Monday July 10th

Nworah is Chairman, Editorial Board/Ombudsman, Daily Times of Nigeria

The management of Folio Communications Ltd has announced the appointment of erudite scholar, Dr Uche Nworah as Chairman, Editorial Board/Ombudsman of Daily Times Nigeria, a stablemate under the Folio Group.

Dr. Nworah’s career spans the academia, banking, management

consulting, telecommunications and media sectors in Germany, United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria.

He attended the prestigious College of Immaculate Conception (C.I.C), Enugu, where he obtained the General Certificate in Education (GCE) ‘O’-Level certificate.

Dr. Nworah studied Communi-

cation Arts at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) graduating with Second Class Honours Upper Division.

He has a string of Masters degrees, including Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree in Marketing from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC); Master of Arts (MA) degree in Ed-

ucational Research from the University of Greenwich, London, and a Master of Science (M.Sc) degree in Mass Communications from the National Open University (NOUN).

Dr. Nworah obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in

Resurgence of killings nationwide tops NASS agenda this week

lSecurity chiefs face tough screening lSome ministerial nominees fail routine clearance

sembly settles down for business this week with insecurity obviously top on the agenda.

Amid reports of a high number of persons murdered across the country in the last week due to a resurgence of insecurity, the 10th National As-

The development is coming as the nation gears up to know who eventually made President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees’ list, which will be forwarded to Senate for confirmation even as uncon-

firmed reports said about 60 per cent of the nominees on a purported list failed a routine security clearance.

It may pose bad news to the Presidency as the constitutional timeframe for sending the list to federal lawmakers constricts by the day.

Nonetheless, about a month into the life of the Tinubu administration, there have been pockets of security breaches across the length and breadth of the country leaving many Nigerians questioning when the country will get reprieve.

While killings of innocent persons by bandits continue in the North West states such as Zamfara and Katsina, the North Central states of Plateau, Benue are still not at ease from attacks by suspected

killer herdsmen, with residents of the South Eastern states of Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra literally chained under the 'sit at home' siege by different groups of pro-Biafra agitators.

Miffed by these daunting challenges, the 10th Senate is reportedly seriously under pressure on how to corroborate whatever strategies the Executive arm is crafting to resolve the raging insecurity in the land.

To do this, leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly, as a matter of urgency, are

We know military personnel involved in illegal oil bunkering --Niger Delta group

TITUS AKHIGBE, BENIN

Apressure group, Supreme Egbesu Freedom Fighters of Niger Delta (SEFFND), has lent its voice of support to former militant leader, Mujaheed Asari Dokubo, who accused some military personnel of participating in and encouraging illegal crude oil deals in the oil-rich

CONTINUES ON P. 5 ¢

Why foreign airlines dread operating within Nigeria —Daily Times Investigation

lIGR, jobs affected

CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO

Government’s inconsistent policies, lack of trust, the rather quick resort to breaching of or non-adherence to agreements over the years, have been fingered for the stunted growth of the nation’s aviation in-

dustry, investigations by The Daily Times revealed.

Findings showed that foreign investors are scared of putting their money in Nigeria, despite the huge potential in the country, especially in the sector that is capital-intensive, with political interference and government’s inability to keep to

agreements chief among issues potential investors hold against the country.

For instance, many foreign counterparts have torn up agreements reached between them and Federal Government agencies, citing what they saw as the latter’s inability to honour agreements in backing out in the last minute.

Experts are agreed that if foreign airlines operate here, such

would help jerk up government’s internally generated revenue (IGR) from sundry ancillary businesses and positively impact the job market.

With the return of democracy in 1999 (24 years ago), the aviation industry witnessed some level of growth, though stunted, especially during the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

More soul-lifting was that many

foreign investors invaded the aviation sector at the time and invested in various viable projects such as hangars, partnering start-up airlines, catering services, cargo handling and others. Their publicly stated strategic thinking was that the investments would be sustainable and provide steady jobs for Nigerians.

TUNDE OPALANA, TOM OKPE, HARUNA SALAMI, ABUJA

President Bola Tinubu (2nd left) with other Heads of Government of ECOWAS countries at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the body in Guinea Bissau...yesterday.

Nworah is Chairman, Editorial Board/Ombudsman, Daily Times of Nigeria

Marketing from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), formerly Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus.

He was a Senior Lecturer in Marketing Communications and Business Strategy at the London Metropolitan University, London, UK.

He was headhunted to return to Nigeria and serve as Chief Learning Officer/ Group Head, Human Capital Development at Oceanic Bank International Plc.

He was for five years the National Manager of Outof-Home Advertising at Globacom, Nigeria’s second largest telecommunications firm.

In 2014, the Anambra State Government, following a nationwide competitive search process, hired Dr. Nworah as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS). He served for two highly successful terms (2014 –2018; 2018-2022). During his tenure, he successfully repositioned ABS with his team as a leading digital

media brand in Nigeria.

Dr. Nworah rejoined Globacom in July 2022 as Head, Special Projects, Marketing Communications, before leaving in May 2023, to become Managing Partner at Woodhouse Consulting Ltd, a media, communications and branding consultancy.

A fellow of many professional bodies, Dr Nworah is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM); Fellow of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (FRPA); Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, United Kingdom (FCIM); and a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR).

A cerebral personality, he has written four books on several themes as well as several published essays online, in newspapers and journals.

Dr. Nworah is married with children and is a member of Enugwu-Ukwu royal traditional cabinet. He holds chieftaincy titles as Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu, Ezeudo Abagana and Udoka Awka. He can be contacted via uchenworah@yahoo.com.

Why foreign airlines dread operating within Nigeria —Daily Times investigation

The era heralded new airlines, but most did not last long in their operational lifespan. The policies introduced did not favour investors amid a harsh economic environment. These led to the killing of many such projects.

Checks showed that, for instance, Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic introduced and invested on Virgin Nigeria with fanfare.

Within few months of operation, the airline started having issues of slot handling, the ‘Nigerian factor’ - bywords for corruption, deliberate placing of hurdles to elicit failure, as well as other unethical practices - started manifesting. These eventually led to the winding down of the promising airline.

Most foreign investors have criticized the high level of government policy

Slow implementation of Fiscal Act affecting public resource handling in states –Commission chair

UKPONO UKPONG

Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, has said that the slow implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act in states was impeding the promotion of prudence in the management of public resources in states.

Speaking during an interview with Daily Times in Abuja, Muruako said that many states are yet to implement the Act, for reasons best known to them.

He said that some states had passed the law but were yet to set up Fiscal Responsibility Agency.

The Chairman said: “Some did not exactly pass the law, they just tried to

have it, and even some that passed it just have it on record and are yet to implement the law.

“As we speak, about 26 states have adopted the law and are at various stages of implementation.

“For some states, their Governors have not signed the law, some that have signed it into law are yet to set up the agencies; so, as we speak, it’s a work in progress.''

He said the domestication of the Fiscal Responsibility Act was necessary to promote prudence in the management of public resources.

“When the need arose for the Federal Government to bail out states, there was an agreement of

two conditions that must be met: part of which is the need for the sub-nationals to engage in reforms; one of the reforms is to pass the Fiscal Responsibility lLw, Audit law and Procurement Law at their level,” he said.

Muruako commended the Nigerian Governors Forum for creating an enabling platform for peer review at sub-national level.

He said that his Commission was engaging the Forum to ensure that all states adopt and implement the Fiscal Act.

“The forum has been a veritable forum to assist, and they have done a lot to ensure that states engage in reforms,” he said.

somersault coupled with official interference as another daunting mountain to climb in attempting to invest in the sector.

Some well-heeled Nigerians abroad are scared of coming home to invest because of the political situation and the security challenges in the country as their investments are not guaranteed any oxygen to live.

At a time, installation of navigational aids by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) was stalled in some parts of the North following the rate of insurgency in the region.

Some Diasporan Nigerians who invested huge sums of money in aviation development projects regretted coming home to plough in their hard-earned money.

HIC Hilton project was constructing a five-star hotel at the Murtala Mohammad International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.

About halfway into the construction, legal action was instituted against the promoters of the project, stalling the facility, seemingly for years on end.

This was after necessary agreements were reached between the HIC team and the government team represented by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Another case is that of the operators of MMA2, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services.

The tenure of the firm’s Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) as negotiated in the agreement is known only to those who signed the documents as there were many versions of the said agreement.

The accurate interpretation of the length of the firm’s operation of the terminal before handing over to FAAN has been a bone of conten-

tion between the latter and Bi-Courtney. While some said the agreement reached was for 12 years, others claimed 36 years.

According to aviation stakeholders, policy somersaults remained the greatest challenge impeding development in the aviation sector.

They recalled that as a very capital-intensive venture, the sector should be handled with care and investors protected by luring them with incentives.

The issue of foreign airlines’ stalled funds in Nigeria is another matter that discouraged foreign participation in the sector.

The stalled funds, said to be in billions of Naira, has made the country a laughing stock before the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and remained worrisome and embarrassing to aviation stakeholders and a source of great embarrassment to the government.

Nigeria is ranked highest with $818.2 million of foreign airlines’ accumulated funds from tickets sold in Naira equivalent to the dollar rate and which should be repatriated to various countries of the airlines.

The total trapped funds globally amount to $2.27 billion, with Nigeria, Bangladesh, Algeria, Pakistan, and Lebanon, in that order, having the highest figures.

Integrity issues

Nigeria is regarded as a country where agreements are not honoured. The IATA has warned the Federal Government several times against the continued withholding of the airlines’ funds.

This, aviation stakeholders revealed, has been responsible for the high international airfares, some of which have risen to N2.5 million a seat on international flights, as for-

eign airlines are getting back their funds indirectly. From available reports, foreign airlines operating in Nigeria made $1.1billion in 2022 despite foreign exchange challenges.

It is now becoming increasing difficult for Nigerian aviation operators to get assistance from their international counterparts with the latter citing alleged lack of trust on the part of many of the former, poor government attitude towards investors, official policy somersaults and non-adherence to agreements.

Speaking on this development, an aviation analyst, Olumide Ohunayo, said the trapped foreign airlines’ funds is a bad omen for the country and can scare away foreign investors.

According to him, to potential investors, the trapped funds amount to an accident waiting to happen.

Ohunayo said: "The current neglect and circumstances leading to not making agreement and in other private sectors like MMA2 and its cancellation of agreement without a cause and the interference of unions in pushing a position of government on issues that have to do with private sectors, are unacceptable.

"We have not been able to attract investors. These are things we need to correct… we also need to give confidence to those investors by seeing how you treat the foreign airlines who are relatives of those countries."

He urged Nigeria to repay the trapped funds and also ensure that the judiciary is efficient so that injured parties in any disagreement can access quick and effective justice to assuage their hurt.

"We need to work on a lot of things and effectiveness in the judiciary too", he said.

Representative of Central Bank of Nigeria, Chris Mordi; Director of Consumer Protection, Felix Igbinosa; Chairman, Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria (ACAEBIN), Dr. Demola Sogunle; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr. Abiodun Gbadamosi; Head, Internal Audit, Stanbic IBTC Bank, CSP Aremu Adeniran; at the 55th Quarterly General Meeting of the ACAEBIN held in Lagos...at the weekend.

Resurgence of killings nationwide tops NASS agenda this week

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

set to name Chairmen and members of their standing committees, including those of Armed Forces and Security-related bodies, this week.

Dependable sources told Daily Times that the10th Assembly will give legislative approval to the security chiefs appointed by President Tinubu after ‘’critical unusually tough screening’’ by members of relevant committees.

The President has initiated the process by sending an executive communication to the House of Representatives, seeking the confirmation of the newly-appointed service chiefs.

The President's request was contained in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, which was read at plenary on the floor of the House last Thursday.

The service chiefs seeking to be confirmed are: Maj. Gen. Christopher G. Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Maj. Gen. Taoreed A. Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Rear Admirral Emmanuel A. Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) and Air Vice Marshal H. B. Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff (CAS).

According to the letter, the request is in compliance with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act. Cap A20 Laws of

The President asked the House to act expeditiously on the request, considering the level of insecurity in the country.

Tinubu had appointed the service chiefs when both chambers of the National Assembly were on Sallah vacation.

While Nigerians hailed the choice of the top military personnel as well as their fair, evenly-balanced geo-political zonal spread, they seriously urged the lawmakers to go beyond the ritual of 'take a bow and go' in screening the military top brass.

Lawmakers have also been talking tough that they will want the appointees to make categorical commitments on how to end insecurity and give a definite timeline for Nigerians to assess their performance.

At plenary last week, issues of insecurity were brought to the fore by lawmakers whose immediate constituencies were being troubled.

The Senate called on the Federal Government to address the general insecurity and incessant attacks on Plateau State and other troubled parts of the country.

This was sequel to a motion to that effect sponsored by Senator Plang Diket Satso (Plateau Central) at plenary

Nigerian Legion honours Amusan

Nigerian Legion, Area Councils Command, is to present "Legion Excellence and Peace Award" to Pastor Gabriel Ademola Amusan, on July 16, 2023 at International Apostolic Church, Ibadan, Oyo State. He is also to be deco -

rated him with the rank of a Colonel in Nigerian Legion by the Chairman, Colonel Yekeen Adeshina, who said that he merited the award judging by his immense contributions to the overall development of the citizenry.

on Tuesday.

The Senate noted the general insecurity, saying the continued attacks on communities in Plateau state, a state hitherto known for its hospitality, peace and tourism, was of great concern.

According to the upper chamber, “the past decade has seen recurrent crises across the state, especially in rural areas, where insecurity has become a major issue that any administration in the state has to contend with.

“There is no respite; the circle of killings and kidnappings has continued unabated, despite all efforts by successive administrations at the state and federal levels to tame the ugly trend.”

Speaking with journalists after plenary, Senator Satso said with his motion, service chiefs should be ready to answer critical questions during screening by the Senate as “no service chief will take a bow and go”- practice used in the past to shield nominees of the president from answering questions.

Therefore, his motion “called on the service chiefs to carry out on-the-spot assessment of insecurity in the troubled parts to give our people a sense of belonging and also serve as impetus for the military operations in those affected local government areas.”

On whether to dialogue with bandits as suggested by Ahmed Yerima Bakura, former governor of Zamfara State during his recent visit to President Tinubu, Sen. Satso said: “As I’m seated here, my house in the village was attacked twice. In the first instance, when I was contesting election for Senate, kidnappers came and kidnapped my mother, step-

mother, the girl that worked for me in the house, then killed my younger brother who came out to react.’’

He disclosed that he paid ransom because he was told that if he failed to, he would have “more dead bodies to bury”. The payment led to the release of all his loved ones taken captive, the senator stated.

On punishment for such crimes, he, however, said punishment is for correction, adding that “even God knows we are not perfect and God gives us the grace to repent. When we repent, He accepts us

“If there is genuine repentance, we should accommodate it. Sometimes, if there is true repentance from a criminal, give him a room; he might be a preacher.”

Giving the example of Paul in the Bible, the senator noted: “Paul was a killer, persecuting Christians, but he was arrested and became a perfect Christian. So, we should be able to give opportunity to people with genuine repentance.”

Also, the House of Representatives’ leadership moved to engage service chiefs, Inspector General of Police and Director General of Department of State Security (DSS) on the scourge of incessant banditry.

This was over alleged complacency of security agencies in addressing cases of banditry in Katsina state..

The resolution to engage the security chiefs followed the adoption of amendments to a motion, sponsored by Rep. Aminu Babale, representing DustinMa/Kurfi constituency of Katsina State at plenary on Wednesday.

Moving the motion, Babale recalled that on June 12, 2023, the communities

of Tashar Yaro, Koza, Kudewa villages, Geza, Sauyawa, Tamawa, and Maileda within Kurfi and Dutsinma local government areas of Katsina State were attacked by bandits, which resulted in injury and death of scores of innocent villagers.

He noted that "the incessant banditry activities in Kurfi, Dutsinma and other neighbouring communities in Safana and Batsari local government areas have led to regular imposition of taxes on farmers before allowing them to access their farmlands, the failure of which puts them at a risk of losing their livestock to rustlers as well as having their shops burgled by daredevil kidnappers in search of foodstuff."

In another case, the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives, Amobi Ogar, lamented that the incidence of kidnapping, banditry and

other criminal activities was increasing in his area.

Ogar said people are kidnapped almost every day in his constituency to the extent that abductors now go to resident’s homes to carry them for ransom sums of N50,000 and N30,000.

The House, therefore, urged the Federal Government to initiate a coordinated joint security operation by providing aerial surveillance and other combat mission plans to flush out bandits, destroy their camps, and allow farmers across the country to return to their farmlands to ensure continuous food production.

The former Senate had organised a security summit in Abuja where it took a critical look at the nation’s security architecture and took far reaching resolutions which were forwarded to the Executive arm for implementation, with little positive results.

Pastor Gabriel Ademola Amusan

ECOWAS leaders meeting during the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Guinea-Bissau, yesterday.

We know military personnel involved in illegal oil bunkering ---Niger Delta Group

region.

It also said it has the identities of military personnel who are involved in the said deals.

The deals include alleged illegal bunkering, outright oil theft and others.

Military authorities have since denied Dokubo's claim and called on him to publicly identify the said personnel for possible sanctions.

But SEFFND, in a statement at the weekend, stirred more controversy in reopening the matter by backing Dokubo.

The group said it knows those involved and was prepared to name names even as it urged Federal Government not to stretch too far for evidence but should simply monitor what it described as the ‘’luxurious lifestyles, properties and bank accounts’’ of personnel posted to the region.

The SEFFND issued the statement, signed by its socalled General Commanding Officer (GCO), River Don.

It said the allegations levelled against the military cannot be further than the truth, insisting that some of the personnel were allegedly culpable in activities of economic sabotage.

The statement said: "We know those involved and their names can be mentioned and if the Federal Government, without bias, carries out thorough investigations on them vis-a-vis how their postings to the region plays out, properties, bank accounts and luxurious lifestyles, the Federal Government will be shocked to discover the damage done to the country by men who swore to protect it."

Submitting that not all personnel posted to the region have their hands steeped in such economic atrocities, the group absolved some of involvement.

It stated: "However, we must state categorically that not all of them are involved in this illicit disheartening crude oil theft business, but the allegations made by Alhaji Asari Dokubo are not false allegations, nor far from the truth, neither meant to garner favour from the government.

