THEWILL NEWSPAPER September 03, 2023

OnahNwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

Ican’t believe how quickly the month of August went by. It is as if I blinked, and suddenly, we are in September. I‘m not looking forward to the summer holidays being over for selfish reasons… Traffic anyone? With the summer break, we always have about six weeks of light traffic because many families leave for the summer, which is the rainy season here. I enjoy those days with fewer cars on the road; it makes for a much more pleasurable drive from one destination to another. Speaking of destinations, we still have a few weeks of summer left, so if you would still like to go away on vacation with the family or by yourself, we have listed a few places to visit and things to do on page 6.

The colour of the clothes you wear often depicts your personality, but it also resonates with your furniture and home design in general. The colours you have in your living space say a lot about you. So the next time you think about doing up your home, don’t just go for colours trending according to Pantone; choose colours that match your persona. For instance, blue works well for calm people, while yellow best suits spontaneous, happy people. Read more about this on page 11.

When I imagine the sunflower, I imagine a field of yellow petals. Little did I know that sunflower extracts work wonders for the skin. So, for your next beauty ritual, look for sunflower extract in the ingredients of your cleanser, moisturiser and lip balms.

If you haven’t been scanning the QR codes on page 16, you are missing out on really cool music, so head on there and explore our playlist. I promise you won’t regret it.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

COVER

SUPREMACY BATTLE IN KADUNA:

Uba Sani Fights El-Rufai Over Ministerial Nomination

BY AMOS ESELE

The last is yet to be heard in the ministerial nomination saga involving former Kaduna state governor, Nasir el-Rufai, whose botched clearance by the Senate has left the ministerial slot for Kaduna State conspicuously vacant, 30 days after the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees, including el-Rufai, secured Senatorial clearance and almost a fortnight after all cleared 45 Ministers were sworn into office.

While the power play and web of intrigues that led to el-Rufai's ouster is already in the public domain, there is, however, a heavy dose of infighting back home in Kaduna where he once held sway.

THEWILL learnt that Governor Uba Sani and his predecessor are currently engaged in a subtle supremacy battle, following the botched ministerial nomination.

HOW IT STARTED

The first signs of disagreement between the duo manifested when the former governor’s chance of clinching a ministerial position was sacrificed

on the altar of power play within the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), whose antagonistic big wigs flaunted lack of security clearance against him, whereas, as a matter of fact, the larger issue of 2027 and 2031 politics was at play.

According to a source within the party, elRufai is perceived within political circles as a smaller version of ex- President Muhammadu Buhari in terms of his capacity to commandeer allegiance across political and religious lines, which is divisive for a multi-ethnic and diverse country. A national platform like the ministerial appointment would help him to consolidate his position.

However, upon the failure of his nomination, el-Rufai suggested a replacement that a state government source said was his image and likeness rather than enhance the status of the state. Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, his nominee, was a commissioner in three ministries in Kaduna State, namely Local Government, Education and Environment, while Mr El-Rufai was governor.

Apart from being a loyalist, Sani also comes from the same senatorial district, Zaria Local Government Area, as el-Rufai and the current governor of the state.

Governor Sani is said to have viewed this move as politically insensitive and immediately kicked against it. He was said to have prevailed on President Bola Tinubu to dishonour the replacement for the state’s ministerial slot.

In the first instance, according to THEWILL investigation, the governor was said to have considered his authority undermined by his predecessor when he was not allowed to make the nomination. Secondly, the political implications further deepened the crisis of confidence in the state like previous miscalculations under elRufai’s governorship.

PAST POLITICAL CRISIS

Here is the historical background to the ensuing stalemate: Kaduna, like other states in the federation, has three senatorial districts – North, South and Central – which often determine

...El-Rufai Over Ministerial Nomination

the sharing formula of political offices and appointments within and outside the state. If a governor were to come from one district, the deputy would presumably come from the second and the Speaker of the House of Assembly from the third and so on.

But under el-Rufai, the governor and the Speaker, House of Assembly, politically came from Kaduna North Senatorial District during his eight-year tenure as governor of the state. While his deputy in both his first and second term, Barnabas Bantex and Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, respectively, came from Kaduna South, the ministerial appointment is being seen as a continuation of this distorted pattern.

At any rate, this picture needs some clarity.

The Deputy Governor for the second term under el-Rufai, Dr. Balarabe ,though from Sanga, located in Southern Kaduna, which contains 12 of the state’s 23 local government areas and 51.2 population, according to the 2006 census, is a Muslim. The snag is that as a Muslim by faith and in a secular state, such as Kaduna, her sustained appointment until 2023 has further deepened the old animosity between Christians and Muslims, inflamed passions and become fodder for extremists.

Governor Uba Sani, also a Muslim, who benefitted from this awkward arrangement, is said to have been trying to tread softly but determinedly since assumption of office on May 29, 2023 to address some of his predecessor’s past policies that had fueled mutual distrust and violence among citizens of the state.

The governor is said to be ready to reverse many of the policies that have produced conflict between North and South Kaduna, but then in a rather slow manner that will not raise an eyebrow from any quarter.

In carrying out his reconciliation policies, Governor Sani is said to have adopted what a source called the “Makarfi Option,” a coinage after ex-Governor Ahmed Makarfi who governed the state between 2007 to 2015 and ran an inclusive administration that provided the helpful platform that led to the resolution of a prevailing political crisis before he assumed office. His impartiality in dealing with all the interests in the state and empowering community leaders in decision making, helped to restore order in the volatile state.

Strategically, Sani has begun his moves by carrying out popular policies. The first was to reduce prohibitive school fees in all government schools. In the ongoing distribution of palliatives, he has set up an all-inclusive committee comprising workers and persons with disability under the headship of local government chairmen to target 1.5 million houses in the first instance.

“Most remarkable in his adoption of the “Makarfi Option” is the governor’s frontal attack on the insecurity situation in the state through dialogue. Indiscriminate killings, which occurred almost daily, have reduced significantly since his assumed office,” said a source, who craved anonymity for obvious reasons. He added that, “Any move that has the potential to lower morale and endanger the fragile peace is unwelcome.” El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination is said to have upset many in the Kaduna government.

STARK POLITICAL REALITY

Also, fueling the supremacy battle is the precarious position of the APC, the governing party in the state, following a sort of referendum on the policies under El-rufai’s governorship during the 2023 general election.

It came in the form of the results of the 2023 General Election in the state, which showed in bold relief the people’s verdict on el-Rufai's tenure. In the National Assembly Election, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, won all three senatorial positions. Of the 14 House of Representatives Seats in the contest, PDP picked 11.

Even the Presidential Election in the state was won by Atiku Abubakar of the PDP. He polled 554,360 of the votes cast to beat the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, who got 399,293 to come second, while Labour Party’s Peter Obi polled 294,494 to claim the third position.

The Governorship Election, which Governor Sani won by a slim margin of 730,002 votes to 719,196 for the PDP candidate, Isa Ashiru, is currently a subject of litigation at the State Election Petition Tribunal.

“This is the political verdict of former Governor

Upon the failure of his nomination, el-Rufai suggested a replacement that a state government source said was his image and likeness rather than enhance the status of the state. Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, his nominee, was a commissioner in three ministries in Kaduna State, namely Local Government, Education and Environment, while Mr El-Rufai was governor. Apart from being a loyalist, Sani also comes from the same senatorial district, Zaria Local Government Area, as el-Rufai and the current governor of the state

Nasir El-Rufai’s policies. Most voters did not vote against APC because they loved the PDP. They delivered a statement with their votes,” a government source told THEWILL, adding that the former government's ministerial manoeuvring,“ has raised “a similar angst in government circles here, which is an unhelpful distraction, given the post -election political situation in the state.”

According to the source, those praising the former governor for working very hard to deliver Tinubu as party candidate and eventually as president, should wonder why the same man failed to deliver his party in the state under his power.

“Governor Sani is uncomfortable with the kind of politicking whereby the replacement his predecessor nominated for the ministerial position is from the same areas as him and the former governor,” said the source, adding that any action that would generate criticism or antagonism from groups in the state, such as the reaction from the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOPEKU, which insisted that el-Rufai should allow fairness, Justice and equity to rein, would be avoided.

Attempts to get reactions from former Governor El-Rufai did not yield positive results. Calls made by THEWILL to his three telephone lines, Saturday morning, did not go through even as there was no reply to the message sent to his lines. His close aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

EL-RUFAI FIGHTS BACK

In the meantime, el-Rufai is said to be scheming to get back the ministerial position he earlier withdrew his interest from and nominated Jafaru Ibrahim Sani as replacement. The first sign showed up on August 20, when he took to his X platform handle to bemoan his ministerial loss as a betrayal. In the social media platform on that day, the ex-governor posted a reggae hit song, "Who The Cap Fits,” by late Boy Marley, who laments that a friend who knows your secrets, eats and drinks with you is more dangerous than an enemy.

Ex- Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, is said to have spearheaded the lobby for El-Rufai’s return as minister because he currently feels like a fish out of water in Kaduna where his past policies and current actions have returned to haunt him.

The former Emir who broke the diplomatic ice on the situation in Niger when he successfully contacted the coup plotters alongside the Emir of Damagun, after a failed visit by a presidential delegation led by former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, is said to be pestering President Tinubu to take El-Rufai back.

A dependable source in support of the lobbying told this newspaper, “Regardless of what Nasir El-Rufai may have done in the past and now, he still has an indispensable aspect, which is the capacity to take hard decisions and execute projects to the letter. What Tinubu could do if the hawks within the party and Aso Villa think elRufai will undermine the government will be to appoint a tough Minister of State to watch over the former Kaduna governor.”

How Governor Sani, whose opposition has also slowed the president’s hand in filling the ministerial vacancy, will react is yet to be seen.

Cabinet Nominees: Why Lagos Assembly, Sanwo-Olu ‘Danced Naked’

BY AYO ESAN

The open disagreement between the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the State House of Assembly came as a huge surprise to many Nigerians, especially residents of Lagos. It was the first time that such a thing had happened in the state since the inception of the Fourth Republic.

Lagos is virtually a one-party state, so to say. At present, the composition of the House of Assembly is heavily titled in favour of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC). About 38 out of the 40 legislators in the House belong to APC. While the rest are members of the Labour Party (LP), none is from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The last time the PDP had active representation in the House was 2015, with more than seven legislators.

Despite the overwhelming dominance of the APC in the House and indeed, in Lagos State as a whole, it appears that Sanwo-Olu and the legislators are hell bent on washing their dirty linens in the public. What could be the problem? What makes the House of Assembly, hitherto seen as a rubber stamp, to boldly reject 17 out of the 39 names in the list of cabinet members submitted by Governor Sanwo-Olu for screening?

Those are the questions that the people of the state have been asking since the decision of the House was made public.

THEWILL recalls that there were complaints after the list of nominees from Governor Sanwo-Olu was read on the floor of the House.

Governor Sanwo-Olu sent 39 names to the legislature for screening and clearance for appointment into his cabinet on July 25, 2023.

Hardly had the names been read out that many members of the House raised eyebrows and complained that the list did not meet their expectations and those of their constituencies.

Raising a ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, the lawmaker representing Ikorodu II Constituency, Aro Abiodun, told the House that despite contributing to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election, Ikorodu got one slot in the list.

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ademola Kasunmu and Hon. Nureni Akinsanya from Mushin, said the list did not come with the local government areas of the nominees.

They argued that if Samwo-olu desired technocrats, there were many of them in the APC and they should have been picked from the party.

Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho II), said that loyalists and party members deserved to be nominated as much as technocrats.

The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa was said to have prevailed on the House to allow the names go for screening as he maintained that the governor had the prerogative to make appointments into his cabinet.

A few days later, the legislature disqualified 17 of the 39 nominees, including six of them who served as commissioners in the first term of the governor.

Six former commissioners were among the rejected nominees. They are Cecilia Dada (Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation), Olalere Odusote (Energy Resources), Folashade Adefisayo (Education), Akin Abayomi (Health), Sam Egube (Economic Planning and Budget) and Gbenga Omotosho (Information and Strategy),

The confirmation was done through a voice vote as the Speaker of the House read out the names of the nominees.

Interestingly the highest political advisory body of the APC in Lagos State, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), on Wednesday at the Lagos House, Marina held a closed-door meeting with Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

Although the details of the meeting were not made public, it was gathered that it may not be unconnected with the current tension in the state triggered by the rejection of 17 Commissioner - nominees sent by the governor to the Assembly for confirmation .

Sources at the meeting informed THEWILL that it was agreed that the House may have a second look at some of the rejected nominees when the governor represents their names.

At the meeting were the Chairman of the APC in Lagos, Cornelius Ojelabi, Cardinal James Odunmbaku; a former State Chairman of the party, Otunba Henry Ajomale; former Deputy Governor, Mrs Sarah Sosan; former Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire and Dr Abayomi Finnih, among others.

The meeting came on the heels of an announcement by the House that some people planned to attack Obasa and other lawmakers over the screening and rejection

They argued that if Samwo-olu desired technocrats, there were many of them in the APC and they should have been picked from the party

...Why Lagos Assembly, Sanwo-Olu ‘Danced Naked’

of some cabinet nominees sent by Sanwo-Olu.

The House, in a release issued by the Media Assistant to Obasa, Eromosele Ebhomele, last Monday said its action concerning the nominees was in tandem with the Constitution, which stipulates its responsibilities and, as such, would not succumb to threats and intimidations, including sponsored protests and analysis by some civil society groups and activists.

It also said that it had refrained from revealing all that it discovered during the screening of the nominees, while warning that "those who live in glass houses should be conscious not to throw stones."

Why Assembly Rejected 17 Nominees

The House and its screening committee had maintained sealed lips as to why the 17 nominees were rejected.

However, THEWILL gathered that the relationship between the House and Governor Sanwo-Olu had not always been cordial.

Sources said the relationship deteriorated further when Sanwo-Olu allegedly supported another candidate against Obasa during the race for the seat of speaker.

Obasa, who is currently serving his third term, having been on the saddle since 2015, enjoyed tremendous support and loyalty from the members of the House.

The Speaker said that the House was not fighting Sanwo-Olu or the executive arm of government, as projected by some people who may not be aware of the actual reasons for the rejection of the nominees.

"There is this erroneous belief that we are waging war against the Governor. There is no basis for me and the House to fight the Governor. I will continue to say that the Governor is a brother and colleague in the Lagos project and service to the people of our State.

"The Governor and I have been around in the system for a long. While he was SA to the former Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, I was in this House as Chairman, Committee on Rural Development. He was SA on Establishment and Pensions and I was chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (Local Governments). While he was heading LSDPC, I was chairman, Committee on Economic Planning and Budget. Then, I became the Speaker and when he became the Governor, I remained the Speaker. So it's been a long journey together.

"But I wonder why anytime the House says no to a particular request of the governor, it is taken by some people to mean there is a fight with the governor. This House has passed so many resolutions that the executive arm refused to carry out, but people don't see that as something to talk about and the House does not raise eyebrows. So I don't know what brings the erroneous belief that the House is fighting the Governor, who is our brother and who we will continue to work with".

Despite his denial many still believe that the relationship between the House and the governor is far from cordial. Another reason being given for the rejection of the 17 nominees is the lack of consultation by the governor in picking the nominees.

Many of the legislators who spoke with THEWILL in confidence maintained that Governor Sanwo-Olu just unilaterally picked the nominees and failed to consult the political leaders at the grassroots.

They also claimed that he dumped some names on the House and most of the legislators claimed that the political leaders told them that they had no input in the people nominated by the Governor.

