MONDAY 30TH DECEMBER 2024

Jimmy Carter, Oldest Former US President Ever, Dies at 100

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Former United States President, Jimmy Carter, hitherto the oldest-living former leader of the country, yesterday passed on at the age of 100.

A Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal, a CNN report characterised Carter as redefining post-presidential service in America.

The Carter Center said the 39th US president died in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family, while the White House had been notified of the passing. Carter had been in home hospice

care since February 2023 after a series of short hospital stays. He became the oldest living former president when he surpassed the record held by the late George H.W. Bush in March 2019.

Carter, a Democrat, served a single term from 1977 to 1981, losing a reelection bid to Ronald Reagan. Despite his notable achievements as

a peacemaker, Carter’s presidency is largely remembered as an unfulfilled four years shaken by blows to America’s economy and standing overseas. His most enduring legacy, though, might be as a globetrotting elder statesman and human rights pioneer during an indefatigable 43-year “retirement.”

Carter’s wife, Rosalynn, died in November 2023. They had been inseparable during their 77-year marriage, and after she passed away, the former president said in a statement that “as long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”

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National Assembly May Pass 2025 Budget Latest First Week of February...

www.thisdaylive.com

I Brought You Back to Life, Wike Tells Odili

Asserts an elder statesman shouldn't always be a trader, sycophant Says he didn’t invite Obasanjo to commission projects in Rivers in order not to embarrass Odili

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday, went head-to-head with a former governor of Rivers State, and his estranged benefactor, Dr. Peter Odili, saying he brought

Odili back to life, after his retirement into oblivion. Wike, the immediate past governor of the state, warned that

as an elder statesman, Odili should not be a trader and sycophant all the time. He said he had shown immense respect to Odili all along,

including refusing to invite former President Olusegun Obasanjo to commission projects in the state when he was governor, just to

embarrassing Odili. A statement by his Senior

Wale Edun: High-level Trip to S’Arabia Yielding Foreign Investment, FX Inflows

Nigeria needs to mobilise $8.82tn to hit planned $4tn economy by 2035, says NESG

Seeks export diversification, digital transformation Says rising inflation limiting nation's capacity to save Avers Nigerians currently spending 80% of earnings on food, transport

Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, yesterday disclosed that Nigeria’s recent economic diplomacy efforts to Saudi Arabia had started yielding reasonable benefits, including investments, foreign exchange inflows, and job creation for the country.

Edun had led a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia to follow up on the president’s earlier engagements with the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Edun, who spoke with newsmen after a brief meeting with President Bola Tinubu, stressed "What we have brought back is investment. What we have brought back is foreign exchange. What we have brought back are jobs for Nigerians"

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L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede; Founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Are Babalola; Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; and Director of Nursing Services, ABUAD Multi-system Hospital, Dr. Florence Olukolade, at the visit of the state’s eminent indigenes to the nonagenarian at the university complex in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Saturday

National Assembly May Pass 2025 Budget Latest First Week of February

To receive panel report end of January Meets Edun, Bagudu, DG Budget, others, January 7 Joint NASS appropriation sub-committees to scrutinise MDAs’ estimates, January 8-15

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

All things being equal, the National Assembly may pass the 2025 budget in the first week of February, a competent source has said.

Senate spokesperson, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, hinting on the passage, explained that the joint committee on appropriation of the two chambers of the National Assembly would present their report on the N49.7 trillion 2025 Appropriation

WALE EDUN:

These efforts, the minister explained, are part of the administration’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment, trade partnerships, and financial collaborations.

Highlighting a key achievement, Edun referenced the Saudi Agricultural Livestock Investment Company’s (SALIC) recent $1.2 billion investment in Olam Agri Holdings, which he described as a testament to the president’s reforms and the stabilisation of Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment.

He added: "This type of transaction reflects the success of Mr. President’s strategy. It demonstrates

Bill for consideration and approval on January 31. The fiscal legislation was laid before the joint session of the federal legislature by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, December 18.

The red and the green chambers, at their separate plenary sessions on December 19, passed the money bill for second reading after the federal lawmakers debated its general principles.

The National Assembly subsequently

the confidence global investors have in the steps being taken to attract and encourage such investments".

Besides, Edun stressed that the investments translate into direct job creation for Nigerians, as Saudi Arabia’s focus on investing abroad does not include exporting its own labour force. "Clearly, where they invest, that is jobs for Nigerians," he maintained.

He also stressed the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce inflation, particularly food inflation, through initiatives like dry-season farming, aimed at ensuring a bountiful harvest and lower food prices.

“Every effort is being made to

adjourned plenary to January 14, to enable the legislators to celebrate Christmas and New Year in their various constituencies.

The development came barely 24 hours after the president laid the estimates before the National Assembly.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had before the upper chamber adjourned plenary on December 18, asked the Committee on Appropriation in the red chamber to work on the budget proposal within four weeks.

bring down the price of food and the cost of living for the average Nigerian,” Edun stated.

The delegation to Saudi Arabia included representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Presidential Economic Coordination Council.

The visit built on the president's economic diplomacy efforts, which have taken him to various global capitals, including Brazil, China, India, Germany, and France.

According to Edun: "The proof of the pudding is in the eating. When you see jobs being created and Nigeria’s foreign reserves

I BROUGHT YOU BACK TO LIFE, WIKE TELLS ODILI

Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said Wike dropped the firestorm yesterday at a Special Thanksgiving Service organised by Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Oro-Igwe/Eliogbolo Archdeaconry Church of the Holy Spirit, Eliozu Parish, Port Harcourt.

The no-holds-barred riposte on Odili was in response to the latter's praises for Governor Siminalayi Fubara for stopping Wike from converting Rivers State to his private fiefdom.

The FCT minister said it was unfortunate for Odili, who was supposed to be seen as an elder statesman and called a father, to reduce himself to a sycophant and trader.

He stated, "Must you be a trader all the time? As governor for eight years, what else are you looking for? You know, I didn't want to say anything. But somebody called me last night, and told me what someone said in the social media.

“I said until I read it myself. This morning, I read in the newspapers what our former governor, Sir Dr Peter Odili, said. What did he say? He said the present governor has been able to stop one man who wanted to convert Rivers State to his personal estate.

"Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State to his personal estate? His wife is a Chairman of Governing Council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge and he is the general overseer.

“Who has now turned Rivers State to his private estate? I am sure if care is not taken, if there is a chance, he can even arrange a marriage for the governor.

"It was his nephew, his late senior brother's son, that was recommended for commissioner. He took the slot and gave it to his own daughter. Someone who didn't remember to stand for the son of his late elder brother, is that an elder statesman?"

The FCT minister said it was painful that Odili, out of political sycophancy, forgot all that he had said in the past. He stated that when he was governor, the same Odili had praised him to high

heaven, and said all past governors in Rivers State combined did not do better than him (Wike).

According to Wike, "In 2007 after he left office, he couldn't come near power in the state because Amaechi was the governor then. He was gone!

"Like somebody said that God will use someone to lift up someone. When I came in as governor in 2015, I won't use the word resurrected, but I brought him back to life.

"All of us know about PAMO University. But for us, there wouldn't have been anything called PAMO University. Rivers State was sponsoring 100 students per session and for every semester, each of the students was paying nothing less than N5 million. Then, Rivers people were attacking me up and down.

"I personally called Julius Berger to build a mansion for him to live. He was calling everyone to the house then, telling them, ‘come and see what Wike has done for me. Wike has shown me love.’ He was taking them round the house.

"Now, because you have organised a Christmas Carol for the governor, I didn't say you should not do your Christmas Carol. But why reduce yourself to such a laughing stock? People will still see it on television how he was telling the whole world then how God used me to bring him back to life politically.

"Why not do your Christmas Carol, collect what you can collect and leave me alone? The governor that all of us made has not spent one year in office and the same Odili was already saying that the governor has beaten the records of all the past governors of Rivers State.

"When I was there, he said I had surpassed the records of all the past governors, including himself. What can he even show that he did in his eight years as governor?

But a governor has not spent one year, you are saying he has done more than all the past governors.

"You spent eight years as governor and someone who hasn't spent one year has surpassed your records, what manner of elder talks like that? Is that what an elder statesman should be known for?

"When I was governor, my

pictures were everywhere in his house. Sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, even in the toilet, my picture was everywhere. But today, all the pictures have been removed."

Wike asked what could be learned from such a sycophantic elder statesman.

"What can I learn from this kind of elder? What kind of advice can one get from him? This moment you are saying something; the next moment you are saying something else,” he stated.

"You see, if your children begin to ask you, is this not the same man you were praising before? What would you tell them?"

The minister also weighed in on the River State governorship issue, saying, "When I was plotting who will be governor after me, was he (Odili) there?

“Then, he was complaining about this governor, saying that he couldn't stand before

Akpabio also informed his colleagues that they might be recalled from their holiday if the need arose.

Investigation by THISDAY in Abuja, yesterday, revealed that the leadership of the National Assembly had met and designed a timetable that would enable it pass the budget in the first week of February 2025.

A copy of the timetable sent to each of the lawmakers, and sighted by THISDAY, also revealed that the joint National Assembly Committee

being added to, that is success all Nigerians can understand.”

The visit is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s burgeoning relationship with Saudi Arabia and unlock more opportunities for economic growth and collaboration.

Also, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), one of the country's foremost economic think-tanks, has proposed that if Africa's most populous nation must achieve its proposed $4 trillion nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035, it must mobilise a total of $8.82 trillion.

The organisation stated this in its H2, 2024 Economic and Policy

the public to talk. But today, he is organising Christmas Carol for the same governor he was against then.

"He has forgotten all that he said in the past. I named this after you, I named that after your wife. What have I not done? You said we should not be part of the government, we have left.

“We are managing, you have taken assembly money, they are not dying of hunger and they will not die of hunger. We are okay. I'm focusing on my job in Abuja and all these sycophancy won't take him to the level I have attained.

"This is a man who wanted to run for president then, he didn't have the balls, he chickened out. Simply because Obasanjo said no, he will not contest, he ran away. Because of him, I never invited Obasanjo to Rivers State to commission projects. I felt it will humiliate him."

on Appropriations would meet with Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, on January 7, 2025 at 2pm.

The meeting would also be attended by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, among others.

The floor would then be opened for the heads of the various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs)

Review (EPR) tagged: “ Achieving Economic Transformation in Nigeria.”

Besides, the group noted that the ambition to hit $4 trillion in nominal GDP by 2035 in Nigeria should serve as a bedrock to achieving a sustained double-digit real GDP growth rate over the next decade until 2035, which should be in the range of 10 per cent to 15 per cent per annum.

It argued that Nigeria remains at a crossroads, brimming with potential, yet grappling with the complexities of its historical socioeconomic performance, stressing that although endowed with abundant human capital and vast economic resources, Nigeria's current position on critical socio-economic indicators has not been impressive.

By 2035, the NESG pointed out that Nigeria's economy is poised to rank among the top 15 global economies, with a per capita income of $14,041.5, thereby propelling the country into the high-income category globally.

Endowed with substantial human capital and economic resources, Nigeria, it said, has historically faced suboptimal socio-economic performance, with critical macroeconomic and social indicators underscoring the compelling need for a thorough and all-encompassing rejuvenation of the economy.

According to the NESG, the impetus behind achieving a $4 trillion economy by 2035 is rooted in the acknowledgement of Nigeria's immense potential, abundant resources, and the necessity to expedite economic development to meet the burgeoning demands of its populace.

“Expanding from less than

of the federal government and their accounting officers to defend their budget estimates before the joint appropriation sub-committees of the federal legislature. The exercise, according to the timetable, would take place from January 8 to January 15, 2025. It revealed that the laying, presentation, and possible approval of the report by the appropriation committee would be on January 31, 2025, and subsequently passed first week in February.

a $500 billion economy to a $4 trillion GDP by 2035 has cost implications. Over the next 10-13 years, the Nigerian economy needs to mobilise a cumulative total of $8.82 trillion.

“This comprises 18.8 per cent or $1.66 trillion of investment directly from the government, specifically on capital and infrastructure investment. The remaining 81.2 per cent or $7.16 trillion will be mobilised through the private sector, comprising existing and new capital accumulation and domestic and foreign investment flow.

“As such, the government needs to spend $185.16 billion and mobilise $841.00 billion in private investment over the next four years (2024-2027) to set the pace for a transformed economy. Subsequently, the government needs to spend $501,46 billion and mobilise $2.24 trillion in private investment between 2028-2031. In the following cycle (2032-2035), the government must spend $957.04 billion while mobilising $4,05 trillion in private investment.

“On average, the government has to spend $138.49 billion annually to achieve the envisioned $4 trillion GDP by 2035. With a cumulative funding need of $8.82 trillion within the next 10-13 years and an average of $737,16 billion annually, financing Nigeria's $4 trillion GDP by 2023 appears daunting, however, not impossible,” it stated in the report. In an era characterised by rapid global economic changes, digital disruptions, and evolving geopolitical dynamics, Nigeria's vision for 2035, NESG stressed, is set against a backdrop of formidable

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JIMMY CARTER, OLDEST FORMER US PRESIDENT EVER, DIES AT 100

The former president attended his wife’s memorial events, including a private burial and a televised tribute service in Atlanta, where he was seated in the front row in a reclined wheelchair. He did not deliver any remarks.

Carter took office in 1977 with the earnest promise to lead a government as “good and honest and decent and compassionate and filled with love as are the American people” following what had started as an unlikely long-shot bid for the Democratic Party’s nomination.

The Southerner with a flashing smile did enjoy significant successes, particularly abroad. He forged a rare, enduring Middle East peace deal between Israel and Egypt that stands to this day, formalised President Richard Nixon’s opening to communist China and put human rights at the center of US foreign policy.

But Carter was ultimately felled by a 444-day hostage crisis in Iran, in which revolutionary students flouted the US superpower by holding dozens of Americans in Tehran. The feeling of US malaise triggered by the crisis was exacerbated by Carter’s domestic struggles, including a sluggish economy, inflation and an energy crisis, the CNN report added.

At times, Carter’s principled moral tone and determination to strip the presidency of ostentation, such as

by selling the official yacht, Sequoia, seemed to verge on sanctimony. But out of office, Carter won admiration by living his values. Just a day after one of several falls he suffered in 2019, he was back out building homes for Habitat for Humanity, even with an ugly black eye and 14 stitches — and teaching Sunday school as he had done several hundreds of times.

The devout Southern Baptist’s life’s work was only just beginning when he limped out of the White House, humiliated by Reagan’s 1980 Republican landslide, in which the incumbent won only six states and the District of Columbia.

“As one of the youngest of former presidents, I expected to have many useful years ahead of me,” Carter wrote in his 1982 memoir, “Keeping Faith.” He proved as good as his word, going on to become a humanitarian icon, perhaps more popular outside the United States than he was at home.

Over four decades, Carter, Rosalynn and his Atlanta-based organisation monitored hot-spot elections, negotiated with despots, battled poverty and homelessness, fought disease and epidemics, and promoted public health in the developing world.

In the process, Carter did nothing less than reinvent the concept of the post-presidency, blazing a philanthropic

path since adopted by successors such as Bill Clinton and, in Africa, George W. Bush, the global television network wrote.

His efforts on behalf of his Carter Center, founded to “wage peace, fight disease and build hope,” yielded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Even into old age, Carter remained a polarizing political figure. He was an uneasy member of the ex-presidents’ club, sometimes frustrating successors like Clinton and criticising the foreign policies of George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and of US allies such as Israel.

In recent years, he came full circle as he warned of the corrosive impact on American politics of a scandal-plagued White House — just as he did when his critique of the Nixon era helped him beat the disgraced Republican ex-president’s unelected successor, Gerald Ford, in 1976. (After Carter left office, he and Ford became close friends.)

In September 2019, Carter warned Americans against reelecting President Donald Trump. “I think it will be a disaster to have four more years of Trump,” he said.

After losing reelection, his work at the Carter Center became a great consolation. The ex-president said in a moving news conference detailing a cancer diagnosis in August 2015 that being president had been the highlight

of his political career, even if it ended prematurely.

Carter also said at that August news conference that marrying Rosalynn was the “pinnacle” of his life. He is survived by four children — Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy — 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, according to the Carter Center.

In April 2021, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden visited the Carters at their home in Plains, after the former presidential couple was unable to travel to Washington for the 46th president’s inauguration.

A statement released last night by the Carter Centre quoted Chip Carter, one of his children as saying: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.

“My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending.

Akpabio

NCSP: Renewal of Currency Swap with China, Landmark Achievement

of Present Administration

Oyintiloye: Tinubu's economic policies will yield results in 2025

Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) said with the renewal of the currency swap arrangement with China valued at 15 billion yuan (about $2.2 billion), the administration of President Bola Tinubu had secured a significant milestone in Nigeria's economic development. Director-General and global liaison for NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this on Sunday. Tegbe said the landmark deal strengthened economic ties between the two nations, facilitated bilateral trade and investment, reduced reliance on the US dollar, and mitigated financial risks.

Relatedly, a chieftain of APC in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said the various economic policies of Tinubu will yield positive results in 2025.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said the challenges the policies had caused

were temporary.

Tegbe stated the swap arrangement with China, worth N3.28 trillion, was a testament to the growing relationship between Nigeria and China, with trade value hitting N7.38 trillion as of June 2024.

The deal makes China Nigeria's number one trading partner, and the partnership is expected to boost

SERAP Wants Tinubu, Shettima, Governors to Disclose Declared Assets

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to publicly disclose his declared assets.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP also urged Tinubu to encourage Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, governors, and National Assembly leaders to do the same.

According to SERAP, Tinubu’s immediate action to ask the CCB to release his assets, along with urging other government officials to follow suit, would promote transparency, public trust, and accountability.

The organization praised the president for mentioning in his first Presidential Media Chat that he might request the CCB to release his asset declaration.

However, SERAP emphasized that the president should take swift action. They pointed out that if Tinubu follows through quickly on his intentions, it would carry greater weight and show a serious commitment to transparency.