‘’We appreciate the enormous sacrifices made by the military under the present democratic dispensation in the spirit of safeguarding the

territorial territory of our dear nation against all odds.

"Alhaji Asari Dokubo as a patriot and a core Nigerian statesman has high respect for the military hierarchy or any other constituted authorities, which he has often displayed, and the military is at liberty to investigate the allegations.’’

Turning to associations which they claimed have latched onto the controversy to create rift between the military and Dokubo, SEFFND warned them to desist or face the wrath of militants. The group, however, did not say how or what form such threatened wrath will take.

SEFFND said: "We wish to use this opportunity to state clearly that Alhaji Asari Dokubo is not at war with the law enforcement agencies in the country as he had been in the forefront condemning hate speeches and insightful statements emanating from some prominent elite and elder statesmen that could create tension, disunity against other ethnic nationalities and insecurity without minding whose ox is gored.

‘’Dokubo believes in one indivisible Nigeria and stands faithful to his belief as a core Muslim who believes Almighty Allah is against lies and disunity.

"Supreme Egbesu Freedom Fighters of Niger Delta is awash with the self-centered activities as exemplified by the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Human Rights Writers Association, HURIWA, who have been issuing unwarranted statements based on ethnic bias, religious sentiments and destructive tendencies to misinform the general public.

‘’Such statements should stop henceforth, and stop playing the ostrich with their unprofessional, unguarded, provocative, diminishing and misleading information just to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Alhaji Asari Dokubo who is a patriot and nationalist.

"Ohanaeze Ndigbo and HURIWA should have known that Dokubo is not an enemy of the Nigerian State neither is he a threat to the Igbos as they have painted in the media and social space with despicable work just to blackmail him. We advise them to stop forthwith before the wrath of militants fall on them.’’

Disquiet in Bayelsa over arrest of State Assembly Minority Leader

AMOS OKIOMA, YENAGOA.

There is tension in Yenagoa,the Bayelsa State capital, following the arrest of the Minority leader of the State House of Assembly and member representing Nembe Constituency 2, Chief Edward Irigha-Brigidi.

Chief Irigha-Brigidi, was arrested in Gestapo fashion by some policemen purportedly from Azikoro town, a suburb of Yenagoa by some policemen identified as SWAT operatives from Abuja.

Irigha-Brigidi, a legislator elected on the platform of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) was reported to have been arrested following a petition on his alleged complicity in the crisis rocking the Nembe-Bassambiri section of Nembe Kingdom. He is currently being detained at the State CID.

A close source told Daily Times that the arrest of Irigha-Brigidi may have been orchestrated by some powerful chieftains of APC in the state following his alleged decision to stand with the

aggrieved youths of Nembe-Bassambiri against some leaders of the party.

The lingering crisis in Nembe-Bassambiri, it was gathered, was responsible for the dismal performance and heavy loss of the party at the last State and National Assembly elections in Bayelsa East district where the former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva hails from.

Irigha-Brigidi, whose victory was assisted due to his position against alleged oppressive and violent tenden-

cies of some party leaders in Nembe-Bassambiri,was also reported to have shunned the 59th birthday celebration of the party leader in Yenagoa on Friday.

While the top brass of the State Police Command kept mum over the "forceful" arrest yesterday, sources claimed that the quick intervention of the State Governor,Senator Douye Diri stopped the SWAT team from moving the embattled legislator to Abuja based on what the cops said were ''orders from above.''.

My Senate Presidency, a call for service to Nigerians –Akpabio

TUNDE OPALANA, ABUJA

Senator Godswill Akpabio has described his emergence as the President of the 10th Senate as a call for service to Nigerians and allround transformation of the country, just as he called on the church to take its rightful position in the country's affairs.

Akpabio stated this in his goodwill message at the thanksgiving service during the 23rd Synod/Congress of Abuja Province of the African Church, yesterday.

The President of the Senate, whose goodwill message was delivered on his behalf by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, said, "To me, this Senate President position is a call to serve our people and to transform Nigeria. I feel highly honoured and humbled that I am today in a position to support our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in building the Nigeria of our collective dreams."

According to Akpabio, "

I wish to state that God has special love for me. How does one explain the humungous undeserving blessings He continually showers on me? How would I have imagined that from my very humble beginning in Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, that I, Godswill Akpabio, will rise to the coveted office of President of the Nigerian Senate? Indeed, our God is marvellous and greater than all imaginations."

He stated further, "I could not have missed this auspicious event given the significance of the theme of the occasion: 'The Church and Politics'. The present challenge which our country Nigeria is facing calls for urgent divine intervention through earnest fervent prayers.

"By this, I do not in any way mean to undermine the role that we as leaders in whatever sphere, whether spiritual or temporal, must play to defeat the numerous forces that have held Nigeria down all these years. God willing

and with renewed zeal and commitment, we shall begin to see progress in religious, political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of our lives."

Speaking further, Akpabio stated, "my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we embark on this journey of Nigeria’s rebirth, it is imperative that the Church upholds its responsibility of serving as the moral compass and a reorientation platform for the citizens. Nigeria will only make meaningful progress when every stakeholder and key player participates in nation building.

"It is common knowledge that Christians are called to be the light and salt of the world. According to one writer, 'we cannot be the light and the salt to this generation without getting involved in politics and understanding the ethos and structures of governance'.

"You may recall how the African Church at inception fought for the liberation of the blacks from spiritual and political dominance of Western world. Indeed, time has

come for the Church to take its position as a primary driver of progressive change. It's now or never, as Nigerians are eager for a new sustainable order.

"At the level of legislation, we will push for greater collaboration with the greater community which includes the Church by extension. On behalf of the Senate and the National Assembly, I thank you once again for the opportunity to join you at the Thanksgiving Service on the 2023 Synod/Congress of Abuja Province," he said.

In his sermon, with the theme: 'Church and Politics., the Archbishop, Abuja Metropolitan Province, Most Reverend Dr Peter Ogunmuyiwa, charged Christians to take part in politics to make a difference. He noted that he was one of those Bishops who stood against the Muslim/ Muslim ticket, but a change of heart when he had a personal encounter with the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) now President Bola Tinubu.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu (2nd left), with others during the re-opening of Apongbon Bridge in Lagos... at the weekend.

CHURCH IS UNIVERSAL, NOT ETHNO-CENTRIC

LARA WISE

During the burial activities of my Chairman, Raymond Dokpesi, something happened and I’d like to share. It is church-centric.

There is no way to describe the mammoth crowd that thronged Agenebode,his hometown.

Hospitality facilities were overstretched. Guests went as far as Idah, Kogi State, to get hotels. Some others went to Fugar and Auchi. Everywhere was jammed.

We had registered well ahead for our accommodation slot. On Wednesday night after the Christian wake, I was informed that my hotel was in Auchi. I was told it was some distance. The road not too safe.

Heaven had opened its gates: the downpour was torrential. It appeared as if I was stranded.

Where was I going to sleep?

It suddenly occurred to me that I am a church girl. I belong to a church community. I serve in church. I am known in church.

So I put a call through to my head of church in Goshen.

I was given the name of the pastor of the church in Agenebode.

I called him, introduced myself and explained my dilemma. All I wanted was to know if any church member owned a hotel he could help us with two reserve rooms.

He promised to get back. He did. Asked how many rooms

I needed, I told him two. One for me, one for my sister and her husband. Again, he asked to call back.

Again, he did call back informing me that he was on his way to pick us up.

He located us and we drove behind him.

He drove us to his house where two rooms had been prepared for us with very hot bath water waiting.

It didn’t matter that my two guests were not members of our church. It was more than okay that

I was a church member.

By morning, breakfast was waiting.

People of God, this is how this pastor 'gisted' us for the duration of our stay in Agenebode. We bonded so well and indeed we have made new friends.

Wonderful pastor.

Wonderful wife.

Wonderful children.

Being Lara Owoeye-Wise did not get me this miracle neither did being a broadcast journalist.

Being a member of a local church and being known there helped me in trouble.

This is part of the benefits of belonging to a local church community and staying there.

May God bless our host. They are Igbos, we are Yorubas, but in the body of Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek…

I hope I haven’t bored you.

As soon as I realised that the pastor had taken us to his house instead of a hotel, my mind did a

summersault…

Rewind

Growing up in the 70s in Kafanchan, Daura and Katsina, before my parents retired from medical practice, what greeted my eyes in the house of this pastor was normal occurrence in every home we lived in.

It was something I personally hated and did not understand as a child.

Total strangers brought home by my parents because they were stranded, because they had nowhere to sleep, because they had patients in the hospital and needed where to sleep,because they were human beings, most importantly.

My parents would bring out mattresses and lay them on the sitting room floor and we would all sleep there while total strangers took our rooms.

It was always an awful feeling for me as a child.

Not only were they given our rooms, we made breakfast for them, cleaned up things after them and I was always happy to see them leave.

For as many mornings as I could remember, every day on her way to the hospital, my mum would make us boil water in a flask and make pap in another flask and she would take them to the hospital. Why?

"Just in case someone had had a child overnight and didn’t have hot water or pap to feed on,” she would reply us.

It didn’t make sense especially when she would send back her of-

fice messenger to the house asking us to refill the two flasks.

Our house was a dormitory of sorts to people of every tribe and tongue.

We grew up having domestic staff who were paid to wait on us but my parents ensured we did our chores ourselves.

No domestic staff was maltreated. None was cheated.

Back to this pastor’s house

The moment I realised he had cleared his rooms for us, I called my elder sister, Dele Bamgboye, who had been monitoring my movement all the while, and asked her if she remembered how mum and dad used to clear our rooms for strangers.

The moment I entered my room, I blew a kiss to the ceiling; the kiss was for my parents.

I muttered under my breath: "I am eating the fruit of your labour in far away Agenebode."

I also prayed for my children that wherever they find their feet on the surface of this earth, they will eat the fruit of my goodwill towards all men.

May our children eat the fruit of our labour.

Amen.

No seed dies.

They grow.

Some immediately, others take years to bear fruit.

Sow good seed today.

This is from my church mind.

Open Letter: Expectations Of Nigerians For A Secure And Prosperous Nation, By Saleh Shehu Ashaka

Dear Nuhu Ribadu,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as you assume your new role as the National Security Advisor of Nigeria. On behalf of millions of Nigerians, I would like to express our hopes and expectations regarding the security challenges that our nation currently faces.

Nigeria is a country blessed with immense human and natural resources, yet we continue to grapple with various security threats that undermine our progress and development.

From insurgent groups wreaking havoc in the Northeast, banditry and kidnappings plaguing many states, to increasing cases of armed robbery and violence in different parts of the country, the security situation demands urgent attention and decisive action.

As the National Security Advisor, we expect you to take a proactive approach in addressing these challenges. Here are some key areas where we believe your expertise and leadership can make a significant difference:

1. Intelligence and Information Sharing: Enhance intelligence gathering and sharing mechanisms among different security agencies. Establish a

robust network that promotes seamless information flow and collaboration to detect and deter criminal activities. This will require investment in technology, training, and interagency cooperation.

2. Counterinsurgency Operations: The fight against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP requires a comprehensive strategy that includes military operations, intelligence-driven tactics, and efforts to address the root causes of extremism. Coordinate with the armed forces, police, and other relevant agencies to ensure a cohesive and effective approach.

3. Border Security and Migration Management: Strengthen border controls to prevent the influx of illegal weapons, drugs, and criminal elements into the country. Collaborate with neighboring countries to improve intelligence sharing and joint patrolling of shared borders. Develop a robust migration management system that effectively screens incoming and outgoing travelers while facilitating legitimate trade and movement.

4. Community Engagement and Trust-building: Actively engage with communities affected by insecurity and build

trust between the population and security forces. This can be achieved through community policing initiatives, regular town hall meetings, and fostering dialogue with local leaders and stakeholders. It is crucial to empower communities to participate in their own security and provide them with the necessary tools and support.

5. Cybersecurity: In an increasingly digital world, Nigeria must also prioritize cybersecurity efforts. Develop strategies to combat cybercrime, protect critical infrastructure, and safeguard personal and sensitive data. Collaboration with international partners and investment in technology and skilled personnel will be essential in this endeavor.

6. International Cooperation: Terrorism and organized crime are transnational challenges that require international collaboration. Forge strong partnerships with neighboring countries, regional organizations, and global allies to share intelligence, coordinate efforts, and disrupt the activities of criminal networks operating across borders.

7. Transparency and Accountability: Promote transparency and accountability within the security sector to enhance pub-

lic trust and confidence. Establish mechanisms for oversight, reporting, and investigation of alleged human rights abuses by security personnel. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for misconduct are held accountable will contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

8. Socioeconomic Development: Recognize the correlation between security and socioeconomic development. Addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality can help reduce the conditions that breed crime and insecurity. Invest in education, job creation, and infrastructure development to improve the livelihoods of Nigerians and create opportunities for all.

We understand the daunting task that lies ahead, but we have faith in your abilities and commitment to serving our nation. We urge you to prioritize the safety and well-being of Nigerians and work tirelessly to restore peace and stability to our beloved country.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to witnessing positive outcomes under your leadership.

Yours sincerely,

Saleh

Lara Wise

Nigeria is a country blessed with immense human and natural resources, yet we continue to grapple with various security threats that undermine our progress and development.

May God bless our host. They are Igbos, we are Yorubas, but in the body of Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek…

Increasing cases of drug abuse among Nigerian youths

Despite the campaign against drug abuse by government at all levels, non-governmental organisations and individuals, and particularly the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian youths are getting neck deeper into the vice.

The devastating consequences of drug use know no geographic, economic, social, or ethnic boundaries. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people around the globe – rich, poor, educated, illiterate, male, female, and even young children die from drug abuse, and millions more are victims of addiction and drug-fueled violence. Beyond the toll drugs take on health and welfare, substance use disorders undermine economic development, diminish social and political stability, and reduce security in countries and regions around the world.

It is no longer news that a greater percentage of youths in Nigeria today get themselves involved in one form of drug abuse or the other.

Amidst the widespread commendations over the ban of codeine and tramadol by the Federal Government, a new large-scale nationwide survey has revealed that drug use by people within the ages of 15 and 64 years in Nigeria is on the rise.

A survey on drug use in Nigeria not long ago revealed that the nation is breeding a wild generation of drug addicts. This gory state of affairs of substance abuse calls for the declaration of a state of emergency, considering the fact that the youth population is the fulcrum of national development.

The 2018 National Drug Use Survey, a joint research by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA) with technical support from the UNODC, gave a damning account of rising drug use in Nigeria, noting that as of the time of the research, 14.3 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 years engaged in drug use.

Of this figure, the survey added that about three million were drug dependent and suffering from substance-induced disorders.

Another nationwide survey by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) funded by European Union (EU) in partnership with the Federal Government said no fewer than 10.6 million Nigerians abused cannabis in 2018, while 4.6 million abused opium.

The report said that 2.4 million youths and adults also abused cough syrups with 92,000 more using cocaine. Other drugs commonly abused during the period are tranquilizers and sedatives, solvent, inhalers, amphetamines and prescription stimulants.

This survey also reports that one of four drug users in Nigeria is a woman. Adding that the extent of drug use in Nigeria is comparatively high compared to previous global annual prevalence of any drug abuse use.

Basically, youths in the country inhale, inject and consume psychotic

and narcotic substances and drugs at will, easily evading the scrutiny of a society distracted by economic malaise at the expense of their future wellbeing.

Truth be told, the impact of drug abuse is lethal. Many families are contending with drug addicts; some of them have quit schooling and work; others are on the verge of lunacy or battling with acute diseases.

The number of drug users in Nigeria is estimated at 14.4 per cent or 14.3 million people aged between 15 and 64 years according to the results of the National Drug Use Survey. The data suggests that the prevalence of drug use in Nigeria is more than twice the global average of 5.6 per cent.

The extent of drug use in Nigeria is comparatively high when compared with the 2016 global annual prevalence of any drug use of 5.6 per cent among the adult population.

There is a gap in meeting the needs for treatment and care for people with drug use disorders. With close to three million Nigerians living with some level of drug dependence, the extremely limited availability of drug counselling and treatment services exacerbates this health crisis.

This is indeed striking and alarming and calls for concerted efforts to mitigate the negative consequences of this rising menace on the health, socio-economic and security of our nation.

Even though the Federal Government has over the years responded boldly to this global challenge with innovative, standard-setting drug demand reduction programmes, we are of the opinion that there is need to solve the problem.

Awareness programmes need to be developed to address the perception of stigma among the youth and their families over substance use and to remove barriers towards seeking care for these problems.

These programmes should also address the inability of the youth to perceive addictive behaviours as a health risk.

Parents and support persons’ involvement and engagement in youth programmes should be strengthened further as it improves communication and better decision-making for youth health issues.

Family-based prevention programmes emphasising parenting skills, training or improving family functioning, communication and family rules regarding substance abuse needs to be introduced.

Also, teachers are a major source of information to young people. Hence, strengthening the role and performance of educational institutions, ensuring availability of counselling services, gender sensitivity issues, making life skills courses a part of curriculum are required for health and welfare of young people.

Most importantly, in all youth related programmes, young people should be involved and engaged to empower them to make informed decisions.

Cartoons from our Archives

Words on Marble

Words on Marble

WINNIE MANDELA:

ATIKU ABUBAKAR:

“People exaggerate corruption in Nigeria. It is not even our first or second problem, maybe the third.”

Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti: As for the charges against me, I am unconcerned. I am beyond their timid lying morality and so I am beyond caring.”

“I have a good relationship with Mandela. But I am not Mandela's product. I am the product of the masses of my country and the product of my enemy.”

Albert Einstein: “I believe in one thing—that only a life lived for others is a life worth living.”

LAMIDO SANUSI:

Jerry Rawlings: "Food is a political weapon…Africa's foremost defense is self-sufficiency in food.”

state is captive to vested interests.”

“The

Oborevwori, Okowa, Ogomudia, others laud Irabor on retirement

NOSA ÀKEÑZUA, ASABA

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has extolled the virtues of immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd).

He described him as an officer who had a brilliant and successful military career.

He said that Gen. Irabor was destined for the peak of his military career because God wanted him to get there.

Oborevwori stated this at a grand reception organized by the Ika sub-nation in honour of Gen.Irabor in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.

He commended the unity of Ika people, urging other ethnic nationalities to emulate them in honouring their own to encourage them to do more for the state and country.