It was gathered that the governor’s failure to consult with the grassroots leaders made the list to be disjointed with some local governments not having representatives in the cabinet.

The House also felt that some of the technocrats in Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet during his first term in office failed to relate with their constituents and members of the governing party in the local areas didn’t feel their impact. They were said to have no political value during the elections.

Leaders of the party, through the House of Assembly, are demanding that the governor should appoint technocrats who are active members of the APC and not from outside the party.

This was confirmed by Obasa in a statement issued on his behalf last Monday.

The statement read, “Concerning the rejection of Prof. Akin Abayomi, former Health Commissioner, Obasa said considerations went beyond his efforts in the fight against COVID-19 which he described as an isolated issue in the challenged health sector of the State.

"Before Prof. Abayomi, there were Leke Pitan, Dr. Jide Idris and others. COVID-19 was an isolated case that was considered. Before COVID-19, we had Ebola which was also taken care of under Babatunde Fashola.

"Beyond all these, we are the representatives of the people, their mouth pieces, eyes and ears. The health sector of Lagos is not just about COVID-19. We have General Hospitals and other Health Care Centres

around the State. What can be said about them?

"Before Engineer Aramide Adeyoye, we also had Engineer Ganiyu Johnson and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as Commissioner for Works and under whom the IkoyiVictoria Island link bridge was built while Babatunde Fashola was Governor. Under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as Governor, there was massive infrastructural development too.

"So we must stop making allusions concerning something we do not understand. They mentioned the former Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho and his experience. But how about actions in office?" Obasa asked.

Religion was also a factor that accounted for the legislators’ action.

THEWILL recalls that Muslims, under the umbrella of the Lagos Muslim Community, had staged a protest over what they described as alleged marginalisation of the Muslims in the list of commissioner-nominees.

During the protest, the President of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, led other prominent Muslim leaders, including the Convener, Joint Muslim Forum (JMF) Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad and MURIC Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola to complain of marginalisation of Muslims in the appointment.

Way Forward

The entre for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI), a non-governmental organisation with the consultative status of the United Nations, has urged Sanwo-Olu to dialogue with the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly on the debacle of the screening of the 17 commissioner-designates who were rejected due to lack of adequate consultations by Governor Sanwo-Olu with the necessary stakeholders in the state, before submitting the list of the nominees to the House of Assembly.

The President of CCDI, Mr. Olufemi Aduwo, called on the governor for immediate dialogue with the leadership of the House in the interest of peace and peaceful co-existence in the state.

Obasa has also provided a solution to the logjam when he said the House might reconsider some of the rejected nominees.

He said that as politicians whose party is in power, the priority of those in government should be the interest of the people but urged those planning to sponsor actions against the House to realise that protests and sponsored articles would not make the House to rescind its decision.

"The civil society that is threatening to protest should do so because it is a constitutional right. But we are not going to be threatened or intimidated. We have said no, but if there is a convincing or germane reason for us to reverse our decision, we will, but not by threats.

"It is because we are successful as politicians that is why the technocrats are being appointed. And to our own estimation, if they have not done well, we have the right to say no and we have said no.

"We don't want instigations and conflicts, the executive and the House are working together; we are brothers and colleagues; we will continue to work together but we need to caution fourth columnists not to instigate crisis. And those that are living in glass houses need to be careful," he warned.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor SanwoOlu, Gboyega Akosile is reported to have expressed optimism that the matter will be resolved.

He said the report on the screening has not been sent to the Governor, saying once the governor received the report of the screening , he will meet with the legislators and of course there will be a meeting ground for the two parties.

There is this erroneous belief that we are waging war against the Governor. There is no basis for me and the House to fight the Governor

POLITICS

APC Begins Preparation For Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Governorship Elections

BY AYO ESAN

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun its preparation for the three off-cycle governorship elections coming up in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States on November 11, 2023, by setting up the campaign councils.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final candidates list in the elections, which shows that all the 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi State, 17 in Imo State and 16 in Bayelsa State. The list also shows that two political parties are fielding female candidates in Bayelsa State, one in Kogi State and none in Imo State.

According to the INEC Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the three elections, campaign officially commenced on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on November 9, 2023 i.e. 24 hours prior to Election Day.

The delay in setting up the campaign councils by the APC may not be unconnected with the resignation of its National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Both Adamu and Omisore were replaced a few weeks ago by former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Bashiru who was the former Senate Spokesperson at the end of a National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

The Campaign Councils, which were set up last Tuesday by the Party at its headquarter in Abuja, has the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, as the Chairman of the Bayelsa Campaign Council; Cross River State Governor, Bassey Out, will chair the 138-member Imo Campaign Council, while Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state will chair a 135-member council for Kogi.

The three Co-Chairmen for Kogi are Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Governor Umar Bago of Niger and Governor Uba Sani (Kaduna).

Imo has Ebonyi Governor, Francis Nwifuru; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, as Co-Chairmen.

Bayelsa has Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, as Co-Chairmen.

The party had last April elected Timpriye Sylva as its governorship candidate, having defeated the former candidate of the party in the last governorship election, Mr David Lyon and four other aspirants to emerge winner of contest, which took place across the 106 wards in the eight local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

In Kogi State, the APC governorship flagbearer is Usman Ododo. Ododo, an ex-Auditor-General of Local Government in Kogi state, had emerged as winner of the party’s primary election conducted in the state on April 14.

The special congress, presided over by the Chairman of the Kogi APC Primary Election Committee, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, was held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, in Lokoja, the state capital.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State won the APC

governorship primary election in the state.

Uzodimma was the sole contender in the primary that took place in Owerri, the Imo state capital. These candidates have been cress-crossing the length and breadth of their states doing consultations and house to house campaigns.

THEWILL recalls that Abdullahi Ganduje had, after his swearing -in as national chairman promised to work assiduously in ensuring the party’s victory in the November 11, 2023 governorship polls in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa.

He said, “Let me also use this opportunity to call on all members of the party and all the people of Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states to close ranks to ensure the APC wins the forthcoming governorship elections.

“As we move forward, let me assure you that as National Chairman, I will deal with integrity, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility. Let us work tirelessly, together to build bridges of understanding and chart a course for a great APC…” Ganduje, who recently emerged as the chairman of the party following the exit of his predecessor, Abdullahi Adamu, is facing his first litmus test in office in the coming elections.

The ruling party is seeking to hold on to Imo State where the Chairman of the PGF, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, is facing re-election.

Similarly, the party seeks to retain the governorship seat in Kogi State as the tenure of Governor Yahaya Bello is coming to an end, it is striving to ensure Ododo, his candidate in the election, takes over from Bello.

The ruling party is also seeking to take back Bayelsa State after it lost it following another controversial court ruling that sacked David Lyon, the candidate of the APC. But in this election cycle, the party is fielding former Governor Timipre Sylva.

Also as part of preparation for the off-circle governorship elections, the APC Governors penultimate Thursday met with the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, in Abuja. The governors, under the aegis of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), met with the former Kano State governor behind closed doors to discuss the winning strategy of the party.

Speaking on the meeting, the Chairman of the PGF, Uzodimma said, “The Progressives Governors Forum is like a family. We are the family of the largest party in Africa. We used the opportunity to listen to our national party chairman, who came to brief us on the activities of the party and the proposed reforms he intends to carry out in the party,” he said.

The setting up of the campaign councils by the APC also came on the heel of the INEC launching of a portal for the recruitment of ad hoc staff for the 2023 off-cycle governorship elections.

In a notice, the electoral umpire said the portal for applications opens at 8am on August 31 and will close at 12am on October 2.

pINEC said that applicants must not be political party members and must not have demonstrated or expressed support for any candidate or party.

Ganduje, who recently emerged as the chairman of the party following the exit of his predecessor, Abdullahi Adamu, is facing his first litmus test in office in the coming elections

POLITICS NEWS

Kogi Guber: We’re Presenting Most Sellable Candidate – APGA

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Kogi state has said that the party is presenting the most sellable candidate in the Nov. 11 governorship election in the state.

Mr Idoko Kingsley Ilonah is the APGA governorship candidate with Yakubu Bawa as his running mate.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Lokoja, the spokesperson for Ilonah/Bawa APGA Campaign Council in Kogi, Mr Aliyu Ibrahim, said the party’s candidate remained the most qualified and suitable among others.

Osun APC Suspends More Members For Alleged Anti-party Activities

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has announced the suspension of an additional 26 members of the party for alleged anti-party activities, after expelling 84 members for the same reason on Wednesday.

The announcement of the suspension is contained in a statement signed by the Osun APC Chairman, Mr Sooko Lawal. The statement reads, “Following complaints of anti-party activities, the State Executive Committee of the Osun State chapter of the APC constituted a Disciplinary Committee to investigate the allegations against some of its members.

“This disciplinary measure comes in response to the allegations of misconduct bordering on factionalisation of the party and creating a parallel party organ.

“The disciplinary committee undertook a thorough and impartial review of the allegations and the findings were carefully deliberated upon by the State Executive Committee.

“After a comprehensive assessment of the evidence and consideration of the committee’s recommendations, the state executive committee has taken the difficult, yet necessary, step to suspend some members”.

Those suspended he said are Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Najeem Salami, Sen. Mudasiru Hussain, Adelowo Adebiyi, Mr Adelani Baderinwa, Mr Sikiru Ayedun, Kazeem Salami, Alhaji Adesiji Azeez, Gbenga Akano.

Others, he said, are Mr Kunle Ige, Mr Biodun Agboola, Gbenga Awosode, Rasheed Opatola, Gbenga Ogunkanmi, Israel Oyekunle, MBO Ibraheem, Akeem Olaoye, Francis Famurewa, Mr Tajudeen Famuyide.

Others are Mrs Adenike Abioye, Wasiu Adebayo, Rasheed Afolabi, Mr Segun Olanibi, Mr Tunde Ajilore, Mr Ganiyu Ismaila Opeyemi, Zakariah KhalidOlaoluwa-South LCDA.

“As we move forward, we enjoin our members to remain focused on our goals and continue working together to serve the interests of our constituents and our State.

“Our commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to our party’s core values remains unwavering,” the party said.

The party chairman had on Wednesday, announced the expulsion of 84 members for allegedly taking up appointments under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state.

Sheriff Extols Leadership Qualities of Shettima

Aformer Governor of Borno State , Sen. Ali Sheriff, has described the Vice President, Kashim Shettima as a leader who exemplifies the core values of good leadership. Sheriff made the assertion in an interview with newsmen shortly after he paid a solidarity visit to Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for finding Shettima worthy and competent to be his running mate. Sheriff said:”

I am here to see the Vice President of Nigeria, who is my younger brother, whom I worked with very closely when I was the governor of Borno State.

”So, I came to bless his office formally as the Vice President of the Federal

Ganduje Assures Women on Better Representation in Tinubu-Led Govt

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje has assured women in the country of better representation in the President Bola Tinubu-led government.

Ganduje gave the assurance when the National Coordinator of Aunty Zee Support Group, Cecilia Yashim, led a delegation on a visit to the chairman on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the president was committed to ensuring that Nigerian women enjoyed the dividends of democracy under his administration.

“The government is already implementing policies and programmes that would positively affect women.

“I want to urge you to align yourself with the office of the First Lady so that you can also benefit from the numerous programmes she has in her plans.

According to him, Ilonah is a man of capacity and has the ability to harness the fortunes of Kogi to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths, provide quality functional education with improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state.

“Our candidate has capacity, he is a man of integrity, and competent to bring the desired development to Kogi.

“Ilonah is the most sellable among all other candidates presented by other political parties,” Ibrahim said.

He assured that APGA government in Kogi would not rely on monthly allocations from the Federal Government to develop the state if voted to power.

The spokesperson emphasised that the party was adequately prepared for the governorship election, and urged the electorate to come out enmasse to cast their votes for APGA.

He explained that Kogi has huge challenges of unemployment, infrastructure deficit, youth restiveness, and low IGR that required urgent solutions.

“The rate of unemployment is very high in Kogi with prevalent poverty which must be urgently addressed.

“The citizens are suffering in the midst of plenty; Kogi is richly endowed with human and mineral resources.

“If elected as Kogi governor come November, our administration is poised to change the narratives within the shortest period,” he said.

Republic of Nigeria and wish him well.”

You know God is wonderful. Today, somebody who worked with me for more than 10 years and today he is the number two citizen of Nigeria.” The APC chieftain recalled with pride that he handed over the governorship of Borno to Shettima in 2011, adding that the vice president worked with him at various levels of governance.

Shettima added:” I handed over governorship of Borno State to him, he worked with me in various levels of governance and he had exhibited a quality of leadership from time memorial.” And by divination, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu picked him as his running mate.

“We have heard you and your requests and we assure you that whatever we can do to assist you, we will do it,” he said. In a remark, Yashim said the visit was to congratulate the chairman on his emergence as the leader of the party and to notify him of women’s demands. She said the group, under the leadership of Hajia Zainab Ibrahim, the Deputy National Women Leader of the party, was fully set to enlighten Nigerians on government policies.

“We wish to please make demands that you as chairman of the party and all National Working Committee members look into, and handsomely reward our principal with a ministerial appointment.

“We won’t mind any befitting appointment that can encourage her to do more for the benefits of all Nigerians,” she said.

He assured the people that under the APGA government, Kogi would largely depend on the internally generated revenue for its development.

He stressed that APGA administration would explore several other avenues to avoid waiting for monthly allocations; saying youth empowerment would be the party’s focal point.

He promised that the APGA administration would establish a fashion or garment industry in the state.

The spokesperson, therefore, urged the electorate to choose wisely and vote for the Ilonah/Bawa APGA ticket in the coming election in the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman of APGA in the state, Mr Moses Ajodo, said Ilonah has capacity which he had proven over time in his private businesses.

Ajodo stressed that if Ilonah is given the opportunity to govern the confluence state, he would adequately utilize its numerous resources to the benefit of the people.

AYO ESAN

From left, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Minister of Works, Senator Dave Nweze Umahi; Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof Daud Shangodoyin and Director, Federal Ministry of Works, Southwest, Engr. Adedamola Kuti, during a courtesy visit to the Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Getting Ready For Floods

The August break is over and the rains are gradually coming back. On Friday, many cities and communities across the country, including Lagos and Kano, experienced downpours. Nigerians living in coastal and flood-prone areas are already apprehensive as they are getting prepared for another round of the perennial flooding which usually comes with massive devastation, bringing with it tears, sorrow and death to the affected areas.

The Federal Government recently raised the alarm over the effects of the opening of the Ladgo Dam in Cameroon on Nigerians living around flood-prone areas. The government however allayed the fears of many Nigerians, saying it would put measures in place to minimise the expected flood. According to the Federal Government, it would be inconceivable for it to stand and watch the loss of lives and property of Nigerians, hence the timely warning.

Speaking on the matter during a coordinating meeting by the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Water Resources, Environment, Health, among others, in Abuja last week, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, advised states and local government councils to adopt safety

measures to avoid the impending flood that is expected as a result of the recent opening of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

“This coordinating meeting is being held at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed such after I raised the issue of flooding in today’s Federal Executive Council meeting. Mr President directed that all relevant ministries must meet to find a solution to the issue of flooding.

“As earlier stated, the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon was recently opened recently and we will see the effect in the coming days. Flood has been a major issue in Nigeria and has been causing loss of lives and property. We have been given a task by Mr President to ensure proper preparedness against the effect of the opening of the Lagdo Dam. “One of the things that government in different states must begin to do is to ensure that drainages are cleaned. Blockages must be removed. Also, proper enlightenment and sensitization of residents must be carried out. Residents in affected areas must begin to relocate to safer planes.