The organization also stressed the damaging effects of secrecy around the asset declarations of public officials. SERAP argued that this secrecy has contributed significantly to corruption within the government at all levels.

“We welcome your reported decision to consider asking the CCB to publish your assets as a significant

development and a signal of your intent, willingness, and commitment to show leadership on this important matter of public interest,” SERAP stated.

The organization added that making asset declarations public would help reduce corruption and promote trust in the government.

Additionally, SERAP linked the issue of transparency to a Supreme Court ruling from July 11, 2024, which barred state governors from misappropriating local government funds.

The group urged President Tinubu to enforce this ruling in order to prevent corruption and ensure that funds meant for local governments are used appropriately for public services.

The statement also highlighted

the need for transparency and accountability at the state and local government levels.

SERAP urged the president to take immediate steps to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling and hold governors accountable if they continue to defy the court’s decision.

“Corruption is one of the greatest challenges to improving Nigeria’s democracy and rebuilding a transparent, accountable, and participatory system of governance.

One way corrupt politicians perpetuate corruption is through hiding assets,” the organization concluded.

SERAP hopes that these recommendations will guide the president in asking the CCB to publish his assets and encouraging other officials to do the same."

Economic Sabotage: Army Arrests Eight Oil Thieves, Recovers 90,000 Litres of Stolen Products

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies have arrested eight suspects allegedly involved in illegal bunkering and oil refining in parts of the Niger Delta region.

This is as the troops has also dismantled 20 illegal refining sites, deactivated 21 boats used to commit the crime and recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen products in the area.

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah, revealed the achievements were recorded between December 23 to 29, 2024.

Danjuma who noted the troops have sustained the onslaught against economic sabotuers in the region,

said the operatives discovered a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat with over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates, following tip off on illegal activities around Buguma area in Asari-Toru LGA.

The Army spokesperson revealed that "At Ogajiama axis of Buguma/ Bakana general area, also in AsariToru LGA, troops had gun duel with the criminal elements, who fled due to superior firepower.

"Also, an illegal refining site, one big pot and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were handled appropriately.

“This was in addition to three locally made boats intercepted in the area in the process of loading crude from an abandoned wellhead."

He said during the operation, three suspected oil thieves were arrested.

According to him, "around Krakrama Community in Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites, four fibre and three wooden boats were intercepted respectively as well as about 2,000 litres of stolen crude handled.

"At Gbede in Omoku, one illegal refining site, 27 locally made ovens, 31 sacks loaded with over 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated, while at Odagwa - Imo Riverside in Etche LGA, one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat and over 3,500 litres of stolen products were recovered".

Danjuma further stated that the troops recovered seven illegal refining

sites, Six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers and over 10,000 litres of stolen products at the fringe of Imo Rivers.

Similarly, in Bayelsa State, at Biseni Forest in Yenagoa LGA, it was gathered that one illegal refining site was dismantled with about 8,000 litres of stolen confiscated.

It was further gathered that troops also uncovered an attempt at vandalising one of the inactive Shell Petroleum Development Company's flowlines at Well 20 by unknown persons at Opukushi general area in Ekeremor LGA.

In Akwa Ibom State, the troops intercepted eleven 280 litre drums loaded with about 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Enwang II in Mbo LGA.

bilateral trade and investment, and create new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Tegbe said the currency swap agreement was a crucial step towards achieving the goals, and it signified a deeper financial collaboration between the central banks of the two countries, enhanced financial market stability, and provided businesses with more financing options and convenience.

He added that by enabling direct settlement of transactions in CNY and NGN, Nigerian businesses will benefit from lower transaction costs and reduced exchange rate risks.

He said the establishment of NCSP had been instrumental in fostering bilateral relations and promoting partnerships between the two nations.

He said it underscored the premium the president placed on comprehensive strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China.

Oyintiloye said although the unavoidable reforms in the economy had started yielding positive results, Nigerians would feel the full impact in 2025.

According to him, Nigeria is currently navigating significant economic changes prompted by a series of bold reforms introduced by the president.

Oyintiloye, who commended Nigerians for their patience amid the rise in the cost of living, said

2025 would be a year of positive harvest of the Tinubu government’s economic policies. He said the rewards of the removal of petrol subsidy and floating of the naira, which caused temporary discomfort for Nigerians in the outgoing year, would put smiles on their faces in 2025.

Oyintiloye further explained that the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol was a positive signal that 2025 would have a positive economic outlook.

He said given the positive indicators in other sectors, Nigerians will have reasons to celebrate in 2025.

Oyintiloye stated, "Presently, President Tinubu’s economic reforms have triggered a dramatic surge in revenue allocation from federation accounts to various states, which allows them to deliver bigger dividends of development to Nigerians.

"Also, in response to Nigeria’s escalating economic challenges, the president approved a $2.25 billion injection into the economy.

"This funding, sourced from the World Bank, aims to enhance revenue and support economic reforms amid the severe cost-of-living crisis.

"As part of a rapid stabilisation and development strategy, this urgent financial assistance is intended to revive the economy quickly.

Dele Farotimi Appreciates Nigerians, Says They All Spoke for Him Despite Fault Lines

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has thanked Nigerians for standing by him during his time in prison, regardless of his tribe or religion.

Farotimi was remanded by the Ekiti State magistrate court in AdoEkiti court for 21 days after he was accused of “criminally defaming” Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a book titled: ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.

He regained his freedom on December 24, after being granted bail of N30 million by the court.

In a social media interview following his release, Farotimi broke down in tears while thanking Nigerians who rallied support for him.

“We stopped being humans because we became Nigerians. They divided us and we fell for it. Because you would not see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me.

“You would not see me as a Christian, you spoke for me. Because you spoke, Nigeria could not happen to me. You found your voices, I became you and in our collective, we could not be silenced,” he said.

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) had rejected a request by Emmanuel Chambers, Afe Babalola’s law firm, to debar Farotimi for alleged unethical conduct.

Isaq Bello, chairman of the LPDC, said the allegations pertained to Farotimi’s role as an author and not his practice as a lawyer.

COURTESY VISIT...

Recapitalisation: Analysts Predict Credit Boost to Economy in 2025

CPPE seeks policy to narrow profitability disparity between real, financial sectors, urges CBN to loosen monetary tightening stance

James Emejo in Abuja and Dike

Onwuamaeze in Lagos

Analysts yesterday predicted a boost in credit to the economy by banks and well as major boost to economic activities next year.

The analysts' optimism stemmed from recent successes in the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation programme.

They also called for measures to narrow the high profitability gap between operators in the financial services and real sectors of the economy.

The analysts further advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to soften its monetary tightening stance to support investment growth and job creation.

Access Bank Plc recently emerged as first the Deposit Money Bank (DMB) to scale Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)'s new minimum

capital requirements of N500 billion for commercial banks with international authorisation.

This followed that announcement by Access Holdings Plc that it has secured full regulatory approvals of the apex bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of its recently closed Right Issue, raising a total of N351.01 billion which was the target amount.

In a statement, the Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, said the success from the capital mobilisation had positioned the company's flagship subsidiary, Access Bank, as the first bank to meet the CBN's minimum capital threshold well ahead of the March 31, 2026 regulatory deadline.

There are further indications that other financial institutions are making steady progress towards satisfying the capital requirements in different categories.

Reacting to the development in

Otti to Create Additional LGAs, Provide Rural Water Supply in 2025

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has initiated plans to increase the number of local government areas in the state, saying it has become imperative for "administrative convenience and efficient service delivery".

He dropped the hint weekend at Awomukwu Ikwuano Local Government Area, at a civic exception organised by Awomukwu Think Tank Forum in honour of their two illustrious sons, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, and Chief Davidson Alaribe. Ubani was among the set of accomplished lawyers raised to the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) while Alaribe was earlier in the year inaugurated as the 60th (Diamond) President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Responding to the address by the Ikwuano people and the requests therein, Governor Otti said that increasing the number of local government areas in Abia "is very critical" hence he has taken it as "a major project". Presently, Nigeria's subnational governments are not constitutional empowered to create local governments but several states have navigated

around the impediment by creating Development Centres (DCs).

Abia is composed of 17 local government areas and it appears Otti might toe the line carving out development centres, saying that he would "see how we can restructure the state" for better service delivery.

He explained that some local government areas in Abia "are so big" to be split in two or more to drive efficiency in grassroots administration.

"If you know the geographical structure of this state, you will know that Ikwuano is one of those local government areas that should not be one," Otti said, adding that "we are going to do everything possible to ensure that the right thing is done".

But he was quick to point out that splitting the LGAs would not in any way amount to "an attempt to divide the people", stressing that the exercise "is just for administrative convenience".

Governor Otti pledged to fix the Ariam-Usaka Road and other important roads in Ikwuano Local Government Area, reiterating that "once elections are over, governance sets in".

He stated his readiness to work with all elected political office holders irrespective of political platforms in order to bring development to Abia.

separate interviews with THISDAY, analysts said the progress in capital mobilisation was an affirmation that despite all odds, investors' confidence remained high in the economy.

Speaking to THISDAY,

Nigeria’s first Professor of Capital Market/pioneer President, Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said the development, "It speaks to the resilience of the Nigerian economy and the elastic nature of the capital market to meet the needs of issuers whether corporates or the government.

"It's equally an affirmation that despite all odds, investors' confidence in the economy is still high."

The Founder/Chief Executive Director, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, also called on the apex bank to soften its monetary tightening stance to support investment growth and job creation in the economy.

In his Nigeria 2024 Economic Review and 2025 Outlook, Yusuf also said, "There is a need for appropriate policy measures to correct the huge disparity in the profitability between the real economy and the financial

economy.

“There is also a progressive crowding out of the real economy in the financial markets.

“The implication is that sectors with high job creation potentials and prospects for economic inclusion are still struggling.

"This situation needs to be reversed to fix the current high unemployment and reduce poverty.”

He pointed out that huge disparities in the growth of financial services and the rest of the economy are reflections of the growing decoupling of the financial services sector from the real economy.

He said, “It is a significant sign of dysfunctional economy, which deserves the urgent attention of policy makers.

“The current reality is that investing in financial instruments has become much more profitable than investing in the real economy. The risk is also very low.

“This is not consistent with our economic aspirations as it is a major disincentive to real sector investment.

Also, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke

Ekechukwu, said, "It also means that 2025 will have better traction when other Deposit Money Banks come on board. It will bring a lot of loanable funds to the system."

He said, "I was very hopeful that many Deposit Money Banks would meet their capitalisation in good time.

Meeting of N500 billion capitalisation by Access Bank is a good indication that it is possible for other banks."

Managing Director/Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, said the recapitalisation of banks was a major determinant of how the Nigerian economy can achieve the trillion dollar benchmark and remain competitive in Africa and the world.

He said, "The success of Access Bank in being the first bank to meet the N500 billion recapitalisation for commercial banks with international authorisation is a testament to the robust nature of Nigeria's economy and the promise it holds as we set for 2025.

"The recapitalisation of banks is a major determinant of how our economy can achieve the trillion dollar benchmark and be a very competitive

economy in Africa and the world.

"Despite global headwinds, the Nigerian economy has been able to weather the storm in the past years.

"The global economic challenges also affected our economic growth potential but with more home grown policies we can emerge as a growing economy in the coming years."

However, citing developments in the country’s sectoral economic growth in 2024, CPPE director, noted that the service sector has continued to dominate the sectoral growth performance for most part of the year.

“In Q3 2024, the financial services sector outperformed other sectors with a growth performance of 32 per cent. Insurance grew by 19.8 per cent road transport grew by 17.9 per cent and rail transportation 19.7 per cent.

"However, real sector growth remained subdued during the year with agriculture posting a GDP growth of 1.14 per cent and manufacturing, 0.92 per cent in the third quarter of 2024 while quarry and minerals, petroleum refining and textile sector remained in recession as at third quarter of 2024."

Ogbuku: NDDC Investing in Digital Learning to Unlock Untapped Potential Future for N'Delta

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has explained that the Commission is investing in digital learning because it holds the key to unlocking untapped potential and shaping the future of the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku, made the assertion during an interactive session with journalists at the NDDC’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State.

The NDDC boss stated that the Commission was determined to harness the power of technology to build a brighter future for the Niger Delta, where every child would have the tools and opportunities to succeed.

He remarked that the NDDC, in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched a large-scale digital education initiative aimed at distributing 45,000 U-Lesson tablets

to primary and secondary schools across the nine states in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.

According to Ogbuku, the initiative was aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in the Niger Delta region through the distribution of U-Lesson tablets and software designed to improve student literacy and learning outcomes.

He stated: “The initiative fosters a conducive learning environment by integrating digital learning resources. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which emphasises the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education.

“This approach aims to empower students, ensuring they have the tools to excel academically and compete globally.

“It is all about being pragmatic and positioning our region for the future. Digital education came to the forefront during the outbreak of the

Coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19.

“The pandemic taught us that interpersonal learning will be a thing of the past very soon. During the COVID-19 period, churches were functioning through online platforms.

“We want the children growing up to be able to use computers and other digital devices for learning. We realise that some of our students sent outside the country for postgraduate studies struggle with the highly computerised modern society.

“That is why we are investing more in educating our students on digital learning.”

He noted that education is improving, and even "our phones are always on software upgrades.

Education is also being improved to meet the present reality of our society so that students can compete with others when they leave our country.”

Ogbuku explained further that the U-Lesson software was tailored to the Nigerian educational framework, noting

that it featured an offline video library, allowing students to access educational content without internet connectivity.

The NDDC boss stated: “This digital tool complements traditional face-to-face instruction, empowering students to master their materials and excel in tests and examinations.

“We believe that every student in our region deserves a quality education, and we are committed to providing the resources necessary to make this a reality.”

Speaking on the NDDC Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme, Ogbuku observed that 2,700 students from the Niger Delta had benefitted from the scheme since its inception in 2010.

He said: “We have made educational development and human capacity building our key policy thrust. The previous negative narrative of the NDDC is changing due to the conscious and sustained efforts to chart a new course of development for the region".

L-R: Chairman, CAVISTA Holdings Limited, Mr. John Olajide; Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; Owa Ajero of ljero-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole; and Chief Financial Officer, CAVISTA Holdings, Mr. Niran Olajide, during a visit to the Ooni at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti...recently

NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS BALLAD...

2O24: Nigerians Lament High Food Prices, Cost of Medication, Hopeful for 2025

As inflation bites, patients seek alternative treatment sources Sokoto residents urge Tinubu to review economic policies Traders lament crash in value of naira Want govt to tackle insecurity, deteriorating state of roads

Our correspondents

As 2024 fades into the sunset, it will be an understatement that has been a tough all-round year for Nigerians, especially on the back of economic reforms embarked upon by the President Bola Tinubu administration, which took over the reins of governance on May 29, 2023. Although characterised as bold by both Nigerian and foreign policy analysts, these major economic changes have had a massive impact on Nigerians. Headline inflation has rocketed to 34.6 per cent and food inflation has reached a record 39.93 per cent in the November 2024 circle recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

From Nigeria's far-flung Sokoto to oil-rich Rivers state, from Anambra in the east to Ondo in the south, the effects of these unprecedented economic changes have altered the way Nigerians live, and some would say, have deepened the level of poverty in the country.

The Tinubu administration has deregulated the downstream oil sector, basically subjecting it to the vicissitudes of free market forces. This had led to an increase in the all-important petrol from about N194 per litre by the time he took over last year, to an average of about N1,000 nationwide currently.

He has, as it were, floated the local currency, the Naira, leading to a depreciation from around N460 at government-controlled exchange

Philanthropist Donates Buildings to School, Awards Scholarships, Holds Medical Mission

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The founder of Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation, Mr. Ikenna Okafor, at the weekend donated three edifices to Community Secondary School, Akwaeze, in his community, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The buildings - an administration building, a classroom block and refectory - were commissioned by the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, during a short event at the school compound.

The buildings were part of Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation activities to mark the end of year.

The foundation founded by Ikenna in memory of Mr. Paulinus Okafor, his father, also undertook other activities including a medical mission; which diagnosed and treated indigent people in the community and scholarship to primary, secondary and tertiary institution students totaling over 200 in number.

The foundation also gave out cash gifts, food items to widows and other vulnerable people as part of celebration of love for the Christmas.

Okafor in an interview with THISDAY said: "I'm intentional about what I want to do for this community, and we have started with education, health and agriculture.

"What my father gave me, which

helped my foundation to this day was education. I want to do same for every child born in this community.

“We started by ensuring the community secondary school is up to date, so far, we spend N650million to donate three buildings and equipping them, and it's is looking like a university today.

"We have also given scholarships to students of all cadre, and this year we added a medical mission. Another thing we are doing is that beyond giving out food stuff, we have mapped out 200 plots of land, which we want to give out to farmers to cultivate, and we are giving N250million as loan to help farmers meet our food needs in this community.

"When we have education, good health and can meet our food needs, I wonder what else we should be asking for. We want to be the big shoulder that people in this community can lean on when they need succour."

THISDAY reports that in scholarships; primary school pupils got N30,000 each for their tuition, N80,000 for secondary school students, N250 to N300,00 for students in the same cadre with special needs. Undergraduate got between N300,000 and N500,000. 50 widows got N50,000 as Christmas support, while members of sickle cell foundation in the state got N1million and drugs to help their plight.

rate in the first half of 2023 to circa N1,500 to N1,600/$ presently. A mostly import-dependent nation, this singular economic policy, has had harsh effects on the ordinary citizen, nay Nigerians of all classes.

However, Tinubu has said the pain is temporary. He has urged Nigerians to endure the policies which he avers his predecessors didn't have the courage to implement. As Nigerians await a new dawn, there appears to be a consensus: That the current hardship must give way to a better 2025.

THISDAY aggregates views from some states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), asking respondents, who are ordinary Nigerians, how these policies have impacted them and their hopes for the coming year.

Rivers

A professional nurse, working with one of the private hospitals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mrs Miriam Uchendu, decried how cost of drugs and other medical services have led patients to seek alternative treatment.

