SUNDAY 29TH DECEMBER 2024

Kayode Tokede

As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intensifies the mopping up of liquidity in the financial sector,

the total investors' subscription to the Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) increased from N23.51trillion recorded in the 2023 financial year to N38.08 trillion in 2024, a report

by the apex bank has revealed.

According to the ‘Primary Market’ data by CBN, the N38.08 trillion NTBs subscription in the year under review was on the

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has apologised to the president of neighbouring Azerbaijan for the downing of a commercial airliner in Russian airspace last Wednesday, in which 38 people were killed, but stopped short of saying Russia was responsible.

This is just as several airlines have announced the suspension of flights to Russian cities after Western experts and the US suggested the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines may have been caused by a Russian anti-aircraft missile. In his first comments on the Christmas Day

In the period under review, the CBN offered

backdrop of demand for risk-free instruments and hedge against increasing inflation rate by investors. NTBs are typically issued by CBN to meet the government's short-term financing needs and are considered a safe and low-risk investment.

Shettima Seeks Cooperation of Communities in Targeting of Terrorists

Apologises over military airstrike in Sokoto Says Tinubu determined to wipe out agents of terror

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday appealed to the communities located at the flashpoints of the war against terror to provide useful information for the Nigerian military to maintain accuracy and precision in targeting terrorists.

Shettima, who also formally apologised on behalf of the federal government over the recent military airstrike in Sokoto State, extended deep condolences to the government and people of the state over those who lost their lives in the coordinated joint operation against the members

of the Lakurawa terrorist group in their hideouts at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. No fewer than 10 villagers were reportedly killed and several others injured on December 25, 2024, when the military targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group in the Silame area of Sokoto State.

In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president, who reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s determination to wipe

Chinedu Eze

NNPCL: Tinubu Doesn’t Interfere in Our Operations

Ejiofor Alike

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said that President Bola Tinubu does not interfere in its operations, or influence

movements within it.

NNPCL argued that:

“Employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe,

religion, or political affiliation.”

Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, stated these in a statement issued yesterday in response to the article, “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the

NNPC” authored by Prof. Farooq Kperogi.

According to him, decisions within the NNPCL “are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise.”

Aisha Buhari, Two State Governors, UN, EU Reps, Others Grace 2024 Calabar Carnival

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

The wife of Nigeria's former President, Hajia Aisha Buhari; her children; the governors of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, and his Kogi State counterpart, Ahmed Usman Ododo, were yesterday in attendance at the 2024 Calabar Carnival.

Former governor of the state, Mr. Donald Duke; Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh; and representative of Cross River South Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong were also on ground to add colour and glamour to the carnival.

Also in attendance to grace the event were some international diplomats from the United Nations, the European Union and a host of others.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the event at the Millennium Park Calabar, the state capital, the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, said this year's theme, “Our Shared Prosperity,” remains internationally engaging, considering the global audience in attendance at the event.

“The theme of this year is ‘Our Shared Prosperity.’ That shared prosperity is actually internationally engaging because we have the global audience right here; we have people from all continents of the world right here.

“There is a need to build economic, social, and cultural prosperity into what we are doing for our people to share,” Otu said.

The governor applauded the initiators of the Carnival Calabar, former governor Duke, and former governors Liyel Imoke and Prof.

SHETTIMA SEEKS COOPERATION OF COMMUNITIES IN TARGETING OF TERRORISTS

out terror elements in the country, extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of those mistakenly hit by the military onslaught on the terrorist group.

Shettima described the incident as one of those rare sad moments when innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire in the ongoing efforts to rid the country of all forms of terror.

"I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State, particularly families of those who lost their lives in the coordinated joint operation by the air and land components of Operation Fansan Yamma to eliminate Lakurawa terrorist groups at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area.

"I must say we are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times. I call for understanding, especially when it is considered that our gallant men of the Armed Forces were fighting and paying the supreme price to protect the lives of those caught in the crossfire.

"My thoughts and prayers particularly go out to the relatives of those who perished in the tragic event. May Almighty God ease your pain and grant you the courage and patience to bear the loss."

Shettima, on behalf of the military, expressed regret over the incident, just as he solicited more support for the troops, noting that with useful information, the officers will maintain accuracy and precision in fishing out the terrorists from among innocent villagers they are staking their lives to protect.

He promised the people of the state of the federal government's support, vowing that the administration of President Tinubu would not rest on its oars until terror groups and other criminal elements were completely wiped out of the country.

"On behalf of our gallant officers, I apologise for this great loss. I urge you to continue to give our brave officers the

assistance they need in carrying out their operations to ensure a safer country for all of us. We have all been impressed by the courage and dedication of our troops, and by the dignity and resilience which lies behind the determination to prevail against such monstrous evil.

"Security is not one man's business. Together, we will surely make a difference as a people. I sincerely call for your support, especially from people in the flashpoints of the war against terror who have always helped the operations of our military.

"Let me assure you that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is hell-bent on weeding out what is left of terror elements in the country and will stop at nothing in ensuring a peaceful Nigeria where farmers work freely in their farms and all Nigerians go about their businesses and other activities without fear of attacks from agents of death."

Also yesterday, the vice president led a delegation from President Tinubu on a condolence visit to the government and people of Jigawa State on the passing of the mother and son of the state governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi.

Within 24 hours after the passing of his mother, Hajiya Mariam Namadi, on December 25, the governor suffered another tragedy, with the loss of his eldest son, Abdulwahab Namadi.

Shettima was accompanied on the visit to Hadejia, Jigawa State, by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; some members of the National Assembly from Jigawa State and top government functionaries.

Speaking during the condolence visit, the Vice President noted that "death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone's neck".

"We are all from Allah, and at the train station with our baggage waiting for the train. From where? From Allah, to where, to Allah. Our bags and baggage are our deeds in this world," he explained.

Ben Ayade, saying they took over subsequently, and sustained the event, introducing more participating and non-participating bands into the carnival, which is in its second decade, having been birthed in 2004. Otu said that his administration would continue to build on, and add value to the event.

He said there is the possibility that next year, a Diaspora band would be introduced into the carnival.

On his part, the Kwara State Governor lauded governor Otu for sustaining, and adding more creativity and style to the event.

AbdulRasaq said that the event puts Nigeria on the map as it is a global event and improves the state's internally generated revenue.

“This programme puts Nigeria on the map because it is a global event. What we don’t realize is the improved internally generated

under fire from Russian air defence systems as it tried to land in Chechnya - forcing it to divert across the Caspian Sea.

It crash-landed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 on board.

The Kremlin released a statement yesterday, noting Putin had spoken to Azerbaijan's president Ilham Aliyev by phone.

"(President) Vladimir Putin apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured," it said.

The Kremlin read-out made no direct admission that the plane had been struck by a Russian missile.

Before Saturday, the Kremlin had refused to say whether it was involved in the crash.

But Russian aviation authorities had said the situation in the region was "very complicated" due to Ukrainian drone strikes on Chechnya.

revenue of the state. If I look at it from the economic angle, not just the cultural angle, you see people talking about spending December in Lagos, but this is here to stay.

“Hopefully, next year, people will need to spend some days in Calabar before going back to Lagos; that is the joy of it all,” AbdulRasaq said.

Also speaking, the governor of Kogi State, praised the leadership of Governor Otu, which he said was evident in the energy and commitment displayed by participants and residents of the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gab Onah, acknowledged the contributions of the sponsors of this year’s edition, among them, Afrexim Bank, MTN, Zenith Bank, Arise, International Energy Insurance Company, DSTV, and First Bank.

Aviation experts and others in Azerbaijan believe the plane's GPS systems were affected by electronic jamming and it was then damaged by shrapnel from Russian air defence missile blasts.

Survivors had previously reported hearing loud bangs before the plane crashed, suggesting it had been targeted.

Azerbaijan had not officially accused Russia this week, but the country's transport minister said the plane was subject to "external interference" and damaged inside and out as it tried to land.

US defence officials on Friday had also said they believed Russia was responsible for the downing.

In a statement released shortly after the Kremlin's, Zelensky said the damage to the aircraft's fuselage is "very reminiscent of an air defence missile strike", adding that Russia "must provide clear explanations".

"The key priority now is a thorough investigation that will answer all questions about what

However, in the previous year, the CBN recorded N6.66 trillion successful NTBs subscriptions as it offered N4.56 trillion to the investing public.

As gathered by THISDAY, CBN increased the interest rate during its NTBs auction in 2024 amid efforts to woo the investing public.

For instance, the 91-day NTBs auction rate in December 2024 stood at 18 per cent from seven per cent in December 2023, while a 182-day rate moved from 10 per cent in December 2023 to 18.5 per cent in December 2024.

In addition, the rate on a 364-day closed December 11, 2024, at 22.8 per cent, as against 12.24 per cent in December 2023.

By tightening its monetary policy through higher interest rates and large NTBs auctions, the CBN aims to curb rising inflation and stabilise the foreign exchange rate, thereby fostering a more balanced economic environment.

THISDAY gathered that investors’ demand for long maturities NTBs continued to grow as its stop rate reached 23.5 per cent as of November, the highest in 2024.

Kperogi had in his article criticised what he called “Tinubu’s relentless Yorubacentric take-over of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)” alleging that “Yoruba people now occupy major positions at the NNPC and that a certain (person) is ‘being proposed as GMD after Mele Kyari’s term expires early next year.”

But Soneye in a statement said Kperogi’s article was full of misconceptions about the operations and leadership structure of the company.

He explained that NNPCL focused on efficient and effective service delivery, anchored on the commitment of qualified work team.

He also clarified that that President Tinubu did not interfere in the operations or leadership movements within the NNPC.

“On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy.

“President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation. His reforms have set a benchmark that has significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors,” he said.

really happened."

BBC reported that in yesterday's phone call, Putin acknowledged that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane had repeatedly tried to land at Grozny airport in Chechnya on December 25.

At the time, Grozny in Chechnya and Mozdok and Vladikavkaz in North Ossetia were being attacked by Ukrainian drones and Russian air defense systems had repelled those attacks, Putin said according to the Kremlin's statement.

Moscow noted that Russian investigators had launched a criminal investigation.

Azerbaijan had already announced it would launch an investigation.

The Kremlin said that Azeri, Kazakh, and Russian agencies were "working closely at the site of the disaster in the Aktau region".

Meanwhile, several airlines have announced the suspension of flights to Russian cities.

Turkmenistan Airlines - the national carrier of the reclusive

The variation in stop rates across tenors also offers insight into investor sentiment regarding short, medium, and long-term economic outlooks.

While the lower stop rate on the 182-day bill suggests anticipation of stable interest rates, the higher stop rate on the 364-day NTBs could imply a cautious stance towards potential future economic volatilities.

Investors’ diversified demand across the different maturities of NTBs reflects strategic positioning for various investment horizons and signals a healthy trading environment in the Nigerian debt market.

The CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had hiked the interest rate by 870 basis points to 27.50 per cent, from 18.75 per cent at the start of the year, to combat rising inflation, leading to an equal increase in the yields of Treasury bills compared to last year.

Analysts at Cordros Research in a report titled: ‘Nigeria in 2025, Reform to Recovery: Navigating the Rebound,’ stated that the domestic fixed income market remained characteristically volatile in 2024,

The NNPC spokesman emphasized that the company is a professional organisation with a diverse leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria. “The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable.

“It is, thus, sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu,” he said. He stated that under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the NNPCL has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several “firsts” in the industry.

“These milestones were not defined, coloured or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence. These milestones include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships that were previously thought unattainable. This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than on parochialism as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr. Kperogi,” he said.

Central Asian state - was the latest airline to announce cancellations yesterday.

It said that “regular flights between Ashgabat-MoscowAshgabat were cancelled from 30/12/2024 to 31/01/2025,” without explaining.

The decision came after UAE airline, flydubai, suspended flights between Dubai and the southern Russian cities of Mineralnye Vody and Sochi that were scheduled between December 27 and January 3.

Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air has suspended its flights to Russia’s Urals city of Yekaterinburg until the end of January.

Earlier this week, Israeli airline, El Al said it was suspending its flights to Moscow for a week.

The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crashed near the western Kazakh city of Aktau, on the shores of the Caspian Sea. It was carrying out a flight between Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, and the city of Grozny in Russia.

driven by several factors.

They listed the factors to include the tight monetary policy stance by the MPC to control the soaring inflation, the repricing of instruments to attract FPIs and improve the real return profile for local investors, and the tight liquidity in the financial system, among others.

They noted that domestic borrowings in the domestic market surged this year, partly due to the federal government’s refinancing of the CBN’s Ways & Means despite a lower-than-budgeted deficit.

According to the analysts at Cordros Research, “Specifically, the budget deficit (excluding GOEs and project-tied loans) printed lower than estimated as of August (N3.04 trillion vs Pro-rated Budget: N6.77 trillion) following the improvement in total revenue and spending below budget.

“Thus, a significant portion of total borrowing was used to refinance the CBN’s Ways & Means (N7.00 trillion) following the FG’s decision to deviate from Ways & Means deficit financing.

“Consequently, the average yields on Treasury bills (NTB)

and bonds increased by 19.4 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively, to 25.6 per cent and 19.5 per cent (12 December 2024).”

Investment Banker and Stockbroker, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka attributed the high yield to the factor of demand and supply, stressing that the government deliberately increased NTB supply to encourage a higher stop rate at 23.5 per cent or that some institutional investors held back their bids.

According to him, "The essence is to encourage foreign inflows that could help improve dollar liquidity in the foreign exchange market and cause a moderation in Naira exchange rate until the market attains equilibrium level.

"I do not doubt that this is the most appropriate decision on the part of CBN and the government at this time. There's a need to improve dollar liquidity that will eventually force domestic interest rates to moderate subsequently.

“The higher interest rate will likely filter into the equity market to temporarily moderate the bullish sentiments in that market as well."

IN THE SPIRIT OF BROTHERHOOD...

L-R: Former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); Member of House of Representatives for Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr. Fred Agbedi; former National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; and Member of House of Representatives for Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, during Diri’s visit to Government House, Port Harcourt…yesterday

States Oppose N'Assembly's Plan to Alter Electricity Act, Make NEMSA Sole Regulator of Technical Standards

Say electricity on Concurrent List, not Exclusive List

Peter Uzoho

The 36 states of the federation, through their commissioners for power and energy, have kicked against the plan by the National Assembly to amend the Electricity Act 2023 to make the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) the sole regulatory agency for enforcing technical standards in the power sector.

The states have also kicked against the federal lawmakers' attempt to bar them from performing regulatory functions such as enforcing technical standards in the electricity sector in their jurisdictions.

The Forum of State Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria (FOCPEN) expressed their opposition to the plan in a letter dated December 14, 2024, and addressed to the Chairman of Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in response to the proposed amendment to the 2023 Electricity Act.

The letter, sighted by THISDAY, was jointly signed by the Chairman of FOCPEN and Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka

Williams, and the Secretary and Benue State Commissioner for Power and Transportation, Omale Omale.

The letter was copied to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Sanusi Garba; Managing Director of NEMSA, Aliyu Tahir; Director General of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Dr Abdulateef Shittu; and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Power, Victor Nwokolo.

In its seven-point response, the forum argued that electricity is on the Concurrent List and not the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution.

By implication, it said both the federal and state governments have legislative and regulatory responsibilities concerning electricity matters, including the development and enforcement of technical and safety standards.

The forum also posited that the nation's Constitution designates states as the custodians of enforcing technical standards within their territories, noting that it was not within the purview of the federal government or its agencies to usurp this role.

Falana Blames Police for Death of 115 Nigerians During Food Stampedes

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has blamed the Nigeria Police Force for the death of 115 Nigerians during the recent food stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija in Anambra State.

Falana stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital while delivering a public lecture organised by the Ondo State government in memorial of the former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The title of the lecture, which is the first in the series is ‘Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example.’

According to him, the unfortunate incidents happened because the police were negligent of their constitutional duties.

He said: “The deaths of 115 Nigerians in the recent incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija are unacceptable. The police failed to protect the people, and I hold them responsible. The government must pay compensation to the families who lost their loved ones because

of these failures.”

He called on the federal government to combat social insecurity, evident in the high rate of poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy in the country.

He emphasised that without social security in place, physical security - that is, the security of lives and property of the citizenry cannot the guaranteed.

Falana commended the virtues of the late Akeredolu for fighting for justice, to secure the lives and property of the people.

He noted that Akeredolu’s establishment of Amotekun has made Ondo State a reference point in security matters across Nigeria.

“Today, all 36 state governors have come together to approve state police, but it was Akeredolu who laid the groundwork by enacting the law that legitimised Amotekun. That singular action has made Ondo State the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he said.

Falana highlighted the importance of preserving Akeredolu’s legacy, noting that the greatest tribute to Akeredolu is the sustainability of his legacy.

It equally argued that the proposed amendments by the Senate conflict with the decentralisation principle embedded in the 2023 Electricity Act and the Fifth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution, which the National Assembly championed.

According to the commissioners, these laws aim to empower states, companies, and individuals to play active roles in the electricity sector.

The forum also argued that NEMSA’s operational track record in the power sector raises serious concerns, citing NERC's report which stated that 172 Nigerians lost their lives due to electricity-related accidents between January 2023 and June 2024, with 115 fatalities in 2023 alone.

These figures, the forum said, exposed the significant lapses in NEMSA’s enforcement of safety and technical standards.

The letter reads in part, "We write to you on behalf of the Forum for Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria, to address the remarks made during the recent Stakeholders

Roundtable on Technical Standards and Regulations in the power sector. These remarks, along with media reports, suggest plans to amend the 2023 Electricity Act to recognize the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) as the sole regulatory agency for enforcing technical standards and to bar States from performing such functions.”

While opposing the planned amendment, the forum argued that electricity is not on the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution but on the Concurrent List.

“By implication, both the Federal and State Governments have legislative and regulatory responsibilities concerning electricity matters, including the development and enforcement of technical and safety standards,” the forum stated.

The states further argued that “the Constitution designates states as the custodians of enforcing technical standards within their territories. It is not within the purview of the federal government or its agencies to usurp

this role.”

The forum also insisted that “the proposed amendments conflict with the decentralisation principle embedded in the 2023 Electricity Act and the Fifth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution, which the National Assembly championed. These laws aim to empower States, companies, and individuals to play active roles in the electricity sector.”

The forum also argued that NEMSA’s operational track record raises serious concerns.

“According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), between January 2023 and June 2024, 172 Nigerians lost their lives due to electricity-related accidents, with 115 fatalities in 2023 alone. These figures indicate significant lapses in NEMSA’s enforcement of safety and technical standards, even before states began asserting their constitutional roles in this area," the forum added.

While calling for collaboration rather than usurpation of states' powers, the forum said instead of seeking

to undermine states’ constitutional powers, NEMSA should collaborate with states to develop and implement robust processes for enforcing technical standards and inspecting electrical installations.

It maintained that this cooperative approach will enhance safety and technical integrity across the electricity sector.

While noting the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in matters of technical standards in sectors, the forum emphasized that NEMSA did not set technical standards for electrical materials and equipment. According to FOCPEN, this responsibility lies with the SON, adding that states acknowledge SON's statutory role and were prepared to work collaboratively to ensure these standards were upheld.

The commissioners warned that any attempt to amend the Electricity Act to bar states from enforcing technical standards would be an affront to the Constitution and federalism.

Troops Arrest Two Terrorists, Suspected Oil Thieves, Logistics Couriers, 256 Others, Kill 148 in One Week

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said troops on internal operations arrested two ammunition couriers working for terrorists, 256 others, and killed another 148 terrorists last week.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, in a statement, said troops rescued 291 hostages, arrested 51 suspected oil thieves, and recovered stolen crude worth N798,146,470.00

within the same period.

He said the suspected ammunition couriers identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza were apprehended in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State.

General Buba said troops within the week recovered 146 assorted weapons and 2,599 assorted ammunition.

He gave a breakdown of recovered weapons to include: Two PKT guns, 72 AK-47 rifles, 33 fabricated rifles, 28 Dane guns, two locally made SMGs, three locally

made pistols, two pump action guns, one RPG bomb, one RPG tube, and 39 magazines.

Others included: 1,596 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 636 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 111 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 114 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 25 rounds of 9mm ammo, 98 live cartridges, three baofeng radios, three vehicles, 36 motorcycles, 40 mobile phones and the sum of N1,838,000.00, among other items.

Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta

area, troops discovered and destroyed 66 illegal refining sites, 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, 41 boats and 45 storage tanks. Other items recovered included; four speedboats, one pumping machine, 150 drums, one generator, two motorcycles, two mobile phones, one drone and five vehicles, among others.

Troops also recovered

657,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 127,870 litres of illegally refined diesel and 5,000 litres of DPK.

Five Airlines Sanctioned for Consumer Protection, Not Safety Concerns, NCAA Clarifies

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified that recent sanctions imposed on five airlines were strictly related to consumer protection violations, and not safety concerns.

This clarification follows widespread speculation in certain media outlets suggesting otherwise.

The NCAA clarified the issue in a statement issued yesterday by its Director of Consumer Protection and

Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu.

Two weeks ago, the NCAA had warned that airlines delaying passenger refunds beyond the stipulated time frame outlined in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 would face sanctions.

One week later, the regulatory agency announced enforcement actions against Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airways, Air Peace, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors.

The Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, had convened

an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to address ongoing issues of flight delays and cancellations

At the meeting, he urged operators to align their operations with their available resources and treat consumer complaints with urgency.

Reacting to the sanctions, the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, expressed disappointment with the delays caused by some members of his finance staff.

“I noticed that some of my finance

staff actually delayed some of those payments, and I was not happy about it as my vision does not align with any practice that inconveniences passengers,” Onyema stated. He accepted the NCAA’s enforcement action, committing to improving the airline’s response time to complaints. However, contrary to suggestions that the sanctions extended beyond consumer protection issues, Achimugu refuted the claims, emphasising the department’s focus.

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Nigeria

Fidelis David in Akure

CHRISTMAS BALLAD FOR THEIR EXCELLENCIES…

Odili: Fubara Prevented One Man’s Quest to Capture Rivers as Private Estate

A former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, yesterday stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara stopped the quest by one man to capture the state as a private estate.

This is just as Governor Fubara also declared that with the massive support of the people and the true leaders of the state, the political crisis in the state has made him stronger.

In his welcome address at a Christmas Ballad, he hosted for Fubara at his residence in Port Harcourt, Odili, who was careful not to mention any name, stated that the governor has emancipated the people of the state.

According to him, Fubara has also steadied governance and made civil servants and the people as happy as

they used to be before he left office as governor of the state in 2007.

Odili said his family decided to host Fubara and his family to a night of varieties of sing-song and other activities in appreciation of the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated.

Odili explained that since October 25, 2023, when a fierce political battle was waged against Fubara over the soul of Rivers State, the governor has confronted the challenge, and prevented the quest by one man to capture the state as a private estate.

He however did not name the man who wanted to capture the state as his private estate.

In her speech, Justice Mary Odili, who presented gifts to Fubara, his wife, Lady Valerie, and children, said

God knew long ago the need for an emancipator and gave Governor Fubara to Rivers State, explaining that he had played the role satisfactorily, and pledged the continuous support of her family to the success of his administration.

Responding, Governor Fubara stated that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective on leadership. According to him, with the strength of support from the people of the state, he has stopped seeing the political crisis in the state as a problem but as a necessary enabler in governance.

Speaking further, Fubara said God is in control of the affairs of the state, adding that as they look forward to a very prosperous 2025, the people are assured of good governance and

better deals than what had been experienced.

He said: "And not just because I want to accept it, I get stronger in this course every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people.

"So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from every one of you that is here. You encouraged me; you did the work for me; you made the calls for me. So, why won't I stand up for you?

"But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter remains God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured," Fubara added. Fubara, who vowed to continue to do the right things, said it was also

Diri: We’ve Resolved Bayelsa, Rivers Oil Well Dispute

We need each other, Fubara insists

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed delight over the peaceful resolution of the Soku Oil well dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states.

This is coming as Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has stated that both his state and Bayelsa State needed each other to make progress and insisted that they cannot be separated.

delightful to see true leaders of the state and other well-meaning people of the state standing on the right side of history despite the pressures to surrender to tyranny and oppression.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo recalled how the crisis that erupted in the state assembly swept them off their feet but quickly added that the encouragement from Governor Fubara emboldened him and a few others to stand up for the truth to liberate the state.

In his speech, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, said he least expected to have remained a chief judge, just as he didn't expect the governor to last in office up until now given the political crisis.

Justice Amadi promised that he would continue to be on the right side of history in defence of the state.

Also speaking, former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, noted that the gathering was a roll call of Odili’s political family.

the course of governance successfully, making the people of the State proud of him as a worthy son.

The Bayelsa State governor said the peaceful relations between both states were necessary for their development and called for its continuity.

Diri also lauded Fubara for his handling of the demolished property of the Bayelsa State government in Port Harcourt, which is still in court while both states are close to reaching an amicable settlement.

He stressed the importance of regular interactions between both states while assuring Fubara of the

Speaking in Port Harcourt yesterday during a Yuletide visit to his Rivers State counterpart, Governor Fubara, the Bayelsa State governor said he was delighted that under Fubara, both states have agreed to return to the status quo, thus ending the dispute and withdrawing the case from court.

support of the government and people of Bayelsa State at all times.

The Bayelsa State helmsman also hailed the cooperation of the sister state in tackling vandalism, which has led to a joint task force to tackle the menace and forestall further damage to the government’s facilities, particularly the power infrastructure of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

His words: "We came to pay you a Christmas visit. You surprised us early this year and as brothers, we decided to also visit you. Going forward, we should continue to visit each other to keep both states peaceful and to allow for our development.

"Rivers and Bayelsa are one. Since you came on board, both states have been peaceful. Now we have understanding even in areas where we had issues.

“For instance, the Soku oil well. We have agreed to go back to the status quo before the crisis and there is peace now. That matter is out of court.

“Recently, our state was in darkness for four months due to vandalism of TCN facilities. We waited for TCN but took up the challenge because they were too slow and the vandals destroyed more facilities. Today, we have a joint surveillance team to check vandalism and we are happy.

Funke Akindele’s ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ Pushes Cinema Sales to N1bn in One Week

Funke Akindele’s newly released movie, “Everybody Loves Jenifa” and “Alakada! Bad and Boujee” have pushed Nigerian cinemas to record ticket sales of over N1 billion in one week.

According to Nile Media Entertainment Group data, tickets worth N1.02 billion were sold between December 20 and 26, 2024, a record high for Nigerian cinemas.

“Today, we’re proud to share an incredible milestone: The Nigerian box office has crossed N1 billion in a single week in 2024,” the independent entertainment company stated.

Akindele’s movie, “Everyone Loves Jenifa,” has had 153,800 total ticket sales as of December 26 and has made N782.8 million in 14 days, on track to surpass the N1 billion mark in fewer days than “A Tribe Called Judah,” her previous record-breaking film, which hit a billion in ticket sales in 21 days.

The movie is already the fastest Nollywood film to gross N500 million, hitting this milestone in just 12 days.

The movie also earned $100,000 during its opening weekend across nine international territories, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.

A breakdown of the numbers across the week revealed that

December 26 was the highest-grossing day in box office history, with ticket sales totalling N256.4 million.