He said: "We are here to celebrate with one of our own, the finest Army General on this reception organised by the Ika nation to welcome our dear General back home.

"The beauty about this celebration is when your people honour you and the Ika nation organized this hosting because they are united.

"As Governor, our duty is to continue to encourage other ethnic nationalities to continue to be united in hosting their own to spur them to do more for the state and country.

"A lot has been said about our brother, Gen. Irabor. As Speaker in the 7th Assembly, I am aware of the lot he did, even when he was about retiring he was upgraded and made Chief of Defence Staff.

"To have risen to the top echelon of military career is by the grace of God; it is not by his strength, but he is destined for that position and he has done very well as a brilliant officer.

"Gen. Irabor is someone that has the passion to serve, he is committed and very focused in all he does and I am very sure that his successor, Maj. Gen. C.G. Musa, whom I know very well for almost two decades, will also do well.

"I know that with him in charge of the Armed Forces, more peace will come to this nation.

"At your pull-out ceremony, a lot of serving and retired Generals were there to honour you for the good works you did in the area of security of our nation.

"On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you for an illustrious career in the military and as we welcome you back home, I congratulate Deltans and the Ika nation for giving us a great man like you."

Immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in his remarks, said

Gen. Irabor did a lot for the peace and security of the country.

Okowa said: "I thank God that our people have deemed it necessary by organising this befitting reception for you. You are worthy of it all because we know what you did for our country, Nigeria.

"Listening to the testaments here, we are even more proud as Ika nation than we were before. Obviously, you rose as a compatriot to obey Nigeria's call to serve our fatherland ---and our fatherland you have served with all your strength believing in Nigeria.

"You served with heart and might, the true wording of our national anthem, and you have kept faith with this nation and you have made each and every one of us proud.

"I am particularly very proud to associate with you and welcoming you back home today, we are truly very grateful that God led you through these 37 years and has brought you back home strong and healthy and your wife and children strong and healthy."

Encomiums cascaded on the retired CDS from dignitaries present.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Musa; former CDS, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (rtd); Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Ebenezer Onyeagwu; Chairman of Arise News, Prince Nduka Irabor and others who spoke, commended Gen. Irabor for his outstanding service to the nation especially in managing the war against terror and insurgency.

in unison, they said Gen. Irabor distinguished himself in military service, adding that the entire military would continue to be inspired by his sterling accomplishments and patriotic service to the nation.

In his remarks, Gen. Irabor thanked the Ika nation for the honour done him and his family, adding that he would remain grateful to the Nigerian military for the opportunity to serve the nation.

He pledged continued support for the unity and growth of the nation, assuring that with Gen. Musa taking over from him, the nation's Armed Forces were in good hands.

Activities kick off for second edition of EMCOAN awards

BY OUR REPORTER

Umbrella body of television, radio and online content owners/producers/providers in Nigeria, Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN), is gearing up for the second edition of its awards event.

The three-in-one international event, tagged NEMCEA, an acronym for Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards, is billed to feature exhibitions/content market, conferences and awards.

Its maiden edition took place in August, 2022 at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos and was widely applauded by attendees as a resounding success.

These were disclosed in a statement signed by NEMCEA 2023 publicity manager, Chinedu Ugwu, and made available to Daily Times.

This year’s event, which is focused on 'Revitalizing Traditional Broadcast Media in Nigeria', Ugwu said, will delve into the roles of industry stakeholders such as content producers, advertisers, broadcast media, regulators and others.

It is scheduled to hold August 22-24 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the publici-

ty manager, registration has opened for participants, exhibitors and buyers at www. nemcea.com/register, while entries for submission of TV, radio and online content only for the various award categories are also open at www.nemcea.com/awards respectively.

He stated that entries for the various award categories will close on July 15 even as registration for participation and sponsorship continues.

Rallying stakeholders to attend the event, Ugwu said:"This year’s NEMCEA is a must for all broadcast media houses, content producers, budding content creators, content aggregators, as well as all stakeholders in the electronic media content industry."

He recalled that the maiden was a huge success,saying it was attended by the "creme de la creme of industry stakeholders, industry regulators, content aggregators, local and international exhibitors as well as other key players in content production and marketing."

Ugwu added: "Some of the sponsors, partners and exhibitors to the 2022 edition were Creative Nigeria Summit (CNS), Zee Entertainment (Zee World), Radisson Blu Hotel, the Ministry of Information and Culture, National Broadcasting

Commission (NBC), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), amongst others.

"NEMCEA 2022 afforded content producers and aggregators first hand opportunity to interact and exchange values.

"In one of the featured curated sessions, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) leveraged on the conference to task content producers on the need to pay more attention to children-oriented programmes. They observed that a lot of foreign programmes and cartoons have taken over our airspace and beclouded our time-cherished cultural values."

Listing the dignitaries who graced the inaugural event, the publicity manager said that: "The highpoint of the event was the award and recognition ceremony which took place on the third day of the event. Some of the awardees were Dr. Peter Igho; Mr. Wale Adenuga, MFR; Mr. Tajudden Adepetu and Mr. Theophilus Akatugba (as Industry Pacesetters).

"Others were Adebowale Debo Adedayo (a.k.a Mr. Macaroni) and Samuel A. Perry (aka Broda Shaggi) for the Outstanding Performance In Online Short Comedy Creation (male category) while Ms. Emmanuella

Samuel of Mark Angel Comedy and Maryam ApaokagiGreene (a.k.a Taaooma) both won the female category.

" The winners of the Best Actor and Actress for TV/ Web Drama Series were Gabriel Afolayan and Tana Egbo-Adelana respectively.

" The Goge Africa TV show produced by Ambassadors Isaac and Nneka Moses was given Special Recognition as Outstanding Tourism and Cultural Programme on TV while Zee Media Services TV Drama production titled 'The Closets' won the Best Overall Drama Series for the Year, amongst many others."

Apparently savouring the success of the first edition, Ugwu described it as "the great catalyst propelling the preparations for the 2nd edition. This explains why big names in global content production and marketing that were part of the maiden edition have already indicated interest in participating at the 2nd edition."

The NEMCEA 2023 spokesman quoted the event's project director, Alayande Stephen,as saying "we are propelled to further engage industry stakeholders and continuously bring to fore discourse, perspectives and salient issues that are of paramount concern to the African content economy.

Scores of people have been confirmed dead in an attack on a community in Benue State at the weekend

Spokesman of Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Tersoo Kula, who confirmed the attack in a statement yesterday, said the governor condemned the ‘unprovoked attack’.

Cause of the attack is not known even as no group has claimed responsibility, but

the state has, for years, been under the grip of killer herders-farmers’ clashes, which have left huge fatalities.

The attack, according to Kula, occurred in Akpuuna village, Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

The statement said scores of people were killed when the armed hoodlums attacked the community on Saturday.

According to Kula, Gover-

nor Alia received the news with shock, adding that the governor was disheartened to hear that innocent residents were murdered in cold blood for no just cause.

Governor Alia’s spokesman said the governor expressed total displeasure over what he described as a heinous crime and a grave sin against God and mankind.

“The governor sends his words of condolence to

those who lost their loved ones in the attack and prays God to comfort them.

“Alia calls for calm and advises the people of Sankera to assist security agencies with useful information that could help tackle insecurity in the area,” he wrote.

Reports quoted residents as saying the attack occurred Saturday morning. They said they had recovered 24 bodies of victims after the attack.

As suspected herdsmen gunmen kill scores in Benue, gov angry

We advised Buhari on Nigeria’s economy, but he was adamant –Ladoja

It is all speculation. I think somebody is trying to fly a kite here to see whether they can drag me into the thing.

This year’s Eid-elKabir celebration is holding in a parlous economic situation in the country. How do you see this?

Just as our Imam said at the Eid prayer ground, one year there was famine and another year, there was abundance. With the new government in place in Nigeria, abundance will start coming. It may look difficult initially; but we all know difficult decisions have to be taken before we can expect succor at the end of it. So, to those of us who are still alive, please do not lose hope.

Does that mean you are in support of some of the tough decisions taken so far by President Bola Tinubu, such as the removal of petrol subsidy and so on?

Yes, I am in support of the decisions made so far. All of us know there is the need for us to adjust and rejig Nigeria. It is even not a question of palliatives now; it is a question of how we should re-distribute wealth. So, it is not about giving five million people N5,000 each. The president promised to give a living wage to workers. This means he knows the workers are not earning a living wage. I am sure he knows what he is doing; and by the grace of God, we will get there.

Most of what we blamed former President Muhammadu Buhari for is that he just turned a deaf ear to our complaints. Most of the complaints Tinubu is acting upon now had already been raised with Buhari. The issues of former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), (Abdulrasheed) Bawa; and the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, (Godwin) Emefiele, were raised with Buhari.

So, we can assume that Tinubu knows what he is doing. If we can take away a lot of corruption, there will be speedy progress. Tinubu does not need to police people. They will police themselves.

Now, for instance, we don’t need to police the borders on account of people taking subsidized petrol out of the country, as long as Nigeria is getting all the money that is due to it and there is no subsidy. It is for the Benin Republic to collect taxes from people who are bringing it into its country. Governance will be easy when you don’t need to police anything. Everything will become liberal and there will be competition that will

force prices down.

Look at the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication; when they started, the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) was about N30,000. But now, they are even ready to give people free of charge. Once there is competition, things will get better and I am sure the president knows that, having come from the private sector.

It was recently in the news that you and 10 others were going to be promoted to crown-wearing obas from your current positions as Ibadan high chiefs…

I read the report and I don’t know why they made the report about me. They said 11 people were going to become obas; they should have led with the head of the 11 high chiefs which today is the Balogun of Ibadanland. Why did they say ‘Ladoja and 10 others’? Why didn’t they say ‘Olakulehin and 10 others’? I think there is some sort of mischief there.

I want to say it again: nothing has changed. People say ‘you don’t mend what is not broken’. I don’t think it is fair and right to have those of us who are high chiefs become obas. Why? Who are we competing with?

When I set out to join the race to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993, I started focusing on how to become the Olubadan of Ibadaland and that is the only crown I want to wear. I am not interested in any other crown apart from that of the Olubadan.

I did not expect there would be an issue of ‘ade pali’ (crown made of cardboard) on the way. If I wanted that, I would have become Baale of Laleye, which is our village.

Those of us who are high chiefs are advisers to the Olubadan and in the process, we are also learning. We are promoted from one rank to another and we are sent on errands by the Olubadan to represent him in places.

As Ekarun Olubadan, I was the acting Chairman of Lagelu Local Government Traditional Council. After that, I became the Ekerin and was posted to Oluyole Local Government Traditional Council in the same capacity.

When I became Asipa, I was at Ibadan North-West and when I became the Osi Olubadan, I went to Ibadan South-West where I also served as acting Chairman of the Traditional Council

there. Now, I am in Ibadan South-East. You can see that I have covered five councils out of the available 11. We are supposed to be assisting the Olubadan. Look at Lagos; everybody knows that the white cap chiefs are superior to some obas in Lagos. So, it is not unique to Ibadan.

All of us know that it is God who chooses the Olubadan. In recent history, within one week, the Balogun and Otun Olubadan died. Their deaths paved the way for the immediate-past Olubadan, the late Oba Saliu Adetunji. It is God Who decided that those people would not become Olubadan. So, we can assume that it is only God who will determine who will be Olubadan. So, I don’t know why people want to short-circuit the process.

I asked one of the people who are agitating to become obas why they wanted to become obas. He told me they went for a reception at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre and that three of them were in the front, representing the Olubadan and that when one oba from an obscure place in the state was coming from the back, they were asked to give way for the oba. They were furious, because they, in their own rights, were qualified to become obas. Either we are right or wrong, we say in Ibadan that a mogaji from Ibadan is bigger in status than an oba in other places.

But it is not in our tradition that high chiefs are made to become obas when they are already in line to become Olubadan. When Ibadan people started their kingship system, they chose a collegiate system where the Olubadan is the head. I told them that the answer

Ladoja is not interested in wearing any other crown apart from that of Olubadan. The issue at stake is not the issue of crown, but that of hierarchy. I did not have a crown at that time. You journalists are supposed to be doing investigative journalism. Find out the source of the story.

Recently, the Oyo State House of Assembly passed an amended chieftaincy law…

Have you read it?

They did not make it available…

viduals who got dollars at such a price from the CBN. The rate moved from N450 official rate to N630. A lot of things were happening under Buhari.

to their not being properly recognised is for us to have a very strong protocol unit under the Olubadan. If the protocol people had gone to the reception to tell the organisers that Olubadan would not be coming, but three of the high chiefs would be representing him, they would have reserved their seats and nobody would have asked them to clear the way for any oba. If it is for any other reason, maybe the idea would have been welcomed. But for the reason they gave, it is not going to fly.

Are you considering going to court on this matter?

Why should I go to court? What for? If my right is not violated and what they have done is right, why should I go to court? If at the end of the day, what they do is not right, then, any bona fide Ibadan person can go to court, because every Ibadan person is a potential Olubadan. You people are just speculating. Where is the source of the original information? The information at my own disposal was from the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland (High Chief Eddy) Oyewole, who sent me a message that by 7th of July, the governor had accepted that they should start using their crowns.

This means they fixed the date themselves and asked the Governor to give them permission to be using their crowns. He did not say the Governor would come and crown them. They had crowns from the days of (the late Governor) Abiola Ajimobi and it was not the Governor who took away their crowns. They willingly left the crowns. I have not read anything from government circles, from what I have been reading so far.

That is not true; they made it available. If you go to the Government Press, they will give you a copy there. So, go and read it. If you read it, you will find out that it has nothing to do with the issue of Olubadan chieftaincy or any high chief wearing crowns. From the voice note I played to you people earlier, you heard the Osi Olubadan saying they asked for the Governor’s permission to be wearing their crowns and not to promote them as obas. What the governor asked the House of Assembly to do is to remove a clause which makes the approval of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs mandatory to crown obas. That is why I said you people should go and read it first.

What is your relationship with Governor Seyi Makinde?

It is that of father to son.

Is it cordial?

Of course, it is. Why are you asking me that question? It is very cordial. He gave me one big cow and bags of rice for Sallah. That is what a son should do to the father. Our relationship is very good.

Under President Bola Tinubu, is there any hope for a new Nigeria?

Of course, there is hope for a new Nigeria. Remove all the corruption; you will see that Nigeria will be better. In those days, anybody in the EFCC was above the law. Now, President Tinubu has shown us that everybody is accountable. The former EFCC Chairman, Bawa, was said to have gone to Mecca and taken about six rooms in Hilton Hotel which costs a fortune. They said he should be queried where he got the money.

Yes, it is true; we should ask him. Where did he get the money? Look at Emefiele also; one of the newspapers said he sold dollars at N630. He denied it. But the newspaper came back and said it stood by its story and could even name indi-

I only hope the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be strong enough to face the issue of cleansing of the Augean stable. Once they can clean it up, we will not see another Bawa going to Mecca to live luxuriously without thinking of the implications. If Buhari were to be a serious president, he would have sacked Emefiele the day he said he was going to contest for presidency. Where did he get the N100 million to buy the form? We believe that, by the grace of God, Tinubu, with whatever shortcomings he might have coming in, will make a difference.

We have heard some people saying Ibadan has come of age and needs to have more than one oba…

Everybody has a right to his opinion, but whether the opinion is reasonable or not is another thing. I am not saying that we should not modernise it. If we are not going to modernise it, then, we will not be riding in cars, but on horsebacks. Yes, we need to modernise it. But is wearing crowns part of modernity? They have been wearing crowns for how many years? Ibadan chose to wear a crown for its Olubadan only in 1976 and luckily, the father of my close friend was the one who wore it first, Oba Adebimpe.

Olubadan of the past used to be called Baales, until the time of Alesinloye who said he did not want to be Baale, but Olubadan. Ibadan was bearing anything they wanted to bear, because they were so strong. Olubadan was bearing Bashorun before now (Bashorun Ogunmola). We had one who was Aare Onakakanfo (Aare Latosa). Later, they settled for the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Can’t we just have you, as a former governor, constituting an advisory council to be advising the state governor on issues that affect Oyo State, based on your experience?

Everybody has his model of governance. If Governor Makinde needs advice from me, he comes to me to ask for my opinion on issues. Or he even calls to seek my opinion and I always tell him my opinion. At the federal level, they have what is called the Council of State, with the former Chief Justices, former heads of state, former presidents and so on. Nothing prevents the states from having their own council of state with former Governors, former CJs, former Attorneys-General and so on as members.

Former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, recently spoke with journalists on sundry political/economic issues plaguing the country as well as the controversial crowning of Olubadan of Ibadanland’s high chiefs as obas in the land. STEPHEN GBADAMOSI presents excerpts:

Reps move to address killings, kidnappings in Ondo State

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

House of Representatives has directed two of its committees to ensure mechanisms aimed at nipping persistent cases of kidnappings and banditry in Ose Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State in the bud are activated.

The committees are those on National Security and Intelligence and on National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), upon their constitution.

The development followed a motion moved by the member representing the area in the House, Timehin Adelegbe, last week, which also sought to direct NEMA to provide emergency relief materials to cushion the effect of the hardship suffered by the people.

Adelegbe noted that “the persistent killings and kidnappings of innocent citizens of Ijagba, Imoru, Molete, Arimogija, Ute and Okeluse axis in Ose LGA by herdsmen and bandits have kept the communities in state of perpetual siege and bondage, leading to wanton loss of lives, properties and farmlands.”

The lawmaker added that

“in the last two years, over 50 innocent lives had been lost, with several kidnapped and unaccounted for, including the recent kidnap of Mr. Isaac Ohimeren and his son, Solomon. While his father was murdered, the son was released after the payment of N400,000 ransom.”

Speaking further, Adelegbe recalled that in the same LGA, one of the foremost traditional rulers in the state, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, was shot dead while returning from a function in the State capital, Akure, on November 26, 2020.

The legislator further rued the situation of a former Chairman of Ose Local Government Council, Bola Adelegbe, kidnapped on April 23, 2023 along the same route and had not been released, despite the family paying a substantial amount as ransom.

He described the community as heavily dependent on farming, adding that, unfortunately, the people, for some time now, had not been able to access their farms.

This, he noted, was due to the activities of the criminals who had turned the forests around the axis into their base.

BudgIT launches SFTL, releases Q1 assessment report

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation advocating for accountability, transparency and effective service delivery in Nigeria, has launched its States Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL).

