THEWILL NEWSPAPER, September 10, 2023

Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

Back in the day, when you heard ‘mix cream’, you automatically concluded that it was a lightening (bleaching) concoction, but not anymore. Regarding beauty, we can now mix serums without it being for bleaching. Instead, it is used to tackle skin concerns. And that’s what our beauty page discusses this week: various beauty cocktails to address different skin concerns. Whether it’s dehydration you want to tackle or need an age-defying solution, there’s a cocktail just for you—head to page 5 to read more about these skin cocktails.

One of the many ways to relieve stress is by spending time in nature, whether a lake or a hill. The outdoors will do you a great deal of good in your quest to de-stress, and what’s beautiful about it is you don’t have to leave the country. We have some magnificent places you can visit to take your mind off the stress. See page 6.

Our cover story has the brilliant Udo Maryanne Okonjo. Reading her interview had me pepped up, ready to do great things. I can imagine how it is for members of the ACE Business Club who receive coaching. All I’ll say is you have to read this interview; it is inspiring. See pages 8 through 10.

The first time I heard the saying “eat the rainbow,” I didn’t know what it meant. I later found out that it simply means eating healthy by dishing different colours, such as green vegetables, red peppers, tomatoes, etc. Learn more about this on page 14.

The movie review page analyses The Equalizer 3; based on this review, I must find time to watch it. This page also carries QR codes to scan and listen to a great collection of songs on Spotify and Apple Music. If you haven’t been scanning the codes, you should try it this week and let us know your thoughts.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

OnahNwachukwu

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION COURT JUDGEMENT

Unsettled Issues Supreme Court May Have to Decide

BY AMOS ESELE

Lawyers to both the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party, LP, counterpart, Peter Obi, on Friday got hold of the certified true copy of the judgement delivered last Wednesday by the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, and immediately commenced study of the 798-page document.

THEWILL’s attempt to get comments from some of the lawyers on the main content of their appeal at the Supreme Court failed on the common grounds that they had to study the judgment before making any categorical statement.

There is, however, a general impression that cuts across their desire to appeal the judgement of the justices. The grounds for appeal are attractive because major legal questions are yet to be settled in the country’s legal jurisprudence as has been done in advanced countries, more so when the learned Justices of the PEPC dismissed the petitions because they lacked supportive evidence.

“It is trite that adversarial civil litigation is basically fought on pleadings,” the Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani-led five-member Appeal Court began on page 14 in the opening pages of the lengthy document. “It is the foundation of the parties’ respective cases. The general principle of law

is that such pleadings must sufficiently and comprehensively set out material facts to ascertain with certainty and clarity the matters and issues in dispute between the parties. This is so because the purpose of the pleadings is to give adequate notice to the adversary of the case he is to meet and to afford him the opportunity to properly respond to such a case. Its aim is to bring to the knowledge of the opposite side and the court, all the essential facts.”

Based on this premise, other members of the tribunal, including Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, Justice Misitura Omolere Bolaji-Yusuff, Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo and Justice Abba Bello Mohammed, who presided over the three main petitions by the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Abubakar and PDP, as well as Obi and LP, declared on page 751, that, “the three petitions Nos. CA/PEPC/03/2023; CA/PEPC/04/2023 and CA/PEPC/05 2023 are all devoid of merit, the three petitions are hereby dismissed.”

Accordingly, Justice Tsammani said, “I hereby affirm the declaration and return of Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Independent Electoral Commission as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The parties in the three petitions are to bear their respective costs.”

In their respective suits, the APM had challenged the suitability of Kashim Shettima for the position of Vice President, having withdrawn his nomination for the Senate in 2023 to become Tinubu’s running mate; Abubakar Atiku and PDP, as well as Obi and LP, petitioned against Tinubu’s declaration as President by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

THEWILL investigation shows that two parties, PDP and LP, may sustain their petition, particularly on three major fronts. The first is the question of fair hearing. The second is to put the Chief Justice of the Federation on the spot, with regard to an earlier judgement he presided alongside some other judges of the apex court and thirdly, the law binding INEC to conduct polls and declare a candidate elected.

MAIN ISSUES LIKELY FOR DETERMINATION AT THE APEX COURT FAIR HEARING:

The major issue here deals with the witnesses to give evidence during hearings. Pages 247 to 263 of the document reflects this aspect of fair hearing. Here, the counsel to the 1st Petitioner, (LP, OBI) argued that their performance was hindered by the electoral umpire’s failure to upload the

...Supreme Court May Have to Decide

presidential election results on the IReV portal as required by law.

But the 1st Respondent’s witness, (INEC), “testified that the failure to upload some of the results to the IReV real time on 25th February, 2023 was due to a technical glitch experienced on their e-transmission system,” which “was not a ploy to manipulate the election because “the glitch did not affect the result of the election”, as the Commission used other back-ups, whereupon the petitioner added, “the petitioners served subpoena duces tecum on the 1st Respondent to produce the said forms, but the officers of the Ist Respondent, a Deputy Director, Certification, Complaints and Legal Drafting, failed to bring the forms.''

The counsel urged the Court to invoke the provision of Section 167(d) of the Evidence Act against the 1st respondent and hold that the forms, if produced, would have been unfavorable to the 1st respondent. He further submitted that noncompliance with Section 73(2) of the Electoral Act has been established which has invalidated the election in those states which the 2nd Respondent (Tinubu) was declared to have won, namely Benue, Borno, Ekiti, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ogun Ondo, Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara…”

Although the Senior Counsel to the 1st Respondent (INEC) referred the Court to Section 135(!) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and submitted that the Petitioners’ complaint of non-utilisation of prescribed forms, even though proved, cannot without showing the effect on the election, be the basis to void an election that was deemed to be free and fair, the 1st Petitioner maintained that apart from the Chairman of the 1st Respondent failing to produce the said forms on Subpoena, “the Petitioners made several applications through its campaign organisation and solicitors for certified true copies of the election documents and data relating to the presidential election, but they were denied by the 1st Respondent.”

Reacting to this development, a constitutional lawyer, Napoleon Emeuso-Nwachukwu, told THEWILL on Friday that in BASHIR and ANOR v. KURDULA and ORS (2019) LPELR-48473(CA)

ELECTION PETITION - DECISION OF ELECTION

PETITION TRIBUNAL – “The decision of an election tribunal preventing subpoenaed witnesses from testifying on the ground of non-filing of witness depositions on oath amounts to denial of fair hearing,” citing cases to prove his point.

According to him, “In the case of YUSUF SULAIMAN LASUN vs. LEO ADEJARE AWOYEMI; ORS [2009] 16 NWLR (PT. 1168) 513 at 548 - 549(CA) the Court per OGUNBIYI, JCA (as he then was) had this to say on the subject.”

"It cannot therefore be within the contemplation of the provision of the 1st Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) which is the Practice Directions in election petitions that the respondent should sign a witness statement or deposition on behalf of the petitioner whose allegations of irregularities were against the said party. In other words, it is not within the expectation of the said Practice Directions that the petitioner would frontload the statement of the respondent. By mere fact of the subpoena having been issued, the witness is bound to be sworn on oath to testify and be cross-examined.,” Emeuso-Nwachukwu stated.

“In the cases of DUKE vs. AKPABUYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT [2005]19 NWLR (PT. 959) 130 AT 142-143 H-A cited with approval by SANKEY, JCA in ONI vs. FAYEMI [2008] 8 NWLR (1089) 400 AT 442 - 443 H-B, the tribunal, having refused the

subpoenaed witnesses from testifying, having initially issued subpoenas for their testimony, cannot be said to have conducted the proceedings before it impartially and fairly and this Court is therefore in agreement with the learned appellants' counsel when he said that the conduct of the tribunal by so doing eviscerated the right to fair hearing of the appellants."

Per FREDERICK OZIAKPONO OHO, JCA (Pp 46 - 51 Paras A - B) Nwachukwu said, “In my considered opinion, the failure of the PEPC to upload an affidavit to dispute the election results nullified the results. Again, the INEC chairman was subpoenaed to testify with regards to the results on oath, he failed to come. You do not do that in law because I need to know what the man is going to say in court.”

Nwachukwu says the petitioners stand a good chance in adding this question of fair hearing to their appeal in the Supreme Court.

INEC’s CULPABILITY?

After cross-examining witnesses and taking submissions by the Ist and 2nd petitioners, (LP and PDP) that INEC was legally mandated to transmit results electronically and having failed to do so, the results it declared in support of the election of Tinubu as President were fake, the PEPC, ruled, as detailed on pages 222 to 234 of the judgement document, that, “ In my view, the Electoral Act, 2022 has used the words, “deliver”, “transfer” and “transmitted directly” interchangeable to describe how the results of the election shall be moved from one stage to another until the results are finally collated and declared.

“In all of these, the Electoral Act, 2022 has not specifically provided that the results of the election

shall be electronically transmitted. It is the exercise of its powers under Section 160(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 148 of the Electoral Act, 2022, INEC, that is the 1st Respondent (INEC) herein, made the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Election 2022, as well as INEC Manual for Election Officials, 2023.

“In paragraphs 14(a) and 18(a) of the Regulations, the 1st Respondent prescribed the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, as the technological device for the purpose of accreditation and verification of voters in the 2023 general elections.”

The PEPC returned to this matter again as shown on page 614 of the judgement document, where it answered the petition by 2nd petitioner, PDP and Abubakar, thus, “Primarily, the law is settled that the results declared by INEC (1ST Respondent) is an election enjoys a presumption of regularity. In other words, they are prima facie correct. See Section 168(1) of the Evidence Act 2011, recently applied to the Supreme Court in ATUMA V. APC & ORS (2023) LPELR-60352 (SC) where Jauro, JSC held at PP 40-41 as follows:

“By virtue of Section 168(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011, the presumption of regularity inures in favour of judicial or official acts, including those carried out by INEC. The exact words of the submission are thus: “When any judicial act is shown to have been done in a manner substantially regular, it is presumed that formal requisites for its validity were complied with.”

In the final analysis, PEPC agreed that “there is a statutory provision that provides voting and transmission of votes. But that is at the discretion of INEC.” But is this really so? This is still contentious.

A closer scrutiny of the relevant sections in the Electoral Act, 2022 shows that the opposition parties going on appeal have good grounds to stand on. Two crucial sections deal with the point at issue, namely the mandatory use of BVAS and electronic transmission of election results.

In Section 47 (2), the Electoral Act, 2022, states thus; “(2) To vote, the presiding officer shall use a smart card reader or any other TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICE that may be prescribed by the Commission, for the accreditation of voters, to verify, confirm or authenticate the particulars of the intending voter in the manner prescribed by the Commission.”

Again, in section 64 (1-4), the Act states thus; “1. Electronic Transmission of election results directly from the polling units is MANDATORY; 2. Collation of results manually (the lower level of collation) is still allowed; 3. Where there is a conflict between results transmitted electronically direct from the polling units and results as collated manually, the results, as transmitted electronically direct from the polling units shall prevail; 4. In order to determine whether such a conflict exists, there must have been direct electronic transmission from the polling units, before the manual transmission. Both must co-exist.”

Reacting to the part of the judgement on Friday night, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, said that though a previous court had ruled on the issue before, the PEPC cannot be blamed in the judgement on the presidential election petitions but INEC.

He said, “When an umpire makes a rule, it behoves the umpire to comply and follow the rule. That is where I think the problem lies. You cannot make a rule and expect others to comply with why you consider yourself exempt. So, INEC should share

There is, however, a general impression that cuts across their desire to appeal the judgement of the justices. The grounds for appeal are attractive because major legal questions are yet to be settled in the country’s legal jurisprudence as has been done in advanced countries, more so when the learned Justices of the PEPC dismissed the petitions because they lacked supportive evidence

...Supreme Court May Have to Decide

part of the blame. Like I said before, a court had made a pronouncement on it before, maybe the Supreme Court has to make a final decision.”

In fact, in a video that has gone viral on social media, former INEC National Commissioner for Information, Voter Education, Festus Okoye, rigorously defended the Commission’s commitment to fulfilling the above quoted sections of the Act.

He said, shortly before the conduct of the 2023 general election, “The use of BVAS is a mandatory provision of the law without an option. The Commission does not have a DISCRETION on whether to use BVAS or not. The law says we shall and must use BVAS and the Commission is committed to using BVAS because we have spent so much time, so much energy and so many resources to put the BVAS together. We canvassed the inclusion of the BVAS and the electronic transmission of results in the Electoral Act. Therefore, we have a responsibility to keep faith with our innovation for the conduct of a free and fair election driven by technology.”

Indeed, the PEPC dismissed the argument of the counsel to the 3rd respondent against the admission of video clips of Mr Okoye, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu and the EU Observer team, on the grounds that they did not comply with Section 84 of the Evidence Act.

As recorded on page 598 of the document, Justice Tsammani ruled, “I am, however, of the opinion that this contention is misconceived… of the certification of the authentication of the said video clips made by P.W, 19, Dr Ter… downloaded to his laptop and subsequently to his flash drives before bringing them to court. For the same reason that Dr Ter is not in court to answer questions on the said clips and so his evidence on them is hearsay is non -sequitur.”

PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU’S ALLEGED DRUG RECORD IN THE USA AS BASIS FOR QUALIFICATION TO CONTEST

According to the PEPC, as recorded on pages 179 to 186, in the judgement document, “From the legal definitions and judicial authorities, it is clear that the “sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud”, envisaged in Section 137(1) (d) in the Constitution is one imposed upon a criminal trial and conviction.

“In that case, the Petitioners have failed to show evidence that the 2nd Respondent, (Tinubu) was indicted, arraigned, tried and convicted and was sentenced to any term of imprisonment or fine for any particular offences.”

It said that the American Court relied on Section 981 of the American Money Laundering Law, which is civil and not Section 982, which is criminal and which the petitioners stated in their petition. “The Petitioners have evidently failed to establish their allegation that the 2nd Respondent is disqualified from contesting the presidential election under Section 137(1) (d) of the Constitution because he was fined the sum of $460,000.00 by a US District Court, Northern District of Illinois. As shown above the forfeiture in Exhibit PA5 on which the Petitioners have relied does not qualify as a sentence of fine for an offence involving dishonesty or fraud with the contemplation of Section 137(1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution.”

FORFEITURE is the key word that may resonate in the appeal at the Supreme Court just for one reason.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, had had cause to give clarity to that word not too long ago as one of the judges at the apex court. That was on April 18, 2005 when one of the sons of the late Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, challenged an appeal court judgement delivered that year.

The Federal Government, through the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF), had charged Mohammed Abacha to court for the offences of conspiracy, receiving of stolen property, dishonesty and concealing stolen money, all pursuant to sections 97(i), 317 and 319 of the Penal Code.

After the High Court and the Appeal Court found Abacha guilty, Justices Olukayode Ariwoola, Walter Onnoghen, Muhammad Muntaka-Coomassie, John Afolabi Fabiyi, Suleiman Galadima, Nwali Ngwuta and Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of the apex court had the final word on the matter. They disagreed with Abacha’s argument that he forfeited the sums in compliance with the decree and not as a punishment for committing a crime.

Ariwoola, who gave the ruling, had noted, particularly in reference to the word FORFEITURE, “The whole purpose of this ad hominem legislation, as clearly stated in Section 1 of the Decree, was to recover from the persons named therein properties and monies acquired corruptly and illegally by them.

“Bearing in mind that in interpreting a statute, the court must avoid absurdity. It is necessary to juxtapose the term ‘forfeiture’ with ‘indemnity’ to ascertain the intention of the lawmaker. Black’s Law Dictionary, 8th edition at page 677 defines ‘forfeiture’ thus:

1. The divestiture of property without compensation.

2. The loss of a right, privilege or property because of a crime, breach of obligation or neglect of duty.” It goes on to say ‘title is instantaneously transferred to another, such as government, a corporation or a private person’. Therefore, FORFEITURE connotes punishment for a crime committed and its effect is instantaneous. ‘Indemnity’ is defined at page 784 (supra) as

3. A duty to make good any loss, damage or liability incurred by another.

4. The right of an injured party to claim reimbursement for its loss, damage or liability from a person who has such a duty…’ ‘Indemnity’ and ‘forfeiture’ are clearly diametrically opposed to one another. A person who has forfeited property on the basis of a crime cannot be entitled to indemnity. Forfeiture is a form of punishment. There is no indemnity in our criminal procedure.”

The question is would Justice Ariwoola, faced with his earlier ruling, interpret the word FORFEITURE differently?

A Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Derby, England, United Kingdom, Dr Obiajunwa Ama, does not think so. He said the learned Justices of the PEPC were correct in their decision on this matter.

“If President Tinubu was convicted of a criminal offence in the United States in the 20th and 21st Century or even further back, there will be a trace and record of the same in the United States,” he said at the weekend, in a statement made available to THEWILL. “If the point above is not persuasive enough, then it is important to state that foreign judgements are not automatically recognised nor enforced in other jurisdictions. The concept of sovereignty of states (Countries), is such that there are procedures prescribed by domestic laws on the recognition of foreign judgements. In fact, some countries do not even recognise nor enforce foreign laws in their jurisdiction. Thus, it is important for individuals to be knowledgeable on the recognition of foreign laws in Nigeria, and its probative value to cases in dispute. “

ON STATUS OF ABUJA AND 25% REQUIREMENT TO BECOME PRESIDENT

Again, Obayuwana opines the PEPC was spot on, regarding their ruling on the status of Abuja with regards to election.