More than 47,500 tickets were sold on the said day, making it the third-highest day for ticket sales behind 55,449 on December 26, 2019, and 52,563 on December 26, 2018.

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” continued its impressive run, becoming the first movie to gross over N100 million in a single day, surpassing its previous record of N89.8 million. Within the week, four titles soared past N25 million in one day, five titles hit N15 million in a day, six titles grossed N10 million in one day, and eight titles grossed over

N5 million.

Industry data from the Nigerian Box Office X page revealed ticket sale performance in the week was led by “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” which made N426.9 million, Mufasa with N173 million, “Alakada: B&B” with N127.3 million, “The Waiter” with N104.2 million, and “Moana 2” with N52.7 million.

Nile Media highlighted that the N1.02 billion figure reflects the passion, creativity, and resilience of the film industry.

“It is proof that our stories matter, that audiences are eager to connect, and that together, we can achieve greatness,” it stated.

He said Governor Fubara had sufficiently blended traits of Dr Odili’s leadership style with his, and steered

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman, of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), thanked the Odilis for organising the family reunion and lauded the governor and his family for showing unassuming humility and honouring the invitation. He also thanked those he described as genuine elders and leaders of the state for joining in the celebration. Odili Has Reduced Himself to Ridiculous Level, Says Wike’s Aide Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Lere Olayinka has described as disappointing, comments made against his principal by Odili. Olayinka, who stated that Odili had lost statesmanship, added that the former governor had reduced himself to a ridiculous level of partisanship. He revealed that Odili would get a deserved response from Wike in the coming days.

Governors, Emir of Ilorin

Condole with Kwara Governor over Chief of Staff's Demise

Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Hammid Shittu in Ilorin and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF); Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF); Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, and the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, have expressed deep condolences to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, over the demise of his Chief of Staff, Prince AbdulKadir Mahe who died yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital.

A statement issued yesterday by the Director General of the NGF, Dr. LOT Shittu, described Prince Mahe as a distinguished public servant, a man of exceptional character, and an embodiment of dedication and loyalty.

''His steadfast commitment to the ideals of good governance and his immeasurable contributions to the development of Kwara State and the nation at large will not be forgotten,'' NGF stated.

The NGF extended heartfelt condolences to Governor Abdulrazaq, the Government and people of Kwara State, and the entire Mahe’s family.

In a separate condolence message signed on behalf of the Chairman of NSGF and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya by his Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, the northern governors described the late Prince as an outstanding administrator who demonstrated commitment, wisdom, and loyalty in the discharge of his duties.

The governors extended their condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and the entire royal family, as well as the government and people of Kwara State over the sad event.

The news of Mahe’s death was confirmed in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

“He died this morning, December 28, 2024, as has been destined by Allah.

“The late CoS will be buried today at his residence on Moro Street, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, after the Asr prayer,” Ajakaye said in a statement.

Meanwhile, in a condolence message issued yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Governor Abiodun described the death of the Chief of Staff as painful, saying it is a great loss to the Kwara State Executive Council.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Vanessa Obioha

Former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili (left), and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, when the former governor hosted Fubara on a Christmas Ballad, at his residence in Port Harcourt…yesterday

CELEBRATING NEWEST COUPLE...

Tension over Removal of Senator’s Billboards in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Political tensions have heightened in Kwara State over the sudden removal of Senator Saliu Mustapha’s billboards erected at strategic areas of Ilorin, the state capital by suspected hoodlums.

Some of Senator Mustapha’s billboards removed included those on Taiwo/Unity Road Junction, Police ‘A’ Division, Maraba, and the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport’s exit gate.

The installed billboards were constructed to convey Christmas greetings to Christians in the state.

THISDAY gathered that the removal of the billboards, might not be unconnected with the alleged governorship ambition of the federal lawmaker come 2027 in the state.

Senator Mustapha who is also Turaki of Ilorin, hails from Kwara Central senatorial district while the incumbent governor, Alhaji AbdulRazaq also hails from the same district.

The senator’s alleged ambition, it was further gathered, is said to be against the position of the state governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who is allegedly backing the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Yakkubu DanladiSalihu as his preferred successor.

The speaker is from the Kwara North senatorial district of the state.

The lawmaker is believed to be more popular than the governor’s choice because of his philanthropic support to the members of the ruling APC and other members of the public in the state.

The cold war between the governor and the senator recently led to the

removal of the lawmaker's billboards after he donated N500 million to construct an ultra-modern pavilion at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin.

The pavilion is intended for use during the annual Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union meetings.

He announced the donation during the 59th Annual General Meeting of the IEDPU, held at the forecourt of the Emir’s palace last Wednesday.

At the event, Mustapha, who was represented by the immediate past Chairman of IEDPU chairman, Alhaji Uthman Ottan, pledged N25 million in donations in addition to the pavilion project.

Other prominent figures also made significant contributions, including the chief launcher, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, who donated N100 million, and Governor AbdulRazaq, who promised to complete all ongoing union projects.

However, the General Manager of the Kwara State Signage and Advertising Agency (KWASAA), Alhaji Ismail Asukuti, also confirmed the incident.

He explained that some of the billboards were removed due to construction work in the area, as well as the non-payment of advertisement fees.

Asukuti said: “Senator Mustapha’s billboard at Police ‘A’ Division was removed because of the construction work in the area. The company handling the construction work on the overhead bridge had marked that the billboard in that area should be removed, while the billboard at Maraba was not paid for by the senator. This is against the advertising law.”

But in his reaction, Mustapha's

13 Passengers Killed in Ondo Road Crash

Fidelis David in Akure

No fewer than 13 passengers were yesterday killed in a ghastly auto crash at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge along Owo-Ikare highway in Ondo State.

The Ondo State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed that the accident, which occurred at 10.14a.m. involved two buses coming from opposite directions.

Sector Commander said although 14 persons were involved, 13 persons were burnt beyond recognition, while one person was rescued alive with serious injuries.

“As at press time, eyewitness

accounts indicated that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst, which led to loss of control and a resultant head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis. Immediately after the collision, the two buses were engulfed in fire. The men of FRSC, police and fire service were at the crash scene for rescue.

“The injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo while the dead ones were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital".

He advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles, encouraging them to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all.

media aide, Andulkareem Alabi, said:

"It's very unfortunate. This isn't the first time Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, would be openly felicitating with the Christians on Christmas and New Year season, but this is the first time the billboards would be very brazenly vandalised in broad daylight.

"There's no justification for the vandalism. We duly paid for the exposure of the campaigns to the relevant federal government agency.

"The only agency of government responsible for exposure of the material is the Advertisement Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). It's a federal agency, not state".

Abdukkareem added, "For the avoidance of doubt, it is not within the legal purview of the state, acting through KWASAA to vet or reject campaigns exposure.

"And that's why it's hard for us to believe that it's an agency of the state government that's responsible

for this act of vandalism.

"Moreso, we believe that the fact that both Senator Saliu Mustapha and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq belong in the same political party, the APC, should matter if there's any issues at all with the campaign.

"But be that as it may, we've duly reported to the relevant security agencies and we're hoping that the criminal act would be thoroughly investigated and justice will eventually be served.

"We're also believing that the Kwara State Government would be alarmed by this sheer act of wickedness, and they would be interested in bringing the culprits to book in order to forestall a recurrence of such criminal act.

"Senator Saliu Mustapha is a gentleman non-discriminatory politician. So, he would wait for the relevant agency of government to act first before taking further actions. But be rest assured that we're not helpless".

At Least 47 Dead as Plane with 181 on Board Crashes in South Korea

South Korean emergency officials have said that 47 people are dead after a plane caught fire during landing at an airport in the country’s south.

The fire engulfed the aircraft carrying 181 people when it skidded off the runway just after landing and struck a barrier. The country’s emergency office said its landing gear appeared to have malfunctioned.

The National Fire Agency said that a total of 47 people on board have been found dead as a result of the incident.

A plane burst into flames after veering off a runway at an airport in South Korea on Sunday, killing at

least 28 people on board, emergency officials said.

The fire engulfed the aircraft carrying 181 people when it skidded off the runway just after landing and struck a barrier. The country’s emergency office said its landing gear appeared to have malfunctioned.

Footage of the crash aired by YTN television showed the Jeju Air plane skidding across the airstrip, apparently with its landing gear still closed, and colliding head-on with a concrete wall on the outskirts of the facility. The transport ministry said the incident happened at 9:03 a.m. local time.

The National Fire Agency said the

fire was almost put out but officials were still trying to pull people from the Jeju Air passenger plane at the airport in the southern town of Muan.

At least 28 people had died in the fire, the agency said. Emergency workers pulled out two people — one passenger and one crew member. It said it deployed 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to contain the fire.

Emergency officials said they were examining the cause of the fire.

Local TV stations aired footage showing thick pillows of black smoke billowing from the plane engulfed with flame.

The incident came as South Korea

is embroiled into a huge political crisis triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning imposition of martial law and ensuing impeachment. Last Friday, South Korean lawmakers impeached acting President Han Duck-soo and suspended his duties, making Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok to take over. Choi ordered officials to employ all available resources to rescue the passengers and crew, according to Yonhap news agency. Yoon’s office said his chief secretary, Chung Jin-suk, will preside over an emergency meeting between senior presidential staff later on Sunday to discuss the crash.

Alia Calls for Unity in Fighting Insecurity in Benue

George Okoh in Makurdi

Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called on the people of Benue to remain resilient and united in the battle against insecurity in the state.

Governor Alia made this appeal yesterday during this year’s prayer pilgrimage for peace at the Cathedral

Church of St. John the Baptist in Gboko.

He emphasised that achieving peace in the state requires collective effort to bridge divides, heal wounds, and build a society where every citizen can prosper.

“We have a problem in our hands, and this problem did not start from somewhere. It started from within ourselves before external forces started leveraging on it to destroy us,” the governor added.

The governor continued by saying that for the state to have lasting peace, the citizens have to put aside their differences and become deliberate in fighting insecurity, stressing that he was only the leader, and all the people are the government. He re-emphasised the willingness of his administration to entrench peace in the state, adding that God has given them peace and they must also give peace.

“For us to get peace, we have to be deliberate, we have to be direct. God has given us peace and we must also give peace.”

Jibrin: Over N500bn Budgeted for North West Development Commission to Take Care of Region

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, yesterday disclosed that over N500 billion has been budgeted for the North West Development Commission to take care of the entire region. Jibrin promised that the commission would engender rapid transformation in the region.

The Deputy Senate President said

this in Kano during the farewell ceremony of the 70 students of Kano State origin he sponsored for higher degrees in relevant fields of study in foreign institutions.

At the event, the senator presented to the students, scholarship materials that included laptops, a Holy Qur'an and travel bags, among others.

He urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of Kano State

and Nigeria during their pursuit of knowledge in different foreign nations.

The lawmaker also urged them to justify the sponsorship for their own benefits and the benefits of their parents, Kano State and Nigeria.

He also advised them to focus on their studies so as to graduate in flying colours and return home to develop themselves, their home state and the nation.

"We will be happy to have you back but when you have something to do you can work and make sure you don't forget home and when you come back, come with development ideas,” Jibrin said. He promised that his foundation would continue to identify deserving students in similar scholarship schemes to improve education in the northern commercial city.

L-R: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the groom, Uthman Badru; his bride, Yetunde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; mother of the groom and former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaja Salmot Badru; and the Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, during the Nikhai reception of Uthman and Yetunde, at the H3 Event Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta…yesterday

cUSTOmer APPrecIATION...

Abductors Demand N75 Million Ransom for Anglican Bishop, Wife, Children in Ondo

Abductors of an Anglican bishop, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife, and children, along Iboropa road in Akoko North-east Local Government Area of Ondo State, have demanded a ransom of N75 million for their release.

The abductors, it was gathered, have opened a line of communication with the victim’s family members and leaders of the Anglican Church.

Narrating the incident, the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada said that the family members were travelling from Ipesi through lsua Akoko when they were abducted.

“They drove from Ipesi through Isua Akoko and when they were between Isua and Ise-Akoko, they were kidnapped. And we didn’t know, until the following morning, when their members discovered that they didn’t get to Ikaram, where they were going. And they were not also at home,” Bada explained.

Bada said the abducted daughter of the clergyman is a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), who was on holiday, while a nine-year-old girl was also abducted alongside the family.

He confirmed that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N75 million for

The Kwara State Police Command yesterday disclosed that 13 victims kidnapped along Obo Aiyegunle road in Ekiti Local Government Area (LGA) of the state have been rescued.

The kidnapped victims were among those who were coming from a wedding ceremony in Egbe town in Kogi State last week when some suspected bandits intercepted their bus and kidnapped them.

The kidnapped victims were later taken to the bush and bandits demanded N100million ransom for their release.

However, the state police command and other security agencies swung into action to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped victims, which yielded results.

In a statement issued in Ilorin, the state capital, by the spokesman of the state police command, DSP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command stated that the rescue of the kidnapped victims was successful during a joint operation involving the police and the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative personnel.

“Acting on credible intelligence and with the support of local informants, the security operatives swiftly mobilised to the suspects’ hideout located in the Idofin-Igbana area.

“Upon sighting the security team, the kidnappers, six in number and some dressed to disguise in military uniforms engaged the operatives in a gun battle but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the rescue team.

“The suspects fled the scene with various degrees of injuries, abandoning their captives in the process.

“The rescued victims included three females and 10 males from various locations, including OdoOwa in Oke-Ero LGA, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and a group of trailer drivers en route to Kogi State.

“While two victims sustained minor gunshot injuries, all victims were immediately provided with medical care at a nearby hospital, stabilised, and subsequently reunited with their families”.

The statement urged the members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines.

the release of the victims.

“But we told them that the money demanded for it was unreasonable; they later agreed to reduce it to N10 million.

“When we gathered some money to go and secure their release, they changed it to N15 million. That’s why we’ve not secured the release of the bishop and his family members.

“The abductors have now insisted on a N75 million

ransom before they could set free the victims,” he added.

The cleric said that the matter had been reported to the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun.

“Amotekun is working because we have reported the matter at the Amotekun office in Akure, and they have started work to secure the release of the victims.

“We have also notified the hunters and reported the matter to the police, both in

Ikare and Isua.

“Presently, Amotekun and the hunters are combing the bush, to ensure the victims are rescued from their captors,” he said.

Also, speaking on the unfortunate incident, the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko North-West Local Government, Sheikh Basiru Aminu, called on religious leaders and the people of the community

to pray for the victims to be released unhurt.

Contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Funmi Odunlami, said that the matter was not reported to any police station. But the state Amotekun commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the abduction of the victims.

Adeleye said “Amotekun Corps is working with other security agencies to secure the release of the victims.”

Abuja Experiences Partial Blackout as TCN Begins Maintenance

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has notified residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) about blackouts in some areas.

In a statement issued yesterday by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN announced that its engineers would conduct planned maintenance exercises at two transmission substations between yesterday and today.

The statement noted that from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, “maintenance will be carried out on a 60MVA

Lokpobiri Visits

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday promised availability of petroleum products in the country just as he visited the fuel stations in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, to monitor the distribution.

Lokpobiri arrived at the Bayelsa State International Airport, Amassoma, at about 11.30 a.m., accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In all the fuel stations, he visited, the minister requested the pump attendants to measure the actual volume being sold to Nigerians to

power transformer and its associated switchgear at the Gwagwalada 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation.”

According to TCN, during the maintenance period, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (Abuja DisCo) “will not be able to supply electricity to customers in Gwagwalada and its environs for four hours only.”

The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria notifies the public that its engineers will conduct planned maintenance exercises at two transmission substations.

Similarly, the statement

added that from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. today, “maintenance work will be carried out on one of the 60MVA power transformers at the Kukwaba 132/33kV Transmission Substation.”

This, according to TCN, will result in power interruptions in Wuye, EFCC, Federal Medical Centre, Coca-Cola, Idu Railway Station, Citec, and Life Camp.

“Also, on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., maintenance work will be carried out on one of the 60MVA power transformers at the Kukwaba 132/33kV Transmission Substation. This will result in power interruption in Wuye, EFCC, Federal

Medical Centre, Coca-Cola, Idu Railway Station, Citec, and Life Camp,” it added.

The company apologised for the inconvenience, noting that maintenance was scheduled to ensure the optimal performance of power equipment.

Earlier this month, TCN postponed planned maintenance on the 150MVA TR2 330/132/33kV transformer at the Gwagwalada 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation. The maintenance, originally scheduled for Saturday, 14th, and Sunday, 15th December 2024, was delayed due to poor power supply complaints from FCT residents.

Fuel Stations, Assures Nigerians of Petrol Availability

test the integrity of their pumps.

Speaking in an interview, Lokpobiri said the purpose of his visit to the fuel stations in the state was to ascertain the availability of products and to ensure Nigerians are not being cheated.

He expressed satisfaction with the availability of petroleum products in line with the deregulation policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, since the assumption of office by President Tinubu, Nigerians are no longer experiencing fuel scarcity due to price hikes.

“This is the second time running under this administration that petroleum products are available

during the festive season. If you recall during the festive season when there is high demand, there is product scarcity leading to price hikes. But last year there was product availability and this year there is product availability.

‘’Now that the oil sector is fully deregulated under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, what the government is concerned about is product availability, and then the product must be dispensed to customers in the right volume.”

“What we have seen in the past is that someone is telling you he is selling 100 litres, when in actual fact you

are being sold 50 litres. That is why without any notice, when I landed, without even getting to my house, I had to visit one station to the other to ensure that Nigerians were not being cheated.”

“The essence of the deregulation can be seen in the price disparity. As government what we need to do is to ensure that the products are available for the benefit of Nigerians.’’ On the issue of dispensing the right volume for the full value of payments made by customers, Lokpobiri demanded that two pumps in two of the filling stations adjust their pumps to dispense the right volume.

Fidelis David in Akure

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

L-R: President, House of Purpose, Prof. Seth Akhilele; Chairman, AA Holdings, Mr. Austin Avuru; Managing Director, Top Services Limited, Mr. Tokunbo Omisore; Group Managing Director/CEO, Futureview Group, Mrs. Elizabeth Ebi; Chairman, MTN, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Director, Dangote Cement, Mr. Emmanuel Ikhazaboh; and Pro-Chancellor, Ondo State University, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, during Customer Appreciation Cocktail organised by Futureview Group at the Lagos Metropolitan Club in Victoria Island... recently

Peter Uzoho

L-R: Executive Secretary,

and

Soludo Declares War on Fake Native Doctors Preparing Charms for Kidnappers, Gunmen

David-Chuddy Eleke in Awka

The Anambra State Government yesterday restated its commitment to the war on ‘fake” and “devilish” native doctors involved in criminalities such as preparing charms for kidnappers and gunmen.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo, during a function in the state recently, declared war on native doctors due to the increasing criminalities in the state, and the declaration generated panic among the native and traditional doctors across the state.

In a statement yesterday, the state Commissioner for

Information, Law Mefor, said clarification as regards the governor’s stance on native doctors became necessary so as to douse the tension and panic it is generating across the state.

Mefor said those genuinely practising the trade have nothing to fear from Soludo’s declaration while insisting that fake native doctors involved in criminal activities must be exposed and brought to justice as a way of sanitising the practice.

He said, “For the sake of the unsuspecting public, I want to address the recent disinformation generated in some desperate quarters over

UNIBEN Orders Immediate Online Clearance for New Students

The management of the University of Benin has ordered the immediate online clearance for newly admitted students for the 2024/2025 academic session.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, said this in a statement yesterday in Benin-City.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s stance on native doctors.

“To set the record straight, Soludo never declared war on all native doctors but rather on fake and devilish native doctors involved in criminal activities.

“Concerned individuals and organisations have been investigating native doctors in the South-East and uncovered shocking revelations that reflect what Soludo is saying.

“Some native doctors are involved in preparing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers and are believed to be involved in evil practices that may not exclude human sacrifices for money and protection.

“These diabolical rituals have given rise to ‘Ego Mbute’, ‘OkeIte’ and ‘Yahoo Plus’ as well as idolatry, making a speedy return to Igbo socio-cultural life, Soludo, out of a sense of

responsibility and responsiveness, has moved to root such diabolical and evil practices out, which have nothing to do with genuine traditional medicine or native doctors who are truly serving God and humanity.”

The commissioner said the governor has, therefore, emphasised the need to expose and deal decisively with native doctors aiding criminality, those promoting some esoteric practices

alien to the Igbo culture of integrity, hard work, morality, and fear of God. He added, “His stance is not a blanket condemnation of traditional medicine or all native doctors, but a targeted effort to root out those using so-called spiritual powers for criminal activities. They are misleading the youths and will turn the state into a soulless society if not stopped.

Controversy Trails Impeachment of Edo LG Chairman by Councillors

Ehanire said the directive affected only candidates already given admission, adding that the admission process remained ongoing even after the notice.

She advised the new students and the clearance officers to take note of the latest information and act accordingly.

She said the exercise was expected to be concluded on January 15, 2025.

New Year: Edo NIPR Canvasses Good Governance, Prudent Resource Management

The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has extended warm New Year felicitations to the people of the state, urging them to embrace hope and remain optimistic as they navigate the challenges of the year ahead.

In a statement issued by the state chapter Chairman, Dr. James-Wisdom Abhulimen, the NIPR urged citizens to remain steadfast and optimistic despite the prevailing economic difficulties even as it enjoined the state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to lead with integrity and ensure the prudent management of the state’s resources.

Dr. Abhulimen emphasised the power of unity and determination in overcoming challenges, asserting, “Our collective strength can shape a

brighter tomorrow for ourselves and future generations.”

The state chairman highlighted the importance of rejecting antidemocratic tendencies, social vices, and corrupt practices, noting their detrimental impact on the economy and national reputation.

He called on citizens to actively contribute to the growth of Edo State and Nigeria in general through honesty, hard work, and dedication to community progress.

Addressing governance, the NIPR appealed to Governor Okpebholo to lead with integrity and ensure the prudent management of the state’s resources.

Abhulimen stressed the need for large-scale infrastructural development to alleviate the people’s hardships and drive the state’s progress.

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City ontroversy has trailed the impeachment of the Chairman of Egor Local Government Council in Edo State, Eghe Ogbemudia, and the vice chairman, Mr. Frank Osawe by the legislative arm of the council.

As a replacement, the Leader of the legislative arm of the council, Kelvin Eguakun, was sworn in as the acting chairman. Ogbemudia and Osawe were

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

A coalition of 25 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing controversy surrounding the selection of a Vice Chancellor for the University of Abuja (UniAbuja).

Speaking during the presentation of their report at the main gate of the University, Dr. Wisdom Ohalete Chinedu who

impeached based on alleged gross misconduct - abuse of office, financial misappropriation, unlawful withholding of statutory allowances of a principal member and three other council members, as well as budget padding.

According to a statement from the acting chairman, the motion for the impeachment was moved by Nosakhare Isiegbuwa and seconded by Stella Ogida Osagioduwa.

spoke on behalf of the group, operating under the name Civil Society Coalition for Educational Development, criticised recent protests by some professors at the university, labelling their actions as unnecessary and counterproductive.

The CSOs alleged that the protest was part of a deliberate effort to undermine the reputation of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Maikudi.

“We wish to begin by

The statement added: “The impeachment proceedings were formally documented in the Edo State Government Gazette, notifying the affected officials of the initiation of impeachment proceedings in line with the Edo LG Bye-law on Pro-Action Notices, Legislative Privileges, and Impeachment Procedures for Elected Council Officials, 2024.”

Sequel to the impeachment of the council chairman and her

expressing unequivocally, our frustration and disappointment over the recent protest by some professors from University of Abuja over the appointment of a substantive vice chancellor in the institution.

“It is an absurdity and a direct attack on due process, betrayal of their experience, and direct assault on the globally demanded agenda to have more women and youths in leadership,” said Chinedu.

vice chairman, the legislative council had earlier suspended its leadership, under Bosede Omokaro (Leader), Iwinosa Enabulele (Majority Leader), and Ambassador Elliot Inneh Enni (Chief Whip).

Subsequently, the new leadership with Kelvin Eguakun as Leader acted swiftly upon receiving a signed petition from four council members calling for the removal of the local government chairman and vice chairman.

The group further condemned the actions of the protesting professors, calling them a “vexatious and demeaning absurdity” aimed at serving parochial interests.

“In a long time, Nigerians have not seen professors involved in such a vexatious and demeaning absurdity, just to satisfy certain quarters that believe it is their exclusive right to decide what happens in the educational system.”

Falana’s Wife Urges FG’s Support for Orphanages in National, State Budgets

The Director of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, Mrs Funmi Falana (SAN), has called on the federal government to initiate policies and programmes that will provide relief to Nigerians and ease the burden of the current economic hardship in the country.

The wife of human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), made the call during a conver-

sation with journalists in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, yesterday, after hosting her annual Christmas party for the children at Erelu Angela Adebayo Children’s Home.

She urged both the federal and state governments to include special provisions for reputable orphanages in their yearly budgets.

She said, “Such special bud-

getary allocations will improve the effective running and management of these homes. It will also complement the efforts of kind-hearted people and philanthropists. You will agree with me that places like these deserve such allocations.”

“Huge amounts of money are allocated to members of the National Assembly,

who number fewer than 500, in the annual budget. The government can do well to allocate adequate funds to orphanages for the benefit of the less privileged.”

Falana, who presented cash gifts, food items, soft drinks, and beverages to the children, urged philanthropists to consider the less fortunate and bring smiles to their faces.

Nigerian Content Development

Monitoring Board, Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe; Chief Executive Officer, Bell Oil and Gas, Dr. Kayode Thomas; Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebe; and Deputy Managing Director, Bell Oil and Gas, Dr Ayo Aderibigbe, at the inauguration of the multi-million dollar pipe threading and valve assembly facility built by Bell Oil and Gas at Lekki Free Zone, Lagos…recently

Editor: Festus Akanbi

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2024 and Unresolved Economic Issues

The year 2024 has intensified Nigeria’s unresolved economic issues, with rising inflation, currency instability, and high costs of living severely impacting businesses and households, straining their survival and growth, writes Festus Akanbi

As the curtain falls on the year 2024 on Tuesday, and Nigerians, like other members of the international community herald the new year on Wednesday, there is a need for Nigerians to be worried that certain economic issues will be carried over to the new year with the potential to blur the gains of the government’s plans for 2025.

Perhaps one issue that has a profound impact on Nigerians the most is the unreliable power supply. In a year where the power sector experienced the collapse of the power grid 12 times, it was a tale of woes for businesses and individuals who had to contend with the high cost of petrol and the attendant strains on businesses.

The performance of the power sector was so abysmal that some critics were surprised that the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, survived the much-publicised cabinet reshuffle in the last quarter of the year.

The minister had assured Nigerians that the country’s power grid would achieve significant stability with the completion of phase one of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), also known as the Siemens project. However, a report showed that despite the huge investment in the power sector, the national grid collapsed about 105 times under the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Findings also showed that Nigeria secured about 10 loans worth $4.36bn from the World Bank over the past decade to address key challenges in its power sector. Although not all 10 World Bank loans have been disbursed completely, the Federal Government and other multilateral agencies have supported the country’s power sector financially.

Pressure on Naira

One of the economic losses in the outgoing year is the pressure on the naira. The naira is one of the worst-performing currencies in sub-Saharan Africa for 2024. According to the latest edition of Africa’s Pulse, a report by the World Bank, as of August 2024, the naira had depreciated by 43% year-to-date, placing it among the weakest currencies in the region, alongside the Ethiopian birr and South Sudanese pound.

