FRIDAY 30TH DECEMBER 2022

Court Bars DSS from Inviting, Arresting, Detaining, Prosecuting Emefiele Describes allegations as baseless, vindictive EFCC: CBN governor not under our investigation, we have no case against him Rights lawyers hail verdict, say it's victory for rule of law Alex Enumah and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Justice M. A. Hassan of a High Court of the Federal Capital

Territory (FCT) has restrained the State Security Service (SSS) also known as the Department of State Services (DSS) and four others from arresting or detaining the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN's) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele over alleged trumped up charges bordering on terrorism financing.

Justice Hassan made the

order yesterday, while delivering judgment in a suit marked FCT/ HC/CV/GAR/41/2022, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership.

The judge held that the DSS, "acted wrongfully and illegally in instigating President Muhammadu Buhari against Mr. Godwin Emefiele in respect of the exercise of his

statutory duty relating to the issuance of monetary policies and directives in the interest of the National Security Continued on page 5

President, Jonathan, Gbajabiamila, Atiku, Obi, Tinubu, Okowa Mourn Late Ohaneze Leader, Obiozor... Page 8 Friday 30 December, 2022 Vol 27. No 10125. Price: N250

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Tribunal to Oni: Your Petition Fails Woefully, Upholds Oyebanji's Election... Page 11

Buhari, World Leaders Mourn as Football Legend, Pele Dies at 82 Nigerian President says: World's greatest ever footballer won't be forgotten Obama: Pele understood the power of sports to bring people together

Duro Ikhazuagbe and Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has

joined world leaders in expressing grief over the death of Brazilian soccer legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (a.k.a Pele), who died

yesterday evening in a Sao Paolo hospital aged 82 years.

Arguably world’s greatest footballer, Pele, won three World

Cup trophy three times in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He is credited with scoring a record 1,281 goals during a 21-year long sterling career

for which FIFA named him the “Player of the Century” in the year 2000.

In a tribute to the late

football hero on behalf of Nigerians, President Buhari, Continued on page 5

Buhari: We Have Delivered on All Our Campaign Promises Says Ajaokuta steel complex ready for concession, has gulped over $400m Inaugurates reference hospital, five other projects executed by Kogi government Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday made a positive overall assessment of the seven and a half years administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under him, declaring that the ruling party has delivered on all electoral promises made to Nigerians at all levels.

Speaking at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, which he also inaugurated as part of his one-day official visit to Kogi State, Buhari said good progress had been made in the revival the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, located in the state. He said the complex, which had cost the federal government over $400 million to revamp, was ready for concession to a private investor, who will manage it for the country.

The president also gave a thumbs up to the APC government of Yahaya Bello, after inaugurating a Reference Hospital in Okene and

other projects executed by the state government. He commended the Kogi State governor for the various projects, saying, "If one wants to see everything here, he will get lost."

Buhari said at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, “We are an administration that prides ourselves on the fulfillment of our electoral promises to the Nigerian people, at both national and sub-national levels. This is why I am glad that we have an impressive array of legacy projects through your own state government as proof of our stewardship of Kogi State.

"I am impressed by the performance of Governor Yahaya Bello. He has done very well in the area of security and projects execution in Kogi State. We are proud of him and we urge him to do more for the people.

“I am appealing to the people of Kogi State to support him so that Continued on page 5

Cracks Widen Among G-5 Governors over A SQUARE NAMED AFTER THE PRESIDENT...

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State (left) with President Muhammadu Buhari, inaugurating the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja Choice of Presidential Candidate... Page 10 during the president's visit to Kogi State …yesterday

GODWIN OMOIGUI

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PAGE FIVE BUHARI, WORLD LEADERS MOURN AS FOOTBALL LEGEND, PELE DIES AT 82 in a statement issued yesterday by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, said, “May he rest in peace. He led a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of global football in particular and world sport in general.

“He had an enormous generosity of spirit and humility despite his greatness as a footballer and sportsman. He also built bridges across nations, races and even religions. He was a UN Ambassador of goodwill.

Pele is gone but the world will never forget him. RIP,” concludes President Buhari in the tribute last night.

President of France, Emmanuel Macron also joined other world leaders in paying tribute to the Brazilian football legend. He wrote on his Twitter handle: “The game.

The King. Eternity”, the French president wrote the message in both French and Portuguese.

Former President of the United States, Barack Obama also shared picture of him holding a Brazilian jersey autographed by Pele with the legend seated on a wheelchair.

He wrote on Twitter: “Pele was one of the greatest to ever play the Beautiful Game. And as one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.”

Other icons of the game like Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina petit bomber, Lionel Messi, France super star, Kylian Mbappe and retired Jamaican speedster and world record holder in both the 100m and 200m, Usain Bolt, were amongst the earlier sports personalities that spoke glowingly of the departed Brazilian.

Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: "My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

"A mere 'goodbye' to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently feeling.

An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and

forever.

"The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pele."

In his tribute, Messi posted a picture of the pair together with the message, "Rest in peace".

Brazil's current No.10 Neymar also wrote: "Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pelé, football was just a sport. Pelé has changed it all."

"He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially, he gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status, thanks to the King! He's gone but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!"

Mbappe also wrote: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING England captain Harry Kane said: “We send our best wishes to him and all his family from the whole England set-up. He's an inspiration, an incredible person.”

The Brazilian Football Confederation said: "Pele was much more than the greatest sportsperson of all time.

"Our king of football was the greatest exponent of a victorious Brazil, who was never afraid when faced with difficulty. He promised his father a World Cup and he presented us with three.

"The King gave us a new Brazil and we are so thankful for his legacy. Thank you, Pele."

Pele who has been battling kidney and prostrate illnesses in the last couple of years, died Thursday evening at the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Sao Paolo.

According to his daughter, Kely Nascimento, Pele needed care for cardiac and renal dysfunction, having been battling with colon cancer diagnosed in September 2021.

She kept fans of the legend of the Beautiful Game constantly

Pele, world's greatest football icon is carried shoulder high after leading Brazil to their third title in 1970 updated on her father's condition with regular social media updates from the hospital.

But less than five hours after issuing a statement from the hospital, explaining nothing new about his condition, Pele breathed his last to throw the global football community into mourning.

Kely Nascimento later released a picture of what appeared to be Pele's family's hands on his body in hospital and wrote: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in Peace."

The hospital confirmed that Pele died "due to the failure of multiple organs, a result of the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous clinical condition".

Of the 1,281 goals scored by Pele in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, 77 of them were for Brazil national team in 92 matches.

He was the only player to have won the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and was named FIFA's Player of the Century in 2000.

BUHARI: WE HAVE DELIVERED ON ALL OUR CAMPAIGN PROMISES he can achieve and deliver more dividends of democracy."

The president said at the Reference Hospital, Okene, "I have been briefed by Yahaya and his team on the myriad of projects we would have loved to commission for you across the state, including the brand new Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) at Osara, the Confluence Rice Mills at Ejiba, the various township roads network at Idah, Okene and Kabba, and intra-state roads in the three senatorial zones, massive erosion works at Ankpa, Ogugu and other places, as well as other roads, hospitals, schools and sundry vital infrastructure.

“The APC administration has indelible footprints in Kogi State.

Among the many projects executed by the federal government are: the Itakpe to Okene bypass, the Obajana to Kabba concrete road built by Dangote Industries Limited under our ‘roads for taxes initiate’ (Executive Order 7) and the Itakpe to Warri railway service, among others.

“I am very pleased to be here today to commission several projects executed by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello.”

Buhari spoke of the determination of his administration to position Kogi State as an industrial hub as well as a solid minerals power base. He took time to explain how the federal government achieved the resolution of all legal entanglements that had bogged down the progress of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, adding that the project stands to benefit the people of the state immensely.

According to the president, “No other single project holds the key to unlocking this vast potential as much as the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, which we inherited

as a long moribund complex strangulating under a tangle of local and international commercial disputes.

“I am glad to report that as we begin to round off in office, we can genuinely say that our administration has rescued Ajaokuta from all legal disabilities and it is now ready for concessioning to a private investor with the right profiles to put it to work for Nigeria in general and Kogi State in particular.

“The process has cost this federal government over $400 million so far, but I consider it money well spent as we move closer to achieving our objective of transforming Kogi State into Nigeria's iron and steel powerhouse.

“The benefits of getting Ajaokuta Steel Complex working again are numerous. It would provide over 500,000 estimated jobs and more than $1.6 billion in annual income to the Nigerian economy. Nigerians can rest assured that I remain committed to seeing this process to a logical conclusion before the end of my tenure in office.”

Buhari added that Kogi State also stood to benefit in diverse ways when the 614 kilometres (384 mile) AKK gas pipeline, which traverses the state, starts operation next year.

He commended Bello “for rising up to the occasion in many sectors, especially security. We are proud of him and I encourage the people of Kogi State to continue to support him and his team as they are working hard to ensure peace, security and development in the state.”

Projects inaugurated by the president included: the Reference Hospital, Okene, which has the first ever hyperbaric treatment chamber in Nigeria, and the fleet of ambulances attached to it; the new Ohinoyi's Palace in Okene;

the Ganaja Junction Flyover and interchange at Lokoja; the GYB Model Science Secondary School, Adankolo, Lokoja; Muhammadu Buhari Square (Civic Centre) at Lokoja; and a fleet of high-tech security vehicles to combat crime.

Earlier in his welcome address, Bello thanked Buhari for showing leadership and for the various programmes and interventions by the federal government, which had positively impacted the state. The governor said the projects included the Itakpe - Warri Rail Line, which he noted had brought relief to travellers and business owners in the state.

Bello informed Buhari that the projects inaugurated were in response to his commitment to service, stating that after his swearing-in on January 27, 2016, his administration constituted a multi-sectoral committee that went round the state to identify the needs of the people.

"This document has been our guide," the governor stated.

The governor acknowledged Buhari’s commitment to the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

Bello also stated that his administration had a cordial relationship with the traditional institution in the state, stating that the new Ohinoyi's palace commissioned by the president was a testimony to this.

Earlier, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ibrahim Ado, represented by the Ohi of Okengwe, HRH, Alhaji Mohammed Tijjani Anage, on behalf of the traditional rulers of the Central Senatorial Zone of the state, thanked Buhari for his support to the Bello administration and for being the first sitting president of Nigeria to visit Kogi State on a working visit.

Pele had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in September 2021 at the same Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, after the tumour was detected in routine medical tests. He was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022.

Before Brazil played their last group match with Cameroon at the World Cup in Qatar early this month, their fans paid glowing tribute to the legend, displaying his iconic Number 10 jersey with a large banner. It was a reminder and a get-well message to the legend who was then battling to stay alive.

He was reported to have watched games involving the Selecao and sent them goodwill messages. But unfortunately, Brazil failed to live the dream of lifting the trophy one more time in Pele’s life-time.

Pele became a global star when, aged 17, he helped Brazil win the

1958 World Cup in Sweden, forcing his way into the starting line-up by the knockout stages.

He scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Wales in the quarter-finals, a hat-trick against France in the semi-final and two in a 5-2 triumph over the hosts in the final.

Pele had made his debut for club side Santos two years earlier at the age of 15, scoring in a 7-1 win over Corinthians de Santo Andre.

It was the first of 643 goals he would score for the club in official competitions over 19 years, although Santos claim the total is more than 1,000 once exhibition matches - often against high-profile European opposition - are taken into account.

The Brazilian Football Confederation and Santos say Pele scored 1,283 goals in 1,367

matches, while FIFA claims it was 1,281 goals in 1,366 games.

At the 1962 World Cup, Pele, then 21, scored a brilliant individual goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico to open their campaign, but was injured in the next match and watched from the sidelines as his team defended their title.

The final part of his trilogy of World Cup wins was his most iconic. After being fouled out of the 1966 tournament in England, he was the fulcrum of a thrilling attacking team that swept to the title in 1970, scoring the opening goal in a 4-1 win over Italy in the final.

From his joyful tears on the chest of team-mate Nilton Santos to his embrace with England captain Bobby Moore, Pele's moments of magic spanned eras and defined the history of the sport.

COURT BARS DSS FROM INVITING, ARRESTING, DETAINING, PROSECUTING EMEFIELE and economy.”

Justice Hassan further declared that in view of the ruling of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho in SSS Vs Mr. Godwin Emefiele in suit no FHC/ ABJ/CS/ 2255/2022 delivered on December 15, 2022, any continuous harassment, intimidation, threats, restriction and free movement, abuse of right of office, surreptitious moves to arrest, and humiliation of Mr. Godwin Emefiele over trumped up allegations of terrorism financing and fraudulent practices etc, by the 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents and their offices were “vindictive, unwarranted, abrasive, oppressive and same constitute a flagrant breach of his rights to personal liberty, dignity and human person and illegal and unconstitutional.

"An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents, their agents, servants and all officers under their command from instigating the arrest or arresting, interrogating and detaining Mr. Godwin Emefiele in respect of any matter or policy decision on the economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any connected purposes.”

Before Thursday judgment, Justice Hassan had on December 23, granted an ex parte application restraining the defendants from arresting and detaining the CBN governor.

The application with motion number: GAR/M/92/2022 had the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Inspector General ( IG) of Police, State Security Service (SSS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as 1st, 2nd, 3rd,4th and 5th respondents respectively.

The court in its ruling agreed with applicant's lawyer, Mr. Emeka Ozoani, SAN, that the continued harassment of Emefiele over trumped up allegations of terrorism and sundry offenses was illegal and constitutes a breach of his fundamental rights, rules of African

charter, Constitution amongst others.

It subsequently issued a restraining order against the 4th respondent (SSS) particularly, from any continued harassment, arrest etc over any trumped up allegations, unless an order of a superior court is first obtained.

The Court held that Exhibit A, submitted by the SSS which was the Affidavit also submitted to Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, did not substantiate or provide any material fact of terrorism, adding that the SSS acts are obvious attempts to interfere with the rights of Emefiele.

The court aligned with the 5th respondent's position that there was a process for the removal of a CBN Governor, noting that the continued harassment and interference by the 4th respondent particularly was embarrassing in the light of statutory provisions.

In an affidavit in response to the ex parte, the EFCC stated that it has no case against the governor and that Emefiele was not under its investigation.

The anti-graft agency accordingly asked that they be discharged from the matter being unnecessary parties.

However, the court held that obviously, all other respondents except the SSS were nominal parties as no case was really made against them.

Although, the judge held that the applicant had shown sufficient locus standi to initiate the suit in line with the Fundamental Human Right Rules, Justice Hassan stated that it would not award damages as the suit was not taken out by Emefiele himself.

"Upon hearing Emeka Ozoani, SAN, of counsel for the applicant move in terms of the motion.

"The application is granted as follows. It is hereby ordered: That the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants / respondents are hereby restrained in the interim, whether by themselves, their officers, agents, servants, privies or acting through any person or persons howsoever, from inviting,

arresting and / or detaining the Governor of Central Bank, Mr. Emefiele with particular allegations of acts of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities, or in any other manner whatsoever that may interfere with his right to freedom of movement, personal liberty, human dignity or in any way interfere with the performance and discharge of his Official functions and duties as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice," the judge held.

While refusing to make an order setting down the substantive Originating Summons for hearing and determination on a day-to-day basis until the final determination of the suit, Justice Hassan, however granted request for an accelerated hearing.

"That the time within which the respondents are to file counter affidavit to the motion on notice and the substantive Originating Summons is hereby abridged to two days.

"That the applicant time is hereby abridged to one day within which the applicant shall file further affidavit to the respondents", the court ruled.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho had on December 9, declined to grant the request of the DSS seeking to arrest, detained and interrogate Emefiele over alleged financing of terrorism.

Justice Tsoho had turned down the request of the security agency on the grounds that it failed to provide evidence of the allegations against the CBN governor.

It was learnt that there were jubilations among workers at the headquarters of the central bank and the banking industry generally when the news of the judgment became public knowledge.

Similarly, human rights lawyers hailed the judgment. They described it as victory for the protection of human rights and the rule of law.

They urged the DSS to obey the judgment without further delay.

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NEWS

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322

TOGETHER FOR JUSTICE FOR BOLANLE RAHEEM...

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, during the Governor’s visit to the IGP at the Police headquarters in Abuja...yesterday

Bolanle Raheem: NBA Seeks N5bn Compensation for Slain Lawyer’s Family To partner Lagos AG during trial, Adegboruwa reveals There’ll be no cover-up in investigation, prosecution, Sanwo-Olu reiterates Segun James and Wale Igbintade The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said it would be seeking monetary compensation for the family of Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem from the government of Lagos State, the federal government, the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission, through its Human Rights Committee.

Precisely, the NBA in a statement issued by Lagos Lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, disclosed that in addition to the prosecution of the killer cop, Superintendent, Drambi Vandi, it would also be seeking for N5 billion compensation for the family of the deceased.

Also yesterday, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, stressed that there would be no cover-up in the investigation and prosecution of the culprit(s) involved in the murder of the late lawyer who was killed on Christmas Day by a police officer.

Besides, the NBA stated that it would partner with the Ministry of Justice during the trial of the killer cop.

The late Raheem was shot in the Ajah area of Lagos inside her car while she was returning from

an outing with her family The statement by the NBA read: "The Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, is to monitor the trial of ASP Drambi Vandi, the policeman that shot and killed Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem in Lagos on December 25, 2022.

"The association will also press for monetary compensation for the family of the deceased by the relevant government agencies.

"Nigerians woke up to the shock of the death of Mrs Raheem who was shot in the Ajah area of Lagos inside her car on her way back from an outing with her family.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch to which Mrs. Raheem belongs, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwana, contacted Mr. Adegboruwa to lead the team of lawyers for the NBA that will monitor the trial of the killer cop.”

It added: "The NBA Lagos in conjunction with the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Y.C. Mikyau, SAN, has decided to be part of the prosecution of the policeman as part of its efforts towards securing quick and effective justice for the family of the deceased.

“In this regard, the NBA will be partnering with the Ministry

Buhari Rejoices with Elder Statesman, Christopher Kolade at 90 Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated elder statesman, Dr. Christopher Kolade as he marks his 90th birthday anniversary.

The president, in a statement yesterday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, shared in the joy of celebrations with elder statesman, Kolade, rejoicing with the academic, broadcaster and diplomat for his influence in every area of service to the nation, through upholding the truth.

The president felicitated with the renowned leader in both the private and public sectors for the courage he inspires, choosing a career path that brings dignity and honor as a teacher, and by providence rising on corporate ladders before taking up the position of High Commissioner

to the United Kingdom.

Buhari believed Kolade’s fear of God, love for knowledge and respect for people shaped his life of service to humanity, with clear evidence in a career profile of decency, simplicity, integrity and principled commitment to improving the lot of others.

Buhari extolled the former Chairman of the Board of Cadbury Nigeria Plc's choice of returning to the Lagos Business School, Pan African University, to continue his teaching and research, after serving as High Commissioner, later accepting appointment as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university.

The President prayed that Almighty God would continue to strengthen the statesman in good health, and keep his family.

of Justice during the trial. Mr. Adegboruwa has in turn obtained relevant briefing from the Hon Attorney-General of Lagos State and has secured the assurances of an accelerated prosecution once the case file is received from the police.

"The NBA is also seeking monetary compensation for the family of Mrs Raheem from the government of Lagos State, the Federal Government and indeed the Ngieria Police Force and the Police Service Commission, through its Human Rights Committee. The NBA will seek for payment of damages not less than five billion naira in addition to the prosecution of the killer cop.”

The statement urged SanwoOlu to follow the model that he adopted during the EndSARS Judicial Panel to pay compensation to the family of Mrs. Raheem immediately since

it is an established fact that her life was terminated illegally by a policeman.

Adegboruwa also called for the immediate implementation of the EndSARS Judicial Panel Report in which far-reaching recommendations were made in relation to psychological orientation for all police officers in the handling and use of weapons; training for police officers on basic human rights observance and enforcement and improving the welfare of all police officers in terms of their take home pay, conditions of service, their places of work and residences in order to make them more conducive among others.

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has said there would be no cover-up in the investigation and prosecution of the culprit(s) involved in the murder of the late lawyer.

He said the outcome of investigations of the case would be

very important to the government and people of Lagos State, stressing that the people deserved to know the process leading to justice for the victim.

Sanwo-Olu stated this yesterday, during his visit to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali at the Police headquarters in Abuja.

He said: “We have come here this morning first to extend season greetings to the Inspector-General of Police and also to get an update and to brief him as to the security situation of Lagos State, especially the very recent unfortunate incident of the death of a lady, Mrs. Omotola Raheem by a bullet of a Police officer and also an earlier incident that occurred weeks before then.

“We really need to get a sense of security architecture in the state and what we need to do. First is to condemn the very unfortunate incident, to express the grief of

the government and the people of Lagos State, and to say how very unfortunate at this period in our time to have incidents like this.

“But beyond that is really how do we ensure that incidents like this are reduced to the barest minimum and what can government do that we are not currently doing that we can do to help the Nigerian Police, the Lagos State Police Command and how do we ensure that we have better collaboration because we did not have any other police force.

“For me as the governor of the state, I think it is important and it is that serious for us to come here and get a sense of how soon we can get to charge this officer to court. And we have gotten a very positive response and engagement from the Inspector General of Police himself.”

Speaking further on the Continued on page 12

FG Urged to Initiate Reforms to Boost Power Sector, Implement PIA in 2023 Dike Onwuamaeze The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has called on the federal government to commence economic reforms that would consolidate the power sector reform and enable the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2023 in order to improve productivity.

This view was expressed by an economist and Founder of the CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, in the CPPE’s “Economic Review for 2022 and Agenda for 2023,” in which he noted the need to further reform Nigeria’s current tax regime because it was stifling investment.

Yusuf argued that, “an economy that desires job creation, economic inclusion, investment growth and poverty reduction, should have an accommodating tax regime for investors.”

He stated clearly that economic reforms were now a matter of categorical imperative for the country in order to unlock growth and investment in 2023.

He said: “The enactment of the

Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was a major step towards the reform of the oil gas sector. But we need to see greater commitment to the implementation of the PIA. The deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector is a major economic reform imperative.

“This is inevitable if we must unlock investment in the sector and put an end to the perennial fuel scarcity and the monopolistic structure of the sector.

“There is a need to also consolidate the power sector reform.

An enabling environment must be created to sustain current private sector investment in the sector and attract new private capital to the electricity sector.

“Urgent reforms are vital with respect to electricity tariff, metering and deepening of energy mix.

We need robust incentives [fiscal and monetary] to boost private investment in renewable energy.”

He urged the government to reform the budget and appropriation processes to prioritise infrastructure financing and human capital development.

“This would boost productivity and competitiveness of the economy.

Adoption of these reform initiatives would guarantee progression towards fiscal consolidation, reduction in fiscal deficit, diminishing need for borrowing and abating debt service burden,” he said.

Yusuf also noted that the current Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of 32.5 per cent and Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 16.5 per cent imposed on the Nigerian banks are among the highest globally, and has become a key impediment to financial intermediation by the banks.

“Even more disturbing is the fact that effective CRR is as high as 50 per cent or more for some banks.

The high CRR has made it difficult for the banks to play their primary role of financial intermediation.

“Ways and Means finances of the apex bank pose greater liquidity and inflation risk to the economy than bank deposits. We seek a reduction in CRR so that the banks can be better placed to play their primary role of financial intermediation in the economy,” Yusuf said.

He stressed that effective corporate tax was much more than that to about 34 per cent even though corporate tax in Nigeria is 30 per cent.

He said: “There is need for an urgent review. The current tax regime is in conflict with the National Tax Policy which prescribes that there should be less emphasis on direct taxation in order to incentivise investment.”

Yusuf also stated that the maritime sector remains a very crucial sector in the Nigerian economy. He pointed out that it was a sector where reform imperatives have become very urgent because legacy trade facilitation issues had persisted and becoming intractable.

“There is a pressing need to ease the cargo clearing processes and vessel turnaround time at our ports. These are major components of ease of doing business to which government had severally expressed commitment,” he said.

He emphasised that the credibility of the 2023 elections would be of contextual significance for the economy in 2023.

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CONDOLENCE VISIT TO THE MANGALS...

L-R: Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Ade Adeogun; Sen. Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai; Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; Chairman, Max Air Ltd, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, and Sen. Ali Ndume, during a condolence visit to Mangal over the death of his brother, the Vice Chairman, Max Air Ltd, Late Alhaji Bashir Barau Mangal in Kastina State... yesterday

Buhari, Jonathan, Gbajabiamila, SGF, Atiku, Obi, Tinubu, Okowa Mourn Late Ohaneze Leader, Obiozor Say his death immeasurable loss to Nigeria

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu in Abuja, Amby Uneze in Owerri and Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

President Muhammadu Buhari; former President, Goodluck Jonathan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party, Peter Obi; All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, have joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the demise of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, worldwide, Prof George Obiozor.

Buhari expressed deep sadness over the incident.

The president in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, extended heartfelt condolences to Obiozor’s family, the government and people of Imo State as well as Ndigbo, at home and in the Diaspora.

Describing his demise as an immeasurable loss to the country, the president noted that the former Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus, Ambassador to the State of Israel and former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) exemplified leadership skills and values as a thoroughbred diplomat.

The president believed that the

contributions of the unique leader and strong proponent of peace and a stable polity, who also held other strategic public positions would never be forgotten.

Buhari trusted that all who mourn the demise of the statesman, who commanded great respect among his peers in the academia and foreign policy arena, would honour his memory by actively embracing his beliefs and ideas geared towards uniting Nigeria beyond geo-political considerations.

The president said he has fond memories of meeting Obiozor on several occasions, and values his endearing sense of patriotism.

He joined the Igbo nation in mourning the irreparable loss of this great son of Nigeria, even as he prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.

Also, Jonathan expressed sadness over the passing of Obiozor, describing his death as a huge loss to the nation.

Jonathan stated this in a condolence message to the Obiozor family and the government and people of Imo State in which he recounted Obiozor’s contributions to the growth and development of the nation.

The former president stated: “On behalf of my family, I commiserate with the Obiozor family, the Government and People of Imo State and Ndigbo in general on the passing of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Professor George Obiozor.

“Professor Obiozor was a great patriot whose love for the nation and his people knew no bounds in his selfless service towards the unity and development of our country.

“He was an accomplished diplomat, globally acclaimed scholar and prolific author with a reputation for charming intellectualism and boisterous engagements in international relations and academic research.

“He was a foremost nationalist and Igbo leader who continued to make remarkable impact even in retirement, having robustly deployed his wisdom, knowledge and experience in the last two years towards advancing the cause of Ndigbo and enhancing national integration, while serving as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“Professor Obiozor left enduring legacies and would be missed not only by his family and friends but by the diplomatic, academic and cultural communities across the world,” the former president was quoted to have stated in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ikechukwu Eze. The Speaker of the House of Representatives commiserated with the Igbo nation.

Gbajabiamila, who expressed sadness over the passing of the elder statesman, said the late Obiozor was a role model to many.

While noting that he received

the news of Obiozor's death with shock, he sent heartfelt condolences to all Igbo sons and daughters and indeed all Nigerians around the world over the painful loss.

The Speaker prayed to God to give his family and the entire Igbo people the fortitude to bear the loss.

On his part, Atiku in a statement he personally signed, stated that he received the news of Obiozor’s death with rude shock. Atiku noted that the late former Nigerian ambassador to several foreign missions was a huge loss for the country.

Atiku added: “Prof Obiozor was a charismatic personality. He was much at home in any part of Nigeria.

He was a consummate diplomat who believed in consensus and had a stabilising influence.

“His wide experience in diplomatic foreign missions garnered over decades and across diverse postings came in very handy in making him a pan-Nigerian.

“Professor Obiozor taught us the essence of large-heartedness because he was generally accepted by even those who were not in support of his candidacy during the election that saw his emergence as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“He was a master of political consensus. A writer famous for his ‘politics of precarious balancing’ in which he espoused balancing the diverse interests in the country. He was a promoter of the unity of the nation. Igbo nation will miss him.

The whole nation will miss him.”

Abiodun Signs N472bn Ogun 2023 Budget into Law Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun yesterday signed the 2023 budget into law.

Signing the N472,250,694,447.57 appropriation bill as passed earlier by the State House of Assembly, Abiodun said he would ensure full implementation of all the items on the bill to sustain the momentum of “Building Our Future Together Agenda,” of his administration.

"This budget is reflective of what the people of Ogun State want. I can assure you that on our part, we will ensure implementation of the budget.

"Through this budget, our people will enjoy the full dividends of democracy," he noted.

He thanked the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for their diligence that

culminated in the passage of the budget before the end of 2022.

Abiodun had presented the N472,250,694,447.58 Budget of ‘Continued Development and Prosperity’, consisting of N270.41 billion for capital projects, while N201.84 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, barely a month ago.

The signed budget has adjustments in the recurrent and capital estimates and projected revenue in 31 different areas across 26 agencies, according to a statement yesterday.

The passage of the appropriation bill was consequent upon the presentation of the report of House on November 17.