''States must stand up to involuntary relocations. It is inconceivable to witness avoidable loss of lives and property.,'' the minister said, adding, “Other short-term measures must be adopted by states to safeguard loss of lives and property. We will be

working with other ministries, states, relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure the provision of items to affected states.”

Minister of Environment and Ecological Management, Ishak Salako, has also assured that his Ministry will continue to give hourly warnings on rising water levels as he urged the states to step up their preparation to mitigate the flood. “The flood early warning system is domiciled with the Ministry of Environment and it is ongoing. Apart from the opening of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, we are issuing hourly alerts on River Benue, River Niger and others. We are alerting Nigerians on the water level. We hope that will help us to alert our people to take precautionary measures to relocate to safer places,'' Salako said.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, who called for synergy in disaster management said: “We are trying to look at the short term measures. The level of flood is presently under control, but as rain continues to fall, flood may certainly set in. So, what are the measures put in place? So, we are calling on Nigerians at state and local government levels to clean their drainages and keep the environment clean to curb flooding.” We are glad that timely warning signals are already on as we urge every state and local government

We are glad that timely warning signals are already on as we urge every state and local government to start taking action now instead of waiting to be caught unawares. Now that there is appropriate coordination among the various Ministries concerned, we want to believe that the impact and devastation this time around would be minimal

THEWILL NEWSPAPER TEAM

Shifting From The Status Quo

BY FREDRICK NWABUFO

Governance is serious business. It demands gravitas, rigour, diligence, and urgency. Those saddled with the responsibility of managing public trust must do so with circumspection, sobriety, and solemnity. The mood of the country, today, dictates temperance and moderation in dopamine-raising fiestas by those so entrusted with public utility.

At a time of national disquiet, wild celebrations over public responsibility are simply not the way to show attunement to prevailing concerns. Public service, ordinarily, should command less festivity and more solemnity.

A SHIFT FROM THE STATUS QUO IMPLIES THAT PUBLIC OFFICIALS SHOULD CONSIDER THEMSELVES AS SERVANTS OF THE PEOPLE, AND NOT THEIR SOVEREIGN; SUBMITTING TO TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. IT MEANS THAT THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE MUST BE DONE WITH PRIVATE-SECTOR DISCIPLINE; GOAL-ORIENTED, PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN, AND WITH CLEAR TARGETS

But there seems to be a shifting from the status quo.

On Channels Television's Sunrise Daily on Monday, presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Bola Tinubu would not hesitate to sack any underperforming appointee. He said: ''The President has set the benchmarks. The question now is about enforcement, and the President has shown, as he did during his time in Lagos State as governor, that he is not someone who is afraid to fire anybody. He is not somebody that is afraid to levy quick sanctions to ensure that they get the results that he wants, because, ultimately, if this administration fails, they will not say a minister failed or a set of ministers failed. They will say President Bola Tinubu failed, and he will not accept failure."

Ngelale's statement stirred reactions – I believe for its unorthodoxy. In the past, nonperforming public officials, some of them self-confessed, enjoyed uninterrupted tenures, and even re-engagement. An anomaly that hangs over the national consciousness like a wraith. But there are knowing signs that there is a shifting from that status quo.

At the inaugural federal executive council meeting, President Tinubu gave members of his cabinet their marching orders. A statement issued by the presidency quoted the president

to have said: ''Emphasising that anyone thinking that appointments are fixed term appointments are mistaken, the President expressed confidence that the carefully selected cabinet members know that his government is a new one with a new approach and a new mandate to deliver for Nigeria without any lamentation or excuses.''

The President was also reported to have told his ministers: "You and I know that expectations are high, and these are tough times. We must work hard and move ourselves to create a buoyant economy that will serve Nigeria.''

And clearly discerning the mood of country, the President directed the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to freeze the processing of visas for all government officials seeking to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly without proof of direct participation in UNGA's official schedule of activities. This was said to be a part of measures to reduce the cost of governance. Under a tonnage of hardship effectuated by some very necessary and compelling reforms, Nigerians have asked the government to show concern by cutting the cost of governance. I believe the government's gesture will be a continuum.

Things should be done differently and are beginning to be done differently, a new order from what it used to be. The otiose status quo should not be re-invented or perpetuated. Nigerians deserve a breath of crisp oxygen.

This shift from the status quo should advance further, bringing vibrancy, fecundity, and vigour to our system.

A shift from the status quo implies that public officials should consider themselves as servants of the people, and not their sovereign; submitting to transparency and accountability. It means that the business of governance must be done with private-sector discipline; goal-oriented, performance-driven, and with clear targets. The administration is already bringing this inclination to governance.

A shift from the status quo dictates fiscal discipline, prudence, patriotism, and competence in the management of our finances.

A shift from the status quo implies the pursuit of the national interest, unity, and peace of the country at all times.

A shift from the status quo dictates sustaining the stimulus of Renewed Hope. And it is a good start.

Good governance is the kernel of Nigeria's development. Effective leadership will address a good number of today's nettlesome challenges. The vexing problems with education, healthcare, security, unemployment, and electricity can be managed or palliated with responsible leadership.

•Nwabufo is the CEO of Line and Link Consulting and publisher of TheLink

Farewell to Democracy in Nigeria

BY MON-CHARLES EGBO

While Nigeria is busy championing concerted efforts aimed at restoring democracy in the Niger Republic, the country’s democracy is dying.

Ironically, it is not the military, being the conventional enemy of democracy, that is culpable, but the people whom democracy is meant to protect are killing democracy. Put succinctly, democracy is killing democracy in Nigeria.

And instructively as well, the weapon for this self-destruction is as potent as it is delicate. By its ideal value, this instrument is a shield for democracy. It is the principal offering of democracy which incidentally distinguishes democracy as the best form of governance. It is a key principle both in constitutional and international human rights laws. In short, this tool is the bedrock of democracy. Yet, it has turned out to be the albatross and the existential threat to democracy in Nigeria.

When the founding fathers of constitutional democracy, notably John Milton, conceived the freedom of expression as a fundamental right of everyone, they had envisioned an enlightened society where law and order reign supreme, where individuals would not be prevented from speaking and acting according to their respective convictions; and also, where citizens are at liberty to condemn and even protest against bad leadership or governance including injustice of any kind.

For emphasis, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1948, reads that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.

However, in building this essential foundation for a liberal democratic society, those humanists and visionaries innocently left this freedom borderless. Understandably, in their broadmindedness, they did not envisage the likelihood of abuse or the eventual advent of the internet as well as the inherent dangers of social media.

The consequences of this harmless oversight would later become overwhelming. The freedom was rather being deployed to the detriment of national unity and development.

This prompted a review and subsequent caveat in 1952, which notes that “the exercise of this freedom, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties, as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, (among others) for the protection of the reputation or rights of others”. This necessitated the laws prohibiting defamation, sedition, obscenity, and incitement to violence or crimes as domesticated by countries including Nigeria. But despite this intervention aimed at limiting the scope of this civil right, the issues are still far from being effectively addressed.

Today in Nigeria, this hallmark of democracy is being mindlessly weaponized to stifle the very essence of democracy. The legislature is gasping for breath in the hands of the very people to whom it is meant to offer fresh air. And it is more perplexing to see that it is the same constitution that guards this cornerstone of democracy that still guides its misapplication, more sadly, through social media. For instance, spurious allegations against individuals and institutions, including subjective criticisms and sundry demeaning public remarks respectively enjoy the implied protections of the freedom of expression in Nigeria.

WE BRAZENLY RIDICULE OUR SYMBOL OF DEMOCRACY AND THE CONSCIENCE OF THE NATION MERELY FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY. WE ALLOW OUR EMOTIONS TO OVERWHELM US IN OUR CRITICISMS. WE FORGET THAT THE DISPARAGING REMARKS ARE NOT JUST ABOUT THE LEGISLATORS

Meanwhile, in prosecuting this onslaught against democracy under the cloak of exercising the right to freedom of expression, the people, particularly the elites, who are versed in the workings of democracy, feign ignorance of some fundamental facts about governance. They seemingly forget that while democracy is about the people, it is the legislature that delivers the dividends of democracy to the people.

Also, they pretend not to know that democracy and the legislature, like two sides of a coin, owe their existence to each other; meaning that one is dead without the other. And again, none remembers that an injury to the legislature is an injury to democracy, and by extension, an injury to Nigeria.

So once again, democracy is killing democracy in Nigeria. And its death is imminent. It is no longer about if it will come, but when it will occur.

•Egbo is a parliamentary affairs analyst

NGX AMONG AFRICA'S BEST PERFORMING MARKETS IN 3 MONTHS …AS MARKET CAP HITS N1.4TRN IN AUGUST

EDITOR Sam Diala

N36,95tn

Transcorp Tops Investors’ Toast as Equities Market Record 15-Year High

$1.86bn

I&E Window Turnover Rose by 1.8% to $1.86bn in August

Backward Integration: Receding Agric Fortune Mirrors Troubled Consumer Goods Firms

Despite concerns around the soaring inflation, interest rate hikes and weak macroeconomic indices, investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s stock market remained strong, leading to Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) emerging one of the best performing exchanges in Africa during a three-month duration.

According to African markets, a website tracking the performance of exchanges in Africa, Ghana Stock Exchange (+22.84 per cent) emerged first while NGX (+19.33 percent) emerged second on the list, followed by Malawi stock exchange (+15.79 per cent).

This development has pushed the market to its 15-year high on the back of strong positive sentiments, as the market capitalisation - listed value of equities, which opened the trading month of August at N35.011 trillion, closed the month at N36.422 trillion, hence gaining N1.41 trillion. On the other hand, the All-Share Index (ASI), which is the broad index that measures the performance of Nigerian stocks, opened the trading month at 64,337.52 index points at the beginning of trading on August 3, 2023, and closed at 66,548.99 points at the end the month on August 31, gaining 2,211.47 basis points or 3.44%.

The bullish trend can be attributed to investors’ jostling for low, medium, and high capitalised stocks across some major sectors. This is amid favourable policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s new administration such as the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of exchange rate, and investors strategically positioning themselves.

They also took advantage of the recent record earnings posted by quoted firms and the recent formation of the country’s economic cabinet and executives. Interestingly, the market traded in mixed sentiments during the month under review.

Reacting to the performance of

Continues on page 33

BY SAM DIALA

Nigeria’s agricultural sector has been on a steady decline in the past seven years, according to data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). After the second quarter (Q2) of 2016 when it achieved a real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 4.5 percent year-on-year, the strategic sector has maintained an uninterrupted slide.

In Q2 2017, agriculture declined by a growth rate of 3.01 percent from 4.5 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year, before it hit 1.19 percent in Q2 2018. The fortune of this allimportant sector, which is the largest employer of labour, rose marginally to 1.79 percent in Q2 2019 then slowed to 1.58 percent in Q2 2020.

Although the overall GDP growth rate rose to 3.40 percent in Q2 2021 from -1.92 percent in the previous year’s equivalent period, the positive trend did not impact on agriculture: The sector nosedived to a 1.3 percent growth rate in Q2 of that year, and sank deeper to 1.2 percent in Q2 2022, before recording a stunted growth of 1.50 percent in Q2 2023.

While the overall contribution of agriculture to GDP hovered on the average of 23 percent during the seven-year period, the receding fortune of this sector was a major concern to the consumer goods firms. This is because the consumer goods firms rely significantly on agriculture to source their raw materials under the thriving backward integration policy.

Backward integration is a practice where companies are encouraged to cultivate their own raw materials by purchasing from their suppliers or establishing farms to grow produce for their factories. Though conceived in the 80’s, the policy gained momentum in the country following the crash in crude oil prices which started in the fourth quarter of 2014. The government put the measure in place to save foreign exchange, create jobs, boost productivity and grow the GDP.

The consumer goods firms have taken giant strides in supporting and implementing the policy which has benefitted the small and medium enterprises (SME), especially those engaged in agriculture and transportation.

For instance, Nestlé Nigeria instituted a project to engage 5,000 smallholder farmers, initially, for the supply of raw materials for

its agro-business operations. The initiative, ‘Developing Inclusive Grain Value Chains Project’, was in partnership with IDH — a Sustainable Trade Initiative and TechoServe outfit.

Nigerian Breweries stepped up local production of sorghum and cassava to boost local raw material supply for its plants. The 77-year-old consumer goods firm has made significant strides towards the development and commercial cultivation of sorghum and its use by the industry since the 80’s. Although the project is challenged by the spate of insecurity across the northern states where the farms are established, the company has pushed on with the policy notwithstanding the myriad of environmental obstacles. FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria developed its local raw milk sourcing in a bid to support backward integration, an initiative that has proved a source of sustained income to almost 2,000 farmers (including 900 women).

Manufacturers in the flour milling sector have been taking steps to increase their tempo of backward integration in recent times. Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc has invested in several farms and other agricultural projects to cultivate raw materials for most of its processes. Cadbury Nigeria established a cocoa processing plant in Ondo.

These projects have been negatively impacted by the receding fortune of agriculture which stems largely from insecurity, poor infrastructure, multiple taxes, extortion, high inflation rate and other economic challenges. “The operators rely on a strong value chain that involves many micro, small and medium businesses especially in agriculture and agro-business activities. If they are not healthy, they will not feed the manufacturing companies and this will have a far-reaching impact on the economy”, said Julius Abedinego, a processing business operator.

Checks revealed that the consumer goods firms recorded higher operating expenses in the Q2 2023 mainly on the raw material/ inventory, sales and energy costs as had been the case earlier. The companies’ raw/packaging materials inventories showed a total of N161.4 billion during the first three months of the year, a 20 percent rise from N134.7 billion spent in the corresponding

...Receding Agric Fortune Mirrors

Troubled Consumer Goods Firms

period in 2022. Nigerian Breweries report showed N54.7 billion worth of raw/packaging materials inventory during the period. Others are Dangote Sugar and Nestle with N48.2 billion and N32.3 billion respectively.

These include multiple taxes, high operating costs, rising inflation, low consumer demand, decrepit infrastructure, volatile exchange market, forex scarcity, policy summersault and insecurity among others. The most outstanding impact came from the devaluation of the naira.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had on June 14, 2023, announced the unification of the multiple exchange windows of the forex market. This resulted in significant depreciation of the naira by 67 percent to the average of N777/$ (as of August 2023) against N465/$ prior to the announcement. Also, the naira traded N800/$ at the parallel market compared to N765/$ before the abolition of multiple exchange rates. This development impacted negatively on the operations of firms in the manufacturing sector. The 2023 half-year financial results of these firms proved they are walking a tight rope, and literally trudging the valley of shadow of death. It is obvious that some of them might shut down or drastically downsize soon.

Findings from 10 sampled major manufacturing firms, mainly in the consumer goods group, showed they reported a total of N517.1 billion in non-recovery, net foreign exchange losses in the first half of the year (HY 2023), occasioned by the devaluation of the naira.

Nestle Nigeria Plc and Dangote Cement Plc were the worst hit with non-recovery net forex losses of N123.7 billion and N113.6 billion respectively. They are followed by Nigerian Breweries Plc N85.26 billion, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc N83.09 billion and Guinness Nigeria Plc N41.9 billion.

Others are International Breweries Plc with N40.66 billion, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Plc N22.82 billion, Unilever Plc N2.93 billion and Cadbury Nigeria Plc N1.03 billion. The eroding wave of depreciation resulted in total post-tax loss of N370.57 billion by the 10 firms, compared to N175.9 post-tax profit they posted in the equivalent period of the preceding year. The development impacted severely on the balance sheets of Nigerian businesses as they had to source extra funds in local currency to meet their dollar-denominated obligations.

