FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 2025

AFC Says Projects It Backed in Nigeria, Others Added $50 Billion to GDP, Created 7m Jobs Lists support for Dangote refinery, BUA, Waltersmith, others Says projects saving Nigeria over $10bn in FX savings through import substitution

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Africa Finance Corporation

(AFC), the continent’s leading it supported across Nigeria about $50 billion to the since its inception. infrastructure solutions pro- and 35 other countries on impacted nations’ Gross The Nigeria-based invider, has stated that projects the continent helped to add Domestic Product (GDP) stitution published this in

its annual Development Continued on page 10

Atedo Peterside, Omehia, Secondus, Others Say Planned Rivers LG Poll Illegal... Page 10 Friday 8 August, 2025 Vol 30. No 11079. Price: N400

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Egbin, FIPL, IE Case Shows FirstHoldCo Ignoring Tinubu’s Intervention on Foreclosure in Power Sector... Page 8

ValueJet Saga: Keyamo Directs NCAA to Place Veteran Musician, K1, on No-fly List Civil Aviation Authority petitions Attorney General, IGP, seeks probe of incident

Kasim Sumaina in Minna

The Minister of Aviation and Festus Keyamo, yesterday Aviation Authority (NCAA) Ayinde, also known as K1 Aerospace Management, directed the Nigeria Civil to place Fuji star, Wasiu De’ Ultimate on a no-fly list.

The minister in a statement Continued on page 10

Presidency: Tinubu Not Indifferent to Nigerians’ Difficulties

He is taking deliberate, targeted steps to reset economy Says it’s collaborating with state govts to alleviate hardship nationwide Highlights steps being taken to address food insecurity in the country Declares Tinubu’s economic surgery yielding green shoots

Deji Elumoye in Abuja The presidency, yesterday, acknowledged that the country was passing through difficult times, but said it was not insensitive to the challenges the citizens were experiencing.

It said the President Bola Tinubu government was making a conscious effort to address the country’s economic problems and improve the lives of citizens.

Mentioning existing collaborations between the federal and state governments to alleviate the hardship in the land, the presidency also hhighlighted steps being taken Continued on page 10

DISCUSSING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC AND NDPHC...

Managing Director of Schneider Electric West Africa, Mr. Ajibola Akindele (R) and Managing Director and CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Ms. Jennifer Adighije, during Akindele’s visit to the NDPHC Headquarters in Abuja to discuss a strategic partnership between Schneider Electric and NDPHC aimed at advancing the transformational energy initiatives of the organisation… recently

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THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025

NEWS

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0807 401 0580

BURIAL OF YEYE OTUNBA OLUGBEMISOLA OPEYEMI ODUNTAN...

L-R: First son of the deceased, Mr. Lanre Oduntan; Secretary to the Ogun State government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Husband of the deceased, Otunba Oluseyi Oduntan; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and another son of the deceased, Mr. Olaoluwa Oduntan, during the burial of Yeye Otunba Olugbemisola Opeyemi Oduntan, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Iworo, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, yesterday

Trump’s Tariffs Kick Off Worldwide, Raise Import Taxes to Highest Level Since Great Depression 15% slammed on Nigeria may impact $1bn trade balance

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja After months of delays and extensions, President Donald Trump’s comprehensive and sweeping tariffs slate took effect yesterday, shifting his global trade reset into high gear.

Most imports into the United States will now face a baseline 10 per cent duty, with the overall average effective tariff rate rising to more than 17 per cent, the highest since 1935, during the Great Depression, according to data from the nonpartisan Yale Budget Lab think tank.

In the context of Nigeria, the 15 per cent Trump-era tariffs will impact the country’s positive trade balance, estimated at $1 billion in 2024. This means that Nigeria exported $1 billion more in goods to the United States than it imported from the US during the period covered by the data. Trump intends to reverse this trend.

With the new regime, a

wide variety of products will be hit, including collections on everything from European Union (EU) appliances and Japanese cars to food, furniture and toys from China and TVs from South Korea.

Selected oil and gas imports, along with some smartphones and a suite of goods covered by a pre-existing trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, are not affected, NBC news reported yesterday.

Together, the duties are the most significant move yet by a president set on tilting the global economy even more in favor of the United States.

Trump was online to celebrate the moment.

“It’s midnight! Billions of dollars in tariffs are now flowing into the United States of America!” he said in an all-caps post on Truth Social.

So far, the duties have mainly been jostling the US economy instead.

Tariffs, which are taxes on imports collected by the federal government, generally

tend to raise costs, although there is some debate among economists about whether businesses or consumers ultimately bear the weight of those increased prices.

Yale’s Budget Lab calculates that the inflationary effect of tariffs will cost a typical household an average of as much as $2,400 this year. It forecasts one of the biggest

A group of experts are collaborating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to ensure the inclusion of energy efficiency in school curriculum.

The experts made the disclosure in Abuja, Thursday, at a press conference to launch the NEXTGEN Energy Champions, with the theme, “Raising Africa’s next energy sustainability champions,” organised by

Energy Savers Nigeria, in partnership with Seedbuilders and NIGENIUS. Chief Executive Officer of NIGENUS Technologies, Kelechi Uchenna, said they would engage relevant stakeholders to include energy efficiency in school curriculum.

Uchenna stated, “We are going to start co-curricular first. But as we move on, then definitely engagements are going to be done with different bodies, like NERGC and the Federal

impacts in clothing, with consumers facing 40 per cent higher prices for shoes and 38 per cent higher costs for apparel in the short run as retailers that rely on importing clothes from South and Southeast Asia shift supply chains or grapple with higher costs.

Global markets largely shrugged off the new tariffs,

with European and Asian shares mostly higher on Thursday, CNBC reported.

US stock futures were also up slightly.

Trump told CNBC that he still plans to impose import taxes on pharmaceutical products and semiconductors.

Currently, only about a quarter of manufacturing facilities supplying the United States

with key drug ingredients are actually based there, equating to a $116 billion deficit with the rest of the world.

As for semiconductors, the United States imports $40 billion worth, though the figure can also include chips produced in the United States, shipped abroad and repackaged inside finished goods.

Onitsha Port Agog as First Barge for 2025 Berths Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Mbonu described the berthing of the barge with general It was jubilation galore and cargo as a positive milestone excitement at the Onitsha Port, and a reminder of a pressing Anambra State, on Monday, infrastructural gap.

Speaking with journalists as the first barge for the 2025 season, MV ZUPITOR/MV RB at the occasion, he said ALASKA, berthed at the port. operations at the port were The excitement was pal- ongoing but they remained pable, as General Manager of largely seasonal, with activity Universal Elysium Limited, peaking only during the rainy the concessionaire of the port, season when the River Niger’s Mr. Chris Mbonu, received water level rises sufficiently the barge, alongside other to allow vessel movement.

He clarified that the stakeholders. seasonal operation was not due to lack of infrastructure or demand but rather due to the inconsistency of dredging and channel management of

the River Niger.

The general manager appealed to the federal government, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and private stakeholders to make regular dredging and maintenance of River Niger a national economic priority.

He explained that dredging of the River Niger would make operations at the Onitsha River Port all-year-round, seamless and yield huge economic gains.

The concessionaire stated that during the dry season, usually between December and July, low tides rendered

Ministry of Education, to see how we can embed this into the curriculum because energy and sustainability is very, very important.”

National Project Coordinator, Energy Savers Nigeria, Adeniyi Adeboye, who read the text of the press conference, said, “For decades, Nigeria’s energy conversation has revolved around generation, transmission and distribution. While these are essential pillars, one area has consistently received less attention: energy efficiency.

Ramat, 39, is an electrical engineer and administrator, with a PhD in Strategic Management, among other qualifications.

The President, according to a release issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also nomi-

Stakeholders Move to Include Energy Efficiency in Education Curriculum Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

Ukraine war: US president, Russia’s Putin may meet next week

the river unnavigable for commercial vessels, effectively shutting down port operations and stalling its economic impact.

He said, “The port is functional and ready to work 365 days a year. But without consistent dredging of the River Niger, we are forced to operate only when the waterway allows us—essentially turning a national asset into a seasonal stopgap.

“We offer bonded terminal services, warehousing, cargo handling, and Free Trade Zone operations. The problem lies in waterway access — not facilities or readiness.

Tinubu Nominates Abdullahi Ramat As Chairman/CEO of NERC Names two others as commissioners subject to Senate approval

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Engr.

Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

nated two commissioners for the NERC. They are Mr Abubakar Yusuf, Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and Dr Fouad Olayinka Animashun, Commissioner of Finance and Management Services.

All nominations are subject to Senate confirmation.

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GRADUATION CEREMONY OF LAGOS STATE SKILLS ACQUISITION CENTRES...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs. Rianat Onigbanjo; Commissioner of WAPA, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; a graduate receiving her certificate and a working tool from the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Director, Skills Acquisition & Development Unit, WAPA, Mrs. Adejoke Oshodi-Olasukanmi during the 2024/2025 graduation ceremony of the Lagos State Skills Acquisition Centres at De Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, yesterday

5,300 Graduate from Lagos Skills Acquisition Programmes Sanwo-Olu to graduands: ‘Use your skills to build enterprising career’

Governor Babajide SanwoOlu told graduands of the Lagos State skills acquisition programmes on Thursday, “Acquiring skills are the gateway for self-reliance, but they are not enough to build a successful business.

Character matters in building a lasting entrepreneurial

career.”

No fewer than 5,309 trainees were trained by the state government from 19 Skills Acquisition Centres for the 2024/2025 batch.

The graduation ceremony was held at De Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The graduands were

among the graduands were given equipment and tools free of charge to enable them launch into the business world.

For many of the beneficiaries, the skills acquired meant a fresh start in building a means of livelihood; some others took the courses to learn new skills to diversify their trades.

At the graduation, SanwoOlu said the ceremony should not be seen as “a merrymaking event”, but a call to action to determine the President of CAAN, driven by the need to em- what they wanted to be in Kester Osahenye and Chief power women entrepreneurs life.

The governor said each of Executive, DO Take Action, to compete equitably in the the graduates had earned the Precious Chinonso stated. procurement sector.

Through the SWEEAP competence certificate of the Chevening is a UK government-funded project, the statement Lagos State government to international programme noted that CAPF is help- launch themselves into the that offers fully funded ing scale gender-responsive world of business.

He said, “Today, we are scholarships and fellowships procurement in Nigeria, for talented individuals to creating opportunities for graduating over 5,411 benefipursue one-year master’s women entrepreneurs to ciaries of our skill acquisition degrees and research access public contracts and programmes whom we programmes respectively contribute meaningfully to have supported under the Ministry of Women Affairs national development. in the UK. In Nigeria, the groups said the call for gender-responsive procurement (GRP) policies was gaining momentum, The Africa-International continent but for Nigeria in Tourism and Economic particular.

Council (AITEC-World) is “The aim is to position set to officially launch its Nigeria as the center of operations in Nigeria, with tourism in Africa. Abuja will a plan to unlock Africa’s become a major destination tourism and economic where different people from and the National Teach- potential through strategic across the world will troop ing Hospital, Cotonou, partnerships and innovation- in, and this will significantly faces charges, including led cooperation. boost the local economy allegation that he raped At a media briefing through tourism, investment, a 13-year-old girl, Bright held in Abuja ahead of and cultural exchange.

Sarah Karls in 2011. the launch, Vice President, “The event will bring He was arrested and Communications and together policymakers, detained on May 17, 2023, International Relations at diplomats, development and was taken to prison AITEC-World, Kazeem partners, creatives, and two days later, resulting in Balogun, said the Abuja youth leaders—all united his deteriorating health in unveiling marks a historic under the theme: “Tourism Cotonou. beginning not only for the for Economic Advancement:

trained across Lagos’ three senatorial districts and took courses in aluminium fabrication, welding, vulcanising, fashion designing, carpentry, cosmetology, textile design, screen printing, Aso Oke weaving, shoe and bag making, among others.

About 40,000 people have

passed through the skills acquisition programme since inception of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

The state government paid for the cost of the intensive training supervised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA). The best trainees

Chevening Alumni, CSO Train 600 Women-led Businesses in Procurement Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Chevening Alumni Association of Nigeria (CAAN) and a civil society organisation, DO Take Action, have announced a collaboration to deliver capacity-building training for 600 women-owned/ led businesses in Kano and Rivers states in procurement.

The organisations in a statement, stated that the initiative, Scaling Women’s Economic Empowerment through Affirmative Procurement (SWEEAP)

reform programme will empower the beneficiaries with the skills, tools, and networks needed to access and thrive in Nigeria’s public procurement ecosystem.

The initiative is supported under the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund (CAPF), a UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) initiative that empowers Chevening Alumni to deliver high-impact projects that drive positive change in their home countries, the statement signed by

Odumegwu-Ojukwu Visits Nigerian Cleric in Benin Prison Michael Olugbode in Abuja Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has visited Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian pastor in incarceration for two years in the Republic of Benin, following complications in litigation against him.

This is as the minister restated that citizen diplomacy remains a major component of the 4-Ds foreign policy approach of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government which comprises Democracy, Demography, Diaspora and Development.

Egbaji, who has been detained in the prison

and Poverty Alleviation.

“The intervention demonstrates the resilience and immense potential of our young people. Given the readiness of the beneficiaries, we have kept faith in the skill programmes to lift vulnerable people out of poverty.

“WAPA has sustained the tempo every year to extend the opportunity to a lot of young people. Today, each graduate has earned the Lagos State’s competence certificate, having successfully completed the unified standard training.

“This graduation ceremony should not be about merrymaking; it is a call to action for you to create the future you have dreamed for yourself.

“People can complain about the Government to any extent, but you have the rare chance to turn an opportunity offered by the government to make life better for you and your family.

Tourism Council to Launch Operations in Abuja From Africa to the World,” Balogun said.

While AITEC-World’s headquarters is based in Cotonou, Benin Republic, its decision to launch in Nigeria, it said, reflects the country’s strategic importance due to its population size, cultural richness, and growing youth sector.

The council’s six strategic pillars include: Boosting Africa’s global tourism brand, improving mobility and connectivity, and promoting sustainable, inclusive development across the continent.

FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2025 • T H I S D AY

FIRSTBANK IS A FIRST HOLDCO COMPANY

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LAUNCH OF NEW VESSELS INTO ARCO MARINE’S FLEET...

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Arco Marine Ltd, Captain Isaac Esiekpe; Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral I. E. Shehu; Business Development Manager, Arco Marine & Oilfield Services Limited, Christopher Ochuwa; Director, Arco Marine, Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd); Director, Arco Group Plc, Mr. Sonny Iroche; Flag Officer, Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral M. G. Oamen; Managing Director, AAO-Tsalach Ltd, Mrs. Alero Onosode; Director, Arco Group Plc, Mr. Muhammad Babandede and Managing Director, Arco Maintenance and Engineering Ltd, Mr. Michael Okoigun, during the launch of newly built DFCB 22 Surfer Vessel into the fleet of Arco Marine and Oilfield Services Ltd. in Lagos, yesterday Photo: Abiodun Ajala

Egbin, FIPL, IE Case Shows FirstHoldCo Ignoring Tinubu’s Intervention on Foreclosure in Power Sector Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The ongoing scenario playing out between Egbin Power, Ikeja Electric and First Independent Power Company Limited, on the one hand and some banks, especially FBNQuest Trustees Limited, acting through Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), may have highlighted the financial institutions’ decision to ignore President Bola Tinubu’s recent advice against foreclosure against the power entities, THISDAY learnt yesterday.

Also, the management of the companies has reaffirmed their financial wellbeing and unwavering commitment to servicing existing financial obligations, stating that they remain beacons of transformation, service excellence and strategic change agents committed to sustainable development across the value chain of Nigeria’s power sector.

This followed a recent publication alleging the appointment of Ogunba as receiver/manager by FBNQuest Trustees Limited, acting for a syndicate of banks, over the assets of the entities holding majority interest in the power companies.

However, THISDAY gathered that the action of

the banks through Ogunba is in contradiction with recent intervention efforts by Tinubu towards ensuring stability in the power sector.

At a parley with Generation Companies (Gencos), leaders and other stakeholders over the state of the nation’s power sector, the President emphasised his government’s commitment towards creating a stable investment environment and avoiding extreme measures, such as bank asset foreclosures against generation companies.

Tinubu had said: “To our friends in the banking sector, I ask that we avoid foreclosures.

Sharpen your pencils, but keep an eraser handy. Let’s persevere together.”

Describing electricity as “the most important discovery of humanity in the last 1,000 years,” the President reaffirmed that access to electricity is fundamental to economic growth and human dignity.

But speaking on behalf of the power entities, Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer, Ikeja Electric, Babatunde Osadare, said: “We fully endorse President Tinubu’s stance that loan servicing must co-exist with sector stability.”

Osadare stated that the enrolled Orders from the rulings delivered on August

5, 2025 in Suit Nos. FHC/L/ CS/1242, FHC/L/CS/1244, FHC/L/CS/1245), by the Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos restrained the lenders and their purported receiver/manager from taking any adverse actions on the power companies.

Osadare said the “false and misleading” publication by Kunle Ogunba SAN “represents a sad commentary for the nation’s legal system, and an act that can disrupt the spirit of collaboration which President Tinubu reiterated when he had the parley with Gencos leaders over the state of the power sector”.

He said the action of the lenders through Ogunba was unwarranted, as the lenders have at various times

acknowledged the seamless servicing of the loans. He added that this fact was acknowledged in the recent rulings of Honourable Justice Aluko where he held that: “The correspondence between the parties as shown in exhibits 5 – 9 attached to the plaintiff’s counter affidavit revealed that the defendants admitted that the plaintiff has been repaying the loan facility quarterly up to the month of June 2025 ...”, he added.

To further underscore the ‘needlessness’ of Mr. Ogunba’s publication, the Court also held that: “I am of the considered view that from the evidence before the court, a germane issue which cannot be ignored is whether in spite of the fact that the plaintiff is performing

Telecoms Operators (Telcos), under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body for all mobile network operators, tower companies, and telecommunications infrastructure providers in Nigeria, has raised the concern over the ongoing disruptions to the

supply of diesel to telecoms cell sites across the country.

According to the operators, such disruptions could cause base stations to shut down, thereby leading to poor telecoms service delivery and possible collapse of the entire telecoms sector.

In a statement released yesterday by ALTON and signed by its Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, the Telcos called for uninterrupted

This is consistent with the position of the power entities that the loans are being serviced as agreed.

He emphasised the fact that Egbin Power, Ikeja Electric and FIPL continue to drive transformative impact in the power sector as responsible and foremost operators.

“Egbin Power, which is the largest thermal plant in sub-Saharan Africa generates about 20 per cent of total electric power in Nigeria; Ikeja Electric is equally the largest power distribution company in sub-Saharan Africa that is transforming and energising millions of homes and businesses, while First Independent Power Limited is a strategic asset in the nation’s Niger Delta corridor.

Umahi Dismisses Videos of Cracks on LagosCalabar Highway, Says It’s Not Structural Outlines nationwide emergency road repair projects

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed concerns over a crack spotted along Section 1 of the Lake Oscar Lagos Coastal

Highway, stating that it was not a structural defect but a natural effect on the shoulder area, which is yet to be completed.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Umahi

Telcos Raise the Alarm over Disruption of Diesel Supply to Telecoms Sites

Emma Okonji

its repayment obligation up to the month of June, 2025.

“This is as admitted by the Defendants in paragraph 9 of their further affidavit and their correspondence of 28/5/2024 and 31/12/2024 and going by the agreement of the parties in the 2nd Amended and Restated Facility Agreement that the Dollar loan be converted to Naira facility, it is ripe for the Defendants to call in the facility that meant to subsist till 2034 by agreement of the parties”.

Osadare further highlighted the fact that the referenced rulings by Justice Aluko specifically bars the lenders from “Calling or accelerating the facility granted by the Defendants to the Plaintiff which has not matured ...”

access to be granted to the diesel supply locations, and urged all parties involved to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve any matter, without further disruption to essential services.

According to the statement, “Telcos are deeply concerned about ongoing disruptions to the supply logistics of diesel to cell sites across the country.

We have received credible reports that members of the

Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), on Tuesday, blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko (Delta State), preventing the distribution of diesel to thousands of telecommunications sites operated by one of our key members, IHS Towers.

maintained that the reported cracks were on the sand-filled shoulder section, not on the main carriageway.

“That section has not been completed. The crack is on the shoulder, not on the main road. It’s due to water pounding the sand-filled area where we are yet to install underground drainage,” he explained.

The minister clarified that the road is being constructed with multiple safety layers, and part of the current work includes installing buried cable ducts and underground drainage systems.

He urged the public to disregard social media reports claiming structural failure, assuring that “there is no section of the completed carriageway that has cracked,

and it will not crack.”

Umahi insisted that the so-called crack was not an issue, maintaining that where it was noticed was the sand-filled section of the shoulder and not the carriageway.

“We also have to put the underground drainage.