Ogun State House of Assembly had passed the bill as presented by the Committee on Finance and Appropriation led by its Chairman, Olakunle

Sobunkanla, who also moved the motion for its adoption, seconded by his deputy, Ganiyu Oyedeji and subsequently supported by the Whole House through a unanimous voice vote.

The bill was later read and adopted clause-by-clause by the Committee of Supply presided over by the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, during the plenary held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

According to the report, the recurrent expenditures of 22 MDAs were reviewed, while the capital expenses of four others were also adjusted; thus the adjustments led to a reduction in the proposed capital expenditure contained in the budget from the initial N270, 411, 239,527 to N269,605,938,723.32, resulting in N805.3 million difference, while the recurrent expenditure was increased from N201.839 billion

to N202.644 billion giving an increment of N805.3 million.

Thereafter, the Majority Leader Yusuf Sheriff moved the motion for the third reading of the Bill, seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Hakeem Balogun and supported by the Whole House, while the Clerk/ Head of Legislative Service, Mr. ‘Deji Adeyemo did the third reading of the bill before the members.

Responding on the floor of the House, Oluomo directed that the clean copy of the bill be transmitted to the governor for his assent.

A breakdown of the budget indicated that personnel expenses would gulp N79.47 billion, while N21.12 billion was meant for social contribution and social benefits, with N39.90 billion earmarked for public debt charge and N61.35 billion for overhead cost.

Atiku said he shared his condolences with the entire body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the South-East part of the country and the country as a whole, “over the fall of an Iroko.”

Obi also expressed deep sadness over the death of the Igbo leader and described it as a colossal loss to not only the Igbo nation, but Nigeria as a whole.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor.

He was a dear elder brother and friend. Prof. Obiozor was a patriot, renowned academic and diplomat, who served Nigeria and Ohanaeze selflessly and diligently.

“He was witty, well-heeled in history and effusive in his personal charm and warmth. The death of this foremost Igbo leader is a huge loss to the entire Obiozor Family, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Nigerians in general.

“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his family and all who mourn him. May God grant him eternal rest and grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Tinubu in a statement issued yesterday, by his Media Office and signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, paid tribute to Obiozor for his distinguished life of service to Nigeria and Igbo race.

The APC Presidential candidate in his condolence message to the family, government and people of Imo State, Ndigbo and Nigerians noted that Obiozor served the country with pride and distinction.

Tinubu however lamented that death has once again robbed Nigeria of one of its finest statesmen.

He said: "I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Ambassador George Obiozor, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide. This great Igbo leader and Nigeria's elder statesman was a distinguished academic and diplomat who served his people and entire country with honour, dedication and distinction.

"Ambassador Obiozor's death at this time has again robbed our dear country of one of its finest public servants and committed leaders.

“As the leader of Ohaneze, Ambassador Obiozor championed the course of national unity and economic development while seeking a more equitable and even-handed federation where all the constituent units and ethnic groups can live together in peace and harmony.

"The ideals of a better and more inclusive country where justice and equity would prevail, which Ambassador Obiozor lived for, will forever be cherished. On behalf of my family, I commiserate with the family of our departed statesman, the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, government and people of Imo State and the entire Igbo people over the passing of Ambassador Obiozor. May God Almighty comfort his loved ones and all those he left behind and also grant his soul eternal rest."

In his condolence message, Okowa described the deceased as, "an erudite scholar, renowned diplomat, epitome of selflessness and statesmanship."

In the condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, the governor described the departed as an accomplished and erudite scholar, renowned author and seasoned diplomat who represents an epitome of selflessness and statesmanship.

Nigerians would sorely miss his unblemished services to the nation and to the international community, Okowa noted while praying that God would raise more citizens in the mould of Prof Obiozor to bestride Nigeria’s political and socio-economic firmament.

Okowa stated, "On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I condole with the deceased's family, the academia, ndi Igbo worldwide, particularly Imo State, on the passing of the renowned diplomat and Igbo leader, Professor George Obiozor.

"We received the news of his passing with shock, but thanked God that he lived a life of great impact and contributed immensely to the international diplomacy and national development.

“As a great patriot and elder statesman, Prof. Obiozor made significant contributions to the growth and stability of our nation through his selfless service to the country and humanity.

“As President-General of Ohanaeze Nd'Igbo Worldwide, he displayed an uncommon wisdom and irrepressible courage in his service to the Igbo nation.

"He would be greatly missed by those whose lives he impacted and inspired in very many ways."

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also expressed shock and sadness over the death of the Ohanaeze boss.

SGF, in a statement signed on his behalf yesterday, by the Director, Continued on page 35

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2023 KANO BUDGET: SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED...

L-R: Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari; State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his Deputy, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, after the Governor Signed the 2023 budget of N268,199bn, at the Government House Kano…yesterday

Cracks Widen Among G-5 Governors over Choice of Presidential Candidate PDP expulsion threat: Makinde, Ugwuanyi, Ikpeazu, Ortom risk losing their tickets Chuks Okocha in Abuja Despite media reports that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has reached an agreement with his fellow governors in the Integrity group on their choice of the presidential candidate to support, THISDAY learnt yesterday that there was no unanimity among the governors.

According reliable sources, due to the disagreement among the G-5 governors whose other members are Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Wike angrily left his colleagues in London and headed for Madrid, Spain.

More importantly, the threat by the party to expel them if they move to endorse any presidential candidate other than Atiku, may have jolted the recalcitrant group to pause. Should they be expelled by their party, those seeking senatorial seats and the Oyo State governor who is seeking re-election, will lose the right to be on the ballot as they will no longer be candidates of the party going into the elections. Since, there is no provision for independent candidate in the electoral system.

Invariably, should the party carry out its expulsion threat, all those running for positions on the platform of the PDP will cease to be

candidates. And should they proceed to participate in the election, their opponents can easily file action in court to challenege the validity of their participation in the elections.

After the expulsion, the party will write to INEC notifying the electoral body that it does not have any candidate for those positions, which will amount to removing the carpet under their feets.

There were media reports that the G-5 governors had agreed to announce their choice presidential candidate on January 5, 2023, but available information revealed the contrary.

THISDAY checks however revealed that the governors could not reach such a unanimous position on who among the presidential candidates to support in the February 25 presidential election, due to the various political interests of the governors.

A competent source told THISDAY that while it was true that Makinde and Wike shared the same view that they should support the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu; Ikpeazu and Ortom differed as they preferred a different candidate.

According to reliable sources, this was apparently due to the earlier deal with Makinde and Tinubu that they should support each other’s ambition in the coming elections.

The deal was that Makinde should support Tinubu's presidential ambition and in return, Tinubu would support Makinde’s re-election bid.

The source told THISDAY that Makinde had made Wike to buy into the deal, but other G-5 governors with senatorial ambitions were reluctant to go with the choice of Tinubu, because of their senatorial interest.

The main grouse of Makinde was that he was replaced with the Osun State governor, Ademola Adekeke as the PDP presidential Council leader in the South-west, a position, he had earlier rejected.

Ortom, Ikpeazu and Ugwuanyi are contesting senatorial elections in their respective states, whereas Wike has no immediate political interest except for his associates in Rivers state.

As part of their disagreement, Ortom and Ikpeazu told Wike that it was better they remain neutral as openly supporting any other presidential candidate may spell doom for them.

Ortom even suggested that they impress it that the National chairman, Iyorcha Ayu be made to sign an undertaking to resign after the presidential election, whether the PDP wins or losses the election.

According to the source, it was because of this that Wike left London angrily for Madrid, Spain, to watch

the opening of the Spanish league on Saturday.

A group known as the "Restructuring Campaign,” yesterday, Tweeted on the matter, revealing that: "G5 disagree in London. Wike walks out as Ikpeazu and Ortom suggest they remain neutral as supporting any other candidate except their party's candidate will spell doom for them in PDP. Ortom suggests they allow Ayu sign to resign immediately after the elections win or loss "Wike has even abandoned them in London in anger for Madrid to watch Real Madrid opening League match. The center can no longer hold."

THISDAY reported yesterday that the PDP was considering expelling members of the G-5 Governors, if they go ahead and announce their support for any presidential candidate other than Atiku.

A reliable source, who is a member of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, who disclosed this to THISDAY, had said another measure being considered by the leadership of the main opposition party was the dissolution of the party structures in the respective states of the G-5 governors and establish caretaker committees to run the affairs of the party in the five states.

According to the source who pleaded to remain anonymous, taking such action would also affect the

Investigation Bureau, NSIB, Releases Bristow, Air Peace, Overland, Other Flight Accident Reports Chinedu Eze The newly established Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released seven air accident reports, including the incident involving Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Ltd, Embraer 135 aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-BSN, which occurred at Port Harcourt military Airport (NAF BASE), Port Harcourt, on March 9, 2020.

The report also featured the incidents involving ATR-72 aircraft marked 5N- BPG, owned and operated by Overland Airways limited, at Ilorin International Airport, on November 29, 2014, Boeing 737-300 aircraft belonging to Air Peace Limited marked 5N-BUO at FL310 en route Enugu from Lagos on December 14, 2018, and British Aerospace BAE 125-800B aircraft marked 5N-BOO operated

by Gyro Aviation limited, at Port Harcourt, Nigeria on July 16, 2020.

Others were the incidents involving British Aerospace BAE 125-800B aircraft marked 5N-BOO operated by Gyro Aviation limited, at Osubi airstrip, Warri, on September 10, 2020, a Dornier 328-100 aircraft marked 5N-DOX, operated by Dornier Aviation Nigeria AIEP (DANA) Limited, at Port Harcourt military Airport on 23rd January 2019 and Airbus 330-243 aircraft operated

by Middle East Airlines marked OD-MEA and a parked Boeing 777 aircraft operated by Turkish Airlines marked TC-LJC at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on July 29, 2020.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Director-General of NSIB, Akin Olateru, at a virtual press conference on the release of the accident reports.

He also spoke about how the activities of the new organsiation would be funded, revealing that the act establishing the NSIB increases the revenue from three per cent to six per cent. Olateru added that it would get five per cent from Passenger Service Charge collected by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and six per cent from Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) collected on behalf of other aviation agencies by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Olateru further disclosed that the bureau would get a per cent of charges from all terminal operators and ticket sales in Nigeria, including the maritime sector.

The Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB) changed its name to Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) following the new NSIB Act 2022,

recently assented to by President Muhammed Buhari. The Supreme Court gazetted the new NSIB Act on November 28, empowering it to investigate serious incidents and accidents in aviation, maritime, rail, and road sectors.

Olateru also mentioned that the bureau achieved 82 per cent of the implementation of safety records so far, adding that it works with stakeholders in implementing the recommendations.

“We achieved 82 per cent, and that is not different from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) can achieve. We collaborate with stakeholders on the implementation," he added.

The newly released reports make a total of 82 aircraft accident reports released by the bureau since its establishment in 2007 and 63 reports released by the current administration from 2017 to date..

political ambition of Makinde, who is seeking re-election as governor as well as Okezie, Ortom and Ikpeazu, who all contesting for the Senatorial seats in their respective states.

“Dissolving the party structure will also affect their loyalists who are contesting for different positions under the PDP in Abia, Rivers, Oyo, Benue and Enugu,” the source added.

The governors elected on the platform of the PDP had in what many had described as another jamboree, on Monday, travelled to the United Kingdom for another strategic meeting.

The governors led by Wike have been calling for the resignation of the PDP’s National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, as their minimum condition for peace in the party and to join

the presidential campaign council of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku. Wike has refused to accept his defeat at the party’s presidential primary in good faith.

Since he lost the primary and even the vice presidential slot, Wike has utilised the enormous resources at his disposal to mobilise four other governors to fabricate crisis in the party.

The aggrieved governors have been working against their party for months since Wike failed to clinch the vice presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar. They have been insisting that Iyorcha Ayu, the national chairman of their party must quit for a Southerner to take his place, stating that it was the irreducible minimum for peace to reign in the party.

Lawmaker Calls for Implementation of Senate’s Resolution to Restore Atala Marginal Field to Bayelsa Juliet Akoje in Abuja A member of the House of Representatives representing Sagbama/Ekremor Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, Hon. Fred Agbedi has urged relevant authorities to ensure the implementation of the resolution of the Senate that the Atala Marginal Field be restored to the state government.

Agbedi, described the allocation of the oil bloc to a private company in 2021, as a demonic deal and an injustice to the people.

The lawmaker called for the prosecution of the oil company that was operating the marginal field for allegedly doing so fraudulently.

He also called for the prosecution of individuals or corporate organisations involved in the deal.

Agbedi while briefing journalists yesterday, lauded the Senate for its resolution that the oil bloc be restored to Bayelsa State.

He, however, expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, for their efforts to ensure to restoration the marginal field.

According to him, "The Atala Marginal Field was allocated to Bayelsa State government and was managed by Bayelsa Oil Company. Sometime in 2021,

we got to know that Atala that was allocated to Bayelsa has been reallocated to another company.

“Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation and my Federal Constituency rose in protest against it. Mr. President some time ago also ordered that 10 of such marginal fields that were allocated to the states, should be returned back to the states.

“Nine were returned. Only Bayelsa Atala Farms was not returned and this was what caused the Bayelsa government, the Bayelsa oil company and our investors to petition to the Senate Committee on Petition and Ethics.

"Even within the hearing period, Mr. President further ordered that these blocs be returned to Bayelsa State government, the owners of the oil bloc. This has not happened until the Senate finally last week through proper investigation and hearings found out that all the issues canvassed as to purchase, as to sales, and as to ownership by the new company, Halkin Oil was fraudulent.

“And so the Senate resolved that the oil bloc should be restored back to Bayelsa State Government which is almost a last bus stop because from the executive arm of government, it has gone to the legislature, the legislature has also affirmed that this oil bloc should be restored to Bayelsa.”

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NEWS

80TH BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING MASS...

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma (2nd right) with Mother in-law to Barr Livi Uzoukwu, SAN, Lady Grace Ukachukwu (3rd left), and her daughters, during her 80th birthday thanksgiving Mass held at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, New Owerri... Thursday

Tribunal to Oni: Your Petition Fails Woefully, Upholds Oyebanji's Election Oni Kicks, to appeal judgement Oyebanji tells Oni to return to APC, dedicates victory to God, Ekiti people Ekiti Deputy Gov hails victory, woos opposition Fayemi congratulates gov, calls on opposition to sheathe-the-sword Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti The Election Petition Tribunal hearing the petition arising from the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State yesterday upheld the election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye in a judgment which lasted two hours and 30 minutes.

But the petitioner, Chief Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party ( SDP) has rejected the ruling, saying nothing will prevent him from appealing the judgement.

The Tribunal in a judgment dismissed the petition filed by former governor and the SDP governorship candidate, Oni resolving all issues in favour of the Respondents.

Oni, who was aggrieved with the declaration of Oyebanji, who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC), as the elected governor of Ekiti State filed a petition against the result declared by INEC in the early hours of June 19.

In the unanimous judgment read by the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi with the concurrence of the two other members of the panel, Justice Sa'ad Zadawa and Justice J.A. Atsen, the panel held that "head or tail, the petitioners (Oni and SDP) have failed woefully" to convince the jury to nullify the election that brought Oyebanji to power.

The Tribunal ruled that Oni himself in his evidence admitted and agreed that Oyebanji and Afuye were validly nominated and sponsored by their party hence it could not set aside their nomination and candidacy as confirmed by his testimony and evidence before it.

Oni's case had started to crumble as the Panel earlier ruled on some

Bola Tinubu Support Group Organises Medical Outreach in Bauchi Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi About 10,000 people from the seven Local Government Areas in the northern part of Bauchi State are to benefit from a 3-day free medical outreach sponsored by the Tinubu/ Shettima Presidential Support Group known as ‘Jigi-Jagaban’.

The free medical outreach is holding at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare, targeting not fewer than 10,000 sick people who would be tested and treated for various ailments in the move to bring quality healthcare service closer to the people under the JigiJagaban Brighter Future project.

The coordinator of the outreach, Mr. Ayo Adegbite explained that the outreach which would be held across the country was aimed at ensuring that people at the grassroots who cannot access quality healthcare service got it freely.

He also said: "The only qualification to access the free service is being a Nigerian, we are not giving it to only APC people, nobody is asked to provide APC membership card to be attended to, it is free for all the people of this area."

Adegbite added that, "What you are seeing here is a demonstration

of what will be done under an APC Bola Tinubu led federal government after the 2023 General elections which we believe the APC candidate will win by the grace of God." He further said that the people sponsoring the free medical outreach are prime supporters of the APC Tinubu-Shettima presidential ticket and have earmarked millions of naira for the success of the project across the country.

According to him, the project has been going on in Lagos State for many years but has now been expanded in order to make it accessible to many Nigerians whose meagre resources cannot provide quality medical services to them.

He said, "So far, 500 eye glasses have been given out to people, our target is 1000 people. For general medical examination and treatment, the target is 10000 and I assure you that we will meet the target before the end of the outreach on Thursday."

He also said pregnant women would be supported with birth delivery kit that contains maternity pad, baby blanket, lap sponge, cotton pads and other items needed during delivery.

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motions upon which verdict was pending before determining the merit of the petition holding that the petitioners have failed to prove the allegations that Oyebanji and Afuye were not qualified to run for the offices of the governor and the deputy governor respectively.

Respondents in the petition are Oyebanji (1st), APC (2nd), Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni in his capacity as the National Chairman of the APC Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (3rd), INEC (4th) and Afuye (5th).

Oni's petition was anchored on whether Oyebanji and Afuye were qualified to have contested at the polls; whether they were validly nominated by their party, the APC; whether Mala Buni had the authority to sign their nomination papers and forward same to INEC; whether Afuye possessed the right academic certificates to run for Deputy Governor alleging that they were forged and whether the election was not vitiated by corrupt practices.

The panel ruled against the challenge of the petitioners (Oni and the SDP) against the January 27 APC primary that produced Oyebanji holding the governor and his deputy were duly and validly nominated by their party (APC) to contest in the June 18 main governorship election.

According to the Tribunal, Oni's averment that the Ekiti APC governorship primary election which produced Oyebanji as the

flag bearer was superintended over by the National Caretaker Executive Committee under the leadership of Buni does not hold water as the votes which gave him the mandate were cast by party members and not Mala Buni.

Ruling on Oni's position that Mala Buni and the then Secretary of APC CECPC, Dr. John Akpanudoedehe signing the nomination papers of Oyebanji and Afuye, invalidated their nomination as governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively, the Tribunal described the petitioner's objection as "lame."

The Tribunal held that the issue of Buni's signing of letter of the party's sponsorship of Oyebanji to INEC in his capacity as the National Chairman of APC CECPC while holding office as Yobe State Governor had been decided by the nation's highest court, the Supreme Court.

The Tribunal ruled that Supreme Court had held in the case of Eyitayo Jegede vs INEC describing such an issue as an internal affairs of the party and further held that it is not within the jurisdiction of the Election Petition Tribunal.

The Tribunal held that in deference to the earlier judgment of the Supreme Court, Mala Buni in his capacity as Yobe State Governor cannot be sued as he enjoys constitutional immunity in line with Section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 The Tribunal said it lacked the propriety to inquire into the role

played by Mala Buni in the internal affairs of his party moreso when the case had been settled by both the Supreme Court in the Eyitayo Jegede case and the Court of Appeal in the Gboyega Oyetola case which was decided recently.

The Tribunal ruled: "It was the party members who voted at the primary and not the person that signed the nomination papers. The 3rd Respondent (Mala Buni) merely co-signed the letter and formally informed the 4th Respondent (INEC).

"The decision is that of the 2nd Respondent (APC) and not that of the 3rd Respondent (Mala Buni) and the matter has been decided by the Supreme Court. The decision to nominate candidates is jointly carried out by the congress of the party, voting is done by members.

"The decision is not taken by the National Executive Committee of the political party. The National Executive of the party submitted the names (of the candidates) to the 4th Respondent (INEC), it was a notice to the 4th Respondent, an official communication to the 4th Respondent.

"That issue has been settled by the Supreme Court and we shall be swimming against the tide of the decision of the superior court if we resolve the issue in favour of the Petitioners."

Ruling on Oni's allegation of certificate forgery levelled against Afuye which the petitioners claimed had disqualified her from running, the Tribunal held that "the petitioners

have a duty to prove that the 5th Respondent (Afuye) does not have valid certificates to stand as deputy governorship candidate.”

The Tribunal held that the petitioners attempted to invoke the issue of forgery as an afterthought and the prayer is invalid by the fact that it was introduced against the 5th Respondent in the petitioners' additional statement on oath and not contained in the main petition filed.

It noted that the allegation of forgery was raised against Afuye

by Mr Dada Moses Bamidele Petitioners Witness 2 (PW2) and the 1st Petitioner, Oni, who was PW3 after the window for filing of the petition had closed and it could not be smuggled in with the filing of the additional witness on oath in reply to the Respondents witness on oath.

The Tribunal ruled that by doing so, the petitioners had acted in breach of Paragraph 11A of their Petition that forbade them from introducing a new matter after the window to do so had lapsed when their petition was filed adding that such an allegation must be proved beyond the reasonable doubt.

The Tribunal ruled that the Petitioners did an incalculable damage to their case by failing to call the examination body, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to give evidence and prove that school certificate of the deputy governor was forged, adding that evidence given by Bamidele and Oni were hearsay.

Tinubu Will Shock Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso in 2023 Election, Says Support Group Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The National Chairman Tinubu/ Shettima Network (TSN), Dr Kailani Muhammad has vowed that APC candidate Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu will jolt his major rivals, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of PDP, Peter Obi of Labour Party and Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of NNPP in next year’s presidential election.

Muhammad made the declaration yesterday in Abuja at the inauguration of the National Officers and State Coordinators of TSN. He said Atiku, Obi and

Kwankwaso all cannot boast of the profile of Tinubu in the national political space.

“Tinubu is a man of vision.

He’s charismatic. He has the wit and political network across the country. That’s why electing him to become the next President of the country would be good for all and will eventually open doors for greater things to happen in the country,” Muhammad said.

He said Tinubu was able to develop a long-term vision as well as an all inclusive government that reflected a mini-Nigeria, when he was

governor of Lagos State, noting the APC candidate was able to turn around the state internal revenue to a more robust and result driven that has placed the state as a financially independent one among the 36 states of the federation.

He assured that TSN, which is a rebirth of the Voters Guard and Awareness, which in 2015 and 2019 ensured victory for President Muhammadu Buhari with about 12 million votes will also mobilise for the votes that will ensure that Tinubu and Shettima are sworn in as President and Vice

President next year.

He also the election of election Tinubu/ Shettima will place the country on the path of development and heal the wounds inflected by the annulment of Abiola/Tofa election of June 12,1993 that was adjudged the freest election ever in Nigeria.

He added that Tinubu is well grounded to lead the country having built a network of friends across the country coupled with name recognition and antecedents as politician synonymous with success.

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NEWS

LP PCC UNVEILS OSUNTOKUN...

L-R; Director General Big Tent Supporters Group, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkerim; Director General Peter Obi/Yusuf Datti and Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Akin Osuntokun; Secretary General Big Tent Supporters Group, Dr Austin Kemie; during the press briefing by the PCC welcoming the new Director General in Abuja...yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Osuntokun: Nigerians Have Anchored Their Hope on Peter Obi's Presidency Emameh Gabriel in Abuja The newly appointed DirectorGeneral of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Council, Balogun Akin Osuntokun, says Nigerians have hung their hope for a better future on the victory of the Labour Party's presidential standard-bearer Peter Obi in the 2023 election.

Osuntokun explained that it was why the party became the political platform of choice for many Nigerians, evident in the teeming support for Obi across the country.

Osuntokun stated this on Thursday at a press briefing, declaring his acceptance of his appointment as the new Obi/ Datti Campaign Council directorgeneral.

Osuntokun was, on Tuesday, announced as the new directorgeneral of the campaign following the resignation of Dr Doyin Okupe following his conviction for fraud.

"It is with a deep sense of duty and humility that I accept my appointment as the Director General of Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, especially at this critical point of Nigeria’s political history," stated Osuntokun. "Every ardent observer of the Nigerian political space and (the) recent trend of events will attest to the teeming organic support the emergence of His Excellency Peter Obi as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party has received across the country."

He described the support

BOLANLE RAHEEM: NBA SEEKS N5BN COMPENSATION FOR SLAIN LAWYER’S FAMILY importance of his meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Sanwo-Olu was quoted in a statement to have said his government would continually work with the Nigeria Police in providing additional equipment like body cameras and a joint advocacy programme to enhance and improve public and police communication.

“We are indeed hoping that this meeting will be very useful.

There are a lot of things we are taking back. We have called the Commissioner of Police even while we were here and he has also briefed us as to what they are doing in Lagos.

“Essentially, it is to continue to work with the Police, the things that we can do around providing some additional equipment that you can use; things around body cameras, and ensuring that we can jointly have an advocacy programme that can enhance and improve public and police communication.

“What are the roles of engagement, who needs to do what so that we can have a better community and community policing and a better citizens-police engagement.

“We need to ensure that nothing is left undone, no cover-up of any sort in this particular case and that the full arm of the law is put in place to ensure that the officer is apprehended and has his day in court.

“It is one of our responsibilities coming here to get a sense of the

additional level of support from the Inspector General of Police with his men in Lagos and other parts of the country,” he said.

Also speaking, the InspectorGeneral of Police, assured Sanwo-Olu that there would not be any cover-up in handling the case of the deceased lawyer and the culprit.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is here to find out about how far we have gone in terms of investigating the incident that happened in Lagos on Christmas Day. I can assure him that this incident will be investigated.

“The Attorney-General of Lagos State will intervene in the case for him to take over the prosecution from the Police.

“I can assure you that there is no going to be any hanky-panky on the issue. We are also saddened about the incident. I want to again extend my condolences to the family of the late Bolanle Raheem, the husband, and the entire family.

“I also wish to extend my condolence to the government and the people of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

“We will continue to improve on how our officers will engage in the use of a firearm. At the same time, we also want to appeal to Nigerians to be responsible.

They should help the Police by way of supervision and making their work easy. I want to assure the members of the public that their case will be dealt with,” he assured.

as "a pointer to the fact that Nigerians have anchored their hope on the ensuing victory of Peter Obi in the coming 2023 presidential election," pledging to "work assiduously hard to ensure victory for the Obi-Datti ticket come February 2023."

However, he pointed out that

"we are not oblivious of the magnitude of work required of us to deliver on the promise so declared," but stressed that "we are braced for it, and equally find solace in divine guidance, the counsel of our elders, and the unflinching support of wellmeaning Nigerians that are eager

to see the Nigerian socioeconomic status quo upturned, and our beloved country progress like other progressing countries all over the world."

He expressed confidence that under his leadership, the campaign would excel, and that challenges "will surely come, but

we will surmount them as one united family."

He urged supporters of the party across the country and in the diaspora never to relent but to continue with their amiable support at different levels, in different quarters, and through their respective approaches.

2023: Gombe Gov Upbeat of Victory as APC Campaign Train Hits Akko Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya yesterday said the political philosophy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) hinges on revamping the economy, provision of critical infrastructure, human capital development, social cohesion and the strengthening of security to deal with emerging threats.

According to him, it is against this backdrop that his administration remains resolute towards the provision of opportunities and incentives for individuals and groups to grow in their chosen endeavours, and maintains its resolve of exploring meaningful avenues that would lead to the social, economic and infrastructural development of the state.

The governor stated this in Kumo when his campaign train visited the palace of the Emir of Akko in Akko Local Government Area (LGA)of the state in the day two of the APC rally to solicit for the support of the royal father

ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Governor Yahaya told the monarch that the reconstruction of the Kumo General Hospital and the provision of road networks across Akko LGA was done in accordance with his campaign promises aimed at giving the people a new lease of life.

He said his administration was able to make its presence felt in all the 114 wards of the state especially as it affects the provision of quality health care and schools among others.

The Governor explained that his administration has equally constructed a sizeable kilometers of roads to ease social linkages and boost economic activities in the area and the state at large.

Responding, the Emir of Akko, His Royal Highness, Mohammed Umar Atiku thanked Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his peopleoriented projects which made it easier for the citizens to engage in economic activities that have advanced the living condition of the people.

The royal father described the projects executed by the

administration of Governor Yahaya in Akko LGA as critical and life-changing and therefore assured the governor of his Emirate's support and solidarity.

The Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Hon. Muhammad Magaji Gettado, while speaking, reeled out some of the projects executed by administration in the local government , especially the construction of a new General Hospital in Kumo, numerous roads networks, modern classroom blocks among others. He therefore, assured the governor that with his superlative performance, he needed not campaign in Akko, as the LGA, is a 'no go' area for any opposition.

Shortly after the traditional homage, the campaign train, comprising with thousands of APC supporters, traversed the shores of Kumo Central, East, West and North.

In all the political wards visited ,Governor Yahaya maintained his upbeat disposition, stressing that the APC would record a landslide victory in the 2023 general elections

from top to bottom.