“An individual does not even need to be a lawyer to know that Nigerians that are resident in FCT are not superior to Nigerians that live in other parts of the country, '' Obayuwana argued. ''Any argument that a presidential candidate must score 25% of votes in FCT to be declared winner of elections, does automatically confer special status of citizenship on Nigerians that live there.

''The concept of equality of citizenship is a fundamental ingredient of statehood. It is the concept upon which all other citizenship rights and obligations, such as payment of taxes, are predicated. In fact, it is also the same principle that applies to equality of states.

From the foregoing, it is pretty sure that between the next 21 days when the opposition parties are constitutionally bound to file their appeal and 60 days later on November 5, when the Supreme Court is expected to deliver judgement, all eyes will be on Justices of the apex court for the final arbitration of the unsettled cases thrown up by the PEPC judgement.

An individual does not even need to be a lawyer to know that Nigerians that are resident in FCT are not superior to Nigerians that live in other parts of the country, '' Obayuwana argued. ''Any argument that a presidential candidate must score 25% of votes in FCT to be declared winner of elections, does automatically confer special status of citizenship on Nigerians that live there

Kano Approves Over N4Bn For Projects

FROM ABDULLAHI YUSUF, KANO

The Kano State Government has approved the release of N4,882,378,071 for the execution of various projects in the State. This is contained in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Kano on Friday by the Director of Special Duties in the state Ministry of Information, Sani Abba Yola.

Tribunal Upholds National Assembly Elections in Jechira, Buruku Federal Constituencies

FROM GEORGE MARTINS, MAKURDI

The National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, on Friday, upheld the election of Mr Sesoo Ikpagher, representing Vandeikya/ Konshisha Federal Constituency and that of Sekav Iortom in Buruku Federal Constituency.

This followed the dismissal of the petition filed by the candidate of Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Imborvungu Tsar, challenging the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which retained Ikpagher as the winner of the election held earlier this year.

In the petition, the first petitioner alleged that he was excluded by INEC in the election, stating that the election of Ikpagher should be voided by the tribunal. However, the tribunal held that the exclusion of a candidate in an election is a pre-election matter and not post-election issue and as such, the case was dismissed for lacking in merit.

Reacting to the ruling, the leadcCounsel to the defendant, Barr. Iortyom Wombu, explained that the petitioner's party (ADC) had wrongly submitted his name in Buruku Federal Constituency rather than Vandeikya/Konshisha and efforts made by his counsel to change it before the election proved abortive.

"The petitioner approached the Federal High Court to effect the change by order of Court, but before the order, he withdrew the case, l which is abuse of procedure", Wombu said.

Similarly, the tribunal affirmed the election of Mr Sekav Iortom of the APC in Buruku Federal Constituency when it dismissed two petitions challenging his declaration as a member of the House of Representatives for Buruku Federal Constituency.

In the peition, Ngunan Addingi of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Jimin Kpam Sokpo of the Labour Party (LP) urged the tribunal to nullify Iortyom's election on the ground that he was not qualified to contest, among other reasons.

Having considered all arguments, the Justice Ory Zik-Ikeoeha-led tribunal dismissed their Petitions as lacking in merit.

Meanwhile, one petition challenging Iortyom's election filed by the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is pending at the tribunal to be decided later.

NSIB Begins Probe of Incident Involving United Nigeria Aircraft

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says the agency has been notified and has commenced investigation into a serious incident involving an Embraer ERJ145 with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-BWY, belonging to United Nigeria Airlines.

The airline’s Embraer ERJ145, Friday evening, overshot the runway at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos..

In an official statement issued on Saturday, signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs of the Bureau, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, the NSIB stated that "the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has been notified and commenced investigation into a serious incident involving an Embraer ERJ145 with Nationality and Registration Marks: 5N-BWY belonging to United Nigeria Airlines, which occurred around 06:33pm (Local Time) on 8th September, 2023.''

It further informed that "the aircraft, with 51 passengers and 4 crew members onboard, was en-route Lagos from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State."

According to NSIB, the aircraft on landing at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, skidded off the runway.

There was no injury or fatality.

"The NSIB, hereby, solicits information from the general public in the form of pictures, video or recording evidences to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation,” the statement said.

Yola said the approval was disclosed by the Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the 5th meeting of the State Executive Council. Dantiye said that the council had granted the sum of N3,577,288,540 to the Ministry of Higher Education for the sponsorship of 550 qualified state indigenes for postgraduate studies abroad, while N544,321,168 was approved to the Ministry of Education for the payment of of outstanding funds in respect of boarding schools students' feeding.

He also disclosed that the sum of N79,284,537 was also approved by the council to facilitate the renovation of 11 closed boarding schools in the state, while N131,500,000 had been approved for the conduct of the 2023 internal Examination (BECE/BEICE AND SSQE/SAISQ/TAHFEEZ and TAJWEE).

The Commissioner revealed that hundreds of millions of naira had been approved for the Ministry of Works and Housing, including the sum of N172,528,572 for the settlement of outstanding liability for the completion of Kano State liaison office Abuja

He said N111,990,955 had also been approved for repairs and maintenance Works at Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso and Obasanjo Flyovers in Kano Municipal Local Government Area, while N22,164,893 was approved for the construction of 2 Multi-Cell box culverts at Rafin Gora and Rafin Zur in Yelwa ward, Rano Local Government Area. Dantiye also said the sum of N69,039,407 was approved to the Ministry of Health for the procurement of HIV rapid test kids by Kano State Agency for the Control of Aids, while N15, 274,640 was approved to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for the conduct of annual Mosquito vector and rodents control in the state. The Commissioner further stated that N1, 693,000 was approved to the office of Head of Civil Service for payment of bereaved family allowances in respect of 34 additional deceased civic servants in the state between January, 2023 to July, 2023.

Other resolutions of the Council, the Commissioner said, included the re-introduction of Kwankwasiyya Medical Outreach programme across the 44 Local Government Areas and the re-introduction of foreign scholarship to state indigenes commencing with 55 qualified applicants for postgraduate studies.

He said the council had directed the Ministries of Finance in collaboration with the Office of the Auditor- General to conduct a Bio-metric data capture and verification exercise for all state and local government pensioners.

Dantiye added that the council had constituted a State and Local Governments Payroll Standing Committee to ensure prudent salary administration in the state.

Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCACA), Otunba Shegun Runsewe (2nd R), receiving the Charge D’affairs, of High Commission of Malaysia, Sharmini Duei Gopal (Left), and other members of the Diplomatic Community, during the 2023 International Arts and Craft Expo in Abuja on September 7, 2023.

Renewed Calls For Local Governments Autonomy

BY AYO ESAN

The demand for local government autonomy has been in the front burner for many years now and its advocates have expressed dissatisfaction with the domination and exploitation of the Chief Executive of the third tiers of government by state governors through the administration of the State/ Local Governments Joint Account System.

The Nigerian Constitution under section 162(6) provided for the establishment of a State Joint Local Account (SJLGA). The account is meant to be a mechanism that can implement the notion of ‘fiscal federalism’ at the local government level. However, most of the state governments made some unnecessary deductions and more often diverted the funds to other areas of personal interest, while the money was meant for the development of local government areas, and this contributed significantly to the abysmal performance of local governments in providing good governance for the community.

THEWILL recalls that the 9th National Assembly listed financial and legislative autonomy for local governments as one of the proposed legislations, but it was not approved by the state assemblies.

Penultimate week, the issue of local government autonomy came up again when the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Wale Adedayo, accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of withholding the statutory Federal Allocation due to the state’s local government councils in the last two years.

“Since we (Ogun State Local Government Chairmen) got on board in 2021, it has been ZERO Federal Allocation to each local government,” Adedayo alleged, in a letter addressed to former Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, penultimate Sunday.

In the letter, Adedayo said, “Your urgent intervention is sorely needed to convince the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun that the statutory Federal Allocation to local government areas in Ogun State should be allowed to reach each of them as envisaged by the 1999 Constitution. Since we (Ogun State Local Government Chairmen) got on board in 2021, there has been ZERO Federal Allocation to each local government. Ten per cent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, which the Constitution also stipulated should go to the local government areas, has not been given since Abiodun assumed office.

“Now, the negative consequences of Zero Federal Allocations to local government councils in Ogun State should be clear for all to see. We should not have lost the last elections in all the places where we did during the Governorship and House of Assembly polls IF our local government areas were being funded as provided for in the 1999 Constitution. I am not proud to say that we (local government chairmen) have done very little or NOTHING since we were sworn in because the funds to work with are being withheld by Mr Governor.

“Former President Muhammadu Buhari assisted the states and local government areas with what we call palliatives today. They called it SURE-P. The first sent to the 20 local government areas in Ogun State was N2.5 billion. The second one was N2.6 billion. The third was N2.8 billion, while the fourth, shortly before Buhari left office, was N2.9 billion. Not a dime of these funds was released to ANY local government area in Ogun State. The Ogun State Executive Committee of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) had a meeting with the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Dapo Okubadejo, early this year. The Commissioner claimed that the 20 local government areas were owing the Ogun State Government N17 billion, which they continue to deduct. But I know for

Your urgent intervention is sorely needed to convince the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun that the statutory Federal Allocation to local government areas in Ogun State should be allowed to reach each of them as envisaged by the 1999 Constitution. Since we (Ogun State Local Government Chairmen) got on board in 2021, there has been ZERO Federal Allocation to each local government

...Local Governments Autonomy

a fact that my Ijebu East Local Government is NOT owing Abeokuta one Naira!

“We’ve also heard of ecological funds and others. These have developed wings without a trace, too. It is certain that the current one being packaged by President Bola Tinubu may likely follow the same course. And we are the ones the people will abuse. I am the butt of jokes in my local government aream right now, with many saying one is incompetent.

“Truly, denying local government areas their due Federal Allocations in Ogun State began during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. And, as it is happening today, it was based on a spurious claim of helping some local government areas, who may not be able to fulfill their obligations to the people because of financial challenges. Thus, all the funds are regularly collected into a central purse from where salaries and other dues are paid. Whatever that is left is often claimed by the state government as debts being paid by the local government councils.

“Revenue sources, which the local governments should benefit from, have mostly been taken over by the state government. Motor Parks and attendant dues, which should go to each local government area, are being centrally managed by the state government. Primary school administration and control have been taken over, too. There are many others. But what I crave is for you to assist in helping our people.

“In Ijebu East Local Government Area, we have a complete rural section. Our people need roads, especially in the interior. They need water. The Health Centres are nothing to write home about. The primary schools are something else. It is a crying shame that, in 2023 some of our people still depend on water from the stream to drink! Great Awo provided pipe borne water almost 60 years ago!”

Adedayo, who has since been suspended by the legislative arm of his council, arrested by the DSS and only recently released, may be seen as one of the bravest of the local government chairmen as others have accepted to suffer in silence as they fear the governors who behave like emperors.

However, rather than receive commendation, Adedayo has been guillotined by his colleagues for daring to look the governor in the face.

The reality is that in most states of the federation, governors have hijacked council funds, and this has led to the general failure of governance at the local government area.

Nigerians have not seen any positive development in the council areas in recent times despite huge allocation allotted to them from Abuja.

Hitherto, works of the council areas, such as building of market stalls, patching of roads, maternity centres ‘maintenance, have been taken over by the state governments.

Although Governor Abiodun has denied the allegation, explaining that he had on several occasions given extra funds to local government councils in the state to meet their operations, many local government chairmen in the country are suffering and smiling, as governors denied them their allocation.

The desperation of state governors in controlling the financing of the local government councils have made most of them to introduce the Local Government Caretaker System where their cronies are appointed to run the affairs of the councils, instead of conducting elections to appoint local council managers.

Also, where elections are conducted to elect the local government chairmen, the ruling party in the states desperately maneuvres the elections and ensured that it wins in all the local government areas through the

manipulation of the state electoral commission.

The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has also advocated the strengthening of local government areas, based on the unique needs of each state.

Soludo made this call while speaking on national television.

Asked about his stance on granting autonomy to local government areas, Soludo said, “Guaranteeing what the constitution says is one thing and whether what is in the constitution is efficient is another thing.

“In Anambra, we rely on the LGA to drill down whatever we are doing; we are cascading a lot of the responsibilities to LGAs and we will continue to strengthen. There is no absolute autonomy anywhere — there is a need to coordinate.

“Each federating unit (state) should determine the kind of local government it wants, rather than the constitution imposing a unitary LG system on all the states.”

Wando, who is Borno State born, noted that while local government corruption is a global problem not unique to Nigeria, it is nevertheless crucial to address.

Former President Muhamamdu Buhari had said that corrupt state governors collect funds on behalf of local government officials and remit only half of the money collected to them.

Local government employees have also accused state governors of misappropriating funds collected on their behalf from the federation account and, in some cases, stealing the funds meant for the local government.

The situation above has led to calls for local government autonomy, which means that the local government authorities no longer want to be at the mercy of state governments.

Many analysts have expressed the opinion that local government administration in Nigeria needs to be reviewed for them to be able to carry out their constitutional roles.

Adelaja Adeoye, public affairs analyst and politician, said that rather than frequently having head on collusion with state governors, local government chairmen should push for full implementation of autonomy, which will legally empower them to function not as an appendage, but as a fully functional executive tier of government in Nigeria.

Abiodun Omolegan, a lawyer, said there must be a cancellation of the joint account of the state and local government, just as he insisted on autonomy for local government as the best thing for this country. He called on the 10th National Assembly to make laws that will give more powers to the third tier of government.

“I think part of the thing we need to do is that the state electoral body should be stripped of the responsibility of conducting elections into councils.

“That bill failed during the last amendment by the National Assembly, but it is very important if we want to free them from the governors, let INEC be conducting LG election,” Omolegan added.

Sola Ogundimu, a political analyst, said the failure of councils, partly account for the high poverty and infrastructural neglect in the rural areas across Nigeria.

“There was a reason why the local government was set up and you can see that this system has failed. I strongly believe that is why we have high infrastructural neglect and poverty among our people in the rural areas.

Local government employees have also accused state governors of misappropriating funds collected on their behalf from the federation account

POLITICS

2023 Presidency: Jettisoning Zoning Cost PDP, Atiku Victory – George

Chief Bode George is former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP). In this interview with AYO ESAN, he speaks on issues as they affect the nation.

Excerpts:

Ifyou had President Bola Tinubu’s ear, what advice would you give him? You also said you don’t agree with the way the palliatives are being distributed. How do you want it distributed?

There is no individual in this planet called earth that knows it all. I asked the question when I was talking. I asked who the chief economic adviser in the Presidential Villa is. Is he a Voodoo economist?

Is he a medieval economist? Basic facts in economics, too much money chasing too few goods, results in hyperinflation. You gave N5bn to the states. Who took that decision? You gave each state N5bn for palliative. The population of Lagos State is about 22 million people and Bayelsa’s population is about two million people, yet both states got the same amount. Kano, a very massive state, got the same sum of money as Jigawa State. Is it money for the boys or money for the people?

You know the whole world is now a global village. The moment the Russians shut down their gas supply to Europe they were all in hell. There is pain in the United Kingdom, too. Go to the market there are so many things that is missing. The people are shouting, doctors are on strike, railway workers are on strike. The salary they are trying to give cannot meet their daily needs. The cost of electricity is high. But you can listen to the Chancellor of Exchequer; I was watching him around 2am he was telling the people that they have taken care, by taking up the bill, 50 per cent of the bill to every household in electricity consumption. That is direct impact. They are paying for it. Right now, they are saying their GDP has increased.

Now the interest rate is coming down because those who have got mortgages would pay more. They will want to mop up if they increase the interest rate, so that they will go and put their money in the banks to get interests. And they are lowering the interest rate paid by industries to employ more people.

What the hell are we doing here?

PDP is 25 years old now. Can you tell us the successes and challenges of the party in the past 25 years?

I joined politics because of the tenets that I read about this party. And I am happy to tell you that that PDP is the first political party in Nigeria that has the full colours of our nation. From the swampy region to the Savannah forest in the north.

What did the founding fathers do? I remember a few of them. Late Chief Bola Ige was a founding father of the PDP. He attended the first meeting. Do you know what they did? He sat in the same room with Dr Alex Ekwueme. Can you imagine that? With Papa Jim Nwobodo. Then Papa Solomon Lar sat with Alhaji Ciroma in the same room to discuss political union. When about 14 of them met, they sat and said what are these mitigating factors that have been preventing our nation from growing? They said look, the majority always have their ways, while the minority are only onlookers. We can’t be in an association where one man will be the leader and others will be just followfollow. That is why they decided to divide Nigeria into

That is what we jettisoned that made the party to lose. Where is Obi from? Is it not PDP? What of the G-5 Govs? Are they not from the PDP? Ayu should have managed it better. We will never have gone to the level of disbandment. Like I said we can disagree, but we should not be disagreeable. We have learnt our lessons

six geopolitical zones. And they came up with six top positions, President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker, the Secretary to the Government and the party’s National Chairman. Each one of these positions will go to each zone so that everybody will go home with something.