People even say there is no drainage there, we have underground drainage running 750 kilometers by 2. So, when people build below our road level, because it bears the highest water level of the coast, you can’t blame us for doing that,” he stressed.

According to him, the moment water started pounding on it, it had to erode, urging Nigerians to disregard the misleading videos making the rounds.

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Atedo Peterside, Omehia, Secondus, Others Say Planned Rivers LG Poll Illegal

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Key stakeholders in Rivers state yesterday maintained that the planned local government election fixed for August 30 by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe (rtd), constituted a gross violation of the constitution of Nigeria.

In a statement jointly signed by the stakeholders, they described the planned poll as an assault on democracy, orchestrated by the Sole Administrator, who has no constitutional mandate to conduct elections.

The signatories to the

statement included: Atedo Peterside; Celestine Omehia; Uche Secondus; Abiye Sekibo; Lee Maeba; Dakuku Peterside; Andrew Uchendu ; Tele Ikuru and Fafaa Dan Princewill.

Others were: Dumo Lulu Briggs; Austin Tam-George; Donu Kogbara; Sokonte Davies; Glory Emeh; George Feyii; Honourable Asita; Sam Agwor and Ann-Kio Briggs.

The undersigned stakeholders who described themselves as advocates for democratic principles in Rivers state, expressed deep concern over the ‘ongoing violation of constitutional

governance and due process’ in what they said was the unlawful attempt to hold local government council elections in the state.

“The proposed local government council elections in Rivers state are nothing short of an existential assault on our democracy and a brazen flouting of Nigeria’s constitution. These elections, orchestrated by a ‘Sole Administrator’ with no constitutional mandate and allegedly imposed by the federal government, threaten the very foundations of our federal system, the rule of law, and the peace

of Rivers state.

“First, there is currently no legally constituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as mandated

by Sections 2, 3, 5, and 12 of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2018. Consequently, any electoral activities undertaken by such an illegitimate body are null and void.

“The combined interpretation of the specified sections of the RSIEC Law alongside Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) establishes that only the elected Governor, upon confirmation by the Rivers

Presidency: Tinubu Not Indifferent to Nigerians’ difficulties

to address food insecurity in the country.

Presidential spokesperson, Mr Sunday Dare, made the assertions in a long statement titled, “Critique Requires Fact-driven Narratives: A Response To Daily Trust Editorial.”

Dare said, “President Bola Tinubu is not indifferent to Nigerians’ difficulties. On the contrary, he is taking deliberate, targeted steps—many already yielding results—to

reset our economy from a legacy of consumption without productivity, opacity without accountability, and policy that served the powerful, not the people.”

According to him, “While no one in the Tinubu administration denies that some of our citizens face economic challenges, it is essential to separate honest concern from exaggerated pessimism and generalisation.”

Accusing the newspaper

ValueJet Saga: Keyamo Directs NCAA to Place Veteran Musician, K1, on No-fly List

issued via his X handle, said he had received reports from all the relevant aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Ayinde at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025.

He noted that he had also received video footage of the incident. Keyamo explained that from all the details he received so far, his preliminary impression was that it was a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides which could have led to serious fatalities.

He added: “Contrary to what the agents of K1 have said, he constantly moved his position on the tarmac to actually block the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off.

“This is totally unacceptable behaviour. The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even in issue at this point. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here which is akin to a hostage situation.

“On the other hand, no amount of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away that is standing in front of an aircraft.

“Both sides breached standard safety protocol as

required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). I have noted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended the license of the Captain and the pilot pending full investigation.

I commend them for their proactive action”, he stated.

Besides, he questioned the sense of justice in only acting against one party and not the other party, maintaining that what applies to the goose must also apply to the gander, being one of the tenets of justice he has preached all his life.

“I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass. In this circumstance, I have also directed the NCAA to place KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending further and full investigation, just like the Captain and Pilot.

“All airlines, both domestic and International should immediately be informed of this directive and anyone who flouts this directive risks withdrawal of their operating licence,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, the NCAA has officially petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the incident involving the musician, and domestic airline.

The incident which occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, reportedly saw the musician disrupt standard operational procedures

of publishing a misleading editorial and an exaggerated and one-sided portrayal of Nigeria as a nation beset by hunger, hardship, and helplessness, Dare stressed the importance of separating genuine concern from undue pessimism and sweeping generalisation.

He stated, “A recent editorial by Daily Trust paints an exaggerated and unbalanced portrait of Nigeria as a nation overwhelmed by hunger, hardship, and helplessness.

We were not surprised by the newspaper’s opinion, as the paper has consistently and deliberately misinformed its readers about the government’s policy.

“The Tinubu administration believes in the right of the media to offer constructive criticism, but it must be anchored on facts, not distortion or selective pessimism. The Daily Trust has on several occasions breached this rule by misrepresenting government policies and actions—a trend for which the newspaper has publicly apologised at least twice.”

The presidential media aide pointed out that many of the government’s policies currently facing criti-

cisms were precisely those designed to secure a more stable, prosperous future for Nigerians.

He cautioned against misrepresentations, selective projections, and alarmist narratives, emphasising that such distortions hinder public understanding and detract from ongoing progress taking place across the country.

According to him, “To suggest, as Daily Trust did in its biased editorial, that ‘Nigerians are hungry’ without recognising the government’s ongoing interventions perpetuates despair instead of empowering citizens with the truth.

“This is the context that Daily Trust omitted in its jaundiced editorial. 1.

UNICEF Projection vs.

Cadre Harmonisé Analysis.

The editorial referenced a UNICEF ‘prediction’ from April 2025 stating that 33 million Nigerians, including 16 million children, would face hunger in 2025. This figure has been widely cited but wrongly interpreted.

“What was presented was not a UNICEF-specific report but the Cadre Harmonisé Food and Nutrition Insecurity Analysis, jointly prepared by

State House of Assembly, is empowered to appoint the Chairman and members of RSIEC. Any appointment process outside this constitutional procedure is invalid and unconstitutional,” the stakeholders argued.

According to them, the ‘illegitimate’ RSIEC has flagrantly ignored the mandatory 90-day notice requirement before an election, as stipulated in Section 20 of the RSIEC law.

With no formal notification for candidate nominations or polling timetables—and an election date of August 30, 2025, announced on short the Federal Government of Nigeria, FAO, WFP, and UNICEF. It is not a current count, but a worst-case projection for the June–August 2025 lean season, assuming no mitigation actions by government or partners.

“Here are some of the measures taken by the government to ensure we never get there: Over 42,000 metric tons of grains were released from federal strategic reserves; 117,000 metric tons were under additional procurement; the President activated the Food Security Council; emergency nutrition support was scaled up in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Katsina, Sokoto, and Bauchi states.”

Dare disclosed that the Tinubu administration was coordinating with states to alleviate hardship among citizens.

He said the president was closely working with governors through the National Economic Council (NEC) to implement immediate local tax reliefs, Value Added Tax (VAT) waivers, and food market stabilisation efforts in each state.

He explained that states had received direct cash support and grants for local

Atedo Peterside

notice, the signatories argued that the process bears a resemblance to the 2024 polls, which the Supreme Court annulled due to procedural failures. market stabilisation, while coordination was ongoing to scale up nutrition interventions, including micronutrient support for women and children.

He stated, “We also acknowledge that hardship is uneven across regions.

However, Nigeria is one country, one people, and the fight against hunger is a collective effort, not a northern, southern, Christian, or Muslim issue.

“Let’s speak the truth. Yes, Nigerians are belt-tightening, but Nigeria is healing. The economic surgery undertaken

by President Tinubu is not without pain, but it is yielding green shoots.

“To those who ask, ‘Where is the hope?’ We say hope is in the stabilising naira, in three million families lifted by direct transfers, and about 400,000 students now schooling without fear of paying fees.

“Hope is in the 500,000 farmers sowing into a new food system. Hope is in a government that is finally treating poverty not as a slogan but as a solvable problem.

“Only recently, this adminContinued on page 41

AFC Says Projects It Backed in Nigeria, Others Added $50bn to GDP, Created 7m Jobs

Impact Report, presenting a comprehensive, data-driven account of AFC’s cumulative development outcomes across Africa.

Besides, the organisation stated that ventures it supported led to the creation of 7 million jobs across the 36 countries on the continent.

In Nigeria, AFC listed the Dangote Oil Refinery; Dangote Industries Limited; BUA Industries Limited; Thor Explorations; African Industries Group; Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Co., MTN and the Kano Maradi Rail Project as major infrastructure it backed in recent years.

Besides, AFC stated that its strategic investments in heavy industries have

doubled Nigeria’s refining capacity, significantly reducing reliance on imported refined petroleum products.

As for BUA Cement, it stressed that it helped the company expand production from 2 to 8 million metric tons per annum at the Kalambaina plant in Sokoto, Nigeria. The project, it said, will enhance cement availability at affordable prices in Northern Nigeria and neighbouring landlocked countries while creating 1,000 direct and 11,000 indirect jobs.

“Dangote Oil Refinery doubled Nigeria’s refining capacity, reducing fuel import dependency. AFC supported the construction of a 650, 000 barrel per day crude oil refinery and a 2.8 million

ton-per-annum urea fertiliser plant in Nigeria by providing a $300 million senior debt facility to Dangote Industries.

“The fertiliser plant will significantly boost agricultural productivity. The project is expected to improve Nigeria’s trade balance by $8.8 billion, boost GDP by $13 billion, and increase government revenue by $3.3 bilion,” the document stated.

These projects in Nigeria, according to the document employ over 250,000 individuals directly, with wages over $272 million paid in wages and salaries annually and economic savings of over $10 billion in FX savings through import substitution.

Many of AFC’s most

impactful transactions, it stressed, began as advisory mandates before evolving into full-scale financing.

It listed other key examples to include: The BUA Group’s Sugar Refinery Complex, a 2,200,000 tons per annum sugar milling plant and a 200,000 tons per annum sugar refinery, creating 15,000 indirect and direct jobs.

In the same vein, it stated that this incorporates a 35MW bagasse-fueled renewable energy plant that sells surplus power into the Nigerian national grid and saving over $2 billion in annual foreign exchange.

“AFC advised on the $2 billion PPP structure, later Continued on page 43

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As you mark your 70th birthday today, Akpokuedike, I celebrate you Sir. You remain a great mentor whose leadership and legacy continue to inspire me.

On behalf of Stanel Group and The Delborough, I wish you more grace, strength, and good health, congratulations Sir. Wishing you a fantastic Birthday Celebration!

Best regards.

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Friday August 8, 2025 Vol 27. No 11079

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

DIGITAL MEDIA SUMMIT AND THE LONGEST RUNNING ELECTION

The whistle for the 2027 elections is yet to be blown, but the race is already on, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

See page 21

AKUTE, LAMBE AND CRISIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ENIOLA OLORUNOSEBI urges Gov Dapo Abiodun to restore order in border towns near Lagos

See page 21

EDITORIAL

STAND UP FOR D’TIGRESS

See page 22

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The president’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme emphasises his aim to democratise the benefits of economic reforms, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

TINUBU’S DRIVE FOR GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT Although 18 months separate the country from the 2027 general election, it is in a state of frenzy as opposition politicians have almost begun their campaigns, dismissing President Bola Tinubu’s two years in office as disastrous. They highlight the negative impacts of the president’s economic reforms, which initially caused spiralling inflation and rising food prices beyond many citizens' reach.

The president’s camp has responded with a wave of endorsements across the political spectrum. Even opposition party governors are eager to support him for an election that has yet to be officially opened by the electoral authorities, the Independent National Electoral Commission. Incidentally, Tinubu’s supporters are highlighting the benefits of the controversial reforms as the reason for their backing of his second term.

The president’s allies are riding on the back of global financial rating agencies’ consensus that his reforms have put the country’s economy on the right path towards macroeconomic stability that will secure the nation’s inclusive economic growth and development.

Indications are that the economy is positively responding to the reforms, as the initial storm is settling.

Recent figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show a slowdown in inflation, which decreased to 22.22% in June, indicating that prices, especially for food, are falling. The GDP grew by 3.13% in Q1, supported by improved oil production, which peaked at 1.745 million barrels per day, pushing foreign reserves to US$40.11 billion as of 18th July 2025. Exchange rates show signs of stabilising around N1,500/$. Investors’ confidence in the economy appears to be returning, with FDI soaring by 67% to US$5.6 billion in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, the country maintained its growing positive balance of trade at N5.17 trillion.

However, the big elephant in the room is what this means for the many people still suffering from the harsh effects of the reforms.

Understandably, the opposition has weaponised this lack of immediate impact on the majority to dismiss the positive reports as mere paperwork

with no real benefit.

However, considering the fiscal improvement of the federation resulting from the release of funds through the withdrawal of petrol subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, there should have been some relief for the people. As Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, told the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna last week, the reforms have increased the country’s fiscal position by 340%.

He stated that between May 2023 and June 2025, the total net statutory revenue and VAT allocation to States and Local Governments (excluding EMT levy, FX gains, and augmentations) more than doubled, increasing from ₦458.81 billion to ₦991.81 billion. He explained that this reflects an increase of ₦533 billion or 116.17% across the federation.

“By ending the fuel subsidy, President Tinubu made a hard but necessary call - liberating trillions of naira to expand federal allocations by over 340%. States now have the means to invest in their future,” he stated.

A significant sum of N11.195 trillion was allocated to subnational governments between June 2024 and June 2025. While the states received a total of ₦6.492 trillion, the local governments were allocated ₦4.704 trillion. The idea is that, although the macroeconomic policies of the Tinubu administration generate more funds, the subnational governments should adopt ameliorative measures to cushion the temporary harsh effects of the reforms.

Aware of the hardships faced by the people, President Tinubu has consistently urged state governments

to implement tangible measures that will provide relief. “We need to do more. Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. You, the governors, have to 'wet the grass' and deliver more visible benefits of democracy at the grassroots. We must not rest.

Our people need to see the impact of government more directly,” he told All Progressives Congress governors during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting last month.

What else can the president do but appeal to the governors to utilise the gains of the reforms for the benefit of their people? The country is a constitutional federation with three tiers of government, each of which has specific responsibilities allocated to it by the 1999 Constitution as amended. Nothing in the grundnorm confers on the president the power of a school senior prefect with supervisory authority over other prefects. However, he has continued to use his moral authority and executive powers to, as much as possible, persuade the subnational governments to allow the dividends of democracy to percolate down to the people.

One of the ways, he reasoned, was to ensure that each level of subnational government—the states and local councils—functions optimally.

That was why he approached the Supreme Court last year to define the powers of the states in relation to local councils. With the apex court clarifying the council's right to direct funding from the Federation Account and its independence from states’ political control, he believed the grassroots could have a new lease of life. Unfortunately for him, the implementation of the landmark judgment has been hampered by a complex web of bottlenecks.

Last week, he unveiled a new strategy to energise the grassroots and ensure that people at the local level feel the impact of governance. Christened the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, it is a comprehensive plan to boost economic activities, prioritise food security, and improve social protection sustainably at the lowest unit of governance across the federation.

Adebiyi i s the media assistant to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning

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The whistle for the 2027 elections is yet to be blown, but the race is already on, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

DIGITAL MEDIA SUMMIT AND THE LONGEST RUNNING ELECTION Like a football match, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must blow the whistle for the 2027 elections to begin. But unlike football, where nothing happens until the referee signals kickoff, Nigeria’s political game is already underway.

The final whistle on the 2023 elections had barely echoed before the warm-up for 2027 began. What initially looked like lingering reactions to the past cycle has quickly evolved into an aggressive push toward the next one. Disobedience at its worst, an affront on our political norms.

Even before the inauguration of the new government, politicians, power blocs, digital actors, and commentators had already shifted gears. Every speech, every policy, every handshake and hashtag is now filtered through the lens of 2027. It is no longer governance in the present. It is the politics of the future, happening today.

In most democracies, elections come in waves. They build, they crest, and they eventually fall back, giving the nation time to catch its breath before the next round. As for the 2027 elections, the tide never receded. The 2023 elections were fierce, polarizing, and to many, exhausting.

Yet, as soon as the courts ruled and the gavel came down, the conversation simply moved forward. It never really ended.

Some of the most vocal critics of the 2023 election results have now begun to position themselves as the alternative for 2027. Meanwhile, those in power have not taken a moment to pause. Their machinery is already revving for the next contest.

A recent example of this was the Digital Media Summit organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, Mr. Dada Olusegun. On the surface, the summit was about exploring the evolving role of digital media in a fast-paced, tech-driven society. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presence added gravity, and his speech addressed both the opportunities and the dangers of digital platforms.

Although it was mostly attended by members and sympathizers of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the discussions at the summit were wide-ranging. Policy took center stage. There were meaningful contributions around regulation, digital literacy, data protection, cybersecurity, innovation, and responsible online discourse.

But of course, this is Nigeria. Anything done by the government is rarely allowed to exist outside political interpretation. What should have been a standard, forward-looking policy summit quickly became a

point of political anxiety. Opposition elements, perhaps startled by the scale and coordination of the event, resorted to online criticism. Allegations of propaganda, waste, and hidden agenda flooded the timelines.

Once again, bad politics had entered the room, uninvited but fully expected.

In today’s Nigeria, especially within the digital space, perception has become more powerful than policy. The framing of events now matters more than the facts. The summit, which could have been interpreted as an encouraging sign of governmental attention to a critical sector, was instead treated as an unofficial campaign rally. The organizers became targets. Attendees were labeled. Narratives were spun.

The irony is that most of the opposition actors who criticized the summit would not hesitate to host similar events. But politics has a way of making people allergic to their own ideas when presented by someone else. Take the subsidy removal and the exchange rate reforms.

What this tells us is clear. The 2027 election is already happening, not in ballot boxes or polling units, but in perception, online engagement, and political posturing.

There are several reasons why the 2027 race feels particularly drawn out.

First, the emergence of outsider candidates in 2023 changed the landscape.

The so-called third force shook the two-party dominance and introduced a new kind of energy, a lot of it full of vitriol and bile, driven at times by digital mobilization, and decentralized support. That energy may not have secured a victory, but it disrupted expectations.

Social media influencers are already being recruited. Political analysts are building portfolios. And aspiring candidates are testing the waters, dropping breadcrumbs to signal interest. The digital era has amplified every political move. A local meeting can become a national headline. A policy memo can trend on Twitter.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing

ENIOLA OLORUNOSEBI urges Gov Dapo Abiodun to restore order in border towns near Lagos

AKUTE, LAMBE AND CRISIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION Let me begin by commending your administration for the bold and muchneeded initiative to transform road infrastructure in Ogun State’s border communities, particularly those adjacent to Lagos. The roadwork currently underway is a clear signal that Ogun is prepared to reposition itself as a hub of progress, mobility, and economic growth. For far too long, these towns—densely populated yet poorly regulated—have existed in a state of neglect. Your intervention is long overdue and deeply appreciated.

However, while these infrastructural projects are praiseworthy, I write to call your attention to an equally urgent and escalating crisis—one that affects the very quality of life of your citizens: the environmental and regulatory chaos that defines life in many of these border communities, most especially the LambeAkute axis.

These towns are rapidly urbanizing.

Thousands pour into them daily from Lagos, seeking affordable housing and proximity to their places of work. What they find, however, is a region buckling under the weight of its own unregulated growth. The absence of firm and visible government presence has allowed an unfortunate culture of lawlessness to take deep root.

One of the most pressing issues is noise pollution, and it is no exaggeration to describe it as a form of environmental terrorism. In the Lambe-Akute area, residents have all but surrendered their right to peace and sanity. Religious organisations, in blatant disregard of existing environmental and zoning laws, mount loudspeakers daily—sometimes hourly—and hold worship services deep into the night, often in the middle of residential neighborhoods. The situation becomes unbearable during vigils, which stretch into the early hours of the morning, disrupting sleep, work-life balance, and in many cases, health.

This is not an attack on religion. It is a plea for sanity and the protection of all citizens under the law. Ogun State’s environmental statutes do not support such indiscriminate and unregulated use of sound in residential areas. Yet enforcement is weak to non-existent.

Meanwhile, Lagos State—your immediate neighbor—has made considerable strides in regulating noise pollution through its Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and the benefits are evident. Your government must take similarly bold steps.

But the menace is not limited to religious institutions. Private schools, some no more than glorified daycare centers, have also become noise-generating hubs— blaring music for morning assembly, using megaphones to communicate with children, and disturbing entire communities with unchecked activities.

These institutions must be brought under

strict environmental regulation, with specific and enforceable limits on sound levels and operating hours.

Equally urgent is the recurring and predictable nightmare of flooding.

Each rainy season, entire communities are submerged—trapped in their homes or cut off by impassable roads.

In many cases, this is the direct result of illegal construction on water channels, blocked drains, and the absence of a coherent drainage plan.

These floods are not acts of God; they are man-made disasters enabled by lax governance.

Your Excellency, the environmental health of these communities is not just about aesthetics or convenience—it is about the safety, dignity, and mental well-being of the people you swore to serve. While the new roads will bring greater access and investment, they will not bring peace if the communities around them are dysfunctional.