Uchendu who spoke with THISDAY yesterday, explained that the removal of subsidy and hike in electricity tariff have affected the cost of drugs badly.

“Drugs that we used to buy for maybe N1000 are now sold at over N5000. Drugs like ampiclox are on the high side. Augmentin that was sold at N2000 or N3000 is now N30,000, and these are the drugs that can help to treat typhoid, infection, etc," she lamented. Uchendu, who maintained that the rising prices of basic medication was affecting patients negatively, stressed that patients barely visit hospitals these days, especially the private clinics. However, she is hopeful that there will be a turnaround in 2025 as "our dear President has promised us that next year's things will be okay".

Mrs Nkiru Ohazuruike, a food stuff seller said: "Last year, we bought a crate of tomatoes between N4,000 and N7,000, but this year we are buying it between N23,000 to N35,000. This is very high, even onions; a sugar bag of onions that was sold last year at N25,000 is now sold at N300,000 as of this December.

Delta

A cross-section of respondents, who spoke with THISDAY in Warri yesterday, said they had resorted to rationing their meagre resources amid other coping mechanisms in the outgoing year.

A public servant, Mrs Blessings Oghale, said she had to lecture her children on managing available resources and avoiding wastage adding: “I have told them we can no longer buy anything unnecessary so that we can reduce cost and save more; this is in addition to reducing our consumption pattern.”

A trader at the popular Igbo market, Emeka Ugokwe said he had learnt to reduce the consumption of fuel by parking his car most times, using public transport to beat the cost of fueling.

Mrs Kome Oritseweyimi, a food vendor, expressed regret that she no longer made profits from her business due to incessant increases in prices of goods resulting from increase in transport fares adding “Each day I keep running at a loss, as I no longer realise the cost price of the inputs I use in preparing food to sell, let alone making profits”.

An entrepreneur, Mr. Israel Otunye said: “As we all know, the economic situation of Nigeria has become alarming and a thing of concern. To cope in this economy, some adjustments have to be made.

Also, a civil servant, Mr. Voke Uvwie, lamented that transport fare was terrible adding: "So basically, I prioritise my

needs and those of my family. Once I receive my income, I focus more on making sure the income takes care of feeding and my transport fare to and fro work.”

Sokoto

The residents of Sokoto State have urged Tinubu to review some of his economic policies in 2025 to ease the hardship orchestrated by the development.

A food dealer, Alhaji Bashir Shehu, explained that the ‘untimely’ removal of fuel subsidy had affected their business. He noted that coupled with increases in transport fare, they have been forced to increase the price of their products, stressing that the rise in price also led to low patronage.

" You know in business you make money as a result of your turnover, a situation where you buy goods and it remains in the shops without a buyer does not augur well for business," he lamented .

Another resident, Mohamed Abdullahi, lamented that his family hardly eats three times a day, saying

Continued on page 28

Governors Tasked on Use of Climate Data in Planning Agricultural Interventions

State governors have been advised to use climate data released annually by the Nigerian Metrological Agency and Flood Outlook from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency to achieve progress in the agricultural development of their states.

The group Executive Secretary of Human and Environmental Development Agenda, a Nongovernmental Organization, Sulaimon Arigbabu, gave the advice in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

He spoke while fielding questions from journalists during the Trainthe-Trainer Workshop for states and NGOs held in Uyo.

He regretted that interventions by state governments in agriculture were not yielding the desire results because most states plan such interventions without making use of climate data and flood outlook for the year.

His word: "We have realised that many times, when state governments make interventions in the area of agriculture, because they do not plan with climate data, because they do not work with flooding outlook for the year, some of these things become null and void.

"This is very sad because a lot of resources have been put into some of these interventions. So, what we are doing today is to actually train people from govt, NGOs on how to understand these data when it comes out.

"By the end of January, NIMET is likely to release their 2025 seasonal climate predictions and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency will also release their 2024 annual flood outlook.

"When we see these documents, how do we interpret it, how do we relate with it, how do we convert it into decision making resources, how

do we ensure that the information gets to the grassroot, those who need it, and how do we ensure that for 2025 we will make the availability of data count".

He tasked state governments to approach NIMET and NIHSA whenever such data are released and inform them to scale them down to their respective states.

"We are asking state governments to reach out to NIMET and NIHSA, to work with the data these agencies will release.

"When NIMET releases annual forecast, they release forecast for 10 days, 7 days, 3 days and even some time daily. But first, state governments need to approach this agency to say, please come and down-scale these data for my state, because not every part of the country have the same peculiarities.", he stressed.

Also speaking, the Executive

Secretary and Founder Community Action For Food Security, Azeez Salawu, said the training was timely and apt considering that the 2025 seasonal climate predictions by NIMET and Flood Outlook by NIHSA would soon be out. He said by virtue of the training, the South-South and South-East, have become an entry point through their agricultural officers and environmental officers and also NGOs that will monitor some of these activities once the predictions come out in 2025

"By January next year, NIMET is going to turn in the 2025 seasonal climate predictions and the advantage of this training is that, we now have an entry point to State in SouthSouth and South-East through their agricultural officer and environmental officer and also NGOs that will also help us monitor some of these activities,” he said.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (3rd left); his wife, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara (3rd right); former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili (2nd right); his wife, retired Justice Mary Odili, JSC (2nd left); and their children during the night of Christmas Ballad hosted by the Odilis at their residence in honour of the Fubaras in Port Harcourt on Friday night.

Okon Bassey in Uyo

ART EXHIBITION TITLED “RECORDATIO”...

L-R: Members and guests of the Nigerian-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce: Mrs

at an art exhibition titled “Recordatio” in memory of former Economic

Mrs

Alleged Defilement: Lagos State Appeals

Dr. Olaleye's Acquittal at Supreme Court

Wale Igbintade

Lagos State Government has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the conviction of Dr. Femi Olaleye, a medical

doctor and Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, for allegedly defiling his wife’s niece. In its Notice of Appeal filed by the state Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, the state urged the apex

court to allow the appeal and uphold the conviction and sentencing imposed by the trial court.

Olaleye was convicted in October 2023 by the Lagos Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court on two charges bordering on child

defilement and sexual assault by penetration.

These charges were filed against him by the Lagos Ministry of Justice in November 2022.

However, in November 2024, the Court of Appeal acquitted Olaleye,

Atiku Slams Full Military Honours

Accorded President’s Son, Seyi, Seeks Probe

Says its desecration of highly revered regimented age-long military tradition Nigerian Army had said it was not behind the Quarter Guard salute

A former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, labelling it a gross violation of military tradition.

In a statement released by his media office, signed by Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed outrage over the event, calling it an aberration for any branch of the Armed Forces to organize a formal parade for a non-designated public figure.

But the Nigerian Army had said it was not behind the Quarter Guard salute in honour of Seyi Tinubu.

A video currently trending online showed that Seyi Tinubu received a salute from the quarter guard on his arrival in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Seyi later inspected the quarter guards. Seyi was in Abeokuta for the first annual youth summit and empowerment programme theme “Renewed Hope Agenda: A Concrete Foundation for a prosperous Nigeria.”

The summit was organised by CityBoy Movement, Ogun State chapter. The President’s son was the founder and grand patron of CityBoy Movement, where he awarded about N14million grants to five young tech innovators in the state.

Many people had interpreted the Quarter Guard to be that of the Nigerian military. However, a group, Community

Auxiliary Development & Effective Transformation Network, has come out to say it was behind the parade.

The man that led Quarter Guard Salute for Seyi Tinubu and other dignitaries in a video he posted online denied impersonating the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He said his group had no affiliation whatsoever with the Nigerian Army and did not use the military ranking structure.

But, Atiku, in his statement, stated: "It is with utter dismay and concern that Nigerians were subjected to a nauseating video circulating online, where a group of young men, armed and in full military procession, bestowed upon the President's son unwarranted military honours," the statement

read.

Atiku further questioned the legitimacy of the military-like outfit involved, stating that the so-called group, the "Nigeria Cadet Network," was not a recognised entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He emphasised the fact that the name "Cadet," associated with young, formally trained military personnel, was exploited by civilians to tarnish the esteemed traditions of the military.

"In an effort to uncover the truth behind this shameless procession, we instructed our legal team and military experts to investigate the so-called 'Nigeria Cadet Network.' To no one’s surprise, it was revealed that the group is not a legally registered entity," Atiku noted.

Under-5 Mortality: Paediatrician Advocates

Training for Practitioners

citing errors in the lower court's judgement.

The appellate court, in a judgement delivered by Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, found that the trial court had interfered with proceedings in a way that compromised the integrity of the prosecution’s case.

It ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was “tainted” and “unreliable,” leading to the reversal of the doctor’s conviction.

Following the decision, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) urged the Lagos State government to appeal the acquittal.

They petitioned the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), calling for the case to be taken to the Supreme Court to restore public confidence in the justice system.

On December 27, 2024, the Lagos State government filed an appeal

at the Supreme Court, seeking to reverse the Court of Appeal’s acquittal of Olaleye.

The state’s grounds for appeal included the claim that the appellate court erred in disregarding Section 209(2) of the Evidence Act, 2011, and the Supreme Court decision in Dagaya v. State (2006).

The state argued that the sworn evidence of a child over the age of 14 required corroboration, as stipulated by Section 209(3) of the Evidence Act, 2011, which mandates corroboration for the testimony of children under 14 in defilement cases.

In addition, the state sought the following reliefs, "An order allowing the appeal and setting aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on November 29, 2024. "An order affirming the conviction and sentences imposed on Olaleye by the trial court in Charge No. ID/20289C/2022."

Group Laments Multidimensional Challenges Faced By Nigerian Women

is aimed at reviewing the findings of the research.”

A non-governmental organisation, Charis Healthcare and Community Support Initiative has stated the ongoing farmer-herder crisis in Plateau State and the sit-at-home observed in South-East states have significantly impacted the mental health of women in the affected areas.

Chief Executive Officer of the organization, Praise Mwuese-Ter made this assertion in Jos during a roundtable discussion to review three research findings presented by a German organisation before stakeholders.

Professor of Nutrition and Community Paediatrics at the Ogun State-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Tamramat Runsewe-Abiodun, has advocated community-oriented training for practitioners.

With this practice, the professor said medical students, would be more exposed to problems in hands-on training in the communities.

The university lecturer made the recommendation, while delivering the 121st Inaugural Lecture of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye held at OGD Lecture Theatre of the University.

The Inaugural Lecture was entitled "Nurturing the African Child In The Community: The Paediatrician's Endless Oddysy?".

She said that Nigeria has the second highest under-five mortality rate of 107 per 1000 live births following closely behind Niger Republic with 117 per 1000 births.

The professor said that achieving child health Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in Nigeria remains a mirage unless some urgent is done to address causes. According to the don, mass exodus of Nigeria’s health workers to Europe in search of greener pasture has continued to worsen

the crisis in the health sector leaving four doctors to attend to 10,000 Nigerians as against World Health Organisation standard of one doctor to 600 people.

The professor said that the child related SDGs aimed to end preventable death of newborns and under-five by 2030 with specific targets of reducing newborn mortality to as low as 12 per 1000 live births and under-five death to 25 per 1000 live births in every country of the world. She revealed that in 2022 alone, the world lost about 5m under-five and 57% of these deaths occurred in Africa.

Runsewe-Abiodun listed

challenges to survival of children of less than five years in Africa to include poverty, late prevention of cases for medical care, lack of political will, teenage pregnancy, conflict among others.

She added that another major obstacle to stemming the ugly tide of growing under-five mortality is the grossly inadequate medical personnel currently plaguing the country due to mass exodus of its health workers in search of greener pasture.

Runsewe-Abiodun explained that "In 2023 alone, a report from the Federal Ministry of Health revealed that 3122 doctors exited the system with 2,134 of them relocating to Europe

She explained that the three research reports focused on the impact of these crises on market women in particular, calling for solutions to address the challenges they face.

Mwuese-Ter revealed that the women were suffering from heightened anxiety and mental health distress, stemming not only from the crises but also from the loss of loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said: “Some of the research was done in Plateau as well, and they focused on issues affecting women and society at large, including insurgency, political activities, farmer-herder clashes, and others.

“We’ve found that many things have impacted women, so this roundtable

The NGO revealed that women had been severely impacted, both psychologically and economically, due to the farmer-herder crisis, COVID-19, the sit-at-home order by agitators in the South-East, and the Abuja market crisis affecting market women.

“We’ve identified factors such as the socio-economic impact of these crises on women and how these events have affected their families and children, who women typically care for. We’re presenting those findings today,” Mwuese-Ter added.

She also mentioned that many women experienced severe mental health distress due to heightened anxiety, which was exacerbated by the loss of loved ones.

She recounted a particular case during the COVID-19 lockdown, where a woman had purchased poison to kill herself and her children due to hunger and despair.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we received a distress call from a woman who had bought poison to kill herself and her children. They were hungry, and because of the lockdown, they could not access food.

“She had been feeding the children salt water for two days and had decided to end their lives before Charis intervened,” She explained.

Izabella Abia-Okon;

Nkoli Obi-Ogbolu; Chief (Mrs) Marlies Allan and President of the Nigerian-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Spencer Onosode

Counsellor of the Hungarian Trade Office, Mrs. Agota Horvath and two other local artists of great repute, in Lagos ... recently

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Quest for State Police and Need to Revisit Ekweremadu’s Proposal

as the quest for decentralised police system gathers momentum in the country, Deji Elumoye revisits a Bill for the Creation of State Police sponsored in the Eight and Ninth National assembly by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, highlighting the major provisions, including safety valves against possible abuse

The quest for state police got a boost recently when the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, announced its endorsement by most of the 36 states, while the National Economic Council (NEC) is set to deliberate on the matter in January 2025. This is also coming in the face of existential threats to Nigeria by all manner of criminal gangs – terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, etc. It has become obvious, even the blind, that Nigeria’s current policing system will never work.

Thanks also to President Bola Tinubu’s federalist dispositions. Before him, successive presidents played the ostrich mostly because they wanted to be “in total control.” Ex-president Muhammadu Buhari took the “total control syndrome” a notch higher by not only retaining the unsuitable centralised police system, but by equally appointing most of the heads of security and paramilitary agencies from a particular part of the country. The Director-General of the Depart of State Services (DSS), Lawal Duara, was Buhari’s kinsman. Even in his second tenure, only two - General Leo Irabor, who was the Chief of Defence Staff and Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, who was the Chief of the Air Staff) – out of 16 heads of security and related agencies were from the South.

Interestingly, the North was the hardest hit by insecurity under Buhari’s watch. Predatory bandits made games of the people and chased them away from farming, which is the mainstay of the northern economy. In May 2019, the District Head of Duara, Alhaji Musa Umar, also said to be the father-in-law of Buhari’s Aide-de-camp (ADC), Col. Mohammed Abubakar, was abducted and held in captivity for over two months.

So, obviously, something is fundamentally wrong with our security architecture. Yet, the warnings by well-meaning Nigerians, among them the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, fell on deaf ears.

I had the opportunity of reading Ekweremadu’s lecture entitled “Nigerian Federalism:

A Case for a Review”, being the Sixth Annual Oputa Lecture on Governance in Africa, which he delivered on April 11, 2012 at the Osgoode Hall, Law School, York University in Toronto, Ontario Canada.

Here, he identified unitary policing and what he christened “feeding bottle federalism” as the greatest threats to Nigeria, which, if not addressed, would destroy the nation socially and economically. How prophetic!

In that lecture, he reminded that Nigeria did not actually start off with a centralised police system, which was introduced by the General Yakubu Gowon Regime, ironically in line with General Johnson Aguyi-Ironsi’s Unitary Decree and Policy. The Native Authority Ordinance (No. 4 of 1916) vested the responsibility of the maintenance of law and order in the Native Authorities.

The Protectorate Laws (Enforcement) Ordinance No. 15 of 1924 accentuated their powers.

A Nigeria Police Force with national jurisdiction was only created in 1930 and coexisted with the Native Authority and the Local Administration police until the fall of the First Republic.

However, Ekweremadu’s advocacy did not stop at just talking. He sponsored in the Eighth and Ninth

Senate a Bill, which addresses the issues of structure, standardisation, control, armament, disciplinary action, co-existence with federal police, and importantly, the usual fear about possible abuse by state governors. In doing so, he drew inspirations from best practices across the globe, including the USA, Canada, and Brazil.

The Bill proposes the establishment of the Federal Police, State Police, National Police Service Commission, National Police Council, and State Police Service Commissions.

The Federal Police shall be responsible for the maintenance of public security, preservation of public order and security of persons and property throughout the federation to the extent provided for under the constitution or by an Act of the National Assembly, while the State Police, shall be organised and administered in accordance with such provisions as may be prescribed by a Law of the House of Assembly of a State subject to the framework and guidelines established by an Act of the National Assembly.

Ekweremadu’s Bill proposes a Commissioner of State Police, who shall be appointed by the governor of the state on the advice of the National Police Service Commission, subject to confirmation of such appointment by the House of Assembly of the State. The Commissioner shall be in office for a period of five years only or until he/she attains a retirement age prescribed by law, whichever is earlier.

Ekweremadu’s advocacy did not stop at just talking. He sponsored in the Eighth and Ninth Senate a Bill, which addresses the issues of structure, standardisation, control, armament, disciplinary action, co-existence with federal police, and importantly, the usual fear about possible abuse by state governors. In doing so, he drew inspirations from best practices across the globe, including the USA, Canada, and Brazil.

So, the governor is not the sole appointer. Again, the governor may give lawful directives to the CP with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order as he may consider necessary, but the commissioner of police shall only comply to the extent that those directives or order are neither unlawful nor contrary to general policing standards or practice. If he finds them so, he may request that the matter be referred to the State Police Service Commission for review and the decision of the state Commission shall be final and shall not be inquired into by any court.