That was how we started it in 1998. Everybody went home satisfied. There was a proviso: After eight years, all positions in the North will go to the South and all positions in the South will go to the North. We will be rotating so that one day, a candidate of a minority group will be the President of Nigeria. You can’t imagine that in 1960 that somebody from a minority group will one day become the president of Nigeria. That was how the party started. We sustained that. That is what we jettisoned that made the party to lose. Where is Obi from? Is it not PDP? What of the G-5 Govs? Are they not from the PDP? Ayu should have managed it better. We will never have gone to the level of disbandment. Like I said we can disagree, but we should not be disagreeable. We have learnt our lessons. Let us get together. Let us get a management team that will be fair to all. After the Supreme Court, we can say let’s meet and let us move forward. I don’t think it is still late for us to meet. We can still get together. We don’t want it to go the ANPP way.

So, it has been 25 years of a lot of experiences. We have been to the topmost mountain in Nigeria, and we have also rolled back to bottom of a deep valley to be in opposition.

You said it is not in the interest of any nation to hold on to a military government. Then how do you see the new trend of military rule in Francophone West Africa?

I was in the military. I knew and I was privileged to get a non-regimental appointment. You just get appointed, you are not elected. You just moved in after your name was announced and you maintain peace there, put smiles on the faces of the people, which is the essence of government, and make sure there is tranquility and peace.

Now why it is not fashionable is that there are three arms of government: The judiciary, legislature and executive. And they are equal branches of government. When the military government comes, the first thing they tell you is to suspend the constitution. In some countries, they will retain the judiciary. The executive is there. The one they removed is the legislative arm. Why is the legislative arm the elected representatives of every constituency? The voice of the people. Then what are you governing if people are not represented? On a short run, the people may shout, ‘Ah we have a new fellow’. I am talking as a man who has gone through the mill. I am trying to exchange my knowledge on the shortcoming of military governments. Once the legislature is not there, how do you know the feelings of the people? How do you know their needs? You have maximum commissioners and the commissioners are not representing the constituencies. Remember how many you can have?

The nearest I have been in Ondo State before my appointment was passing through Ore while travelling to our base in Warri. I never visited Akure before then. But when I got there, thank God some people gave me the books of Baba Awolowo to read. I read about the three arms of government. They are equal but separate. Once we have discountenanced them, that is the people, how can you govern effectively? How can you govern effectively without knowing the needs of the people or hearing from them? You know the legislators go home because they elected them. They would have had their constituency meetings perpetually. That is the major difference between the military and democratic governments.

When you look at the effects of military incursion into governance, it destroyed the oneness. The unity expected of you because we don’t fight war by saying Yoruba man, Igbo man, Hausa or Fulani man, let’s go. No, you have a team and we go to war as one and so you must be your brother’s keeper, irrespective of tribe or tongue. Once the military enters governance, the unity and oneness will go in the military because it is not everybody that can be governor or minister. Pettiness, jealousy and so on and so forth will creep in into the system, undermining the very purpose for which you were established.

POLITICS NEWS

PEPT Judgment Confirm Nigerians’ Confidence in Tinubu – Group

Dr Kailani Muhammad, the DirectorGeneral, Confederation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) judgment affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Muhammad, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, described the judgment as a reminder of the confidence of Nigerians in Tinubu’s capacity to continue to lead Nigeria towards its manifest destiny of greatness.

The PEPT, in its lead judgment read by Justice Abba Mohammed, on Wednesday in Abuja dismissed the allegation by the Labour Party and its candidate, Mr Peter Obi, that the 2023 presidential election was rigged in favour of Tinubu.

The director-general congratulated Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the APC on their victory at the PEPT.

Tribunal Affirms Lawan as Borno Central Senator

There were wild jubilations in Maiduguri metropolis and its environs following the outright dismissal of a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party,(PDP), Senatorial candidate for Borno Central, Barrister Mohammed Kumalia, challenging the victory of Borno Central senator, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan.

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Borno on Friday, did not only dismiss the petition, but also affirmed the electoral victory of Lawan, who contested on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).

Lawan was declared the winner of the election, held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Lawan polled 135,043 votes, while Kumalia polled 63,338 votes.

THEWILL recall that the opposition PDP and its candidate, Barrister Kumalia, had earlier dragged the APC, its Borno Central Senator, Lawan and INEC as respondents before the

tribunal, seeking the nullification of the election, alleging that the result declared by the INEC in favour of the senator were marred with irregularities.

Delivering judgment, the three-man panel, under the chairmanship of Justice M.E Anenih, with Justices A.I. Ityonyman and A.O. Adeniji as members, held that the petition brought before the tribunal lacked merit.

Dismissing the petition, the tribunal said, “The petitioner failed to present cogent, reliable and compelling evidence that could be sufficient to affect the poll’s result as declared by INEC.”

Speaking on the judgment, one of the counsels to Senator Lawan, Barrister Abdulwasiu Alfa, said, “The petitioner failed to substantiate his claims against our client, therefore, the tribunal did not only dismissed the petition, but also affirmed Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan as the duly elected senator representing Borno Central senatorial district.”

Kogi: Ex-Deputy Gov. Awoniyi Dumps PDP

The former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Abayomi Awoniyi, on Thursday, officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that his defection is contained in a letter, entitled, “Letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party”, made available to newsmen in Lokoja. Awoniyi served as deputy to former Gov. Idris Wada.

He conveyed his resignation in a letter dated August 31,2023 and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi.

Allocate Ministerial Slot to Southern Kaduna, Group Urges Tinubu

The Southern Kaduna Journalist’ Forum (SKJF), a media advocacy group, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to allocate the Kaduna State ministerial slot to Southern Kaduna for fairness and inclusive governance. The forum made the call through its chairman, Mr Ango Bally at a news conference in Kaduna.

Bally said that the candidate could be any competent person, irrespective of party, or religious affiliation.

He pointed out that since the return of democracy in 1999; previous administrations had demonstrated fair distribution of appointments between the northern and southern parts of the state.

He added that a precedent had been set between 1999 to 2014 where principal political positions were shared between the northern and the southern parts.

“When the governor of the state is elected from the northern part, a ministerial appointment and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) goes to the southern part and vice versa.

The letter partly read: “I hereby write to tender my letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party after 25 unbroken years of loyal and dedicated membership and service.”

“With this resignation letter, I cease to be a member of the PDP.

“Kindly convey my sincere gratitude to the party faithful in Mopamuro LGA, Kogi West Senatorial District, and indeed the entire state, through your fellow LGAs party chairmen, for their support and camaraderie, over the years.

“I look forward to our continued friendship, despite the fact that I am no longer a member of your party,” he stated.

“This sharing formula ensured equity, fairness, and inclusive governance.

“For example, between 2003 and 2007, the northern part of the state produced the governor, Mr Ahmed Makarfi and a minister, former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai.

“The southern part of the state produced the deputy governor, SSG and a minister, when the state was allocated two ministerial slots,” he said.

The chairman, however, said that between 2015 and 2023, the governor (ElRufai) was from the northern part, along with the two ministers nominated from the state and the SSG.

He added that the development left the southern part with only the position of the deputy governor.

“The judgment of the tribunal has again put a judicial seal on the mandate freely given to the president by the Nigerian people in the 2023 presidential election.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should take the affirmation of his election as a reminder of the confidence of Nigerians in his capacity to continue to lead Nigeria towards its manifest destiny of greatness,” he said. According to him, Nigerian people have great expectations from the Agenda of the president and they should give his administration full cooperation to accomplish the goal of “Renewed Hope Agenda”

Muhammad also commended the opposition parties for using the judicial window prescribed by the constitution in seeking redress for their grievances. He urged them to join hands with the government and the Nigerian people in the task of nation-building.

Alawe Congratulates Adaramodu Over Victory at Tribunal

The Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi Afuntade 1, has congratulated Senator Yemi Adaramodu on his victory over Hon Biodun Olujimi who had dragged the Ilawe born Chief before the election petition tribunal sitting in Ilorin over his victory at the February 2023 Senatorial election.

Reacting to Chief Adaramodu victory over Mrs Olujimi at the tribunal, the Alawe noted that it was a victory well deserved by a hard working Senator who is noted for dexterity in the political arena .

While congratulating him, the frontline Monarch reminded senator Adaramodu that his victory at the tribunal over Hon. Olujimi was a call to duty and that Ekiti people would be counting on him for more positive contributions in the Senate.

Oba Alabi prayed to God to grant the Senator, who is the Oluomo of Ilawe Ekiti and the spokesperson of the Senate, the necessary enablement to continue his good works in the development of the people of Ekiti State and Nigeria.

AYO ESAN

L-R: Regional Sales Director, Oracle Global Company, Oludare Ogunlade; Vice President, Oracle Global, Andres Garcia; President Bola Tinubu; Board Members, Tunde Badejo and Feyi Agagu, during the visit of Oracle Global to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on September 4, 2023.

EDITOR:

Real Hunger in The Land

There is real hunger in the land and Nigeria may not be able to meet the 2030 target for the Sustainable Development Goal on zero hunger. With just about seven years to the date set by the United Nations for the SDG2, it is very unlikely that the country will meet the target, given the prevailing circumstances.

The stark reality staring us in the face now as a nation is that no fewer than 17.7 million Nigerians are hungry. According to the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), there is a possibility that the figure will rise to 25 million if practical steps are not taken to save the embarrassing situation. Sadly, about one million, out of the figure, suffer from what has been described as acute food insecurity as they remain hungry and do not know where and how the next meal will come.

More pathetic is the fact that about 35 million children in Nigeria are malnourished as the country continues to parade an unenviable record of being home to the highest number of affected children in Africa and the second highest in the world. Already, four states - Lagos, Kano, Borno and Katsina - have been listed as having the highest number of food-insecure people in the country, even as widespread malnutrition persists in Nigeria.

A Nutrition Officer with UNICEF, Nkeiru Enwelum, who dropped the shocking figures on Thursday in Abuja, at a twoday media dialogue on nutrition financing in Nigeria, said, “About 35 million of under-five children in Nigeria are malnourished, '' adding, "And out of this, 12 million are stunted.” At the dialogue organised by the Child Rights Information

Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in partnership with UNICEF, she blamed the high burden of malnutrition in the country on poverty, ignorance and inadequate budgetary allocation for nutrition.

UNICEF Communication Specialist, Geoffrey Njoku, had earlier berated the federal and state governments for their failure to allocate enough funds to tackle increasing levels of malnutrition in the country, as he called for the need to close funding gaps through local resource mobilisation and increased awareness by the media.

The skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs and other necessities of life resulting from the high inflation in the country are also compounding the food security challenge as the average Nigerian now considers a daily three-square meal a luxury that most people could no longer afford.

Realising the impact of the increasing hunger in the country and its effects on his efforts at putting things right, President Bola Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency on food security with incentives to farmers to enable them boost food production across the country through agriculture. Similar programmes were also initiated at the state and local government levels to boost productivity in the agricultural sector.

We, therefore, commend the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), a Canada-based intergovernmental organisation created by the Commonwealth Heads of Government to promote and develop distance education and open learning, for its initiative in Nigeria. On Friday, the Commonwealth of Learning, in partnership with the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) and Obafemi

Awolowo University(OAU), Ile-Ife, trained over 100 vegetable farmers on digital agriculture in Osun state.

The training , according to the programme convener, Prof. Adeolu Ayanwale, was to sensitise vegetable farmers on the potential in digital facilities that would help them to improve production and contribute their quota to the fight against food crisis in Nigeria.

We are also glad that the train-the-trainers initiative also came on a day the First Lady and wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, restated her determination to affect the lives of Nigerians positively through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) as she advised Nigerians to start growing food items in the gardens in their homes to feed their families and neighbours.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to her office by the Honourable Ministers’ Wives Forum led by its convener, Mrs. Susan Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Friday in Abuja, Mrs Tinubu said the RHI is out to improve the lives of Nigerians by supporting their families through agriculture and other interventions. “I am more interested in lives than building huge houses. Another one that will interest you which everybody can participate in, for the agricultural programme in RHI, we are planning that everyone should have a garden to grow food. Since President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency on food security, therefore, we are encouraging people to start planting in gardens and we are only going to pick one garden as the winner. Therefore, your garden should be able to produce food for you and your neighbour. The best garden will go home with prize money of N20 million for the winner,” she said.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Austyn

Editor – Olaolu Olusina

Deputy Editor – Amos Esele

Politics Editor – Ayo Esan

Business Editor – Sam Diala

Copy Editor – Chux Ohai

Cartoon Editor – Victor Asowata

Entertainment/Society Editor – Ivory Ukonu

Photo Editor – Peace Udugba

Head, Graphics – Tosin Yusuph

Circulation Manager – Victor Nwokoh

Guest Art Director – Sunny Hughes

The stark reality staring us in the face now as a nation is that no fewer than 17.7 million Nigerians are hungry.

According to the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), there is a possibility that the figure will rise to 25 million if practical steps are not taken to save the embarrassing situation. Sadly, about one million, out of the figure, suffer from what has been described as acute food insecurity as they remain hungry and do not know where and how the next meal will come

Abiodun And Adedayo: When Emotion Takes The Place of Logical Thinking

BY LEKAN ADENIRAN

“If thinking and reason crack under pressure of emotional convulsions or when commissioned facts are resulting from fibs and fake constructions, truth may be in great Peril,” says Erik Pevernagie.

The above statement applies to a certain Balogun Ibrahim. Ibrahim, in a poorly penned opinion piece full of grammatical blunders tagged; “Emperor Dapo Abiodun and Wale Adedayo” stamped on truth and fact, throwing caution to the wind. It is very easy to decipher that he wrote out of ignorance and was emotional in his poor treatise. He dwelt on a subject or an issue he knew practically nothing about.

GOVERNOR ABIODUN, APART FROM BEING A TEAM PLAYER, AS EVIDENT IN THE RETINUE OF AIDES AROUND HIM, ENSURED THAT OGUN HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST STABLE IN THE COUNTRY POLITICALLY SINCE 2019

Society is in real danger when half-baked, poorly educated, ill-informed commentators of his type become the source through which information gets to the people.

Balogun’s jaundiced perception of happenings in Ogun State is pitiable. He alluded to a diverted revenue allocation and the proclamation of an “Emperor”. What he and some other commentators failed to grasp is that in Ogun State, there has never been zero allocation to the 20 local governments as claimed by the suspended Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Mr Wale Adedayo. The Ogun State Government is not withholding or diverting allocation from the federation account meant for local governments. The two tiers of government run separate accounts. Money meant for local governments go through the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC). Members of this committee are drawn from all stakeholders in local government administration, including representatives of traditional rulers, ALGON, NULGE, NUT, SUBEB, pensioners, etc, with all the 20 local governments mandated to attend.

The governor does not have access to funds coming into that account. It is from this account that First Line Charges are made for the payment of council staff, primary school teachers, healthcare workers, and local government pensioners. And records have it that since 2019, allocations from the federation account to the local governments have been insufficient to meet the First Line Charges, which has necessitated the state government augmenting these allocations every month to the tune of more than N17 billion.

The state government has also been helping the local governments with funds to execute some projects. It is on record that Ijebu East Local Government got N1.547 billion from the

state government in 2021. In 2022, the council got N1.955 billion, while, from August till date, the council has gotten N1.257 billion. This is outside the payment of staff salaries, teachers’ salaries, gratuities, and pensions through the JAAC.

Is it possible that Adedayo had a motive for writing a letter that is patently false and a negation of the true situation of things in the 20 local governments in Ogun State? Why write a letter now after two and a half years in the office? Was there any time that Mr. Adedayo employed the internal conflict resolution mechanism in place in his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the government, which he is part of, if he had issues with revenue allocation to his local government? Was there any time he employed his closeness to Governor Dapo Abiodun by seeking an audience with him on the issue if he was so concerned about his people?

Granting autonomy to local governments as the third tier of government is an ongoing debate across the country. It is a debate that won’t go away soon. But Ogun State is among the first to pass a financial autonomy bill into law. This is meant to allow local governments to have the resources to fulfil their obligations to the people.

Tagging Govennor Abiodun an ‘Emperor’, apparently, is the fallout of the visit by the local government chairmen on Tuesday, last week, pursuant to seeking reconciliation. The chairmen had earlier met with officials of the state government. They were convinced that no money was missing from their account after the books were opened to them. During the visit to the governor after the first meeting, the council chairmen did, in line with the Yoruba culture, prostrate for the governor. This was a spontaneous reaction as the Chairman of the state ALGON, Mr Babatunde Emilola Gazal was speaking. It was never a request or compulsion. It was an acceptance of the fact that a mistake was made and an atonement must also be offered.

It is also in the infantile imagination of Balogun and his ilk that Prince Abiodun has reduced the other arms of government in the state to robots. This is another evidence of a man bereft of any critical thinking, assessment, and evaluation. How can you be an emperor in a democracy? No matter how imperfect, a democratic dispensation can never breed dictatorial tendency.