You have the law on your side.

Ogun State’s environmental codes are clear and comprehensive. What is needed now is visible governance—a consistent and deliberate presence that assures citizens they are not abandoned. Empower environmental agencies. Enforce zoning laws. Penalize violations, and most importantly, create a sustained public awareness campaign to guide residents, religious bodies, and businesses alike.

Ogun State cannot afford to be the lawless extension of Lagos. It must chart its own path—rooted in order, respect for the rule of law, and a vision of sustainable development.

The people of Lambe, Akute, Agbado, Ijoko, and many more are watching— and hoping. Your recent infrastructural strides have shown what is possible when leadership is committed. The same urgency must now be applied to the environmental and regulatory challenges that threaten to erase those gains.

Your Excellency, the time to act is now.

Olorunosebi writes from Ogun State

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EDITORIAL

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

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STAND UP FOR D’TIGRESS

Like the Super Facons, D’Tigress have demonstrated that hard work pays

igeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, last Sunday emerged winners of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship.

It was Nigeria’s fifth in a row and the seventh overall. Although Senegal has won the tournament 11 times, it was never achieved consecutively as D’Tigress have done.

Nigeria also confirmed her supremacy, remaining unbeaten in 29 matches that stretches way back to 2015. As the tournament’s favourites for the title, D’Tigress did not take anything for granted right from the group phase as they stayed undefeated till the final. But the team’s route to this fifth consecutive title wasn’t on a platter. It was achieved through hard work, and painstaking resilience.

For D’Tigress, winning the 2025 edition of the continental showpiece was a reaffirmation that their quarterfinal feat at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games was no fluke. It was the first time ever that any African team, male or female, will qualify for that stage of the global basketball event. Now, winning the 2025 Afrobasket has also qualified the D’Tigress for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualification tournament along with Mali, South Sudan and Senegal as Africa’s representatives. Coach Rena Wakama has also proved why she is as one of the best female basketball coaches around the world.

At every stage of the competition, her break time game-changing tactics renergised D’Tigress and made the difference every time.

For Nigeria, Senegal posed their biggest threat at the semifinal stage. In that epic clash, the ladies from Dakar raced to an early 11-2 lead within the first three minutes of the opening quarter. Even when D’Tigress mounted a fight back, Senegal won the third quarter by 12 points. That effectively put them at the lead with 58-52 score line going into the final quarter. But with a 23-10 score in the fourth quarter to win with a 75-68 scoreline, D’Tigress hit the

final to defend their crown against Mali that stunned South Sudan in the other semifinal.

Expectedly, President Bola Tinubu has rewarded the victorious D’Tigress with $100,000 each in addition to National Honours of OON and a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory, just like the Super Falcons who won the WAFCON in Morocco. But beyond these gifts, now is the time to ensure that we seize the momentum to fully develop the sports sector to truly play its role in becoming life-changing one for our youths. Nigeria can not stand to watch as others around the world benefit bountifully from the sports economy while we remain content with mere participation.

Sports is a multi-billion dollars industry that could employ millions of Nigerians if properly harnessed. Take this D’Tigress team for instance. Apart from Murjanatu Musa and Ifunaya Okoro who graduated from the domestic league into playing pro abroad, there is no local content in the team. The players are Nigerians who were born and weaned abroad. The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) must draw up a programme to ensure that our domestic leagues are well funded through good sponsorships and run steadily on each calendar year Finally, like Super Falcons, D’Tigress are ladies, just like Tobi Amusan who remains the only Nigeria with a world record in track & field. Retired policewoman, Chioma Ajunwa is the only individual Olympic Gold medalist.

No male athlete has done any of these as an individual. The only Olympic gold medals Nigerian men can lay claim to were achieved at Atlanta ‘96 and the 4x400m relay quartet at Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Ever since, the Nigerian men have taken backstage, leaving only the ladies to shine. This is a major task for the Shehu Dikko-led NSC to find how to reset for Nigeria’s sportsmen to wake up from their slumber.

Now is the time to ensure that we seize the momentum to fully develop the sports sector to truly play its role in becoming life-changing one for our youths T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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LETTERS

IN PRAISE OF GOV BABAGANA ZULUM

In a time when political leadership across Nigeria is often associated with broken promises and failed institutions, one man continues to stand out not only for his vision but for his unwavering commitment to service — Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State.

From the ashes of conflict and the ruins of despair, Zulum has emerged as a symbol of hope, resilience, and purposeful governance. And for that, the people of Borno — and indeed, Nigeria — owe him a heartfelt thank you.

Born and raised in the same soil that now bears the scars of over a decade of insurgency, Zulum knows firsthand the suffering of the common people. Yet, instead of watching from the comfort of government houses, he has taken leadership as a personal mission. The stories of his unannounced visits to schools, hospitals, IDP camps, and rural communities are legendary. In a country where governors often travel with

large convoys and long speeches, Zulum travels light — and acts quickly.

“I never thought a governor would walk into our school without warning, sit on a broken bench, and ask us what we need,” said Hauwa Mohammed, a teacher in Konduga. “But Governor Zulum did. And within two weeks, we had chalk, new boards, and a promise of more teachers — which he fulfilled.”

Under Zulum’s leadership, Borno State has witnessed a steady return to stability, despite the persistent challenges of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks. His strategy of combining military support with humanitarian outreach and infrastructural development is a model other states in crisis zones now study. Thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been resettled in safe, dignified housing projects across local government areas. Schools are being rebuilt. Roads are

reopening. Markets are being revived.

In the education sector, Zulum’s administration has recruited over 1,000 qualified teachers, reconstructed more than 150 schools, and distributed learning materials across the state. He declared education a top priority, and he is matching words with action. Children who once roamed the streets of Maiduguri are now returning to classrooms — not because of pressure, but because of opportunity.

“Governor Zulum came to our IDP camp himself. He asked about our children’s education and health. That day, we saw he is a leader who listens,” said Mama Ya Kura, a displaced mother in Monguno. “He gave us not just food — but dignity.”

Hadiza Nura Muhammad, Dept of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri

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Politics

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 sms only

Soludo at 65: Mixing Celebration with Anambra Guber Politics

David-Chyddy Eleke examines the acceptance of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, by prominent citizens of the state, as evidenced in the goodwill messages he received on his 65th Birthday

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n Monday, July 28, 2025, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State celebrated his 65th birthday.

The event sparked off celebration among indigenes of the state, especially prominent individuals, eliciting congratulatory messages from across political parties, groups and associations. The birthday celebration came at a time when the state is already charged for the governorship election which comes up on November 8.

Two days before the birthday celebration, indigenes of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone had held an endorsement rally for the governor, drawing support from all the seven local government areas of the zone, mostly prominent individuals of the area, who took time to endorse the governor for a second term in office. Many individuals including former Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka, prominent political figure, Chief Okey Muo-Aroh, Deputy governor of the state, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, among others, were part of the ceremony.

The birthday celebration also afforded many more who didn’t get the opportunity to speak to also air their views about the Governor Soludo, his government and his aspiration for re-election. They included former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Somtochukwu Udeze; National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa and many others.

While some of those who wished the governor a happy birthday dwelt on his personality, some others, especially those known to be his close political allies moved a notch further by predicting his victory in the coming poll. A goodwill message personally signed by Mr Peter Obi described Governor Soludo as a “dear elder brother and a leader whose contributions to the development of Anambra State and the nation at large are well recognized.”

Obi’s message read: “Your Excellency, my dear elder brother, my family and I join other men and women of goodwill in rejoicing with you as you mark another year today. May God continue to bless you with strength, wisdom, and good health, as you serve our dear state and nation.” He wished the governor continued success and divine guidance in the discharge of his duties and prayed for enduring peace and progress in Anambra under his leadership.

In his message, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Udeze said Governor Soludo has proved to Anambra people and Nigerians that his primary purpose of coming into politics was to fast-track development in Anambra State and provide a better life for the citizenry through impactful administration. Udeze said Soludo has distinguished himself among his colleagues in the country in all aspects of governance, expressing immense satisfaction that the Governor has done the state proud.

He said the state legislature’s resolve to continue to accord necessary support to Governor Soludo’s administration was predicated on his remarkable achievements in the state.

While lauding him for running a transparent, purposeful and inclusive government where the citizenry are not in doubt of his genuine actions and development initiatives, Udeze also enumerated some of Governor Soludo’s accomplishments in the state to include construction of the first and befitting Government House and Governor’s Lodge, the Solution Fun City, massive road infrastructure across the state, improved education and health care system, agricultural revolution, massive employments, improved security architecture, as well as youth development, among others.

Udeze observed that since Governor Soludo has performed creditably in all departments of governance, Anambra people should reciprocate by appreciating him accordingly, by ensuring that he is re-elected during the November 8 governorship election in the state.

On its part, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) described the governor as its biggest export. The party said Soludo who is its only governor and national leader has performed so well as governor that he is now seen as the face of good governance in Nigeria.

This was contained in a press release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr Ejimofor Opara, to celebrate the governor on his 65th birthday. The party said Soludo

had been a driving force behind the party’s progressive agenda.

“As we mark this milestone birthday of our leader, we celebrate not just a leader, but a visionary who has shown us that with courage, conviction, and determination, we can build a brighter future for all Nigerians.

“Prof. Soludo is undoubtedly APGA’s biggest export to Nigeria and indeed the world, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s economic,

academic, and political landscapes. Under his astute leadership, APGA has continued to thrive, inspiring a new generation of leaders and citizens alike. His commitment to good governance, economic development, and social justice has set a new standard for our party and the nation at large. Today, we celebrate a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to public service and transformative leadership. As the National Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof.

Chukwuma,” the party said.

Meanwhile, just as Soludo is winning the minds of prominent individuals in the state, he has also continued to win the poor masses to his side too. The massive love he has garnered across the state makes his victory at the forthcoming governorship election almost an accomplished deal.

Marking his birthday on Monday, the renowned economist took the celebration away from a beautifully decorated hall, full of the creme de la creme of the society to the sick beds of hospitals and the high walls of prisons, where he marked it with patients and inmates.

Speaking about his decision, Soludo wrote on social media: “Today (Monday), as I mark my 65th birthday, I chose to celebrate in a way that brings me joy and fulfillment - by serving humanity. I visited the Nawfia Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Onitsha correctional center, St. Charles Borromeo Specialist hospital, and Iyienu teaching hospital, Ogidi.

“I spent the day with patients and inmates, sharing words of hope and encouraging them to never give up. My message was simple: On earth, we must continue to do the work of God. This is the sure way to affecting humanity and impacting lives positively. As I left Iyienu teaching hospital around 7pm, I couldn’t help but smile. These people are a few of my favorite beings, and I’m committed to leaving the world better than I met it.

“I’m grateful for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve. I’ve come to realize that true wealth isn’t in material possessions, but in the lives we touch and the positive impact we make. To everyone who’s been part of my journey, I say thank you. Let’s continue to do the work of God and make a difference in the lives of those around us,” the governor said.

‘No Regional Political Warlord Can Deliver PDP in 2027’ Folalumi Alaran writes that a presidential aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has canvassed for an open contest and not regional sentiment to choose the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 polls.

T

he Coordinator of Gbenga Hashim Vanguard in the North West, Hon. Aminu Bala Wudilawa, has called on the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to reject blackmail and pressures to hand over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to any regional political warlord under the pretext of zoning or power rotation.

According to Wudilawa, zoning has done enough damage to Nigeria’s national psychology, noting that democracy is about popular choice, not turn by turn.

In a message to the national leadership of the party on Wednesday via a press statement, Wudilawa emphasized that only a candidate with genuine national appeal and orientation, capable of winning significant votes in both the North and South can deliver victory to the PDP in 2027.

“Any candidate that cannot win an open, competitive primary by building national consensus has no chance of winning the general election,” he said.

Wudilawa described Dr. Gbenga OlawepoHashim as the ideal candidate who embodies

the values, competence, and character required to lead Nigeria at this critical juncture.

He said: “Liberal and patriotic forces in the North are rallying around Olawepo-Hashim not because of political sentiment, but because of his broad national appeal, integrity, and

long standing commitment to democracy and unity. He is a candidate both the North and South can trust.”

Highlighting Olawepo-Hashim’s track record, Wudilawa noted that in the past eight years, no aspirant across PDP or APC has demonstrated deeper insight into national security and economic reform than Hashim.

He also dismissed the often repeated claim that the PDP presidential ticket in 1999 was zoned to the South, clarifying that General Olusegun Obasanjo emerged not by zoning, but by his strong reputation for national unity following military rule.

His words: “Opportunistic politicians often distort history, but the truth is that Obasanjo was chosen in 1999 because of his commitment to the unity of Nigeria. Today, we see that same spirit in Olawepo-Hashim.”

As the political terrain shifts toward 2027, the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard has reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing support nationwide for a pan-Nigerian presidential agenda, one that prioritizes unity, development, and democratic values above ethnic or regional calculation.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2025 • T H I S D AY

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26

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025 • THISDAY

TRIBUTE Captain Hosa Okunbo: A Tribute to a Visionary, Four Years On Dr. Adeniyi Ifetayo & Patrick Ochoga

I

t has been four years since the passing of Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo affectionately known to all as Captain Hosa and yet, the very mention of his name still evokes a deep sense of admiration, respect, and gratitude.

His physical presence may be gone, but the legacy he built lives on: in industries he transformed, lives he touched, and communities he uplifted.

Captain Hosa was more than just a man; he was a towering force of vision, grace, and relentless generosity.

He combined the spirit of enterprise with a heart for humanity.

He walked with kings and stood with the common man, offering a hand where others turned a blind eye.

His life’s journey began in Benin City on January 7, 1958. Trained as a commercial pilot, he became a captain at just 21 years old, flying with Intercontinental Airlines, Nigeria Airways and Okada Air. But true to his nature, he didn’t stop at success in aviation. He had greater dreams dreams that would birth empires, employ thousands, and influence the trajectory of multiple sectors of the Late Okunbo Nigerian economy.

NPDC’s OML 65, a landmark moment Captain Hosa’s entrepreneurial in indigenous oil and gas investment. brilliance found expression across Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd (OMSL), oil and gas, agriculture, security, perhaps his most recognized outfit, telecommunications, aviation, real ensured the safety of critical infrastructure estate, power, and even entertainment. like the 46km Escravos-Warri crude oil In the Oil & Gas sector, he was a key pipeline. player and game changer: With OMSL Tankers Ltd, he pioneered Through Hoslyn Ventures Nigeria Nigeria’s first indigenous marine tankers, Ltd, he offered procurement services further cementing local capacity in crude to Nigeria’s petroleum industry. oil transportation.

His joint venture, CMES-OMS Companies like PPP Fluid Mechanics Petroleum Development Company Ltd complemented his vast portfolio, (CPDC), secured a staggering $875.75 focusing on crude logistics. million financing deal in 2019 for

His belief in Nigeria’s agricultural potential was unmatched. He launched Wells San-Carlos Agro Farms Ltd, a $750 million, 9,000-hectare agricultural project in Edo State, aimed at creating over 85,000 jobs.

His Wells Farm Limited introduced modern greenhouse farming and agro-allied investments always with the youth and sustainability in mind.

Captain Hosa also left his mark in Hospitality and Real Estate. The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartments in Abuja is a testament to his taste for excellence.

His Wells Property Development Company and Hoslyn Habitat Ltd delivered commercial, residential, and landscape projects that reflected his passion for aesthetics and quality living.

In the security and maritime space, he provided solutions where governments had long struggled. Ocean Marine Security Ltd, Secure Anchorage Area Ltd (SAA), and Westminster Security Solutions Nigeria Ltd worked collectively to protect Nigeria’s offshore assets and vessels often in some of the most dangerous waters in West Africa.

Captain Hosa didn’t stop there.

Through Gyro Air Ltd, he provided executive aviation services. As an investor in Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Ltd (IEDM), he held stakes in both Ibadan and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies, improving electricity access for millions.

In telecommunications, his investment in NatCom Development & Investment Ltd (NTEL) positioned him as a player in Nigeria’s digital future.

He even ventured into the world of entertainment and media. His company, Wells Entertainments Ltd, produced Black November, a bold movie that spotlighted the Niger Delta’s struggles.

His media and food ventures extended to Canada, including FEVA TV and

Wells Bakery.

But for all his business conquests, Captain Hosa never forgot the human side of enterprise. He was, above all else, a philanthropist with a rare sense of empathy.

He paid school fees, settled medical bills, supported widows and orphans, and championed countless youth and women empowerment initiatives. His interventions were not seasonal or performative they were part of who he was.

He often said, “If you succeed and you don’t lift others up, then your success is hollow.” That philosophy defined his every move.

Captain Hosa was not just an Edo icon; he was a Nigerian colossus. A bridge-builder in politics, a peace broker in times of strife, and a unifier who never lost touch with his roots. He was the man everyone could call and many did.

His death on August 8, 2021, after a brave battle with illness, was a national loss. But even in death, his voice still speaks through the institutions he built, the thousands he empowered, and the lives he transformed.

As we mark the fourth year of his remembrance, we do so not with mourning, but with profound gratitude.

Gratitude for a life well lived. Gratitude for a man who proved that success can be coupled with service, and that influence is best used for impact.

Captain Hosa, thank you for showing us what is possible. You lived with purpose, led with courage, and gave with a heart as vast as the sea. You were truly one of a kind and though you may be gone, your legacy remains etched in the soul of a grateful people.

Sleep on, great son of Edo. Sleep on, beloved Captain.

Your flight may have landed, but your light continues to soar.

NEWS

Bago: It’s Unacceptable to Negotiate With Bandits, It Always Results in Cattle Rustling Says he’ll rather increase security in the state

Laleye Dipo in Minna

it is unacceptable to negotiate Rather than negotiate with bandits because such with bandits, Bago said Niger State Governor, Alhaji dialogue had often resulted he would discuss with the Mohammed Bago, has said in increased cattle rustling. federal government and the

The governor’s position National Security Adviser (NSA) on how to increase was contained in a statesecurity in all parts of the ment by Bologi Ibrahim at the end of a stakeholders state. consultative meeting on the implementation of the State Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit held in Minna.

“Negotiations with bandits economy. in some states have given The sum of N9 billion has rise to cattle rustling, it is been earmarked for the first unacceptable,” Bago was phase of the programme, quoted as saying at the and specifically, it will see meeting. eligible Corps Members “I will seek the intervention accessing up to N200,000 of the president and the single-digit interest loan, it National Security Adviser was learnt. on the issue,” he declared.

FG Flags Off Affordable Consumer Credit for 400,000 Young Nigerians, Corps Members Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The federal government has unveiled the YouthCred programme to accommodate 400,000 Young Nigerians, as it encouraged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to take advantage

of the initiative.

YouthCred is a national credit scheme aimed at providing affordable consumer credit to 400,000 young Nigerians, including members of the NYSC. Speaking yesterday in Abuja while flagging off the

scheme at the orientation camp for NYSC Batch B Stream 1 members, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described it as a bold step towards empowering young Nigerians and giving them a solid footing in a credit-based

Bago, according to the statement, also decried the influx of cattle rustlers into the state, saying steps would be taken to ensure their illegal activities are curtailed.

The governor also spoke against the current practice, where people brought already slaughtered animals from the bush to sel in the town, saying the practice is unacceptable.

He said relevant agencies would be empowered to check the menace, pointing out, “Only animals slaughtered in recognised abattoirs should be sold in the state.”

27

T H I S D AY • FRIday, August 8, 2025

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S

MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325, 07034471123

A u g u st

S & P INDEX

7 , 2 0 2 5

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

25.34%

CALL

23.25%

INDEX LEVEL

595.26

1/4 to daTE

0.24%

N1,526,27/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

25.18%

1-MONTH

21.37%

1-DAY

0.10%

YEAR TO DATE

-10.99%

*AS AT THUR, August 7, 2025

3-MONTH

22.41%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.24%

Harmattan: Domestic Airlines to Face Major Flight Disruptions, Revenue Loss

Chinedu Eze Harmattan haze will disrupt flight operations starting from late November to end of January 2026 with projected revenue loss of about N20 billion during the period, which is the peak of flight operations in Nigeria.

This is because like in the previous years, no effort has been made to provide equipment that will counter the effect of harmattan on flight operations in Nigeria.

It was learnt that many

of the airports operated by the state government do not have runway lights and other necessary instruments that can enable flights operate during low visibility both in the day and in the night.

Also, some of the airports operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) do not have enabling facilities that could allow flight operations during unfavourable weather occasioned by the harmattan haze.

Experts predicts that the industry will witness

flight cancellations, unruly passenger behaviour, over stretched airport facilities, as airlines struggle to use the window of limited safe weather conditions to operate flights to airlift thousands of passengers who travel for holiday during the period.

Over the years, it has been hoped that harmattan would be made to have negligible effect on flight operations, as the federal government promised at different administrations that it would provide the needed equipment that could enable flights

operate at low visibility, but this has not happened; so, airlines must brace up for the flight disruptions and huge loss of revenue during the inimical weather conditions.