The naira’s sharp decline has been attributed to surging demand for US dollars in the parallel market, limited dollar inflows, and delays in foreign exchange disbursements by Nigeria’s central bank. Financial institutions, money managers, and non-financial end-users have driven the demand for dollars, adding to the pressure on the currency.

Despite the federal government’s efforts to stabilise the naira by liberalising the official exchange rate in June 2023, the currency has continued to struggle. The depreciation has worsened inflation, particularly for imported goods, and has increased costs for Nigerian consumers.

On Thursday, December 26, a dollar was exchanged for N1,595 at the black market. This drop in value highlights the persistent pressures on Nigeria’s foreign exchange market and represents a new low point for the currency.

Nigeria’s Forex Market

Nigeria saw a significant rise in foreign capital inflows during the first half of 2024, with an increase of 177% compared to the same period in 2023. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), these flows totalled $5.98 billion. This surge was largely driven by the return of portfolio investors, following the government’s easing of foreign exchange controls. The United Kingdom and the Netherlands were the top sources of foreign capital for Nigeria between January and June 2024, with the banking sector

receiving most of the portfolio investments.

However, according to Fitch Ratings, in 2024, the nation’s foreign exchange market failed to stabilise despite several initiatives by the Central Bank of Nigeria. This view slightly contrasts with a report by the International Monetary Fund, which suggested that the naira was showing signs of stability, owing to recent interest rate hikes and CBN efforts to address outstanding FX obligations.

In its Global Financial Stability Report, the IMF pointed to policy actions by Nigerian authorities, crediting CBN’s efforts to clear overdue FX commitments as key to the naira’s apparent stabilisation. “Policy actions by local authorities have also resulted in positive developments; for example, in Nigeria, rate hikes and the clearing of overdue domestic central bank foreign exchange obligations have helped the naira show more signs of stability,” the IMF noted in its report.

Inflation

The year 2024 also saw inflation figures trending upward as Nigerians have to pay higher for food and transportation, among others. Nigeria’s inflation rate rose for the third straight month in November 2024, soaring to a near 30-year high of 34.6%, up from 33.9% in the prior month. Food inflation surged to 39.93% in November, a sharp increase from 32.84% in November 2023, mainly due to higher prices of staple foods, including yams, water yams, cocoyams, guinea corn, maize, rice, beer, and vegetable oil.

The cost of food increased 39.93 per cent in November of 2024 over the same month in the previous year. Food Inflation in Nigeria averaged 13.86 per cent from 1996 until 2024, reaching an all-time high of 40.87 per cent in June of 2024 and a record low of -17.50 per cent in January of 2000.

Food Insecurity

One major problem that reared its head in the outgoing year was that of food insecurity. Anew

assessment has found that a staggering 33 million people will face acute food insecurity in Nigeria in 2025, with the number of people facing emergency levels of need projected to almost double.

The report said that nationally, the number of people experiencing emergency levels of food insecurity is projected to increase from 1 million people in the peak of the 2024 lean season to 1.8 million people during the same period in 2025, representing a worrying 80 percent rise.

It explained further that approximately 5.4 million children and nearly 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of acute malnutrition or wasting from six of the most affected states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in the northeast, and Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara in the northwest. Of these, an alarming 1.8 million children could face Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and require critical nutrition treatment.

Nigeria grapples with economic hardship, coupled with record-high inflation. This is a record increase in food prices amid record-high transportation costs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the price of beans in October 2024 was 282 per cent above the same period in 2023. Similarly, the price of local rice rise by 153 percent compared to October last year. These economic shocks resulted in the continuous devaluation of the local currency (Naira) against the United States Dollar (USD), external economic factors, and last year’s policy changes on discontinuation of the fuel subsidy.

Industry In the year under review, industrial

performance was nothing to cheer about as a combination of high energy costs and unreliability of government policies are killing local initiatives. According to findings of a survey that provided materials for the economic review, the capacity utilisation in the Nigerian manufacturing sector showed a slight year-on-year decline to 56.4 per cent in H1 2024, from 56.5 per cent in H1 2023. The trend continued till the end of the year.

In addition, the inventory of unsold finished products in the manufacturing sector also surged by 357.57 per cent year-on-year; reaching N1.24 trillion in H1 2024. Also, the employment generation capacity of the manufacturing sector continued its decline, with only 2,606 jobs created in H1 2024, which represented a 29.99 per cent reduction from H2 2023.

Fuel Price

One of the issues that Nigerians contended with in the outgoing year was that of the indiscriminate hike in petrol price. So far, this has attracted a 488 per cent jump from N175 in May 2023 when the current administration came into being to N1,030 in October 2024. Although there was a reprieve by the coming onstream of the Dangote Refineries and the resumption of oil production at the Port Harcourt Refinery, analysts said the reprieve is not strong enough to make a difference in the coming year.

However, the local production of petrol hasn’t been able to bring down the product’s price to its pre-May 2023 threshold. The rising fuel cost, which now sells for above N1,000 in many stations nationwide, has complicated the nation’s inflationary position. As the high cost of fuel put pressure on manufacturers of goods and services, the Nigerian people are always at the receiving end as they have to cope with the corresponding hike in prices of goods and services.

President Tinubu

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ETIM ETIM reckons that the banks have barely 15 months to meet the deadline

Facing HUnger

The no hunger food banking programs serve as critical lifelines by distributing food to combat hunger in the north, writes GBADEBO ODULARU recaPitaLiSatiOn and tHe BanKS

See Page 20

Any alliance with France must be scrutinised through the lens of national interest, argues PHranK SHaiBU

Between n igeria and France

Of late, France has found itself in the throes of a diplomatic crisis in Africa, particularly in West Africa, where it has, for decades, maintained a stranglehold on its former colonies. Under the guise of granting paper independence, France has continued to exert an exploitative grip on Francophone African countries. These nations have their reserves tucked away in Paris, their currencies printed and controlled by France, and remain shackled by policies that leave them with little or no autonomy over their monetary and fiscal systems.

However, after decades of this neo-colonial exploitation — aptly described by some as outright criminal — winds of change are sweeping across the region. Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and other nations have begun to repudiate France’s domineering influence. In many of these countries, military coups have brought to power new leaders who have dismantled French businesses and expelled French troops, signalling the end of an era for France in the region. This unravelling has left France a virtual orphan in West Africa, a position the former colonial power is unaccustomed to.

Amid this fallout, France appears to be scrambling for relevance in the region it once considered its backyard. In this desperate quest, a curious and unprecedented alliance seems to be emerging between the French Republic and Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Historically, Nigeria has maintained cautious relations with France, largely shaped by mutual suspicion. France has always viewed Nigeria — a resource-rich giant surrounded by Francophone neighbours — as both a competitor and a threat to its influence in West Africa. Nigeria, on the other hand, has not forgotten France’s antagonistic role during its civil war. France was the only European country to openly support the Biafran secessionists, providing them with diplomatic recognition, military aid, and a political asylum pipeline. These actions were not just unfriendly — they were hostile and left a lasting scar on Nigeria’s diplomatic memory. Yet, today, we are witnessing a paradigm shift. The Tinubu administration seems to be warming up to France in a way no Nigerian government has done since independence in 1960. This sudden “romance” raises eyebrows,

especially against the backdrop of France’s diminishing footprint in West Africa. Could Nigeria be serving as the new base for France’s lost military and economic enterprises? Is Tinubu opening the gates for France to reestablish its fading dominance, not through Francophone territories, but by leveraging Nigeria’s geopolitical clout?

Such questions are not farfetched. France, in its desperation, is undoubtedly seeking a strategic ally in the region. Nigeria, as the largest economy and most populous nation in Africa, presents an alluring option. For France, aligning with Tinubu could mean regaining a foothold in West Africa — a critical region for its global ambitions. But what does this alliance mean for Nigeria?

This “romance” cannot be dismissed as mere diplomacy; it has far-reaching implications. Nigeria risks becoming a pawn in France’s neo-colonial chess game, a tool for maintaining relevance in a region that is increasingly rejecting French influence. Beyond economic ties, this alliance could open the door for French military ambitions to creep into Nigeria under the guise of “security cooperation.” Such a development would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and regional leadership aspirations. Even more troubling is the symbolism of this alliance. At this point, it appears President Tinubu runs to France for anything for approval. This level of dependency raises questions about who truly controls Nigeria’s foreign policy. How can a nation as historically proud and independent as Nigeria allow itself to be drawn into such an undignified position?

Furthermore, this relationship

ignores the historical wounds inflicted by France. The memories of France’s meddling during the Nigerian Civil War should serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in cosying up to a nation with a track record of exploiting Africa for its gain.

While the motivations behind this newfound partnership remain speculative, one thing is clear: France’s interest in Nigeria is not altruistic. It is rooted in selfpreservation and the desperate attempt to maintain a foothold in a region that has increasingly grown hostile to its machinations. For Nigeria, the stakes are high. Any alliance with France must be scrutinized through the lens of national interest and historical experience.

The Tinubu administration must tread carefully. Nigeria cannot afford to become a stepping stone for France’s resurgence in West Africa, nor can it allow itself to be manipulated into a subservient role in a relationship historically marked by exploitation. The romance with France must be approached with vigilance and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and leadership in Africa.

The question, therefore, is not just where this alliance is heading, but whether it is worth the price Nigeria may have to pay. Only time will tell if this partnership will serve Nigeria’s interests or if it will reduce the nation to yet another pawn in France’s relentless quest for dominance in Africa.

SUPPORTING VULNERABLE FAMILIES FACING HUNGER RECAPITALISATION AND THE BANKS

ETIM ETIM

reckons that the banks have barely 15 months to meet the deadline

With only 15 months left for banks to meet the deadline for the new share capital benchmarks, the Central Bank has warned that the March 2026 deadline will not be shifted. Speaking to this writer, a CBN director said, “the idea of extension or shift of the deadline does not arise. They were given more than two years to meet the new threshold, and by our calculations, that is enough time. We are not contemplating an extension’’. So far, of Nigeria’s 36 lenders, only Access Holdings has concluded the capital raising exercise, bringing in a little over N351 billion from its Rights Issue of 17.772 billion shares that sold for N19.75 per share. The offer closed in August. With this, Access Bank has thus become the first to meet the CBN’s N500 billion minimum capital requirements for Banks with International Authorization well ahead of the March 2026 regulatory deadline. The bank’s share capital would increase to N600 billion, N100 billion above the regulatory minimum requirement.

For the other 35 banks, the next one year will be a crowded and busy period. A few have gone far while many others are yet to make appreciable progress. Some like the other four tier one lenders – GT; UBA; First Bank and Zenith – have already announced their offers, but are yet to conclude the process, others, especially the small regional and some national banks are still lagging behind. There have been a host of challenges, though, even among the big ones. FBN Holdings, the parent company of First Bank, has had its programme slowed down considerably by Boardroom crisis. The long drawn battle between Femi Otedola and Oba Otudeko for the control of the company has just been settled, with Otedola emerging chairman of the holding company. While Zenith Bank has had to juggle both capital raising with reconstituting itself into a holding company at the same time, GT Bank has just survived a major service disruption due to migration to a new IT platform.

To meet the new capital requirement, the banks are expected to go for public offers; rights issues; private placements; mergers and acquisitions or a combination of these. In terms of mergers and acquisitions, there are indications that two banks, Providus and Unity, are in talks to merge together. Both are national banks, but with a combined market share of less than 20 per cent in terms of deposit liabilities. Providus has a huge Lagos State shareholding just as Northern State governments hold huge interests in Unity Bank. “That’s the only discussions in the market for now for mergers and acquisition; but I won’t be surprised if more candidates join the discussions in the next few months’’, said a senior executive of a bank.

Younger and better managed banks seem to be doing better generating new capital. A senior official of Globus Bank said his bank is on track to meet the deadline. “We are raising N150 billion through a private placement and Rights Issue. The first has been successfully completed and we are on the second phase now’’, he said, noting that they

prefer to approach the process in a rather quiet and restrained manner. Globus has a national license and the minimum for this category is N200 billion.

For Access Holdings, the process has become quite momentous. It has become the first Nigerian financial holding company to successfully execute a fully digital Rights Issue embracing the power of technology to improve access to equity capital market. By leveraging the NGX’s E-offer platform, the company provided its shareholders with a convenient and efficient subscription process, leading to the participation of many of its retail shareholders in addition to institutional investors. Speaking on the successful offer, Board Chairman Aigboje AigImoukhuede, said: “The Access brand has always resonated strongly with the local and international capital markets. Since 2004, Access Bank has raised billions of dollars in capital to meet successive CBN recapitalization directives. We are pleased that this time we are the first to breast the tape. The success of the Rights Issue demonstrates the resilience of Nigeria’s capital market and reinforces our shareholders confidence in the present value and potential of our company’’.

While a few banks are already set on a course of action to meet the deadline, many others are still weighing their options. As a CEO pointed out, “it is too early to understand the options that they would explore. It would become clearer as we get into the second half of 2025’’.

Nonetheless, the Nigerian capital market has once again demonstrated capacity and depth to meet the expectations of investors, issuers and professionals. We saw this during the indigenization programme of Gen. Yakubu Gowon; the privatization programme of Gen. Babangida and the consolidation programme of President Obasanjo. Its mutualization a decade ago also signified the market’s ability to adapt to change.

The no hunger food banking programs serve as critical lifelines by distributing food to combat hunger in the north, writes GBADEBO ODULARU

Maternal and child hunger, along with the increasing inaccessibility of affordable, nutritious food, has reached an unbearable level among Nigerian families, particularly affecting the most vulnerable populations in northern Nigeria. This situation is exacerbated by political instability, soaring living costs, and inequities within economic systems.

According to the Cadre Harmonise analysis, 33.1 million Nigerians will face hunger in 2025, seven million more than the same period in 2023. In addition, the Global Hunger Index 2024 gives Nigeria a score of 28.8, indicating a ‘serious’ level of hunger, such that in 2024 last quarter, 25.1 Nigerians experienced acute food insecurity. This disparity highlights the complex relationship between income, employment, opportunities, policies, and community development, as evidenced during the December 14 NHFB Temporary Food Assistance Programme (TFAP) outreach event at the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.

TFAP consists of two components: food boxes and cognitively oriented games. The mental games serve as a community development engagement intervention designed to foster cognitive growth in children, enhancing their learning proficiency in schools. Every NHFB TFAP outreach event implements these dual-pronged community engagement and hunger relief strategies.

The No Hunger Food Banking programs serve as critical lifelines, providing immediate relief by distributing food to combat hunger, stunting, and malnutrition in northern Nigeria. By redirecting post-harvest food from farmers to NHFB, beneficiary communities can reduce food loss while simultaneously addressing hunger. This dual approach, along with NHFB’s essential support pillars through food banking, empowerment, and policy advocacy for economically disadvantaged Nigerians, fosters sustainable practices that benefit the environment. NHFB acts as a vital safety net for northern Nigerian communities, with its network encompassing hunger-relief interventions aimed not only at alleviating hunger but also at raising awareness about the systemic issues that contribute to it. Furthermore, NHFB implements a two-pronged, evidence-based food systems-led community engagement policy to support agrifood rescue through the NHFB food recovery programs and the Global Food Banking Network (GFN) food donation strategies.

The December 14 NHFB TFAP outreach event at the IDP camp was a timely initiative aimed at distributing TFAP boxes to the most vulnerable IDPs in the Durumi community of Abuja. The experience during the event revealed the complexities surrounding food shortages and food insecurity, as well as the malnourishment and stunting glaringly apparent among children, mothers, and the elderly. This experience prompted the NHFB Management to recognize the need for community-driven educational and empowerment innovations to enhance the food systems in northern Nigeria. One potential solution involves forging strategic partnerships between NHFB, northern Nigerian

communities, select corporate organizations, and government agencies focused on hunger eradication. Specifically, the NHFB food drive strategy emphasizes the importance of collective action in overcoming the hunger challenges faced by vulnerable Nigerian communities. NHFB believes that the success of its food drive operations fundamentally determines how effectively Nigeria will address hunger and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) two.

During the December 14 TFAP event, upon arriving at the Durumi IDP Camp, I observed that other foundations were providing nonfood services and meal interventions for the IDP children. Since TFAP represents a twoweek hunger-relief program, the presence of other NGOs did not deter the NHFB Leadership and President from fulfilling its humanitarian role to the beneficiaries as planned. NHFB implemented its TFAP boxes distribution toolkits as outlined in its distribution manual.

The interrelationship between NHFB’s goals and my community engagement responsibilities continues to play a pivotal role in addressing maternal and child hunger while developing viable community resilience initiatives to tackle hunger, unemployment, and socioeconomic issues. Despite well-planned and coordinated food banking operations like the NHFB TFAP event, the food bank still confronts complexities and hidden uncertainties in its food distribution, while ongoing supply chain challenges remain increasingly surmountable—that is a key aspect of my role as the food bank community engagement manager.

NHFB recognizes that hunger constitutes a profound community engagement challenge, particularly in northern Nigerian communities facing heightened displacement, alarming rates of out-of-school children, socioeconomic disparities, climate change, relatively higher illiteracy levels, social unrest, banditry, cultural diversity, and declining collective community initiatives. NHFB’s multifaceted, community engagementled food drives and nutrition education advocacy tools offer solutions for addressing hunger-related problems and mobilizing action to support Nigeria’s growing homeless populations. As we prepare for the next TFAP event on January 5th, we must acknowledge the vital role of NHFB’s collective efforts, including food drives and agricultural rescue initiatives, in combating food insecurity within our community. NHFB is committed to deploying an integrated solution to realize a resilient and safe Nigerian food system while promoting access to nutritious food that is affordable and widely available.

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

AS ECOWAS COMES APART...

The failure to bring the three countries back into their fold could have significant impact on business and trade in the region

In a significant blow to regional unity and efforts to boost economic and security cooperation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the joint withdrawal of three of its founding members from the regional body. The three departing countries, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all ruled by military juntas, will formally leave the bloc in January 2025. Even though they have been offered a six-month grace period to reconsider their decision, there is nothing to suggest that any of them will. They will be joining Mauritania that left the bloc in 2000.

With their exit, the 15-member bloc will lose about 76 million of its more than 400 million people, and more than half its total geographical land area. The withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso marked the culmination of a turbulent period in the Sahel, where series of coups since 2020 have brought military authorities to power. ECOWAS has directed the Council of Ministers to convene an extraordinary session during the second quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt both separation modalities and the contingency plan covering political and economic relations with the breakaway states.

The three states had last January announced their decision to withdraw from the body, accusing the regional bloc of treating them badly, and criticising the imposition of sanctions, and the threatened military interventions. They argued that ECOWAS failed to help them fight raging jihadist insurgencies and complained that it was working too closely with France and other Western powers. The three countries are increasingly gravitating towards Russia, at the expense of France, their colonial ruler, to fight armed jihadists who are waging an insurgency in the region.

Nigeria’s leadership of the regional body should not just end with picking up the bills.

It must do more to contain the increasing Russian influence, and even more, stem military dictatorships in the sub-region

The imminent unravelling of the 50-year-old ECOWAS is partly the result of recent regional and international developments. Democratic rule has failed to bring neither security nor economic contentment in most West African countries. Jihadist insurgency in the Sahel has spread southwards to unsettle dirt-poor states with weak military forces led by politically ambitious young officers. A shrinking French interest and capacity to pay the bills of its former colonies has also attracted a newly ambitious Russia to explore the region for extractive territories.

As an ideal and a reality, ECOWAS has largely failed to realise its originating objectives. Neither economic development nor meaningful integration can be said to have been realised. The free cross border movement of poor and hungry citizens and scraggy livestock is by no means a sensible definition of economic integration. Even then, as has been demonstrated by the plight of the European Union (EU) after the disastrous Brexit gambit by the United Kingdom, the use of hasty political expediency to dismantle long standing regional cooperation bodies often ends badly.

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But for ECOWAS, failure to bring the three countries back into their fold could have significant impact on business and trade throughout the region. Border closures create uncertainty, slowing economic activity and impacting local industries dependent on trade. This is particularly true on reinstatement of tariffs, and an end to free crossborder movement of people. But the coastal states would also be affected too as most are largely dependent on livestock from across the Sahel. More than half of the meat consumed in Côte d’Ivoire, for instance, is reportedly produced in the Central Sahelian States. Besides, infrastructural projects like roads and others like Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline may suffer.

Worse still, to allow transient military autocracies to damage long standing regional institutions signals a farreaching danger for the political future of a region whose member nations are both poverty-stricken and militarily weak. A new wave of Russian dominated instability may be in the horizon. It signals an impending distortion and complication of the untidy emerging world order. For Nigeria and the rest of ECOWAS, therefore, the immediate challenge is that of mature diplomacy and committed statesmanship.

Mature statesmanship should encourage the return of civil rule in the rebelling countries as quickly as expedient. Sanctions should only be applied to encourage reasonable political behaviour, not necessarily to punish coup makers per se. More importantly, the attention of the United Nations should be drawn to the nefarious activities of Russia in West Africa. Nigeria’s leadership of the regional body should not just end with picking up the bills. It must do more to contain the increasing Russian influence, and even more, stem military dictatorships in the sub-region.

Letters in response to specific publications in THiSDAY should be brief(150-200 words) and straight to the point. interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. we also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer

LETTERS

ABIA AIRPORT: MISPLACED PRIORITY OR STRATEGIC INVESTMENT?

In 2023, during the build-up to the gubernatorial elections, I commended then-candidate Alex Otti for his audacity and vision. His manifesto got me listening. There was this deep understanding of Abia State’s challenges and a clear plan to address them. Fast forward to today, and recent developments leave me questioning that optimism.

On Tuesday, December 17th, there was a flag-off ceremony for a new airport project in Abia State. Described as a partnership between the state and federal governments, it has been touted as a step toward “ enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.” While the federal government initially planned an airstrip, the state government proposed upgrading it to a full-fledged airport. On paper, it’s an ambitious venture, but is it what Abia

State truly needs right now, especially after just one year in office?

A critical evaluation of Abia’s infrastructure raises serious concerns. Does the state have the facilities to justify embarking on such a massive project? Before considering an airport, shouldn’t the government prioritize essential infrastructure like good roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and maybe rail systems? These are projects that directly impact the daily lives of the hoi polloi.

The majority of Abia’s population comprises civil servants whose wages barely cover basic needs, let alone the luxury of air travel. This raises an important question: Who is this airport for? Is it intended to serve the general populace, or is it more for

the convenience of the political elite, including the governor, to facilitate their movements?

Some states have embarked on these same ventures, and the track record across Nigeria isn’t encouraging. Many state owned airports have struggled to stay afloat, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria often stepping in to manage them. Can Abia avoid a similar fate? Airports are not only costly to construct but also expensive to maintain, with maintenance costs over five years often equalling the initial construction expenses. The risk of this project becoming another white elephant looms large.

Governor Otti’s decision to prioritize an airport seems to contradict all the global developmental indices. Basic needs such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure

should take precedence over such high capital ventures. An airport may offer glitz and glamour, but does it align with Abia’s immediate developmental goals? Is it a strategic investment for long-term growth or a symbolic move to enhance the administration’s profile as governments across the states are wont?

At this point, the project seems to be a done deal, leaving little room for reversal. However, it is imperative for Governor Otti to weigh the costs and benefits carefully, ensuring that pressing needs of Abians are not sidelined Focusing on the basics and building an Abia that serves all rather than just a privileged few cannot be overemphasized.

Chiechefulam Ikebuiro, chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

At Tony Elumelu’s Yuletide Soirée, Superstars, Tycoons, Party in Dreamy White

Lanre Alfred

Yes, there’s money, and then there’s class.

The two are often separated. But in billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu, they merge. The Chairman, United Bank for Africa is both a man of money and panache. He is also a man of great repute.

As Lagos’ December sky donned its silky garb, Elumelu’s residence became a surreal Nirvana of sorts. Inside his Eden, the air itself shimmered in anticipation of an annual fest as guests - glamorous, illustrious, draped in pristine white - glided through the gates and into a world where elegance is law and joy pirouettes as the currency of the night.

In the constellation of high society, only one star burns with a light so bright, so steady, and commanding, that it bends the orbit of the elite toward it every December: Tony Elumelu. The Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation is not merely a man of wealth. He is a master architect of influence, a luminary who merges affluence with artistry, power with poise. His 2024 Yuletide White Party stands as a testament to his singular ability to summon the finest of Nigeria’s movers and shakers into one grand, glimmering space, and leave them enthralled.

Elumelu wields his affluence with the deftness of a peerless maestro of finance and fun. His annual white-themed extravaganza is more than a party - it is a cultural concerto, a dance of class and charisma that no other magnate can match. Where others host gatherings, Elumelu orchestrates experiences. His parties are not merely attended; they are celebrated, immortalized in social lore and splashed across the annals of affluence.

In Elumelu, the jungle of high society finds its lion. The comparison is no idle metaphor. He embodies the grace, the power, and the effortless dominance of the Panthera Leo. When he roars - with a gesture, an invitation, a quiet word-the ranks of Nigeria’s elite stir. They heed the call, their admiration hardly borne of fear, but of reverence.

In a landscape cluttered with the gauche displays of new money, where opulence too often descends into ostentation, Elumelu’s gatherings stand apart. His affluence is not clad in garish gold or suffocating damask; it is draped in an understated sophistication. His parties breathe with the freedom of authentic class - a world where wealth is worn lightly, like a well-tailored suit.

This is why, year after year, Nigeria’s high society answers his summons. The captains of industry, the titans of politics, the icons of entertainment, and the divas of fashion - they all converge on his estate, bound by the invisible gravity of his presence.

The 2024 Yuletide White Party was a night sculpted in splendour. The guests sauntered into an atmosphere that melded the crisp purity of white with the warmth of shared revelry. The residence, expansive and grand, glowed like a beacon of cultivated taste. This was no mere house; it was a sanctuary of style, a temple where affluence and elegance intertwined – and the creme de la creme of Nigeria’s high society drifted through the evening, enchanted.

The guest list read like a roll call of excellence - a testament to Elumelu’s unparalleled magnetism. And then, the music. The night’s pulse quickened as Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido took the stage, each performance a crescendo

of energy and artistry. The crowdluminaries in their own right—swayed and sang, their voices rising in jubilant harmony. Favour added his magic to the night, their melodies weaving a rich tapestry of sound that blanketed the air.

Elumelu, the sovereign host, was not content to merely observe. He danced - his movements a subtle reminder that joy, too, is a form of wealth. His wife, Dr. Awele, joined him, their shared smiles a portrait of enduring love amidst the dazzle of high society.

What makes Elumelu’s gatherings transcend the ordinary is his meticulous artistry. Hosting, in his hands, is an elevated craft. The ambiance, the decor, the flow of conversation - everything is orchestrated to perfection. The champagne flows not merely as a beverage, but as liquid celebration. The delicacies are not just food, but curated delights designed to enchant the palate.

His home itself stands as a testament to this mastery. Unlike the gilded cages of lesser magnates, Elumelu’s residence exudes a refined grandeur. Here, affluence is not screamed but whispered. The beauty is not in excess but in balance,

in the seamless blend of comfort and magnificence.

In a country where high society is often marred by empty spectacle, Tony Elumelu has rewritten the narrative. His parties are not exercises in vanity, but celebrations of connection, influence, and shared joy. He is a magnate who understands that true wealth lies not only in numbers but in the lives one touches, the experiences one creates.