The governor enjoined the people of Akko East to channel their electoral energies towards delivering the candidates of the APC at all levels so that the good policies and programmes of the ruling party which have social and economic dimensions on Nigerians would not be truncated.

Also speaking, the Gombe State Coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation, Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna, said the victory of the APC candidates would mean the consolidation of the party's laudable programmes and projects, especially the Kolmani Integrated Development Project.

He therefore, appealed to the people of the state to vote for the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Yahaya and other flag bearers of the party for a complete circle of purposeful leadership.

Another highlight of the Akko East campaign rally was the receipt of thousands of defectors from the PDP, NNPP and other political parties.

Obaseki: We’re Bringing Govt Closer to Edo People with Ongoing Reforms, Projects The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said ongoing reforms and projects being pursued across different sectors of the state are focused on bringing government closer to the people.

Obaseki, while speaking to journalists in Benin City, said the state government is more open and accountable, ensuring the implementation of projects to improve the livelihoods of the

people and achieve economic prosperity for the state.

The governor noted, “We are simplifying governance. We are bringing the government closer to the people. We are making it more open, more transparent and more accountable to the people.”

He further stated, “You can see that the government is able to offer more services to the people; we are able to give people what they need. Yes, we have not been

able to complete all the roads but at least, we have been able to do more roads and connect more communities, create routes to make business easier for people.

“We have been able to invest in other infrastructure particularly, fibre technology. Benin City is one of the most connected cities in Nigeria with over 400km of fibre lining around Benin City alone. Edo State has over 1200km of fibre connecting all

the local governments with this infrastructure.”

“We have been able to digitalise governance and improve the quality of services in government.

The reform is ongoing. It is still work in progress but at the end of the day, we have been able to build a very smart state, where citizens from their phones can apply for land and services that government agencies deliver,” Obaseki added.

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NEWS

MBAH AT THE TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE CEREMONY OF AJAH'S DAUGHTER...

L-R: Chidike Onwumere (groom), Ebere Ajah (bride), Enugu State PDP governorship candidate, Dr Peter Mbah, former PDP governorship aspirant, Dr. GOC Ajah, and his wife, Mrs Anthonia Ajah, during the traditional marriage ceremony of Dr. Ajah's daughter in Nkerefi, Nkanu East LGA, yesterday.

Nigeria Needs Igbo President to Enjoy Peace, Says Igbo Think Tank Demands additional state in South-East Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The interest of Nigeria would best be served if the next president eventually emerged from the South-East, as genuine peace and harmony would descend on the country as products of equity, justice and fairness.

This was among the resolutions adopted by participants at the 2022 Igbo International Christmas Retreat organised by Igbo Think Tank and Nzuko Ndigbo held at Umuahia, Abia.

In a four-point communique issued yesterday at the end of the retreat, the participants stated that the current agitation

for self-determination by youths in the South-East with its attendant security problems would fizzle out if, in 2023, Nigerians elect a president of Igbo extraction.

The communique jointly signed by the Chairman of the board of trustees of Igbo Think Tank, Prof Madubuike Ezeibe and the President of Nzuko Ndigbo, Chief Chuks Ibegbu, noted that the separatist agitation in the South East was a product of deep feelings of marginalisation.

"Even with nominations for the 2023 elections completed, there is still a window: Nigerians should vote for competent presidential candidates from the South-East in line with that zoning policy which

NDLEA Seizes Nine Tonnes of Hard Drugs, Nabs 1,078 Suspects in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized nine tonnes of illicit drugs worth N1.5 billion and arrested 1,078 suspects in Kano in 12 months.

The NDLEA commander in the state, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, told reporters on Thursday that the agency raided 82 hot spots within and outside the Kano metropolis to arrest and seizures of different illicit drugs in our quest to bolster crime reduction among the larger populace in the state through eradicating drug abuse and trafficking.

"As a result, 1,078 suspects were arrested, including 951 males and 127 females. The total drugs seized within the period under review is 8,386.733kg, which is made up of 6,607.492kgs of cannabis sativa, 1,778.388kg of psychotropic substances, 451grams cocaine, 125gram of heroin and 277gram of methamphetamine," stated Idris-Ahmad.

He further explained that within the period under review, the agency had secured 113 convictions, destroyed five cannabis farms in the state and rehabilitated over 1,844 drug abusers.

"The agency sensitized 150 schools on drug prevention,

screened 141 traditional title holders on drugs, and 164 visa clearance secured approval under the period review," added the NDLEA commander.

According to him, the Chairman Chief Executive Officer NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba-Marwa, has approved the creation of two additional area commands in Kano to fight illicit drugs.

He commended the Kano government for its support. He lauded the Kano traditional council resolution ensuring that candidates undergo drug screening before being appointed as ward, village or district heads.

"We also appreciate the synergy being enjoyed from sister security agencies in the area of intelligence sharing, NGOs, community leaders and media towards drug prevention education and information," he said.

The commander called on the Kano government and other relevant stakeholders to support the NDLEA in reducing drug peddling and addictions.

"As we approach the 2023 general election, we will continue to advocate for a peaceful election," added Idris-Ahmad. "There is no crime without drugs, and curbing its menace in the state will bring ease to policing before, during and after the election."

we adopted to have peace at this stage of our democratic growth," stated the communique.

The think tank noted that electing a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in 2023 "will make it impossible for agitators to convince young ones to join them, and this will give us peace as happened with NADECO in the South-West in 1999."

It noted that the decision to cede the presidency to the South-West in 1999 was a patriotic act undertaken to assuage the feelings of the

Yoruba following the injustice of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

"Till today, NADECO (body formed for that agitation) died and peace was restored in the (SouthWest) zone. We from South East are very happy about that restored peace and wish same would happen to our zone," said the Igbo group.

"Let us repeat our 1999 patriotism in 2023 for good of our nation."

It regretted that the two major political parties (APC and PDP) failed to give their presidential

tickets to the South-East, thereby erasing the expectation that the 1999 scenario of leaving the presidential contest to only people from deserving zone, in this case, the South-East.

It argued that since every geopolitical zone in Southern Nigeria had produced Nigeria's President, except the South-East, equity and justice demand that power should go to South East in 2023 when it leaves the North, where it stayed for eight consecutive years.

On the issue of geopolitical imbalance, the communique called for the immediate creation of an additional state for the South-East, as the 2014 national conference recommended, to bring the zone, which has only five states, at par with others with six, except NorthWest with seven states.

"Leaving the South-East with only five states and 95 local governments amounts to marginalisation, and it's helping the agitators in their campaign," added the statement.

Iwuanyanwu, Clark, Yakasai, Adebanjo, Others Make Mbazulike Amechi’s Burial Committee Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, a founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Tanko Yakasai and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, were yesterday listed as key members of the national planning committee for the funeral of late nationalist, Chief Mbazulike Amechi.

The funeral committee is to be chaired by Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

A statement signed on behalf of the family of the deceased by Tagbo Amechi, noted that the constitution of the group was to ensure the late nonagenarian got a befitting burial ceremony scheduled for February 16, 2023

A former aviation minister, Amechi, hailed from Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He was 93 years old.

Amaechi was among those who fought for the independence of Nigeria from Great Britain and was a trade unionist as well as the general secretary of the Armels transport union as well as assistant secretary of Benin and Warri Districts of the Zikist Movement.

He was elected member of the House of Representatives in 1959 on the platform of the defunct National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). His death was announced on November 1,2022.

The Committee would also comprise Dr. Tim Menakaya, Chief Simon Okeke, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator Pius Anyim, Chief

Emeka Ihedioha, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

Also listed as members of the group were: Obong Victor Attah, Dr. Sam Egwu, Chief Achike Udenwa, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Senator Theodore Orji, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Frank Ogbuewu.

Others include: Dr Kema Chikwe, Josephine Anenih, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Prof Maurice Iwu , Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Okey Ezenwa and Prince Ned Nwoko.

Also listed as members of the committee were: Prof Fred Eze, Prince Emeka Udodeme, Chief Uwakwe Azikiwe and CID Maduabum, who is the Secretary of the group.

“Following the transition of the foremost statesman, nationalist and one of the last remaining fathers of Nigerian independence, Chief Mbazulike Amechi (Dara Akunwafor), Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation in the First Republic on 1st November 2022, the family, in consultation with his associates and other stakeholders wish to announce the setting up of a committee of distinguished and respected Nigerian leaders to plan a befitting burial for this great Nigerian patriot scheduled for 16th February 2023 at Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“In due course, the committee will make public, further details.

We thank the eminent persons who despite their tight schedules have agreed to do this as a mark of respect to a great son of Nigeria,” the statement added.

2023: Again, INEC Pledges to Conduct ‘Freest, Fairest Election in Africa’ Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to organise what would be known as the freest and fairest election in Africa, in Nigeria next year.

The National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, said this at the 2022 Calabar Carnival, while sensitising Nigerians on the upcoming general elections.

Okoye, therefore, urged officials

of the Commission, “to show Nigerians that they have the capacity to do so.”

He said that the Commission decided to participate in the carnival to sensitise and encourage Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and vote in the elections.

Okoye said Nigerians needed to know that their PVCs have potency.

According to him, if it doesn’t have, politicians would not be

struggling to buy them from prospective voters.

“My message to Nigerians is that only the PVC can change their circumstances. Therefore, those who do not have their PVCs have no business in the electoral process.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that the PVCs are available for the people and to organise free, fair and credible elections.

“It is also to ensure that those Nigerians say should win the 2023

election win. The time has come for us to organise the freest and fairest election on the continent of Africa,” he said.

Okoye further said the Commission has no preferred political party and owed no allegiance to any or individuals but the Nigerian people.

He said the Commission needed to mobilise all the national assets to ensure that the 2023 polls were credible and the best the country ever had.

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POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

Sadique Abubakar: Changing the Narratives of Bauchi Politics in 2023 Abdullahi Buba writes about the recent flag off of the campaign of APC governorship candidate for Bauchi state, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd), in Bauchi town, amid pomp and peagantry

T

hursday, December 22, 2022, Bauchi hosted a mammoth crowd of APC members and supporters from the 20 local government areas of the state to witness the formal flag off of campaigns of Nigeria’s former Chief of Air Staff and Ambassador to Chad Republic,Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar (rtd) as gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the coming elections.

It was a gathering that attracted all the grassroots political heavy weights,who generated the masterminds of the famous Bauchi political tsunami code named “akasa a tsare” that sacked PDP and truncated the party’s succession plan in 2007 thus, voted in Isa Yuguda, upon whose funding, plan and strategy, Bala Mohammed, now governor became Bauchi South Senator, ostensibly from political obscurity.

Pundits still believe that Bauchi voters, can trigger the resurrection of that spirit of mass voting if the need for that arises, again.

Governor M.A Abubakar, who became governor on a platter of gold, was sacked by the same mass of provoked voters because of his lack of political savvy to effectively manage the state.

A grassroot heavy weight from Alkaleri,the local government of governor Bala Mohammed who prefers anonymity, described the flag off as a nightmare to PDP. He opines that in Bauchi politics, no one holds a capacity to control or direct anyone to do his bidding if the someone had not mentored or helped anyone in his struggles.

Therefore, they see Governor Bala Mohammed as an individual who wants to reap what he did not sow. They described him as someone who only cares for himself and his close family members.

But on the other hand, they applauded Air Marshal Sadique for establishing a care foundation for the benefit of the indigent in the society long before he became Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff and ventured into politics, afterwards.

Records of the foundation’s support to the less privileged and Sadique’s persornal humanitarian assistance to the indigent, endeared him to many including average Bauçhi voter and constituted the factor that is giving Governor Bala and his PDP comrades nightmares and invariably became envious of the airforce chief.

Because undoubtedly, he does not have such in his track this, has nothing to show to translate his love for better life for the common man ever.

In fact, it is widely believed among key politicians and other stakeholders in the Bauchi state project that the undoing of former Governor M.A. Abubakar, was responsible for the resolve of Bala Mohammed to contest the governorship of Bauchi and as governor, secured for himself immunity from the lingering money laundering charges against him as FCT minister.

This development has reawakened Bauchi youths and women organisations, clubs and associations to resolve that henceforth,they would never vote in anyone with blurred questionable pedigree to political position of authority especially that of governor without evidence of impactful contributions to the development of their individual communities as it affects youths,women and children as was and is still being done by Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar.

This shift is infact a function of the human compassion practically exhibited by Sadique.

This is a game changer in the politics of Bauchi state.It has provided grounds for the electorate and critical stakeholders alike to depart from old order of getting it for themselves now from office seekers to what the contestants can bequeath to upcoming

discordant to his campaigns in 2019.

Construction and rehabilitation of roads, construction of a multi billion naira government house and conference hall, construction of his multi billion naira personal house, non payment of gratuities, etc, etc, etc, are of serious concerns to people that are hungry, burdened by their children’s school fees, etc.

This is very disappointing and constitute a crime against the good citizens of the state who stood firm to oust an inept regime of MA Abubakar.

These are Governor Bala’s nightmares and blockades to his second term bid.

Only God knows how Bala can convince voters to trust him with leadership again.

If as it is widely believed that if Bala gets second term, he’ll muscle the civil service, balkanise some emirates to create one for his village, Duguri, etc holds, then Bala is in deep trouble.

And he should forget second term and put his records in order, in case probe is instituted against him as was done when he was Minister in the FCT. For Sadique Baba Abubakar, his strong selling point and advantage,are his track record in the airforce; how it has changed the face of the force and provided succour to officers and men and the confidence restored in them as they continue with counter insurgency operations against Nigeria.

In Bauchi, the siting of the base comes with ripples of benefits to Bauchi people that made them see Bala Mohammed as a mismatch in the contest against Sadique.

-Buba writes from Bauchi. and yet unborn generations.

This has changed the narratives of electoral process in Bauchi politics.

The blurred scorecard of Governor Bala Mohammed in the last four years, reflects chiefly, capital projects which are totally a

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Besides Propaganda, What’s the Opposition Offering in Enugu?

Raymond Okorie writes that there is no clear sign that the opposition parties are prepared to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2023 general elections in Enugu state

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023 is around the corner. But it is not just another year. Nigerians are living in desperate times and 2023 becomes that year of deliberate decision-making to either put Nigeria on the path of recovery and prosperity or shove her further down the path of doom.

It will be wonderful if we elect the best president in the world to tackle Nigeria’s hydra-headed challenges. But he will not be able to do much if we don’t elect governors who have what it takes to also lead their people through the prevailing economic and security challenges and the tough times ahead.

Time was when the states lived off the Federation Account. But if we consider when last the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) made remittances to the national coffers, then we must come to terms with the reality that the era of national cake from the centre is gone.

There is hardly anything left to share.

States must now bake their own cakes and chart their respective course to self-reinvention or perish. That naturally means that more than any other time, states are in desperate need of visionary, innovative, courageous and competent leaderships.

It means that anyone, who is a lover of Enugu, who has keenly followed the events leading up to the 2023 governorship election will agree that the efforts by the opposition to reduce the contest

to sheer propaganda and sloganeering instead of energetically proposing alternative visions and programmes for the tough days ahead is dangerous.

Meanwhile, when I say “opposition”, I say it with a lot of reluctance because if you ask me, what I see are mostly people, who jumped unto other political platforms in their desperate bid for the Lion Building.

Some of them jumped ship after losing out in contest for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket.

In fact, one of them served as a member of the House of Representatives, Special Adviser to Deputy President of the Senate, Special Assistant to President Goodluck

Jonathan, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and later Commissioner for Environment in the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration until he resigned in March 2022 to seek the PDP governorship ticket. He occupied all these positions on the platform of the PDP and only jumped ship in June 2022.

Another governorship candidate served as Coordinator of the Community County Council initiative during the PDP administration of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani administration and later as Chief of Staff to Nnamani before proceeding to Abuja to serve as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties at 37 in 2003.

He went on to serve as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Special Duties and Youth Development, Minister of Information and National Orientation as well as Minister of Information and Communication in the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

Some of the candidates and ‘opposition’ leaders in Enugu were founding members of the PDP, ran for offices in the PDP, served in one federal board or the other and executed many mouth-watering contracts under the PDP. -Okorie is an Enugu-based political analyst NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022 • T H I S D AY

FOCUS Public Service Transformation in Edo: The New Fleet Management System in Focus “T

By Anthony Osas Okungbowa Esq.,

he measure of intelligence is the ability to change” Albert Einstein.

Since the 19th Century Industrial Revolution in Europe when machines began to take the place of the raw and physical strength of man to get things done, the human society has witnessed tremendous advancement in all spheres of human life.

Consistent with man’s nature of devising means of addressing challenges and solving problems, scientists and researchers, including social engineers have, since the 19th Century Industrial Revolution, not rested in their quest to make life and living easy and more meaningful for man and his environment. The human society has therefore witnessed advancement in the deployment of technology in the fields of Medicine, Transportation, Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology etc.

As Einstein posited, the capacity to change is the measure of intelligence. Indeed, nothing measures intelligence in the modern world more than the changes that technology has brought on board. Changes in Technology have been so impactful that man has achieved outstanding success in the course of changing his society for good. Innovation has raised the ante and emphasis has shifted from the old and clumsy ways of doing things to new, improved and more strategic approaches.

Digital Transformation is the key to the future of Nigeria and, indeed, Africa. Foresighted national and sub-national governments in Africa must be ready to internalize this fact and invest in digitization. Hatem Hariri Managing Director, Avaya Africa, a global leader in Business, Communication, Systems and Services put it quite succinctly when he observed in his work “Digitalization to Drive Government’s Operational Excellence” (2016) that with the majority of Africa’s population under 24 years of age and the World Bank predicting that the continent’s population will reach 2.8 billion in 2060 - more than a quarter of all the people on earth; digital transformation is the key to Africa’s successful future.

Progressive Governments and the Private Sector across Africa have realized the need to embrace this positively disruptive and smart way of thinking and are increasingly adopting digital technology as a governance strategy. In Edo, the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, has fully embraced technology and innovation in the conduct of government business.

In the book ‘Things Fall Apart’, the legendary author Professor Chinua Achebe put it in the mouth of Unoka, the father of Okonkwo the hero and central character of the book, the eternal words. “The sun shines first on those standing before it goes on those sitting”. Consistent with the above statement, Edo State Government has been deliberately investing heavily in digitization, setting the pace and preparing the State to serve as the undisputed digital capital of Nigeria. Edo is standing tall so that when the sun of digital transformation shines, it shines on us first. The Godwin Obaseki - led Administration in Edo State is working extremely hard to make Edo State the first digitally transformed State in Nigeria.

Massive investment is currently on-going in fibre optics across Edo State in a public/private sector collaborative effort. So far, in strong partnership with the Private Sector, Government has deployed about 1,282 kilometres of fiber optics across the eighteen Local Government Areas of Edo State. This is in addition to the establishment of a Tier-3 Data Center to house all EDSG present and future data. This Centre provides high-level security, data retention and business continuity capability in the State with the capacity to co-locate third-party data at a subsidized rate. Government has simultaneously deployed a Document Management System that is archiving all EDSG Data with an M-file Application deployed for document uploading and retrieval. Similarly, the Edo Website Revamp Project is on- going and is being executed vigorously. Government has also just concluded its Technology Infrastructure Refresh Exercise which involved the replacement of all obsolete network equipment in all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) connected to the EDSG network. These are indeed strong statements of intent.

Edo State has, since November 2021, adopted Technology as a governance policy with its egovernance platform (codenamed “Edo-Gov”) across all its Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The State recently took a further step in its Tech-Adoption Agenda by the automation of the management of its vehicular assets with the launch of the CONNECT EDO Mobile Application, otherwise known as MEGA CONNECT, an initiative that is geared towards ensuring effective management of the State’s vehicular fleet and the elimination of financial waste.

The question on the lips of many stakeholders, including civil/public servants, has been why this new approach?

Why do we have to change an established tradition?

At the launch of the project, as Chairman of the Fleet Management Team, I shared two personal experiences which buttress the expediency of the new initiative by the Governor. I reproduce them hereunder.

About three years ago, as Chairman of the State Committee on Auctions, my team and I visited some

Obaseki mechanic workshops in Benin City on intelligence that there were vehicles belonging to Edo State Government that had been abandoned there for years. What we found in some of these workshops left us in bewilderment; badly vandalized vehicles that had been abandoned for several years in the workshops. One could barely recognize some of them, except that they still had their plate numbers.

In most of these cases, the mechanics could not give us the identities of those who brought the vehicles to their workshops, nor were there data showing which Ministry, Department or Agency owned them or what mechanical challenges resulted in their presence there.

The second incident happened in Auchi, Edo North Senatorial District some years ago. We were on a visit there in connection with another business of Government. While in my hotel room, at about 7pm on a particular day, someone called to inform me that he had seen a vehicle belonging to the State Government being towed towards a certain part of the town. I quickly alerted the DPO of the nearest Police Station who assigned some policemen to handle the case. Luckily, we got the driver of the towing van apprehended and the vehicle recovered. On interrogation, the driver could not give a coherent account of who authorized the movement of the vehicle and where it was being taken to. What was however obvious was that the movement of the vehicle was fraudulently and deliberately orchestrated, at that hour of the day, to avoid prying eyes and was on its way, apparently, to join a host of others that had fallen into private hands and stolen. What these two incidents demonstrated clearly, was that over time, there had been failure on the part of Government to properly manage its vehicular assets and optimize their benefits The manual approach which the government had hitherto adopted and employed in managing its vehicular fleet and schedule of officers using them had become anachronistic, outdated and unproductive. It was also not in sync with the e-governance strategy which government had adopted as a governance philosophy and policy.

Under the old manual order, each Ministry, Department or Agency was responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the vehicles deployed to it. This led to suboptimal utilization, uneven distribution, lack of a central inventory and poor quality assurance and control. Government could not tell how many vehicles it had, which were operational and serviceable and which were not, what “state of health” each vehicle had, the servicing/maintenance activities and, generally, the government had no data on management of its vehicles. In these times of extremely scarce resources,

government could no longer afford the needless losses which the old system engendered. There was just no such financial luxury available anymore.

The foregoing challenge gave rise to the need to look for and emplace a more sustainable system for the management of state-owned vehicles to improve their utilization and distribution in order that service delivery might be optimal and the cost of management, operation and maintenance, reduced to the barest minimum. Mr. Governor’s idea of MEGA CONNECT was designed to achieve this purpose. The overall goal is to improve on service delivery within the Public Service by ensuring that automobile resources of the Public Service are put together in a pool, applied optimally and made available for all employees in the course of performing their day-to-day work schedules. Edo MEGA CONNECT is a technology driven central management system which is in sync with the concept of e-governance.

How does the system work? Tagged the ‘’EDSG Workplace Mobility Solution’’, the scheme is made up of two key components viz; ‘The Fleet Management System’ and the ‘Ride-onDemand Application. While the first component deals with the general procurement and maintenance of vehicles within the system, the second is the Ride-on-Demand App nicknamed the ‘’EDSG Uber.’’

The system has a software designed to maintain a central inventory of vehicles and oversee their management and maintenance as well as provide effective and seamless transportation services in the form of ride-hiring services to public servants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.

Every Ministry, Department and Agency has a team of officers handling the official mobility schedule of officers. An officer who needs a vehicle for official work books in advance with this team which in turn, using the electronic link provided, makes the booking with the M.E.G.A Connect Ride-on-Demand App. Details of the Ministry, Department, and Agency, date of trip as well as purpose and time of departure are provided.

On the day in question, the vehicle arrives at the Ministry, Department or Agency and the officer makes use of the vehicle for the purpose declared.

The officer does not have to bother about fueling, repair of the vehicle or welfare of the driver. It is the same process with ad hoc movement of officers, albeit, in such cases, clearly, booking in advance is unnecessary.

On return, the vehicle gets back to base and can be assigned other functions. This enables efficiency in the planning and use of available vehicular resources. Instead of a vehicle being perpetually attached to an officer who may not immediately require it, it returns to base on completion of an assignment and immediately becomes available

for other assignments. Use of official vehicles for unofficial or private purposes which exposes them to needless and otiose losses like theft, shortened vehicle life as a result of misuse or overuse is accordingly and consequently avoided.

The Fleet management component is designed to run on the use of technology and other set processes that cater to preventive and reactive maintenance and thus assist in managing a comprehensive inventory (with service status) and create a verifiable database of vehicles available to the State Government; it also includes scheduled maintenance of vehicles to prevent breakdown, tracking to know where they are at every point in time as well as a history to keep record of fuel usage and service intervals.

As observed above, it is expected that this initiative will result in an extended service life, enhanced planning strategy and service status for Government vehicles; save cost through preventive maintenance as well as achieve optimization in doing a lot more with fewer assets through carefully planned and managed deployment.

The present intervention has led to the recovery of several unserviceable vehicles including the tow truck owned by the State Government which was left to rot away at the State’s Ministry of Transport (now defunct) for about four years. The case of this vehicle is particularly instructive. It demonstrates the avoidable neglect which Edo State Government vehicles were subjected to under the old order. The truck had been abandoned for about four years on the pretext that it had a huge maintenance problem. The new management team fixed it in just under four hours at next to nothing in terms of cost and the vehicle is now back to the use for which it was procured. Interestingly, this tow truck has been described by experts as one of the best available in the market.

The Ride-on-Demand component of the scheme is an automated vehicle on-demand system that operates in the fashion of the popular ride hailing service that allows a user request pickup using a pre-installed mobile App to move around while conducting government business. It is popularly referred to as ‘EDSG UBER’ because of its similarity in operations with the globally acclaimed private transportation initiative UBER. The Ride-on-demand system guarantees effective access to mobility as Ministries, Departments and Agencies which hitherto did not have operational vehicles at all or did not have enough are able to access and benefit from the vehicles in the pool. This inevitably results in improved efficiency through better time management of both driver and vehicle and ultimately a reduction in the cost of procuring and maintaining operational vehicles for Government. We expect a significant drop (at least fifty percent reduction) in the cost of vehicle maintenance over the next two years and an equivalent improvement in the service life of the Edo State Government fleet and even better as the years go by. We have done a cost/benefit analysis of the new project and with available data, we are quite confident that this is achievable.

Apart from providing a more comfortable and convenient transport system for Civil/Public Service, the new scheme is also expected to take off the burden of vehicle maintenance and fueling from the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The package is delivered at no cost to the beneficiaries; all they need to do is just download the App on their phones and, similar to the usual commercial ride-hailing operational module, book their rides at no cost to them, and, seamlessly too. The new Fleet Management Strategy in Edo is indeed a revolution in the management of Public vehicles and we hope that other states will take a cue and learn from it.

Are there challenges? Yes, there are. But I have deliberately refrained from mentioning them because compared to the numerous advantages and offerings which the new system brings on board, the challenges are only but infinitesimal. Consistent with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s belief, we do not intend to be encumbered by challenges but constantly maintain an attitude that confronts and effectively deals with every challenge or obstacle standing on our pathway to success as far as the new initiative is concerned.

As the Governor would say “if you meet a brick wall in the course of carrying out your duties, break through it.” That is exactly what we intend to do.

Let me conclude this article by drawing strength from the ever-green statement of Robert Schuller once said that the only place where dreams become impossible is in one’s thinking. Good leadership makes dreams possible. General Powel of the United States of America is reputed to have once said; “Leadership is solving problems”. The Governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki has, once again, through the instrumentality of the new Fleet Management Initiative, demonstrated his oft-acknowledged capacity for solving problems and making dreams possible. Truly, Dreams are becoming realities in Edo. The new Fleet management system is one such dream.

•Anthony Osas Okungbowa Esq. (LL.B, (Hons) Ife; LL.M (NIALS) Lagos; BL, is a Lawyer and the Head of Service, Edo State. He is also the Chairman of the Fleet Management Committee of Edo State.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022

18

GAMINGWEEK

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | ikotibok@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

Year of the Courts: Gaming Industry in 2022 Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that though things may not happened with the intensity of an earthquake in the gaming industry, there was a lot of motion around the courts: the National Lotteries Regulatory Commission won one case, the association of state lotteries board led by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority won another, and then the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers went in-between to seek judicial clarification. These and other occurrences made the hit in 2022

FLOODGATE OF COURT CASES

F

or the better part of the year, the prevailing news in the gaming industry revolved around the tango over who, between the Federal Government agency, National Lotteries Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and agencies of various state governments, has jurisdiction to regulate operators.

The matters in court have given victory to the FG and the states led by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) at different times.

Last August, the FG thought it had secured a judgement that would end the bickering between it and the states.

However, three months later, in November, Justice Atinuke Ipaye of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Division ruled that the Federal Government had no powers to issue licences and regulate lotteries and gaming within the federating states.

Delivering judgment in a suit marked LD/49089GCM/2021filed by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority against Shade International Gaming Ltd (trading under the name and style of Betika) and Neomobile Entertainment Limited, Ipaye held that the Federal Government could not, through the National Assembly legislate on any issue not contained on either the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative List.