Governor Abiodun, apart from being a team player, as evident in the retinue of aides around him, ensured that Ogun has become one of the most stable in the country politically since 2019. He has never had issues with the lawmakers in the state. He never interfered in who became the Speaker of the House of Assembly or other principal officers. As such, this has ensured that the legislative arm works in tandem with the executive. The judiciary is as vibrant as ever. Governor Abiodun has never made any attempt to gag this most important arm of government. He has never interfered in the running of local governments. Elections have been held as at when due since he assumed office. The one held in 2021 produced Adedayo as chairman.

•Adeniran is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State

Chiedu Ebie: A Technocrat Takes on The NDDC

BY DR ‘TONYE TIMI

On the day Mr Chiedu Ebie’s appointment as the new Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was announced, the oil flow station at OwaAlidinma, a shouting distance from Agbor-Alidinma, his community, was crowded with workers and engineers of Pan-Ocean Oil Company, as if they had gathered to welcome the new NDDC helmsman back to the petroleum industry. This joyous group was supported by workers from Obi Anyima cluster of oil wells and Ekuku-Agbor oil well.

For a seasoned technocrat and a player in the oil industry whose ward harbours oil yielding wells and crude gathering stations from many drilling points in Pan-Ocean’s OML 147, Ebie’s appointment as Chairman of the board of the NDDC presents a new challenge for him to impact on the development effort of the devastated oil producing communities of the Niger Delta.

Now his community and the entire nine states where crude oil is currently produced in Nigeria look up to him and his interventionist agency to ameliorate their deficits in infrastructure and human capital development.

Ebie, from birth, was always expected to be an outlying achiever and much has always been expected of him as the scion of the respected academic and administrator, Professor John C. Ebie, a psychiatrist and pioneer Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH and helped to nurture the institution to the excellence it has achieved today. Ebie’s uncle, Sir Fortune Ebie, was also the pioneer Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority, FHA. Fortune Ebie was the one who ideated and built FESTAC Housing Estate in Lagos with then Brigadier Obasanjo as Minister of Works and Housing and thereafter moved to Nairobi, Kenya to head Shelter Afrique.

From this progeny of great men and women, Ebie has continued to advance the achievements of his ancestors. His first stint in the public service of Delta State was when he was appointed Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary), an assignment he took on so well that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa during the 3rd anniversary celebration of his administration singled him out as the most outstanding of his appointees. For his diligence, hard work and commitment, Okowa rewarded him by making him the Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) at the start of his second term. This elevation to SSG was known to all and sundry to be purely on merit. Before then, he was a player in the oil industry. He brought with him to government, steady hands and a quiet panache to a charged political environment. This quality proved invaluable in stabilising the government of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Ebie’s two-year stay as Secretary to the State Government of Delta state, has remained remarkable as the years of achievement of the Okowa administration in the state. His organisational skills, hands on commitment to the job, held the state steady and is still

applauded as the years of achievement, even when Governor Okowa immersed himself in national politics and was projecting to the national stage.

Without being accused of any wrongdoing, Ebie was removed as the Secretary to State Government in a brusque and unfair manner. Rather than this removal hurting him, it rather energized him to work with others in convening a pan Deltan political group, Delta Unity Group (DUG) to collaborate and work with APC in the recently concluded elections.

HE BROUGHT WITH HIM TO GOVERNMENT, STEADY HANDS AND A QUIET PANACHE TO A CHARGED POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT. THIS QUALITY PROVED INVALUABLE IN STABILISING THE GOVERNMENT OF DR. IFEANYI OKOWA

The involvement of DUG in APC created a strong resurgence in the party, that gave her the victory at the national and indeed at the state where her victory will soon be properly scheduled after the tribunal judgement.

He will be supported by Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, one of Delta’s finest public officers as Delta State Representative at NDDC. Igbuya, an experienced public administrator was a one-time local government Chairman and member of the Delta State House of Assembly where he attained the office of the Speaker.

It is instructive to note that Igbuya was the Chairman, House Committee on DESOPADEC. This exposed him to the yearning and aspirations of the oil producing communities in Delta State. It is now clear that providence was taking him through the trajectory in preparation for this onerous task. A task we are convinced is not beyond him, considering his experience and pedigree.

The loud roar or statement from the jungle by the Lion through these selections and appointments is that only the best is good enough for Delta State and Nigeria. Never again will situations where top government offices used to promote cronyism, mediocrity and inefficiency be tolerated or accepted.

We are assured that Ebie and Rt. Hon. Ovwigo Igbuya will bring their usual commitment and panache to the infrastructural development of oil producing states in Nigeria.

ELECTRICITY:

IBADAN LEADS AS ESTIMATEDBILLING CUSTOMERS CLIMB TO 6M – NBS

EDITOR Sam Diala

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has 1.33 million estimated-billing customers – the highest among the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Nigeria, according to data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The statistics bureau in its Nigeria Electricity Report for the second quarter (Q2) of 2023 published Wednesday, revealed that estimated-billing customers during the quarter were 6 million, higher by 0.72 percent from 5.96 million in Q1 2023.

According to the NBS, on a yearon-year basis, estimated customers increased by 2.58 percent in Q2 2023 from 5.85 million in Q2 2022, as the country grapples with perennially poor power and inadequate meter supply.

Ibadan also belongs to the league of top four revenue generating DisCos: Ikeja (IEDC) with N52.29 billion, Eko (EKDC) N43.29 billion, and Abuja (AEDC), which raked in N43.07 billion.

The Ibadan zone (which covers Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara and parts of Niger, Ekiti and Kogi states), pooled N27.41 billion to rank fourth during the period.

The NBS said that the total customer numbers in Q2 2023 stood at 11.47 million from 11.27 million in Q1 2023, showing an increase of 1.84 percent. On a year-on-year basis, customer numbers in Q2 2023 rose by 6.17% from 10.81 million reported in Q2 2022.

Similarly, metered customers stood at 5.47 million in Q2 2023, indicating a growth of 3.10 percent from 5.31 million recorded in the preceding quarter. On a year-on-year basis, this grew by 10.40 percent from the figure reported in Q2 2022 which was 4.96 million.

Without significant improvement in power supply, revenue collected by the DisCos during the period rose to N263.08 billion from N247.33 billion in Q1 2023.

On a year-on-year basis, revenue generated in the reference period

N12.74trn 3.00%

Nigeria’s Merchandise Trade Rose to N12.74trn in Q2 – NBS

Transcorp Tops Leading Stocks in Turnover, Volume as ASI Climbs by 3.00%

Key Takeaways From GTCO Plc HY 2023 Results

BY SAM DIALA

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) stunned industry watchers with a superlative performance in the 2023 half year. It exceeded analysts’ forecasts in all parameters that account for growth and excellence. Although this is attributed largely to the forex windfall arising from the new government’s pro-market policies, also enjoyed by other banks, a touch of deft management strategies manifested in the group’s audited half-year financial statements. These are highlighted in the following key metrics:

Financial Inclusion

GTCO Plc adopted an aggressive strategy in the financial inclusion drive. The aim was to provide adequate financial services to individuals and communities that have limited or no access to the formal financial sector. This resulted in the opening of 749,710 accounts through partnership with the CBN SANEF initiative.. It also received deposits of N514 million through its agent banking locations during the period.

Gross Earnings Surge

The group recorded an unprecedented revenue surge of 181.2 percent to N672.6 billion against N239.2 billion in the corresponding period of 2022. There were no signs of the massive haul earlier in the first quarter when it posted N158.09 billion as gross earnings in Q1 2023 from N119.59 billion in 2022.

Soaring Assets

The balance sheet looks set to hit the N10 trillion mark by 2023 year-end. It increased by 32 percent to N8.5 trillion in H1 2023, from N6.4 trillion as of December 31, 2022. The expanding loan book amid adequate impairments provision on the back of a strong CAR puts the group on a good stead for rapid assets expansion during the year.

The Company shows it is determined to drive the growth further till year-end and create the base to launch it onto a higher pedestal next year.

Robust Profits Growth

Pre-tax profit jumped to N327.3 billion, representing a 217.2 percent increase compared to N103.2 billion in half-year 2022. Post-tax profit of N280.4 billion far exceeded the N77.5 billion posted in the equivalent period of the preceding year with N202.9

billion, representing a 261.9 percent rise.

Significant Interest, Commission Income

Interest income of N225.9 billion recorded during the review period significantly surpassed N147.1 billion in H1 2022 by 53.6 percent. Net Interest Income toed the same trend to hit N177.45 billion in H1 2023 as against N120.84 in H1 2022.

A bulk of the interest income amounting to N129.84 billion accrued from loans and advances to customers. The facilities grew to N2.31 trillion during the review period, against N1.88 trillion as of December 31, 2022, representing a 22.9 percent.

The group raked in N21.21 billion from e-banking income, compensating for the huge investments in ICT, which drives its superior service delivery ahead of its peers. This was 13.3 percent above N18.57 billion in the 2022 half year.

Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR)

Notwithstanding the N1.5 trillion restricted deposit (under CRR policy) and other assets, the strong deposit base will enable the group to achieve the regulatory 65 percent LDR threshold by yearend. While loans and advances to customers was N2.31 trillion during the reporting period, deposits by customers grew to N6.31 trillion compared to N4.61 trillion as of December 31, 2022.

Forex Revaluation Windfall

Like its peers, GTCO harvested its lot from the forex windfall arising from the massive 60 percent devaluation of the Naira by the CBN on June, 14, 2023. The group raked in N357.47 billion in six months against N1.86 billion in H1 2022, representing a jump of 19,118.9 percent. This will boost the balance sheet and support enhanced growth within a short time.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Shareholders recorded huge value on their investment with the group’s earnings per share (EPS) hit N22.0 in the 2013 half year from N9.94 in the corresponding period of 2022, a valuation appreciation of 111.26 percent. GTCO began the year with a share price of N23.00 and has since gained 69.6% on that price valuation, ranking it 48th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.

...From GTCO Plc HY 2023 Results

Impairment Charges/CAR

The Naira rain enabled the group to dole out N82.96 billion for impairment charges in the 2023 half year, as against N3.51 billion in 2022 H1. Enhanced capital adequacy was provided in line with regulatory threshold regarding the group and its subsidiaries’ paid-up capital and equity/equity reserves.

“Guaranty Trust Holding Company manages its capital base to achieve a prudent balance between maintaining capital ratios to support business growth and investor confidence and providing competitive returns to shareholders,” the group said concerning its capital and risk management policies.

Speaking on the half-year result, Group Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, 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-today operations.”

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

A Stockbroker and Head of Securities Trading at Planet Capital, Dr Paul Uzum, attributed the profit windfall by the banks to the foreign exchange revaluation gains that the devaluation of the Naira threw at them.

“FX translation gain was the factor. You will see it across the big banks GTco, Zenith, Access and UBA. FBNH equally had impressive results. The banks have been keeping a part of their reserves in FX,.and some of their loans to clients are also in FX, so it is natural that with the steep d’évaluation, they will make large profits,” Dr Uzum told this newspaper in a note.

Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, the major subsidiary of the group, was named Best Bank in Nigeria at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023. This marks a record 12th time that Guaranty Trust Bank has been recognised as the leading financial institution in Nigeria.

The current share price of GTCO is N39.00. It closed its trading day (Thursday, September 7, 2023) at N39.00 NGN per share on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), recording a 0.5% gain over its previous closing price of 38.80 NGN.

GTCO is the eighth most traded stock on the NGX over the past three months (Jun 8 - Sep 7, 2023). Findings showed it has traded a total volume of 1.95 billion shares—in 25,339 deals—valued at N66.8 billion over the period, with an average of 30.9 million traded shares per session.

A volume high of 208 million was achieved on June 13 and a low of 2.64 million on August 28 for the same period.

...Ibadan Leads as Estima ted-Billing Customers Climb to 6m

rose by 39.63 percent from N188.41 billion recorded in Q2 2022. Electricity supply improved slightly, rising to 5,909.83 (Gwh) in Q2 2023 from 5,851.87 (Gwh) in the previous quarter. However, on a year-on-year basis, electricity supply increased by 13.06 percent compared to 5,226.97 (Gwh) reported in Q2 2022

Estimated billing is a system of arbitrary charging against unmetered electricity consumers for electricity (energy) they did not actually consume. The billing is based on perceived pattern of consumption, or on the ‘best of judgement’, with unjustified high revenue targets as the motive.

Consumers in this system are mandated to pay far above what they consumed on a monthly basis and the charges are usually outrageous. “It is a system that thrives on corruption and is driven by tardy inclination to exploitation which defines a commodity in the category of monopoly,” said Gabriel Madu, an electrical installation contractor.

Although the NERC has reiterated an end to estimated billing with adequate metering, in reality, the country is far from reaching that target. The meters are hardly seen in the quantity being declared by the authorities.

Since the Federal Government introduced the metering system in 2018, it has maintained that electricity consumers face no hurdles in procuring meters. The government has on several occasions declared that it had millions of units of the pre-paid metres for supply to the consumers. But that is contrary to what obtains in the industry where corruption and sabotage have been elevated to an art of priority.

In reality, many Nigerians are yet to exit the estimated electricity billing fraud due to the high cost of meters, which the DisCos are supposed to release under the Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) programme.

Besides the cost, the supply system is very slow and anxious consumers are subjected to various extortions, all in the guise of processing fees. To crown it all, many of them have to endure long periods of inactivation of the meters for one technical reason or the other.

The recently announced an increase in the price of metres with immediate effect. It said that a single-phase meter, which measures electricity for smaller homes, will now cost N81,975.16. This is more expensive than before, when it was N58,661.69. The price of a three-phase meter, used for bigger places, is going up too. It will now cost N143,836.10, up from N109,684.36.

The consumers being supplied with the estimated metre are charged for the transportation and other routine matters that ordinarily should be the responsibility of the DisCos. And the most ironic is that the meters are properties of the DisCos.

“In a country of highly unstable power supply, the prepaid meter is the only panacea to prevent undue exploitation of consumers from the estimated billing system of power distribution companies.

“The Federal Government ought to pay a greater attention to the frustrations being experienced by many Nigerians in the course of procuring prepaid electricity meters.

“But the racketeering is enriching the operators exceedingly; that is why they would stick to estimated billing,: said Mike Iheakor, a property developer. The House of Representatives in 2019 passed a Bill prohibiting and criminalising the use of estimated electricity Bills in all instances except where a consumer’s meter cannot be accessed by the service provider.

Elumelu Urges Indians to Invest in Nigeria

The Chairman, Heirs Holdings Group, Tony Elumelu, has urged members of the Indian private sector to seize the opportunity of improved economic reforms to invest in Nigeria.

Elumelu said this during the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Conference on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, in New Delhi, India, jointly organised by the High Commission of Nigeria to India, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC).

Elumelu, who has built pan African financial service businesses and now controls significant power and natural resources operations, all focused on value creation in Africa, was in Delhi for the G20 Summit, both as an invitee of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and as co-chair of the Business 20 (B20) Action Council focusing on African economic integration, the

private sector counterpart to the G20. During a keynote address, Elumelu invited Indian private sector leaders to join him and other global investors in accessing the rapidly evolving Nigerian economy, home to 20% of Africans and one of the largest consumer populations globally:

"This is the time to invest in Nigeria. I speak as a private sector investor in Nigeria, the companies in our Group’s investment portfolio demonstrate the opportunity. I believe you also can take advantage of our track record and success," he said.

At the Presidential roundtable, hosted by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Indian investors pledged investments of nearly $14 billion to Nigeria, following the Nigerian president’s commitment to create the enabling environment for foreign investments to thrive.

Elumelu said, “Nigeria is a huge market; over 200 million people with the largest economy on the continent.

“Most importantly, the population is not just over 200 million people; the demography of the population is exciting. We have a cohort of young people who are there to consume, and we also have people who are intelligent, energetic, hardworking, who provide the human capital that investors need to drive their businesses”

Tony Elumelu, was recently named co-chair of the Business 20 (B20) Action Council focusing on African economic integration, alongside Sunil Mittal, Founder of Bharti Enterprises (Owners of Airtel). Established in 2010 within the G20, the B20 comprises corporate business enterprises and organisations and serves as the official platform for dialogue between the G20 and the global business community.

Elumelu

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

Nnaji Harps

on

Artificial

Intelligence

in 4th Industrial Revolution

One of Africa’s foremost scientists, Professor Bart Nnaji, has advised Nigerians to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) on an industrial scale in order to join the 4th Industrial Revolution now sweeping across the globe.

Professor Nnaji, a former Minister of Science, made the appeal at the fifth convocation ceremonies of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, at Agbara-Otor, near Ughelli. in Delta State where he also received an honorary doctorate in science.

“AI has come to stay”, he asserted before a large audience comprising academics and researchers from other universities, as well as business executives, philanthropists, and community leaders, including the founder of the university, Mrs. Cecelia Ibru, its vice-chancellor, Professor Ibiyinka Fuwape.

“AI holds the key to our participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by Big Data, Internet of Things, etc.

“We lost the First Revolution which is the Agricultural Revolution, the Second which is the Industrial Revolution, and the Third which is the Digital Revolution".

Nnaji said that AI “has become ubiquitous especially with Generative AI which enables machines, that is digital systems, to do things faster, cheaper and better through repetitive tasks and, in the process, achieve greater autonomy.