His Yuletide White Party is not just an event; it is a phenomenon. It is a night that sets the tone for the year’s end, a crescendo of elegance that leaves an indelible mark on the social calendar. While others strive to emulate, Elumelu innovates. Where others flaunt, he inspires.

Elumelu’s life - curated, cultured, and captivating - has earned him the moniker of the “King of Soft Life.” This pop-culture phrase, synonymous with ease and opulence, fits him like a bespoke suit. But in his hands, “soft life” is more than indulgence. It is a philosophy of grace under success, of dignity wrapped in delight.

When rapper M.I Abaga

immortalized him in the lyrics of “Soft Life Tony,” it was not mere flattery. It was recognition of a man who lives his wealth with a poetry that few can achieve. His life - filled with jet-set adventures, exquisite tastes, and generous philanthropy - is a masterclass in living well.

As the final notes of music drifted into the Lagos night, as the last glass of champagne was savoured, the 2024 Yuletide White Party drew to a close. But its echoes lingered. In the days that follow, social media will buzz with posts and hashtags – as photos gleam, videos sparkle, and memories etched into the annals of high society, colour the breadth and depth of Nigeria’s social lore.

Tony Elumelu - banking titan, philanthropist, and connoisseur of classonce again proved that whenever he hosts, the world listens. His party was not just an event, but a proclamation: that wealth, when paired with taste, becomes an art form.

In the galaxy of Nigeria’s elite, Elumelu is the sovereign star. And every December, when he calls his court to gather, they come both out of duty, and sheer, undeniable delight.

elumelu and his wife, Awele

Governor Sanwo-Olu (right) and Oliver Alawuba

Dapo Abiodun and Tayo Ayeni

elumelu and Artiste, Flavour

The Muvmnt Studio hosted an exclusive cocktail party to unveil a specially curated podcast series, “BB Uncovered: An 80Year Odyssey,” to celebrate Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, a trailblazer in marketing and one of Africa’s most iconic business leaders.

The podcast provided a platform to honour Dr. Shobanjo’s sterling career, and remarkable legacy. Attendees enjoyed exclusive previews of the podcast and heartfelt tributes from legends and industry experts, underscoring the profound influence BB has had on individuals and the industry at large.

Fondly referred to as “BB” in close circles, Dr. Shobanjo’s achievements include founding trailblazing companies such as Insight Communications, now Insight Redefini, Quadrant MSL, All Seasons Zenith, Halogen Group amongst others. His contributions have transformed Nigeria’s marketing communications and security sectors while inspiring generations of professionals.

The event brought together an esteemed gathering of marketing legends, industry leaders, media icons, communications experts, family, and friends who featured in the series. Notable attendees included luminaries like Sir Steve Omojafor, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Steve Babaeko, Lanre Adisa, and other prominent stakeholders, all celebrating a man whose visionary leadership has redefined industries across Nigeria and Africa.

The three-part podcast series, now streaming exclusively on Muvmnt Studio, takes listeners on an inspiring journey through Dr. Shobanjo’s life from the lens of those privileged to experience him. It features deeply personal narratives from family, close friends, trusted allies, and professional peers. The series provides a rare and intimate insight into the challenges, triumphs, and principles that define his enduring legacy in marketing, advertising, and beyond.

“BB Uncovered is more than a podcast series; it’s a tribute to resilience, innovation, impact, and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Tosin Adefeko, CEO, of AT3 Resources - The Muvmnt Agency. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate a visionary whose leadership has transformed industries and inspired countless lives including mine.”

Listeners can explore anecdotes from BB’s humble beginnings, his groundbreaking achievements, and the enduring legacy of excellence, mentorship, and nation-building he continues to uphold.

Marketing Legends, Media Icons, Others Celebrate Biodun Shobanjo at 80 Moment Doris Ogah Emerged Winner of Miss Nigeria 2024

Yinka Olatunbosun

In a night filled with feminine energy, cultural pride and excitement, Doris Ogah, a 26-year-old lawyer and model representing the South-south region, emerged as the 45th Miss Nigeria. For the grand coronation ceremony held on December 19, 2024, destination was the Royal Box, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which was a showcase of beauty, intelligence, and cultural heritage, saw Doris Ogah rise above 44 other contestants to claim the coveted crown. She succeeds Shatu Garko, who left behind a legacy of impact and inspiration during her reign.

The journey began with 20 finalists selected from different geopolitical zones, eventually narrowing down to a top 10 that included: Ann Eneanya, Abosede Sorinola, Oluwatofunmi Adekola, Praise Obafemi, Diane Paul, Simeon Obianujuwa, Faith Ogbele, Divine Nelson, Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya, and Doris Ogah.

In a thought-provoking question-andanswer session, the contestants were asked, “If you win your crown tonight, how will you use your platform to address the challenges faced by Nigerian youths?”

From there, Ann Eneanya, Divine Nelson, Diane Paul, Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya, and Doris Ogah advanced to the final five. Following another round of engaging responses, the judges crowned Doris Ogah as Miss Nigeria 2024.

The evening kicked off with a vibrant cultural attire showcase, followed by a dance performance by the contestants- a remix performance of the Nigerian National

Anthem. Adding to the excitement was an electrifying musical performance by Kcee.

The event was hosted by former beauty queen Adaeze Aduaka, with Beauty Tukura engaging guests on the red carpet.

The panel of judges, led by media mogul Mo Abudu, included prominent personalities like designer Mai Atafo, actress Kate Henshaw, photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi, actress Ini Edo, TV host Michelle Dede, and former Miss Nigeria Ezinne Akudo Anyaoha, among others.

In her farewell speech, Shatu Garko, the 44th Miss Nigeria shared heartfelt advice with her successor.

“To my successor, congratulations on beginning this incredible chapter. Embrace this journey with an open heart. Your crown is more than a symbol, it is a tool to inspire and uplift others. Trust yourself, because you have everything it takes to shine in this role.

“As I hand over this crown, I do so with gratitude and hope for the future. Though my reign ends here, the impact and memories will stay with me forever. This is not a goodbye, it is the beginning of a new chapter,” she said.

This year’s competition, spearheaded by Rita Dominic Anosike, Chairman of the Board and owner of Audrey Silva Company (TASC), emphasised unity and cultural representation.

“We want to inspire unity. Regardless of where you are from, it is possible to embrace one another. This pageant is not just about beauty; it’s about strength, intelligence, and national pride,” Dominic said.

The competition began with an open call for participants, where interested individuals registered by filling out forms before taking part in a screening process. From there, judges selected contestants to join a twoweek orientation camp. During this camp,

they completed tasks to test their skills in various areas and received training to develop entrepreneurial abilities, gain empowerment, and learn about the responsibilities of an ambassador.

In the past, contestants were identified by numbers during live shows. However, in 2010, they began representing Nigerian states instead. For the 2024 pageant, the format changed again, with contestants now representing the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to promote unity.

For the first time, participants from all regions of the country, regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds, are taking part to celebrate Nigeria’s rich heritage. Miss Nigeria 2024 is more than a beauty pageant—it is a movement that promotes national unity and provides women with a platform to showcase their strength, intelligence, and cultural pride.

As the new Miss Nigeria 2024, Ogah will enjoy a cash prize, a luxury car, a diamond-encrusted crown, and lucrative endorsement deals. Beyond these rewards, Ogah will embark on a journey to inspire young Nigerians, promote cultural heritage, and advocate for meaningful social causes.

Since its inception in 1957, the Miss Nigeria pageant has been more than just a beauty contest. It has served as a platform for young Nigerian women to grow, inspire, and lead.

This year’s event has set a new standard, focusing on national unity, cultural pride, and empowerment. With Doris Ogah now carrying the crown, the future of Miss Nigeria shines brighter than ever. Universe crown, Adetshina’s journey is far from over. As she hinted at her plans to hit the runway and pursue a career in acting, it is clear that her future holds even more promise. Ogah

Dr. Biodun Shobanjo

L-r: Lanre Adisa, Founder/Chief Creative Officer, Noah’s Ark; Oluwasola Obagbemi, Corporate Communications Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Meta; Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Holdings; Tosin Adefeko, CeO, AT3 resources - The Muvmnt Agency, and Steve Babaeko, CeO/CCO, X3M Ideas

Culture Landscape

As the curtain closes on 2024, it’s clear that the realms of arts, entertainment, fashion, sports, and global discourse were shaped by a dynamic group of individuals whose creativity, vision and influence continue to captivate audiences worldwide. From groundbreaking moments to disruptive trends with some stirring heated debates, Adedayo Adejobi highlights the personalities that defied gravity this year. edited by: VAN e SSA o BI o HA/vanessa.obioha@thisdaylive.com.

Soyinka Davido

Aburime-Asom Funke

Badenochv

Burna Boy

Tems

Ademola-Lookman

2024 Top Shapers & Shakers of Nigeria’s Culture Landscape

Wole Soyinka - Literature

This global humanist commands reverence and great admiration in the annals of African literary history. In July 2024, the Nobel Laureate, playwright, novelist, poet and essayist, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde “Wole” Soyinka hit the ripe age of 90, and the world stood still in his honour, adoration, and celebration of the unparalleled literary giant.

A series of activities were activated in Nigeria and beyond the shores. President Bola Tinubu renamed the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, after Soyinka, commemorating his landmark birthday. Professor Soyinka’s journey as a writer and activist began in earnest during Nigeria’s struggle for independence, and his works have since become synonymous with the fight against oppression and tyranny. Soyinka’s body of works- in summation- is a result of over seven decades of commitment to the cause of nation-building through his relentless fight for national interest that would ensure good governance for the wellbeing of the general citizenry and struggles as a nationalist, patriot, and humanist — as can be gleaned from his rich oeuvre of creative works and consistent public engagement.

Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebration embraced several programmes including, documentary film screenings, essay writing competitions, advocacy, music, and poetry performances- all grounded in his struggles to ensure social and cultural justice, freedom from all forms of shackles and respect for the fundamental human and civil rights of all.

Davido

- Celebrity Wedding

Davido held a no-holds-barred wedding #Chivido2024 with his long-time partner, Chioma, shutting down Lagos in June. With the rain pouring relentlessly on Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, fans and guests thronged the traffic gridlocked streets of Victoria Island, just to attend the wedding venue, Harbour Point Event Centre. Both events staged by Davido, remain the number one event of 2024 to beat. A celebrity of his status couldn’t escape skirmishes and scandals- some of which marked a watershed in his life in the year under review. Later in the year, Davido’s remarks on Nigeria in an infamous podcast was a major table shaker as he lamented over the current economic crisis in Nigeria while discouraging international visitors from coming to the country.

Victor Osimhen- Sports

With the 25-year-old striker being arguably the most coveted striker in the 2024 transfer window, owing to his resolve never to settle for less, Nigerian-born Galatasaray striker became one of the richest Super Eagles players in 2024, hitting a net worth of $10 million at his new club signing, boasting a market value of €100m.

The reigning African footballer of the year has seen his stock grow in recent years. In the 2023/24 season, the Serie A winner reached double figures in terms of goals scored, and he has already opened his account for Galatasaray. With the next transfer window approaching in January 2025, one notable player that top flight football clubs are looking to hunt is Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen.

Tems-Music

Nigerian singer-songwriter, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems achieved another milestone as her debut album, ‘Born in the Wild’ ranked No. 2 on Billboard’s Best R&B Albums of 2024. As the only African artist on the list, which features renowned names like Chris Brown, Billboard praised her debut album, describing it as a project that transcends the Afrobeats genre.

Trailing this success, Tems also bagged three nominations at the 67th Grammy Awards taking place early 2025. Tems’ rise to reckoning has been nothing short of swift. Her music, a soulful blend of Afrobeats and R&B, has resonated with audiences worldwide. This global reach is a clear indication of her widespread appeal.

Funke Akindele - Movies

This film producer and actress records a success story this year with her various

movies released in 2024, raking in a breathtaking box office N1billion figure with the movie “A Tribe Called Judah.”

The movie became the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time in 2024 surpassing her previous record with “Battle on Buka Street.” It is instructive to note that Funke Akindele has become Nollywood’s poster girl for box office success in Nollywood especially at a time when Nigeria ramps up its resolve to gain greater international recognition.

Aside making huge success in the movies, Akindele, widely known by the screen character ‘Jenifa’, recently shocked Nigerians with her Christmas medley titled: ‘Everybody Loves Christmas,’ a song produced by Cobhams Asuquo featuring comedians, notable musicians and popular Nollywood greats like Dbanj, Waje, Falz, Jide Kosoko, Patience Ozokwo and Lateef Adedimeji. The video sets a new record for Nigerian Christmas songs. Original and true to its Nigerian roots, the colourful yet impressive music video taps into our collective love and appreciation for Nigerian jollof rice and chicken, friendship, family, and crucially the central theme of love at Christmas.

Burna Boy - Music

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy began 2024 with a remarkably scintillating performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards for the first time. With a record 11 Grammy nominations, winning one, the self-acclaimed ‘African Giant’ landed a spot as one of TIME 2024 Most Influential 100 People.

The latter part of the year, however, ended on a rather rattling note, as Burna and comedian Speed Darlington had an impasse which is to date unresolved seeing the latter in police custody. Concerned parties have, however, thrown shades at Burna Boy for intimidating Darlington and not holding a higher ground.

Away from the rancour, Nigerian music superstar, Burna Boy, in the last quarter of 2024 got nominated for the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards.

Kemi Badenochv -

Politics

Ideally, Kemi Badenoch’s election as the head of Britain’s Conservative Party and also the opposition in Parliament should bring joy, reassurance, and pride to Nigerians in diaspora who long for signs of redemption and perhaps, representation. Her rather unflattering comments on Nigeria made the euphoria go sour. Her constant criticism as well as comparison of the United Kingdom

with Nigeria has divided the polity. Her critics believe that those comments were inappropriate especially when uttered while addressing global media. Vice President, Kassim Shettima called out the Conservative party leader on account of her rather disparaging comments which some considered to be factual nonetheless. Indeed, she is a major table shaker of the year.

Ademola Lukman - Sports

Away from the overarching economic doom, one footballer that made Nigeria and Nigerians very proud on the global stage is Lukman Ademola. Aside from being the 2024 winner or the 2024 CAF player of the year, sparking speculations about a future Ballon d’Or win, the Nigerian winger’s elite status through his heartfelt speech, exemplified the true spirit of a proud Nigerian with his positive mindset and unwavering confidence.

In what could be termed his first major moment in global spotlight, the footballer who dressed in an impressive yet flowing green Agbádá at the CAF Awards ceremony, proudly showcased his identity as a Nigerian, leveraging the moment to celebrate the true unique essence of his royalty and identity. The remarkable speech, no doubt, left every Nigerian detribalised and grinning with immense pride-showcasing our collective resilience, knack for hard work, discipline and commitment to set goals.

Lukman’s journey encapsulates the idea of finding where you truly belong. From struggling to make an impact in the Premier League and enduring the heartbreak of a missed penalty to becoming a European champion and Africa’s finest, his story inspires anyone facing challenges to redefine their narrative and embrace their unique path.

Chidimma AdetshinaBeauty Pageantry

It was a tumultuous journey for the 23-year-old Chidimma Adetshina who almost didn’t reach the Miss Universe stage in South Africa following online attacks about her Nigerian identity. Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant on August 8, writing on Instagram that it was “for the safety and wellbeing of my family.” Less than a week later, she was invited to compete for the Miss Nigeria title, which she won on August 31.

Her venture into beauty pageant made her a most polarising figure in African discourse this year sparking online outrage

and rivalry between netizens in Nigeria and South Africa. In October 2024, the Department of Home Affairs of South Africa revoked her South African identity papers following an investigation into her mother’s origins which was deemed fraudulent.

Having won Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, she represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico and finished as the first runner-up. She was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania as the highest ranked African Contestant of 2024. Her placement is Nigeria’s highest at any Miss Universe pageant.

Lanre Da Silva - Fashion

Her newfound love, promoting sustainability through fashion, gained full expression in late 2024 when Lanre Da Silva staged fashion runway Runway Renaissance Initiative.

Known for her signature blend of Nigerian fabrics with luxury haute couture, Lanre Da Silva beautifully showcased “Blossom” collection, in bold, vibrant prints and elegant designs. She is creating an incredible platform that promotes sustainability and empowering emerging designers- celebrating individuality, confidence, and the vibrant spirit of Nigerian fashion. Kudos to Da Silva for inspiring a more conscious approach to fashion, benefiting both people and the planet.

Bolanle Austen-Peters -Stage & Screen

It’s been an incredible year of feats for award-winning film director, producer and cultural entrepreneur, Bolanle Austen-Peters, who unveiled her 10,000-acre BAP film village in Epe, Lagos State. The 55-year-old filmmaker, who is the founder and artistic director of BAP Productions, revealed that her Netflix film, House of GA’A, was shot at the film village. Her stake in the movie industry was further raised with the award-winning biopic Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, which went from cinema to become a favourite African movie on Amazon Prime which is a reenactment of the story of a trail-blazing women rights’ advocate, educator and political campaigner. The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) also was Austen-Peters’ brainchild which had its first edition in November. A unique platform that assembled an array of creative talents, including actors, directors, playwrights, and filmmakers from around the world, it was a watershed moment in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

Peller - Content Creation

This young livestreamer has found his way into the hearts of many Nigerian celebrities as well as global admirers. Carving a niche on Tiktok with his ‘bad diction,’ Peller featured Davido on one of his livestreams and the show became the most watched live stream in Africa. The 19-year-old Peller’s journey on TikTok began in 2023, inspired by the likes of American livestreamer Kai Cenat. He collaborated with fellow TikToker, Elizabeth Aminata Amadu from Benin, Edo State, known as Jadrolita and Jarvis for her AI alter ego, noted for her robotic persona, dubbed the “TikTok AI robot.

This collaboration marked a turning point in Peller’s career, as they began creating content together, pushing the boundaries of creativity, and entertaining their audience with hilarious skits and live streams. Their partnership soon transcended TikTok, expanding to other platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Peller has over two million followers on his TikTok account and continues to bring his ingenuity into content creation using the ‘semi-literate’ formula that had worked for the likes of Falz and Funke Akindele.

Lanre Da Silva - Fashion

Her newfound love, promoting sustainability through fashion, gained full expression in late 2024 when Lanre Da Silva staged fashion runway Runway Renaissance Initiative.

Known for her signature blend of Nigerian fabrics with luxury haute couture, Lanre Da Silva beautifully showcased “Blossom” collection, in bold, vibrant prints and elegant designs. She is creating an incredible platform that promotes sustainability and empowering emerging designers- celebrating individuality, confidence, and the vibrant spirit of Nigerian fashion. Kudos to Da Silva for inspiring a more conscious approach to fashion, benefiting both people and the planet.

Adekola

Lanre Da Silva peller

with KAYoDe ALFreD 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Nigerians Always on the First Row

exceptional Black individuals driving progress in business and beyond. Among them are three Nigerians—Adebayo Ogunlesi, Tope Awotona, and Wemimo Abbey—whose impactful achievements exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation Nigerians are renowned for.

Ogunlesi’s remarkable journey can be said to be one that showcases the heights Nigerians can attain on the global stage. As chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Ogunlesi orchestrated its $12.5 billion acquisition by BlackRock, solidifying his leadership in global finance. His net worth of $1.7 billion can be labeled the culmination of decades of strategic investments and pioneering initiatives.

Awotona, another Nigerian trailblazer, has redefined productivity with Calendly, a software platform worth $3 billion. Moving to the U.S. as a teenager, Awotona transformed personal challenges into opportunities, founding one of the most successful tech startups globally. His achievements resonate with the drive and resilience that define Nigerian entrepreneurship.

At just 32, Abbey’s inclusion on the list demonstrates that age is no barrier to excellence. Abbey co-founded Esusu, a fintech platform that empowers renters and promotes financial inclusion. With its services impacting over 1.8 million Americans, Abbey has carved a space for innovative solutions in addressing systemic financial inequalities.

The ForbesBLK 50 does not merely celebrate wealth but acknowledges individuals shaping industries and communities. These Nigerians have influenced not only their respective fields but also the broader African community worldwide, reinforcing the power of representation and ambition.

Ogunlesi, Awotona, and Abbey each carry unique narratives of perseverance, education, and transformative ideas. Whether through global infrastructure, technological innovation, or financial inclusion, their contributions reinforce Nigeria’s prominence in driving positive change globally.

For Nigerians, this recognition is a source of collective pride. These trailblazers embody a vision of possibility, demonstrating that global impact is attainable through ambition, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting others.

In Ondo politics, drama brews thicker than a pot of Banga soup. The instalment pits Betty Akeredolu, widow of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, against the state government led by Deputy Governor-turned-Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Betty, never one to shy away from confrontation, has lashed out at the planned memorial lecture in honour of her husband, accusing Aiyedatiwa’s camp of political hijinks and legacy sabotage. But before we unpack her scathing X post, let’s rewind to the dramatic final days of Akeredolu’s governorship.

When Governor Akeredolu was gravely ill, whispers filled the air in Akure and beyond. Instead of allowing his then deputy to constitutionally assume control, Betty allegedly held the reins of power in a vice grip.

Some accused her of turning the government into a family affair, sidelining the deputy and other political actors while issuing directives from the shadows. This,

of course, left Aiyedatiwa with a simmering grudge that political watchers say is still boiling beneath the surface.

With Akeredolu gone and Aiyedatiwa in the driver’s seat, it seems payback is in full swing. The memorial lecture, ostensibly planned to honour the late governor, has instead become the latest battleground in a bitter cold war. Betty, incensed by the alleged lack of involvement of the Akeredolu family in the planning, has dragged Aiyedatiwa for filth online, calling the event “insidious propaganda” and a farce aimed at tarnishing her husband’s legacy.

Her words are as sharp as freshly ground pepper: “You and your co-travellers cannot shave Aketi’s head in his absence!” she declared. Betty’s outburst isn’t just about a lecture—it’s about control, about reminding the world that she was, and still is, a formidable force in Ondo politics. Her critics, however, see this as another chapter in her alleged history of political overreach, accusing her of refusing to let Aiyedatiwa move on and establish his own legacy.

White Nights and Timeless Elegance: Inside Tony Elumelu’s Yuletide Wonderland

his craftsmanship. Catch any guest and see whether they’ll not confess that it was less a gathering and more a masterstroke in hospitality.

From the moment one entered his estate, the air whispered sophistication. A sea of white-clad luminaries strolled through the evening, their steps unhurried, their conversations flowing like champagne. The atmosphere smelled like wealth.

The unimaginative think that Tony Elumelu throws parties. The rest of us know that the man crafts experiences. His 2024 Yuletide White Party, set under Lagos’ velvety December sky as he transformed his residence into an enchanting haven of elegance, demonstrates

Elumelu himself was a vision of effortless charm. Yet, it was his wife, Dr. Awele, who added that extra sparkle, even as her serene elegance, paired with his commanding presence, painted a picture of class that can’t be bought. Side by side, the couple reminded everyone that love is the ultimate currency of luxury. The entertainment was the heart of the night. Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido didn’t just perform—they electrified the evening. Imagine titans of industry swaying

to Afrobeats, their normal demeanour dissolving into pure joy. Elumelu danced, his moves quiet but purposeful, showing that he knows how to revel in his own creation.

Food and drink? Perfection. The champagne wasn’t just poured; it flowed as if it had been waiting for this moment all year. Each bite was a revelation, curated to dazzle even the most discerning palates. This wasn’t just dining; it was art on a plate. Even the decor spoke volumes. It wasn’t gaudy or loud but balanced—every corner designed with intent. His home gleamed not in the way of gilded excess but with a refined allure that whispered sophistication. It’s the kind of wealth that feels livedin, not paraded.

As the night wrapped up and the final glasses clinked, one thing was clear: Tony Elumelu has perfected the art of blending affluence with artistry. His Yuletide White Party wasn’t just an event; it was an emblem of class, leaving everyone wondering how he’d top it next year.

Leader by Kilometres … How Sanwo-Olu Became the Best Governor in Nigeria

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s achievements in 2024 have set a benchmark that governors across Nigeria may find hard to match. Like the sunrise touching every corner of Lagos, his governance has illuminated all sectors, ensuring no group— by religion, ethnicity, or demography—is left behind in progress.

Under his leadership, Lagos State’s infrastructure has transformed into a spectacle of ambition and delivery. The completion of projects like the Pen Cinema Flyover and advancements on the Fourth Mainland Bridge are not just feats of engineering but promises kept. These projects have unlocked new avenues for commerce, connecting Lagosians like never before.

Transport in Lagos has evolved beyond expectation, with modernized rail lines and expanded BRT networks delivering speed and comfort to the people. By integrating technology into traffic management and

introducing cycling lanes, the governor has shown that a smart city is not a distant dream but a reality taking shape.

The health and education sectors have blossomed under his guidance. From combating COVID-19 with cutting-edge measures to improving maternal healthcare facilities, Sanwo-Olu has prioritized wellbeing. His EKOEXCEL program, which revitalizes public schools with technology, illustrates his vision for a Lagos where children are equipped to compete globally.

Job creation has flourished, with initiatives like the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and support for tech startups propelling entrepreneurship. Lagos is now a thriving hub where ideas grow into industries. By fostering innovation, the governor has ensured the city’s resilience in the face of economic challenges.

Environmental sustainability has been at the heart of Sanwo-Olu’s governance. Cleaner

Lagos initiatives and flood mitigation efforts reflect a leader attuned to both the needs of his people and the planet. Waste management reforms and energy projects have made Lagos a cleaner, greener state.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa: Making Lives Better through Philanthropy

In a world where many leaders prioritise personal accumulation, Senator Gbenga Ashafa stands apart, his focus not on what he can gain but on how he can alleviate the burdens of others. This philanthropy, which flows from genuine empathy, has become a trait that has guided his career in public service and beyond.

Ashafa’s initiatives, like providing educational scholarships, reveal a profound understanding of how opportunities transform lives. For instance, countless students have pursued their dreams, thanks to his support. Upon reflecting on his actions, one can only agree that community

progress requires a collective effort, and Ashafa is living out this truth.

Throughout his tenure in public office, Ashafa prioritised sustainable development over temporary fixes. As MD/CEO of the Federal Housing Authority, he built not just houses but thriving communities. His foresight in incorporating long-term welfare echoes his belief that a dignified life is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

Even as a senator, Ashafa’s work extended beyond legislation. Weekly empowermenhonourgrams at his constituency office addressed pressing local needs. Widows, artisans, and technicians received tools to rebuild their livelihoods. These acts were not mere gestures but profound investments in people,

embodying the saying, “Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Ashafa’s peers may fear the uncertainties of the future, but his philanthropy reflects a different mindset. He is more attuned to the struggles of the present. By choosing compassion over caution, he demonstrates that true wealth lies in enriching others’ lives, not merely in accumulating assets. His approach to giving, from healthcare initiatives to youth empowerment programs, is driven by the belief that no act of kindness is too small. This mindset inspires a ripple effect, as beneficiaries of his generosity often step up to help others. It is this cycle of giving that magnifies his impact.