The major victim of these squabbles between the FG and states are investors in the gaming industry, particularly, sports betting, who decided to clear a few grey areas by approaching the court.

The executive secretary of the trade group for

sports betting operators, the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB), Bimpe Akingba, told Gaming Week why the body went to court.

“Our main question to the court was, ‘does what the federal and states do amount to double taxation? If the court answers in the affirmative, then is double taxation constitutional?’” said Akingba. “The court answered in the affirmative that taxation of the industry as it is today amounts to double taxation and that double taxation is unconstitutional.”

Ordinarily, that would have encouraged the parties to seek an out-of-court solution, but neither party is willing to walk the talk.

Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director-General of the NLRC, told journalists on the sideline of a symposium in Lagos that his agency was open to a discussion that would not jeopardise its interest. And that is where there is an apparent disagreement because the Lagos government is insisting that lottery, casino and betting are neither on the exclusive nor concurrent list, meaning that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) has clearly stated that such matters lie within the purview of the state houses of assembly. With each party taking a hardline position, the matter is likely to be settled by the apex court in the land, the Supreme Court.

Another celebrated court matter in the gaming environment this year was that of the lottery brand Green Lotto and its agent, Charles Akhenanen, dragged before the Lagos State High Court over its refusal

to pay a businessman his winning sum of N72,700,000.

Green Lotto is promoted by Brentwood Multiservices Global Limited.

The complainant, led in evidence in chief by the state prosecuting counsel, Mrs Titilayo Olanrewaju-Daudu, said after collecting the money he won at Premier Lotto, he went to Green Lotto the next day to claim the N72,700,000 he won, but the firm refused to pay him. Explaining its position, Green Lotto stated that the claimant, Sunday Nwachukwu, engaged in irregularities.

OFFSHORE LICENCE CONTROVERSY While the controversy over jurisdiction is still raging and constituting a big impediment to promoters of casinos, sports betting, and lotto, the NLRC opened another fierce debate over its intention to grant offshore licences to overseas-based companies that may not have a physical presence in the country. These operators will offer online gambling in Nigeria.

Immediately this was made public, it understandably drew the ire of operators in the country that have invested so much money to build infrastructure and develop human capacity for their operations. Over 150,000 workers employed in the industry risk losing their jobs if the proposal goes through. Both Akingba and Are, at different fora, highlighted the threat to national security that Nigerians’ data uploaded to the

foreign operators’ portal could be subjected to.

REVIVAL IN THE INDUSTRY The year witnessed the return of the Eventus International-organised Sports Betting West Africa (SBWA) at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. A prominent consultancy in the gaming industry, Velex Advisory also organised the first-of-its-kind symposium on the importance of data in the gaming industry.

For the first time, Nigerian gaming companies featured prominently at the 2022 Paris Games Week. The event is an international trade fair promoting video game developers’ interests. On the heels of this, the Lagos government and France signed a partnership for developing e-sports in Lagos State. At the formal sealing of this agreement were some of the promoters of e-sports, including Eniola Edun (CEO, GAMR), Sidney Esiri (CEO, KON10DR), Xavier (Star Esports) and Bukola Akingbade (CEO, Kucheza Gaming).

The year also witnessed the support from 22Bet to Kwara United Football Club.

On November 17, 2022, this reporter pioneered reporting of gaming news and features in mainstream media in Nigeria and Africa. The pullout in THISDAY on Thursdays known as GAMING WEEK has been well received in the media and the gaming environment as a welcome novelty. It is now a must-read, thus establishing itself as the industry’s voice.

THISDAY has added another feather to its illustrious cap as the first daily newspaper in Nigeria, and by extension Africa to have pages solely dedicated to the multi-billion-Naira gaming industry.

Suspicions of Match-fixing Heightens in Nepal Betting applications like Bet 365 and 1xBet have included Nepal T20 League on their app.

Online Khabar reports that some photos from India show a betting code appearing during broadcasting on the FanCode app.

This has raised suspicions that the matches are being fixed.

Betting is illegal in Nepal. But,

Seven3Sports, which has entered into a commercial and strategic partnership agreement with the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) to run the Nepal T20 League, has been registered to operate betting houses in India.

The betting code appears on Fan Code App. Even in Nepal, this company has been

registered by the Company Registrar’s Office despite the rejection of the Nepal Sports Council.

Indian companies and businesspersons have heavily influenced the league as an Indian company is operating the league, and Indians own four out of the six teams.

1XBet, announced as the tournament’s

main sponsor is also connected to betting.

As betting is taking place prominently, many say the chances of the matches being fixed are quite high.

However, Seven3Sports, which has received the CAN and operating rights, has been saying that the tournament will be held under the direct supervision of ICC’s Integrity Officer and Sports Radar.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022

19

GAMINGWEEK

The Games That Rocked 2022 Although the gaming industry is yet to recover from the shocks of the pandemic fully, 2022 still recorded some epics, gods and robot and card video games that made 2022 very entertaining. Vanessa Obioha lists some favourite games of the year

ELDEN RING (XBOX ONE/PLAYSTATION 4/XBOX SERIES X/ PLAYSTATION 5/PC)

The Game Awards Game of the Year from FromSoftware emerged top in many critics’ lists as the best video game of the year. Elden Ring is loved for its peculiarity, which allows gamers to build an entirely separate game out of the secrets most people will never see on their first playthrough, accessibility and versatility. But few argued that it had the most convoluted narrative.

Nonetheless, its expansive and absorbing fantasy world lured many gamers.

GOD OF WAR RAGNARÖK (PLAYSTATION 4&5)

Mythic characters have never looked perfect like they did in God of War Ragnarök. The unending ambition of the retired Spartan God-killer Kratos and his son Atreus to defeat the Norse gods is a blissful adventure for most gamers. The imaginative world, with the thrilling fights and gripping storyline, made it appear on many critics’ lists as one of the year’s best games.

IMMORTALITY (PC, XBOX, SMARTPHONES)

This Hollywood mystery from Netflix is an intriguing invention from Sam Barlow, creator of ‘Her

Story’. Players are turned into detectives who have to find the missing Hollywood star Marissa Marcel by examining footage of her works. It is one of the most captivating games of the year that received accolades from fans.

CULT OF THE LAMB (PC, PLAYSTATION 4/5, XBOX, NINTENDO SWITCH)

Players have two options in this fascinating gameplay loop. If they stay above ground, they will have to build a following and look after your cultists. Should they stay below ground, they will have to battle demons to free an eldritch God. The twisted art style, folk horror and elegant set dressing made the video game a top choice for fans and critics.

HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST (PLAYSTATION 4&5)

While Horizon Forbidden West did not occupy the number one spot on most critics’ lists, it is definitely one of the most popular games of 2022. Its vast world follows the story of the robot-dinosaur hunter Aloy’s seemingly unending quest to fix the mistakes of her planet’s architects. Achieving this feat is what kept gamers hooked.

MARVEL SNAP (SMARTPHONES, PC):

Barely two months old, this

digital card game featuring Marvel characters is already regarded as one of the year’s best video games. Players each have a deck of 12 cards, with each card depicting a Marvel character with cost, power level, and potentially a special ability. A game begins with a single cube as its stakes, but a player may double the stakes at any time by “snapping, “ at which point their opponent can retreat or accede to the snap.

Marvel Snap is judged one of the best games of the year for its simplicity.

STRAY (PC, PLAYSTATION 4&5)

Another robot game, Stray, is a science fiction that compels one to see the game world in a different light. Players play the game as a cat and explore robot shantytowns by leaping across platforms and climbing up obstacles. They can also interact with the environment to open new paths.

WORDLE (ONLINE AND NYT APP)

Developed by Welsh software engineer Josh Wardle and now owned by New York Times, Wordle is one of the year’s best daily word puzzle games that preached unity. It is fast becoming a sure sight to see families chasing streaks and competing healthily with one another. It

is this togetherness that makes Wordle a loved game by many.

SIFU (PLAYSTATION 4 & 5)

There is no expiry date for revenge in Sifu. You fight till you die, although the age limit is 75.

With its magical talisman that resurrects the protagonist each time it dies, one can play the game as many times as possible.

Sifu is one of those games of the year that keeps you on your toes all the time because one is not just plotting revenge but also optimizing it.

PENTIMENT: (WINDOWS, XBOX ONE AND XBOX SERIES X/S)

Ever thought of being a detective in the 16th century in Bavaria? Pentiment is the video game for you. The adventure role-playing game appeared on many critics’ lists. But it has a lot of footnotes that allow players to judge characters as they progress.

There is no clash of weapons or voice acting. Players play as the travelling artist Andreas Maler who establishes a shop in a Bavarian monastery and spends the next 10-15 hours (spread across 25 years in the story) making friends and enemies, along with a slew of decisions that will change the lives of everyone in the game universe.

Bashir Are: Sanwo-Olu Approved N250m to Develop Software for Gaming Bashir Abiola Are, reported for duty on October 19, 2019, as Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority to regulate gaming. In this interview, he discusses the gaming industry with the GAMING WEEK team

O

n the enduring between the Federal Government and the states over who has jurisdiction to regulate the gaming

industry Whatever we do, we have to go to the foundation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If the constitution is not followed, then we have a problem. The constitution says the House of Assembly of a state shall have the power to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the state and in part thereof with respect to the following matters, that is to say, any matter not included in the Exclusive List or the Concurrent List. That is the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Again in 2008, there was a landmark judgement by the Federal Court of Appeal that settled this matter. Any other thing besides it is

a circumvention of the constitution.

In that case, the Federal Court of Appeal held that Pools Betting and.

Casino do not appear in either Part 1 Exclusive List or Part 2 Concurrent List of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution as such not being an item in the Exclusive List or on the Concurrent List and not matters incidental or supplementary to any of the parts in the Exclusive Legislative List or even in the Concurrent List, Pools Betting and Casino are residual matters and all residual matters lie within the purview of the state houses of assembly.

Under no circumstances without prejudice should the National Assembly deliberate or enact a law to regulate that concerns gaming, lottery or casino because it is not part of what is stated in the constitution.

With this remote gaming or online gaming, it doesn’t remove the fact that the powers to do such reside in

the respective houses of assembly.

We have to sit down, meet each other again and then state the law and how each of us will follow the law. Aside from that, as individuals and as public officers, we can also arrange a sort of Memorandum of Understanding within the confines of the constitution to collaborate and work together to grow the industry.

The FG, through the NLRC, still insists operators must come to it for approval before they set up shop.

It is part of what I call an abuse of the constitution because you can’t give what is not yours. You cannot give out a property of asset that is not yours. Even of they have to do that they still need the permission of the state houses of assembly or the gaming agency from each state.

They still need permission to do it on our behalf. They do not have such power under the constitution as of today. I don’t know about tomorrow,

FOR ECAST D av ids o n Abraham: The Ultimate Tipster!

My betting tips have been successful all through my bet tipping career with over 90% Success rate. However, two occasions stood out the most to me and those who use my tips (2022 UEFA Champions League Betting Tips and Last week’s Forecast). For my 2022 Champions League prediction (see below), I had chosen Real Madrid to lift the trophy, and Man City and Liverpool to reach the semifinals. Everything was okay from the round of 16 through the Quarterfinal as two of the 3 predictions came through.

In the 1st leg of the Champions League semifinals, Liverpool won the 1st game 2:0 on their way to a third Champions League final in 3 years but Real Madrid was Defeated 4:3 at the Etihad. After the game, I started getting calls, which rained down waves of criticism on me for my trust in Madrid. I personally thought they did it against the star-studded PSG, and the reigning champions in Chelsea and Man City will not

be any different. In the second leg, I watched nervously and anxiously as the game advanced into its later stages past the 88th minute with City 1:0 up. I was in total silence as the game seemed likely to end with the Elimination of Los Blancos before I suddenly broke into an eruption of joy (twice in 2 minutes), thanks to Rodrygo’s 2 precious strikes which equalized the game; sending it into extra time.

Early in the extra time, Benzema converted that penalty to send Madrid into the final where they will go on to beat Liverpool and lift the famous “Big Ear” for a record 14th time, making that year a special one for Madrid and its fans. My second outstanding performance was last week’s forecast (see below) which was risky, given that they were the first set of competitive games since the World Cup. The forecast was spot on and all those who bet on it were in for their paydays. It featured games from the Premier League, Turkey and Egypt.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2022 BETTING TIPS COMPETITION

TEAM

PREDICTION

UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid

Real Madrid to win the UCL

UEFA Champions League

Liverpool

UEFA Champions League

Man City

Liverpool to reach Semifinals Man City To reach Semifinals

DAVIDSON ABRAHAM’S WEEKLY FORECAST DATE Thursday, December 22 Thursday, December 22 Friday, December 23 Friday, December 23 Sunday, December 25 Sunday, December 25 Monday, December 26 Monday, December 26

FIXTURE

BETTING TIPS

Man United Vs Burnley Galatasaray Vs keciorengucu Man City Vs Liverpool CD Arenteiro Vs Atletico Madrid Al Ahly Vs Smouha SC Galatasaray Vs Istanbulspor Brentford Vs Tottenham Crystal Palace Vs Fulham

1 1 Over 1.5 2 1X 1X Over 0.5 Over 0.5

PROMO!!!

50 MOST

INFLUENTIAL PERSONALITIES IN GAMING Are the constitution may be amended to allow the Federal Government to do that, but as it is today, they do not have such powers.

The NLRC is not even the FG agency that screens operators in the gaming industry Don’t let us lump unrelated matters together. EFCC has its mandate. The National Communication Commission has its mandate. The Central Bank of Nigeria has its mandate . I will give you a perfect example. Any business, regardless wether it is gaming or anything uses internet. There are Internet Service Providers that give us these service and each business or entity subscribes to an Internet Service Provider, the fact remains that each ISP has already obtained its licence from the NCC. The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Keep a date on Thursday, March 30, 2023 as Gaming Week reveals across the gaming spectrum, the ladies and gentlemen who turn the wheel.

GAMINGWEEK TEAM Nseobong Okon-Ekong ikotibok@gmail.com | 08114495324 John Bamidele amostogun@yahoo.com | 08022212236 Akeem Lasisi lasaisai@yahoo.com | 08023687884 Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com | 08069838305 Davidson Abraham davisiano.adm@gmail.com | 056 744 6013

20 T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2022

Friday December 30, 2022 Vol 27. No 10117

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

BEYOND SHARING DATA AND SERVICES The NSSC will help to bring down the costs of technologyrelated services, writes BASHIR IBRAHIM HASSAN

See page 21

BOLANLE RAHEEM AND MATTERS ARISING ZAYD IBN ISAH reckons Raheem’s death is one too many

See page 21

EDITORIAL

THE DEATH OF MRS RAHEEM

22

1

The Wike rebel gang’s meeting in London promises to ruffle political permutations at home, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

WIKE AND THE GANG GO TO LONDON It’s like the rebellion in the Peoples Democratic Party has reached a point of no return. Led by Nyesom Wike, governor of the oil-rich Rivers State, the rebelling governors, Seyi Makinde, Oyo State; Samuel Ortom, Benue State; Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia State; and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State, have assembled in London ostensibly to determine the presidential candidate they would support in the forthcoming general election.

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It promises to be a hard choice given the well-known opposition of Bode George, one of the group’s leaders, to the APC candidate. But the majority of the gang trends away from the LP candidate on the ground that he lacks the concrete political structure on the ground to win D SUHVLGHQWLDO ÀJKW DFURVV VWDWHV DQG Abuja as well as 774 local government councils. Obi’s party is known to be ÀHOGLQJ D SDOWU\ QXPEHU RI FDQGLGDWHV IRU WKH QDWLRQ·V VHQDWRULDO GLVWULFWV IHGHUDO FRQVWLWXHQFLHV JRYHUQRUVKLS slots, and 991 state constituencies.

0HDQZKLOH WKH $3& LV ÀHOGLQJ FDQGLGDWHV for all the available slots nationwide.

Given the state of play in terms of the capacity to tackle the PDP in all the SROOLQJ XQLWV QDWLRQZLGH LQ WKH presidential election, it is obvious where the pendulum should swing except the objective of the aggrieved governors is just to make a point to their party leadership. But in practical politics, no serious-minded politician engages the SURFHVV WR PDNH D SRLQW 7KH SULPDU\ goal is not only to win but also to enjoy the fruit of their labour, including a share in the booty.

However, there are concerns about the implication of the electoral rebellion for the gang in their states. Apart from Wike, who is not on the ballot, Makinde, Ortom, Ugwuanyi, and Ikpeazu are candidates in the polls. While Makinde is on the governorship ballot for a second term, the others are senatorial candidates whose ballot holds on 25 February, the same day the electorate would vote for the presidential candidate of their choice. Will the electorate in the rebel governors’ states be able to discern among the presidential, senatorial, and federal constituency ballots and vote discriminatively? For instance, would they be able to vote for APC presidential candidate and at the same time switch allegiance to the PDP senatorial and

federal constituency candidates?

Apparently, Wike and his gang have considered this issue and have answered WKH TXHVWLRQ D΀UPDWLYHO\ %XW WKHUH DUH many analysts who advise caution given the interplay of political forces. Without a doubt, both sides have electoral history on their side. During the 1992 Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military transition elections in Lagos State, the Social Democratic Party fell into an internecine crisis over the choice of its governorship candidate.

When the quarrel descended into a VWUHHW ÀJKW %DEDQJLGD GLVTXDOLÀHG )HPL Agbalajobi and Dapo Sarumi, the two OHDGLQJ DQG ZDUULQJ DVSLUDQWV 7KLV forced the party to present Yomi Edu, thought to be a compromise candidate.

7KH RXWFRPH RI WKH SROO KRZHYHU VKRZHG that the settlement was half-heated as Michael Otedola of the National Republic Convention won the duel against the run of play even as the SDP picked all the 40 state constituencies seats on the same day and at the same polling booths both elections held.

But a more appropriate analogy occurred during the 2011 presidential election in the same state. Following the breakdown RI QHJRWLDWLRQV EHWZHHQ 7LQXEX·V $FWLRQ Congress and Muhammadu Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change, the AC switched support to the PDP’s Goodluck Jonathan. In that federal election, the PDP won the presidential election while the AC won all three senatorial seats and the 24 federal constituencies seats in the state. +RZHYHU HDUOLHU LQ FRQVSLUDWRUV got bloody noses. Five of the six Alliance

for Democracy governors, including Lam Adesina, Oyo State; Segun Osoba, Ogun State; Bisi Akande, Osun State; Niyi Adebayo, Ekiti State; and Adebayo Adefarati, Ondo State; went behind their party leaders to conspire with PDP’s President Olusegun Obasanjo to frustrate WKH $'·V HͿRUW WR SUHVHQW D FDQGLGDWH IRU WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO HOHFWLRQ 7LQXEX ZKR was the sixth governor, cautioned against the implication of the conspiracy and refused to go along with them. Although the party’s senatorial and federal constituencies candidates scaled through DORQJ ZLWK 2EDVDQMR DOO ÀYH FRQVSLUDWRUV lost out in the governorship election that IROORZHG WZR ZHHNV ODWHU 2QO\ 7LQXEX survived the PDP onslaught.

So, the conspirators in London must have political consultants who would have pointed their attention to these aspects of the nation’s electoral history to guide what they are contemplating. It’s GHÀQLWHO\ D URXJK road ahead of them except they have the right political strategy to navigate the delicate forthcoming contest.

Ortom, Ikpeazu, and Ugwuanyi need to ZHLJK WKHLU RSWLRQV PRUH FULWLFDOO\ 7KHLU ballot will be cast on the same day their party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar will be facing the electorate. Meanwhile, they will have to deliver their governorship FDQGLGDWHV WZR ZHHNV DIWHU 7KH WDVN RI getting the electorate to vote one way in the presidential ballot and vote the other way in the senatorial and federal constituency polls on the same spot may not be that easy except, of course, they have it all wrapped up.

Wike and Makinde are on familiar WHUUDLQ 7KH\ FDPH LQWR R΀FH LQ DQG 2019 respectively after their presidential candidates had lost the race two weeks earlier. Wike, in particular, literarily had to go to war to return in 2019 as all the military and police formations in his state were deployed against him.

But he made it somehow. He would be counting on whatever strategy gave him WKDW OLIHOLQH 7KH FKDOOHQJH KRZHYHU is that he is going into battle this time around with a divided army as several PDP stakeholders are up in arms against him in the state.

Makinde has a similar challenge.

Carried into power by a coalition of forces, those soldiers have in the last four years been dissipated. Will he make it on KLV RZQ" 7LPH ZLOO WHOO Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2022

The NSSC will help to bring down the costs of technologyrelated services, writesBashir Ibrahim Hassan

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ZAYD IBN ISAH reckons Raheem’s death is one too many

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22 4

T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2022

EDITORIAL

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE DEATH OF MRS RAHEEM The culprit should be subjected to the full weight of the law

W

such violates the International Convention on Civil and e endorse the suspension of an Political Rights (ICCPR) and other similar conventions Assistant Superintendent of and treaties of which Nigeria is a signatory.

Police, Drambi Vandi, allegedly However, we recognise the fact that most personnel for the killing of a Lagos-based of the police are good professionals who are doing their lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem. jobs to the best of their abilities. But there are a few bad According to the Inspector eggs among them who get away with serious infractions.

General of Police, Usman Indeed, it is the nonchalant attitude towards investigating Baba, the decision was taken “to create an enabling and punishing these deviants that has allowed a culture environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold of impunity to persist. The Inspector General of Police justice in the case without interference.” While we therefore has the primary responsibility of re-educating commiserate with the family of the deceased, we hope his men especially around respect for people’s rights and WKDW VX΀FLHQW OHVVRQV ZLOO EH OHDUQW IURP WKLV WUDJHG\ VR the sanctity of human life. The same goes for the heads that we do not continue to waste innocent lives. of the other military and In his statement, security institutions that bear President Muhammadu arms.

Buhari described the While we hope that the killer of Mrs Raheem will be brought to First, there is a basic unfortunate incident as issue of protection of a stark reminder of the justice, the Inspector General of Police, and heads of other critical lives by law enforcement recurring menace of the institutions of state which bear arms should perform their duties agencies. Tragically, this vital mishandling of weapons requirement of every civilised and a wake-up call to law with maximum restraints democracy is lacking in enforcement agencies. He our country today. Second, also called for operational T H I S D AY these violations hardly attract serious consequences for reforms not only about weapons handling, but also on EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU their perpetrators. To the extent that crime is inherent in the need to understand their role as basically to protect DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA every society, what deters perpetrators is the certainty of the rights of citizens. It’s a timely admonition. What MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO consequences and penalties. And since there appears to DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU police authorities must deal with is the impression that CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI be no serious measures to bring these deviants to justice, those who carry arms on behalf of the state are licensed EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN it is little wonder that others are joining them. to act above the law. Across the country, many citizens MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI This aspect is quite worrisome because the state, are molested and brutalised by the police, soldiers and THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE even with all its impexrfections, remains the ultimate sundry security personnel who carry on their duties with guarantor of our individual and collective freedom. If, impunity. by act of omission or commission, it fails to act in that Several reasons have been adduced to explain the T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D regard, then anarchy is the clear and present danger. At trigger-happy disposition of these men and women in EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA a time like this therefore, we need to emphasise the point uniform who have scant regards for the rights of the GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, that one Nigerian life unjustly lost diminishes all of us ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI citizens. Such reasons include their conditions of service and corrodes the fabric of our society.

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, especially the meagre remunerations, the poor living ANTHONY OGEDENGBE condition in their barracks and low self-esteem. Yet, While we hope that the killer of Mrs Raheem DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI nothing could justify the whimsical resort to lawlessness SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH will be brought to justice, the Inspector General E\ R΀FHUV ZKRVH SULPDU\ UHVSRQVLELOLW\ LV WR XSKROG ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI of Police, and heads of other critical institutions the law. As we have argued repeatedly on this page, no CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO of state which bear arms should perform their matter the extent of provocation, a person in uniform TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com must not resort to taking the law into their own hands as duties with maximum restraints.

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

LETTERS NIGERIA AND NIGHTMARE OF NEEDLESS DEATHS Every year in Nigeria, many people lose their lives rather needlessly. To curb this epidemic of needless and endless deaths, the government must improve on the amount of safety Nigerians can enjoy in their daily lives.

Nigerian families know a remarkable amount of death every year. For families with young children, especially those families who contribute a fair amount to Nigeria’s 133 million poor, preventable and curable diseases that shouldn’t ordinarily constitute a handful routinely take their children away from them leaving them helpless and forcing them to go through life with broken hearts.

For families who boast of personnel in any of Nigeria’s security agencies knee-deep in the ÀJKW DJDLQVW LQVXUJHQF\ GHDWK KDV RIWHQ FRPH suddenly and violently to shatter their hearts.

For families in communities caught in the FURVVÀUH RI WHUURULVP GHDWK DQG GHYDVWDWLRQ have hardly failed to hover around in the last

decade.

For many other Nigerians, death has come to them at home, on their farms, on the roads and just about everywhere else to further plunge Nigeria’s precarious life expectancy into further uncertainty.

2QO\ UHFHQWO\ LQ D ELG WR ÁXVK RXW WHUURULVWV the Nigeria Air force undertook an air raid at a market in Mutunji village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The air strikes which took out dozens of the bandits who were planning to invade neighbouring villages also spelt the end for about 68 residents.

In recent days, scores have also been killed in raids on IPOB camps in the Southeast by security agencies. This year too, many people have collapsed under the weight of collapsed buildings as well as other freak accidents. The deaths have mounted as the dead have piled up while Nigeria remains that country where life could be extinguished in the fraction of a second.

Does life really count in Nigeria? What quality of life do people enjoy here in Nigeria? Admittedly, it isn’t high. People live one minute in Nigeria and die the next minute.

Is it unsurprising then that those who KDYH WKH PHDQV DUH GHVSHUDWH WR ÁHH WKH country for safer places where they can be assured of the relative safety of themselves and their children.

Because death lurks in practically every corner of Nigeria, those who can seek out.

Many of those who stay back do so because they are simply trapped with only very little space for maneuver.

Nigeria must become that country where people can enjoy long and thorRXJKO\ IXOÀOOHG OLYHV 7R EHFRPH WKDW country, the quality of life simply has to improve.

The government must ensure that exer-

cises like air raids meant to secure people do not result in their death.

Healthcare must also be improved for families and their children. Nigerians need to stop dying from preventable and curable diseases. Security must also be improved on Nigerian roads. The quality of those roads must also be constantly upgraded as must the quality of vehicles that ply them.

If Nigeria is to become that country where the roads are safe for everyone, then QHHGOHVV DFFLGHQWV PXVW EH FXW RͿ IURP WKH roads.

To become that country the founders, fathers and families of Nigeria long dreamt of and still dream of even today, Nigeria would have to reduce needless deaths to the barest minimum and the time is now.

Kene Obiezu, @kenobiezu

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

D E C E M B E R

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2 9 , 2 0 2 2

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EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

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Stakeholders: Nigerian Airlines Need Local MRO in 2023 to Improve Capacity, Reduce Expenditure

Chinedu Eze With the dawn of a new year in the next 48 hours, aircraft engineers in the Nigerian aviation industry have said the greatest gift that could be given to domestic carriers is to have local maintenance facility that can conduct checks on at least 70 per cent of Nigeria’s commercial aircraft.

To make this possible, there have been calls for investors to commit funds in developing existing facilities instead of building a new one, which would take longer time.

THISDAY learnt that the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility owned by Aero Contractors could provide such service, if funds were made available for its expansion.

One of the major drawbacks to Nigerian commercial airlines is the huge expenditure they make in paying for major checks overseas,

which about 40 per cent of such expenses could be saved if the maintenance is carried out locally.

It is estimated that with the increase in the number of operating aircraft, Nigerian carriers spend about $1.5 billion annually on aircraft maintenance overseas.

The airlines would not seek for foreign exchange; so paying for the maintenance in Naira would be a huge burden lifted from the operators.

Head of Aero Contractors’ Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) James Ominyi, told THISDAY recently that local maintenance of aircraft up to the level of C-check would save Nigerian airlines huge amount of money in foreign exchange.

Ominyi said there could be many costs associated with ferrying the aircraft overseas for maintenance, which include over flight permit, depending on which country the

airline is going to.

“You need to seek the over flight permit of the country. And then, depending on the distance you have to pay for fuel. But I know it will not be less than $50, 000. You also will have to pay for landing and fueling, which is called technical stop.

“When they open the engine and they open the side wall panels they may see cracks that are beyond what is agreed on, which they have to rectify and this will be at extra cost.

“By carrying out C-checks in Nigeria, Aero would be saving Nigerian airlines millions of dollars every year and reduce pressure on the Naira, as every expenses outside fueling and salaries is done in foreign exchange and that is in dollars,” he said.

Ominyi explained that generally MROs could charge $600, 000 for C-check, depending on the scope of work, but noted that at the end of the day the airline might end up

paying up to a one million dollars or more because there could be findings that would be beyond what was captured in the agreement in the C-Check and then the airline would have to pay for it.