The SFTL initiative builds on the recently-concluded World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme, which promotes fiscal transparency

and facilitates accountability in public resource management.

It is recalled that World Bank recently developed SFTAS, a four-year programme, to support government’s objectives and encourage a common set of fiscal behavior aimed at fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability.

Based on this, BudgIT’s SFTL initiative is designed to sustain the gains of the World Bank’s SFTAS by tracking how well States maintain fiscal transpar -

Ribadu, an excellent fit for NSA –Ohikere

Aformer Kogi state Information Commissioner and the Managing Director of the APC NewsOnline, Dr Tom Ohikere has said that the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser (NSA) is an excellent decision by an administration determined to approach national issues and problems from a new and different direction.

Ohikere made this known weekend while reacting to a statement by former Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Bolaji Akinyemi who pooh-poohed the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on the basis of his lack of military background.

Speaking to a national newspaper in Lagos, Dr Akinyemi, who is now the Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman of Project Victory Call Initiative (PVC-Naija), said that Ribadu will face challenges in his new position as the service chiefs may not consider him fit for the position.

Akinyemi said, "The Office of the NSA coordinates the security thrust for the country. In a way, this job is more important and hands-on than that of the Minister of Defence. It therefore means that someone from Intelli-

gence or with a background in the military has this job."

However, speaking on the comment by the former Minister, Ohikere said Akinyemi sees national security as hinging solely on military needs and requirements, pointing out that the perspective has long been denounced.

According to him, national security is a much broader concept that requires input from a variety of sectors and professionals.

Ohikere said, "While national security is usually and traditionally seen in terms of the military components and territorial security of a state, it also goes beyond that to include human (citizens') security that includes such elements as food security, respect for individual rights, rule of law, respect for minority and cultural rights, social welfare and justice, among others.

''While military background has always been a requirement in the appointment of our National Security Advisers, much of it can be attributed to our history of military intervention in government in which fraternal military course mates dominated key sensitive and important positions in the government for purely reason of

regime security, particularly since the position of the National Security Adviser (NSA) started in 1993 during the military government of Ibrahim Babangida, parading the likes of Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, Ismail Gwarzo, Abdullahi Mohammed, Abdullahi Sarki Muktar, Kayode Are, Andrew Azazi, Sambo Dasuki and Babagana Monguno.

"While the National Security Adviser is appointed by the President and does not require confirmation from the Nigerian Senate, however, his duties vary from administration to administration; and depends, not only on the qualities of the person appointed to the position, but also on the style and management philosophy of the incumbent President.

''Nigeria has had its own fair share of autocratic military rule and the oppression and suppression that goes with it, with ordinary citizens considered as national security threats, a classification that has extended far into the Fourth Republic in Obasanjo's administration and prolonged by the advent of the Boko Haram insurgency which lasted till the last days of the Muhammadu Buhari adminis-

tration.''

Speaking further, Ohikere said, "With the subsiding situation and the transition to stability and a new dispensation of things, anchored on Renewed Hope agenda, it is clear that it will not be business as usual. That the government will not base its national security approach on a purely militaristic state-centric approach, but on the human security approach, anchored on human empowerment and development and respect for the rights of citizens and rule of law.

''The current president is adept in his knowledge of Nigeria's political history having been in the forefront of the struggle for the restoration of democracy in the country, and has subsequently operated at the corridors of power, learning lessons along the way that have eluded others, particularly the hitherto traditional political classes.

"Nuhu Ribadu, we know, is a fine and diligent gentleman with extraordinary intellectual endowment, a requisite that made him the first Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) between 2003 and 2007.

ency, accountability, accessibility and effective public finance management.

The SFTL programme is a quarterly assessment focused on various aspects, including proposed budget, approved budget, citizens’ budget, budget implementation reports (BIR), audit report, e-procurement portal, medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF), Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, Accountant-General’s report/financial statement and States’ functional website/fiscal repository.

“In line with the criteria above, we conducted an assessment of all 36 States in Nigeria for the first quarter of 2023. From our findings, nine states were progressive, as they adhered to the SFTAS guidelines; 24 states performed averagely, while three states had poor performance,” according to BudgIT Acting Lead for Open Government and Institutional Partnership, Iyanuoluwa Bolarinwa.

“Upholding the gains of the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparen -

cy, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme will help sub-national governments gain the trust of their people, attract foreign investment, support economic plans and upscale the well-being of citizens. This is particularly important in this era where many States have had a change of government,” he said.

He added that “through this statement, BudgIT is notifying all State governments, civil society organisations, development partners, media and the general public of the SFTL programme. We also implore all sub-national governments to enable functional and up-todate State websites to facilitate the extraction of required information for the assessment.

“State governments and stakeholders are also urged to respond to requests for information promptly. We believe the States Fiscal Transparency League initiative will strengthen our democracy and bridge the gap between the government and its citizens.”

State of the road connecting Taraba and Adamawa States.

Tinubu emerges as new ECOWAS Chairman, harps on regional security

UKPONO UKPONG

In a unanimous endorsement that signals the trust and confidence reposed in him by his counterparts, President Bola Tinubu yesterday emerged the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.

President Tinubu, who is the latest entrant into the exclusive club of Heads of State in West Africa, enthusiastically accepted the honour, on behalf of Nigeria, with a solemn pledge to bear the responsibility of the office and run an inclusive administration of the regional organisation.

The Nigerian leader, however, warned that the threat to peace in the sub-region had reached an alarming proportion with terrorism and emerging pattern of military takeover that now demand urgent and concerted actions.

He said insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the region.

President Tinubu called for collective action from member-states, pledging that under his leadership, frameworks would be harmonized to actualize the dreams of ECOWAS.

“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level, and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive. In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” he declared.

President Tinubu noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which, he noted, “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy. There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.

"I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilize resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure.''

On his emergence as Chairman in his first participation at the summit, having just started out as the elected leader of Nigeria, President Tinubu stated that he was humbled and honoured by the trust to assume the

leadership of the regional body, pledging his commitment to serve the interest of the community.

He said: "Indeed, I’m humbled and honored by this trust, and want to assure you of my unalloyed commitment to provide the necessary leadership with dedication to serve the interest of the community."

To underscore his commitment towards regional integration, the President declared that he would prioritize political stability, peace and security, regional economic integration and strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, declaring that democracy and good governance remain the abiding cornerstones of peace and sustainable development. While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d'etat in West Africa where soldiers have toppled the popular mandate of the people through barrel of guns, President Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.

"We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government. There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn't give our soldiers resources, we didn't invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people. To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired which is to

defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs," the President warned.

On political stability, he said: "You will all agree with me that democracy and good governance are the cornerstones of peace and sustainable development of every society. I’m fully committed to deepening democracy and good governance in the region.

"We must strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure the respect for human rights and the rule of law. I will enhance engagements with the countries in

transition to ensure their quick return to democratic rule.

The new ECOWAS Chairman called for improved private sector participation in the effort towards the economic development of Member States as well as their social integration.

“We would work collectively to pursue an inclusive economic integration, which will be significantly private sector driven, in order to unlock the vast economic potentials of our region. We would actively promote trade, investment, and business cooperation among Member States by

addressing the barriers impeding intra-regional trade, as well as creating a conducive business environment.

“We must encourage economic partnerships to raise the level of trade and investments in our region, hence facilitating employment creation and sustainable development and prosperity for our citizens.

"To this end, we must look inward and work with our regional economic facilitation platforms such as the Federation of West of West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) as well as ECOWAS Trade Organisation Network to attain our desired goals, “he said further.

President Tinubu assured the regional leaders of the immediate implementation of his vision for the body, declaring that: ''In furtherance of my vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth, Nigeria intends to convene an ECOWAS Extra Ordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023.

"The event will provide opportunity for Member States to showcase their potentials and encourage match-making, in order to evolve business cooperation among the various organized private sector within the region," he added while calling for the strengthening of the institutions of the body.

"In the area of strengthening our organization's institutions and ensuring effective performance, we underscore the need for the conclusion of the on-going institutional reforms of the

organization.

"Given that Community Levy remained the biggest source of generating funds to run our organization, we must ensure that our citizens being taxed must be positively impacted by the programmes and projects of ECOWAS. This is in line with the shift of ECOWAS slogan from “ECOWAS of State” to “ECOWAS of People,” the Nigerian President emphasised.

He appreciated the Authority of Heads of States and citizens of the Community for trusting him to lead the West African body.

President Tinubu said: "Your Excellencies, let me conclude by once again deeply appreciating the Authority of Heads of State and the citizens of the Community for your trust in me. Together, we can shape a brighter future of shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity of our region."

In his welcome address, the outgone ECOWAS Chairman and President of Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo saluted his fellow leaders for sustaining the vision of the organisation despite the global economic headwinds and trouble spots within the region. He cited Mali, Burkina Faso and Republic of Guinea as countries where the constitutional order had been distorted while congratulating Nigeria and Sierra Leone for sustaining constitutional order through democratic process with the recent successful elections.

...seeks private sector-led economic growth in sub-region

...Says ECOWAS must rise against coup d'etat

Sri Lanka: The fate of a protest that toppled a president

Udeni Kaluthantri, a 54-year-old port worker, became an overnight sensation last year for reasons that had nothing to do with his job.

Days after protesters stormed the presidential palace in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, a video surfaced of Mr Kaluthantri lounging on a bed draped with the presidential flag.

Pictures of young men jumping into the pool inside the palace and bouncing on the presidential four-poster bed had already gone around the world. Mr Kaluthantri's video joined all of the other imagery as poetic proof of how millions of Sri Lankans were fed up of what they regarded as inept and corrupt governance under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Soon after, Mr Rajapaksa fled the country, resigning days later. It was hailed as a massive win for an unprecedented people's movement but one year later, Sri Lanka looks quite different.

The people's struggle

In early 2022, inflation in Sri Lanka skyrocketed as foreign reserves emptied and the country ran short of fuel, food and medicine.

Residents experienced up to 13-hour power cuts in what was the worst economic crisis the country had faced since independence.

Many held then president Mr Rajapaksa and his family responsible. While his disastrous economic policies led to the shortfall in foreign currency, the Rajapaksa family was also accused of corruption and siphoning public money. But the Rajapaksas deny any wrongdoing and place blame elsewhere for the crisis: the sharp drop in tourism revenue because of the pandemic and the high cost of fuel after Russia invaded Ukraine.

I was in Colombo last year as crowds gathered at Galle Face Green, a popular beach-facing public space in Colombo. The demonstrations continued day and night, the crowds swelling in the evenings with families, students, priests, nuns, cler-

ics and monks. Driven by the rallying cry "Gota go home", the protests engulfed the country, uniting Sri Lanka's three major communitiesSinhalese, Tamils and Muslims - for the first time.

Weeks later, they culminated in extraordinary scenes where protesters

stormed the presidential palace, with the intention of forcing Mr Rajapaksa out of power. Mr Kaluthantri was among them. Mr Rajapaksa was not at the palace when the protesters broke in - so they made themselves at home, and took away all sorts of "souvenirs", from

Latvia swears in Edgars Rinkevics as EU's first openly gay president

Latvia's long-serving foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics has become the first openly gay head of state of a European Union nation.

Mr Rinkevics, who had served as foreign minister since 2011, was sworn in as Latvia's president on Saturday in Riga.

Although generally a ceremonial position, Latvia's president can veto legislation and call referendums.

The EU has had openly gay heads of governments before, but never a gay head of state.

In many countries, the heads of state and heads of government are different people - for example a president and prime minister. Former Belgian Prime Minister Elio di Rupo was the EU's first openly gay head of government.

Mr Rinkevics, 49, first

came out in 2014 and has been a vocal champion of LGBT rights ever since.

Gay marriage is illegal in Latvia, though the country's constitutional court recognised same sex unions last year.

In May, Mr Rinkevics was elected by Latvia's parliament to be the country's next president at the third round of voting.

On Saturday in his inaugural speech, Mr Rinkevics vowed to continue supporting Ukraine's ongoing war effort against Russia.

He said Latvia's foreign policy "does not have time for mistakes", adding he will act "quickly, decisively and wisely".

Also in his speech, Mr Rinkevics encouraged young Latvians to "break the glass ceiling" as he addressed inequality as being a "significant problem".

"The social divide in our society is too big," he said.

"During my presidency, I will stand up for the creation of a modern and strong Latvia, for a legal and just Latvia, for the wellbeing of the people, for an inclusive and respectful society.

"And it is possible for all of us to achieve this by working together."

Mr Rinkevics takes over from Egils Levits who served as president for four years and will represent Latvia at Nato's summit next week in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Latvia is one of three Baltic states, including Lithuania and Estonia, which joined the EU in 2004 after breaking away from the crumbling Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

Has Janet Yellen's trip to Beijing improved US-China relations?

US Treasury Secretary

Janet Yellen has just concluded a four-day trip to China, aimed at rebuilding bridges between the two countries.

Was the trip to Beijing a success? Well, by one very basic metric, yes.

The US and China are once again talking to each other, face to face, politely and respectfully, if not warmly.

It's a stark contrast to trans-Pacific communication during the Donald Trump administration, which was done largely via the megaphone of social media.

The tone and the content from both sides is more positive and more measured.

Ms Yellen said her trip would help to build a "resilient and productive channel of communication with China's new economic team". That should not be discounted.

In March this year, much of the top tier of China's government was replaced with men whose primary qualification is loyalty to leader Xi Jinping. Key among them is the country's new economic chief, He Lifeng.

On Saturday Janet Yellen spent much of the day with

Mr He. She said their talks had been "direct, substantive and productive", while admitting that the two sides had "significant disagreements".

Throughout her visit Ms Yellen sought to persuade her Chinese hosts that under President Joe Biden, America is not fundamentally hostile to China.

"We do not see our relationship in terms of great power conflict", she said, and "we do not seek to decouple" our economies from each other.

It appears the Biden administration is trying to

bed sheets to books.

"I took the presidential flags away because I thought Mr Rajapaksa wouldn't be able to act as president without those official symbols," Mr Kaluthantri said. Sri Lanka's presidential flags are unique to each president,

and the design changes every time a new leader assumes office.

Five days later, Mr Rajapaksa fled the country and sent his resignation from Singapore. This was seen as a victory for the "aragalaya" or "people's struggle" as the movement was called.

France bans buying fireworks for Bastille Day after riots

France has banned the sale, possession and transport of all fireworks during the upcoming Bastille Day festivities.

The government issued a decree on Sunday prohibiting "pyrotechnic articles" for the 14 July celebrations that mark France's national day.

The move comes after rioting sparked by last month's police killing of 17-year-old Nahel M by police in Nanterre.

worst urban violence for almost 20 years.

And even in normal times, events in public squares and streets on the evening of Bastille Day have often been disrupted in previous years by young people throwing firecrackers.

demonstrate that its China policy is not simply a continuation of the Trump administration's open hostility to Beijing. Did she succeed?

We are still waiting to hear from the Chinese side.

But as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. And from Beijing's perspective, some recent actions of the Biden administration are anything but friendly.

Key among them is the imposition of export controls on certain US microchips that are used in the development of artificial intelligence.

However, the ban does not apply to official firework displays organised by local authorities.

"In order to prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the 14 July festivities, the sale, carrying, transport and use of pyrotechnic articles and fireworks will be prohibited on national territory until 15 July inclusively," said the edict, published in the French official gazette.

Fireworks were a popular weapon during the week of unrest, which included some of France's

Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne said that in addition to the restrictions on fireworks, a "massive" security presence would be deployed in order to keep the peace and "to protect the French during these two sensitive days".

She told Le Parisien newspaper that many people were "quite worried" about the possibility of fresh incidents of violence during the national holiday.

•Can France prevent tensions igniting again?

More than 3,700 people were taken into police custody in connection with the recent protests, including at least 1,160 minors, according to official figures.

Nigeria will regain greatness under Tinubu -Senator Girei

Senator Abubakar Girei, a stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), commends President Bola Tinubu for the way he is running his government, noting that with the bold, courageous and decisive steps he has taken so far, coupled with some critical appointments he made, Nigeria will surely get it right this time around.

Girei who spoke with our reporter TOM GARBA in Yola,the Adamawa State capital, calls on the Federal Government to put strong palliatives in place to cushion the negative effects on ordinary Nigerians, of the fuel subsidy removal.Excerpts:

As a son of Adamawa State, how did you receive news of the appointment of a son of the soil, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, as National Security Adviser?

I felt elated, animated and energized when the announcement was made because I know behind that singular decision, lies a strong resolve and political will of ending the scourge of social and other forms of insecurity in the land.

In Nigeria, no one needs to be told the antecedents of Malam Nuhu Ribadu as far as work ethics, discipline, moral standing and courage are concerned. If there is anyone in Nigeria that has the courage and will to address the security imbroglio facing the country, that man is Nuhu Ribadu.

Such deportment of appointing the right people into the right positions gives us the hope that unlike the past, Tinubu came with the clear intention of resolving our numerous socio-economic challenges.

With such mindset, it is my humble belief that Tinubu is the messiah Nigeria is earnestly waiting for at this critical point in our nation's history.

I will say with all sense of modesty that Ribadu will not disappoint Tinubu and Nigeria. And I assure the president, the people of Adamawa State, in fact I dare say Nigerians, will give Ribadu 100 per cent support to succeed in this important national assignment.

In the same vein, I must also give the president big kudos for selecting his new service chiefs and other appointments he made so far. I personally know some of them and I can assure you they are men of valour, timber and caliber who will do this nation proud. I have the instinct that the menace of social insecurity will soon be over in the country.

Nigeria's economy currently seems comatose with high inflation, crippling interest rates, high unemployment and huge debt portfolio, amongst many other

challenges. A number of analysts have posited that the country is at a tipping point economically. Do you think Tinubu has the capacity to rejuvenate the ailing economy?

Tinubu is a man who came to the job well-prepared. The president is a man who will never hide under excuses to evade discharging his responsibility. In fact, as a world-class financial expert, Tinubu knows the economic challenges bedeviling Nigeria very well.

He has already started attacking some of the challenges behind our economic dislocation and very soon Nigeria's economic landscape will change for the better.