“This means that they perform tasks without human control or human input, and this process keeps on improving rapidly”.

He said that, unlike previous revolutions in history, Nigeria does not require massive resource infusion before leapfrogging into the 4th Industrial Revolution

“The computer and the Internet have made things much cheaper, faster, and shorter, as a person can stay in the comforts of his or her home and still be in touch with cutting-edge technology, including AI”, he declared.

While expressing delight that an increasing number of Nigerians are embracing AI, the erstwhile power minister advised the Nigerian government to immediately take concrete steps to make the country a significant AI participant, calling the United States, the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, the European Union, and India the frontline AI developers.

The Ministry of Communication and Creativity should be treated as a frontline development ministry, he argued, adding that the Nigerian Communication Commission and the National Office for the Acquisition of Technology should receive priority status.

He counselled the Federal Government to drastically reduce tariffs on certain information technology equipment or even abolish them.

He also called for intensive training of IT specialists in both academic and professional institutions in Nigeria and abroad.

He added: “ Let us borrow a leaf from India which prioritised Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and has consequently excelled in medical tourism, manufacturing, food security, and moon and sun exploration”.

Nnaji, however, pointed out some of the dangers associated with AI, including job losses and deep fakes.

Telecom Contribution to GDP Hits 16%

- Danbatta

The telecommunications sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased significantly to 16 per cent in the second quarter of 2023, according to the data reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) based on the computation by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this in a keynote address delivered at the annual Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF) hosted by the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos on Thursday.

According to Danbatta, from a 14.13 per cent contribution in the first quarter of 2023, and up from the hitherto 15 per cent all-time-high record contributed in the second quarter of 2022, the telecommunications sector added 16 per cent to the national GDP in the second quarter of 2023 to set a new record.

Danbatta, while speaking on the theme: “Success Factors and Barriers to National Broadband and Digital Economy Aspirations”, took the audience, promising executives of telecom companies and other industry stakeholders, through the giant strides being made by the Commission.

From about 8 per cent contribution to GDP in 2015, when Danbatta came on board as the EVC of NCC, he said quarterly GDP has increased significantly to reach its current threshold of 16 per cent and that this has continued to positively impact all aspects of the economy.

“Through sustained regulatory excellence and operational efficiency by the Commission, the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades and this has impacted on all other sectors of the economy. The effective regulatory regime emplaced by the NCC and with the support from all stakeholders has been our major success factor as an industry,” Danbatta said.

The EVC stated that while there are barriers to broadband deployment in the country, ranging from the issue of right of way (RoW), fibre cuts, high capital requirement for deployment, multiple taxations and regulations, among other challenges, the NCC is navigating regulatory complexities, digital divide and literacy, security concerns with firmness and increased collaborations with necessary stakeholders such as ATCON to create measures towards tackling the challenges.

On the RoW challenge, the EVC said there are about 46 different taxes directed at the telecom sector at the moment. Such charges and levels, coming in various names, are /imposed on telecom operators by some agencies and tiers of government, especially at the state and local levels. Danbatta said the challenge translates into greater economic burdens on telecom subscribers in the country.

Speaking about connectivity, Danbatta said, “Over the years, we have identified some clusters of access gaps all over the country but we have recorded a significant drop in the number of access gaps, as we continue to drive initiatives that boost access to telecommunications services."

Vice President Kashim Shettima (5th Left); President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mr Ken Opara (4th L);  1ST Vice President, Prof Pius Olanrewaju (3rd L); National Treasurer, Mrs Mojisola Bakare-Asieru (5th Right); Registrar, The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mr Akin Morakinyo (4th Right) and other dignitaries  at the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja on September 5, 2023.

Nigeria’s Merchandise Trade Rose to N12.74trn in Q2 – NBS

In the second quarter of 2023, Nigeria’s total trade stood at N12.74 trillion, total exports stood at N7.01 trillion and total imports amounted to N5.72 trillion, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

Total exports increased by 8.15% when compared to the amount recorded in the first quarter of 2023 (N6.48 trillion) but declined by 5.20% compared to the corresponding quarter in 2022 (N7.40 trillion).

Likewise, in the period under review, total imports increased by 2.99% compared to the value recorded in the first quarter of 2023 (N5.55 trillion) but declined by 10.37% when compared to the value recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2022 (N6.38 trillion).

The value of Re-exports in the quarter under review stood at N91.44 billion representing 1.30% of total exports.

Data available shows that the top five re-export destinations were Cameroon, Spain, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and The Netherlands.

The most re-exported commodity was ‘Other turbines for marine propulsion with N41.24 billion, this was followed by ‘Mech. propelled vessels for the transport of goods, gross tonnage not specified in 8901’ valued at N10.96 billion, ‘Other gas turbines not specified of a power exceeding 5,000 kW’ amounting to N6.66 billion, Other article of heading 87.84 not specified valued at 4.77 billion, and mechanically propelled vessels for the transport of goods, gross tonnage 500 tonnes’ valued at N4.22 billion.

The top five export destinations in Q2, 2023 were The Netherlands with N788.85 billion or 11.24%, the United States of America with N718.63 billion or 10.24%, Indonesia with N550.18 billion or 7.84%, France with N540.73 billion or 7.71% and Spain with N504.45 billion or 7.19% of total exports.

Altogether, exports to the top five countries amounted to 44.23% of the total value of exports.

The largest export value in the second quarter of 2023 was ‘Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude’ with N5.58 trillion representing 79.63% this was followed by

‘Natural gas, liquefied’ with N639.37 billion accounting for 9.11%, and ‘Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution’ with N81.21 billion or 1.16% of total exports.

In terms of Imports (CIF), In the second quarter of 2023, the top five partner countries origin of imports to Nigeria were China (N1.26 trillion or 22.17%), the United States of America (N921.45 billion or 16.09%), Belgium (N460.43 billion or 8.04%), India (N417.77 billion or 7.30%) and The Netherlands (N369.69 billion or 6.46%). The values of imports from the top five countries amounted to N3.43 trillion representing a share of 60.05% of total imports. While the commodities with the largest values of imported products were ‘Motor Spirit Ordinary’ (N1.23 trillion or 21.50%), ‘Used Vehicles, with diesel or semi-diesel engine, of cylinder capacity >2500cc’ (N733.92 billion or 12.82%) and ‘Gas oil’ (N230.83 billion or 4.03%).

Transcorp Tops Leading Stocks in Turnover, Volume as ASI Climbs by 3.00%

Trading in the top three equities namely Transnational Corporation Plc, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 1.065 billion shares worth N6.525 billion in 6,801 deals, contributing 37.17% and 17.61% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively last week.

The NGX All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 3.00% to close the week at 67,527.19 and N36.958 trillion respectively.

A total turnover of 2.866 billion shares worth N37.050 billion in 33,968 deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 1.812 billion shares valued at N29.299 billion that exchanged hands last week in 31,163 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.424 billion shares valued at N13.398 billion traded in 18,216 deals; thus contributing 49.70% and 36.16% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The ConglomeratesIndustry followed with 652.296 million shares worth N4.434 billion in 4,931 deals. The third place was the Consumer Goods Industry, with a turnover of 264.359 million shares worth N12.036 billion in 10,821 deals.

Shonubi, Danbata, Bello, Others to Grace 2023 FICAN Conference

TheActing Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Mr. Folashodun Shonubi; Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbata, and the Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr Bello Hassan, are among the dignitaries that will grace the 2023 Conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) holding in Lagos next weekend, September 16 and 17.

Mr Shonubi will be the Key Note Speaker while Prof. Danbata will be the Guest Speaker. Mr Bello will be the Special Guest at the occasion holding at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, with the theme, "Strengthening Digital Infrastructure for Efficient, Innovative Payment Systems in Nigeria."

Specifically, regulators, key stakeholders in the telecommunications sector, financial services sector, as well as payments service providers and switching companies will come together to examine the subject-matter during the two-day event of FICAN, an umbrella body of journalists and editors covering finance and economy in the print, electronic and online media platforms.

A statement co-signed by the National Chairman FICAN, Mr. Chima Titus Nwokoji and the National Secretary Mr. Sam Diala, observed that events of the first three months of 2023 have shown that there is urgent need to ramp up infrastructural investment in the payment ecosystem of the country.

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

L-R: Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chrysanthus Dawam and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of  Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Peter Bot, during the unveiling of the Green Cap Vision and Seven Point Policy Thrust for inclusive Budgetary Engagement and retreat for Staff of Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Jos on September 5, 2023.

Addressing The Challenges of Cocoa Production in Nigeria

BY OLASUNKANMI OWOYEMI

On a superficial level, a student who finished fourth place in a class of over 50 students has not performed poorly. However, when considering that the student who finished first place amassed over 2,000,000 points, while the student who finished fourth had only 300,000 points, does that change your assessment of the student’s performance? It should.

Nigeria may be the fourth largest producer of cocoa globally, only trailing behind Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Indonesia, but its output is still comparatively low. Ivory Coast produces 2,200,000 tonnes of cocoa beans annually, while Nigeria’s total annual output is about 340,163 tonnes.

Before the discovery of crude oil, agriculture was the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to the country’s GDP and export earnings. However, Nigeria shifted its focus to crude oil, which led to a decline in its agricultural output.

Despite this decline, cocoa remains the country’s principal non-oil foreign exchange earner. The declining price of crude oil continues to provide momentum for conversations about economic diversification into sectors such as agriculture. If any segment of the agricultural industry has shown a potential to improve the country’s economy and contribute to employment generation, it is the cocoa industry. In the right position, the industry will generate more jobs for farmers and other players involved in the production value chain.

The industry, however, continues to grapple with limiting challenges, such as poor infrastructure, inadequate research and development, the lack of funding for farming startups, dearth of mechanised farming techniques, poor education of farmers, aging farmers and the lack of protection of local industries, all of which hamper its potential. To address the challenges, some of the strategies to prioritise include:

Investing in Infrastructure

The absence of quality infrastructure in Nigeria has significant detrimental effects on the country’s cocoa value chain. Poor road networks and inadequate transportation facilities greatly contribute to difficulties in transporting cocoa beans. These challenges lead to increased transportation costs that invariably affect the profit margins of farmers.

The infrastructure issue is not limited to transportation facilities alone, it also extends to poor telecommunication networks, the lack of clean drinking water, inadequate health care facilities and deficient power supply. Beyond the direct effects of this impoverished state of infrastructure on the cocoa value chain, the cumulative effects also constitute “push factors” that discourage the Nigerian youth from considering the cocoa industry as their source of livelihoods. Rather, youths are eager to migrate to urban areas, even if it would imply taking up menial and unproductive jobs that contribute little to the country’s GDP.

To address these challenges, there is a need for collaboration between the government and private sector for investments in infrastructure development. Plus, rural cocoa-producing areas should receive higher priority during the execution of infrastructural development projects.

Improving Research and Development

Inadequate research and development (R&D) is one other challenge limiting cocoa production in Nigeria. The research institutions in Nigeria are either underfunded or outdated, and this has led to a significant gap in localised knowledge and technology to improve outputs, both in quantity and quality.

To address this challenge, the govern ment should partner with international organisations to set up new research institutes that are adequately funded and equipped with modern technologies. This collaboration would also contribute to increasing expertise in cocoa

research. Additionally, the government can provide funding and other incentives for private researchers and farmers to encourage more R and D in the sector.

Improving the Quality of Farmers’ Education

An industry can only be as prosperous as its people. Therefore, improving the quality of farmers’ education is crucial to improving the results from the Nigerian cocoa industry. Farmers need continuous access to best practices, innovative farming methods, and solutions to emerging problems like climate change, pests, and diseases.

Sadly, several farmers lack formal education which limits their capability to adopt new farming practices such as regenerative farming, and mitigate emerging problems. Similarly, due to their lack of proper literacy, the farmers are susceptible to engaging in inefficient resource management practices such as wrong fertilizer application and suboptimal farming practices. All these shortcomings

ultimately have negative impacts on the quality of their cocoa outputs.

To address these issues, there is the need for the establishment of training centers for farmers to learn sustainable resource management practices such as soil and water conservation, among others. Also, well-equipped agricultural extension workers should be mobilised to work closely with the farmers. Furthermore, existing organisations working with farmers with limited literacy skills should ensure that information is presented to them in ways they can easily understand. Using visual aids, such as illustrations or videos, can help to simplify complex concepts and make them more assimilable by these farmers. The government can liaise with the cooperatives and associations of these farmers to disseminate knowledge and promote good agricultural practices.

Making funding accessible

The success of cocoa farming depends on access to funding, which enables farmers to purchase necessary inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides, and mechanized farming equipment needed to maintain their farms and improve yields. Despite the availability of various funding projects in Nigeria such as NIRSAL’s Schemes and Anchor Borrowers Programme, farmers still face challenges in accessing funding.

Many farmers are unaware of the funding opportunities, and even those who are aware may not have the necessary documentation or collateral to access the loans. Additionally, the application process can be time-consuming and complicated, further deterring farmers from applying for funding. The implication of these funding challenges is that many farmers take recourse to informal financing options which have worse terms and may not be sufficient for large scale production. To address the issue of lack of funding, there needs to be greater awareness and education among farmers about the available funding schemes. The government should collaborate with agricultural extension workers to ensure that farmers are informed about the funding opportunities and the application process. The application process should also be simplified for these farmers.

Another funding issue is the high-interest rates charged by banks and other financial institutions. This makes it challenging for farmers, especially smallscale farmers, to access funding as they may not be able to afford the high-interest rates. In addressing this challenge, the government should liaise with financial institutions to provide concessional loans to farmers. These loans could have lower interest rates and more favourable repayment terms, making them more accessible to small-scale cocoa farmers.

Protecting Local Industry

Unhealthy competition is a prevalent problem within the Nigerian cocoa industry. Foreign traders, with better funding and technology, compete against local players for market share. Expectedly, local players struggle to maintain profitability when competing against foreign players that benefit from loans with annual interest rates ranging between 2.5 per cent to 4 percent. Conversely, the indigenous players have to bear a hefty 25 per cent interest rate per annum on loans accessible to them. This stark disparity in interest rate adversely affects the income and livelihoods of thousands of small-scale farmers and traders who rely on these local players to fund their farming operations.

In addition, the foreign players are primarily concerned with buying cocoa beans from farmers. They show negligible interest in helping the small-scale farmers improve their operations. On the other hand, the indigenous players are willing to take up these responsibilities, but constraints such as the interest rates on loans limit their capacity to engage in such sustainability endeavours. Unfortunately, the effects of the unhealthy competition eventually force several local players out of the industry.

To address the challenge of unhealthy competition, the Nigerian government must enact policies that protect local players in the cocoa value chain. These policies may include regulations on foreign players operations and tariff measures to protect local players. By introducing these policies, the existing indigenous players can expand their operations while also reducing the entry barriers for new entrants.

To address the challenge of unhealthy competition, the Nigerian government must enact policies that protect local players in the cocoa value chain

•Olasunkanmi Owoyemi is the Managing Director of Sunbeth Global Concepts (SGC)

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ekiti Liaison Office, Abuja, Mr Babatunde Olaoye; Technical Adviser Ekiti Airport Project, AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd), Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Chief Economic Adviser to Ekiti Governor, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi and Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode, during the Governor’s working visit to the CAS office at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on September 4, 2023.

L-R: Member, BOG of the Eye Bank, Dr. Basirat Giwa; Medical Director, Eye Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Mosunmola Faderin; Senior Business Executive, CMC Connect LLP, Ganiyat Raheem, Chairman Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Dr. Festus Oshoba; Eye Bank Clinic ad hoc staff, Mr. Gabriel Akinola and Admin Secretary Eye Bank Clinic, Mrs Mary Ogunlade at the 48th Annual General Meeting and 47th Scientific Conference of The Ophthalmologist society of Nigeria (OSN) in Lagos on on August 31, 2023.

L-R: Secretary, (NASENI), Dr. (Mrs.) Olayinka Komolafe; Coordinating Director, Science Infrastructure Directorate, NASENI, Prof. Ibrahim Gaya; Chairman, Presidential Implementation for the Nigerian/Czech Republic Technology Transfer Agreement, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru ; Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu and Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development Directorate, NASENI, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, during EVC/CEO  of NASENI’s assumption of duty on September 4, 2023.

L-R: Secretary to Lagos State Government, Barr Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Director, Rail-LAMATA, Engr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr (Mrs) Abimbola Akinajo; the First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and others, during the first commercial train trip on the Blue Line Rail from Marina to Mile 2, on September 4, 2023.

L-R: Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, in hand shake with the Group Chief Executive Officer, MTN, Ralph Mupita, during BRICS Summit in Sandton, South Africa on August 24, 2023.

L-R: First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, welcoming the Minister of Information and National Orientation,  Mohammed Idris, in her office at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on September 6, 2023.

Solape Hammond victim of Sanwo-Olu, Mudashiru Obasa's 'situationship'

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

EDITOR Ivory Ukonu

Following the compromise reached between the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his perceived foe, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to find a middle ground over the latter's rejection of the list of 17 commissioner-nominees sent by the

Continues on page 41

HOW JUSTICE AMINA ADAMU-AUGIE CELEBRATED 70TH BIRTHDAY

Nigerians from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation, religious and ethnic background, gathered last weekend to felicitate with eminent jurist, Justice Amina AdamuAugie, at the Abuja International Conference Centre, as she celebrated her 70th birthday. The colourful ceremony was a big platform to celebrate not just a milestone but a lifetime of unwavering dedication and service to the noble cause of justice.