For flights to land and depart at low visibility due to harmattan, an airport must have Category 3 Instrument Landing System with all the associated equipment that will enable it to work efficiently.

A former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Matthew

Pwajok, gave details of what happens during the harmattan period.

According to him, “Weather is not what anybody can change; it must come when it will come but the only way to tame its adverse effects is to use other means to manage it and in aviation, it is infrastructure.”

Pwajok said that airlines spend a lot of money when they divert or cancel flights due to harmattan haze and other factors.

“An airline knows how much it costs to fly an

aircraft for an hour. If it is $5000 or $10, 000 to fly an aircraft an hour, airlines know the cost of hiring one aircraft. Airlines know the payments they make for landing and for take-off and they also know the fuel they burn. So, when you have a one hour flight and then you return back making two hours, and let’s say you are burning fuel of $5000 for a one hour flight, that is $5000 plus another $5000, that is $10,000.

The story continues online on

www.thisdaylive.com

Beer Industry Seeks Excise Duty Reform Amid N425bn Loss Warning Funmi Ogundare

The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) has appealed to the federal government to review the country’s current excise duty regime, warning that the existing Ad Valorem structure could cost the industry over N425 billion in losses and

trigger a 30 per cent decline in revenues.

The call was made during a meeting between the BSG and the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The visit was part of the group’s strategic

efforts to align with government policy and sustain long-term viability in the face of mounting economic pressure.

Led by BSG Chairman and CEO of International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutino, the delegation expressed concern over the unsustainable tax burden placed on beer

revenues but are also straining affordability.

The data showed that the average Nigerian now needs to work up to three hours to afford a single bottle of beer, raising alarm over public health risks from a potential shift toward unsafe, unregulated alternatives.

PwC’s analysis also

highlighted the sector’s economic footprint, noting its support of more than 30,000 jobs and significant contributions to the local agricultural value chain through the procurement of approximately 300 metric tons of grains.

The story continues online on

www.thisdaylive.com

M a r k e t d ata A s at T h u r s d ay, A u g u s t 7 , 2 0 2 5

BONDS

Description Price Yield Change Updated Time (%) ^16.2884 17August 99.29 16.75 -0.24 7, 2025 MAR-2027 ^19.94 20August 103.61 17.28 0.00 7, MAR-2027 2025 ^13.98 23August 95.01 16.41 -0.55 FEB-2028 7, 2025 ^21.00 20August 108.87 16.69 0.00 MAR-2028 7, 2025 ^14.55 26August 107.77 16.40 -0.29 7, APR-2029 2025

manufacturers, many of whom are still recovering from the 2023 naira devaluation and broader macroeconomic instability.

A technical report presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) during the meeting revealed that current excise policies have not only eroded industry

BILLS Maturity NTB 7-Aug25 NTB 4-Sep25 NTB 9-Oct25 NTB 6-Nov25 NTB 4-Dec25

Discount Yield

Change (%) Updated Time

Maturity

16.25

16.35

August -0.01 7, 2025

16.34

16.65

August -0.01 7, 2025

15.52

16.05

August 0.00 7, 2025

16.39

17.20

August -0.01 7, 2025

17.52

August -0.01 7, 2025

FAST CP VI 11-AUG-25 MTNN CP XII 30-JUL-25 SALC CP II 3-OCT-25 LFZC CP X 16-SEP-25 SIBP CP I 11DEC-25

16.47

CLEARED NAIRA-SETTLED NDFS

CPs Discount Yield 24.03

24.31

20.81

20.88

20.54

21.39

20.57

21.21

18.16

19.52

Change (%)

Updated Time

August -0.01 7, 2025 August 0.00 7, 2025 August -0.01 7, 2025 August -0.01 7, 2025 August -0.16 7, 2025

Contract Current Tenor Contract Rate ($/₦) (Month) NGUS JUL 13M – 29 2026 NGUS AUG 14M – 26 2026 NGUS SEP 15M – 30 2026 NGUS OCT 16M – 28 2026 NGUS NOV 17M – 25 2026

Updated Time

August 7, 2025 August 7, 2025 August 7, 2025 August 7, 2025 August 7, 2025

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FRIday, August 8, 2025 • T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

Air watch

SAA Partners Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce on AI

Stories by Chinedu Eze

In a bid to stay ahead of the curve, South African Airways (SAA) has hosted a thoughtprovoking discussion on ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and The Future of Work’ at the NigeriaSouth Africa Chamber of Commerce’s July 2025 Breakfast Forum held at Eko Hotel and Suites recently.

SAA brought together industry experts and thought leaders to throw

light on the vast potential of AI in transforming the work space.

SAA’s Regional Manager for Africa, Middle East, and Indian Ocean, Mr. Ohis Ehimiaghe, highlighted the benefits of AI to the industry, and stated the airline’s commitment to leveraging AI to revolutionize customer service.

“AI-driven virtual assistants and chatbots are transforming customer service in

aviation, enabling passengers to manage bookings, boarding passes, and inquiries with ease. Personalized services powered by AI also offer tailored travel options, upgrades, and in-flight entertainment based on individual preferences.By harnessing the power of AI, we can offer personalized travel experiences that cater to individual preferences, making air travel more enjoyable and efficient,” he said.

A i r Watch Opposition against Lagos Airport Transformation

Firm Integrates IATA CO2 Connect Data into Its Platform

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed an agreement with software company, Chooose to expand market access to IATA CO2 Connect emissions data.

Airlines managing their SAF programs via the Chooose platform will now be able to deliver IATA CO2 Connect’s trusted data—based on real operational inputs

from over 70 airlines and aligned with IATA RP 1726 and ISO 14083 directly to their corporate and consumer traveller customers.

IATA research conducted in April 2024 revealed that 40 per cent of travellers— particularly business travellers—regularly check their flight-related carbon emissions. By delivering CO2 Connect

data through its platform, Chooose helps airlines and corporate partners meet that demand for transparency, while enabling more informed decision-making.

“For years, Chooose has supported airlines, cargo, and travel companies with flexible access to emissions estimates to enable their SAF programs and customerfacing applications.

Delta Leads with Exclusive VIP Service at Lagos Airport In the fast-paced environment of Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), where efficiency and hospitality are crucial, Delta Lagos airport team has carved a niche in delivering world-class service, particularly for its most valued customers.

At the heart of this effort is Delta’s exclusive LOS Airport Elite Protocol Team, a first-of-its-kind offering for

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Energy Emmanuel Addeh Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Correspondents KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

any U.S. airline operating in Nigeria.

Whether you’re arriving, departing, or connecting, with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Delta’s Airport Team is there to offer discreet, seamless, and personalized

service from curb to cabin, or vice versa. Designed specifically for Delta One, SkyMiles Diamond Medallion, and other toptier elite customers, the team ensures that every stage of the airport journey is stress-free and efficient.

Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, has hosted a moving Night of Tribute in honour of its departed Sports Diplomacy Ambassadors: Moses Effiong (MON), Charles Bassey (MON), Christian Chukwu (MFR), Obisia Nwakpa (Golden Gloves), and Peter Rufai (MON), fondly known as Dodo Mayana.

It was hosted at the main auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, recently.

The event, curated by football legend Dr. Segun Odegbami (MON), also known as ‘The

Mathematical Odegbami’, brought together families, former teammates, stakeholders, and dignitaries in celebration of the legacies of these national icons.

In attendance were, Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; renowned clergyman, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo who gave a heartfelt sermon and a walk down the sports memory lane; the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, and several respected figures from Nigeria’s sports and corporate communities.

Air Peace Honours Fallen Sports Heroes

Chinedu Eze For several years there have been calls made to the federal government by Nigerians that the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA) international terminal had become dilapidated and needed to be brought down and rebuilt.

These strident calls from largely aviation stakeholders and others excoriated the decision of the federal government in 2012 when it embarked on remodelling the terminal instead of building a new one.

Although a commendable rehabilitation was executed during that time, the obvious wrinkles on the brow of an aged man still showed on the terminal from the inability to get the cooling system working efficiently due to non-existence of spares, to the inefficient, outmoded carousel equipment, which defied all efforts to make it to effectively deliver the bags. Also, the fact that the terminal is processing the number of passengers three times what it was designed for when it was built, made the need to build a new facility very necessary; especially as the second terminal, with so many structural defects, processes less number of passengers than the old one.

So, the decision of the federal government, under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to build entirely new terminal ought to be commended by industry stakeholders instead of the opprobrium targeted at that decision; especially from those who used every aviation forum to reiterate that Lagos as Nigeria’s major gateway, needed a state-of-the-art terminal built with the future in mind.

Many critics to the project argue that the N712 billion earmarked for the project was outrageous but the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, gave details of the facilities that would be built with the money and justified the budgeted sum.

Kuku assured that the airport would undergo major upgrades to transform

it into a world-class facility and the planned development include the rebuilding and expansion of terminal 1 (T1, the old terminal).

“As our busiest terminal nationwide, T1 will undergo extensive rehabilitation. This includes upgrading the exterior façade, interior finishes, plumbing systems, and mechanical and electrical installations to meet international standards,” she said.

There will also be expansion of terminal 2 (T2, the new terminal), which Kuku said would be expanded to accommodate more wide-body aircraft.

This would include the extension of both the finger (boarding bridge area) and apron to enhance aircraft handling capacity. Also, the existing hangars in the expansion zone will be relocated to allow for seamless execution of this project.

The FAAN boss also said that there would be a modern, well-organised, and efficient road network that would be developed to improve access to the airport, easing congestion and enhancing the overall travelling experience.

The two facilities would be seamlessly connected.

“A Skywalk will be constructed to integrate the car park building with T2, and a connection building will be established to link T1 and T2.

These infrastructures will transform the previously independent terminal buildings into a unified complex, improving passenger flow and airport management. During the rehabilitation phase, a temporary departure hall will be established.

It will be well-organised, clean, and comfortable to ensure convenience for all travellers. The landscape in the central square, located in front of the terminal buildings, will be completely redesigned to create a welcoming atmosphere for arriving passengers, offering a first impression that reflects the pride and spirit of our nation,” Kuku explained.

The story continues online on

www.thisdaylive.com

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FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2025 • T H I S D AY

ADVERTORIAL

RIVERS LG ELECTIONS:

A SERIOUS THREAT TO DEMOCRACY AND REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION –URGENT WARNING FROM MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS Attn: Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

W

e, the undersigned stakeholders and advocates for democratic principles in Rivers State, express deep concern over the ongoing violation of constitutional governance and due process in the unlawful attempt to hold Local Government Council elections in the State. The proposed Local Government Council elections in Rivers State are nothing short of an existential assault on our democracy and a brazen flouting of Nigeria’s Constitution.

These elections, orchestrated by a “Sole Administrator” with no constitutional mandate and allegedly imposed by the Federal Government, threaten the very foundations of our federal system, the rule of law, and the peace of Rivers State.

First, there is currently no legally constituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as mandated

by Sections 2, 3, 5, and 12 of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2018. Consequently, any electoral activities undertaken by such an illegitimate body are null and void. The combined interpretation of the specified sections of the RSIEC Law alongside Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) establishes that only the elected Governor, upon confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly, is empowered to appoint the Chairman and members of RESIEC. Any appointment process outside this constitutional procedure is invalid and unconstitutional.

Second, the illegitimate Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has flagrantly ignored the mandatory 90-day notice requirement before an election, as stipulated in Section 20 of the RSIEC Law. With no formal notification for candidate nominations or polling timetables—and an election date of August 30, 2025, announced on short notice—this process bears a resemblance to the 2024 polls, which the Supreme Court annulled due to procedural failures. Ignoring

these safeguards is not an oversight; it is a deliberate attack on the principle of due process.

Third, courts across the land are actively adjudicating the legality of the Sole Administrator’s appointment and the very existence of a functioning RSIEC. Yet, despite pending Supreme Court and Federal High Court actions—and multiple sub judice challenges by political parties—electoral machinery grinds on under a so-called “emergency” guise.

Fourth, Rivers State has been plunged into a constitutional crisis and a de facto state of emergency due to the federal suspension of its executive and legislative branches. If INEC deems by-elections untenable under such conditions, how can local government polls—unrelated to any genuine emergency-be justified?

Fifth, Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution vests exclusive responsibility for local council elections in state governments.

A federally appointed agent—lacking any legal foundation— cannot lawfully step into this role. The doctrine of agency, affirmed in landmark cases such as Adewumi v. Plastex Ltd. and Okafor v. Umeh, holds that an agent’s authority is strictly derivative; without a constitutional grant, the actions of the Sole Administrator are ultra vires and void.

This blatant usurpation of state autonomy desecrates our federal architecture and imperils democratic governance. We, therefore, call upon President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Nigerian Judiciary, civil society, the media, the international community, and all defenders of democracy to intervene decisively. Rivers State stands at a crossroads: surrender to impunity or uphold the Constitution and the will of the people.

The choice is ours—and the stakes could not be higher.

Signed:

Atedo N A Peterside CON H.E Celestine N Omehia Prince Uche Secondus Chief Dr Abiye P Sekibo Senator Lee Maeba Dr Dakuku Adol Peterside Senator Andrew Uchendu

HE Engr Tele Ikuru Prince Fafaa Dan Princewill Dr Austin Tam-George Donu Kogbara Hon Dr Sokonte Davies Dr Glory Emeh George Feyii

Hon Honourable Asita Surv Sam Agwor Ann-Kio Briggs HE Group Captain John Ibiwari Ben-Kalio (rtd) Pastor Tonye P. Cole Ambassador Oji Nyiminote Ngofa Hon Randolph Iwo O Brown Engr Reynolds Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack

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FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2025 • T H I S D AY

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1.0 INTRODUCTION Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited hereby announces to interested and prequalified companies an upcoming tendering opportunity for the provision of 10K/ 2000HP drilling and work over land rig services for Renaissance operations. The proposed contract will commence in Q1 2026 and remain active for two years primary duration, followed by a one-year extension options.

Please visit the Nigerian Petroleum Exchange Portal www.nipex-ng.com for further details.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK The scope of work requires the provision of 10K/ 2000HP drilling and work over land rig services to support drilling, completions and well testing operations. The rig is expected to have the following minimum technical specifications: 1. Constructed not more than 10 years ago (from January 2025).

2. Hook load capacity of 1,300,000 Lbs. 3. Skidding capacity of 20 with 80T load.

4. Depth rating of 20,000 with 5-1/2” Drill Pipe.

5. Draw works capacity of minimum 2000HP. 6. Top Drive System (TDS) with the following ratings capacity: 500T, 5000psi WP, Minimum Continuous output torque of 40,000 -lbs, Alternating Current (AC) driven with rotary so torque system.

7. Three mud pumps each rated 1600HP, 5000psi WP. 8. Minimum mud tank capacity of 3,500bbl (with agitators).

9. Solids control package consisting of minimum 3 x shale shakers, 1 x mud cleaner, 1 x centrifuge, cu¡ings dryer, and augers with feed capacity of 35MT/hr.

10. Accommodation for 150 persons minimum (with catering services).

11. Well control equipment rated to 10,000psi WP with valid certificates of conformance.

12. Automated Catwalk 13. Casing Drive System 14. Rotating mouse hole 15. WITS data from rig instrumentation 16. Sewage treatment system (Red Fox- Capacity 150 persons) 17. Domestic waste evacuation package 18. 2 x 80T SWL rough terrain mobile cranes and 1 x cherry picker 19. Conductor piling capability, including offline piling.

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•

3.0 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for this tender exercise, interested contractors are required to be pre-qualified and LIVE in NJQS Product Category List 3.04.01 Drilling Rigs and Production/ drilling Services in NipeX Joint Qualification System (NJQS) database. All successfully pre-qualified suppliers in this category will receive Invitation to Tender (ITT).

To determine if you are pre-qualified and view the product/service category you are listed for: Open h­p://vendors.nipex-ng.com and access NJQS with your log in details. Click on Products/Services Status tab to view your status and product codes.

If you are not listed in a product/service category you are registered with DPR to do business, contact NipeX office at 27b Onyikan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi Lagos with your DPR certificate as evidence for verification and necessary update.

To initiate the JQS pre-qualification process, access h p://vendors.nipex-ng.com, click on services tab followed by NJQS registration.

To be eligible, all tenders must comply with the Nigerian Content requirements in the NipeX system.

4.0 NIGERIAN CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

Tenderers are to demonstrate strict compliance with the provisions of Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry Content Development Act and also provide the following requirements: a. Demonstrate that entity is a Nigerian registered company with greater than 51% Nigerian Shareholding. Submit certified true copies of CAC forms 10, 02 & 07 (or its equivalent; CAC 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, etc.) including company memorandum & article of association and/or evidence of entity’s incorporation, shareholding & ownership structure in Nigeria. b. Tenderers shall provide evidence category 1, 2, 3 and 4 NCEC for Services and Support (SS) group NCEC or NCDMB NCRC Rig Certificate, demonstrating ownership of Land rig Unit to be utilized in the execution of the work scope. c. Provide evidence of what percentage of your key management positions is held by Nigerians and what percentage of the total work force are Nigerians. Also, show overall percentage of work to be performed in Nigeria and those by Nigerian resources relative to total work volume d. Tenderer shall (via a le¡er of undertaking utilizing its le¡er headed paper) commit to: (failure to provide this undertaking le¡er will constitute a fatal flaw). i. Complying with the latest approved version of NCDMB HCD guideline to providing Project- specific training, man-hour, budget, skill development and understudy plan for Nigerian personnel utilizing OGTAN registered trainer(s) or other approved NCDMB training institution(s). ii. In line with the NOGICD Act, deduct 1% NCDF for every subcontract to be issued on the contract and remit same to NCDMB. Tenderer shall ensure that the 1% NCDF for all subcontracts must be priced into the commercial submission to be submi¡ed to the Operator. e. Tenderer shall provide documented evidence (not limited to ownership/rental of administrative office, Land rig unit, Cranes, Cherry Picker, Shale Shaker, Mud Cleaner) demonstrating presence in Nigeria for the execution of the work scope.

5.0 CLOSING DATE Only Tenderers who are registered in the NJQS product/ category as at 16:00hrs on 21st August 2025 being the advert close date shall be invited to submit technical bids.

• •

•

6.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION All costs incurred in preparing and processing NJQS prequalification shall be to the contractor’s accounts.

This advertisement shall neither be construed as any form of commitment on the part of Renaissance to award any contract to any company and or associated companies, sub-contractors or agents, nor shall it entitle prequalified companies to make any claims whatsoever, and/or seek any indemnity from Renaissance and or any of its partners by virtue of such companies having been prequalified in NJQS. Renaissance will communicate only with authorized officers of the pre-qualifying companies and NOT through individuals or Agents.

ES/NCDMB/UPD/RAEC-DA-100230/110725/PROVISION OF TWO (2) 10K/ 2000HP DRILLING AND WORKOVER LAND RIGS Visit us on:

h p://raecafrica.com

h ps://www.facebook.com/raecafrica

h ps://twi er.com/raecafrica

Please visit NipeX portal at www.nipex-ng.com for this advert and other information and note that this contract procurement process will be progressed through NipeX system.

33

FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2025 • T H I S D AY

•

1.0 INTRODUCTION Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited hereby announces to interested and prequalified companies an upcoming tendering opportunity for the provision of 15K/ 3000HP drilling and work over land rig units for Renaissance operations. The proposed contract will commence in Q1 2026 and remain active for two years primary duration, followed by a one-year extension options.

Please visit the Nigerian Petroleum Exchange Portal www.nipex-ng.com for further details.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK The scope of work requires the provision of 15K/ 3000HP drilling and work over land rig services to support drilling, completions and well testing operations.

The rig is expected to have the following minimum technical specifications: 1. Constructed not more than 10 years ago or major refurbishment is less than 10 years ago (from January 2025).

2. Depth rating of 25,000 with 5-1/2” Drill Pipe.

3. Draw works capacity of 3000HP 4. Three mud pumps each rated 2200HP, 7500psi WP 5. Hook load capacity of 1,650,000 Lbs. 6. Skidding capacity of 60 with full set back load.

7. Minimum air gap below substructure beams: 46 8. Accommodation for 150 persons minimum (with catering services) 9. Top Drive System (TDS) with the following ratings capacity, 7500psi WP, Minimum Continuous output torque of 40,000 -lbs @ 180 RPM and preferably AC driven with rotary so torque system 10. Solids control package consisting of cu£ings drier, centrifuge and augers with feed capacity of 35MT/hr 11. Minimum mud tank capacity of 5,000bbl 12. Well control equipment rated to 15,000psi WP with valid certificates of conformance.

13. MPD package capable of delivering 2000psi surface back pressure.

14. Provision of Automotive Gas Oil to operate all rig and ancillary equipment, Company equipment, including Company’s third-party equipment (on a reimbursable basis).

15. Auto Catwalk 16. Casing Drive System.

17. Rotary mouse hole 18. WITS data from rig instrumentation 19. Sewage treatment system (Red Fox- Capacity 150 persons) 20. Domestic waste evacuation package 21. 2 x 80T SWL rough terrain mobile cranes and 1 x cherry picker 22. Solids control equipment including 3 x shale shakers, 1 x mud cleaner, 1 x centrifuge 23. Conductor piling capability, including offline piling.

