestock” out of the extant Ministry of Agriculture, he can fittingly be credited with many more service addresses. And all of these preclude the lengthy list of national and international ad hoc responsibilities which garnish his cumulative experiential scope. He was in the earliest generation of civil servants who, with the return of democracy in 1999, was groomed in “Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence.”
This derived from the determination of the new regime to introduce more transparency in public procurement processes. He “evangelised” this credo in all his official bus stops.
Monday, December 16, 2024, was Sonny Togo Echono’s birthday. When he’s addressed by the combination of the initials from his first two names, ST, he knows you come from years and decades back with him. It is supposedly a special day in the eyes of his family, colleagues, subordinates and friends. Customised greeting cards arrogate a section of his office at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFUND) headquarters in Abuja, to themselves. For the Executive Secretary of the organisation, however, the day is a regular working day like every other. And there was plenty of work to be done. He prefers to operate from the conference table in a corner of his office which enables him ease of access to files and documents placed before him. He’s also able, with dispatch, to attend to staff who desire his official guidance, as he looks up from papers placed before him from time to time. There’s no time for a meal as yet but he tosses a few nuts in his mouth from time to time.
TETFUND was established in 1993, and was initially christened the Education Trust Fund, (ETF). It is funded majorly from a two per cent tax on the assessable profits of companies registered in Nigeria. It was at inception, targeted to arrest the rot and degeneration in educational infrastructure, arising from long periods of neglect and
services and paid less attention to farming. The development of the livestock industry will improve activities of the real sector by encouraging more small holder farmers, local processors, and other players providing inputs such as feed, medication, and farm equipment. On the macro-outlook, establishment of industrial meat plants will focus on processing of produced livestock by the larger population for export to countries in Europe and the Middle East. The country will stimulate its micro and macro economy by building more farm entrepreneurs and creating jobs that in turn generate income for local players, while also earning foreign income from major exports.
The World Bank recently partnered with the Nigerian government on the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) initiative to boost productivity in the livestock industry. What is your assessment of this initiative? Based on your experience in the industry, what strategies would you recommend to ensure the intervention is fully utilised to achieve its objectives?
The L-PRES fund focuses on major areas of livestock development such as breeding programs, meat processing, dairy production, and feed and nutritional development, processing of by products from livestock, and training of key players in the sectors. The creation of the Ministry of Livestock by the Federal Government is a laudable initiative and an intentional move to develop the potential of the Livestock sector. With this new development, there will be more coordinated efforts between the World Bank and the Government to ensure States and local organizations access funding under the L-PRES Program, with better monitoring and evaluation. We are of the opinion that the Ministry of Livestock partners with local and foreign professionals involved in livestock management to ensure interested players in the livestock industry can easily access the L-PRES funds. The management consultants will assist in monitoring and evaluation of projects and also run nationwide educational programs that help applicants optimize the fund and achieve maximum benefit and profitability.
These consultants will provide expertise and reduce the red tape bureaucracy majorly associated with government agencies by advising the Government on impactful projects and directly interfacing with livestock players while the government performs oversight and regulatory functions for the sector. We believe this will go a long way in reaching livestock players directly as government will not be saddled with operational field work and the Ministry of Livestock and state representatives can focus on more strategic initiatives to bolster the sector.
Echono
miserly resource allocation. It was rechristened to its present nomenclature during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.
TETFUND administers, appropriates and oversees resources so aggregated for the rehabilitation, restoration and consolidation of tertiary education in the country. It avails capital for educational facilities and infrastructure, including essential physical infrastructure for instruction and learning.
richard Ogwuche
In one of his illuminating commentaries, Don Simpson, entrepreneur, educator, and mentor captured in poignant terms, the qualities possessed by renaissance leaders. According to him, these leaders accelerate cross boundary learning, lead systemic change, think back from the future, drive performance with passion, apply a global mindset, and practice personal mastery.
Given his track record at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), it is an incontrovertible fact that the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari brought these attributes to bear when he was appointed by the administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari as the 19th Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in July 2019.
His impactful years in the saddle guiding the transition of the oil behemoth to a limited liability company is an inspiring success story woven around hard work, resilience, accountability, and growth.
The resumed operations of the Port Harcourt refinery engineered by Mele Kyari after successful rehabilitation and modernisation of the refinery broke a jinx of over two decades that had hitherto hovered around the country’s four ailing refineries like the sword of Damocles. Nothing in the mien of the self-effacing corporate titan prepared Nigerians for the lifting news that broke on November 26, 2024, when it was announced that the refinery had finally resumed operations; not even his assurances when work was in progress that he would get the job done. After all, past administrations had made similar promises and failed to deliver.
Apart from Kyari, the capable team he had assembled, and perhaps the President who I believe made it a duty to brief on the progress of work, the vast majority of cynical Nigerians had given up on the refineries. For him, the eternal words of John C. Maxwell to the effect that, ‘Success doesn’t just happen. You have to be intentional about it, which takes discipline held special meaning. So, despite the prevailing disbelief, Kyari plodded on with the implementation of a carefully planned rehabilitation; he was consumed by the determination to succeed where others had failed.
For those abreast with his work ethic, zeal, and unspoken determination, this milestone achievement was not the first time Mele Kyari would shatter existing records he met on the ground when he assumed office.
At inception of office, he unleashed a raft of far reaching transformative reforms, so consequential that they not only placed the company on a competitive pedestal but prepared it for the challenges of a future in a competitive business environment devoid of government handouts. The task of guiding the much maligned state hydro carbon company to respectability and profitability demanded a strong passion and unwavering commitment without which his lofty vision for the revival and transformation of the company would have died on arrival. Mele Kyari’s vast experience in the company he joined in 1991, his understanding of its inner workings and uncanny insight of how to deal with the challenges prepared him for the task at hand.
He anchored his plan for the rebirth of NNPC on TAPE Agenda (Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence), a five-step strategic road map which he envisioned as the vehicle for the attainment of efficiency and global excellence in the company’s operational processes.
His TAPE Agenda created a new system that adhered to well-defined operational processes anchored on acceptable international standards and global best practices. The system he established operated the right operational cost structure that guaranteed value addition for sustained profitability; at the same time, the TAPE Strategic Road Map developed
governance structures for the strategic business units of the company to realize its goals and performance standards. The sole aim of the reforms was to ensure an open and transparent NNPC. In a move, unprecedented in the company’s history and pursuant to his drive towards transparency and accountability, Kyari directed the timely publication of the corporation’s audited accounts. From this record-shattering move, the first in its 44 years’ history, it was easy to glean from the audited accounts, that the corporation declared a Profit after Tax (PAT) of N287 billion for the year 2020, the first in its 44-year history. Also, the corporation’s losses were reduced from N803 billion in 2018 to N1.7 billion in 2019.
Kyari’s trailblazing efforts have continued to tumble records. The drive by major players in the oil & and gas sector to achieve the full deregulation of the sector took about twenty years in the making. The enactment of this landmark piece of legislation into law by President Buhari in August 2021 had the imprimatur of Mele Kyari who rallied diverse stakeholders behind what he believed would have profound impact on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He worked tirelessly to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and to secure necessary approvals from the Buhari administration. He actively participated in various public hearings organized by the National Assembly, where he passionately appealed to the lawmakers to pass the bill into law.
The Petroleum Industry Act provided the legal framework for the transformation of NNPC into a public liability company; NNPCL came into existence as a result of PIA under the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). This consequential law signaled a new beginning for the oil and gas sector; it has created more transparent and competitive environment in the oil and gas industry and delivered a better deal to oil producing communities in the Niger Delta and elsewhere.
The law also led to the establishment of new regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Down Regulatory Authority. His commitment to the transformation of the industry went beyond the PIA; he initiated the process of divesting NNPC’s non-core assets, led the development of the NNPC’s 2020-2024 Strategic Roadmap envisioned to transform the organization into a more efficient
and profitable entity. He also successfully negotiated $1.2 billion loan from the World Bank to assist the organization in finance its capital expenditure projects.
Under his leadership and guidance, NNPC has forged strong partnership with global EITI to further entrench the culture of transparency and accountability and ensure that the organization’s processes are operated in line with global standards and international best practices. With Mele Kyari at the helm, NNPC is one of the few major players in the extractive industry that adheres strictly to EITI standards through open reporting and transparent disclosures of details of its finances and operations. The repositioning of NNPC under Kyari’s leadership in line with the reality of global energy transitions has been remarkable.
Under his guidance, NNPC has demonstrated readiness and determination to achieve carbon neutrality through the use of the country’s abundant natural gas resources as a low carbon alternative that will help improve access to energy. To achieve this goal, NNPC established a Renewable Energy Division and transformed the NNPC R &D Division to NNPC Research, Technology and Innovation as part of the plan to transit to What he calls, ‘Energy Company of Global Excellence,’ In May 2022, NNPC and Sahara Group, a leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate took delivery of two 23,000 CBM Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessels at the Hyundai MIPO Shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea with plans to add 10 vessels in 10 years to enhance Africa’s energy transition to cleaner fuels.
Kyari sees the vessels as critical to driving the government’s commitment to the domestication of gas in Nigeria through a plethora of initiatives, one of which is the LPG Expansion Plan geared towards encouraging the use of gas in households, power generation, auto-gas, and industrial applications to attain 5 million metric tonnes of LPG consumption by next year. As part of its concerted effort to boost the existing 1.6bscf of gas supply for the domestic market, the company has also perfected plans to deliver 12 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Stations and Mini LNG plants soon. This move is part of ongoing efforts by the company to improve its supply chain, develop new refining capacities, and expand the retail network.
Kyari has successfully guided the diversification of NNPC beyond its traditional oil assets. With the pledge to take over the engine lubricants in the country, the company, through one of its subsidiaries, NNPC Retail Limited, launched a range of lubricant products. The range includes Nitro Diamond, nitro gold, nitro Sper 40, nitro 2T engine oils, and many more. After five years of an unrelenting work ethic powered by a robust vision, positive signs point to growth and irreversible progress. The ongoing revival and transformation in the fortunes of NNPC is not an accidental occurrence but a product of deliberate planning anchored on visionary leadership. The record breaker at the helm of affairs at NNPC has proven that with grit, passion, commitment, belief, and the right temperament, positive change is possible. Like old wine, he is getting better by the day; in the diverse portfolios of the company, his enduring leadership, revolutionary aesthetics, transparency, and high accountability threshold he has entrenched in the governance structure of the organisation is paving the way for the realisation of his pledge to transform the company into a world-class company comparable to other players all over the world. With his impressive work ethic and steaming energy level, the attainment of the lofty goals he has for himself and NNPC is set to be achieved and even surpassed in the years ahead.