Data gleaned from the financial statements of the 10 selected firms, revealed that they suffered huge forex losses which impacted severely on their earnings and drained their bottom lines as inflation rises. This resulted in a total pre-tax loss of N695.03 billion in HY 2023 against pre-tax profit of N637.61 in the corresponding period of 2022.

“It is a bad omen.” said Barnabas Ikuru, an investment and financial analyst. “Their balance sheets have been significantly eroded, their earning power vitiated, and their expansion capacity weakened. Top among the victims are the employees who may be laid off, downgraded or suffer a salary cut. Some companies will have to increase the price of their products and that would impact their sales revenue because of declining consumer power,” Ikuru added.

…as Market Cap Hits N1.4trn in August

the local bourse, market analysts maintained that most investors, particularly domestic investors are optimistic that the economy will take shape soon, hence the reason the stock market is defying current macroeconomic uncertainties. Cordros Research in their Market review and outlook for financial markets titled; ‘Veering from the watershed point’, stated that the equities market resilience reflects heightened investor optimism for domestic growth with the new administration's promulgation of long-needed policies.

According to the report, the implementation of policy reforms, accommodative monetary policy and resilient corporate earnings have so far supported buying activities in August. The report further said that “Even though foreign investors are expected to stay on the sidelines as long as FX illiquidity issues persist, its baseline expectation is that the market will deliver a positive return of 25.8% in the full year of 2023.

Despite the rising inflation, interest rate hike, naira redesign-induced cash crunch, exchange rate volatility, blurred policy space and the likes, the market rallied amid buying interest from domestic investors, especially in bellwether stocks. Domestic investors also stepped up their listings on the local bourse at a time no foreign investor looked the way of Nigeria.

Investigation showed that, besides buying pressure, no less than N8 trillion was added to the market capitalisation through new listings by eight indigenous firms. This was after the foreign investors took their flight, following the plaque of COVID-19 in 2020.

The newly listed companies include Access Corporation (N562 billion), BAPlc (N62,5 million), Bua Cement (N3.31 trillion) and Bua Foods (N3.44 trillion). Others are Geregu (N750 billion), GTCO (N1,030 trillion), Ronchess Global (N223.6 billion) and Sterling Financial Holdings (N74.3 billion).

Capital market sources said the battle of huge war chests in the form of Greenmail, which hinges on a hostile approach to take over a target company, could be part of the rally in the equities market.

“Greenmail or greenmailing is the action of purchasing enough shares in a firm to challenge a firm's leadership with the threat of a hostile takeover to force the target company to buy the purchased shares back at a premium. This could lead to a temporary high in share price,” said Dr Paul Uzum, a stockbroker and Head of Securities Trading at Planet Capital

The Doyen of Nigerian Stockbrokers, Sam Ndata, said the bullish trend in the Nigerian equities market cannot be unconnected with political activities that heightened in 2022, culminating in the general elections in the first quarter of 2023.

“It is usual at every election season; we saw a similar trend in the elections that enthroned former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019 when politicians had a lot of cash at their disposal.

“The politicians are no longer interested in buying houses or dumping their money in their bank accounts. In order to run away from the prying eyes of the anti-graft agencies, they consider it wise to put their money in stocks where it is safe and covered,” Ndata said.

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 capitalisation. He also noted that the huge volumes of shares traded recently meant foreign investors might be thinking about making a comeback into the equities market.

GTCO’s Pre-tax Profit Jumps 217.1% to N327.4bn in HY 2023

Nigeria’s biggest lender by market value, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) reported profit before tax of N327.4 billion in 2023 half year, representing an increase of 217.1% over N103.2 billion recorded in the corresponding period ended June 2022. The feat was achieved on a vast expansion in foreign exchange revaluation gains which contributed more than half of the revenue reported for the period.

Gross earnings quickened by 181 per cent to N672.6 billion, with the corporate banking unit accounting for 68.9 percent of revenue. Net interest income scaled up 46.8 per cent to N177.5 billion.

The financial institution, whose flagship commercial banking division has a chunk of its loans denominated in the US dollar, benefitted enormously from roughly 40 per cent weakening of the naira in June. This allowed repayments on such credit to surge in local currency, consequently boosting revenue and profit.

Credit impairment for the period sprang to

N82.9 billion from N3.5 billion, translating to an increase of 2,257.5 per cent within a year.

Other income rose by 2,482.5 per cent to N372.2 billion, supported by an unusual foreign exchange revaluation gain, which contributed 96 per cent of that sum.

Profit for the period climbed to N280.5 billion from N77.6 billion a year earlier. Net profit margin, which measures how much of revenue has turned into profit, stood at 41.7 per cent. It was 31.7 per cent a year earlier.

The directors have proposed an interim dividend of N0.50 per share, translating to a payout of N14.7 billion.

The Group’s loan book (net) Increased by 22.8% from N1.89trillion recorded as of December 2022 to N2.32trillion in June 2023, while deposit liabilities grew by 37.0% from N4.61trillion in December 2022 to N6.32trillion in June 2023..

Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very strong, closing at 24.7%, while asset quality was sustained as IFRS 9 Stage 3

Loans improved to 4.6% in June 2023 from 5.2% in December 2022.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said:

“Our half-year audited results reflect the strong business fundamentals underpinning the GTCO franchise, the quality of our past decisions in future-proofing our balance sheet for challenging times and the sound practices that guide our day-to-day operations.

“Despite the challenges in the business environment, notably inflationary pressures, and exchange rate fluctuations, we are starting to see the gains in the transformation of our businesses following our transition to a Holding Company structure.

“Improved profitability and solid performance across key metrics reflect efficiencies and justify the investments we continue to make in technology, product development and our people.

Although the overall GDP growth rate rose to 3.40 percent in Q2 2021 from -1.92 percent in the previous year’s equivalent period, the positive trend did not impact on agriculture

L – R: Finance Director for West & Central Africa, British-America Tobacco, Mr. Nomore Mapanzure; Head, Rules and Adjudication, NGX Regulation Limited, Mr. Oluwatoyin Adenugba; Vice Chairman, Association of Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Ms. Ify Ejezie; Partner, PWC, Mr. Pedro Omontuemhen; Past President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (LCCI), Mrs Nike Akande, CON; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Temi Popoola; President, LCCI; Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, Deputy President, LCCI, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, CON; Past President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, LCCI, Chief John Odeyemi, MFR; Past President LCCI and Former President of Council, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Goodie Ibru, OON; Divisional Head, Business Support Services, Irene Robinson-Ayanwale; Director, Trade Promotion, LCCI, Dr. Sunnie Omeiza Michael and Chief Digital Officer, NGX, Dr. Olufemi Oyenuga, during the Closing Gong Ceremony in commemoration of the 135th year anniversary of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at NGX in Lagos on August 31, 2023.

Transcorp Tops Investors’ Toast as Equities Market Record 15-Year High

The local bourse opened the month’s trading with market capitalisation surging to N36,95 trillion (against N36,42 trillion on August 31) – the highest since March 5, 2008. The NGX All-Share index climbed to 67,527.19 points from 66,548.99 points on the previous day.Transporp (+9.88% from price of N6.67) led the volume chart with 83.31m units traded while Dangote Cement (+2.72% against N369.80 price) led the value chart in deals worth N1.55 billion.

The market was buoyed on September 1, by gains in industrial heavyweight, Dangote Cement adding N369.80 (+2.72%), alongside Zenith Bank (+4.56% against share price of N34.40) and GTCO (+3.54% against N38 per share). Having gained in four of five trading sessions last week, the ASI closed 3.00% higher w/w.

Over the course of the week, strong performances across Dangote Cement (+2.72% w/w), Buafoods (+9.09% w/w) and Zenith Bank (+5.04% w/w) outweighed the selloffs in MTN Nigeria (-0.04% w/w), Nestle Nigeria (-5.98% w/w) and Stanbic IBTC (-0.78% w/w).

As a result, the year-to-date return rose to 31.76%, while the market capitalization gained N1.08tn w/w to close at N36.96 trillion.

Market breadth closed positive at a 3.40-to-1 ratio with advancing issues outnumbering declining ones. Dangote Sugar (+10.00%) topped thirty-five others on the leader’s table while GlagsowSmithKlime (-6.47%) led nine others on the laggard's log.

I&E Window Turnover Rose by 1.8% to $1.86bn in August

Nigeria’s volatile currency market turnover climbed to $1.88 billion in August from $1.71 billion in the previous month, reflecting a 1.8 percent increase in 23 trading days.

However, the market turnover for August 18, was not tracked.

The highest turnover was $170 million recorded on August 30 while the least amount was $44,43 million on August 3.

The forex market has been battling with scarcity of dollar since the new government introduced a new regulation as part of the reform to reposition the economy

Analysts at Proshare reports that Nigeria's external reserves dropped by US$915 milllion post-exchange rate aggregation.

The CBN aggregated all the exchange rate windows into the I&E window on June 14, when the reserves stood at US$34.66bn, and has dropped to US$33.73bn as of August 25, 2023.

Analysts suspect the reserve depletion was due to the continuous currency intervention since the CBN still operates a floating managed peg exchange regime, external debt servicing for Q2 2023 and the lower FX inflow from oil exports.

The country has struggled to meet the OPEC oil production quota in the past few years, robbing the opportunity to benefit from the elevated oil prices, which should shove up the reserves. The severe FX shortage has made the naira maintain a depreciation trend, N915/US$ as of August 28, 2023, at the parallel market and hovering above N700/US$ at the official rate.

Ban on SIM Card Imports Creates N55bn Business Boom For

Local Manufacturers – Danbatta

The ban on imports of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards has created businesses in excess of N55 billion for local manufacturers, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta has said.

Danbatta, who was delivering his welcome address at the second edition of the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content EXPO (NTICE 2023) said the ban created direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria.

Danbatta said Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector is amongst the biggest contributors to socioeconomic growth of the country, as evidenced by the numerous achievements of the sector.

“It is not out of place to mention that the sector’s performance was instrumental to lifting Nigeria out of recession with 12.45% contribution to the GDP in Q4 2020. This figure increased to 14.13% as at Q1 2023.

“The Sector is also home to two (2) of the most valuable listed companies in Nigeria with a collective market capitalization in excess of N10.45 trillion”, the EVC said. In 2021 and 2022, the commission generated revenue in excess of USD$820m from the auction and grant of 3.5GHz Spectrum band licences to three operators to boost the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) services in Nigeria.

Danbatta said this development placed Nigeria on the global 5G map ahead of many countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

“It is also important to note that while Quality of Service and Quality of Experience in telecommunications services in Nigeria have continued to improve, tariffs have remained stable notwithstanding the increase in cost-of-service provision to the telecom operators.

“In order to sustain and further improve Quality of Service and Quality of Experience in telecommunications services in Nigeria, we must embrace indigenous content and value creation within the telecoms value chain, otherwise, increase in telecoms tariff will be inevitable”, he said.

According to him, the Commission is fully committed to the drive of the Federal Government to place the Nigerian Economy on a sustainable pedestal through all the necessary policies put in place.

Speaking on the compelling theme, “Harnessing Indigenous Content for Economic Growth; Networking to Boost Investment, Team Lead Nigeria Office for Development of Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS)”, Engr. Babagana Digima said the expo is not just a congregation of like-minded individuals but a nexus of innovation and creativity.

“It’s a platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged, and collaborations are born. It’s a space where the synergy of diverse minds transforms into actionable strategies that will propel us towards new horizons of economic growth and sustainable development.

“We will explore how indigenous content can be a catalyst for economic growth, how networking can foster investment, and how the intersection of technology and culture can lead us to the forefront of global innovation”, he said.

NBS Unemployment Rate Controversy

BY TOPE FASUA

Iread quite a few commentaries that are dismissive of the new methodology which dropped Nigeria’s unemployment rate to 4.1 per cent. But I think we should understand that there are merits and demerits. And the methodology forces us all to think about critical issues in the labour space today.

First, the ILO is the United Nations body supervening labour issues worldwide, so at some point we must adhere to their improving standards. The NBS further says many countries have internalised these new guidelines. However, the NBS is basing its survey on 35,520 households. It is unclear whether the NBS has been using the same database for a while or if it shifts its surveys spatially and geographically to get new perspectives.

Also, the NBS has to explain to the public why it chose to survey only 35,520 households. Is that number representative enough for 200 million+ people – depending on whom you believe? I have personally not been surveyed by the NBS and honestly don’t know anyone who has. Again, this throws up the usual cynicism, among ordinary Nigerians –just as happened when we heard that the Buhari government (working with the World Bank) came up with a list of 60 million Nigerians who live in poverty. Don’t blame us if we disbelieve, work on your methodology.

Now, the NBS says that three-quarters, or 73.6 per cent – 76.7 per cent of working-age Nigerians were employed because they did more than 1 hour of paid work (or for profit) in a week. People are asking if one hour of work in Nigeria is good enough even if someone chooses not to do more work. The amount earned by people who work for one hour a week will differ considerably, with techies earning a lot but casual workers being unable to survive on their earnings.

A high-flying executive in many industries does not need more than one hour of work in a week, but an artisan who says one hour of work in a week is enough surely needs help. The NBS report also says that 36.4 per cent and 33.2 per cent of working-age Nigerians worked for less than 40 hours (about 1 and a half days) in the period under survey (Q4, 2022 and Q1, 2023) but did not seek more work.

“Underemployment rate (which is a share of employed people working less than 40 hours (about 1 and a half days) per week and declaring themselves willing and available to work more) was 13.7 per cent in Q4 2022 and 12.2 per cent in Q1 2023”, the NBS declared. The bureau further stated that wage employment accounted for only 13.4 per cent and 11.8 per cent in Q4, 2022 and Q1, 2023 respectively while a whopping 73.1 per cent in Q4, 2022 and 75.4 per cent in Q1, 2023 were operating their own businesses or into farming!

The balance of 10.7 per cent in Q4, 2022 and 10.6 per cent in Q1, 2023 were either “engaged helping in a household business” or serving as apprentices/interns (2.6 per cent in Q4, 2022 and 2.2 per cent in Q1, 2023). This means that of all the people ‘working’ in Nigeria, roughly 85 per cent were engaged ‘on their own’, hustling, serving as apprentices, doing ‘buying and selling’, or generally in the informal sector. This is shameful, sad, and scary. This leaves a balance of 5.3 per cent in Q4, 2022 and 4.1 per cent in Q1, 2023 that could be considered as truly unemployed, according to the NBS. But obviously, Nigeria is in deep trouble.

The NBS concluded, “22.3 per cent of the working age population were out of labour force in Q4 2022, while it was 20.1 per cent in Q1, 2023”. This may mean that this category is not looking for employment. Why? Could they all be infirm? Or for some reason zoned out and unwilling to work? I think this is where the real work is. We should have a much smaller percentage of young or working-age people who are unwilling to work in a

country with so many problems and pining for labour. Again, providing for the shortcomings of a small sample size, this survey by the NBS tells a story.

1. The face of work has changed the world over. Young people these days no longer think of work as some 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. place to go. And oftentimes, the old format is inefficient.

2. Perhaps many young Nigerians are simply no longer interested in work. Why? They are now exposed to the ‘developed’ world and all the glitz via the internet and the plethora of social media handles. Leaders too have not done much work in psychoanalysing the youths of today in designing policies. Nigerian youths can no longer be bothered to do the heavy lifting of building a nation from scratch. Many have stopped trying and are just waiting to

‘japa’ through any means.