On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY on Wednesday that if the company could secure funding it would expand the existing facilities to take in more aircraft, disclosing that in addition to the Boeing Classics, Bombardier Q400 and Helicopters it has the licence to conduct major checks on, it plans to develop manpower for the maintenance of Embraer 145 and would also develop capacity for the maintenance of Bombardier CRJ 700-900.

“We can expand our maintenance facility to take in more aircraft of we get funding. Everything is about investment. So if investors invest in

Aero we can extend what we have and also have over night facility and manpower. If we do that we can cater for 70 to 90 per cent of commercial aircraft in Nigeria. But the only aircraft we are certified to maintain are the aircraft under Nigerian registry. Currently we don’t have the capacity to conduct major checks on Embraer I45. We want to upgrade our facility to conduct heavy checks on E145. We are also working to develop capacity for Bombardier CRJ 700-900 aircraft types,” he said.

Sanusi said currently, the maintenance facility that Aero has, could take in two aircraft at a time and the number could be increased soon.

He also observed that having a major aircraft maintenance facility remained very critical for airlines, adding that it should have been a priority while government is midwifing a national carrier because

ideally, establishing a national carrier and maintenance facility should have gone hand to hand.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Flight and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan, told THISDAY that Nigeria is in dire need of major maintenance aircraft, remarking that there are three maintenance facilities for commercial aircraft in Nigeria: the Aero facility, 7Star maintenance facility and the one being built by the government of AkwaIbom state, noting that the later would not be put into consideration as it is yet to come on stream.

Akpan observed that currently Nigeria does not have MRO facility that has capacity, which can conduct major checks on many aircraft, disclosing that Nigerian carriers still ferry majority of their aircraft overseas because the country is yet Continued on page 24

Obaseki Links Unemployment, Poverty to Nation’s Import-dependency Gilbert Ekwugbe The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has attributed the worsening unemployment and poverty in the country to bad economic policies by leaders and the nation’s over dependence on importation.

Obaseki, noted that the country’s main challenge was not lack of money but bad leadership.

A statement quoted him to have said, “The reason why we have a lot of unemployment is because we would rather import what we consume than make them here.

“When you manufacture or grow

what you consume, you’ll be able to now invest and employ people to produce those things, but when you import, your money goes to employ people who are outside the country.”

“We are poor because of the bad policies and decisions our leaders continue to make. Our

problem is not money but a few people trying to keep the money to themselves to the detriment of everyone in the land.”

Calling for a change of attitude among young people in the country, Obaseki further stated, “Our youths have to change their attitude to work. This attitude of not wanting

to start small must change. People have come here, they will make the money and return to their countries and tomorrow, they will be richer than you. You don’t become rich in one day. You start small and overtime become rich.”

Assuring youths of the state government’s support to realise

their fullest potential, the governor added, “We are encouraging people to grow feed products. We’ll give them the support. Communities should make land available. The government is prepared to support you and bring investments to your community if you create the environment for us to.”

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 9 , 2 0 2 2 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23 NTB 11May-23

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Change Updated Time (%) December 0.00 23, 2022 December 0.00 23, 2022 December 0.00 23, 2022 December -0.01 23, 2022 December 0.00 23, 2022

BILLS MATURITY

Discount

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NTB 26-Jan- 300,00 23 NTB 9-Feb- 300,00 23 NTB 9-Mar- 300,00 23 NTB 27-Apr4.81 23

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MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23 MREP CP VI 11-APR-23

Change Updated Time (%) December -0.05 23, 10.21 10.46 2022 December 15.24 15.90 -0.05 23, 2022 December 11.78 12.21 -0.04 23, 2022

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CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS DEC 28 1 2022 NGUS JAN 25 2 2023 NGUS FEB 22 3 2023 NGUS MAR 29 4 2023 NGUS APR 26 5 2023

Current Rate ($/₦) 45.473, 00 45.693 ,00 45.912, 00 46.132, 00 46.351, 00

Updated Time

December 23, 2022 December 23, 2022 December 23, 2022 December 23, 2022 December 23, 2022

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Ayade Cancels Bikers’ Parade over Calabar Carnival Tragic Incident Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has directed the immediate discontinuation of the Bikers parade, following an incident where an errant motorist drove into a crowd that thronged the carnival route to watch the Bikers Parade.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Ita, said Governor Ayade was devastated by the incident and had directed security agencies to apprehend the motorist who is on the run.

Ita said the governor directed the immediate discontinuation of the Bikers parade in honour of the victims of the accident.

While sympathising with the victims of the accident and their families, the

governor, according to the statement, ordered an immediate investigation to unravel how the motorist was able to get through security barricades to have access to the routes, which were closed to the public.

Governor Ayade while promising to ensure the culprit is arrested and brought to book, however, sued for calm.

Meanwhile, the Calabar Carnival Commissioner has issued a strong warning to motorists in Calabar to respect the laws of the land.

A statement signed by the Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah stated that the lack of respect for the barricades along the carnival routes would no more be tolerated.

The Commission has expressed sympathy with the families and victims of the unfortunate incident during the Bikers Parade.

“Henceforth any vehicle that breaks the cordons and barricades on the streets during the carnival season would be severely dealt with according to the laws of the land,” Onah said.

The commission directed that all participants of the annual festival should endeavor to be law abiding in the spirit of the season. The commission assures all residents that things are under control and that order will be enforced in the city. The commission also assures all visitors of their well-being and security in Calabar.

A I R WATCH Expertss Call for Expansion of Airport Infrastructure to Mitigate Flight Delays

NTSB Issues Official Critique of Boeing 737 MAX 2019 Crash Report Chinedu Eze with agency report The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a critique of the newly released final investigation report of the Ethiopian government about the March 10, 2019, crash of a Boeing 737 MAX. The Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 came five months after Lion Air flight JT610, a MAX, crashed.

Both accidents began when the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) activated, following a failure of the single Angle of Attack (AOA) sensor

to which it was tied malfunctioned (JT610) or failed (ET302).

Boeing issued a notice to MAX operators after the Lion Air crash outlining proper procedures pilots should follow in case MCAS erroneously activated again. The Ethiopian government investigation placed the blame for the crash on Boeing.

The NTSB’s critique concluded the pilots failed to follow Boeing recommendations and should be partly held responsible for the probable cause of the crash.

Had they followed procedure, the NTSB concludes the pilots could

have successfully flown through the emergency.

The NTSB’s critique noted that the final report failed to include its comments and misstated other documents and findings in assessing the blame to Boeing. The NTSB also concluded Boeing was partly culpable.

Releasing an independent set of findings is unusual and was prompted by the exclusion of its comments and what the NTSB characterized as misstating critical information that should have been part of the report for the safety of operators worldwide.

IATA Calls for Transition to Enhanced Ground Support Equipment The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for a transition to enhanced ground support equipment (Enhanced GSE) to improve safety and contain the cost of ground damage involving GSE. Enhanced GSE uses anti-collision and inching technology, improves vehicle control, and increases docking accuracy, all of which minimizes the risk of personnel injuries and damaging aircraft.

The call for transition to Enhanced GSE is detailed in a newly published IATA study, which estimates that the annual cost of ground damage could double to nearly $10 billion by 2035 unless preventive action is taken. The cost of ground damage forecast is based on direct costs (including labor and material costs,

temporary leasing costs, logistical expenses, and administrative costs) and indirect costs (lost revenue, crew and passenger repositioning costs, compensation costs for delayed services etc.). The study finds: that most aircraft ground damage that occurs once the aircraft is stationary is caused by motorized GSE striking the fuselage of the aircraft; that the widebody aircraft ground damage rate is ten times higher than narrowbody aircraft, but regional jets, turboprop, and narrowbody aircraft are 30 per cent more prone to severe ground damage; that belt-loaders, cargo-loaders, passenger stairs and passenger boarding bridges (PBB), cause 40 per cent of total incidents (Source: IATA ground damage incident data

base); and that transitioning 75% of the global fleet of belt-loaders, cargo-loaders, passenger stairs and PBB to Enhanced GSE, would reduce the current expected ground damage cost per turn rate by 42 per cent (IATA estimate).

IATA Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Careen, said: “Transitioning to Enhanced GSE with anti-collision technology is a no-brainer. We have proven technology that can improve safety. And with the cost of ground damage growing across the industry there is a clear business case supporting early adoption. The challenge now is to put together a roadmap so that all stakeholders are aligned on a transition plan.”

Nigerian Team Wins in Ericsson Innovation Awards 2022 Emma Okonji Team Schrodinger Energy from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, has won third place in the Ericsson Innovation Awards (EIA) 2022 competition.

The team was recognised for their development of REINLIGHT, a portable water disinfection system that reduces numerous health risks and works in areas lacking electricity, and the team received EUR 5,000 for its efforts.

Team Schrodinger Energy said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the third place in the Ericsson Innovation Awards 2022.

The support and mentorship we

received throughout the competition has been invaluable and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference with our portable water disinfection system. We will keep pushing until everyone has access to clean, portable water and we cannot wait to see the impact it will have on communities in need.”

Country Manager of Ericsson Nigeria, Peter Olusoji Ogundele, said: “The Ericsson Innovation Awards is a crucial platform for nurturing the skills and creativity of young talent, and we are thrilled to see Team Schrodinger Energy win third place in this year’s competition. Their portable

water disinfection system not only addresses a crucial problem faced by many communities, but also demonstrates the innovative spirit and potential of young talent in Nigeria. At Ericsson, we are dedicated to developing problem solvers and fostering a culture of innovation. We congratulate the team on their well-deserved recognition and are excited to see the impact their solution will have on improving public health and wellbeing.”

With more than 1,300 students from universities around the world participating, the theme of this year’s EIA, was Impact Our Sustainable Future.

STAKEHOLDERS: NIGERIAN AIRLINES NEED LOCAL MRO IN 2023 TO IMPROVE CAPACITY, REDUCE EXPENDITURE to have a major maintenance facility.

“Many airlines still ferry their aircraft overseas because the ones in Nigeria are not meeting the demand of the airlines. They will tell you they don’t have slot,” he said.

Akpan also stated that government should have made establishment of MRO a priority, observing that for airlines to sustain

operation and compete with their counterparts globally, such airlines must have local maintenance facility and cheap source of funding, adding that a Nigerian airline that obtains credit facility at 26 per cent cannot be competing with another airline that obtains credit facility at 5 per cent; just as an airline that conducts its checks locally cannot compete

with another that ferries its aircraft overseas for maintenance.

Having major MRO facility was a priority the federal government missed because a national carrier, which conducts its maintenance overseas like the existing Nigerian airlines, will also face the same challenges the existing airlines are facing.

Chinedu Eze Experts in the aviation sector have called for the expansion of airport infrastructure to accommodate the growth taking place in the air transport sub-sector, especially after it has fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chairman, West-Link Airlines, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, joined other stakeholders to call on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the federal government to urgently expand airport facilities in order to accommodate the increase of passenger traffic, increase in number of airlines utilizing the facilities and also accommodate the number of aircraft that operate at the ramp.

Mshelia said in areas where expansion space was limited, FAAN should be creative and review the utilisation of available facilities, emphasizing that infrastructure deficit at the airports contributes to flight delays.

Recently the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, reiterated the need to expand airport facilities as the industry is growing, especially as more airlines have joined the domestic market and there is discernible increase in passenger traffic.

Speaking in the same vein, Mshelia said: “Check-in counters are part of suitable accommodation to process passengers. So a terminal building should be spacious enough to take the number of intending partners. Every operator writes to the concerned authorities and tells them what in tends to do. The airport authority is supposed to acknowledge such letters. Over the years what we’ve done is that we just keep talking to the airlines and we don’t do the infrastructure expansion.

“For example, Arik Air, AirPeace,Ibom Air, Aero Contractors and Dana Air; these five airlines alone can cover the whole terminal by the time they schedule 7 O’clock departures from one terminal and all of them came schedule 7 O’ clock departures, no doubt, but how many of them do take in the passengers to depart at that time? Averagely, let’s say the passengers on these aeroplanes will be between 120-170 depending on the aircraft size. If you are going to do 120 passengers by five airlines, they need to check them in(I’m just giving you a typical example) that would be 600 passengers, now that will take you quite some time to check in because of the space and infrastructural deficit, it takes up to five minutes to check in one passenger, it does. So, even if you say two minutes to check in a passenger, how many counters would you need to be able to check in those people within the two-hour rate that they give as standard time?

“They give you two hours to check in passengers so you will need 300 check in counters if you’re going to use two minutes by passengers. If there is no space for that, then you have congestion and then you have chaos and then you have commotion at the end.”

Mshelia spoke about the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS), which

airlines use to check in passengers and their luggage, saying that despite the utilisation of such facility, the counters still needs to be expanded because passengers would still come with their luggage and that commotion would still be there “or you introduce a slot system but by the time you introduce a slot system.

You are limiting the capacity of the airline and you should not do that. Slot system for domestic airlines shouldn’t be the case; you should have more terminals being built.”

On the way forward, Mshelia said the quick fix solution is to seek for the underutilised or wholly unused spaces that still exist, especially at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and put such spaces into full use.

“I know there are spaces in Abuja that are not being used. Open them up to the domestic airlines; like the old international airport terminal in Abuja. It is not being used properly, so why don’t you open all of it; that would solve the problems. In Lagos, another thing you can also do is use the space between the domestic and international terminals. If Abuja bound traffic is checking in, Warri bound traffic is checking and with the other airlines checking in also to Abuja from the same Lagos; the quick fix is open up all the airport to operate till midnight. If you do so, the airlines, on their own, will naturally adjust their schedules and give space.Such action would naturally mitigate the space problem without doing anything to the current infrastructure. If you open the airport to close at midnight, you have solved a lot of the problems already and in Abuja open up the old international terminal that is not being used,” he said.

The Chairman of West-Link Airlines stated that if existing facilities are working efficiently and those manning them are competent and dedicated, operations would have been more result oriented than what is currently obtained.

“I do not see a reason why a conveyor belt should break down in the first place, or screening machines should break down in the first place.

This means the people who are manning them are either nonchalant or incompetent. I am a pilot and I’ve visited a lot of countries inside the region and beyond, I have never heard of this equipment breaking down. I’ve never heard it anywhere except Nigeria because we do not allow our best hands to run our affairs.

Corruption is killing this equipment at the airports; lack of attention due to corruption because every machine being designed has its own servicing procedures and age. This is an airport we are talking about and everything is done for safety and timing. We should endeavour to do things properly and this problem will go away. Conveyor belts will not break down and if it does it is once in a blue moon. It is not acceptable but the rate at which I hear conveyor belt breaking down and looking at the obsolete things we have at the airports.

Why can’t we upgrade them when we should upgrade them? So, it is still about our intention to do the right things or not,” he said.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022

25

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

2022: Year of Recovery for Nigeria’s Aviation Sector The Corona virus pandemic constricted global economy, paralysed the aviation industry, but each country recovered according to the severity of the cases it had. Nigeria was one of the countries that recovered quickly from the pandemic and restarted its air transport after the lockdown. Chinedu Eze writes that after hiccups occasioned by high cost of aviation fuel and scarcity of forex, 2022 was a year of hope for the air transport sector

D

omestic flights resumed in July 2020 in Nigeria, but COVID-19 protocols both at the airport and in the aircraft, made air travel a burdensome and expensive experience before 2022.

For several months into 2021, people conceded to essential travels. There was no travel for leisure or for holidays. Most tourism destinations in Nigeria and beyond were still closed due to the pandemic.

While local travel was easy, as passengers were only allowed to wear their mask, sanitise their hands and check their temperature before they were allowed to travel; international travels demanded COVID-19 tests paid by passengers at exorbitant rates, depending on the country. In Nigeria, health related agencies spearheaded by Port Health cashed out on passengers with the introduction of stringent and exploitative policies by the federal government that literally stripped travellers their earnings.

It was confirmed that these measures were abused by health officials who enforced government stringent measures, which made air travel cumbersome and grueling; but by 2022, some of these rules began to be relaxed. Ironically, by late 2020, Nigeria was no more recording severe cases, but it maintained airport COVID-19 protocol, insisted on tests and tended to neglect vaccination. In fact, eye witness account narrated how those who were enforcing COVID-19 measures at the international airports in Lagos and Abuja threw away vaccination cards, insisting on payment of COVID-19 tests at the cost of over N50, 000 before it was later reviewed downwards.

DOMESTIC AIR TRAVEL

Although Nigeria was one of the countries that called off the lockdown early, but the global effect of the pandemic still affected the country, especially the later variants of Omicron, Delta and Alpha because many countries were still observing lockdown when Nigeria had called off the lockdown. Aircraft ferried to maintenance facilities where lockdown was still observed had to wait until physical activities started in those countries and on resumption they faced a backlog.

Nigerian airlines waited for the aircraft that went for checks. By the time the earlier aircraft went through the checks, Nigerian currency had drastically weakened to the dollar and forex became very scarce. It became difficult to source dollars to pay for the aircraft maintenance. And while those ones that were taken before the lockdown and after were still in maintenance facilities overseas, existing ones still in operation were getting due for major checks, known as C-check. They have to be grounded because no slot in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities overseas to take them in. They had to wait for slots, as airlines were finding it increasingly difficult to source for foreign exchange to pay for the checks.

The situation drastically reduced the number of operating aircraft in the Nigerian domestic market and with fewer aircraft in operation; there was significant reduction of seats, which forced a spike in fares.

This was exacerbated by high cost of aviation fuel. In February 2022, oil marketers increased cost of aviation fuel from N180 per litre to N400. Airline operators were shocked. In response they reviewed their fares and N50, 000 became base fare for any destination in the country. The fare continued to increase as demand soared, enhanced by insecurity in the country, which made road transport a huge risk.

The Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its latest report stated that the average cost of airplane tickets in Nigeria rose from N37, 022.97 in November 2021 to N73, 267.57 in November 2022. This represents an increase of 97.09 per cent, according to the NBS’ Transport Fare Watch report for November 2022. The report also showed that that the average price of a single flight ticket increased by 0.09 per cent from N73, 198.65 in October to N73, 267.57 in November 2022. NBS explained that in air travels fare; the average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey, increased by 0.09 per cent on a month-on-month from N73, 198.65 in October 2022 to N73, 267.57 in November 2022.

In order to meet the surge in demand during the high December season, from September 2022, Nigerian airlines started leasing aircraft in order to increase capacity. Luckily for air travellers, more start up airline joined the domestic market in 2022, including Value Jet and Rano Air, but these start-ups have few operational aircraft.

NIGERIAN AVIATION ACT REVIEW

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), it is hoped, would enter the New Year with new Civil Aviation Act 2022, which would give five years validity of Air Operators Certificate (AOC) while the non-schedule carriers would have three years validity. Currently AOC for schedule operators is renewed every two years. NCAA said it is working

on the review of the current validity.

“Within the first or early part of the first quarter of next year (2023), it will come into effect and it will explain who is entitled. As soon as it is internally done, we will release the new review”, the Director General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu said.

In the new Act, Section 9(1) stipulates that the Authority shall have power to: (a) investigate whether any person, body or entity has committed an offence under the Act: (b) enter into any premises, property, aircraft, aerodrome or conveyance without warrant for the purpose of conducting search or inspection in furtherance of its functions under the Act: (c) prosecute offenders under the Act: (d) trace, seize, detain or retain the custody, for the purpose of investigation and prosecution, of any property which the Authority reasonably believes to have been involved in or used in the commission of any offence under the Act and (d) seal up premises upon reasonable suspicion of such premises being involved in or used in the commission of any offence under the Act Section 23(10) says under the 5 per cent of airfare, contract, charter and cargo sales charge, Section 23(10) says that an air operator which fails to remit to the Authority, within the time specified in the regulations the 5 per cent charge, commits an offence and its directors are each liable on conviction to a fine of N5, 000,000 or imprisonment for a period of two years or both, among others.

AIRFIELD LIGHTING AT MMIA

After over 10 years of operating the Runway 18L, known as Domestic Runway without airfield lighting, the federal government in 2022 installed lighting facility at the runway to enable aircraft to land in the night. Since 2008 when the runway was rehabilitated and was supposed to be accompanied with runway light, the facility was not installed until 14 years after. Airlines had lost huge resources on fuel taxing 15 minutes from the international runway, 18R after 6p.m. everyday, amount Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) put at over N3 billion annually.

“The runway was shut more than three months ago to give room for installation of lights, which was excluded from the main project in 2008 when it was commissioned.

The absence of lights on the runway which had put untold burden on airlines over the years, as they burn fuel while taxing to the domestic runway from the international

runway,” the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which manages all the federal government owned airports in Nigeria, said in a statement.

Airline was the only airline that responded to its requests for expression of interest and fulfilled all the stipulated conditions laid down by Nigeria to be picked.

AIRCRAFT LEASING

AIRPORT CONCESSION

As stated earlier, Nigerian airlines had to lease aircraft to increase capacity and meet passenger demand. That was an indication that Nigeria had fully recovered from the pandemic in term of passenger traffic. In fact, the Minister of Aviation, Senator HadiSirika stated in Lagos recently that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) acknowledged that Nigeria was one of the first countries that fully recovered from the effect of the pandemic to have recorded pre-COVID-19 passenger traffic in its domestic operations.

To meet passenger demand, airlines had to resort to aircraft leasing. Nigerian airlines have their own aircraft but many of them are in repair facilities overseas. They cannot raise the forex needed to pay for them to be returned home after maintenance. Some are yet to secure slots for maintenance and those on AOG (aircraft on ground) cannot be taken out because there is no forex.

The Managing Director, Flight and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan said Nigerian airlines took wet lease to boost their capacity in anticipation of the high yield Christmas season and explained why domestic air travel was recording increased demand.

“This is in anticipation of the increase of passenger turn out in December. Festive season, elections campaign season and unsafe interstate roads are the deducible reasons for expected higher passengers’ turnout. Also, it is important Nigerian airlines go on fleet expansion to cover domestic routes and position to participate in the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Capacity is relevant to compete in the domestic, regional, and continent’s market,” he said.

NIGERIA AIR

Although the emergence of Nigeria Air is being delayed by court case instituted against the national carrier by domestic airlines through the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), but the federal government was able to select a technical partner for the carrier, which is Ethiopian Airlines. Minister of Aviation, Senator HadiSirika explained why government selected Ethiopian Airlines, noting that apart from being one of the biggest and most efficient airlines in the world, Ethiopian

Although there is still hope but the federal government is yet to deepen its concession of Nigeria’s major airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. But on October 26, 2022, the federal government through the Ministry of Aviation said the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase of the Nigeria Airports Concession Programme (NACP) which came to a close on September 19, 2022, saw the emergence of preferred and reserve bidders for three out of four airports and cargo terminals as approved for concession under the programme.

Government said in line with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act, 2005 and global best practice, ”The Federal Ministry of Aviation is in consultation with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders as regards the way forward for the fourth airport asset which did not receive bids as at the time of the RFP deadline.”

Government announced the preferred bidder for the NnamdiAzikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, as Corporacion America Airports Consortium, while ENL Consortium was selected as the reserve bidder for NAIA. The preferred bidder for Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos was TAV/ NAHCO/Project Planet Limited (PPL) consortium.

Sifax/Changi Consortium was also selected as the reserve bidder for MMIA. “The preferred bidder for MaliamAminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, is Corporacion America Airports Consortium. There are no reserve bidders for MAKIA as at the time of this announcement,” the Minister announced, adding that the Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Port Harcourt, did not receive any proposal as of the RFP deadline.

“The next stage of the programme is the negotiations and due diligence stage, during which the federal government will invite preferred bidders to enter detailed negotiations with its representatives, with a view to developing a Full Business Case (FBC) before onward transmission to ICRC for review and approval,” the Minister said.

The year 2022 could be described as the year of cleansing and recovery for the Nigeria’s aviation industry, although the progress made was marred somewhat by the high cost and sometimes scarcity of aviation fuel, which disrupted flight operations.

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Ogundeyi: UK’s Launch Strategic to Africans in Diaspora CEO, and Co-founder, Kuda Technologies, Babs Ogundeyi, speaks on the expansion plans of Kuda, its launch in the United Kingdom, and the strategies to provide access to financial services for Africans everywhere. Nosa Alekhuogie presents the excerpts UK market, without a UK account.

On the same app, UK residents will have access to features for the UK market, but will not have access to the features for the Nigerian market without a Nigerian Kuda account. Consequently, if you are a Nigerian and a UK customer, after successfully completing the on-boarding requirements for both countries, you will see functionalities for both the Nigerian and the UK market. This will also apply as we expand into other markets. We are building one app for Africans anywhere they are, that satisfies their myriad of financial needs. This is the shift and it’s been part of the grand plan from the beginning. We are becoming a one-stop-shop for financial services. Put differently: all your money and financial needs in one App, anywhere and everywhere.

Kuda is launching in the UK. What form is Kuda taking in the UK and what kind of services are available to UK residents? uda Technologies Limited (Kuda) is operating in the UK through its subsidiary, Kuda EMI Limited. As Kuda EMI, we offer UK-based financial services including remittance support, direct debits and local UK transfers. So residents can have a card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, receive salary in their account and have access to other traditional functionalities on the Kuda App among other things.

We are not operating as a bank or like our subsidiary in Nigeria, but will be issuing e-money in the UK, which is the equivalent of mobile money, in partnership with an Electronic Money Issuer, licenced by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. In the near future, we intend to introduce different flavors of our savings product, like we have in Nigeria; like the equivalent of spend and save, bill payments, and so on.

K

Why launch in the UK, are there plans for other markets?

Our mission is to bank Africans everywhere, both Africans in Africa and Africans in diaspora. The UK is one of the largest diaspora markets as far as Africans are concerned.

For example, the UK is the second largest destination that Nigerians migrate to after the United States.

So considering the relationship that Nigerians have with the UK, through their friends and families, coupled with the fact that Kuda Technologies is headquartered in the UK - launching in the UK is strategic. Within our roadmap, we intend to expand into other African markets as well as other diaspora markets that have a huge African population.

Can you shed more light on the remittance service, and what the service is all about?

Our remittance service is one of the major products, which we are offering residents in the UK. It is part of our grand plans in connecting Africans in the diaspora. It is a norm to always send money home to friends and families, for upkeep, school, and a lot of other reasons, so remittance is one way Africans stay connected to home. For example, remittance accounts for nearly one per cent of Nigeria’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This shows how important the service is to Nigerians.

So what we aim to do is to offer this service in such a way that it will drive prosperity for both the sender and the receiver.

How exactly does it work and what makes it different from other

Ogundeyi

remittance services out there in the market at the moment?

In terms of the way it is structured, we have made it simple and accessible, with several options for senders and receivers.

We offer direct account transfers, cash pick-ups and transactions are in USD in compliance with applicable regulations. Our big difference is more around our price. Regardless of the size of the transaction, we are only charging a flat fee of £3, with the maximum transaction per time being £10,000 and the minimum being £10. So, compared to other services, this will save UK Nigerians millions of pounds.

There are no further charges to the flat rate. I think that for us, this brings a lot of transparency into the entire remittance process.

Like practically everything we do, this is also driven by our three pillars of - availability, accessibility, and affordability. We want to make financial services available to every African, with a high level of accessibility and make it something they can easily afford.

You mentioned a £3 flat rate as the fee for each remittance transaction, against the context of the average remittance fees.

What informed your offer at Kuda?

It is in consideration for how much it truly costs to process these kinds of transactions. So from a financial point of view,

we are covered, and from a purpose point of view, it’s in alignment with our mission to provide financial services to every African, everywhere in the world along the lines of our three pillars of availability, accessility, and affordability. These pillars have been instrumental to our growth in Nigeria and we are positive about the success of Kuda in the UK as well.

Let’s talk about the Money App for Africans. Is this a new strategic positioning born out of a shift in business strategy?

We understand that people want to do more with their money.

With this understanding, we have continuously improved on the Kuda App, such that the same app will have different functionalities that can address the financial needs of Africans in any market we are present in. For example, residents in Nigeria, with their Nigerian account can access functionalities for the Nigerian market. They have access to debit cards, can subscribe for merchant services like Showmax, make cardless payments, shop globally at popular Kuda merchant partners with gift cards, even register for JAMB exams. For businesses, they can access the Kuda Business Banking Services, which comes with special features tailored to support growing businesses in Nigeria. However they will not have access to features for the

What kind of features have been introduced or will be introduced in the Kuda App that makes it a one-stop-shop for financial services?

We now see ourselves as more than a bank. We see ourselves as a driver of financial inclusion and an enabler that helps people do more with their money. As we expand, the App is increasingly becoming a place where you can have all your money and access different financial services in one app. For instance, in addition to banking services, under the Kuda group we are launching investments in Nigeria, where people can purchase stocks as a form of future investment. We have introduced different types of savings plans and different ways to save. We are also going to launch more financial products over the next twelve to eighteen months, and we are doing this in the other markets as well. Eventually, if you want to insure, or save, or invest, you can do all of these and more through one app.