Continues on page 41

Being an Actress is Hard Work – Uzoamaka Onuoha

Nollywood actress, Uzoamaka Onuoha speaks with SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN about life as an actress, her role in the movie, 'Diiche' and sundry issues. Excerpts:

You’ve

always been interested in the arts right from childhood. Was there a time you wanted to change your career?

There was never a time like that. It has always been the arts. I went for it and studied it in school. I graduated and have been pursuing it fully. My love for the arts started from what became natural to me and what I love doing. I just love to perform. I love to watch other people perform, too. I was exposed to film at a very early age and I watched a lot of movies. It just came from watching people doing their own thing and being in absolute awe of it. I also practise behind closed doors. Whoever I saw around me and my family members were my audience then. I also used to perform when I was in secondary school. When I realised that I could study it in school, I was happy and I went for it. As I progressed, I realised how the arts could influence people and cause a positive change. When I found out what I could use the arts to do, my hands were already on the plough and there was no turning back.

You came into the limelight after your role in the movie ‘Diiche’. What other movie did you appear in?

I have done a couple of movies. I have played the role of Kimberly in ‘Visa on Arrival’ for Accelerate TV. Didi on ‘Unschooled’ for Ndani TV, Moment, I have had appearances in ‘King of Boys’, ‘Blood Sisters’ and ‘A Sunday Affair’, just to mention a few.

How long have you been in the movie industry?

I will say five years.

How would you describe the journey so far?

It has been quite a journey with challenges and hopes. It has been a journey of self-discovery, growth, falling off the saddle and trying to get back up, of trying to find myself and my purpose again. I will just narrow it down to a journey.

Your role in ‘Diiche’ was not just physically consuming, it was also mentally draining. Did you at any point break down in the process of interpreting your role? No I didn’t. But my role was very tasking, especially physically. It was also mentally draining like you said. I think the love for the job kept me going. I was doing what I love doing. So, it didn’t feel tasking. During the process, I just wanted to do something that I would be proud of. I wasn’t thinking of the challenges.

Was ‘Diiche’ your first lead role?

Not necessarily. I had played lead roles mostly in short films. I played the lead in ‘Moment’, but it is not out yet. I had experienced a number on a core shoot before, but ‘Diiche’ was more of a bigger task. It was a blank moment when I was told that it would be a lead role. I tried not to make a big deal of things when they come because it will take away the magic from me and I will start thinking too much. So, I just said it was one of those things.

How did you get on board the movie, ‘King of Boys: Return of the King’?

Movie producer, Kemi Adetiba wanted to do a sequel to ‘King of Boys.’ She put out a competition for interested actors. It was like a monologue thing. I took part in the competition and I was

selected to be a part of the project. The entries for the monologue were many, but I was able to play my part. I played the role of a journalist. It was just a scene, anyway. I was the journalist who was asking questions at the press conference conducted towards the end of the meeting. One of the leads was betrayed by one of her right-hand men whom she trusted. I was the journalist who uncovered that act of betrayal.

What qualities does an actress need to clinch a role in a blockbuster movie?

Be unintentionally intentional. Why I say this is because you need to work hard and you must sow seeds. We all know that we want good jobs, but at the start of your journey, you can’t be emphatic about the fact that it must be the big jobs. You must be busy working hard and training yourself. You cannot be sowing seeds and looking back to see if the seeds are growing. Just be sowing seeds and be moving on. Hopefully, there will be a connection with those seeds that would get you something better. You just have to be unintentionally intentional, work hard, always put

one foot in front of the other, be polite, be prayerful, you cannot get anywhere without God. Just keep sowing seeds, by the grace of God, the universe and God will hear you. There is never an end to the journey, it is a progressive journey and I am also on that journey too. I am also talking to myself, you just have to keep moving.

What puts you off when accepting a script? Maybe the motive behind such a script. What is the idea behind it? I am a strong believer in storytelling, I have to read the script and understand the idea behind it. If it is for entertainment purposes, it should be visibly clear. I think it is the idea behind the script.

Have you ever rejected a script because of the people you were paired with?

No, I have never done that. And I have not turned down a script because of remuneration. If I am not satisfied with what they want to pay me, I would negotiate and tell them what I want. I believe an actor is on a project because a casting director has done his job. If the casting director feels the actor should not be on the project, such will not be on the project. It is my job to find chemistry with whoever I might be acting with.

Is there a movie role that you cannot play?

I am in for it, no matter how challenging or difficult it can be.

Do you have a dream role that you are looking forward to playing in the future?

I have so many dream roles, but I think I will just boil it down to something that would knock me off the path. Something that would challenge me. Something that I will absolutely be in awe of, something magical.

What other movie has given you as much challenge as 'Diiche'?

I feel like every role I have ever played has its own challenge. It may be a major or monor challenge. Definitely, shooting the

Onuoha

Onuoha

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

character can be a challenge on its own, not a challenge in a way that I am stressed or something. Every role has its own type of challenge. However, I will say that a shoot I had with Clarence Peters called ‘Inside Out’, was very challenging. I hope that it will resonate fully with the kind of story that we are trying to tell. I love the story, but it was challenging to shoot. It’s a mini-series.

What is the biggest challenge you have had since you started your career?

The fact that you have to start all over again after finishing a job. For instance, once a job is completed, you have to start looking for the next gig. In the space of looking for the next gig, you have to try to find yourself again, fall in love with yourself again and have faith in yourself again. Start putting one foot in front of the other. Work is like a roller coaster; you have to start all over again sometimes. You have to pray not to fall on your shadow and not stop believing in yourself because the job comes with no and yes. It can be very challenging.

Have you ever read a negative critique of your performance before?

No I haven’t read such. I haven’t come across that yet and hopefully I won't.

How difficult is it to be an actress?

Being an actress is easy and at the same time, it is also not easy. People look at the glamorous aspect of it. I remember when we went for the premiere of ‘Diiche’ people were happy, but I just reflected on the journey and remembered the sweat and hard work put into it. Not just on the acting aspect, the production crew should be given credits, too. They did a very good job. We were on set for a long time. At times, we would wrap up production around 4am. A lot of blood and sweat went into it. But people recognise the fantastic aspect, which is life on the red carpet. So, being an actress is hard work and we have the rewarding aspect, which people share with us. The life of an actress is a journey and it is beautiful, but it requires a lot of hard work.

If you weren’t an actress, what other career would you have chosen?

I don’t know. I know I have quite a handful of talents. I can do makeup, I can style, but if I wasn’t an actress, I don’t know what I would have been.

What are the things working against the growth of the film industry in Nigeria?

I think the industry is doing well now. If you had asked this question five years ago, I would have had a lot of things to say about it. I have seen a lot of improvements; we are not yet there, but we have gone far. We are telling stories that matter to us now. We are not just telling stories because of the mindset that we want to make our money back. We are now trying to tell stories that matter to us. On a scale of one to 10, we are on six based on improvement. So, I think we are growing and whatever hurdles we have scaled in the past, we are overcoming them gradually, one after the other.

Do you see yourself going into movie production in the near future?

Yes, I do. I have started the journey, though it’s a small one right now. I have written some things down. I embarked on that because I wanted to tell stories that matter to me.

You were trained at Ebonylife Creative Academy. Why that choice of school?

Honestly, I just wanted somewhere to train. What appealed to me was that it was a short course, just for three months. I felt it was something I could dabble into while doing my own thing. Another thing that appealed to me was the set of people she chose to impact knowledge into students. I thought that I could shuttle between work, but as soon as I got there, I made up my mind to concentrate fully on it while work could rest for the

Be unintentionally intentional. Why I say this is because you need to work hard and you must sow seeds. We all know that we want good jobs, but at the start of your journey, you can’t be emphatic about the fact that it must be the big jobs You must be busy working hard and training yourself. You cannot be sowing seeds and looking back to see if the seeds are growing. Just be sowing seeds and be moving on. Hopefully, there will be a connection with those seeds that would get you something better

duration of the course. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I didn’t go there because of connection; I went there with the mindset of getting trained and I learned a lot. I am so thankful for that.

You have been practising boxing for a couple of weeks now, are you working on a movie role involving the sport?

As an actor, you must work on your mind, body and soul and do something physical. I didn’t want to go to the gym, though I love exercise, which was why I started boxing. Right now, I have started a dance class. I took a break from boxing to switch to dancing. It started as a desire to take a role that has to do with boxing and I wanted to specially train myself while I waited for something like that. I eventually participated in a short film involving boxing. I was happy for it, but I am still waiting for a bigger one that will challenge me, boxing wise.

What are some of the things that shaped you to be who you are today?

Everything I have ever experienced. If I had it easy, I probably would not have the knowledge that I have today. Every step of the journey has had a great influence on me. Every project that I have been on, even my journey as an actress, the price behind closed doors, everything has shaped me to who I am today and I am thankful

How was growing up?

Growing up was very interesting. I had vivid imagination and I am thankful for it. Growing up was epic. Watching films was my hobby. I love watching Lady Gaga. Even in my secondary school, I was nicknamed Lady Gaga because I love her songs and performance.

Onuoha

Onuoha

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

AFOLABI OLAOYE'S ROCKY JOURNEY TO BECOMING SOUN OF OGBOMOSHO

Continued from page 38

How Justice Amina

Adamu-Augie Celebrated 70th Birthday

Following the ratification of his appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has officially been crowned as the Soun of Ogbomosho, thus bringing to an end the legal tussle that characterised his ascension to the throne. Until his appointment, the throne was vacant for almost two years after the demise of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III in December 2021 at the age of 95 years, after ruling for 48 years. But some members of the family opposed the approval of Olaoye, arguing that he was not part of the process right from the beginning and that he shouldn't be crowned against their wishes. The family memebers instituted a suit opposing his nomination, citing various irregularities in the procedures and asked the court to set aside the nomination and order a fresh nomination process. A day to his installment as king, the state high court restrained the governor and other state officials from presenting Olaoye with any instrument of office or issuance of certificate until the final determination of the mandatory injunction already filed before the court. But the kingmakers went ahead and on the morning of Friday September 8, performed the necessary rites, and proclaimed him His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III. Olaoye, who was until

Continued from page 38

his crowning as a traditional ruler, was the Pastor-inCharge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House Parish, Washington DC, United States of America. He got the blessings of his church to take leave of absence in a special service held last week. He was anointed by his co-pastors alongside his successor in the parish, Pastor Olumide Ogunjuyigbe. The anointing service, tagged 'Joint Celebration,' signaled the acceptance of Olaoye’s exit from the church by the congregation he pastored for years. He told members of the church that he was following God’s directive by accepting the kingship offer. While his explanation appeared good enough to some of his members, not a few berated him for accepting the position. Many wondered why a supposed cleric, who prayed in the name of Jesus Christ, would accept to serve another god, an action the Holy Bible clearly opposed. The Bible, they argued, clearly forbade Christians to serve any other master except the Almighty God.

Olaoye's mind was obviously made up and he is set to begin his coronation rites soon. In fact, during his selection and interview with the kingmakers of Ogbomosho, he promised to embrace the three major religions: The traditional African religion, Christianity and Islam.

Solape Hammond victim of Sanwo-Olu, Mudashiru Obasa 'Situationship'

governor, the House of Assembly during the week confirmed 15 out of the second batch of 18 nominees sent again by the governor.

In the new list, some significant changes were made. These alterations resulted in the replacement of five nominees from the original list and the addition of one name. The six new names include Afolabi Tajudeen, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Tolani Sule-Akibu, Yekini Agbaje, Iyabode Ayoola, and Sola Giwa.

These six, the governor claims, represent a broad political spectrum and diverse backgrounds of people he believes would bring fresh ideas that would help the growth and progress of the state. One of the five individuals who was unfortunately dropped from the initial list like hot potato is Solape Hammond. The daughter of a former Governor of Ondo State, late Dr Olusegun Agagu, Hammond was designated for Sustainable Development Goals, SDG, as a Special Adviser, a position she occupied during Sanwo-Olu's first tenure. Amongst several reasons, she was axed from the list on account of not being an indigene of

WHY OBA OTUDEKO DIDN’T CELEBRATE 80TH BIRTHDAY

About two weeks ago, boardroom guru, Dr Oba Otudeko joined the octogenarian club. Quite unlike a man of his stature, he refused to roll out the red carpet and celebrate. Although he likes to keep things personal and private, many of his admirers felt that clocking 80 was a good enough reason to celebrate, having overcome many obstacles in life and still stood strong and healthy. But not only did he not roll out the carpets, many of his colleagues in the business community and fellow socialites did not publicly congratulate him for reaching the milestone. Save for Ibukun Awosika, a former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, many prominent Nigerians avoided sending congratulatory messages to him publicly.

The eminent jurist's legacy is not merely defined by the decades she has embodied fairness, but by the lives she has positively impacted by being a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration through wisdom, compassion and integrity. The guest list at the event was a roll call of the leading businessmen, politicians and legal practitioners in the country. Some of those present were Nigeria's former First lady, Maryam Abacha; the First lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodinma; former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Senate President,

Godswill Akpabio; former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El Rufai; former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Osita Chidoka and Audu Ogbeh, former ministers of aviation and agriculture, respectively; socialites, Modupe Jemibewon, Ify Nwakwesi; Senators Ireti Kingibe, Aminu Tambuwal, among many others. Besides a live band contracted to serenade the guests, award-winning singer Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba, was on hand to entertain the gathering. Amina AdamuAugie was the wife of late Kebbi State Senator, Adamu Augie, who died in 2001.

Adepeju Muraina Marks 1 Year Anniversary of Husband's Death, Bags NIM Fellowship Award

the state, thus making her nomination of little or no importance and to also pave the way for supposede 'bonafide' citizens who may have played important roles in the re-election of the governor.

The 43-year-old Co-Founder/CEO of Impact Hub, has been a business executive for over 15 years with experience in Management Consulting, Risk Management, Banking and Financial Advisory. Passionate about social change, she is a member of the International Women’s Society (IWS), Hospitals for Humanity (HFH) and the Nigerian Leadership Initiative (NLI). She serves as Secretary to the Board of Trustees for the Handicapped Education Foundation (HANDEF) and doubles as Chairperson of KHAN Regenesis, a not-for-profit organization focused on bringing positive change to the vocational sector, particularly as relates to construction.

Hammond holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan and a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD.

Otudeko’s decision not to celebrate his landmark age most likely stems from several reasons. Besides the prevailing circumstances, politically and economically, protecting his interests in the Honeywell Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in foods and agriculture, telecommunication and infrastructure, real estate and financial services, particularly his legal tussle with Ecobank over a prolonged loan repayment default in billions of naira, is paramount to him.

Also, a federal high court in Lagos had awarded damages of N72.2 billion to his Honeywell Flourmills Plc. The judgement is a recompense for the huge loss that his company suffered with the ex-parte order Eco Bank secured against its operation while seeking to recover the disputed loan. Otudeko is hell bent on getting that money and planning a lavish 80th birthday party would have been distracting for him. In addition, he is allegedly uncomfortable with taking his eyes off the ball, in this case, FBN Holdings as the largest shareholder by units, a position he planned and schemed his way to attaining. The fear of the rug getting pulled out from under his feet while still trying to consolidate his position is real.

And so for the one time president of the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, it is not a time to celebrate but to sacrifice personal pleasures to ensure everything about his business interests turns out well with proper attention to details.

Last week, businesswoman, Alhaja Adepeju Muraina took time off fighting her co-wife, Ann Usiagu-Muraina, founder of FORTEM Micro Finance Bank, over properties left behind their late husband, Major-General Abdullahi Iyanda Muraina to mark the one-year anniversary of his death.

The grand Fidau which held at the late general's residence in Ibadan was attended by prominent socialites, such as Senator Sharafadeen Alli, a former Secretary to the State Government; Senator Kola Balogun; former First lady of Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja; Nollywood actress, Bimbo Oshin and several others.

Expectedly, Alhaja Muraina’s co-wife wasn't anywhere near the venue of the ceremony. The event took place within weeks of an earlier event where she received the Nigerian Institute of Management's prestigious Fellowship Award. Alhaja Muraina, who is the

CEO of Mauve 21 Centre, one of the biggest event centres in Ibadan, expressed joy at her efforts being recognised by the institute, saying it would serve as an impetus to do more, while also paying glowing tributes to the memory of her late husband. Recalling her long journey as a member of the institute, she was full of satisfaction to see it all crowned with the Fellowship Award. Ironically, her late husband was a onetime president of NIM. He passed on in September 2022 in a Dubai hospital at the age of 64. He died intestate, leaving a multi-billion-naira estate that includes event centres, shopping plazas, farmlands, petrol filling stations, houses and plots of lands in Abuja and his home state of Oyo, thus triggering a legal squabble, between his two wives. The second wife, Ann has dragged the first wife to court challenging the distribution of the late general's properties to his heirs in accordance with Islamic law. Alhaja Adepeju's control of the property is now being challenged and caveat emptor has now been placed on the properties numbering 19, including six vehicles, three of which are bullet-proof. Before his voluntary retirement after 35 years as a Major General, late Muraina held various roles in the Nigerian army. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, he was the Chief of Accounts and Budgets in the Army.