3.0 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS •

•

•

To be eligible for this tender exercise, interested contractors are required to be pre-qualified and LIVE in NJQS Product Category List 3.04.01 Drilling Rigs and Production/ drilling Services in NipeX Joint Qualification System (NJQS) database. All successfully pre-qualified suppliers in this category will receive Invitation to Tender (ITT).

To determine if you are pre-qualified and view the product/service category you are listed for: Open h p://vendors.nipex-ng.com and access NJQS with your log in details. Click on Products/Services Status tab to view your status and product codes.

If you are not listed in a product/service category you are registered with DPR to do business, contact NipeX office at 27b Onyikan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi Lagos with your DPR certificate as evidence for verification and necessary update.

•

To initiate the JQS pre-qualification process, access h p://vendors.nipex-ng.com, click on services tab followed by NJQS registration.

To be eligible, all tenders must comply with the Nigerian Content requirements in the NipeX system.

4.0 NIGERIAN CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

Tenderers are to demonstrate strict compliance with the provisions of Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry Content Development Act and also provide the following requirements: a. Demonstrate that entity is a Nigerian registered company with greater than 51% Nigerian Shareholding. Submit certified true copies of CAC forms 10, 02 & 07 (or its equivalent; CAC 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, etc.) including company memorandum & article of association and/or evidence of entity’s incorporation, shareholding & ownership structure in Nigeria. b. Tenderers shall provide evidence category 1, 2, 3 and 4 NCEC for Services and Support (SS) group NCEC or NCDMB NCRC Rig Certificate, demonstrating ownership of Land rig Unit to be utilized in the execution of the work scope. c. Provide evidence of what percentage of your key management positions is held by Nigerians and what percentage of the total work force are Nigerians. Also, show overall percentage of work to be performed in Nigeria and those by Nigerian resources relative to total work volume d. Tenderer shall (via a le£er of undertaking utilizing its le£er headed paper) commit to: (failure to provide this undertaking le£er will constitute a fatal flaw).

1. Complying with the latest approved version of NCDMB HCD guideline to providing Project- specific training, man-hour, budget, skill development and understudy plan for Nigerian personnel utilizing OGTAN registered trainer(s) or other approved NCDMB training institution(s).

2. In line with the NOGICD Act, deduct 1% NCDF for every subcontract to be issued on the contract and remit same to NCDMB. Tenderer shall ensure that the 1% NCDF for all subcontracts must be priced into the commercial submission to be submi£ed to the Operator. e. Tenderer shall provide documented evidence (not limited to ownership/rental of administrative office, Land rig unit, Cranes, Cherry Picker, Shale Shaker, Mud Cleaner) demonstrating presence in Nigeria for the execution of the work scope.

5.0 CLOSING DATE Only Tenderers who are registered in the NJQS product/ category as at 16:00hrs on 21st August 2025 being the advert close date shall be invited to submit technical bids.

6.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • •

•

All costs incurred in preparing and processing NJQS prequalification shall be to the contractor’s accounts.

This advertisement shall neither be construed as any form of commitment on the part of Renaissance to award any contract to any company and or associated companies, sub-contractors or agents, nor shall it entitle prequalified companies to make any claims whatsoever, and/or seek any indemnity from Renaissance and or any of its partners by virtue of such companies having been prequalified in NJQS. Renaissance will communicate only with authorized officers of the pre-qualifying companies and NOT through individuals or Agents.

ES/NCDMB/UPD/RAEC-DA-100224/110725/PROVISION OF TWO (2) 15K/ 3000HP DRILLING AND WORKOVER LAND RIGS Visit us on:

h p://raecafrica.com

h ps://www.facebook.com/raecafrica

h ps://twi er.com/raecafrica

Please visit NipeX portal at www.nipex-ng.com for this advert and other information and note that this contract procurement process will be progressed through NipeX system.

34

T H I S D AY • FRIday, AUGUST 8, 2025

business/MOnEYGUIDE

‘Capital Markets Registrars Not Responsible for Unclaimed Dividends’ Kayode Tokede

Capital Market Registrars, has faulted reports that it is responsible for unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market, calling on key stakeholders and investing public to work together in good faith to build a more transparent, inclusive, and responsive system as against pointing fingers at registrars.

This was the view of Chief Executive Officer, Capital Market Registrars, Mr. Jonathan Eborah while reacting to the growing public concern on unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian Capital Market.

In his words, “the recurring problem of

unclaimed dividends though cast a shadow over the credibility of the capital market, with many retail investors expressing frustration at the role of registrars but blaming registrars exclusively oversimplifies a much broader and more complex issue” While noting that registrars are just one part of a broader value chain that includes stockbrokers, issuing companies, banks, and regulators. Holding them solely responsible ignores the collaborative nature of capital market operations, he continued.

While listing factors responsible for dividends often remaining unclaimed such as, multiple accounts created with different

names or pseudonyms, shareholders’ failure to update bank details or contact information, estate complications after the death of shareholders, delays by banks in validating dividend mandates and general investor ignorance about claim procedures Eborah said such unclaimed dividends are a product of systemic challenges, not merely the inefficiencies of registrars.

Commenting on the most criticised aspects of the dividend claim process which is identity verification, Jonathan Eborah explained that registrars rely on Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identity Number (NIN), and signature verification to verify claims.

Nigeria Targets Power Quality Issues at Electric Conference Mary Nnah

Nigeria’s industrial sector faces significant challenges due to poor power quality, which hinders growth and development.

The country’s power grid struggles with inefficiencies, outdated infrastructure, and frequent failures, resulting in substantial economic losses. To address this issue, the Electric Power Quality Conference 2025 was held at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Lagos recently.

The conference showcased cutting-edge technological solutions designed to mitigate the costly impact of bad power

on sensitive electronic and industrial equipment.

The conference marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s industrial landscape, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to address the issue of poor power quality while also discussing cutting-edge solutions.

According to Managing Director of Asprinox Power, Mr. Tim Chima, “We are not just protecting machines, we are preserving investments and enabling companies to unlock new revenue potentials.”

His emphasised the growing importance of high-performance power

conditioning systems in driving industrial productivity.

Hosted under the theme, “Maximising Industrial Electronic Investment Through High-performance Protection System,” the conference featured live demonstrations of power quality instrumentation, giving attendees hands-on exposure to tools shaping the future of industrial energy management.

Top-tier solutions from companies like TSiPower and Energy Control Systems took centre stage, highlighting the potential for Nigerian businesses to convert vulnerabilities into opportunities.

IWG Targets Entrepreneurs and Multinationals with 10 New Workspaces Funmi Ogundare

International Workplace Group (IWG), is set to double its presence in Nigeria by opening 10 new state-of-the-art centres by December 2025, bringing its national footprint to 20 locations across Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, and Kano.

The expansion according to its Chief Executive Officer and founder, Mark Dixon, reflects growing business confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects and a surging demand for flexible and hybrid work models.

“The announcement also marks IWG Nigeria’s first portfolio deal, signed with Alternative Bank, a subsidiary of Sterling Bank, to open four new HQ-branded centres as part

of a multi-site agreement.

“Our expansion in Nigeria comes at a time when more and more companies are discovering that flexible and platform working is incredibly popular with employees, improving their work-life balance and satisfaction,” said Dixon, “Nigeria is a fantastic place for us to boost our expansion plans.”

IWG’s growth in Nigeria, he said, follows a recordbreaking year globally, with the company signing 899 new locations and achieving its highest-ever revenue, EBITDA, and cash generation in 2024.

“The new centres will add 4,780 square metres of rentable space and will open between July and December 2025 across Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, and Kano,” the CEO stated,

adding,”These additions aim to serve a growing client base of entrepreneurs, start-ups, and multinational firms across diverse sectors, including finance, technology, oil and gas, agriculture, and creative industries.

“The organisation’s continued investment, Dixon said, is supported by data showing the benefits of hybrid work models. A recent study

by IWG and workplace consultancy Arup found that hybrid working can boost productivity by up to 11 per cent, potentially adding $566 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Flexible workspaces are projected to make up 30 per cent of all commercial real estate globally by 2030”, he stressed.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) Month

NOVEMBER

Money Supply (M3)

108,966,480.44

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

19,796.18

Money Supply (M2)

108,946,684.26 72,672,756.90

-- Narrow Money (M1)

36,273,927.36

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,652,527.74

---- Demand Deposits

31,621,399.62

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

17,347,112.78

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

91,619,367.66

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

115,576,757.67

---- Credit to Government (Net)

39,616,629.91

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

75,960,127.77

--Other Assets Net

12,147,461.96

Reserve Money (Base Money)

30,871,571.25

--Currency in Circulation

4,878,125.22

--Banks Reserves

25,993,446.02

--Special Intervention Reserves

278,860.37 • Source - CBN

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

November

Inter-Bank Call Rate

28.88

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

27.50

Treasury Bill Rate

18.00

Savings Deposit Rate

6.56

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.48

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.53

6 Months Deposit Rate

12.13

12 Months Deposit Rate

14.22

Prime Lending rate

18.39

Maximum Lending Rate

31.06

NSE CAP

NSE MARKET INDEX % Change

0.75%(52%YoY)

• Monetary Policy Rate - 27.50%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE As At 6TH JANUARY , 2025

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $76.18 a barrel on Monday, compared with $75.89 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

35

T H I S D AY • FRIday, AUGUST 8, 2025

mARKET NEWS

H1: United Capital Grows Revenue by 57% to N23.76bn Kayode Tokede

United Capital Plc, has once again demonstrated its market leadership with the release of its unaudited financial results for half year (H1) ended June 30, 2025, showing remarkable growth across key financial indicators.

The leading Pan-African investment bank and

financial services group, reported N23.76billion revenue in H1 2025, about 57 per cent yearon-year growth from N15.15 billion reported in H1 2024. The group declared a Profit Before Tax of N13.79 billion in H1 2025, about 52 per cent incerase over N9.06 billion reported in H1 2024, while Profit After Tax reached

P R I C E S MaiN Board

F O R DEALS

N11.89 billion, marking a 54per cent year-on-year increase from N7.74 billion declared in H1 2024.

Shareholders’ Funds also closed June 2025 at N166.91 billion, a growth of 25 per cent from N133.50 billion reported in 2024 financial year to reinforce investor confidence in the Group’s long-term

S E C U R I T I E S Market Price

quantity traded

outlook.

Following this solid performance, United Capital has declared an interim dividend of N5.4 billion (0.30 per 50 kobo ordinary share).

This half-year result builds on a consistent five-year growth streak from the Group.

Since H1 2020, United Capital’s profitability

T R A D E D

value traded ( N )

MaiN Board

A S O F

has surged by over 522per cent, rising from N1.91billion in H1 2020 to N11.89 billion in H1 2025, while revenue has also grown significantly from 4.45 billion to N23.76 billion.

This performance demonstrates United Capita’s resilience and ability to deliver value year after year, despite

shifting economic conditions.

During the Group’s Investor Call held yesterday in Lagos, Group Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Plc, Mr. Peter Ashade commented on this performance said, “We are pleased to report that we ended the first half of the year on a strong and positive note.

AU G U ST / 7 / 2 5 DEALS

Market Price

quantity traded

value traded ( N)

This

Weekend FRIday, August 8, 2025

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

07010510430

TR

N

Weekly Magazine UTH

& R E ASO

On a Shared Mission to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, Lois Ihwo and Obinna Iyiegbu Lead the Wellness Drive with Vaib Juicer

Friday, AUGUST 8 • T H I S D AY

37

Cover

On a Shared Mission to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, Lois Ihwo and Obinna Iyiegbu Lead the Wellness Drive with Vaib Juicer

Amid growing concern over Nigeria’s rising dependence on sugary drinks and processed foods, a fresh wave of health-conscious advocacy is beginning to emerge. With obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle-related diseases on the rise, the call for more natural and nutritious dietary options has never been more urgent. Responding to this silent health crisis, two influential entrepreneurial figures, Lois Andrew Ihwo, CEO of Dee Utensils and businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, have joined forces to promote a shift in how Nigerians think about wellness. Their partnership led to the unveiling of the Vaib Slow Juicer, a sleek kitchen device designed to encourage fresh juice consumption as a healthier alternative to sugar-laden beverages. More than just a product launch, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that this collaboration signals a sharedmissiontoputhealthierchoiceswithinreachofeverydayNigerians,oneglassatatime

Lois Andrew Ihwo, CEO of Dee Utensils and businessman Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana) showcasing the goodness of the Vaib Slow Juicer

N

L-R: Ihwo, Iyiregbu and PR Consultant, Alex Nwankwo

igeria is grappling with a silent but widespread health crisis driven by excessive sugar consumption.

From carbonated drinks to heavily sweetened snacks, sugary substances have become a regular part of daily life, especially in urban centres and among young people.

This unchecked intake is contributing to a surge in lifestyle-related illnesses Ihwo, Iyiegbu and his sisters celebrating the wellness partnership including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, while public with influential personalities in described the Vaib Slow Juicer as awareness of the long-term health attendance. an ideal tool for anyone eager to risks remains low.

Speaking at the launch, Obi experience a magical turnaround In many homes and schools, soft Cubana expressed his delight at in their health. “Especially with drinks have replaced water as the the positive reception the juicer has regards to consuming healthy juice default refreshment. Roadside kiosks received, describing it as the first drinks,” he said, “this should be and supermarkets alike are filled with a of its kind in the Nigerian market. your number one choice.” dazzling array of sugar-laden products, “I’m happy to be here today for He also took a moment to most of which lack clear nutritional this epoch making event. I have commend Lois Andrew Ihwo for labelling. Across socio economic divides, no doubt that this product will be her resilience and commitment Nigeria’s dietary culture has shifted well received and appreciated by to quality. “She has protected towards convenience over caution, and all stakeholders,” he said. her reputation with good quality sweetness over sustainability.

“Vaib Slow Juicer is necessary products,” he noted. for maintaining a healthy living.

A Partnership with Purpose Too much intake of carbonated A Broader Mission to Promote It is against this backdrop that drinks is destroying the health Wellness new initiatives aimed at encouraging of our people. That’s why we In her remarks, Ihwo, who healthier consumption patterns are introduced this product, so that thanked Obi Cubana for his support beginning to emerge. One such effort is you can make your own more and faith in her brand, assured that the collaboration between businessman natural drinks from the comfort she would not take the partnership Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as of your home,” he added. for granted, just as she described the Obi Cubana, and entrepreneur Lois The message is timely. Nigeria Vaib Slow Juicer as a “game changer” Andrew Ihwo, the Chief Executive is ranked among the highest in the effort to bring healthy living Officer of Dee Utensils. Together, consumers of soft drinks in to people’s doorsteps. they have unveiled a new lifestyle Africa, with millions of litres She said the new product was product, the Vaib Slow Juicer, as part consumed each day. The long term part of her company’s broader of a shared mission to promote health implications are already being felt, mission to ensure that Nigerians, conscious living. especially among young adults. including both middle and low A leading brand in household items For a country facing high rates of income earners, could access tools and kitchen utensils, Dee Utensils poverty and a fragile healthcare that promote wellness. “This is not recently introduced the Vaib Slow Juicer system, prevention through just about lifestyle; it’s about creating in collaboration with Cubana Group. lifestyle change is increasingly access to better choices,” she added.

The product was officially unveiled critical.

During the launch, Ihwo led on 4th August, 2025 at the Kokkies Obi Cubana, who purchased guests on a tour of the company’s Mall Plaza, Abuja, located at Ademola ten units of the new product at warehouse to showcase other Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse 2. The the launch, encouraged others luxury items on display. Residents event drew an impressive turnout, to embrace healthier living. He of Abuja who attended were

treated to a live demonstration of the juicer, which was used to prepare fresh juice from natural fruits sourced locally.

The event concluded with a giveaway session in which guests who could explain the concept behind the product received prizes, including the Vaib Slow Juicer and other Dee Utensils products.

A Healthier Future, One Glass at a Time For many in attendance, the event was more than just a product launch. It was a call to action, a moment that underscored the importance of lifestyle change in a country at risk of becoming overwhelmed by preventable diseases linked to diet.

The pandemic of excessive sugar consumption may not command headlines the way other public health threats do, but its effects are far reaching and deeply embedded. From rising healthcare costs to reduced quality of life, the consequences of inaction are becoming harder to ignore.

Initiatives like the Cubana and Ihwo collaboration offer a refreshing reminder that solutions often begin with education, access, and simple tools like a juicer that enable people to take control of their health, one glass at a time.

Honour for Durable Impact For Ihwo, the impact she has made in the delivering luxury kitchenware industry products was recently recognised as she was honoured as one of the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons at the 2025 Leadership and Business Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 4 to 6.

Organised by 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, the event celebrated individuals promoting peace, nation-building, and excellence across various fields.

38

Friday, AUGUST 8 • T H I S D AY

news

NavyCaptainOlubolade’sPassingaNationalLoss,Says Rear Admiral Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd), describing him as “an extraordinary senior naval officer and visionary administrator” whose life of service left an indelible mark on both the military and the nation.

In a personal condolence message, Rear Admiral Olugbode reflected on his time as Aide-de-Camp to Captain Olubolade during the latter’s tenure as Military Administrator of Bayelsa State between 27 June 1997 and 9 July 1998.

“It is with profound grief that I write this condolence message, occasioned by the sudden passing of Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd),” he stated. “As his former Aide-de-Camp, who worked closely with him, I can attest that his transition represents the loss of an extraordinary senior naval officer and visionary administrator who profoundly influenced national prosperity and the development of human capital not only within the Nigerian Navy, his primary constituency, but across the nation at large.”

Captain Olubolade was appointed Military Administrator of Bayelsa State shortly after its creation in 1996.

Rear Admiral Olugbode praised his former boss for providing leadership

Late Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd)

in the early, challenging days of state-building.

“Captain Olubolade led the newly created state through its formative years, establishing foundational structures that would serve successive administrations long after his tenure,” he said.

“In my role as his Aide-de-Camp, I gained deep insight into his leadership philosophy—centred on hard work, loyalty, integrity, selfless service and humility. He embodied visionary leadership, decisive action, and unwavering commitment to public trust and capacity building.”

Rear Admiral Olugbode also highlighted the late officer’s cultural sensitivity and efforts to promote unity among the diverse communities in Bayelsa. He recalled the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture on 4 May 1998, an institution that has since become “a repository of the culture, time-tested values, and worldview of the Ijaw ethnic nationality.”

“Captain Olubolade’s life was a shining example of vision, integrity, dedication to service, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he added. “It is especially worthy of note that he was committed to preserving Ijaw heritage and fostering unity among its diverse communities.”

After retiring from the Navy in 1999, Captain Olubolade continued in public service, holding several ministerial roles under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

These included appointments as Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, and Minister of Police Affairs.

“These appointments not only reflected confidence in his administrative capabilities and his integrity,” Rear Admiral Olugbode noted, “but also demonstrated that his core principles were relevant and needed in both military and

democratic dispensations.”

In his closing remarks, the Hydrographer of the Federation paid tribute to Captain Olubolade as a family man and national icon.

“As we mourn the passing of my former boss, a father, grandfather, devoted husband, and national icon, may his soul rest in perfect peace, and may the entire family find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy of service and integrity will continue to inspire and guide us all.”

Meanwhile, the burial arrangements for Captain Caleb Olubolade, who passed away at the age of 71, started with Night of Praise and Testimonies held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Asterwood Hall, Knightdale Middle College, Apapa, Lagos.

The Candle Light Service held on Saturday, 2nd August 2025 at Tamandu Barracks, Apapa, Lagos while the Service of Songs will take place on Friday, 8th August 2025 at 4:00 p.m., at St. John Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island.

The Burial Service will be held on Saturday, 9th August 2025 at 10:00 a.m., also at St. John Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island.

While Interment follows at Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, the reception of guests will take place at the Admiralty Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard Limited, Wilmot Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Crown Flour Mill Signs Culinary Icon, Ify Mogekwu, as Brand Ambassador for Supreme Semolina Crown Flour Mill (CFM) Limited, the wheat milling and pasta business of Olam Agri in Nigeria, has officially named celebrated culinary expert and global food influencer Ify Mogekwu as the brand ambassador for its flagship product, Supreme Semolina.

CFM unveiled the partnership at a high-profile event on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at its Tin Can facility in Apapa, Lagos. Ify Mogekwu, the founder of Ify’s Kitchen, inspires over 7 million food lovers globally with her bold, feel-good Nigerian and African recipes.