Many are also deluded about what it takes to become successful in life and many think ‘abroad’ is a place of enjoyment. Many would also rather be pranksters, bloggers or Big Brother ‘soft porn’ stars – anything for a big haul of money. Even the children of the rich, sponsored to very expensive schools at home and abroad would rather be musicians or Deejays (who work at night or never have to work at all since their work is also their play).

3. A recent newspaper report details how there is a drastic drop in apprenticeships and skills learning in Nigeria. This is a scary prospect because the skills we are talking about play very critical role in society –carpenters, mechanics, tailors, welders, technicians, electricians, plumbers etc. Most of the workers (bosses) interviewed say they no longer have young people coming in as apprentices. Most say that less than 2 per cent of those who come bother to learn the work before leaving. For most boys from poorer homes in the south of Nigeria, the allure of yahooyahoo is way too strong. For the rich or middle-class ones, learning such skills does not even come up as everyone desires a degree. Even the world-famous Igbo apprenticeship system is waning out. Fewer and fewer boys remain in the villages to be picked up by big men for training.

Most are already hardened and searching for big bucks in their teenage years. And for those who bother to sound savvy in and out of government, the focus is on technology. Can we focus on technology and abandon these core skills? Who will repair our cars and plumbing in the future? Are we deluding ourselves that we can leap over into the tech future without taking care of these ‘dirty jobs’? The future is bleak in this regard. We are rudderless and rootless.

4. Roughly 85 per cent of the Nigerian economy is informal – full of hustlers. Yet Nigeria is pushing more of her youths into ‘entrepreneurship’. Our understanding of ‘entrepreneurship’ here is shallow and used as an excuse for successive governments to shirk their responsibility of organising society, creating adequate public sector jobs to ensure proper manning of public amenities. We cite the example of small-scale industries in China being the fulcrum of their economy, but deliberately ignore that small scale industries in China, Germany, USA and elsewhere are capacitated to produce tangible things and engage in massive exports. Most of our biggest businessmen/entrepreneurs (who are mere agents of the industries in these countries), only go as far as dealing with small scale players out there. We should not deceive ourselves.

5.If the NBS intends to use this one-hour-perweek benchmark, it should remember that we are comparing apples with oranges at some level. A majority of Nigeria’s workforce are stuck at subsistence level – as maibolas, chewing gum sellers inside traffic and so on, until they get tired and become liability upon the country. Whereas the NBS report has presented the data from a global angle, same data needs to be discombobulated to allow for Nigerian nuances. A youth working in MacDonalds in the US for example has many opportunities to grow even in the same sector, and to live a fulfilled life. I am speaking here about the fundamental and foundational damage to our social system which renders most of our youths as illiterate, unemployable, despondent and unable to scale their usefulness to society beyond that petty hustle they do.

So, as I advised the SG in that parley, perhaps we don’t want to use 1-hour as benchmark. Perhaps we want to do that for 10 hours a week (two hours a day), in determining who is fully employed. Or we want to evolve more granular data that separates top earners as fully employed, but those earning meagre amounts with no prospects for bettering themselves, as unemployed. It is indeed unfair to consider everyone working for one hour as fully employed. Also, we need to look at the kind of survey questions that make people say they don’t need more work!

I expect a lot more acerbic reaction in the next few days. But at least this strikes up a good debate that allows us to dissect our many problems with our population, productivity, youth engagement, job creation, government responsibility, private sector contributions, artificial intelligence, technology in general, our several experimentations with petty entrepreneurship, and what the future holds for our dear nation. These are crucial times indeed.

•Fasua is an economist, author, blogger and entrepreneur

If the NBS intends to use this onehour-per-week benchmark, it should remember that we are comparing apples with oranges at some level

FG Disburses N2bn Subsidy Palliative to 36 States, FCT

The Federal Government has disbursed N2 billion each to the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of the N5 billion palliative package recently announced to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on Petrol.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who disclosed this at a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, said the Federal Government had to hold back on the balance of N3 billion to avoid a spike in inflation if the funds were released at once.

Falana Seeks Suspension of BA, Virgin Atlantic Flights

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

Legal luminary and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has called for the suspension of flight operations into Nigeria by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, until such a time when Nigeria's Air Peace is allowed to also fly on the Lagos-London route, in accordance with the provisions of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement(BASA) signed by Nigeria and United Kingdom.

Falana made the comments at the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) Conference in Abuja.

Falana stated that BASA allows for reciprocity of flight operations on the route by designated airlines of both countries, in line with the agreement signed by both countries and that it was out of place and unfair for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to be allowed to continue flying into Nigeria without any Nigerian airline flying to London in return.

He observed that Air Peace has proven it has the capacity to operate on international routes, adding that the airline currently flies to China, Israel, India, South Africa, among others, using modern aircraft comparable to those of its foreign competitors.

Falana, therefore, submitted that “If Air Peace is not allowed to fly to London, then British Airways and Virgin Atlantic should be stopped from flying to Nigeria."

Air Peace has a fleet of modern long-haul and regional aircraft that can match those of other foreign airlines operating into Nigeria.

Lagos-London route has been described by stakeholders in the industry as low hanging fruit for Nigerian carriers, but over the years, domestic airlines have been denied flying the route, which is one of the favourite destinations for Nigerians. Because London-Lagos route is a popular destination, cost of flight tickets is exorbitant due to high demand.

However, it is expected that the cost of airfare would be reduced whenever Air Peace begins the route. Currently British Airways and Virgin Nigeria Airways operate direct flights from Nigeria to UK.

Airline

Operators

Hail Keyamo Over Suspension of Nigeria Air Project

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

Domestic airline operators, reacting under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, “for suspending every activity related to the Nigeria Air project.”

The operators said that by the action, the minister had displayed rare courage and great patriotism to save Nigeria from further embarrassment in the global aviation space.

In a statement issued on Friday by the spokesman of AON, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, the airline operators said that aside from stakeholders in the aviation industry, it was evident to everyone who had followed developments around the Nigeria Air project under the immediate past administration, that the idea was not only ill-thought-out, but also lacked any modicum of transparency.

The statement made available to THEWILL further added that “It was, therefore, no surprise that the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, which investigated the process and purported launch of Nigeria Air on Friday, June 2, 2023 described it as a ‘fraud’.

“It remains a puzzle to Nigerians why the processes of actualising such a major national project was shrouded in almost utter secrecy until the end of the last government.

“However, we remain confident that by suspending the Nigeria Air project to allow for a thorough review, the Aviation Minister, Olorogun Keyamo SAN, will put things right and help restore Nigeria’s image in the global aviation family”, the statement reads.

The AON said it continues to believe that it is not right to float a national carrier on the terms set out by the last Aviation Minister, which would undermine, even destroy, the aviation sector in Nigeria with Ethiopian Airlines waiting on the wings for total takeover.

“We have no doubt that the new Aviation Minister has the right vision for the development ofthe sector which is driven by public interest considerations for the good ofNigerians. Again, the AON commends the Minister for the great leadership he has shown so early in his tenure and pledge our unalloyed support in his quest to reform the aviation sector and implement other components of the aviation roadmap for the overall good of the Nigerian economy.”

Edun, however, clarified that the fund was not part of the proposed $800 million World Bank loan aimed to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal. Outlining some of his headline policy plans for the nation’s economy, Edun anchored the economic plan of the administration on increasing revenue, effective debt management, and automation of revenue collection to plug leakages and create an enabling environment for private sector players to invest and flourish.

He said the the Federal Government would mobilise revenue from improved oil production to earn more forex and create an enabling environment for local and foreign investors.

Meanwhile, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, who was also at the press conference, said the oil company would have gone bankrupt if gasoline subsidy had not been removed by President Tinubu on resumption of office.

Kyari also said the Government will start making more money soon following improved crude oil production and the removal of subsidy on petrol. He added that Nigeria's crude oil production has increased to about 1.7 million barrels as of Wednesday, August 30.

FG Recalls All Ambassadors

BY AINA OJONUGWA

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) has recalled all its Ambassadors home from their receiving States.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed the development in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Al-Kashim Abdul-Kadir. The statement read: “Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has reaffirmed that all career ambassadors and non career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Ambassadors as representatives of the country they serve at the behest of the president and it’s his prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”

THEWILL had reported the recall of Nigeria Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Ishola.

However, the Federal Government said Ambassador Ishola and other Nigeria career ambassadors are expected to commence the winding down of their affairs in their countries of deployment and take formal leave of the host governments within 60 days and to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023, at the latest.

The minister, while thanking them for the service they have rendered in their capacity while representing the country in their host countries, said he is looking forward to welcoming them in Abuja on their return.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr.Emmanuel Neribole; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo; Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN), Mr. Kabir Mohammed and others during the inspection tour of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by the minister on August 31, 2023.

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Dr. Bashir Gwandu (Right), being presented with a souvenir by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshall M.N. Oyebashi, during the latter’s visit to the Agency in Abuja on August 31, 2023.

L-R: CEO, African Business Coalition for Health (ABC Health), Dr Mories Atoki; MD, Bastion Health, Naomi Aduku; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya and Executive Vice President, Africa and Europe, REACH HQ, Oluwatoyin Adegbite-Moore, at the Africa Social Impact Summit held at Eko Hotels on August 11, 2023.

L-R: Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos Command, Mr Bala Aliyu Dangana presents a souvenir to Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Lagos House, Marina, August 31, 2023.

Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa (Left), and Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board,  Adedayo Thomas, at the Minister's office  in Abuja on August 29, 2023.

Group COO, FMDQ Group PLC, Ms. Kaodi Ugoji (2nd left), with the top 3 finalists of the Stream 1 Secondary School Trading Challenge of the 2023 FMDQ-Next Summer Camp Programme, at its business complex, Exchange Place, Lagos on August 30, 2023.

L-R: Minister of  Education, Prof. Tahir Maman; Minister of State for Labour and Employments, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, during FEC meeting in Abuja on August 28, 2023.

Hannatu Musawa Applies Back Door Treatment to Certificate Controversy

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

EDITOR Ivory Ukonu

She was the erstwhile special adviser on culture and entertainment economy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before her elevation as the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. But

Continues on page 41

REAL REASON LAGOS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY REJECTED 17 COMMISSIONERNOMINEES

It is no longer news that in an unprecedented move, the Lagos State House of Assembly deviated from its usual path of clearing all commissioner nominees transmitted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 17 out of the 39 names forwarded, were vehemently rejected by the state house of assembly who did not clear them. Only 22 scaled through the screening process. The nominees may well be the victims in an ongoing war between Sanwo-Olu and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. Trouble began when Sanwo-Olu felt that Obasa should not be re-elected Speaker of the House and wanted his own candidate, a certain Tobun Mustainu Abiodun, a representative of Epe 1 constituency in the House, to become the Speaker. Like Mudashiru, who has been in the House since 2007, there is nothing overly spectacular about Abiodun who

Continues on page 41

Abodun

I’ve Never Thought of Quitting Content Creation – Folagade Banks

Howdid the journey into content creation start?

It started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. That was the year everyone was looking for something to keep them busy because the country was under lockdown. I was looking for something to entertain me on TikTok because there were no new movies. We were all at home because of the lockdown. A lot of people discovered their talents during that time. It was the time I started using my talent. I started on Instagram and it became a serious deal in 2021. By the middle of 2021, I knew I could boldly call myself a content creator.

What inspires the kind of content that you create?

Our daily activities inspire my content generally. Mama Deola, one of the characters in my content, was basically inspired by African motherhood. I have been with different African mothers. When I was growing up, I always accompanied my mother on her visits to places. I have seen most of her friends and I know most of them. I have seen how they react to certain things. When I grew older and started having friends, my friends will come over to my place and we will start chatting about how mothers would react to certain things. I realised that most mothers have similar ways of reacting to things. So, basically it is about motherhood and that content comes from a very deep place for motherhood.

When you started out, you weren’t wearing female clothes. When and why did you decide to incorporate them in your skit?

I didn’t start with the character, Mama Deola. Even when I started, I didn’t start dressing like Mama Deola immediately. It was just normal Folagade Banks doing Folagade Banks stuff. I was playing Mama Deola, but it was a monologue. I would just sit on a stool in front of a ring light and act the part of Mama Deola. At one point, I understood that I needed to give Mama Deola a human face because the brand was getting bigger. Mama Deola’s fans must see her doing some stuff. I needed the innovation, which was why I started shooting more scenes about Mama Deola. One of my role models advised me to give Mama Deola a human face, so that was how I started dressing the part and playing the character in its purest form. This has really helped the Mama Deola brand.

You have used quite an armful of costumes in your skits. How did you come about them?

I have a costumier that I reach out to. The person gets me costumes, which is what people don’t know. It will be hard for me to find a woman’s shoe that would suit my feet. They know where to get them. I just tell them my specification so that it can best depict what I have in mind. Mama Deola is not a fashionable person; she is a clown. We must ensure that she looks like a clown. I send them pictures, call them and explain in detail what I want.

Aside from the change in costume, you also rebranded your physical appearance. What informed that?

Anytime I want to shoot Mama Deola, there is a way I put myself into that character. There is a way I open my mouth and make my stomach shoot out just to give that character a true image. When Mama Deola comes to people’s minds, I want them to have an image that they can attach to it. That will give them a better

understanding of the content and the character.

Did you expect your content to be well received when you started out?

I won’t lie to you, when I started this content creation journey, I didn’t know that it would become this big. When I started creating content, I wasn’t dressing the part. I was just sitting in front of my camera and doing my thing. I was shooting a passport-sized video at the time. It would only show from my head to my chest. It was just me talking. I would say more words and little action. It was like a short monologue. When I wanted to post the first one, I had some doubts. I would ask myself ‘what if people don’t like this, what if it doesn’t do well?’ I didn’t want to post it. Later I said if I post it and people don’t like it, I will just take it down. When I posted it, the acceptance was huge and I knew I was on the right path.

How long did it take you to start gaining attention with your content?

It didn’t take long before I started gaining attention with my content.

Skit maker, Folagade Banks speaks with SHADE WESLEYMETIBOGUN about his work as a content creator and the challenges of skit-making, among other issues. Excerpts: Banks

With the Mama Deola content, the first video got like 60,000 thousand views for a start. It didn’t take me long at all, though when I started content creation, it wasn’t Mama Deola that I started with. It took me one or two months convince the viewing public that someone was doing content here. I am saying this because people may desire to go into content creation. It may not actually be fast, but if you are consistent, it will come.

Did you at anytime think of quitting?

There wasn’t a time I thought of quitting because I took my time before I started. I asked myself, do you really want to do this? One thing about me is once I start something, I won't stop. Before I embarked on the journey, I asked to know if it was what

I wanted to do. If you want to do it, you must give it all it takes. There will be some days when you will feel like it’s not working and there will be days that you will be tired and won’t want to continue again. So, make up your mind. I had to make up my mind before I started the journey. I have envisioned the possible tough times and I have prepared my mind for it and never entertained the thought of quitting.

Have you ever been a victim of online bullying before? No, I have never been a victim. I am that kind of person that stays in his lane. I mind my business a lot. I don’t hop on trending issues that don’t concern me. My own business is to come online, make people happy and leave. I have no business fighting other people or getting involved in controversies. My business is to make people happy. For me, doing that alone is fulfilling. I don’t do stuff that will make people to bully me online. I know there are people who go out of their way to bully others. Some just get bullied during the process of making content. Any content I want to put out, I will make sure I see it first, cross check and be sure it is good to go, just to avoid being bullied. Afterwards, if some people still bully me, I wouldn’t pay attention to them. To God be the glory, I have never gone through that and I will not go through it.