In just a little over three years, Kuda has acquired over 4.5 million customers riding on ‘the Bank of the Free’. How do you see this new approach contributing to financial inclusion and expansion in Africa?

When you talk about financial inclusion, it goes beyond having a bank account. People that are fully excluded don’t have any financial product. But there are also lots of people who are partially excluded.

For example, you can have a bank account, but have never taken a loan, never invested, never had insurance, or pension and so on.

We don’t want to stop at banking the underbanked. We want to financially include more people and being the money app that serves as an enabler for various financial services, can help us achieve this.

This

Weekend

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022

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NEWS Harvesters Saves Christmas, Feeds 2,000 Families, Donates Cash See page 29

ETRENDS Five Celebrities Who Found Love in 2022 See page 30

In Their Words:

The Year in Nollywood ART WEEKEND The Road to Ascension See page 31

Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

07010510430

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& R E ASO

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

28

ͱͮ˜ ͰͮͰͰ ˾ T H I S D AY

COVER

In Their Words: The Year in Nollywood From all indications, 2022 seems to be the year of many breakthroughs for Nollywood.

From box office successes to streaming deals, Nollywood stakeholders believe that this was a big year for the film industry. Vanessa Obioha reports MILDRED OKWO: FILMMAKER

I

have four major takeaways. First, Prime Video is not here to joke around and that is a good thing for Nollywood. Films like ‘Eyimofe’ ‘La Femme Anjola’, ‘Juju Stories’ and ‘Tainted Canvas’ found homes on Prime. That’s major for people looking for something a bit different from the mainstream Nollywood fare.

Secondly, ‘Mami Wata’ by C.J. Obasi is our first dance at Sundance which is massive. Some will argue that these films are not Nollywood but hey the spirit is there. I am so proud of the filmmakers.

The fact that it will be distributed in Nigeria is also an indication that our distributors are finally opening up their minds and hearts to the possibility of greatness beyond slapstick. We need all kinds of films in our cinemas. I hope they find creative genius in the marketing of ‘Mami Wata’.

Thirdly, Netflix’s ‘Blood Sisters’ series lifted us out of the dog house in the series department. It wasn’t perfect but it was entertaining to me. It proved to me that collaborating with filmmakers who have depth is very important to making worldwide hits.

Finally, the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee needs to be more professional in the way it is run and the way members reach their decisions. Events this year were regrettable debacles and taught me how important structures and processes are in running any organisation.

SAMUEL OLATUNJI: FILMMAKER Nollywood came into its own in 2022.

We grew. Why? The practitioners are determined to up the ante after many years of raising limited money to do their own films. In 2022, Netflix, Amazon, Showmax and cinema distributors, especially Filmone invested unbelievable money into acquiring content.

This makes money available for bigger projects and encourages the filmmaker to dream bigger. They also invested in ideas and supported actualization.

Instances include their collaboration with Ebony, KAP, Jade and Inkblot.

Filmmakers are no longer afraid of getting funds to film. Their biggest fear now is not letting themselves

down. 2022 is the year we explored our ‘power’ and capacity a little, in 2023, every filmmaker is taking the paths the frontrunners created and pursuing bigger dreams of their own.

AUGUSTA OKON: FILM CRITIC/ FILM ADAPTATION ADVOCATE

It has been a bumpy ride. Although there was a lull in Q1 at the box office, by Q2 ‘King of Thieves’ and ‘Ile Omo’ saw it picking up. Then came ‘Brotherhood’ in September which strongly contended with Hollywood’s ‘The Woman King’, ‘Black Adam’, then the sequels of ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avatar’, making N302 million as of Nov 14. ‘Passport’ also made N85 million as at October 24.

In Q4, ‘Battle on Buka Street’ (N135M) and ‘Ijakumo’ (N31M) are off to a flying start, showing Nigeria will always support quality homegrown movies.

‘Blood Sisters’, ‘Anikulapo’, ‘Elesin Oba’, and ‘Man of God’ were hits on Netflix.

TONYE PRINCEWILL: FILM PRODUCER AND INVESTOR There are many peaks and troughs to point to in 2022 for our movie industry, but I prefer to focus on the peaks. It’s clear that Nollywood is a name on the lips of several filmmakers worldwide from Hollywood to Bollywood and that is a testament to the work and dedication of many names gone and many names still here that gave us a chance to stand on their shoulders.

2022 has shown us that we in Nigeria

are still a force to be reckoned with.

From ‘Blood Sisters’ to ‘Anikulapo’ to ‘King of Boys 2’, we are still making waves and still grabbing attention.

On a very personal note, we are almost done with ‘77’ and the first clips are showing that the Adonis Production team led by Adonijah and my main man Izu Ojukwu have outdone themselves. ‘77’ is evidence that you can always ‘better’ your best if you put your mind to it.

youths, especially with the vast inroads made by digital technology in human development.

For us, the sector should receive all the enablement in terms of legal frameworks, including the necessary and new legal status of NFC to enable it to effectively harness the potentials of the sector and lead it, leveraging on international platforms to greater heights.

CHARLES UWAGBAI: FILMMAKER

FIDELIS DUKER: CONVENER, ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

If I dare to say Nollywood has really come of age it will be in the year 2022.

It was a great year for the Nigerian film industry in terms of figures and the quality of work presented. So many films took us by surprise from TV, cinemas, to streaming platforms.

A handful of quality indigenous films making the numbers also showed us that we are in the right direction. A few Nigerian filmmakers are doing well internationally, some of which we will see in the new year. Truthfully, if we maintain focus as an industry, I see Nollywood becoming more than we imagine in 2023.

DR. CHIDIA MADUEKWE: MD/CEO, NIGERIAN FILM CORPORATION Nollywood continues to provide deep entertainment, content for the big and small screens as well as wealth and job creation for many Nigerian

The year 2022 for Nollywood in my personal opinion has been one of the most eventful for the industry. The year witnessed a resurgence in high production value for Nollywood films.

2022 is the year we had films like ‘Anikulapo’, ‘Elesin Oba’, ‘Collision Course’ and ‘Agensikole’ which had the highest box office returns.

There was more investment in film and the year witnessed all major festivals and awards taking place like the Abuja International Film Festival amidst a pre-election.

However, it will not be complete if I do not mention the setbacks as we lost some of our iconic colleagues like Ada Ameh, and Sam Okposo who produced several soundtracks for films. In all, 2022 remains a mixed bag of creative opportunities for practitioners as we look forward to a more rewarding 2023.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͱͮ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

NEWS

Harvesters Saves Christmas, Feeds 2,000 Families, Donates Cash Uzoma Mba Despite the soaring cost of food prices, the Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC) recently provided 2,000 families with rice, cooking oil and condiments needed to prepare wholesome Christmas meals.

The Project Smile initiative was executed under the Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF) in partnership with the Harvesters Lekki Ministry team to commemorate this year’s Christmas celebration.

African Harvesters Empowerment Foundation is a non-profit charity organisation Harvesters by founded International Christian Centre and it aims to achieve zero hunger and no poverty with focus on child welfare and youth empowerment.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 40 per cent of Nigeria’s total population—nearly 83 million people—live below the country’s poverty line of 137,430 per year. This alarming statistic reveals a humanitarian crisis that is worsening by the day.

“Inflation has risen to record levels in the lead up to Christmas, meaning that many families are struggling to afford food. Our primary goal as a foundation

Project Smile initiative was executed under the Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF)

is to alleviate poverty and hunger in Africa by providing food donations to those who are most affected by these issues,” said Dinyambe Nyatua, Lead, Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF) With a robust network of volunteers, the foundation and the ministry team set out to put smiles on the faces of people in dire need particularly in the Jakande and Oniru communities

of Lagos State.

According to Glory Odejimi, Team Head, Special Ministries, well-meaning donors and supporters were instrumental in achieving the 2,000 family goal that was set.

Speaking on the impact of the outreach, Mr Eze, one of the 100 beneficiaries of cash donations said, “A lot of us were not planning to celebrate Christmas this year because we

cannot afford to buy food.

“Food items are very expensive this season and we are only trying to survive. I am grateful to the entire Harvesters team for remembering us today”.

This project comes in the wake of a recent outreach in Kogi state where the foundation deployed food and clothing supplies to over 1,250 flood victims in the Idozy community of Korton Karfe Local Government Area.

Uniccon Group Unveils, ‘Omeife’, Seamless HR Holds End Of Year Programme, Celebrates Stakeholders Africa’s First Humanoid Robot Nigerian Tech Startup, Uniccon Group, made history recently in Abuja, as it unveiled Africa’s first Humanoid Robot.

Omeife is a 6-foot-tall female, African humanoid that provides language as a service for businesses needing to integrate native African audiences. She is also a multipurpose and assistance robot. She speaks African languages and is programmed to have a deep understanding of African culture and behavioural patterns. Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, who in turn was represented by the Director General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, at the event, noted that the domestication of the artificial intelligence technology of the robot would help serve the needs of citizens in various capacities.

He also affirmed the support of the federal government for the

Omoife

domestication of the technology.

“We are ready to support you and commercialise this technology.

We want to see it deployed in our farms, road construction and in our classrooms,” Pantami said.

The Vice President, therefore, directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to partner with Uniccon Group for the commercialization of the Omeife technology.

Uniccon Group CEO, Chuks Ekwueme, sought the support of stakeholders not just to commercialize the robot.

As the year winds down, SeamlessHR, a leading African HR and payroll software company, staged a spectacular gala and awards gala at The Five Palms, Oniru, with staff, customers, investors, and other stakeholders in attendance.

The glamorous evening kicked off with a red carpet session followed by a cocktail session where a talented string quartet serenaded guests as they engaged in games and other exciting activities to encourage networking and interaction.

Guests also enjoyed premium entertainment and performances as the evening went on.

The event was opened by SeamlessHR’s Head of Branding and Communications ‘Sayo Akinwale and Head of Customer Success, Adetoun Akinsunmi, respectively, who thanked guests for showing up and promised them an evening to remember.

The management of SeamlessHR leveraged the event to communicate the company’s vision for 2023, and

how it plans to serve customers more effectively.

Speaking on this, the CTO and co-founder of SeamlessHR, Deji’ Lana said, “In 2023, we’ll be doubling down harder on consolidating our product to a world-class standard, so all of our users enjoy it better. We will also ensure that our products give executives the right experience allowing them to see everything about their workforce with one glance at the dashboard.

And of course, we’ve got some new releases we’ve been hinting about for a while now, including Breeze, our embedded finance product.”

Also present at the gala was Mike Mompi, CEO and Partner at Enza Capital, a venture capitalist company that had made a significant investment in SeamlessHR’s seed round and a follow-on investment in her Series A fundraise. Mompi communicated his confidence in the product SeamlessHR had built and the leadership driving the company.

Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union Honours Members, Emphasises Unity Funmi Ogundare The Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union ( ECDU), Lagos branch, recently held its 2022 celebration where awards were given to deserving men and women who have distinguished themselves in their different endeavours.

The programme also served as an opportunity to also honour seven women with ‘ Women of Worth’ awards and emphasise unity of purpose among members.

In an interview with journalists, the President of ECDU women’s wing, Lagos branch, Dr. Felicia Nnenna Agubata who explained the rationale behind the awards for the women, said they are role models and influencers; and have laid good examples for others to follow.

According to her, “the women have shown character in their

various discipline and careers because there are codes of conduct which they follow.

We need them as role models for other women.”

She emphasised the need for the honorees to continue to mentor younger women so that they can be confident and self reliant .

“We also want to tell the younger women that they can be leaders tomorrow .

Everybody has leadership in them, we need to mentor them so that they can be confident, self reliant and be able to hold their own,” the president stated.

Agubata said the Enugwuukwu Day has been ongoing for more than 50 years, adding that it started from Ebuttemeta area of Lagos, before it moved to its current location in Amuwo Odofin.

“That was where we were having our meeting before we moved to the new edifice at

Lake View Estate, Amuwo Odofin,” she said, adding that its impact on the people has been tremendous.

The president who was elected in November, said at its last Christmas party held recently, her administration empowered 86 widows, adding that by next year February, her it will roll out its plans for the next three years.

Some of the awardees expressed delight about the honour saying that it presents an opportunity for them to continue to work harder and impact the lives of younger women.

One of the awardees, Mrs. Ifeanyi Otuonye expressed delight about the honour saying, “I feel great that my village recognised me.” She advised younger women coming behind to be of good character and have the fear of God. She said she plans to reach out to women and bring them

to the knowledge of the community so that they can in turn lift others up.

Another awardee, Mrs Lois Nwana said, “ when a whole town single you out for this award as a woman of worth.

You know what that means.

Am excited about it and I really appreciate it.”

On her plans, Nwana who runs an NGO, said, “to whom much is given, much is required . The work has started, we need to prove that it is worth it . As a woman of worth, you need to work rather than sit on the fence . You need to run ahead of others and take charge.”

The Vice President of the women wing, Mrs. Ifeoma Okekearu said she feels excited to be among the awadees and that her administration has been giving loans to other women and others to help them with their businesses.

WISCAR APPOINTS ENITAN IBIRONKE AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), a leading not-forprofit and non-governmental organisation have announced the appointment of Ms. Enitan Ibironke as its new Executive Secretary.

In her role as Executive Secretary, Ms. Enitan Ibironke assumes responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day administration of WISCAR’s strategy implementation and programmes management, WISCAR Executive Secretary, working closelywiththeWISCAR Enitan Ibironke Advisory Board and staff to continue to meet the objectives of the organisation.

WISCARisanot-for-profit,non-governmentalorganization,focused on empowering and developing professional women to contribute to the development and growth in Nigeria and indeed Africa. With a vision of ‘’Developing women to build a better nation, WISCAR advocates for Gender Diversity, Inclusivity, Equity, and Parity in the workplace in line with SDG Goal 5.

The Founder/ Chairperson of WISCAR, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, made this announcement at the 2022 WISCAR Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference that was held on 10th December 2022.

ShealsoannouncedthetransitionofMrs.FabiaOgunmekan,WISCAR ExecutiveDirector.Shesaid“Indeed,Timedoesfly!Idistinctlyremember welcoming Ogunmekan to the WISCAR family five years ago!

“Today we announce her transition, as Fabia Ogunmekan WISCAR, Executive Director hands over the baton after five years of Executive leadership to a worthy successor Ms. Enitan Ibironke.’’

Mrs. Oyagbola on behalf of the WISCAR Board and Management, thanked Mrs. Ogunmekan for her leadership, hard work, and devotion to WISCAR and the cause of women’s development and wished her the very best in her future endeavour as she moves on from the helm of affairs while remaining a WISCAR Ambassador and active member of the WISCAR community.

Ms. Ibironke effectively assumes the post of Executive Secretary on the 9th of January 2023. Ibironke is a graduate of law from Lagos State University, and she holds a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. A seasoned soft skills trainer, certified etiquette coach, and a trained Journalist from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Training School. Enitan’s over 21-year career trajectory has spanned various roles from law to administration and business development.

GROUP DEMANDS FOR REVIEW OF BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR WOMEN New Faces New Voice Nigeria (NFNV – Nigeria) in Collaboration with Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC) demanded a review of the budget allocation for Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) projects across Nigeria.

Speaking during a press conference in Lagos recently, the Country Director, NFNV -Nigeria, Aisha Debola Aminu reminded that amongst the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was to encourage equitable treatment of women and girls and empower women. She noted however that amid continued advancement in almost all sectors of the economy, more women live below the poverty line, with less than two-thirds of women working compared to more than 90% of males. Aminu, therefore, called on the National Assembly to increase the strategic role of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in WEE at the National level by funding the nation’s numerous women’s centres under the Agency.

While appealing to WEE stakeholders to ensure effective scrutinisation of the budget document, she also demanded that the agency inquire why MDAs have low priority for WEE despite a clear message by the President on women empowerment.

Speaking further, Aminu stressed, “Women contribute substantially to the economy in various ways, including working in businesses or on farms, either as owners of those enterprises or as employees, and providing unpaid care for members of their own families. Nevertheless, unemployment, marginalisation, and exploitation continue to have a substantial and detrimental impact on their lives. Hence, the vast majority of women end up in dangerous occupations that pay poorly due to gender bias, and a tiny fraction of women hold leadership roles in organisations.”

THE LORD CHOSEN INTERNATIONAL CRUSADE HOLDS JANUARY 5TH The much-expected annual international 4-day power-packed programme titled, “What God Has Determined Shall Be Done”, which is designed to pray down the power of God for a prosperous year has been scheduled to hold on from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th January 2023 at the Chosen Revival Ground, Along Oshodi - Apapa Expressway, By Ijesha Bus Stop, Lagos at 8 am daily A press release by the church’s Public Relation Officer, Pastor Louis Chidi, noted that this year’s programme is designed to be special to the extent of praying down the power of God to uproot the hiccups in the wheel of the progress of mankind and help realise what God Almighty determines for His people in the present year.

“The programme shall witness rain of prayers that will shatter the shackles of corruption, insecurity, economic and political woes that have become a thing of concern, particularly to our great country.

Through collective intercessory prayers, participants will be imparted with an abundance of grace that will produce refuge in the time of adversities and bring to pass all the good things of life God has determined for them this year”, it stated.

Stressing the importance of the crusade, which will be presided over by the icon of revival evangelism Pastor Lazarus Muoka, the release stated further: “We should recognise the fact that our lives are so troubled this time. People are dying in hundreds every day, businesses are winding up across the globe, many are losing their jobs, political alignments are crashing, and uncertainties are everywhere.

In our today’s economy, there is little hope for the future. But God is not caught off-guarded, for He has designed this programme to prove that the entire heaven and earth and everything therein is under His control and whatever He determines shall be done.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͱͮ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Five Celebrities Who Found Love in 2022 Stories by Vanessa Obioha The year, 2022, started on a love note and will probably end with one. Some gave love a second chance while others stumbled upon it for the first time in their life.

Below are some ofthecelebritiesinthecreativeindustry who walked down the aisle this year.

DJ Burn

DJ BURN QUEST TO SPREAD LOVE THROUGH MUSIC Rebecca Ejifoma Funmilola Akinsanya, better known by his stage name DJ Burn is an American-based hip-hop gospel and rap artiste with a finesse for his calling.

From Felele Straight in Ibadan the Oyo State capital to the U.S., DJ Burn has continued to rock his role seamlessly as a producer, songwriter, activist and CEO of Ascent Entertainment, Inc. Registered in the US. He began to drool over music as a young child. “I fell in love with music at age nine,” he recounted. “Since then, I sang lyrics on CDs along with musicians like Big L, 2 Pac, Biggy, LL Cool J and so on.”

Interestingly, he took to writing, singing and rapping his songs at 14. “I also started creating my instrumentals in my high school days.”

However, the DJ swung into professional music in February 1998 when he got to the US to pursue music. And his passion for contemporary gospel and rap music is uncompromised. “Rap gives finesse to my music and also lifts the souls of my audience.

Since the release of this audio, Winner, the song has been a blessing to many.

“We’ve received several testimonies and we give thanks to God for each testimony received.”

Taking a stroll down memory lane, the artiste admitted. “I was once a gangster in the States before Jesus got my heart,” he expressed.”Now I am passionate about Jesus and the vision of my music ministry is to inspire, encourage, support, and bring out the best in people and see them fulfil their purpose in Christ.”

The DJ also noted that he reflects his vision and passion for the work of Christ in his music ministry, creative arts, media ministry as well as lyrical writing. “Music is food to the soul, so I evolve constantly to ensure that my fanbase gets the best value from my music,” he expressed.

Although a gospel singer, DJ Burn aspires to collaborate with Wizkid. “I respect him and appreciate him for putting Afrobeats on the global map. I also look forward to my music being played for Hip-hop fans worldwide. I have confidence in myself and I know I can. I have what it takes to make it in the music industry,” he enthused gleefully.

One thing that the producer is thankful for is his teeming fans. He isn’t only grateful for their support and encouragement through the years, but he is also thrilled to have their love which is spurring him to do more.

Kemi Adetiba:‘TheKingofBoys’filmdirectorstarted theyearwiththeannouncementofherengagementto Oscar Heman-Ackah, a creative entrepreneur from Ghana. The news was received with joy as Adetiba is one of the most celebrated filmmakers and music video directors in the country. ByApril, the duo sealed their union with a civil and traditional wedding.

The Guy: FormerlyknownasMisterIncredible(M.I.) Jude Abaga was among the celebrities who donned the husband title. Following the release of his latest album, also titled ‘The Guy’,Abaga tied the knot with his fiancée Eniola Mafe in September.

Davido: Although he had children with other ladies, fansknewthatDavido’sheartbelongedtoChefChioma Rowland when he released the track ‘Assurance’ in 2019. Before the death of his son, Davido hinted at marrying the chef. However, the duo seems to have secretlymarriedafterward.HisWikipediapagerevealed that they walked down the aisle on November 6.Any doubt was further cleared with the World Cup photo ofthecouplethathasbecomethe most-liked photo of

Iyabo Ojo and Paul Okoye Rita Dominic: Finally, Rita Dominic is married. The beautiful Nollywood actress and filmmaker had a colourfultraditionalmarriageinAprilandbyNovember, held her white wedding in England. She is married to the media businessman Fidelis Anosike.

M.I. and Eniola Mafe wedding any Nigerian celebrity on Instagram.

Iyabo Ojo: Nigerians were surprised this week when Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo unveiled her husband on her birthday, December 21. It was no other than the man behind One Africa Music Festival, Paul Okoye.

The 45-year-old actress is a single mother with two children having divorced in her previous marriage. To celebrate her birthday, Okoye likewise posted a photo of them in a cuddly pose, calling her his ‘Ezenwanyi’.

Top Five TV Shows of 2022

Phyna won BBNaija Season Phyna won BBNaija Season 7.

Messi wins the 2022 FIFA World Cup Irrespective of the medium you watched your favourite TV shows, television this year had some memorable moments. From Big Brother Naija to the World Cup, we look at some of the unforgettable TV shows that made 2022 colourful.

Big Brother Naija: Theseventhseasonofthepopular reality TV show Big Brother Naija came with twists and surprises. First, the housemates were put in two levelswhichwerelatermerged.Itrecordedtheearliest disqualification in the competition for Beauty who

The Voice Nigeria S4: Let the Pitch Begin

The Voice Nigeria S4 coaches

The fourth season of The Voice Nigeria returned to the small screen on Christmas Eve with new coaches and new hosts. Waje is joined by new faces: singers NiyolaandPraiz,andrapperNaetoC.Notafewhave questioned Naeto C’s music coaching skills. Some had gone the extra mile to dig up his discography to find out if he truly qualified for the coaching role.

But it is dishonour to assume that one’s musical talents reside only in commercial success. Moreover, he is not the first rapper to be on the show. Falz was a coach in the previous season. The season

Fidelis Anosike and Rita Dominic

begins with one of the most exciting segments of the reality TV singing competition which is Blind Auditions. The contestants perform blindly for the coaches and if they get more than one turn, the coaches will pitch to have them on their team. The first episode saw the new coaches try their luck on pitching. Niyola was dramatic, walking to the stage and rolling out accolades to the point of drowning the voices of other coaches.

Unfortunately for her, Benjamin, who was the star of the moment, chose Praiz instead.

The Ijimakindes of TV series’Covenant’ Blood-Sisters left in the second week. But the greatest moment of all was the crowning of Phyna as the winner of the season. She became the second female to win the reality TV show after Mercy Eke won in 2019.

2022 FIFAWorld Cup:The 2022 FIFAWorld Cup in Qatar will remain indelible in the minds of many for its jaw-dropping moments. From Morocco defying all odds to become the first African country to reach the semi-final stage of the tournament by kicking out Spain and Portugal from the competition, the inability of the host country to win a match, the surprising defeat of Brazil by Cameroon to the crowning victory of Argentina as the 2022 World Cup winner despite losing their first match to Saudi Arabia. Indeed, Qatar will be a land of dreams for Argentina’s star Lionel Messi who added a World Cup win to his glowing football portfolio.

The Real Housewives of Lagos: The videoon-demand platform Showmax gave viewers a good dose of drama with ‘The Real Housewives of Lagos’. It is the first time the global franchise is settling on Nigerian soil and the celebrities gave us all the gossip and scandals that made TV irresistible.

Featuring a diverse cast, viewers feasted on the controversial Laura Ikeji and her squabbles with

actress and politician Carolyna Hutchings. Then there were the fashionistas Chioma Ikokwu and Toyin Lawani-Adebayo. Of course, Mariam Timmer and Iyabo Ojo also brought their spice. Through their drama, viewers learnt about their personal dealings, who slept with who, who pretends, and who does not. Indeed, the show was a good drama.

Covenant: Prolific filmmaker Femi Odugbemi returned to the screen with another captivating political drama with complicated entanglements.

The Africa Magic TV series tells the tale of the Ijjmakindes and their thirst for political control. It stars Antar Laniyan, Funso Adeolu, Clarion Chukwura, Preach Bassey, David Eyi, Toyin Oshinaike and Bimbo Oloyede among others.

Blood Sisters: The EbonyLife Studios production for Netflix was one of the most talked about TV series of the year. It received mixed reviews from fans and critics. While some praised the series storyline, others criticised its characters and complicated plot. It tells the story of two friends whose lives became more intertwined after a murder. It stars In Dima-Okojie, Nancy Isime, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Ramsey Nouah among others.

NEW TELENOVELA ‘WURA’ TO PREMIERE JANUARY 2023 A new telenovela ‘Wura’ that puts the spotlight on the gold mining industry in the Iperindo community of Osun State is set to premiere on Showmax next year.

‘Wura’ is a Nigerian adaptation of the hit South African 1Magic telenovela, ‘The River’, and is billed to be Showmax’s first and longest-running Nigerian telenovela, with over 200 episodes.

The new telenovela tells the story of WuraAmoo Adeleke, a perfect wife, a loving mother of two, and the ruthless Chief Executive Officer of the fictional Frontline Gold Mine. In the eyes of her family, Wura is faultless and a saint, but when it comes to running her business empire, she is the ultimate iron lady who does not care whose ox is gored in her path to get what she wants.

“Wura explores the untold story of gold mining in Nigeria and is a demonstration of Showmax’s continued investment in authentic local stories. Each scene is carefully crafted to thoroughly entertain as well as educate our viewers,” said Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr Busola Tejumola.

Iperindo, where the show is set, is one of the clusters of seven gold deposits around Ilesha

Wura town. But, despite the promise that the presence of the precious metal holds for Iperindo and surrounding communities, residents are still plagued by poverty and exposed to environmental disasters as a result of illegal mining activities. ‘Wura’, according to the series producer Rogers Ofime though fictional, will throw some light on this.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͱͮ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

31

ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

The Road to Ascension

In a group show called ‘Ascension’ hosted by Anny Roberts, a photographer marks the journey of selfdiscovery alongside his artist-friends at BO CONCEPT, Victoria Island, Lagos. Yinka Olatunbosun reports

Valerie Etitinwo, Old friend, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 80x100cm

FINDING FINESSE AT AFFINITY ART GALLERY Yinka Olatunbosun

God Dey for second

T

he live band was no distraction, rather, a part of the mise en scene.

Photography mixed with oil and acrylic paintings adorned the home décor showroom where the opening of the show ‘Ascension’ held the audience in awe for hours. The atmosphere of camaraderie was interrupted by a few paparazzi moments mostly targeted at the flamboyantly clad Annie Roberts surrounded by ‘effortlessly elegant’ guests. Amodern and contemporary artist, Roberts staged this first show to mark his transition from commercial photography to this deeply conceptual artistry.

With seven years’ experience as the master of the lens, he situates some of his work around classical mythology, African legends with a hint of mystery. For instance, in the series titled ‘God Dey,’ an African man sprawled out on a magnificent couch is a portrayal of cultural transplant.

Largely inspired by Greek mythology, ‘God Dey’ alludes to the resilience of the human spirit and

the power of introspection. “This is one of the pieces I worked on during the pandemic,’’ Roberts began. “I started thinking about this and after the lockdown I started creating large pieces about four of them simultaneously. I was trying to speak about African divinity and how this juxtapose into Greek mythology. It looks like the main character in Greek mythology. I feel we should tap into these stories. We have our own Gods and our stories. We need to celebrate ourselves more as Africans.’’

In the piece ‘Sojourner,’ a myth is created about a God that gives people good vibes. Roberts collaborated with Ikenna- the actual storyteller whose mask from the village triggered the narrative.

Curated by KUKOYI, the Creative Director of the experiential marketing company-Awure, KUKOYI, the venue of the show was unconventional yet fitting. A potential collector wouldn’t have to imagine what each piece would look like in a home.

“Ascension is one of the experiences that we

curated and it is designed to help artists come into the limelight. For modern artists that create new pieces, we want to build a good platform for them to be seen by the world. For four years, I used to work withagalleryinManchester,thefirst African gallery in the UK. I noticed Anny’s works aboutfiveyearsago.WhenImovedbacktoNigeria todomybusiness,itcoincidedwithhimwantingto exhibithisworks“OneofthethingsthatIampassionate about is to remind us about what the home should feellike.While growingup, weusedto hangfamily pictures on the wall so I think art needs context. To appreciate African art, it needs to be put in a home and that is what we have done here. Seeing art in context really increases the experience of that artist.