She is a two-time Gage Award winner for Food Vlogger of the Year (2023 & 2024) and a YouTube Black Voices Creator, known for her vibrant storytelling and

L-R: Bola Adeniji, General Manager and Head of Marketing at Olam Agri Nigeria; Chief Bolaji Anifowose, Peace Broker of the Master Bakers Association of Lagos; Ify Mogekwu, the founder of Ify’s Kitchen; Nitin Mehta, Managing Director and Business Head at CFM; HRM Eze (Dr.) Vitus U. Kasa, Okwadike Assa II of Assa Kingdom, Ikeduru, Imo State; Alhaji Yahaya Fufore, Dangaladima and Council Member of Fufore Emirate, and Siddharth Suri, Vice President and Business Head at CFM, during the crowning of Ify Mogekwu as Supreme Semolina Brand Ambassador, in Lagos, recently

culinary innovation.

The event also featured a unique cultural moment: the ceremonial crowning of Ify Mogekwu as brand ambassador, symbolising her alignment with the values of Supreme Semolina.

Three distinguished personalities carried

out the crowning: HRM Eze (Dr.) Vitus U. Kasa, Okwadike Assa II of Assa Kingdom, Ikeduru, Imo State, Chief Bolaji Anifowose, Peace Broker of the Master Bakers Association of Lagos, and Alhaji Yahaya Fufore, Dangaladima and Council Member of

Fufore Emirate.

This powerful gesture highlighted the cultural significance and national appeal of the brand, affirming Supreme Semolina as a product that transcends ethnic boundaries and unites consumers through quality, trust, and tradition.

The announcement follows the successful relaunch of Supreme Semolina in late 2024. The product now offers enhanced texture, extended shelf life, and an improved cooking experience, reflecting Olam Agri’s commitment to quality, nutrition, and affordability for Nigerian families.

Siddharth Suri, Vice President and Business Head at CFM, shared his excitement, “At Olam Agri, we believe food is about more than sustenance, it’s about culture, connection, and wellbeing. Ify’s passion for quality and authenticity mirrors our mission.

This partnership is a natural fit as we work together to enrich the everyday dining experience and deepen our impact across homes in

Nigeria.”

Nitin Mehta, Managing Director and Business Head at CFM, emphasised the strategic importance of the collaboration, “This is not just a brand endorsement, it’s a purposeful alliance.

Ify’s voice brings both relatability and authority. Supreme Semolina represents the best in innovation, fortified with essential nutrients and crafted for exceptional taste and texture. Together, we’re promoting good food, good health, and a stronger food system.”

Ify Mogekwu expressed her pride in joining the Supreme Semolina story, “Being named brand ambassador is a true honour.

Supreme Semolina embodies everything I believe in: quality, consistency, and nourishment.

39

THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025

NEWS

COURTESY VISIT OF N-HYPPADEC MANAGEMENT TO NEMA...

L-R: Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Mr. Pam Jidauna Davou; Director, Legal Services, N-HYPPADEC, Khadeejah Ibrahim Jikantoro; Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar; Managing Director, N-HYPPADEC, Dr. Jimoh Haruna Gabi and Director, Operations, N-HYPPADEC, Engr. Iliyasu Wara, during the courtesy visit of the N-HYPPADEC management to NEMA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday

Rewane: Govt Operates Nigerian Airports at Huge Cost, Advocates Facilities’ Concession Onyema says stigmatisation of Nigeria responsible for high insurance premium paid by airlines

Chinedu Eze

The CEO of Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, has said the federal government spends outrageous amounts of money to run Nigeria’s airports which processes less than 15 million passengers per annum and advocated concession of the

airports to the private sector under the PPP arrangement.

This is just as the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, said that Nigerian airlines pay high insurance premium on aircraft and high prices on aircraft leasing because of country risk, as Nigeria is designated a high-risk

country, a designation he described as stigmatization.

Meanwhile, Rewane who spoke at the annual conference of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents yesterday in Lagos, made comparisons on the cost of operating airports in different parts of the world and said that the money

spent on the operation of the airports in Nigeria is not justifiable, considering the passenger throughput recorded by these airports.

He expressed concerns that Nigeria continues to spend billions on airports operations but the air traffic continues to decline and this is not in line with the airport

Odu’a Group: Lagos Airport Hotel to Boost Nigeria’s Hospitality Landscape with Unveiling of Harold Block Sunday Okobi

The board and management of Lagos Airport Hotel Limited (LAHL), a subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), have stated that with the inauguration of its iconic Harold Block Rooms in Lagos, Nigeria’s hospitality landscape has received a major enhancement within and globally.

The leaders of the hotel and its parent company, the OICL, described the feat as a significant milestone in their journey to restore the hotel to its well-deserved

place of pride in Nigeria’s hospitality industry.

While reeling out the history of the Lagos Airport Hotel briefly, the OICL Group Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, disclosed it was founded in 1942 by a British proprietor, Mr. Joseph Harold, as a modest five-room establishment under the name Grand Hotel Lagos, adding that: “In 1956, it was renamed Ikeja Arms Inn, a nod to its location and an evolving identity.”

At the unveiling of the Harold Block in the

premises of the hotel yesterday in Lagos, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Lagos Airport Hotel Limited (LAHL), Prince Oyeleye Fasua, disclosed the renovation of rooms and corridors in the Harold Block was not merely a facelift; “it is a clear expression of our renewed commitment to service excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.

“Therefore, today marks a significant milestone in our journey to restore the hotel to its well-deserved

place of pride in Nigeria’s hospitality landscape.

“This successful project is a testimony to the power of collaboration and shared vision across the Odu’a Investment Group.

“We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of our parent company, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, for funding and backing this important intervention.”

operations expenditures.

According to him, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos (Nigeria) processes 6.5 million passengers annually and spends 1.75bn dollars to run the airport; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX, USA) processes 76.5 million passengers and spends 3.5 billion dollars; Heathrow Airport, London (UK) processes 83.9 million passengers and spends 15.6 billion dollars.

Rewane noted that despite the high cost of running the airports in Nigeria, the country still has obsolete and inadequate infrastructure at the airports, disclosing that Nigeria’s aviation sector lost $3.5 billion in revenue between 2020 and 2022 due to poor airport infrastructure.

The financial analyst also said the domestic air travel market is shrinking due to lack of capacity, noting that out of 23 active domestic airlines in Nigeria, only five

airlines control 75 percent air traffic locally and added that domestic passenger traffic declined for the 2nd straight year to 11.5million in 2024, and air transport sector contracted by 0.81 percent in first quarter of 2025, the 6th consecutive quarterly decline.

According to him, Nigeria has 32 airports, only 20 were considered viable in 2024, and 92-96 percent of traffic flows through just four airports.

Rewane who spoke on ‘Aviation Financing in Nigeria: Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,’ said the Nigerian aviation sector is in need of consolidation and a need for a competitive hub system, preferably in Lagos, then Abuja.

“We need very strong and effective regulation for safety; concessions and PPPs should be prioritized for airport upgrades to aid national fiscal sustainability and avoid inefficient operations.

WAEC Temporarily Withdraws 2025 WASSCE Results Over Technical Glitches

candidates in key subjects may have impacted the acOgundare including Mathematics, curacy of the released results.

Practicing Architect, Ayodeji Ajayi Appointed to Funmi The West African Examina- English Language, Biology, “As a responsive and tions Council (WAEC) has and Economics. professional body, we have Africa Urban Health CoP Steering Committee temporarily withdrawn “The issue was traced to a taken immediate steps to Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Nigeria’s position in Africa’s urban health space has received a boost with the appointment of a practicing architect, Dr. Ayodeji Ajayi, to the Steering Committee of the Africa Urban Health Community of Practice (CoP).

The term of the appointment runs from November 2024 to

November 2025. Dr. Ajayi, an architect with extensive experience in healthy urban design, was selected through a competitive process that evaluated his academic contributions, policy engagement, and leadership in promoting health equity and sustainable development in Africa.

Dr. Ayodeji Ajayi, a distinguished architect who

was appointed to the Africa Urban Health CoP is a joint initiative of Urban Better and the International Society for Urban Health (ISUH).

It brings together researchers, policymakers, NGOs, private sector actors, and community leaders across Africa to promote action-oriented knowledge that informs policy and practice in urban health.

access to the 2025 WASSCE results released earlier this week, following the discovery of technical issues during an internal review.

Moyosola Adesina, Acting Head of Public Affairs, in a statement, explained that the glitch affected results from the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school

new security measure; paper serialisation, introduced to curb examination malpractice.”

She stated that the serialisation method, modeled after practices already in use by other national examination bodies, was implemented for the first time this year.

However, a post-release audit uncovered bugs that

correct the anomalies,” she stated, adding that access to the result checker portal has been temporarily suspended.

Affected candidates, the acting head of public affairs, noted, are advised to re-check their results after 24 hours, during which time WAEC will resolve the problem with urgency and transparency.

40

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025 • THISDAY

NEWS

COURTESY VISIT ON THE SENATE PRESIDENT BY AFRICA SPORTS MANAGEMENT...

L-R: Chairman/CEO, Africa Sports Management, Hon. Prince Kolawole; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Abdul Ningi; and Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparation, Ned Nwoko, during a courtesy visit on the Senate President by the management of Africa Sports, … recently in Abuja

FG Moves to Bridge Gap in Testing for Tuberculosis As First Lady commissions diagnostic machine at Dutse PHC in Abuja

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

As the federal government intensifies effort at closing the gap in the number of undetected tuberculosis cases in the country, wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday unveiled new tuberculosis diagnostic machines and X-ray equipment at the Dutsen Makaranta Primary Healthcare Centre in Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja.

The instrument known as the Rapid Molecular Diagnostic Machine which is AI-driven will ensure delivery of timely, accurate, and accessible diagnosis to the communities.

Speaking at commissioning ceremony Mrs. Tinubu who was represented by the wife of Kwara State governor, Dr. Olufunke Abdulrazaq, said the provision of the rapid diagnostic machines was part of her commitment when she

donated an additional N1 billion through the renewed hope initiative to further support the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria.

She said the diagnostic machines will be deployed across Nigeria to enhance rapid, accurate TB detection, especially in underserved areas, so they can help break the dangerous chain of transmission by ensuring that those infected are quickly diagnosed and placed on treatment.

She urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in mobilizing domestic resources for the elimination of tuberculosis in Nigeria.

She said: “I am pleased to say again that this pledge has been translated into reality. Tuberculosis is curable, but far too many Nigerians are still dying from TB not because there is no technology to detect the disease, but because access to the appropriate diagnostics tools is limited.

“But by the grace of

God, this is the gap that the Renewed Hope Initiative with support of other stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is trying to bridge this gap. This is why today’s commissioning is so significant.

“It is important to say that Nigeria requires not only

The dreams of three young Nigerian girls for better education brightened as the former vice president, Atiku Abubukar, awarded them scholarship.

Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Mohammed Fema, and Khadija Kashim Kalli, all global winners at the recent TeenEagle Global finals, have been awarded a life-changing fully-funded scholarship by the Atiku Abubakar Foundation

(AAF).

This isn’t just an offer for a few months of tuition; it’s a promise to cover their education from now until they graduate from university.

According to a letter from AAF to the girls, the scholarship will fund the remainder of their secondary education and their entire university journey at any institution of their choosing.

For these girls, their achievement at the

and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the machines will help greatly in ramping up test for tuberculosis across the country.

He said the federal government is making steady progress in expanding primary health care, through renewing of the infrastructure in our federal facilities,

incentivizing of health workers and mobilizing our society to ensure that health outcomes get better.

“We are very pleased that in the first three months of 2025 alone, more than 36 million visits were recorded at the primary healthcare centres all over Nigeria,” he said.

FG Inaugurates 100-bed Hospital for Women, Children in Akwa Ibom Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

initiated, constructed and equipped by the Office of The federal government has the Senior Special Assistant to commissioned a 100-bed the President on Sustainable Renewed Hope ‘Mother and Development Goals (OSSAPChild’ Specialist Hospital in SDGs), a statement by the Oko-Ita, Ibiono Ibom Local Special Assistant on Media, Government Area, Akwa Publicity and Strategic ComIbom State, stressing that munications, OSSAP-SDGs, it underscored its renewed Desmond Utomwen, noted.

According to the statement, commitment to quality healthcare delivery and the development marked sustainable development another giant stride in the country’s quest to drastinationwide.

The medical facility was cally reduce maternal and child mortality and expand access to equitable, highquality health services at the grassroots.

The hospital, which will

Atiku Offers Yobe Teenagers Scholarships After Win at Global Competition Chuks Okocha in Abuja

machines and medication, she demands resources, including human, financial, technical and political. I take this moment to emphasize the importance of increasing and sustaining domestic resources in our national TB response.”

In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health

TeenEagle competition was a testament to their hard work.

Now, the scholarship from the AAF is a powerful affirmation of their potential and also a beacon of hope, showing that with dedication and support, dreams can become a reality regardless of a child’s background or social class.

The AAF, the philanthropic arm of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has long been a champion of education in Nigeria.

provide comprehensive maternal, neonatal, and paediatric care to residents of the area and neighbouring communities was commissioned by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.

At the event, Eno commended the President for providing the resources for the construction and equipping of the facility, noting that the hospital would significantly complement his administration’s efforts in delivering affordable and quality healthcare services

across the state.

“Our President understands that health is wealth.

The commissioning of this hospital speaks to the President’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of the people, especially those in rural areas, as well as his resolve to implement Sustainable Development Goal-3 on good health and wellbeing,” the governor said.

Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, described the project as more than just a healthcare facility.

Niger to Revive Rail Transportation, Says Governor Bago

Laleye Dipo in Minna

In a bid to ease the pressure on the roads in some parts of the state, the Niger State Government is to revive rail transportation in parts of the state.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago dropped the hint in Minna while exchanging views with National

Officers of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN at government house.

Bago told the delegation that negotiations has already begun with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, for the reopening of the rail lines from Minna to Beji, Minna to Akere, Minna to Mokwa and Minna to Makera.

A statement on the visit by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that revitalisation of the rail lines will lead to the refurbishment of rail tanks that can be used by members of IPMAN for the transportation of petroleum products to various parts of the state without necessarily using the roads

41

THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025

NEWS

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR SDGS REPORTING THROUGH EFFECTIVE DATA USE...

L-R: Associate Professor of Statistics, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Dr. Taofeek Arowolo; Director, Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Bashir Osen-Ope; Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kaphayeh Olayemi Sarumi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Modupe Ojo; Technical Assistant to the Statistician-General of the Federation, National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria, Shamsideen Lawal; Head of Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Olusola Oyebode; and Head of Data and Statistics, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, Olukotun Owoseni during the building capacity for SDGs reporting through effective data use and advocacy in Lagos, yesterday

INEC Says CVR Exercise to Take Place in 811 Registration Centres Across Country Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday every week, with the Independent National Elec- exception of national public toral Commission (INEC), holidays.

INEC National Comyesterday, revealed that the nationwide Continuous missioner and Chairman, Voter Registration (CVR) Information and Voter exercise would be held in Education Committee, Sam 811 centres spread across 774 Olumekun, in a statement, local government, 36 state, said the commission’s and Federal Capital Territory weekly meeting reviewed (FCT) offices nationwide. preparations for the resumpINEC said the exercise tion of the nationwide CVR would take place between and further update on the

registration of new political parties.

Olumekun said as earlier announced by the commission, the CVR would resume on August 18, with the online pre-registration.

He added that the inperson registration option would follow a week later on August 25, saying the two processes would continue simultaneously for a year until August 30, 2026.

He stated, “The exercise will hold in 811 centres made up of our 774 Local Government, 37 State and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) offices nationwide from 9.00am to 3.00pm (Monday to Friday) every week with the exception of national public holidays.

“For easy identification, the Commission is deploying an online CVR Live Locator to assist citizens locate

Presidency: Tinubu Not Indifferent to Nigerians’ difficulties

istration launched an effort to drive grassroots economic growth and poverty reduction across Nigeria, as President Bola Tinubu approved a ward-level development strategy called the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP).

“This initiative, which was endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC) during its 150th meeting, is part of the president’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims for a $1 trillion economy by 2030.”

Dare explained that malnutrition was a critical national issue and should not be narrowly characterised as a “Northern Nigeria” crisis.

He said Nigeria was responding to global food prices and was on the path to recovery.

The presidential aide stated, “Malnutrition is a serious national concern, but let’s not localise it as a ‘Northern Nigeria’ crisis. Since 2020, COVID has disrupted the global food system, worsened the Russia-Ukraine war, and is now aggravated by conflict in the Middle East.

“According to the World Bank’s April 2025 Food Security Update, over 1.4 billion people worldwide are under food stress, a problem

that is not unique to Nigeria.”

Dare recalled that since 2020, the global food system had been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, further exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and now compounded by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

While debunking the notion that the school feeding programme had fizzled out, the presidential media aide identified the National Home Grown School Feeding programme as a functional scheme still serving over 9.8 million children across 53,000 schools across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He stated, “The National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme serves over 9.8 million children in 53,000 schools across 36 states and the FCT. “Over 200,000 cooks and local farmers are engaged in the programme, which is being digitised for transparency and efficiency. The Federal Government has not abandoned the programme.”

Dare acknowledged that while Nigerians were belttightening, the economic reforms initiated by Tinubu, though challenging, were beginning to produce positive

outcomes.

Outlining facts on global food Price Index 2025, Dare stated that the FAO Food Price Index (June 2025) showed global food prices remained 22 per cent above 2019 levels.

He disclosed that while countries like Kenya, Ghana, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka also struggled with food price inflation, Nigeria, under Tinubu, was actively mitigating this global shock, by rolling out measures, such as State of Emergency on Food Security, Investment of N200 billion in dry-season and all-year farming, as well as Targeted 500,000 farmers for input support in 2025.

He also stated that the Tinubu administration recently launched the National Commodity Board to regulate food price volatility, and introduced transport subsidies to cut logistics costs for food.

Dare condemned Daily Trust’s use of the term “worthless naira” in its editorial, describing it as false and misleading. He emphasised that the naira had not collapsed; rather, it had undergone correction and was now recovering.

He stated, “The editorial’s use of the term ‘worthless naira’ is false and mislead-

ing. Since hitting a low of N1,800/$1 in March 2024, the naira has rebounded strongly due to: Increased oil receipts and remittances, Restoration of investor confidence, Unification of the FX window, Reduction of FX backlog by over $4 billion (CBN data, May 2025).

“As of August 1, 2025, the naira traded around N1,525/$1, a sizable appreciation since its lowest ebb. Nigeria’s FX reserves are stabilising, and foreign portfolio inflows are picking up after major reforms in the monetary and fiscal policy.

“The naira is not worthless — it has found its level and is strengthening. The naira has not collapsed—it has been corrected and is now recovering.”

On the broader safety net, Dare said three million vulnerable households had received N75,000 each under the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer, with plans to scale up to 15 million households.

As of August 7, he said, over 396,000 students had benefitted from NELFUND tuition loans and stipends.

Dare stressed, “The Presidential MSME Grant Scheme has disbursed funds to over 250,000 businesses in

the registration centres nationwide.

“The locator will go live a day to the commencement of the CVR on 17th August 2025 and can be accessed at the following address https://cvr.inecnigeria. org/locator.”

Olumekun added, “Meanwhile, the commission has today uploaded a 38-page document to our website and other official online

platforms indicating the addresses of the 811 inperson registration centres nationwide.

“Similarly, dedicated telephone numbers have been given for each State of the Federation to serve as Help Desk for citizens that require further clarification.”

He explained that the procedure for both the online and in-person registrations remained as in 2022.

2025, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises despite the outcry on CBN interest rates. CNG bus rollout and transport palliatives are reducing urban commuting costs.”

He affirmed that the Tinubu government was responsive, and acting on constructive recommendations, rather than those motivated by personal ambition.

He stressed that the government welcomed suggestions, such as suspending VAT on food items, reducing taxes on drugs and medical equipment, and easing the tax burden on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Dare also stated that the Federal Ministry of Finance, alongside the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, was actively working on implementing many of those measures.

He said, “Starting January 2026, the new tax reforms will streamline over 60 overlapping taxes into fewer, manageable channels.

Eliminate nuisance taxes that burden small businesses. Create exemptions for essential goods, including some food and medical items. Encourage state-federal tax harmonisation to stop multiple taxation.”

He listed other interven-

tions to include, target of 8,809 wards in Nigeria, a programme designed to reach every administrative ward, and ensure that no community was left behind in national development efforts.

He said RHWDP also focused on key development areas, which aimed to serve as a coordinated intervention framework dedicated to poverty alleviation, food security, rural infrastructure, power supply, and job creation.

Key aspects of the RHWDP included the identification and supporting local economic actors, he said.

He explained, “The programme will identify at least 1,000 economically active individuals in each ward and support them in enhancing local manufacturing and business operations. This will generate double-digit growth in most wards as Nigeria progresses towards its $1 trillion economy target.”

Dare stated that the Tinubu administration was not calling for silence amid hardship, but rather urging fairness and a collective commitment to the country’s rebuilding. He emphasised that the president expected all Nigerians and well-wishers to join in this effort, rather than magnifying the difficulties.