Some of the measures he is adopting naturally come with excruciating pains in the interim but as the policies mature, the pains will begin to subside until total healing is achieved. Our economic situation is so bad that the biggest challenge next to insecurity is the economy and, like the president repeatedly said during his campaign, he is ready to tackle the challenges head-on and as Nigerians have been rightly saying, the president has hit the ground running, alluding to the fact that they are also satisfied with his leadership style which is quite unprecedented and promising.

I believe Nigeria's economic challenges will, sooner than later, pale into insignificance due to the president's new approach. It is my hope that the president will assemble a team of experts and people with unquestionable character, integrity and reputation in his subsequent appointments. These experts should invest adequate time to intensively understudy the challenges facing Nigeria and give them serious thought and come up with far reaching solutions for the benefit of the country.

We can't afford to fiddle at this very crucial time because Nigeria is on the precipice and the slightest error of judgment, may become the lethal dose that will set us tipping.

We must therefore, rally behind the president in his resolve to proffer lasting solutions to our security, economic and other challenges. The critical decisions he has taken so far and the appointment of men of integrity and capacity since coming to power are reassuring. They are also pointers to the fact that more positive developments will follow suit.

I will urge the appointees to see their choice as a call to national duty which they should discharge with all sense of commitment and patriotism so as to become part of the history of the renewed hope and a transformed Nigeria.

The major challenges stunting our development as a nation are corruption and lack of political will to enforce rule of law. I urge the president to accord seriousness in monitoring and evaluating his appointees. Goals should be set alongside timeliness; anyone who fails to measure up should be shown the way out.

The president should also ensure that measures are put in place to stamp out corruption or to, at least, lessen it because no serious achievement can be made if political appointees are not held accountable.

One of the daring policies the president made is the complete subsidy removal on petroleum products. The subsidy quagmire was as old as Nigeria itself as various administrations pointed to their failure to deliver, to the subsidy conundrum. Do you think with this subsidy removal, Nigeria will get it right this time around?

This is what I referred to as the boldness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since he came, unlike any other administration, he has removed the petrol subsidy which has lingered from time immemorial, suspended the CBN Governor Emefiele, suspended EFCC Chairman Bawa, and harmonized the exchange rate as well as other very significant actions he took in a very short

space of time.

With this kind of courage, I believe the president will make a lot of inroads in a short time. But I will not fail to say that some of these courageous policies also have their flipsides especially on the lives and livelihood of Nigeria's toiling masses. Even before the introduction of these policies, life for an ordinary Nigerian is a mishmash of agonies and pains.

Already, there is crippling inflation, high unemployment rate, massive insecurity, and dearth of infrastructure which are responsible for the staggering poverty levels we had as over 133 million out of the 200 million Nigerians, according to studies, are currently subjected to multi-dimensional poverty. This calls for sober reflection on the part of the president and the need for putting robust palliative measures to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal on petroleum products. And going by reports, very soon the subsidy on electricity will also be removed.

I want to really make a clarion call on Mr. President to tarry awhile on the subsidy removal on electricity due to the harsh and inclement economic conditions being faced by the greater majority of Nigerians, till the effect of the petroleum subsidy removal is significantly reduced.

And I must also call on Mr. President to remain very vigilant as far as the harmonization of the exchange rate regime is concerned. In the past, various presidents like Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha and even Olusegun Obasanjo have put in place the exchange harmonization policy without success. So for this policy to thrive successfully, President Tinubu must do what the other presidents failed to do to ensure its success.

What is your take on the arrest of the suspended CBN Governor Emefiele?

The suspended CBN Governor has long outlived his usefulness. Emefiele has only

succeeded in bastardizing the economy as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rightly said during his visit to France recently. The inglorious reign of Emefiele has nearly brought Nigeria to its knees because of a regime of unprecedented mismanagement, abuse of office, looting of our treasury and high-handedness that took place. He almost ruined our naira through massive printing of our currency, introduction of a regime of multi-faceted exchange rates and, at a point, even contested for the presidency and lately came up with the Naira swap policy which caused massive havoc to Nigerians.

The suspended CBN Governor has also bastardized the agricultural sector and completely abandoned his role as the CBN Governor and turned himself to a farm manager. Because of that, the real agricultural practice was relegated to the background. He corruptly introduced all sorts of contraptions through which massive larceny took place. We have Federal Ministry of Agriculture, States' Ministries of Agriculture, we also have agricultural development authorities, we have River Basin Development Authorities and we have Bank of Agriculture.

But in his desire to fritter away taxpayers' money, Emefiele abandoned all the existing institutions meant to administer the agricultural sector and introduced those contraptions I mentioned earlier. If the CBN Governor has involved the Bank of Agriculture in channelling the massive resources he spent in funding his pet contraptions to the peasant farmers, as is being done, Nigeria would have become a hub of food exportation to other countries.

The suspension and arrest of Emefiele is a right step in the right direction. The government should go further to dissolve the new outfits Emefiele created and merge them with long standing institutions.

What is your take on the

election of the new leadership of National Assembly (NASS)?

As we all know, the National Assembly is the bastion of democracy. Our democracy is completely hinged on the legislative arm of government. It is the only institution that guarantees the sustainability of democracy. Judiciary and Executive arms are very important too, but the most important arm is the Legislative arm.

The NASS has elected its leaders in a free and fair atmosphere even though with some guidance as dictated by the circumstances we find ourselves.

My call is for the winners of the election to be magnanimous in victory and to carry their fellow contestants as equal partners in the progress of that important arm of government. I will also call on those who lost the election to accept the outcome in good faith.

My call on the leadership to be magnanimous in victory is based on the ugly experience of 1999 of which I was an actor. Because of the failure of the then Senate President Evan Enwerem to carry Sen. Chuba Okadigbo along, the Senate from the beginning to its end was embroiled in crisis which nowballed into the disgraceful fall of Enwerem.

In order not to repeat such mistake, I call on the Senate President H.E. Godswill Akpabio to embrace the camp of his major rival, H.E. Abdulazeez Yari for peace to prevail.

I'm optimistic the new leadership of the Senate will be able to provide the leadership needed to ensure peace and stability of the 10th National Assembly and to also carry out its oversight functions effectively.

I also urge the leadership to support President Tinubu in his desire to turn around the fortunes of the country and transform our dear nation from Third World to first. It is doable and I believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the capacity to do it.

Ajaokuta Steel Project: Panacea for building collapse in Nigeria –Senator Ohere

HARUNA SALAMI, ABUJA

The Senator representing Kogi East senatorial district, Abubakar Ohere has advocated completion of Ajaokuta Steel Project, saying it is the panacea for incessant building collapse in Nigeria.

Ohere, who stated this at an interactive session with journalists covering the Senate, said completion of the project, would make available to builders, quality and affordable iron and steel for all categories of buildings.

Akpabio assures foreign investors of clement environment in Nigeria

TUNDE OPALANA, ABUJA

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured foreign investors of the safety of their investments in Nigeria just as he restated the Federal Government's commitment to providing conducive business environment for foreign investors in the country.

Senator Akpabio stated this in his office while receiving the Jampur International Group Fze, led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mohanmed Shafiq.

According to him, "I welcome you on behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigeria is very safe and ready for investors. I am aware you are already investing in Nigeria in the area of mining, power and trading. Thank you for employing Nigerians in your com-

panies."

Speaking further, Akpabio noted that Federal Government's decision to put in place a single rate for foreign exchange was a deliberate attempt to further assure foreign investors of the safety of their investments anywhere in the country.

"The current administration has been able to normalize our foreign exchange rate by having only one window. Investing in Nigeria is worth the while because of the returns on investments based on our population of over 200 million and the land mass.

"The President is ready to ensure that people get value for their investments, himself being a strong businessman. He has a track record of achievements in Lagos State when he was the Governor. Lagos today has become one of the largest economies in Africa because of

the foundation he laid," the Senate President noted.

Further assuring the visitors of the safety of their investments through legislations, he declared "I assure you that the Federal Government will do everything humanly possible to protect your investments by putting in place enabling laws on investments and security for its citizens and foreign investors. "

Earlier, in his speech, Shafiq said he was in the Senate to formally congratulate the President of the Senate on his emergence as the Chairman of the National Assembly and to wish him well in office.

"We are here to congratulate you on your election as the President of the Senate and to intimate your on our readiness to continue to partner with the government in the area of mining, agriculture and power," he said.

PRP commends ex-Ogun gov Daniel over salary, allowances' suspension

TUNDE OPALANA, ABUJA

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has commended the former governor of Ogun State and now Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Chief Gbenga Daniel, over his voluntary suspension of the monthly pension and allowances paid him as former governor.

According to the party, the decision demonstrated Daniel's unwavering commitment to public service and set a commendable precedent for ethical behavior in the political sphere.

Assistant National Publicity Secretary of the party, Muhammed Ishaq, in a statement made available to the Daily Times, said: "We live in a time when public trust in politicians and public officials is often eroded by corruption, misuse of resources, and personal gain. However, Senator Daniel's suspension to accept monthly pension and allowances is a refreshing reminder

that there are still individuals in the political arena who prioritize the interests of the people they serve over personal enrichment.

"By suspending to collect monthly pension and allowances, Senator Gbenga Daniel has displayed a profound understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. This act of selflessness not only preserves the integrity of his office as a senator but also symbolizes his commitment to fiscal responsibility and the judicious use of public funds.

"Moreover, Senator Gbenga's decision goes beyond mere symbolism. It serves as a call to action for other politicians and public officials to reassess their own practices and prioritize the welfare of the people they represent. It challenges them to scrutinize their own allowances and privileges and consider how they can be better utilized to address the pressing needs of society.

"Senator Gbenga Daniel's principled stance reflects his

genuine concern for the welfare of the people and his belief in the importance of leading by example. His suspension to accept monthly pension and allowances sends a powerful message that public service should not be driven by personal gain but rather by a genuine desire to uplift communities and improve the lives of the citizens."

Urging other politicians and public officials to follow Senator Daniel's lead and emulate his commitment to ethical conduct, the PRP said: "Let us work together to restore public faith in the political process and build a society where the interests of the people are placed at the forefront.

"The PRP applauds Senator Gbenga Daniel for his remarkable decision and expresses our unwavering support for his dedication to public service. We believe that his actions will inspire others to prioritize the welfare of the people above all else."

"Already, 38 out of the 46 production units of the project have been completed, remaining just eight units.

“It is a worthy project that will facilitate development of the country across the various sectors and, most importantly, serve as panacea for the incessant problem of building collapse in the country through production of quality and affordable iron and steel for builders and construction firms.

He posited that the problem of building collapse in Nigeria largely stems from unaffordability of quality materials by many of the builders who, according to him, resorted to “cutting corners” with attendant tragedy of structure collapse.

He added that the steel project would also serve as catalyst for industrialisation of the country, if completed and made to operate optimally.

The senator said: "Ajaokuta Steel Project needs federal attention and I believe that before President Bola Tinubu clocks 100 days in office, he will give the required attention for its completion.

"Completion of Ajaokuta will also facilitate industrialisation of the country as well as solve the problem of epileptic power supply with electricity generation from its already completed thermal plant."

The senator disclosed that legislation that would make the executive intensify efforts on the project is already in the pipeline.

Ohere called on President Tinubu to revisit the dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue started by the late President Umaru Musa Yar' Adua in 2008 but later abandoned.

Dredging of the rivers, he explained, will help to stop the problem of flooding which is turning Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, into its 'headquarters'.

Nigerian troops will continue to sustain stability in Africa, globally -Tinubu

UKPONO UKPONG

President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigerian Army troops involved in peacekeeping will continue sustaining stability not only in the West African region but around the world.

He commended the troops on peacekeeping to the Economic Community of West Africa States Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea Bissau.

The President stated these during a visit to the troops to boost their morael, shortly after arriving in Guinea-Bissau to attend the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in Bissau, capital of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

President Tinubu described his visit to the troops as a solidarity one to reassure them of the government's commitment to their welfare.

He reiterated that Nigeria is committed to the continued stability, peace, and security of the West African region, particularly Guinea-Bissau.

The Force Commander of the Contingent Troops, Brigadier General Alhassan Muhammad Grema said the Nigerian government had paid all allowances due to them, stating that they are providing enough security in Guinea-Bissau while also securing the residence

of the country’s President.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ibrahim Kana said that Nigeria can generate more revenue from producing security equipment to secure countries in West Africa, noting that the government has deployed the greatest number of soldiers so far on the peacekeeping mission.

The high point of the President’s visit to the troops was the three hearty cheers displayed by the soldiers in a grand style to honour President Tinubu.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio receiving the management team of Jampur International Group Fze in his office .

Can Adamu survive internal wranglings in APC?

TOM OKPE, ABUJA

For the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), another chapter of crisis has been opened with the emergence of Principal Officers of the National Assembly.

At resumed plenary last Tuesday, both the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudden Abbas, unveiled principal positions of the Majority and Minority Caucus respectively.

But, in a rather startling manner, National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, whose party produced Majority Leaders of both chambers, hours after the announcement denied knowledge of the entire arrangements.

The Principal Officers are Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi: Deputy Senate Leader, Senator David Umahi; Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume; and Senator Lola Ashiru, Deputy Chief Whip.

In the House of Representatives are House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere; Deputy House Leader, Halims Abduallahi; Chief Whip, Rep. Usman Bello Kumo; and Rep. Oriyomi Onanuga as Deputy Chief Whip.

Two leadership organs of the APC, the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Adamu and the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), the latter led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, met at the party's National Secretariat where the bodies took different positions on the issue.

The National Chairman, Adamu, purportedly speaking the mind of the NWC, said: “I am just hearing as a rumour now from the online media that there have been some announcements in the Senate and House of Representatives.

"The National Headquarters of the party, the NWC, has not given any such information or communicated about the choice of officers. Until we formally resolve and communicate with them in writing, which is the norm and practice, it is not our intention to break away from traditions.

"So, whatever announcement is done is not from this secretariat."

On the agenda for the meeting, he stated that: “We are going to formally inform you that we are going to have a caucus, and for quite a time, there has been no caucus in place. The caucus has been reconstituted according to the constitution of APC.

Adamu said: "We will be discussing that with you as Governors, you know your

lAs Lukman insists on party restructuring

he declared. Chairman of the PGF, Uzodinma, in his presentation, stated that members of the NWC will review, among other things, outcome of the 2023 elections and identify areas that work more, to strengthen the general polity and encourage the government and be able to roll out their policy.

"We congratulate ourselves the way and manner the leadership of the National Assembly was conducted. We have a Senate President and his deputy who we are confident will do well.

"In the course of the conversation, the Chairman did mention that keeping with the Electoral Act, they are working on having an audited account that will be presented to the national caucus. It was just mention, it has not been presented," he said.

States more than we know it. Even if we come from the same State, the leadership is in you, as Governors.

“We will hear your advice, then see how we can ensure that we comply with the provisions of the constitution of the party.

“We hope that we will be receiving some reports from the Progressive Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman, or his representative, to get to know about your feelings and what is going on and what is your thinking on what to do, to improve chances of the party and reduce the problems and bickering that we have been hearing from time to time. Then, we will have time, by the grace of God permitting, we will have interactions."

Adamu also stated that along with the caucus, the National Advisory Council will give the list that has been prepared and make sure that every state is represented.

"And we will give you the knowledge of it and advice. You will also be given the benefits of detailed accounts from April 2022 to April 2023. The PCC account has been audited and it has been submitted to the INEC by the party.

“You will get an update of the national election in the National Assembly, sharing of powers, particularly the leadership of the chambers, the election of the Principal Officers of the Senate by the Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

"Elections of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives have been determined.

“The remaining offices to be determined by the two chambers are yet to be done. I had a courtesy call on Saturday from the President

of the Senate and his deputy. The following day, Sunday, I received the Speaker and his Deputy, coming to me for Sallah homage.

“But I am just hearing as a rumour now from the online media that there have been some announcements in the Senate and House of Representatives. The National Headquarters of the party, the NWC, has not given any such information or communicated about the choice of offices.

“And until we formally resolve and communicate with them in writing, which is the norm and practice, it is not our intention to break away from traditions. So whatever announcement is done either by the President of the Senate, Deputy Senate President, Speaker or Deputy Speaker, is not from this secretariat.”

Also speaking with journalists shortly after plenary, the Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele, said the Senate is now ready for full legislative activities, noting that they still need to constitute committees before the end of the month.

He said: “A new leadership has emerged from the 10th Senate after we elected the presiding officers on 13 June without rancour. The Principal Officers have also emerged without problem as we see our emergence as Principal Officers of the 10th Senate as assignment we must be serious about.

“There will be positives and our efforts are to ensure that Nigerians benefit.

“The two presiding officers emerged without rancour. The emergence of the Principal Officers was from the APC through the principal stakeholders in the two arms of government and the party. That is what led to our

emergence.

“In the opposition, six political parties and 56 members were involved. 38 of them signed for the new Principal Officers to emerge."

Bamidele added that it was more of a position taken by members of the six political parties.

“They took a decision who their leaders should be and the presiding officers have to follow the decision of the lawmakers. 38 of the opposition lawmakers signed the list of endorsement of the Principal Officers.

“We had to go on an executive session before an announcement could be made regarding the Principal Officers. So the process is no victor, no vanquished.

“For us, the next task is to hit the ground running. The first task is to constitute the committees.

“The first six committees including the election committee will be set up before other committees will come and before the standing committees," he said.

Also, a former Senator from Kaduna South, Senator Shehu Sani, expressed his conviction that all was not well with the APC leadership and its government at the centre, noting that the National Assembly leadership appears to be conferring with the presidency without consulting the party.

“Akpabio and Abbas’ list seems to have been announced with the consent of the President but without consulting or harmonising with the party. The signal here is that the party is shut out or kept at arm’s length,” Sani tweeted on his verified Tweeter handle.

The 10th House of Representatives said it will pay priority attention to participatory budgeting process and

delivery, law reform, electoral reform, women’s participation and inclusion in governance as well as improved socio-economic conditions in its Legislative Agenda.

The House also said entrepreneurship, employment, health and education, infrastructure, citizen-focused diplomacy, institutional capacity development and citizen engagement, constitutional amendment and restructuring, as well as renewable energy will be placed on the front burner.

The Speaker of the House, Abbas, who stated these in a welcome address at the resumption of plenary last Tuesday, added that the 10th Assembly will adopt the ‘OPEN NASS’ Project.

He said ‘Open NASS’ project will not only affect the conduct of oversight and law-making but will equally cover issues around funds of the National Assembly.