Maybe if we can imagine it, then we can recreate it.”

Other works at the show include Dara Banjo’s ‘Evolution,’ Oluwatobi Fakile-Teda’s ‘The Father, The Man,’ Ikechukwu VictorAgwu’s ‘Ascending Mind’, O.A. Mariam’s ‘Lust’ and ‘Could this be Love, Truly?’ and Peter, John Chukwu’s ‘Dread.’

The show which wraps up the year can still be viewed after the holidays in Jan 2023.

In His Book “The Stabbing Of Nigeria,” Agbakoba Suggests Name Change for Nigeria Yinka Olatunbosun On the heels of many conflicting issues bedeviling Nigeria, a poet, author and historian, Nnamdi Agbakoba in his book, “The Stabbing Of Nigeria” remarked that the onus of Nigeria’s problem lies in the name, hence has suggested for a change of the name ‘Nigeria’.

He opined in the book that the name, Nigeria is a coinage or derivative of a terrible racial slur or insult NIGGER generated centuries ago in the slave plantations of America and Europe and was long overdue for a change.

He also noted in the book that other ECOWAScountrieshavechangedtheir names and Nigeria seemed to be the only country bearing a name given to her by her oppressors. “Is there a secret pact with Britain that the word NIGERIA must never be changed?” he asked.

He explained further, “The word NI-

GERIAisasimplecoinageorderivative of the words NIGGER or NIGER. The three words are completely identical apart from the occurrence of double “g” in the word NIGGER and the “ia” that appears at the end of Niger thereby creating the name NIGERIA. This is exactly how the word NIGERIAcame into existence.

“The word NIGERIA is part of the problem of a dwarfed growth and development in all areas of nation building. It is a mystery how the name of someone or something can determine the destiny of that thing but if name changing has always been a part of how God operates and indeed all nations of ECOWAS, then why are weoperatingintheoppositedirection.”

Agbakoba who wrote ‘Terrors of War’ and numerous poems also postulated in the book the possibility of HE Peter Obi’s victory at the polls in the 2023 presidential election.

He made known his intentions for writing the book at a media parley.

Perched on a period where Nigeria is at another political crossroads towards the polls come February 2023. The author maintained that if nothing is done quickly to salvage the educational system in Nigeria, thingswillgoawry.

The author also took a swipe at West AfricanExaminationsCouncilWAECin hisbook,exposingtherotintheexaminationbodyandtheillegalexpositeswhichhe saidstudentsandparentsgainedaccessto questions and answers to exams before the actual exams.

In his words: “How is Nigeria under attack one may ask? When the brains and creativity of millions of WAEC candidates are sabotaged by exam questions leakage, year after year when candidatescaneasilybrowsetheinternet and find a host of sites selling WAEC questions and answers, that is a direct attack on the vocational and academic system of Nigeria.

“WAEC is the very first major external examination candidates must scale for academic authorities to

know the strength and weaknesses of students and the academic system, but the whole process is shrouded in corruption. So, the Government is managing a blind academic system because what WAEC announces as credits or distinctions is grossly incorrect.”

He continued: “Toying with an institution like WAEC is like killing the quality of the work and labour force of the future. Hence, the title ‘The Stabbing of Nigeria’ is like mortgaging the future of Nigeria because a Nation is only as good as its labour professional and vocational work force.”

On Peter Obi’s emergence and victory, the author noted that his predictions were based on past events and revelations which he called a precedent. He also claimed that in his book, “Terrors Of War” two of his predictions came to pass: Niger Delta violence and the America/Iraq crisis. Needless to say, he is confident of his prediction on Obi coming to pass.

Inside the show Finesse lies the cord of three strands: Daniel Pengrapher Oshundaro, Muofhe ManavhelaandValerieEtitinwo.Thethreeemerging artists are showcasing the incredible skill and impressive detail that forms the crust of their creative process. From the conceptualization of their works to the execution, the trio makes every brushstroke a testament to the burgeoning creative energy.

Born in Switzerland, Valerie’s works capture the range of simplicities and complexities of human emotions, showing their humanity in all its intricacy. Her style is inspired by the cubist movement and also her desire to paint outside the box of realism. The bold colour-block style and exaggerated limbs in her work exemplify both the intensity and subtleties of the human experience.

Having cut her teeth with professional artist Claire-Lise Debrot, she began to hone her craft and thus found new ways of applying her skills throughmediumssuchpottery,painting,charcoal and collage.

Similarly,inherpaintings,Muofheaimstoreflect black womanhood in all its glory and struggle.

She channels her lived experiences into her work while also recognizing that these experiences are not singular; instead, there is a universality and connectedness to other black women around the world.

The multidisciplinary artist based in Johannesburg is a social commentator who explores her paintings as the medium of expression. Her work aims to deconstruct any harmful narratives and reconstruct our perceptions of black women through depicting honest representation.

Pengrapher, on his part, is a multidisciplinary artist who plays with the principles of classism using mediums in oil, acrylic, spray paint and emulsions. The scenes he paints feel like a blueprint with the figure composition showing the adaptation of the old and new. With these paintings, Pengrapher reminisces on the richness of classical art but infuses them with diversity by combining the contemporary and the classical within one canvas.

Inhiswork,theyoungNigerianpainterrebuilds the context through the events that shaped his life.

Theapproachheusesinhiscreativeprocesscomes from his experience with various mediums such graphics, graffiti and sculpture. The graduate of CreativeArtfromtheUniversityofLagosalsohas aBAinsculpturefromtheAcademyofArts,Serbia.

With Pengrapher’s works, he explores the old andthenewbyfusingelementsofclassicalartwith his own contemporary style. Using sometimes recognizable scenes from well-known classical paintings, he reinterprets them by changing the context surrounding them into situations and stories relatable to his own personal life as well as the present times.

The exhibition which runs from December 18 to January 14, 2013 is curated by Moni Aisida, Manager of Affinity Art Gallery.

“This exhibition is an ode to the artists, their skills and their level of detailing. I think the pandemic allowed a lot of the artists to regroup, sit in their studios and really take stock of what is really important to them. It also allows them to experiment,’’ she revealed.

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022

32

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

African Guarantee Fund, Orabank Renew Partnership to Support SMEs with $100M Ugo Aliogo The African Guarantee Fund Group (AGF), through its subsidiary AGF West Africa, and the Orabank Group have concluded a portfolio guarantee agreement for a total amount of 60 billion FCFA ($100 million), aimed at increasing the financing capacity of the Orabank Group in favor of SMEs through its subsidiaries in West Africa.

A statement made available to THISDAY said the partnership agreement was signed by AGF Group Chief Executive, Jules Ngankam,and Chief Executive Officer of Oragroup, Ferdinand Ngon Kemoum, in the presence of the entire top Management from both institutions.

The statement also noted that the strengthening of the partnership between the two institutions would allow Orabank Group to play a major role in the development of the economies where it operates, by providing

a solution to the thorny issue of access to financing for SMEs. The statement further explained that the partnership is supported by the AfDB’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA), and would therefore increase financing for women entrepreneurs in the region, and the guarantee would also cover SMEs eligible for green financing.

“African Guarantee Fund Group is committed to working with its financial partners to promote economic development, increase job creation and reduce poverty in Africa by providing guarantee solutions and capacity building support specifically to support SMEs. The Orabank Group is a leading player in the financing of African economies due to its geographical presence, focus on SMEs and financial strength. Our partnership with the Orabank Group will therefore allow us to play our major role in promoting the financing of

African SMEs,” NGANKAM said.

On his part, Kemoum welcomed the new partnership with the African Guarantee Fund Group, as a strong symbol of the African SMEs’ development.

The fund, which is a powerful illustration of the possible synergies between pan-African groups that share a sustainable and responsible development approach.

According to Kemoum, “This portfolio guarantee will strengthen Orabank’s ability to finance SMEs with innovative solutions adapted to their risk management and development cycle. Moreover, this portfolio guarantee is fully in line with our strategic plan to effectively support SMEs in all aspects of their ecosystem, in line with our pan-African vision to participate in the economic and social development of the private sector in the twelve countries where we have operations.”

From L-R: Lead Instrument, Control & Automation, Dover Engineering Ltd,Mr. Cassidy Yayock; Manager, Nigerian Content Operations, TotalEnergies,Mr. Achese Amad; Manager, Nigerian Content, TotalEnergies, Mr. Marvin Egho and Group Managing Director, PE Energy Group, Mr. Daere Akobo during the commissioning of Nigeria’s first HIPPS recertification facility...recently

MARKET INDICATORS

Foundation Equips SMEs with Business Insights, Digital Training Rebecca Ejifoma Empowerment for Local People Foundation (ELP), a market outreach programme in Lagos State has equipped small business owners with improved business practices.

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were trained extensively in digital marketing, business branding and sales, discounts and offers, and personal hygiene and healthy living during the ELP market outreach.

This, according to the organisers, would intensify their knowledge in basic digital

tools to reach more customers and create more awareness for their businesses.

According to the Project Manager at ELP Omolola Sameen MSMEs contribute 48 percent of the national GDP and account for 96 percent of the private sector and 84 percent of the national employment.

“MSMEs are important and known contributors to a nation’s employment, economic and export growth.

“The need to train more artisans and business owners to acquire skills that will drive development in the country has

become inevitable as MSMEs in Nigeria lack sufficient technical skills to always stay afloat in face of challenges,” he emphasised.

The project manager outlined the significance for MSMEs in Nigeria to have strategies, relevant and practical information tools as well as new technical skills to stay afloat, survive, thrive and navigate through stormy times.

He continued: “A good example of ‘stormy times’ is the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown that witnessed many MSMEs folding up due to lack of preparations.”

Vitafoam donates Classrooms to Ondo School In pursuit of its age-long Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), especially in the education sector, a leading manufacturer of rigid foams and allied products, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, has donated four blocks of classrooms worth millions of Naira to United Anglican Primary School, Ibaram, in Ondo State.

The purpose-built classrooms, aimed creating an enabling environment for the underprivileged to acquire education, is one in the series of such laudable projects being executed

by Vitafoam across the six geopolitical zones that make up the 36 States amen the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT), Abuja. For instance , a project of similar proportion will be completed in Borno State early next year .

“This project is a testament to Vitafoam’s passion for education and community development. The construction and furnishing of these fours blocks of classrooms in Ibaram is one of many CSR activities the company has embarked on over the years, with many more in the works. I am extremely delighted to be part of such an organization that understands the importance of giving back to society. Especially, projects that will impact hundreds of people for many years.” said the former Group Managing

Director of Vitafoam Nigeria.

Plc, Mr Joel Ajiga at the tapecutting ceremony at Ibaram in Ondo State recently.

Corroborating him, Vitafoam’s Management Accountant, Mr Julius Familoye noted that “ this is the first of manyprojects Vitafoam plans to unveil in the coming years. Before now we have been involved in various CSR activities as our own way of supporting the communities where we operate in the areas of education and healthcare.

We will continue to give back to the society, something we are extremely passionate about at Vitafoam.”

Firm Commission Nigeria’s First HIPPS Recertification Facility In line with Nigeria’s energy transition plan to attain zero routine gas flaring by 2035 and the nation’s increasing efforts to improve local participation in the oil and gas value chain, PE Energy has commissioned the nation’s first fully equipped facility for the full overhaul, maintenance, and recertification cycle of the High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS).

Speaking during the testing

event carried out at their Centre of Excellence facility in Port Harcourt, Group Managing Director of PE Energy, Mr. Daere Akobo, expressed delight that the company has achieved this significant milestone as the first in-country facility that can carry out the HIPPS recertification programme.

He further explained that as the country makes incremental progress in the Energy Transition Plan,

PE Energy is consistently identifying products and services that would aid the achievement of the net-zero flaring objective as well as core development of local capacity to support the industry.

He added that this is one more avenue to retain revenue in the country as organisations can now recertify their HIPPS in Nigeria thereby providing work that will boost local revenue generation.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24 OCTOBER, 2022

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

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NEWS

SEC: Revised Master Plan Will Reposition Capital Market KayodeTokede The Revised Capital Market Master Plan 2015-2025 (RCMMP), developed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria in collaboration with stakeholders, has been described as capable of providing a blueprint to harness these opportunities to better position the capital market as the engine of our economic growth and development.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

emerged as one of the leading frontier markets in Africa with immense potential for significant growth as the aspiration of the Government to create opportunities for the private sector to be a major engine of growth that guarantees improvement in the welfare and standard of living of the citizens of our great country has been diligently articulated in Nigeria’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2021-2025.

Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Lamido Yuguda who stated this recently, disclosed that the Master Plan captures the challenges of the capital market in actualizing its role to drive national economic growth and also proffers solutions to enable the capital market attain its full potentials.

Yuguda stated that Nigeria in the last decade has firmly

DEALS

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S E C U R I T I E S

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According to him, “The MTNDP emphasizes development of a deep, broadened and competitive financial system that is better positioned to support private sector growth and economic diversification. Capital Markets provide a useful means to mobilize capital and harness economic interests in an efficient manner to drive innovation and growth.

“The last decade has been

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

characterized by significant volatility in the global financial system caused by various economic and health shocks.

At the same time innovative technologies have significantly disrupted how markets operate.

The SEC Boss said the first five years of the original Capital Market Master Plan 2015-2025 (CMMP) implementation focused on market and governance reforms in the aftermath of the global financial crises of

A S O F

2008 and the Nigerian market correction that continued into 2009, with significant success.

“During that period, stock certificates were dematerialized, dividend management was automated, corporate governance standards were improved, intermediaries were strengthened through revised capital requirements and risk based supervision, amongst several other initiatives implemented under the CMMP.

2 9 / 1 2 / 0 2 2 DEALS

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NEWS

SHOW OF STRENGTH IN DELTA...

L-R: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Delta State, Mr. Kingsley Esiso; Delta State Governor and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Speaker, state House of Assembly and governorship candidate of the party, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; and member representing Aniocha /Oshimili in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, at the party’s governorship campaign for the 2023 general election in Asaba…yesterday

2023: With PDP in Power, Hunger, Insecurity will Be Eliminated, Says Okowa The vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged Nigerians to vote Atiku Abubakar and all the party’s candidates in the 2023 elections to ensure that prevailing hunger, poverty and insecurity in the country will be eliminated.

Okowa made the call yesterday at the party’s campaign at Oshimili North and Oshimili South Local Government Areas of the state, and said that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government had taken Nigerians many years backwards with its inept administration.

He said that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had destroyed the nation's socio-economic system, including the educational sector where the government allowed university lecturers to be on strike for eight months.

According to him, because God sanctioned his nomination for vice presidency and put him on the PDP presidential ticket, He has finished the work for the people.

"Aside the fact that PDP gave us the vice presidential ticket which we have not seen since the creation of Delta and even Bendel, we need to work hard to justify that confidence

reposed in us.

"In 2019, Delta produced the highest votes for the PDP in SouthSouth and this time that we have been given Vice Presidential ticket, it is our duty to double the votes because the APC has spoilt Nigeria with hunger, insecurity, disunity, ASUU strike and that's not what we want as a country.

"The APC has no human face, they are angry that we are empowering our youths and women with skills to enable them own their businesses and become employers of labour.

"If God put you in position of authority you need to lead with a human face and that is why AtikuOkowa ticket will bring Nigerians out of hunger and poverty," he said.

On the governorship election, Okowa said that the party was supporting Sherrif Oborevwori and Monday Onyeme because they were politicians with worthy characters.

"We have been uniting Delta by working everywhere in unity and as I am leaving, an Urhobo man is coming and I know that he has common sense and he is very humble.

"I have known Sheriff Oborevwori for over 21 years and God has been very helpful to him to have become the longest serving Speaker in the

history of our state.

"We will pepper APC with our votes and we will elect all candidates of the PDP to continue our youth empowerment programmes.

"I thought that as we are empowering the people, the APC will appreciate us but they are complaining, and no wonder they are using hunger to kill our people," he added.

He accused the Deputy President of the Senate and APC Governorship Candidate in the state for lying to Deltans that his administration didn't do anything in Asaba.

"Sometime ago, the APC governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, came to Asaba and tried to deceive our people that we didn't do anything in Asaba.

"When I heard his lies I began to wonder whether he was referring to the same Asaba that we built roads, a modern State Secretariat , Dennis Osadebay University, Leisure Park, Film Village and Zoo. "Need we talk about the Flyover and Interchange at Koka Junction?

But I am particularly happy about the storm drainage project which has deflooded Asaba and environs.

"As we have done in Asaba so we are replicating it in Warri, Effurun and environs and so we have decided as a party to support

a grassroots politician, an amiable and humble personality in Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to continue from where we will stop."

The governorship candidate, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, on his part, said he had learnt a lot from Governor Okowa, and assured that he would deploy the experience garnered over the years to bear in the administration of the state.

"In politics there is time and seasons and the past seven and half years have been very awesome because I went through the Okowa political school.

"Those that knew me before 2015 and now know the difference, I have learnt to be more humble and I have also learnt how to listen more and that’s how I was able to lead the assembly successfully in the last 6 years.

"Many people have passed through this school and I have passed through it successfully and I have been given a certificate to take over the mantle of leadership of this state.

"I will consolidate on what Okowa has done with my MORE Agenda and I can assure you that I will not disappoint Deltans with the confidence reposed in me. I want to assure you that I will keep to my MORE Agenda because it

is my covenant with Deltans," Oborevwori stated.

He commended the Anioma nation for supporting Delta Central for the governorship ticket and assured that he would not disappoint Deltans.

State Chairman of the party, Chief Kingsley Esiso, said he was happy that the people of Oshimili North and Oshimili South were totally committed to the liberation of Nigerians from the shackles of poverty and insecurity created by the APC-led administration.

"I am happy and convinced because from the crowd here today there is no other political party in this local government.

"I am happy because the people of this local government have rejected the APC with their hunger, poverty and insecurity and this time around the PDP is on a mission to reset and rebuild Nigeria.

"APC came with their lies and propaganda and destroyed Nigeria and by the grace of God and by your support APC will never happen to Nigeria again.

"Nigerians have decided to join the rescue train of the PDP with Atiku Abubakar as the Chief Driver and Deltans are particularly happy with the ticket because since the creation of Nigeria nobody from

the state has ever been selected to be Presidential running mate.

"But our own performing Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta will produce the next VicePresident.

"Having destroyed our economy, security and social life, the APC is bringing a sick man to come and cure a sick country, we will not allow them," Esiso stated.

Director-General of the State Campaign Council, Chief Funkekeme Solomon urged Nigerians to reject the APC at all levels adding that the APC had so deceived our people and rubbished the work done by the PDP over time.

At Akwukwu-Igbo, a former chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Mr John Azike, and no fewer than 100 members of the party, defected to the PDP. Azulike, who addressed the mammoth crowd, said he was joining the PDP alongside his supporters to support Governor Okowa who "is a Vice-President in waiting.

"We are also supporting the PDP because of the incoming Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who has presided over the state Assembly for years without any crisis," he stated.

BUHARI, JONATHAN, GBAJABIAMILA, SGF, ATIKU, OBI, TINUBU, OKOWA MOURN LATE OHANEZE LEADER, OBIOZOR Information OSGF, Willie Bassey, described Obiozor as a diplomat extraodinaire having served as Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States of America, Israel and Cyprus, distinguished academic, quintessential statesman and a remarkable lover of his people who believed in the unity of the country as well as harmonous coexistence among the people.

He said Obiozor died at a time the country was in dire need of his contributions towards the strengthening of all ethnic nationalities for a cohesive national growth and development.

He condoled with the Government and people of Imo State, Obiozor’s family, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and friends, and prays to God to grant eternal repose to the soul of the departed.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide yesterday officially announced the passage of its president, who died at the age of 80.

In announcing the demise of the leader of the group, National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, said: “It is with pain and sorrow in our hearts that

the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and indeed all the Igbo sons and daughters received the news of the passing of Ambassador Prof.

George Obiozor (Ugwumba). Until his death, he was the President General of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation.

“Obiozor was a prodigy and an enigma of some sorts: an erudite reflective scholar of world renowned, prophetic intellectual, astute resourceful administrator, sagacious plebian political submarine, seasoned diplomat, cultural reservoir, detribalised patriot, jovial cerebral discussant, among others.

“The most endearing of the Obiozor mystique can be summarised in character; the courage of his convictions, steadfastness and uncompromising commitment to his goals,” he said.

Ogbonnia maintained that Obiozor was sometimes misrepresented and misunderstood because of the silent cautious strategy and tactics with which he pursues his goals but behind the great achiever was an uncommon and perfect gentleman of immense proportions.

The Obiozor life trajectory, according to him, was one of the

most enviable.

“He started as a child in AwoOmamma, went to the USA for further studies, acquired a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), taught in the world class universities and promoted to the rank of a professor of International Relations, served Nigeria in various capacities without blemish as the Director General, Institute of International Affairs, Lagos; Nigerian Ambassador to three countries, Israel, Cyprus and the USA; articulated the Return of Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu with Dr. Chuba Okadigbo and Joe Asogwa in 1982; led the Igbo delegation to the 2014 National Constitutional Conference and ultimately, was elected the President General of the apex Igbo sociocultural body, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

He said “Above all, Obiozor in his first world press conference as the President General, at the headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, assured the Igbo that time has come for the age-long collective aspiration of a Nigerian president from the South East of Nigeria.

“He demonstrated his unassailable commitment to the

Igbo by leading delegations to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, British Embassy, Chief E. K. Clarke, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sultan of Sokoto, among others. The Obiozor led advocacy assumed an irreversible, unquenchable and irresistible national charm, resonance and unprecedented crescendo.

“During the last meeting of the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide held at Owerri, Obiozor spoke emotionally about the candidacy of Peter Obi and pointed out that it would have been a major catastrophe if Obi were not in the race. He expressed satisfaction that Peter Obi has changed the political dynamics of the country and created a pathway for Nigerian new beginning.

“Obiozor will be remembered as a man who displayed an uncommon intellect, irrepressible courage, candor, tolerance, large heart and equanimity; he sacrificed his personal comfort in the service of Igbo nation. What stands Obiozor out among his peers is his unique intellectual wizardry, profound sense of humour, extraordinary creative imagination, rationality,

clear-headedness, unwavering determination and incandescent passion with which he pursues his views even in most hostile or complex circumstances.

“While we condole the wife, children and the immediate family, we take solace in the fact that when a chronicle of Igbo personages will be launched, some leaders will appear in footnotes while some chapters will be devoted to Ambassador Professor George Obiozor,” he added.

The octogenarian held the position of President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo from January 9, 2021 until his death.

Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Mourn Ohanaeze Ndigbo Late President General, Obiozor

In addition, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders' Forum (SMBLF) said it received the news of the passing on of the President General of Ohanaeze with profound sadness.

The forum, expressed its grief in a statement signed on by its leaders, Messrs Chief Edwin Clark, (South South/PANDEF); Chief Ayo Adebanjo (Afenifere); and Dr. Pogu

Bitrus (Middle Belt Forum).

Part of the statement read, "We are greatly pained by this incident; we have not just lost a trusted and dependable ally, but a good friend, a true patriot, and a highly esteemed Statesman.

"Professor George Obiozor was an exemplary, unpretentious and self-effacing leader; and a first-class gentleman.

"He is a thorough bred scholar, who firmly and committedly, in tandem with his Compatriots, maintained our common stance on the fundamental principles of equity, justice and fairness, and inclusivity, in the quest for a better Nigeria.

"He was a man of peace who will be remembered for his candor, openmindedness and civility. His life and works will remain an inspiration to present and forthcoming generations on the lessons of tolerance, unity and peaceful co-existence.

"He is renowned academic and foremost diplomat.

"Ambassador Obiozor was a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

Continues online

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

11 Reasons to Explore Islam (II)

By: Ismail Al-Faruqi/IslamiCity (Continued from last week)

W

ithin Islam, it is both legitimate and right to ask the question: “Why Islam?” Every tenet in Islam is subject to analysis and contention. No other religion is willing to subject its basic fundamentals of faith to such questioning. For example, Saint Thomas Aquinas, the most rational of Christian theologians, stopped the use of reason when it came to the basic fundamentals of Christian faith. He then tried to justify faith. So, to ask “why Christianity?” is an illegitimate question. However, Allah invites the question as to “why Islam?”.

Islam takes the world of life and existence seriously, declaring it to be full of meaning and purpose. Life is not a sport, nor is it purposeless. From the Islamic perspective, everything has meaning because the concept of God’s purpose in creation gives meaning to human life. The Muslim is never bored with life; there is no existential anxiety in Islam. The Muslim can see the working of the good purposes of the divine Creator in everything. The Muslim lives in a world where life is full of meaning and purpose and this means the Muslim never loses his mental balance. In fact, mental illness is very rare in the Muslim community.

8. World-Affirmative Islam is world-affirmative. For the Muslim the world is good.

It is a blessing, it has been created good, to be 6. The Human Being: An Integral Whole enjoyed. Islam does not view the world as a demon, it is Islam does not divide the soul and life of a person into not valued as being satanic or evil. It is not a degraded two compartments, i.e. religious or ethical and verbal or kingdom. The world is the only kingdom; the hereafter material. Islam regards the human being as an integral is not a kingdom but merely a place of Judgment for whole. All of his actions and instincts are part and parcel a human person’s actions during his life. For Muslims, of his being together with his hopes, fears, certitude, the world is a beautiful place; pearls, clothes, and horses faith, and conviction. Islam wants all these to cohere and, therefore, we could say that Islam is mental health are to be enjoyed. What is wrong, is its misuse under moral law. The world is good, and Muslims are obliged par excellence. Islam considers a person’s work or even to cultivate it and make it into a garden. The process of sex in this world as an act of worship. organizing people as a community is a religious duty.

No ‘ism’, ideology or religion matches Islam in its 7. Life Filled With Purpose and Meaning world-affirmative stance. All Muslims should be wealthy and affluent. It is Satan who promises poverty, not God. In fact, the Qur’an CHANGE OF NAME those who were lazy and who I, formerly known and addressed I formerly known and addressed criticizes failed to migrate, who could not pull as MISS DICK, EGUOLO VAL- as EZE IHECHILURU IRENE. ERIE now wish to be known and Now wish to be known and ad- themselves up by their bootstraps; addressed as MRS IBEANUSI, dressed as EZEJI IHECHILURU they deserved what they got. To be a EGUOLO VALERIE. All former IRENE. All former documents Muslim is to live in and to be loyal to this world but not above and beyond documents remain valid. the remain valid. The general public our loyalty to Allah. general public should take note. should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SAHEED SEUN BISIRIYU now wish to be called, known and addressed as SAMUEL OLUWASEUN OLUWABORI. All former documents bearing my old name remains valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MRS AISHA SULEIMAN AKANY. Now wish to be known and addressed as MISS UMA MELFORD. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NNENNA CHARITY UFERE. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNENNA CHARITY OKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, $FFLRQ 0LFUR ¿QDQFH %DQN .DGXQD state polytechnic and the general public should please take note.

9. A Social Faith In building this world and conforming it to God’s desire, Muslims are told that they must work with each other and not alone. Islam establishes a social order, not a mystical order. Islam’s social order has teeth, regulated by law, the Shariah. Islam wants to establish a social order to command the good and prevent the evil. However, every Muslim must correct evil. It is his duty, just as much as it is his duty to pray five times a day.

In Islam, it is of the highest degree of faith to plunge into space and time and bring about the transformation of the world in accordance with God’s desire. Islam is affirmative action in a social setting; it is neither abstract nor isolationist. Islam establishes justice and an ordered society, regulated by law. Islam guarantees justice for all; Madinah was that class of model society. In those days justice had no price. For several centuries under Islamic rule, any citizen who voiced a complaint could be sure that justice would be done. No theory of society can give as much as the Islamic theory of society has given.

Society, based on race, language or history are prototypes of the animal world where dog eats dog. The social order of Islam ends this and brings justice to all. A Muslim’s mission is to bring order and this international society established by Islam must be carried to the world and, therefore, the Islamic social order seeks universality.

10. Universal System Islam provides a social order which cannot only tend to be universal but must become universal. The Islamic system is a system for world order, and it must spread around the world. Unless it is spread around the world, it will degenerate into a form of nationalism which is haram or unlawful in Islam. Islam is built on the basis of values which are not only for the group which adheres to them but for the whole of mankind. Allah is the deity of all people, and the Islamic concept of society must spread all over the world.

Does Islam deny the value of national, ethnic or linguistic identity and culture? No! Islam recognizes the worth of these national and ethnic groups. Islam does not only tolerate but encourages the development of different ethnic groups. The group has a special perspective on the values affecting people’s lives. Insofar as it exists, national culture is encouraged by Islam, but it is subject to the universal law of Allah. The interests of the nation

or group must be subject to the moral law, the Shariah, which encompasses the whole of mankind. Islam created a world society, and it was Islam, over 1400 years ago, that first established a working system of international law.