Banks

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

You have a very good command of Yoruba language, especially the Ekiti dialect. How did you come about that concept?

I am a proper Yoruba boy. I grew up learning both languages. I was taught Yoruba in school and at home, we spoke both Yoruba and English. I watch movies in both languages. I grew up in an environment that was enabling for us to understand things around us. I started speaking Yoruba as early as four years and I started speaking English at the same age. So, speaking both languages is part and parcel of me. I understand Yoruba to the fullest. I grew up watching a lot of movies in Yoruba. The Yoruba words I don’t understand, I learn from the movies. I don’t always forget things. When I hear anything new, I store it in my memory and use it when the need arises. Growing up, it was easy to learn Yoruba language. I learnt the Ekiti dialect, which is so amazing, though my parents are not from Ekiti State. Growing up, I had a lot of people from Ekiti state around my mother. I just love the way their words sound. So I listen and learn whenever they are speaking the dialect. Even if they are not saying things that are funny, you will laugh because of the way they pronounce those words. When I wanted to start playing Mama Deola, I thought of how to make the role relatable to some people. So I decided to use the Ekiti accent and people loved it.

How easy is it to mimic women?

I feel mimicking women is a bonus talent that some of us have. We can switch roles easily; we can play both male and female roles easily. Eddie Murphy did that in his movies, but not all actors can do it. I find myself lucky to be able to do it. I didn’t believe that I could play Mama Deola well, but a lot of people have commended the way I play the character. It gives me a lot of joy that I am nailing the character. I can’t say there is a particular reason for doing it. I still don’t understand how to do it.

What are some of the challenges you encountered in the process of making skits?

I will answer the question on a general basis. Not necessarily the challenges that I have encountered though. There are many content creators that shoot outdoors and they are often embarrassed and harassed by touts who demand money. I have never encountered that because most of my videos are shot indoors. But some of my colleagues experience that daily. Some people go the extra mile to create content and at the end of the day, some people will just invade their location to disturb the process. It is not easy to be a content creator.

A lot of content creators eventually venture into mainstream acting. Are you considering that ?

Yes, what we are doing is acting. More opportunities are needed to venture into mainstream acting. For someone like me, I am already acting. I have a series on You Tube, ‘Okoto’ the series. It will soon be on African Magic. I am also working on a movie, which will soon be out. It is a proper thing for content creators to decide at a point in their career to go into mainstream acting. You are very close to Funke Akindele. Do you see yourself appearing in any of her movies soon? She is my godmother; we are very close and I love her so much. She is one of the people that inspire me daily. I knew her before I started making content. She was one of the people that motivated me to own my brand and be myself. I have featured in one of her series, ‘Mama Put’, I don’t know why it is not out yet. There are many movies that she will release. Expect to see me in some of them soon. I know my fans want to see me on the big screen. Wait for it, it will happen very soon.

What is your opinion about the content creation industry?

The content creation industry is fast growing. I love the way content creators support each other. We understand the fact that a tree does not make a forest. it is a collective effort for us all to uplift the industry. We are conscious of that and we are

Banks

Funke Akindele is my godmother; we are very close and I love her so much. She is one of the people that inspires me daily. I knew her before I started making content. She was one of the people that motivated me to own my brand and be myself. I have featured in one of her series, ‘Mama Put’, I don’t know why it is not out yet. There are many movies that she will release. Expect to see me in some of them soon. I know my fans want to see me on the big screen. Wait for it, it will happen very soon.

contributing our quota to take the industry to the next level. The support and love is real, the industry has created millionaires and even billionaires. It has empowered a lot of youths. Aside from being a content creator, there are personal assistants, those who record videos and the likes who have been empowered by the industry.

How expensive is it to be a content creator?

It is not all that expensive; it all depends on how you shoot your content. There are people who get cameras, some use cast and some source locations to shoot. For those people, content creation will be expensive to shoot but the expenses have different levels. You can’t compare those who use cameras, pay extra people as cast and the likes to someone that would wake up and shoot in his room and it will do well. For someone like me who must get personal assistance, get costumes, get an apartment because I don’t shoot in my own house. I pay for the place and it is worth it because the more you put in, the more you get back from it.

Do you think the industry needs stakeholders to regulate it?

It has reached that point because of some of the controversies, such as sex-for-skit roles and the likes. I wish there could be a law that can regulate such things. There should be a body to report such things to constituted authority.

How was growing up?

I had a beautiful childhood. I grew up in a family of four. I am the last born. I would say that I attended the best schools. My father is an engineer, my mother retired as a headmistress in a government-owned school. We had everything, the training and a good parental upbringing. Some of the things fans see in my skit today are things that I have experienced and what others have experienced too. I had my primary education at Dayspring Primary School, Ile-Ife, my secondary school was Ambassador College, Ile-Ife and then I proceeded to Obafemi Awolowo University from where I got a degree in Geography.

Banks

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

CHIDI ANYAEGBU DONATES N100M HOSPITAL TO HIS COMMUNITY

About a year after he gave the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State the sum of N100 million to cover his scholarship scheme in the institution, billionaire businessman and owner of Chisco Group, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, otherwise known as Oké-Iyi Amichi, has donated a fully equipped hospital worth N100m to Amichi community in Anambra State.

The state-of-the-art hospital, which he built in memory of his late parents, Patrick and Angelina Anyaegbu, and named after them, will offer quality medical services to the residents of the community. Apart from that, income generated by the hospital, THEWILL gathered, will be reinvested in it.

The new hospital compliments Anyaegbu’s annual medical intervention in the health sector, the Chidi Anyaegbu Foundation Free Medical Mission, which is in its 7th edition and running, has continued to bring succour to the numerous health challenges

Continued from page 38

of the people of Amichi and the state in general. On such occasions, he flies in dozens of medical personnel from abroad to provide free health care to individuals who are not able to afford the cost of such treatments.

The new hospital, no doubt, is in response to a call made by successive Anambra State Governments, for wealthy businessmen outside the state to bring home some of their investments and goodwill. However, individuals like Anyaegbu do not need prodding to invest in Anambra. This has since become his style, one that has spanned over 40years with the birth of Chisco Transport and other businesses all over the state. Some years ago, when he clocked 50, he built the Chisco Institute of Transport, Logistics and Management on the Nnamdi Azikiwe University campus.

Hannatu Musawa Applies Back Door Treatment to Certificate Controversy

she has been dogged by controversy surrounding her certificates ever since she was announced a ministerial nominee.

Hannatu Musawa did not undergo the mandatory National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, required of every Nigerian graduate. Surprisingly, for a government that prides itself as one that plans to be transparent in its dealings, this major fact was totally ignored during her elevation from Senior Adviser to Minister. More surprising is the attitude of the Nigerian Senate during the ministerial screening. The Senate which is expected to checkmate the executive arm of government, unfortunately, took their notoriety for failing to do a thorough job of screening ministerial nominees, to a whole new level when it committed the greatest travesty by refusing to ask her anything about her academic qualifications, including the controversy surrounding her NYSC Certificate. She was simply asked to take a bow and go despite knowing fully well what was at stake. Section 13 of the NYSC Act stipulates that any Nigerian graduate below 30 who refuses to make himself/herself available for the compulsory one-year service has committed an offence and is liable for conviction to a fine of N4,000 or face imprisonment for a term of two years or both. But Hannatu continues till this day as the minister unperturbed because of the backing she gets from both the presidency and the

Real Reason Lagos House of Assembly Rejected 17 Commissioner-Nominees

has been in the House since 2011.

A Higher National Diploma holder in Agric Economics and Extension Management from the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Abiodun's only known occupation is just being a legislator. He has only ever been given a higher responsibility once, when he was made the Chairman, House Committee on Environment between 2011-2015.

Sanwo-Olu's decision to replace Obasa with Abiodun is predicated on the fact that he may have felt that he had come of age politically, gathered enough political muscles to be his own man. He may have been right to think so as he sought the help of members of the Governance Advisory Council in the state, GAC, to support him in implementing his decision.

governor of the state, which eventually cost him a second term.

Tinubu said that Sanwo-Olu had no reason to remain subservient to any authority if he chooses not to, as he is not seeking the support of relevant bodies for a second term ticket which he already won in the keenly contested general election earlier in the year. He told them to see beyond the present to prevent a sore (Sanwo-Olu's itch to be free from some apron strings) from festering. He therefore compelled them to ensure that Obasa is re-elected in order to keep a strong leash on the governor.

senate. In an attempt to quell the dissenting voices attacking her for failing to undergo the mandatory NYSC, Hannatu through the back door, approached the senate to retrieve her college certificates, leaving only her secondary school certificate as her only qualification. That way, no one will accuse a 'non graduate' of not observing the mandatory NYSC. But whether she will survive this onslaught is a matter for another day as several individuals have taken it upon themselves to do the job the senate refused to do - to ensure she doesn't get away with flouting the rule. While some lawyers have attempted to bend the law by arguing that the Nigerian constitution which backs her appointment as a minister, is superior to the NYSC Act, following the revelation by NYSC’s Director of Press and Public Relations that the minister is a serving corps member, not a few are hell bent on ensuring she pays for her crime and have even gone further to institute a case against her. The 43-year-old lawyer, politician and author, is a graduate of the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom; and holds a Master’s degree in the Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff, Wales; and Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. She is also a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, UK; and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Musawa is currently completing a doctorate, which she has been doing part-time.

Tinubu-Ojo

FOLASHADE TINUBU-OJO BAGS CHIEFTAINCY TITLE

Last weekend, the Obaro of Kabba and the Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, conferred the chieftaincy title of the Aare Oja of Okunland, on Mujidat Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the first daughter of President Bola Tinubu.

Besides expressing her gratitude to the traditional ruler for the honour, TinubuOjo also thanked the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and his wife, Rashidat for not only welcoming her to the state but also for attending the ceremony. The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria holds several chieftaincy titles across different states in the South-West. She is also the Iya Oba of Aworiland and Yeye Oba of Ogudu, among others. Noted for her several philanthropic activities which focuses on providing support for orphans, widows, and other vulnerable groups in Lagos State, it is a gesture she intends to expand on the national level now that her father is the president.

Having convinced them beyond reasonable doubt that Obasa should not be reelected Speaker, these members in turn reached out to President Bola Tinubu on his behalf to convince him on why Obasa should not be re-elected Speaker. Instead, Tinubu advised them to be careful in aligning with Sanwo-Olu's choice to avoid a repetition of Akinwunmi Ambode's supposed high-handedness during his one term as

Naturally, Obasa had earlier gotten a whiff of Sanwo-Olu's plans to replace him with Abiodun, but providence smiled on him when he was eventually re-elected. And to take his own pound of flesh, Sanwo-Olu's 17 rejected commissioner-nominees became the fall guys. But all hope may not be totally lost for some of the nominees as GAC has now been tasked to ensure that the business of governance is not stalled due to the bad blood between the duo by reconciling them, at least to a reasonable extent and having them meet themselves in the middle as it concerns the nominee list.

Olawale Oyebola Emerges New Aseyin-Elect

Oyebola was picked by the 10 kingmakers in Iseyin in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State after scoring major votes cast. His ascension to the throne brings an end to speculations on the selection process. Oyebola is a respected member of the community and has always had a deep passion for the welfare of the people. He has also made significant contributions to the community, through his education foundation that supports underprivileged students.

One year after the demise of Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdganiy Salawudeen

Adekunle, Oloogunebi

Ajinese 1 who joined his ancestors on July 24, 2022, a US-based Nigerian, Prince Olawale Oyebola has emerged as the 30th Aseyin of Iseyin in Oyo State.

After he received the news of his election as the new traditional ruler of Iseyin, an excited Oyebola said he was ready to take up the mantle of leadership and continue the legacy of his predecessors. He is expected to bring new energy and vision to local governance, building on the rich tradition of the throne, and the community’s history.

Oyebola

Anyaegbu

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

OLU OF WARRI CELEBRATES SECOND CORONATION ANNIVERSARY

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has celebrated the second anniversary of his ascension to the throne. The traditional ruler, the son of late Olu Atuwatse II, the 19th Olu of Warri who ruled from 1987 to 2015, was crowned on August 21, 2021 after the death of his uncle, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the 20th Olu of Warri who passed on in 2020.

The traditional ruler released a programme of activities for his anniversary celebration on social media several days ahead of the celebration.

The activities lined up for the event scheduled to last 10 days included the conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving sons and daughters of Warri, praise and worship, as well as thanksgiving services. The celebration kicked off with Praise Day on August 18. The traditional ruler, his subjects,

friends and well-wishers turned up at the church auditorium in Aghofen to give praise to God for peace and tranquility in Warri Kingdom. It was followed by the conferment of chieftaincy titles on August 19. The coronation anniversary concert, which took place at the Palace Chapel, Aghofen, was followed with the anniversary proper event at the palace of the traditional ruler on August 21. More indigenes of Warri received chieftaincy titles on Tuesday, August 22 and Wednesday, August 23. The traditional homage paying ritual, an integral part of the coronation anniversary, took place on August 24 and 25. Ghigho Aghofen ceremony took place on August 26. The event ended with a special anniversary thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 27.

Gov Oyebanji Reunites Oba Olatunde And Bodunde Gabriel

The supremacy war between Oba Olatunji Olatunde, the Onimesi of Imesi in Ekiti State and Chief Bodunde Gabriel, the Olokun of Imesi, has finally come to an end. The Governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, had to suspend Chief Gabriel to force a reconciliation between him and Oba Olatunde.

Before the traditional ruler ascended the throne in 2020, THEWILL gathered, Chief Gabriel had in 2018 started agitating for autonomy for a part of Imesi known as Okun. He allegedly demanded autonomy for Okun because he wanted to be crowned as its traditional ruler. A request for autonomy was presented to the Ekiti State Government but it was rejected because of Gabriel’s excesses in the state. Thereafter he mounted opposition against Oba Olatunde when the latter became traditional ruler of Imesi.

Gabriel allegedly resorted to measures aimed at undermining Olatunde’s emergence as Oba. He was even rumoured to be behind a violent attack against the traditional ruler in 2022, which led to the destruction of

Betty Akeredolu Accused of Imposing Caretaker Committee Chair On Ondo Community

several properties in Oba Olatunde’s palace.

Also, Chief Gabriel allegedly fueled a communal crisis in the town through unlawful and arbitrary arrest of subjects over frivolous issues and he continued to constitute a nuisance in Imesi. He stopped attending meetings organised by Oba Olatunde and was working against his directives.

A petition had to be written by the Onimesi-in-Council to the Ekiti State Government against Chief

DOUBLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR OMOWUNMI OLATUNJIOHWOVORIOLE AND DAD

The First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has been accused by members of a community in the state of imposing a candidate, Nwabara Eucharia as the chairman of caretaker committee for Odigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA. Honorable Nwabara, was an incumbent councilor representing Ore Ward in Odigbo Local Government Area before the creation of 33 LCDAs by the Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu. The state had 18 LCDAs before 15 more were created after the House of Assembly passed a bill for the creation of more LCDAs. The newly created LCDAs are to be run by a caretaker committee until council chairmen are elected.

Nwabara was allegedly chosen by Mrs Akeredolu to chair the caretaker committee in Odigbo LCDA, which is one of the

newly created LCDAs. It was believed that she chose Nwabara, an Igbo, because he had lived in the state for almost four decades and made contributions to the development of the state and Odigbo community politically and otherwise. But members of the community rose against the decision, insisting that they would only allow an indigene to take over the mantle of leadership before a chairman is elected to run the LCDA.