42

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025 • THISDAY

NEWS

2025 Almond Insurance Industry Awards...

L-R: Secretary, The 2025 Almond Insurance Industry Awards Panel of Judges, Mr. Obinna Chilekezie; member of the panel, Chief (Mrs.) Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN); Chairman of Panel, Ms. Prisca Soares; Member of the Panel, Prof. Jide Fadun; and Chief Executive Officer, Almond Production Limited, Ms. Faith Ughwode, during the media briefing and unveiling of award nominees and commencement of voting process of the 2025 Almond Insurance Industry Awards held in Lagos ... recently

2027: Olawepo-Hashim Welcomes Atiku, Jonathan, Obi to PDP Presidential Primary Says he’s ready to slug it out with them

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has welcomed the speculated return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 presidential poll, Mr Peter Obi, to the forthcoming presidential primary of the party.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mahmoud, OlawepoHashim welcomed the potential contenders, declaring, “The more, the merrier.”

According to him, “If Jonathan, Atiku, Obi and others wish to contest, they should be welcomed. Let the best ideas and visions emerge through fair compe-

tition. That is how to build a party of the future.”

The presidential aspirant insisted that far from weakening the party, a competitive and transparent presidential primary would reawaken PDP’s legacy as a truly democratic party.

He stated, “The PDP was never meant to be an exclusive club. From day one, it was designed to be a national platform, a big umbrella for all shades of opinion, ideology, and aspiration.”

Reflecting on the party’s formation in 1998, OlawepoHashim recalled how a journalist in the publicity subcommittee, where he served as secretary under the chairmanship of the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, proposed the umbrella symbol, now one of Nigeria’s most iconic political emblems.

He stated, “We had giants of Nigeria’s political class

under one roof. Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Chief Solomon Lar, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Chief Melford Okilo, Prof.

Jubril Aminu, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, and many others, all men who could have been

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASAN) has donated a truck load of food items and household materials to the victims of the recent murderous attack on the agrarian community of Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The items included; bags of rice, beans, maize, groundnut oil, yam tubers, cartons of indomie, spaghetti, tomato paste, sanitary pads,

mattresses and pillows While presenting the items to the management of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp located in Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Chairman of PENGASAN Foundation, Mr. David Owan, said they were touched by the suffering imposed on the innocent farmers by the attack.

According to Owan, PENGASAN Foundation is a humanitarian organisation set up to assist and provide succor to indigent citizens.

sised that it was free and fair internal democracy that gave PDP its strength in its early years, not backdoor consensus or gatekeeping politics.

He hailed the inclusive leadership of the party’s interim chairman at the

time, Chief Solomon Lar, who kept the doors wide open for all.

“Those who feared competition quietly exited the founding process. But we pressed on, and Nigeria benefitted,” the aspirant said.

Police Warn against Special Promotion, Sowore Alleges Brutality in Force’s Custody Atiku, NLC condemn his arrest

Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Linus Aleke in Abuja The Nigeria Police Force, yesterday, warned lobbyists against unwarranted lobbying for special promotion, insisting that it was reserved for operatives, who had demonstrated exceptional

PENGASAN Donates Food, Health Materials to Yelewata IDP Community

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

good president.

“Yet some dropped their initial ambition as things developed, while others went ahead and submitted themselves to a fair contest in Jos in 1999, which Obasanjo eventually won.”

Olawepo-Hashim empha-

Owan said: “On behalf of PENGASAN president, we are here as PENGASAN Foundation to present some food items and household materials to the Yelewata Community taking refuge in the internally displaced persons camp who were victims of the unfortunate incident.

“We came to show our solidarity with the good people of Yelewata. We understood what happened and suffering and challenges the people have passing through.”

tact, brilliance, and integrity in the course of discharging their constitutional duties of law enforcement.

This was as the Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that he was violently assaulted and injured while in police custody in Abuja.

Consequently, former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have condemned the police over the arrest

and alleged brutality against Sowore.

A statement by the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the force had observed with concern the growing wave of lobbying and unofficial requests directed at the InspectorGeneral of Police and the Police Service Commission (PSC) by certain officers seeking special promotions.

This surge, according to the force, was triggered by the misinformation being spread by certain media platforms following the re-

cent approval of accelerated promotions for a number of deserving officers, who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service.

The special promotion has also triggered a uncomplimentary debate in a section of the media, compelling the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to threaten legal action while describing those questioning the legality of the promotion on social media as professional mischief-makers and agents of institutional sabotage.

Diplomat Supports CDS’ Call for Fencing of Nigeria’s Fight to Tackle Illicit Arms Supply

Linus Aleke in Abuja

A retired diplomat, Ambassador Simon Ejike Eze, has thrown his weight behind a proposal by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to fence Nigeria’s northern border with Niger Republic to prevent the infiltration of foreign terrorists through

Niger into the country.

Eze also stressed that the fencing of the nation’s border would not only prevent easy access by criminal elements into the country but also tackle transnational organised crimes and prevent the smuggling of illicit arms and ammunition into the country through the land

borders.

The diplomat-turnedpolitician, who spoke during a chat with THISDAY said, “The thing we need to do is to even begin now to work hard on our borders, if need be, put up a wall like Mexico and America, so that entry and exit into our country will be properly manned by security officers.

43

THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025

NEWS

CAMPAIGN TO STOP THE SPREAD OF HIGHLY TOXIC CHEMICALS IN FOOD...

L-R: Director of Programmes, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Joyce Okeoghene; President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi; Founder of Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria, Mr. Simon Irtwange, during the press briefing of Stop the Spread of Highly Toxic Chemicals in Our Food held in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Obi’s One-term Vow: Politicians Are Known to Break Rules, Says Baba-Ahmed North can’t trust him, ex-ACF secretary adds Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has expressed reservations about the Peter Obi one-term presidency promise, saying politicians are known for breaking rules, and anything is possible.

But former Secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Anthony Sani, said the north could not trust Obi to keep to his promise of one-term presidency.

Baba-Ahmed charged Nigerians to be more critical and make demands from their candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

He told reporters in Abuja, “I have no idea because there are so many permutations and I think politicians are breaking the rules but right now, as we speak, anything is possible in this country.

“I hope that as we get closer to the elections, Nigerians will interrogate every candidate so that they will be specific

in terms of what they want to do about the security of the country, about the high cost of living in terms of the collapse of the independence of education and healthcare.

“I hope Nigerians will press every candidate, irrespective of the party. We need to pin our candidates down and ask for specific promises.”

The former presidential aide urged Nigerians to be careful in picking their president and governors in 2027, insisting that Nigeria needs good

AFC Says Projects It Backed in Nigeria, Others Added $50bn to GDP, Created 7m Jobs

becoming a lead financier in a deal that will boost trade, cut emissions, and serve 9,364 passengers and 3,000 tons of cargo daily. The project once completed will save passengers up to 120 travel hours per year. With over 2,800 local workers already engaged-projected to rise to 6,500 by 2026,” the report stated.

The report also highlighted the establishment of the continent’s largest and fastestgrowing renewable energy platform, Infinity Power, now delivering 1.4GW of clean electricity, and on track to reach 3GW by 2030 – a clear marker of AFC’s leadership in Africa’s energy transition.

“This report is a record of the tangible, large-scale impact we’ve always aimed for—driven by disciplined capital, strategic partnerships, and a focus on outcomes that matter,” said the President & Chief Executive of AFC, Samaila Zubairu.

“From clean energy to industrial ecosystems and regional rail links, AFC’s investments are transforming challenges into opportuni-

ties and unlocking Africa’s potential at scale,” he added.

The report noted that AFC tracked outcomes across 166 projects, drawing from over 250,000 data points validated by a rigorous methodology, with AFC’s development model grounded in its theory of change, prioritising four pillars, including industrialisation, energy transition, regional integration, and digital inclusion.

“Further key cumulative metrics include: $14 billion in capital mobilised; 4.1 million homes connected to electricity; 8.8 million tons of CO2 emissions avoided annually,” it stated.

The report also detailed broad social outcomes, including inclusive employment across gender and age, among significant community-level impacts. For example, AFC mentioned investments in Gabon’s ARISE Industrial Platform, which resulted in 42 per cent female workforce participation.

Women, it said, are employed across manufacturing, services and off-grid energy

sectors, advancing gender equity in traditionally maledominated industries.

Besides, the corporation said its digital inclusion initiatives like M-KOPA, a pay-as-you-go mobile and solar energy finance platform, empowered 1.7 million first-time mobile internet users, while investments in providers like MTN and Airtel have connected over 100 million people to mobile and broadband services.

AFC stated that its model links strategic project development with exit discipline, crowding in private capital once projects are commercially viable.

“As global demand grows for sustainable, high yield investments, AFC’s blended finance model offers a replicable approach to accelerating Africa’s infrastructure development,” it said.

The report concluded with a call to partners, including governments, investors, and development institutions to collaborate in scaling proven models that drive structural transformation, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.

people with the political will to fight for the good of the country.

He stated, “I can’t tell you what they would do when they become president, but my view is that Nigerians should be very careful about who they elect as president and governors in 2027.

“It’s very important because we need good people, honest people, people who have the political will to fight, protect Nigerians, and protect the assets of Nigerians.

“Yes, four years is enough. If you come with a set of ideas that are realistic and relevant to the circumstances under which you govern, you pick a good team to work with you, and you avoid the temptation to seek for power rather than

the capacity to govern, yes, four years is very good.

“It wasn’t by accident that those who drafted the constitution said you have four years then you can come back for another four years.

“Four years is good enough and if you are good enough to seek another mandate, we will measure you on the basis of your first four years, so I don’t have a problem with four years.”

However, Sani said the north could not trust Obi to keep to his words regarding one-term presidency.

He said Obi reserved the right to run for two terms as allowed by the Nigerian constitution.

The ACF secretary stated, “I would say the political

arithmetic is simple. Peter Obi’s pledge to do only one term of four years from 2027 to 2031 is informed more by his desire to seek accommodation by the politics of zoning, which makes it mandatory for the presidency to leave the south in 2031 to the north.

“President Bola Tinubu is the only southerner who has only one term of four years (2027-2031) to go. Any other aspirant is constitutionally allowed to do a maximum of two terms of four years each.

“Naturally, northerners would prefer President Bola Tinubu to Peter Obi due to the term limits for the two of them: Bola Tinubu has only one term left while Peter Obi can do two terms.

August 25 NEC Will Decide on Wike’s Antiparty Activities, PDP Chief, Ogidi, Discloses Says FCT minister can’t serve two masters, alleges he is pushing APC’s agenda

Chuks Okocha in Abuja South-south Zonal Caretaker Committee Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Ogidi, has disclosed that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party would review the activities of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and take a decision next week.

Speaking on Arise News, Ogidi said the party was fed up with Wike’s activities and was ready to make a decision about him.

The minister had in a television interview on Monday given the PDP leadership conditions for

peace to reign ahead of the proposed national convention.

Wike said the South-south zonal congress conducted by his faction and rejected must be recognised by the party as the minimum condition for pace.

He also said the party must reject the South-east zonal congress that produced Ali Odefa and others as leaders for peace to reign.

Reacting, Ogidi said, “PDP is a big family, but I can tell you the NWC will take action on Wike next week, because you cannot serve two masters. I don’t know why the APC is tolerating him, because he is also doing

damage to them with his utterances.

“We have been restraining ourselves, there is no crisis, there are only two legs left – NEC this month and convention. Even if he is starting another crisis, he is on his own but I appreciate his frustration.”

Ogidi said regarding Obi, “He is doing the agenda of the APC, but we have been tolerating him because of his past record. He was very good before. He did a lot. But others have also done so. He has gone too far. I have been managing myself, I don’t want to be emotional, but at times, it is good to say it as it is.”

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NEWSxtra

TACKLING CHILD MALNUTRITION…

L-R: Director, Nursing Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Shola Aketi; Permanent Secretary and CEO, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr. Abiola Idowu; Chief of Staff, Yaba LCDA, Honorable Oladimeji Saheed; Director, Medical Disease Control, Lagos State Health District IV, Dr Oludolapo Sotunde; Group Chief Finance, Investment & Strategy Officer, NGX Group, Mr. Adebayo Opatade; Executive Director, Health Emergency Initiative, Mr. Pascal Achunine, at the official flag-off of Project B.L.O.O.M., a child malnutrition initiative held implemented by HEI in collaboration with NGX Group in Lagos

‘Peter Obi Never Spent Labour Party Funds on 2023 Presidential Campaign’

Chuks Okocha inAbuja

Aformer National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, yesterday debunked the allegation that former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, tampered with party funds during his 2023 presidential

when he joined. campaign.

Oprah insisted that “There was nothing of Obi personally financed such. Mr. Obi never spent his activities and even any money meant for the contributed financially to the party.

According to her, he not Hammed Shittu inIlorin only funded his campaign activities but even helped Academic Staff Union stabilise the party financially of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic, Offa in Kwara State, yesterday, threatened to embark on industrial unrest in the institution over the President of HEWAN, purported holding of Vivian Ihechu, explained the importance of breastfeeding, as Nigeria continues to face challenges with exclusive Sunday Okobi breastfeeding rates despite An organisation known as the proven benefits.

She said: “Since its Renewed Hope Agenda inception in 1992, WBW (RHA) Nigeria yesterday has remained a powerful stated that the leadership platform for advocacy, of Bayo Ojulari, the Group awareness, and action Chief Executive Officer around the critical role of (GCEO) of NNPC Limited, breastfeeding in maternal and child health.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

In commemorating the annual World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has joined stakeholders across the globe to advocate exclusive breastfeeding to reduce infant mortality, enhance cognitive development, and protection against common childhood illnesses.

In a statement, the

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has planned to create 1,500 jobs as it received the second batch of 10 containers equipment.

The latest delivery, comprising 10 containers, was received yesterday, and is part of a total of 50 containers of brewing equipment being imported

the governing council meetings outside the confines of the polytechnic.

Already, the ASUP of the institution has called for immediate cancellation of the council’s meeting currently holding in Lagos or risk industrial unrest.

THISDAY investigations

revealed that the members of the ASUP of the institution have repeatedly kicked against the continuous holding of the governing council board meeting outside the confines of the institution without any positive change.

The union, it was gathered, had claimed that the development has affected the financial burden of the institution in view of the huge amount of funds incurred while holding the meeting outside the Offa community.

Ojulari-led NNPCL Boosting Reforms in Oil, Gas Industry, Says Group has brought a wave of transformation and investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The group disclosed that since taking over the helm of affairs of the company in April 2025, Ojulari has overseen

sweeping reforms aimed at restoring transparency, boosting oil production, and repositioning the national oil company for global competitiveness.

The Programme Director of the group, Dr. Anthony Izuka, in a

statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, described Ojulari as a seasoned engineer with over 34 years of experience, “who has brought deep technical and strategic acumen to his role.

of the state 2026 budget.

The one-day need assessment, which was held simultaneously across the wards yesterday, was aimed at deepening citizens’ participatory budgeting and inclusive governance in the state.

Speaking at a session in Kankara, the state Deputy Governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal, reiterated the state government’s commitment to citizens’ participatory budgeting, accountability and transparent governance.

The Governor Dikko

Umaru Radda-led government’s initiative, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Community Development Programme (CDP) was also designed to bring the government closer to the grassroots.

unelectable aspirants, any of whom he will soundly defeat in the 2026 governorship election.

The aspirants are Senator Iyiola Omisore, Senator Ajibola Basiru, Dotun

Babayemi, Abiodun Oyebamiji, Senator Mudasiru Huseni and others in the race.

Adeleke made the assertion in a statement by his spokesperson,

Mallam Olawale Rasheed in response to critical statements allegedly credited to Senator Omisore and Prince Babayemi over the state of governance in Osun ahead of 2026 polls.

Katsina Collates Citizens’ Needs in 361 Wards for 2026 Budget

Benue Targets Creation of 1,500 Jobs in New Brewery The

George OkohinMakurdi

“In fact, he lifted the by a chieftain of the LP, Abayomi Arabambi, that party from zero level to Obi spent party funds on where it is today,” she added. his campaign.

ASUP Federal Poly, Offa Threatens Strike over Governing Council Meetings

Health Writers Advocate Breastfeeding to Reduce Infant Mortality AyodejiAke

party,” Oparah said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, when asked to react to the allegation

from China for the Food Basket Brewery.

This followed the earlier arrival of 16 containers on July 29, 2025, marking steady progress in the project’s implementation.

The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond AsemakahaCFA, expressed appreciation to the state Governor, Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his continued support.

Katsina State Government has conducted a need assessment and citizens demand collection across the 361 political wards of the state for the formation

‘Omisore, Ajibola,Other APC Aspirants are Unelectable’

Yinka Kolawole inOsogbo

GovernorAdemolaAdeleke of Osun State yesterday said that the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) parades

FRIday august 8, 2025 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS xtra

Gunmen Kill 2, WORLD OF ISLAM Abduct 3 in Kwara A Path to True Wellbeing

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Five suspected gunmen have reportedly killed two and abducted three persons in Ganmu village in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Those killed by the suspected gunmen included Alhaji Abdulrazak Ewenla, a native of Ajia village, and Jimoh Audu from Ganmu, while those abducted are Kazeem Ajide, Wahidi, and Mufutau (surnames of the latter two were yet to be confirmed) and taken

to an unknown location.

THISDAY investigations revealed that the incident happened when the victims were travelling from Lagos to Babanla town when they had a flat tire near Ganmu village.

It was gathered that while the victims were trying to address the mechanical fault of the bus, the suspected gunmen, who were said to have used the bush for cover, later attacked the victims.

During the attack, two persons were reportedly killed while three persons

were abducted and taken into the bush.

Confirming the incident in Ilorin yesterday in a statement issued by the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, he said: “The unfortunate criminal incident occurred on July 31, 2025, where some unknown armed men attacked travelers in Ganmu village, resulting in the death of two victims and the kidnap of three others, the Command has since taken prompt and decisive action.

APC Chieftain Fires Back at Hassan over Anti-Amaechi Comment

BlessingIbungeinPort Harcourt

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Joe KorkaWaadah, has slammed a loyalist of President Bola Tinubu, Alwan Hassan, for his recent alleged ill comment against the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Korka-Waadah, a Canadabased Nigerian politician and political management consultant, stated that the ill comment against Amaechi CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as ENUKEME CHINENYE MAUREEN, now wish to be known and address as ALUFO-ENUKEME CHINENYE MAUREEN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Abodurin Modupe Funmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Adeboye Funmilayo Modupe. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note I, formerly known and addressed as UNYIME NATHANIEL UTIBE, now wish to be known and address as UNYIME UTIBE NATHANIEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Emmanuel Favour Tawa, now wish to be known and address as Muftau Tawa Oyindamola.

All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF

This is to confirm to the general public that the names below: OSUGBA NWACHUKWU BENJAMIN and OSUGBA NWACHUKWU is one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OSUGBA NWACHUKWU BENJAMIN. All former documents remain valid. JAMB, WAEC and the General Public should please take note.

was not born out of a genuine political argument but an unnecessary attack on a man who has in years past proved his commitment to the development of the nation, as a former federal minister, governor and Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly.

Recently on Channels TV’s political programme, Hassan, while discrediting Peter Obi’s interest in the 2027 presidential elections, stated that he would not support Obi nor Amaechi whom he claimed had allegedly been working

under the influence of his wife.

The former Rivers State Governor, Amaechi, had recently, while recounting his success, praised his wife for her unending support to his recorded successes.

But in the Channels TV interview, Hassan alleged that Amaechi had given himself away by saying that he was not in control of his family but was fed by his wife, insisting that a man who depends on his wife to run his family is not worthy of Nigeria’s number one seat.

Clergy Harps on Environmental Hygiene Becky Uba Umenyili

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Minna, Most Rev. Dr. Luka Sylvester Gopep, has called on all Nigeria families to become agents of ecological conversion and avoid blaming government for poor management of waste in the society.

In his address at this year’s family week programme titled, “The Impact of Environment on Family Well-being and Sustainability in the Spirit of Laudato Si,” organised by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Bishop Gopep joined all Nigeria families to practice safe-environmental rules, especially in encouraging

proper waste disposal system from the family level.

Various topics delivered at the programme, laid emphasis on the need for every Nigerian to be ‘ecosystem aware’ and avoid all utilitarian actions where everything is used up for personal gain without due consideration to possible adverse effect on human hygiene and nature in general.

It was stressed that the Bible’s injunction to man to “be fruitful and multiply and dominate the Earth, is not a licence to exploit creation and plunder it” but rather a call for proper cultivation of the work of nature to enhance man’s living standard.

By: Shukran Abd Rahman/IslamiCity Wellbeing is often associated with good health, physical strength, and daily functioning. While these are important, true wellbeing encompasses more than just the physical. It includes mental and emotional stability, meaningful social and relational connections, and spiritual grounding.

Spiritual wellbeing, in particular, involves living with a clear sense of purpose, upholding core values, and nurturing a deep connection with God. When these dimensions are aligned, a person experiences not only personal balance but also inner peace.

In navigating life’s uncertainties and struggles, many oscillate between despair and hope. This could form some kind of emotional turmoil which often stems from individuals’ intense pursuit of worldly possessions and desires.