The Bill equally provides enough autonomy for Commissioners of State Police. For instance, a commissioner shall only be removed by the governor upon the recommendation of the National Police Service Commission on the grounds of misconduct in the performance of his official duties; serious breach of policing standards; conviction of any offence by a court of law or tribunal (including administrative tribunals set up by the police authorities for internal disciplining of police officers); indictment by a judicial body or tribunal for corruption, fraud, embezzlement or other unacceptable conducts in office; bankruptcy; mental incapacity; and participation in political activities of any kind either within or outside the state and including sponsoring or giving aid to any political group of movement. But importantly, such removal shall be subject to approval by two-thirds majority of the State Assembly.

Furthermore, an Act of the National Assembly may prescribe a periodic review of the activities of each State Police Service by the National Police Service Commission after which it may be recertified so long as its operations adhere to set standards and regulations and do not undermine national integrity, promote ethnic, tribal or sectional agenda or marginalise any segment of the society.

Sani

Ekweremadu

POLITY

Ten Tall Tales at Xmas in Accra

Banji Ojewale

A…b…c…d…e…f…g…h…i…j…k…l… m…n…o…p…panlogo alogo logo ligi mao mao, panlogo alogo logo ligi…

The seething seaside scene swinging to this ancient panlogo beats was James Town, a fishing community of Accra, the capital city of Ghana. December’s harmattan dusk gradually swallowing the area wasn’t strong enough to subdue the powerful panlogo blasts of a small gathering of young folks working on make-shift instruments to produce the songs.

Fists were the microphones. Steel spoons and nails were knocked symmetrically on cans and bottles and tins that used to house foods, drinks and beverage. Together with drumming done on cardboard and wood, untrained voices rendered a thousand and one parts that went beyond the four traditional bass, alto, tenor and soprano musical arrangements.

The group churned out panlogo melodies and dance steps and gymnastics that assured the environment that although the sun was departing with its genial heat, there was vibrant throaty artistry to release another kind of friendly glow. There was no vacuum. Nature would always replace the sun with the moon. But poor moon couldn’t give sunlight. It would only offer dusk illumination, under which to tell tales. No more.

Old Man Awuley was the one who introduced the storytelling segment sessions. Grey-haired with a small pot belly traced to frequent stopovers at Ataa Osei’s nearby palm-wine joint, he used to come to James Town from Swalaba for the panlogo fiesta every weekend. He had lived in James Town for years. Then, suddenly after retiring from his civil service work at Usher Fort, he relocated without notice to High Street, Swalaba, uptown Accra. It was only a physical movement; his soul didn’t quit the area by the Atlantic shore. His spirit was knit to James Town. He used to tell his young friends that there was a long story behind his love for James Town.

“Then why did you leave?” Akwele asked. She was one of the two dancing female members of the panlogo group.

“I’m going to let you know one of these days.”

“Family?”

“No, Akwele…Not now. You’re curious. Be careful. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.”

“One of these days, we’ll insist you let us know why you moved. You’d be forced to let us know or we’d not entertain the community. The James Town mantse (king) would hear about our protest.”

That came from Korkor. She paired Akwele in the outfit’s dances. They were a lethal combination if they raised an insurrection; they were unstoppable, even if Old Man Awuley and the other three male components were not on their side. The girls hardly fell apart. Which was odd for two combustible figures.

The ladies now got support from the band leader, Addo. “Numo,” he started as he arranged the musical contraptions for the day’s business. Numo was the deferential name they all used to address their founder. “It’s like we’re all going to be on the side of our women o!”

He turned to Dodoo, the vocalist. “What do you think about the history of Numo and James Town and his operating away from home?”

“I’m for the story. But there’s business tonight. I’ve polished my voice for this hour. I don’t want to squander my investment on talk, please. Let’s handle Numo after we play today.”

“I agree with Dodoo. Let’s resolve Numo’s matter after tonight,” Tawiah

said. He was the composer. “If we go into debating it now, I’ll forget all my unscripted masterpieces when it comes to singing them.”

So they gave their leader a reprieve. But he came up with conditions. The group listened, prepared to accept his terms, if that would finally lead them into a dark past.

“Each of you must tell me two stories. Either about yourselves or your communities, past or present. When you’ve given me 10 of them, I’ll release to you all my life…From A to Z.

“I won’t stop at P as we do in panlogo Do you even know why we don’t go beyond P? It’s in the luggage I will offload. So, who kicks off?

“Please, also remember that we resolved some time ago that what we get from the public at Xmas season wouldn’t be shared among us. We’re going to be giving it to charity: orphans, widows, the vulnerable, and the needy clan.”

The troupe often had a good day. Passersby stopped to appreciate their Mantse Agbonaa shows. There was an iron box that received whatever amount dropped into your mind to offer: coins and cedi notes. Sometimes you were simply moved to stay and join the dancing ladies as you relished the beats and songs. Others expressed their approval by giving them money or inviting them for lunch at Anti Ama’s chop bar the following day. They were once taken to a tailor for two sets of uniform for shows. On a good weekend, they could earn a thousand cedis.

Southpaw Korkor, who doubled as the treasurer, raised her left hand to indicate she would start the adesan hearing. She first told the story of how she and her twin sister played tricks on men and made merchandise of the pranks. But, once they were exposed and embarrassed and disgraced. In the other tale, the dancer said in school at Adabraka, downtown Accra, she disguised as a boy and found herself in a boys’ hostel. She fled when she eavesdropped on one of the boys who discovered her gender; he was planning a nocturnal raid on her.

Akwele was next, relating how she once pretended to be pregnant. At home in the morning hours, she would dash to the toilet several times, and locked away from her parents, she’d feign throwing up in the manner of women in early pregnancy.

“I always enjoyed watching all the household speak in hushed tones. They would say, ‘Who’s fathering the baby? How did she get it?’ As if they didn’t know how babies are made.”

Her second story was how she was almost arrested and prosecuted when, upon discovering that her horserace-betting ticket lost, she altered the figure to a winning one. The cashier she presented

the disfigured slip to, raised an alarm; but the girl was fleet-footed, disappearing into the crowd.

Dodoo’s tales weren’t about himself, but about his parents’ love for the Church and the children. They began preparing for what to give the poor and the Church at Christmas as soon as one was over.

“So, from January of every year,” he said, “they’d begin skipping meals every day to save to enable them give to the Church, the deprived in the neighbourhood and the children whose parents couldn’t afford new clothes and food at Yuletide… From them l learnt the virtues of saving and giving sacrificially.”

In his second adesan, Dodoo said his elder sister ran away from home on the day two men came for her hand in marriage. She confided in Dodoo that she didn’t know how it happened, swearing she had no prior arrangements for the men to bring their elderly kinsmen for the ceremonies on the same day. “Because I was the closest to my sister and everybody was coming to me for her whereabouts, which I wasn’t aware of at the time, I also fled home.”

In his first tale, Addo said when he was a schoolboy he was at the Black Star Square in Accra during one of Ghana’s Independence Day anniversaries. He was allowed to shake hands with JJ Rawlings, Ghana’s legendary revolutionary leader. It was televised nationwide. “When I got back home at Kokomlemle, parents had lined up their children in kilometrelong queues to shake my hands so they could tap from my contact with JJ. They said they wanted the kids to be like the Ghanaian hero.”

In his second tale, Addo said he ceased eating dog pepper-soup when they brought a man to an herbalist for healing. The man’s wife complained that she couldn’t sleep because in bed her man barked like a dog instead of snoring. The herbalist’s remedy: first, they should look for one of the puppies mothered by the dog that found its way into the belly of the barking man. The medicine man would make a concoction with the small dog to cure the man’s malaise. Thereafter he must stop taking canine meals.

Finally, it was Tawiah’s turn. “Once upon a time, I dreamt that I was a millionaire. When I woke up, I realised I had slept for five years. Many Christmases had gone past me. But I didn’t bother about that. I was asking everybody, ‘Where are my millions?’ They said a man came to them saying I gave him a signed authority to cart away the money so I can use it in the future.”

He said he was looking for the man who took his dream fortune. He was also waiting for the arrival of the future storing his riches.

Tale Number Two also had to do with

a dream. Tawiah saw himself installed a king. There was unimaginable grandeur, splendor and glamour around him. It surpassed anything he had ever seen on earth. So he refused to return to reality. His people feared he had died. But the doctors said he was alive. It was a sorcerer who unraveled the mystery. “The young man is enjoying life in another world. He won’t come back to this world unless you threaten him with live burial. Go get a coffin and make preparations for his interment. He’d fear to be buried alive.”

It worked. “I scrambled out of bed, accusing my parents and the sorcerer, ‘You’re wicked…It’s you who would go into the coffin for denying me my reign as a king.”

Numo Awuley had his 10 tales. He called for a palongo stage to precede his own story.

A small group of the public was forming around them, expecting a performance. It must be special, to rhyme with the Yuletide. They started.

A…B…C…D…E…F...G…H…I…J…K… L…M…N…O…P…palongo alogo logo ligi…

The whole scene erupted into ecstasy and electric euphoria that the area hadn’t experienced for ages. The dancing women gyrated, joined by some in the crowd. The vocalists and the drummers and whoever had a part to play put up acts as if it was an Olympic Games competition with lucrative awards for the best participants.

Suddenly, there was a tumultuous eruption of big brass band music of Christmas carols that seemed to have come from across the street, close to the Atlantic beach that overlooked where Numo Awuley’s group was reaching its feverish peak. This new entry of beats, complete with a large army of trumpeters, saxophonists, percussionists, flutists, pianists, vocalists and dancers, all numbering about one thousand, mounted on a long multi-tyre wagon, snaked along the street, followed by thousands more people, who were now being joined by the panlogo fans and the entire James Town population. It was a new sensation in the neighbourhood: mobile music machine meandering the roads, and taking a whole community, especially children, with them. They were all abandoning their beloved panlogo Where were they following the new beats to? Was this a replay of Pied Piper? Old Man Awuley and his group were still asking questions as the Xmas songs from the mammoth trailer blared in the street.

• Ojewale, author and journalist, sent this story from Accra, Ghana.

Kayode Tokede

Following the latest hike its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the average maximum lending rate in the banking industry increased to 31.06 per cent in November 2024, setting another record high since 2019 when it was at 31.43per cent.

Maximum lending rates refers to the average of the highest lending rates charged by deposit money banks in Nigeria.

The CBN has increased the MPR six times this year, with the primary objective to address key economic challenges such as double-digit inflation, foreign exchange stability, and financial system stability.

When inflation is high

(currently at 34.60 per cent as of November 2024), the CBN raises the MPR to make borrowing more expensive and saving more attractive.

However, the steep increase in the policy rate has sparked concerns regarding the potential impact on the cost of credit for businesses already facing economic hardships.

Money market indicators data released by the CBN revealed that average maximum lending rate increased to 31.06 per cent in November 2024 from 30.28 per cent in October 2024 when Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members of CBN voted to increase MPR to 27.50 per cent from 27.25 per cent.

Early in the year, the money market indicators of CBN

showed a 27.07 per cent average maximum lending rate in January 2024 when MPR was at 18.75 per cent, while in March 2024, it closed at 29.38 per cent as MPR stood at 24.75 per cent in March 2024.

When the MPR was increased from 26.75 per cent in August 2024 to 27.25 per cent, the average maximum lending rate also rise from 29.93 per cent in August 2024 to 30.21 per cent in September 2024.

In Nigeria, the maximum lending rate—the upper limit banks charge on loans, especially for higher-risk customers—has been volatile.

The banking sector lending rate in Nigeria averaged 14.17 per cent from 1961 until 2024, reaching an all-time high of 37.80

per cent in September of 1993 and a record low of 6.00 per cent in April of 1975.

In 2020, the average maximum lending rate reached a peak of 30.73 per cent when the MPR rate stood at 13.5per cent

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had lamented that the average maximum lending rate charged by banks on loans to its members rose to 35 per cent in second quarter (Q2) of 2024, up from 28.6 per cent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.

The report by MAN showed that the aggregate index score of the manufacturing sector decreased from 53.5 points to 51.9 points in Q2 2024.

The report added: “The continuous hikes in MPR have tightened financial conditions for

the productive sector, with the average maximum lending rate charged by commercial banks on manufacturers’ finances rising to 35 per cent in Q2 2024 from 28.6 per cent in Q1 2024.”

Analysts predicted further increase in the average maximum lending rate amid an unstable foreign exchange market and double-digit inflation rate.

The unanticipated rise in MPR has impacted on the banking sector lending rate as the CBN sustained pressure in tackling inflationary pressure.

This unprecedented move has not only set the MPR at its highest level to date but also reflects the CBN’s determined effort to address the persistent pressure on foreign exchange and inflation.

The recent announcement, made by CBN Governor, Dr. Yemi Cardoso, had highlighted the central bank’s proactive approach towards monetary tightening amidst challenging economic conditions.

“The rate hike will slow economic growth and reduce consumer spending,” according to analysts at FBN Quest. In a chat with THISDAY, the Vice President, Highcap Securities, Mr. David Adnori explained that commercial banks review their lending rates on regular basis, subject to their respective cost of funds and the direction of MPR, not necessarily using MPR as a distinct value.

Foreign and domestic portfolios

investors transactions in the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited stood at N4.9 trillion in 11 months, nearly 52 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) increase from N3.23 trillion reported in 11 months of 2023.

The latest ‘domestic & foreign portfolio participation in equity trading’ in 11 months of 2024 showed that foreign portfolio investors are showing stronger appetite for local assets with Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) transactions at N785.28 billion as against N362.75 billion in corresponding 11 months of 2023.

Official trading report at the weekend showed that FPI’s

transactions in 11 months have reduced domestic investors dominance of the stock market, contributing 15.98 per cent against 84.02 per cent contribution by domestic investors.

According to the report, FPI inflow in 11 months of 2024 nearly tripled, as most foreign investors continue to benefit from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reforms in the foreign exchange market and cheap prices of most blue-chip companies quoted on the NGX.

The report by NGX showed that FPI inflow stood at N370.15 billion in 11 months of 2024 from N157.32 billion in 11 months of 2023.

On the other hand, foreign portfolio outflows, the sell side of the transactions, increased to N415.13 billion, about 102.09 per

cent increase over N205.43 billion reported in 11 months of 2023.

However, the weak FPI inflows and decreased domestic demand plummets total transactions at the NGX in November 2024 to N442.34 billion from N502.73 billion reported in October 2024.

The report, however, disclosed that domestic transactions totalled N4.13 trillion within the 11months period, 43.77 per cent above N2.87 trillion recorded in the comparable period of 2023.

The FPI report, coordinated by the NGX, included transactions from nearly all custodians and capital market operators and it is widely regarded as a credible measure of foreign portfolio trend.

The November 2024 performance set a new record above the market’s

third quarter performance. Total transactions at the stock market had risen to N3.97 trillion in the first nine months of this year, the highest third quarter turnover according to available official records of the market.

The third quarter 2024 performance represented a new record against the market’s turnover in third quarter 2023, when the market had set a high of N2.71 trillion. The closest records were in 2018 and 2014 when the market recorded N2.01 trillion and N2.04 trillion respectively.

In terms of performance of the market over the last decade, the report disclosed that, “Over a 17 year period, domestic transactions decreased by 10.94per cent from N3.556 trillion in 2007 to N3.167

trillion in 2023; whilst foreign transactions also decreased by 33.28 per cent from N616 billion to N411 billion over the same period.

“Total domestic transactions accounted for about 89per cent of the total transactions carried out in 2023, whilst foreign transactions accounted for about 11per cent of the total transactions in the same period. The transaction data for 2024 shows that total domestic transactions are circa N4.128 trillion, whilst total foreign transactions are circa N785.28 billion.”

Meanwhile, capital market analysts have attributed the upbeat at the stock market to the increasing attractiveness of the Nigerian market to foreign investors, ongoing economic reforms, resilient earnings by

Nigerian companies, exchange rate differential, ongoing banking recapitalisation and the reform in the oil sector.

The Managing Director, HighCap Securities, Mr David Adonri, stated that the banking sector has contributed substantially to the growing turnover at the stock market.

Adonri said, “The recapitalisation of banks is orchestrating demand for their shares even in the secondary market. Highly capitalised stocks in the petroleum sector have also been upbeat. Finally, investors have also reacted positively to the big interim dividends declared by banks.”

Kayode Tokede

Dakuku Peterside: Ode to A Man of Purpose and Tenacity

Eromosele Abiodun

“The price of greatness is responsibility,”

former Prime Minister of Britain, Sir Winston Churchill. These words aptly capture the intellect, depth and being of a public sector management turnaround expert, administrator, politician, mentor, leader, philanthropist, farmer and public servant, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

His birthday on the 31st December serves as another reminder of how far he has travelled in the sojourn of life and how much he has contributed to making humanity better. Easily one of the most significant figure in politics and public service in Nigeria, his love and deployment of intellect for national strategic interest and relentless pursuit of excellence stands him out amongst others.

Throughout the walks of his life, he has demonstrated an uncanny ability to deliver on tough assignments, regardless of how precarious the situation is, and has always left indelible marks in the passage of time. From being an aide to Rivers State Governor to Council Chairman, Commissioner to House of Reppresentatives member, governorship candidate to Director general of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside left a marker in all these responsibilities. He has proven to be an audacious reformer in the public sector, among the few who can think outside the box.

In public service, he straddles as the country’s foremost turnaround management expert. His fouryear stewardship at NIMASA is still regarded as the best in its history. During his tenure, he wrought out some of the most fundamental changes and made NIMASA one of the most respected voices in the world of maritime regulation.

In fact, so profound was his tenure at NIMASA that he twice elected as the Chairman of Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) with an 11-member executive committee comprising representatives of Central Africa (Cameroun and Cape Verde), West Africa (Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana) and East Africa (Tanzania and Comoros). Others are Southern Africa (Mozambique and South Africa), North Africa (Egypt and Sudan) and Uganda representing land-locked countries,

in addition to speaking on behalf of the continent on maritime issues.

When in 2017 he was elected the chairman of AAMA, then President Muhammadu Buhari stated: “Peterside’s unanimous election is not only a personal honour and affirmation of confidence in his ability to lead AAMA, but also places Nigeria in a pivotal position to rally other maritime administrations in collaboration

with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) towards safer global maritime activities.”

Under his watch, NIMASA was awarded the public organisation of the year 2016 by Tell Magazine, Champion Newspaper and Independent Newspaper respectively , while also receiving the Maritime Living Legend award from Maritime Media Limited for his contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Whilst being a member of the House of Representatives from 2011-2015, he was the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), where he had the privilege to oversight strategic National Oil and Gas establishments such as Petroleum Equalisation Fund, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC).

Of significant contributions in the House of Reps is leading other legislators to sponsor and champion the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as chairman of the Technical Committee of the House of Representatives. The PIB has since been passed into law and is now touted to be one of the best legislations in Nigeria’s history of oil and gas industry.

He served as Rivers State Commissioner of Works from October 2007 to January 2011. As Commissioner of works, he managed the largest construction portfolio ever in the history of state government’s construction, supervising a total of 200 road projects (totaling 1,000 km), 5 flyover bridges, and 10 bridges in four years.

In public engagement, he is a syndicated columnist who has proven that you can balance objective criticism of government policies with proffering solutions. His incisive offerings into topical issues have been acknowledged by various stakeholders, including being used by policy makers to shape corporate administration. Petrside has had several speaking engagements in many countries, within and outside Africa, where he has shared his thoughts and processes with government officials, maritime and oil and gas industry operators, regulators, and investors, among others.

A fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, a fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria, and a member of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences of Nigeria, he has degrees in Management and Medical Laboratory Sciences, and a doctorate degree in Organisational Management, with research interest in Corporate Political Strategy. Peterside is a farmer and a multipurpose consultant who advises five state governments on issues of strategy, policy formulation, execution, and sustainability. As you add another year tomorrow, this is to many more years of impact and service to humanity.

It is About Meritocracy and Milestones at NNPC

Olufemi Soneye

It is important to address the concerns raised in Farooq Kperogi’s recent article, “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC”, and to clarify some of the misconceptions about the operations and leadership structure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

First, employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Therefore, decisions within the NNPC are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise.

This approach ensures that only the most qualified and competent individuals occupy positions that are critical to the company’s success. It is significant that our company focuses on efficient and effective service delivery, which is anchored on the commitment of qualified work team.

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

It is, thus, sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu. This editorial preoccupation of Mr Kperogi is nothing but sheer red herring, ostensibly orchestrated to detract the President’s disciplined leadership that upholds the freedom of the NNPC as well as the company’s work ethic that has produced its strings of sterling performances.

Under the leadership of Mele Kyari,

the NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several “firsts” in the industry. These milestones were not defined, coloured or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence. These milestones include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global

partnerships that were previously thought unattainable. This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than on parochialism as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr Kperogi.

Regarding Mr Kperogi’s notions about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is essential to highlight that Mr President

has not interfered in the operations or leadership movements within the NNPC. On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy. President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation. His reforms have set a benchmark that has significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors.

It is disappointing that individuals like Mr. Kperogi, who have lived and observed governance structures abroad, would overlook these accomplishments and focus on divisive narratives. Symbolism, while important, must not overshadow the substantive achievements and transformative impact of policies and leadership on national development.

We extend an open invitation to Mr. Kperogi to visit the NNPC and witness firsthand the professionalism, sacrifices, and daily efforts that go into driving Nigeria’s economic engine. He will see a team that works tirelessly to contribute to the growth of our economy and the prosperity of our nation.

The NNPC remains committed to fostering unity, embracing diversity, and upholding the principles of meritocracy. It is through such commitments that we can continue to work to achieve and strengthen national cohesion and position Nigeria as a global leader in the energy sector. We urge commentators and stakeholders alike to base their assessments on hard facts and evidence, rather than conjectures, for the greater good of our nation.

• Olufemi Soneye is the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Limited

Peterside

Kyari

Eromosele Abiodun

The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), has applauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho for the successful conduct of the combined 2023/2024 promotion examinations, providing

opportunities for career advancement and growth of NPA staff.

In a letter signed personally by the SSASCGOC President, Comrade Akinola Bodunde, the Union expressed appreciation to the Dantsoho-led Management of the NPA for clearing the age long backlog problem of employee stagnation by conducting promotion examination in one fell swoop to admiration of the Union and it’s members.

Comrade Bodunde said,

“specifically we appreciate the increase in productivity bonus, provision of end-of-year welfare items to staff and the review of the Financial Guide to the Condition Service which has comprehensively responded to our members’ yearnings for increase in response to inflationary trends.

“Special appreciation to the indigenous, indefatigable and amiable Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho for their unwavering, seamless commitments and support

to staff welfare. The year 2024 has been remarkable, with several notable achievements that demonstrate the management’s dedication to improving the lives of NPA staff.”

Other notable benefits they stressed, include; “The procurement and distribution of rice to Marina staff, and all other Ports staff demonstrating the management’s concern for staff well-being, the approval for the review of conditions of service and financial

Konga to Launch AI-powered Radio Station to Promote Commerce

Emma Okonji t

Konga, a leading composite e-commerce group, is poised to transform the Nigerian media and commerce landscape with the upcoming launch of its AI-powered FM radio station in Lagos.

The groundbreaking initiative, set to debut in January 2025, will mark Africa’s first Hit Music and Commerce Station, blending Technology, Entertainment, Commerce and more to drive impactful connections across the continent and the world.

A reliable source reveals that the station – KongaFM, will be a pioneering platform to empower brands, distributors, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to connect with untapped markets, revolutionizing commerce in real time. While offering businesses a

new avenue for product visibility and market penetration, the station promises to deliver non-stop hit music, ensuring listeners enjoy a unique mix of entertainment and commercial opportunities. It will be a completely new experience for Nigerians.

The initiative will also complement Konga’s existing TV arm and other media services, positioning the brand as a dominant force in marketing communications. The platforms are expected to create synergies that set new benchmarks for how entertainment and commerce converge in Africa while streaming globally.

When asked for further details, CEO of Konga Group, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, dwclined comment, stating that “full details and official announcements will be made in January 2025.”

The anticipation around the launch continues to grow as industry experts and media enthusiasts eagerly await what is already being hailed as the next major evolution in Africa’s media and commerce space.

guide, paving the way for improved staff welfare and benefits.”

“SSASCGOC also wishes to extend it’s appreciation to the entire workers of NPA for their unprecedented and ever dependable support to the union. Your solidarity and cooperation have been instrumental in our collective efforts to improve staff welfare. The union recognizes the current economic challenges facing Nigeria and the impact on our staff. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to working with the management to continue improving staff welfare in 2025 and years to come.”

Responding, Dantsoho said, “Our ability to address these issues

in quick time is attributable to the unwavering support of the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and the ever cooperative Executive Management Team. “Let me seize this moment to assure you of continuous improvement, especially as the improved productivity that Management expects of the workforce continues to yield dividends for the national economy.”

It will be recalled that the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had reported trade surplus for Q2 and Q3 2023 arising from improved exports transactions carried out on the platforms of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Babatunde Majiyagbe Succeeds Adebimpe as AACN President

Oluchi Chibuzor

Chief Executive of Stanbic Nominees

Limited, Mr. Babatunde Majiyagbe, has emerged new President of the Association of Asset Custodians of Nigeria (AACN), the umbrella body of custodian banks in Nigeria.

Majiyagbe succeeds Mr. Abiodun Adebimpe, head of Custody Services at Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, after the successful completion of his four-year tenure. Majiyagbe was hitherto the Vice President of the group.

The change in leadership followed peaceful elections held recently at the

association’s headquarters in Lagos.

In his acceptance speech, Majiyagbe pledged to sustain and improve on the noble legacy of his predecessors, vowing to intensify efforts at promoting portfolio investments in Nigeria, especially at this challenging phase of the country’s economic transition.

He said: “We believe that the AACN will be guided towards further greater achievements under this new leadership and qualified committee members. We will continue to advocate for market-

friendly economic environment which underpins the capacity to build a prosperous economy to benefit everyone.”

On the annual Nigerian Investors Conference, Majiyagbe said its role as the association’s flagship event remains unchanged and will be further strengthened to showcase Nigeria’s economic fundamentals to the global audience.

Other officials elected during the session included Adebola AdedejiLawani (Ecobank Nominees), -Vice President; Folusho Ogundele (Zenith

Nominees) - Financial Secretary/ Treasurer; Ifedola Oluteye (First Nominees) – General Secretary; and Osamuede Fadaka (FSDH Merchant bank)- Publicity Secretary. The new Publicity Secretary, Osamuede Fadaka, in a statement in Lagos said, “We are deeply honoured to welcome the newly elected Executive Committee members of the Association of Asset Custodians of Nigeria into this new exciting journey. We are poised to fulfill our mandate as a major player in the financial services industry.”

Heirs Insurance Introduces Innovation in Insurance Awareness

Ebere Nwoji

Heirs Insurance group,has released its new web drama titled “The Underwriters” on its YouTube channel.

This is the first insurance-themed web series in Africa, unveiled in time for the holidays, the web series is part of the group’s “Unwrapping Smiles” campaign aimed at elevating the holiday experience for many. In addition, the project aligns with the group’s goal of demystifying and simplifying insurance. A unique slant for a web series, “The Underwriters” challenges common misconceptions about insurance while driving

insurance literacy. Set in an urban corporate environment, the film tells the story of a couple fighting to keep their relationship relevant while handling cases in an insurance company.

Commenting on the development, Chief Marketing Officer Heirs Group, Ifeyinw Okpanku, noted that this initiative marks a significant stride in both African entertainment and the insurance sector.

Shedding light on the pivotal role insurance plays in safeguarding human lives, she said the series explores relatable cases in each episode, promising a balance of

entertainment and education. He said, “This project, the first of its kind across Africa, stands as a testament to Heirs Insurance group’s unwavering dedication to transforming the insurance landscape through literacy, advocacy, and innovation.?

“We need bold initiatives such as “The Underwriters” film series, which can pass across the urgent and bold message that everyone needs insurance. At Heirs Insurance goup, we will continue to keep our promise to make insurance simple, and we hope that this project will not only engage a wide audience but empower people to succeed.”

The Next Titan Nigeria Returns, Offers N50m Grand Prize

Mary Nnah

The highly anticipated entrepreneurial reality TV show, The Next Titan Nigeria, is set to return for its 10th season, with a record-breaking grand prize of N50 million.

The show’s Executive Producer, Mide Akinlaja, made the announcement at a press conference held in Lagos on Wednesday. At the conference, he revealed that the new season will feature 20 contestants

competing for the top prize.

“The Next Titan Nigeria has been a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and compete for funding and mentorship,” Akinlaja said.

He noted, “This year, we are excited to offer a grand prize of N50 million, the largest prize in the show’s history.”

The show’s success would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors,

and Akinlaja took a moment to express his gratitude: “Our sincere appreciation goes to our Headline Sponsor, BETANO, a leading global game-tech and betting company with a presence in about 20 countries. We also thank our Associate Sponsors, Sifax Group, and our supporting sponsors: Arik Air, Lifemate Furniture, Nikky Taurus, and others, for their strategic partnership that will positively influence the minds of young Nigerians.

Sitting: L-R: Vice President, Association of Asset Custodians of Nigeria (AACN), Adebola Adedeji-Lawani; President, Babatunde Majiyagbe and Financial Secretary/Treasurer, Folusho Ogundele. Standing: R-L: Publicity Secretary, Osamuede Fadaka; Ex officio, Abiodun and General Secretary, Ifedola Oluteye at the inauguration of a new executive of the association in Lagos… recently

NAFDAC Destroys Over N120bn Worth of Fake Products in 6 Months

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said that about N120 billion worth of seized counterfeit products were destroyed by its enforcement team in the last six months.

As way of preventing sale and distribution of these counterfeit products, the Agency advised Nigerians to ensure they buy only branded food packages and drinks with NAFDAC's approving seal. It emphasized the need for the public to pay attention to what they eat and to stay safe, especially during the festive period.

This was contained in the Christmas and New Year message of the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye to Nigerians.

Giving update on the enforcement exercise, the Agency said its men had stormed supermarkets in the big cities across the country such as Lagos,

Port Harcourt, Aba, Ibadan, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to apprehend manufacturers and merchants of fake drugs and unwholesome foods, while products running into billions of Naira had been confiscated in the last three months of renewed enforcement.

She said: "In total, over N120bn

Aliyu Assents to 2025 Appropriation Bill

Approves 2025 World Bank business enabling action plan As Sokoto professionals canvass indigenous support for govt

Onuminya Innocent

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has assented to the 2025 Appropriation Bill, promising to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Aliyu described the 2024 budget implementation as a success story, and reiterated his administration’s determination to continue to execute people-oriented projects already started.

In another development, the Sokoto State government took a significant step towards economic growth and development by approving the 2025 World Bank

Business Enabling Action Plan.

The plan is an annual document that outlines the state’s 12-month business strategy, which is a requirement for the state to participate in the World Bank’s $750 million programme.

Meanwhile, Sokoto Professional Network (SPN) appealed to indigenes of the state from different fields to support the state government for rapid development of the state.

Chairman of SPN, Engineer Zayyanu Yabo, made the appeal at the network’s second Annual General Meeting, (AGM) held in Sokoto.

Elaborating on his government’s 2024/2025 budgets, Aliyu stated,

“In the outgoing financial year, we succeeded in executing many developmental projects that had impacted positively on the lives of our people.

“We would, in sha Allah, sustain this invaluable gesture by delivering more dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of our people.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s support to the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.

The governor thanked the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the bill, stating that it has clearly demonstrated their unwavering commitment towards making the lives of their people better.

He thanked the people of the state for their fervent prayers and continued support for his administration.

Earlier, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bodinga, said the lawmakers had subjected the appropriation bill to thorough scrutiny to ensure it was line with the yearnings and aspirations of the electorate.

Bodinga commended the governor for the myriad dividends of democracy he had so far delivered across the state.

The speaker assured of the lawmakers’ support to the governor’s policies and programmes aimed at transforming the state.

Civil Society Group Tasks FG to Begin Economic Diversification for Growth, Devt

The federal government of Nigeria has been urged to begin the economic diversification into the peculiar sectors easily accessible and affordable for growth and development of the country.

The Amnesty International, AI, Kogi State Chapter, made this call in a chat with journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

The state coordinator of the Amnesty International, Comrade Sunday Jatto, explained that Nigerians need to show certain level of patriotism, creative thinking and good vision to always support the country at most

appropriate time.

Jatto highlighted some of the critical areas where diversification could ignite economic prosperity for the country, for instance; tourism, agriculture, mining, herbal medicine and human-resource developments where the youth can be sent to various advanced countries to acquire technical and practical trainings, just the way China, India, Malaysia and some other countries in Asia continent did in the recent time.

According to him, "Tourism is a business that can never be liquidated because it goes with history, culture, tradition, arts and entertainments,

international relations and civilization, it brings global unity and commerce between countries.

"Nigeria has a lot to gain from tourism, but unfortunately the previous administrations were found not doing enough to harness tourism potentials and developments in Nigeria. Whereas tourism could generate more income for government than purported oil sector.

"For example, the pilgrims to Israel and Saudi Arabia are seventy five percent (75%) tourism inclined where every individual will have to pay an estimate of ten millions Naira (10,000,000) for a journey of

two or three weeks only, then when will other people from other part of the world will begin to pay the same huge amount of money into Nigeria treasury for the purpose of tourism attractions.

"With security (food security), agriculture provides means for foods and raw material productions to run industries both home and abroad. One can begin to ask why the groundnut pyramids suddenly disappeared from Northern part of Nigeria?

"Why cocoa and coffee businesses die down in Western part of Nigeria? And why palm oil production failures in Eastern part of Nigeria?

worth of seized products were destroyed by the Agency in six months (October-December) in the six geo-political zones and FCT.

“The DG however, stated that the Agency would not rest on its oars until the merchants of death are forced out of operation, warning that the Agency would make it hard for them to operate freely and endanger the health of innocent consumers.

“The coming year will be tough for the people that prioritize money over the wellbeing of their fellow human beings by compromising quality of medicines and food products in the country.”

The DG urged consumers to consistently scrutinize medicines and branded drinks carefully to distinguish genuine products from counterfeits

before consumption.

“NAFDAC wishes to advise that the members of the public should be vigilant during this yuletide season. We are using this medium to appeal to Nigerians to buy only NAFDAC registered drinks from reputable and licenced retailers, bars and supermarkets.

"If the product is being sold well below its normal price, or doesn’t seem to include normal taxes on liquors, then it is probably fake. Check for poor quality packaging, spelling mistakes and unusually shaped bottles.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines or food to the nearest NAFDAC office," she said

74 Wraps of Ingested Heroin, Cocaine: Paris-bound Businessman Nabbed at Abuja Airport

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 48-year-old businessman, while attempting to board an Air France flight 844 from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Paris, France for ingesting 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine.

Orizu was arrested at the boarding gate of the Abuja Airport on Sunday 22nd December 2024 during the outward clearance of passengers on Air France. When he was pulled aside for body scan, he turned down the request claiming his medical condition won’t allow him.

The spokesman of the antinarcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, said Orizu was thereafter taken into custody for excretion observation during which he excreted a total of 74 wraps of Class A drugs over a period of seven days.

In his statement, Orizu was said to have claimed he owns a shop at Balogun Market, Lagos Island where he sells school and travelling bags, adding that he was promised 3,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the consignment in Paris.

The suspect was said to have

revealed that he left his base in Lagos for the Abuja airport to connect his Air France flight to Paris, hoping to escape detection.

Babafemi said in another interdiction effort, operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA at 2:30am on Christmas eve intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilogrammes of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis at the Eleko Beach in Lekki area of Lagos. He said six foreign nationals who brought the consignments from Ghana were arrested during the operation. They include: two Ghanaians: Godsway John, 38; and Freedom Kelvin, 33; as well as four Beninese: Chegoun Hounsou, 23; Gadabor Nyameto, 47; Adantg Sasa, 34; and Ayao Kayivi, 21. In Katsina, a suspect Ibrahim Shaibu, 35, was arrested in possession of 40 album-size parcels of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 35 kilogrammes on Christmas day at Central Motor Park, Katsina, while another suspect Umar Ahmed, 47, was nabbed along Zaria-Malumfashi Road, Katsina, with 27 parcels of same psychoactive substance weighing 13.5 kilogrammes on Saturday.

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

IOD GALA & AWARD NITE... Chairman, Greenwich Merchant Bank, Kayode Falowo and President/CEO, PRAfrica International, Prince Dapo Adelegan, at the IOD Gala & Award Nite in Lagos... recently

BARAU WITH HIS 70 FOREIGN PG STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIP BENEFICIARIES...

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, bids farewell to 70 beneficiaries of his foreign postgraduate scholarship in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Forensic Science inside the Aircraft at

Kano International Airport....on Sunday

Akpabio to Okpebholo: Your One Month in Office Has Renewed the Hope of Edo People

Says God ordained his electoral mandate

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, said the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo’s one month in office had "so far renewed the hope of Edo people and given them a clear insight into the determination and preparedness of the present administration to bring development and progress to the state".

Akpabio described the mandate of the governor as "divinely ordained by God to bring respite and development to the state".

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to Okpebholo, Fred Itua, said Akpabio made the remarks at the weekend, when he received the governor at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Ascribing Okpebholo’s electoral victory to God, Akpabio said God had chosen him at this time to rewrite the history of Edo State and place it on the path of development.

The statement quoted Akpabio as saying, “Your excellency, every leadership comes from God, and God chooses whom He pleases. It pleases Him at this time to choose

you and the APC to lead Edo people at a time like this.

“You are a man of few words but full of action. Edo people have not misplaced their votes in choosing you. You have the heart of the common man, and I am confident that your leadership will bring development and transformation to your state."

While thanking Edo people for choosing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September governorship election, Akpabio said aligning the state with the government at the centre portended many positives for

the state and the South-south, stressing that the zone is now stronger as a negotiating voice at the federal level.

The senate president said, “Edo State is one of the states in the South-south, before Niger Delta, and this is predominantly a minority area in Nigeria. There is always a need to link up with the federal government to be able to contribute our quota to nation building.

“Through the providence of God, most of the resources that have kept the country going for decades come from this area, but

Nigeria Condoles S’Korea over Air Crash

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Nigerian government has condoled the government and people of the Republic of Korea over an ill-fated air crash that left 169 people onboard dead.

The federal government message was expressed in a statement by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, yesterday.

in terms of representation at the national level, we are always found wanting, except for the period that circumstances brought us

Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

“Under the APC administration, many of us decided there was need for us to change the political basket to enable us represent our people at the national level and also have a say in what was going on in the country.

“So, when I made that strong

movement to the APC, it was to move our people in the Southsouth region to the centre."

Okpebholo said he was in Akwa Ibom to share ideas with Akpabio and tap from his wealth of experience.

“Seeing the development in Akwa Ibom, I have come to learn from my leader, seek his advice, and draw from his wealth of experience. He has graciously advised me," he said.

Insecurity in Anambra: Ngige Advises on

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Counter-measures

“According to reports, the Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air was returning from Bangkok, Thailand when it crash-landed at the Muan International Airport in the southern part of the country.”

The statement read: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express her sincere condolences to the government and People of the Republic of Korea for the unfortunate crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 that occurred on Sunday, December 29th, 2024.

The statement stated that it skidded off the runway and crashed into a wall in a fiery explosion, noting that a total of 179 of the 181 people on board were killed, with just two survivors.

Former governor of Anambra State and ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, advised on the adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches by the government in tackling the menace.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathises with the Government of South Korea and the families of the victims of the deadly plane crash.”

Otu Condoles Kwara Gov over Chief of Staff’s Demise

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has condoled with the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, over the death of his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdukadir Mahe.

A press statement by Otu's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gill, stated that the Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum, was in Calabar with his Kogi State counterpart to flag off the 2024 Carnival Calabar when the incident occurred.

Commiserating with AbdulRasaq,

the government and the people of Kwara State, Otu described the death of Mahe as "an irreparable loss," but said it was “from God we come, and to Him we shall all return.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Cross River

State, please accept our heartfelt condolences,” the statement stated. Otu prayed to the Almighty God to console the Kwara State Governor, the family of the deceased, and the entire people of the state, and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Disengaged Police Officers Appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Seek Reinstatement

Some recently disengaged police officers have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to recall them to the force as directed by the National Industrial Court.

This was as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has intensified and reinvigorated their strategies in the ongoing fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, and other

forms of criminality across the country.

The aggrieved ex-cops, who were members of Course 33, 34 and 35 of the Nigeria Police Academy, were said to have been forcefully retired from the police service when they had not spent 35 years in service or attained 60 years of age.

They challenged the action of the police at the industrial court, Abuja and got the favourable judgment in April 2022,but the defendants – the IGP, the Police Service Commission and the

Secretary of the Police Force – allegedly refused to enforce the judgment till date.

In an open letter to the president, through their lawyer, Mr Olatoye Adejola, the aggrieved officers said the National Industrial Court had directed the IGP to re-engage them but the latter allegedly failed to yield to the directives.

According to the letter, the force ordered the concerned cops to report to Abuja in August 2024, for documentation with expectation that they would be reabsorbed into force but after the

documentation, nothing was heard from the force on the matter.

"We are solicitors to Police Officers who are members of Courses 33, 34 and 35 (Force Entrants) of the Police Academy of the Nigeria Police Force (hereinafter referred to as “our clients”) and on whose mandate we write this letter of complaint as a corollary to our previous letters and other steps already taken by our clients to ease their long time suffering and pains as a result of inaction of the police authorities.

In a statement released by his Media Office on Sunday, Ngige said there is the need for improvement in equipment and logistics to support security agents in their efforts to tackle insecurity.

Commenting on the perennial insecurity in the country, which recently assumed a very dangerous dimension in Anambra State, Ngige said the adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches by the government will no doubt help to stem the menace.

Ngige spoke journalists at the weekend shortly after he was conferred with a Chieftaincy title of "Otiwaluzo N’Nnewi,” by the entire Nnewi community, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, for his remarkable achievements in road construction during his 34-month short-lived tenure as governor.

Speaking on how to deal with insecurity, Ngige called for more funding for security at all levels, stressing that spending more money on equipment and logistics for security agencies, would get security under control, whether at the national or state level.

He said: “When I was the governor of Anambra State, I adopted kinetic and non-kinetic approach to enhance security. I mobilised the Nigerian Police and the Department of State

Services (DSS) with equipment, including communication gadgets, because that time you could hardly contact Onitsha or Ihiala from Awka. There was no communication then.

“Regarding non-kinetic approach, we reached out to all the bad boys and offered jobs to those who wanted to work. We paid them N30, 000 monthly that time. That N30, 000 is worth about N2 million now. Those that refused to turn a new leaf were taken out kinetically.

“So, what I am saying is that we have to provide employment to the young men. We equip them with skills. A lot of them do not have hope about the future and that is why the bad people find them easy to recruit.

“The government should go into competition with the non-state actors in recruiting these boys. If you recruit them and pay them well, you have tamed kidnapping.”

The entire Nnewi community, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, at the weekend conferred Ngige with a High Chieftaincy title, in recognition of his remarkable achievements in road construction during his 34-month short-lived tenure as governor.

Ngige who also served as the Minister of Labour and Employment from November 2015 to May 2023, was conferred with the title of “Otiwaluzo N’Nnewi,” meaning ‘Trailblazer in Road Construction’. The conferment was performed by revered Nnewi Monarch, Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, with the support of members of his cabinet, during the 2024 Ofala cultural festival at his palace.

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Linus Aleke in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure

Malam Aminu

PHILANTHROPIST DONATES

BUILDINGS

TO SCHOOL, AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS...

L-R: Senator representing

challenges and unparalleled opportunities.

The global community's commitment to sustainable development and the imperative of economic inclusion, the economic think-tank further said, underscores the significance of the pursuit.

According to the group, the proposed pathways are intrinsically linked to the strategic objectives outlined in the President's eightpoint agenda, Nigeria Agenda 2050 and the African Union's Africa Agenda 2063.

“This is achievable considering the historical experience of Nigeria's aspirational peers, such as China. The policy priority for the government includes

developing a framework for the inter-governmental economic relationship, inter-state infrastructural development, establishing regional economic commissions, developing regional shared services and clustering, and strengthening regional value chain development.

“During the initial stage of its economic transformation, China maintained an average real GDP growth rate of 10.3 per cent (from 1982 to 2011). Similarly, Japan and Germany maintained average growths of 10.5 per cent (1956 to 1973) and 9.2 per cent (1951 to 1960), respectively.

“While the strategic paths aim to achieve a $4 trillion economy by 2035, they are also expected to

drive improvement across socioeconomic indicators. Irrespective of the strategic path, this study anticipates specific mutations in the fundamental structure of the economy that accompany a transforming economy,” the NESG noted.

Moving towards the $4 trillion economy, and based on the country's political cycle, the Nigerian economy, it maintained, could cross critical milestones of $1 trillion, $2.5 trillion, and $4 trillion by 2027, 2031, and 2035, respectively.

“Furthermore, Nigeria's per capita income is expected to cross $5,000, $10,000, and $14,000 by 2028, 2032, and 2035, respectively. Nigeria needs to massively mobilise savings to

drive investment, as is the case for most countries that have experienced economic transformation over the past five decades.

“But then, the continual erosion of the value of earnings due to the persistent inflationary pressure has limited Nigeria's capacity to mobilise adequate savings.

“Recent fuel subsidy removal and the exchange rate devaluation accompanying the unification of the foreign exchange markets have nearly wiped out the middle class, as most people spend over 80 per cent of their earnings on food and transport with little to zero room for savings. Hence, the government must attract capital from diverse sources to drive investment,” it

added.

With a visionary alignment of policies and strategic optimism, Nigeria's economy, NESG said, possesses the potential to soar to $4 trillion within the same time frame, explaining that such growth promises expanded access to economic opportunities, uplifting millions from the depths of poverty.

“According to the World Bank Group (2024), more than half of Nigeria's population is living in poverty as of 2024. Meanwhile, as Nigeria navigates its path towards a $4 trillion economy, poverty would recede by an average of 10 million individuals annually,” the group stated.

Therefore, the NESG proposed

2O24: NIGERIANS LAMENT HIGH FOOD PRICES, COST OF MEDICATION, HOPEFUL FOR 2025

his income cannot meet the needs of his family.

He appealed to the president to review his economic policies, but was optimistic that Tinubu will heed the cry of Nigerians in 2025.

Anambra

In Anambra, two persons interviewed, including a trader in food stuff, Mrs Blessing Obasi and an electrician, Calistus Nwanze both decried the level of hardship in the country, attributing it to the inability of the Tinubu-led government to implement policies that will ameliorate the plight of the common people.

Obasi, a mother of two, whose husband is a middle level public servant said: "For me, the only help I have is that I sell food. It is from the shop that I feed my entire family. I wonder what people who do not have my privilege are going through this period.

“A pot of soup now for poor people like us costs nothing less than N10,000, just to manage it. Before now, for N1,000, you would cook the same pot of soup, but not now not any longer. People are suffering."

On the other hand, Nwanze, a labourer who fixes electrical works in neighbourhoods around Awka, Anambra State said: "There is nothing anyone can tell me that Tinubu government is not the cause of this hardship.

“Look at how fuel prices jumped from the very first day he took over. Now look at the electricity tariff. When we started using the prepaid meter, N5,000 couldn take me through the entire month. But today, N10,000 token does not last more than one week, even though I ensure that my family puts off unwanted bulbs when we are at home. The situation is no longer funny."

On their hopes for the next year, both Obasi and Nwanze seemed to be in agreement that Tinubu is not capable of changing anything. They both said: "There is nothing we will see now that will be more than what we have seen already. We are just in God's hands, but if you ask me, our only hope is until Tinubu leaves."

A taxi operator in Abuja, identified as Torngu Msughter, said he mainly uses his unpainted cab for the Banex— Federal Secretariat—Apo Bridge route. Msughter described the year 2024 as a challenging year that made the business very unprofitable for him and other operators.

He noted that the removal of fuel subsidies led to higher fares for commuters by nearly 300 per cent as well as higher operational expenses for transport operators.

“It was a very difficult year because the PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) that we were buying for about N190 per litre went to about N500 per litre before peaking at N1080 per litre. The increase in the cost of fuel affected the owners and the commuters, who could barely afford taxi fares.

“For instance, I operate a four-cylinder Toyota Corolla that takes about 80-litre fuel. With the removal of the fuel subsidy, I spend over N80,000 to fill the fuel tank, which is quite beyond my means,” Msughter said.

He appealed to the government to introduce policies that will drive down the cost of fuel, noting that high cost of fuel is one of the reasons for inflation in the country.

Still in Abuja, a baker at New Karu, Nasarawa State, Mrs Esther Joseph, said the cost of baking materials soared and forced many bakers out of business in 2024.

She attributed the price increase to more than 100 per cent increase in wheat flour which is imported from Canada and Ukraine, in addition to the high exchange rate as many baking materials are imported.

She said a 50 kg bag of flour that was selling for N39,750 in February now sells for N69,000 in the market, while a bag of sugar of the same size that was sold in the market at N68,500 in February 2024 jumped to N93,000 by the end of the year.

According to Joseph, the high cost of baking ingredients including yeast, milk and butter led to the high cost of bread, which is a major staple for many Nigerian families.

“It is that bad because many customers no longer buy bread. The

business also became less profitable because of the daily increase in the prices of baking materials, leading many of us to lose our business margins arising from a gradual reduction in production scale,” she said.

The traders said they adopted a strategy of contributing money and sending one or two of them to markets in order to share the cost of transportation among them.

For Abiodun Oviedje, a civil servant, the issue of high cost of living is due to insecurity which he said prevented a lot of farmers from going to the farms, for fear of being killed or kidnapped for ransom.

"My expectations from the government in 2025 is that the government should do more to put an end to the issue of insecurity, if there's peace in all parts of the country, there will be enough food supply because farmers will be able to do their business which is farming and other things will fall in place. The economy will also improve", Oviedje said.

Also speaking, a Public Relations expert, Felix Omo-asun, stated that besides the twin problems of high cost of living with attendant hunger, the cost of drugs impacted negatively on the citizens.

He urged the government to, in the coming year, "promote policies to reduce the cost of living by providing an enabling environment,” adding that power is still an issue despite the rise of tariffs. Also suspension of tariffs on medical equipment has not caused lower prices for drugs".

Kano

The story was not different in Kano. A trader, Abdul Bello, in Sabon Gari market said: “Life has become very expensive and difficult since the removal of fuel subsidy. The price of these food items that we sell is gradually becoming out of the reach of a common man, despite the fact that they are locally produced.

“As you can see, the price for food items has quadrupled and because of that many people cannot even eat. Our business is not moving as usual and the profit is not much, as such the

majority of petty traders cannot meet their domestic demands. Sometimes we have no other option than to eat from the business thereby, destabilising our investment.

“Based on the current economic situation in Nigeria, governments at all levels should as a matter of urgency address our challenges by providing support to stabilise our businesses, increase profits, and improve our overall well-being.

Abia

Abia State residents like other Nigerians think that 2024 has been a very difficult year with many hurdles to cross for survival. A cross section of people in Umuahia that spoke with THISDAY painted a picture of despondency and frustration with political leaders.

"I'm just existing. I can't say I achieved anything this year in terms of buying personal properties," says Joseph Onyedika, a commercial tricycle(keke) operator. He lamented that he could not even change his window curtains that "have been crying for retirement".

Onyedika, who says he is a father of two young children, dismissed any suggestion that the economic situation would improve in 2025. "I don't see the signs; I can't feel any positive change," he lamented.

Besides, one Mrs. Gracious Madukwe, a foodstuff retailer, said that she fought on two fronts to survive. She explained that while she struggled to provide for her family of four, she equally struggled to remain in business as prices of foodstuffs kept skyrocketing.

"It hasn't been easy to maintain my business due to inflation that was out of control," she said.

"Each time I go to buy rice, beans and garri from wholesalers, the prices would have increased from what it was previously, thereby forcing me to cut down on the quantity of goods I had planned to buy. However, Madukwe said that she has not given up hope on the Nigeria economy

"I'm hopeful that the government will find the needed answer to these hardships we're facing," she said,

adding, "when there's life there's hope".

Kaduna Mohammed Abudu, a mechanic who specialises in the repairs of honda cars, said he was thrown out of business following an increase in the price of fuel.

“Many of my customers abandoned their cars for public transport. My wife's shop was our only source of livelihood. We have never experienced this kind of situation before. We are appealing to the government to take this burden off us in the coming year. We want a better life in 2025 - affordable prices of goods and services,” he added.

Enugu

Residents of Enugu state, particularly business owners, have called on the federal government to implement policies that will address the harsh economic realities that characterised 2024, especially with the fuel subsidy removal, hike in tariffs and inflation.

Ifunanya Onyekozuku, who deals in cosmetics inside Enugu’a main market said that fuel subsidy removal made transportation more expensive and that also increased the cost of goods.

“This forced me to raise prices, and customers started buying less, she said. “The removal of fuel subsidies was meant to save the government money, but it caused transport costs and living expenses to increase sharply,” she added.

Chinasa Onu, a food vendor in Ugwuaji, a suburb in the state said that the hike in fuel prices also increased the cost of food items like rice, beans and onions, which have recently hit the roof. According to her, only four balls of onions now sell for N1000. A consequence of this, she said, is the increase in food prices, which has left customers constantly complaining.

A Tricycle rider who spoke to THISDAY, Nonso Ndukwe, also said that the prices of items used for repairs and maintenance have also gone up and that impacts income levels as increases in transport fare is not commensurate with the amount spent on maintenance and file purchase.

an export diversification and sophistication strategy for Nigeria to become a global export hub and regional integration champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a free trade agreement that aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent. It further called for innovation and digital transformation strategy in order to become a central global innovation hub and exporter of knowledge products to the world. Besides, the economic think-tank urged the country to embrace a subnational economic integration strategy to develop competitive and viable regions/sub-national economies.

Those who spoke to THISDAY were hopeful that things will be better in 2025. They however said that a lot depends on what the government and other key players do.

Benue

Traders, and small business owners are expressing growing frustration and despair over hardship being experience. Some of them like Ejembi Micheal at the Modern market, Makurdi, said despite the fact that farmers are harvesting their crops,prices of food stuff are steadily rising.

"As you can observe,the bumper harvest we had has not significantly reduced the price of food items and this is due to the high cost of petroleum products,electricity tariffs and taxes," he lamented Others complained about skyrocketing prices of essential goods, stagnant wages, and dwindling employment opportunities. Many people, they said, are struggling to make ends meet, with some forced to skip meals or rely on assistance from relatives and friends.

Oyo

A commercial driver plying Oke Padre to Ojoo, Ganiyu Abegunde, said the outgoing year has been tough for him as the fuel subsidy removal has led to hike in transport fare, stating that most Nigerians find it difficult to pay and thus reducing what he makes daily.

He however expressed optimism that the current reduction in the price of petrol will be sustained in the coming year, lamenting that 2024 could be described as hellish for Nigerians. Speaking in the same vein, Mrs. Bola Salami, a trader at the popular Bola Ige International market, Gbagi, Ibadan, said she has hope that the government at all levels would come to the aid of Nigerians by doing everything possible to reduce prices of foodstuffs. According to her, 2024 is a year that Nigerians have found it difficult to put food on their table, noting that she and her household could not afford to eat three times in a day in the outgoing year.

Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Victor Umeh; representative of the Anambra State governor and Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike; Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke; Founder of Idi Nzekwuabu Foundation, Chief Ikenna Okafor; and his wife, Esther, during the inauguration of three edifices donated to Community High School, Akwaeze... at the weekend

MARKING FRAUD AWARENESS WEEKW…

L-R: Member, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners(ACFE) South- west, Nigeria Chapter, Dr. Olayinka Olabisi Emmanuel; Member, ACFE, Dr. Gbenga Alonge; Second Vice President, ACFE, Dr. Pius Edobor; President, ACFE, Dr. (Mrs) Titilayo Fowokan; Country Head, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Mr. Tom Isibor; Member ACFE, Mrs Cowan Manna, and Member, ACFE, Mr. Samson Bello, during ACFE’s visit to ACCA Nigeria in Lagos…recently

Illegal Suspension: Etsako East LG Councillors Back Chairman

Adibe Emenyonu in benin city

In a show of solidarity, the 10 legislators in Etsako East Local Government Council, led by Speaker, Solomon Oghuma and others, have denied rumours of impeachment of the council chairman, Hon (Princess) Benedicta Attoh. According to the lawmakers, no amount of intimidation or enticement will persuade them to turn their back on a caring chairman who prioritises human welfare.

Local Government Chairman, Etsako East is at peace.

They vowed to resist any external pressure to impeach the chairman, adding: “We

The councillors noted that despite the purported suspension of Edo State’s

Police Arrest Four Minors for Theft

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four minors for allegedly stealing iron rods from an uncompleted building in the Guzape area of Abuja.

The suspects identified as Matthew Vincent, 15; Timothy Shedrack, 15; Moses Vincent, 11, and Lucky Enoch, were caught following a complaint made at the Guzape Police Station.

Residents of the area had reported suspicious activities at the construction site, noting that the minors were seen entering the building nightly.

Witnesses described hearing loud noises and observing swift movements as the children

dismantled parts of the structure.

The Police Command said preliminary investigations indicated that the minors gained access by scaling the fence and used crude tools to remove the iron rods, which they reportedly sold to a local scrap dealer known as ‘Babanbola’.

It was also disclosed that efforts are underway to locate the Babanbola, who is believed to be involved in a broader network facilitating the theft and sale of construction materials in the area.

Speaking on the incident, Commissioner of Police in charge of FCT Command, Olatunji Disu, urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities, especially during late hours.

Gospel Music Sensation, Mairo Ese, Set Release New Song

Mary Nnah

Renowned Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader, Mairo Ese, is set to unveil his latest musical offering, “In Your Presence”, featuring Abbey Ojomu. This highly anticipated single promises to be another profound offering of worship, showcasing Ese’s unique sound and style that has endeared him to fans globally. Ese’s musical journey has been marked by critically acclaimed albums, including “The Worship of Yahweh” (2015), “Spirit and Life” (2020), and “The Equipping

(Tongues and Chants)” (2022). His most recent single, “Eternal God” (2024), featuring Prospa Ochimana, has been a huge success, garnering massive airplay and topping music charts. As a worship leader, Ese is deeply committed to raising and discipling worshippers across the globe through his platform, Revelatory Worship. His ministry has impacted diverse audiences in the United Kingdom(UK), Ghana, and beyond, with lifechanging events and conferences that have left a lasting impact on attendees.

COFFHA Pays Patients’ Hospital Bills

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Committee of Friends for Humanity (COFFHA), a non-profit organisation in Nigeria, as part of providing succor to the needy in society, has offset medical bills of some indigent patients at General Hospital Lagos.

Speaking at the charity visit in Lagos, the President, COFFHA, Augustine Igbokwe, said the hospital visit offered them an opportunity to put a smile on those who could not afford their medical bills.

According to her, “We toured the wards in the Lagos General

Hospital. We went around the wards and paid bills for people. We bought drugs for people and gave them money to be able to offset their bills.” Also, the Secretary of COFFHA, Gloria Okeke, said: “I am so happy because we touched lives. I could see a woman hugging us, crying. You know, I really felt happy because we really touched some lives today.”

On her side, the Co-Founder, COFFHA, Mrs. Carolyn Ufere, said: “Our name means we have to touch those who are in need, alleviate the problems of the poor. and see that a lot of people who are in need are taken care of.

want our chairman to be reinstated so she can continue to serve humanity,” they said.

The councilors, who took their turn to speak one after

the other during a solidarity visit to the Chairman in her residence in Okpekpe, warned against truncating democracy in the state as

they assured the chairman of their continuous loyalty and support even as they prayed for her return to the office.

HURIWA: Fubara Stands Out as Best Public Office Holder in 2024

Chuks Okocha in abuja

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has endorsed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the most significant public office holder in Nigeria for the year 2024.

The association hailed

Governor Fubara’s remarkable leadership in navigating political landmines and maintaining stability in Rivers State despite intense conspiracies and coordinated attempts to destabilise his administration.

In a statement by the National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA highlighted

Governor Fubara’s ability to overcome the political machinations reportedly orchestrated by his immediate predecessor and erstwhile boss, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nesom Wike.

It described these efforts to undermine Fubara’s administration as unprecedented in their scope and intensity, yet rendered ineffective by the governor’s strategic leadership and resilience. The association criticised the alleged conspiratorial alliance between political attackers and the Inspector General of Police (IG), which it said actively worked to erode democracy in Rivers State.

Yuletide: C’ River Commissioner Offers Scholarships, Empowers

over 5, 000 Families

Sunday Okobi

As Nigerians celebrate the Yuletide amid hardship the Cross River State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Oden Ewa, has extended his philanthropic gestures to the people of his Yakurr Local Government Area of the state, to ease their sufferings and enable them have a joyous Yuletide celebration.

The extensive gestures by Ewa, who is noted for his commitment to the development of his constituency and the entire state, included the offering

of scholarship to students, empowering 5, 000 families, including women and children, with traditional rulers and clans across the various communities in Yakurr not left out.

The series of philanthropic gestures started with a visit to the traditional ruler of Ugep, OboI Lopon of Ugep, Bi-Nah, and clan heads of Ugep where Ewa presented financial gifts running into millions of naira to the Bi-Nah, clan heads, and village chiefs, “symbolising his dedication to fostering development and unity within the community.”

2027: APC Forum Canvasses Power Shift to the North Senatorial District

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A forum in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Kwara South Equity Advocates (K-SEA), at the weekend called for power shift to the people of the Kwara North senatorial district of the state in 2027 general election.

The APC forum said that

such move would address the perceived inequity, injustice and inclusiveness in the political control of the state.

Speaking at the summit of the forum held at Ajase-Ipo town in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, the Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal, lamented that the people of the Kwara Central senatorial district of the state have had it for over 20 years against other zones.

The theme of the summit is titled: ‘A new dawn in Kwara: Quest for Equity, fairness and justice; Kwara South for Kwara North’.

He explained that late former Governor Muhammed Alabi Lawal has ruled the state for four years; former Governor Bukola Saraki had eight years while the incumbent Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is currently on his second term of eight years now and all these people hailed from the Kwara Central senatorial district of the state.

N’Delta Activist Seeks Support for EFCC in Fight against Corruption

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Convener, South-south Reawakening Group and Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Community Development Committees of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas, Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, has solicited the support of Nigerians for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its battle against corruption in the country.

In a move aimed at connecting indigenes of Isale-Eko with employment opportunities across Lagos State, the IsaleEko Descendants Union (IDU) yesterday unveiled a job database.

The groundbreaking initiative was launched during the IDU’s

The Niger Delta activist in a statement titled: ‘Citizens Support For Anti-Corruption Fight Essential For Success’, issued yesterday reiterated the need for citizens’ support for the EFCC to achieve success as essential.

He noted that the commission would only achieve success when the people have a buy-in and participate fully in its affairs.

“We have to emphasize that corruption does not have any particular colour, and there is no way we want to paint it, corruption is corruption, the citizens must imbibe this reality. “The citizenry should exercise their civic responsibility by providing credible leads that can prevent a financial or economic crime from happening or provide information that will aid investigation of financial crimes and prosecution of offenders without let,” he said.

Isale-Eko Descendants Union Unveils Job Database for Indigenes

annual general meeting (AGM) and Chairman’s year end get together held in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of IDU, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), described the database as a critical step towards addressing unemployment among Isale-Eko indigenes.

Kazeem said: “The Isale-Eko Descendants Union Job Database is a directory of all Isale-Eko indigenes seeking employment. It will enable the union to provide targeted information to employers whenever requests are made.”

The IDU chairman has, therefore, urged members to take advantage of the initiative by submitting their resumes, which should include details such as name, age, gender, religion, field of work, job preference, and years of experience, to the Union’s official email or WhatsApp platform.

Aproko Doctor Impacts Lives with Luminous Solar Solutions

Raheem Akingbolu

In a remarkable display of community service, renowned health advocate and medical doctor, Dr. Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has illuminated a path toward better healthcare by donating a state-ofthe-art 11KW solar power solution by the Luminous Rayverter. Installed at the Mother-Child Centre of Epe General Hospital in Lagos, this solution ensures continuous, reliable electricity for critical healthcare services, eliminating disruptions caused by power outages.

Speaking on his impactful initiative, Egemba, who commands an audience of over seven million followers across social media platforms, shared his vision and emphasised that during the yuletide, he wanted to give back in a way that truly saves lives. He said: “The Mother-Child Centre plays a vital role in our healthcare system, providing essential care for mothers and newborns. For a project like this, I needed a solution I could trust—one that combines efficiency, durability, and strong after-sales support. Luminous was the natural choice.”

TCHIANI, FALSE IN ONE CHARGE…

Americans. They also promised that their country will oust terrorists, enjoy peace and security and also experience an economic boom, allegedly because France will no longer be stealing its resources. To boot, they sought to bring in the Russians to assist with both security and economic prosperity. A year down the road, neither prospect is on the cards. Trade with Nigeria, not to mention smuggling of petrol and food, has always been a major factor in Niger Republic’s economy. Even without ECOWAS sanctions, Nigeria’s government is trying to stem the flow of subsidised petrol to our neighbours, hence Niger will feel the heat.

Expected Russian help on the security front was not forthcoming either. Tchiani must have wished it was the old Soviet Union, which had global reach and power, and deep commitment in those days to strategic alliances as well as the “Brezhnev Doctrine,” which the Communist Party defined as “defending the gains of socialism worldwide.” Matters were not helped by the mysterious death of Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, the arrow head of Russian military intervention in Africa. He was killed in a plane crash in August last year, immediately after he returned to Russia from a visit to Niger Republic. Russia itself is so mired in its war in Ukraine that it needs help from Iran, China and North Korea. That Russia couldn’t render help recently when its most prized strategic Middle East ally, Syrian President Hafiz al-Assad, was overthrown by rebels was the best pointer yet that a Sahelian African ally should hardly rely on it to help pull any chestnuts out of a domestic fire.

Most probably, it was the recent bombing of the Niger-Benin Republic

oil pipeline, allegedly by the Lakurawa terrorist group, that drove General Tchiani to desperation and he began his frantic search for a scapegoat. Nigeria came in handy. Not the whole of Nigeria, but specifically the Tinubu Administration, which he hopes to destabilise by inciting the Hausa speaking section of Nigeria’s population against it. How that will bring either security or economic prosperity to his country, I am yet to figure out.

The most important allegations that Tchiani made are that the Nigerian government is working to destabilise Niger Republic, that it created and sponsors the Lakurawa terrorist group, and that there are French military bases in Nigeria. With respect to the first allegation, since I am not a government official in Nigeria, I have no access to secret planning files. However, three people who have access to those files and will be privy to any such plans if they exist, namely National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Information Minister Mohammed Idris and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, have all denied that there is such a plot.

I believe them. Why because, what can Nigeria possibly gain by destabilising Niger Republic? Last year, the initially stated goal of both Nigeria and ECOWAS in adopting a hostile attitude towards Tchiani and the coupists was to restore democratic rule, and if possible, restore President Bazoum to power. Those aims are all but abandoned now because neither Nigerians nor Nigeriens have exhibited a hunger for restoring democratic rule in that country. A possible reason for the Nigerian government’s initial response was the fear that a successful military coup in Niger Republic could have a contagious

LETTER TO THE YEAR 2024

“Lakurawa” gained a strong foothold in parts of North-West states.

Some strange things happened that we did not foresee. Greece extended adoption rights to same-sex couples, and Thailand legalised same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. You gave LGBTQ+ rights activists something to celebrate. This felt strange in this part of the world, where same-sex relations remain criminalised, and social acceptance lags far behind. In Nigeria, lawmakers intensified efforts to uphold conservative values, with proposed bills aimed at further restricting LGBTQ+ rights. The disparity in cultural values highlighted the widening gap between regions of the world, reflecting the complex layers of societal evolution.

You saw the world in turmoil, and the Russian vs Ukraine war continued unabated. This war brought about lots of military posturing, leading some to fear nuclear conflict between Russia and NATO. The conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Iran ramped up to greater heights. The Middle East is in commotion, with the war extending to Lebanon and Israel vowing not to stop until it wipes Hamas and Hezbollah out. Iran has shown its willingness to confront Israel, framing itself as the watchdog of the Middle East against Israel's aggression.

You also witnessed the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, raising fears of extremist groups seizing power. Reports from the UN suggested that over 300,000 Syrian refugees fled to neighbouring countries by year-end, adding to the growing refugee crisis.

But amid it all, you allowed some of my compatriots to think and look at things differently, to learn that hard work does not kill and bad governance is for a season. Despite the odds, small businesses grew by 7% in sectors like agriculture and technology, offering a glimmer of hope. Despite the increase in tariffs and persistent collapse of the national grid, there has been a marginal improvement in power output in homes and factories.

The healthcare sector witnessed significant transformation in the past few months of 2024 because of incisive, superlative reforms and programmes. So far, 53,000 health workers have been re-trained—an impressive number—to deliver integrated, high-quality services. The Maternal and

effect in neighbouring countries, including Nigeria. I don’t think there is a good reason for that fear now. Besides, if chaos were to envelop Niger Republic, millions of its citizens could flee to Nigeria, as happened during the 1973-74 Sahelian drought. Luckily General Yakubu Gowon is still around; we only have to ask him how he grappled with the mass inflow. Nigeria created Lakurawa terrorist group in order to destabilise Niger Republic? To begin with, all the Lakurawa men are of Nigerien and possibly Burkinabe and Malian origin, as attested to by people of northern and western Sokoto and Kebbi states who encountered them. These people know a Nigerien when they see one, from his looks, dress, accent, tribal marks, manners and ways of speaking, greeting and praying. We have 200 million plus people in Nigeria, many of them in desperate search for employment and adventure, including a lot of ex-servicemen and veteran Boko Haramists, ISWAPists and bandits. We don’t have to go very far in a search for recruits. More seriously, if Nigerian security agents created the Lakurawa army, why was it unleashed against communities in Nigeria, why is it causing so much mayhem, such that Nigerian Air Force has to drop bombs on its suspected camps, with image-damaging collateral damage on hapless villagers?

Tchiani’s most specific allegation was that there are French military camps in Nigeria. He even mentioned a place, Banga, which he said is in Silame Local Government of Sokoto State, and another place in Borno State. Well, there were reports in the newspapers yesterday where communities in northern Sokoto State denied that there were any foreign military bases in the area. If there are, they will know. Even a Nigerian Army

Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative, which offers free caesarean sections to all eligible Nigerian women meeting the criteria, and the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment Report were launched. These initiatives represent a step forward in our healthcare system, offering hope for the future.

Your successor, 2025, is shaping up to be quite the mixed bag — it’s like the year is expecting a baby, but no one knows if it’ll be a bundle of joy or a handful of trouble. Nigeria is trying really hard to stop putting all its eggs in the oil basket. There's a lot of noise about agriculture, tech, and manufacturing stepping up. With this African Continental Free Trade Agreement

Forward Operating Base will be very visible in a local community. A foreign military base will be known to everyone. For one, white French soldiers will stand out in a local Nigerian community like an archbishop in a brothel, to borrow a French saying. Tanks, armoured vehicles, huge radars and even aircraft will be all over such a base. Tchiani knows best what a foreign military base looks like because there were several of them in his country during his 13-year stint as Head of the Presidential Guard. As NSA Nuhu Ribadu stated, we never had foreign military bases in Nigeria, but during my primary and secondary school days, I read much about the American Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base both in the Philippines, before they were closed down in the 1990s. We also read much about America’s strategic bomber base in Diego Garcia, its Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, its naval base in Guantanamo, Cuba, as well as bases in Munich, South Korea and its Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. A foreign military base cannot be innocuous. Tchiani alleged there are such bases in Nigeria and locals say there are none. A judge who is judging over this case will invoke the legal principle of falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus. That is, “False in one, false in all.” If you tell one lie, all your other testimony is thrown out. How times change. In the 1960s, Nigerian university students staged protests against French testing of nuclear weapons in the Sahara Desert in southern Algeria, slightly to the north of Niger Republic. Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa even went to London to protest. Did Niger Republic lodge a protest? See who is now accusing the other of acquiescing in French military machinations.

rate will probably keep dancing around, and not in a fun way. The Central Bank will try to keep things under control, but they'll need serious foreign investment and more non-oil exports to make it work. The tech space is looking exciting, though. With all these young, sharp minds and everyone glued to their phones, Lagos and Abuja are becoming mini–Silicon Valley — fintech, e-commerce, aggrotech, you name it.

Politically, Nigerians are still out here demanding real change. Anti-corruption will stay a hot topic — we're all tired of the same old stories. There's also this growing pressure for electoral reforms and better public services. Civil society is getting louder, and I'm here for it. But security? Whew. That's going to be a big one. Between insurgency in the Northeast, banditry up North, and secessionist noise in the Southeast, the government has its hands full. It will take more than military action — they must dig into why these issues keep popping up.

On top of that, some states are pushing harder for more control over their resources and policies. The whole decentralisation and restructuring debate might heat up. Meanwhile, you can bet politicians are already gearing up for 2027. Alliances will shift — it's like watching chess, but with higher stakes.

(AfCFTA) getting more action, we might see Nigeria flexing as West Africa's trade big brother.

But let's be honest — oil and gas aren't going anywhere anytime soon. The Dangote Refinery finally kicking into gear might help us cut down on those expensive imported petroleum products. If it plays out right, that could mean fewer trade deficits and more jobs, which we desperately need. But you know how it is with oil — prices are like Lagos traffic, unpredictable and everywhere. Plus, the world's moving towards greener energy, so we've got to figure out how to keep the money flowing long-term.

Now, on the money front, I won't sugarcoat it. Inflation and the exchange

Look, Nigeria has its share of problems— inequality, environmental issues, governance struggles. But the potential? It's huge. We've got the people and the energy, and if we can channel it right, the sky's the limit. Here's hoping 2025 is more of a blessing than a headache.

As I look ahead to 2025, I do so with cautious optimism. While the road ahead remains uncertain, I am reminded that even in the darkest of times, resilience shines through. So, to everything we have passed through, thank you, 2024, for setting us free. 2025, if you're reading, please be more liberal to us as a nation and as a people. May our leaders listen more and apply more wisdom. May 2025 usher in real hope, stability, and progress for Nigeria and the world. Wishing Nigerians a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year.

DAP .

Tinubu

Five-star Liverpool Hammer West Ham to Go Eight Points Clear

Fumbling Man City ‘resurrect’ at Leicester with first win in five games

Liverpool stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points as they thrashed an abject West Ham United 5-0 at the London Stadium.

It was another capital goal-fest for Arne Slot's irresistible side after the 6-3 win at Tottenham seven days previously, the outcome never in doubt as a first-half masterclass left a desperately passive Hammers well beaten.

Liverpool had already missed several chances before Luis Diaz gave them the lead with a powerful finish on the half-hour mark. Cody Gakpo was then the beneficiary of Mohamed Salah's brilliant footwork to add a second after 40 minutes, before the Egyptian inevitably got in on the act himself with a low drive on the stroke of half-time for his 20th goal of a superb season.

Julen Lopetegui's side could not even manage damage limitation as Trent Alexander-Arnold added the fourth after 54 minutes when his long-range effort took a deflection off Max Kilman's head past Alphonse Areola.

Only Mohammed Kudus offered anything resembling hope for the hosts, hitting the woodwork in each half while Luis Guilherme did the same just before the end, but this was no consolation as they were utterly outclassed by this rampant

PREMIER LEAGUE

setting up substitute Diogo Jota for a typically clinical

Savinho and Erling

scored to give Manchester City a much-needed 2-0 victory in manager Pep Guardiola’s 500th

game in charge at Leicester City yesterday. It was the champions’ first win in five Premier League games. City’s second win in 14 games across all competitions meant they

NPFL: Rangers Back to Winning Way at Niger Tornadoes

Remo Stars stay top with win over Akwa Utd

Femi Solaja

Defending Champions, Enugu Rangers are on the front foot after last week's NPFL defeat at home as the Flying Antelopes nicked in a lone goal win away at Niger Tornadoes in Minna yesterday.

After enduring their second home defeat in the ongoing Nigerian topflight season against eternal rival, Shooting Stars of Ibadan last week, it was Bashiru Usman’s lone strike in the 34th

RESULTS

NPFL

El Kanemi 1-0 K’Pillars

Tornadoes 0-1 Rangers

Ikorodu City 2-1 Sunshine Katsina Utd 1-0 Nasarawa

Lobi Stars 0-0 Heartland

Remo Stars 2-1 Akwa Utd

Shooting 1-0 Kwara Utd

PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester 0-2 Man City

Cry’Palace 2-1 Southampton

Everton 0-2 Forest

Tottenham 2-2 Wolves

West Ham 0-5 Liverpool

SERIE A

Udinese 2-2 Torino

Napoli 1-0 Venezia

Juventus 2-2 Fiorentina

minute that erased the memories of his penalty miss in Enugu and put the team back in front line for the title with 31 points from 19 matches.

In Ikenne, leaders, Remo Stars had to dig deep before they could secure a 2-1 win against Akwa United and the win return them to the summit on 36 points.

Shuaibu Ibrahim scored from the spot in the third minute but the side failed to double the lead with several wasted opportunities as the stadium went cold after the equaliser off Kabir Osoba with a well-measured freekick on the dot of half-time.

But deep into the second stanza, Raymond Tochukwu restored the home side’s lead with a free kick in the 81st minute.

While in Ibadan, Shooting Stars extended their fifth-match winning run with a lone goal win

Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Facilities Construction Company Limited, Ebi Egbe, has commended the nomination committee of the maiden Newstap/ SWAN Five Star Sports Award for their transparency; saying that the decision to include Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hycinth Alia, as one of the recipients was a wise decision considering what he's

against visiting Kwara United of Ilorin.

The only goal of the match came off the boot of Adam Mustapha on the dot of half time.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City played their first of the two mandatory matches without their fans. Nonetheless, they secured a 2-1 win against Sunshine Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

It was Shola Adelani who opened the score for the home side in the 39th minute but the lead was cancelled in the 45th minute. However, with time running out, the home side won a penalty deep into injury time which was converted again by Adelani.

El-Kanemi Warriors returned to winning ways with a lone-goal win over Kano Pillars. Umar Al Amin scored the only goal of the match in the 38th minute and

doing in infrastructural sports development in the state.

The award committee Friday, December, 27, 2024 released the names of five eminent personali- ties for the maiden award.

Prominent amongst them is the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hycinth Alia, President of NPFL side, Sunshine Stars , Kunle Soname and Strategic Partners of NPFL,

the win thus pushed the side to fifth position with 29 points.

Azeez Faolu’s late goal in the 79th minute assured Katsina United the maximum points against Nasarawa United. Lobi Stars had to endure a goalless draw at home against Heartland FC and the result of the match did not have any meaningful impact on their respective position on the log.

Earlier on Saturday, Bayelsa United missed the opportunity to improve their position on the log as they were beaten by a lone goal by visiting Abia Warriors of Aba.

Kennedy Sheddy’s 35th-minute goal gave the side their first away win of the season.

This evening, former champions, Rivers United will attempt a catch-up at the top as they welcome Plateau United to their Port Harcourt home ground.

GTI Assets Management and Trust Limited.

Others are; Mr. Ebi Egbe, Chief Executive Officer, Monimichelle Group and the Chairman of Benue State FA Bar. Paul Edeh.

Speaking on the award Ebi Egbe who said he's humbled to be nominated, described all the nominees as worthy recipients considering what they have done over the years in developing the

NYLC Invites 60 Players for Mid-season Talent Showcase

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The organisers of the maiden edition of N-Youth League Cup (NYLC) U-19 have summoned 60 best players for Mid-Season Talent Invitational Showcase.

The invited players are to report to Abuja on January 5 for the talent showcase to run from Jan 9- 12 at MKO National Stadium, Abuja culminating in an Exhibition match between NYLC All Stars and Abia Warriors on Jan 12.

NYLC President, Robinson Adakosa, said yesterday that the 60 players were selected based on performance and analytical data from Wyscout.

Adakosa noted that the players will train for three days before displaying their talents in the Showcase Game with the players divided into four groups.

“The Showcase Game 1 will hold on Jan 9th . The Showcase Game 2 will take place on Jan 10th while Showcase Game 3 will hold on Jan 11th Adakosa said . A breakdown of the list shows that AS Roma has seven invited players: Usoro Augustine, Greg Odubu, Amobi Chidiebere, Valentine Chidera, David Nelson, Uchechukwu Ibeh and Temioluwa Odetunde.

The trio of Kano Pillars ,

country's sports ecosystem.

" I must have to say that am humbled and greatly honoured to be nominated as one of the awardees and I will cherish the award.

" It's equally important that I give kudos to the nomination committee for doing a painstaking job in selecting the five awardees. Their inclusion of Benue State Governor is worthy

Sunshine Stars of Akure and Atlantic Business of Lagos can boast of four players each. Adamu Ibrahim, Abdulahi Haruna, Mustapha Muhammad and Umar Muhammad will all fly the flag of Kano Pillars while Mathew Samuel, Yakubu Shuaibu, Favour Ayobamidele and Nurudeen Khali will represent Sunshine Stars of Akure.

Atlantic Business Fc will parade the likes of Moyosore Onikoyi, Dimeji Paul, Ledogo Wisdom and Oworo Sabitu.

Three players will represent Enyimba Fc of Aba in the talent showcase, they are-Samuel Okechukwu, Eze Mathew and Chinedu Nathan. Abuja based Mailantarki Care Fc will parade Abdul Samatat, Adamu Yahaya and Miko Dauha. Legacy Stars Fc of Abuja has three players invited, Francis Miracle, Mathias Mallel John and Sadiq Salihu.

Two players each will represent Mighty Jets of Jos, ABS of Ilorin, Kwara United FC, Plateau United Fc, Plateau Jets Fc, Abia Warriors Fc and Bucknor Fc.

The NYLC which is an U19 league is on halfway break with Kano Pillars and Sunshine of Akure leading the table in their respective conferences.

of commendation because of the sports infrastructural development he has brought to the state since assumption of office", he concluded The award which is the first of it's kind in the country is aimed at recognizing five eminent Nigerians that have contributed meaningfully to the country's sports development will hold on February, 27, 2025 in Lagos.

climbed two spots to fifth place in the standings with 31 points, 11 behind leaders Liverpool who have two games in hand. Leicester remains in the danger zone in 18th place.

Liverpool outfit. The gap in quality was emphasised six minutes from time when

Salah bamboozled several West Ham defenders with a brilliant run from inside his own half before

finish. Elsewhere,

Haaland

Liverpool players celebrating Mohamed Salah’s goal in the 5-0 drubbing of West Ham...on Sunday night

MISSILE

Economic Expert to FG

“In2025,weshouldprioritisereducinginflationandstabilisingtheexchangeratebetween theNairaandthedollar.However,inflationhashadamoreprofoundimpactonoureconomy thananyotherfactor.Itsdrageffectinfluenceseveryaspectofeconomiclife.Food inflationisextremelyhigh,makingitdifficultformanypeopletoaffordbasicnecessities" –MD/CEO,AnchoriaAdvisoryServices,SamChidoka,urgestheFederalGovernmenttotackle thebitinginflationandeconomichardshipinthecountry in 2025.

MAHMUDJEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

Tchiani, False in One Charge…

We all thought, with the impending withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic from ECOWAS at the end of January 2025 and the unlikelihood that they will utilise the six months period offered by ECOWAS leaders for them to have a rethink, “All will be quiet on the Northern Front,” to paraphrase from the title of Erich Maria Remarque’s 1928 novel about a German soldier’s life in World War One.

Not so. Much like the German dictator Adolf Hitler, who opened a second, Eastern Front against the Soviet Union when his war against France and UK was not yet won, Nigerien military ruler General Abdourahmane Tchiani opened a Southern Front against Nigeria even when his battle to banish the French and Americans from his country was not yet won. Luckily this is not a shooting war; it is a political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, psychological and propaganda war that could however easily spin out of the Nigerien ruler’s control, much as Adolf Hitler lost control of events after launching Operation Barbarossa in June

1941.

Last week, Tchiani gave a wide-ranging televised interview to a fawning journalist. Not only did the reporter not interrogate the soldier’s claims or demand for evidence, but he bent over backwards to nod in agreement at every one of Tchiani’s claims.

On many occasions, he even completed his sentences for him. Critically, the interview was conducted in Hausa language. To some extent that is understandable because Tchiani probably speaks no English, only French, while most people of Niger Republic speak Hausa either as first or as second language, including Tchiani himself, who is an ethnic Zarma.

But there was a more important reason. Hausa is the dominant language spoken in northern Nigeria, by tens of millions of people as first language and by some more millions as second language. Tchiani’s message is directed at them as well as at his countrymen, for two different but related reasons. Until the recent misunderstanding arose following last year’s coup in Niger Republic, the peoples of Northern Nigeria and Niger Republic see themselves as one due to deep historical ties and socio-cultural similarities. The response of ECOWAS and Nigerian government to the events in that country, especially the initial threat of military action to depose the coupists, was not well received in Northern Nigeria, where many people thought a war with Niger Republic is unthinkable. Many people in Nigeria do

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Mnot really think that restoring democracy to a friendly neighbouring country is worth a war, or even sanctions that could disrupt their lives and also hurt our own border communities. ECOWAS has since backtracked from those threats, but Tchiani is intent on whipping up sentiment in the North, using the agency of Hausa language, to further upstage President Tinubu and if possible, win the support of millions of other Africans in his fight against France.

And for a good reason. The soldiers who overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, in a desperate search for legitimacy, found, whipped up and rode on anti-French sentiment like an Argentine polo pony. Sure, French colonial and post-colonial record in Africa is sordid, hence the relative ease with which it was easy to whip up feelings against it and chase its troops and military bases out of a long swathe of West Africa all the way from Chad, Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali and most recently, Senegal. However, Tchiani and the soldiers did not just promise to oust the French and

Continued on page 30

Letter to the Year 2024

y dear 2024, Letter writing may be a lost art in this digital age, yet there are moments when the weight of reflection demands the intimacy of a letter. So, dear 2024, consider this a heartfelt note from a Nigerian seeking to encapsulate the whirlwind of emotions, events, and transformations that have unfolded over the past twelve months. As I pen down these words, I do so with the awareness that you are not an ordinary year. Your arrival brought hope, but as the days rolled, that hope was replaced with hardship, struggle, perseverance and lessons.

In this letter, as tricky as it may be, I will attempt to recount the key events that shaped you – the milestones that defined not only my life but the collective experience of a nation grappling with economic hardship, political uncertainty, and social upheaval. Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and you will be remembered as a year that tested our spirit and resolve. This is not just a recollection of facts but a narrative of survival in a

land where, at times, the future seemed uncertain.

You were, indeed harsh, but we, the Nigerian people, have shown remarkable resilience and perseverance. Despite the economic hardships you brought, with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs affecting all, we have stood strong. Your visitation of economic hardships worsened by 34-40% inflation rate and supply chain disruptions, an embarrassing unemployment rate of 40%, and rising living costs affected both the high and the low. Almost all households felt your pinch. Nigeria's food inflation rate rose to close to 40% by mid-year, pushing millions into poverty. National Bureau of Statistics reports indicated that over 71 million Nigerians faced food insecurity by the third quarter. The exchange rate rose by over 60%. Yet, amid these challenges, the Nigerian people showed remarkable resilience and perseverance.

To put it into context, essential commodities such as rice, maize, and garri doubled in price within months. The petrol price fluctuated between N700 to N1200 per litre, severely impacting transportation

and logistics. Even sachet water, popularly called 'pure water', became a luxury for many, reflecting the depth of economic strain. You made our economic thinkers and planners look clueless. Thank God we, the people, showed understanding with them.

You brought needless political contentions –the Rivers crisis, contentious elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Kano Emir drama, the Old-New-Old national anthem, and “Endbadgovernance”demonstratio ns. An attempt to reform our tax system highlighted our stubborn ethnic fault lines. You were not short of drama, both relevant and irrelevant. The reinstatement of the old national anthem left citizens divided, as critics viewed it as distracting from pressing governance issues. However, amid these contentions, the Nigerian people stood united, showing remarkable solidarity. Despite the divisive nature of some of these events, we have remained a united front.

Territory (FCT), leaving no fewer than 60 people dead. Unemployment among the youth reached over 45%, with many university graduates resorting to menial jobs or leaving the country in search of greener pastures, contributing to the ongoing 'Japa' wave.

At the global scene, you delivered historic elections and global unrest. People in more than 60 countries— representing almost 50 per cent of the world's population—went to the polls during the year. Voters in Mexico and the United Kingdom picked new leaders, while a former U.S. president was invited by voters back to the White House. In Nigeria, voter turnout in local elections dipped to a record low of 28%, reflecting growing disillusionment with governance. This disinterest was amplified by widespread insecurity, with over 1,500 reported cases of abduction and banditry disrupting daily life. Villages in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Borno faced relentless attacks, forcing thousands into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Poverty and hunger became our companions, resulting in three deadly stampedes during palliative distributions in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Continued

Tchiani