Noheem Adams Bags Chieftaincy Title

Gabriel because of his actions and insubordination to constituted authority. A meeting was arranged so that the government could intervene; however, Chief Gabriel failed to attend and didn't send a representative. He kept the deputy governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, who represented the governor standing for a few hours. The governor had to suspend him indefinitely and gave a stern warning that he should stop parading himself as Olokun of Imesi Ekiti.

Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole, former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State and former National Assembly aspirant, recently celebrated her 50th birthday and the 100th birthday of her father, Pa Samuel Olatunji Eddo. The politician started her celebration with a special prayer at Chapel of Grace, Government House, Akure. She later visited Grace Gregs Compassion Home, Owo, where she distributed gift items including food, clothes and toiletries. The celebration continued with a thanksgiving service at Saint David's Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, Ondo State a few days after the visit to the orphanage. Family, friends turned up at the church service to support the politician. Dressed in maroon Aso-Oke, she was all smiles throughout the event. Pa Eddo, who also celebrated his 100th birthday on the same day, looked quite strong and agile for a man of his age as he danced to the rhythm of good music without support. The guests were treated to tasty delicacies and choice drinks.

Honourable Noheem Adams, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has been honoured with a chieftaincy title by the traditional ruler of Ogombo, Oba Muslim Abiodun Ogunbo. Adams is the Otun-Oba of Ogombo in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. The conferment ceremony took place during the first coronation anniversary of the traditional ruler last week. Adams was honoured

because he facilitated many positive developments across Ogombo and he has continued to support Oba Ogunbo since he ascended the throne. Aside from his contribution to Ogombo, the traditional ruler was Adams’ benefactor and father figure when he was growing up. Also, when Adams was in school and when he started working with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS; even when he was preparing to contest for a seat in the House of Assembly, Oba Ogunbo stood by him and gave him all the support he needed to emerge as winner. His emergence as the choice candidate for the chieftaincy title did not come as a surprise to many because of his closeness to the king. Promising to serve the community better, Adams described the chieftaincy title as a call to service. He pledged to continue to contribute his quota to the advancement of Ogombo community.

Olatunji-Ohwovoriole

Akeredolu

Adams

Oyebanji

Olatunde

Atuwatse

STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

EDWARD LARUNSI IN DOUBLE CELEBRATION

Journalist and Head of Sorobi Igbein Egba community, Edward Larunsi, recently celebrated his first coronation anniversary and 60th birthday with a party. The five-day event kicked off on Saturday, August 26 with a general cleaning exercise of the whole community by volunteers who vowed to make it memorable. A family reunion took place on Thursday 31 and the next day, residents took turns in groups to pay homage to Larunsi in his residence.

A jumat service in Sorobi Mosque followed on Saturday, while a praise and worship service held on the same day alongside free medical treatment to the people, cultural displays and a visit to Oju Alale. The festivities ended on Sunday, September 3, with the installation of a few natives as chiefts of the community, Baale Larunsi’s birthday party which was attended by dignitaries from all works of life. Fuji musician, Alhaji Sefiu Alao Adekunle, provided entertainment during the colourful ceremony.

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Bukola Saliu, Siblings Celebrate Mother’s 70th Birthday

Olori Bukola Saliu, wife of His Royal Highness, Oba Babatunde Saliu, the Oloworo of Oworo and her siblings staged a classy 70th birthday party last week for their mother, Alhaja Alimot Idowu Oladeji. The birthday bash, which took place in Oworonshoki, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, had in attendance traditional rulers, socialites and Islamic clerics, including Sheikh Surajudeen Asukuna, a foremost Islamic scholar in Oyo State and Chief Missioner Isbi'nlah, popular travel agent, Alhaji Jelili Animashaun, as well as other dignitaries. The event kicked off with a special cultural performance by dancers and praise singers who entertained guests and sang praises to the celebrant, Olori Bukola and Oba Babatunde Saliu. One of the highlights was the presentation of a brand-new Toyota Sports Utility Vehicle to the celebrant, who is fondly called queen mother. The ageless celebrant was all smiles as she took the key of the SUV from her children. Friends and family paid glowing tributes to her for her motherly role in the lives of those surrounding her.

Court stops Sulaimon Owolabi’s installation as Olu of Iwaya

The crisis rocking Iwaya community in Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos is yet to end. The three-year-old crisis, which started after the sudden death of Oba-designate, Prince Muritala OgunOloko, a few weeks to his coronation, has forced the Lagos State High Court to stop Sulaimon Owolabi's installation as the new traditional ruler of the community over the crisis which has spanned three years.

It started in 2019

after the sudden and unfortunate demise of Oba Muritala OgunOloko, a few weeks to his corontaion. Oba Ogun-Oloko was to be crowned in February 2019 but he developed a minor ailment a few weeks to the ceremony and passed on.

A few months after his demise, a kingship tussle involving two prominent traditional ruling houses ensued in Iwaya. The Ogun-Oloko royal family insisted that it should produce the next king since the late Oba-designate died before ascending the throne. However, other royal families opposed the decision. The Oloto royal family insisted that other royal families should be included in the selection process since the

Ogun-Oloko was the last royal family to present a candidate. After going back and forth on the issue, the Ogun-Oloko royal family presented Sulaimon Owolabi as their candidate while the Oloto royal family presented Ramon Rufai Ogo-Oluwa Aromire as its candidate. However, the Lagos State Government appeared to support the Ogun-Oloko family since the latter’s previous candidate didn't have the opportunity to rule. In response, the candidate of Oloto family, Aromire, decided to seek redress in court. He challenged Owolabi's

eligibility for the Iwaya throne. In his ruling, Justice O. O. Ogunjobi of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafa Balewa Square ordered the Lagos State Government to halt the installation of the new monarch last week. The court also ordered Owolabi to stop parading himself as the Olu of Iwaya kingdom or acting in that office, pending the determination of the suit.

BISI ONASANYA, WIFE RECEIVE TRADITIONAL CHIEFTAINCY TITLES

the Akinrogun and Yeye Akinrogun of IIara, respectively.

The Onasanyas

The Alara of Ilara kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, has conferred chieftaincy titles on a former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive officer of First Bank Plc, Bisi Onasanya and his wife, Helen Olufunke. As a result, the couple will henceforth be known as

The Onasanyas received the chieftaincy titles during the celebration of Oba Ogunsanwo’s third coronation anniversary last Saturday in Epe, Lagos State. The couple was honoured for the former bank chief’s contributions to the progress and development of Ilara. A few months ago, Onasanya, alongside a local chapter of Rotary International Club, donated a well-furnished block of classrooms to Model Primary SchoolIla, Ilara.

Meet Mary Alile-Idele, New APC National Women's Leader

Last week, The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, announced Dr Mary Alile-Idele, as the new National Women’s Leader of the party. Alile-Idele, an indigene of Edo State, replaces Dr Betta Edu, who was serving as the party’s National Women Leader before her appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation by President Bola Tinubu.

Popularly known as ‘Capacity’, the new APC chieftain was living in the United Kingdom before she relocated to Nigeria. She is the Director, Care Quality Commission, CQC, and Registered Manager of Living Glory limited, a care home that offers learning for people with disabilities, people living with autism, older people and young adults in the United States. Her husband, Pius Alile, is the Director of Strategy and Operation of the care home.

The UK returnee is also a philanthropist. She celebrated her birthday a few years ago at the Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage, Benin City where she gave food, cash and scholarships

to some children of the home. As part of her way of giving back to the society, she established Sister to Sister Worldwide, a non-governmental organisation, to cater for women in Edo State.

Alile-Idel faced some opposition before she was inaugurated as the APC National Women’s Leader. It was rumoured that she enjoyed the backing of a former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adam Oshiomole.

Oshiomole allegedly picked interest in AIileIdel’s because she is a native of Iyamho in Edo State, which happens to be his birthplace.

After she was announced as the new women’s leader, THEWILL gathered, Edu and other protesters stormed the APC secretariat where the inauguration was scheduled to take place because her candidate was sidelined.

Edu had presented Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo, a serving Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and former Vice-Chairman, Yala Local Government Area in Cross Rivers State as her successor, but she was ignored and Alile-Idele was picked for the position instead.

Alile-Idele

Oladeji

Larunsi

Owolabi

Perennial Problem of Oil Theft: Which Way Out?

Alongside corruption, crude oil theft has undermined Nigeria’s socio-economic growth for much of the country’s existence as a nation. Though corruption took root much earlier, oil theft became really entrenched during the military dictatorships of the seventies and eighties when brass hats got deeply involved in the illicit business. Aided by corruption, oil theft and pipeline vandalism have become frightening spectres in Nigeria’s downstream sector, draining the national coffers in trillions of naira and posing an environmental risk to communities in the Niger Delta. What is the way out of this economic and environmental mess? THEWILL asks. Michael Jimoh reports…

Sometime in April this year, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva, crowed to Nigerians that oil thieves make off with 400, 000 barrels of crude every day. Himself a native of the Niger Delta and as former governor of Bayelsa state, he should know. He would have been privy to security reports of dozens of illegal refineries and those behind it in the state he ruled for five years.

But his brief as governor of a state in the Niger Delta didn’t cover what was clearly the preserve of the Federal Government. As a junior minister, he had to report to someone higher up so there wasn’t much he could do anyway. Still, he got the figure of stolen crude on a daily basis right on the beam. Barely a month after his disclosure, Sylva finished his term as junior minister.

Late last month during a visit to two oil and gas facilities in Abia and Rivers states, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu repeated what Sylva already told Nigerians to wit: the country loses 400, 000 barrels of crude daily to thieves and saboteurs. The two communities he visited are Owaza in Abia state and Odogwu in Etche local government area of Rivers state. The NSA was accompanied by Baduru Abubakar, Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), and Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence.

What the NSA and his delegation saw – artisanal refineries - was not a pleasant sight at all. It

was galling to behold the economic sabotage those illegal refineries were causing the Nigerian economy.

“It’s unfortunate that few individuals would steal our common resources, and in the process cause unbelievable loss to both the nation, communities and the people,” Ribadu said. “Nigeria has the capacity to produce two million barrels of crude daily, but we are currently producing less than 1.6 million barrels due to theft and vandalism of pipelines. So, we are talking about 400,000 barrels of crude oil going to waste.”

In a post-visit interaction with journalists, Ribadu estimated that, in today’s exchange rate with the dollar, “400,000 barrels of oil today is about 4 million dollars, and every day, we lose this amount because of this irresponsible behaviour. If you multiply 4 million dollars by 365 days (one year), you will see that it is a lot of money running into billions of dollars.”

Three months before he left office as Vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo made a similarly dismal disclosure of the millions of

dollars lost to oil thieves. Quoting a source at the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Osinbajo said the estimated figure of oil theft and loss for I0 years from 2010 – 2020 was 619.7 million barrels of crude oil daily. In all, it was valued at $46 billion or N16.25 trillion.

In an opinion piece by Anthony Osas Okungbowa published in THISDAY last year, the lawyer asked the question on everyone’s mind concerning oil theft: “Crude Oil Theft: Whither Nigeria?”

“Crude oil theft has been part of our history of oil exploration for a very long time,” Okungbowa began in his piece. “But in recent times, this issue has assumed dangerous dimensions with the damage caused to the National Economy and its impact on sub-nationals in Nigeria.

“The print and electronic media have been awash lately with reports of discoveries of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, resulting in multi-million naira losses to Nigeria daily. The impact of this

It’s unfortunate that few individuals would steal our common resources, and in the process cause unbelievable loss to both the nation, communities and the people

...Which Way Out?

malaise has been so monumental that Nigeria is on the brink of the cliffs economically. The revelations have been astonishing and everyone is concerned.”

In his view, “crude oil theft has gone on in Nigeria for years. Unfortunately, not much has been done to stem its tide. For a country that depends almost entirely on this economic good for its sustenance, this apathy is difficult to understand.”

What is also difficult to understand is why the government has not unmasked those behind the fuel subsidy scam. “Many questions readily come to mind,” Okungbowa suggests. “Who are those responsible for this “attempted homicide” on Nigeria? What action is being taken to stem the tide? Are the revelations which we now see new? What was done in respect of similar revelations in the past? Did we learn anything from our previous experiences and what action(s) were taken to prevent a recurrence? Many many questions. Not enough answers."

But there may have been answers to some of the questions at a recent breakout meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association in Abuja and some of them came from a prominent member of NBA, Mike Ozekhome SAN. In his presentation, Ozekhome made a case that stiffer punishment should be handed to crude oil thieves. Government should also legalise illegal refineries operating in the Niger Delta.

“The Impact of Maritime Security Threats on the Nigerian Economy: Nigerian Navy Perspective” was the topic of discussion at the NBA conference and the Constitutional lawyer offered some suggestions that might curb or even stop oil thieves. “If you have a security man in your house and thieves invade your house, you will definitely blame the security man,” he said. “The Navy is saddled with the responsibility of protecting our territorial waters from crude oil theft and so it cannot say it is free from theft of crude oil in the country. How can the Navy say that they do not know how a huge sea vessel will disappear from the high sea as if it is a spirit?”

He boldly opined that “these vessels that carry this stolen crude are escorted by security personnel, who are these personnel; is it not the Navy that has responsibility?” He also blamed state authorities, comparing the situation to that of a non-state actor becoming more powerful than the state itself. “The people stealing the oil are government officials in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy,” Ozekhome said. “The Navy has the constitutional duty to protect the nation’s territorial waters and all the economic activities therein.”

Of course, the Nigeria Navy was ably represented by one of them at the conference, Cdr. Obiora Anyikwa who also identified “crude oil theft, smuggling and illegal refineries as major security threats in Nigeria’s maritime environment.”

For Anyikwa, “participation of non-state actors undermine the authority of the navy in performing its duties,” insisting that “lack of prosecutorial powers and lack of appropriate maritime legislations as well as lack of funding

are some other challenges.”

Also speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Navy was Rear Admiral Patrick Effah who said that the NN was unfairly blamed for oil theft in the Niger Delta. Though he admitted that “corruption and compromise were some of the factors responsible for the thriving business of piracy and crude oil theft,” he nonetheless declared that there were some forces in government that were making their job difficult.

“When we arrest a vessel with abundant

evidence of illegal crude,” Effah stated, “we are inundated with court orders to release such vessels. Even when they are prosecuted, very minimal fines are given and they are released. How can that be the fault of the navy?”

In mid-June, former Niger Delta militant Mujahid Asari Dokubo accused the military (Army and Navy) of being behind much of the oil theft in the Niger Delta, challenging them to clear their names if it was not so.

Despite his accusation, there are those who feel that oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta is actually a smooth operation masterminded by locals in collaboration with the military. In a BBC publication last October bylined Nduka Orjinmo and headlined “Nigeria's stolen oil, the military and a man named Government” the journalist wrote that “network of illegal oil pipelines being unearthed in Nigeria's Niger Delta region has revealed the extent of oil theft in the country, astounding even the most cynical about Nigeria's obscure but hugely lucrative oil industry.”

“In Delta state, thieves built their own 4km- (2.5 mile) long pipeline through the heavily guarded creeks to the Atlantic Ocean. There, barges and vessels blatantly loaded the stolen oil from a 24foot rig visible from miles on the open waters. It was a professional job," said the head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, wading through the swamps as he retraced the slick path during a televised visit to the scene.”

Continuing in his report, Orjinmo added that “many are saying that the recent discovery of the illegal pipelines confirms long-held suspicions of massive corruption in the sector where there is little transparency. Nigeria's oil industry has a documented history of corruption, from an unending fuel subsidy scheme where no-one actually knows how much is imported, to the shadowy allotment of oil exploration blocks.”

On Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, Orjinmo said that Tompolo “is no ordinary private security contractor. The 51-year-old chief from Gbaramatu kingdom in oil-rich Delta state was in the past involved in blowing up the very oil pipelines he is now guarding after a controversial 48bn naira ($110m; £98m) contract from the government at the end of August. He is arguably Nigeria's richest ex oilmilitant, was once the country's most wanted man, and at one point even sold the country a fleet of warships. He also knows the geography of the Niger Delta, the oil wells and official pipelines, so many believe his comments about the identity of the thieves.”

Till date, no one has come out to challenge Tompolo’s comments about the identity of the oil thieves in the Niger Delta. More astonishingly, no one doubted Asari Dokubo when he made his now (in) famous claim about the military responsible for much of the oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Until the shadowy thieves are finally exposed, you can be sure that in the next couple of years, the NSA will tell Nigerians that so and so amount of barrels of oil are lost to thieves daily, monthly or annually.

The Navy is saddled with the responsibility of protecting our territorial waters from crude oil theft and so it cannot say it is free from theft of crude oil in the country.

How can the Navy say that they do not know how a huge sea vessel will disappear from the high sea as if it is a spirit?

Nigeria's Struggles at 2023 World Athletics Championships

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

The 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest marked a profoundly disappointing competition for Nigeria's team, who failed to win any medals and struggled mightily in their respective events. Out of the 25 athletes, comprising 11 male and 15 female athletes, only two managed to reach event finals, with none finishing in the top three of their disciplines.

The poor performance raises difficult questions about the state of Nigerian athletics and what must be done to revive the fortunes of a once-proud sprinting nation.

Nigeria earned qualification spots through a variety of methods, including meeting entry standards, accumulating ranking points, receiving wild card entries, and gaining representation through continental allocations.

Some of the most notable Nigerian athletes that competed for the country in Budapest included World Record holder Oluwatobiloba Amusan.

The reigning African 100m hurdles champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist entered the championships boasting a

personal best of 12.40s in the event. With Amusan was Ese Brume, the 2019 World Championships bronze medalist and current African record holder in the women's long jump. She arrived with a personal best of 7.17m.

One of the promising male athletes was Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, the 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medalist and reigning African champion in the men's shot put. He qualified with a personal best throw of 21.80m. Another strong contender for medals was Favour Ofili, the newly minted African 200m champion and Nigerian national record holder. She punched her ticket with a personal best of 22.30s. They all showed promise especially after impressive showing in the previous Championships in Oregon and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. It was easy to see why, on paper, Nigeria's contingent looked poised to challenge for medals and uplift the country's athletic pride on the global stage.

However, the reality in Budapest would prove far grimmer. When the starting guns fired in Budapest, Nigeria's athletes faced world-class fields and cutthroat competition, especially from powerhouses like the United States, Jamaica, Kenya, Ethiopia, and China across the sprints, distances, jumps, and throws. Still, mere competition itself could not wholly explain the underperformance. Lacklustre preparations, insufficient funding, inadequate training facilities, and ongoing administrative dysfunction within Nigerian athletics and the entire sporting sphere, also clearly contributed to the contingent's struggles.

In the end, only two Nigerian athletes managed to reach event finals in Budapest

Brume

Ameachi

...2023 World Athletics Championships

Other disappointing finishes included Favour Ofili in the 200m. She finished 4th in the heats with a time of 22.66 but finished 7th in the semi-final with a time of 22.86. Alaba Olukunle Akintola, in the 200m, finished 3rd in the heats with a time of 20.54 and 7th in the semi-final with a time of 20.75. In the Hammer Throw event, Oyesade Olatoye finished 15th in the qualification round with a mark of 66.92m. There were further forgettable performances in the relay events for both the male and female athletes. The Men's Relay Team for the 4x100m race finished fifth in the hea Olympics with a time of 38.20. Meanwhile, the Women's Relay Team in the 4x100m Relay did not finish their heat. The Nigerian women's 4x400m relay team competed in the heats with their season's best time being 3:21.04. Unfortunately, they also did not make it to the final.

need to be a thing of the past so that focus can fully be on returning Nigeria to a place of pride in athletics on the continent and beyond. New steady governance is required to right the ship. The AFN must rebuild relationships with athletes, coaches, officials, sponsors, and fans damaged by past instances of instability.

More high-level domestic and regional competitions are also required to continually test Nigeria's upand-coming talents against quality fields. The AFN should leverage partnerships with developmental organisations like World Athletics and the Confederation of African Athletics to make this happen. Nigerian athletes also have to maintain training discipline, physical conditioning, and mental focus while avoiding outside distractions, including doping allegations. Furthermore, coaches and support staff must construct training regimens tailored to peak at major Championships as other countries do.

finals in Budapest. Enekwechi finished 7th in the qualification round with a mark of 20.68m. Nigeria's 4x400 Metres Relay Men's team finished 7th in the heats with a time of 3:14.38 and could not progress beyond the heat. Favour Oghene Tejiri Ashe, competing in the 100m, was disqualified in the heats. In the Discus Throw event, Obiageri Pamela Amaechi finished 18th in the qualification round with a mark of 51.60m. Imaobong Nse Uko, in the 400m event, finished 6th in the heats with a time of 52.24. Similarly, Dubem Nwachukwu finished 6th in the heats of the 400m with a time of 45.60. In the men's 400m event, Ezekiel Nathaniel finished 4th in the heats with a time of 48.47 and finished 6th in the semi-final with a time of 49.22.

Rosemary Chukwuma competed in the 100m and finished 4th in the heats with a time of 11.24 and finished 8th in the semi-final with a time of 11.26. In the same event, Seye Ogunlewe finished 5th in the semi-final with a time of 10.12. Brume, a favourite for a podium finish in the Long Jump, disappointedly finished 4th in the final with a mark of 6.84m. The most dismaying finish came from Amusan in the 100m Hurdles. She had finished 1st in the heats with a time of 12.48, 1st in the semi-final with a time of 12.56 to raise hopes of defending her gold medal and her championship lead. However, she could only manage a 6th place finish in the final with a time of 12.62.

Continued from Back Page

The subpar performance of Nigeria's team in Budapest represented a striking contrast to more fruitful outings at past World Athletics Championship in Oregon and the Commonwealth Games where the country contended favourably for medals and even in the Olympics, though gold medals proved elusive except in the weightlifting events of the Paralympics.

To reverse fortunes and restore Nigeria's prestige in global athletics, structural and systemic changes are clearly needed across multiple facets of the track and field ecosystem. In the first place, government and corporate support for athletics must increase to elevate training conditions and access to facilities, equipment, coaching, and sport science. Again, oversight must improve to ensure accountability and prevent mismanagement or misappropriation of resources earmarked for athletics programs and athlete development.

Furthermore, all lingering leadership crises, dysfunction, and allegations of corruption that have plagued the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN)

Keyamo And the Daunting Task of Revamping Nigeria's Beleaguered Aviation Sector

runways for big aircraft, improving airfield lighting, parking and cargo facilities.

Modernising aging air navigation infrastructure is also important for efficiency. Needed upgrades involve installing modern communication and surveillance systems. Keyamo can tap budgetary provisions and loans from bodies like AfDB dedicated to improving air navigation services.

Perhaps the most crucial task for Keyamo will be changing the culture of mismanagement and corruption. Critically reviewing concessions and contracts awarded by past administrations is an important first step already underway. However, transparency and accountability must be systematically strengthened. This may involve revisiting how appointments are made to bodies like FAAN, NAMA and NCAA to ensure professionalism and competence.

The practice of using such agencies as dumping grounds for political patronage must end. Only fit and proper persons should be hired in the sector.

Despite the challenges, Keyamo is better positioned than predecessors given his firm anti-corruption stance. But he will need steadfast support from the Presidency and all relevant stakeholders to withstand internal resistance and vested interests.

With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu having declared improving infrastructure a priority in his government, Keyamo has a golden opportunity to reform the sector. The aviation ministry post will allow him to put his formidable work ethic and skills to use in service of national development.

Ultimately, the scale of the challenge at hand is enormous. But for the first time in years, there is a glimmer of hope about Nigerian airports getting on par with the likes of Ethiopia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow. By moving decisively to untangle structural problems and confront mismanagement, Keyamo has given the sector a fighting chance. What is left is to up the ante, stay on course and see it to the end. If anyone can, it will be the indomitable Keyamo.

About allegations of doping, while there have been improvements since the embarrassments at the Olympics in Japan, where 10 athletes had to protest on the streets after the AIU stopped them from competing due to failing to meet required out of competition tests, there are still issues, especially in relation to Amusan. Indeed, the AIU's withdrawn doping charges against Amusan may have undermined her mental state in Budapest. Though allegations were dismissed and should not cloud her reputation, the ordeal likely took a toll.

Nigeria needs to strengthen anti-doping education for its athletes and reinforce a culture of clean, ethical competition. While a constellation of factors contributed to Nigeria's Budapest struggles, reversing the tidal wave of underperformance ultimately requires longterm systemic change rather than quick fixes. With visionary leadership, strategic investments, and dogged perseverance from all stakeholders, Nigerian athletics can regain its mantle as Africa's sprinting powerhouse.

Of all Nigeria's setbacks in Budapest, none was more shocking than the 6th place finish by world #2-ranked Tobi Amusan in the 100m hurdles final. Amusan was widely expected to challenge for gold but instead stumbled to the rear of the field.

After cruising through preliminary heats, Amusan uncharacteristically lacked her usual superior technique and blazing speed between barriers. Her time of 12.62s was well short of her personal best 12.40s and pre-championship form. Amusan's disappointing result is undoubtedly multidimensional, with physiological and mental factors in play. In the wake of her Budapest heartbreak, the most important thing is that Amusan, her coaches, the AFN, and all Nigerian athletics stakeholders rally in support of the 25-year-old hurdling sensation. She remains a phenomenal world-class talent more than capable of captivating crowds and winning global medals for years to come. With ample rest and rejuvenation, Amusan can return even stronger and determined to validate her credentials as the best 100m hurdler on the planet.

Enekwechi

Keyamo And the Daunting Task of Revamping Nigeria's Beleaguered Aviation Sector

The Nigerian aviation industry has long suffered from inadequate infrastructure, poor management, corruption, and inadequate funding. However, the newly appointed Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, seems determined to turn things around with bold and decisive actions.

Keyamo has hit the ground running since he assumed office. His first major action was the resolution of unresolved issues around the payment of compensation to the FCT community where the runway will be located. His next move was the announcement of the closure of the embarrassing Murtala Muhammed International Airport's old terminal by October 1, 2023. According to the Minister, the terminal, which was built in the late 1970s, will be remodelled under a public private partnership arrangement.

The dilapidated state of the old Lagos terminal is just one of the many issues plaguing the aviation sector. Most Nigerian airports lag far behind their African and global counterparts in terms of infrastructure and service delivery.

According to Keyamo, the new Chinese-built terminal at the international airport will commence full operations on October 1. The new airport, which has all the modern facilities befitting a modern international airport, will be put to use, despite the issue with lack of parking for wide-body aircraft. A bus will have to move passengers to and from the aircraft to the terminal until the two hangers obstructing the easy passage of wide body aircraft are demolished.

Infrastructure troubles are just one piece of the puzzle holding down the aviation sector. The industry also faces acute financial difficulties. Keyamo moved swiftly to tackle this by halting the controversial concession of airports over allegations of corrupt dealings. He also suspended Nigeria Air, the proposed new national carrier, due to concerns over transparency.

Revenue generation is another pressing challenge. Keyamo directed airport officials to urgently identify and recover debts owed by airlines, concessionaires, and other stakeholders. Strategies to boost income from non-aeronautical sources at airports are also underway.

For the sector to truly turn around, these actions must translate into tangible change on the ground. Keyamo's extensive administrative experience equips him well for the unenviable task. As a lawyer, rights activist and advocate for good governance, he has shown tenacity in confronting Nigeria's systemic challenges head-on. His predecessors struggled to deliver substantive reforms, but, bold and assertive, he seems determined to make his mark with just a few days on the job. His strong start of probing dubious concessions, recovering debts, and suspending questionable projects has been widely received with optimism.

Critics, however, question Keyamo’s technical expertise in aviation matters. While he has passed the first test of tackling corruption, decay and improv-

ing finances, the biggest challenge lies in executing a complete overhaul of airport infrastructure and airspace management.

Keyamo will have to lean heavily on technical experts in aviation, engineering and administration, while

neglect and corruption.

Nigeria's federal airports are currently operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which has struggled under the weight of graft, mismanagement, decrepit and overstretched infrastructure. Regular complaints of disorder, long queues, faulty conveyor belts, and decommissioned aircraft on airport grounds are symptoms of systemic failings.

The situation became especially dire during Nigeria's recession, when a forex crisis made it difficult for airlines to repatriate earnings and to procure spare parts. Some airlines collapsed while others scaled back operations. Safety has also been a cause for concern, with Nigeria falling short of ICAO standards. Previous government efforts at reform were hampered by delays in decision-making and execution as well as allegations of self-enrichment. The culture of corruption and lack of accountability has bled the aviation sector dry over successive administrations.

Alongside dilapidated infrastructure, air navigation equipment shortages have also affected efficiency and safety. Technologies taken for granted elsewhere, like instrument landing systems, are scarce in Nigeria, with less than a quarter of airports having basic navigational aids. We have been inundated with viral images and videos of animals grazing at airports overrun by weeds, stowaways only identified after flights and even terrorists taking over airport runways on bikes. For Keyamo to achieve substantive reforms within his four-year term would be a remarkable feat. It would, however, be a major boon for local and international air connectivity and help unleash the sector's full economic potential. His first moves have already been bold measures aimed at turning things around. Barely two weeks into the role, he has ruffled feathers by tackling the cosy relationship between regulators and private sector players.

ensuring transparency and efficiency. He has already reached out to industry stakeholders, promising to implement their constructive ideas. For decay that has taken years to fester, bringing sanity to the system will be daunting.

The sorry state of Nigerian airports and airlines is all too familiar to both local and international travellers who endure shabby facilities, inconsistent flight schedules and poor service. I recall a major issue when the check-in system at MMIA shut down due to contractual disputes with Societe International Telecommunication Aeronautiques (SITA) in 2021, affecting airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Despite efforts to resolve this, passenger facilitation worsened as a new service provider struggled to take over.

This situation resulted in sub-optimal airport usage and revenue loss. The government lacked resources for upgrades, perpetuating the problem. This is the legacy of decades of government mismanagement,

While commendable, Keyamo needs to back up this strong start with comprehensive viable policies and a path to reform. Effective policy implementation will be crucial, as things tend to fall apart at that stage in Nigeria. His success will depend on tackling some structural issues holding back progress. A key factor is the problematic ownership structure of airports under the FAAN umbrella. An absence of autonomy and performance management has led to stagnation. Nigeria will need to move towards the airport authority model used in places like Dubai and Singapore. We have the market, but airports management just has to be right. Funding has been another perennial hurdle. Although the sector contributes billions annually, only a fraction has filtered back as investments. Keyamo will need to work closely with finance and budget officials to channel more public funding and attract private investors. Airport infrastructure upgrades to meet operational and security standards will be essential for Keyamo to build a legacy. This includes new terminals, extending Continues on Page 47

With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu having declared improving infrastructure a priority in his government, Keyamo has a golden opportunity to reform the sector. The aviation ministry post will allow him to put his formidable work ethic and skills to use in service of national development