Akeredolu

Ashafa

elumelu

Sanwo-olu

In the silent corridors of diplomacy and commerce, Aisha Rimi orchestrates a symphony of change. Her moves are delicate yet profound, weaving Nigeria’s narrative of economic transformation with the finesse of a seasoned virtuoso. Taking a correct portrait of

Aisha Rimi: Quiet Moves with Loud Impact About Economic Growth in Nigeria

her, one would find that Rimi is the architect of impact where whispers echo like thunder.

Consider her proposition for the Nigerian Investment Promotion Media Parley, for example. This is not merely an idea but a crescendo of possibilities. By crafting dialogues around investment incentives, she builds bridges for foreign capital to cross into untapped markets, each brick a testament to foresight and precision.

At the heart of her strategy lies an understanding that incentives are not just policies—they are promises. Promises of innovation, diversification, and resilience that pulse through Nigeria’s economic veins. Rimi knows that these quiet promises, when honored, can yield roaring results.

Incentives in her vision are more than fiscal tools; they are instruments of empowerment. From corporate tax reliefs to sector-specific boosts, each measure is a gentle nudge toward industrial growth. With every well-calibrated incentive, Rimisets the stage for job creation and

technological innovation.

Her moves extend beyond policy to the realms of perception. As a steward of foreign investment, she crafts a narrative where Nigeria is not just an opportunity but a destination. Her media parley proposition transforms investment promotion into a story of shared prosperity and sustainable development.

While others shout for attention, Rimi’s quiet moves compel action. Her leadership resonates not in speeches but in structured reforms, each step laying the groundwork for a robust economic future. Her vision aligns local needs with global ambitions, harmonising the two in an economic dance.

Through Rimi’s efforts, the winds of economic growth sweep across Nigeria, powered by subtle shifts and deliberate action. She proves that even the quietest moves can create a storm when the intent is clear, the strategy bold, and the execution impeccable.

Ex-First Bank Chairperson, Ibukun Awosika Clocks 62

These are happy days for Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, a trailblazing entrepreneur, leader, and pastor. Just a day before Christmas, she turned 62, gladdening the hearts of relatives and friends alike for still being brilliant after all this time. Known for her many accomplishments, she continues to inspire women globally with her resilience, faith, and transformative impact across industries.

Awosika’s journey began as a chemistry graduate from the University of Ife, followed by advanced training from top global business schools. Her early career saw her excel as a showroom manager before founding The Chair Centre Group, a leading provider of furniture and security systems in Nigeria.

She broke barriers as the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, setting a precedent for women in corporate leadership. Her tenure (2016–2021) was marked by strategic foresight and exemplary governance, leaving

a legacy of excellence in one of Africa’s most prestigious financial institutions.

Beyond business, she founded the Christian Missionary Fund, a faith-based organization dedicated to uplifting communities across Nigeria. Through this initiative, Pastor Awosika merges her entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to improving lives and fostering spiritual growth.

Her influence extends globally as she serves on numerous boards spanning education, energy, IT, and governance. Her leadership transcends corporate boundaries, advocating for the role of women in nation-building and empowering others to achieve their full potential.

A recipient of numerous awards, including the Forbes Woman Africa Chairperson Award, Pastor Awosika exemplifies how dedication and integrity can reshape narratives. Her accolades serve as a call to action for women to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.

Where They Don’t Know Seyi Tinubu, They Feel His Impact

Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropic legacy is exceptional, whether one is scrutinising it from the perspective of scale or subtlety. Unlike many who use their platforms for selfpromotion, Seyi has chosen a path of quiet service. Whether building infrastructure like Congrès in Abuja or funding relief efforts in flood-hit Maiduguri, his work speaks volumes without requiring a loud voice.

The recent inauguration of Congrès exemplifies Seyi’s innovative approach to youth development. The modern facility is a practical tool for empowerment, the central point being to bridge the gap between young Nigerian leaders and actionable change.

It is this kind of foresight that sets Seyi apart from other offspring of Nigerian leaders.

To be sure, Seyi’s interventions transcend boundaries, which shows the depth of his empathy for diverse communities. His 500m

Travail and Triumph of a Civilian General: Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at 75

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR, epitomizes the intersection of leadership, resilience, and public service. Celebrating his 75th birthday today, his is a journey of personal and professional milestones that have significantly shaped Nigeria’s political landscape. His unwavering dedication and contributions have especially left a profound legacy within Kano State and beyond.

Born on Christmas Day in 1949, Ganduje’s early education began in his hometown of Ganduje in Dawakin Tofa, Kano State. From humble beginnings in Qur’anic schooling to advanced studies at renowned institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ibadan, his academic pursuits laid a foundation for his remarkable career in public administration and governance.

His political journey commenced with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) during Nigeria’s Second Republic. Although he faced early setbacks, Ganduje’s persistence saw him ascend through various leadership roles, including Commissioner of Works, Housing, and Transport, and later as Special Adviser to the Minister of Defense.

These roles strengthened his ability to wade through complex political and administrative environments effectively.

As a twice-elected Deputy Governor of Kano State under Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ganduje demonstrated exemplary leadership in local governance. His tenure was characterized by impactful reforms and infrastructural advancements that earned him widespread recognition. Transitioning from Deputy Governor to Governor, he became one of the few Nigerian leaders to achieve this rare political trajectory.

Ganduje’s governorship from 2015 to 2023 marked a period of significant transformation in Kano State. His administration was defined by bold initiatives, including the controversial restructuring of Kano’s traditional emirate system. While such moves sparked intense debate, they also reflected his commitment to institutional reform and governance innovation.

His elevation to National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023 signaled his enduring influence in Nigerian politics. Steering Africa’s largest political party through critical challenges, he has reaffirmed

donation for flood relief in Borno State, for example, reflects not only generosity but also his understanding of the resilience required in the region. This focus on localized, impactful solutions makes his philanthropy resonate even in areas where his name is unfamiliar.

Education remains another critical pillar of his work. Initiatives like the Seyi Tinubu National Essay Competition not only reward academic excellence but also inspire young Nigerians to believe in the transformative power of knowledge.

In recognizing the essence of leadership, Seyi’s collaborative efforts with organizations and stakeholders amplify his impact. From empowering young parliamentarians to providing hope to flood victims, his actions are a reminder that effective leadership is often a collective endeavor.

his standing as a unifying figure capable of fostering collaboration across diverse political interests.

At 75, Ganduje’s life exemplifies loyalty, courage, and an enduring passion for public service. As he celebrates this milestone, his legacy remains one of perseverance, transformative leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the development of Kano State and the nation at large.

for Asake (real name Ahmed Ololade), the sensational artist who has officially parted ways with YBNL Nation, the illustrious record label of Olamide (surname Adedeji). His dramatic exit, shrouded in whispers of creative freedom and career ambitions, has left fans wondering: what’s really going on?

Asake’s decision to sever ties with Olamide is a bold statement, considering their history. Olamide discovered Asake and helped him soar to stardom. Yet, all traces of YBNL have disappeared from Asake’s social media, sparking endless debates about whether this is a strategic step forward or a fallout from a deeper rift.

Enter Tunde “Phoenix” Babalola, a London-based music promoter who seems to have taken centre stage in Asake’s career. Known for his ability to connect with global audiences, Tunde’s influence has grown in Asake’s orbit. His emergence has fueled speculation: could Tunde be the catalyst for Asake’s new direction?

Theories abound about why Asake left YBNL. Some fans argue he wanted more creative control, while others believe he’s chasing independence.

It’s also possible that contractual disputes played a role. Still, the silence from both Asake and Olamide has kept the gossip pot boiling.

Tunde Phoenix, however, is no stranger to high-stakes music promotion. Asake’s massive success suggests Tunde might have stepped in to align the artist with a more international vision. Whether this partnership can replicate YBNL’s magic—or surpass it—remains to be seen.

For now, Asake’s fans are left speculating about what’s next. Will Tunde’s strategic savvy propel Asake to global superstardom? Or could this shake-up backfire, leaving the artist struggling to regain his footing without Olamide’s guiding hand?

One thing’s certain: Asake’s journey under Tunde Phoenix is a story in the making. Whether they’re rewriting the rulebook or simply playing the long game, fans and critics alike are watching closely to see how this daring gamble plays out.

rimi

Asake

Awosika

Ganduje

Tinubu

Sanwo-Olu vs Obasa: Not Yet a r umble

I heard that Chief Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly who is looking like he wants to succeed Mr. Sanwo-Olu has decided that the best strategy to achieve his aim, is to insult the incumbent and denigrate the office.

How he came about this strategy beats me. Maybe because he thinks that one really would have no say in the matter due to the ‘selection’ type of democracy in place in Lagos.

Thankfully. We have seen reports that they both have been summoned by those who own not only Lagos, but now own Nigeria to a meeting.

Reports monitored and reported by a leading National newspaper suggests that Obasa was given the wrong end of Mr President’s tongue and asked to stop the mischief. You see, for me, as long as there is no true democracy in these things, we would always get these kinds of skirmishes.

OlUMUYIwA ADejObI: leT’S eNgAge ON THIS

I would hate to take on this gentleman directly because - na him work he dey do.

That statement that the police will soon start arresting people for ‘insulting’ our leaders is very scary. You know that me I yab these people for a living so with that kind of statement, I cannot be comfortable. So if I yab my councillor now in Shomolu, na behind counter I will find myself?

My brother, is it possible you reengage the people that sent you on this errand and remind them of Decree 4. I am not sure you have joined police that time or that you have even come to Lagos so you may not know just how far that decree went to damage the credibility of that regime.

My brother, in your discussion with the people who sent you, kindly let them know that the word ‘Insult,’ is ambiguous with many connotations o.

So if I say, “Muyiwa, this your big head ehn…” you could term it as an insult while your wife would term it as me saying you are a very brilliant policeman.

Mbok, let’s not be carried away with temporary power and be

It’s a clear case of the cat not being around and the mouse let loose.

If the governor was allowed to be governor then he would know how to manage this kind of situation and if the Speaker was also operating within the fine lines of a democracy, he would respect the office of the governor. But since na message dem send all of us na, no respect for anybody and this is why both will join the palliative queue at Bourdillon waiting for their turn to state their case to the emperor.

Shebi, I have said it that Abacha was an apprentice dictator compared to this one we are seeing now. Verdict has been given, orders sent out and the boys have gone back to their duty post with a strong warning that “if I hear fem from both of you ehnnn, you will not believe what will happen to you. Common get out of my house…” Na wa!

doing things anyhow as if we are presiding over some chickens in an Animal Farm.

Instead of issuing threats and throwing up not well-defined laws at people, why not try engagement, consensus-building and much more openness in governance because truly, my brother, Nigerians are not happy and insults go plenty, I assure you. Let’s have a rethink, it’s just common sense.

Mbok, I no insult you o, I no get power ooo, na advice.

AIgbOje AIg-IMOUkHUeDe: A legAcY SUSTAINeD

Interestingly, I had just finished my tribute to the late banking icon Herbert Wigwe, when the news of Access Bank being the first to secure CBN’s approval, after successfully raising N351billion in fresh capital. This feat pushed the bank to the N500million minimum capital requirement as prescribed by the apex bank.

Now let me tell you just why this feat is quite remarkable.

In several discussions with Aigboje, the need to sustain the vision of its founding fathers through institutionalised processes and structuring have remained the key strategy of growth especially

within the whirlwind pressure from biological legacy holders of a visioner.

Pressure from those who lack the charisma and capacity to even run a bank teller, talk less of understanding the complexity that comes with running a hydraheaded financial behemoth that is Access Group can only be imagined.

This victory more than validates the foresight of Aigboje and Herbert in envisioning an institution that will not only outlive them but join other brands such as UAC, First Bank, Olanihun Ajayi and others that have crossed the 100-year mark. Well done to the Access Bank Group for achieving this so seamlessly and elegantly. Well done guys.

wOle SOYINkA: OlD SOlDIer

Never DIe

There is a briming argument that Prof should stand up to lead protests and rallies against this government by some youths. In quick response, another group has come out to say that the youths who have asked for this are a lazy and cowardly lot who want to hide behind an old man in a struggle. They reminded the lazy youths that

Prof had started agitating in his 20s and as such nothing stops them from toeing that line without Prof. While this group has a point, I would like to remind them that for every group to succeed, it needs guidance, elderly wisdom, inspiration amongst others.

It is not wrong to look up to veterans like Prof and Falana to provide this hence the youths confusion as to why they have taken the stance of the three monkeys - hear no evil, speak no evil and see no evil at this time.

It is all the more harrowing that despite the 90 years, we are seeing and hearing sound bites that are making us ask if the Prof has been cloned cos we no dey recognise am again o. For us to leave Prof alone, he must follow Bola Ige and say “I siddon look” because he cannot be speaking for these people on one hand and be claiming old age on the other hand.

If he wants to be old, let him be old in its entirety. He deserves rest in his old age but the rest must come with wisdom and not through kurukere ways. Thank you.

Aghhh, if you don’t know Magnus

MAgNUS ONYIbe IN THe eYe Of THe STOrM

Sanwo-Olu

Onyibe, let me tell you who he is. Magnus is an internationally-rated developmental economist who has written very extensively on the economy and other related issues; a former commissioner in Delta State and a well known ‘right-of-centre’ intellectual.

But recently, even me come dey confuse of his leanings. His writings have been in very strong support of Tinubu’s policies.

Unlike the Reno variant which is a little bit above the beer parlour noise, Magnus couches his with an arrogant intellectualism that has been designed to keep you off. His latest treatise has been eagerly published widely and in which he said the economy was thawing did not go down well with Osa. Osa is a roadside economist who is not given to any cerebral pretensions. He just says it as it is and moves on. He came at Magnus on the Duke Summit and all hell broke loose.

In return, Magnus came back with a short career history which Osa would have none of.

As it got heated, I shut down the group and Magnus came to me privately to open it so that he could finish Osa.

Osa also came at me to open so that he can scatter Magnus.

See wetin Tinubu policies don cause o. I opened the group and they continued. Magnus challenged Osa to critic in a one thousand word piece, Osa that didn’t pass English in WAEC opted for a debate which as at the time of writing, Magnus had not responded.

Well, me I am supporting Magnus simply because he attended Donald Trump daughter’s wedding and not because of all that thing he is writing. Which economy is thawing ooo?

BeTTY AkereDolU: I Beg To DISAgree

The Ondo State Government has decided to immortalise their former governor with a befitting memorial lecture to be delivered by no less a personality than the erudite Femi Falana. The widow of the governor is crying foul, that the family was not carried along.

I don’t understand, carried along in what way? Do they need to pay owo Ile to her before they do anything in his honour?

I painstakingly read the report to see any cogent reason apart from her not being carried along for her annoyance and didn’t see anything aside emotional outburst and a false sense of importance Mbok, this woman should go and sit down and allow the state to rest abeg, her own is too much sef. Thank you.

Are we MISSINg UjU keNNeDYoHANeNYe?

Mummy says she didn’t regret serving and also certainly does not regret all the noise that happened during her turbulent tenure. From threatening to sue the UN, to storming police stations in search of girls to free, to scattering live events because she was not carried along, this was one wild horse on the loose. Mbok thankfully, she lost out in the only major cabinet reshuffle where Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief.

We were already overfed with all the drama on Big Brother Naija and all the shenanigans on social media to now be served almost on a daily basis with the comedic antics of a serving minister. It was just too much.

I sure hope that now that she has some free time in her hands, she would use that to attend finishing school because the grace and elegance was not there. Kai.

jUMoke oDUwole: A BelATeD MeSSAge

I first met her in London where she had come to represent Alhaji Shettima, our Vice President at our economic summit on the back of our play ‘Awo-UK.’

At the summit, she exuded grace and poise. Her brilliance was there for all to see

and she delivered the VPs message with so much panache that the hall melted into a potpourri of warmth towards her.

Not so long ago, she was appointed Minister for Trade and Investments and Nigerians applauded for she was not only qualified, she had contributed and served very diligently. I did not or should I say could not send my congratulatory message at the time but had the opportunity to do same in person when I met her at the huge Muson Centre play on King Sunny Ade. She had come with her family and calmly entered the hall with no fanfare.

After the show, I went to greet her and then said “Congrats my sister on your appointment,” and she in turn said “congrats for being you,”

UDo UDoMA: NoT Too

MUCH

of A SeCreT

Let me deliberately look for this trouble. Dr Udoma, former Minister of Budget and frontline legal practitioner although retired, does not like being in the spotlight.

I recently met him at Larry Ettah’s 60th and dutifully took a picture with him.

As I was walking away, he tapped at me. “Duke, Please don’t put that pic out, I am careful about social media.”

So me sef, I respect myself and deleted the image.

But now, I have heard a very good news. Good enough for me to risk his wrath. It was my cousin in the village who called and said “Dr Udoma has bought Mobil.” Our village is Ibeno and Mobil has its major facility there which makes any and everything

about Mobil our concern. So when Ekot called and said Dr Udoma don buy mobil, I knew it was big news. I reached out to Dr and he said it was Seplat and that he was Chairman. I congratulated him and we talked about this and that and I hung up and sent a mesaage to Ekot saying “na true.”

He went silent and I have not heard from him since then.

I know the next thing is to ask me to tell Dr Udoma to assist with a contract and the Dr Udoma that we all know would immediately block my access.

Mbok, Ekot na drama I dey do. I have congratulated him. Let’s leave it at that. Thanks.

- na me add that one o. Anyways, well done madam, truly deserved.

SeYI TINUBU: CoMMANDer-IN-CHIef of THe ‘BoYS’

Me, I don’t know how to say this one o, especially with the warning the police have given on insulting people like him.

At 55, I cannot be playing with prison especially in a non-violent crime like this.

Inmates will almost finish me with slaps.

This is why I would not say anything about the clip where our son, Seyi was seen arriving and inspecting a guard of honour.

From the clip, I cannot say if the soldiers are real Nigerian Army soldiers or cadets or even Man O’ War. All I can just say or should I say ask at this point is “Lord, hope you didn’t wear slippers to inspect that guard of honour because I saw the usual black trad and na slippers dey always follow am.” I have kept quiet o, is Dele Farotimi out in case I need bail?

NAoMI: A STAMpeDe IN TeArS

My heart goes to this Queen. It’s just so unfortunate that one will set out to do good and end up in jail for that. I had almost found myself in this situation.

The unruliness of the Nigerian crowd beats all kinds of crowd management strategies. In one of my plays, the news came out that the ever respected Olu of Warri was coming to see the play and before we realised it, a huge crowd appeared at the Muson Centre. A hall that seats 300 now had over 2,000 people to contend with. All safety plans went out of the window as the crowd surged to see the King. Ticket holders were flushed out and sponsors had their banners torn. Before you knew it, they had infiltrated the stage and some were playing the instruments. One old lady got stuck in the elevator as she scrambled to safety; security was overwhelmed, the ambulance careened off and chairs and tables upturned.

I cried like a child as I watched this mayhem.

Eventually, it calmed down and they started leaving when Olu of Warri left and we had our show. This could have led to injuries, this could have led to deaths all because one had decided to tell a story.

So Princess Naomi in a twinkle of an eye moved from a caregiver to a felon with a possible manslaughter charge hovering over her head, simply because she wanted to give back.

My heart goes to the families of those who lost their children, truly sad but for the first time in my life, I find it very difficult to lay the blame on the doorstep of anybody-not the organisers, not government. This is because a mob is a mob anywhere in the world.

You should all go and see the documentary of the riots before a match at Wembley that overturned London police even with all their technology.

It’s crazy, very crazy. I feel real sadness and pity for all involved in this matter.

Udoma

Lawrence Grace Puts Smiles on Faces of 300 Widows

The Lawrence Grace Foundation has marked its 5th anniversary in a grand style by hosting a special Christmas party for over 300 widows from various communities in Lagos.

The event, which took place yesterday, brought together widows from eight Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos.

The foundation, which was established to touch lives positively, has been impacting and empowering widows and indigent school children for the past five years.

According to the organiser, Oluyinka Adewoye, the foundation has impacted over 2,500 widows and 2,300 school children by providing healthcare, free medications, empowerment programs, and gifts to support them in their livelihood.

The Christmas party was a celebration of the foundation’s achievements and a way to put smiles on the faces of the widows.

The event featured fun activities, Christmas songs, and celebration, with food items and gifts presented to the widows.

The founder of the Lawrence Grace Foundation expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the event, saying, “Life is about making impacts, and we are glad to be part of the lives of these widows this Yuletide season, to give them a befitting Christmas celebration.”

While addressing the beneficiaries, Adewoye said, “It’s been five awesome years of impacting and empowering widows and indigent school children.

“We have been to several local government areas in Lagos and outside Lagos in the last five years, all with the aim of alleviating their level of poverty and empowerment for the widows.

“It is worthy of note that we have impacted over 2,500 widows and 2,300 school children in the last 5 years, providing healthcare and free medications, empowerment trainings for widows, payment of school fees, and a lot of food items and gifts for the widows in different locations to put smiles on the faces of these less privileged individuals.”

The event was attended by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, partners, volunteers, and others.

As the foundation celebrates its 5th anniversary, it has reiterated its commitment to continue its good work of touching lives positively and making a difference in the community.

Shobanjo: c elebrating Africa’s Advertising Guru

His name is synonymous with marketing communications. Everything about him oozes the trade. Welcome to the amazing world of Nigeria’s marketing communication Czar, Biodun Shobanjo.

Shobanjo’s journey to fame began at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, now Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), where he was a producer. While there, he was already aiming for the stars and the world was almost in his palms.

But he shocked his admirers when he suddenly quit the job and announced that he was going into advertising, which was a relatively unknown turf in Nigeria in 1972. Many questioned his sense of judgment. Though it was tough at the outset, he never wavered.

Shobanjo took off as an account executive trainee with the American-owned advertising company, Grant Advertising. It was obvious to all that young Shobanjo was a rare talent. His brilliance glowed. Five years later, he rose to become the Deputy Managing Director of the

company at the age of 30.

Like a restless soul driven by the quest to be a pathfinder, he left the position for greater challenges and co-founded Insight Communications alongside Awosika and Chukwuma Ibe.

Shobanjo will forever be remembered for changing the face of marketing communication in Nigeria with his uncommon creativity and clear vision.

As evidence of his influence and authority in the industry and all over the country, many showered him with accolades and tributes when he celebrated his 80th birthday last Tuesday. Bouquet of flowers came from top echelons of society, including President Bola Tinubu, who acknowledged his colossal and significant contributions to advancing the marketing communications industry—a sector pivotal for fostering economic growth, social development, and infrastructural progress in Nigeria.

President Tinubu noted that these accomplishments exemplify the virtues of discipline, integrity, and dedication, which inspire younger professionals.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, and so goes the cliché. It is common all over the world that the more your success, the more the number of enemies you gather.

When the story of Olukayode Olusanya, Chairman and CEO of Oak Homes Limited, surfaced in the media about his alleged fraud scandal of N152 million with a client, the USbased Nigerian engineer Anthony Ehiedu Ugbebor, many who know him for being straightforward and honest argued that there must be a kind of mistake somewhere.

This is because, as a businessman, he has done his business with a human face. He has successfully engraved his name in the hearts of the general public and his name is undeniably synonymous with honesty, integrity and success.

The US-based engineer had dragged Olusanya and his company to the Federal High Court, Lagos, for alleged fraud. However, the man, who has been in the

Naomi Shilekunola: The Travails of a Former Queen

Naomi Shilekunola, the former queen to Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is beautiful, blessed with a good aura and charisma. Though she has left the palace of Ooni, she still commands respect among many people in Ile-Ife, as well as in other places in Yorubaland. This has made her the envy of other women out there. But no one would like to be in her shoes at the moment as somehow, unintentionally, she has poked the law in the face with her altruism.

The Ondo State-born mother of one was arrested with some of her partners and remanded in the Agodi Prison over the stampede that led to the death of 35 minors penultimate Wednesday.

The accused were arraigned before the

Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, on a four-count charge of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.

According to the court, they would be in prison custody till January 13, pending the advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP.

The case, marked C/2024, was instituted by the Commissioner of Police.

According to some sources, that was not the first time the former queen would be involved in a philanthropic gesture since she became popular through her marriage to the monarch. Despite being separated from the foremost monarch, she kept up with her humanitarian gesture until that ugly twist of fate on that fateful day in Ibadan, Oyo.

real estate business and had in the past showcased a high level of trustworthiness and uprightness in the business, has come out to explain that it is a mere case of ‘bullying’ and an attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation. He disclosed further that Ugbebor was not consistent with the deal when the transaction commenced in 2017. Ugbebor, he said at the time, couldn’t proceed with the payment and this delayed Oak Homes from allocating the house to him.

Olusanya informed Society Watch further that after Ugbebor concluded his payment plans and the company was in the process of finalising the allocation, he (Ugbebor) changed his words, and told him (Olusanya) that he was no longer interested in the house allocation, insisting that his money be refunded through a petition from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

his influential connections and philanthropic endeavours, the event took place on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the stunning Grand Ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

From the moment the guests arrived, they were greeted by an atmosphere of elegance that promised an extraordinary experience. The lavish decorations transformed the Grand Ballroom into a veritable paradise, featuring intricate floral arrangements,shimmering lights, and exquisite table settings that reflected a grand vision of beauty and sophistication. It was evident that no detail had been overlooked in the planning of this momentous occasion.

The traditional wedding and subsequent reception drew guests from all corners of the globe, with over 100 attendees flying in from diverse locations, including Dublin, the United States, and London, making the occasion a truly international affair. Esteemed friends and family of both the bride and groom mingled harmoniously, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures and connections.

As the evening unfolded, the event revealed itself to be a gathering of high-profile dignitaries and influential personalities from various

sectors—business, media, politics, and social circles. Culinary delights were served throughout the evening, featuring a diverse array of sumptuous dishes and premium beverages that showcased the rich flavours of Nigerian cuisine. The gastronomic experience was complemented by the presence of over 50 media personnel, both traditional and digital, who documented the festivities, capturing the joy and grandeur of the occasion for posterity.

Event planner Funke Bucknor of Zapphaire Events orchestrated the entire affair with finesse, ensuring that every moment was memorable. Adding to the festivities was the lively presence of Gbenga Adeyinka the First, who served as the master of ceremonies, entertaining the guests with his signature humour and lively anecdotes. Indeed, Segilola and Samuel’s wedding was an unforgettable celebration of love and unity that showcased the richness of Nigerian culture. The memories forged that night will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of all who attended, marking it as a truly remarkable occasion in the annals of Lagos social history.

Shobanjo

Olusanya

Adewoye

The wedding ceremony of Segilola Olasubulumi and Samuel Aisabokhae was nothing short of a spectacular celebration that captivated all who attended. Hosted by Mogaji Wole Arisekola, a prominent figure known for

Naomi

Arisekola

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

A publicAtion

Mixed Fortunes of Stagnation and Hope

The Nigerian cultural scene looks back on a mixed bag of artistic stagnation, brief flashes of genius, and the deaths of legendary people who contributed to the development of the country’s rich cultural legacy as 2024 draws to a conclusion. okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

As 2024 cringes towards its final moments, it’s hard to ignore that gnawing sense of déjà vu. It has been just another year, just another iteration of the same old stories. And the French phrase “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” (The more things change, the more they stay the same) couldn’t be more apt.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s cultural scene seems to have been stuck in a rut, lacking the creative spark that should ordinarily define it. Instead of a vibrant mosaic of artistic expression, aficionados are faced with a persistent creative drought that seems to have no end in sight.