When individuals could not fulfill the goals or things they desire to achieve or own, they may fall into self-blame, overburden their thoughts, or engage in behaviours that compromise their own wellbeing and that of others. In effect, many are suffering from poor psychological health, particularly if they become too absorbed in the race to accumulate wealth.

In today’s life, personal pleasure, prestige, and the illusion of success have become the priority in life for some people. They do not work for the collective good or a meaningful, sustainable existence, but for their own interest. The obsession for wealth and glory might lead them into hedonistic lifestyle, driven by desires for lust, leisure, and luxury, ultimately distancing them from the true purpose of life.

This can be regarded as the deception of material wealth, an illusion that worldly possessions are the keys to lasting happiness, security, and meaning in life. It reflects the false belief that accumulating wealth is the ultimate goal of life, or that a person’s worth and success are defined by what they own.

Wealth, if not accordingly managed, may distract us from spiritual growth, inner development, and responsibility toward others. Wealth may also erode our awareness of the temporary nature of worldly existence.

The Qur’an vividly captures this in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20) “Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children...”.

This verse warns that being consumed by materialism can lead to arrogance, heedlessness, and ultimately, spiritual loss.

Thus, the deception lies in mistaking what is temporary, for what is eternal, and in seeking fulfillment in things that inevitably fade. In short, if it is not being properly managed, wealth can easily distract individuals from their true purpose in life.

While much has been said about the deceptive nature of material wealth and glory, less attention is given to another subtle form of deception, an act which arises from within religious practice itself. In this context, some individuals, though uninterested in worldly possessions, may become deceived by their own acts of worship. This form of “ghurur” (a spiritual delusion) leads them to equate outward rituals with true piety.

In this state, religious practices risk becoming empty performances, devoid of inner sincerity. Some individuals may also begin to judge or look down on others who do not appear religious, forgetting that true devotion is measured by the heart’s sincerity, not by public display. It is hence essential to note that worship, when done for worldly recognition or self-satisfaction rather than for the pleasure of Allah, loses its essence.

Outward obedience can sometimes conceal inner arrogance. Stated another way, an individual may appear to be a religious, obedient, or morally upright individual on the outside. He or she performs rituals, follows rules, or speaks piously while

inwardly feels superior to others, or lacks sincerity and humility. This spiritual vanity does not bring one closer to Allah, nor does it uplift others. In fact, it contradicts the very spirit of faith, which calls for humility, self-awareness, and compassion.

True righteousness cannot be reduced to rituals alone as spiritual excellence goes beyond simply performing religious rituals like prayer, fasting, or attending religious activities. While rituals are important and prescribed in Islam, they are not sufficient on their own to define a person as truly righteous or pious, if performed merely to gain the approval or admiration of others.

Rituals must be accompanied by sincerity and purpose. Performing rituals without sincerity (ikhlas) or awareness (khushu) may turn them into mere habits or routines.

What matters is the intention behind the act, that is doing it for the sake of Allah, not for public approval or self-satisfaction.

True righteousness includes how an individual treats others, upholds justice, speaks the truth, maintains humility, and shows compassion. Rituals without good character and ethical behaviour are incomplete. Righteousness includes internal transformation, in that the goal of religious practice is to purify the soul, develop self-control, and build a connection with the Divine. If rituals do not lead to spiritual growth or positive change in one’s behaviour, they have missed their deeper purpose.

In this regard, the Qur’an says: “It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah... and gives his wealth in spite of love for it to relatives, orphans, the needy...”(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:177). This verse clearly shows that righteousness involves both belief and action, rituals must be part of a broader life of service, integrity, and God-consciousness.

True righteousness is a holistic combination of belief, worship, character, and ethical responsibility. It’s not just what you do in prayer, but how you live your life between the prayers. It requires a conscious alignment of the heart, intention, and action. It calls us to serve others, reflect deeply, and pursue knowledge that helps us distinguish between truth and falsehood. It encourages us to live purposefully, knowing that life on earth is temporary and inevitably linked to death, and that we will be held accountable in the Hereafter for how we lived this life.

Ultimately, whether through the pursuit of wealth or through the illusion of religious superiority, the “dunya” (world) can deceive.

The challenge, then, is to remain grounded, that is to seek Allah’s pleasure above all, to strive for sincerity in worship, and to let compassion, not ego, define our spiritual journey.

Hence, there are calls on the faithful individuals to be awakened from spiritual complacency, to humble themselves, sincerely repent, and live with greater consciousness of their responsibilities toward others and their Lord, a reminder that Allah makes in verse 16 of verse Al-Hadid. Indeed, men are encouraged to prioritise Allah’s pleasure above all, and to place the wellbeing of others at the centre of their actions.

To live meaningfully in this world, one must enhance knowledge, so they can distinguish clearly between what is right and what is wrong. They should surround themselves with righteous companions, whose company uplifts and guides. They should utilise worldly means as tools to build a better life in the Hereafter, not as ends in themselves.

In conclusion, our wellbeing could increase through our activities on this earth, provided that they are performed with the intention of seeking the pleasure of God, in every task instead of merely to earn a living. We must remain aware that life on earth is temporary and inextricably linked to death.

More importantly, we must remember that we will be held accountable in the Hereafter for how they lived this life.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025 • THISDAY

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Goalkeeper Nnadozie, Coach Madugu Listed for Ballon d’Or Awards Duro Ikhazuagbe

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winning coach, Nigeria’s Justine Madugu, and the Goalkeeper of the Tournament held in Morocco, Chiamaka Nnadozie, have both been short listed for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Madugu made history leading the Super Falcons to record-extending 10th WAFCON title in his first time in charge of the Nigerian senior women’s team.

The Super Falcons Coach was yesterday named in the short list of Women’s Coach of Year along with Sarina Wiegman (England), Arthur Elias (Brazil), Renee Slegers (Arsenal women) and Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea women).

Nnadozie on the other hand, kept a clean sheet at the WAFCON from the Group stage until the Coach Justine Madugu (left) and Chiamaka Nnadozie are listed for the Ballon d’Or 2025 awards semifinal against South of the WAFCON 2024.

Africa.

Year, has now been short from treble-winning Paris Hakimi, Khvicha Kvar- (34 goals, 23 assists); who Nnadozie who is back- listed for the Women’s Saint-Germain have been atskhelia, Nuno Mendes, was named Premier League For her brilliance, she was named Goalkeeper to-back CAF Goalkeeper of Goalkeeper of the Year nominated for the men’s Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz Player of the Season; and award.

Ballon d’Or this year, along and Vitinha are all on the Manchester City striker, She will do battle with the club’s coach Luis list of 30 players nominated Erling Haaland (34 goals, with Hannah Hampton Enrique, as France Foot- on Thursday for the big five assists).

Scott McTominay, who (England), Cara Coll ballannounced its list of prize.

Other nominees include; won Serie A’s Most Valu(Spain), Ann Katrin-Berger nominees.

Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona’s Raphinha (34 able Player and Barca’s (Germany) and Daphane Students from the six South with mentorship and van Domselaar (Holland). Gianluigi Donnarumma, goals, 25 assists); Liver- Lamine Yamal (18 goals, West states of Nigeria are personal development.

Meanwhile, nine players Desire Doue, Achraf pool’s Mohamed Salah 25 assists) made the cut. set to participate in the In a statement released inaugural sports camp by the foundation, prepaorganised by the Wa- rations are in top gear for mufat Youth Community the event, which aims to Development Foundation empower young people (WYCDF), in collaboration through structured sports with the Nigeria School activities, values-based Sport Federation (NSSF). coaching, and wellness The seven-day camp will education. The programme run from August 10 to 16, will bring together coaches, Nigeria and Leicester City finalised following a suc- earlier this week. an optional fourth year, 2025, at the Agroterra Sports games masters, facilitators, midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, cessful medical and personal Ndidi’s contract includes potentially keeping him Complex in Joga-Orile, near and volunteers to instill yesterday completed his terms agreement in Istanbul a three-year base deal with at the club until 2028.

Abeokuta, Ogun State. Over discipline, teamwork, and €9.5million switch to Turkish 600 students and Game healthy living in participants. giants Besiktas.

Masters from Ogun, Lagos, The camp is to teach According to reports from Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo foundational techniques Turkey, Ndidi is expected are expected to take part in in sports such as athletics, to bring his wealth of exthe camp, which combines basketball, football, golf, table perience to bolster Besiktas’ sports training, education tennis, tennis, and Ayo. as they seek to build a formidable squad ahead of next season.

Ndidi is expected to earn €4 million per season, excluding bonuses and image rights. Over the first three The US Open men’s and gone up 20 per cent from years, that amounts to €12 women’s singles winners the $75m awarded last year. million, and should he stay will get $5million each as In comparison, the total for the fourth year, the total part of a total pot of $90mil- prize money at Wimbledon would rise to €16 million. lion in prize money, which this year was £53.5m, with The move also ends the tournament organisers the men’s and women’s Ndidi’s seven-year spell in insisted it is “the largest singles winners getting England, where he became purse in tennis history”. £3m apiece. one of the Premier League’s The amount for the Players who are knocked most consistent defensive eventual singles champions out in the first round at the midfielders. is a 39 per cent increase on US Open will get $110,000 With an image shared 2024 when it was $3.6m, which is an increase of 10 on Soccernet.ng’s social Nigerian international, Wilfred Ndidi, has completed a €9.5million transfer to while the total purse has per cent. media page, the deal was Turkish side, Besiktas...on Thursday

Over 600 Participants Gear up for Maiden Sports Camp in Ogun

Transfer News: Ndidi Completes €9.5m Besiktas Switch

US Open to Offer Biggest Purse in Tennis History

47

THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025

sports

Monimichelle: Nobody Can Blackmail Me over Ugborodo Stadium Project Last Saturday, we published “Ugborodo FIFA Stadium and The Betrayal of Local Content Policy” by Azuka Chiemeka. In this Right of Reply by Ebi Egbe, the CEO of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Company Limited, the contractor at the centre of the ongoing controversy over the non-completion of the stadium, he gave an insight into why the project is stalling, over four years after he moved to site. Excerpts....

I

am Ebi Egbe, the CEO of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Company Limited.

I want to put on record that I have done nothing wrong on the Ugborodo Stadium project. All the noise about my not completing the project is nothing but a poor attempts at blackmailing me to take the project away from me for reasons best known to those at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who are the supervising authorities on the stadium funded by FIFA. If they accept the true valuation of $3.5million dollars of the project reached by both the FIFA and NFF quantity surveyors who went to the site, I am ready to return to site to complete the job. To say that $1.080million would complete it is nothing but a huge joke. Besides, the $500,000 that I have been paid so far do not match the level of work that I have done there so far. Anyone comparing building a stadium on an island over three The abandoned Ugborodo Stadium Project bankrolled by FIFA hours away on the Atlantic Ocean with that of Kebbi State on a plain land, is economical with the truth.

The costs of moving equipment and materials to Ugborodo from Warri, is enough to do almost half the costs of the project in a place like Kebbi. Those who know the costs of hiring boats, barges and tugboats to move materials and equipment and other attendant costs associated with a project in the Niger Delta, will also tell you that valuation of $1million for the job was not a sincere one. Besides, those who know me and the quality of my jobs will attest that there is no way Monimichelle will do such job of artificial turf in 2025 when such pitches that are injurious to the health of footballers are currently being phased out of Europe. Rubber infills are carcinogenic.

First, I want to say that when NFF wrote me that they were terminating the contract, they didn’t follow due process. They went to a third party before reaching me. The sitting terrace done halfway before it was abandoned On this premise, my lawyer gave them 48 hours to reverse the letter and apologize to me. They didn’t.

R I G H T O F R E P LY. . . .

So I have instructed my lawyer to file for an injunction, stopping should know are playing games and it was accessible by road. the NFF or any other person from with me.

I only realized Ugborodo was terminating the contract or engaging They want me to go and finish over 300 nautical miles deep in the any other person or persons from the job when they know that is Atlantic Ocean without any road going to my site to work. I still have impossible. network, on the day of site hand my multimillion Naira equipment That project, as I was made to over. To make matters worse, the there in Ugborodo. I have taken understand, was to be sited in FIFA stadium was sited one metre the matter to FIFA. When I noticed Warri South. Why it was moved to a river that had no embankment. the NFF slacking on variation of to an island in the Atlantic Ocean We had to move the project site 100 the contract after I was tricked with serious consequences for metres away from the river, even into accepting it on the day the construction in such a terrain, at that the site still got flooded. bid was closing, I was made to remains mind boggling.

We had to do land reclamation believe that FIFA has agreed to “I had zero opportunity to visit to safeguard the project. (which the variation of the project but Ugborodo because I was told that was not part of our bill). for whatever reason, those who ‘it was just around Warri town’ Moving the project site 100 metres

Ebi Egbe...CEO of Monimichele Sports Facilities Construction Limited

inward towards land placed the project site on a heap of sand that has 25 per cent slope. The cutting down of the 25 per cent slope took us almost one year, using my company’s earth moving equipment to cut down almost three metres height on 5 acres of land to the required level suitable for construction. All these were also not part of our bill.

Every construction engineer knows the costs of raft foundation in such a terrain. All these were not captured in the costing of the project.

I must admit here that we had series of meetings with FIFA and the

NFF about this Ugborodo project in Abuja. In our last meeting, we resolved that FIFA/ NFF and Monimichelle Sports should appoint independent quantity surveyors to quantify the Ugborodo project.

The FIFA/NFF quantity surveyors and Monimichelle sports quantity surveyors went to Ugborodo to quantify the level of work done by Monimichelle Sports and evaluate the actual project cost.

When the evaluation report came out, Ugborodo project was valued at over $3.5million. We have been sending several mails to the NFF without any reply. This was why we had to write FIFA about our predicament with the Ugborodo project.

I want to state here that, I have never had any issue with any private individual that I have done any project for. The owner of Remo Stars, Dr Kunle Soname is my witness. Go to Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne in Ogun State and see the quality of my job.

As we speak, he has called me back to give him a new turf as his team is going to play CAF tournament there. Monimichelle did the Mobolaji Johnson Arena at Onikan Lagos. It is one of the best pitches around the country.

I have several other jobs around the country with my stamp of authority on them. I have my name that took me years to build with quality jobs to protect. Competitors in the stadium turf construction know we ( Monimichelle) are the best in the country. I will never compromise on quality nor willing to play under-the-table deals.

Maybe that is the reason I am having issues with government jobs that certain individuals want to benefit from.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025

Price: N400

back page lead photograph

DECORATED WITH NEW RANK...

L-R: CPSO to the President, CP Usman Musa Shugaba; Staff to the First Lady, DCP Nonye Welle; First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and ADC to the First Lady, ACP Bello Yakubu after their decoration at the Conference Room of the Office of the First Lady, State House, Abuja, yesterday

DakukuPeterside Open the Archives, Free the Nation O Beneath the Surface

n a humid July morning in 2025, without ceremony or warning, the U.S. National Archives uploaded what might be one of the most significant document releases in recent American history: over 230,000 pages of FBI files on Martin Luther King Jr. It was the kind of quiet bureaucratic event that rarely makes headlines—no red carpets, no televised address, just PDFs and folder names sitting in an online repository, waiting to be read. But what those pages contained was anything but quiet. They were loud with surveillance, filled with the echoes of wiretaps, hotel recordings, unfiltered intelligence reports, and state-sanctioned paranoia. They spoke volumes about an era when a government, fearing the moral clarity of a preacher, used its most secretive powers to try to undermine him.

The files had been sealed since 1977 under court order, initially set for release in 2027, but the Trump administration’s decision to declassify them early accelerated the reckoning. Some viewed it as a bold move for government transparency, while others saw it as a calculated distraction during a period of intense political scrutiny. Either way, what was undeniable was that America had just opened a door to itself—one it had held shut for nearly fifty years. And as the pages began to circulate, so too did the conversations: not just about the past, but about the present. About what democracies owe their people when it comes to truth.

About how states choose between secrecy and disclosure. It was more than a document dump. It was a mirror.

Internal memos detailed surveillance operations that followed King from pulpit to bedroom. Intelligence cables revealed requests to foreign partners to track his movements abroad. Files connected to James Earl Ray, King’s convicted assassin, offered insight into the investigation that followed the tragedy in Memphis, but also highlighted the FBI’s obsession with preserving its narrative. The revelations were not so much about what King did, but about what was done to him.

Among the most jarring discoveries were the deeply personal materials—bugged conversations with Coretta Scott King, salacious allegations of infidelity, and

United States President Donald Trump psychological profiles drawn up to destabilise his credibility. These were not just records of political dissent. They were attempts at character assassination, conducted not by rogue actors but by the most powerful law enforcement agency in the country. The King family, given early access, pleaded for the public to engage the material with empathy.

Their message was clear: transparency must never come at the cost of dignity.

The FBI’s campaign against King was part of the wider COINTELPRO program, which from 1956 to 1971 targeted over 2,000 individuals and organisations deemed “subversive.” This included civil rights leaders, feminists, Native American activists, and even musicians like John Lennon. Within King’s circle alone, there were more than 50 wiretap authorisations and at least 16 FBI informants. A 1964 memo from J. Edgar Hoover directed agents to “neutralise King as a leader,” culminating in the infamous “suicide letter”—a blackmail threat sent to King in hopes of silencing him before he could accept the Nobel Peace Prize.

What complicated matters further was how the release occurred. It wasn’t the result of a scheduled review or the conclusion of a decades-long archival process. It was triggered by a stroke of executive authority—an order signed by President Donald Trump mandating the early release of records on the JFK, RFK, and MLK assassinations.

Some argued it was a victory for openness.

Others saw it as a weaponised form of

disclosure, designed to redirect political heat elsewhere. But regardless of intent, it raised the perennial question: when and how should democratic governments open their archives?

In theory, most democracies have systems in place to ensure this is the case.

The United States applies a 25-year rule for declassification, which is reviewed by agencies and coordinated through the National Declassification Centre. Since 2009, over 1.4 billion pages have been reviewed, with about 550 million fully declassified.

Canada maintains a 30-year rule; the UK reduced its rule from 30 to 20 years in 2013.

Germany went even further with the Stasi Records Act, which opened over 111 miles of secret police files to citizens, over 3 million of whom have requested access to see what the regime knew about them.

And yet, even flawed declassification processes serve a purpose. They offer a delayed form of accountability. They create a paper trail that future generations can follow.

And when handled with care—redacted where necessary, contextualised where possible—they help societies confront their truths, however painful.

Which brings us, inevitably, to Nigeria.

If the U.S. files on Martin Luther King Jr. raised uncomfortable questions, Nigeria’s sealed past practically screams for release.

The Nigerian Civil War, one of the bloodiest conflicts in post-colonial Africa, still lacks a complete, declassified official record. Details about the federal government’s strategies, the humanitarian blockade in Biafra, and the role of foreign powers remain locked in dusty archives or ignored. Scholars rely on oral histories, fragmented documents, and foreign records to piece together a narrative that Nigeria itself refuses to own fully. The death toll is estimated between 1 million and 3 million, with starvation accounting for most of the deaths.

Then there are the assassinations—Dele Giwa, killed by a letter bomb in 1986; Bola Ige, gunned down in 2001; A.K. Dikibo, Marshal Harry, and so many others whose deaths remain cloaked in mystery. Giwa’s assassination was the first and only of its kind in Nigerian history. Ige’s murder, despite 20 arrests, led to no convictions.

Nigerians still speak in hushed tones about the circumstances surrounding MKO Abiola and Yar’adua’s death in detention and the eerie end of Sani Abacha’s rule. The sudden death of President Yar’Adua, and the vacuum it created, was one of the most consequential events of recent political history—yet the official record is riddled with omissions.

Nigeria has endured six successful coups and multiple failed attempts. Each brought new governments, new constitutions, and new secrets. Each left behind documents— memos, security assessments, intelligence briefings—that could provide clarity on how power was seized, and decisions were made.

Yet, these materials remain classified if they haven’t already been destroyed.

More recently, the period between 2013 and 2020 saw mass kidnappings that shook the nation’s conscience—from Chibok to Dapchi to countless unnamed communities.

Over 270 girls were abducted from Chibok, and 110 from Dapchi. Reports suggest that internal government memos and military communications exist detailing response timelines and missed intelligence warnings, but these have never been made public.

Amnesty International reported in 2021 that classified reports on troop movement and delayed response exist but are protected under Nigeria’s Official Secrets Act. Likewise, records related to stolen funds, offshore accounts, and asset recovery remain obscured, depriving citizens of any genuine accountability. Since 1999, Nigeria has recovered more than $3.2 billion in stolen assets; however, no comprehensive public audit has been published.

What Nigeria lacks is not information—it is access to information. There is no clear statutory timeline for declassification, no independent body to review sensitive documents, and no digital infrastructure to democratise information. The National Archives Act of 1992 is outdated, and the Official Secrets Act of 1962 continues to be used to criminalise disclosure. Civil society organisations, such as SERAP, have pushed for reform, but their voices are often drowned out by institutional inertia or political selfinterest.

Continues online

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