“If, as a legislature, we ask questions about how other arms of government utilize appropriated funds, we must equally be open to taking such questions from citizens.

“This equally requires having functional constituency offices and regular interactions with our constituents. We will strive to return the legislature to those who own it through regular, meaningful, and productive engagement.

“As noted in my acceptance speech, I remain grateful for the privilege of leading the 10th House as the Speaker. I assure you that I will not fail in discharging my duties alongside everyone.

"Let me reiterate that the House, under my leadership, will be fair to every member, irrespective of our political leanings. Feel free to approach us anytime, as we carry this responsibility of service to our fatherland,"

The PGF Chairman also noted that the National Assembly leadership belongs to "our great party and they are members of our party, and enjoy our support. If there is any way that there is a communication gap anywhere, we will make it up and we have our internal mechanism of resolving such things."

Uzodinma then declared that "NASS leadership enjoys the support of PGF and that of our party. We don't have any problem at all."

Meanwhile, a former Director General of PGF and member of the NWC, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has dragged the ruling party and the National Chairman, Adamu to court over what he described as "breach of party constitution."

The action worsens the ruling party's internal problems with court issues against the party and the then President-elect, Bola Tinubu and his then vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima.

Lukman, who is also the party's National Vice Chairman, North-west, in a suit filed at the Federal High Court p,Abuja, informed President Tinubu and the PGF, through a letter, that he was left with no option but to approach the court when it became obvious that Adamu was bent on perpetuating an alleged illegality upon the expiry of the seven-day ultimatum he gave him (Adamu) to address certain issues in the party.

Lukman had earlier given the National Chairman the ultimatum to call for National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and correct some abnormalities in the party, or, he will have no other alternative than to seek legal redress.

Observers are concerned that with these internal wranglings in the party, how far and where these will lead the ruling party in the near future, only time will tell.

Senator Izunaso seeks Ecological Fund Office, NEMA intervention in Imo erosion sites'

TUNDE OPALABA, ABUJA

Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) has expressed concern over the continuous loss of lives and property occasioned by gullies and floodwaters in some parts of Imo State.

He urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently implement a community resettlement plan to relocate residents from high-risk areas.

The lawmaker, to that effect on Thursday sponsored a motion titled 'Urgent need to carry out remedial work on Obodoukwu, Urualla, Akokwa, Umumaisiaku, Umuchima and Umueshi Gully Erosion sites in Ideato North and Ideato South LGAs of Imo State'. Speaking with journalists on the justification for his motion, Izunaso noted that the gullies and floodwaters have become treacherous, leading to loss of human lives, property worth over N4 billion and inflicted severe injuries.

He said 12 communities in Ideato North and Ideato South LGAs of Imo State were affected by gullies and floodwaters, which he said were beyond the powers of Imo State government.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to urgently undertake remedial work to mitigate the risks and prevent further loss of lives, property and environmental

degradation in the affected areas.

"By taking immediate action and working together, we can protect lives, preserve our communities' wellbeing, and build a safer and more resilient future," Izunaso said.

He urged the Ecological Fund Office (EFO) and NEMA to jointly and urgently engage relevant experts to conduct the assessment and implement measures such as slope stabilization, gabion installations, terracing, re-vegetation, and construction of retaining

Oborevwori administration will favour Deltans –Deputy Gov

walls to prevent further losses and minimize the risks to nearby infrastructure, communities, LGAs and States.

He also called on EFO and NEMA to establish community-based initiatives to enhance resilience.

He named the initiatives to include emergency response teams, evacuation plans, and the formation of local task forces focused on disaster management.

Lawmaker calls for unity among HoR principal officers

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has posited that the Governor Oborevwori administration will bring favour to people of the State, especially the Ndokwa sub-nation.

Sir Onyeme stated this in an address to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Ukwuani Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state who paid him a congratulatory visit at Government House, Asaba.

He was optimistic that the Governor Oborevwori administration would favour Deltans in terms of physical infrastructure and human capital developments.

The Deputy Governor urged the people to be patient as the administration was just taking off.

"By the special grace of God, this government is just starting. I have strong belief that the Oborevwori-led administration will favour us.

"We will continue to go high-

er, and in terms of development, whether physical or human capital, our people will not lag behind," he added.

Onyeme commended the PDP Chairmen and all their executive members for their support before and during the elections which made it possible for the party to come out victorious at the polls.

Assuring them of his commitment to the welfare of the people, Onyeme said the door of his office was open to them at all times, saying they were free to come to him with their challenges as well as meaningful suggestions that could move the state forward.

Speaking through one of the PDP chairmen, Engr. Patrick Kaine from Ukwuani LGA,, said they were happy with the emergence of Sir Onyeme as the Deputy Governor, being one of their own.

Kaine described the Deputy Governor as a history-maker and prayed for a successful tenure and God's divine protection for Governor Oborevwori and the Deputy Governor.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir Christopher Osakwe, was among the dignitaries present at the occasion.

Group drums support for Agbasionwe

Mrs. Agbasionwe also bagged her Honorary Doctorate Award in 2002,

CHIJIOKE NJOKU, ABAKALIKI

Lawmaker representing Abakaliki North constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Chidi Nwoke has called for unity among majority and minority Principal Officers of the House of Representatives.

In a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, weekend, Nwoke charged both the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere to bring together other Principal Officers in ensuring unity of purpose to

enact good laws for the country's benefit.

He said the emergence of the Speaker Abbas, Ihonvbere and other elected Principal Officers of the House of Representatives was a welcome development, and called on them to always enact laws to bring greater development to the country.

Nwoke also called on the leadership of the House of Representatives to work harmoniously with all the elected members to strategize on how to sponsor bills, move motions that will enhance peace and unity of Nigeria.

He stated that the emergence of the Speaker Abbas, Ihonvbere and other Principal Officers was

a sign that Nigeria is begging to get it right, by electing competent persons to lead.

The statement read in part: "I look forward for you (Ihonvbere) to have a harmonious working relationship with the Speaker, other Principal Officers and indeed all the elected members of the House of Representatives to strategize on how to sponsor bills, move motions and enact laws that can accelerate on how to move our dear nation forward".

The lawmaker further called on the Majority Leader to utilize the opportunity as a ranking member of the House of Representatives, to discharge his duties and mandate uprightly.

Ahead ministerial nominations, a conglomerate of bodies of women of substance under the umbrella of Women Leadership Alliance (WLA), has drummed support for Chief (Mrs)/Augusta Ngozi Agbasionwe for the position of Minister of Education in the build-up towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's cabinet.

Dr. Agbasionwe, who holds BA and M.Sc degrees in Education from Brooklyn College and City University, New York, from 1997 to 2000, was at a time nominated by the women bodies as running mate to Tinubu after primary elections in 2022, because of the record of her achievements.

According to the women group leader, Hajiya Tahir Mohammed, Dr. Agbasionwe, a philanthropist, should be given the chance to write her name in gold and make the womenfolk the pride of Nigerians.

IDIBIA GABRIEL, KADUNA

ÑOSA ÀKEÑZUA, ASABA

Equities market closes strong, up 3.40% to N1.13trn w/w

TEMITOPE ADEBAYO

As part of efforts to increase the benefits of fortified food among Nigerians, PZ Wilmar, in partnership with The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), hosted selected media practitioners and Civil Society organisations on a training workshop on Food fortification at its factory in Lagos.

The workshop which had in attendance members of the PZ Wilmar leadership, Civil Society groups, Media editors, including representatives of GAIN, provided PZ Wilmar the opportunity to showcase its food fortification process, as an industry leader in Quality Systems and Food Fortification in Nigeria. The workshop also included a tour of the PZ Wilmar factory.

Speaking during the event in the PZ Wilmar factory in Lagos, the Head of Manufacturing at PZ Wilmar, Femi Ojumu, stated that the event highlights the organization’s products and processes as a proponent of food fortification practice in Nigeria.

PZ, GAIN partner to train civil society, journalists on food fortification

healthy food production and consumption that puts Nigeria on the map for sustainable development in food manufacturing.” He said.

The workshop activities included presentations on Orientation and Introduction to Food Fortification Process, a tour of the PZ Wilmar Edible Oil Fortification Facilities, and interactions with the Quality Control and Production Team.

MOTOLANI OSENI

The equities market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) at the close of trading activities for last week, maintained the bullish trend as the market capitalization gained N1.13trillion week-on-week (w/w) to close at N34.33trillion.

Having gained in four out of five trading sessions during the week under review, the market All Share Index (ASI) recorded a 3.40 per cent w/w gain, up for the seventh straight week.

During the week, strong performances across MTNN (+0.59% w/w), DANGCEM (+5.30% w/w), BUACEMENT (+6.60% w/w) and ZENITHBANK (+1.61% w/w) were sufficient to offset the losses in BUACEMENT (-1.36% w/w), NESTLE (-4.00% w/w) and NB (-2.89% w/w).

As a result, the year-to-date (YTD) return rose to 23.00 per cent.

Analysis of last trading day's market activities showed bechmark index closed 1.65 per cent stronger to settle at 63,040.87 points.

Sustained interests in MTNN (+0.36%), DANGCEM (+3.48%) and ZENITHBANK (+0.72%) were the primary drivers of the market performance.

While trade turnover settled lower relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions down by 85.42 per cent.

A total of 1.23billion shares valued at N13.85billion were exchanged in 10,393 deals. FBNH (+6.84%) led the volume and value charts with 131.77m units traded in deals worth N2.63billion.

Market breadth closed positive at a 4.18-to-1 ratio with advancing issues outnumbering declining ones. PRESCO (+10.00%) led forty-five (45) others on the gainer's log, while MULTIVERSE (-9.87%) topped ten (10) others on the laggard's table.

Meanwhile, equity investors who have endured long periods of bearish sentiments on the floor of Nigerian Exchange Limited had cause to smile as their wealth rose to N5.3 trillion in the first six (H1) of 2023 amid audacious macroeconomic reforms under the new administration.

For instance, the NGX All Share Index (ASI), an indicator which is used to measure the performance of listed firms on NGX, hit a 15-year high for the first time since 2008 and crossed 60,000 index points, to close at 60,968.27 points as against an opening value of 51,251.06 (January 3, 2023), implying an increase of 8,717.21 or 18.96 per cent.

Similarly, the market capitalization of listed companies, which had opened the year at N27.915 trillion, closed on Friday, June 30 at N33.197 trillion, representing a gain of N5.3 trillion in six months (H1) of 2023.

The Chief Relationship Officer, Foresight Securities and Investments Limited, Charles Fakrogha, said the smooth transition of power alongside bold reforms led to the rise in market capitalization.

"The huge volumes of shares traded recently meant foreign investors might be thinking about making a comeback into the equities market. As at Friday, June 30, 2023, a total of 998.08 million shares valued at N15.96 billion were exchanged in 10,580 deals", he explained.

Nigeria earns $11bn from crude oil export in five months

JOY OBAKEYE

Nigeria earned about $11 billion from crude oil exports between January to May 2023, according to the data from Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Revenue Factsheet released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

This figure represents a slight decrease from $34 billion dollars earned in the same period last year.

The report also projected that the nation’s earning would increase to about $29 billion in the same period 2024.

The report revealed that Angola, which is the closest continental rival to Nigeria in oil export made about $12 billion within the period, while Saudi Arabia, the highest oil producer in OPEC realized $$97 billion within the period.

Meanwhile, the entire OPEC members earned about $888 billion in net oil export revenue in 2022. The revenue rose nearly 43 per cent compared with the previous year, according to the EIA.

“The increase in net export revenue in 2022 is mostly attrib -

utable to higher crude oil prices, and to a lesser degree to higher petroleum liquids production,” the EIA said in the fact sheet.

OPEC total oil output rose to nearly 34.2 million barrels per day in 2022 and increased by 2.5 million barrels per day year on year, the EIA outlined in the fact sheet.

Looking at 2023, the fact sheet projected that OPEC net oil export revenue would fall to $656 billion.

“This decrease is attributable to lower OPEC production as a result of the extension of the OPEC+ agreement, along with a decrease in crude oil prices,” the fact sheet stated.

“We expect OPEC total oil liquids production to decrease to 33.5 million barrels per day in 2023, while the forecast Brent spot price will fall from $101 per barrel in 2022 to $80 per barrel,” it added.

The organization projected that OPEC net oil export revenue will go on to increase in 2024.

“In tandem with a forecast increase in OPEC output in 2024, based on the June 2023 STEO, we expect that OPEC net export revenue will rise to $682 billion (real $),” the EIA stated in the sheet.

“We forecast that global crude oil prices will increase in 2024, reflecting global oil inventories that will decrease in each of the next five quarters,” the EIA added.

According to the fact sheet, the top five OPEC countries in terms of net oil export revenue will remain the same as 2022 and 2021 in both 2023 and 2024, although the exact figures will alter.

The report revealed that Saudi Arabia had the highest net oil export revenue among OPEC members last year at $311 billion. The fact sheet placed Iraq in second, with $131 billion, the United Arab Emirates in third, with $119 billion, Kuwait in fourth, with $98 billion, and Iran in fifth, with $54 billion.

The fact sheet sees Saudi Arabia’s net oil export revenue coming in at $215 billion in 2023 and $223 billion in 2024, Iraq’s net oil export revenue at $96 billion in 2023 and $103 billion in 2024, the UAE’s net oil export revenue at $91 billion in 2023 and $92 billion in 2024, Kuwait’s net oil export revenue at $74 billion in 2023 and $77 billion in 2024, and Iran’s net oil export revenue at $44 billion this year and $48 billion next year.

“This event highlights our dedication to delivering quality food products to our consumers. It is in line with our commitment to responsible and

Participants of the workshop commended the organisers and particularly PZ Wilmar for its commitment to tackling malnutrition and increasing social awareness of the Nigerian public on the benefits of food fortification.

NiMet, Aero varsity sign MoU on research

CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), for Research, Resource Development and Exchange programmes.

The Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) , Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu emphasized the essence of the collaboration, "We intend to provide all our facilities of weather monitoring, weather analysis, product generation including user communication open to the University. We are very close in terms of physical location".

Matazu further added that by reason of the MoU, the students will be exposed to state -of-the-art equipment and hightech instrumentation in NiMet.

Prof. Matazu explained that NiMet's products and services are research based which makes NiMet like an extension of the University system because the Agency does community service as well as teaching.

In his address, the Director of Aca-

demic Planning, Prof. Yahaya Zayyare Ibrahim, who represented the Vice Chancellor Captain Gabriel Tilmann expressed their appreciation to the DG of NiMet for the support rendered AAAU from inception, that without such, AAAU would not be where they are today. He also thanked the Federal Ministry of Aviation for their support.

Also speaking, the Registrar of the University, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi disclosed that the signing of the MoU represents a strong partnership between the two organisations, which share a common vision for the advancement of the aviation and the aerospace sectors in Africa. stressing.

"This collaboration will open up new avenues for knowledge exchange, research collaboration and capacity building initiatives".

Abdullahi said the University will start academic calendar in September with two courses, Bsc in Aviation Business and Bsc in Meteorology, while sales of forms online will commence in July this year.

The MoU pact is in fulfilment of part of it's mandate to add value especially in aviation and meteorology.

Air Peace, Max Air, 9 other airlines cancelled 284 flights in Q1

Fidelity Bank takes 2nd edition of FITCC trade expo to USA

TEMITOPE ADEBAYO

Building on the resounding success of the maiden edition of the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FITCC) in London, UK last November, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced plans to host the second edition of the trade expo in Houston Texas in the United States of America.

Tagged FITCC Houston, the event would hold on Tuesday, 24th and Wednesday, 25th October, 2023 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas 77010.

Situating the critical role FITCC plays in the bank’s export trade strategy, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe stated that,“Fidelity Bank is very much invested in supporting export trade and has consistently demonstrated this by the interventions and innovations that we bring to the space.

with initiatives like the Export Management Programme (EMP) which we host in partnership with the Lagos Business School and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and market access development initiatives like FITCC.”

To promote Nigeria’s non-oil exports and facilitate integrations to global supply-chain networks, FITCC Houston will host leading businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and regulators operating in the commodity, service, creative, fashion and FinTech sectors in Nigeria and the United States.

The participants would explore partnership, co-creation and foreign direct investments opportunities.

MOTOLANI OSENI

Anew report by the regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has shown that Nigeria’s largest domestic carrier, Air Peace and Max Air are the most notorious for flight cancellations in Nigeria.

In its report, the NCAA said the 11 domestic airlines operating in the country had 284 flight cancellations in the first quarter of the year.

For instance, Air Peace, topped the list with the highest number of cancelled flights from January through March this year.

NCAA data shows that Air Peace

cancelled 63 flights; followed by Max Air with 56.

Arik cancelled 43 flights; Aero Contractors 40; Azman Air 20; and Green Africa 16.

The report shows that Overland cancelled 15 flights; Value Jet 15; Ibom air 9; Dana air 5; and United Airlines 2.

The NCAA report also stated that 2,791,591 passengers passed through the nation’s domestic airports in the first quarter of 2023, data shows. Of the 2,791,591 passengers, 1,391,560 were inbound and 1,400,031 outbound.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015 which is being amended guarantees that passengers

get full refunds when their flights are delayed or cancelled. But getting such refunds can be difficult and time-wasting, passengers have said.

“Every passenger shall, before purchasing any ticket for a contract of carriage by the air carrier or its agents, be entitled to the full, fair, and clear disclosure of all the terms and conditions of the carriage about to be purchased.

“The disclosure shall include, among others, documents required to be presented at check-in, provisions on check-in deadlines, refund and rebooking policies, and procedures and responsibility for delayed and/or cancelled flights,” the regulator stated.

FG approves Lafarge's Roadcem for use in Nigeria

JOY OBAKEYE

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has approved Lafarge Africa's road cement brand Roadcem for use in Nigeria.

The building solutions company, made the announcement in a statement obtained by The Daily Times, where it explained that the product which is environmentally friendly increases the strength and bearing capacity of the roads, reduces the thickness of the pavement structure and modifies the chemical and mineral structure of soil materials.

According to the firm, in Nigeria, there is high variability in the quality of soil that is available across the country. The use of traditional methods of excavating, placing and compacting soil makes it challenging to achieve uniform quality. With Roadcem, Lafarge Africa has provided a soil stabilization product that helps to improve the characteristics of soils before they are used for the base, sub-base or sub-grade construction.