Otudeko

Muraina

Olaoye surrounded by wife, pastors in a send-forth anointing service

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

FAMILY MARKS 38TH ANNIVERSARY OF OSHOFFA’S DEATH

The family of the late Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, better known as S.B.J Oshoffa, founder of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, has marked the 38th anniversary of his passing.

Late Oshoffa received his call to divine service at the age of 38. He served as the leader of the Celestial Church of Christ for 38 years before his untimely death. He died in September 1985 in a fatal car accident, which also claimed the lives of other passengers in the vehicle. He was buried at Celestial City, Imeko, Ogun State. Being a unique year

Traditional Ruler Accused of Withholding Salaries of Palace Chiefs

in the history of the church, the family decided to host a threeday event to celebrate the anniversary of the cleric’s death. A memorial symposium took place on Saturday, September 2, at the Celestial Church of Christ, International Headquarters Cathedral, in Ketu, Lagos State. A service of songs also took place on Saturday, September 9 at the deceased's residence in Ketu, Lagos. The ceremony was wrapped up with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, September 10th at the Celestial Church of Christ International headquarters Cathedral also in Ketu, Lagos State.

Why Tricia Eseigbe-Kerry Cannot Forget Uju Kennedy Ohanenye

Nollywood actress and TV talk show host, Tricia Eseigbe-Kerry, cannot forget the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye in a hurry. The actress, who is indebted to the minister for her kindness, posted a lengthy and emotional statement on social media to celebrate her a few weeks after she was appointed minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Unknown to many, Ohanenye, who is also a movie producer, has been a very good friend of the talk show host for a couple of years now. She is not just a good friend but Eseigbe-Kerry also took her like a sister.

Ohanenye has been a pillar of support to Eseigbe-Kerry

in her time of need. The politician once offered her friend a plot of land in Abuja many years ago when many were still wishing and struggling to be called landowners. Being a philanthropist who has built hospitals, health care

YETUNDE ASIKA BAGS CHIEFTAINCY TITLE

The Alawo of Awo in Ekiti State, Oba Abdulazeez Olaleye, has been accused of withholding the salaries of palace chiefs who opposed his enthronement. The chiefs, it was gathered, even went to court at a point to challenge his emergence.

Oba Olaleye was chosen by Ayodele Fayose before his tenure ended a few years ago, but his appointment was opposed by some chiefs who insisted that he is not an indigene of the town. The chiefs further insisted that no traditional rites were performed before Oba Olaleye was enthroned, which was why he could not live in the palace since he was crowned. An Ekiti High Court ordered the removal of the traditional ruler but he filed an appeal at the Appeal Court before he was reinstated.

After his reinstatement, Oba Olaleye decided to withhold the salaries of the chiefs who opposed his appointment as a monarch. He used some chiefs who were loyal to him to victimise and stop the salaries of those opposing his selection and enthronement. The chiefs’ salaries were

centres and even paid hospital bills for the less privileged, Ohanenye offered medical assistance to Eseigbe-Kerry when she was trying to get pregnant. Although the latter got married in 2010, she had to wait for 10 years before welcoming her first child. Ohanenye was worried sick when her friend was trying to conceive, she put her resources together to assist Eseigbe-Kerry so that the cry of a baby can also be heard in her household. She didn't relent in her efforts until Eseigbe-Kerry eventually became a proud mother of three beautiful girls. Penning a note to her friend of many years, the actress celebrated Kennedy and revealed that President Bola Tinubu chose the right candidate for the Ministry of Women Affairs. She revealed that Ohanenye’s humanitarian efforts and her love for God earned her a place in the President’s cabinet.

Yetunde Asika, wife of Obi Asika, creative entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Storm 360, has received a chieftaincy title from the Olu of Orile-Ilawo in Ogun State, Oba Olusegun MacGregor. The ceremony took place at the Oba MacGregor’s Heritage House, Ilawo, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Mrs Asika took to her Instagram page to express her appreciation to the traditional ruler, saying that she was overwhelmed with humility, gratitude and pride as a result of the gesture. According to her, in the rich history of the Yoruba, Iyalode represents more than just a title; it embodies the spirit of strength, wisdom and leadership that flows through the veins of every member of the society. The new chieftain also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the title. She said that as a highranking chief, with the privilege to influence the decision-making process within the council of high chiefs, she was aware of the weight of her counsel and how it would shape Ilawo’s progress and growth. She pledged to lead with humility, compassion, and strength and uplift the women in IIawo community, as well as to contribute meaningfully to the collective advancement of the community.

withheld for a period of four years. In response, they wrote a petition to the Ekiti State Government against the traditional ruler.

A peace meeting was held at the instance of the state government, with the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, in attendance, to resolve the dispute. Defending himself, Oba Olaleye revealed that the chiefs neglected their duties which was why their salaries were withheld. The deputy governor accused him of embezzlement and ordered him to refund the money to the affected chiefs.

Olumide Adeosun Bows Out of Ardova

policy, the CEO can only spend four years before a new successor is chosen. Adeosun’s exit was announced by the Board of Directors who revealed that despite his resignation, he would continue to contribute his quota to the activities of the company till the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition as a new executive management of the company will be taking over.

Olumide Adeosun, the Chief Executive Officer of Ardova Plc’s (AP), formerly known as Forte Oil has resigned from the integrated energy company.

Adeosun resigned after completing his tenure as the CEO of the company. Having served in the leadership position for four years, he left to pursue new interests and opportunities.

According to the company's

Ardova Plc is a Nigerian integrated energy company with a network of over 695 retail outlets in Nigeria and storage facilities in Apapa, Lagos, and Onne, Rivers State. The company procures and distributes petrol (PMS), diesel (AGO), aviation turbine kerosene (ATK), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It also manufactures and distributes a wide range of quality lubricants from their oil blending plant in Apapa, Lagos.

Olaleye

Adeosun

Ohanenye

Oshoffa

STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

TINUBU-OJO BAGS

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Oladega Adebogun Gets License to Float Radio Station

CHIEFTAINCY

TITLE IN NUPELAND

Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos State, has bagged a chieftaincy title as the Yar- Jari of Nupe land, (financier and epitome of entrepreneur in Nupeland). She was honoured while on a courtesy visit to Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

The chieftaincy title was facilitated by Nupe Films and Musical Makers Association, NFMMA, while the letter of honour was presented by a traditional ruler in Nupe, the Sarki Wasa Nupe, Honourable Babadoko Sule Sarki.

The letter acknowledging Tinubu-Ojo as a traditional title holder was given in the presence of the NFMMA, National President, Ahmed Ibrahim Iyayi, and the secretary, Mohammed Elatu, who also accompanied her on the thank you visit to Etsu Nupe in Abuja.

Tinubu Ojo will be turbaned in Bida, Niger State on Saturday, September 16, 2023, during the 20th Anniversary of Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Abubakar. The IyalojaGeneral, was recently honoured with a traditional title in Kogi State as the Aare Oja of Okunland.

Criticism Trails Joseph Badejo's Achievement in Office

Honourable Joseph Foluso Badejo, the Chairman of Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State, has been criticised for listing his achievements for the past two years.

A banner listing all the achievements of the council boss had appeared online.

The banner had the picture of the local government boss and the governor of Ogun state boldly inscribed on it. Badejo, who was celebrating his two years in office, listed his achievement as including the redesign and printing of letterhead paper of the council, purchase of personal phone for official use, repair of a water pumping machine. Other achievements listed by the council boss on the banner include purchase of computer set for the administrative office, replacement of chairs and tables in the conference hall, repair of vehicle used for council’s revenue collection, the hosting of councilors retreat and sinking of boreholes at Imewuro, among others.

The local government boss also

included the painting of the secretariat and the replacement of the electricity pole on the premises. However, many criticised the chairman for lacking foresight and ideas. They called for his removal, saying he lacked the knowledge of what it entailed to oversee a local government area. Responding to the criticism and the banner, John Olufunmilayo, director of information in the local government council, said the banner was not printed by the local government, adding that it

was printed to tarnish Badejo's image. He revealed that the banner was mounted by evil-minded individuals to turn the people against the person of the chairman.

Oladega Adebogun, the Chief Executive officer of Caleb Group of Schools, has been granted a licence by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to operate a radio station, Radio Caleb at Caleb University, located in Imota, Lagos State. The campus radio station got the approval to commence full transmission on 89.3 FM. The letter of approval was given late last month and was signed by the secretary of the NBC, Dr. Igomu O. Oja. The approval of Radio Caleb 89.3 was based on the report of a successful completion of test transmission by the university in compliance with the provisions of the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Cap. NII, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

BELLO HASSAN EMERGES VICE CHAIR OF IADI-ARC

Association of Deposit Insurers, African Regional committee, IADI-ARppC.

Hassan was appointed at the IADI-ARC Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently in Dakar, Senegal. This development is coming almost a year after he was elected into the IADI Executive Council (EXCO), the governing body of the association that ensures the smooth functioning of its affairs. He was elected during the IADI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hassan

Bello Hassan, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, has been appointed Vice Chairman of the International

He was appointed in recognition of his outstanding contributions, his commitment and leadership role in deepening deposit insurance practice in Africa and the globe in general. Before making his debut as a vice chairman, he served the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for 32 years where he was at the forefront of the on-site/off-site supervisions of banks and other financial institutions as well as tackling financial stability issues.

Oba Adedotun Gbadebo to Mark 80th Birthday With Week-Long Festivity

The events marking the 80th birthday of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, kicked off on Friday, September 8, 2023. Although he was born on September 14, activities to mark his birthday would take place in a space of one week in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The event started with an investiture of chieftaincy titles to eminent and worthy sons and daughters of Egbaland in recognition of their contributions to the development of their community and Nigeria as a whole. The ceremony continued on Saturday, September 9 which was devoted to sporting activities.

The monarch's interest in sports development, especially among the youth, cannot be overemphasised. It is the reason a road marathon took place in Abeokuta, between 8am to 1pm. Traditional homages to the Alake and paramount ruler by indigenes, communities, cultural groups, societies and clubs also took place on the same day. Medical outreach will take place on Monday, September 11 at the palace where health screening and free drugs is expected to be administered to about 2000 people. Medical personnel from the Federal Medical

Center and other health institutions in the state would be on ground to attend to as many as possible. The medical outreach will continue on

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at the palace of the traditional ruler. Eye screening and treatment will be taking place on Wednesday, September 13th, at the Centenary Hall, opposite Ake Palace. Eye surgeries will be arranged for those who need it at a later date.

An interdenominational thanksgiving service will take place on Thursday, September 14th at Cathedral Church of St Peters, Make, Abeokuta while prayer would be offered by Muslims faithful too. The week-long festivity will end on Friday 15th September 2023 with the laying of foundation of the new Abeokuta City Hall by the traditional ruler.

The project will be done in anticipation of the 200 years anniversary of Abeokuta which will take place in 2030. Another investiture of chieftaincy title will also take place on the last day of the festivity. The traditional ruler would also pay a visit to the Daniel Akintonde School of the physically challenged, Stella Obasanjo Orphanage Home, The Lepers’ Colony, and Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, where money and other gift items would be distributed.

Adebogun

Tinubu-Ojo

Badejo

Gbadebo

From Crude Oil to Solid Minerals

BY MICHAEL JIMOH

Anytime from 2070, Nigeria’s crude and condensate reserves of approximately 37 billion barrels would have been completely exhausted. By then, crude oil would have ceased to be the major external revenue generator for the country. Apart from its immense human resource capital, Nigeria may have to find some other ways of generating external revenue.

According to statistics provided by Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the estimation made on January I 2023 represents 31.060 billion barrels of oil and 5.906 billion barrels of condensate. It will last for 49 years from now.

Adult Nigerians above 50 now may not be alive to witness what the economic outlook will be 50 years hence. But there is a pointer to what may likely happen: Solid minerals!

And President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is looking towards making it possible - that is looking beyond crude oil as the country’s major external income. How is this so?

On inauguration on May 29, President Bola Tinubu made some crucial appointments: Dele Alake as

Special Adviser Special Duties, Communications and Strategy while Nuhu Ribadu was made Special Adviser Security. Others were Yau Darazo Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs, Wale Edun Special Adviser Monetary Policies and Olu Verheijen Special Adviser Energy. Also, Zacchaeus Adedeji was appointed Special Adviser Revenue, John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu, Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment and Salma Ibrahim Anas as Special Adviser on Health.

Between their appointment and submission of nominees to the Senate months later by Tinubu, speculation was rife that some of tthem would naturally morph into higher ministerial positions, down to the possible portfolios that will be assigned to them. Some of the analysts got it right and most of them were wide off the mark.

One that stumped pundits most was Alake’s appointment as Minister of Solid Minerals by his principal of more than two decades. Alake was Commissioner of Information and Strategy for all the eight years Tinubu was governor of Lagos state from 1999. Both of them have remained together over the years through a carefully calibrated companionship reminiscent of Jeeves

and Wooster in PG Wodehouse's short stories with Alake playing the role of an intelligent interpreter of his master’s every wish.

It was no surprise therefore that Alake headed the Tinubu campaign team before and during the February 25 presidential poll. If ever there is a Tinubu person, Alake is that man. Unsurprisingly also, he was one of the few persons appointed early in Tinubu's administration. So, when the Senate cleared Alake during the ministerial screening, most pundits naturally expected him to be deployed to the Ministry of Information and Strategy. Wrong!

Alake’s appointment as Minister of Solid Minerals, the pundits now saw almost belatedly, was not only deliberate but also a pointer to what Tinubu’s government hopes to achieve with the otherwise neglected ministry evoking images of scrawny miners with pans, diggers and shovels in excavated muddy terrains in Ogun, Kogi or Zamfara states.

In reality, solid minerals are as profitable as its crude cousins found in the bowels of the earth. The problem is that successive governments in Nigeria have accorded crude exploration more recognition than prospecting for gold or barite. And such is the importance of crude that two former presidents of Nigeria – Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari – kept the Ministry of Petroleum under the folds of their brocaded Agbada as if it was a personal property. By contrast, did any of them function as Minister of Solid Minerals throughout their eight-yeartenure?

President Tinubu, on the other hand, is now towing a different path with the appointment of his main man to head the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Alake seems to relish his new job with all the eagerness and enthusiasm of a Jeeves competent enough to get the job done. And he more than proved it early this month in Abuja during the unveiling of “Agenda for the Transformation of the Solid Minerals for International Competitiveness and Domestic Prosperity.”

Mining, the minister declared, “is big business and Nigeria must assert its presence in this environment by replicating its strategic

The proposed corporation will seek and secure partnership investment agreements with big multinational companies worldwide to leverage on the attractive investmentfriendly regime operating in the country to secure massive Foreign Direct Investment for the mining sector

...Oil to Solid Minerals

positioning in the petroleum sector by setting up a corporate body that plays in this field. Consequently, the Ministry shall work towards the incorporation of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation.”

The corporation will be “a state-backed company to manage its minerals and provide funding in the mining sector.” As of now, the country is rich in gold, coal, limestone, bitumen, lead, iron ore and barite which “requires immediate intervention” by the ministry.

In his words, “the proposed corporation will seek and secure partnership investment agreements with big multinational companies worldwide to leverage on the attractive investment-friendly regime operating in the country to secure massive Foreign Direct Investment for the mining sector. The positioning of the national corporation as a guarantor and protector of the partnership agreements is expected to assure partners of our seriousness and fidelity.”

What’s more, the minister gave "all miners engaged in the illegal extraction of mineral resources in the country an ultimatum of 30 days to join notable mining cooperatives or face the full wrath of the law.” To that end, policemen and other relevant agencies will be among a task force of surveillance teams to monitor the mining activities in Nigeria.

On illegal mining and the 30-day ultimatum, Alake said he couldn’t understand how “a country with precious minerals like gold, bitumen, lithium, and uranium in massive proportions could fail to use the resources to liberate its citizens,” insisting that “I am giving illegal miners in this country just 30 days grace to join cooperatives or find another vocation. Also, the proposed task force will be domiciled in the ministry and will comprise operatives of all the relevant security agencies.

“For the last time, let me declare again that the ministry is giving such persons 30 days grace to join a miners’ co-operative or find another vocation to do. On the expiration of the period, the full weight of the law will fall on anyone seen on a mining site without a determinable status. This message will be interpreted into Nigerian languages and broadcast on the radio to ensure no one is ignorant of this directive.

“From October, a rejuvenated security regime will become active in the solid minerals sector. This will include the Mine Police, sourced from the Nigeria Police and specially trained to detect illegal mining and apprehend offenders. The new Mines Surveillance Security Task Force will coordinate the Mines Police and proactively address high-risk incidences of breach of Mining Laws. The Federal and State governments will also be encouraged to allocate the prosecution of cases against illegal miners to competent courts.”