Ogwuche, a Commentator on Public Affairs, contributed this commentary from Area 1, Abuja FCT.
The first attraction on meeting Mama Lilian Egejuru Onwuka was her quiet and calm mien. She was generous with her smiles, soft-spoken and amiable. Yet Mama’s reputation for unusual humane and kind actions from her working days in Nkwerre, preceded her.
Born on January 01, 1947, to the family of Onugha and Nwuche Ihetu of Amorji-ugwu village in Nkerre, Imo State, Mama Lilian could not even complete her primary education before the demise of her parents. She later got married in 1962 to Joseph Onwuka, a Civil Servant/Businessman in the same town. The marriage was blessed with 4 children. While still giving birth, the family was dislodged from Bori, Ogoni, during the Nigerian Civil war, in 1968. It was while surviving the war in Nkwerre that Mama Lilian brought her industry and charity into play.
The restaurant she opened to support her young family soon turned into a charity outfit where the hungry could run to for rations. She later gained employment in St Catherine’s Girls’ Secondary School, a premier secondary in Nkwerre, as Cook and retired as a Matron after 12 years.
Lilian Egejuru’s story is indeed, a remarkable one of humble celebrity by a Secondary school staff, employed as a Cook, who became very much well-known in her Community by dint of her Christian living, humane personality and kindness. Mama
Lilian, popularly known as Daa Lily, at one time, or Mmanta, at other times, went beyond the call of duty to perpetuate a positive memory in the hearts of future Achievers and Leaders of her home Community. That, and other such reasons are why the old girls of St Catherine’s Girls’ Secondary School, Nkwerre, have converged with their husbands, from across the globe, ready to celebrate this humble woman with a heart of gold, o the 27th of December 2024, at her funeral. She lived her life as an indiscriminate and humble Mother and Nurturer of young people, a specie of humanity that is rare today.
Many successful young women today who, as children, passed through through St Catherine’s Girls Secondary School, Nkwerre, a premier Girls school in the East, where Mama worked for over a decade, have described her as a mother they would have loved to have biologically. This was due to how she related closely with them, knew their first names and cared to ask after their childhood problems. There was no discrimination on her part, between her own biological children and other children she came across, who had left home to get boarding school education in Nkwerre. The same was the case with many other successful adults today from Nkwerre who happened to have grown up in the same childhood peer groups as her children. They testify today about the large heart, and open arms with which Mama Lilian Egejuru Onwuka welcomed them into her home, and more especially into her kitchen for good food, that important gastronomical experience which, as we know, children growing up in the
Onwuka
village never forget! Left to mourn her are three Children and twelve grandchildren. Among the children are Steve Onwuka, who is the Chief of Protocol at the ECOWAS Commission, and Chidimma Okwumo, a professional Public Health Practitioner in England.
Gbenga Olumuyiwa
The federal government has unveiled its ambitious fiscal plan for 2025, aiming for a fiscal deficit of 3.96 percent of GDP and projected revenue of N36.35 trillion. This comprehensive framework underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape and laying the groundwork for a prosperous future.
The government plans to generate N36.35 trillion in revenue, with a clear focus on broadening its non-oil revenue base. Key drivers include:
•Taxation and Reforms: Enhanced efficiency in tax collection and an expanded tax base are expected to boost revenues from taxes, customs duties, and independent sources.
• Oil Revenue: Oil income remains pivotal, anchored on a benchmark crude oil price of $75 per barrel, a production target of 2.06 million barrels per day, and an exchange rate of N1,500 per US Dollar. These projections reflect the government’s focus on stabilizing oil production while addressing pipeline vandalism and crude theft.
The total expenditure for 2025 is estimated at N49.7 trillion, with allocations strategically aligned to Nigeria’s development priorities:
• Security: Increased investment in defense and law enforcement to address internal security challenges, creating a safer environment for business and investment.
• Infrastructure Development: Significant funding is earmarked for completing critical road, rail, and power projects, which are key to reducing business costs and enhancing economic growth.
• Social Services: Education and healthcare funding are set for significant increases, focusing on improving access and quality to strengthen Nigeria’s human capital.
The fiscal deficit of 3.96 percent of GDP, amounting to N13.39 trillion, surpasses the three percent threshold of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. However, the government argues this is a necessary trade-off to fund critical infrastructure and social programs.
• Domestic Borrowing: The deficit will be primarily financed through domestic debt to minimize foreign exchange risks.
• External Loans: Concessional external borrowing with favorable terms will also supplement funding.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): The government aims to leverage private sector capital to execute large-scale infrastructure projects.
Economic Reforms and Strategic Focus: Strengthening the Fiscal Foundation
To ensure the success of its fiscal agenda, the administration is implementing key reforms:
1
• Expanding the tax base through digital platforms and data-driven compliance.
• Empowering the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to enhance revenue efficiency.
• Redirecting savings from subsidy removal into targeted social investment programs to cushion the impact on vulnerable populations.
• Ensuring debt servicing remains within manageable limits and focusing borrowed funds on productive sectors to drive growth.
Conclusion: Bold Steps Toward Economic Recovery
The revenue targets for 2025 are ambitious but attainable with the effective execution of the outlined reforms. Prioritising non-oil revenue and investing in infrastructure signal a decisive shift toward fiscal sustainability and economic diversification. While the proposed framework positions Nigeria for longterm stability, its success depends on transparent governance, timely project execution, and stakeholder collaboration. As the National Assembly reviews the proposal, Nigerians await a budget capable of delivering on its promise to secure the nation’s future and catalyze enduring prosperity.
Olumuyiwa, a Policy and Public Affairs Analyst in Abuja
Keystone Bank Limited recently hosted an exclusive dinner event to celebrate and appreciate its loyal customers for their unwavering support throughout the year 2024. The event, themed ‘Celebrating Partnership’ took place in Lagos.
In her welcome remarks, Chairman of Keystone Bank, Mrs. Ada Chukwudozie, expressed profound gratitude to the bank’s stakeholders, noting that the appreciation dinner was part of Keystone Bank’s broader strategy to engage with its customers on a personal level and reinforce its position as a trusted financial partner.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Mr. Hassan Imam, appreciated the bank’s customers, stakeholders and the staff for their commitments and resilience in making Keystone Bank a leading financial institution in the country.
“We have developed several products that have also been approved by the CBN. Monthly account opening has increased by over 150 percent.
“In addition, under our Corporate Social Responsibility, working with the state governments, we set up the Keystone Bank Educational Support Initiative for the educational sector.”
In the first phase, we executed projects in 12 states: Lagos, Zamfara, Ekiti, Anambra, Katsina, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Kano, Benue and Borno States.
In separate remarks, Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Zamfara State counterpart, Dr. Dauda Lawal, expressed gratitude to Keystone Bank for its meaningful CSR initiatives in their states. Governor Lawal, in particular, lauded Keystone Bank as the first financial institution to visit Zamfara State and implement impactful CSR programmes.
Both governors praised the visionary leadership of the bank’s CEO, Hassan Imam, for spearheading the remarkable transformation of the bank in such a short period. They further reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their partnership with the bank, recognising its positive impact in their states and communities.
Other dignitaries who attended the event included the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ode; former Governor of Sokoto, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Deputy Governor of Kano, Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi.
Also, on the roll call were the Emir of Zazzau, Mal. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; Senator Iyiola Omisore; Senator Ben Murray Bruce; Senator Abdullahi Gumel; Polaris Bank CEO, Omokayode Lawal; former IGP MD Abubakar; Alh. Isiyaku Abdullahi, Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited; former NEMA DG, Alh. Sani Sidi; Former Minister of Interior of Nigeria, Captain Em-
The Keystone Bank Brand is built on meeting and exceeding customer expectations by providing simple, convenient banking service at all times. Keystone - Literally suggests that an object, system or philosophy is indeed born to hold together all the pieces that helps with its success.
As a financial service provider with an obligation to comply with international best practices, Keystone Bank Limited has continued to ensure that its business operations and activities comply with applicable national environmental and social regulations.
In line with its business strategy in adopting sustainability principles, its operation is anchored on providing financial services in a responsible manner that is consistent with global sustainable practices without compromising shareholders’ value whilst impacting positively on the lives of our employees, customers and host communities. Its commitment to exceptional service extends beyond providing traditional banking services. It includes giving back to the communities in which it operates to make
a lasting difference through its four main corporate social responsibility pillars: Health, Education, Women & Youth Empowerment and Employee Volunteer Scheme not neglecting the environment in which we operate.
Demonstrating its commitment to CSR is a deliberate strategy for Keystone Bank that aligns its business values, purpose and trust with the social and economic needs of stakeholders, whilst entrenching responsible and ethical business policies and practices in all our activities.
Keystone Bank Limited was granted a commercial banking licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on August 5, 2011. The bank acquired all the assets, deposit liabilities and certain other liabilities of the erstwhile Bank PHB Plc from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) following the revocation by the CBN, of the Banking License of Bank PHB Plc. Shortly after the grant of the Commercial Banking License to Keystone Bank, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) acquired and held the shares of the Bank until March 2017, when it sold the Bank to the Sigma GolfRiverbank Consortium (which comprised Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited and Riverbank Investment Resources Limited).
Nume Ekeghe
As Transcorp Hotels Plc prepares to welcome its new Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2025, it is only fitting to reflect on the remarkable and transformational leadership of Mrs. Dupe Olusola. Over her tenure of four years and nine months, Olusola redefined the trajectory of the company, elevating it from resilience during global upheavals to a beacon of innovation and excellence in Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
When Olusola assumed leadership in April 2020, the world was reeling from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The global travel industry was at a standstill, and the hospitality sector faced existential challenges. Transcorp Hotels was no exception. However, under her leadership, the company not only weathered the storm but also emerged stronger, setting benchmarks for recovery, innovation, and growth.
During her first year as MD/CEO, despite the pandemic’s economic toll, Transcorp Hotels Plc recorded N9.6 billion in revenue in 2020. This resilience was underpinned by her visionary approach to crisis management. Olusola spearheaded the implementation of world-class health and safety protocols, launched initiatives to attract domestic travelers, and introduced innovative services tailored to the new realities of the industry.