"This product has proven to be very effective on several projects and ensures sub-base/base improvement, less breakdown of the road, long-term durability and cost savings.

"Lafarge’s RoadCem is produced by inter-grinding cement clinker with a controlled amount of limestone and chemical additives. Roadcem provides better volume stability by controlling swell and shrinkage, and providing better durability while allowing the stabilized layer to achieve long-term

strength", it stated.

Engr. Osita Ezedozie, the Director of Highways (Materials, Geotechnics & Quality Control), of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing remarked: “Following the improved performance observed from the tests, pilot study and evaluation of Roadcem over Ordinary Portland Cement in soil (sharp sand) stabilization, approval has been

granted for the introduction and use of Roadcem for stabilization of soil (sharp sand) in highway pavement sub-base course construction.

At 5.0% Roadcem content, the stabilized sharp sand complies with all the specification requirements for a subbase course and also achieves higher stability at a lower cost than stabilization with ordinary Portland cement.”

"Beyond the instrument of financing, some of our key interventions in the space revolve around business management capacity development

Participating businesses will benefit from curated market access engagements, investment and partnership opportunities, extended brand exposure before a global audience as well as speaking and networking opportunities amongst a long list of benefits in FITCC Houston.

Interested businesses and participants are encouraged to register for the conference at www.fitcc.co.uk

NAICOM boss, Thomas, elected OAISA President

The Commissioner for Insurance, Nigeria Mr Olorundare Sunday Thomas has been elected the President of the Organization of African Insurance Supervisory Authorities (OAISA).

The NAICOM boss was elected alongside his vice-president Mr Issouf Traore of Cote D' Ivoire were ratified at the general assembly of the body at Tunis, Tunisia recently.

The OAISA is an intergovernmental organization eligible for the rights and privileges granted by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

With this development, the Nigeria's Commissioner for Insurance,

would lead organization, which is saddled with the objects of promoting cooperation among African Insurance Supervisory Authorities to share experience in the effective supervision of the insurance industry in Africa for the development of Insurance Markets for the benefits and the protection of policyholders; contributing to capacity building and financial stability of the African Continent.

The newly elected officials of the Organization shall serve the continent for a period of two years in the first instance, renewable once.

It's, however, worthy of note that Mr Thomas was the pioneer chairman of the West Africa Insurance Supervisors Association, WAISA.

MOTOLANI OSENI

EMERGING MARKET

Strong growth, higher yield making EM debt attractive

stronger corporate balance sheets. “Now in the second half of 2023, it’s essentially the reverse, with a continued shift toward a more global portfolio approach, including a renewed focus on emerging markets.”

As EM debt continues to see more upside, consider the American Century Emerging Markets Bond ETF (AEMB). The fund uses active management to deliver high levels of income and attractive risk-adjusted returns over a full market cycle with a low 0.39 per expense ratio.

Emerging markets thriving amid slow global IPO market

Globally, year-to-date (YTD) 2023 recorded 615 IPOs with $60.9billion capital raised, a five per cent and 36 per cent decrease year-overyear (YOY). Larger deals came to the market in Q2 compared to Q1, even though it has been a slow recovery.

STORIES BY GODWIN ANYEBE

Confidence in emerging markets' (EM) debt is returning as more fixed income investors are seeking higher yield options as the U.S. Federal Reserve decelerates its pace of rate hikes heading into the second half of 2023.

It’s a change of pace from a bearish 2022 where investors sought safer debt in developed markets. High inflation and rate hikes soured the taste for EM debt, but

an investor palate for more yield and higher growth potential is changing that.

“Fixed income credit investors thought they were safer in developed markets last year as market uncertainty rose,” Institutional Investor said. “But now emerging markets are gaining ground offering investors higher credit yields and stronger growth potential.”

According to a PineBridge Investments report, yields in EM debt have reached their highest level in the past 10 years. High yield bonds in Asia are six percentage

points higher than those in the U.S., and EM corporate bonds are yielding 2.8 per cent higher than their U.S. counterparts.

“Much has changed since a year ago, when we favored shifting fixed income credit risk toward the U.S. due to its relative economic strength and the dollar’s dominance,” Steven Oh, global head of credit and fixed income at PineBridge, said in the report.

The report also noted that EM are rebounding from 2022 faster than developed markets, as evidenced by

As of May 31, AEMB features a 30-day unsubsidized yield of about 7.19 per cent. Its 12-month distribution rate, again as of May 31, is 5.71 per cent.

In terms of holdings (over 120 of them), investors will see a mix of debt in corporate, sovereign, and quasi-sovereign. This gives AEMB a dose of diversification while maximizing yield at the same time.

Dynamically invests in a broad range of emerging markets debt securities, without limitations on credit quality.

Emphasizes hard currency (USD) sovereigns and quasi-sovereigns, as well as emerging markets corporate debt.

These modest results reflect slower global economic growth, tight monetary policies and heightened geopolitical tensions. However, some emerging markets are booming with IPO activities, as they benefited from the global demand for rich mineral resources, their vast population, growing unicorns and entrepreneurial small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These and other findings are available in the EY Global IPO Trends Q2 2023.

While the technology sector continues to be the leading sector in IPO activities to date in 2023, IPO proceeds raised by companies of the energy sector have dwindled on the back of softer global energy prices. As well, cross-border activity has experienced a significant surge in both volume and proceeds, primarily attributed to the growing influx from China into the US and a steady flow into the Swiss Stock Exchange.

The special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) market continued to be challenged with negotiations becoming increasingly complex. There is still an exorbitant number of SPACs yet to announce or complete a de-SPAC, which are facing liquidation by the expiration period in the next six months. However, Experts do expect SPAC IPO activities to return to a more sensible and sustainable level that were seen pre-2021.

While the number of IPOs remained flat, the Americas region saw an increase in proceeds of 86 per cent, raising US$9.1billion, YOY. This growth was primarily attributed to a single mega spin-off IPO, which happened to be the largest US IPO since November 2021.

The US experienced an uptick driven primarily by a few large deals and recent improvements in market sentiment could be a sign for more US IPO activity later in 2023 or 2024. However, despite the positive developments, it may take the overall Americas IPO market longer to recover than many market participants forecasted at the beginning of the year due to the unforeseen banking crisis in 2023.

Top emerging market bond ETFs for advisors and investors

One of the most important benefits of cryptocurrencies in emerging nations is their ability to increase financial inclusion, amidst insufficient infrastructure and high transaction costs, while traditional banking systems are frequently inaccessible to a major section of the people in these countries.

Cryptocurrencies provide an alternative, allowing people who do not have access to traditional banking services to participate in the global economy. Cryptocurrencies enable individuals to deposit, send, and receive funds with ease by providing a secure and decentralized platform for financial transactions, thereby encouraging economic involvement and inclusion.

Many emerging markets rely largely on remittances sent home by residents working overseas. However, sending and receiving remittances can be expensive, time-consuming, and prone to fraud. Cryptocurrencies can help to mitigate these issues by enabling faster, more secure, and low-cost cross-border transactions.

Cryptocurrencies enable users to send and receive payments more effectively by eliminating intermediaries and lowering transaction fees, ultimately boosting economic growth and improving the livelihoods of those who rely on remittances.

Entrepreneurship and ingenuity

In emerging nations, cryptocurrencies have the potential to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies removes traditional entry barriers, allowing entrepreneurs to develop and run enterprises without considerable cash or regulatory red tape.

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), a type of cryptocurrency-based project, have enabled entrepreneurs in emerging regions to obtain funding directly from a worldwide pool of investors. This improved access to money boosts innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in these locations.

Reduced Currency Volatility and Inflation

Currency volatility and inflation pose substantial concerns for many emerging markets. Cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins tied to fiat currencies, have the potential to provide a sustainable solution to these problems.

Cryptocurrencies, by offering a steady store of value, can act as a hedge against hyperinflation and currency depreciation. Individuals and corporations can use cryptocurrencies to safeguard their assets, perform secure transactions, and maintain economic stability in the face of currency swings.

Cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology to ensure financial transaction transparency and security. This trait is especially useful in emerging economies, where corruption, fraud, and a lack of transparency are recurrent problems. Blockchain technology allows immutable and auditable transaction records, making it more difficult for corrupt practices to survive.

Cryptocurrencies can boost trust and confidence among individuals, firms,

and investors by establishing a more transparent and secure financial environment, attracting foreign direct investment, and driving economic growth.

Financial Innovation and Capital Access

Cryptocurrencies provide a fertile environment for financial innovation, especially in emerging economies where traditional banking infrastructures may be insufficient. Decentralized finance (DeFi) systems based on blockchain technology allow users to gain access to a wide range of financial services such as lending, borrowing, and investing without the use of traditional intermediaries.

Individuals and small businesses benefit from expanded access to finance as a result of the democratization of financial services, allowing them to grow their firms, generate jobs, and contribute to general economic development.

First and foremost, in what concerns risks, cryptocurrencies are notorious for their extreme price volatility.

Despite the smaller size of Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund (ELD), with $105.7 million in assets under management (AUM), it has delivered an impressive one-year performance of 13.58 per cent, outpacing many of its competitors in the EM bond ETF space.

The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.55 per cent, which is higher than some of its passively managed peers. Although, it is still competitive for an actively managed fund. The ELD’s inception date was August 9, 2010, making it a relatively mature ETF in this space.

The First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (FEMB) is a newer actively managed ETF, with an inception date of November 4, 2014. Despite its youth, the FEMB has attracted $133.7 million in assets under management (AUM), indicating growing investor interest in this ETF.

FEMB has an expense ratio of 0.85 per cent, which is higher than many of its peers. The FEMB’s 1-year performance of 12.48 per cent is impressive, considering the instability in the emerging market debt sector.

The VanEck J. P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond

ETF (EMLC) has seen an impressive 1-year net flow of $233.62 million, indicating strong investor interest in this ETF. With $3.3 billion in assets under management (AUM), the EMLC is one of the largest EM bond ETFs available in the market. It has an expense ratio of 0.30 per cent, making it an affordable option for investors looking to invest in emerging markets.

The EMLC’s 1-year performance of 10.16 per cent is impressive, given the volatility in the emerging market debt space. The fund’s inception date was July 22, 2010, making it a relatively mature ETF in this space.

The SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets Local Bond ETF (EBND) is a passively managed ETF boasting $1.7 billion in assets under management (AUM) and an expense ratio of 0.30 per cent.

This ETF has an inception date of February 23, 2011. Despite its impressive track record, the EBND has experienced a 1-year net outflow of -496.58 M, indicating a waning investor interest.

Nonetheless, the EBND remains a cost-effective option for investors seeking diversified exposure to emerging market debt.

How crypto is driving economic growth, developing emerging markets

Career development opportunities'll grow tech sector, retain talents -Abu

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Nigeria, Mr Wole Abu, in this interview with MOTOLANI OSENI, advocates the empowerment of companies and entrepreneurs with internet connectivity to grow the nation's tech sector as well as the the economy, among others. Excerpts...

What future awaits the nation's tech sector, looking at potentials and opportunities?

The tech sector currently contributes around 15 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP), even with the already-mentioned issues in the country. Liquid continues to invest in the country’s infrastructure, and we are not the only ones doing so. (Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission), Prof. Umar Danbatta, mentioned recently that the country’s telecommunications sector has attracted about $70 billion in investments.

So, Nigeria’s infrastructure will continue to grow. This will open all sorts of possibilities for the tech sector to grow, especially if the collaboration between the public and private sectors continues to work towards empowering companies and entrepreneurs with connectivity.

How critical is internet connectivity to the realisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA) objectives, especially, in Nigeria?

Connectivity plays a critical role in the realisation of free trade objectives. Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ main role is to provide a seamless, reliable, and secure connection between locally based parties, facilitating ease of trade and movement of services and goods back and forth.

Liquid remains committed to investing in connectivity and supplying products and services for participants using the AfCFTA.

Another initiative that Liquid is involved with is the close collaboration with other regional organisations to aggregate regional connectivity, another substantial factor in trade facilitation.

Nigeria is credited as having one of the most sought-after tech talents globally. These talents are leaving the country on a daily basis for greener pastures abroad. How can the country retain them? Do you think having the right infrastructure such as strong internet connectivity could also be instru-

mental?

To retain top tier talent, you need a talent-conducive environment that creates opportunities for the cream of the crop to want to work in these world-class companies. For that to happen in Nigeria, a number of things need to change.

First, before even looking at retaining talent, we need to look at training talent for the future through the school curriculums to produce the sought-after tech talents Nigeria needs. Once they are in the employment market, businesses must create a favourable work environment.

To retain tech talents, we must offer them opportunities for career development, learning, and skills – not just on-the-job training, but academic too. Workers must be provided with opportunities to upskill and gain qualifications. Today, most people are self-taught. Companies in Nigeria need to invest massively in training and development programmes because skilled talent, especially in the tech industry, is in high demand globally.

There are around 200 million people in Nigeria and about half of them are under 25. If the segment of the population entering the work environment is properly equipped with skills, and companies are providing opportunities and training, Nigeria could have a talent pool that fulfills local needs and benefits international employers.

Finally, there is the issue of competitive compensation because no one is going to stay in a job when they can get better salaries and opportunities elsewhere. Top tier workers need to be able to earn competitive salaries in Nigeria, or they will look abroad.

What role is Liquid Nigeria playing to ensure that we have strong internet connectivity in the country that is fast, seamless, and affordable?

Liquid is committed to a digitally transformed Africa that leaves no one behind. This is a philosophy that is central to everything we do. It is the reason that we continue to invest heavily in digital infrastructure.

Nigeria’s infrastructure is steadily growing, and Liq-

uid is playing a large part in this. We are the best peered network in Lagos. We are part of the consortiums at the centre of subsea cable connections – the Equiano Sea cable, being one among many – that put us in the middle of regional development. Liquid also has the largest independent fibre deployment on the continent – over 110,000 km of it stretching right across Africa.

All these contribute to growing internet connections in terms of landing stations and distributing connectivity inland. Liquid is working hard to provide internet access to as many Africans as possible.

Will you say it is all rosy to set up your business in Nigeria and be profitable?

Nigeria is a great country with a unique economy that needs to be understood. We have done our due diligence to understand its economy and know how to navigate by managing risks very well. Liquid knew the terrain when we set up our business in Nigeria. We are still investing and know we will make a profit because it is a long-term game.

If you look at Nigeria today, there are a couple of big telecom companies struggling with profitability and sustainability. But there are also companies – and Liquid is one of them – that are growing in leaps and bounds in the same area.

It all comes down to how you manage all the risks around the business. Like any other business, if you manage it well, you will make a profit. If you do not manage it well, then you will go out of business. Liquid has a very robust management structure, good governance, and the right ingredients to make it successful and profitable in Nigeria. We are doing well.

What can the government and relevant stakeholders do to enhance strong national internet connectivity that will be instrumental to foreign investment in the ICT sector of the nation's economy?

It is crucial for the government and the private sector to work together to make sure that businesses have access to reliable, fast, and

secure connectivity. This is not just essential for business and economic growth; it is a necessity for every individual in our digitally transforming country.

There are several ways they can make a positive impact. To begin with, harmonising and standardising the right-of-way process; by creating a consistent and straightforward approach for obtaining right-of-way permissions, we can speed up infrastructure development and avoid unnecessary delays.

Licensing procedures need to be streamlined, making it easier for telecom companies and ISPs to offer connectivity services without drowning them in paperwork.

Government should make it a priority to make it easier to build the necessary facilities. We are talking about cell towers, fibre optic networks, and data centres.

Reducing administrative barriers and promoting partnerships between the public and private sectors would be a big help, as would incorporating connectivity infrastructure into public work projects. When the government is building roads, bridges, and utilities, it should also lay the foundation for connectivity.

Additionally, tax cuts to infrastructure providers would provide incentives for companies to contribute to the public good. Steady supply of power is a challenge in Nigeria. Many African nations face this, and governments in those countries need to work towards providing steady and reliable power through the national grid.

Finally, as I mentioned earlier, governments need to equip children with the skills for a digital future –and they can do this by providing a school curriculum that teaches them the necessary skills.

What future do you foresee for Liquid Nigeria in the scheme of things in this country? Any expansion moves?

Liquid has already established a solid base on which to build. We have launched a world-class data centre in Lagos to address the growing demand for cloud storage and digital services on

the continent. Our partnership with highly reputable global brands like Microsoft, Cloudflare, Oracle and AWS means our customers are getting the best-in-class services from us.

We have the largest independent fibre network on the continent. We offer scalable solutions for businesses and organisations of all sizes – cyber security, cloud, data centres, and more – and we

have partnered with globally renowned companies to provide our customers with world-class solutions and services, as well as provide connectivity infrastructure.

We have a toe-hold in Nigeria, so, there is a massive expansion plan in place that will see us becoming a leader in this space in the next five years – we are going to be a digital transformation powerhouse.

There are several ways they can make a positive impact. To begin with, harmonising and standardising the right-of-way process; by creating a consistent and straightforward approach for obtaining right-ofway permissions, we can speed up infrastructure development and avoid unnecessary delays.

FG hails Team Nigeria's qualification for World Athletics Championship

British Grand Prix: Verstappen beats Lando Norris

Max Verstappen cruised to victory in the British Grand Prix for his sixth win in a row and a record-equalling 11th consecutive triumph for Red Bull.

McLaren's Lando Norris fought off an attack from Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes after a late safety car to finish second to give the 160,000 fans a double home podium to cheer.

Verstappen's eighth win in 10 races this year brought Red Bull level with the record McLaren established in their historic 1988 season with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

Oscar Piastri made it a great day for McLaren with fourth ahead of George Russell's Mercedes.

Verstappen was untouchable out front, once he had repassed Norris for the lead on lap five after the McLar-

en jumped ahead when the world champion suffered too much wheelspin at the start. His victory, which puts his championship lead over team-mate Sergio Perez at 99 points, extends a run of Red Bull wins that date back to last season's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On Verstappen's current apparently unbeatable form, Red Bull will break McLaren's record at the next race in Hungary in two weeks' time and are likely to move far beyond it as the season progresses. Verstappen reduced this grand prix, like so many this year, to a demonstration run once into the lead.

But behind him the race, static for a long period, came alive after the safety car, called when Kevin Magnussen's Haas caught fire down the Wellington straight.

As the National Trials for the Athletics World Championship ends in Benin, the Edo State Capital, the Federal Government has applauded Team Nigeria for qualifying in hurdles, relay and others

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar who

applauded them today expressed optimism that the Team will make the nation proud at Budapest

He charged the athletes to remain focused and also put in their best with a view to ensuring podium finishes during the Competition.

Alhaji Ismaila assured that the Ministry will continue to support the na-

tion's athletes in their local and International events through the deployment of all necessary administrative procedures to enhance their performances

He therefore called on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the technical crew in particular to bring in their wealth of experience to bear in ensuring

the success of the Team at the World Championship.

Some of the events that Nigeria has qualified for, so far, include Hurdles (Women), Long Jump, 100M and N200M (Men and Women), 4 x 1m (Women), Men's Shotput, Discus Women, Triple Jump (Women) 4 x 4 Mixed Relay and Hammer for Women.

England win another Headingley thriller to keep Ashes series alive

England kept their Ashes hopes alive by beating Australia by three wickets in the third Test in another nerve-shredding Headingley finale.

Harry Brook hit a superb 75 but it was left to bowlers Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to drag the hosts over the line in pursuit of 251.

Brook's mature knock took them to within 21 of victory, after talisman Ben Stokes fell for 13 following lunch on day four with 90 still needed.

Brook put on 59 with Woakes before top-edging a cut off Mitchell Starc, who almost won the series for Australia with a vicious 5-78.

hat wicket brought Wood to the crease amid gripping tension and he hit Pat Cummins for six and thrashed Starc for four to spark jubilation in the stands.

With four needed, Wood was dropped by Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey before Woakes, who finished unbeaten on 32, slashed the winning runs.

England's win makes the series 2-1 to Australia with two Tests to play, setting up a grandstand finale that could yet match the iconic contest in 2005.

Wimbledon 2023: Rublev beats Alexander Bublik after wonder shot

Russia's Andrey Rublev reached his first Wimbledon quarter-final with a five-set victory over Alexander Bublik, making a wonder shot in the final game.

Rublev took a thrilling 7-5 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 win on Centre Court.

Bublik won the fourth and eighth games of the second set with underarm serves and fought back superbly to take it to five sets, before Rublev triumphed.

In the penultimate point of the match, the seventh seed dived to his right and found a winner that stunned the crowd.

Three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe, on commentary for BBC TV, described it as "one of the great shots" of recent years at the Championships, adding that it was "incredible" and "an electric way" to end the match.

in the last eight.

This victory means 25-year-old Rublev has reached the quarter-finals of every Grand Slam, but he has never gone any further having lost in the lost eight of both the Australian and French Opens twice, with three defeats at that stage of the US Open.

Rublev sustained a painful injury to his finger at 4-4 in the opener, signalling he was hurt and needing a medical timeout, but, with his finger bandaged up he was gifted the set thanks to 23rd seed Bublik's double fault when set point down.

There is a nine-day break before the fourth Test at Old Trafford starts on Wednesday, 19 July.

England keep the show rumbling on After 1981 and 2019, 2023 can now be added to the list of Headingley Ashes epics.

It may not have reached the ultimate climax of Stokes and Jack Leach's 10th-wicket partnership four years ago but it was still another day of almost tortuous tension.

Every run was cheered

and wickets were met with silence - apart from in the pockets of Australian green and gold in the stands.

Joe Root's departure shortly before lunch and Stokes' soon afterwards threatened to give Australia the win that would seal their first Ashes series in England for 22 years.

But Brook, batting on his home ground in his first Ashes series, played the situation perfectly, only to fall with the finish line in sight.

He found a gritty partner in Woakes, who battled

through the short-ball attack and played the anchor to Wood at the end.

The scenes of celebration were reminiscent of those four years ago - England getting their first win on the board after two tight Tests that could have gone either way.

They have to do what they have never done before - come from 2-0 down to win the Ashes - but, after three gripping Test matches, they have ensured the show rumbles on with the series getting the ending it deserves.

Those who were inside a packed Centre Court crowd, treated to one of the matches of the tournament, were on their feet with a standing round of applause after the point.

Bublik looked stunned at the diving effort, before applauding from the other end of the court; however, Rublev later said it was a shot he would not be able to repeat.

"It was the most lucky shot ever," said Rublev. "It was luck, nothing else. I don't think I can do it one more time."

He will face reigning champion Novak Djokovic or Poland's Hubert Hurkacz

But Bublik, in the last 16 of a slam for the first time, shocked and entertained the crowd with the underarm serves. The first came at the end of the fourth game in the second set, trailing 2-1, with Rublev just about getting there, but only sending his shot into the net.

The second underarm serve happened with Bublik 5-2 behind, Rublev reaching the ball on its second bounce. Amusingly, Bublik's service game in between, the sixth of the second set, was the one where he lost his serve while utilising a regular service action.

The underarm serve is a risky tactic, as Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina found to his cost in his thirdround match on Saturday. He tried it at 8-8 in the final set match tie-break, Danish opponent Holger Rune easily put away the chance and won the match with the very next point.

Mbappe labels PSG 'divisive' in magazine interview

PSG goalkeeper Rico feels 'very fortunate' as he continues recovery

France striker Kylian Mbappe has called his club side Paris St-Germain "divisive" as doubts intensify over his future at the French champions.

The 24-year-old, whose contract at PSG expires in 2024, made the comments to France Football magazine.

PSG's all-time leading scorer has told the club he will not sign a new deal.

"I think that playing for PSG doesn't help much because it's a divisive team, a divisive club," Mbappe is reported as saying.

Paris St-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said he would not allow Mbappe to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.

Mbappe, who has won Ligue 1 five times with PSG

since joining from Monaco in 2017, scored 41 goals in all competitions last season as he helped the club clinch an 11th league title.

But they once again failed in their quest for Champions League success as they were knocked out in the last 16 by Bayern Munich.

"We did what we could," said Mbappe. "You have to talk to the people who make

the team, who organise the squad, who build this club."

Luis Enrique was appointed head coach last week, replacing Christophe Galtier, and takes over a squad in transition.

PSG have already allowed Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi, 36, to join MLS side Inter Miami, while the future of Brazil forward Neymar, 31, is also in doubt.

UK Athletics Championships: Hughes wins 200m to complete men's sprint double

Zharnel Hughes completed the sprint double as he won the men's 200m at the UK Athletics Championships.

The 27-year-old claimed the 100m title at Manchester's Regional Arena on Saturday and followed that up by winning the 200m in 19.77 seconds.

Daryll Neita defended her women's 200m title while Keely Hodgkinson regained the 800m crown.

But Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir suffered a surprise loss in the 1500m, finishing second to Katie Snowden.

Muir, 30, split with longterm coach Andy Young earlier this year and is training on her own before the World Championships in Budapest next month.

"There's a lot going on at the moment," said the Scot, whose time of four minutes 10.24 seconds was some way off her best of 3:54.50, as Snowden won in 4:09.86.

Hughes underlined his status as a genuine contener in Budapest, having already run a world-leading 9.83secs in New York last month.

Sunday's winning 200m time of 19.77 was just a tenth of a second behind Noah Lyles' world lead, although it would not have counted because of the wind, beat-

ing Joe Ferguson (20.43) and Jona Efoloko (20.45).

"I am the fastest man in the world and it didn't happen overnight," said Hughes. "I'm grateful to see the rewards happening for the hard work.

"We still have time to go [until the World Championships] and I can get a lot faster. I know I'm in the shape to run 19 seconds, that's what is exciting. It can come again."

Neita did the women's sprint double last year and this time opted to focus on the 200m rather than defend the 100m title, which was won by Dina Asher-Smith on Saturday.

And Olympic relay bronze medallist Neita, 26, went just shy of her personal best with a championship record of 22.25secs to beat

Bianca Williams (22.59) and Finette Agyapong (22.69).

"My mindset has evolved," said Neita, whose 100m best is 10.90. "I'm not scared to beat people, I want to be number one.

"I also know where the ranks are, I know who is running 10.6 and 10.7 [in the 100m]. I'm not there yet but I'm working towards it."

World and Olympic silver medallist Hodgkinson warmed up for her expected battle with USA's Athing Mu and Kenya's Mary Moraa in Budapest with another win.

The 21-year-old won the Paris Diamond League meeting in a British record of 1:55.77 last month and ran 1:58.26 in Manchester to beat Jemma Reekie (1:58.93) and Alexandra Bell (2:00.68).

"I'm looking forward to it," she said of her World

Championships challenge. "We'll race each other and see who comes out on top.

"I like the idea of 'give it all you've got - try to beat me today'. It's hard [to predict] because I don't race them very often, but I think this year will maybe be closer than previous years between all three of us."

Heptathlon's 2019 world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson threw 12.86m in the shot put before running 23.58secs to come third in her 200m heat as she prepares for Budapest.

In the absence of 1500m world champion Jake Wightman, who has been ruled out of the UK and World Championships through a foot injury, Neil Gourley became the new British champion, running 3:46.16 to beat Elliot Giles (3:46.48).

Paris St-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico

"feels very fortunate" as he recovers from the serious head injury he suffered in a horse riding accident.

The 29-year-old was in a coma after the incident in his native Spain on 28 May.

He was discharged from intensive care on Wednesday and admitted to a ward in a Seville hospital, where he is receiving further treatment.

"I am still working on my recovery, which each day is getting better," Rico wrote in an Instagram story.

"I want to thank each

and every person who has shown me and sent me their affection in these difficult days.

"I feel very fortunate. Once more, thank you to everyone and I hope to be able to see you soon."

Rico joined PSG on loan from Sevilla in 2019 before the transfer was made permanent in September 2020. He previously had a season-long loan spell with Fulham in the 2018-19 Premier League campaign.

At the time of the incident in May, his family said Rico suffered "a serious mishap due to a mule cart and a horse that hit him".

Hernandez moves from Bayern Munich to PSG on five-year deal

Paris St-Germain have signed 27-year-old defender Lucas Hernandez from Bayern Munich for a reported £34m.

A 2018 World Cup winner with France, Hernandez won a treble with Bayern in 2019-20 - his first season at the club.

After winning the domestic league and cup double, Hernandez helped Hansi Flick's team defeat PSG to win the Champions League.

Hernandez, who played 107 times for the Bundesliga champions and scored twice, has signed a five-year deal.

"I'm really excited," Hernandez said. "I've been

waiting to join PSG for a long time, and it's finally happened. It's a very special day for me and I'm very happy to be here."

He played a key role in France's 2018 World Cup win in Russia but, despite being selected for Les Bleus in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a knee injury sustained in their third group game - the 4-1 win over against Australiaruled him out for the remainder of the tournament.

They reached the final for a second consecutive tournament, but were defeated by Argentina on penalties. His younger brother, Theo Hernandez, plays for AC Milan in Serie A.

Beyond Reactive Governance

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

Last week, The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued an alert warning of the high probability of 14 states experiencing heavy rainfall that might lead to flooding. This is not the first time NEMA and Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA), through its Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), will issue such alerts, but we keep losing lives and properties to flooding despite early warnings. Our approach and response to such signals have remained reactive. The same last week, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced an outbreak of diphtheria in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). NCDC further informed us that there have been multiple disease outbreaks, including diphtheria, since December 2022, with 33 LGAs in eight states affected. Meanwhile, diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, but our leaders and institutions would prefer to be reactive.

The problem is not peculiar to NEMA, NHSA, NCDC, the affected states or the likely victims. There is a systemic challenge of our institutions and leaders preferring reactive instead of proactive responses to socio-economic challenges. This is from the highest level of government to the least of our public institutions. We are permanently reactive in our approach to governance, suffering devastating consequences before belatedly putting on our thinking caps.

Reactive governance refers to a mode of governance that primarily responds to immediate and pressing issues that arise without sufficient long-term planning or proactive measures. This anomaly is the predominant habit of governance in our country. We tend to sit and wait for foreseeable disasters to consume us before responding. Most of what we treat as emergencies do not qualify. They are avoidable incidents that should not catch any responsible government by surprise.

The source of our reactive approach is a tradition of governance. We emphasise 'acting' over and above 'thinking' through problems on a long-term basis. Issues like flood disaster prediction, epidemic prevention, speculative vaccine production, and power outage prevention are all ways of avoiding disasters that are sure to occur.

This reactive approach to socio-economic challenges falls within the "reactive state "concept. Two essential characteristics of the reactive state are: first, institutions fail to undertake initiatives to prevent the occurrence of an undesirable event though it has the power and incentive to do so; second, such institutions respond to pressure for change in an erratic and unsystematic manner.

In Nigeria, this reactive state approach naturally flows because it benefits operatives of the system, and our urgency index is high. Manifestations of this reactive state can be seen in our policy approaches to Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft in the Niger Delta and other security incidents.

Further instances demonstrate these cultural-cum-historical reactive approaches to national problems than a proactive and systematic long-term approach seen in the most developed worlds. Nigeria has faced various security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and communal clash-

Dakuku Peterside

es. In some instances, the government's response has been primarily reactive, with the deployment of security forces after attacks have occurred rather than proactively addressing the root causes of these issues through intelligence gathering, preventive measures, and community engagement.

Nigeria's infrastructure, including roads, power supply, and public transportation, has been a subject of concern for many years. Often, the government has taken a reactive approach to address these deficiencies by initiating projects and repairs in response to public outcry or when critical failures occur rather than proactively investing in infrastructure development and maintenance.

Nigeria's economy has traditionally been heavily reliant on oil exports, making it susceptible to fluctuations in global oil prices. Reactive governance is evident in the government's response to oil price shocks, which often involves scrambling to adjust the budget, implement austerity measures, or seek external loans to address revenue shortfalls instead of proactively diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil.

Besides, Nigeria faces challenges in its education sector, including inadequate infrastructure, outdated curricula, and low educational outcomes. The government's approach has often been reactive, responding to issues as they arise rather than proactively investing in education reforms, teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure improvements to ensure quality education for all.

Corruption has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, affecting various sectors and hindering development. Reactive governance is evident in the government's response to corruption scandals, which often involves investigations, prosecutions, and public outcry after the fact, rather than implementing proactive measures to prevent corruption, strengthen anti-corruption institutions, and promote transparency and accountability.

In the developed world, there is a great emphasis on thought in governance. This is why Washington is full of think tanks whose only business is to think through and develop long-term solutions to possible national problems. Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) sometimes collaborate actively with universities and research institutes to work out long-term solutions in anticipation. In most of Europe and Asia, government departments have research departments staffed by some of the best brains trained to conduct anticipatory research and study

different problems in relevant areas.

The best approach has proven to be leaders and institutions that adopt proactive decision-making. It is cheaper to be proactive than to be reactive. Being proactive saves lives. By its futuristic estimation, China knows that Africa is the future market; hence, it invests heavily in teaching Africans the Chinese language.

Being reactive often comes with disastrous consequences. One significant adverse result of reactive governance is the populace's permanent sense of uncertainty. People are unsure that what may come next will not consume them. A sense of collective vulnerability weakens people's trust in government. People are left with a sense of self-help, of everyone to themselves. In cases of natural disaster, recourse to superstition becomes the only and last resort. People must choose between trust in government and belief in divine salvation. Prophesies of doom acquire legitimacy and find a ready market.

When governance is not informed by rational and scientific projection, the future becomes a dark zone of uncertainty and the abode of the unknown. Fear and cynicism take hold of the hearts of citizens.

A major reason why we are so reactive is that we need to have respect for science and data. Data-driven policies enable policymakers to identify trends, anticipate problems, and develop targeted interventions before they escalate into crises. Nigeria must prioritise sustainable development practices that balance economic growth with environmental and social considerations. This includes promoting renewable energy, implementing sound environmental policies, and adopting responsible resource management practices. A proactive approach to sustainability can help mitigate environmental degradation, address climate change challenges, and promote social equity.

To move beyond reactive governance in Nigeria, adopting a proactive approach that focuses on long-term planning, anticipates challenges, and promotes sustainable development is important. Some key areas that could contribute to this shift are detailed below.

The Nigerian government should emphasise the formulation and implementation of long-term strategic plans. This involves setting clear goals, identifying potential risks and opportunities, and developing strategies to address them. Strategic planning enables proactive decision-making and reduces the need for reactive measures.

It is crucial to strengthen the insti-

tutions responsible for governance in Nigeria, including the judiciary, legislature, and civil service. This involves enhancing their human and institutional capacity, improving transparency and accountability, and reducing political interference. Strong institutions are better equipped to anticipate and address issues before crises occur.

In addition, active citizen participation is vital for effective governance. Governments should promote transparency, engage citizens in decision-making processes, and establish mechanisms for feedback and accountability. This helps identify problems early on, encourages citizen ownership, and fosters a sense of responsibility among the populace.

Furthermore, proactive governance relies on accurate and timely information. Governments should invest in data collection, analysis, and utilisation to inform decision-making processes. Departments of Research and Planning cannot be a dumping ground or a place of punishment for public servants that have fallen out of favour. It should rather be the hub of policymaking and designing solutions to challenges. Let the best brains man this critical department. We should collaborate with our research institutions where there are obvious capacity gaps.

Our leaders and managers of institutions always want to profit from disasters. Even at the policy level, the equation often favours a reactive than a proactive approach. With newly elected officials at all levels, we need to switch from reactive to proactive ways of dealing with issues of national and global importance.

It is important to note that while these examples used above highlight instances of reactive governance, they do not encompass the entirety of governance in Nigeria. Nigeria has also witnessed proactive initiatives and policies in various areas, but there is room for further improvement in adopting a proactive approach to governance to address long-term challenges effectively.

Moving beyond reactive governance in Nigeria requires a shift in mindset, focusing on critical thinking over "doing", long-term planning, and strengthening institutions and citizen engagement. By adopting a proactive approach, Nigeria can better anticipate and address challenges, promote sustainable development, and improve the well-being of its citizens.

This new administration is poised to do great things, and its starting point should be to prioritise the shift from the dominant leadership mentality of reactive governance to a proactive one. The administration must be intentional and proactive in solving Nigeria's myriads of problems and rely on evidence and scientific approaches than the traditional path dependency that has characterised our governance in the past.

The lack of ability to solve major issues in Nigeria is not often because of a lack of resources but because of a lack of proactively planning and adopting creative and innovative solutions. Our leaders must adopt new approaches to doing things if they must succeed. Remember that you cannot do the same thing and expect a different result. Input determines output – garbage in, garbage out is the computer language. That is true about input and output in problem-solving.