That tedium reigns supreme, and innovation is a rare species spotted only occasionally in these creative woods, is an incontrovertible fact. This has become the calling card of this art scene, where exhibitions and festivals meld into a haze of predictability. Yet, like monoliths in a drought-afflicted artscape, events like the +234 Art Fair with its innovative curation, the Abuja Open House with its communitydriven approach, and Art X Lagos with its cutting-edge exhibitions, for instance, offer glimmers of hope, injecting much-needed creativity and excitement into the scene.

Hollow and uninspiring, the visual arts subsector is stuck in a rut, churning out works that are about as thought-provoking as a kindergarten finger-painting session. It’s all about introspective expressions, not elevating the audience or inspiring new ideas. No wonder the contemporary art scene is a chaotic mix of commercial appeal and popularity over substance. But then, who needs substance anyway, when a duct-taped banana can be called art? The themes are stale, and even the artists are too self-absorbed to notice they’re part of a larger ecosystem. It’s a Sisyphean task to keep up with the dizzying turnover of exhibitions, leaving one wondering if it’s all just a grand exercise in the Emperor’s

New Clothes.

Oddly enough, many artists, despite their best intentions, manage to churn out works that reinforce the very problems they are critiquing. It’s like attempting to extinguish a fire with a flamethrower—a scenario that brings Newton’s third law of motion to mind: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Or, in artistic terms, every socially conscious artwork has an equal and opposite chance of being utterly counterproductive. This paradox is also evident in literary and performance artists who claim to hold a mirror to society, only to amplify the same ugly trends they’re trying to challenge. Trying to fix a leaky faucet with a blowtorch could not have cut a more ridiculous picture.

Rooted in the understanding of this artistic conundrum is the long-term quest by visionary artists for alternative approaches. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Zaria Art Society, a pioneering artists’ collective, introduced the natural synthesis philosophy to the Nigerian art scene with a view to mining values from

indigenous cultures. This movement emphasised the importance of art as a bridge connecting people to their roots, stories, and collective soul. Bruce Onobrakpeya, a founding member of the society, now 92, recently reiterated this philosophy, stating, “Art should be a bridge connecting us to our roots, our stories, and our collective soul… True artistry lies not in the method but in the message it conveys.”

In a literary landscape quite often spiced with tales of doom and gloom, the 2024 Nigeria Literature Prize winner Olubunmi Familoni’s The Road Does Not End shines like a beacon of hope. This refreshingly different narrative sheds light on harsh realities and societal issues but also offers a message of hope and resilience. It’s a breath of fresh air in a scene where books often reinforce negative trends.

Speaking of positive trends, it’s heartening to see visionary artists like

Nike Davies-Okundaya, Jimoh Buraimo, and Bruce Onobobrakpeya receiving recognition for their contributions. The U.S. Mission’s endorsement of these artists is a tribute to their impact on the arts and their role in fostering U.S.-Nigeria relations. And let’s not forget other accomplished creatives like Bolanle Austen-Peters, who’s making waves in the film industry. Even the literary luminary like Wole Soyinka, who turned 90 this year, was duly celebrated by the literati, with Koko Kalango’s biography being a standout tribute.

Echoing through the cultural landscape this year, meanwhile, is the profound sense of loss that accompanied the passing of several iconic figures who helped shape Nigeria’s rich heritage. The likes of Tam Fiofori, Chief Femi Esho, Jimi Solanke, and the trailblazing Onyeka Onwenu left an unfillable void; their contributions to the nation’s heritage are now a cherished memory. The more youthful Zino Orara’s departure further dimmed the lights of the cultural firmament, casting a long shadow of sorrow over the nation.

okechukwu uwaezuoke/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

Chief Nike Okundaye flanked by the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (right) and the German Consul-general Weert Börner

A visitor at one of the Abuja Open House exhibitions

Onyeka Onwenu

Jimi Solanke

Tam Fiofori

Is Beauty Really in the Eye of the Beholder?

Jess Castellote

In her novel Molly Bawn, the 19th-century Irish novelist Margaret Wolfe Hungerford used the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” for the first time. Since then, it has become a cultural catchphrase, suggesting that beauty is entirely subjective, varying from person to person. The phrase has stuck around, probably because it feels so empowering: my opinion about beauty matters just as much as anyone else’s. But is that true, or is it just an old cliché we repeat without much thought? After reading this phrase repeatedly in the responses to an article I recently wrote, I started questioning it more critically.

I have long been fascinated by the Yoruba concept of iwà l'ẽwà (“character is beauty”), which offers a deeper, more grounded perspective on beauty. This idea contrasts sharply with the modern notion of beauty as purely subjective. In Yoruba thought, beauty is not just about aesthetics or personal taste; it’s intrinsically tied to character and ethical integrity. If I understand the expression well, in Yoruba thought, beauty is not merely about what is pleasing to the senses but about what resonates with the essence of a person or thing. Good character (iwà rere) is considered the truest form of beauty because it reflects harmony, authenticity, and alignment with both universal principles and societal values. Aperson who embodies virtues like kindness, humility, and integrity is seen as genuinely beautiful, above physical appearance. This approach aligns with the scholastic philosophical concept of the “transcendentals”—truth, goodness, and beauty—which exist independently of human perception. However, the concept of iwà l'ẽwà contrasts with the contemporary Western emphasis on physical attractiveness, which is often shaped by cultural trends, individual tastes, and commercial influences. Just as goodness is not determined by individual preferences, beauty in the iwà l'ẽwà framework has an objective reality. Unlike the Western notion that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," it insists that beauty exists as an intrinsic quality waiting to be discovered in the essence of a person or thing. Good character, therefore, is seen as a radiance of being that reveals truth and goodness, making it a universal standard for beauty.

There is something deeply attractive in this Yoruba notion, shared in many other parts of Africa. Perhaps, after all, beauty, like goodness, isn’t just about preference—it might be tied to deeper qualities that transcend individual likes and dislikes. Perhaps “beauty is not exclusively in the eyes of the beholder.” Definitely, the expression is a neat way of saying that what’s beautiful to one person might not be to another. But is this true? Or is there more to the story? Could it be that beauty, like truth and goodness, isn’t entirely up to us—that we are not the ultimate arbiters of what is beautiful, good, or true? After all, we wouldn’t say that enjoying a harmful act makes it good. In the same way, does liking something, or personally considering something beautiful, automatically make it beautiful? Is beauty in my eyes or in the object I am looking at? If we accept the modern Western idea that beauty is entirely subjective, then it could be true that beauty is purely in the eye of the beholder, often tied to physical attractiveness and influenced by cultural trends and personal tastes.

It is easy to see how culture shapes our perception of beauty, as fashion and trends reflect the shifting tastes, values, and imaginations of societies. They are time-bound, location-bound, culturally contingent, and often ephemeral. It is not surprising that critics of the idea of a “universally objective beauty” point out that beauty often depends on where you are from and what you grew up with. For instance, traditional Japanese aesthetics emphasise serenity and harmony, while Baroque art revels in dramatic flair, and Yoruba art integrates visual and symbolic

DISCOURSE

elements that celebrate communal identity. There is no doubt that these cultural lenses influence what we find beautiful. And even within a culture, beauty standards change over time. It is our common experience that the perception of beauty is deeply personal. At the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, I regularly see how visitors respond differently to the same artwork. One person might be captivated by an abstract painting, while another dismisses it entirely. These differing reactions underscore how personal experiences and emotions shape our perceptions of beauty. But the question is complex. In his book Beauty, philosopher Roger Scruton challenged the idea of beauty as purely subjective, arguing that calling something beautiful is not merely about personal taste; it’s an acknowledgment of inherent value. This line of thinking ties very well with the notion of iwà l’ẹwà (“character is beauty”) I mentioned earlier. Just as some acts are objectively good or bad, beauty might have an objective dimension, too. Beauty, he argues, is not arbitrary; it draws us toward something universal and enduring. It’s not just what pleases us but what deserves appreciation. Take, for instance, Ben Enwonwu’s stunning bronze sculpture Africa Dances at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art. It exudes an energetic rhythm, capturing a sense of freedom and

vitality that reflects the essence of African dance traditions. The smooth, elongated lines and flowing contours, emphasising grace and elegance, are rarely paralleled in any other sculptural works of the 20th century, anywhere in the world. These qualities exist whether someone notices them or not. Even when no one is in the museum, the sculpture retains its beauty because it embodies objective qualities—objective beauty—worthy of recognition. But I see a problem in the argument that beauty is purely subjective. If followed to its conclusions, wouldn’t it lead to extreme relativism, where no aesthetic judgment can be deemed better or worse than another? If beauty were wholly subjective, it would be difficult to explain why some works of art or some natural settings consistently inspire awe across generations. This seems to suggest that these realities possess an objective existence that transcends individual perspectives. Some philosophers have separated beauty from truth and goodness, focusing on subjective preferences and cultural constructs. However, shouldn’t we adopt a transcendental approach and argue that beauty remains universal and deeply rooted in reality, even when experienced differently across cultures? If we take beauty not as an arbitrary label, a matter of feelings, but as a reflection of something that belongs to the fundamental nature of the object itself, then wouldn’t it be appropriate to refer to the “objectivity of beauty”?

This brings us to a kind of middle ground, to a duality: beauty is both objective and subjective. On the one hand, beauty is objective because it stems from what the object is. Its qualities are there, whether someone notices them or not. But beauty is also subjective because it requires a particular person—a beholder—to discover, appreciate, or enjoy it. Beauty is a two-way street. Perhaps then, beauty is both objective and subjective. It stems from the qualities of the object itself but requires a beholder to perceive and appreciate it. This interaction between the object and the observer makes beauty a shared experience, both universal and personal. When we fail to see beauty, could it be because distractions or superficial judgments cloud our vision rather than a lack of beauty itself? While forms of beauty vary across cultures, its power to inspire and move us suggests an underlying universality. To say “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is to suggest that perception defines reality. But just as goodness and truth exist independently of individual opinion, so might beauty. Gravity operates regardless of belief, and certain acts are inherently good or bad, regardless of personal judgment. Could beauty, as the radiance of being, also exist independently, revealing the essence of something in its authenticity and wholeness?

The Yoruba concept of iwà l'ẽwà reminds us that beauty isn’t just about appearance but about deeper qualities that resonate universally. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and to connect with the essence of what’s before us. Beauty, then, is not just something we create through perception but something we discover through engagement with the world. Beauty is an invitation—not just to enjoy but to see, to understand, and to transcend. Perhaps the real value of beauty is that it’s both universal and deeply personal. It bridges the gap between what is, what we see, and what we feel. And in doing so, it brings us closer to the heart of what it means to be human. So, while it’s tempting to say beauty is entirely subjective, the case for objectivity in beauty remains strong. So, coming back to my initial question, is beauty really in the eye of the beholder? Perhaps it’s time to rethink that cliché and recognise beauty as a profound interplay between the object and the observer, rooted in both subjective experience and objective reality. Perhaps beauty isn’t just in the eye of the beholder after all—it’s in the fabric of the world itself, waiting for us to discover it and appreciate it.

•DrCastellote,istheDirectoroftheYemisiShyllonMuseum ofArt,Pan-AtlanticUniversity.

A Night of Reunion at Fuji Vibrations CONCERT

Ablue-themed adire print was this year’s selected dress code, otherwise known as aso ebi, for comrades of Fuji music, as this year’s edition of Fuji Vibrations— the fifth of its kind—returned to its traditional venue at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos. Held recently in collaboration with the Fuji Musician Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), it was a resounding celebration of Fuji music, bringing together 6,431 concertgoers for a night of spectacular live performances, cultural pride, and an unmistakable reminder of Fuji music’s essence as one large, united family.

The moment everyone was waiting for at Fuji: An opera came with the distinct voice of King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall. The legend walked on stage with draped ‘Fuji’ fabric around his neck, singing, “Awade o…” meaning “We have arrived.” Indeed, it was a homecoming concert for many Nigerians in the diaspora who shared an unbreakable bond with Fuji music. From Fuji’s leading artists to up-and-coming acts, the event proved to be a

celebration of the genre’s rich cultural heritage. Other headliners at the show include Shina Akani, Saheed Osupa, Abass Obesere, KS1 Malaika, Igwe Remi Aluko, Sulaimon Atawewe, SK Sensation, Lokoso Ajani, viral sensation Fatima Cinderella, Iyalode Fuji, and Sikiru Lemon Fuji. The concert was given a modern twist by trailblazing DJ Kulet, whose high-energy set provided a fresh and dynamic take on Fuji music’s everlasting appeal.

Heavily secured, Okunola Park was bustling with energy, rousing Lagos from its lethargy. Many guests passed the vibe check, staying aglow in spirit while capturing the moments on camera.

The presentation of a Special Recognition Award to K1 De Ultimate, in recognition of his enormous contributions to Fuji music, was a highlight of the occasion. His performance was nothing short of magnificent, establishing his status as a living legend while also reminding everyone about the genre’s beginnings and evolution.

An assortment of Goldberg Lager Beer, Imperial Black Whisky, and UAC Foods on the refreshment

stands added to the spectacle of the evening, refreshing concertgoers, heightening the adrenaline, and adding to the evening’s joyous spirit.

In his remarks, the founder of Fuji: A Opera, Bobo Omotayo, expressed his satisfaction for yet another successful event: “Fuji Vibrations isn’t simply a concert—it’s a family reunion. Fuji music has always been about community, even in times

of differences. This platform exists to honour our shared ancestry, reminding us that, despite our differences, we are stronger together. For five years in a row, Fuji: A Opera has brought fans closer to the heart of this amazing genre.”

Fuji Vibrations remains a cultural connector for multiple generations of music fans and visitors in Lagos.

Yinka Olatunbosun

Africa Dances, 1959 by Ben Enwonwu, bronze. Collection of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art

Tosin Ashafa, Executive Producer - Fuji: A Opera; K1 De Ultimate; Sikiru Agboola - FUMAN President; Bobo Omotayo, Founder - FUJI: A Opera; Papa Omotayo, Producer - FUJI: A Opera during FUJI Vibrations 2024 in Lagos

IN THE ARENA

Elusive Local Councils’ Autonomy

Despite the laudable judgement of the Supreme Court in granting autonomy to local government councils in the country in line with the provisions of the constitution, some state governments are still determined to frustrate the enforcement of the verdict, wale Igbintade writes

From the exchange between the Edo State Government, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, it is obvious that nothing would stop the government from shifting its position on the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen and their deputies.

Penultimate week, the state House of Assembly had suspended the 18 local government chairmen and their deputies for two months over alleged insubordination in what many saw as a mockery of the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy.

The action of the assembly was a sequel to the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had earlier written a petition, accusing the chairmen of refusal to submit financial records of their local government councils to the state government, describing their action as an act of insubordination and gross misconduct. The assembly consequently directed the council leaders to hand over to the legislative leaders of their respective local governments.

The suspension was viewed by many as a blatant disregard of the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and the Supreme Court’s decision in a suit filed by the AGF, which affirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

Responding to the action of the state government, Fagbemi declared it illegal and unconstitutional. He stressed that removing from office or suspending any elected official of the local government in the country is the prerogative of councillors in the said LGA and not state assemblies.

“One thing that I know and can say without fear is that under the present dispensation, no governor has the right to remove any local government chairman. That much I know. If I did not know before, since July 11, 2024, I became aware that removal of any local government chairman or official would be the prerogative of that local government, through their legislative house,” the AGF stated.

But the state government countered the AGF, saying that Governor Okpebholo and the state assembly have the powers to remove local government officials from office. They also argued that the Constitution placed local governments under state control, and that remains the law.

“Financial autonomy is about giving them ac-

cess; but that does not mean state governments do not have control over how they use that money. The Supreme Court cannot amend the constitution. Lateef Fagbemi might be the law officer of the federation, but he does not represent the constitution of the country and he does not represent other laws made validly under the provisions of the constitution by the Edo House of Assembly.

“The House of Assembly has the powers to oversee the activities of the governor, and similarly, the Governor has the right to exercise oversight over local government chairmen. The current constitutional construct recognises a two-tier federal design. It is clearly stipulated in the Constitution,” the state government insisted through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to governor (CPS), Fred Itua.

While this debate was in progress, a High Court in Benin City, presided over by Justice Efe Ikponwonba, while ruling in a suit filed by the suspended chairmen, ordered that they should return to office. But the state government is feeling unconcerned, and determined to ensure that the suspended local government officials do not go near their secretariats. The judge directed the defendants

not to give effect to the House of Assembly resolution of December 16, 2024, purporting to suspend the chairmen and their deputies. She further granted an order of mandamus directing parties to maintain status quo ante belum as of December 12, 2024, when the matter was filed in court, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Over the years, the overbearing influence of state governors on the local governments has been a serious issue in the polity. This, many had argued, was hampering the efficient governance at the level of the third tier of government.

Newly-elected governors have always been uncomfortable with inheriting local government councils that are dominated by the supporters of their predecessors or members of opposition political parties.

As soon as a new governor is elected on the platform of a political party that is different from the political party of his predecessor, one of his first assignments is to dissolve local government executives.

This is to pave the way for his loyalists and members of their political parties to take over the third tier of the government.

Their loyalists will give them access to the LG funds in the joint accounts.

It was this practice that had prompted the federal government, through the AGF, to file a

p OLITICAL NOT e S

suit at the Supreme Court against the 36 state governments, seeking the enforcement of full autonomy of the 774 local government areas in the country.

In its 11 July judgement, the apex court, in upholding the suit declared the action of the governors illegal and unconstitutional for governors to receive and withhold funds allocated to local government areas in their states.

But since the judgment was delivered, some governors have proved the pundits who claimed that they would do everything within their powers to interfere with the allocations of the local councils.

Besides the recent action of Governor Okpebholo, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo had earlier signed a new bill to compel local governments in the state to remit a portion of their federal allocations into a consolidated account to be controlled by the state government.

The law titled: ‘Anambra Local Government Administration Law 2024,’ provides that the state shall maintain a “State Joint Local Government Account,” into which all federal allocations to local governments in Anambra State must be deposited and specified percentage deducted before disbursing the remaining funds to the local governments.

The Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Law Mefor, defended the law, saying that the state government acted under Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the state assembly to make laws regulating the local governments.

Furthermore, he argued that the constitution empowers the state government to “oversee” the affairs of the local governments both in administration and finance.

The commissioner criticised those opposing the bill, saying that they would have turned around to blame the state government when the local government administrators abandoned their statutory responsibilities like payment of pensions.

Many regard the new law not only as an affront and disregard to the decision of the Supreme Court but a big disobedience of the highest court of the land.

The AGF must ensure that the judgement of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy is strictly enforced in all ramifications for good administration to take place in the thirdtier level of government.

Is INeC Biased in rivers ApC Crisis?

The different factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State are waiting for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain its role in the monitoring of the congresses conducted by a faction of the party in the state, which produced Mr. Tony Okocha as the chairman of the party in the state despite an order of the state High Court restraining the party from conducting the election.

Some members of the APC in the state, Sam Etetegwung, Banarth Ezemoye and others, had filed the suit seeking that the Emeka Beke-led leadership of the APC in the state be reinstated after they were suspended and subsequently removed from office by the national leadership of

the APC.

In his ruling, Justice Sika Aprioku issued a perpetual injunction against the then Okochaled Caretaker Committee and restraining them from taking further steps that would distract the Beke-led elected executive till the expiration of their four years’ tenure.

The court also restrained the national leadership of the APC from further recognising the Okocha-led executive and compelled them to henceforth begin to recognise Beke’s led executive as authentic executive of the party till their four years’ expiration.

When the APC issued notice of its congresses, the state High Court sitting in Port Harcourt also issued an ex parte order restraining the party and its National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, from

proceeding with the congresses without resolving the issues in court.

But the APC went ahead to conduct the congresses monitored by INEC.

Consequent upon the disobedience of the order, Justice Godswill Ogbomanu, in his ruling, nullified the congresses by the party, citing the order of the court restraining the party from going ahead with the congress. He then awarded a N10 million fine against the APC.

The legal questions to ask are: Why will the commission be part of such illegality? Did the APC members that obtained the restraining order against holding the congresses not join INEC in the suit? Whose interest was INEC serving?

The various factions of APC need answers to these questions.

Yakubu

Fagbemi

BRIEFING NOTES

De-escalating Tensions Between Nigeria, Niger Republic

The breakdown in security cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Republic has not only encouraged the emergence of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, but has also fuelled mutual suspicions. ejiofor Alike writes that the two countries should de-escalate tension and re-establish cooperation for their internal security

Tensions between Nigeria and Niger worsened recently as the foreign minister of the former French colony accused Nigeria of facilitating efforts to destabilise the junta-led nation.

The tense relations between the two neighbours had strained following the overthrow of a civilian government in Niger by the country’s military.

With the July 26, 2023 coup d’état in Niger, which sacked President Mohamed Bazoum, and installed General Abdourahamane Tchiani, as the leader of a new military junta, relations between Niger and ECOWAS broke down.

In an emergency session held barely five days after the coup, ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu gave Niger’s junta leaders one week to release and reinstate President Bazoum, threatening that all measures, including the use of force, were on the table to restore constitutional order.

ECOWAS had also imposed sanctions, including the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions, blocking crucial imports and cutting electricity, resulting in blackouts in Niamey and other major cities.

But in his reaction, Gen. Tchiani had, while promising to return Niger to civilian rule within three years, declared that the West African nation did not want a war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention.

“If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk-in-the-park some people seem to think,” he had warned in his televised address.

Tchiani also condemned what he called the “illegal and inhumane” sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on the landlocked country.

Rather than succumb to ECOWAS demand, Niger had joined Mali, and Burkina Faso, to announce their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS in January 2024.

While accusing the regional bloc of deviating from its foundational ideals and succumbing to external influences, the three countries also criticised the imposition of sanctions aimed at reversing their respective coups.

There were series of military takeovers –Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023 – each leading to suspensions from ECOWAS and strained relations with the regional body.

However, few days after President Tinubu had promised German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier that ECOWAS would handle the three countries’ return to the group with wisdom, the regional bloc, in December 2024, formally approved the withdrawal of the three countries from the regional body, with effect from January 29, 2025, in accordance with

Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty.

With the breakdown in security cooperation between Nigeria and Niger, insecurity across their borders worsened, leading to the emergence of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, which has been terrorising their border communities.

Niger’s withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) tackling the emerging regional threats also worsened regional stability.

Niger had been a key ally of the West in the fight against militant groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaida in the Sahel region.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, had recently confirmed to journalists in Abuja that the new terror group emerged from the Republic of Niger after the military coup in that country had led to the breakdown of military cooperation between the Nigerian government and the new military leaders.

“The new terrorists began incursion into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in the Niger Republic. Before

the coup, there were joint border operations with Nigerien security forces, which kept the terrorists at bay,” Buba had explained.

The revelation by the DHQ showed that the Nigerian government prioritised the ECOWAS resolution above the country’s internal security.

Many security analysts have argued that Nigeria, with her numerous security threats and porous borders, should have considered national interest before signing any resolutions with the other member-countries of ECOWAS to cut military ties with the Niger Republic.

The strained relations between the two countries led to mutual suspicions as the Nigerien Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, recently accused Nigeria of facilitating efforts to destabilise the junta-led nation, and summoned the chargé d’affaires at the Nigerian embassy in Niamey.

“Despite efforts to normalise relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilisation of Niger, with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers refuge,” Sangare said in a statement aired on national television.

Nigerien authorities specifically alleged that foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, aided the Lakurawa terrorist group, in the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region of the country on December 13, 2024.

Notes for file

One Bomb Too Many

Niger has also continued to harbour the suspicion that Nigeria provided a military base for its former colonial master and estranged ally, after the French military base in Niger was sacked by the new junta.

Security analysts believe that President Tinubu’s recent week-long state visit to France and his warm reception by President Emmanuel Macron may have fuelled this suspicion.

However, the Nigerian government has since refuted the allegations, insisting that it remained committed to the fight against terrorism, and had not condoned the activities of a terrorism group.

A statement issued by the Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, also debunked the allegation that Nigerian security forces aided the Lakurawa terrorist group in the attack on the NigerBenin oil pipeline.

The statement also clarified that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilise the Government of Niger.

In another statement issued last Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the federal government described Tchiani’s accusations as unfounded and a diversionary tactic aimed at covering his administration’s failures.

“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilise Niger Republic,” the statement said.

The minister specifically denied allegations that Nigeria had ceded parts of its territory to foreign powers or established terrorist bases in Sokoto State in collaboration with France.

“The claims about the establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond,” the minister stated.

With the worsening insecurity across their countries’ borders, Abuja and Niamey should sustain the security cooperation they resumed in August.

The two countries should shun regional bloc’s sentiments and foreign influence and strengthen their security cooperation for their mutual benefits.

While Niger should be encouraged to rejoin the MJTF for regional security and stability, the two countries should prioritise their security and territorial integrity above the interest of any regional bloc, as well as foreign interest.

No fewer than 15 villagers were feared dead and several others injured on Wednesday when a fighter jet targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group mistakenly bombed two communities in Silame Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, said: “The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no criminal record.”

But in a swift reaction, the Joint Task Force (JTF), North West Operation Fansan Yammahasdeclaredthatthetargetsstruck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities the Zamfara State during operation against Lakurawa terrorists “have

been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken”.

The JTF warned that the populace should be aware of misinformation and disinformation campaigns by terrorist groups and their collaborators.

A statement by the spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Col Abdullahi Abubakar, said, “The Joint Task Force, North West, Operation Fasan Yamma, has addressed recent reports concerning a military fighter jet allegedly bombing civilian structures in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State

“Thesereportshaveraisedconcerns;however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions,” the statement said.

Since the war against insecurity started, the military has continued to bomb those that they are supposed to protect.

Whether the terrorists use the villagers as human shields or the NAF pilots are just incompetent has remained in the realm of speculation because the military never allowed Nigerians to know the outcomes of their investigations into previous incidents.

It may not be possible for the military to battle terrorists in any part of the world without the military personnel themselves or innocent civilians becoming victims of ‘friendly fire.’

But the periodic bombing of innocent villagers by the Nigerian military is unacceptable.

Since the military is under the control of the civilian government in a democracy, political leaders should force their leaders to put their house in order and stop the periodic massacre of innocent civilians.

General Musa

tinubu

tchiani

Nigeria and the World in 2025: A Prolegomena to the Foreign Policy Challenges

Nigeriaandtheworldin2025canbeexplained at three complementary levels: Nigeria’s attitudinal disposition towards the world; the world’s attitudinal disposition towards Nigeria; and environmental conditionings at both the domestic and external levels.

Analysing foreign policy challenges in 2025 necessarily requires a conjectural qualitative approach in which policy statements, behaviour, experiences, and historiography are underscored. It is generally believed that war or peace is largely a function of the mind. If the world wants peace or war, it is from the mind that it always begins. This column combines all the three levels in the exegesis of Nigeria’s foreign policy and the world in 2025.

Besides, for war or peace to begin from the mind, self-education is a desideratum. But education, as explained by Albert Eistein, is not about learning facts, but about training the mind to think. Consequently, what do we want in 2025? What should Nigeria’s attitudinal disposition towards the world be? Does the Government and do the people of Nigeria want peace at home in 2025? Do the people want an end to boko haramism and armed banditry at the domestic level? Does the Government of Nigeria really want a united and indivisible Nigeria that will be completely free from political chicanery and reckless institutional corruption?