As the world began to recover, Olusola guided Transcorp Hotels through a period of exceptional growth. By 2021, the company achieved a staggering N20.6 billion in revenue and N574 million in profit, signaling a robust recovery. This success continued in 2022, with revenue reaching N30.4 billion and profit after tax amounting to N3.1 billion.
Key achievements during her tenure included the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art 5,000-capacity event center, which is set to redefine large-scale events and conferences in the region. Olusola’s vision for the project was clear: to make Transcorp Hotels a central hub for global and regional gatherings.
In 2023, the company recorded its highest-ever annual performance with N41.4 billion in revenue and N5.6 billion in profit before tax, achieving an 81 per cent occupancy rate, a testament to Olusola’s strategic foresight and operational excellence.
One of Olusola’s most significant achievements was
the transformation of Transcorp Hotels Plc’s market valuation. When she took office, the company’s share price stood at N51.30.
By the time of her departure, it had risen to N116.00, a remarkable increase of 126.12 percent. This growth reflected investor confidence and the value she created during her tenure.
The company flourished under her leadership, earning nearly 40 prestigious awards across multiple categories. These included Africa’s Leading Business Hotel, Nigeria’s Leading Hotel, and Nigeria’s Leading Hotel Suite at the World Travel Awards for consecutive years from 2020 to 2024.
In 2022, Transcorp Hotels won the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury Hotel in Nigeria and Best Luxury Business Hotel in Africa. Additionally, Zuma Grill Restaurant, one of the company’s offerings, was celebrated at the World Luxury SPA Awards.
By 2024, the company earned the title of Most Gender Diverse NGX-30 Brand by PWR Advisory and was recognized as one of Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies. It also claimed the top spot on TripAdvisor and received the Nigeria’s Best Hotel Restaurant award at the World Culinary Awards.
Beyond operational successes, Olusola became a global advocate for Africa’s hospitality industry. She represented Transcorp Hotels Plc at the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum, where she championed investment opportunities and resilience in Africa’s hospitality sector. Her thought leadership positioned Transcorp Hotels as a pioneer on the global stage and attracted international investors’ attention to the untapped potential in the Nigerian market.
Olusola’s leadership excellence earned her numerous personal accolades, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the industry. In 2020, she was named Seven Stars Woman of the Year and subsequently received awards such as CEO of the Year (Leadership Newspaper, 2023) and the Guardian Wonder Women Award for Innovative Entrepreneurship in 2024.
Her consistent advocacy for gender equity and her commitment to fostering talent saw her inducted into the Seven Stars Pantheon of Hospitality in 2024, a recognition that honors individuals who redefine excellence in the global hospitality landscape.
Under Olusola’s leadership, Transcorp Hotels also made a significant impact beyond business metrics. She championed sustainability and community empowerment initiatives, such as fostering youth leadership, promoting diversity, and creating opportunities for women. These efforts reinforced the company’s role as a socially responsible corporate entity.
As Transcorp Hotels Plc transitions to a new chapter Dupe Olusola’s legacy will remain a cornerstone of the company’s future. Her strategic vision, operational excellence, and ability to inspire her team have not only transformed Transcorp Hotels but also set a new standard for leadership in Nigeria’s business landscape.
From navigating the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic to achieving record-breaking growth and earning international acclaim, Olusola’s tenure has been a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and transformative leadership. Her story will continue to inspire, and her legacy will remain a beacon of excellence in the hospitality industry for years to come.
Founder/CEO, Homebase mortgage bank, Dr. Femi Johnson; President, real Woman International Inc, Nike Adeyemi; Founder, Godman Akinlabi Enterprise Development Fund and Global Lead Pastor, The Elevation Church (TEC), Godman Akinlabi; Global Co-Lead Pastor, TEC, bolarinwa Akinlabi; Chief Operating Officer, Deloitte West Africa,mr. Anthony Olukoju; Country Director, West Africa, Clickatell, mr. Samson Isa; and managing Partner, Harris-Isa Omoloju and Company Limited, Aanu Omoloju, during the launch of the Godman Akinlabi Enterprise Development Fund, in Lagos recently.
German President, Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, accompanied by the Consul General of Germany, Weert Börner, wife, Dr. Imke Börner; Chairman, THISDAY Newspapers/Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; his wife, Chinwe Obaigbena, and several other dignitaries recently visited the Nike Art Gallery, as part of Steinmeier’s itinerary during his official visit to Nigeria.
On arrival, Steinmeier, was received by the founder of Nike Art Gallery, Mrs. Nike Okundaye.
Nike Art Gallery located in the Lekki area of Lagos, is one the largest art galleries in West Africa. It showcases a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary African art including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. It also serves as a cultural hub promoting Nigerian heritage and empowering local artists.
Steinmeier, who spoke with Arise News Channel during a cultural reception, expressed happiness over the level of cultural exchanges between Germany and Nigeria.
He described relations between Germany and Nigeria as cordial, noting that beyond politics and economy there is also a cultural tie between the two nations.
“This is my third visit to Nigeria”, he said, adding, “the relations between Germany and Nigeria are civil because they are not only based on politics and economy but also on culture.”
According to him, German and Nigeria, “have a very very vivid exchange of artists” and “what we are seeing here is really a document of the variety of Nigerian artists and I’m fascinated.”
Also, between November 28 and 29, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) together with the Government of Nigeria organised the first-ever Africa roundtable on private sector solutions to internal displacement with theme: ‘Bridging Futures: Converging for Solutions’.
The conference which took place in Lagos, brought together 11 African countries namely: Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Federal Republic of Somalia, Mozambique, Republic of Chad, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of Niger, Republic of Sudan, including chief executive officers, managing directors and captains of industry, representatives of the various diplomatic organisations, delegations of various UN agencies, international development banks and bilateral institutions.
The plenary dwelt on ‘Making the Business Case for Engagement in Internal Displacement Contexts’ and roundtable discussions centred on Agribusiness, Financial Inclusion, Climate Insurance, Energy, Entrepreneurship, and
Connectivity. All lasted for over nine hours. To the excitement of participants, the moderator, Julie Gichuru, hinted that there would be a tour to Nike Art Gallery later in the evening.
Before departure to the gallery, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, addressed participants embarking on sight-seeing.
Fall who implored the participants to network, added, “I want you to have the opportunity to see some parts of Lagos. Apart from innovation, I think the most vibrant part of Lagos is its arts and cultural heritage.
“Everyone knows of Nollywood, Nigerian music dominates the whole world. All of these, are really assets. A network that starts here, goes beyond here.
“Everything we say today is just putting us in motion in addressing solutions to problems
of IDPs. Everything we learn here, we should take it away back to our country, back to our workplace. As we do this, we are serving humanity.
“That’s the beauty of what brought us here because there are more in humanity that deserves more attention, more support, more consideration than internally displaced people. And I think just devoting our time to them is a way of serving great service to humanity.”
When the buses set off from the hotel and hit the roads, traffic had started building up on the Lekki axis. Some visitors sighting things of interest shouted “wow” in excitement. It was already dark when the buses arrived at the gallery.
A dance troupe stationed at the entrance of the gallery dressed in Adire fabric, played local African drums to welcome the UN team with elegant dance steps and songs.
The AfroFlavour Food Festival, a vibrant celebration of African culture, cuisine and creativity, is set to make its debut in Katy, Texas, on December 28, 2024.
Building on the success of previous events in Washington DC, Manchester UK, and Maryland, USA, the AfroFlavour Food Festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience showcasing the rich traditions and diverse cultures of Africa.
“We are thrilled to bring the AfroFlavour Food Festival to Katy, Texas,” founder of AfroFlavour, Lucky Idike said.
“Our goal is to create a platform that celebrates African culture, promotes cultural exchange, and fosters community engagement.”
Disclosing events of the festival, Idike noted that it would feature a diverse range of African cuisine, including traditional dishes and modern fusion, an African Food Business Conference, which will be held in March 2025, designed for entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts and a vibrant marketplace showcasing African fashion, art, and crafts.
Other activities include; a live music and entertainment, including Afrobeat and traditional African performances, a “Jollof Love” food contest, where attendees can sample and vote for their favorite Jollof rice dish, among others.
Meanwhile, the organisers noted that the festival is also proud to partner with local businesses and organisations to promote unity, cultural exchange, community engagement and Africa’s development even in the Diaspora.
The Ethiopian Aviation University has announced the graduation of more than 460 aviation professionals, including international trainees from 10 African countries.
The university held a graduation ceremony at its facility, celebrating the remarkable achievements of its trainees.
During the ceremony, the university honoured the accomplishments of 132 pilots, 128 commercial trainees, 123 cabin crew, and 84 aircraft maintenance technicians. These graduates completed rigorous training programs in the university’s Pilot Training, Commercial and Ground Services, Cabin Crew and Catering, and Aviation Maintenance Training Schools, respectively.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officers (CEO), Mr. Mesfin Tasew remarked, “Today’s graduation is a testament to Ethiopian Airlines Group’s commitment to play a part beyond transportation in the aviation industry.
“As a Pan-African airline and the continent’s aviation giant, it is also a pleasure to extend our aviation training to other African nations and take a step further in realising a well-connected Africa, where well-trained professionals support the industry.
Former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Sychelles, Alain St.Ange, has congratulated Ghana’s Presidentelect, John Dramani Mahama on his electoral victory.
According to him, “Ghana remains a tourism leader for Africa with a long list of great USPs (Unique Selling Points), and with the potential of developing tourism with the Ghanaians in mind as the owners of their unique industry.”
Mahama who was President of Ghana from 2012 to 2016, received St.Ange at his Accra office during a visit to discuss tourism on the African continent. This was just before the bid in 2017 for Sychelles to lead the UNWTO with Alain St.Ange as Secretary General.
St.Ange as the Head of his Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy took a role in tourism a couple of years ago with Ghana through a World Bank open bidding contract.
“This contract enabled me to re-discover this great country and to appreciate its people,” he noted.
In another development, St.Ange has
St.Ange
completed a four-day training for tourismrelated workers in different fields of government such as tourist police, rescue, destination management, museums, customs and border guards in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
He travelled to Almaty on the invitation of ‘Visit Almaty’, the Almaty Tourism Department of Kazakhstan, working alongside local Kazak tourism training personality and official guide, Mrs. Zhanar Gabit and Mr. Tom Buncle, the Managing Director of ‘Yellow Railroad’ International Destination Consultancy.