Others share Alake’s fear of the disruptive actions of illegal mining in Nigeria. Mary Ogbe Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Mines and Steel Development lamented early last month that the activities of “illegal mining was disrupting the country’s N700 billion industry,” reason being that some of the minerals are “exported raw to Asian and European countries at ridiculous prices without value.”

A breakdown of solid minerals deposit and

extraction in Nigeria shows Ogun state in top position. One report published in August 2022 quotes the National Bureau of Statistics which shows that Nigeria produced 89,482,541.07 tons of solid mineral resources in 2021, stating further that “production figures increased by 39.19 percent or 25.2 million from 64.28 million tons in 2020.”

More important is NBS’s admission that ''the mining and quarrying sector is a vital sector that should be tapped into for economic growth in Nigeria. The aggregate production of mineral products in Nigeria in 2021 grew by 39.19% from 64.29 million tons recorded in 2020 to 89.48 million tons in 2021, indicating an improvement in production.``

Still in the same report, a state-by-state analysis showed that Ogun state recorded the highest production in 2021 with 32.04 million tons, followed by Kogi with 18.40 million tons and Cross River with 11.64 million tons. The least production was in Bornu state with a mere 231 tons.

But with the renewed hope and commitment of the Tinubu Administration to tap into the vast potentials of solid minerals and with the appointment of his point man as the number one man overseeing the ministry, this might just be the beginning of a new dawn in an area of Nigeria’s economy that has been, at best, forgotten or not as cuddled as the petroleum sector.

In January, Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development at the time, said that neglecting the solid minerals sector was not doing Nigeria any good. Production data so far, he went on, “was far below output figures due to unaccounted artisanal and small-scale mining activities.” Nigeria, Olamilekan said back in January, “has the minerals of the future that can power electric cars and phones.”

Experts and analysts have shared Olamilekan’s views about looking beyond crude oil. One of them, Toun Ogunbiyi made a case for diversifying Nigeria’s economy in an opinion piece published in Businessday of December 2021. Headlined “Why Nigeria needs to diversify economy through solid minerals development,” Ogunbiyi stated thusly: “The lack of diversification of the economy over the years has put the nation’s economy in a perilous state and has consequently left it at the mercy of international oil prices.

“The need to effectively and efficiently exploit solid mineral resources as a means of generating huge revenue for Nigeria cannot be overemphasized as the oil and gas sector which Nigeria has so much depended upon since its discovery in the 19th century has been faced with so many hiccups over time, ranging from the deliberate sabotage of the crucial sector through vandalism by militants, to the inconsistent prices of crude oil in the international market coupled with the discovery of alternative sources of generating power and energy thereby further reducing the demand for crude oil.”

Continuing, Ogunbiyi observed that “the solid minerals sector contributes 0.6 percent to the GDP of Nigeria while the government plans to increase it to only 5 percent in 2025. Meanwhile, over 90 percent of the activities of the mining industry are dominated by artisanal operators, thereby accounting for the low output level in the industry. From 1992 till date, there has been a continuous decline in solid minerals contributions to the industrial sector as its value has kept on fluctuating between 0.3 percent and 0.4 percent.”

Now, there is hope all that will change. Alake, who is fully in charge of Solid Minerals, feels exactly the same way about the untapped potentials of the ministry under his care. So, when Nigeria exhausts its crude and gas in the oil-rich Niger Delta and elsewhere 50 years from now, at least generations coming after will have something to look up to – gold from a remote forest in Ogun, barite and ore from the craggy plains of Okene or Itakpe, gypsum from Okpella or lithium from Zamfara – to bring in the money.

I am giving illegal miners in this country just 30 days grace to join cooperatives or find another vocation. Also, the proposed task force will be domiciled in the ministry and will comprise operatives of all the relevant security agencies

José Peseiro's Renewed Super Eagles' Contract And Road Ahead

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

After what seemed to be a certain end to José Peseiro's time as Super Eagles' coach, with several domestic coaches being considered for the role, including Finidi George of Enyimba International and the return of Austin Eguavoen, the Nigeria Football Federation successfully renegotiated a fresh contract for Peseiro to continue. The Portuguese coach had been in charge of the Super Eagles, Nigeria's senior men's national football team, since July 2022, and had led them to qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a game to spare. Yet, his journey has been a challenge after another, as he had to overcome several obstacles, including criticisms for lack of tactical depth, a backlog of owed salaries, a pay cut, and a lack of friendly matches.

Peseiro's initial contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was for one year, with an option to extend for another year if he met certain targets. He agreed to a monthly salary of about $70,000, which was negotiated under the previous NFF leadership of Amaju Pinnick and considered to be the most expensive offered to any previous Super Eagles coach. Indeed, those who criticised this were right to point out that it nearly doubled the pay of his predecessor Gernot Rohr. The NFF, however, believed that a coach of Peseiro's calibre and experience was worth the money. After all, the

Portuguese had previously managed clubs like Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Al-Hilal, as well as the national teams of Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Peseiro's main objective was to qualify Nigeria for the next AFCON. The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast was moved to 2024 due to weather concerns. It was originally scheduled for June and July 2023 but will now take place in January and February 2024, for the second consecutive time, to avoid the rainy season. CAF president Patrice Motsepe cited the need to avoid risks as the reason for the change. In qualifying Nigeria for the tournament, Peseiro managed four wins and one draw in five games, booking the Super Eagles a place with 12 points. However, in July, just before the final game of the qualifying series, Peseiro's contract expired, leaving him with an uncertain future at the helm of the senior men's national football team. The NFF said they wanted to keep him, but they could not afford his previous salary due to the economic impact of a lack of sponsorships and a scaled decline in government funding. They offered him a new deal with a 29% pay cut, which would reduce his monthly income to $50,000. They also added some new terms to his contract, such as taking charge of the CHAN Eagles, the home-based team that competes in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and reaching at least the semi-finals of the AFCON.

Peseiro accepted the offer, as he was happy to continue working with Nigeria and that he understood the financial situation of the NFF. He was also confident that he could achieve the targets set by his employers. His decision to stay on was welcomed by the Federation, who praised him for his professionalism, commitment, and results. They also expressed their

Peseiro has a lot of work to do before he can lead Nigeria to glory in both tournaments

Boniface

Peseiro

SPORTSLIVE

...Super Eagles' Contract And Road Ahead

longevity, popularity and influence.

Another issue that Peseiro faced was his alleged lack of attention to the domestic league in Nigeria, from where he could scout and include the best players into the senior squad. Some local coaches and analysts argued that Peseiro was neglecting the talent pool in the country and relying too much on foreign-based players. They urged him to watch more local matches and give more opportunities to home-grown stars. Peseiro also faced some accusations of not doing enough to instill discipline and best practices in the Super Eagles. Some reports claimed that some players were involved in indiscipline acts such as drinking alcohol, skipping training sessions, or arriving late for camp. These professionals know never to attempt such indulgences while at their clubs due to the zerotolerance of indiscipline abroad. Therefore, Peseiro was blamed for not enforcing strict rules or imposing sanctions on such players.

On the side of the NFF, the criticism was also intense. The Federation was accused of negotiating an inordinately high salary with Peseiro in the first place, which was seen as one of the highest in the continent. Some observers argued that Amaju Pinnick's NFF could have hired a cheaper and more qualified coach, either local or foreign. Still, the NFF also failed to pay Peseiro and his staff for extended periods, owing them a backlog of salaries, which they blamed the delay on the bureaucracy of the government and dwindling sponsorships. Some critics found reason to doubt their sincerity and accountability around this subject.

hope that he would be able to end Nigeria's long wait for a fourth AFCON title, which they last won in 2013 under Stephen Keshi.

Yet, those sentiments were not unanimous across board as not everyone was satisfied with Peseiro's performance and contract renewal. The coach faced some criticism from various quarters for how he organised his teams, which did not always yield expected results. For instance, the Super Eagles, who are ranked 39th in the world, lost 1-0 at home to Guinea-Bissau, a team ranked 112th in the world by FIFA, in their second qualifying match. The Super Eagles also struggled to beat Sierra Leone, ranked 120th, by a narrow 3-2 margin in their final qualifier. Some critics also questioned Peseiro's decision to continue inviting some players who were past their prime or not performing well at club level. One example was Ahmed Musa, the 30-year-old captain who had not scored a goal for his club Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey since January. Musa was accused of being favoured by the NFF due to his

Continued from Back Page

The NFF also caused so much uncertainty by failing to determine a resolution of the contract issue long before it expired. This allowed rumours to circulate about picking a local coach to replace Peseiro or renegotiating his contract with new terms. The NFF did not communicate clearly or timely with the coach or the public about their plans, which created confusion and anxiety. Humorously, current NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said the Federation was going to let Nigerians decide who the next Super Eagles' coach will be, without concretely establishing the modalities for that determination.

There were also claims that the NFF influenced squad selection for the coach, which was responsible for the continued invitation of some players who did not merit their spots. Allegations that the NFF had a quota system for players from different regions or clubs, or that they received kickbacks from agents or sponsors for including certain players, have plagued

...For Nigeria, Africa, New Era of Football Excellence And Pride

to evoke a change of treatment for these ambassadors.

Sadly, Osimhen and Oshoala have also faced neglect and challenges within their own football journey. They have openly voiced their frustrations with the state of Nigerian football, advocating for improved facilities, welfare, and incentives for Nigerian players both at home and abroad. In addition, they have passionately encouraged young Nigerians to look up to them as role models, emphasising the importance of self-reliance and determination in pursuing their dreams instead of relying solely on government support.

The nominations of Osimhen and Oshoala for the Ballon d'Or signify a watershed moment for African football in general and Nigerian football in particular. These exceptional players have demonstrated that with dedication, passion, and perseverance, anything is possible. They have shattered barriers and proved that Nigeria possesses the

potential to produce world-class athletes who can compete and excel on the global stage. Their historic nominations demand celebration and support from all Nigerians, as they stand as true heroes and heroines of Nigerian sports.

Let us savour this moment of triumph and stand united in applauding Osimhen and Oshoala for their remarkable achievements. May their nominations for the Ballon d'Or serve as a clarion call for change, inspiring the Nigerian government, sports administration, and society at large to recognise and nurture the immense talent within the country.

By supporting and investing in athletes like Osimhen and Oshoala, Nigeria can pave the way for a new era of sporting excellence and national pride. Together, let us celebrate their extraordinary journey and champion their cause, ensuring that future generations of Nigerian athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

the Federation for ages. These acts, if still in place, would undermine the integrity and autonomy of the coach and the team. Rohr, after being removed from the Super Eagles job, admitted that this was still the case while he was in charge. It is unfortunate because it does not help the Super Eagles field the best XI with the capacity to get results.

The new contract means that Peseiro has shown that he is a coach who can adapt to different situations and overcome difficulties. He has also shown that he is willing to sacrifice some personal benefits to remain on the job. He now has to look at some areas that he needs to improve on, such as his tactical choices, his player selection, his relationship with the local league, and his management of discipline. He also needs to be more vocal and assertive in defending his rights and interests against any interference or injustice from the NFF or other parties.

Peseiro's first task after renewing his contract was to name his squad for the final AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe on September 10. In the squad selection, he seems ready to break from the past. He introduced some new faces to the squad, such as Victor Boniface, Gift Orban, and Jordan Torunarigha, who have impressed in their different club duties. He recalled some players who had missed out on previous games due to injuries or club commitments, such as Bruno Onyemaechi, Tyronne Ebuehi, Raphael Onyedika, and Jamilu Collins. He also retained most of the players who had performed well in his previous matches but did not invite Musa, a very telling move.

Nigeria are expected to win their group ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, who are two points behind them and play at home to Sierra Leone. Peseiro said he would use the game as an opportunity to test some players and tactics ahead of the AFCON. He also said he would start preparing for CHAN, 2024. Peseiro has a lot of work to do before he can lead Nigeria to glory in both tournaments. He will face high expectations and fierce competition from other teams. Under his first contract, while Nigeria struggled with African teams, they could not hold their own against foreign opposition, losing 2-0 to Costa Rica and 4-0 to Portugal in November last year. He will also have to deal with the pressure and scrutiny from the media and the fans. He will need all the support and cooperation he can get from the NFF, his staff, his players, and his supporters. He will need to prove himself as a coach who can deliver results and make Nigeria proud.

Torunarigha

Orban

Osimhen/Oshoala: For Nigeria, Africa, New Era of Football Excellence And Pride

Today, I want to celebrate a groundbreaking moment in the world of football. The Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual award in the sport, has historically been dominated by European and South American players. However, this year, the spotlight shines on Africa as Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, two extraordinary Nigerian stars, have, through sheer dint of perseverance, hard work, discipline and determination, made history by becoming the first African male and female nominees from the same country shortlisted for the esteemed award in the same year. Their achievements mark a turning point for African representation in the global football community.

The Ballon d'Or, presented annually by France Football Magazine since 1956 for men and since 2018 for women, recognises the best players in the world. The nomination and selection process involves a distinguished panel of international journalists, national team coaches and captains, as well as former Ballon d'Or winners.

Until now, only one African male, George Weah of Liberia, had claimed the honour in 1995, while no African woman had ever won the award. Instead, it went to players like Ada Hegerberg of Norway, Megan Rapinoe of the United States and Lucy Bronze of England in the first three editions of the women's category.

Enter Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, two exceptional talents who have captivated the football world with their skill, talent, and unwavering spirit focused on excellence. Both players have enjoyed remarkable seasons with their respective clubs and national teams, leaving an indelible mark on the sport at club, domestic and continental levels.

At just 26, Victor Osimhen has already made history. As a striker for Napoli in Italy's Serie A, he became the first African to secure the Serie A top scorer award, to become the first black capocannoniere after netting an impressive 26 goals in 38 games. His remarkable performance not only earned him personal accolades but also propelled his team to their first league title in 33 years in the 2021/2022 season. Additionally, Osimhen's contribution to the Nigerian national team has been invaluable. He scored five goals in six games during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, leading his country to the top of their group. With 17 goals in 25 games, he currently stands as the sixth highest goalscorer in the history of the Nigerian national team.

Meanwhile, Asisat Oshoala, a 28-year-old forward playing for Barcelona Femini in Spain's Liga F, has

been setting records of her own. Oshoala became the first African woman to triumph in the UEFA Women's Champions League, showcasing her talent with a crucial goal in Barcelona's resounding 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the final. She also played a pivotal role in Barcelona's domestic success, securing the Primera División title with an awe-inspiring tally of 21 goals in 28 games.

been neglected, abandoned, or forgotten by the very authorities who should be celebrating and rewarding their outstanding achievements. Tragically, many of these talented individuals have fallen into poverty or obscurity, while others have suffered from ill health or a lack of opportunities. Consider the case of Tobi Amusan, who achieved global recognition as the world champion and world record holder in the women's 100m hurdles in July 2022. Despite being charged by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for alleged missed doping tests, which she vehemently denied, Amusan received minimal support from the Nigerian government or Sports Federation during her ordeal. It was only after a Disciplinary Tribunal cleared her of any violation, as she vehemently defended herself, that she was able to compete in the World Athletics Championships in August 2023.

Furthermore, Oshoala's remarkable achievements did not stop there. Just like her compatriot Osimhen in the Italian League, she became the first African woman to win the Pichichi Trophy, awarded to the top scorer in the Spanish League. Her exceptional performances helped Barcelona clinch the Copa de la Reina and the Supercopa de España Femenina, completing an unprecedented quadruple. With 31 goals in 38 games, Oshoala is also Nigeria's all-time leading goalscorer.

The nominations of Osimhen and Oshoala for the Ballon d'Or are a testament to their unwavering commitment, resilience and exceptional abilities. These remarkable individuals have overcome countless challenges throughout their careers, from injuries to racism and have come as far as to be recognised for their talents with this nomination. Moreover, they have defied the lack of support and recognition from their own country's government and sports administration.

Nigeria has long been a breeding ground for exceptional athletes who have represented the nation with honour on both local and international stages. However, too often, these athletes have

Rashidi Yekini remains Nigeria's all-time top scorer with 37 goals in 58 appearances. He scored Nigeria's first ever goal at the World Cup in 1994, but he died in 2012 at the age of 48 after suffering from depression and mental illness. He was reportedly abandoned by his family and friends and lived in poverty. Christian Chukwu, who was the captain of the Green Eagles that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and who later became the coach of the Super Eagles, nearly suffered a similar fate. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer and needed urgent medical attention abroad. He appealed to the government and the public for financial assistance, but he did not receive any response from the sports ministry. He was eventually helped by a philanthropist, Femi Otedola, who donated funds for his treatment.

Henry Nwosu was another victim. He was a midfielder who played for Nigeria at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1984 Olympics. He also won the African Footballer of the Year award in 1980. He retired from football in 1992 and became a coach, but he faced several challenges in his career. At one point, as Segun Odegbami related, he could no longer sit or eat by himself and he is also suffering from memory loss as his body gave way to the illness he was suffering. Fortunately, the governments of Delta and Lagos States rallied and he began to improve. These are only a few examples that should embarrass our governments enough

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Nigeria has long been a breeding ground for exceptional athletes who have represented the nation with honour on both local and international stages. However, too often, these athletes have been neglected, abandoned, or forgotten by the very authorities who should be celebrating and rewarding their outstanding achievements

Osimhen

Oshoala