Awards N24m cost in favour of lawmakers Ruling based on case withdrawal, govt, Falana explain HURIWA, opposition lawmakers, others react
Says they’re merchants of death Agency raids Onitsha drug market, confiscates fake, expired products Signs MoU with customs, NDLEA Reuters: Dangote Refinery to Hit Full Capacity in Next One Month... Page 8
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Ndubuisi Francis and Onyebuchi Ezeigbo in Abuja
The federal government has again underscored the importance of private sector involvement in expanding the housing sector, as the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) launched N100 billion Series 2 offering under the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF).
Yesterday's launch of the N100 billion Series 2 offering raised subscriptions so far to N250 billion, a build-up from the successful N150 billion Series 1 subscription earlier launched in 2024.
MREIF is a major initiative to address Nigeria’s critical housing deficit by providing long-term, affordable financing for housing developments and homeownership.
The fund tallies with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to bridge Nigeria’s estimated 20 million housing deficit through innovative and sustainable financial solutions.
Speaking at the official launch of the project in Abuja, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, highlighted the imperative of private sector involvement in the housing sector.
Edun stated, “The successful completion of Series 1 has demonstrated the government’s commitment to making homeownership more accessible. Now, with Series 2, we are opening the doors for private investors to join this transformative journey, creating jobs, enhancing
infrastructure, and strengthening the economy.”
Managing Director/CEO of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Takang, reaffirmed the fund’s long-term vision, emphasising, “Series 2 marks a critical step toward unlocking private capital at scale for Nigeria’s housing market.
"By leveraging blended finance, we are creating a sustainable framework for affordable homeownership
that benefits all Nigerians.”
Chairman of MOFI Board, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, applauded the initiative, describing it as “a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s housing sector”.
Usman said, “the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on delivering sustainable homeownership opportunities for Nigerians, and MREIF is a major driver of this vision.”
While Series 1 was fully
subscribed by MOFI as Sponsor and Anchor Investor, Series 2 is strategically positioned to attract private sector participation, mobilising N100 billion from institutional investors.
MOFI said that underscored its commitment to fostering a collaborative public-private partnership to scale up housing finance and drive inclusive economic growth.
MREIF’s ultimate goal is to raise
N1 trillion to transform Nigeria’s housing sector, enabling millions of Nigerians to access affordable homeownership.
The fund prioritises affordable mortgage financing with repayment tenors of up to 25 years and interest rates targeted at 11-12 percent, significantly lower than prevailing commercial rates. This is made possible through a blended finance structure that combines subsidised
public funding with market-rate private sector investments.
With Series 2, MOFI is paving the way for deeper private sector collaboration to accelerate housing development across the nation. "As the fund progresses toward its N1 trillion goal, it will continue to catalyse investments that reshape Nigeria’s housing landscape and improve the lives of millions," MOFI added.
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday, brokered peace between the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over power outage at the hospital.
The development brought to an end a 102-day power outage at the nation's first teaching hospital, with the distribution company assuring that it would restore electricity supply to some sections of the hospital within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The decision formed part of resolutions reached after a closed-door meeting held at the hospital, which lasted about three hours, between the minister, Managing Director of IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha, and
Chief Medical Director of the teaching hospital, Professor Jesse Otegbayo.
The trio, and the top management teams of the institutions, led by the minister, later addressed the press at the boardroom of the teaching hospital.
However, while the meeting was ongoing, a group of students staged a peaceful protest to express their displeasure over the prolonged darkness that had enveloped the hospital.
The protesters, from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, who carried placards and sang solidarity songs, demanded immediate restoration of power supply to all the sections of the hospital.
The students said the situation had become unbearable as medical, learning and commercial activities had been paralysed.
They added that some patients had been withdrawn from the hospital to private facilities due to lack of appropriate medical attention.
Adelabu, while addressing the stakeholders at the press briefing, described the power issue at the hospital as a national embarrassment, assuring that all the issues relating to the lingering power crisis have been resolved.
He said the huge debt being owed by the hospital was traceable to some factors, which included sharp practices, unseparated accounts, dilapidated infrastructure, and equipment.
The minister decried the previous practice of lumping electricity bills, saying all the sectors, including the clinical services, College of Medicine, and the commercial outlets within the teaching hospital must operate
N3.2bn Scandal: House Urges EFCC, ICPC to Grill Former Labour Ministry Perm. Sec
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (IPCC) to invite two former Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Ministry of Labour - Williams Alo and Yerima Tafa - over a N3,201,583,662.65 alleged financial infraction while in office.
The Committee raised concern over the increasing disregard for the committee and the parliament by Ministries, Department and Agencies of government by refusing to honour invitations to respond to audit queries issued by the Auditor General for
the Federation.
Chairman of the Committee, Bamidele Salam, who announced the resolution yesterday, said the Committee had written seven different letters to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to appear before the committee without any response and without giving any reason for not appearing.
Salam said the Ministry also failed to provide the relevant documents needed to clear them of the 32 audit queries against them from the 2020 audit report, adding that although the Auditor General for the Federation made specific recommendations, the Committee decided to write the Ministry, allowing them to defend themselves.
He said the Minister consistently refused to honour the invitation.
"The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had to issue a statement against some MDAs for their refusal to appear,” adding that the House Committee “will not continue to waste its time inviting agencies that will not respect the constitutional authority of the National Assembly."
"Williams Alo and Yerima Tafa who were the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry when the infraction took place should be held liable for the infraction since they were the accounting officers in the ministry," he added.
Also, the committee gave the current Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Saliu Usman 72 hours to
appear before them to respond to the seven audit queries from the Auditor General for the 2021 financial year or risk having the committee upholding the recommendations of the Auditor General.
The Permanent Secretaries in the Federal ministries of Transportation, Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Adeleye Ayodeji, Mariam Keshero and Yakubu Adams Kofamata respectively are also to appear before the committee within the next 72 hours.
The Chairman of the committee said the committee was making every effort to address queries contained in both the 2020 and 2021 audit report before the 2022 report would be submitted in April.
different accounts.
He maintained that if all the parts were on their own, the electricity bill of the hospital would not be more than it could pay comfortably every month.
According to him, "The power crisis in the UCH has gotten to an embarrassing level, not just for the hospital or IBEDC but also to the federal government.
“UCH is the country's premier teaching hospital and it is embarrassing to have the hospital in darkness for that long.
"The issue is on customer-vendor crisis, which we expect that would have been resolved. I have intervened in times past and the hospital was reconnected to the grid but the issue would come back again.
“The federal government is not comfortable with the current crisis between UCH and IBEDC."
He added that similar issues had occurred in some other health facilities in the past and did not take so long to be resolved, and stated that the development necessitated his intervention.
Adelabu said the federal government had enlisted both UCH and University of Ibadan as beneficiaries of a 50 megawatts solar mini-grid, which will be completed within the first and second quarters of the year.
He added that it had also been agreed that IBEDC would work with the electrical department of UCH to ensure electricity audit and proper usage while also tackling energy theft and abuse.
Adelabu stated, "It is quite embarrassing to have the hospital in total darkness for so long. I have intervened in the matter several times but the problem still lingers.
"Other teaching hospitals, including the University of Benin Teaching
Hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), University of Calabar, Maidiguri and Abuja, that had similar cases were able to surmount through the federal government’s intervention with solar mini-grid.
"A similar thing will be done at the University of Ibadan and the College of Medicine. The federal government will install 50 megawatts solar minigrid, which will be completed in the first and second quarters of the year.
"Also, while this is going on, the IBEDC has agreed to restore electricity to some sections of the hospital within 48 hours while N283 million will be settled on an instalment basis.
"The management of the UCH has agreed on the immediate settlement of the debt on an instalment payment, which is going to be between 8-12 months, in addition to the current bill.”
The minister added, "Henceforth, each of the major consumers will be responsible for the payment of their electricity bills, as against the previous practice of lumping bills, while separate transformers will be provided.
"It was also agreed that all the sections of the UCH must be properly metered to guard against sharp practices. The issue of fraud and power theft will not be condoned. It is an economic crime. Whoever is caught should be reported to the EFCC.
"We have seen the results, likewise the consequence of the ignoble act. I have advised the CMD to report such incidents to the EFCC. Some banks were caught red-handed bypassing connections. That is a fraud."
Agoha, in his remarks, confirmed the gradual restoration of electricity to sections of the hospital. He said his team would be meeting with the UCH management to work on the modalities.
L-R: Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II and his wife, Olori Ivie Atuwatse; Commodore of Lagos Motor Boat Club, Babasola Alololaro; and Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate land, when the Motor Boat Club honoured the two traditional rulers at the club in Lagos .... recently
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos
Nigeria's mega Dangote Oil refinery, Africa's largest, could begin operating at full capacity in 30 days, the head of the refinery, Edwin Devakumar, told Reuters yesterday.
The 650,000 barrels per day refinery built by Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote, in Lagos began processing crude into products,
including diesel, naphtha and jet fuel, in January last year and started processing petrol in September.
It aims to compete with European refiners when operating at full capacity but has been struggling to secure sufficient crude locally.
The Dangote Refinery is a massive oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Lagos, Nigeria. Developed by Dangote Group, it is one of the largest refineries in the world and
the biggest in Africa. The facility, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is designed to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy sector.
Costing about $20 billion to build, the refinery has helped to partly meet local demand and has reduced reliance on imports.
Head of the Dangote oil refinery, Devakumar, said the refinery was
currently operating at 85 per cent capacity and "we can go 100 percent in 30 days."
Last year, the refinery turned to importing crude after it was unable to secure sufficient volumes despite an agreement with the Nigerian government to buy crude in the local naira currency, the Reuters report noted.
It has asked for 550,000 bpd of crude for January-June this year from
oil producers in Nigeria, according to the oil regulator, which has also said it would block export permits for oil cargoes from producers who fail to meet their stipulated supply quota to local refineries.
The Dangote Oil Refinery is exploring new markets for its refined products. Founder Aliko Dangote told a group of Nigerian professionals who visited last week that it was sending two cargoes of
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in partnership with APM Terminals (APMT) yesterday officially commenced the long-expected container traffic on the standard gauge railway line from Lagos to the Moniya Freight Yard in Ibadan, Oyo State.
At the landmark event which was held at the Apapa Port in Lagos, the newly appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the NRC and APMT in facilitating container movement across Nigeria, particularly to inland locations in Kaduna and Kano.
Opeifa also reaffirmed the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s rail infrastructure for efficiency in transportation across the country.
However, he added that these operations were traditionally conducted on the narrow gauge network.
The commencement of standard gauge container traffic marked a significant improvement in efficiency, with increased capacity and smoother logistics operations.
In his speech at the flag-off ceremony of the ‘Container Traffic on Standard Gauge for APMT,’ the NRC boss said: “Indeed I am delighted to be here on my official capacity as the MD/CEO of NRC to formally perform the flag-off the APMT Container Traffic on standard gauge rail Line.
"This milestone event signifies the expansion of container traffic on the standard gauge rail line from APMT Terminal to Moniya Freight Yard. It will enhance import and export activities, providing a more
efficient and convenient mode of transportation.
“Though NRC and APMT have a long history of doing business of container traffic to places in the hinterland of Nigeria such as; Kaduna, Kano, but it is mainly on the narrow gauge lines.
“However, container traffic movement by rail on the standard gauge in and out of APMT to Moniya freight yard in Ibadan commences on September 2023, with the likes Bueno Logistics and Transco Africa Logistics blazing the trail among other customers using the single ‘transitional line’ in APMT.
“Two additional lines are at the advanced stage of completion in APMT which will bring the total lines within the APMT standard gauge corridor to three lines while this milestone event marks the commencement of container traffic expansion on the Standard gauge rail Line from the APMT terminal to Moniya Ibadan Freight yard.”
The container train service, according to him, would operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with each trip capable of transporting 35 wagons of 40-foot containers or 70 wagons of 20-foot containers.
In 2024 alone, NRC recorded the movement of 362,327 tons of imported and exported containers via both the narrow and standard gauge systems.
Opeifa emphasised that efficient rail services are crucial to reducing the cost of goods, improving the standard of living, and addressing economic challenges. According to Opeifa, “The federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to revitalisation
and modernisation project of the Nigerian Railway Corporation for efficient rail system.
“As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president, this is one of the surest ways to address the cost of goods, standard of living and multi-dimensional poverty.
“At this point, on behalf of the management team and staff of the NRC, I congratulate the management of the APMT for this giant stride in business expansion and also appreciate you for having confidence in Nigerian Railway Corporation as
a major mover for the Success of this project in the ease of doing business and expansion of management of logistics of goods and services for trade facilitation.”
Also speaking at the launch event, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Apapa, Caroline AubertAdewuyi, disclosed the improvements made to the service since its initial introduction in September 2023.
“Unlike the previous system, where trains departed only when fully loaded, the structured timetable allows customers to plan shipments.
“Additionally, payments for the service have been streamlined, with customers now paying exclusively to APM Terminals Apapa, which will facilitate transactions with all relevant stakeholders,” she said.
“The relaunch comes at a crucial time, as traffic congestion in Apapa continues to drive up road transport costs. By offering a cost-effective and time-saving alternative, the rail service aims to support Nigeria’s trade and export sector, particularly benefiting agricultural producers and perishable goods exporters,” she added.
jet fuel to Saudi Aramco as part of its plans to expand. "We are looking at all the markets right now," said Devakumar. Meanwhile, oil prices rebounded on Monday despite lingering fears over a potential global trade war after the US President Donald Trump's latest tariff plans, this time targeting steel and aluminium.
Brent crude futures were up 87 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at $75.53 a barrel, with US West Texas Intermediate crude adding 1.3 per cent, rising 90 cents to $71.90. Monday's gains could be down to bargain hunting after the market posted a third consecutive weekly decline last week, pressured by the concerns over global trade, a Reuters report said.
US President, Donald Trump, said he will announce on Monday 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States. A week ago he announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, but suspended those for the neighbouring countries the next day.
Brent crude is forecast to average $60 to $65 a barrel in the second half of 2025 because Trump will be persistent in his desire to lower energy prices and he will ultimately prove to be a bearish influence on the market, Citi analysts said.
Emejo in Abuja
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, yesterday charged all heads of agencies under her supervision to double their efforts towards achieving President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on accelerating diversification and increasing industrialisation in the country.
Speaking at the opening of the top management retreat for the presentation of the ministry’s 2025 roadmap in Abuja, Oduwole, alongside the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, harped on the need to boost services exports and adopt innovative ideas to diversify the economic base from crude oil.
The minister, who is also expected to sign a performance bond with all the 19 departments and agencies under the ministry at the end of the
meeting, further maintained that the country can earn Foreign Exchange (FX) from Nigerian youth who are currently tech-savvy.
She said through business outsourcing, youths can generate jobs in Nigeria and earn FX for the country.
She told THISDAY, “So, we're prioritising outsourcing of business services. Young Nigerians can be retooled…that means they can have a laptop or a device, and they can be on a job, and not just customer care jobs. They can have technology jobs. They can have paralegal jobs. They can have accounting jobs. They can have agribusiness jobs. They can have health consulting jobs. A lot of jobs in services, hospitality, creative sector, and sports.
“That makes it conducive for them to earn money, and for the Nigerian economy to record exports of services
for the economy.”
Oduwole further explained that the annual retreat became necessary to help agencies strategise and align their programmes with Mr. President's eight-point agenda, adding that achieving this would require team work.
She signalled the commencement of a new chapter in driving the country’s economic diversification agenda by implementing targeted policies and reforms to accelerate industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation, adding that the quick wins are already being accomplished by ensuring coordination and synergy in the administration's fiscal and monetary policies.
Oduwole said the ministry will prioritise the creation of a dynamic, resilient and sustainable economy by positioning the private sector for
productivity and competitiveness and enabling businesses to take full advantage of the vast opportunities available in domestic, regional and global markets.
She said the goal of the ministry was to facilitate the creation of wealth, productive jobs and share prosperity for all Nigerians. The minister said, “We have repositioned ourselves to deliver empirically verifiable policies and reforms based on transparently laid down goals.”
She also promised to create an environment where private sector stakeholders and businesses operating in the country would find it progressively easier to start and grow their businesses and return on investment. She said the ministry remained committed to delivering measurable impact with renewed energy and determination.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Chrisemua and Sons Nigeria Limited, Odiaka Christiana( Second Runner-up); Managing Director, J.Ogungbola and Sons Limited, Jimoh Ogungbola (National Volume Champion); Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi; Chief Executive Officer, MACDEN Communications Limited, Dennis Okorie(First Runner-up) and Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emmanuel Oriakhi during the 2025 Distributor Awards of Nigerian Breweries Plc held in Lagos on Friday
CBN reschedules MPC meeting to February 19
James Emejo in Abuja
The federal government said it has approved the sum of $1.70 billion to improve governance and healthcare delivery for Nigerians under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity - Governance (HOPE – Governance), alongside the inter-related Primary Health Care Provision Strengthening projects.
This came as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday also announced that the 299th meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) earlier scheduled for February 17 and 18, 2025, will now take place on February 19 and 20.
The CBN disclosed this in a statement, adding that the update voids speculations around the date of the meetings amid delays by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to release the rebased Consumer Price Index(CPI).
Ahead of the MPC meeting, there have been mixed expectation on whether the apex bank would further hike the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the benchmark interest rate amid current realities.
The central bank earlier released the meeting calendar for the MPC this year.
The committee, which will meet five times this year, was billed to convene its first meeting February 17-18, according to the calendar.
The MPC is the highest policymaking body of the central bank.
The second meeting is expected to hold May 19-20, and the third July 21-22.
The fourth meeting will hold September 22-23, while MPC’s last meeting for the year will take place between November 24 and 25.
MPC makes decisions about monetary policy and reviews economic and financial conditions, determines policy stances, and communicates policy decisions to the public.
The committee’s resolutions are geared towards ensuring that the
apex bank achieves its primary mandate of price stability.
However, in a statement, Director Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Osagie Jacobs Julie, said the health funding intervention was announced the
recent meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
She explained that the HOPE -PHC project aimed to improve utilisation of quality essential health care services and health system resilience in the country.
On the other hand, gover-
nance reforms entrenched in HOPE-Governance will support improvements in healthcare financing; enhance transparency and accountability; and increase recruitment, deployment and performance management of primary healthcare workers by the
federal, state and local governments. The HOPE -PHC project will be driven by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare while the HOPE -Governance project will be anchored by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
George Okoh in Makurdi
The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited BIPC has demanded from the Dangote Cement the payment of the company's accrued dividend and other entitlements since the takeover of the Company amounting to over N65 billion as at 1st August 2024.
BIPC is also, demanding to be on the board of Dangote Cement Company PLC as Deputy Managing Director in addition to having 10 percent equity as well as Benue State Government having two members on the board of Dangote Cement Company.
The Managing/Chief Executive Officer, BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, who made the demand at a press conference in Makurdi, said BIPC still has holdings under the defunct Benue Cement Company, BCC which is now Dangote Cement Company PLC.
Dr. Asemakaha explained that the management of BIPC under his watch is desirous to reclaiming its holding and allied entitlements in the company following the Rights
Issue of 2005.
According to him, before the implementation of President Olusegun’s Obasanjo’s Privatization Policy, the then Benue Cement Company PLC was jointly owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Benue State Government represented by BIPC and other minority shareholders respectively.
He also noted the implementation of the privatization policy and the Rights Issue of 2005 changed the character of the ownership structure of the company with Dangote Industries retaining majority control of the shares.
He said: "While Dangote Industries has since retained and exercised control over the affairs of the company as a majority shareholder in line with regulatory and corporate governance principles, it is important to note and categorically state that BIPC remains a significant shareholder of the company with definable benefits notwithstanding the nature of the aforementioned change and attainment of the majority shareholding status.
"Regrettably, the management of Dangote Industries (owners of the Dangote Cement Company Plc)
breached all the material codes associated with takeover of a company and has thus continued to manage the affairs of the company in violation of mutual agreement and corporate governance principles applicable to quoted companies. For ease of reference and clarity of purpose, the Management of Dangote Cement PLC entered into a Terms of Settlement with BIPC detailing the Company’s (BIPC’S) holdings and managerial positions as a basis for the withdrawal of Suit No. IST/ APP/02/2006 filed against her at the Security and Investment Tribunal.
"More importantly, it has become imperative to inform the good people of Benue State and the concerned members of the public that the blatant, continuous sabotage and refusal by Dangote Industries Ltd to effectuate the consummation of the Final Terms of the Out of Court Settlement, particularly the all-important term to cede a minimum of 10% in the equity stakes of the defunct BCC Plc, now Dangote cement Plc is part of why this fresh endeavour by the current management of the BIPC.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The federal government has unveiled the 2025 Motherland Initiative by inviting global diaspora to explore investment opportunities and witness the remarkable transformation unfolding across the nation.
The Minister of Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said this yesterday at the unveiling that the Motherland 2025 Festival Ambassador Awards will recognize outstanding members of the diaspora making significant contributions in their respective fields. She added the ministry seeks to use the initiative to position Nigeria as a premier global destination where tourism drives economic
empowerment, cultural preservation and national pride.
Musawa described the initiative as not merely a festival but as a project synonymous with "Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere" soft power initiative that reaffirms the country's role as the epicentre of global black and African culture, commerce and community.
She assured that the initiative will be a catalyst for sustained engagement, forging lasting connections between the diaspora and their homeland, investors and opportunities and global travelers and Nigeria’s dynamic experiences. The minister said as part of the long-term components of the project, the federal government is also developing Diaspora City
- a thriving tourism hub where members of the diaspora can seamlessly invest, reconnect and put down roots.
"Nigeria is the largest Black nation in the world - one in every four persons of African origin is Nigerian. Our cultural and historical significance is undeniable. Whether through ancestry, culture, or spirit, we welcome all who seek to rediscover their roots and contribute to the next chapter of our nation’s story.
"Through the Motherland Festival and its Citizenship program, we empower individuals to trace their ancestry, fostering deeper bonds with Nigeria’s rich heritage.
“We will generate investment in Nigeria with a programme that will
be supported by legal frameworks to enable diasporans and foreign nationals obtain citizenships to safeguard their investments in Nigeria.
“The federal government is committed to making Nigeria an ideal destination for business and tourism. This is also evidenced by the Diaspora Voting Bill and Mr. President’s Tax Reform Bill," she said.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, Chidimma Nwankwo, said the event billed for December will showcase Lagos and Abuja with a window for visitors to experience Nigeria's vibrant history, music, Nollywood, food, diversity, arts and the advancements in healthcare.
"Therefore, and in recognition and promotion of a harmonious business relationship with our allies including but not limited to the management of Dangote Industries, we have made concerted efforts aimed at addressing the breach complained of but to no avail as the Management of Dangote Industries has continuously treated our request with disdain.
"As a management and organization that places high premium on processes and procedures, we briefed one of our external solicitors; to write to the management of Dangote Industries and demand for the allotment of 111,438,493 units of
shares in satisfaction of the Terms of Settlement that was entered into as Judgment of the Court at the instance of Dangote Industries.
“In furtherance of our instruction, the firm wrote the said letter and caused same to be served on Dangote Industries Headquarters in satisfaction of administrative requirements and corporate governance principles in addition to the exchange of other correspondences on the above subject matter. However, and as at the date of this press release, Dangote Industries Plc has neither responded to the letters nor settled the outstanding entitlements.
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has ordered activation of the penalty points system to strengthen compliance with traffic regulations.
He said the system is designed to track and penalize drivers who commit traffic offences, with the goal of reducing road traffic crashes and promoting safe driving practices.
Mohammed, in a statement Monday by Assistant Corps Marshal Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps Headquarters, Olusegun Ogungbemide, noted the penalty points system is a proven method of enforcing traffic laws, as it assigns points to drivers for various traffic offences.
When a driver accumulates a certain number of points, he becomes liable to penalties such as warning, licence suspension or complete withdrawal of the licence.
Explaining the Points further,
the Corps Marshal revealed that Drivers who accumulate between 10-14 points will receive a warning notification signifying that the driver should desist henceforth from violating traffic regulations. His words: "When the driver goes ahead to accumulate between 15-20 points, his/her driver’s licence will be suspended, signifying a temporary withdrawal of rights to drive in Nigeria.
“However, the driver’s licence finally gets withdrawn when the driver accumulates 21 points, indicating that the driver's right to drive on Nigerian roads is totally taken away or denied.
"Examples of Traffic Offences and penalty points in Nigeria include: Driving without a valid driver's license which accrues 10 penalty points, and N10,000 fine; Speed limit violation 5 penalty points and N5,000 fine; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 5 penalty points, N5,000 fine; as well as Dangerous Driving which accrues 10 penalty points and N50,000 fine."
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, yesterday, reiterated his commitment to service, affirming that he would be available to contribute to development globally, in Africa or Nigeria, after his tenure at the multilateral institution.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Monday, Adesina addressed questions about his future, including the possibility of running for the presidency of Nigeria. He highlighted his belief in divine
providence and his lifelong dedication to uplifting people. He stated, “I always believe in the providence of God, the grace of God. I don’t see myself as more than just an instrument in the hands of God to help people. “The only thing that makes me happy is seeing the lives of people transform and change. That is what gives me satisfaction, and, as a result of that, I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including Nigeria.”
Adesina emphasised his deeprooted identity as a Nigerian and
an African, stating, “I told a friend of mine that God didn’t make a mistake in making me a Nigerian and an African. That I will live as a Nigerian, and I will work, by the special grace of God, so that that green passport will be respected, just like everybody else in the world. You don’t beg for respect; you earn respect.”
Addressing young Africans at the crossroads in their lives, particularly those passionate about trade and development, Adesina encouraged them to remain steadfast and committed to their goals.
He said, “First and foremost, be tenacious, have confidence in yourself. It is not where you started from that matters. Keep working hard, believe in yourself, and trust in God. Don’t also think that life is a bed of roses—you have to have great hard work.”
He cautioned against negative influences, urging young people to focus on impact rather than wealth accumulation.
According to him, “For young people, all I want to say is be focused, be purposeful, don’t copy bad guys. Money is not success. Have in your
mind to create impact through your knowledge, through your skills, through your businesses, and through the things you do daily.”
Reflecting on leadership, Adesina stressed the importance of kindness, stating that people are remembered for the impact they make in the lives of others.
“People are remembered for the kindness that they show and the people they touch. The most important thing for a leader to have is kindness. When God gives you the opportunity, in whatever you do, be kind,” he stated.
S’COURT RESERVES RULING IN FOUR RIVERS CASES, DISMISSES FUBARA’S APPEAL ON BUDGET
Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule.
A five-member panel of justices of the apex court led by Justice Uwani Musa Aba-Aji, dismissed the appeal shortly after it was withdrawn by Fubara's lawyers led by Mr Yusuf Ali, SAN.
Both the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal had in separate judgements, faulted Fubara's presentation of the 2024 appropriation before a five-member assembly led by Rt Hon. Edison Ehie.
Fubara predicated his decision to present to the Ehie-led Assembly on the grounds that the Amaewhule-led faction, having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ceases to be lawful members of the state assembly.
But the two lower courts held that he could not present the budget before a five member house of assembly, especially when he did not present any evidence that the faction of Amaewhule 27 lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC.
Displeased with the judgements of the two lower courts, Fubara, last year, approached the apex court for an order setting aside the concurrent judgements ordering him to represent the budget to the Amaewhule-led faction.
However, when the matter came up up yesterday, Ali informed the five-member panel of justices of a notice of withdrawal filed on February 6, seeking to withdraw the appeal on the grounds that, "the appeal has been overtaken by events."
Responding, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who represented Rivers State House of Assembly and Amaewhule, 1st and 2nd respondents respectively and Chief Joseph Daudu, SAN, who
represented 3rd to 12th respondents (National Assembly and the leadership), said they were not opposed to the withdrawal, pointing out that since issues had been joined by all parties, the proper thing for the court to do was to dismiss the appeal instead of striking it out.
Besides, Olanipekun and Daudu also asked for a cost of N2 million for each of their clients.
In a short ruling, Justice Aba-Aji, granted the application and dismissed the appeal.
She also granted the request for cost of N2 million in favour of the 1st to 12 respondents.
But, the apex court reserved its verdicts on four other cases on the state political crisis, saying a date would be communicated to lawyers representing parties in the appeals shortly after the counsel adopted their processes for and against the various appeals.
The four appeals are marked SC/ CV/1174/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and others against the Rivers State Government and nine others; SC/CV/1175/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and others against the Rivers State Governor and nine others.
The others are SC/CV/1176/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and others against Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), and nine others; and SC/ CV/1177/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and others against the Accountant General of Rivers State and nine others.
They were in respect of some judgements delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja which prohibited the release of monthly allocations to Rivers State from the Federation
Account and another that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing voter's register to the state government for the purpose conducting local government election among others.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, had ordered the stoppage of the release of allocations from the federal government to Rivers State until the governor presented the budget before the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly members.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, however, upturned the the judgement on the grounds of grave injustice in the findings and decisions.
In another judgement, the Court of Appeal, upturned the decision of Justice Peter Lifu, also of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which had ruled against the conduct of the October 5, 2024, local government council election in Rivers on the grounds that due process of Rivers State laws on local government elections had not been followed.
Shedding light on the development, senior lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, corrected the misconception that the Supreme Court recognised the Amaewhule-led faction as the authentic leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to him, the issue of defection of the 27 lawmakers said to be loyal to Wike was still pending before a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
He explained that the withdrawal of the appeal against the budget had nothing to do with the issue of defection.
"With respect to what happened today which many of you are aware, we filed an appeal against
the judgement of the Court of Appeal in respect of the budget of the state. The budget has since expired and we are talking of 2025 budget, but that appeal has to do with 2024 budget.
"Secondly, with respect to the legislators, it was after the judgement of Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal that they defected.
"So, the question of their defection is now pending before a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt that is why we withdrew the appeal on the grounds that it has been overtaken by events," he said.
Also, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagodo Israel Iboroma, who said he was in court, lamented that there had been serial misrepresentation in social and electronic media, misrepresenting what transpired in court.
Saying it was important to trace the facts leading to SC/CV/1701/2024, he said, “On the 29th day of November, 2023, Martin Chike Amaewhule & Anor instituted Suit No: FHC/ABJ/ CS/1613/2023 at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Here are copies of their originating summons containing the 11 (eleven) reliefs claimed by Martin Chike Amaewhule and others.
“On the 11th day of December, 2023 while Suit No: FHC/ABJ/ CS/1613/2023 was pending at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Martin Chike Amaewhule & 26 others defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress and automatically lost their seats as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“In Suit No: FHC/ABJ/ CS/1613/2023, the defection of Martin Amaewhule and 26 others was not an issue. Thus, it was not
NAFDAC DG, ADEYEYE, DOUBLES DOWN ON DEATH PENALTY FOR FAKE DRUG DEALERS
Mary Nnah, Funmi Ogundare in Lagos and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has reaffirmed her stance on the imposition of the death penalty on fake drug dealers.
Adeyeye, who spoke on Arise Primetime, emphasised that the illicit drug traders were "merchants of death" who prioritised profits over human lives.
She argued that the current penalties for fake drug peddling were too lenient.
That was as the agency raided the popular drug market at Niger Bridge Head, Onitsha, Anambra State, confiscating large quantities of suspected substandard, adulterated, and expired drugs.
South East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who led the operation, took the traders by surprise as the operatives moved from shop to shop removing a wide range of drugs.
Speaking on the Arise Television programme, Adeyeye stated, "Somebody violated the NAFDAC rule, the medicine can kill somebody, and you give that person five years in jail or N250,000 fine. To me, that's weak."
She added, "We've got to strengthen or make the penalty very stiff."
Adeyeye insisted that the death penalty was necessary to deter fake drug dealers.
"It is all about deterrence," she said, explaining, "If somebody kills another person and that person is
not repentant, maybe that person should be killed, also."
The NAFDAC director-general also addressed concerns about wrongful convictions. She said, “Actually, in terms of the use of bad medicine, we have laboratories. We can also not just rely on our laboratory.
“We can do inter-laboratory proficiency testing. We send it to other labs. It is science. Science doesn't lie. If it is there that this medicine or this particular product has nothing inside it, that's not a wrongful conviction. It is a deserving conviction.”
Highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in combating the menace of fake drugs, she said, "Part of our national action plan is having a strategic partnership.
“We have signed an MOU with Customs. We are working closer now than ever with Customs.
“It's a strategic partnership."
NAFDAC also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Adeyeye said, "We have signed an MOU with the NDLEA so that we work together and put Nigeria first. Nigeria first, not NAFDAC first, not Customs first.
“Our motto in NAFDAC is customer-focused and agency-minded. You are customer-focused, agencyminded means you love Nigeria. And you love Nigeria, you love your fellow human being.”
Adeyeye's stance on the death penalty for fake drug dealers had sparked debate, with some arguing that it is too harsh.
She, however, doubled down on her commitment to protecting
Nigerian lives from the scourge of fake drugs, even though it meant imposing the death penalty to deter those that threatened people’s health through merchandising in fake food and medicines.
The agency raided the drug market at Niger Bridge Head, in Onitsha, and confiscated large quantities of suspected substandard, adulterated and expired drugs.
Products found to have been faked and counterfeited during the raid included antibiotics, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, aphrodisiacs, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, herbal remedies and psychoactive drugs.
The enforcement team also discovered banned drugs on sale. They included analgin, tramadol (above 100 mg), gentamycin (280 mg), codeine and controlled substances, vaccines, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, chemicals and unwholesome food, empty plastics, and bags and cans.
Iluyomade, who addressed journalists after the operation, said, “What triggered the exercise is that overtime, we have been collating data and gathering intelligence on fake and substandard drugs in the markets, and we discovered that people are repackaging and re-bagging fake and counterfeit drugs in the market.
“The exercise is aimed at riding the markets of fake and substandard drugs and those that are made up of spurious, counterfeited and falsified medicinal products, unwholesome
processed products and several other unsafe regulated drugs.”
The zonal director of NAFDAC added, “This is taking place simultaneously across the South-east states, and it is aimed at sanitising the drug markets and safeguarding the health of members of the unsuspecting public.
“Among the drugs are expired, banned, substandard, defective, repackaged and recalled products. We found out that some of the drug dealers are in the habit of imitating some popular drugs and pouring it into containers of the original manufacturer in order to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
“And these drugs are very sensitive, they can lead to death or permanent disability of the consumer. The confiscation of the products would eliminate the risk of their reintroduction into the market.”
He said the operation was “a proof of the agency’s resolve to safeguard the health of the people”.
Iluyomade said the exercise was in line with the agency’s mandate of eradicating fake, banned and other spurious NAFDAC-regulated products from circulating in Nigeria and to prevent members of the public from falling victim.
He said the agency was working in collaboration with the market task force, and advised members of the public to patronise only licensed and registered drug outlets.
The zonal director stated that security operatives and the agency’s investigative team, as well as other stakeholders were on the ground monitoring and ensuring that the enforcement went smoothly.
a question for determination. It was also not an issue for determination in the resultant appeals.
“Furthermore, before judgment was delivered in Suit No: FHC/ ABJ/CS/1613/2023, Martin Chike Amaewhule and 26 others did not inform the court that they have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
“Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 amongst others was principally about the Appropriation Law 2024, (a.k.a 2024 budget). We are in the year 2025 with a 2025 Appropriation Bill already passed and signed into law and in operation.
“The Appropriation Law 2024 is now totally spent and cannot be brought back into operation. The monies in the Appropriation Law 2024 having been spent cannot be recalled and spent again.
“The Appropriation Law 2024 being spent by reason of its expiration, SC/CV/1701/2024 became merely academic and of no utilitarian value.”
According to him, “The appellant in keeping with the time honoured practice of not wasting precious judicial time, filed a notice of withdrawal of his appeal and freely urged the Honourable Court to dismiss his appeal. Accordingly, the Honourable Court granted the prayer sought and dismissed the appeal. This is all that transpired.
“The Supreme Court made no order whatsoever reinstating Martin Chike Amaewhule and 26 others as members of Rivers State House of Assembly, neither did the Supreme Court make any finding on their
status as members of Rivers State House of Assembly.
“We call on members of the public to ignore the false narrative and propaganda being spread by Martin Chike Amaewhule and his lawyers on what transpired in the Supreme Court today.”
In its reaction, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Joe Johnson, also clarified that the Supreme Court dismissed its case on re-presentation of the 2024 appropriation bill and not on eligibility of the 27 embattled lawmakers, as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, adding that, the dismissed appeal was academic.
Johnson explained that, “The 2024 budget was spent on December 31, 2024 fiscal year. The appeal is of no useful purpose. The only reasonable thing left to do is to withdraw the appeal and have it dismissed.
“The Supreme Court is a very busy court. It will be most unwise to belabour the Honourable Court with academic appeals without any practical or utilitarian value. That is the appeal that the urchins are celebrating.
“There is no Supreme Court judgment against Governor Fubara, ignore the outdated political propaganda by some desperate politicians.”
Also, the Chief of Staff to Fubara, Edison Ehie, said since the 2024 budget had been spent, the governor thought it wise to withdraw his appeal against the judgement because it will be a mere academic exercise to dwell on the matter.
ELON MUSK BIDS $97.4BN FOR CONTROL OF OPENAI, FIRM REJECTS OFFER
own AI startup xAI, which could merge with OpenAI following a deal, the Journal said, as well as investors including Valor Equity Partners, Baron Capital, Atreides Management, Vy Capital and 8VC, a venture firm led by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, and Ari Emanuel through his investment fund. Lonsdale declined to comment. The rest of the named investors didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Musk and Altman have been locked in a long-standing feud for years over the direction that the AI company has taken since its founding. Musk has blasted OpenAI for abandoning all pretence of proceeding as a charity to benefit humanity with a focus on openness and safety.
The company is actively working to transition from its nonprofit roots in 2015 — when Musk and Altman worked together as founders — to a for-profit company, following billions of dollars in outside investment by Microsoft Corp. and others.
In a revised version of a lawsuit that he originally filed in August, Musk called OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft a “monopoly” that is “actively trying to eliminate competitors, such as xAI, by extracting promises from investors not to fund them.”
The revised suit lists 26 legal claims and runs 107 pages, compared with 15 claims in the 83-page original complaint.
Microsoft’s $13 billion investment in OpenAI has raised concerns from the US Federal Trade Commission that the tech giant could extend its dominance in cloud computing into the booming AI market.
The Japanese investment firm
SoftBank Group Corp., however, is in talks to invest as much as $25 billion in OpenAI, a move that would potentially eclipse all other stakes and make it the startup’s biggest backer. Last month, Microsoft altered its multiyear deal with OpenAI, allowing the startup to use cloud-computing services from rival providers, so long as the software giant doesn’t want the business itself. The restructured deal coincided with an announcement by OpenAI, Softbank and Oracle Corp. of a new $500 billion joint venture to build cloud computing data centers in the US, dubbed Stargate. The Journal cited a statement from Musk provided by Toberoff, saying "It's time for OpenAI to return to the open-source, safety-focused force for good it once was."
Musk, who is a top advisor to President Donald Trump, is in the middle of a heated legal and public relations battle with Altman. They were two of the co-founders of OpenAI in 2015, establishing the entity as a nonprofit focused on AI research. OpenAI has since emerged as a giant in generative AI, launching ChatGPT in 2022 and setting off a wave of investment in new tools and infrastructure for next-generation AI products and services. SoftBank is close to finalising a $40 billion investment in OpenAI at a $260 billion valuation, sources told CNBC's David Faber last week.
Musk now has a competitor in the AI market, a startup called xAI, and is suing OpenAI, accusing it of antitrust violations and to try and keep it from converting into a for-profit corporation.
L-R: President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce,Mr. Ray Atelly; Business Executive Institutional Banking Lagos and Ogun, Sterling Bank Limited, Moyomade Akinyosoye; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olugbemiga Aina; Commissioner for Lagos Commerce Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; National Programme Officer, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr. Reuben Bamidele; and President, Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr.
Balogun, at the Lagos State Industrial Policy Consultative Assembly and Validation Workshop held in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos ... yesterday
Access Holdings berths AccessGive to ‘Carry Forward’ Wigwe’s legacy Prominent personalities pay tribute to former GMD Access Holdings
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said the late Herbert Wigwe was a firm believer in and supporter of his administration’s development programmes since inception in 2019.
He said the State has felt the absence of the late Group Managing Director of the Access Holdings, very strongly, since his passing in the last one year.
He said there are projects that would have been delivered faster if Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Holdings, was alive, noting that "across the states there are projects with Herbert Wigwe’s footprint."
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during the First Year Memorial Service in honour of Wigwe, his wife Doreen, and son, Chizi, organised by the Access Holdings at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In a related development, in a moving tribute to its late visionary leader,
Access Holdings PLC unveiled the AccessGive platform at the Herbert Wigwe One Year Memorial held on Sunday February 9, 2025, in Lagos.
The groundbreaking platform is dedicated to sustaining and scaling the transformative impact of the late Herbert Wigwe, a leader whose vision extended far beyond the boardroom and into the very fabric of Africa’s future.
The memorial service was attended by the late Wigwe's family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones, as well as President Emmanuel Macron of France; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Governors Sanwo-Olu and his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; present and former public office holders; captains of industries; renowned bankers; and business tycoons.
It would be recalled that Herbert, Doreen and Chizi lost their lives alongside the former Chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX), Bimbo Ogunbanjo, in a helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border in United States on February 9, 2024.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while paying glowing tributes to the late Group Managing Director of the Access Holdings, one year after his death, described the late Wigwe as a believer in the works of his government.
The governor said the late Wigwe was a builder of not just businesses but also people, ideas and the future, adding that his death was a reality “we never prepared for.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu described Wigwe as a visionary who believed in Nigeria and Africa’s capacity to rise above challenges, adding that he was not just a friend but a brother with whom he shared the vision of
good governance and passion for the people together.
He said: “He lived perpetually in the present and the future. He believed in actions, not just words. I saw him transform vision into reality. When others hesitated, he moved. When others saw obstacles, he saw opportunities. He truly believed in Nigeria and Africa.
“He was a builder of men and businesses, turning visions into reality. His absence is deeply felt in Lagos State, as there are projects today that would have progressed faster if he were still with us. Herbert made my work easier by mobilising partners and funding for state projects."
According to a press statement by Access Holdings PLC, “Herbert Wigwe was more than a leader; he was a visionary who believed that true success lies in creating opportunities, uplifting communities,
The Delta State Government yesterday said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's impressive report card of massive infrastructural and human capital development were unsettling opposition in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while speaking on a radio programme monitored in Asaba, the state capital.
Aniagwu who said the opposition was free to talk and play politics, noted that the government would not be dragged too early into politics as it was focused on governance and delivering on Governors MORE Agenda.
He said, "The opposition can play politics but we are talking governance and when the time comes to talk politics we will let them know that our politics is showing them what we have done.
"I know that Governor Oborevwori has a lot to showcase in his report card and it is already unsettling the opposition in the state.
"The opposition wants to drag us into politics too early but we don't want to go there now but we have said we will reply them with more projects.
"When they talk we show them projects because the project is our
report card. Remember in 2022/2023 we told you that they will dissappear after the election, that they are resurfacing today does not mean that they will be sustainable.
"We will continue to bring the projects to our people because that’s the major plank of Governor Oborevwori MORE agenda and the projects will continue to speak for us."
The commissioner further said the Oborevwori administration would be judged on the fulfillment of the promises he made to the people at the appropriate time.
"To be able to judge Governor Oborevwori on his promise to the people, he made mention of the fact that he would sustain and complete ongoing projects while also initiating new ones.
"For those living in Uvwie, Warri and. Environs you will agree that the skyline has changed on account of the flyover bridges in that corridor.
"We have said we are not going to play politics because it’s not yet time. We are at the moment fully ready and committed to governance that brings value to Deltans”.
"Anybody who wants to assess Oborevwori will assess him with the work he has done vis-a-vis the promises he made to the people
and how he is delivering on those promises.
"We have said we will never embark on propaganda and we know politics is to be played but for us we are in governance and Governor Oborevwori is not loosing sight of that.
"Governance for us is that we have made promises and we must go and fulfill those promises first and those promises will speak very
loud for us when the time comes for politicking."
Aniagwu further remarked that Governor Oborevwori is emphatically responding to the promises made during electioneering campaigns
He said the state government was making progress in the development of the state as part of concerted efforts towards connectivity across the state.
and driving change that endures.
“He looked beyond obstacles to focus on solutions, growth, and positive transformation, inspiring impact across Africa. With an unwavering belief that Africa’s boundless potential resides in the hands of its young people, Herbert
Wigwe did not merely speak about making a difference, he lived it.
“Through The HOW Foundation, he championed youth empowerment, education, and healthcare, knowing that a strong, educated generation would be the driving force behind Africa’s transformation.
Sunday Ehigiator
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has strongly condemned the prolonged closure of the Imo State Court of Appeal, citing concerns over access to justice for citizens in the region.
The court has been shut down since October 2024, allegedly due to security concerns.
In a statement signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, he said, “This closure, since October 2024, was purportedly based on a bogus threat by a faceless pro-Biafra group that ordered non-Igbo judicial officials in the state to leave the state.
“While RULAAC's checks confirmed that there was such a threat, we were further made to understand that the threat was for a limited period of one week or thereabouts within the time it was made. Several months later, the Appeal Court, Owerri Division,
remained closed.
“We doubt that the closure of the Court of Appeal by the judicial authorities could still be based on this threat, which IPOB quickly disowned and dismissed at the time. Other courts like the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court within the same environment as the Appeal Court are still open and sitting.
“It is our considered view that if insecurity is the real reason for the continued shut down of the Owerri Division of the Appeal Court, then no courts would be sitting in the Northeast, the hotbed of Boko Haram insurgency.
“In Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna in the North Western part of Nigeria where banditry holds sway, with insecurity at its peak, the courts of Appeal are comfortably sitting there. A division of the Court of Appeal was recently set up in Borno, very close to Sambisa Forest. Yet courts are sitting in these crisis-ridden areas.
Harcourt
Blessing Ibunge in Port
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested 29 suspected oil thieves and recovered over 60,000 litres of stolen products in communities in Rivers, Delta and other States of the Niger Delta region.
The achievement was revealed in a statement made available to Journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah.
Danjuma disclosed that the
latest crackdown against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), was achieved by troops of 6 Division, working in synergy with other security agencies between February 3 to 9, this year.
He disclosed that the troops “successfully apprehended 29 suspected oil thieves, deactivated 24 illegal refining sites, demobilised eleven boats and recovered over 60,000 litres of stolen products”.
The Army spokesperson disclosed further that a clearance operation conducted by troops, along the Imo
River, 6 illegal refining sites were deactivated, 113 drum pots and 83 drum receivers were destroyed, adding that two boats demobilised with over 18,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
According to him: “Around Asa in Obigbo Local Government Area (LGA), troops uncovered a reservoir with over 1,000 litres of stolen products as well as 100 sacks filled with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude.
The operations were conducted at different times around Okoloma, Obuzor, Lekuma, Abiama, Asa and
Ukwa general areas.
“In Buguma general area, in Asari-Toru LGA, one illegal refining site, with two big pots as well as two receivers, with one stocked with over 9,000 litres of stolen crude were handled appropriately.
“In similar development, around Ebocha Well 5, it was gathered that troops swooped on an active illegal refining site with 28 empty locally made ovens, reservoirs filled with 5,900 and 3,500 illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) and stolen crude respectively.
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
Jamil Idris in this piece ponders over the motive behind every opportunity by former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to pick on his successor, Senator Uba Sani, at every political gathering
It is amazing the length the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el Rufai, would usually go to wreck maximum havoc.
Perhaps the greatest weapon in El Rufai’s arsenal is his uncanny ability to deploy warped logic to obfuscate raw and irrefutable facts. Using what he assumes to be sophistry, El Rufai at all times seeks to sow the seed of discord and pitches leaders against the led. Even as an influential Minster of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the Obasanjo administration, El Rufai perpetually pitched that government against the people and brought so much opprobrium to that government in spite of the best efforts of the legendary Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
Similarly, as Governor of Kaduna State for eight years, he unconscionably reaped unmerited political dividends by pitching unsuspecting groups and persons against each other. He left the state soaked in tension, insecurity and huge debt. Thank God for the phenomenal leadership
qualities of his young successor, Senator Uba Sani, who has since assumption of office in May 2023, been busy cleaning up the huge mess El Rufai left behind. Governor Sani, who was recently named Nigeria’s Governor of The Year (2024), has been doing an exceedingly great job uniting the people and opening up rural communities across Kaduna State irrespective of the ethnic or religious inclinations of the good people residing in the 23 local government areas of the State. No wonder that for the first time in decades, Kaduna has been enjoying relative peace, safety, security and sustainable development.
El Rufai is at it again. He has returned to a familiar path: a mission to destabilise and possibly bring down the administration of President Bola Tinubu at all costs. El Rufai, typically is bent on sacrificing any
and everything on sight to achieve this. He knows that to get to Tinubu, he would need to contend with staunch supporters of the President. So, it comes to no one as a surprise that he has been concocting and spreading lies against Governor Sani, a known ally of President Tinubu.
Speaking of the mess El Rufai left behind in Kaduna, it is public knowledge that Governor Sani inherited a staggering debt burden of $587million, N85 billion and N115 billion contractual liabilities from El Rufai. And that is even putting it mildly. Governor Sani also inherited hundreds of abandoned projects that had already guzzled huge sums of money, allegedly paid out to faceless contractors and ‘Consultants’.
I will not even dwell on this since many of the persons involved in this possible heist are currently being prosecuted by anti-corruption agencies in competent courts.
Typically, deploying subterfuge, fallacy, and deliberate falsification of facts, El Rufai was at
his destructive best at a recent gathering of fellow disgruntled politicians in Abuja, dubbed a “National Conference”. It was not a conference of any sort; it was just a gathering of power mongers who are obviously united by their anger and distraught for being left out of the administration of President Tinubu. Most miserable of the lot at the ‘Conference’ were known members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who for selfish reasons, want the Tinubu administration ousted at all costs. They do not even care if the nation’s hard-won democracy is endangered in the process. El Rufai at the sordid event sought to incite the populace against not just the President but against the ruling APC at large.
-Dr Idris writes from Barnawa, Kaduna.
Ibrahim Mohammed writes that all is now set by the Governor Dikko Radda-led government for the conduct of election into the 34 local government councils in Katsina State come Saturday.
It is less than a week to the local government election in Katsina State. Like clockwork, political parties have begun their familiar dance of consultations, voter canvassing, and strategic preparations in pursuit of victory at the polls. However, the winds seem to blow beautifully in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for some convincing reasons.
With Dikko Radda at the helm of affairs as first-term governor, and as a leader who inherited the APC-led state from Hon Aminu Bello Masari’s eight-year tenure. More interestingly, former governor Ibrahim Shema, who served two terms under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, has also emerged as a prominent APC stalwart in the state.
On political alignments, Radda’s known association with the Yar’Adua camp adds another layer to this narrative. Ultimately, this strategic positioning of bigwigs has effectively stripped major opposition parties like PDP and SDP of several political heavyweights in the state. Nevertheless, Nigerian elections often present unexpected turns. While Katsina prepares to elect 34 new local government chairmen on February 15th, history shows that ruling parties at the state level can face significant opposition in local government polls. Take a look at Lagos state, for instance; Despite being an APC stronghold since 1999, the 2021 LG elections saw fierce competition from PDP and other opposition parties in areas like Eti-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin, and Surulere.
Similarly, Kano State, another traditional APC bastion, witnessed robust opposition participation. The 2021 and 2023 elections featured strong competition from the Kano
chapter of the Red Cap party—the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
However, the scenarios in Katsina appear to be peculiar, thanks to Governor Radda’s trackable achievements that have seemingly dampened opposition hopes beyond redemption. His performance in less than two years has been nothing short of extraordinary, touching virtually every sector of
governance in relatable manners.
In the crucial area of security, Radda established the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) with 2,500 personnel complementing conventional security agencies through native intelligence.
The initiative, according to reports, has yielded impressive results. The number of local government areas plagued by criminal activities has dropped from 24 local govern-
ments to about 12 LGs. This, in part, fosters peace and boosts agricultural production. The education sector has witnessed equally commendable changes. The recruitment of over 7,000 teachers has addressed staffing shortages and put expertise in building the future builders. Hold that with your left hand, the construction of 150 new junior and secondary schools - with 75 completed and 75 ongoing – showcases how Radda is committed to expanding educational access to the most downtrodden. His investment of N120 billion in educational infrastructure, teacher training, and learning materials, coupled with transparency in governance, genuinely sets him apart.
In a state where farming is the lifeblood of its people, with 75-80% of the population engaged in agriculture, Radda takes up the agricultural revolution with passion. His administration has touched the lives of 20,068 farmers through the strategic distribution of agricultural inputs and assets. The provision of 722 motorcycle knapsack sprayers to extension workers affirms that the governor is serious about modernizing farming prac- tices. Moreover, the construction of small earth dams in Dan Chaffa, Kankara, and Dandume, coupled with the sale of 20,000 metric tons of subsidized fertilizer to 350,000 farmers, showcases his understanding of grassroots needs. A step further to this, Radda established the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority.
-Mohammed is Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor
‘The sustainable way to get out of this position is not by more taxes, or Government imposing more sanctions. It is to create an environment, where investments can flow freely. You have to make Nigeria, more competitive than its neighbours. Make it a destination for business. Look at …Dubai. Everybody is going there…leaving India…UK. You have to use best practices…..’ - Dele Kelvin Oye, Lawyer; Chairman, Organised Private Sector of Nigeria
PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.
This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.
The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.
Effect of Incomplete Record in Determination of Appeal
Page IV
Book on Uwaifo, JSC for Launch in Lagos
Page V
Nine Chinese Citizens Arraigned on Alleged Cybercrimes, Security Breaches
Page V
Court Convicts Nollywood Filmmaker for Drug Trafficking
Page V
onikepo braithwaite: editor, jude igbanoi: deputy editor, peter taiwo, steve aya: reporters
All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players;”
As You Like It, William Shakespeare
Drama
Last week, as usual, there was drama in Nigeria - a never ending stage; and, we are all aware about how dramatic our Politicians in particular can be. I saw a ludicrous social media forward, claiming that the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), Mudashiru Obasa, should be allowed to return as Speaker, so that he can resign as Speaker voluntarily or decide if he will resign. How? When the act of the removal of Obasa, has already been completed? And, there was also the usual threat by Labour to strike, if the various tariff increases proposed by Government are implemented.
LSHA
The first drama, is that of Intrigue - the removal of Obasa, though through lawful means, but the fact that he was out town when he was ousted, made his removal all the more sizzling! Remember that a couple of weeks ago I stated that Politicians had trivialised and bastardised the term “gross misconduct”, and even though the definition isn’t exhaustive, they use it when they shouldn’t (see Governor Okpebholo v Edo LGC Chairmen; Governor Yahaya Bello & Kogi State House of Assembly v Deputy Governor Simon Achuba), and ignore it when it is required?
In Inakoju & Ors v Adeleke & Ors (2007) LPELR-1510 (SC) per Niki Tobi, JSC, the Supreme Court held inter alia that, a breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers qualifies as gross misconduct and a ground for removal (of a Governor or Deputy). His Lordship also held that, what, in the opinion of the House of Assembly, could constitute gross misconduct, could be abuse of power, stealing of government funds and certificate forgery. Are these not some of the allegations that were levelled against Mr Obasa, and led to his removal? They are. Can Obasa then be spirited back into his former position, given the grievous allegations levelled against him? I think not. Can the allegations just disappear? No. Wasn’t Obasa removed by due process, following a resolution of the LSHA of over two-thirds majority of the members, as required by Section 92(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution)? Yes, he was. Is there not a process to be followed, in the appointment of a Speaker of the House of Assembly - election, not installation - a process which was followed when Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was elected as Speaker of LSHA by a majority of her peers last month? Yes, there is; as provided by Section 92(1) of the Constitution.
Women have been shouting from the rooftops, about their marginalisation as far as governance is concerned; while Lagosians also have the same complaint, about being sidelined and relegated in the governance of their State. And, even if Lagos State may be a melting pot, it definitely has indigenes, and for the first time in history, LSHA has a Speaker that ticks both boxes, as not only is Rt. Hon. Meranda female, she’s an indigene of Lagos State (see Section 42 of the Constitution on discrimination).
The Nigerian Legislature, be it Federal or State, is a Boys Club; female membership is at an all time low. And so, the women and Lagosians are saying, “the optics are good, the decision to elect Rt. Hon. Meranda is good - òmò wa ni, è jè o se (she’s our child, let her do it)”.
Beyond that, it is the hope of all the residents of Lagos State, that Rt. Honourable Meranda lives up to the confidence reposed in her, and performs creditably. Congratulations, Madam Speaker!
Treachery and the Minimum Wage Greek Gift
The second drama, is that of Betrayal involving a Greek gift, that is, a gift that you give to someone
onIkePo BRAIThwAITe
onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com
“The treachery started with the increase in the pump price of petrol…. Subsequently, practically every other rate and tariff started to go up! ….the rate of inflation is high…now there’s a proposal for the introduction of toll gates on selected Federal roads; electricity tariff already went up in 2024, and Government is considering another 65% increase; now the Telco tariff is also being increased….What will be left for workers to live on, after all these increases? Government, let Nigerians breathe!”
with your right hand, and take back with your left hand! And, while I’m certainly not referring to the new N70k minimum wage as a gift, because it is not - it is workers’ wages for their services, it doesn’t even appear to qualify as the ‘reasonable national minimum living wage’ contemplated by Section 16(2)(d) of the Constitution. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines Greek gift as “a gift given or a favour done with a treacherous purpose”. This appears to be what Government is doing to the Nigerian workers. Treachery of course, is betrayal of trust or deception.
Last year, the national minimum wage was increased from N30k to N70k per month (see the National Minimum Wage Act 2024 (NMWA)), Aside from the fact that the agreement reached with Labour is that the minimum wage will now be reviewed every three years instead of five years, the reason for the compromise from a higher figure to N70k was on the understanding that petrol pump prices wouldn’t be increased. And, although the new tax reform initiative has also loudly proclaimed that workers that earn the minimum wage won’t pay tax, they will certainly end up paying it indirectly, probably even more, with the gradual increase in VAT that had been mooted in the tax reform bills, and the proposed tariff hikes.
The treachery started with the increase in the pump price of petrol, with the justification that petrol prices are tied to the international market price of oil, so that, when oil prices increase, so does the petrol price. Subsequently, practically every other
rate and tariff started to go up! Nigerians may end up in a worse position, than when they were earning N30k. As it is, the rate of inflation is high - food prices, transport fare etc are much higher today than six years ago, when the minimum wage was increased to N30k; now there’s a proposal for the introduction of toll gates on selected Federal roads; electricity tariff already went up in 2024, and Government is considering another 65% increase; now the Telco tariff is also being increased. People are using their phones more instead of physical movement, because of the higher cost of transport, and now the cost of this means of communication, the next best alternative to physical interaction, is to be increased? What will be left for workers to live on, after all these increases? A take home pay that doesn’t take you to the bus stop, let alone home!
Miscarriage of Justice
It appears that Government is observing the Constitution in its breach - Nigerians are unhappy, and their welfare has been jeopardised by these Government policies - see Sections 14(2)(b) & 16(1)(b) of the Constitution. A wage increase given by Government, and taken back by incessant increases in all sorts of tariffs! Treachery against Nigerians, a miscarriage of justice, because if justice is synonymous with equity, fairness and equitability, majority will agree that policy makers have not been very fair to Nigerians. In Pam & Anor v Mohammed (2008) LPELR-2895(SC) per Niki Tobi, JSC, his Lordship in his
dissenting judgement, defined miscarriage of justice as a failure of justice. Also see Akayepe & Anor v Akayepe (2009) LPELR-326(SC) per Mahmud Mohammed, JSC. In litigation, a judicial officer is required to exercise discretion ‘judicially and judiciously’. The phrase essentially means, handing down decisions that are lawful and sound. See the case of Francis v FRN (2020) LPELR-52520(SC) per Ejembi Eko, JSC, on the proper exercise of discretion. Government does not appear to have exercised its discretion ‘judicially and judiciously’, in the matter of the minimum wage and tariff increase, and this has led to a miscarriage of justice against Nigerians. In Eye v FRN (2018) LPELR-43599(SC) per Sidi Dauda Bage, JSC, the Supreme Court held that “…the essential difference between an arbitrary or wrongful exercise of discretion, on the one hand, and judicial cum judicious exercise of it on the other, is that whereas, the former is the exercise of it with either no reason at all or with wrong or insufficient, correct and convincing reason. While judicial and judicious exercise of discretion is acceptable in law, an arbitrary exercise of it is not” In the context of the Government seeking to increase tariffs anyhow, one can interpret the term arbitrary as unrestrained and autocratic (see the Oxford Dictionary), and conclude that this arbitrary exercise is unacceptable. It’s just too much for Nigerians to bear. Yet, Government, both Federal and State, are happy to waste scarce funds on funding ventures like religious pilgrimages, marriages, ostentatious living expenses for public officials, and purchase of expensive state of the art vehicles for them, instead of redirecting such funds into productive ventures that benefit the people.
Declaratory Judgement?
Unfortunately, some believe that the reason why Government is able to continuously get away with this kind of miscarriage of justice against Nigerians, particularly in matters such as this tariff hike issue, is because Labour’s bark seems to be worse than its bite - similar to a declaratory judgement that merely declares the existence of a legal relationship, and does not contain any order which may be enforced against the Defendant - see the case of Okoya & Ors v Santilli & Ors (1990) LPELR-2504(SC) per Abdul Ganiyu Olatunji Agbaje, JSC where the Apex Court held that “A declaratory judgement is complete in itself, since the relief is the declaration”. In Government of Gongola State v Tukur 1989 4 NWLR Part 117 Page 392 per Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, JSC, the Supreme Court likened a declaratory judgement to “a toothless bulldog which can only bark….but cannot bite to vindicate his overt anger and aggression” Even on the part of Government too - the N70k minimum wage was agreed upon and proclaimed and declared by the NMWA, but, to date, it appears that not all the States have started to pay it. No wonder, cynics have even gone as far as accusing the Federal Government and Labour of colluding! This isn’t what is meant to occur. The second step, that is, the follow up proceedings for the declaratory judgement to be enforced, is required.
Conclusion
It is advisable that Government perishes the thought of all these tariff hikes. I agree with Mr Dele Kelvin Oye, Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria who said in an interview on Arise TV last week that, “It’s also about the ability to pay.You cannot continue to tax people out of existence”. It’s time for Government to get innovative, and start to harness and generate income from the vast resources that Nigeria is endowed with, instead of leaving the Chinese to harness them and profit illegally from same; or constantly looking to pick only what it deems to be the lowest hanging fruits, most of which have already been plucked from the tree. It’s also not only about increasing Government revenue by raising taxes and tariffs, because the downside of this is that, its not just reducing consumer spending which doesn’t impact positively on economic growth, its bankrupting Nigerians. Government, let Nigerians breathe!
Facts
The Appellants commenced an action at the Upper Sharia Court, Paiko, seeking a declaration of title to a piece of farmland located along Yandayo Road near Yandayi Village in Paiko District, Paiko Local Government Area, Niger State. The Respondents denied the claim and, in turn, asserted ownership of the disputed land.
At the trial, the Appellants, as Plaintiffs, called four witnesses and led evidence to support their claim based on inheritance. The Respondents, in turn, called three witnesses and denied the Appellants’ claims. Upon conclusion of the trial, the Upper Sharia Court, Paiko, delivered judgement in favour of the Respondents, dismissing the Appellants’ claim.
Aggrieved by the decision, the Appellants appealed to the High Court, which overturned the judgement of the trial court, and declared the Appellants as the rightful owners of the farmland. Dissatisfied with the decision of the High Court, the Respondents appealed to the Court of Appeal, which court set aside the decision of the High Court and reinstated the judgement of the trial court, with costs awarded against the Appellants. The Appellants, being dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal, filed an appeal to the Supreme Court.
In the Appellants’ amended joint brief, three issues were formulated for the determination of the appeal thus:
1. Whether bearing in mind the provision of Section 10 and 11(a) of the Niger State Administration of Sharia Law 2001, the lower court was right when it held that, the Shariah procedure of AL-IZAR “will be relevant only where Counsel do not appear for litigants and where no final addresses were delivered by Counsel”.
2. Whether the testimony of DW1 as a beneficiary to the judgement of the trial court can stand under Sharia.
3. Whether the trial court should have relied on the testimony of DW1, same having been challenged, without first conducting a trial-within-trial to ascertain his competence to testify.
The Respondents on their part formulated the following two issues for determination of the appeal, thus:
1. Whether the lower court was, in the circumstances of this appeal, right when it held that the Sharia procedure AL-IZAR: “will be relevant only where Counsel do not appear for litigants and no final addresses were delivered by Counsel”.
2. Whether the testimonies of DW1 and DW2 are acceptable evidence under the Sharia Law.
Arguments
Arguing issue one, Counsel for the Appellants submitted that, Al-Izar as a fundamental rule of practice and procedure of Sharia, is applicable even where parties are represented by Counsel. It was submitted further that Al-Izar nullifies a proceeding where it is not adhered to, whether parties are represented or not. Counsel argued that, a careful look at the entire record of the court will show that there was never a time that the trial court asked any of the parties if they have further evidence to present to the court, and that this was apparent on page 32 of the Record of Appeal where at the close of the trial, the court immediately adjourned for address by Counsel. Also, on page 42 of the same record where upon the announcement of appearance by Counsel, the court immediately went into delivery of its judgement with Al-Izar. It was submitted further that the Islamic procedure of Al-Izar is one that is so fundamental, that the court or Judge cannot afford to overlook, whether there is legal representation or not. And, that identification of parties appearing before a Judge of Sharia is a paramount important Islamic procedure.
The Appellants’ Counsel contended further that the testimony of DW1 – Umaru Baba of Yandayi Village, cannot stand alone since he is a party to the suit, and identified by the trial court in its judgement on page 62 lines 1 - 3. He argued that in Islamic law procedure, calling the testimony of a witness is called Taijrih; and under Islamic law procedure, by raising an objection to the testimony of a witness, the court is required to ask the witness whose testimony is being challenged if the allegation is true. If he admits it, it will be an acceptable admission (IQRAR) or his
Honourable Mohammed Baba Idris, JSC
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja
On Friday, the 19th day of July, 2024
Before their lordships
Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa
Tijjani abubakar
Jamilu yammama Tukur abubakar Sadiq umar Mohammed Baba Idris Justices, Supreme Court SC/208/2009
Between
1. BaWa dada
2. aHMadu dada
3. uMaRu dada
1. TaNKO yaNdayI
2. uMaRu BaBa yaNdayI
And
aPPeLLaNTS
ReSPONdeNTS
(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mohammed Baba Idris, JSC)
testimony stands discredited, but, if he denies, the court will then demand the challenging party to produce witness.
The Respondents on their part, countered the submissions above. Their Counsel contended that the Sharia (Administration of Justice) Law, 2001 came into force in November, 2002, well after trial had commenced and therefore, is not applicable to the case by virtue of Sections 2 and 12 of the Interpretation Law, 1989. It was argued that the trial conformed substantially with the provisions of the Area Court (Civil Procedure) Rules. Counsel argued further that, at the conclusion of the Defendants’ (Respondents’) evidence, their Counsel prayed for an adjournment to which the Plaintiffs’ (Appellants’) Counsel answered -“No objection”, and that both Counsel agreed to make their final address to the court on a later date. He posited that the Appellants’ Counsel did
“....an appellate court only hears an appeal on the record before it and must ensure that the record is complete, as it would amount to a legal sacrilege for an appellate court to adjudicate upon an appeal in the face of an incomplete record of appeal.... A complete record of appeal is not therefore, a privilege, it is mandatory, failing which the appellate court cannot re-hear the appeal"
Appellants, must be properly placed before it.
The Supreme Court held that the meaning of the “whole decision” of the Court of Appeal is as provided under Section 247(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); emphasising that for the purpose of hearing appeals, the Court of Appeal must be duly constituted by not less than three Justices of the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the court referred to Section 294(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that each Justice of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal must express and deliver their opinion in writing or may adopt, in writing, the opinion of another Justice who delivers a written opinion.
From the provision above, the Supreme Court noted that when these duties are carried out by the Justices of the Court of Appeal, a leading judgement, concurring and/or dissenting judgements are delivered. It is trite that both the leading judgement and concurring judgements crystallise into the whole judgement of an appellate court. The court relied on its earlier decision in OLORUNTOBA-OJU & ORS v ABDULRAHEEM & ORS (2009) LPELR - 2596 (SC), where it was decided that “… a concurring judgement forms part of the leading judgement, and it is meant to complement same by way of addition or an improvement on the issues resolved in the leading judgement. Both leading and concurrent judgements crystallise into the judgement of an appellate court”.
not seek to rebut the evidence, and the first time he raised the issue was on appeal before the High Court. It was argued that under Islamic Law, the courts are to consider the whole proceedings to determine where the justice of the case lies without recourse to technicalities. Regarding the evidence of DW1, it was submitted that the issue of whether the DW1 is the 2nd Defendant was not an issue during the trial and was only raised during address, and that his competence was never challenged under cross-examination. He urged the court to dismiss the appeal.
Court’s Judgement and Rationale
The Supreme Court, in deciding the appeal, examined the Record of Appeal, and emphasised its fundamental role in the adjudicatory process. The Apex Court held that cases must be decided based on the Record of Appeal, as its absence or incompleteness would impede the proper hearing of appeals. The court held further that a Record of Appeal encompasses, but is not limited to, all relevant processes filed in relation to the appeal, exhibits tendered (if any), and the judgements or rulings of the lower courts.
The court noted that the appeal was brought against the judgement of the Court of Appeal (Abuja Division) and from the Appellants’ Notice of Appeal, the appeal was against the “whole decision” of the lower court and sought an order setting aside the judgement, while praying for a re-trial. Their Lordships held that for the court to effectively hear and determine the appeal, the entirety of the judgement of the lower court, as complained of by the
To this end, the Supreme Court stated that for it to effectively determine the instant appeal, the entire decision complained of must be properly placed before the court and contained in the Record of Appeal. Upon a thorough examination of the Record of Appeal, the Justices of the Supreme Court found that the judgement of the lower court was recorded at pages 138–158 of the Record of Appeal. However, only the leading judgement delivered by Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore, JCA, was included in the record. The concurring judgements of Abubakar Datti Yahaya, JCA, and Massaud Abdulrahman Oredola, JCA, were absent from the Record of Appeal. The law is settled that an appellate court only hears an appeal on the record before it and must ensure that the record is complete, as it would amount to a legal sacrilege for an appellate court to adjudicate upon an appeal in the face of an incomplete record of appeal. The Court reiterated this position, relying on the dictum of Tobi, JSC in OKOCHI & ORS v ANIMKWOI & ORS (2003) LPELR - 2455 (SC), where His Lordship held that - “As an appellate court hears an appeal on the records before it, it must ensure that the records are complete as settled by the parties. An appellate court must be wary to hear an appeal on incomplete records and must not hear an appeal on incomplete records unless the parties by consent, agree that the appeal should be so heard. And, such a consent which will be a basis of a successful defence of waiver in the event of a retraction on the part of any of the parties, must be recorded by the appellate court. There could however, be another situation where an appeal could be heard when the records are incomplete. Such a situation will be where the missing part of the record, in the view or opinion of the court, is so immaterial, clearly so immaterial, that it cannot affect the decision of the appeal one way or the other".
The Supreme Court held that the purpose of appeal in the appellate court, is to re-hear the issues in the subject appeal; hence, the appellate court is entitled to see all the materials on which the decision appealed was predicated, in order to properly scrutinise same. A complete record of appeal is not therefore, a privilege, it is mandatory, failing which the appellate court cannot re-hear the appeal. - UKIRI v EFCC (2018) LPELR-43992 (SC).
The incompleteness of the Record of Appeal in the instant case, deprived the Apex Court of the necessary means to effectively hear and determine the appeal, as the entire decision complained of was not contained in the record before the court. Their Lordships emphasised that the omitted judgements were crucial for the just determination of the appeal, and could not be waived or deemed immaterial. They noted further that, any decision reached in such circumstances, affecting the rights of the parties, would inevitably result in a miscarriage of justice.
Appeal Struck Out.
Representation
S.A. Oshodi for the Appellants.
O.P. Odia with D.S. Danboyi for the Respondents. Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited,Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)
Stories by Steve Aya
The public presentation and launch of a book on retired Justice of the Supreme Court, S.O. Uwaifo, CON, will on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, hold in Lagos. The book ‘A Legacy of Jurisprudential Wisdom and Substantive Justice’, is a culmination of his years at the Court of Appeal and the Apex Court. The book contains not just his judgements, but also the thought processes and principles that informed them.
The event will be chaired by the former Governor of Edo State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor; the Book Reviewer will be Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, while former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, SAN will unveil and launch the book.
Tax Evasion: FG Renews Legal Battle Against SAIPEM Contracting Company
The Federal Government of Nigeria has renewed its legal
battle with onshore and offshore construction giant, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, and two of its officials namely Michele Poggi and Giani Di Petro, in a bid to recover the sum of $42,068,874.35, allegedly owed it by onshore and offshore construction giant as evaded tax. In a seven-count amended charge filed before a Federal High Court in Lagos by a team of nine Lawyers led by Bolanle Oniyangi, it was stated that:
Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Michele Poggi, Giani Di Petro sometime between 2010-2014 within the jurisdiction of the Court, whilst carrying out taxable services in the course of doing business, were obligated to pay companies income tax for $42,068,874.35 (Forty-two million, Sixty-eight thousand, Eight hundred and seventy-four Dollars, Thirty-five Cents) and did fail to pay the said taxes and thereby committed an offence
contrary to and punishable under Section 40 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act 2007 (as amended). It was also alleged that Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Michele Poggi, and Giani Di Petro sometime between 2010 and 2014 within the jurisdiction of the Court, whilst carrying out taxable services in the course of doing business, failed to file accurate and complete company income tax returns in the prescribed
form and manner for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 years of assessment for $42,068,874.35 for the purpose of paying the relevant tax administered by the Service, and in so doing, committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 55 of the Companies Income Tax Act (as amended).
Furthermore, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Michele Poggi, Giani Di Petro, sometime in 2010 and 2013,
whilst carrying out taxable services in the normal course of business of Saipem Nigeria Limited, failed to issue tax invoices for services rendered within the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, in the sum of $34,656,833, and in so doing committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of the Value Added Tax Act of 1993 (as amended). February 14, 2025, has been fixed for the hearing of the case.
Nine Chinese citizens and their company, Genting International Company Limited, were arraigned last Thursday before a Federal High Court, Lagos court presided by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are prosecuting the nine Chinese citizens on alleged Cybercrimes, love scams, and
security breaches.
Those arraigned before the court are: Su Dong Fu; Zheng Xian Tao; Wang Shi Long; Pan Cai Qi; Ting Liao; Zheng Xian Tao; Fan Jia; Feng Li Cai; Lu Yong Yao and Yang Chen Cheng.
Meanwhile, Justice Aneke ordered the remand of all the Defendants at the Ikoyi Facility of the Nigerian Correctional
Services (NCoS), after they all pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the EFCC. Prior to the remand order, the court fixed February 21 and March 14, 2025, for the Defendants’ trial.
Those that will have their trial commence on February 21, are: Su Dong Fu; Zheng Xian Tao; Wang Shi Long; Pan Cai
Mbadiwe Emmanuel Emeka, an America-trained Nollywood filmmaker, was on Wednesday convicted and sentenced to five-years imprisonment for trafficking in 17. 30 kilograms of Canada Loud, a special strain of Cannabis Sativa, a Federal High Court, Lagos. The convicted filmmaker, was given the jail-term by Justice Ambrose LewisAllagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, after he pleaded guilty to the two counts charge of unlawful importation of the prohibited drug by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Prior to his conviction, the NDLEA Prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, told the court that the convict was arrested on December 24, 2024, during the examination of incoming Cargo with Airway Bill No: 00637337285, form Houston, United States of America at National Handling Company (NAHCO) Import Shed, a Customs Area/Point of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Prosecutor told the court that the convict had procured one Uzoekwe
Ugochukwu James, to import the banned drug. He told the court that the illegal acts of the convict contravened Section 21(1)(e) and were punishable under Section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The convict admitted committing the acts and pleaded guilty to the two counts charge. Based on his guilty plea, the court gave the Prosecutor the nod to review the facts of the charge, as well as to tender all exhibits in the charge. Following the review of the facts of the charge and tendering of exhibits, which included: the bulk of the drug, the convict’s confessional statements, iPhone Pro Max 12, and others, the Prosecutor urged the court to convict and sentence him, based on his guilty plea and exhibits tendered.
However, the Lawyer to the convicted filmmaker, Dennis Warri, in his allocutus, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing his client. He pleaded with the court to consider his client's
timely guilty plea, as a sign of remorseful, and for not wasting the time of court. Specifically, he pleaded to the court to give his client a non-custodial sentence, or a fine option in lieu of the custodian sentence.
Deciding on the parties’ submissions, Justice LewisAllagoa sentenced the convicted filmmaker to five years imprisonment. The Judge, however, ordered him to pay N3 million in lieu of the jail term. While he also ordered that the bulk of the exhibit and the iPhone Pro Max 12, be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Charges against the filmmaker read: “That you Mbadiwe Emmanuel Emeka, Male, Adult, on or about the 24th of December, 2024 during the examination of incoming Cargo with Airway Bill No:00637337285 from Houston, United States of America at National Handling Company (NAHCO) Import Shed, a Customs Area/Point of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos procured one Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James to import 17.30 kilograms of
Cannabis Sativa, a Narcotic Drug similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin, and you thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to Section 21(1)(e) and punishable under Section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.
“That you Mbadiwe Emmanuel Emeka, Male, Adult, on or about the 24th of December, 2024 during the examination of incoming Cargo with Airway Bill No:00637337285 from Houston, United States of America at National Handling Company (NAHCO) Import Shed, a Customs Area/Point of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos without lawful authority imported 17.30 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, a Narcotic Drug similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin, and you thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to Section 20(1)(a) and punishable under Section 20 (2)(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
Qi, and Ting Liao, while the trial of Fan Jia; Feng Li Cai; Lu Yong Yao and Yang Chen Cheng will start on March 14. Some charges against the Defendants read: “That you Fan Jia (aka Bu Fan) and Genting International Co. Limited, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, wilfully caused to be accessed, computer systems used for destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. 2022”.
“That you Fan Jia (aka Bu Fan) and Genting International Co Limited sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, wilfully gave false information to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course of an investigation when you were being questioned for being part of a criminal syndicate group specialised in Romance scam, cryptocurrency fraud, cyber terrorism amongst others: and to mislead them, you falsely represented your name as Bu Fan, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 39(2) (b) of the same Act.”
The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested and prosecuted 12 suspected land grabbers, accused of terrorising residents and business owners along NERDC Road, Alausa, Ikeja. The suspects were apprehended, following credible intelligence that they were obstructing lawful occupants from carrying out their legitimate activities.
Reports also indicated that they assaulted Mr Ashafa of Prestige Hotel, Ikeja, and arrived at the scene armed with dangerous weapons.
According to the Agency, the operation aligns with its mandate to curb land grabbing across Lagos, a practice that, if unchecked, could disrupt development and deprive residents of their hard-earned investments.
Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who personally led the operation, issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in land
grabbing. He emphasised that the agency would not stand by while Lagosians are unfairly dispossessed of their properties.
Following their arrest, the suspects were arraigned in court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court granted them bail at N500,000 each, with two sureties per Defendant. One of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Level 14, while the second must be either a relative, a clergy member, or a community leader.
The case has been adjourned to March 26, 2025, for further proceedings.
The Lagos State Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that it would not tolerate intimidation, violence, or land grabbing. Residents are urged to report any such illegal activities, to the appropriate authorities.
mike
Introduction
The last part of this intervention focused on the following themes: judicial independence in electoral matters and the consequences of its failure on the fate of the 1st and 2nd Republics; challenges to electoral adjudication vis-à-vis the Evidence Act, 2011 and the number of witnesses required to secure victory in litigation. This week’s feature dwells on the ills of protracted litigation; the effect of literal applications of the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt; INEC’s penchant for disobeying court orders (and its solution). It concludes with the challenge of inadequate infrastructure. Enjoy.
Evils of Protracted Litigation
The ramifications are twofold: it erodes public confidence in the electoral justice system by fostering a perception of procedural abuse and delays the equitable determination of electoral outcomes. Furthermore, protracted proceedings can be financially burdensome for petitioners, who may struggle to sustain lengthy legal battles, thereby discouraging legitimate challenges to electoral misconduct. While the rule permitting numerous witnesses is intended to safeguard a thorough presentation of evidence, its misuse by certain litigants underscores the necessity for more balanced procedural reforms to prevent undue delays and ensure expeditious and just outcomes in election-related cases.
Stringent Section 135, Evidence Act on Proof
Another significant challenge encountered by the courts in adjudicating election petitions is the restrictive nature of Section 135 of the Evidence Act. This provision imposes a stringent standard of proof, requiring allegations of criminal conduct within an election petition to be established beyond a reasonable doubt. Furthermore, the Act stipulates that an allegation of crime attributed to an agent does not necessarily invalidate a candidate's election unless it can be definitively proven that the agent was duly authorized and specifically tasked with the criminal act by the candidate. Many actions that give rise to election petitions in Nigeria are inherently criminal in nature, such as ballot snatching and result sheet forgery. However, election petitions, as affirmed in numerous judicial pronouncements, constitute a unique legal process distinct from conventional civil or criminal proceedings. An election petition tribunal is not a conventional criminal court, despite the potential gravity of the alleged criminal conduct. In a criminal trial, the accused individual is formally charged, tried and convicted based on the prosecution's evidence which must be proof beyond reasonable doubt. In contrast, Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act, mandates petitioners to establish allegations of crime beyond a reasonable doubt; yet the tribunal lacks the constitutional authority to convict or sentence individuals for electoral offences. This jurisdiction is exclusively vested in regular criminal courts. In notable cases such as Atiku Abubakar & Ors v Umaru Yar’Adua & Ors (2008) 12 SC (Pt. 11)1 and Muhammadu Buhari v Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) & Ors (2008) 12 SC (Pt. 1) 1, renowned legal scholar Professor Ben Nwabueze sharply criticised the Supreme Court for its "perverse and narrow legalism." He sternly condemned the Court's excessive reliance on "technical rules of evidence, practice, and procedure" and considerations of expediency, rather than nullifying the election that
brought President Yar'Adua to power. There is an urgent need to reform and modernise our electoral legal framework to adequately address the distinctive characteristics of elections and election petitions. Such reforms should be aimed at rectifying the identified shortcomings and ensuring that the electoral process is conducted fairly, transparently, and justly.
This high standard of proof contradicts the core principles of reasonableness and proportionality, which are integral to the administration of justice. Reliefs sought in election petitions are typically declaratory and restorative, not punitive, and are not intended to secure the conviction of alleged offenders. The objective of election laws is to ensure the accurate reflection of voters' intent, rather than the prosecution of electoral offences.
As such, the elevated standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt is incongruous with the ultimate purpose of election petition proceedings. Moreover, petitioners lack the investigative and enforcement tools—such as powers to arrest, interrogate, or detain—that are available to prosecutors under criminal law, further highlighting the disparity between these processes.
INEC’s Crass Disobedience of Court Orders
Another pressing issue is INEC's consistent disregard for court orders in election petition cases, often leading to delays in compliance. This pattern of behaviour has raised concerns about potential bias. In numerous instances, where courts have mandated INEC to permit parties to inspect election materials, the commission deliberately delayed compliance, citing trivial
“The Nigerian Judiciary....faces numerous challenges in adjudicating electoral processes. These challenges are multifaceted, stemming from issues such as outdated legal frameworks, procedural complexities, and inadequate infrastructure”
excuses that necessitated repeated court interventions for clarification. Furthermore, there have been cases where INEC had refused to issue certificates of return to litigants, as directed by court orders. Legislative bodies also bear some responsibility, as there have been instances where court orders declaring individuals as winners of legislative elections have been ignored, preventing them from assuming their seats, as exemplified in the case of Emordi v Igbeke (2011) JELR 49266 (SC). This behaviour may be prevalent due to the limited inherent authority of election tribunals to punish contempt, unless it occurs directly before them. To impose such sanctions, specific provisions within the Electoral Act are required.
Unfortunately, the Electoral Act 2022, like its predecessors, does not grant tribunals the power to punish contempt that occurs outside their immediate purview. If this trend persists unchecked, it casts doubt on the efficacy of Section 285(5)–(7) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) in addressing the issue by imposing time limits for the resolution of election petitions, particularly when parties fail to comply with court orders.
The iterative deployment of these tactics by stakeholders embroiled in election petitions engenders protracted delays in the resolution of electoral disputes. This, in turn, erodes the legitimacy of the electoral process and public confidence in democratic governance. INEC has been known to collaborate with winners to prevent a petitioner from accessing vital documents needed to prove his case. I have personally experienced this.
Solution
To mitigate this persistent challenge, it is imperative to undertake further amendments to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the Electoral Act 2022. These amendments should ensure that all election petitions are adjudicated and definitively resolved prior to the inauguration of elected officials. In other words, no winner of an election petition should be sworn in until the disposal of a petition challenging his or her election. Such a reform would harmonise with historical precedents, as
demonstrated during the 1979 general elections and the Third Republic, when electoral disputes at both state and federal levels were conclusively addressed before the inauguration of elected officials. To facilitate this objective, a practical approach would be to schedule elections at least six months before the expiration of the incumbent officials' tenure.
This adjustment would create a sufficient timeframe for tribunals and courts to expeditiously handle and definitively resolve petitions without the duress of impending inaugurations. Furthermore, it would obviate scenarios where individuals assume office under contentious circumstances, thereby safeguarding the integrity of public offices and the sanctity of electoral mandates. It will also obviate the Senator Emordi scenario of securing a pyrrhic victory by being deprived of a hard-won victory. This adjustment to the electoral timeline would not only augment the efficiency of the adjudication process but also bolster public confidence in the impartiality and effectiveness of the judicial system in electoral matters.
Another significant challenge hindering the efficient operation of electoral tribunals and courts in Nigeria is inadequate infrastructure. Notably, there exists no permanent body designated to initially adjudicate election petitions, with the exception of presidential cases, which are initiated at the Court of Appeal. Due to the absence of a permanent institution, ad hoc tribunals must be established whenever elections are conducted to address subsequent petitions. These temporary tribunals often operate under makeshift arrangements, resulting in courtrooms and chambers that are frequently inadequate and uncomfortable, with limited space despite the significant crowds typically drawn to the proceedings. This situation undermines key conditions essential for courts to perform their functions effectively. One such requirement is that cases be heard and determined in public, a standard that is frequently compromised in these suboptimal conditions.
Additionally, the practice of appointing election petition tribunal members without due consideration of proven expertise in the field means that specialised knowledge in this area of adjudication is compromised and is not being intentionally cultivated. Developing such expertise would undoubtedly contribute to a more efficacious resolution of electoral disputes. Furthermore, essential court facilities such as automatic transcription machines and electronic tools that could facilitate the expeditious handling of cases are often unavailable. Consequently, tribunal members tasked with this demanding work are forced to manually record proceedings, leading to significant delays. This situation compromises essential conditions necessary for courts to carry out their duties efficiently. One such condition is the requirement for cases to be heard and resolved in public, a standard that is often compromised under these challenging circumstances.
The Nigerian judiciary as shown above faces numerous challenges in adjudicating electoral processes. These challenges are multifaceted, stemming from issues such as outdated legal frameworks, procedural complexities, and inadequate infrastructure. The Evidence Act, while recently amended, still requires further reform to adapt to the evolving technological landscape and the unique nature of election petitions. The high standard of proof imposed on petitioners, coupled with the restrictive interpretation of the Act, often hinders the pursuit of justice. Additionally, the lack of permanent electoral tribunals and the absence of specialised expertise among tribunal members contribute to delays and inconsistencies in adjudication thereby causing defaults in the role of the judiciary as the final arbiter of electoral outcomes and would definitely result in negative aberrations. (To be continued).
THOUGHT
“The main reasons for the growth and institutionalisation of corruption are: a culture of secrecy with lack of transparency, and weak institutions for securing the accountability of public servants, such as the Vigilance bodies, the criminal investigative agencies and the judiciary”. (Prashant Bhushan)
a new wave of insecurity has brought most parts of the South east under trepidation, as scores were recently killed and maimed by gun-totting Herdsmen, particularly in ebonyi State. Reports have it that, even the South West is also under serious threat from these murderous criminal elements. How prepared is the Nigerian security machinery, to adequately tackle this rising menace? Should the South east Governors establish their own security apparatus like the South West’s Àmòtèkun, in order to beef up the security in their region? Jide Ojo, Emmanuel Onwubiko and Dr Emeka Ejikonye, in this discourse, articulate their thoughts on the complexities of these issues and also proffer some solutions to curb this menace
Imperative of Checkmating Marauding Herdsmen
Jide Ojo
Introduction
Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as altered, provides that security and welfare of citizens shall be the primary purpose of Government. Quite unfortunately, successive Nigerian governments have failed significantly, in these two regards. The Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, is the only global fund to prevent violent extremism. According to its online report, Nigeria is currently ranked eight on the Global Terrorism Index of 2024. This is an unenviable position. Banditry, insurgency, crimes and criminality are on the rise, and the Nigerian military and other security apparatus seems to be overwhelmed. There’s just no sufficient human, material and financial resources to tackle the surging insecurity. Among the push factors are the rising unemployment, poverty, and exponential rising cost of living. It is noteworthy, that there has been age-long tension between the pastoralist (herdsmen) and farmers. The main reason being that the herders, in a bid to feed
their cattle, goats, sheep move in search of green pasture. Either accidentally or deliberately in the course of the movement, they make their animals to graze on farmers’ crops. I recall that some of the episodes of “Cock Crow at Dawn”, a soap opera on Nigerian Television Authority in the 1970s to the 1990s, dwelt on this conflict. What I’m saying here is that, the farmersherders conflict is from time immemorial. It just happened to have been exacerbated by the climate change, which has made most of Northern Nigeria arid and devoid of grass for cattle and other animals to feed on. Thus, in search of pasture, herders rove with their cattle
“While many people talk about Fulani herdsmen, it is important to state that it is not only Fulani that rear cattle. There are Hausa, Yoruba and other ethnic nationalities that do same. One must therefore, exercise caution in labelling all killer herdsmen as Fulani. In Philosophy, that is fallacy of overgeneralisation, wrong profiling and stereotype”
from the North to the South in search of grass. Unfortunately, the grazing routes that was mapped out in the 60s have been erased by other development agenda such as housing, roads, and other social amenities. For the better part of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration (2015 – 2023), the clash between herders and farmers became more pronounced, especially in some North Central States such as Plateau and Benue. Nassarawa, Niger and Kaduna, particularly Southern Kaduna were not spared. I recall that some South East States such as Enugu and Ebonyi, also recorded several incidents of herders-farmers clashes, same as some Southwest States such as Ondo and Oyo State. Recall that the agitation led by renowned Yoruba Nation Agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was because of the unbridled activities of the killer herdsmen in some parts of Oyo State.
Killer Herdsmen, Not Killer Fulani Herdsmen While many people talk about Fulani herdsmen, it is important to state that it is not only Fulani that rear cattle. There are Hausa, Yoruba and other ethnic nationalities that do same. One must therefore, exercise caution in labelling all killer herdsmen as Fulani. In Philosophy, that is fallacy of overgeneralisation, wrong profiling and stereotype. Research have proven that many of the killer herdsmen are not Nigerians, but, itinerant pastoralists from West Africa sub- region who daily take advantage of our country’s porous borders to bring in arms and ammunition to engage in banditry and kidnapping for ransom. Take for instance the Lakurawa Sect that are pillaging Kebbi and Sokoto State, they are said to have migrated from Niger Republic. Same for many members of the Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province insurgents. It would be recalled that the unbridled cases of kidnapping and banditry by criminal herdsmen, were part of the reasons for the establishment of Amotekun Security outfits in the Six Southwest States in January 2020. People should not forget
that former Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae was kidnapped by herdsmen on his farm in Ilado Area of Akure in September 2015. In July 2019, suspected herdsmen in a kidnap attempt, shot and killed Funke Olakunrin, the second daughter of Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti. The incident occurred between Kajola and Ore along Ondo-Ore Road.
The recent outcry of herdsmen flooding South East and South West, is not totally unexpected. As I have said earlier, many of them are looking for food for their animals. The criminal elements among the herdsmen, are also on the run from the firepower and aerial bombardment by Nigerian Air Force. Indeed, Ondo State Amotekun Corps have arrested many of the criminal pastoralists. Vanguard newspaper of January 28, 2025 reported that “The Ondo State Security outfit, codenamed Amotekun, said it has arrested and paraded over 300 suspected criminals in the last three months. Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were arrested across 15 locations in the 18 Council areas of the State. How I wish other South West States, could record similar feats. It is important to put on record that, while it is concerning that the criminal herdsmen are finding a new haven in Southern Nigeria, most of the Northern States have fared worse from these criminal herdsmen. It is in the North that you have high incidences of cattle rustling and rural banditry. The devastation caused by bandits in North West and North Central States like Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Benue and Plateau, far outweighs the evils perpetrated by these fiends in the Southern Nigeria. This still does not in any way justify their criminal acts in Southern Nigeria or anywhere else.
Government Efforts to checkmate activities of Criminal Herdsmen Over the last 10 years or thereabout, several initiatives have been put in place to rein in the activities of these killer herdsmen. Both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches are being taken. For instance, several joint military offensives are being carried out in many
parts of the country. There have been several aerial bombardments, while thousands of the herdsmen have been neutralised, arrested and prosecuted. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed in a media briefing on December 5, 2024 that, the Nigerian military, through its various operations across the country from January to December 2024, neutralised 8,034 terrorists, arrested 11,623 suspects, and rescued 6,376 kidnapped victims. Detailing the achievements of troops in counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations, he revealed that the troops also recovered 8,216 weapons and 211,459 rounds of ammunition. This is quite commendable. However, with the ecosystem being unfriendly for access to basic needs, more and more people are being daily recruited into this criminal enterprise.
The Federal Government, in 2019, inaugurated a 10-year National Livestock Transformation Plan as an alternative to open grazing of cattle, so as to prevent deadly conflicts between herders and farmers. The NLTP was launched by National and State Governments, to transition the Livestock sector from extensive production system to an intensive market driven production system, enable peaceful coexistence, food security and economic growth. Nigerian Tribune of February 23, 2021 reported that the Federal Government has commenced the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan, as it kicks off the pilot project in Nasarawa. Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari had secured a €400,000 grant from the Netherlands during his visit to the country to implement this project in four States in Nigeria, which includes Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau and Gombe. It will seem that the incumbent Government of President Bola Tinubu, has discontinued with the implementation of this plan.
Another non-kinetic policy taken by the present administration, is the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development. In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, in a move expected to end the perennial clashes between pastoralists and farmers. President Tinubu approved the creation of the Ministry, when he inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja. Well, the Ministry is yet to fully begin operation, as the budget for 2025 is yet to be passed by the National Assembly, while issues of office space and personnel need to be sorted out.
Lasting Solution Options
In order to rein in the activities of the killer herdsmen, there is need to tighten Nigeria’s border security, in order to curb the influx of the undesirable elements. There is also the imperative of cutting off the supply chain of these killers, by provision of employment opportunities and poverty alleviation programmes. While I acknowledge that Government cannot employ all the people in need of employment, it behooves the three tiers of Government - Federal, State and Local Governments, to create enabling environment for self-employment. There is need for State Police, to enable the sub-national Governments to effectively fight crimes and criminality. The Federal Government and the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, have agreed in principle for this exercise. However, the legal framework needs to be put in place. Meanwhile it is good news that some South West States are recruiting more Amotekun corps members.
According to Channels TV online report of January 22, 2025, the South West Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has intensified its efforts to tackle the growing menace of banditry and criminal activities in the region. The urgency of Amotekun’s operations, is underscored by alarming crime statistics. A National Bureau of Statistics survey revealed that between May 2023 and April 2024, Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransom for kidnappings. The South West region alone, recorded 6.9 million crime incidents during this period. To this end, the Corps has mobilised over 2,000 personnel, with recruitment drives ongoing across the States of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti to strengthen the Corps’ operational capacity. Ogun and Osun State lead the initiative, with plans to recruit 1,000 personnel each. Oyo State recently recruited 480 forest rangers in October, who have since been deployed across 25 local government areas to address kidnapping, banditry, and other illegal activities in forested areas. It needs to be emphasised that, there is need to infuse technology into the fight against the activities of these criminal elements, be they killer herdsmen or bandits. Drones, CCTV and other hi-tech surveillance devices need to be
procured with modern day forensic laboratory. Ultimately, the political will to do the right thing, will give Nigeria victory over this heinous crime of terrorism.
Jide Ojo, Development Consultant, Author and Public Affairs Analyst
South East Leaders Must Defend their People
Emmanuel Onwubiko
It is so unfortunate, that the resurgence of armed Fulani terrorism in Nigeria’s South-East has once again manifested in the most horrific and brutal form, with the latest attack in Ebonyi State claiming the lives of at least 15 innocent citizens.
This wave of violence is not just an isolated incident, but a growing pattern of unchecked terror unleashed upon communities in the region.
This consistent pattern of coordinated terrorist attacks targeting the people of the South East is a derogation and a total abandonment by the elected leaders of the States, of their responsibility to protect and defend their people.
Aside the Governor of Abia State, Mr Alex Otti, that has taken up the challenge by instituting concrete proactive security measures to stem the tide of unprecedented insecurity, other South-East Governors are urged to embrace these fundamental constitutional roles and duties of defending their citizens, by prioritising security in their daily activities.
The Anambra and Enugu State Governors, have lately adopted steps that could check these ugly attacks. But, the South-East region must synergise their collective proactive security mechanisms, to defeat terrorists and other armed non- State actors causing havoc and unleashing terror on the people of the Igbo States.
The Invasion of Amagu, Amaokwe, and Umunesha
The gruesome invasion of Amagu and two other villages in the Nkalaha community, Ishielu Local Government Area by suspected Fulani herdsmen, underscores the persistent security lapses and the alarming failure of Nigeria’s
“If ESN is unacceptable to the Federal Government, an alternative regional security force must be established and legalised, to provide protection where Federal agencies have failed. The South-East must not be left defenceless….The root of these conflicts lies in unrestricted open grazing”
law enforcement agencies to protect citizens. This massacre highlights the urgent need for a re-evaluation of security frameworks in the South-East, including the controversial banning of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which, despite its alleged affiliation with IPOB, was one of the few defensive structures standing against such aggression.
On the morning of Sunday, February 4, 2025, armed Fulani terrorists descended on Amagu, Amaokwe, and Umunesha villages in Ebonyi State. What followed was a bloodbath of unimaginable proportions - men, women, and children slaughtered, homes torched, and entire families thrown into despair. Initial reports placed the death toll at 10, but, as bodies were recovered from surrounding bushes, the number rose to 15, with many still missing.
The Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, while visiting the crime scene, expressed the Government’s shock and dismay at the killings. She issued a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies to arrest the perpetrators - an order that, going by the Nigerian security forces' track record, may likely yield no tangible result. How many times have we seen State and Federal officials make grandiose declarations, only for the killers to vanish into thin air? How often have families been left to mourn their loved ones, with no semblance of justice in sight?
The ineffectiveness of Nigeria’s security forces in curtailing these atrocities, is no longer a subject of debate. It has become glaringly obvious, that the very agencies tasked with safeguarding lives and properties have either been compromised, or lack the capacity to act decisively. Time and again, communities have raised alarms over suspicious movements and looming threats, only to have their concerns dismissed or ignored until tragedy strikes.
The case of Ebonyi is no different. Traditional rulers and community leaders had been engaging in mediation efforts between Agila in Benue State and Fulani herders since January 20, 2025. Yet, despite their proactive approach, the herdsmen still struck with deadly force. Where were the security agencies during this build-up? Why did they fail to act on intelligence, that could have prevented the attack?
This failure is not accidental. In the past, reports have surfaced of some security operatives, aiding or shielding the very terrorists they are meant to neutralise. The reluctance of the Military and Police to go after these killers with the same zeal used against other groups, is a glaring indication of bias and complicity.
In the face of this glaring security collapse, the banning of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) by the Federal Government raises fundamental questions. Regardless of its affiliation with IPOB, ESN was, in its prime, the only group actively defending communities from Fulani terrorist incursions. Established as a self-defence outfit, ESN was a direct response to the Federal Government’s failure to protect the South-East from incessant attacks.
Yet, rather than strengthen its operational guidelines and bring it under proper regional security oversight, the Government chose to outlaw it while leaving the region exposed. The irony here is that, while ESN was disbanded and its members hunted down, Fulani terrorists have continued to operate freely, wreaking havoc on defenceless communities. This lopsided approach to security management, has further fuelled resentment, deepened ethnic divisions, and emboldened the perpetrators of violence.
The Ebonyi Attacks
The Ebonyi massacre, like many before it, must not be swept under the carpet. Justice must be served, and a comprehensive security overhaul is long overdue. The Government must make good on its promise to fish out the killers. Security agencies must track down and bring every single perpetrator to justice. There should be no leniency or clandestine negotiations, that allow these terrorists to escape the full wrath of the law.
If ESN is unacceptable to the Federal Government, an alternative regional security force must be established and legalised, to provide protection where Federal agencies have failed. The South-East must not be left defenceless. The Government must introduce and enforce stringent punishments, for armed herdsmen and terrorists who attack communities. Life imprisonment or even the death penalty should be considered, for those found guilty of mass killings. Instead of focusing military operations on unarmed agitators, the Nigerian Army and Police must be strategically positioned in areas prone to terrorist attacks. The number of security operatives in Ebonyi and other vulnerable South-Eastern States, must be significantly increased. The Government should encourage and equip local vigilante groups, to complement formal security agencies. These groups, familiar with their terrain, would be invaluable in intelligence gathering and rapid response.
The Ebonyi State Government, in conjunction with the Federal Government, must provide adequate compensation to the families of those slain in the attack. Many of these victims were breadwinners, and their families should not be left in economic distress. The root of these conflicts lies in unrestricted open grazing. The Federal and State Government must enforce existing anti-open grazing laws and establish ranching systems, to prevent violent clashes between farmers and herders.
The continued massacre of South-Eastern citizens by Fulani terrorists, is a national disgrace and a failure of governance. The Ebonyi killings should serve as a wake-up call to leaders at all levels - if they refuse to act decisively, history will judge them as accomplices in the bloodshed.
The banning of ESN without a viable security alternative, has left the region exposed. If the Federal Government is truly concerned about peace and stability, it must reverse its discriminatory security policies and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of region or ethnicity, enjoys the full protection of the law.
No more press statements. No more empty rhetoric. It is time for action. If the Government fails to act now, the South-East must brace itself for more carnage, and the people will have no choice but to take their destiny into their own hands.
A key point towards achieving a holistic solution to the rising security threats to the South-East region, is for all and sundry to embrace security of lives and property as the very core of their collective and individual duties. The need to build trust amongst the people on the security forces of Nigeria is strategic towards building formidable human intelligence, which serves as an effective and efficient bulwark against all sorts of violent threats against the lives and property of the people of the South East. The Governments of the five States of the South East should emulate the South West security structural model, and replicate the South East kind of Àmòtèkun that has proven to be a hugely successful venture by the South West States.
The political leaders should galvanise the buy-in of the critical stakeholders, including youth organisations, religious, traditional and organised civil society organisations, so as to implement a comprehensive security overhaul and enforce measures to prevent violent attacks across the South-East States.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, was quoted recently as stating that security is everybody’s business, urging Nigerians to provide the necessary information that would aid security officials’ operations. This is a fact and I think it's most appropriate that citizens embrace this citizenship role of speaking out whenever they notice strange persons in their communities, or see strange things happening around them. Whenever you see something, then say something, so something is done to put down any threats against stability of the society and the security of the people.
Besides, General Christopher Musa stated the aforesaid , while delivering his address at the 48th Annual National Conference of the Muslim Elders Association of Nigeria.
The Convention had the theme: “Making Living Worthwhile for All: Islamic Solutions to Economic and Security Challenges”. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Association was created to promote peace, foster brotherhood, enhance leadership values, and provide humanitarian services. Represented by Major General Shuab Bashir, the CDS further stated that, collaboration with relevant agencies would aid the quest to address the economic and security challenges in the country.
“Security is everybody’s business; everyone must be involved. It should not be left to the security agencies alone. People must give us useful information”, he said. While corroborating the position of the CDS, the representative of the Police Commissioner in the FCT, Mr Uba Alkali, said that effective security required the collective efforts of all citizens. “Security is everyone’s responsibility. I urge you all to work with the Police to serve humanity”, he said. (NAN)
The President should make it as a policy to task the security Commanders to be up and doing in their respective beats, and there has to be a deliberate policy of reward and punishment for acts done by the military and security operatives to stem the tide of terrorism, just as failures must be punished deploying the extant laws and the established rules of engagement. By this way, the society will realise the enormous benefits of everyone working harmoniously, to defend themselves and their communities against internal insurrection and internal attacks.
Emmanuel Onwubiko, Founder, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA); Past National Commissioner, National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria
Governance and the Burden of Herdsmen Menace in Nigeria
Dr Emeka Ejikonye
Brigadier-General Togun’s Interview
Recently, I watched retired Brigadier-General A. Kunle Togun, of the infamous Dele Giwa bombing saga, during the Ibrahim Babangida military era, in an interactive interview on YouTube. In the very hard-hitting, frank and blunt exchange, the tough military veteran, openly confessed and lamented his handicap at containing the menace of what Nigerians have come to refer to as “Fulani Herdsmen”. This was while he served as the Oyo State Chairman of Amotekun, the collective local vigilante group established by Governors of Nigeria’s Southwest States during the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari. To be clear, Kunle Togun is a battle- dried Army General, whose deployment to war-torn Liberia in 1992/93 for combat mission, I personally witnessed as a post-graduate student at the
University of Calabar. Back then, Togun served as the Commanding Officer of the 13th Motorised Infantry Brigade. I am no longer quite sure if it was not under his command that Nigerian troops deployed to Bakassi Peninsula, in the midnight of 31st December, 1993.
General Togun started by recalling the famous statement by the late supreme leader of Nigeria, General Sani Abacha, that if a national security breach lasts for more than 48 hours, the government in power has a hand in it. Then, he proceeded to point to the influx of Fulani herdsmen into the Southern parts of Nigeria, with particular reference to Yorubaland, and pointedly blamed the Federal Government of Nigeria under former President Buhari for this development. To buttress the point, he recalled the well-publicised meeting of the Fulani National Movement (FUNAM) in Kano about five or six years ago, after which the conveners issued a communique proclaiming that Allah has given them the land of Nigeria. They went ahead to invite all their Fulani brethren in West and Central Africa to start coming to Nigeria to claim their divine inheritance. And, as they come, they should be “fully armed”, because “violence is the only language Nigerians understand”.
Togun recalled that all this while, President Buhari kept mute, however, when Nigerians started questioning why the “Herdsmen” were bearing Kalashnikov rifles, the President was quick to respond that the guns were for the protection of their cows. My very notable takeaways from this very lucid and vivid interview by General Togun is, “a General is a soldier for life”; in the military, when foreigners enter your territory, carrying arms, they are described as “invaders” and the military command is, “hunt them down like rabbits and eliminate them”.
CDS, General Chris Musa’s Interview
Before this interview held with General Togun, I had watched two equally very captivating, frank and intellectually-nourishing interviews granted by the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris G. Musa, on national television. I love watching and listening to his interviews. In one of those interactive sessions, this highestranking military officer in Nigeria today, himself, boldly confessed that the insecurity challenges in Northwestern Nigeria, has its root in the age-long inter-ethnic conflict between the aboriginal Hausa farmers and their Fulani pastoralist conquerors. How else can the fact be more authenticated?
In the second interview, Gen. Musa made the very brilliant distinction between ‘kinetic’ and ‘non-kinetic’ approaches, to addressing the insecurity challenges ravaging Nigeria. He noted that the military can only solve about
“General Togun…recalled the well-publicised meeting of the Fulani National Movement (FUNAM) in Kano about five or six years ago, after which the conveners issued a communique proclaiming that Allah has given them the land of Nigeria. They went ahead to invite all their Fulani brethren in West and Central Africa, to start coming to Nigeria to claim their divine inheritance….Government must make them understand and accept that, Nigeria is not their divine inheritance….”
30% of the problem, while the remaining 70% will require broader Government interventions, through optimal performance in public service delivery to eliminate poverty and improve the quality of livelihood of the citizenry. In my view, this is power speaking truth to power; a very rare occurrence in Nigeria. Kai! But, for this glorified office of redundancy! The first time I saw the long simmering conflict between the Hausa and their Fulani brethren brought to the fore, was in the BBC Africa eye documentary titled, “The Bandit Warlords of Zamfara”. For the first time, I was exposed to the root-cause of the insecurity problem bedevilling Northwestern Nigeria. It was so revealing. I was not surprised, when I later heard that the producers were under intense pressure not to release the documentary.
Questions
From these revelations, two questions keep nagging my mind. First, if former President Buhari was a myopic, self-serving religious-zealot and ethnic-jingoist who was blindly driven by primordial and primitive religious and tribal bigotry, what about the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? Granted, President Tinubu is a Muslim, but is he also a myopic, self-serving religious zealot? Personally, I do not see him as such. For one, if Tinubu is driven by religious bigotry, he would not be married to a Christian Pentecostal Pastor. Did I hear someone chuckle that the average Yoruba Muslim, particularly, from the Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti State axis, will always drink his Gulder at “lagbo-lagbo” in the midst of his religious fervour? The zealotry tends to grow as one moves Northwards from Osun through Oyo to Kwara States. Even at that, my broda, lef mata; na we we! We know ourselves. From the viewpoint of tribe, President Tinubu is a full-blooded Yoruba man from Southwestern Nigeria, the zone that General Togun asserted to be under the siege of Fulani imperialism. Being, therefore, Yoruba and not Fulani, Tinubu cannot be said to be driven by the same primordial and primitive sense of ethnocentrism as former President Buhari. So, what is the disposition of Mr President to the bold-faced revelations by General Togun?
Is he behind those who frustrated the General in his determined efforts to rid Oyo State of the herdsmen menace? If yes, what would be the motive of Mr President? One is just wondering. Secondly, what is the Tinubu Presidency doing about the prescription of General Musa, for 70% non-kinetic intervention by Government to resolve the insecurity challenges in Nigeria? The way I see it, the recent creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development by Mr President is probably his response in this direction. However, the question is, what is his charge to the Minister who is superintending over this field of bureaucratic activity in public service delivery? What is the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr President for the Ministry of Livestock Development?
I have always believed that the primary means of eliminating the mass poverty that is currently ravaging our citizenry, is through a coordinated-approach to the forward and backward linkage of the agricultural and industrial (that is, manufacturing) sectors. When applied to this newly-created Ministry of Livestock Development to address the menace of farmer-herder clashes, I envision a scenario of venture-capital relationship between the aboriginal Hausa landowners and their
assimilated Fulani brethren. Thus, the Hausa will contribute their land as equity, while the Fulani will inject the financial muscle. Nigerians know that they have this in quantum now, particularly, after the eight years of the Buhari debacle. Rather than have the cash stashed away idly in foreign banks, or buried in GP tanks or underground pits, Government should find a subtle means of appealing to them to put the money into productive use through this venture- capital route. Then, Government would further plead with the Fulani, to recall their cattle from the various parts of Nigeria into these ranches. The product of this public policy direction, is legion. To mention a few, it would provide both parties with a joint-venture and mutually-beneficial stake, in the industrialisation of Nigeria. The very expansive multiple hectarage of ranches and farmlands, would serve for modern industrialised breeding and cultivation of both livestock and cash crops. The benefit will be high-quality dairy and plant products, that can compete on the global stage. This way, the multitude of able-bodied young men who ran away from their homelands due to the challenges of insecurity and now roam and menace the streets of our urban areas as scavengers of trash, will automatically return to the comfort of their homes for gainful employment within their local cultural and tradition setting. Ultimately, the Hausa and their Fulani brethren will start to live in harmony.
Conclusion
However, to achieve these lofty objectives, Government must, alongside, initiate a mass reorientation of our Fulani brethren to adjust their mindset into appreciating that human culture and tradition is evolutionary and dynamic. They cannot continue to live, and bask in the euphoria of their historical nomadic lifestyle. There is absolutely nothing that says that, the Fulani cannot live in close harmony with the rest of Nigerians. Government must make them understand and accept that, Nigeria is not their divine inheritance; the life of a cow is not more precious than that of a human; and every human has the right to religious freedom. Indeed, in the ethnographic history and mapping of the earthly territory called Nigeria today, the Fulani are the last group of people to migrate into the area, and there is no geographical entity therein called “Fulaniland”.
This is wherein the Ministries of Education, Information and National Orientation, must come into play in Government intervention. The mass reorientation programme should be directed at altering the psyche of our Fulani brethren, particularly, the pastoralist segment amongst them. My recommendation in this regard, is for Government to adopt a policy of harnessing the innate psychological disposition of the sedentary Fulani, in persuading and convincing their nomadic brethren on the need and benefits of settling down to a joyful and healthy lifestyle. This is an approach to cultural reorientation by the culture, from within the culture. It is certainly a negation of the divine order, to continue to believe that one must live and survive through violence and bloodletting. Our Fulani compatriots should please understand that, they just cannot continue to live and survive in the forest in perpetuity. Not in this age and time. This is a very primitive mode of human survival under Existence. Humanity, that has evolved far beyond this. For goodness sake, 1802 is over 200 years from 2025. The Federal Government must do all within its power, to stop imperialistic tendencies in whatever guise in Nigeria. The policy approach should be “carrot and stick”.
Dr Emeka Ejikonye has a background in History and Public Administration, with Specialisation in Public Budgeting
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently took a major step to enhance transparency and boost market confidence with the launch of the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code (FX Code) in Abuja. The FX Code policy implementation has led to the dumping of the dollar by traders hoarding the greenback for speculative purposes. Analysts predict a sustained naira rally over renewed confidence in the market, writes Festus Akanbi
For the first time in nearly eight months, the naira traded below N1,600 to the dollar at the parallel market last Wednesday. It closed at N1,580 to the dollar, sustaining a rally across markets witnessed following the launch and implementation of the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code (FX Code) policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This gain came as traders offloaded dollars in response to the implementation of the FX Code policy.
Globally, foreign exchange markets are known to thrive on ethics, transparency and regulatory compliance under the supervision of central banks.
What the FX Code did was to send a strong message to FX traders and investors that the era of opaque practices in the market was over. A new period of transparency had begun with the CBN rolling out guidelines on the market operations.
The Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, had at the launch of the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code (FX Code), emphasised integrity, fairness, transparency, and efficiency as critical pillars for driving Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.
He said that the FX Code was built on six core principles: ethics, governance, execution, information sharing, risk management and compliance, as well as confirmation and settlement processes.
These principles, he explained, aligned with international standards while addressing the unique challenges within Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
According to Cardoso, “The FX Code represents a decisive step forward, setting clear and enforceable standards for ethical conduct, transparency, and good governance in our foreign exchange market. The era of opaque practices is over. The FX Code marks a new era of compliance and accountability. Under the CBN Act 2007 and BOFIA Act 2020, violations will be met with penalties and administrative actions.”
The naira has sustained a rally at both official and parallel markets since the launch of the FX Code launch, with the local currency, reaching its strongest level in nearly eight months.
Analysts said FX Speculators lost over N10 billion in the current naira rally and will record more losses as the greenback holders dump it in the open market.
One forex dealer said he offloaded dollar stockpiled for months, over fears of losing more funds.
“We are happy the naira is stabilising at both the official markets, but sad over capital losses. This is not the time to hoard the dollar because the naira is fast finding its feet,” Abdul Abiodun, FX trader based in Marina Lagos, said.
Other FX operators said the era of forex speculation and distortions in the domestic foreign exchange market came to an end with the ongoing
implementation of the FX Code.
The ongoing rally of the naira continued from last week’s success story. Analysts from Cordros Securities, said the naira last week strengthened significantly, appreciating by 3.8 per cent week-onweek to N1,474.78/$ at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM).
This sharp increase is attributed to the policies implemented by the CBN, especially the FX code, which have influenced market dynamics and contributed to the currency’s strengthening.
This latest movement marks a return to that range, reflecting the impact of recent monetary and foreign exchange measures introduced by the CBN to stabilise the currency and improve market confidence.
Managing Director, of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Ike Chioke, said naira gained 4.3 per cent month-on-month against the greenback to close at N1,497/$1.00. Similarly, parallel market rate appreciated 1.7 per cent to N1,580.00/$1.00.
He projected a sustained positive naira performance
this month, supported by CBN’s efforts at entrenching transparency in market operations. “In the new month, we expect the naira to remain on a positive trajectory bolstered by CBN’s effort at currency stability,” he said in an emailed note to investors.
The naira rally was also driven by inflows from Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), substantial contributions from International Oil Companies (IOCs), and the CBN’s $18.40 million intervention to authorised dealers.
Other analysts also mentioned the renewed interest of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in the FX market—driven by improved market confidence, a more efficient FX framework, and strengthening macroeconomic conditions—alongside the CBN’s sustained market interventions, is expected to continually support naira stability.
President, the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, attributed the ongoing rebound of the naira against the dollar and other world currencies to the CBN’s policies.
Gwadabe hinged the naira rally to the newly implemented Foreign Exchange (FX) Code, rising investors’ confidence, and policies supporting more dollar inflows through diaspora remittances.
He backed the apex bank’s position that the FX Code is comprehensively addressing various aspects of market conduct and practice, it is not intended to be exhaustive.
He said the policy authorises the CBN to establish and enforce directives regarding the standards for financial institutions under which FX deals are to be conducted.
Gwadabe said the code will further entrench transparency and accountability in the FX market and continually sustain the naira rally.
He also backed CBN’s position that all institutions engaged in the foreign exchange market must also provide the CBN with a detailed implementation plan outlining how they intend to achieve full compliance with the FX Code. These plans are expected to be formally approved and signed by the institution’s board of directors, and they must be accompanied by relevant extracts from the board meeting where the plan was reviewed and endorsed.
CEO, Countryside Markets Limited, Stevens Michael, said: “For me, the whole idea is just to ensure that there is a lot more sanity in the foreign exchange market because those characters have really created a whole lot of problems over the years in the FX market,”
“I think that is what the CBN is trying to do and the more we’re able to sanitise the markets, I think the more stability it will achieve in the foreign exchange market,” he said.
The CBN has stated that while every effort has been
made to ensure that the FX Code comprehensively addresses various aspects of market conduct and practice, it is not intended to be exhaustive.
Governor Cardoso also noted that the journey towards market reform is already yielding results. He stated, “The year 2024 was marked by structural reforms that sought to return the naira to a freely determined market price and ease volatility as several distortions were removed from the market.”
Beyond the foreign exchange market, the FX Code forms part of the CBN’s renewed focus on compliance across the financial sector. Its six guiding principles, alongside 52 sub-principles, were designed to become the benchmark for conduct across all participating institutions.
Commercial banks are major stakeholders in the FX Code implementation. Analysts have therefore called on the CBN to institute strong measures of compliance checks to ensure that banks, which in the past constituted one of the weakest links to FX policy implementation, comply with the new policy measures.
Although the apex bank has secured its support and commitment to policy implementation, routine regulatory checks will help sustain market gains.
The formal signing by participating banks, symbolising a unified effort to promote transparency and trust but the apex bank regulator should take steps that guarantee that the lenders match their words with action.
Issued as a guideline for the foreign exchange market, the FX Code is backed by the authority of the CBN Act of 2007 and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) of 2020. These legislative instruments empower the CBN to establish and enforce directives regarding the standards financial institutions must follow in conducting foreign exchange business in Nigeria. The FX Code, therefore, serves as an official directive that all market participants are expected to observe in their operations.
As part of compliance requirements, market participants must conduct a self-assessment of their adherence to the FX Code and submit a report detailing their level of compliance to the CBN.
Following this, all institutions engaged in the foreign exchange market must also provide the CBN with a detailed implementation plan outlining how they intend to comply with the FX Code fully.
Analysts insist that these measures under Cardoso have not only lifted the forex market and entrenched long-lasting stability but laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State on Monday flagged-off N6.9 billion road construction projects in Funtua Local Government Area of the state.
The flagg-off of the ShemeUnguwar-Mai Kanwa-Faskari and the 12 Kilometer Kasuwar Mata-Funtua-Dandume roads, was greeted with jubilation by residents of the benefiting communities.
While flagging-off the construction of the projects in Funtua, Governor Radda said the projects would be executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
He said the two road projects valued at N6,931,531,389.96, when completed, would significantly improve and boost commercial activities as well as the production of farm products in the senatorial zone.
Radda explained that his administration will leave no stone unturned in initiating and
implementing projects that will continue to alleviate the suffering of the citizens and improve their households and livelihoods.
He however promised to revamp the old and renowned Sheme Market located along the ever-busy Funtua
highway in order to enhance commercial activities in the zone.
He reiterated that the funds for the renovation and upgrading of the market were encapsulated in the 2025 approved budget “We will renovate and upgrade the popular
at a retreat for government officials themed, “That Plateau May Shine,” held at Miango Rest Home in Bassa
Sheme Market in this financial year.” According to him, “We have invested heavily to ensure the actualization of this project, and I urge all stakeholders to guard it against vandalization”. He commended the federal gov-
ernment, World Bank and Agence Francais Development for implementing the RAAMP programme, adding that the gesture has augmented government’s efforts of improving the lives of rural dwellers in the state.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed, said the commencement of the projects was a testament to Radda’s commitment to rural development.
Local Government Area.
Addressing officials on the topic, ‘Writing the Vision; The Time is Now’, the governor underscored the need for a paradigm shift in leadership, urging participants to discard outdated ways of thinking and embrace innovative, people-centered governance, stressing that the time for working in isolation or prioritizing personal gain over collective progress is over. He said: “Assume we have only one year to make an impact. Let’s not postpone what can be done today
for tomorrow. There is no time for slumber, no time for selfishness. Society progresses through collective effort. No one can do it alone. We must join hands and take advantage of the opportunities before us.”
The governor urged appointees to see their roles as an opportunity to serve and to make a difference, regardless of how long they remain in office.
Warning against complacency, the governor reminded the officials that apart from him and his deputy, no
one has guaranteed tenure. He said: “Even if you are posted to a ministry for just three months, make an impact. This is a position of trust. Our people are suffering, living in poverty, and they have placed their faith in us to bring solutions to their challenges. We cannot afford to fail.”
Mutfwang also emphasized the need for integrity and personal accountability, urging officials to be guided by a sense of duty to God and humanity rather than mere
political loyalty. While reiterating his commitment to addressing key development challenges in education, healthcare, and agriculture, the governor cited comparative examples from other nations. The retreat featured talks on leadership, governance, and development strategies, with contributions from experienced policymakers and development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Larry Omodia Foundation For Justice Reform has secured the backing of Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, the revered royal father of Ikere-Ekiti, the hometown of the late singer Mohbad, in its relentless quest for justice over Mohbad's mysterious and untimely death. With the royal father's influence and authority, a renewed sense of hope emerges for Mohbad's family, fans, and loved ones as they continue to demand justice and closure. The foundation's CEO, Larry Omodia, recently led a delegation to the palace in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where they appealed to the royal father to intervene in the case. Writes Mary Nnah
In a heart-wrenching tragedy that shook the music world, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, left an indelible mark on the hearts of his fans and loved ones before his untimely passing on September 12, 2023.
The mysterious circumstances surrounding his death sparked widespread outrage, countless questions, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Now, a major turning point has been reached in the quest for truth, as the Larry Omodia Foundation For Justice Reform has successfully secured the backing of Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, the revered royal father of Ikere-Ekiti, Mohbad's hometown.
As the royal father's influence and authority are brought to bear on this case, hopes are high that the dark clouds of uncertainty surrounding Mohbad's tragic demise will finally be lifted, and the truth will be revealed.
A Mysterious Death Mohbad's death on September 12, 2023, has been shrouded in controversy, with his wife alleging multiple causes of death, including a poisonous knife, industry gods, wrong medication, and even the father-in-law. The circumstances surrounding his death have left many questions unanswered, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice.
The music industry and fans of Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, have been in a state of shock and grief since his passing.
The young singer's rise to fame was meteoric, and his music had captured the hearts of many. His death has left a void in the music industry, and his fans are demanding justice.
A Plea for Royal Intervention
Omodia urged Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado to utilize his influential position to seek justice for Mohbad, emphasising the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young singer's death. He requested that the royal father engage the Nigerian Inspector General of Police to oversee the investigation, ensuring that all aspects of the case are meticulously examined.
Furthermore, Omodia appealed to Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado to use his authority to compel Joseph Aloba, Mohbad's father, to cooperate fully with the investigation, including providing DNA samples as requested by the court and Nigerians. This, he believed, would be a crucial step in unraveling the mystery surrounding Mohbad's death.
Omodia also stressed the importance of ensuring that Mohbad is buried with dignity and that his journey to the afterlife is not delayed. He believed that this would be a vital step in bringing closure to the family and fans of the late singer.
In addition, Omodia requested that Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado invoke the spirit of Mohbad to reveal the truth about his death, believing that this would be a powerful way to uncover the facts surrounding the mysterious circumstances. Lastly, Omodia appealed to the royal father to advise Joseph Aloba not to use Mohbad's death for financial gain, emphasising the need for the family to prioritise justice and closure over personal interests. By making these requests, Omodia hoped that Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado would use his influential position to bring about justice and closure for Mohbad and his loved ones.
Omodia emphasised the importance of the royal father's intervention, stating, "Your majesty, we believe that our tradition demands that our culture must be maintained at all times. This is the sole reason I have been sent to beg you.
Ikere land is famous and reputable. We know your son and the inspector general of police will honour your throne when called upon by your office.”
Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado's response to the Larry Omodia Foundation For Justice Reform's request for intervention in the Mohbad case has brought a sense of hope and relief to the family and fans of the late singer. Through High Chief (Prof.) Babatola Olufemi, the royal father assured the foundation that the kingdom would carefully study the request and take concrete steps to address the demands.
Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado's message to the foundation was particularly touching, as he expressed his gratitude
for their efforts in seeking justice for Mohbad. His words, "Thank you for the sacrifice you and your group are making on behalf of the ordinary people... We appreciate you. We thank you for the sacrifice to get justice," demonstrate his appreciation for the foundation's commitment to justice and their willingness to take on the challenges of this case.
The royal father's intervention is a significant step in unravelling the mystery surrounding Mohbad's death. As the traditional ruler of Ikere-Ekiti, The foundation believes that Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado's influence and authority can help to facilitate a thorough investigation and ensure that justice is served.
His involvement has brought new hope to those seeking answers and closure in the wake of Mohbad's tragic passing.
The Larry Omodia Foundation For Justice Reform has been a driving force behind the campaign for justice for Mohbad. Through their tireless efforts, the foundation has successfully kept the case in the public eye, ensuring that the pressure for accountability remains unrelenting. Their commitment to justice has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of those demanding answers and closure in the wake of Mohbad's tragic passing
This significant development has injected new hope into the pursuit of justice for Mohbad, generating widespread anticipation and expectation. The world is now eagerly awaiting the outcome of Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado's intervention, recognising that his influence and authority can be a game-changer in unravelling the mystery surrounding Mohbad's death.
As the Larry Omodia Foundation For Justice Reform and the kingdom of Ikere-Ekiti join forces, the global community is reminded that the pursuit of truth and justice is a shared responsibility. This collaboration serves as a reminder that justice is not solely the responsibility of individuals or organisations, but rather a collective effort that requires the active participation and support of all stakeholders.
The Larry Omodia Foundation For Justice Reform has been a driving force behind the campaign for justice for Mohbad. Through their tireless efforts, the foundation has successfully kept the case in the public eye, ensuring that the pressure for accountability remains unrelenting. Their commitment to justice has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of those demanding answers and closure in the wake of Mohbad's tragic passing.
The foundation's unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice has sent a clear message that the death of Mohbad will not be swept under the rug. Instead, it has ignited a movement that demands transparency, accountability, and justice. As the world waits with bated breath for the outcome of Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado's intervention, one thing is clear: pursuing justice for Mohbad is a collective responsibility that will not be ignored.
The increasing arrests of journalists on allegations of cyberstalking and defamation have raised concerns about whether the Cybercrime Act is being misused to stifle free expression and restrict the public’s right to information. Despite amendments to the Act in February 2024, there are growing fears that it is being weaponised to suppress dissent and intimidate the press. Sunday Ehigiator examines the implications of these developments and questions whether the law, originally designed to combat cybercrime, is now being turned against those it was meant to protect.
At about 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in his residence in Lugbe, FCT Abuja, the Global-upfront Editor-in- Chief, Madu Onuorah was whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force, and released after 48 hours.
Recounting how he was arrested, Onuorah said the police officers, numbering 10, met him outside and said he should not go further inside to do anything but follow him.
“They didn’t allow me to go inside to change or even call my lawyer, they just insisted that I follow them without even disclosing where they are taking me,” he said.
He said he later got to know that he was arrested because his platform published a story about a Reverend Sister, Ngozi Mamah, who assaulted her 75-year-old stepmother.
“I was taken away by the police and was locked up in a cell in Lugbe until the DPO came and asked them to put me at the reception. I was then moved to Abakaliki and then to Ebonyi.
“I was taken to the commissioner of Police and the CP told me how to do my job. He said I should not have written a story like that, I was accused of defamation of character and the police arrested me because of that without a court order or evidence.
“I asked the CP if what we had published was true or not but he said I should have done it otherwise. He was teaching me my job. He said they should release me but I should go and reconcile with the woman. Reconcile on what? Did I write wrongly about her?
“I was not physically tortured but I was mentally tortured. The boxer I have been wearing for the past three days is still with me as I am talking to you now,” he said.
Aiyetan and Akewushola’s Case
The Global-upfront Editor-in-Chief, Madu Onuorah, the Executive Director of The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Dayo Aiyetan, and a reporter of the Centre, Nurudeen Akewushola, were also arrested.
According to a statement released by the ICIR, “Aiyetan and Akewushola accompanied by the company’s lawyers had gone to the Centre since noon today, May 28, 2024, and they have been unreachable including the lawyers. The ICIR was, however, able to gather that there is likely a sinister move by the Centre to detain both Aiyetan and Akewushola.
“Earlier on May 15, 2024, the ICIR received letters of invitation addressed to one of its reporters, Akewushola, and another to its ‘Managing Directors’ by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.
“The letters dated April 16, 2024, were delivered at the ICIR's office on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. However, curiously, the Police in the letter, signed by a Commissioner of Police, Uche Ifeanyi Henry, the Centre's Director, requested that the reporter and directors appear at its Abuja offices on Wednesday, April 24.
“Part of the letter reads, ‘The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre is investigating a case of cyberstalking and defamation of character in which the above-named person featured prominently.
‘Given the above, you are requested to interview the Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) at Plot 625 Mission Road, Diplomatic Zone, Central Business District, Abuja through CSP Omaka Udodinma Chukwu on Wednesday 24th April 2024. Call 08067854241 on your arrival. Your cooperation in this regard will be highly appreciated, please.’
In its response to the first invitation, The ICIR raised some concerns to the police, including the discrepancy in invitation and delivery dates, and the lack of details of the petition which led to their investigations for cyberstalking and defamation of character.
The ICIR requested that details of the petition should be provided so that it could adequately prepare for the police interview. Following the ICIR reply, the NPF-NCC sent another set of invitation letters.
In a second set of letters from the NPF-NCCC to The ICIR dated May 20, 2024, two copies of which were addressed separately to the reporter and the ‘managing director’, the discrepancy in the dates was adjusted but details of the allegations against the centre and its reporter were not provided.
“It read in part, ‘The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre is investigating a case of cyberstalking and defamation of character reported to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10 Abuja, in which your presence is needed.
“‘Given the above, you are kindly requested
to interview the Director, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPFNCC) Plot 625 Mission Road, Diplomatic Zone Central Business District, Abuja, through CSP Omaka Udodinma Chukwu on Monday 27 May 2024 by 10:00hrs. It is a fact-finding invitation,’ the letter read in part.
“The date and time were eventually changed to May 28, 12 noon, following a conversation between the ICIR lawyers and the Police.
“Honouring the Police Invitation today, May 28, 2024, at the stipulated time, the ICIR staff and lawyers went to the address stated in the NPF-NCC letters, and it’s been over 7 hours since they've been held in custody.
“The ICIR expressed concern that its reporter and manager were invited by the police on allegations of cyberstalking despite the amendments to the Cybercrime Act in February 2024.
“We are worried that this could be a ploy by the Police to detain them, even though the NPFNCC stated in its letter that ‘it is a fact-finding invitation’,” says The ICIR Editor, Bamas Victoria, He added “The ICIR has reasonable cause to believe that the police invitation is related to an investigation that linked some former police bosses to a shady land deal. Interestingly, one of the former police bosses in a press release said he has taken the case to court. However, the ICIR has not been formally notified.”
The Cybercrime Act of 2015 was enacted to establish a comprehensive legal framework for preventing, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cybercrimes in Nigeria.
This legislation was a response to the alarming rise in fraudulent activities in the cyber domain, which had previously lacked specific statutory or regulatory oversight in the country.
The Act demonstrates a proactive legislative approach to safeguarding national security by designating critical computer systems and networks as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Additionally, it aims to protect intellectual property rights, privacy, and other vital interests.
By explicitly prohibiting harmful behavioural patterns in the cyber sphere, such as cyberstalking, cybersquatting, computer-related fraud and forgery, and cyber terrorism, the Act seeks to promote a safer online environment. Violations of these provisions are punishable by various sanctions, including fines and imprisonment terms, as specified in the Act.
The law also establishes the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCERT) to coordinate cybercrime reporting and response. Additionally, it creates the Cybercrime Act Implementa- tion Committee to oversee enforcement and provides for the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive information.
The law also allows for international cooperation and mutual legal assistance in cybercrime investigations. The Act outlines
specific penalties for various offences, including hacking, which carries a sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of N5 million.
Cyberstalking is punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of N2 million, while online fraud can lead to up to 7 years imprisonment and/or a fine of N10 million.
The impact of the Nigerian Cyber Crime Act includes providing a legal framework for prosecuting cybercrimes in Nigeria, enhancing the country's ability to combat cyber threats and protect citizens' digital rights, and demonstrating Nigeria's commitment to cybersecurity and international cooperation.
Despite these benefits, challenges remain, including concerns about effective enforcement, implementation and fear of abuse, limited resources and technical capacity for investigations and prosecutions, and the need for ongoing awareness and education to ensure public understanding and reporting of cybercrimes.
Related amendments
In February 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, into law. This amendment modifies 11 sections of the original Cybercrimes Act of 2015, introducing significant changes to Nigeria's cybersecurity landscape.
While the Explanatory Memorandum suggests that the amendment aims to insert omitted words, a closer examination reveals new provisions that clarify and refine the original Act.
Notably, the amendment revises Section 24, which previously criminalized sending offensive or false messages. The revised section now specifically targets messages that are pornographic or knowingly false, and pose a threat to law and order, life, or cause harm.
This change addresses concerns that the original provision was overly broad and vague, leading to its misuse against journalists and media practitioners.
Additionally, the amendment deletes Section 48(4), which mandated the cancellation of international passports for convicted individuals. It also establishes Sectoral National Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and Security Operations Centers (SOCs) under the CERT Coordination Center, enhancing the reporting and management of cyber threats.
Overall, the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, brings welcome clarity and precision to Nigeria's cybercrime legislation, addressing concerns around freedom of expression and cybersecurity.
The public's right to know and freedom of expression are fundamental principles in a democratic society.
The public's right to know refers to the right of citizens to access information about matters of public concern, such as government activities, public policies, and issues affecting the community.
This right is essential for informed decisionmaking, participation in democratic processes, and holding those in power accountable.
Freedom of expression, on the other hand, refers to the ability of individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas without fear of retribution or censorship. This includes the right to speak, write, and disseminate information
through various media channels.
Together, the public's right to know and freedom of expression form the foundation of a well-functioning democracy, enabling citizens to access information about public matters, express their opinions and ideas, participate in informed discussions and debates, hold those in power accountable, and make informed decisions.
These principles are essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, and are protected by various international and national laws and regulations.
For instance, the right to freedom of expression is a fundamental human right which is contained in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and it states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the rights include freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.
Right to Freedom of Expression and the Press
The right to freedom of expression and the press is also contained in Chapter IV, section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended and other International Human Rights Instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
The section states that “(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
“(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions: Provided that no person, other than the Government of the Federation or of a State or any other person or body authorised by the President on the fulfilment of conditions laid down by an Act of the National Assembly, shall own, establish or operate a television or wireless broadcasting station for, any purpose whatsoever.
“(3) Nothing in this section shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society - (a) to prevent the disclosure. of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of courts or regulating telephony, wireless broadcasting, television or the exhibition of cinematograph films; or (b) imposing restrictions upon persons holding office under the Government of the Federation or of a State, members of the armed forces of the Federation or members of the Nigeria Police Force or other Government security services or agencies established by law.”
The exercise of these rights is essential for guaranteeing human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Without free expression and free media, violations of human rights may remain hidden with the propensity to give rise to impunity and continuous violations by law enforcement agencies.
Reacting to the perceived abuse of the cybercrime act, a legal practitioner, Ifenna Okeke, said, “Everything Nigerian, every law we make, the spirit seems to be nice, its terms to address an issue, but just like everything Nigerian too, at the end of the day, the power that misuses it.
“When this cybercrime act was being thought of, I was among those who spoke against it basically because, as I said back then, it will only provide an avenue for the authorities to clamp down on people.
“I agree that there are a lot of falsehoods going on the Internet that shouldn't be there, but where information is either true or at least perceived to be true maybe in the course of reading the statement of the person, what do you do?
“So this is the problem. Journalists are now being arrested for reporting what is true and in the public sphere. I don't agree with it. Because this amounts to choking information as it comes out, which I think is wrong.
“First of all, you have to understand that Nigeria is a peculiar terrain. It's a country that does not even know the system of government she runs.
“It doesn't know if it's running democracy or the monarchy system of government. That is the origin of the confusion. Give any law to these same people. They will ruin it.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Despite the numerous challenges besetting the Nigerian oil sector, the country produced over 2.86 billion barrels of crude and condensate within a period of five years, a THISDAY analysis of available data spanning 2020 to 2024 has shown.
The data sourced from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicated that during the period under consideration, there were fluctuations in the quantity of the commodity pumped, brought about by both local and international oil industry dynamics.
The review showed that 2020 saw the highest crude oil output within the period, hitting a volume
of 670.8 million barrels of oil, as Nigeria continued to enjoy the yields from previous investments in the sector.
in 2021, the country’s production fell to 590.7 million barrels of crude in the aftermath of a directive by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to members to drastically cut down on oil production as demand shrank after the COVID 19 pandemic.
For years, the upstream sector of Nigeria’s oil industry, which includes exploration, drilling, and production of crude oil and natural gas, has faced numerous challenges that hinder its efficiency and growth.
Nigeria loses significant revenue due to crude oil theft and pipeline
vandalism, with militants and criminal syndicates sabotaging pipelines and causing operational disruptions. The government and oil companies have struggled to secure critical oil infrastructure, but with limited success.
Besides, aging infrastructure and operational inefficiencies remain a key problem, as many oil facilities, pipelines, and rigs are outdated, leading to frequent breakdowns and production losses. In addition, insufficient maintenance results in environmental hazards and reduced output.
In addition, industry players complained of frequent policy changes which create uncertainty for investors, especially before the passing into law of the Petroleum
Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, which aims to reform the sector.
Although the NUPRC has recently moved to ensure the regulatory environment in Nigeria meets with global best practices, a lot of work still needs to be done to remove bureaucratic inefficiencies that discourage foreign investments.
The global push for cleaner energy has further compounded the problems of the sector, threatening Nigeria’s oil market and slowing down foreign investment in the sector.
But aside from pumping 670.8 million barrels in 2020 and 570.7 million in 2021, Nigeria’s crude oil production witnessed a sharp decline in 2022, falling to as low as 502.4 million barrels in that year.
However, as crude oil production began to slump, Nigeria’s economy was saved significantly by rising crude oil prices, which helped to raise government revenue during the period.
During the period, further checks revealed that in 2020, the year began with Brent crude oil, Nigeria’s benchmark, priced at $63.65 per barrel in January. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a price war led to a sharp decline, with prices falling drastically to $18.38 per barrel in April. By December, prices recovered to $49.99 per barrel.
In 2021, historical data showed economic recovery, with the average price for the year being $70.86 per barrel.
But in 2022, geopolitical tensions,
notably the Russia-Ukraine conflict, disrupted global oil supplies, pushing prices higher. Brent crude prices peaked between $100.45 and $122.71 per barrel from March to August. By December, prices stabilised at $80.92 per barrel. In 2023, the average Brent crude oil price was $82 per barrel, while in 2024, prices remained relatively stable, averaging $81 per barrel and monthly prices fluctuating between $70 and $90 per barrel. Still, after Nigeria’s sloppy oil production figures in 2022, the country began to pick up, pumping 536 million barrels of oil and condensate in 2023 and in 2024 this rose by about 6 per cent, according to a THISDAY estimate, to hit 566.3 million last year.
IFC has announced an equity investment of up to $50 million in Lagos Free Zone Company to support the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deepsea port-based, private special economic zone, the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ). The investment, according to a statement, is designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, attract local and global businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
“The funds will support the first phase of the 860-hectare Lagos Free Zone, focusing on land development, industrial facilities, and logistics infrastructure. Owned by Singapore based Tolaram,a diversified multinational group with operations across Africa, Asia, and Europe, Lagos Free Zone s strategically integrated with the Lekki Deep Sea Port and will provide an integrated industrial ecosystem for efficient import and export operations, serving as a gateway for Nigeria’s integration into global value chains.
“With Nigeria’s economy projected to grow by 3.7 per cent by 2026, investments in infrastructure are vital to ensuring sustainable growth. When fully occupied, Lagos Free Zone is expected to create approximately 30,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP upon completion,” the statement said.
“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria. Lagos Free Zone is poised to become a
transformative hub for industrial activity, driving job creation and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets. We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in building the infrastructure necessary to attract global and local businesses, enabling Nigeria to achieve its full economic potential.” said, IFC Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Dahlia Khalifa.
IFC said the investment in Lagos Free Zone also reflects
it’s commitment to sustainable development, “with a focus on green infrastructure. Approximately 15 per cent of the investment is earmarked for climate-related initiatives, including Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE)-certified buildings and climate-resilient infrastructure.”
“IFC’s support represents a significant and positive recognition of our vision to establish Lagos Free Zone as a world-class industrial hub.
This investment allows us to scale up the existing infrastructure to attract
more foreign and local tenants while promoting sustainability and creating economic opportunities for Nigeria. Lagos Free Zone, integrated with Lekki Deep Sea Port, facilitates ease of doing business in Nigeria and supports the Federal Government of Nigeria’s drive for economic diversification and infrastructure development. We look forward to driving growth and delivering lasting impact through this transformative collaboration with the IFC,” Added MD/CEO at Lagos Free Zone Company, Adesuwa Ladoja.
In the heart of Nigeria’s active history, there’s a story that speaks of visionaries who dared to dream when the odds were stacked against them. This is the tale of Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, whose journey spans over 80 years and is rooted in an audacious dream. From humble beginnings in a bungalow in Lagos, Nigeria in the 1940s to becoming Africa’s digital banking pioneer, Wema Bank’s legacy is built on one core principleRESILIENCE. Oluchi Chibuzor narrates the story of how Wema Bank’s transformational journey began in 1945.
In the 1940s, when Nigeria was under colonial rule, few could imagine a Nigerianowned bank would exist. The idea seemed far-fetched, an impossible dream. But In a bungalow located in Ebute metta, Lagos, Nigeria began the story of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and most resilient, Wema Bank, where an ambitious young man from the Okupe family of the Agbonmagbe Ruling House, the Late Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, had a vision—to establish an indigenous Bank that was built to last and fortified to serve the people for years to come.
At the time, it seemed impractical and unattainable, but Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, a man who started his career earning a modest 20 shillings as salary, saw a future where Nigerians controlled their own financial destiny. He wasn’t alone in this vision. Alongside him were his wife, Mrs. Reginald Adekoya Okupe (R.A.O.), and Reverend Alabi, three dreamers who believed that an indigenous Nigerian bank was not just possible—it was necessary.
Together, these three exceeded all expectations and did the impossible, establishing the only indigenous bank to have stood the test of time for eight decades, surviving pre-Independence Nigeria, the digital evolution and all eras which significantly restructured the banking industry, to standing strong in the 21st century as an industry leader and a pioneer of digital banking and innovation. This Bank is Wema Bank, Plc. and its birth name was Agbonmagbe Bank limited.
BANK LIMITED
In 1939, Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe built Agbonmagbe Lodge, a building that still stands prominently today at the foot of the ramp leading into Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria from the third mainland bridge. In this timeless white bungalow (a place where dreams were turned into action), Chief Okupe birthed the vision of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, joining forces with his partner in love and partners in business, R.A.O. and Reverend Alabi, to bring the vision into reality. Out of context, one would wonder what was so special about that dream. After all, majority of the Nigerian Banking industry of today is populated with indigenous banks. A correct observation—one which unironically highlights the beauty of that dream.
The intricacies of the colonial era are no news to any adult in today’s world. Before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the country had lived under the British colonial rule for decades, using the British currencies, adopting the services they provided and existing under their governance. In such an era, the idea of an indigenous bank may have seemed unrealistic; “It won’t last”, “How will you do it?”, “Forget it”, “It is not even possible”; but it was. All that was needed was a group of determined and resourceful individuals ready to break through and do the impossible. Against skepticism, the founders pressed on, knowing that the foundation they were laying would become a cornerstone for future generations. And today, it is now known as Nigeria’s oldest, longest surviving, most resilient and innovative bank, Wema Bank,
As the Agbonmagbe Bank Limited received its license to operate on May 2, 1945, a new chapter in Nigeria’s banking history began; marking the beginning of Wema Bank’s story.
As one of the thriving banks at the time, Agbonmagbe Bank Limited had earned the patronage of many Nigerians on individual, business and institutional levels. One of such stakeholders was the Western Nigeria Marketing Board, who had a fixed deposit of 200,000 pounds with the bank.
However, No success story is without its
trials, and for Wema Bank, the challenges came early. Despite flourishing in its early years, Agbonmagbe Bank faced its first major hurdle in 1968 when the government required banks to recapitalize to meet the minimum requirement over a certain period. Unfortunately, this development came at a crucial point in the journey of Agbonmagbe Bank Limited, resulting in the bank being unable to meet up with its plans for raising foreign investments within the stipulated period. In an unexpected twist of fate, The Western Nigeria Marketing Board converted their fixed deposit of 200,000 pounds into shares, making the Board the majority shareholder in the bank and allowing the bank to keep on—only, this time, with the Board owning the bank. This lifechanging turn of events left Chief Matthew Okupe and his partners with a tough decision to make: hand over the reins or risk seeing their dream disappear. They chose to let the legacy continue, even if it meant losing control. This pivotal moment ensured that the bank would survive and continue its mission.
For years after its establishment, Agbonmagbe Bank Limited thrived, providing financial services from two small rooms in Agbonmagbe Lodge, fortified with secure windows that kept documents and funds safe in a 4-foot safe high that stands as a banking industry relic today, still at Agbonmagbe Lodge. Those two rooms in Agbonmagbe Lodge served as the first branch, subsequently expanding to branches in Ebute-metta, Sagamu, Abeokuta and Ijebu-Igbo.
In 1969, Agbonmagbe Bank Limited evolved into Wema Bank Limited, a name that would eventually become synonymous with resilience and vision. As Nigeria moved into a new era, so too did the bank.
As digital evolution took effect on the economy in the later parts of the 1900s, industries were gradually forced to restructure and adapt over the coming years, and institutions that were unable to act fast and implement the necessary adjustments had no choice but to go into extinction. Hundreds of financial institutions fizzled out, but Wema Bank remained resilient, surviving through the decades and continuing to deliver financial services as a private entity. Sadly, Chief Matthew Okupe passed on in 1984, leaving behind the profound legacy of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, a legacy which has
continued to live on into its best decades. By 1987, Wema Bank Limited became Wema Bank plc, becoming a public limited liability company that became listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1990 under the symbol WEMABANK. By February 2001, the Bank was granted a Universal Banking License by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). By 2005, after the Soludo-led recapitalization exercise, Wema Bank merged with the then National Bank of Nigeria, acquiring National Bank and retaining the name, Wema Bank plc.
Economic turbulence in the early 2000s led to dramatic restructuring. This time, the decision was to scale back and focus on regaining strength. By 2009, Wema Bank received its regional banking authorisation and took a step back to refuel, knowing that it had the resilience to come back stronger.
In the face of adversity, Wema Bank didn’t just survive—it reinvented itself. After years of restructuring, the bank rebranded itself as Nigeria’s most innovative bank, embracing technology as the future of banking. By 2015, Wema Bank regained its national banking license, ushering in a new chapter of growth and transformation.
Slowly but surely, Wema Bank rebuilt itself over six years, restrategising with a new focus on innovation, customer centricity and transformation, thus rebranding from simply being Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and most resilient bank to also becoming the Bank we all know today as Nigeria’s most innovative bank.
Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank soon began to spearhead a digital transformation in the banking industry, going beyond the Wema Mobile App, which stood on par with other mobile banking apps in the industry, to pioneering ALAT, the first fully digital bank in Africa.
This unexpected yet groundbreaking move shook the financial services industry, introducing a new era of banking where Nigerians could bank end-to-end without ever having to visit a physical branch. In its true nature of breaking new ground since birth, Wema Bank, within the past decade, has launched several industry firsts into the industry, leveraging its wealth of experience in the industry and its drive for innovation, futuristic and customer centric banking to discover new areas of need to provide solutions, meet needs and make remarkable impact.
Over the past ten years, the Bank has introduced CoopHub, Nigeria’s first digital solution for cooperative societies; the ALAT Xplore App, Nigeria’s first licensed banking app for teenagers; ALATPay, an unparalleled payment gateway that streamlines the process of conducting transactions by eliminating the need for a middleman and providing instant settlement for business transactions on the gateway.
Beyond pioneering innovation, Wema Bank has assumed the role of an enabler of innovation, empowering Nigerians to innovate on both individual and business levels. On the individual level, the Bank launched Hackaholics, its youthfocused hackathon that has empowered thousands of Nigerian youths to bring their innovative tech-driven ideas to life and become startup owners as early as their undergraduate years.
The Bank has also launched partnerships with the Federal Government of Nigeria to introduce the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme for Youth and Business Owners, as well as the National Youth Service Corps to introduce the NYSC-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, addressing unemployment and underemployment by equipping youth with digital and business skills, financial and material resources, practical insights on how to become highly sought after in their careers, and job placements to ensure a smooth education to employment transition for them.
Currently, Wema Bank is a partner to over 80% of FINTECHs in the industry today, providing them with the infrastructure to operate and execute their operations.
Having experienced the evolution of Nigeria’s economic trends and witnessed first-hand its impact on lives and businesses, Wema Bank did the groundwork of reinventing itself to become stronger and now, the Bank is on a quest to empower Nigerians on all levels to earn a sustainable living, become economically active, thrive and contribute to the economy of the country as a whole.
Naturally, Wema Bank’s customer base and financial performance have continued to skyrocket since its reinvention and with a foolproof strategy of constantly adapting and innovating to deliver optimum value, meet needs and generate unparalleled impact, Wema Bank is evidently headed for the top of Africa’s financial industry—and it is beyond doubt at this point, that the Bank is well equipped to do so.
From its humble beginnings in a bungalow to over 160 branches in 26 states, to becoming a trailblazer in Africa’s banking sector, Wema Bank has proven that with determination, innovation, and a people-first approach, anything is possible. For 80 years, the Bank has stood resilient, evolving, and empowering Nigerians across all walks of life.
The journey of Wema Bank stands deeply symbolic, representing the resilience of a Bank that rose in the depth of Nigeria’s colonial struggles as an indigenous and Nigerian-owned bank, surviving the worst to emerging one of the best.
The celebration of Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary is one that calls for national honour. It is the celebration of the transformative Bank that proved that Nigerian-owned businesses have the capacity to last. For 8 decades, Wema Bank has stood the test of time, weathering all storms, navigating all hurdles and defying all odds to stand strong at 80 years, proving that the sky is indeed its starting point. Today, Wema Bank is not just a bank—it’s an institution. An institution in the financial industry that believes in the power of individuals, businesses, and communities to rise, innovate, and make a difference. As it looks to the future, Wema Bank’s story is far from over. In fact, the best is yet to come.
Kayode Tokede
As part of strategies to harness the potentials inherent within the various states for wealth creation, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is to embark on investor education for state governments across the country.
The Director General of SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama disclosed this during a meeting with a team from the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Abuja, at the weekend.
He stated that the Commission would approach the state governments to help them understand the many opportunities in the capital market, and strive to enhance their understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks.
According to him, “Imagine setting up factories that will produce goods that can be exported and
earning foreign exchange. A lot of Nigerians would be employed and that would lead to wealth creation and economic development.
“That is why the Commission will continue to emphasize education, because if they do not know, there is little they can do until they know. Sometimes it is not because they don’t want to do it, it is just because they don’t know and it is our responsibility to give this vital knowledge for wealth creation.There are some states in the country that are so rich but nothing is happening there. All of their wealth is in the ground.”
He added that the strategic approach will commence soon with the Executive Council of a state in northern Nigeria, to speak to them about the opportunities in the capital market.
“We will create guides, reports, and policy briefs that explain capital market opportunities for state gov-
ernments, we will translate complex financial concepts into simple, actionable insights and we will use case studies from Nigerian states that have successfully raised capital through bonds or attracted investments in the capital market.
“We believe strongly that if we go out and speak to these people, get them into understanding exactly the benefits and how it is important, get them to manage their own assets meaningfully well, and harness them for greater economic growth for the states, things will begin to change, it is our responsibility to change the narratives and we will keep at it,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Director, Treasury Market Operation IFC, Mr. Tom Ceusters, said the delegation of the World Bank Group and IFC were on a two weeks mission to Nigeria to have deep conversations with regulators and organisations in the financial sector with a view to coming up with plans to help their endeavours.
Polaris Bank and one of its strategic CSR partners, Evolve Trust Charity recently stormed Gbaja Girls (Junior and Senior) High School, Surulere, Lagos in continuation of its presentation of school essentials programme to selected public school students in the country.
The partnership which birthed in 2021 and primarily focused on empowering the girl-child and their male counterparts has reached over 15,000 students across 35 public schools in nine states including Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Imo and FCT, Abuja.
Speaking at the presentation on Wednesday, the Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Mrs.
Abimbola Ozomah emphasized that the Bank being a signatory to United Nations’ (UN) Principles for Responsible Banking aligns its practices and strategies with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement thus igniting its sustained interests in the training of the girl-child.
“This event is not just about distributing educational materials but empowering girls for bigger roles because educated girls grow into informed women. At Polaris Bank, we are committed to bridging the educational gap, empowering girls and building sustainability aligning with global framework,” she said. She further charged the
students to embrace the opportunities inherent in education while stating that the Bank will stop at nothing to support them.
Also speaking, Programme Manager at Evolve Charity Trust, Ejeh Godwin thanked Polaris Bank for keying into the Trust’s mission of supporting the girl-child nationwide. Godwin noted that while the initiative commenced in 2020, Polaris Bank partnered in 2021 and the Bank has never for once backed out since then.
The Principal, Gbaja Girls Junior High School, Mrs Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo in her remarks also appreciated Polaris Bank for including the school in the intervention programme.
The management of NedcomOaks Group has announced the appointment of seasoned Marketing and Business Expert, Rerhe Idonije as its Executive Director, effective December 2024. A statement from NedcomOaks Group management ascribed Idonije to possess “a distinguished career in sustainable business innovation and bespoke client strategies. Rerhe brings a vision to redefine luxury real estate through timeless elegance, sustainable practices, and future-focused investments.”
Reacting to her appointment through a statement, Rerhe said, “I’m excited to announce to everyone at home and in the diaspora that you now have a trusted ally for real estate investments, renewable energy solutions, and electric vehicle acquisitions.
“For years, I have been passionate about connecting my loved ones and business associates to opportunities that not only build wealth but also create lasting legacies. Today, I’m thrilled to share that this passion has led me to NedcomOaks Group, a
company that truly embodies these values.
“For over two decades, Nedcomoaks, developers of Victoria Crest Homes and Citadel Views Estate, Nigeria’s first fully solar-powered residential community, has empowered over 6,000 families to redefine wealth through innovation, sustainability, and exceptional value. I am proud to be part of a bold vision that combines luxury, sustainability, and electric vehicle adoption to address the needs of today while aspiring for the future.”
Launched officially to the public in December 2024, AUTOFIXR is a smart and seamless solution for all car repairs and maintenance needs. Their platform serves as a seamless bridge between car owners and a trusted network of certified mechanics, ensuring hasslefree vehicle maintenance and repairs. With a focus on speed, transparency, and convenience, users can easily schedule services, track progress, and receive upfront pricing all managed through an intuitive, easy-to-use app.
This innovative approach eliminates the stress of finding reliable mechanics while providing a secure and efficient auto care experience.
Nollywood Actress, Tayo Sobola popularly known as Sotayo Ogaga has thrown her weight behind the brand. In a press briefing held a few days ago alongside the brand’s CEO, Adeola Tokan-Lawal she expressed her confidence in the brand attesting to their authenticity and commitment in delivery their services unmatched. On why she is partnering
with Autofixr she states that, “The only reason you would see me partner with a brand is because I’m putting my all in it. I hardly go on ambassadorial jobs or influencing and not because they don’t come but I hate it when I cannot say I’m standing with a brand I’m representing. One thing about this APP is that I can sit in my convenience and order for a mechanic to come and fix my car. And it’s important to note that the services on the APP is available for 24 hours at anytime, anyday and anywhere.”
Kayode Tokede
The stock market section of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday began the week on a mixed note as the All-Share Index dropped by 0.04 per cent on profit-taking activities in Zenith Bank Plc, and 24 others.
As the stock price of Zenith Bank dropped by 2.3 per cent, the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) dropped by 41.70 basis points or 0.04 per cent to close at 105,891.33
basis points, with the Month-toDate and Year-to-Date returns moderating to +1.3 per cent and +2.9per cent, respectively.
Despite the decline in NGX ASI, market capitalization surged by 0.73 per cent or N477 billion to close at N66.069 trillion, driven by Zenith Bank’s listing of 9.67 billion ordinary shares, arising from its capital offers exercise. However, investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth was positive as 44 stocks advanced, while 25 declined. Beta Glass,
Smart Products Nigeria and Stanbic IBTC Holdings recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N95.15, 22 kobo and N68.20 respectively, per share.
Honeywell Flour Mills followed with a gain of 9.98 per cent to close at N10.47, while Eterna and Northern Nigeria Flour Mills (NNFM) rose by 9.96 per cent each to close at N40.30 and N80.60 respectively, per share.
On the other hand, International Energy Insurance led the losers’
chart by 10 per cent to close at N2.25, per share. R.T. Briscoe Nigeria followed with a decline of 9.63 per cent to close at N2.44, while Julius Berger declined by 8.44 per cent to close at N128.00, per share.
Deap Capital Management and Trust depreciated by 8.26 per cent to close at N1.00, while DAAR Communications declined by 7.41 per cent to close at 75 kobo, per share. Also, the total volume traded rose by 21.15 per cent to 567.289
billion units, valued at N10.414 billion, and exchanged in 17,843 deals. Transactions in the shares of Secure Electronic Technology topped the activity chart with 84.073 million shares valued at N55.194 million. Fidelity Bank followed with 67.831 million shares worth N1.361 billion, while Access Holdings traded 40.206 million shares valued at N1.140 billion.
UPDC traded 36.649 million shares valued at N103.787 million, while AIICO Insurance sold 27.233
million shares worth N47.453 million.
Looking forward, United Capital Plc said “the equities market is expected to maintain its positive momentum as investors continue to position themselves ahead of the full year, 2024 earnings season and possible corporate action declarations. Nevertheless, given the elevated interest rate environment in the fixed-income market, we still expect bearish sentiments to linger in the background.”
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 07 February-2025, unless otherwise stated.
Thisday Afrinvest 40 index fell 0.4% to print at 5,444.39 points due to price depreciation in GTCO (-1.5%), ZENITH (-2.3%), and UBA (-2.7%). Cumulatively, these stocks account for 16.6% of the index.
Yesterday, the domestic bourse kicked off the trading week on a bearish note as sell-offs on ZENITH (-2.3%), UBA (-2.7%), and FIDELITY (-4.8%) dragged the NGX-ASI down 4bps to close at 105,891.33 points. Consequently, YTD return steadied at 2.9%, while market capitalisation gained 0.7% to ₦66.1tn. Meanwhile, trading activity varied as volume traded rose 19.7% to 567.3m units while value traded dipped 22.1% to ₦10.4bn.
Performance was upbeat across our coverage sectors as five indices gained while one lost. The Insurance and Consumer Goods indices led the gainers, up 198bps and 10bps respectively owing to price appreciation in SUNUASSUR (+8.8%), MANSARD (+2.5%), HONYFLOUR (+1.0%), and NNFM (+1.0%). Following, the Oil & Gas and Industrial Goods indices rose 9bps and 8bps respectively due to gains in ETERNA (+1.0%), MRS (+1.5%), BETAGLAS (+10.0%), and CUTIX (+9.4%). Similarly, gains in CWG (+9.5%) and CHAMS (+2.7%) pushed the AFR-ICT index higher by 2bps. On the flip side, the Banking index dipped 1.0% due to sell pressure on ZENITH (-2.3%), and UBA (-2.7%).
Investor sentiment, as measured by market breath, improved to 0.33x (previously: 0.24x) as 44 stocks gained, 25 lost while 58 were unchanged. We anticipate the bourse to rebound today, supported by strong investor sentiment amid earnings releases.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four associates of Lagos drug kingpin, Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu (a.k.a Barryshine, Ejeoto) wanted for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities for which ‘Barryshine’ is currently facing criminal charges at a Federal High Court in Lagos.
According to a statement on Tuesday by spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the decision to declare the suspects wanted followed an order granted to the NDLEA by Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Those wanted for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities include: Olarenwaju Abdulai (a.k.a Alhaji Loyingbo); Oluwafemi Abidoye (a.k.a Igbono, Baba Eje, Ade Iwaya, Femi Iwaya); Olumuyiwa Ilori (a.k.a Murphy) and Alate Kafy Bakare of Kaffy Travels.
Babafemi said the court in its ruling on Tuesday 28th January 2025 following the reliefs sought by NDLEA in charge no: FHC/L/731C/2024 ordered as follows:
“That an order of this Honourable Court declaring one Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulai a.k.a 'Alhaji Loyingbo', wanted by a public notice with their photographs conspicuously displayed, who are presently at large for their involvement in multiple drug
trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu a.k.a 'Barryshine', 'Ejeoto' is hereby granted.
“That an Order declaring one Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye a.k.a 'Igbono', 'Baba Eje', Iwaya', 'Femi Iwaya', wanted by a public notice with their photographs conspicuously displayed, who are presently at large for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu a.k.a 'Barryshine', 'Ejeoto' is hereby granted.
“That an Order declaring one Olumuyiwa Olufemi Ilori a.k.a 'Murphy', wanted by a public notice with his photograph conspicuously displayed, who is presently at large for his involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu a.k.a 'Barryshine', 'Ejeoto' is hereby granted.
“That an Order declaring one Alate Kafy Zakare Bukki of Kaffy Travels wanted by a public notice with her photograph conspicuously displayed, who is presently at large for her involvement in the drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu a.k.a 'Barryshine', 'Ejeoto' is hereby granted.”
The leader of the gang, Suleiman Aremu (a.k.a Barryshine) was arrested on 26th August 2024 two years after coming under the radar of the anti-narcotics agency.
Suleiman who is the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd came under the agency’s watchlist over his alleged role in four foiled attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia
and Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos between 2022 and 2024.
Babafemi said many of Barryshine’s mules have since been
arrested by NDLEA, prosecuted and convicted. He is currently facing multiple criminal charges at a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The spokesman pleaded with
members of the public with any information on the whereabouts of the four wanted suspects to contact the nearest NDLEA Command, call the toll-free helpline: 080010203040
or send direct messages to any of NDLEA’s social media accounts: @ndlea_nigeria on Instagram, X, Tiktok and @ndlea01 on Facebook or @ndleatv on Youtube.
Hard times lie ahead for proprietors of private universities as the National Universities Commission, NUC, has increased from N5 million to N25 million for the purchase and processing of application for new private universities.
Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof Abdullahi Ribadu, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, also announced the suspension of all inactive applications including those of private open universities for a period of one year.
Ribadu explained that the oneyear suspension affects applicants that have not made progress on their applications or made submissions to the Commission for upwards of two years.
The NUC boss said the review of the application fee and other guidelines for establishment of private universities was in line with the provisions of the Education, National Minimum Standards and
Establishment of Institutions, Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He added that the law empowers the commission to provide guidelines for the establishment of all private universities in the country.
According to him, the fee for purchase of application forms for the establishment of a private university is reviewed from N1 million Naira to N5 million while the processing fee for the application is reviewed from N5 million to N25 million.
“The NUC will convey the reviewed Processing Fee of TwentyFive Million (N25,000,000.00) Naira to applicants that have purchased Application Forms only.
“They are also expected to effect payments within a period of thirty (30) working days or risk forfeiture of their pending applications,” the statement read.
He stated the move is part efforts to reposition private varsities in Nigeria to better meet the needs of the citizenry and for better co-
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The European Union (EU) is complementing efforts of the Nigerian government to improve and strengthen democracy across the country by supporting programmes that build the capacity of young people in politics and governance.
The E.U. through the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme has funded the Yiaga Africa’s Constituency Office Internship Programme.
According to a statement, the 3-month programme, which started in December 2024, and is expected to end in February this year, provides an excellent opportunity for young individuals committed to democratic development and eager to deepen their understanding of legislative processes and effective constituency
engagement, to gain hands-on experience in the operations of constituency offices and legislature-constituent relations.
The statement read that by placing these interns in the constituency offices of lawmakers, the programme not only offers them the chance to understand the legislative process, but provides an opportunity for them to engage with lawmakers, contribute meaningfully to policy discussions, and be part of constituency engagement.
According to the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, the EU's belief is that a thriving democracy is built on responsible leadership and active citizens engagement.
He said: “Young people, therefore, play very significant roles in developing Nigeria's democracy by actively participating in the electoral and
governance processes, and contributing to guidelines, policies, and frameworks that ensure free, fair, credible, and transparent elections.
“Hence, it is important to provide platforms for these young and vibrant minds to actively engage and be a part of the country's governance process. The time for making excuses is over.
“The moment people start making excuses not to act ethically, democratic institutions are undermined. Rather than criticising democracy, we must focus on ethical decisions that shape its practice.”
Highlighting the impact of the programme in strengthening the relationship between lawmakers and their constituencies, Yiaga Africa's Programme Manager, Yetunde Bakare said, “The Constituency Office Internship Programme encourages youth participation in the democratic
process, ensuring that young people are involved in shaping policies that affect them.
“We would like to say thank you to the EU for the support that we receive that enables us to do the work that we do, which allows us to deploy young people to constituency offices.
“This wouldn't have been possible without the support of the EU and the young people who continue to apply and take advantage of opportunities like this.”
One of the interns, Olaiya Oluwadamilola, while describing how the programme has shaped both her professional and personal life, said: “This internship has not only enhanced my communication skills and boosted my confidence, but it has also inspired me to give back to my community and pursue a career in politics.”
ordination of the development of the Private University Education sub-sector of the Nigerian University System, NUS.
“This is to ensure that newly established private universities are positioned to meet the challenges of the 21 Century,” he said.
He therefore informed promoters of proposed private universities in particular and the general public that the suspension affects applications at the stage of submission of letters of intent only.
He said: “The Commission hereby imposes a Moratorium for a period of one year with effect from Monday, 10th February, 2025 on: “Inactive applications for the establishment of new private universities to enable the Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of such pending applications with a view to determining their viability; “Applications on Step 1 of the
14-Step Procedure (i.e. those that have submitted Letters of Intent only), and “Acceptance of fresh applications for the establishment of private universities, including private open universities.”
The NUC boss further announced that the Commission is in the process of reviewing other aspects of the Guidelines for the Establishment of Private Universities in Nigeria to ensure that the proposed universities, when licensed, are positioned to meet the challenges of the 21 Century.
“Details of the review would be communicated to stakeholders in due course. For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission will continue to process pending active. applications and make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Executive Council for approval,” he said.
The Founder of Rahmaniya Group, Abdulrahman Bashar, has said that he would challenge a judgement given against him by a Dubai Court, describing it as a pressure tactic to threaten his reputation and business.
A Dubai court had on January 30, 2025 sentenced Abdulrahman to one year in prison for an alleged financial crime involving his dealings with CE Energy Company, an oil and gas firm.
However, Abdulrahman in a statement issued Monday, said he was working with the Global Law Firm, HFW to overturn the judgment.
He alleged that CEE had used similar litigation tactics in the commercial proceedings, including seeking a Worldwide Freezing Order (the WFO) from the English Court against him.
According to him, the WFO was successfully challenged and discharged. CEE's appeal to the Court of Appeal was also rejected. Abdulrahman expressed optimism that the judgment would be overturned once the defence is considered.
He said: “We refer to the criminal proceedings and recent judgment issued in the criminal courts against Mr. Bashar on 30 January 2025. First and foremost, Mr. Bashar rejects any allegations of criminality.
“There are several ongoing civil disputes between CEE and Mr. Bashar. The criminal proceedings have, in our view, been filed against Mr. Bashar as a pressure tactic in the context of the Commercial Proceedings, to threaten Mr. Bashar's reputation and business.
“Mr. Bashar will take all available steps available to him to challenge the judgment.”
12,000mw of Power for
Segun James Lagos State government has lamented that even though it requires 12,000mw for its industrial growth, it gets a supply of just 3,500mw.
The State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, disclosed this during the Lagos State Industrial Policy Consultative Assembly and Valida-
tion Workshop in Ikeja. According to her, the validation of the Lagos State Industrial Policy (2025-2030) was a defining moment — one that signals readiness to elevate Lagos into a hub of industrial excellence, where businesses could thrive, investments flourish and job creation maximised.
Ambrose explained that since energy security remains a top priority, the State was pioneering
renewable energy investments, including solar mini-grids, waste-to-energy initiatives, and gas-to-power projects.
Also, the State government was actively working to decentralise electricity generation through Independent Power Projects (IPPs) to support industrial zones and commercial hubs.
The event was attended by representatives from Ministries,
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, hasdismissed claims that he failed to support President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, and said he had moved on from such conversations.
Tinubu, backed by the All Progressives Congress, won the election against the main opposition candidates - Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
El-Rufai, a key APC chieftain, believed to have been instrumental to Tinubu clinching the party’s ticket, has been at the centre of political discussions, asserting that his views on governance would
remain unchanged regardless of his role in the Tinubu-led administration.
An X user, Yusuf Tukur, tweeting as #realYusufTukur, had claimed that Tinubu and his allies had actively sought El-Rufai’s support before the election but later accused him of not backing the president.
“When they were desperately seeking El-Rufai’s support, #officialABAT and his goons were everywhere singing Malam’s praises. Given their penchant for ingratitude, however, they’ve turned around to claim that Malam didn’t even support PBAT. But these testimonies say otherwise,” the tweet read.
In response, El-Rufai stated via his X handle that he had no personal expectations from his
political actions, adding that the unfolding events were simply a reflection of human nature.
He said, “We did what we did for God, country, and party, expecting nothing in return. What is unfolding is merely another life experience and part of human nature. We have moved on, but their conscience won’t let them sleep well. Thanks, anyway,” he wrote.
Sometime last week, in a different post, also on X, El-Rufai had clarified his stance on governance, saying he did not subscribe to political pretence, and likened certain politicians to actors.
“Truly, I don’t know how to pretend. Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not for some of us,” he remarked.
Departments, and Agencies, members of the organised private sector, and Chambers of Commerce.
Ambrose said, "Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards transforming Lagos into Africa’s premier industrial hub.
“Your presence here underscores the commitment we all share in fostering a vibrant and sustainable industrial landscape for Lagos State—one that is resilient, inclusive, and positioned to compete on a global scale.
"Lagos State has long been the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic advancement, acting as the gateway to trade, commerce, and industrialisation for the nation and beyond.
“Our State’s dynamism is a reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, the innovation embedded in our industries, and the strategic foresight of successive administrations in shaping a business-friendly environment.
"However, as the world transitions towards a new era of economic modernisation driven by technology, sustainability, and global competitiveness, it is imperative that we recalibrate our industrial policies to align with both domestic imperatives and international best practices.
"This consultative assembly is not just another meeting; it is a call to action. It is a platform for us to deliberate on policies that will define the future of Lagos' industrial sector, ensuring that we are not just keeping pace with change but actively driving it.
"The importance of industrialisa-
3,500mw
tion cannot be overstated. A robust industrial sector is fundamental to achieving economic diversification, reducing dependence on imports, fostering innovation, and accelerating wealth creation."
She pointed out that the State was a major financial hub, hosting the headquarters of Nigeria’s largest banks, insurance companies, and investment firms, saying, "The Lagos International Financial Centre is being positioned as a strategic global financial hub, further solidifying Lagos' place in the international investment ecosystem."
She further disclosed that, "Lagos is the tech capital of Africa, accounting for over 60 percent of Nigeria’s technology startups and housing the continent’s largest innovation clusters, including Yaba’s Silicon Valley. With the rise of fintech, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce, Lagos has become a global hotspot for technology investments.
"The startup ecosystem is valued at over $9 billion, and the State has produced some of Africa’s most successful unicorns, including Flutterwave, Paystack, and Opay.
"The government’s Smart City initiative and investments in broadband expansion, digital literacy, and e-government services are creating a digitally inclusive society, fostering innovation, and attracting venture capital to Lagos’ thriving tech sector.
"Lagos is the industrial backbone of Nigeria, hosting over 70 percent of the country’s manufacturing activity.
The State's industrial zones—including the Lekki Economic Zone —are
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has announced the roadmap to returning power to democratic elected government, even as it called for the support of the African Union, the United Nations, and the Arab League as well as other international organisations to assist in the return of normalcy to the country.
Sudan is presently ruled by General Abdel Fattah al-Burham, who is the President of the Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the
Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since over a year ago have continued to launch a conflict of unmitigated brutality that has resulted in the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe, leaving 638,000 Sudanese experiencing the worst famine in Sudan’s recent history, with over 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and tens of thousands dead.
A statement by the Office of the Spokesperson and Media Directorate, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, the Republic of Sudan read:
“As the Sudanese Armed Forces, Joint Forces, and other supporting forces, backed by all segments of the Sudanese people, are steadily progressing on all fronts of the war imposed on Sudan, tightening the noose around the rebels, the leadership of the state, after extensive consultations with national and societal components, has put forward a roadmap for the post-war phase and resuming of the inclusive political process that will culminate in holding free and fair general elections.
“The roadmap includes the following:
•Launching an all-inclusive national dialogue in which all political and societal components participate. All those who adopt a patriotic stance and renounce the aggressors, are welcome to join.
• Forming a cabinet from independent technocrats to resume the tasks of the transitional period and assist the state in overcoming the repercussions of the war.
• Introducing the necessary amendments to the Constitutional Document,
home to multinational manufacturing firms in key sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, food processing, construction materials, and petrochemicals.
"With the Lagos Industrial Policy (2025-2030), we aim to deepen industrialization by leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs), creating dedicated power solutions for industries, and improving logistics infrastructure to reduce production costs."
Speaking on real estate and housing, the Commissioner stated, "Lagos' rapid urbanisation has fueled an ever-growing demand for housing, commercial properties, and transport infrastructure. The State’s real estate sector presents an investment opportunity valued at over $40 billion, with a current housing deficit of 3 million units.
“In response, the government is driving affordable housing projects, urban renewal programs, and private sector-led housing developments to bridge the gap."
She highlighted some of the infrastructural expansion to include the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (Blue and Red Lines), 4th Mainland Bridge, Opebi-Mende Link Bridge, and major road rehabilitation projects, which according to her was positioning Lagos as a truly modern, smart, and resilient city.
She reiterated that the Lagos State Development Plan 2052 (LSDP 2052) sets ambitious goals to make Lagos which include globally competitive industrial hub; a technology-driven economic powerhouse; a sustainable and climate-resilient mega city and a financial and commercial epicenter for Africa.
which will be endorsed by national and societal forces. Consequently, a civilian Prime Minister will be nominated to lead the executive branch of the state without interference.
•Affirming freedom of opinion and political activities in a manner that does not jeopardize the home-land or undermining nationally agreed principles. Additionally, it has been confirmed that no citizen will be deprived of the right to obtain a passport.
•Laying down arms and evacuating civilian objects are prerequisites for
any talks with the rebels. No ceasefire will be accepted unless the siege on El Fasher is lifted, followed by the withdrawal of the RSF militia from Khartoum, West Kordofan, and the Darfur states.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, therefore calls on the international community, especially the African Union, the United Nations, and the Arab League, to support the roadmap, as it represents a national consensus for restoring peace and stability in the country and satisfying requirements of the democratic transition.”
L-R: SSA to Lagos State Governor on Sports, Mr. Damilare Orimoloye; Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mr. Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende; and Chief Executive Officer, Yucateco Boxing Promoter/Philanthropist, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, during the inauguration of an ultra-modern boxing gym donated by Hon. Imadu to Lagos State at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos… recently
Alex Enumah in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, closed his defence of his victory at the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, after calling just one witness.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo, had since challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission's declaration of Okpebholo as governor.
According to INEC, Okpebholo secured a total of 291, 667 votes to emerged winner, while Ighodalo came second with a total of 247, 655 votes.
But, the petitioners disagreed with INEC alleging over-voting and wrong computation of results at the collation centers.
In prove of their allegations, the petitioners tendered several documents and called in 19 witnesses, beside the 153 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) machines tendered by INEC on the orders of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
Also, the tribunal had last week adjourned to February 10, for the governor to come up and defend allegations against his victory, after the electoral umpire opened and closed its defence last week without calling a single witness.
However, when it was the turn of the governor yesterday, his lawyer, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, after the end of cross-
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
examination of their first witness announced that the governor, who was the 2nd respondent in the case would be closing his defence.
The witness, Usman Majek, who claimed to be a Polling Unit (PU) agent of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was led by Ikpeazu to adopt his written statement as his testimony before the tribunal.
However, under cross-examination by Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, representing the petitioners, the witness agreed that there was over-voting in his polling unit.
He also affirmed that in his unit, accreditation and voting took place simultaneously.
Majek told the tribunal that he complained to the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the result he entered on the result sheet after he signed it.
When Oyeyipo confronted the witness with exhibit PBA40; a copy of his PU results, the witness acknowledged it and admitted signing it.
At the end of cross-examination, Ikpeazu informed the court that the 2nd respondent would like to close his defence.
The petitioners, however, did not object to the request, which was accordingly granted by the chairman of the three-member panel, Justice Wilfred Kpochi.
However, before adjourning the matter, the tribunal had ordered the 3rd respondent, APC, to open its defence on February 12.
President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),Dr Olajide Idris, on his 70th birthday.
The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended Idris for his contributions to strengthening Nigeria's public healthcare system and improving the country's pandemic response efforts.
As a former commissioner for health in Lagos State, he said Idris
Meanwhile, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, has dismissed PDP's petition over alleged over-voting in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking after the tribunal session, in Benin City, Idahosa, who is from Ovia South West LGA, criticised the PDP for filing petitions without verifying facts.
He stated that results from areas affected by over-voting
were already cancelled, making the opposition’s claims baseless.
"In Unit 4, Ward 7, Usen, the results were cancelled due to over-voting, as required by law. Yet, PDP petitioned against these results without knowing they were never included in the final tally," he explained.
The Edo Deputy governor, pointed out that the APC witness confirmed in court that cancelled results were not computed, so,
"Why would PDP challenge results that do not exist? It shows they do not understand the process," Idahosa said.
According to him, the Electoral Act 2020 (as amended) clearly stated that over-voting leads to automatic result cancellation, eliminating the need for further disputes.
"The onus is on PDP to prove their case, but their witnesses have contradicted themselves in
court. Our legal team may not even need to call any witness," he added. Idahosa accused PDP of treating the tribunal like a media campaign, rather than focusing on legal facts.
He maintained that the party’s case lacked merit and expressed confidence in the judiciary to uphold the election of Okpebholo as duly elected in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
Wants NDDC reversed to OMPADEC Demands appointment of Niger Delta indigene as next
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has asked President Bola Tinubu to assent to the South-South Development Commission Bill pending before him to attract massive social and economic development to the oil-rich region.
The group also kicked against putting the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under the Ministry of Regional Development Commission and demanded a reversal to its old name - the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC)
The National Spokesperson of
was pivotal to shaping the state's health policies and programmes. Tinubu recalled Idris' leadership as head of the Lagos State response team during the country's Ebola virus outbreak, a role in which his professionalism and dedication saved many lives.
The president believed that under Idris' stewardship, the NCDC would continue to play a pivotal role in protecting Nigerians from infectious diseases.
"As you mark this 70th year of life, I wish you continued good health, joy, and the fulfilment of your dreams. May your birthday
and the years ahead be filled with love, peace, and the knowledge that your life's work has made an enduring impact on the country," President Tinubu stated.
Idris is a member of several professional bodies, including the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, the Nigerian Medical Association, and the American Public Health Association, and also a board member of the University of Ibadan Research Foundation, Research Advisory Board, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and Network for Health Equity and Development.
PANDEF Obiuwevbi Ominimini, made the call yesterday through a communique he read at a news conference in Abuja.
PANDEF in the communique, called on Tinubu, for the sake of justice, equity, and fair play, to appoint the next Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) from the Niger Delta region.
The group from the oil-rich region noted that the challenges confronting people in the region could be effectively tackled if the various intervention policies and programmes are effectively monitored.
PANDEF argued that the assent to the South-South Development Commission bill will promote broader regional development in the area to complement the work of the NDDC,
The group commended governors of the South-South region for their untiring efforts in working toward the sustainable development of the area, despite the very difficult terrain and environmental circumstances which many of them have to grapple with.
Part of the communique read, “We observe with great concern the fact that the Bill for the establishment of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) which, after passage by the National Assembly was submitted at the same time as others to Mr. President, is yet
assented to.
“We subscribe to the desirability of having a development commission for all the six geographic zones of the country without exception.
“We therefore view this withholding of assent as a grave oversight or error, capable of creating a feeling of exclusion and dejection on the part of the people of the South-South.
“The non-assent of this bill leaves the South-South region orphaned within the broader context of regional development commissions.
“The non-signing of this law could have a negative impact on the present state of peace which exists in the Niger Delta and the favourable environment which it creates for the upsurge in the production of oil and gas in the country.
“PANDEF Board of Trustees therefore calls on Mr. President to remedy the oversight which has resulted in the delay to assent to this bill and sign it without delay.”
It added: “It is only fair and just manner of treating the South-South zone as bonafide citizens of this country who deserve not to be discriminated against.”
PANDEF lamented that the Niger Delta region has a definite geographic boundary, but that the membership of the NDDC had extended beyond the boundary to include other oil-producing states such as Abia, Imo, Ondo and others, with a possibility of extending further to include other
states in the future.
The Communique added that the PANDEF meeting strongly recommended that the nameNDDC should revert to its earlier designation as OMPADEC. This, it noted would distinguish it and prevent any confusion between it and the newly created SouthSouth Development Commissions all of which directed at are creating inclusive national development irrespective of their production of natural resources.
The communique added, “The meeting also discussed issues about the oil and gas sector and noted with regret the recent decision of NNPC to join some private investors to develop five new LNG, CNG and LPG complexes with none in the Niger Delta, where the gas for most of these activities will come from.”
PANDEF BOT therefore called on the President to direct the NNPC to redress this situation and equally accelerate similar investments in the Niger Delta which should include the siting of mini refineries within the area.
“Additionally, BOT calls on Mr. President to personally show greater interests in working with Governors of the South-South states to develop other new ports in the various states of the region in the overall interest of the national economy and to further position Nigeria as a hub for blue economy in West and Central Africa,” it added.
L-R:
Inaugurates presidential committee towards achieving $1trn economy by 2030
Private sector investors sign pact to provide infrastructure
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms that prioritise inclusive growth and bridge financial gaps across the country. Shettima said this yesterday at State House, Abuja, when he inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) as part of the federal government's commitment to achieving a trilliondollar economy by 2030.
The event also featured the signing of an investment agreement by private sector stakeholders to provide the foundational infrastructure needed for the full operationalisation of the Aso Accord initiative.
The accord signed on April 25, 2024 at the State House Banquet Hall was a core pillar of the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking yesterday during the inauguration and sign-off of the investment commitments at State House, Shettima called on
stakeholders to support the government’s effort to bridge financial gaps for millions of unbanked citizens.
He said, beyond optimism, Nigeria's economic aspirations required “deliberate ideas and strategies”.
The vice president said, “Our road to a $1 trillion economy by 2030 shall remain a mere wish unless we lay a foundation strong enough to carry our dreams. Dreams are not built on hope alone.
“They are the sum of deliberate ideas and strategies, inspired by our desire to win.”
Shettima detailed the progress made since the launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy in 2012, explaining that inclusion rates have improved from 60.3 per cent to 74 per cent as of 2023.
He added that beneath these figures lied untold stories of millions still locked out of the financial system.
He said, "We welcome this investment as an opportunity to catalyse growth for our start-ups and MSMEs, create jobs, and propel Nigeria towards the $1 trillion
economy target by 2030. This is not merely another government initiative. This is a higher calling – a national duty to bridge the economic divide and maximise the full potential of our people.
“The inauguration of this committee and the formalisation of this investment commitment reinforce President Tinubu’s pledge to an inclusive economy – a vision that has been endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC).
“We remain resolute in mitigating the short-term effects of economic reforms, expanding financial opportunities, and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of geography or status, is integrated into our economic growth story. However, the weight of this vision rests on all of us gathered here today."
The vice president stated that the youth; women; Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); rural populations; and certain regions had continued "to face systemic barriers that deny them the opportunity to reach their full economic potential”.
He explained that the new
presidential committee will operate through the Governance Committee (GovCo) and a Technical Committee (TechCo) and be supported by an Implementation Secretariat.
Shettima added that the framework, "ensures that our approach is not only robust but also adaptable to evolving challenges and opportunities in financial and economic inclusion".
Earlier, in his opening address, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said the composition of the presidential committee, with membership drawn from the sub-nationals, key ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government, and the private sector, underscored Tinubu’s commitment to attaining his administration’s trillion-dollar target for the economy.
Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, said the inauguration of the presidential committee was significant to Nigeria’s journey towards inclusive growth and attainment of one
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC),has raised serious concerns over the ongoing institutional crisis between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The CSO, therefore, called for urgent legislative review, and immediate compliance with public service rules.
A statement by Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, noted that the crisis threatened the rule of law, undermined accountability, and eroded public trust in Nigeria's governance and security institutions.
CISLAC reaffirmed the statutory authority of the PSC under Sections 6 and 7 of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001.
The group noted that the PSC was mandated to appoint, promote, dismiss, and exercise disciplinary control over Nigeria Police Force personnel (excluding the Inspector General of Police).
This mandate, the Executive Director, said was further reinforced by Paragraph 30 of Part 1 of the
Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, granting the PSC oversight authority on police appointments and discipline.
"Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii) mandates the compulsory retirement of public officers, including senior police officers, who have served for 35 years or reached the age of 60. This regulation is designed to uphold the integrity
and efficiency of security institutions by enabling leadership renewal and preventing tenure manipulation," Rafsanjani said.
CISLAC strongly condemned the alleged directive by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, instructing senior officers who had attained the mandatory retirement threshold to remain in service pending further directives.
According to him, "This action constitutes a clear violation of the PSC’s statutory authority, undermines the principle of separation of powers, and fosters unnecessary institutional conflicts."
He further criticised the amendment to the 2020 Police Act, which granted the IGP a fixed four-year tenure regardless of age or service years.
trillion-dollar economy, stating that collaboration would be critical to the actualisation of all set objectives.
In a goodwill message, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said economic and financial inclusion had been instrumental to the astronomical increase in the state’s internally generated revenue.
Mbah said growing the economy with the interest of the weak and vulnerable at heart was at the core of what the state government was doing.
Speaking in a similar vein, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said financial inclusion for Nigeria was long overdue, and welcomed the visionary leadership of the vice president.
He stated that beyond the question of poverty, financial inclusion would help address a lot of issues in the northern part of the country where digital infrastructure and network connectivity were inadequate.
In his remarks, President/Chief Executive Officer of IQS, Mr. Emmanuel Itapson, said, “The ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration is at a moment when visionary leadership, carefully thought-out policies and moments in history meet at a confluence.
"The agenda is a bold move to redefine the contours of opportunity and possibilities before the nation.”
Commending Tinubu’s exemplary leadership, Itapson said, “No nation has ever achieved a great leap in its move towards greatness without a leadership that paints a vision that summons and harnesses the best and the most out of its people.
"Leadership provides the moonshot challenge and inspires the country to rise to that challenge. It also creates an environment where
stakeholders, especially the private sector, will bring their ingenuity and unleash their entrepreneurial energy for the common good and national development.
“The renewed hope agenda for Nigeria with its trillion-dollar economy target is the moonshot moment for Nigeria and IQS Africa is excited to play a role in this great national renewal challenge.” Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the Federal Ministry of Finance was committed to the tasks assigned to the presidential committee. Edun stated that the ministry would take responsibility for translating the vision of the Aso Accord into actionable and impactful reforms and programmes.
On his part, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the ministry would be the biggest beneficiary of efforts to enhance economic and financial inclusion across the country.
Yilwatda pointed out that agencies under his ministry would support the presidential committee to close the gap in financial inclusion, especially among vulnerable groups in the country.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, commended the vice president’s efforts to accelerate the ongoing reforms across different sectors in the country.
Ribadu said the financial inclusion effort of the administration was a vehicle that would help Nigeria bring life to dead capital. He added that the initiative should be taken more seriously by all stakeholders, pledging the support and commitment of Nigeria’s security and intelligence community.
Ehie, who made the explanation via his Facebook handle, stated “This appeal SC/CV/1071/ 2024: GOV of Rivers State vs Rivers State House of Assembly & Ors that came up today at the Supreme Court has become purely academic.
“The case leading to this appeal was before James Omotosho as SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023. It was filed on November 29, 2023.
“SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/ CS/1613/2023 pertains to the 2024 budget, which is no longer alive, the monies appropriated therein having been judiciously spent for the benefit
of the good people of Rivers State
“It is important to note that after Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 was filed on November 29, 2023, Martin Chike and his 26 friends defected from PDP to APC on Day of December 11, 2023. Their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly became vacant.
“This appeal that was withdrawn today has nothing to do with the seats of Martin Chike Amaewhule and his 26 friends in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The members of the public should not be taken in by the misleading propaganda by Martin Chike Amaewhule and his
26 friends.”
On their part, opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, have said the Supreme Court did not give any judgement against Fubara.
The lawmakers through their spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, while addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja maintained that Fubara did not lose any case at the Supreme court.
He said the governor only withdrew his appeal over the 2024 budget which was already spent, executed.
Ugochinyere maintained that Hon.
Victor Jumbo was still the authentic speaker and nothing could change that, saying Nigerians should disregard the political propaganda peddled by some sour losers who were still being delusional.
At the same time, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), in a statement, described reports misinterpreting the judgment as deliberate misinformation aimed at misleading the public and distorting the legal proceedings surrounding the case.
The group clarified that the Supreme Court did not issue any
judgement in favour of the defected lawmakers, but merely dismissed the appeal filed by Fubara regarding the 2024 budget after his legal team voluntarily withdrew it. According to HURIWA, the move was a procedural decision, not a loss, as the matter had already been overtaken by events.
Coordinator of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stressed that, "The Supreme Court only acted in line with the governor's decision to discontinue his appeal against the Court of Appeal ruling on the 2024 budget.
Project Manager, Tourba, Bouchra Ettakaouy; Managing Director, Kano Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Dr Farouk Kurawa; Head of Operations, Tourba, Boris Naguet; Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Kano State, Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim; Country Manager, Tourba, Opeoluwa Filani, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Kano state, Mr. Bashir Sanusi, at Tourba stakeholders’ consultation in Kano… yesterday
Fidelis David in akure
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State yesterday called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to sack the Commissioner of Finance, Mrs Omowumi Issac for alleged budget padding.
This is just as party asked the state government to explain the purpose of the security vote approved by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the Ministry of Finance.
In a statement issued by its publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, the party alleged that some provisions in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s 2025 budget are scandalous and need explanations to the citizenry.
“The Ondo State 2025 Appropriation Act contains some scandalous items in the office of the Commissioner for Finance, that have been subject of public agitation in the last two
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State yesterday flagged off N6.9 billion road construction projects in Funtua Local Government Area of the state.
The commencement of the Sheme-Unguwar-Mai KanwaFaskari and the 12 Kilometer Kasuwar Mata-Funtua-Dandume roads was greeted with jubilation by residents of the benefiting communities.
While flagging off the construction of the projects in Funtua, Governor Radda said the projects would be executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
weeks. The Lucky Aiyedatiwa government has maintained such a deafening silence and complicity that are making tongues to wag, if indeed, there
is more to it that meets the eye.
“The N11.5 billion Security Vote in the Ministry of Finance captured in the 2025 Approved Budget has not been explained
to the people of the State, in spite of the public outcry.”
The party noted that, “The provision of N250 million as Honorarium and Sitting
Allowance in the Ministry of Finance is another padded item in the budget for the enjoyment and pleasure of the commissioner.
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
Worried by the epileptic supply of electricity by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company IBEDC, consumers in some communities in Yagba West Local government area of Kogi State have sent Save-OurSouls to the federal and state
governments to come to their aid over uncontrollable situation.
They urged the government to, as matter of urgency, revoke the licence of the IBEDC or should join them with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for effective supply of energy to their areas.
The electricity consumers in Egbe and other adjoining communities in Yagba West Local government area of the state have described the IBEDC as most unserious organisation who has been reaping from where they have not invested .
They lamented that IBEDC has been collecting tariffs without the corresponding power supply to the area as the Disco has put a lot of communities in a perpetual darkness for months.
Among other complaints against IBEDC are:”That the distribution company has continued to fatally degenerate in its services to its customers in the state with reckless sense of irresponsibility
Sunday Ehigiator
He, however, promised to revamp the old and renowned Sheme market located on the ever-busy Funtua highway in order to enhance commercial activities in the zone.
The governor reiterated that the funds for the renovation and upgrading of the market were encapsulated in the 2025 approved budget, adding: “We will renovate and upgrade the popular Sheme market in this financial year.”
According to him, “We have invested heavily to ensure the actualization of this project, and I urge all stakeholders to guard it against vandalism.”
He said the two road projects valued at N6,931,531,389.96, when completed, would significantly improve and boost commercial activities as well as the production of farm products in the senatorial zone. Radda explained that his administration will leave no stone unturned in initiating and implementing projects that will continue to alleviate the suffering of the citizens and improve their households and livelihoods.
A philanthropist and Founder of Accountability and Policy Monitoring, Bamidele Atoyebi, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the several bold and transformative policies his administration has put in place since assumption,
saying those policies would lead economic development of the country.
Atoyebi, who is also the Founder of Tinubu School of Politics and Policy, in a statement yesterday said:“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is widely recognised for implementing bold and transformative policies
aimed at national development. This was one of the reasons I wholeheartedly supported his 2023 presidential campaign, even before meeting him in person.”
“Since assuming office as President of Nigeria, Tinubu has introduced and championed several policies, including, Local Government Autonomy, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Revolution, Student Loan Scheme, Consumer Credit Scheme, Highway Construction, defeated the Fuel Subsidy Cabal, Defeat of the Forex Subsidy Cabal, Degradation of Terrorist Networks, and Tax Reform Bills Establishment of the Livestock Ministry.
Tourba, an agri-tech and nature-based solutions developer, has expanded its carbon farming initiative, now targeting the engagement of farmers across one million hectares. The initiative aims to boost agricultural yields while integrating farmers into the global carbon market.
In line with objectives, the
firm organised a one-day event that brought together smallholder farmers, local communities, and key agricultural stakeholders in Kano yesterday. It converged stakeholders to discuss the benefits of regenerative agriculture and how Nigerian farmers can earn revenue through carbon credits.
The firm noted that during the pilot phase, Tourba initially targeted 10,000 hectares but exceeded expectations, achieving 15,000 hectares of land under sustainable agricultural practices.
Farmers, who attended the event were introduced to the revenue-sharing model, which
ensures that larger percent of the proceeds from carbon credit sales go directly to them.
Additionally, Tourba provides support by covering initial costs, required for the certification process including soil testing as well as technical support to farmers making it easier for farmers to participate.
Juliet Akoje in abuja
The President of Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside, Mr. Amobi Ogum, has urged the Nigerian youths to remain steadfast in business and career pursuit despite the current financial challenges.
Speaking to THISDAY at the business expo organised by Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside where over 75 vendors exhibited products, Ogum emphasised the importance of perseverance for a better Nigeria.
Ogum highlighted the efforts of Rotarians in empowering Nigerians, citing a recent weeklong business lecture series that covered topics like accessing credits, financial management, and the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
He noted that most businesses fail within their first five years due to poor financial planning. The business expo itself was a huge success, with over 75 vendors exhibiting their products. The event was aimed to provide a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and connect with potential customers.
David-Chyddy Eleke in awka
The new Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Ikioye Urutugu, has assumed office, promising to whittle down the crime rate in the state.
Urutugu, who officially assumed as the 35th
Commissioner of Police in Anambra State visited Nnewi to console the parents of three siblings who were recently murdered in their house and dumped in a refrigerator.
Urutugu during the visit said under his watch crime and criminality would be checkmated
to its lowest level, warning that the Police Command would not compromise the security architecture of the state for anything.
While addressing journalists in Nnewi, the CP said: “We are here today for an on-the-spot assessment of the scene where
the unfortunate incident of the murder of three siblings happened.
“I am also here to console the family and relatives of the children and to reiterate the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command over this unwholesome crime.
The Creative Quarters (TCQ) Africa Workshop is returning this month, February, 2025, following the resounding success of its debut event. This year, the workshop, themed “The Full Picture,” promises to deliver an unparalleled experience for
photographers, filmmakers, and content creators across Africa.
The inaugural edition in 2024 set a high bar with its blend of practical training, industry insights, and entrepreneurial guidance.
Featuring industry heavyweights such as Emmanuel
Oyeleke, Rare Magic, Onome Ejeta (CEO of Camera Joint), and Temitope Jalekun, Creative Director of Glintz Photography, the event left participants inspired and equipped to elevate their creative pursuits into thriving careers.
The 2024 workshop wasn’t just about mastering creative techniques, it tackled the neglected business side of photography. Sessions on business structuring and entrepreneurship empowered attendees to turn their passions into profitable ventures.
Femi Solaja with agency report
There are strong indications that Super Eagles and AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze, could exit the Guiseppe Meazza this summer following interest from Turkish Super Lïg side, Besiktas JK.
One year after his demise, organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon have paid tribute to the former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, describing him as a motivator, excellent manager and pillar of road race in Nigeria.
Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba and son, Chizi lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California, United States, last year. The news of his death broke when athletes and officials were still in celebration mood at the Eko Atlantic City finish point during the 2024 edition of the Lagos City Marathon.
Organisers of the Lagos City, Nilayo Sports Management, said yesterday that Wigwe played a key role by buying into the concept of the marathon 10 years ago.
Former Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports, now Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, said: “We will forever remain grateful to Wigwe for the legacy role he played in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. I won’t forget his morale support and motivation for the athletes and all those involved in the organisation of the marathon.
The 25-year-old joined the Rossonerri from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 but has never really settled in at Milan as he’s largely been a bit part player at the San Siro.
The AFCON 2023 silver medal winner with Nigeria has played paltry 82 minutes since the new manager, Sergio Conceicao, took over as Milan’s head coach, worsening his story with the seven-time UEFA Champions
League winners.
According to Europa Calcio, Chukwueze’s future seems increasingly distant from Milan. The player’s agents have suggested him to Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side, Besiktas, who have immediately started contacts to bring him to the Turkish Süper Lig.
The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner was linked with a move to Alex Iwobi’s Fulham in January, but
time disparity in the transfer market didn’t allow the move to materialise.
Additionally, Milan’s Technical Director, Geoffrey Moncada, revealed his side were delighted the Super Eagles winger didn’t make a deadlineday transfer to Fulham.
The former Manchester United boss has given the green light to the deal, as he considers Chukwueze to be a valuable reinforcement in
Pep Guardiola has challenged his Manchester City side to prove they are still "something special" in their blockbuster Champions League playoff tie against Real Madrid despite a turbulent season for the Premier League champions.
The two clubs meet in Europe's elite competition for a fourth consecutive season but this time much earlier in the tournament as both under-performed in the new league phase. City sneaked into the next round
TONIGHT
Man City v Madrid
Brest v. PSG
Juventus v. PSV
Sporting v. Dortmund
in 22nd place in the 36-team table by winning their final game against Club Brugge, while defending champions Real finished 11th.
Guardiola admitted at yesterday's pre-match press conference that his team, European champions in 2023, were "not even close" to finishing in the top eight, which would have earned them automatic qualification for the last 16.
Real Madrid, European champions a record 15 times, secured a seeding for the knockout play-offs. This means they host the second leg of the tie, which the City boss admitted was an advantage.
"When you finish 22nd (out of 24) you cannot ask any favour, you cannot ask anything that
you didn't win," Guardiola said ahead of Tuesday's first leg at the Etihad.
"Always I believe what happens in football, normally you have to deserve it and we didn't deserve it."
The Catalan said he still had faith in his team after a decade of success despite their struggles this season, during which he has had to cope with injuries and a loss of form.
City have won six out of the past seven Premier League titles, including the last four in a row, but they are currently in fifth spot and realistically out of the title race.
"I will not deny how I trust the players that gave us the incredible decade, all of us, winning a lot
of things and playing at high standards and I know what we are capable of," he said.
"The team has something special and hopefully Tuesday (today) we can prove it."
And defender Ruben Dias said he believes City can still achieve something "beautiful" this season.
"Since I have been here this is maybe the most difficult season so far, but I am a firm believer that in the most difficult scenario you can still achieve something beautiful," the Portugal international said.
"We know it will be difficult to get there but we have to believe in what we have in the dressing room. With the right belief, we are able to do anything."
The second leg of the playoff tie takes place at Real's Bernabeu stadium on 19 February.
the attacking department.
The Turkish club are currently working on a loan-with-obligation-tobuy proposal, and are hopeful their strategy will convince Milan, who intend on recuperating the fees to secure Chukwueze from Villareal two years ago.
Chukwueze on the other hand, is seriously considering a move to Besiktas as he’s aware that he is not part of Milan’s long-term plans. With few opportunities under Sergio Conceicao, the former Vil-
larreal player could accept the Turkish destination to re-establish himself. Additionally, one of Chukwueze’s best friends, Victor Osimhen, has had nothing but good things to say about the Turkish Super Lig as he enjoys his loan spell with Galatasaray. In conclusion, a move away from Milan would be a win-win situation for all parties, allowing the Rossoneri to free up space in the squad and for the player to regain the form which saw the Italian side snap him up initially.
For National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the sports economy mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one that requires continuous engage- ments with critical stakeholders.
So when foremost sports marketer and CEO, Pamodzi
Sports Marketing Ltd. Chief Mike Itemuagbor visited, it was a veritable opportunity to compile notes on how to turn the sporting sector from consumption to production.
Discussions basically centered around advancing private sector participation and investment in sports.
The National Sports Commission under Dikko’s watch, is committed to harnessing the opportunities inherent in the sector and creating
value chains across the industry.
“Gone are the days when the nation's sporting facilities would lie idle during the weekends. The sports weekend economy should encourage people to build sports into their relaxation programmes for the weekends.
“Increased sporting activities will create more sports jobs and the target of the sector contributing 3% to the nation's GDP will become more realistic.” This has been the driving force behind the new NSC. Dikko believes all these will not be possible without the private sector involvement hence this meeting with Chief Itemuagbor where issues of mutual interest were on the front burner.
Clearwater Farms, a prominent equestrian business, made its Lagos debut at the 2025 Lagos International Polo Tournament, underscoring its ambition to expand Nigeria’s equestrian landscape.
The tournament, running from February 4th to 23rd at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi, will see 33 teams compete for major cups and subsidiary awards.
Clearwater Farms’ polo team participated in the Lagos Open games between February 4th and 7th, and will be back for the Lagos Low Cup on February 18th and 19th.
“This opportunity allows us to showcase not only our horses but our team’s skill and the dedication and excellence that define Clearwater Farms,” said Brigadier General Kapeh Alwali Kazir (Rtd), Chairman
of Clearwater Farms. “Our goal is to inspire greater appreciation for Polo and to offer unparalleled equestrian services that meet the needs of players, horse owners and families across the country.”
With a five-decade heritage, Clearwater Farms offers a comprehensive suite of equestrian services. Its Kaduna facilities house over 60 horses and provide stabling, horse rentals, transportation and training programmes for children and adults, including a beginner’s riding school. The company is expanding its operations to Abuja and Lagos, targeting new markets for equestrian sports. A key element of this expansion is the development of advanced veterinary services, including specialized diagnostic equipment and a mobile farrier unit.
The maiden World Boxing Council-Africa Boxing Union amateur tournament, concluded in Lagos over the weekend, saw Nigerian boxers emerge winners in 10 out of 11 bouts decided on the final day of the keenly contested championship.
42 boxers from eight countries across Africa participated in various weight categories at the tournament, held at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
Organised by Yucateco Boxing Promotions, the first ever WBCABU Amateur Tournament, served
as qualifiers to select boxers that will represent Africa at the World Championship billed to hold in Mexico later in the year. With the country’s impressive performance, it was a question of which of Nigeria boxers will take home the WBC belts, and it was Precious Anine who defeated her compatriot, Anuoluwapo Akanni in the Women’s 60kg final while David Akintola outclassed Joshua Daniel in the Men’s 75kg final. Both Anine and Akintola were decorated with the prestigious belts as the Most Valuable Boxers of the Tournament.
Uganda’s Brenda Maduwa,
Battle Nihu and Shakur Mugambe fell short in the finals to settle for silver medals. The trio were however excited with the opportunity to compete at the international tournament.
Maduwa lost to Pauline Assogba of Benin Republic in the Women’s 51kg, Nuhu suffered defeat against Nigeria’s Olamilekan Akanbi in the Men’s 69kg and Mugambe was beaten by Rilwan Salawu of Nigeria in the Men’s 60kg. The success of the maiden tournament has encouraged Yucateco Boxing Promotions to pledge to organise another
sanctioned competition before the World Championship and give more boxers the platform to represent the continent in Mexico.
President, African Boxing Union, Houcine Houichi, emphasised the need to have more of such competitions that will provide exposure for amateur boxers to international competitions.
"What Yucateco has done should be commended by boxing nations around the world because this is truly groundbreaking in Africa. The WBC and the ABU will continue to collaborate with Yucateco in advancing the course of amateur boxing in Africa".
“We have the population, there are future markets. We have off-takers, but who are entirely, if not 100 per cent, over 90 per cent dependent on imported goods and services that can be produced locally. You can never make progress with importation. Your currency can never have meaning with importation. Your energy needs will never be affordable if they are totally dependent on what comes from outside” --Chairman, TETFund Board, Aminu Masari, urges Nigerians to depend less on imported goods and services.
abati1990@gmail.com
Over the years, a major received wisdom in Nigeria is that agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, its real foundation for creating employment, livelihood and opportunities. Truly, it was the case that Nigeria used to boast of a thriving agricultural economy in crop production, livestock, forestry and fishing, with every part of the country thriving agriculturally. The country has over 34 million hectares of arable land, and a net total area of 79 million hectares that can be cultivated, and an irrigable area of 3.14 million hectares. Between 1961 and the following decade, Nigeria’s economy was significantly propelled by agriculture, the exports from the sector generating over 40% of national revenue. Those were the days when the South West, the Western region as it then was, built cocoa plantations, agricultural extension settlements and commodity boards. In those days, the farmer was considered King - Agbe L’Oba in local parlance.
The tallest building in the Western region then was actually known as Cocoa House, built with agricultural revenue. Farmers were so powerful in the South West they even had an activist group named Agbekoya – meaning “the union of farmers who reject suffering”. It was a peasant revolt, led by ordinary farmers who were so powerful they rejected Federal Government taxation and state regulations of agricultural co-operatives. These farmers were so powerful they thought they should have a say in government policies, particularly taxation. Their wealth had helped to develop the region in terms of Awolowo’s education programmes and the development of infrastructure. In the North, there were groundnut pyramids, pyramid structures built by the likes of Alhassan Dantata, a prominent nut and cotton trader who oversaw exports of groundnuts to the Royal Niger Company. The pyramids were so central to Nigeria they found their way to the country’s postage stamp. In the Mid-West, there were rubber plantations. along a substantial stretch of the road from the West to the Mid-West.
The Middle Belt was known as the food basket of Nigeria, where everything that was edible could be cultivated, from livestock to tomatoes and yams. In the South-South, Nigeria produced a thriving fishing industry. Indeed, the country earned its spurs as one of the best countries in the world in agriculture: the world’s largest producer of cassava, yam, the second largest producer of sorghum, the fifth largest producer of palm oil and cocoa beans, and the third largest producer of peanuts and sweet potatoes. The country was so rich, it had enough food to feed itself and enough for exports. This is the same country today where food inflation is over 50% in some states. This is the same country where ordinary Nigerians complain about the high cost of food and survival. In the South West, they say “Ebi n pa wa” -meaning we are hungry. In this same country where a federal Minister, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, who was in charge of the Federal Government’s Committee on rice distribution in the 80s, once boasted that Nigerians were not eating from the dustbin because the government provided sufficient food, it is now a fact that Nigerians would be happy to eat from the dustbin. Even those dustbins are empty.
The cause of the problem first and foremost is that Nigeria found oil, and the economy moved away from agriculture to oil exploration and the petro-dollar that came with it. The new rulers of Nigeria in military uniform abandoned agriculture, the country’s economic mainstay. Oil brought so much wealth a former Head of State boasted that Nigeria’s problem was not money but how to spend it! The farmers left the rural farms and trooped to the urban centres to gain close access to their own share of the national cake of oil revenue. But Nigeria’s crude oil brought nothing but misery: it divided the country along ethnic and geographical lines, it created a new elite that chose rent collection as a way of life. The entire country became indolent.
Agriculture was abandoned because it requires much thinking, preparation and hardwork. There have been efforts in the past to revive agriculture but every effort in that direction has not worked due to lack of commitment, absence of continuity, corruption, waste and poor organization. In 1976, in his first coming as Nigeria’s Head of State, President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced what he called “Operation Feed the Nation” to increase food production, healthy nutrition and promote farming. In 1979/80, the Shagari administration focussed on what was called the “Green Revolution”, to ensure food security. Between 1976 and 1980, there were also fertilizer distribution programmes. All of these initiatives, brilliant as they were on paper failed to achieve their objectives. By 2008, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was telling the Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) about his administration’s commitment to the Millenium Development Goals of nutrition security, poverty and hunger reduction, even if budgetary allocation to agriculture then was a mere 7%.
In order not to delay us with history, let us jump to the Jonathan administration, 2010 -2015 under which a blueprint for agricultural development was introduced and led by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina who before his appointment had been the Vice President of Policy and Partnerships for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). He had also worked as a senior economist at the West African Rice Development Association (WARDA), Ivory Coast. Adesina’s natural inclination as Minister was to revolutionize agriculture, turn it into a business and reinvent it. He was succeeded by Audu Ogbeh who threw away his blueprint and confused agriculture with politics. It is widely believed, in any case, that the Buhari administration was not keen about anything that required any measure of rigour. The agriculture value chain in Nigeria also suffered due to low budgetary allocation, lack of political will, politics, the fixation of the leaders with easy oil wealth. The problem has since been compounded by the effects of climate change, insecurity in the country which makes it difficult for farmers to get to their farms or feed their cattle, oil pollution in the Niger Delta which has destroyed aquatic life and the politicization of agriculture.
This is the setting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited in 2023. Food inflation is the biggest problem in Nigeria today. Oil exploration has become problematic. There is no money to buy food. It is still the same land, but not enough to
eat, and where food is available, it is costly. Tinubu has been talking about food security and the need for the states to work together with the Federal Government to address this national emergency. I find quality response from two states: the Niger State administration of Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, the farmer-Governor and the Chrislam who sings and leads Christian praise worship sessions despite being a Muslim. Besides singing Christian songs as a Muslim, Bago is investing heavily in agriculture. The other Governor is Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, who is about to cause a food revolution in Lagos. The rest of this piece is devoted to the example of Lagos State and my recent eye-witness account of the state’s response to Nigeria’s food dilemma.
In February 2024, I was the moderator of a media chat, the governor’s first tagged “Sanwoolu Speaks” where in the context of the complaints about hunger in the state, the Governor promised among other things to launch what he called “Ounje Eko”- that is Lagos Food Initiative to support households and make food affordable. Within weeks after that media chat, Governor Sanwoolu launched the “Ounje Eko” Initiative, to give 25% food subsidy to Lagos residents in 60 locations across the state in all the local government areas. By July 2024, the Lagos government had chosen to rename the Ministry of Agriculture to become the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems. The new emphasis was to create and develop in an efficient manner, a value chain in Lagos State from the farm to the market to achieve supply and price stability. By October 2024, Lagos State launched the Fresh Food Hub Initiative, with the pilot project in Idi-Oro, Mushin. The concept is that of a one stop for very fresh food at affordable and unbeatable prices. It is a public-private partnership project, a good demonstration of how the government can collaborate with entrepreneurs with knowledge and expertise to innovate and elevate.
The other day, I ran into the Chairman of the company -Origin Tech Group that is in partnership with the Lagos State Government on the project. His name is Prince Samuel J. Samuel. He is Chairman of about 22 companies including Sensale, Greener Hope, Landcraft, Rhema Project, Origin Agriculture, Origin Automobile and so on and so forth. His main project and mission is to partner with government to revolutionize agriculture. He believes that agriculture is one area in which Nigeria can make a quick difference in the people’s lives: create jobs, provide food at affordable rates, develop communities, and develop mechanized farming.
“Many Nigerians are trained but they are untested”, he told me. Investment in agriculture can build resilient food systems and develop expertise. His company has since worked with the Sanwoolu Government to develop a 5-year Agric Strategic Plan for Lagos State. It is sub-titled “Lagos State Agriculture Development Roadmap – Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.” Prince Samuel says he has had to suspend every other project he is working on because he is inspired by Governor Sanwoolu’s commitment and determination. His company designed and built the Middle Level Market in Idi Oro, Mushin. But that he said is just the beginning of a carefully thought-out programme for Lagos State.
Last week, he invited me to visit the Food Logistics Hub that is being built in the Epe Division of the state. The plan is to commission the first phase of this Logistics Hub for Agriculture in May, 2025. It is located in Ketu-Ejinrin, a quiet, rural community that is about to be transformed. For over two hours, we inspected the vast farmland and food processing centre that is under construction. The phase one sits on 2.2 million square metres of land, and when the hub is completed, it will occupy 4.2 million square metres. Origin Group and the Lagos Government are constructing a total of 60 kms network of roads within the farm settlement, 18 km is already built with full concrete, of about more than 4 metres in diameter.
Some of the facilities at the location include a
weighbridge, an administrative block of five floors, a cold storage on 15, 000 square metres, a large dry store area, 11 dealing areas sitting on 7,000 sq. metres (8 nearing completion), storage silos of 1.5 million tonnes when fully completed, a clinic, and a truck terminal with a processing and parking capacity of 1, 560 trucks per day. When fully completed, this facility will be powered with a 4 MW gas plant, backed up with 27 MW of solar capacity. The Lagos Food System hub is patterned after the Marche d’Interet National de Rungis in Paris, the largest food market in the world. A similar market co-operative is the Royal FloraHolland. The Lagos farm logistics hub is designed to sell wholesale products to traders who then distribute to other networks within the state. The objective, says Samuel, is to ensure market and price stability. I marvelled at the expanse of land, stretching as far as the Lagoon with jetty locations abutting the farm. Five kilometres away is another farm, a ranch for cows. Over 250 million dollars have so far been spent. The workers at the location were all Nigerians including the engineers and security personnel. “We could not have done this without Governor Sanwoolu”, he said. “If Dangote can build a whole refinery, that in itself is inspiring. Other entrepreneurs can do it. Governor Sanwoolu told me let’s do it. By the time you visit this site in another month, you’d be surprised.”
Would he opt for a Free Zone model? “No”, he retorted. “We don’t want customs disturbing our off-takers. Do you know what killed Tinapa? Brilliant idea. Free Trade Zone killed it.”
How about exports? “That is not our priority. The Governor wants the people of Lagos to get food at stable and affordable prices, that is his primary target.”
When we left Ketu-Ejinrin, our next stop was Abijo, near the Lagos Business School where Lagos State is building another Middle Level Market. “If you look around, you will see that markets in Lagos States developed organically. What Governor Sanwoolu is trying to do is to organize the farm to market value chain in line with world standards,” Prince Samuel said. The Abijo Market is the same as the one in Idi Oro, Mushin. Lagos State plans to build about 60 of such markets across the state. A beautiful structure, with ample parking space. The market is to be operated on a trade-as-you-go-basis. The market like the one in Idi-Oro is also open to all Lagosians. I pointed out that I had seen something similar in Rwanda. Prince Samuel dismissed that quickly. “The Lagos vision is bigger than that!”
From Abijo, we also inspected Origin Group factories in Oregun and Surulere where state of the art mechanized farming equipment has been kept aside, to launch perhaps the most extensive mechanized farming programme that Nigeria has ever seen, when the logistics hub is completed. I was worried though that Governor Sanwoolu has just two more years left in office. Is there any guarantee that this legacy project will be sustained by his successors? Perhaps the private sector partnership is a form of guarantee. Prince Samuel is as committed to the project as the Governor. A former Tomato Puree maker, he sees agriculture as a business and a passion. He believes that with agriculture, Nigeria cannot fail, nor should the country worry about the energy transition, an area where Nigeria is so far behind. Agriculture he says is the future. Prince Samuel is also an author, he believes that research is everything, and that technology has changed the world for good. He has found a good soulmate in the Governor of Lagos State. The Lagos 5-year Agric Plan should be shared with other states of the Federation and the Federal Government. Nigerians must fight the scourge of hunger. No Nigerian male or female, must ever go to bed hungry. President Tinubu and the Governors must feed the nation and encourage local entrepreneurs working in the agric sector and other sectors. Dangote’s example in oil and gas has catalyzed courage and ambition in the country. Let more Dangotes who dream big (!) emerge across the landscape.