The training sessions concentrated mainly on managers to empower them to follow up with training of their department’s personnel on better ways to work with tourists in a manner to show the country is attractive for tourism.
The organisation rallied some 300 government delegates divided into 10 groups with 30 people for all day sessions spread out over two days.
“The knowledge of international tourism is average. The employees understand what tourism is in general. And Kazakhstan is a new destination on the world tourism map so many people do not understand how to deal with foreigners. The format is the facilitation training that will end with an extensive question and answer session,” said a representative of the organisers, adding, “Mainly, the goal of this government organised training programme is to firm up the understanding of International standards implementation importance in hospitality industry to create friendly environment for international visitors and to train people the high standards of behavioural norms towards visitors. Which can be addressed to Global awareness of Kazakhstan as friendly tourist destination.”
St.Ange took on his sessions with what is tourism and how each and every manager in attending the sessions can help tourism in Kazakhstan to be consolidated.
He encouraged the Kazakhstan authorities to work with its Central Asia countries and to develop a new ‘Central Asia Tourism’ as a new destination.
“I was amazed by what Kazakhstan has to offer the discerning travellers looking for a new destination. They have the most incredible mountains just 30 minutes from Almaty City centre with ski-slopes offering four feet of snow now and this at very high altitudes, they have the rivers offering incredible white-water rafting and they have lakes and a desert. “They have canyons, great nature as a remarkable asset and the people and culture remain unique as they are not Asia and they are not Europe, but well established as a tourism centre in Central Asia and are Eurasian,” St.Ange said.
He also encouraged the authorities to embark on collaboration with the likes of World Tourism Network (WTN) that can help open up tourism to become a solid pillar of the economy after oil and gas that they are so blessed with.
The profile of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited has further risen with its emergence as one of the top 50 brands in Nigeria.
Managing Director of the leading auto company, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, described the latest recognition as a remarkable achievement, having to share the award platform with Dangote Industries Limited, MTN Nigeria and Access Bank, among other high-flying brands.
He attributed the achievement and consistent success to the company’s investments and continuous improvement along their customer service delivery value chain.
A statement from the auto firm quoted AdeOjo saying, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all stake holders as we celebrate a significant milestone—being recognized as the leading automotive brand among the Most Popular and Top 50 brands in Nigeria, according to Brand Nigeria.
“This achievement reflects the trust and support of our valued customers, dedicated dealers and employees. It is a testament to the collective effort of all who have contributed to our success. Our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service is fundamental to our operations, evident in our state-of-the-art Toyota Workshops including the latest in Isolo and our extensive network of dealers and service centers across Nigeria.”
“Our local assembly plant not only supports economic development but also provides job opportunities for young Nigerians. We take pride in training our internationally certified technicians to ensure they handle customers’ vehicles professionally, with attention to detail. Furthermore, our diverse range of vehicle offerings and accessibility to genuine spare parts are geared to meet the varied preferences and needs of our customers, while the annual Toyota Motor Show enhances customer engagement by offering the platform for customers to experience our range of Toyota models firsthand.”
“I truly extend my heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers, dedicated dealers, and diligent staff for their invaluable contributions to our success. Together, we will continue to drive innovation and uphold the highest standards of quality.”
According to the organizers of the award, the Top 50 Brands Nigeria is an annual brand evaluation that has become a key reference point for corporate performance in the Country.
The CEO of the Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Taiwo Oluboyede, while unveiling the winners of this year’s award, said the 2024 edition highlighted the brands that has successfully navigated the challenges of the Nigerian market, particularly in the past year, with lots of uncertainties with the cost of doing business, showcasing those that had remained resilient and popular among consumers.
“This exercise rates brands on their ability to meet consumer expectations, offering an independent opinion on how these brands resonate with the market, “the organizing firm stated.
The upper chamber of the National Assembly, the Senate, has commended Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited for their efforts in industrial breakthrough, thereby putting Nigeria in the global map.
Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Shuaibu Lau, gave the commendations on Monday when his committee inspected the Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, Ikeja Assembly plant.
Also part of the vising team were the DirectorGeneral of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director, Policy, NADDC, Mr Sani Musa and Deputy Director, Press and Protocol, NADDC, Mrs Felicia Oyebolu.
The committee led by Senator Lau, also had Senator Sadiq Umar, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Ekong Sampson and Senator Benson Agadaga on the inspection team.
Speaking shortly after the inspection tour, Senator Lau said he is impressed with what they saw at the assembly plant.
He said, “Leadership of NASS is ready to push and make Dangote compete with other manufacturers globally.”
Advising the company to make out sourcing of raw materials to local companies, Lau added, “We have listened to some of your challenges. The NASS is ready to help you in terms of legislation and policy formulation that will make you do better. We will come early next year, while we await for what you want us to do in order to protect you. We are ready to protect you in terms of policy formulation. We thank Dangote for putting Nigeria in the map of industrial nations.
Also commending the company, Senator Ekong Sampson said “I commend Dangote for what
he is doing. Dangote has shown enterprise and courage in what he is doing”.
Senator Ekong, however, advised that he would like the company to look at the company’s attitude to their workers and compensation plans in times of injuries and other industrial accidents.
Senator Umeh, who was equally impressed with Dangote, said “I am impressed with what we have seen.
“However, you should be able to put into those lines raw materials from local sources. Part of backward integration should be cutting down what you buy from outside.”
In his remark during the visit, Osanipin pointed out that despite the challenges they are facing, the DSWAL and other manufacturers are still struggling to comply with the expected backward
integration policy.
Noting that the visiting team has pointed out areas the assemblers need to adjust, the NADDC DG added “I optimistic that there will be changes when we visit again for another oversight function in the first quarter of next year”.
Other areas the Senate wants Dangote to look at, are in the areas of compliance with backward integration, workers welfare, job creation and outsourcing of raw materials.
In his response, the Group General Manager of Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, Mr Hikmat Bahadur Thapa, stated that despite the fact that the company is facing some challenges, they are doing their best in areas of backward integration, workers welfare and other areas raised by the the Committee.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), Taiwo Shittu, has called on the federal government to make sustainable policies that will drive and transform the automotive industry in Nigeria.
Shittu made the appeal when the Senate Committee on Industry paid a working visit to LSM Automobile Assembly Plant in Lagos.
The visitors inspected the LSM assembly plant, locally assembled trucks and CNG buses as well as the new CNG conversion centre accredited by the Pi-CNG.
He stated that there are many young people who strongly believe in Nigeria and are willing to invest in the country.
According to him, those already investing in the country are cautious, waiting for the enabling environment and laws to protect and guide their investments.
Shittu said, ‘’I am very delighted to hear very recently President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewing his administration’s determination to revive the auto industry.”
He called on the National Assembly to speed
committee
up the passage of the Nigeria auto industry development plan bill for the President to sign it into law.
The LSM boss commended the bold efforts of the executive and the legislative arms, adding that the eventual enactment of the law would guarantee the best quality products and generate more employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He disclosed that LSM have a staff strength of 418 with two expatriates, adding that the auto
Globe Motors, Coscharis Motors, Toyota Nigeria, CFAO, Weststar Associates and Lanre Shittu (LSM) are among big winners at the 2024 NAJA (Nigerian Automotive Journalists Association) Auto Awards.
The prestigious event, which held on Wednesday December 11 at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos recognized various categories within the industry, ranging from vehicle innovation to service excellence.
As earlier announced Mikano Motors’ Changan CS55 beat Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio to win the coveted 2024 car-of-the-year prize.
Globe Motors emerged as the Most Resilient Company of the Year, while Coscharis Motors bagged the Multi-Luxury Brand of the Year along with the luxury SUV of the year with Range Rover Autobiography. Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) and MD/CEO of Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) were honoured as Auto Company of the Decade and Auto Personality of the Year respectively.
Also, CFAO won the Outstanding After-Sale Service, Product Launches of the Year with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Suzuki Vitara, and the Most Enterprising Auto Company, while Chief Chidi Anyaegbu MFR (Founder, Chisco Motors) was recognized as the Transport icon of the Year; Mrs. Karima Okunola of Mikano Motors bagged the Auto Marketing Manager of the Year.
The companies were lauded for their commitment to providing quality vehicles and top-notch aftersales services, which have contributed to their solid reputation in the Nigerian auto market over the years.
Other notable winners included Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, which was celebrated for its pioneering role in local vehicle production; Nord took home CNG-powered mini bus brand, and A9 launch recognition. Weststar’s Mercedes-Benz S-Class won luxury car of the year.
Carloha with its handling of Chery was adjudged the most innovative company of the year.
While Dangote Sinotruk won the heavy duty truck manufacturer of the year, Lanre Shittu’s JAC was again awarded the heavy duty truck of the year. Taiwo Shittu, MD of the LSM emerged Auto Personality of the Year. His later father and founder of the company received a posthumous award.
assembler is ready to do more.
Shittu also informed the visiting Senate Committee members about the LSM training scheme to cater for students who could not go further in their studies but have interest in automobile.
‘’Once we find that interest in such persons, we will start paying them immediately after the training programme. Just like ‘Esusu’; we pay them for them to come to work. After four or five years, we get them jobs from major LSM customers.
RT Briscoe bagged the workshop of the year award; Dana Motors’ Kia Sonet won the best compact SUV prize, and the mini bus assembler of the year went to Jet System.
In his speech, Chairman of NAJA, Mike Ochonma, said, “This year’s NAJA Auto Awards highlights not just the achievements of the big names in the industry, but also the rising stars who are shaping the future of Nigeria’s automotive landscape.”
“AT last, TCN restores power in (to) Bayelsa, Ahoada, after 5 months”
“The alarming figure of out-of-school children in Nigeria calls for concerted efforts (effort) by state governors to urgently cooperate with UBEC.”
“N131m to be won as Union Bank unveils 4th Season of Save and Win Palli Promo” Get it right: save-and-win promo
“Customs: Tin Can Comptroller commended over (for) N1trn IGR”
Mirror of November 20 collects the baton this week with error superfluity: “One injured, five cars burnt in Lagos fire outbreak” We can do without ‘outbreak’!
“The SSG, apart from being corky (cocky) and arrogant….”
“I can get the information in few (a few) minutes.”
“Post harvest (Post-harvest) loss threatens Nigeria’s agricultural transformation”
Still on Mirror: “Shell commissions (use another verb—this is overused!) $3m Centre for Environmental Management and Control at UNN”
“Alumni donates (donate) building to college (alma mater contextually preferable)
“New FUNAABSU executive sworn-in (sworn in)”
“Education students elect new leaders” Yank off ‘new’: you either elect or re-elect leaders—one of which takes care of ‘new’ or ‘old’!
“Minister assures on job creation” Who did the minister assure?
Lastly from Mirror under review: “Southern Kaduna protests persistent herdsmen (herdsmen’s) attacks”
“Confab: I won’t support break up (break-
“National Confab: Don’t trade-off (trade off) Igbo future”
“One of the death victim” (Metro Caption)
A rewrite: One of the dead victims
From Mirror we move over to THE NATION ON SUNDAY of December 1 which circulated copious errors: “As the curtains for this year’s National Conference opens (open) tomorrow in Abuja…politics of delegates (delegates’) selection and disagreements trailing the confab.”
The next observations in the preceding medium were made by Mr. Kenneth Ugbechie: “Political forces arraigned (arrayed) against….”
“A grand plan to pitch (pit) people against the ruling party….”
Wrong: Air Marshall; right: Air Marshal
Finally from the political economist: “The bill passed by the State Assembly has not been accented (assented) to by….
“Consequent to (upon) skirmishes between cattle rustlers and local residents in some communities in Katsina State…Government condole (condoles with) the families of those who lost their lives and sympathize (sympathizes) with the injured. The Katsina State Government has therefore constituted a Committee (unnecessary capitalization)… to immediately swing into action to access (assess) the unfortunate incidence (incident), renderassistance (sic), advice (advise) on measures to stamp out the banditry and forestall future occurance (sic) (forestall recurrence).” (Full-page advertorial press release signed by Katsina State Government)
THE NATION ON SUNDAY COMMENT (EDITORIAL) of the edition under review fumbled: “…to seek divine intervention to (in) the insurgency that has led to killings of….”
of November 30 goofed on a few occasions: “PDP petitions INEC over voters registration in Ekiti” Get it right: voter registration
“I mistaken ammunitions for tubers of yam, says arrested driver by customs” A rewrite: I mistook ammunition for yam tubers, says driver arrested by Customs
“As is peculiar with (to) every other country….”
“Right from childhood…has (had) always shown exceptional qualities that stood him out among equals.”
“N584m debt: Engineer offers out of court settlement with bank” In the dock: out-of-court settlement
“Quincy Ayodele calls it quit (quits)”
“…was one of his most successful work (works)”
“Baptist Girls (Girls’) Academy holds inter house (inter-house) sports competition”
“A spinster, before her death, Toyin worked with one of the leading banks in the country.”
The burden of aging: You work for (or in) an organization, but with people.
“Hence, Sanwo-Olu’s order to the water corporation to immediately put its acts together and perform was welcomed by the long-suffering people of the state.”
This way: get its act together.
“It would be recalled that sometimes (sometime) last year (a comma) the water corporation had muted the idea of fully commercializing its operations so as to generate part of its targeted revenue of N100 million monthly.” It is astounding that an editorialist cannot distinguish between ‘mute’ and ‘moot’!
“…if at all it does settle and after the looser community has (had) retreated to lick its wounds…” No clash: loser-community.
“Lack of strong moral values and chastity undermine societies…” Error of attraction: up)…”
SATURDAY INDEPENDENT online edition
It is almost exactly 30 years to the day - 22 December, 1994 - when the young journalist was snatched from this earth at the gloomy confines of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, after a brief illness. Adewale Olomu’s sudden death threw his colleagues into paroxysms of anger, grief, regret and several other emotions - and for days downed tools in baleful solidarity with an uncommon comrade and inspirational figure who was just about a month away from his 31st birthday. Still a bachelor with a fervent desire to settle with his steady girlfriend, Adebisi, in the incoming year, Wale was full of ideas and great desire to be the best, and a good example, in all his endeavours.
His work ethics made it impossible to ignore his contributions, energy, and loyalty. He was deeply concerned about talented and industrious individuals within his adored beat - entertainment - not getting their due recognition and celebration merely because they didn’t see the need to put themselves forward, and curry favours from reporters. He was determined to be their wingman…their trumpeter…their hype man (as they say nowadays). But only on one condition: that they were creative, talented, hardworking, change-agents, and unpretentious.
It is for those values and his inimitable determination and enthusiasm in pursuit of his beliefs that we instituted last year the Wale Olómù Memorial Awards. And as you’re reading this, the final presentations of the Lifetime Achievement Awards and Special Recognition Awards would be ongoing, or would have just ended, on The Vintage Talkshow, broadcast via TopRadio 90.9 FM, in Ikeja, Lagos.
We have taken the liberty, in these two-part series, to unveil the six valued recipients of this year’s awards, and their citations - a mere capsule of their remarkable attainments and contributions to the growth and power potential of Nigerian entertainment.
ment journalism, Tunde Kolawole has spent decades shaping the narrative of Nigerian arts and culture with an unmatched flair for storytelling. As a seasoned journalist and editor, Kolawole made his mark at leading publications such as PUNCH Newspapers, ThisDay, and Sunday Concord, where his sharp insights and compelling features earned him widespread acclaim and set a benchmark for excellence in entertainment reporting.
Kolawole’s exceptional work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Entertainment Writer of the Year Award from the Nigerian Music Awards and the John Chukwu Memorial Award. He also received a “Commendation” award in the Features Writer of the Year category at the Nigerian Media Merit Award. These honors underscore his unwavering dedication to chronicling Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment landscape with brilliance and integrity.
An alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Temple University, and Villanova University, Kolawole combines academic rigor with a passion for human development. He is also a globally certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM-SCP, underscoring his versatility and leadership in diverse fields.
Currently serving as President/CEO of USA Media in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kolawole continues to promote African arts and culture on an international scale through innovative audio-visual productions, publishing, and publicity. His work bridges the gap between continents, ensuring that the vibrancy of Nigerian entertainment resonates across the globe.
For his immense contributions to entertainment journalism, mentorship of emerging talents, and consistent advocacy for African arts and culture, the WOMA Steering Committee proudly honours Tunde Kolawole with the SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD for his outstanding achievements in the media and entertainment industry.
oLISa
ChukWuEMEka aDIbua (Media
Icon, Entertainment Entrepreneur & Pioneer) With over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Olisa Adibua is a towering figure whose influence has shaped Nigeria’s media, music, and culture. Renowned for his versatility and professionalism, Olisa’s career spans radio, television, film, live events, and digital platforms. From hosting popular radio shows like the No. 1 afternoon drive time on Cool FM to launching The Beat 99.9FM and Naija FM 102.7, Olisa has remained at the forefront of African electronic media since 1988.
A serial entrepreneur and media innovator, Olisa co-founded Storm Records and later Storm 360, playing a pivotal role in the global rise of Afrobeats. As a producer, content creator, and consultant, he has collaborated with top-tier brands and platforms, spearheading iconic projects like Big Brother Nigeria, Naija Sings, and Apprentice Africa. His groundbreaking YouTube show, The Truth With Olisa, has redefined celebrity interviews in Nigeria, celebrated for its incisiveness and cultural relevance.
Olisa’s ventures extend beyond traditional media. As the founder of Olisa.tv and MyMusic. com.ng, he continues to push the boundaries of digital innovation in Africa, spotlighting the continent’s creative talent and providing platforms for global engagement. His leadership at Perceptions Media underscores his reputation as a trusted consultant delivering exceptional value across media, entertainment, and events management.
For his immense contributions to African entertainment, media innovation, and youth development, the WOMA Steering Committee proudly honours Olisa Adibua with the SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD for his outstanding achievements in the industry.
Dr. baYo aDEPEtun (Founder, Creative Consultant, Music Composer & Sound Designer) Bayo Adepetun, a trailblazer in sound design and music composition, embodies a rare blend of medical expertise and artistic ingenuity. Originally trained as a medical doctor, his unrelenting passion
lack of values and chastity undermines.
“The offence was allegedly committed at about 5.a.m last week” Stick to one: at or about 5 a.m.; don’t leave readers pondering! Timing is all about exactitude.
“…the craze for titles seem to have reached unprecedented tragic proportions.” Error of attraction, again: the craze for titles seems.
“The existence of the cult and many others seem to have.…” Yet another error of attraction: existence…seems.
“The speech started with an historic, conciliatory concession.” Some currency: a historic concession.
“The fears expressed over the controversial trial by counsels to the former bank executives….” ‘Counsel’ is uncountable.
“The lie spurn by Ochendo and his accomplices have become a reality, as women….” Not yet time for proximity: The lie spurn by Orji and his accomplices has (not have).
“Sokoto swears-in revenue recovery tribunal members” Phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation.
“…they leave innocent citizens about their honest business devoid of money, wristwatches, jewelleries” ‘Jewellery’ (jewelry: American spelling) is non-count.
“The craze for everything foreign is now the vogue in all circles.” ‘Vogue’ implies currency and thus makes ‘now’ redundant.
“There were instances where the credibility of Nigerian certificates were queried abroad.” Not time for verbal proximity: credibility of certificates was queried….”
“He is believed to be financially virile enough to do battle with his fellow noveau rich (sic) that are angling for the Government House.” Standard expression: nouveaux riches (plural).
for music and sound technology catalyzed an illustrious career spanning over three decades. As the founder and creative force behind Midivision and the Digital Audio Post Collective (DAPC), Dr. Adepetun has redefined the standards of audio production in Nigeria’s advertising and film industries.
A self-taught sound designer, Dr. Adepetun’s work is synonymous with excellence. He has crafted groundbreaking audio campaigns for Nigeria’s top-tier brands and contributed innovative soundscapes that have elevated post-production across various platforms. His ability to merge creativity with technical precision has established him as a vanguard of sound engineering in Africa.
Driven by his passion for cinema, Dr. Adepetun identified a glaring gap in the sound quality of African films. Despite the global recognition of African cinema, its auditory standards lagged behind those of international streaming platforms. Through DAPC, he has championed the mission to enhance the sonic identity of African storytelling, ensuring that films produced on the continent meet world-class audio standards. His visionary efforts are not just about recognition but about positioning African cinema as a formidable force on the global stage.
For his groundbreaking contributions to sound design, unwavering commitment to creative excellence, and relentless pursuit of global standards for African films, Dr. Bayo Adepetun is celebrated as a pioneer and an inspiration to aspiring creatives across the continent.
The WOMA Steering Committee is proud to present Dr. Bayo Adepetun with the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD for Sound Design and Music Production.”
(to Conclude next Edition)
truth, than take steps to remedy a perceived lack and become real and authentic. This is where falsehood, no matter how thinly cloaked, will prance forward through the manipulation of public opinion. It is all a question of doing everything possible to ensure that popular opinion and made-up reality create a shroud for the non-being to hide inside and masquerade an identity. Utter bunkum! What is not is not, at any particular time.
When an inauthentic person makes statements, or claims, about right, wrong, development, etc., it is all likely to be grounded on assumptions, expectations, views and ideas whose prevalence is mistaken for indubitability. Personal conviction is rarely ever part of the equation. Such a person will say ‘I know’, but will not bother to ask what it means ‘to know’. While one person will say ‘I know’ and mean ‘Mr. X told me…’, another will say he knows while he means ‘It is generally said and believed that…’, or even ‘I have the impression that’. See? There is also profound inauthenticity in the domain of knowledge!
The victim of an inauthentic life may not be aware of his predicament at all. He will be absorbed in his everyday concerns, feeling quite important and indispensable amidst it all. Yet he is dispensable in every sense of the word, without the world being the worse for it. What the inauthentic person takes himself to be is very often the agglomeration of claims, conjectures, flatteries and opinions put out by himself and his ‘factory workers’; as he sits in the
conventional boat of his environment, his financial status and what is generally called public opinion. But can what is said by a misguided public ever become the truth?
An inauthentic person is actually no longer in a position to table new ideas, or question anything. “What will my people think of such a thing”, he would probably say in a shudder. His nakedness is there beneath the perfectly imaginary clothing of artifice. But it is precisely this artifice that is being marketed as reality, in the firm belief that all will be well in the end.
Now, let us carefully note that an inauthentic person is usually not under any visible physical coercion, no matter how subtle. Yet he seems to be the victim of some kind of ethereal tyranny, as he falters and stabilizes involuntarily. He is always afraid of what people would say if he did this, or failed to do that. He is worried that they may consider him foolish, unserious, etc. Yes! But who is this “they”? Terrible, is it not? That the “they” cannot be individualized. It does not really refer to this person, or to that person. It does not even refer to all the people put together; or to everyone except me. It is not something like a universal subject from which the individual can be abstracted, no!
But there it is! They want this and not that!
Unlike the authentic self which has taken hold of itself, and which consciously determines its own possibilities, a “they” self is not localized. That is why it is true to say that to have your day-to-day life defined
by the ‘they’ is to have all your genuine possibilities annulled; because your life is dispersed into undefined channels, as you wallow in the anonymity of collectivism. When an inauthentic person says “I”, he actually means “the others, whose ways prescribe mine”. Pitiful, is it not? That the amorphous group, the self-enclosed homogenous group, with its unthinking rhetoric, buries personal volition.
If you doubt that the inauthentic person unconsciously, and often totally, depends on the “they”, watch out for the constant care he takes to see how he differs from others; and whether that difference is one that should be maintained or evened out; whether he is lagging and needs to catch up, and whether he has some advantages he must strive to maintain. It is a desperate struggle for a life defined by average everydayness. A life lived with very little self-possession.
This is how the tyranny of the “they” unobtrusively robs people of their individuality. The choices about pleasure and displeasure are dictated by the prevailing preferences. It just happens to be “the done thing”. Thus, does true knowledge get undermined and undervalued. Nobody then needs to justify anything he says or believes, other than by saying that everyone is in the same boat. Thus, you find people strutting about as leaders, statesmen, chieftains influencers, on air personalities, etc., either after they have held public office, or because they have read a few books and talked a lot. It is sometimes in this way that the
state to ensure a more excellent service delivery, the Governor put extra smiles on the faces of Ekiti teachers earlier in the year, when he directed that primary school teachers with degree qualifications should enjoy career progression to level 16 like others. This is in addition to extending car and housing loans to them, thereby bringing them out of an age-long policy that had suppressed them. The community of people with disabilities have also found a champion in Governor Oyebanji, who through his inclusion policy has not only created a government department headed by a cabinet –ranked officials and saddled with their welfare. This has resulted in a greater attention for the welfare and human capital development of PWD, with attendant huge investment in the upgrade of the state special schools and establishment of a trauma centre for children with disabilities.
These, and several other cutting-edge initiatives that authenticate the welfarist approach of his government and underscores his compassionate nature as a leader as well as his sheer determination to create economic opportunities for the people, are what stand Governor Oyebanji out as a true leader of the people, who is happy only when the people are happy and progressing.
And because the people know that “BAO” or “Talk- and- do Governor”, as he is fondly called, is passionate about their welfare and wellbeing, they have chosen to celebrate him not only on his birthday, but on daily basis and with the same level of energy and dexterity with which he serves them.
As the renowned American author and speaker, John C. Maxwell puts it, a leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way”. Governor Oyebanji has a clear vision, which he communicates quite eloquently with corresponding actions. He walks the talk and he helps the people achieve their vision and purpose as well. This, many people believe, had provoked critical stakeholders in the state, including all
former governors, to endorse him for a second term even before he marked his second anniversary in office. Those who live by their strength may readily provide an answer to the question bordering on how they surmount obstacles and stay on top of their game. But those who live by the power of the Almighty God and the attendant grace can’t make such boast. Rather, they work hard, they work hand-in- hand with others, and they let God be God over everything- directing each step all the way through the paths that eventually yield boundless rewards. This is the story of the Omoluabi Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as he clocks fifty-seven years old today. Those who have followed Oyebanji’s trajectory right from his undergraduate days, know that his political philosophy is built around the social democratic
impetus to free thinking and independent enquiry is either dampened, or extinguished completely for many people. That is because ‘they’ articulate he referential context of the significance of everything. Thus, it gets spread around that there is no need to be different. Evasion of self and ignorant presumption become the norm. “Just drift along”. Do not make a nuisance of yourself, by raking up issues that will make people think, reflect, or ask questions. As Martin Buber said: “Having become uneager and inept for such living intercourse that opens up a world, the have imprisoned the person in history and his speech in a library”. But it is all coming to a head in Nigeria today. Inauthenticity has been our welcome companion around here for too long. What makes the fraud called PDP any better than the disaster called APC”?
And, as 2024 winds to a disconcerting end in a a little more than a week’s time, we should ask ourselves what is still real around us. Many are threatening to enjoy their Christmas holidays, but the no longer know what it means to enjoy anything at all. We have cheap, debauched and inane replacements for most of what we used to cherish so much
And inauthenticity walks the land! Let the discerning who are not too weary still keep watch. Let the prayerful who still have the stamina and the right spiritual orientation take to their respective modes of prayer. Lest 2025 unleash the denouement of true inauthenticity, rather than abrogate, or even ameliorate it.
principle of lifting and supporting the weak and the vulnerable in society as well as the biblical injunction of love thy neighbour as yourself. An apostle of soft leadership, BAO’s genuine concerns include how transformational leadership can replace transactional politics; how to build strong institutions that will support growth and development; how to make government wear human face; how to get every citizen to contribute to state and nation building, each utilising his talent, time, platform and resources; and what mechanism should be put in place for genuine and effective empowerment of the citizens towards the attainment of shared prosperity for all.
Governor Oyebanji is disarmingly humble. He proudly wears humility like a garment. He possesses an insatiable appetite for championing good causes. In a recent interviews with state correspondents, he told them the secret of his calmness. According to him, he had committed the state into God’s hands, hence he is not under any pressure. Those who have come in contact with him, and, indeed a vast majority of Ekiti people, believe humility remains his greatest asset.
As a change agent, BAO believes a leader must live in the hearts of the people by serving them diligently and faithfully, knowing he is accountable to the people and would give account of his stewardship to God one day. He believes trust is a public good without which no great thing can be achieved collectively. Hence, he believes trust has to be earned. As a leader, he embodies creativity, character, competence, and compassion with passion for excellence.
Born on December 21, 1967, in IkogosiEkiti, Oyebanji had his early education in his home state. He bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti) in 1989 and Masters’ degree in Political Science (International Relations and Strategic Studies), from the University of Ibadan in 1992.
He started his career as a Lecturer at
the Department of Political Science, Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, and worked for four years (1993 – 1997) . He later proceeded to work as Manager, Treasury, and Financial Services at the defunct Omega Bank Plc (now Heritage Bank) till May 1999, when he commenced an illustrious career in politics and governance. Since embracing public service in 1999, he has served in various capacities with different administrations. He also served as Secretary to Ekiti State Government between October 2018 to December 2021, when he resigned his appointment to join the governorship race, which he won on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in June 22, 2022. He was inaugurated Governor of Ekiti State on October 16, 2022.
A devout Christian, Oyebanji sees his career in politics and governance as a divine calling. This philosophy remains his guiding light as he continues to serve God and country diligently as a loyal party man and conscientious public servant. In recognition of his inspirational life journey, BAO has received many awards and recognitions. He was named Governor of the Year (2023) by Daily Independent Newspaper and Marketing Edge Magazine. He is also a recipient of the Ekiti Exceptional Achievers (MEEA) Award, granted in recognition of his contributions to the creation of Ekiti State as Secretary, State Creation Committee and Secretary, Ekiti State Development Fund.
Oyebanji is married to Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, an Associate Professor of Educational Management, University of Ibadan. They are blessed with three children.
As he celebrates another year of impact, Oyebanji remains an inspiration to both existing and aspiring leaders and a symbol of boundless grace. At 57, his legacy of integrity, innovation, loyalty and generosity of spirit continues to shape political narratives and inspire generations to come.
•Olayinka Oyebode is Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State
Since moving to Spain to team up with Europa League king,Sevilla,Super Eagles forward,Kelechi Iheanacho,is yet to register a goal to his name in the La Liga five months after joining from Premier League side,Leicester City.As a result,the Nigerian may be returning to English second tier footballEPL,where he struggled for first team shirt with the Foxes last season just five months after joining Los Nervionenses.Championship strugglers,West Brom,may therefore be the next destination for the former U17World Cup winner
Having failed to score in all the nine La Liga games he had appeared in so far for Sevilla, the management of the seven-time Europa League winners are losing patience with Kelechi Iheanacho and are ready to ship out the Nigerian international when the January transfer window opens.
The Nigerian international joined Sevilla last summer following the expiration of his contract at Leicester City, marking the end of a seven-year stint with the Foxes.
However, Iheanacho has endured a disappointing start to life in Spain, failing to score in all nine of his La Liga appearances for the one-time Spanish champions.
According to a report from Football Espana, Sevilla’s Sporting Director, Victor Orta, is actively seeking a new striker, and Iheanacho could be sold to facilitate the club’s attacking overhaul.
After finishing 14th in La Liga during the 2023-2024 season, Sevilla brought in Iheanacho with hopes that he would contribute significantly to the team’s success.
So far, the Nigerian forward has underperformed, failing to score in the league and registering only three goals in the Copa del Rey.
This lack of output has left Sevilla struggling offensively, with the team managing just 18 goals in total this season. Iheanacho has not been able to provide the goals Sevilla desperately crave for.
Back in September, ahead of an encounter between Sevilla and Real Valladolid, despite his struggles, Sevilla head coach Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta, however, offered his backing to Iheanacho.
“Everyone, whoever plays up front has to do well. Kelechi is a proven player. The other day he had a difficult game because he came on without warming up,” Pimienta said via the club’s official website. “Just like the rest, he has to take a step forward because he has the quality to do it at Sevilla.”
Although Iheanacho played 62 minutes in that match without a goal or assist, his Nigerian compatriot Chidera Ejuke stepped up with a late winner.
Afterward, Pimienta continued to defend Iheanacho, attributing his lack of form to a difficult adjustment period caused by his absence during preseason.
“The boy is training very well. I know it seems like an excuse, but he didn’t do
the pre-season with the team,” Pimienta said on La Jugada de Canal Sur Radio, as cited by Estadio Deportivo.
“The team already had our concepts; we had been training together for almost two months. It was hard for him to adapt. He has a player in front of him who is clear about it, who gives us a lot of things and is doing very well.”
Meanwhile, recent reports suggest Iheanacho could be set for a return to England, with EFL Championship side West Bromwich Albion showing interest in signing the Nigerian striker.
While moving from La Liga to England’s second division might not be ideal for Iheanacho, it could serve as an opportunity for him to rebuild his confidence and form.
Before his move to Sevilla, Iheanacho was linked with several top Turkish clubs. A loan move during the January transfer window could be a fresh start and a step in the right direction for the struggling forward.
Iheanacho endured another frustrating night as Sevilla drew 1-1 with Osasuna in their La Liga clash on Monday night.
The former Leicester City striker was poised to enter late in the game but was ul-
timately sent back to the bench, reportedly due to a tactical adjustment prompted by Sambi Lokonga’s injury concerns.
Sevilla coach initially prepared Iheanacho and captain Jesús Navas for substitution during the final minutes. However, Lokonga’s apparent return from a physical issue left the Nigerian visibly upset as he returned to his seat, per reports from ABC.
Iheanacho joined Sevilla on a free transfer last summer, and has struggled for consistent game time in Spain. Despite scoring twice in eight official appearances—both goals coming in a Copa del Rey match against lower-tier Las Rozas, the 28-year-old has now gone two consecutive games without making it onto the pitch.
Sevilla’s attacking struggles were evident against Osasuna, with Budimir giving the visitors an early lead before Dodi Lukebakio salvaged a point for the Andalusian side. Pimienta had hoped to inject fresh energy into Sevilla’s attack, considering Iheanacho as an option, but Lokonga’s situation disrupted the plan.
The draw leaves Sevilla with little to celebrate, while Iheanacho’s limited involvement raises questions about his role in Pimienta’s plans.
This lack of playing time has impacted his prospects with the Nigerian national team. Having faced similar challenges while at Leicester City, questions are now being raised about whether the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has lost his edge on the pitch.
Sevilla have massively struggled in the striking department this season, with Isaac Romero and Iheanacho having been very short of goals. Despite having only scored once in 14 appearances in La Liga, the former remains the undisputed starter for head coach Pimienta.
As such, Iheanacho is almost certain to leave Sevilla during next month’s winter transfer window, as per Marca. The club’s sporting department, led by sporting director Victor Orta, has plans to sign a new striker because of the lack of goals so far this season, and as such, the Nigerian is the one that would be discarded.
It has been a very disappointing six months at Sevilla for Iheanacho since he signed from Leicester City. The fact that he has started getting into the line-up despite Romero’s poor form suggests that he has no place in Pimienta’s plans and, as such, it would probably be best for him to depart.
Sevilla announced the signing of the 28-year-old in August with the former Leicester City player, whose contract with the Foxes expired at the end of last season, penning a twoyear deal with the Andalusian club.
Last season, Iheanacho played majorly fringe roles in the Foxes’ return to the English Premier League, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 26 appearances. Unlike his compatriot Ejuke, who has hit the ground running since joining the Seville-based outfit, Iheanacho is yet to impress at his new club and it’s abundantly clear that nothing has changed after almost half a season.
Sevilla clearly expected more from him, however, and now Estadio Deportivo are suggesting that the La Liga side could look to sell him as early as January.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into an alleged abuse of office and diversion of funds in the transaction between the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), a marketing company.
In a letter to the company dated October 16 seen by TheCable, EFCC invited the leadership of NSML for interrogation at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The letter, signed by EFCC’s
head of the investigation, was addressed to the company’s managing director, who was directed “to come along with all the relevant documents in relation to your transaction with Athletics Federation of Nigeria” on November 12.
“The Commission is investigating an alleged case of Conspiracy, Abuse of office and Diversion of funds in which your organisation featured,” the letter reads.
“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to report for an interview with the undersigned
through Head Procurement
Fraud Section on Tuesday 12th November, 2024 at the EFCC Headquarters, 5th Floor, Right Wing, Plot 301/302 Institutions and Research District, Jabi Abuja by 1000 hours.
“You are further requested to come along with all the relevant documents in relation to your transaction with Athletics Federation of Nigeria.”
A source privy to the development said that NSML did not honour the initial invitation of the anti-graft agency.
The spotlight shines on North London this weekend as Tottenham Hotspur host league leaders, Liverpool, in a match that could have a significant impact on the Premier League title race. Fans can stream the match live on Showmax.
Liverpool battled to a 2-2 draw against Fulham last weekend despite going down to 10 men in the first half. That result has seen their lead at the top of the table shrink to just two points, although they still hold a game in hand.
Arne Slot’s men will seek to avoid further setbacks against Tottenham, who arrested their slide by beating Southampton 5-0 last weekend.
That result means they go into tomorrow’s fixture with confidence. Ange Postecoglou’s
men have shown their attacking prowess this season and will aim to challenge Liverpool’s title credentials with a strong performance in front of their home fans.
Meanwhile, Manchester City face a tricky away fixture to Aston Villa today. Pep Guardiola’s side will be desperate to bounce back after a frustrating 2-1 defeat in the Manchester Derby. City’s terrible form this season has left them playing catch-up in the title race, and dropping points against Villa could further complicate things.
Across London, Chelsea continue to stake their claim for the title. Last weekend’s 2-1 win over Brentford saw the Blues maintain their spot at second place, just two points behind Liverpool. They travel
to Everton tomorrow, hoping to extend their unbeaten run and maintain pressure on the leaders.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will aim to get back to winning ways after falling six points behind Liverpool in the standings.
Arsenal, currently third after a disappointing goalless draw against Everton, will face a resilient Crystal Palace side in today’s late kickoff.
Elsewhere, Manchester United will look to build on their dramatic derby triumph against City when they host Bournemouth at Old Trafford tomorrow. A second consecutive win could signal a turnaround for Ruben Amorim’s side, who are determined to climb back into European contention.
2025 ECOWAS Abuja
International Marathon Set for March 1
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.
As part of activities to commemorate this significant milestone, the Commission is organising the 2025 ECOWAS
The Garth Dooley @ 70 Pro/ Am Invitational Tournament which teed-off at the Benin Club Golf Club (BCGS), Edo State on December 17 will come to a close today.
The five-day tournament sponsored by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) featured over 200 invited professional and amateur golfers from across Nigeria to celebrate an icon, and a quintessential foreign investor that contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy and made Benin a home. He has contributed immensely to the game of golf in BCGS and other golf clubs across the country.
According to the Chairman
Abuja International Marathon, which will be held on March 1, 2025, in Abuja.
The event, which features 21km and 5km categories, is expected to attract runners and fitness enthusiasts across the continent and beyond.
In a statement signed by the Director of Communications and Media of the ECOWAS
of the Organising Committee, Kingsley Okunbor, a former Captain of BCGS, “We are celebrating one of our own, Garth, who has contributed in no small measure to golf and the social economic fabric of our state that he calls home. We are grateful to the sponsors, PINL, and we look forward to celebration of life at 70 for Garth, a jolly good fellow with this mega golf tournament.”
The Caddies and Eaglets teedoff on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively while Thursday’s event was for men’s hcp 1928, ladies hcp 29 -36, veteran men’s and ladies, as well as super veteran men’s and ladies
The 32nd edition of Africa’s premier boxing event, GOtv Boxing Night, is scheduled for December 26 at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos. Since its debut in 2014, GOtv Boxing Night has become a prime platform for Nigerian and African boxers to make a name for themselves. Organised by Flykite Productions, the event has wowed boxing fans across Africa with unforgettable national and international title bouts across weight categories. In no particular order, here is a list of the most cracking fights at the event
1. Waidi ‘Skoro’ Usman vs. Edward ‘Shaka’ Kakembo
The headline bout of the 5th edition, held in December 2015, saw Skoro, a big favourite of the Lagos boxing public, attempt to win the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) featherweight title against his Ugandan opponent. But Kakembo, who appeared on the ring wearing big and long chains around his neck, had too much in the tank for Skoro. His speed of thought and hands were too much for Skoro and, in no time, had the crowd cheering him loudly. He won by a split decision.
2. Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph vs Nurudeen “Prince” Fatai Both were at their peak in 2016 when the bout was held. It was a grudge match, with Nurudeen seeking to avenge his previous defeat in a nontitle bout. The chance to exact revenge was twice delayed because Nurudeen, the reigning national champion at the time, was injured.
The chance came on May 1, 2016 and headlined GOtv Boxing Night 7. Nurudeen’s title was on the line. The volume-punching Joe Boy met a tough Nurudeen in what has to be one of the
Marathon, Olukayode Thomas, the 5km Race will begin at Eagle Square and end at the ECOWAS Commission in Asokoro Abuja, while the 21km half-marathon will start at the ECOWAS Commission and finish at the Commission.
Race Director Gabriel Okon revealed that the race is open to all categories of runners.
category.
Yesterday, being the day one of the main tournament teed-off with men’s hcp 0 - 18, ladies hcp 0 -28, and invited pros to determine those that will meet the cut for the final day round today.
most bruising bouts ever at GOtv Boxing Night. Joe Boy won by unanimous decision after 12 gruelling rounds, winning the N1 million cash prize attached to the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer.
3. Taiwo “Gentle Boy” Olowu vs. Alidu Sulemana: The West African Boxing Union (WABU) title fight, which took place at GOtv Boxing Night 30, had everything: action, drama, controversy and sub-regional rivalry. The last attribute was on account of the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry which, by default, is as fierce as anything. Sulemana, a Ghanaian, battled Olowu with guile and determination for the WABU Super Welterweight title in a very close contest. Olowu ultimately won via a split decision, though some fans felt the Ghanaian fighter deserved the victory.
4. Rilwan Babatunde vs. Edem “Lion Heart” Biki: A very spicy bout despite it being a non-title contest. There was so much aggression and determination on display. Biki was knocked down in the third round and was thought
incapable of offering resistance. But he rebounded to do what he was deemed incapable of, delivering a fierce resistance and giving Babatunde a cut above his right eye. Babatunde was not slowed down by the injury, as he returned after being treated to deliver a mean combination, with the last punch an uppercut, to knock Biki unconscious. The medical team’s quick response prevented any serious consequences, and Biki was rushed to a nearby hospital.
5. Bolatito “Black Tito” Oluwole vs. Celina “Pretty Assassin” Agu Arranging fights for female boxers can be challenging, but GOtv Boxing Night finally brought these two undefeated fighters together for a national cruiserweight title clash at its 28th edition. Despite suffering a right-hand injury in the fourth round, Black Tito pushed through all eight rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory over Pretty Assassin. Her performance earned her the Best Boxer award, making her the first female to win the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy, breaking a nine-year streak of male recipients.
The President of the British Fencing Federation, Pat Aiyenuro, has pledged her federation’s technical support to the Nigerian Fencing Federation, marking the beginning of a collaboration between the two nations.
Impressed with the organisation of the first fencing World Cup in Sub-Saharan Africa, Aiyenuro noted that assembling some of the world’s best fencers in Lagos confirms Nigeria’s growing status in the sport. She assured that British Fencing would partner with Nigeria to train its personnel, including coaches and referees,
to be on par with the rest of the world technically.
“I think we are privileged to have some of the top fencing nations come here and compete. We have a world champion here, which shows that they believe in Nigeria’s ability to host a top-tier competition. I’m impressed; the quality of the fencing is world-class.
“We are already working on a collaboration with the Nigeria Fencing Federation to train more referees and coaches.
There is potential here, and the federation is forward-thinking, trying to make these things happen,” she said.
For 17-year-old Oluwashemilore Fashola, competing against some of the best fencers in the world has boosted his confidence ahead of future international tournaments.
“I’m very excited and proud of Nigeria for securing the hosting rights for this competition. It’s a great experience, especially since it’s my first. I’ve met many fencers, and they can see how far Nigeria has come in the sport.
“Currently, I’m very impressed by the level of competition. All the other countries brought their best fencers to participate.
LALIGA’s 2024/25 ‘African Match’ is this weekend’s CD Leganés vs Villarreal CF, tomorrow 6.30pm CET, a match with a significant African contingent on both sides and an occasion on which Spanish football can pay tribute not just to the current African stars in LaLiga EA SPORTS but also their long-lasting contribution over the years.
CD Leganés – who are riding high after picking up
their first-ever away win over leaders FC Barcelona this past weekend – boast the likes of Seydouba Cissé (Guinea), Yvan Neyou (Cameroon) and Sébastien Haller (Ivory Coast) in their ranks, while Logan Costa (Cape Verde), Papa Gueye (Senegal) and the Ivorian duo Nicolas Pepe and Eric Bailly are regulars for visitors Villarreal CF.
To mark the occasion, both clubs have prepared a host
of video content showcasing these African stars off the field, opening up not only about their connection to football on the continent but also providing a light-hearted insight into their personalities and character. If you’ve ever wondered about the musical tastes, fashion sense or favourite foods of these African LALIGA stars, be sure to check out these unique, fun interviews!
“I like to commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for stepping in to prevent the inhumane punishment of death by hanging for the theft of a fowl and eggs—an offence for which the individual had already spent 14 years in prison. That sentence alone far exceeded the demands of justice, if the crime warranted such consideration in the first place. This case underscores the harsh inequalities of the Nigerian legal system. If you dare to speak freely, you are treated as a criminal and silenced.”–Peter Obi commended Gov. Adeleke’s intervention while criticising the inequalities in the Nigerian judicial system.
okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com
As the year winds down, we stand with one clear certainty, among others. That certainty is the fact that we live in extremely dangerous times. Not because there was ever a time human affairs were bereft of danger, no! We speak of danger today from the standpoint of unreality trying to present itself as reality. The words of the German philosopher, Freidrich Hegel, “The rational is the real”, does not hold water for this generation. Rationality suffereth violence and the hubristic and unduly exuberant do not set much store by it. It all brings up the question of Authenticity, which was our concern on this page on July 30, 2022. The unreality around us in our private affairs, in the affairs of state and even in world affairs has become the dominant motif and paradigm. It is probably no longer easy for a lot of people to say what anything is, or is not, for sure. So, let us revisit this matter and represent that earlier conversation because of its continued relevance and benumbing immediate still. Here we go.
“In words of Parmenides: “What is, is; and what is not is not”. And he is right. If an umbrella exists, then it exists. If it does not exist, then it does not exist. But, how about something that exist “becoming” something else? An egg can become a chicken, for instance. A student may one day become a teacher, an engineer, an armed robber or a priest. A seed may one day become a tree, or a shrub. So, where does that leave us with Parmenides? Perhaps we should just tell the gentleman philosopher that he is wrong in his further statement that “for something to come into being, it must have been in existence before then”. He forgot, or denied, the concept of development. Unlike Parmenides however, Aristotle said: “Everything is what it is” at any particular point in time. A chair is a chair. A table is a table, and not a chicken. But the table was made from pieces of wood, nails, gum and some vanish. None of the components is a table. Putting all of them together in a room will also not give you a table. There must be a process that transforms the possibilities of these disparate objects into a new actuality. We must, therefore,
conclude that everything is what it is at a particular time, in a particular place, and under particular circumstances, provided the conditions for activating all or some of its other possibilities are not fulfilled. That is why a basic fact of logic and critical thinking is that a thing cannot be one thing and also not be that thing “at the same time, in the same place and, particularly, in the same respect”. That is the basic pillar of the Laws of Thought in traditional logic. It is the element of Sub oedum respectum that ends the debate, making it possible for the concepts of development, transformation, act and potency to be part of all logical and metaphysical thinking. So, let us go really philosophical today and talk about authenticity and inauthenticity; with an eye on the ongoing switching of identities between thieves, leaders, bishops and mechanics.
A political party that is, to all intents and purposes, the Patron Saint of Mediocrity and national decay cannot also ‘at the same time’ successfully pass itself off as an agent of national development” Also, political party that says it is in opposition, but which has
nothing that really distinguishes it from the ‘bad guys’ it is trying to replace has a very bad case. A person who calls himself a bishop when he is not one is simply not a bishop. He cannot, ‘at the same time’ that he is not a bishop transmute into one by self-proclamation. The issue here is about reality and illusion, truth and falsehood. criminality and good behaviour. So, let us go deeper into authenticity and inauthenticity.
To be authentic is to be real. An authentic wooden chair is different from a plastic chair that is given a coat of paint in order to pass it off as a wooden chair. A person is said to be authentic when he is what he claims to be at any particular time, and completely so. To be inauthentic, on the other hand, is to have your identity, values, statements and avowed beliefs contrived to present “what is not” as “what is”. It boils down to the absence of any true identity. A chimerical being. The “Not this” that claims to be a “this”.
The inauthentic person will rather strive to create an illusion and present same as
Two major events that happened at two different locations in Ekiti State earlier in the month, again laid credence to the primacy of capacity, character and compassion in the leadership style of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
First was the event at Oke Ako Ekiti, in the north senatorial district, which featured the distribution of cheques totalling N160 million as compensation to land owners whose land were acquired for the commercial farming scheme for young farmers and the flag- off of some newly purchased tractors and other equipment. The second event which came barely 48 hours after was the distribution of cheques totalling N140 million to some young farmers as payment for the farm produce off-taken from them across the six farm clusters.
The gist here is that the chains of activities- the land acquisition, the
compensation and the utilisation of the acquired land, the first harvest and the
off-taking of the harvested crops as well as the purchase of tractors and other equipment required for the tractorisation policy of the government was completed within the space of six months of the introduction of the scheme, code-named “Bring Back the Youth Into Agriculture” a programme run in partnership with a private investor. Four weeks earlier, in a move aimed at achieving energy independence and ensuring that his administration’s huge investments in power infrastructure achieve the desired result, Governor Oyebanji had granted operational licence to 14 investors which included three distribution companies, four power generating companies, two mini-grid generation companies and fivemeter asset providers. The pace-setting and strategic move is to enhance power generation, ensure efficient distribution and provide reliable metering for residents. The goal is to move the state from the 20-25 mw it gets from the national grid (which falls short of the estimated requirement of
120mw) and move up to 130mw through a robust state grid, reducing dependency on the national supply and promoting sustainable. locally managed energy solutions. Again, the initiative, which aligns with the 2023 Electricity Act, was achieved within the space of a year that also witnessed a massive power upgrade and re-connection of many communities that hitherto were without power supply to the national grid.
Remarkably, Oyebanji is quite intentional about putting smiles on the faces of the people. Moved by the plight of Ekiti pensioners in the face of accumulated gratuities inherited from previous administration, the Governor, had in the last two months paid a total 4.5 billion naira to offset part of the outstanding gratuities. This is outside the regular monthly payment of gratuities. Aside supporting and equipping workers in the Saturday, December 21, 2024