At the international level, how does Nigeria see global events that impact Nigeria? What is the place of Nigeria’s diplomacy of 4-Ds in 2025? To what extent can Tinubuplomacy or the Foreign Minister’s ‘Tuggarisation’ of Nigeria’s classical foreign policy principles be helpful in 2025? How should Nigeria respond to the crises of legitimacy raised in the global leadership contest between the United States and China, on the one hand, and between the United States and Russia, on the other? These are some of the foreign policy constraints that require painstaking attention in 2025.

Foreign Policy Challenges

The first foreign policy challenge is how to manage the impact of lack of diplomatic representation abroad at the ambassadorial level under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT). Many observers of developments in Nigeria often look at Nigeria’s human and material resources in assessing the strength of Nigeria in international relations. Big population, vibrant professionals, oil and gas resources, biggest arable land in Africa, strategic geo-political location and powerful military often attract the attention of analysts. However, what is the official attitude and the people’s attitude to all these factors?

Diplomatic representation at the non-ambassadorial level is not as important as diplomatic representation at the ambassadorial level. Representation at the level of Chargé d’Affaires or Chargé d’Affaires ad interim only subjects the country’s Representative to the second level of Order of Precedence. Papal Nuncios, Ambassadors, be they High Commissioners or High Representatives, belong to the first class of Heads of Diplomatic Missions. Nigeria’s Chargés d’Affaires as they currently are in the missions, are, at best, in the second category of the diplomatic classification.

Not having relationship at the ambassadorial level raises two critical issues: respect for Nigeria and recognition of Nigerian government. In terms of respect for Nigeria, how should Nigeria be seen, a self-proclaimed giant of Africa, a country that professes Africa as the cornerstone and centrepiece of her foreign policy, a country that President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe sees as ‘Africa without Nigeria is hollow,’ and even negatively considered, Nigeria that a British Prime Minister, David Cameron, says is ‘fantastically corrupt?

One major purpose of foreign policy is acquisition of respect for national sovereignty. Respect is generally defined by military strength, economic prosperity, national security, and social security. The wellbeing of the people is always underscored. When representation is not at the highest level, there is little or no respect. The general dictum is sovereign equality, non-interference and non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries. This

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is because sovereign equality is also defined by domestic affairs and believed to fall within the jurisdictional competence of the State. Representation at the non-ambassadorial level reflects perception of material poverty, self-disregard, self-belittling, and poverty of ideas.

The ideal diplomacy for Nigeria in 2025 ought to be the pursuit of diplomacy of greatness, la grandeur du Nigéria (Greatness of Nigeria) which requires a Special Grand Strategy. Nigeria does not lack competent diplomatic careerists, especially those of them that have retired. The problem with people associated with foreign policy making in Nigeria is that they often strategise based on the domestic situation. They project foreign policy based on domestic strength. Whereas, this ought to be simultaneously combined with the use of external strength. Put differently, how can the external environment be used to strengthen Nigeria in various

From various indicators, the year 2025 cannot but witness a paradigm shift, especially in the area of balancing of political power, managing the error of terror and poverty of ideas, cyber and energy security, as well as anti-corruption and climate change strategies. Nigeria has been told that Lagos is below sea level and that the city will sink further by 2050. There should be a geo-politics driven foreign policy to respond to the challenges of the new climate environment. More precisely, Nigeria needs a Foreign Policy Grand Strategy (FPGS) that will be aimed at making Nigeria second to none in Africa, to begin with, and to be at par with the current leaders of the world, in the long run. This was the idea of Professor Bolaji Akinwande Akinyemi’s Concert of Medium Powers which was defined by the need to use what Nigeria has to attract international attention. This is the type of foreign policy that Nigeria, as a regional influential, should pursue. The diplomacy of 4-Ds can be used as the tools of the FPGS. It is by so doing that the world can begin to reckon well with, and have respect for, Nigeria. The image of a fantastically corrupt country or a country of consumers without producers should be thrown into the garbage of history in 2025. May God make 2025 a happier year for all my readers and the entire ThisDay Family. insha Allah and in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen

ramifications? This is where and why diplomatic representation cannot and should not be maintained at the non-ambassadorial level. It is a serious strategic miscalculation to believe that the appointment of ambassadors is not necessary or that money can be saved by not appointing them. The gains of not appointing them are nullified by the poor image it engenders.

Related to this point is the role of the National Assembly. Diplomacy in any part of the world is necessarily dollarized. When the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is presented for appropriation in the National Assembly, it is always cut down, always seen as too prohibitive. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Representatives only consider the amount in Nigerian Naira but always quickly forget that payments for all services provided to diplomatic missions are made in foreign currency. But more interestingly, it is the people who are cut down the budget of the Foreign Ministry are the same people who are also very quick in seeking diplomatic assistance and protection when they travel abroad. They want good treatment but they do not understand why a diplomatic mission should not be simply rated like a home office. There are no ambassadors and they cannot courageously come into the open to call for and support the highest level of diplomatic representation. This is most unfortunate.

On the question of recognition, recognition of government should be differentiated from recognition of State. The recognition of Nigeria as a State in international relations is not in any way an issue. What is generating questions is the recognition of the government of Nigeria. Recognition is the fourth definiendum required for a State to enter into international relations after population, territory, and government in international law.

In this context of non-ambassadorial representation, the extent to which the Government of Nigeria can be said to be recognised is very arguable. Diplomatic relationship is unnecessarily restricted without ambassadors. The truth is that when ambassadors present their Letter of Recall and Letter of Credence to the host President, recognition of the sending President and Government is recognised. As at today, PMB is actually suffering technically from international non-recognition of himself and his government. This is one reason we consider that Nigeria’s warm relationship with France is at the level of international life between PBAT and Emmanuel Macron and stricto sensu, not at the official bilateral ties. Relationships between Nigeria and France are officially managed but the dynamics are officious.

Thus, in terms of foreign policy projections in 2025, emphasis on how Nigeria’s foreign policy will be conditioned by international events and politics, as well as how the domestic setting will be impacted upon are some of what Nigeria’s policy makers should begin to investigate. Explained interrogatively, how is Nigeria expected to react to the United States foreign policy under President Donald Trump as from January 20, 2025? What can be Nigeria’s policy attitude towards the deepening Russo-American and Sino-American rivalry in 2025? What is the likely outcome of the Israelo-Palestinian war before and after it comes to an end? What about the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Will there be changes in Nigeria’s policy attitude? Will it be a question of change in tactics and continuity of same pursuits, change of interest-and-continuity of policy tactics? What are the likely scenarios of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s diplomacy of 4-Ds in 2025?

Perhaps most importantly, what does the whole world look like in 2025? Will it be a world of natural disasters, new world politico-economic order, a world of the BRICS, and a world of Africa? Without doubt, the international environment of 2025 has the potential to be more insecurity-driven than in 2024. American domination of the world is likely to be more threatened than ever before. How should Nigeria respond if the US President Donald Trump decides to sanction Nigeria for being a Partner Member of the BRICS? If the current romance between France and Nigeria hits the rock, how will Nigeria relate with France as Nigeria’s fifth neighbour by geo-political propinquity? Which African countries are truly interested in having Nigeria as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)? If Nigeria is hostile to the West in its anti-Alliance of the States of Sahel struggle, will the West support Nigeria’s candidature for the UNSC Permanent Seat? All these questions require a foreign policy review and fresh strategic recalculations for the purposes of 2025 and beyond.

TheWorld and Nigeria: Some Critical Issues

There are three critical areas to be looked into in how the World is likely to relate to Nigeria in 2025: Regional insecurity, democracy and human rights, and stance on global leadership contest. The issue of regional insecurity raises the principles of good neighbourliness, concentricism, and consultation doctrine in Nigeria’s foreign Policy. Democracy and protection of human rights have been a major pillar of many Western States right from 1990 when democratisation was made a conditionality for the grant of development aid by President François Mitterrand at the La Baule Franco-African Summit. It is a truism to say that liberal democracy and human rights are major anchors on which the US foreign policy is largely predicated. Nigeria’s stance on the global contest for leadership which is, on the one hand, between the United States and China, and, on the other hand, between the United States and Russia, cannot but be a cynosure of all eyes.

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Tinubu

Tugar

Fubara: Demystifying Governance with Project Harvest

Boniface Onyedi

In navigating through the leadership path followed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in today’s Rivers State, it is appropriate to begin by drawing strength from the most genial African wisecrack that says, “When preparing the roasted yam of the blind, one is expected to do so whistling.” That is an absolute fact of wisdom and an apparent point of truth. Of course, it is to explicitly enact a sense of transparency and accountability before the impaired and exudes the integrity of the one providing service of assisting the blind with such crucial tasks. That allegory is exemplified in dispensing public trust as bequeathed in the mandate by the people, and so, must be done with all sense of responsibility.

Unequivocally, that defines the philosophy behind the remarkable leadership style of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as he pilots the affairs of Rivers State. In that most fundamental approach, he has elected to explicitly demystify governance in the state by transparently showcasing every aspect of government with direct bearing on the people without any noise.

From the onset of his administration, Gov. Fubara has been threading with utmost care and exuding a high level of prudence in managing the State’s patrimony. Rather than waste the Commonwealth on frivolities, he innovatively increased the earnings of the State from a paltry of N15billion to an upward increase of N27billion. The positive outcome of that ingenuity, is providing quality services to the people without borrowing. Thus, in every sector, Gov. Fubara registers his indelible footprints. But more passionately on education, health, agriculture and road infrastructure as well as human welfare.

In other words, while detractors are neck deep in their treachery against him, he is busy working to elevate the people from the dungeon of induced underdevelopment and squalor albeit silently.

To show his pedigree as an accountant and crack technocrat, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara since taking the reins of office had never sought for loan from any quarter, except for the N200billion obtained to fund the Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Ring Road. Piognantly, the circumstances of that loan is a story for another day. Besides that, every other legacy project initiated by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara is progressively ongoing without any form of debt burden as the resources of the State are justifiably allocated for their smooth execution.

At several fora, this committed peopleoriented governor had told Rivers people that all his projects and services are funded from the internally generated revenue savings. This is even at the provocative sarcasm of the detractors that nothing is happening in the State in terms of development. But gradually, Gov. Fubara has proven to them that Rivers money is genuinely being applied to give the people the needed services and development they truly desired and deserved. This is reflected in the N225.1billion Trans-Kalabari road covering 12.5kilometers and running on about 3 kilometers deck-on-pile with 4 long bridges covering over 1.3 kilometers flagged off in May, 2024 by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Over 30% of the contractual cost has been paid as mobilization fee and work is already intensified in each passing day towards its completion deadline of 32 months.

Also, the Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-UbiminiIkiri-Omoku road is another evidence of focused leadership. The 33.5 kilometers road is costing Rivers State the sum of N80.8billion with 40% mobilization fee paid to the contractor CraneBurge Nigeria Limited and work is already at an advanced stage. Even though the delivery date is scheduled for 24 months, the level of accelerated work may likely hasten the period of completion, especially as Gov. Fubara is equally on the toes of the contractors through consistent inspection to monitor extent and quality of work.

The latest additions to the plethora of road projects is the 12.3 kilometers Egwi-Afara-Mba road which Sir Siminalayi Fubara in acceding to the request of the Etche people extended by another 10 kilometers to connect it to the boundary with neighbouring Imo State from Mba in Rivers State. In flagging off the road project, a former governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia re-echoed the uncommon

commitment of Gov. Fubara in opening up the economic and agro belts of the State, such as Etche, describing the road as quite significant in the connectivity of the different communities prominent in food production as the food basket of the State. He called on detractors of the State to beat a retreat, and give peace a chance. Indeed, Gov. Fubara demonstrated uncommon love for the Kalabari nation through commitment to building legacy projects and improved infrastructure as shown with the flag-off of the 19.1 kilometers Buguma-Abalama-Tema-DegemaAbonnema road project worth N30.4billion. The State government which awarded the road to construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has already paid mobilisation fee of 30% amounting to N9.1billion from the internally generated revenue savings. A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Henry Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, who flagged-off construction of the road corroborated the facts that roads being constructed by Sir Siminalayi Fubara are the foundation and cornerstone of development as they continue to provide the arteries for other forms of development, describing Fubara’s investment on road infrastructure as creating platforms for inclusivity, urban development, and by extension reducing rural-urban migration. He commended the governor for his deep love for the Kalabari people which is practically shown in his building critical road infrastructure to open up the once creek-locked area.

Several of the ongoing road infrastructure projects were quietly awarded and commenced without the usual media jamboree. Most have been delivered and inaugurated in the 13 days project harvest and commissioning of the performing governor of Rivers State to the benefit of the people. Part of this category includes the 11.8 kilometers Okehi-Umuola-Eberi road connecting two local government areas of Etche and Omuma, and the already commissioned 10.9 kilometers Aleto-Ebubu-Etoe road. Another act of service by Gov. Fubara is the complete rehabilitation of the long abandoned 14 Kilometers Rumukruse-Igbo/Etche road, which is almost at the completion stage. The road some time ago became a nightmare to the point that commuters abandoned it for criminals. In the category of abandoned roads receiving utmost attention of Gov. Fubara is the old Port Harcourt road in Ahoad, which today is being strategically reconstructed. What about the ongoing 25 kilometer Ahoada-Omoku dualisation project, Gov. Fubara’s eyes are steadily on it, to ensure easy traverse of the area by the people. But for

even in difficult times. He noted that he was filled with nostalgia as he was on his way to the commissioning of the Okania-Ogbogoro/ Mgbaraja road only to behold the happiness and the joy from the voiceless people that were abandoned and neglected in the area for long as they thronged the road to welcome the governor in excitement. Kefas loud exhilaration is further illustrated by the simple fact that the jubilant residents weren’t rented crowd but people who came out with genuine excitement for what the governor has done for them as a listening leader. The special guest elaborated the importance of the road towards critical development and averred that good roads are the arteries of development because they connect communities, enhance access to essential services and unlock economic potentials and by the completion of the Okania-Ogbogoro/Mgbaraja road Gov. Fubara has again demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership.

In addition, Gov. Fubara advanced the frontiers of development to his hometown, Opobo, by commissioning the 7 Kilometers Opobo Ring Road and bridges. The commissioning performed by Dr. Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State saw the gathering of dignitaries from far and near as Dr. Lawal acknowledged the visionary leadership of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara which he said resonates deeply with the commitment of his administration in transforming the social and economic infrastructure of the state. He was full of commendations for Gov. Fubara and his administration for the unwavering commitment to the development of Rivers State and the unshaken dedication to creating a better future for the people which is inspiring and serves as a model for other States to emulate.

sure the 14 Kilometer Umuakali-Eberi road linking Rivers to Abia state sparked the overwhelming joy that Omuma people will continue to rejoice over their liberation from several years of neglect and abandonment as the long deplorable road is now a super highway to prosperity.

Dr. Bala Mohammed, the Bauchi State Governor who combines as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum and the special guest of honour could not hide his joy and feelings for the humble and silent approach of Gov. Fubara in delivering quality projects that directly impact the people positively. He spoke loudly and his voice resonated clearly across the lands in describing the true leadership style of Gov. Fubara, saying, “You have taught us that young people are indeed the hope of tomorrow, not even us. Good governance is being bequeathed to the people of Rivers State with humility and simplicity. And you have faith in the judiciary and in the corporate existence of Nigeria, which is why you won. I join you in thanking the judiciary for proving to be the hope of not just the common man but also the sub-national.” Dr. Mohammed simply concluded, “You are a good man, a simple man, a sincere man. Please, Rivers people, follow him. I know that following him will lead to success and not destruction.”

Other road arteries that were silently awarded and delivered to the people include the 1.5kilometer Okocha road in Rumuolumeni, the 6.55kilometer Okania-Ogbogoro and Mgbaraja community road both in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area. Senator John Azuta Mbata was roundly concise at the commissioning of Okocha road in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where he rightly said to Gov. Fubara, “Our people gravitate towards you effortlessly despite the vicissitude and the vagaries of the politics of our State, you have continued to do your duty and implement projects and have refused to be distracted by all the legal and political unrighteousness that have been hurled at you. …you have remained focused in the discharge of your responsibility as the governor of Rivers State without fear, favour or discrimination. And our people are very grateful for all that you are doing.”

But Dr. Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State was more succinct by lauding Gov. Fubara for what he is doing for the people of Rivers State especially the poor people

Gov. Lawal expressed confidence that the ring road and bridges will bring lasting benefits to the people of Opobo and contribute significantly to the overall development of the State and he summarily retorted, “This is what democracy is all about, keep making us proud. I am so happy that you are not distracted and you stand tall to do all these for your people.”

On his part while commissioning the 3.0 Kilometers Kalaibiama section of the ongoing Kalaibiama -Epellema road and bridge, a former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Adawari Michael Pepple said Gov. Fubara represents the fabric of the downtrodden in the society and that is encouraging him to develop the grassroots where the critical mass of the people resides. He said the Kalaibiama road is a testament of a man in touch with the people and loved by the people.

The determination to upgrade some towns for their historical relevance in the emerging history of Rivers State was quite paramount in his development agenda. So, his strategic urban renewal programme became glaring in Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni and also the melting point of the South-East Senatorial district of the State as he built and commissioned the 13.985kilometers internal roads of this suburban centre with the vision of transforming it into a metropolitan city. Prince Uche Secondus in commissioning the internal roads emphasised that power comes from God and that Gov. Fubara should not be bothered by the antics of detractors as the people are with him

His absolute focus on achieving results did not end with road infrastructure, but extended to other sectors. Gov. Fubara remodeled the Government Girls Secondary School, Ahoada which was also part of the harvest of projects recently.

In furtherance to his synergy with security agencies, Gov. Fubara completed 2 numbers of blocks of 12 flats each of 2-bedrooms at the Nigerian Airforce Base in Port Harcourt. Recognizing the deep commitment of Gov. Fubara’s collaboration with federal agencies and security organizations in building a more and safe society, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar expressed heartfelt appreciation to the governor on behalf of men and officers of the Nigerian Airforce and the good people of Rivers State for the very thoughtful and impactful initiative of completing the block of flats.

Fubara

and commercial resources to seal these mega deals. To the best of my knowledge, divestments have been happening regularly since 2010 and Nigerian companies are benefiting. When Nigerians were experiencing absolute chaos in passport application, it was an international embarrassment. I was ashamed as a Nigerian. Things have eased significantly, but Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister, has taken a step further by leveraging on technology to make processes smoother. With a successful pilot scheme, Nigerians will soon be able to renew their passports via a “contactless system” — from the comfort of their homes. This is expected to be rolled out in more cities in 2025. Also, travellers will soon be using e-gates at the international airports to reduce time wasted by manual processing. This is not the sort of news some people love to share. Whenever foreign organisations or personalities say something negative about Nigeria, come and see the radiation on the faces of some Nigerians. It’s as if they hit the jackpot. Whether it is Transparency International (TI) rating Nigeria as the most corrupt country in Africa or Prime Minister David Cameron saying “Nigeria is fantastically corrupt”, you can literally “swim” in the unspeakable joy of some Nigerians. They will share it on Facebook, WhatsApp, X, Instagram and every platform available on Planet Earth. But if the same TI says Nigeria has improved or a foreign political leader says Nigeria is making some progress, these guys will be downcast — or even allege they were induced to say so.

You may not believe this, but there are music stars who made their fame and fortune in Nigeria before gaining global recognition — only to travel out and start advising people not to come to the country. There are people who schooled in Nigeria virtually for free only to “japa” with their certificates and start deriding the country as “useless”. Doesn’t that mean their certificates and work experience are equally useless? What about the people who made their money here before migrating but then go on social media to run down the country mercilessly? Some are still sending SOS messages home to help them stabilise

GOODBYE 2024

In a couple of days, we will bid 2024 good bye. This year qualifies as one of the toughest for Nigerians. It was the year electricity tariffs were tripled for Band A, the year the naira reached its lowest against the dollar, and the year petrol sold at its most expensive pump price ever. I will say this again: I am not against reform and I have my reservations about the pacing and spacing of President Bola Tinubu’s policies, but the most upsetting thing for me is that the message of sacrifice is not being lived by government officials. I want to see a significant change in their own lifestyles. For Nigerians, I pray 2025 will bring relief and reward for their patience and sacrifice. Amen.

Assembly by September. This will give the legislators a whole quarter to work on the appropriation bill, and enough time for the executive to do a proper review of the passed budget and request for changes, if necessary, before presidential assent. Not submitting budget proposals on time allows for all sorts, including insertions and overreach by legislators. The way to cure such mischief, assuming there is the appetite for it, is to start the budgeting process early. And there is no compelling excuse not to.

However, President Tinubu has not taken a saw to all our budgeting traditions. He is, in this sense, a selective iconoclast. One tradition that he has religiously kept is that of bogus projections. While presenting the N49.74 trillion budget, the president gave a brief review of the 2024 budget(s): revenue projection performing at 75% and planned expenditure at 85% as at the end of the third quarter. This is all well and good. But it is not a substitute for a detailed budget implementation report for Q3 2024, which should have been published by now by the Budget Office of the Federation. This is where we can have a clear view of revenue flows, expenditures by type and the deficit so far. It is in the detailed budget performance report that the fiction of our projections comes out to mock us. In any case, a budget based on crude oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day, FGN net revenue at N36.35 trillion, deficit of N13.39 trillion and inflation at 15% continues the game of orchestrated optical illusion that we have played with ourselves for decades.

It is, however, not an innocuous game. Unmet revenue projection leads inexorably to budget underperformance, increased deficit and more borrowing, which increases our debt burden. In the proposed budget, N16.33 trillion

That utterance is dangerous in a diverse and volatile society like ours. The North (read the Hausa-Fulani, Kanuri, Tiv, Birom, Mangu, Ibira, Nupe, and many others who cohabit the entire Northern region) is no enemy of the Yoruba as Mrs Badenoch insinuated. The North voted massively for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a Yoruba man, to emerge president in 2023, as they did for the late Bashorun MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12 election in 1993. To label them the enemies of the Yoruba is condemnable. Badenoch’s Yoruba roots emphasise good character and promote good neighbourliness, religious harmony, peaceful co-existence, respect for elders, and respect for other people’s rights. That is why Yoruba intermarry with

but they will never stop denigrating this same country. I have been ruminating over this negativism. In trying to understand why some Nigerians are like this, I first asked myself this question: did I ever feel this way about Nigeria at any point in my life? My mind went back to the 1990s and 2000s and I realised I used to be negative — even if not totally — about Nigeria. This is bizarre because I consider myself to be an optimist. I always try to see the sunny side of life. If you tell me “Nigeria is finished”, my instinctive response has always been: “Congratulations! Hope you are happy now?” To be honest, till this day, I still occasionally find myself negative and despondent. It is hard not to be. I am an optimist quite all right, but I am not stupid.

After much thinking about the things that spur the “Nigeria is finished” retort, I identified two broad categories of negativism. On the one hand, there is “benign negativism”: some people say and share negative things about Nigeria not out of a malicious heart or with a destructive intent. Rather, they are frustrated and angry at the state of the nation. When they say “Nigeria is finished”, it is not a wish or a curse but an expression of frustration. On the other hand, there is the “malign negativism” among those who have written Nigeria off and have concluded that nothing good can come out of the country. To many in this category, it is of no use expecting anything good from the “contraption”.

I took a deep dive into these two categories and identified at least five variants of negativism. The variants cut across the categories and could be in spectrums — so they are not mutually exclusive. The first of the five is “disappointed love”. Many have invested so much emotion in Nigeria and are disappointed with the outcome. They expect Nigeria to be far better than this. Actually, disappointed love is a term describing the heartache people have when their expectations are not met in a relationship. It could be that their feelings are not reciprocated, promises are broken, or there is a form of abuse going on. That sums up the feelings of many Nigerians who have benign negativism.

The second variant of negativism is what psychologists call “coping mechanism”. It is a psychological strategy humans adapt to deal with unpalatable circumstances. It could be conscious or unconscious. When some people say “Nigeria is finished”, they do not mean it in a malicious manner. Rather, that is their own way of managing the trauma of poor governance that they are being subjected to. When they share bad news about Nigeria, it is a way of “detoxifying”. It is also like a resolve — “I am not surprised things are like this”. They have tuned their minds to live with the disappointments. They are not against Nigeria’s progress but have also conditioned themselves to expect little or nothing.

The third variant of negativism is self-justification. They use all negative news about Nigeria to say: “I was right, wasn’t I?” The late Peter Wason, cognitive psychologist, called it “confirmation bias” — the tendency to favour information that confirms or strengthens your beliefs or values and is difficult to dislodge. This is common among Nigerian migrants. Even if they are not having the best of times abroad — perhaps they are being treated as second-class humans — they try to justify it by amplifying bad news about Nigeria to show that they were right to “japa”. Many would-be migrants and restructuring activists are also affected by confirmation bias and self-justification variant.

The fourth variant manifests in those who have completely, irreversibly and irrevocably given up on Nigeria. They are comprehensively disenchanted with the country and there is no amount of good news or positive developments that can dissuade them. Some feel sidelined, neglected and irrelevant in the scheme of things. Others have their own ideas of how the country should be structured or governed and until their position is accepted and implemented, they are not interested in any good thing coming out of Nigeria. Every positive development irritates them. Every negative development is evidence that the country is doomed and nothing good can come out of it.

And Four Other Things…

NAGGING NIGER

The cold war between Niger and Nigeria after the military coup of 2023 is not going to thaw soon as the two West African neighbours continue to exchange diplomatic brickbats. Gen Abdulrahmane Tchiani, military leader of Niger Republic, has accused Nigeria of plotting to destabilise his country. Since the military governments in West Africa exchanged their French “colonial masters” and replaced them with Russian lords (in fact, Russian flags were flown in northern Nigeria during the hunger protests), it has been glaring that we are in for challenging times. Tchiani’s sympathisers here have been circulating fake news that French soldiers have established a base in Nigeria. Dangerous.

or 33% of the proposed budget or 45% of projected revenue is devoted to debt service alone. Debt service is the highest single item in the 2025 budget (or the second highest item if the N3 trillion capital allocation in statutory transfers is added to the N14.85 trillion in the main budget to take overall capital to N17.86 trillion). Whatever option we fancy, debt service as the highest or the second highest budget item is not a good look. And with the over-ambitious projection and expansionary approach that is out of sync with probable revenue, we are further locking ourselves in a vicious cycle. This is a time to faithfully keep deficit and debt (and resultant higher debt service) in check.

A ready and oft-used counter to this argument is that we also live in a time of great need, and that we need to spend to put the economy on sound footing and increase the productive capacities of our people. While this line of argument might appear persuasive, more than a few of the proposed expenditure do not pass the muster of necessity and regeneration or even transparency. Why do we propose to spend N238.05 billion for a hospital for the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) while the capital budget for the entire Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is N653.61 billion? Why do we need to allocate N50 billion as capital supplementation for a building for FIRS, an agency that gets 4% as cost of collection and with a hefty budget likely to be about half a trillion Naira? And how do we have a N761.97 billion as a one-line item for Special Projects?

There are other curious items I have seen in the proposed budget. One glaring example is the plan to transfer N146.14 billion to MOFI (Ministry of Finance Incorporated) as counterpart funding for the Lagos Green

members of different ethnic groups. It’s also commonplace in Yorubaland to find members of the same family having adherents of Islam and Christianity cohabiting together without any hassles. Boko Haram or its last vestiges poses a security challenge, perhaps a religious and sociopolitical challenge, for Nigeria, not just for the North or the North-east which is why the government and our armed forces have battled to a standstill and are still battling the insurgents. Therefore, the values the UK Conservative leader espoused did not represent the Yoruba. They are not the values the Yoruba would showcase, uphold, and promote. Yoruba has a rich history of culture, tradition, leadership, and loyalty to constituted authority.