It was only in the 20th century that the West started to develop international law. Grotius contributed only wishful thinking. In the West, international law existed only in the imagination until after World War I when the League of Nations was established. The present system of international law is far inferior to the Islamic system of international law because, under the Islamic system, the law of nations is backed by a court and not just a single court in the Hague. Any Shariah court in any part of the world can hear any international dispute to which the parties are not only nations but also individuals. If we want to solve international problems, we must make justice under international law possible for everyone.

11. Promoting Harmony With The Environment Islam is a religion that enables us to live our lives in harmony with nature, ourselves and God. Islam does not compartmentalize but rather unites the life of a person. This is the summum bonum, supreme good of Islam because Islam assures us of happiness in this world and the Next. Presently, people are so madly in pursuit of this world that it has resulted in upsetting the ecology of nature; this because of the decay in the inner nature of human beings. In this age of unprecedented advancements in science and technology, the pursuit of worldly gain has turned sour and self-destructive because it is devoid of all ethical values. Therefore, the pursuit of dunya (worldly affairs) without Deen can only lead to and has led to, disaster. On the other hand, the pursuit of Deen (religion) without dunya (temporal world) is merely daydreaming. Islam asks people to cultivate the world without robbing, usury, stealing and raping the environment and insists that people must carry out their tasks subject to moral law.

For the Muslim, involvement, and success in the world will ensure success in the hereafter. If practiced with sincerity, Islam guarantees happiness in this world and the next. Having granted this great gift of God to humanity what else could we do but say ‘we hear, and we obey and all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.’

Concluded

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2022˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

PROMOTING CLEAN ENERGY…

L-R:The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna, Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Abdullahi Sule, and Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Mohammed Ubandoma, at the commencement of the distribution of 800 Efficient Stoves and Wonder Pots in Lafia and Akwanga in Nasarawa… yesterday

IG: 10,000 New Police Recruits ‘ll Be Deployed for 2023 Elections

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Ahead of 2023 general elections, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Usman Alkali Baba, yesterday disclosed that the 10,000 newly recruited police constables that passed out from their training would be deployed to provide security for the forthcoming polls.

Baba disclosed this yesterday during the passing out parade of the 2022 batch of police constables in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The IG, who was represented at the event by the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 8, Ashafa Adekunle, noted that “after today’s event, all the graduating recruit constables will be deployed to complement officers on the forthcoming

election security duties across the nation, in a bid to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process.

“This event, which is taking place simultaneously in four premier colleges and police training schools across the country, wraps up six months of highly challenging rigorous, physical, and intellectual training activities and it signifies the transition of the recruits to mainstream professional policing duties with the right orientation to meet emerging security challenges within the dictates of the rule of law.

“It should also be noted that the recruitment exercise was spread over the 774 local government areas of the country with due regard to federal

Niger House of Assembly Passes 2023 Budget of N243billion Laleye Dipo in Minna The Niger State House of Assembly has passed the 2023 Appropriation Bill of N243 billion after increasing the budgetary proposal that was presented to it by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello by N5billion.

The passage of the bill on Wednesday followed the submission and adoption of the report of the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Mr. Bashir Lokogoma.

The 2023 budget is made up of N152 billion for capital expenditure and N91 billion for recurrent expenditure.

Lokogoma while presenting the committees reported noted that the budget structure as presented to the House “is complicated and has made it difficult to trace a particular capital allocation for scrutiny.” But he did not mention the allocation.

He said that the passage of the budget is “very important and essential for the take-off of a new financial year,” and would

enable the executive to hit the ground running.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Bawa Wuse directed the Clerk to prepare a clean copy of the Appropriation Act for the executive to assent to.

Wuse, however, urged the executive arm to always ensure that budget is laid before the legislature at least three months before the end of the year for proper scrutiny.

The Niger State Governor, Mr. Abubakar Sani Bello, who presented the budget proposal before the State House of Assembly on November 2, said that the budget would be financed by releases from the Statutory Allocation projected to be N61,094,737,097.00 representing 25.57 per cent; Value Added Tax (VAT) N35,616,260,802.00 or 14.90 per cent; Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) N22,519,483,986.00 or 9.43 per cent Excess Crude/ Other Revenues N4,257,726,144 or 1.78 percent, and capital receipts N115,436,249,753.47 or 48.30.

character considerations and in line with the directives of Mr. President.”

He added that “in the attainment of community policing goals, the recruits

will all be posted back to their various local government areas to further entrench the policing strategy of the federal government towards addressing communal crimes

in their respective areas of purview.”

He told the new police recruits that the bedrock of policing is discipline, adding that “much as you have a

promising and brighter career ahead of you, how far you go in this career depends to a great extent on your character, discipline, and integrity.”

Bauchi Gov Urges Residents to Defend Selves against Bandits Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has charged the residents of villages surrounding Duguri District of Alkaleri Local Government Area in Bauchi state to rise up, take up arms and defend themselves against bandits.

Bandits have so far killed 20 people and wounded several others in villages in the area.

THISDAY checks revealed that Bauchi State Police Command in collaboration with local vigilance group recently stormed the forest in the area killing 12 suspected bandits including one of the kingpins that had terrorized

the area.

Speaking during a visit to the area yesterday, a visibly angry Mohammed said:”You are known to be men, you should not allow these bad elements subdue you, defend your land and liberate yourselves.”

The governor, who described the situation as unfortunate and

unacceptable trend, said it must be stopped at all cost.

Speaking at the Palace of the District Head of Yelwan Duguri, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Duguri, the governor lamented that the activities of bandits in the area is getting out of hands as the people can no longer engage in farming which is their mainstay.

Abia Health Mgt Board Workers Protest Unpaid 13-month Salary Arrears Angry workers of the Abia Health Management Board (HMB) yesterday picketed the offices of the Executive Officer (EO) and Director of Finance over unpaid 13 months’ salary arrears.

The Chairperson of the HMB Medical and Health Workers Union, Chidinma Wokoma, told newsmen that the action

was to protest management’s failure to pay the July salary of some workers.

Wokoma said: “We are picketing their offices today and they shall remain shut until they pay the salaries.”

According to her, HMB owes workers 13 months arrears of salaries. ”The HMB owes the workers

eight months in 2021 and five months this year,” she said.

The chairperson said that the union’s protest had lingered for about one month without any positive response from the management.

She said that following their agitations, the state government introduced biometric verification of workers in all the stations in

the 17 Local Government Areas.

“Government brought the biometric machines and commenced the verification on December 7. Unfortunately, some of the machines malfunctioned in Ohafia, Okeikpe and Ututu.

“To make up for the lapse, management conducted separate exercise to verify those who were not captured.

NASENI, German Firm Design Stoves to Promote Clean Energy The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna yesterday said the agency collaborated with a German firm, Atmosfair Germany to design and manufacture smokeless stoves to promote United Nations (UN) agenda on clean energy.

Haruna stated this Lafia,Nasarawa State during the distribution of 800 units of Save 80 Efficient Smokeless Stoves to the poor.

According to him, the distribution of the efficient stoves and wonder cooking pots has been approved for all the geo-political zones by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He therefore, appealed to state governments to patronise these innovations for the benefit of Nigerians at all levels.

The NASENI boss added that President Buhari has also approved the installation of 6,000 solar home systems in the residences of the less privileged in all local governments and electoral wards of the state.

He said: “The distribution of these efficient stoves and wonder cooking pots have been approved for all the geo-political zones of the country by President Muhammadu Buhari but launched from Nasarawa State due to unique position of the state. The people of the state have every reason to remain indebted to His Excellency even after his administration.

Gov Ugwuanyi’s a Leader with Conscience, Say Ugwuaji People The people of greater Ugwuaji Community in Enugu South Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, yesterday celebrated Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for breaking the jinx by creating an enabling environment that led to the community to produce a democratically elected chairman of the council for the first time

win the annals of the state.

The Ugwuaji people, led by the Chairman of Enugu South LGA, Hon. Barr. Chimezie Robinson Nkwuo, mobilised their various masquerades, religious and traditional leaders to venue of the event at Community Primary School, Eke-Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, to say a big Thank

you to Governor Ugwuanyi for the noble thing he did for them, stressing that they would forever remain grateful to the governor.

They expressed joy that Governor Ugwuanyi has liberated them, describing him as a leader endowed with good conscience and filled with milk of human kindness.

The excited people of Ugwuaji stressed that they gathered at the event, tagged: “Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s Day” to show their deep sense of gratitude to the governor for the display of uncommon courage in leadership, which they said was not found in his predecessors for decades in the state.

Prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief (Mrs.) Faith Majemite, has resigned her membership of the party, accusing the party of being disrespectful to her and her “teeming supporters.”

only elected local government chairman in the state until the local council polls held in the state last year, communicated her decision to resign her membership of the PDP in a letter dated December 28, 2022.

The resignation letter

of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, was addressed to the chairman of the party in the local government area but copied the ‘Ward 6’ chairman as well as the state chairman of the party.

Although silent on the next

make or whether she intended to defect to another political party, Majemite alleged that the party had deviated from the known ethics, values and ideological stand on inclusiveness envisioned by the party’s foundation members.

Madam Doris Adokpaye Chieftain, Faith Majemite, Resigns Delta PDP Membership for Burial Next Weekend Female Majemite, who was the from the former chairman political move she would Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The remains of Mrs. Doris Adokpaye, the wife of Mr. Godwin Adokpaye, former Managing Director of Mobil Oil will be laid to rest next weekend, January 5, and 6.

Madam Doris passed on in Lagos in November at 89.

In statement by the family,

Christian wake will be at 5pm on Thursday 5th January at the Recreational Grounds, Nickon Estate, Lekki.

Burial service follows on Friday 6th at 10am at Church of Assumption, Falomo, followed by reception at Harbour Point, in Lagos.

39

FRIDAY, DE ͻ͸˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

1940-2022…1940-2022…1940-2022…

EXIT OF THE KING OF FOOTBALL

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

The greatest footballer ever, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (a.k.a. Pele) finally lost the battle with colon cancer and the other underlying ailments that caused him to be bedridden in the last two months. The news of his passage was the final full stop to his many ‘Deaths’ published by desperate news hounds and online counterpart who are looking for traffic to their sites, using Pele’s death as their click-bait.

Even when Pele was still on the life support machine, he was pronounced ‘dead’ several times. It took the intervention of his immediate family to refute these reports as figment of the imaginations of such reporters.

Of course, with doctors pronouncing Pele’s case as terminal and needing family care in the near end of his life span, it was just a matter of time for the clock to stop ticking for him.

How it all began….

Pele started out as a young boy at Bauru FC in Sao Paulo State under the guidance of former Brazil international Waldemar de Brito. When he came to the attention of Brazil's elite, he chose to join his mentor's former club Santos.

According to Wikipedia, it was not long before he was making his senior debut, aged 15, on 7 September 1956, scoring the first of more than 1,000 career goals in a 7-1 win against Corinthians Santo Andre.

Pele ensured Santos dominated not only in Brazil but also further afield, winning the Copa Libertadores - South America's equivalent of the Champions League - in 1962 and 1963 with victories against Penarol of Uruguay in a play-off and then against Argentina's Boca Juniors, 5-3 on aggregate.

It was inevitable international honours would follow swiftly and he donned the famous Brazil shirt for the first time on 9 July 1957 against Argentina at the Maracana aged 16 years and nine months, scoring number one of 77 goals in 92 appearances for his country in a 2-1 defeat.

Pele's great rival of the age was Portugal's legend Eusebio, but when the pair were in opposition in the 1962 Intercontinental Cup, played between the winners of the Copa Libertadores and the European Cup, there was only one winner.

Pele was on target twice in Santos' 3-2 win against Benfica in the Maracana before scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory in return at the Stadium of Light.

In Brazil, Pele will also be associated with the white shirt of Santos, for whom he scored 619 goals in 638 appearances which, coupled with his glorious deeds for his country, gave him - in his homeland at least - the undisputed title of the game's greatest player.

Great World Cup Moments

Pele charmed the globe as a 17-year-old when he scored twice as Brazil beat Sweden 5-2 in the 1958 World Cup final but shone brightest in the galaxy of stars assembled in their legendary 1970 World Cup team, scoring the opening goal in a 4-1 win against Italy in the final in Mexico's Aztec Stadium.

Pele's story bookended those two great Brazil sides and when, in the modern game, much is made of the "number 10" role and indeed the shirt itself, Edson

Pele...exit of a legend

Pele’s Romance with Nigeria

Pele loved Nigeria and Nigerian players. In his lifetime, he visited this country officially on more than three occasions and was a great inspiration to many.

After winning the World Cup twice in 1958 and 1962 with Brazil, he visited Nigeria along with his club, Santos FC, on a playing tour in 1967. And this was during the Nigerian unfortunate civil war.

It is on record that on the day Santos played the first of their matches with Green Eagles, a truce was reached by the combatants on both sides of the trenches to enable the soldiers watch Pele in action.

The first match was played in Lagos while the second took place in Benin.

According to Sports Brief, Santos had pulled out of the Copa Libertadores – the South American version of the Champions League as they began a world tour.

Nigeria played a 2-2 draw with Santos, and as expected Pele scored both goals for Santos.

The Brazilian club side also traveled to then Bendel State Benin and played another exhibition against the Nigerian team.

According to Santos’ official website, the then state Military Governor Samuel Ogbemudia declared a public holiday and opened up the bridge that connected Benin with Biafra.

According to reports then, more than 25,000 fans trooped into the stadium to watch the historic match where Pele led his team to a 2-1 win over Nigeria.

Just after, the team left Nigeria while hostilities resumed again.

Again in 1978, Pele was in Nigeria during the tour of the country by his Brazilian team Fluminese. He was in action for just 45 minutes in the friendly with Raccah Rovers inside the Ahmadu Stadium in Kaduna. Expectedly, Pele looked radiant in the traditional baban riga and Katsina cap presented to him by then Military Governor of Plateau State, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman.

Unfulfilled Dream of Seeing an African Win the World Cup

The young Pele at the 1958 finals in Sweden Arantes do Nascimento will be regarded by many as the first and the greatest.

When the argument of who was the game's finest is conducted - almost always in a World Cup context - Brazil's great rivals Argentina will make the case for the late Diego Maradona, who almost single-handedly, literally according to England after his infamous "Hand Of God" quarter-final goal, took them to World Cup glory in 1986.

Argentines will even offer up Maradona's successor Lionel Messi as another rival to Pele's greatness in an argument that will never be fully settled to the satisfaction of either of these great South American adversaries.

Pele, though, did not have Maradona's dark side, one example of which saw the latter ejected from the 1994 World Cup in the United States after testing positive for the drug ephedrine. Messi,

used to this day as prime exhibits of the skill, power, elegance and mental speed and agility that mark him out as arguably the greatest to have ever graced the game.

Pele ...in New York Cosmos colour

however, has since gone on to claim World Cup glory with Argentina at the 2022 tournament.

Pele suffered World Cup disappointments too, none more than when he was brutally kicked out of the competition in England in 1966.

He left the scene of the 3-1 defeat by Portugal at Goodison Park draped in a blanket after a succession of fouls that left him limping on one leg, with his right knee heavily bandaged. During the match, he had stayed on and continued throwing himself into the physical challenges to prove bravery accompanied brilliance, as substitutes were not permitted.

That knee injury was caused by earlier savage challenges in Brazil's first game against Bulgaria and Pele was so disgusted by his treatment that he vowed never to play in another World

Cup - a decision the game was grateful he later reversed.

Brazil's 1970 World Cup win was the pinnacle of Pele's career. He was the focal point of a dream team that has become enshrined in the game's history. Pele may have been the headline act but such names as Rivelino, Jairzinho, Tostao and Gerson, as well as the great captain and leader Carlos Alberto accompanied him.

The image of the shirtless Pele being carried aloft by team-mates and supporters after the World Cup was won in Mexico City is seared on the memory, along with that famous picture of another shirtless embrace with England captain Bobby Moore, a gesture packed with mutual respect, after Brazil's 1-0 group game victory in Guadalajara.

Testimony to Pele's brilliance are two occasions in the 1970 Mexico World Cup when he failed to score - and yet are

Pele dreamt of an African team winning the FIFA World Cup before the year 2000. However, when this failed to happen, he didn’t lose focus. He kept hoping this would happen some day.

He was enthralled by the enormity of talents in the African continent. He loved Nigeria’s play at both the Under-17 and Under-20 tournaments. Super Eagles robust play at USA ’94 further reinforced his belief in Africa. But sadly, that didn’t happen in his lifetime.

Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana and Morocco almost made that happen.

In Qatar 2022 World Cup, Cameroon became the first African nation to beat Brazil at a World Cup tournament; Tunisia scored a victory over reigning champions France; and Morocco became the first African nation to win a group, with seven points to their name and went all the way to the semi final, losing to 2018 finalist Croatia.

Black Stars of Ghana were a penaltykick away from the semi-finals in 2010 in Africa's first World Cup in South Africa but for Luis Suarez’s ‘Hand of Devil’ interference.

With the possibility of more slots for Africa in the next World Cup, what is termed ‘Mission Impossible’ may become real.

In 1966, the African continent boycotted the World Cup in England to send a message to FIFA that it demanded a guaranteed place at the tournament, which it then secured in 1970. Over the next three decades, African teams managed brilliant upsets, including Algeria defeating West Germany, Morocco dispatching Portugal, and Cameroon bludgeoning Argentina (in more ways than one).

Despite this, FIFA continued to drag its feet, awarding African nations only two places in 1982, three in 1994, and then five in 1998.

Friday December 30, 2022

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MISSILE NLC to Nigerians “Every country would rise and fall with its choice of political leadership. We urge our compatriots, especially workers to be very deliberate...identify with party candidates who demonstrate commitment to lighting up the end of the tunnels of economic downturns...we urge Nigerians to rise up to the challenge using the 2023 general polls to elect a leadership that is conscientious, prudent and completely obedient to our demands as a people” –NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, urging Nigerians to liberate themselves from hardship, by voting credible leaders in 2023.

OKEYANUEYIAGU GUEST COLUMNIST

Climate Change, Killer Floods and the Burden of Our Idiocy

I

n recent weeks several flooding disasters have befallen Nigeria, killing hundreds of people and causing wanton destruction to properties, wildlife, farmland, and disrupting and displacing hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people from their homes. Extreme disasters such as these signal a worrying trend, and bring a heavy burden. It is evident that the rise and fall of temperatures, will seemingly make disasters of this nature to continually overlap, with their impacts resulting to high levels of addictiveness.

Scientists all over the world have assessed the overbearing threat of climate change as becoming more and more prevalent, with each occurring disaster compounding the damage of the next. The evidence today is that the severity and frequency of these disasters make it difficult for people to recover in between.

Human nature is made strong by its resilience, but how many disasters upon disasters can it withstand?

Resilience will wear down and begin to drain if these disasters continue to reoccur intermittently, leaving no chance for recovery and rebuilding.

It appears that this issue of climate change is not a part of any form of serious discussions in our country, Nigeria. Very little is being said and, I believe, done in relation to its relevance to us and to the world. For us to underestimate the threat of climate change, is to neglect the exacerbation of this dangerous phenomenon and its devastating impact on human race and the ecosystems.

Without bugging the readers with the intricate scientific, and sometimes overbearing explanation of what climate change is, I will attempt to provide a simplistic and explainable definition for it: Climate change happens when one of the earth’s mechanism for regulating the climate—systems involving the ocean, air, land, ice, water, or trees – are disrupted, setting off a chain reaction involving other such mechanism. These risks to our planet invariably challenge our survival and existence.

It has become abundantly clear that this issue of climate change has always played “last fiddle” to everything else we do in Nigeria, and that if greater attention is not paid to the efforts to reduce carbon emissions by restraining greenhouse gas emissions, amongst other strong variables responsible for climate change, it will be difficult for humanity to continue to exist. Countries such as ours will continue to suffer major damage resulting in loss of lives with consequent disastrous endings, as climate change’s devastating effects are not only issues of the future; they are with us now, and are creeping dangerously into our future.

Many years ago, I began to take long walks and short jogs around my Ikoyi, Lagos neighborhood.

I also rode my racing bicycles on the roads. This was when sidewalks and the roads were safe from the kamikaze okada motorbike riders and from the dangerous criminal elements. I began to notice that after my walks and rides, my eyes will sting and my breathing would be somewhat impaired. It didn’t take me long to realize that what caused these anomalies were the dangerous fumes and emissions from the constant blast of generators and those from the polluted exhaust pipes of the rickety motorbikes and vehicles on our streets. Without any doubt, these are some of the extreme events that are wrecking terrible havoc on our societies and our lives. Is it not surprising that no one has seriously addressed the consequences of these generators, motorbikes and vehicles to our lives? In this negligent ignorance about the need to introduce clean energy usage in our day-to-day activities, not enough catastrophic debacle in our lives? It is now easy to explain why the life-expectancy of Nigerians has drastically dropped, and the reasons for the harrowing sudden deaths that have become the fate of our people lately.

Failure to see or anticipate the devastation caused by these multiple extreme elements is not hypothetical, as all these natural disasters have shown us. From one element to another, these floodings have caused much misery and hardship to our people. The damages from the North to the Middle Belt and into the East and

Buhari Niger Delta regions, have become extremely devastating because of the facts that government agencies have exhausted their financial and personal resources on the previous floods. In addition, government’s lack of foresight and preparedness, coupled with political hostility and discrimination, hampered the already worsened situation.

To ignore the adverse effects of climate change and the attendant killer floods to the generality of the populace, is to not recognize that these extreme events no matter where it occurs across the country, can compound events in other areas. To consider the issue of food security, or the insecurity there from, is a point in hand. What maximizes the chances of simultaneous crop failures due to flooding, increases the odds of national widespread starvation. Conversely, in addition to flooding, major crops can fall and succumb to far-reaching high temperatures and too little water supply, causing massive disruption of food supply that will lead to malnutrition and death.

What has been critically predicted is the question of how our government and our leaders will respond to these disasters. Some suggest that because our government cares less and is less empathetic about the affairs of the people, it is less likely to remember the lessons of past disasters and is often ill prepared to adequately assist. Indeed, in our country that is plagued by multiple disasters, it is evident that our government, as the risks increase, is already inadequately planning on how to respond to these events.

As our country is besieged by a state of permanent crisis from within and without; our democracy in decline, our economy in shambles, our currency in freefall and becoming endangered and an inconvertible instrument, insurgents and terrorists threatening our existence and increasing the risk of a catastrophic disorder, there is, in my opinion, one threat that is as likely as any of these to define the destiny of our country and the world: CLIMATE CHANGE. Without any doubt, the constant disruption to the earth’s climate will invariably and ultimately demand and command more attention and influence on the resources of the entire universe than any other indices and factors.

The available data on the threat of climate change is frightening. Consider the following: The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, now exceeds 410 parts per million, the highest level in 800,000 years. Global average surface temperatures are 1.2 degrees Celsius higher than they were before the Industrial Revolution. From scientific evidence, it is safe to say that the world is in trouble as the maximum temperature increase that will avoid dangerous climate change is two degrees Celsius, and that we are very likely to reach that threshold soon if proactive actions are not taken very soon and rapidly too.

What should frighten us most are the effects of climate change on geopolitics. These weather changes will trigger social and economic upheaval, to the effect that many countries from around the world will be rendered uninhabitable due to rising seas, massive and powerful storms and floods with devastated farmlands and displaced habitations and homes. The big question should be, if Nigeria is aware of these world-historical threats and is prepared to prevent and confront this inevitable and predictable doom? To properly answer this question may require that we study the ways and means by which our government responded to the floods that have devastated our communities and how poorly it has handled these disasters.

Nigeria is not alone in playing the ostrich game with this climate change issue. The extent of global politics that surround this issue is bewildering. Between the United States, China and most European countries, nations with large populations and valuable infrastructure that are largely vulnerable to the destruction that come with climate change, there seem to be an unusual disconnect with the stark realities of this dilemma.

However, these countries unlike Nigeria and other poor countries are rich and prosperous enough that they can respond better and cope with the high costs of repairing and restoring the damages caused by these disasters. My fear is that the attitude of waiting to cure rather than preventing these occurrences will cause the world to divert resources that it could use in developing and feeding the universe to areas of wasteful spending. In this case, it becomes imperative that the ways most countries respond to the effects of climate change may sometimes become more consequential than the effects of the disaster themselves.

There are several choices that various governments around the world can make to control climate change and curb the disastrous results, if political wrangling and debates will become less contentious, less sharper and less explicit. Disagreements over the pressure to restrict the use of fossil fuels versus those trying to mandate the use of biofuels, will increasingly prove immensely destabilizing. Countries will come to play politics with this issue. Recall that America’s former President Donald Trump in 2017 withdrew from the Paris climate agreement, prompting many other countries, including China, France, India, United Kingdom and Germany to respond by embracing the deal with more zeal and commitment.

I have tried without success to find out where our country stands on the issue of climate change, considering the fact that it has become a salient issue in global politics that demand quick action. Are we just onlookers, or a country lacking the requisite initiative and leadership to meet this issue headon? Have we no voice in this effort of finding our own local solutions to this impending and an all-assured doom?

Climate change and many other factors are responsible for the pain visited on Nigerians regularly by floodings, extreme weather conditions, erosions and other disastrous impacts of nature. With more than 1000 deaths and well over a million people displaced by flood this year, the quantum of this national disaster has reached an alarming level of calamity and concern. From Lokoja, Ogbaru, Bayelsa to many other parts of Nigeria, floods have displaced, submerged and cutoff many communities causing total unimaginable havoc. The effects of these events can only be imagined.

Once these massive floodings happened, the usual speculative blame-games began. Some said it was the result of improper town planning, poor disposal of waste and blocked natural water channels, failure of government to complete the receptor dam at the Mambila plateau that ought to be a check for flooding downstream from the River Benue. Others blame other man-made problems from deforestation to wanton negligent behaviour to our environment.

The indolence on our part for laying these blames everywhere, and the convenience of generally exculpating us from the complicity of this menace without doing the right things must be discouraged. For us to continue to produce fossil fuels through the indiscriminate extraction

of petroleum products, and the negligent flaring of gas, and our persistent deforestation of our forests and other thriving vegetations by the felling of trees with careless abandon, we are willingly inviting anarchy to our land. When we fail to do things as simply as replenish these trees by planting new ones, we consciously abuse nature, and nature will definitely come back with vengeance to abuse and destroy us and our existence.

At the recent 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, it was obvious that the world has politicized its position on trying to implement the accords of the Paris Agreement to contain the rise of global temperature as greenhouse gas emissions grow alarmingly.

At this Conference, our country’s notoriety for cluelessness at all spheres of endeavours came up with a “clever” proposition called debt-for-climate swap, a shadowy intervention attempt at reducing our over bloated debt burden. This “creative” argument by our government is an agenda that argues that debt for climate swaps is a type of debt swap that allows for bilateral or multilateral debt to be forgiven by creditors in exchange for a commitment by the debtor for enabling the use of the outstanding debt service payments for national climate change actions programmes.

This (dis)ingenious proposition by our government remains ambiguous, as the creditors may be wondering what they will benefit from forgiving our recklessness and profligacy in borrowing to save us from our own ravaging weather induced catastrophes. Our government’s proposal and its uselessness must worry us, as it portrays our idiocy in this game of Climate Change and the mess we find ourselves. We do not have to beg for debt forgiveness before we will abide by protocols planned and designed to save us and the world.

At the end of the COP27 Conference in Egypt, the nations of the world agreed to help pay for the damage an overheating world is inflicting on poor countries in a scheme called the loss and damage compensation.

Although this Conference failed to address the root cause of these disasters — the burning of fossil fuel, the establishment of this fund for loss and damage, if it will materialize, will be an equitable justice for the poorer nations who have been made to bear the dire consequences of the pollutant industrialized nations.

What should worry us more, is that science has warned us that the world has only nine years to avert climate catastrophe if our irresponsibilities toward the issue of pollution do not stop. As our politicians and those seeking power gallivant our land and bicker over issues of insecurity, hunger and other pressing national issues, not much is heard from them in their talks and agenda about the most important matter plaguing the world today; global warming, and the dangerous outlook it portends for our communities as the ecosystems’ ability to adapt gets very ominous. Very soon, these politicians may well be presiding over a country swallowed by ravaging floods, electrical grid lines that are overwhelmed by overbearing heat, and farmlands famished by devastating droughts. These issues will becloud and thwart the implementation of our already labyrinthine economic and social development plans for the country.

Our government will have to build a system that allows climate change issues to take centre stage in our national affairs by using means not only of compartmentalizing it, but also cooperating with other nations on issues in which our fates are linked. This effort must replicate the actions taken in combating the pandemic. This process needs to advance further, as governments and all the relevant agencies will have to coordinate with subnational units, private organizations, and nongovernmental establishments to create an order that will better forecast and deal with the deadly effects of the cataclysmic climate change.

•Dr. Okey Anueyiagu, a Political Economist, writes from Ikoyi Lagos

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