BEYOND FAROTIMI

Mr Dele Farotimi, the activist who was arrested and charged to court over allegations of criminal defamation of Chief Afe Babalola, the senior lawyer, was released on Christmas Eve after meeting bail conditions. The law should run its course, no doubt, but there is something ugly about putting someone in handcuffs for defamation. I will continue to argue that defamation should be a civil case — not a matter to be prosecuted by the police. Civil society organisations and legal experts must ramp up the campaign to de-criminalise defamation. It is subject to abuse and misuse and anyone can be a victim. It is not enough to lament — we must work hard to get the laws amended. Crucial.

Line Metro Rail Phase 1. This raises many questions. The proposed allocation for the metro-line within a state is 65% of the capital budget and 57% of the entire budget of the Ministry of Transport. If this is counterpart funding from a recapitalised MOFI, why is the money coming from the budget of a federal ministry? Why can’t MOFI raise its counterpart funding from the market? How was the decision arrived at that this is a project to invest federal money into and will such facility be available to other states outside of Lagos?

Similarly, the lavish allocations to the development commissions not only raise similar questions but will likely cause more challenges down the line. The proposed allocations are as follows: N290.99 billion for the North East Development Commission (NEDC); N341.27 billion for the South East Development Commission (SEDC); N498.40 billion for the South West Development Commission (SWDC); N585.93 billion for the North West Development Commission (NWDC); and N776.53 billion for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). For a strange reason, the proposed budgets for these commissions all go to personnel, with zero allocation for overhead and capital (which I think must be a mistake, but it is still rich that such mistakes can make it to such a sacred document). Beyond being conduits for elite settlement, these commissions have done little to uplift the material conditions of the people in their respective zones. There is nothing in the trajectory of the NDDC or the NEDC to recommend the creation and federal funding of three new zonal commissions. Collectively, these five commissions account for 5% of federal budget. And since the FG is eager to start and fund these commissions, more will be created. The North Central will surely demand what has

Mrs Badenoch’s formative years, which she derided with negative stories of decadence, perfidy, and corruption, were part of Nigeria’s dark periods when the military held the country and the people by the jugular.

Is Kemi Badenoch now giving the impression that nothing has changed in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, where she grew up after birth in London? Is she giving the impression there have not been significant improvements in the standard of living and infrastructure, with the rehabilitation of existing roads and opening up of new ones; in transportation with the multi-modal system complemented by water transportation and now the rail system, among other

There is a fifth variant which is borne out of partisanship. The things some people are defending today are the things they attacked when they were not in power. The things some are attacking today are the things they defended when they were in power. When the NBS rebased the GDP under the PDP in 2014 and we became Africa’s biggest economy, the APC ridiculed it. In 2024, the NBS released favourable employment data under the APC and the PDP mocked it. Need I remind us of the deregulation of petrol pricing by the PDP in 2012 which was opposed by the same APC elements now celebrating their own deregulation as a great success? I think partisan hypocrites fit each other.

This is not an invitation to be blind to Nigeria’s shortcomings and challenges. We cannot deceive ourselves by saying everything is all right. Plenty things are not all right. We can all see things with our eyes. In fact, every society needs critical — sometimes cynical and sceptical — voices. The danger is when we became perennially and incurably critical to the extent that it is beginning to impair our judgment. It can become a terminal ailment. Still, those in power should not treat every negativity as malign. To be clear, Nigerians have every right to be worried about their country and to highlight every negative development. It is now the job of those in authority to lead us out of the woods.

Nevertheless, we can still be kind to Nigeria by differentiating the country from its leadership. They are not the same: presidents come and go but Nigeria remains. We can love Nigeria our country with all our heart and hate bad leadership with passion. We can celebrate our little strides and still criticise corrupt and inept leadership. It is sad that if you want to hear the worst things about Nigeria, you need not ask a foreigner. Ask a Nigerian. With our own mouths, we damage and demarket our country before outsiders and then complain that we are being maltreated abroad. We should not be so negative that we cannot see anything good in Nigeria. If Nigeria is finished, what is our gain?

NO COMMENT

I watched President Tinubu’s media chat on Monday. I think the panel did a good job. The president also spoke confidently about his stewardship. He is very sure of himself — even if many of us disagree with some of his pronouncements and policies. But did you hear the president say this? “People are learning management. A friend used to brag to me that he has five Rolls Royce (cars). The other day I saw him in his Honda Accord. He said ‘that’s where you put me’. I told him ‘I did not put you there’. But he said it was because of fuel prices that he could no longer maintain five limousine-type vehicles.” He can afford five Rolls Royce cars but can’t buy petrol? Wonderful.

now become a national cake. It is also not improbable for the Niger Delta to ask for a region-specific commission since NDDC also includes Abia, Imo and Ondo states as oil-producing states. In short order, we may start creating federally funded state development commissions.

On a separate but related note, I have searched unsuccessfully for two items in the current budget documents, as I did in previous main and supplementary budgets: the funding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the purchase of the presidential jet. Maybe they are tucked somewhere I am yet to get to or maybe they are couched in a way that is not apparent. Anyone who has seen them should kindly share. My interest is not about the utility or the urgency or even the cost of these items.

I am interested in them for two reasons. One, citizens deserve to know how their common wealth is being expended and the processes followed to ensure there is proper value for money. These things should not be a matter of speculations or gossips. Two, no public money should be spent without appropriation and accountability in a democracy. We are not under an absolute monarchy where the king owns all and can whatever he likes. Beyond the concern about the sanctity of the budgeting process, there are higher values of transparency, answerability and democratic stewardship at play here.

These higher values currently seem lost on those constitutionally bestowed with the power of the purse and oversight, but should never be lost on us as citizens. We are citizens, not subjects; and we have a duty to ask pointed questions of those holding power in trust and to always insist that they do better.

things? Despite its challenges, there is no doubt there has been a remarkable development in Lagos from the foundation laid by then Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu (now President Tinubu) from 1999 to 2007 till the present Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the point that Lagos has emerged as one of largest economies in Africa. Lagos State has made significant progress across all indices of development such that if it were a country, it would have ranked the sixth largest economy on the continent.

NOTE:

The $4.5 Billion Deal That Could Make Africa the Next Hollywood

Vanessa Obioha

Recently, Del-York Group, a leading Nigerian conglomerate pioneering developments in Africa’s creative, media, technology, and infrastructure sectors, signed a $4.5 billion joint venture agreement with Singapore’s TSC Global. The investment, which is the largest in Africa’s creative industry, aims to transform Africa’s creative industry, projected to reach $100 billion by 2030 and generate millions of jobs.

Global interest in the sector has surged recently. Major investments, such as Afreximbank’s $2 billion investment in the Creative Africa Nexus and Universal Music Group’s stake in Nigerian-based Mavin Records, demonstrate this growing momentum.

Yet, despite this optimism, significant challenges remain with countries like Nigeria struggling with fragmented infrastructures. Without comprehensive, world-class creative facilities, much of the industry operates in isolation, leaving untapped potential and inconsistent outputs.

The Del-York and TSC Global collaboration seeks to address this very issue by developing Lagos Film City— Kebulania, a state-of-the-art creative ecosystem that will turn the tide for African filmmaking, pushing Africa closer to becoming a global cinematic powerhouse.

Kebulania, unlike traditional

film studios, is envisioned as a selfsustaining, integrated film city that will house not only film production but music, live events, and more. A major draw is the advanced technology Kebulania will offer. The city will feature a 50,000-square-meter hyperscale data centre, which will process the enormous data required for AI-driven productions. AI will play a critical role in optimizing film production workflows, making it possible to manage complex, multi-departmental tasks in real time. By automating logistics and resource management, AI will allow filmmakers to focus on storytelling, enhancing efficiency and reducing production costs.

Additionally, the $4.5 billion investment includes a 1GW sustainable gas-fired power generation system and 500,000 square meters of creative and innovation space. With advanced virtual production stages, world-class educational and training facilities, and a creative industrial complex, Kebulania is designed to rival the infrastructure found in Hollywood.

As Michael Dickerson, the CEO of TSC Global puts it, “Kebulania is designed to be the epicentre of Africa’s creative economy.”

Beyond its cutting-edge facilities, Kebulania plans to provide 50,000 training positions, upskill African talent, and create over 35,000 jobs. Located in Epe, Lagos, Kebulania promises to boost Nigeria’s economy by $3.5 billion annually, while its sustainable

infrastructure will set a new global standard for eco-friendly filmmaking.

As Linus Idahosa, President and CEO of Del-York Group, explains, “Kebulania is more than a film city; it is a bold economic blueprint for Africa’s creative and industrial revolution.

“By merging cutting-edge technology, sustainable energy, and cultural innovation, this project demonstrates the immense potential of the creative industry as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and foreign investment.”

As audiences demand more immersive and visually compelling content, the infrastructure must evolve to support these experiences. Investing in Kebulania is not just about meeting

current needs but about positioning Africa’s creative industry for long-term success. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlights this, stating it offers African creatives a platform to tell their stories on a global stage.

Kebulania undoubtedly is a bold vision with the potential to position Africa as a global film industry leader. Combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and cultural depth, the project could reshape global perceptions of Africa and its creative potential.

While challenges remain, this $4.5 billion deal marks a new chapter in Africa’s creative journey. If successful, Kebulania could transform Africa into the next Hollywood.

Entertainment Trends of 2024

memory lane, revisiting the trends that shaped the year.

A Resurgence of Epic Movies

Call it a renaissance, and you wouldn’t be wrong. Films like ‘Aníkúlápó,’ ‘Lisabi,’ ‘Ajakaju: Beasts of Two Worlds,’ ‘Jagun Jagun,’ and the recently released ‘Seven Doors’ have reimagined Nigerian culture. Not only are these films featured on the biggest platforms and enjoyed theatrical releases, but they have also gained critical acclaim, blending historical narratives with visual effects to deliver world-class storytelling.

Pulling the Plug on Nollywood Funding First, it was Amazon Prime Video

announcing plans to halve the production of local content in Africa at the beginning of 2024, inadvertently affecting the financing of local content in Nigeria. Following a misstatement from filmmaker Kunle Afolayan about Netflix shutting down operations, subsequent details revealed that the streaming giant followed in Prime Video’s footsteps, albeit maintaining a presence in Nigeria.

An Explosion of Film Festivals 2024 truly marked the year film festivals went above and beyond, with a conscious effort to integrate into mainstream culture.

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), along with a plethora of others such as the Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF), has gone on to screen both local and international productions from around the world. Just this year alone, the Nigerian Film Festivals Association (NFFA) announced that Nigeria would host 28 film festivals.

Female Singers Leading on the International Stage Gone are the days when women’s talent was eclipsed by obscurity. Artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tiwa Savage are not just topping charts but headlining major festivals like Coachella and Afro Nation. This crop of female artistes, in turn, is inspiring a new breed of female entertainers, such as Qing Madi.

With Tems now holding the record as the only indigenous African musician to crack the R&B category at the Grammys and earn two other nominations, it only proves that the future is FEMALE!

African Fashion on Global Stages

In 2024, Nigerian designers continued to collaborate with music artists, creating iconic outfits for international events. For instance, Burna Boy was featured in a campaign image for BOSS’ Fall/Winter 2024 Campaign. Similarly, the local fashion scene has become a global fixture, with the likes of Lagos Fashion Week and GTCO Fashion Weekend. These platforms attracted global buyers and journalists, elevating African fashion designers to international markets while instilling confidence, pride, and dreams in local creatives.

Viral Challenges on Social Media

From recreating the mannerisms of our favourite stars on social media to hopping on the latest dance craze, viral challenges, like in previous years, also defined 2024. A notable viral challenge was the ‘Gwo Gwo Geo Gwom’ skit, inspired by highlife singer Mike Ejeagha’s ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,’ reimagined by online influencer Brain Jotter. While the viral challenge had most people creating their versions or watching reels on social media, the saga led many to research and deliberate on copyright infringement concerning perceived royalties earned.

Nigerian Music Thrived on International Collaborations

These days, Nigerian acts are highly sought after due to the global dominance of afrobeats. A continuing trend of international collaboration defined the music scene, with each major release getting an assist from well-known international acts. Here are a few:

Asake featuring Travis Scott – ‘Active’

Wizkid featuring Tiakola – ‘Après Minuit’ Ayra Starr featuring Giveon – ‘Last Heartbreak Song’

Victony featuring SAINt JHN – ‘Tiny Apartment’

Filmmakers Flocking to YouTube

In 2024, Nigerian filmmakers increasingly turned to YouTube as a haven for creative freedom and global visibility. By sidestepping traditional distribution channels, creators have embraced YouTube to tell authentic stories while directly connecting with their audiences.

This shift has empowered filmmakers to properly project narratives of everyday Nigerian life. As global audiences discover these works, YouTube has proven to be more than just a platform—it’s a launchpad for fresh voices redefining Nigerian cinema.

The Rise of Nigerian Podcasting and Audio Content

Nigerian podcasting flourished in 2024, with creators carving out spaces for discussions on culture, lifestyle, and social issues. Shows like ‘I Said What I Said’ and ‘Tea with Tay’ have captured audiences with their relatability and vibrant storytelling, making podcasts a cornerstone of Nigeria’s growing audio ecosystem.

Supported by platforms like Spotify and Audiomack, this rise is fostering a culture of creative expression while giving Nigerian voices a global stage, cementing podcasts as a new form of cultural documentation and entertainment.

Film Villages Frenzy

For a while, it seemed as if film villages would be the next ‘IT’ thing for Nollywood. Ibrahim Chatta’s N1.4 billion film village in Oyo State captured the industry as well as Bolanle AustenPeters film village in Epe where her Netflix production, ‘House of Ga’a’ was shot.

Linus Idahosa and Michael Dickerson

A collage of entertainment trends of 2024

What were the standout moments that defined 2024? Vanessa Obioha and Iyke Bede take a trip down

Nigeria End Ghana Jinx as Eagles Pick CHAN 2025 Ticket

Femi Solaja

Nigeria capped a woeful 2024 season for Ghana’s football yesterday as the Home-based Eagles defeated the Black Galaxies to qualify for next year’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN) competition.

It was the first time in recent times that any Nigerian team would overcome Ghana at different grades of football tournaments, including the Super Eagles’ high-profile defeat in the final World Cup qualifying tournament to Qatar 2022.

The Galaxies had been a stumbling block to Nigeria on three different occasions before yesterday’s win and the same thing applies to Remo Stars of Ikenne as they failed to go beyond the playoff match against Medeama FC via a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 score line over the two legs.

But yesterday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the Daniel Ogunmodede side was on the front foot at

....Central African Republic Stun Cameroon to Book CHAN Ticket

Cameroon’s hopes of extending their streak of African Nations Championship (CHAN) appearances were dashed dramatically as the Central African Republic claimed a stunning 2-1 victory in Bafoussam on Saturday. Despite holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, the Indomitable Lions A’ fell short on away goals, marking their first absence from the tournament in seven editions.

While the home side lament their failure, the Fauves celebrate their firstever qualification for CHAN 2024, a historic achievement for the country.

The home side started strongly, with Angel Yondjo Matah putting Cameroon ahead in the 31st minute, latching onto a precise pass from Nchindo John Bosco.

The goal seemed to reinforce their position, but the Fauves had other ideas.

Barry Nelson converted a penalty just before half-time to level the score and shift the momentum in the visitors’ favour.

the start of the match and were rewarded with a goal in the 20th minute when Remo Stars’ wing back, Sodiq Ismail beat Ghana’s offside trap to get the opener.

His club captain, Nduka Junior doubled the advantage three minutes later with another from close range and in the 25th minute, it was the turn of Saviour Isaac to extend Nigeria’s commanding lead till the half time.

The Black Galaxies came back a bit stronger in the second half and they were able to reduce the deficit in the 71st minute through Amakhona Stephen.

All their efforts to level up the game against Nigeria proved abortive as the game ended 3-1 in favour of the host.

The Black Stars have failed to reach the 35th AFCON finals, from a group that included Sudan, Angola and Niger Republic, and the Galaxies will throw the kitchen sink at the Super Eagles B to ensure they don’t follow in that negative trend. Ghana last missed the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004.

For Nigeria, Ghana have dominated their African Nations Championship clashes,

with the Eagles winning only one of six previous clashes. Three have resulted in scoreless draws. Ghana won 3-2 in Accra in 2008 and also 2-0

in Accra in 2022, and to boot, have claimed victory even in the ones that ended in ties.

The 0-0 draw in Calabar in 2008 meant Ghana sailed

through to the inaugural CHAN finals in Cote d’Ivoire on the strength of their 3-2 win in Accra two weeks earlier, and when their semi-final

clash in the third instalment of the final tournament in South Africa in 2014 ended 0-0, the Galaxies prevailed 4-1 after a penalty shootout.

enyimba Sack Coach Olanrewaju, eguma Steps into Saddle

Enyimba FC have announced that it has parted ways with Head Coach, Yemi

Diaspora

NOlarenwaju. The club have been winless in eight consecutive matches in all competitions. It is their longest winless streak in 20 years.

club thanked Coach Olanrewaju for his services and wishes him the best in his future endeavours.

Olanrewaju who took over from Finidi George

when the latter moved to the Super Eagles had his last match on Boxing Day when Enyimba played a goalless draw with Plateau United.

Almost immediately, after his departure, Enyimba announced former Rivers United coach, Stanley Eguma as the latest man on the job.

Stars Stage Meet for Top Nigeria, Ghana Stars

igeria and Ghana will compete for honours again but this time in table tennis as the game’s players in the diaspora are set to stage a two-day event in Ibadan.

After the hostilities in

TABLe TeNNIS

football between the two countries, top players from both countries will converge at Ibadan Recreation Club for the invitational tournament billed for December 29th and 30th.

A total of 32 players

ranked by the International Table Tennis Federation are expected on parade to thrill lovers of the game to a good year-ending entertainment in Ibadan.

NSCDC Table tennis coach and head of the organizing team for the

tournament, Wale Ajetunmobi, stated that four players will arrive from Ghana on Sunday.

“We are so excited that the competition is taking a better shape this year with the players coming from Ghana. We sent a letter to the table tennis federation of Ghana to send us their four best players. They

Maracana Stadium Agog for Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation

The iconic Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, will today host the annual Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation event, the 11th in the series. The star match of the day is the encounter between the Lagos State U-13 Team and the Ajegunle United U-13 Team.

A total of 160 youths are expected to participate in this edition with about 30 coaches. Scholarships will be up for grabs at the event in which a football skill challenge will be staged to further boost the atmosphere. There will also be a showcasing of indirect kicks, penalty kicks and much more by the U-13 and U-16

boys and girls.

The CommitteeOrganisingChairman, Dotun Coker, said 80 players and 16 officials would compete in the U-13 Boys category just as 40 players and eight officials will vie for honours in the U-15 GirlsCokercategory. also stated that all arrangements have been concluded for the 2024 edition.

The hundreds of children participating

in the event will also be fed by the organizingSometeam.other side attractions will be part of the activities of the day just as family, friends and top shots in the sports world are expected to honour the initiator of the project and former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation. Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

will arrive on Sunday.

“Top national players in Nigeria will also join them. A total of 28 Nigerian players will also arrive in Ibadan on Sunday.

“This competition will be more exciting this time and all the arrangements have been concluded for a good event.”

The cash prize for the men’s singles is N300,000 with the runner-up winning N200 000 while third-placed persons will go home with N100,000 each.

The four quarter-finalists will share N40,000. David Fayele of the Nigerian Army who is from Lagos is the defending Champion of the tournament which enters its second edition this year. He defeated Kehinde Oladele of the Nigerian Police from Oyo State last year.

The

Sikiru Alimi (left) celebrating with winning goal scorer, Sodiq Ismail in yesterday’s 3-1 defeat of Ghana’s Galaxies by the Super Eagles’ Team B

Okupe to Atiku

“It’s not in the constitution, but we agree that when a northerner does his eight years, a southerner will do. So, the North cannot now terminate the tenure of the South in 2027. It is not going to work” – Former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Doyin Okupe, telling former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, not to bother to run for the presidency in 2027.

SIMO N KOLAWOLE

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com,

Let’s Be Kind to Nigeria, Please

“Nigeria is finished patapata!” Do you often hear that? I have observed over time that there are people who get excited by negative news concerning Nigeria. If the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that we have recorded a negative GDP growth rate or the economy is heading for a recession, they will be the first to share the news. If the NBS says unemployment and inflation rates have skyrocketed, they will circulate the news with full determination. But if the same NBS says inflation rate has slowed or unemployment has dropped, they will scoff and start questioning the credibility of the data. The only acceptable NBS data to them is the one that says things are bleak. When foreign companies shut down operations and leave our shores, these guys roll out the drums. It is yet

another confirmation that “Nigeria is finished patapata”. It doesn’t matter if the same companies are also shutting

WAZIRI ADIO

down in many other African countries as a result of a change in business strategy or because of local (and global) economic challenges. As long as a foreign company is leaving Nigeria, that is all that counts. “Nigeria is finished patapata!” Some Nigerians are over the moon. It is a confirmation of their theory that nothing good can come out of Nigeria. But when a new foreign company opens shop here, they tactically go mute or belittle it and explain it away. They sound sad.

For over a decade, multinational oil companies have been divesting from their onshore investments in Nigeria. We know why. Oil theft went out of hand, pipeline vandalism became epidemic, and host communities got more hostile, among several other factors. The oil companies have been selling their onshore assets to local consortiums while shifting focus to the more secure and more favourable

deep offshore fields where oil theft is next to nil, where there are no host communities apart from the congregation of sharks and dolphins, and where pipelines cannot be vandalised. But the lovely news for some is that they are leaving Nigeria in droves. And this calls for champagne. So, when it was announced recently that Shell had made a final investment decision for a deepwater oil and gas project, it tasted sour in the mouths of some people. This is a $5 billion investment. Five billion dollars. Depression instantly set in for some guys. Their day was ruined and they must have lost their appetite. They find the fact that Nigerian companies are taking over the onshore assets of the multinationals very heartbreaking. They would rather no local company has the capacity to pull the technical

On the Proposed Budget and Related Matters

When President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 proposed budget to the National Assembly just eleven days ago, it was clear that even this extra pliant set of legislators would need some additional flexibility to pass the budget within the working days left in 2024. No president, until Tinubu came along, had ever waited till two weeks to the beginning of a new financial year to table his proposed budget. Not even in 1999 (when the newness of the experiment could be an excuse) or in 2009 (when a sitting president was mortally sick) was the budget presented this late. But there is a new sheriff in town who felt it was not a bad idea to wait until a week before Christmas to present the budget for parliamentary consideration.

Shortly after listening to the president amidst remarkable

giggles and applauses, the legislators approved a separate request to extend the capital components of the 2024 budget(s) till 30th June 2025. They dispensed with two traditions at a stroke. The first was the customary extension, if a new budget had not been passed, of the capital budget till the end of the first quarter (31st March); then another extension till when the new budget was passed and signed. Tinubu requested for an extension of half a year at a go, and the parliamentarians promptly obliged without any condition.

Capital provisions are usually multi-year, and since capital allocations are usually released late, it made sense to allow their extension while salaries and overhead would continue as approved in the old budget. This is to prevent government from shutting down in case the legislators take their time in passing the budget (we have

had instances where executive-legislative bickering stretched budget passage to seven or eight months). However, once a budget is passed, the other budget should naturally lapse. Things are neater that way.

The possibility of two or more budgets running concurrently was an oddity until the Tinubu era. Clearly, the 2025 budget will be passed within the first quarter of next year. Meanwhile, the capital budget for 2024 would be running till 30th June. This shows that the aberration of implementing multiple budgets in late 2023 and throughout 2024 is being normalised, with the enthusiastic endorsement of our legislators.

The second tradition that has been casually shredded is keeping Nigeria within the predictability of the January to December budgeting cycle. It took a lot of heavy lifting, discipline and meticulous planning by the executive and

legislative arms to return the country to this tradition. A major milestone was recorded on 17th December 2019 when former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the 2020 budget. This good and necessary tradition stood for five years.

The only reason why this tradition is being rolled back now, even with a legislature that adopts a fast-food approach to law-making, is because the 2025 budget was not presented on time. It is difficult to find a persuasive justification for this tardiness. The only trick for getting the budget passed and signed on time is preparing the budget proposal on time. If budget circulars are issued early, say by the end of the second quarter, the president should be able to present the budget to the National

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emi Badenoch’s ill-advised denigration of Nigeria has refused to go away. Her belittlement of the country of her ancestry is still generating passionate public discourse within and outside the media space, and it appears the matter will not go away anytime soon.

Exasperated by Kemi Badenoch’s misguided attacks on Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima recently counselled her to drop the Kemi in her name and bleach her ebony skin to white to further appease her Tory party and British establishment. And perturbed and seemingly lost by all that, my daughter, Kemi Mushinat, who recently graduated in Communication Studies, asked what was wrong with the name Kemi. There is nothing wrong with the name, I explained. But a lot is wrong with Kemi Badenoch (Nee Adegoke), the Leader of the British opposition Conservative

Party, who opted to behave, as the Yoruba would describe it, “bi omo ale to fi owo osi ju we ile baba e”, meaning like a bastard who would go out to denigrate her ancestry by pointing the offensive finger at her roots. Honour and dignity are inherent in the name Oluwakemi, indeed in any name. But what confers dignity, what glorifies a name, is the character the bearer brings into it. Kemi Badenoch left much to be desired, disparaging Nigeria, our motherland. She painted a gory picture of her growing up years in Nigeria from the middle of the 80s to around 1996, highlighting stories of poverty, infrastructure decay, decadence, corruption, police excesses, and leadership failure. Perhaps some of her narratives could be true, particularly in the time that immediately followed the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) misrule and the indiscretion of the emergent military regime. However, her stories

reek of generalisations and prejudices often associated with most analyses by a section of Western media and commentators. They view Nigeria with their jaundiced lenses, describing the country as made of a Muslim North and Christian South, oblivious of the various Christian minorities in the North and, the plethora of Muslims in the South and the multiplicity of ethnic groups in the two divides that make a mockery of any analysis of a monolithic North or South. They view us Africans with many unproven, unorthodox assumptions. My problem is with Mrs. Badenoch, an African, whichever way you slice it, and the character she has chosen. When Vice President Shettima lambasted her for demeaning Nigeria, Kemi Badenoch thought she had a clincher:

“I find it interesting that everybody defines me as Nigerian,” she said. “I identify less with the country

than with the specific ethnicity (Yoruba). That’s what I am. I have nothing in common with the people from the North of the country, the Boko Haram where the Islamism is; those were our ethnic enemies and yet you end up being lumped in with those people.”

In that statement, the Tory leader disavowed Nigeria and excoriated the North but exalted the Yoruba. She repudiated the whole, attacking one part of the nation but embracing another. Kemi Badenoch grossly misfired, hiding under the finger of ethnic nationalism. Perhaps it would have been pardonable if, for instance, she opposed Nigeria’s federal system and canvassed regionalism or confederacy. To condemn one race and elevate another is like playing one part against another.

Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo