MONDAY 28TH APRIL 2025

Sanwo-Olu to Obi: You Fuelled Nigeria’s Poverty, Lack Moral Right to Criticise

Accuses ex-Anambra governor of denigrating country at Johns Hopkins Defends Tinubu’s track record of

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja In a rare intervention, the governor of Lagos state,

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, took on the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election,

Peter Obi, claiming the former Anambra State governor lacks the moral right to talk about poverty in Nigeria.

In a statement he personally signed, titled, “Factually Addressing Mr. Peter Obi's Criticism of Nigeria at Johns

Hopkins University,” SanwoOlu accused Obi of contributing to the current poverty in the country, and alleged that

under him as governor in Anambra State, the menace

Fitch Upgrades Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, Oyo States to Stable Outlook...

Presidency: Democracy Not Under Threat, Rejects Claims of One-party State

Says democracy waxing stronger under Tinubu with multiparty ideology Lauds president, party leadership for making APC attractive to willing Nigerians to join

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The presidency, yesterday, reacted to insinuations in opposition circles that Nigeria’s democracy was currently threatened under the watch of President Bola Tinubu, and the country was tilting towards a one-party system.

In a release, titled, "Democracy Strong And Alive in Nigeria," signed by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency dismissed accusations that the Tinubu government was inching towards authoritarianism.

Insisting that democracy was not under any threat, the presidency further rejected claims

that the country was being turned into a one-party state amid defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by members of leading opposition parties.

The release stated that under Tinubu democracy was waxing stronger, with multiparty democracy making waves.

Puncturing accusations by those it called disgruntled opposition politicians that government was moving towards authoritarianism, the presidency stressed that Tinubu and the leadership of APC deserved commendation for

Continued on page 6

RENDERING ACCOUNT...

L-R: Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu and Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, at the 63rd Annual General Meeting of United Bank for Africa(UBA) Plc, in Abuja, last Friday

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr. Kunle Adedeji; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Wole Adeniyi; Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mrs. Sola David-Borha; Hon. Minister of Steel Devt, Prince Shuaibu Audu; Deputy Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Mrs. Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju; and Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Mr. Yinka Sanni, during the minister’s courtesy visit to the financial institution’s Headquarters, Stanbic IBTC Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos

Toyota Plans $42bn Buyout Deal for Its Biggest Subsidiary

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Toyota Motor has proposed a $42 billion deal to take the company’s biggest subsidiary, Toyota Industries, private as the world's largest automaker seeks to cement control and streamline its notoriously complex governance structure.

In recent years, Japan’s most powerful company has faced increasing investor pressure to simplify its web of interconnected equity holdings that the group holds across tens of suppliers and affiliate automakers.

Toyota Industries, formerly Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, was founded in

making the ruling party viable and attractive to all Nigerians willing to participate in the democratic process.

The statement said, "We have read the alarming claims orchestrated by disgruntled opposition figures, some partisan human rights crusaders and emergency defenders of democracy over recent defections of key members of opposition parties into the governing All Progressives Congress.

"The seismic shift caused by the defection of the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former governor and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the principal political actors in Delta State, certainly, threw the opposition and their sympathisers into disarray.

"While the opposition elements are understandably heartbroken and disillusioned over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to

grew astronomically.

During his remarks at Johns Hopkins University, Obi had drawn a comparison between Nigeria, China and Vietnam in the area of poverty, stressing that Nigeria, with about 50 million poor people, had the least number of people in poverty in 1990 than any of the three countries.

Obi argued, “The question then is, what exactly did these countries do to be able to achieve the desired growth and development? That is where political leadership comes in.

“These comparable nations, and, indeed, other progressive nations, unlike Nigeria, have competent leadership with character, capacity and compassion, committed to prioritising investment in

have expressed concern over the World Bank’s projection that Nigeria's poverty rate could soar to 56 per cent by 2027, calling for urgent, decisive and coordinated action to reverse the trend.

According to the World Bank, 104 million Nigerians, about 47 per cent of the population were living below the poverty line in 2023, up from 40 per cent in 2018.

The report cited sluggish economic growth, high inflation, and rising rural-urban disparities as key drivers of the trend.

Particularly affected are rural communities where poverty levels have jumped from 67 million to 84 million people, while urban areas saw an increase from 13 million to 20 million.

In its latest report, the World Bank predicted that poverty will continue to rise in the coming years, potentially reaching 56 per cent by 2027. Reacting to the report, NACCIMA President, Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., however outlined a13point short-term measures to halt and reverse the projected rise in poverty.

These include targeted economic stimulus packages,

1926 by Sakichi Toyoda to manufacture automatic looms. An automotive division within the company was created and later spun off as Toyota Motor. Toyota Industries is a major manufacturer of forklifts, produces the RAV4 sport utility vehicle for Toyota Motor as well as engines.

"We are currently exploring various possibilities, including partial investment," the automaker said in a filing with the Tokyo stock exchange at the weekend, following reports about the possible buyout.

Bloomberg News reported that Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda and his founder family have proposed acquiring Toyota

gain traction, we find it disturbing that they resorted to peddling false allegations of the promotion of a one-party state against President Bola Tinubu, who is working very hard to reverse decades of economic mismanagement of our country.”

The president stated, "Contrary to the false claims in the sponsored propaganda materials in circulation across mainstream and social media, democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria. Accusations that the administration is moving towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated.

"We must add that no policy, official action, or directive from the presidency seeks to ‘dismantle democracy’ or ‘weaken opposition or create a one-party state.’

“Accusations of bribery, blackmail, and the weaponisation of state institutions only exist in the idle minds of politicians and their agents, who have failed in their assigned duty of opposition.

"The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the

critical areas of developmental measures: education, health, and pulling people out of poverty.”

But Sanwo-Olu said Obi not only de-marketed Nigeria by openly “denigrating” the country abroad, but also made statements that he had no moral standing to make.

The Lagos State governor stated, “On Thursday, April 24, 2025, former Governor Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 election, was at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he made several disparaging comments about Nigeria.

“He made unflattering remarks not just about the incumbent Nigerian government, but also about Nigeria. I also find Mr. Obi's pattern of behaviour disturbing. When

greater investment in agriculture, expanded access to credit and microfinance, and supportive and predictable tax environment and robust vocational training programs for unemployed youth and women, amongst others.

On Economic Stimulus Packages, Oye who is also the Chairman of the OPS stated: "The government should implement well-structured and targeted stimulus packages focused on vulnerable populations. Such measures should include cash transfers, food assistance programmes, and direct support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate job creation. "It is important to note that current support systems are often insufficient and lack proper structure, leading to instances of abuse and corruption. To address this, independent monitoring and thorough evaluation must be instituted across all processes."

According to him, "Given that a significant proportion of Nigerians rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, there is a need for targeted investment in this sector. Subsidising inputs, providing long-term single-digit credit, and expanding training programmes

Industries. Toyota Industries, which has a market value of 4 trillion yen, said in a statement it had received proposals about going private through a special purpose company but denied it had received a buyout proposal from the Toyota chairman or the Toyota group.

Two sources familiar with the matter said Toyota Industries is considering tapping Toyota and its group companies as well as major banks to fund a buyout. They also said the proposal did not come from Akio Toyoda or the Toyota group.

The sources, who declined to be identified as the matter is not public, said if Toyota Industries were to go private, it would help improve the

governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs. It is certainly not part of President Tinubu's job to organise or strengthen opposition parties.”

The government said in the statement, "We find it curious that those who celebrated the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of a regional grand coalition with the sole aim of defeating President Tinubu in the 2027 election are the same people shedding crocodile tears over Nigeria's so-called drift to a one-party state and authoritarianism.

"While the latter-day defenders of democracy raised no anxious voice against the disgruntled politicians cobbling an anti-Tinubu, anti-APC coalition along dangerous regional lines, even before INEC blows the whistle for party politicking, they are quick to ascribe the political shifts in some states to ‘bribery,

prominent Nigerians go overseas, they ought to project Nigeria positively.

“They do not have to do that for the government. But we all owe a duty to market Nigeria on the global stage rather than de-market her. That is what true patriotism is about.”

Sanwo-Olu stated that because Obi focused on poverty and said the current administration's policies were making Nigerians poorer, he will concentrate on that.

He stressed that any leader could fight poverty generationally by promoting education, improving healthcare, providing credit, and granting access to land.

According to Sanwo-Olu, “Now, I find it somewhat ironic that a man like Mr. Obi, who

can help increase food security and foster sustainable livelihoods.

"Expanding access to microfinance for small businesses, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs will promote self-employment and help reduce poverty. Facilitating favourable lending conditions specifically for women and youth is crucial, alongside the urgent development of youth-targeted capital to address the ongoing trend of the 'Japa Syndrome.

"Establishing robust vocational and skills training programmes for the unemployed and underemployed will enhance employability and support new entrepreneurs in high-demand sectors. The government should not only strengthen its existing partnership with the German government on vocational training but also collaborate with NACCIMA to expand vocational training opportunities nationwide."

Oye continued: "Improving infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, will increase market access for farmers and small businesses, leading to increased incomes and, ultimately, poverty reduction.

“There is a need to introduce tax incentives for businesses investing

Toyota group's corporate governance as cross-shareholdings would be unwound.

Both Toyota and Toyota Industries said in their statements that nothing had been decided, Reuters said.

Toyota owned 24 per cent of Toyota Industries as of September last year, while Toyota Industries held 9.07 per cent of Toyota and 5.41 per cent of Denso, another key Toyota supplier.

Toyota Industries has faced increasing shareholder pressure to unwind its cross shareholdings so that it can boost shareholder returns and make investments. It has sold some of its cross shareholdings including stock in Aisin, another core Toyota group supplier.

blackmail, and coercion’ without any shred of evidence.

"Without any equivocation, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of choice are part of the cherished ideals of democracy. When politicians and citizens cannot freely join any association or political party of their choice or cannot openly express their views, democracy is imperilled.

“Those opposed to the Tinubu administration should understand that they can issue diatribes, without fear, against the government because we practice democracy.

"It is hypocrisy writ-large when opposition politicians and their collaborators in the 'human rights' movement desire that the party of the president should implode so they can gain electoral advantage and cry wolf when their wish does not materialise.”

The presidency insisted, "We want to state that democracy is not threatened or undermined

did not build a single school or a stand-alone hospital throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra or sustainably provide credit facilities, would criticise the government of Nigeria, which is actively doing that.

“I say this because the president of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is my predecessor, and as governor of Lagos and now President of Nigeria, has built over 200 schools and provided student loans to more than 200,000 undergraduates of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

“In less than two years, he has provided over half a billion dollars in credit facilities to small and medium-scale enterprises.”

While he was governor of Lagos State between 1999 and

in underserved regions and for those prioritising local employment. Recent tax policy directions, such as extending tax regimes to free trade zones and imposing punitive levies on international investors - for instance, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s $220 million fine on WhatsApp and META, and the Financial Reporting Council’s taxes on business turnover - risk deterring vital investment.

“Such measures should be carefully reviewed to promote, rather than hinder, business growth and confidence.

"Public-private partnerships should be encouraged to finance economic development initiatives, leveraging combined resources and expertise for efficient delivery of social impact.

“The government can further support these efforts by de-risking major barriers for business investment, such as in the solid minerals industry, making it more attractive for private capital and boosting sectoral growth.

"Expanding social safety nets, which include unemployment benefits and healthcare access, will provide much-needed relief

One of the sources said going private would also give Toyota Industries the freedom to focus on growth strategies without worrying about shareholder returns.

Cross-shareholdings, where companies hold shares in each other and are very common in Japan, have been under increasing scrutiny from regulators and shareholders as the practice can insulate management from having to serve the interests of general shareholders.

Shareholder approval for Toyoda fell to a record low of 72 per cent last year, prompting the carmaker to increase the number of non-executive directors on

simply because politicians exercise their rights of association.

Nigerians migrating to the APC and expressing support for Tinubu are doing so out of their free will, based on the belief that the reforms being executed are in the interest of Nigerians and the unborn generation.

“It is a gross disservice to democracy in itself for these emergency defenders of democracy to delegitimise the political choices of some Nigerians while upholding the choices of others to form a coalition against Tinubu and APC.

"Under President Tinubu, democracy is strong, and the multiparty democratic system will continue to flourish unhindered.

His administration remains resolutely committed to upholding and strengthening the democratic foundations upon which our Fourth Republic has stood since 1999.

"Politicians changing party affiliation is not new or peculiar to Nigeria. In more advanced democracies, there are ready

2007, Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu reduced poverty by more than 46 per cent, and explained that there was every reason to believe that based on what he did as governor of Lagos, he will repeat the same feat at the federal level.

“After all, the best predictor of the future is the past,” he wrote.

The governor alleged, “But let us examine the messenger, not just the message, and look at the issuer as well as the issues.

Mr. Obi talks a good game. But was he able to reduce poverty while he governed Anambra?

Perhaps we can let the facts speak for themselves.

“Under Peter Obi as a two term Anambra Governor, poverty in Anambra increased. It did not reduce. Before Peter

to those facing financial distress and support their pathways to recovery.

“Targeted awareness campaigns are crucial to ensure that vulnerable populations are informed about the various government programmes and services available to assist them.

"The worsening security crisis - ranging from insurgencies to armed groups disrupting agricultural activities - remains a major driver of rural poverty and food insecurity.

“It is vital for government to act swiftly and decisively to restore peace and security, especially in rural communities, thereby creating a stable environment for agricultural productivity and investment."

On adding value through internal trade/AfCFTA, the OPS Chairman said, "As stated by the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Africa remains minimally affected by recent U.S. tariffs partly because only 6.5% of its exports go to the U.S., while 4.4% of imports come from there. She notes, however, that this limited trade with the

its board ahead of this year’s annual meeting.

Within the carmaker’s sprawling empire, Toyota Industries is considered one of the most important suppliers for the group since it owns a 9.1 per cent stake in the carmaker and was intimately tied to the founding of the company.

Japan’s auto suppliers, and Toyota’s in particular, have also become a target for activist investors who are betting both that corporate governance reform will force carmakers to buy in their subsidiaries and that competition will demand changes to their supply chains.

examples of notable politicians, statesmen and women who changed their parties.”

The statement stressed,

"President Tinubu and the National Working Committee of the APC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, deserve commendation for making the ruling party viable and attractive to all Nigerians willing to participate in the democratic process.

"President Tinubu is an avowed democrat and a firm believer in multiparty democracy. His political activism and democratic credentials in galvanising and strengthening opposition platforms as a force that defeated a sitting president and the then ruling party attest to his profound credibility as a tested and relentless defender of multiparty democracy.

"We urge all Nigerians to join hands with the administration in protecting our democracy by respecting their choices and giving a wide berth to peddlers of alarming narratives rooted in fiction."

Obi became Anambra Governor on Thursday, June 14, 2007, the poverty rate in Anambra was 41.4 per cent.

“But after only two years in office, the poverty rate in Anambra jumped to 53.7 per cent. But the interesting thing is that five years after Peter Obi left office, his successor, Willie Obiano, reduced the poverty rate in Anambra from almost 60 per cent to 14.8 per cent.

“As such, I am not sure that Mr. Obi is morally well placed to make the alarming claims he made about Nigeria at Johns Hopkins. Mr. Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria. Governor Tinubu, as he then was, was responsible for lifting millions out of poverty. Being that that is the case, who should criticise who?”

U.S. is itself detrimental, stalling economic growth.

"Africa - and Nigeria in particular - must leverage its own resources for development, especially as global aid declines.

Citing Lesotho, which previously exported $200 million worth of textiles to the U.S. but now faces major challenges, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala advocates for prioritising intraAfrican trade. She highlighted that Africa spends $7 billion annually importing textiles, and suggested that countries like Lesotho shift focus to regional markets."

Oye added: "Nigeria must maximize the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade, which holds immense potential for poverty reduction."

According to him, "Nigeria should reduce its reliance on raw material exports and instead prioritise adding value through local manufacturing. AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina aptly points out that industrialising via local manufacturing is fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving genuine development.

28th April 2025

OPEN LETTER – THE NEED FOR COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM IN THE NIGERIAN GAMING INDUSTRY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COLLABORATIVE REGULATION IN THE U.S., CANADA, GERMANY, INDIA, SWITZERLAND, AND NIGERIA

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum Your Excellencies,

Introduction

Over the years, Nigeria has grappled with regulatory challenges in a rapidly evolving digital economy, a persistent question resurfaces: Should gaming be centrally regulated, or are state governments best positioned to manage their jurisdictions? This debate reached a decisive moment in November 2024, when the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark judgment affirming that lotteries and gaming are residual matters—squarely within the legislative authority of respective state Houses of Assembly.

This decision nullified the National Lottery Act that previously sought to confer federal primacy over gaming operations. It was a victory not just for Lagos State, the lead litigant, but for federalism itself. Coincidentally, Nigeria is not alone in facing these questions. Around the world, federal systems—from the United States to Canada and Germany—have developed robust models of cooperative, multi-jurisdictional regulation that respect subnational sovereignty while achieving national cohesion. Nigeria is now walking a similar path, via the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), an alliance of state regulators committed to harmonizing gaming standards while preserving constitutional rights of respective states.

This document explores how these countries have made subnational regulatory frameworks work—not through centralization but through voluntary collaboration, mutual respect, and shared standards.

United States: Voluntary Alliances Without Federal Overreach

The U.S. Constitution grants states full control over gambling. Adducing this context, the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) was formed in 1987. MUSL is a voluntary, nonprofit association owned by its member state lotteries authorities. It operates popular games like Powerball and Mega Millions, pooling resources on a national scale while allowing each state to retain complete control over operations, licensing, and revenue.

There is no central lottery act or federal lottery agency in the United States. Instead, MUSL exemplifies how states can unite under cooperative compacts to scale their operations while maintaining respective state sovereignty.

The MUSL model has thrived because it is built on trust, voluntary participation, and shared governance. No state is compelled to join, and each state manages its affairs independently but benefits from the collective infrastructure and marketing power of a national platform.

Canada: Provincial Power with Provincial Collaboration

Canada’s Constitution Act of 1867 assigns responsibility for gambling to the provinces. Each province operates its lottery and gaming corporation, such as Ontario’s OLG or Quebec’s Loto-Québec. In 1976, these provinces formed the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC) to manage nationwide games such as Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49. Like MUSL, the ILC is based on cooperation, and not compulsion.

While it handles branding, prize structures, and draws, each province retains exclusive control over revenue allocation, enforcement, and retail policy. Notably, the ILC has enabled provinces to share infrastructure and achieve scale without surrendering their autonomy. Canada has no national gaming commission because of absolute adherence to the constitutional order. The provinces regulate effectively—and voluntarily—within a framework of mutual respect and shared interest.

Germany: Harmonization Through Interstate Compacts Germany’s constitution guarantees state (Länder) autonomy over cultural and domestic matters, including gambling. To address inconsistencies across states, the Länder signed the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV)—an interstate treaty that harmonizes gambling rules across Germany. It sets uniform standards for consumer protection, taxation, and online gaming.

The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) is a regulatory body created not by federal decree, but by mutual agreement among the states. The GGL enforces the treaty’s provisions, but its authority flows from the states themselves. This model mirrors the aspirations of Nigeria’s state regulators—a unified yet decentralized approach that promotes regulatory coherence while respecting constitutional boundaries.

Switzerland: Inter-Cantonal Coordination through GESPA Switzerland, a confederation of 26 cantons, exemplifies one of the most decentralized federal systems in the world. Each canton holds significant autonomy over internal matters, including gambling regulation. However, to address challenges posed by the digitalization of gambling and cross-cantonal operations, the Swiss cantons forged an innovative collaborative mechanism—Gesellschaft der Schweizerischen Lotterien- und Wettanbieter zur Erfüllung der Aufsichtspflichten (GESPA), formerly known as Comlot. GESPA, established through an inter-cantonal agreement, functions as a central supervisory body mandated by the cantons, not by the federal government. It is responsible for the oversight of large-scale lottery and betting operations conducted across cantonal borders on retail and online platforms. This model enables Switzerland to maintain regulatory consistency and consumer protection standards across the country while preserving the constitutional autonomy of each canton.

GESPA’s structure is similar to Germany’s Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL)—it coordinates licensing, combats illegal gambling, and ensures the integrity of games. But it does so through a voluntary compact, not federal legislation. Cantons remain the ultimate legal authorities, delegating certain functions for efficiency and harmonization.

Remarkably, GESPA’s success is rooted in its adaptive, consensus-driven approach. It harmonizes enforcement and policy implementation without imposing a “one-size-fits-all” system. Each participating canton maintains the power to withdraw or renegotiate terms, a flexibility that reinforces its legitimacy and resilience.

For Nigeria, Switzerland’s GESPA model reinforces a critical lesson: cooperative enforcement does not require breaching the enabling constitution and disregarding Supreme Court judgment. Building a unified, effective regulatory architecture is possible without undermining state constitutional rights of the federating states. FSGRN is already performing a similar function, aligning state-level frameworks through dialogue, technical cooperation, and reciprocal treaties. As Nigeria looks to deepen coordination in its gaming industry, GESPA offers a compelling blueprint for institutionalizing harmonization without breaking the laws of the land.

India: A Tapestry of State Autonomy

India, a vast federation of 28 states and 8 union territories, provides one of the most dynamic examples of sub-national regulation in the gaming and lottery industry. The Constitution of India places “Betting and Gambling” under the State List (Entry 34 of List II, Seventh Schedule), making it a purely state subject. As a result, each state determines its gambling laws, leading to ranges of full prohibition (e.g., Gujarat) to state-run lottery monopolies (e.g., Kerala, Sikkim, and Punjab).

This structure allows states to regulate based on cultural values, religious sensitivities, and socio-economic needs. For example, Kerala operates one of the most successful state lotteries in the world, using proceeds to fund welfare programs. Meanwhile, Sikkim has emerged as a hub for online gaming licensing, including virtual casinos and sports betting. Despite variations, India has seen increasing cooperation among state regulators to tackle illegal betting syndicates and harmonize online regulation, particularly with the rise of fantasy sports. This evolution reflects the same cooperative federalism that the FSGRN is building in Nigeria.

Nigeria: Supreme Court Victory and the Rise of FSGRN

Until recently, Nigeria’s gaming landscape was marred by a jurisdictional tug-of-war between the federal government and the states. This culminated in the Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment in Attorney General of the Federation v. Lagos State (SC/1/2018), where the Court unequivocally ruled that lotteries and gaming fall under the residual legislative list, not the exclusive list.

Long before the Supreme Court’s 2024 landmark decision, the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) had emerged as a vital coordinating and advocacy body—a pressure group formed by state regulators to defend constitutional autonomy and resist the creeping encroachment of the National Assembly in a vivid residual matter. In the wake of this decision, the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) has emerged as a dynamic platform for inter-state coordination. Comprising all active state gaming regulators, FSGRN facilitates reciprocal licensing, technical standardization, and coordinated enforcement strategies across Nigeria.

Modelled partly on GESPA, MUSL and ILC, FSGRN is a distinctly Nigerian response to the challenges of regulating a complex, fast-evolving sector in a federal democracy. It allows states to collaborate, share data, enforce compliance, and engage with industry stakeholders without relying on unconstitutional central legislation.

FSGRN is not an abstract concept; it is already producing real results. States work together to combat illegal gaming, improve consumer protections, and streamline licensing procedures. The FSGRN also provides a unified voice for Nigerian states in regional and international engagements, positioning Nigeria as a model of regulatory federalism in Africa.

Dispelling the Centralization Myth

The argument for a central gaming act in Nigeria is not only legally unfounded—it is also practically redundant. Proponents often claim that central regulation would bring about uniformity, efficiency, and oversight. However, this overlooks the fact that what is being proposed as a Central Gaming Act is a mere rehash of the National Lottery Regulatory Act, whose scope and authority have already been proscribed by constitutional interpretation and the recent Supreme Court judgment.

The Central Gaming Bill fails to offer anything new—no novel regulatory mechanism and no respect for the efficacy of subnational rights under the constitution. Instead, it seeks to resurrect a centralized bureaucracy under a different name in direct defiance of the 1999 Constitution as amended. This bill fails to recognize Nigeria’s federating states’ cultural, religious, and socio-economic diversity in a sacrilegious manner.

Gaming is not a culturally homogenous activity. What is acceptable or even embraced in one part of the country may be considered offensive or heavily restricted in another. A one-size-fits-all regulatory framework risks creating friction and outright rebellion at the subnational level. This cultural myopia, combined with constitutional overreach, makes the centralization push tone-deaf and regressive. It ignores the success stories emerging from states like Lagos, Oyo, Enugu, Anambra, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Edo, Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo, where localized regulation is tailored to local realities and backed by local enforcement capacity.

The way forward is not to impose a top-down solution that disrespects Nigeria’s federalism, but to embrace and strengthen mechanisms like the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), which already offer a model for inter-state cooperation, harmonization, and strategic enforcement—all without undermining constitutional boundaries.

Conclusion

As the global gaming landscape evolves, one truth becomes increasingly clear: federal systems thrive not through centralization but cooperation. Adducing the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) in the United States to Canada’s Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC), Germany’s Interstate Gambling Treaty, India’s state-led lottery ecosystems, and Switzerland’s inter-cantonal frameworks, the lesson is consistent—constitutional autonomy, cultural diversity, and regional economic realities demand flexible state-led regulation.

Nigeria is no exception; the 2024 Supreme Court judgment has reaffirmed the constitutional rights of state control over gaming and provided an opportunity to build a uniquely Nigerian model of cooperative federalism. The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), which began as a pressure group, is now a vehicle for state coordination, innovation, and regulatory excellence without undermining respective state autonomy.

The calls for a Central Gaming Act 2025 are not only redundant—they are unconstitutional. Such a Bill would merely rehash the outdated structure of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission while ignoring the judicial affirmation of subnational authorities. Chiefly, it would fail to capture Nigeria’s cultural and legal plurality—a country where no single approach to gaming regulation can suffice for all regions or persons. Nigeria needs less centralization and more collaboration, not a federal override but a federated framework. FSGRN offers that framework, anchored in mutual respect, judicial clarity, and a shared vision for protecting consumers, boosting revenues, and preserving state autonomy.

The path forward lies not in forceful unification but in voluntary collaboration. That is the essence of cooperative federalism, and in Nigeria’s gaming sector, it is the only constitutional, sustainable, and truly democratic path.

SIGNED

FEDERATION OF STATE GAMING REGULATORS OF NIGERIA

Email: info@fsgrn.org

Phone: 08023177689

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 SMS ONLY

Delta: Silence of Graveyard as PDP Collapses Structure into APC

Sylvester Idowu writes that there is more to last week’s defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other top politicians from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in Delta State.

Ordinarily, whenever a party receives the defection of a big and considered asset politician, it rolls out the drum of celebration but that of the leadership of the Delta State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), from the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor and former Vice presidential candidate in the 2023 poll, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme to the Speaker of the state house of assembly and entire structure from the state to the local government, wards and units to the ruling party last Wednesday was different.

Instead of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the oil rich state to celebrate over the defection, the reverse has been the case as it is the members of the defecting PDP that have been celebrating the acquisition of the hitherto APC in the state.

The People’s Democratic Party has had a firm grip on the state for almost 26 years since 1999, when the current political dispensation commenced, and superficially, there seemed to be no immediate threat to its dominance.

But Governor Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Okowa, did the unthinkable on Wednesday April 23, 2025. They unexpectedly moved all the entire state and People’s Democratic Party structure into the All Progressives Congress.

The leadership of the PDP in the state did not only direct the entire state structure, from the ward to the local government and state levels, but specifically instructed to disintegrate into the APC.

Signs of possible defection of some leaders of the People’s Democratic Party had been there for long but Deltans did not expect the dimension it has taken.

It was Senator Ned Nwoko that first defected from the People’s Democratic Party, the vehicle he used to ride into the National Assembly to the opposition All Progressives Congress in the state.

After months of battle between the Senator and leadership of the ruling People’s Democratic Party over the defection, suddenly strong member of PDP, Chief Great Ogboru, whose son is holding a political position in Oborevwori’s administration, also ported to the opposition All Progressives Congress without any criticism. That was when signs of what befalls the PDP was first noticed.

But last Wednesday, Governor Oborevwori and his predecessor, Okowa summoned an emergency meeting of all the party leadership at the end of which the governor and other participants in the meeting declared their resignations from the PDP.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, will receive the governor, Okowa, and other officials as they formally defect to the APC at the Cenotaph in Asaba today, Monday, April 28.

Explaining the overall realignment at the end of the meeting at Government House, Asaba, the first state chairman of PDP in Delta state, Senator James Manager, announced that Governor Oborevwori and other members had defected to the APC, claiming the decision was made following thorough discussions with other relevant parties.

According to him: ”You have just been told about the things happening in the PDP, Delta State. Some consultations have been going on, and the climax is what you see today.

We have discussed and have agreed, and it is a unanimous agreement. I am the pioneer state chairman of the PDP.

But you cannot be in a boat already capsizing because I am a riverine man.

“Looking at issues the way they are, we have come to the inevitable

conclusion to do something else. It is a collective decision for so many reasons”.

Manager said further “A few days ago, the PDP Governors’ Forum took a resolution at Ibadan. Almost all the governors resolved they would not go into coalition with any other party.

“But as disadvantaged as the PDP is now with about 11 governors, how do you go into a contest with an incumbent president? You think you can win? That particular resolution killed the spirit of so many PDP members.

“We lost the election in 2015 because of a merger that even included splinter groups from the PDP. There are also other reasons.

“Today, Senator Anyanwu is the national secretary; tomorrow, it is another person. The party must be positioned to go into an election to win. So, you see that it is becoming funny. The PDP is truly in trouble.

“The who’s who in Delta State were in the meeting to make this decision; if you look well, the current PDP state chairman was in the meeting, and the governor was there. The deputy governor, the immediate past governor, and the speaker. National Assembly members and House of Assembly members attended the strategic event”.

Political analysts believe that the latest political development in Delta is all about 2027. It is not that the PDP lost steam in the state but that it has been torn apart at the national level and so is not potent enough, in the opinion of some members, to wrest power from the current president, Senator

Political analysts believe that the latest political development in Delta is all about 2027. It is not that the PDP lost steam in the state but that it has been torn apart at the national level and so is not potent enough, in the opinion of some members, to wrest power from the current president, Senator Bola Tinubu of the APC, in 2027. According to them, Oborevwori, Okowa, and other leaders reasoned that their political future is better off in the APC from 2027 than in the PDP, which might crumble because of the strong hold of its 2023 presidential candidate and former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on the party.

Bola Tinubu of the APC, in 2027. According to them, Oborevwori, Okowa, and other leaders reasoned that their political future is better off in the APC from 2027 than in the PDP, which might crumble because of the strong hold of its 2023 presidential candidate and former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on the party.

An APC leader in Delta State told THISDAY “We have concluded that we will take over the state in 2027, no matter how. We did it in Edo State last year, 2024, against the incumbent PDP governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the heavens did not fall.”

Prior to the acquisition of the APC in Delta State, the party had been divided into three different camps with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo heading one faction, founder of the party in the state and former Governorship aspirant, O’tega Emerhor leading another one and former Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ovie Omo-Agege presides over the third faction.

The crisis, which had polarized the party for sometimes now with each faction claiming the leadership was expected to resist the taking over of the party by PDP but surprisingly, two of the factions led by Keyamo and Emerhor welcomed the defection of the ruling party into their fold.

The former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has also directed his followers to welcome the PDP members assuring that negotiations are on-going to accommodate their interests.

He also instructed them to turnout enmasse for the formal reception of the defecting members of the PDP in the state.

Fear of who becomes the leader of the APC in the state, it was learnt, is being addressed as negotiations and horse trading are on going to favour the defectors and their hosts in the newly acquired party.

Definitely, Omo-Agege, hitherto the leader of the APC in Delta State will loose that position to Governor Oborevwori who will automatically become the leader of the party because as the sitting governor and now a member of the party, Oborevwori, by procedures and privileges, takes over as the leader of the APC in the state.

This is the recognized standard in the political parties in the country, including the APC and PDP.

Oborevwori

Omo-Agege

Keyamo

Fund Nigerian Women’s Economic Aspirations

An Open Letter to Nigerian Banks and Government MSME Financiers

Dear Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria. Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment. Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI). Mr. Charles Odii, Director General, SMEDAN. Chief Executive Officers, Nigerian Banks.

of Nigerian women lack start up capital to pursue their dreams. of Nigerian women dream of expanding their business. or less of SME lending goes to women. of loans gotten by women are repaid. of Nigeria’s economy is driven by women.

Bank CEOs

Create or expand a dedicated women’s

friendly

Reserve 40% of your MSME loan portfolio to women and simplify collateral requirements.

Policymakers

Mandate up to 30% gender-based lending targets for commercial banks.

Reserve 50% of MSME intervention funds exclusively for women.

Onyeka Nwobu, Abosede George-Ogan, Habibah A. Waziri, Chioma Pamela Nwuruku, Hyelhirra Samaila Malgwi, Saadatu Hamu Aliyu, Hass ana Maina, Aisha Tofa, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Blessing Oyeleye Adesiyan, Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Zainab Bashir Yau, Munirat Antoinette Lecky, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, Jamila Lawal, Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, Ummeeta Rabiu, Francesca Uriri, Akitunde Yetunde Aisha, Folu Storms, O mowunmi Akingbohungbe, Chioma Omeruah, Mojisola Huponu-Wusu, Abosede George-Ogan, Lehle Balde, Jemimah Osunde, Tosin Olaseinde, Habibah Waziri, Ndidi Okonkwo, Fola Olowu, Saadatu Hamu Aliyu, Dunni Oyinaka.

TRIBUTE

Adenuga: The Spirit of Africa, Portrait of an Unusual Business Icon

Adeniyi Funsho

Dr. Mike Adenuga, Chairman of Globacom and Conoil, is a legend in his own right. Long before the world began to chant “Africa Rising,” he dared to believe it. As one of the earliest indigenous Nigerians to break into the oil business successfully, he carved out a legacy rooted not in Silicon Valley headlines or Twitter storms, but in substance—telecoms that connect millions, businesses that uplift, and quiet philanthropy that transforms lives without seeking applause.

In an age obsessed with noise, Adenuga remains an enigma - Africa’s answer to understated greatness. His influence isn’t splashed across social media timelines, nor does it need to be. His work speaks in better frequencies: through livelihoods transformed, institutions strengthened, and cultures preserved.

While others have weaponized business to gain attention or influence power, Dr. Adenuga has chosen a path less traveled—quiet, resilient, and deeply intentional. His story is proof that you don’t need a spotlight to light up a continent.

Apolitical, Strategic, and

Unflinching

Adenuga’s corporate life has always reflected restraint—an elegant refusal to mix boardroom brilliance with political bravado. While other moguls have openly aligned with politicians, he has deliberately remained apolitical. It is this separation that has allowed his enterprises to endure and thrive across successive regimes.

POLITY

Pulpit or

In the early 2000s, during a particularly turbulent political period, Adenuga took a self-imposed exile rather than engage in public battles. It wasn’t cowardice—it was strategy. A calculated, valuesdriven decision to protect his business ecosystem and the livelihoods within it. He re-emerged stronger,

Politics?

with his ventures growing in market share, impact, and relevance.

The Diplomatic Billionaire

Dr. Adenuga’s legacy extends beyond balance sheets—it lives in culture, diplomacy, and construction design.

One of the finest symbols of this is the Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos. When the prestigious French cultural institution sought to return to its former high-profile location after years of relocation and rent struggles, it was Adenuga who answered the call—not with a mere donation, but with vision and ownership.

He didn’t just support the project—he designed and built it. From concept to ribbon-cutting, he envisioned a space that would be both a tribute to French-Nigerian friendship and a functional, modern hub for cultural expression.

Today, the Alliance Française offers far more than language classes. It is a beacon of cultural diplomacy, offering concerts, exhibitions, screenings, and educational events throughout the year. It stands as a marvel of architecture and intent—a cultural cornerstone that reconnects Nigeria to the Francophone world and showcases Adenuga’s belief in the power of soft diplomacy.

More than bricks and mortar, the center reflects his approach to international relations: quiet, strategic, and rooted in mutual respect for nations. He doesn’t lobby for partnerships - he builds them as a soft power.

A Spirit Beyond Wealth

Perhaps Adenuga’s most profound legacy lies

in what is least seen. His generosity is whispered, not announced. Friends, associates, and strangers alike speak of life-changing interventions—a child’s school fees paid in full, a sick parent flown abroad for urgent care, a widow’s burden quietly lifted. These acts are rarely traced to him publicly, and when they are, the beneficiaries are often asked to say nothing. In his world, charity is an act of dignity, not a transaction.

This culture of silent giving has become folklore among those who know him closely. Internally, the term “stoning” is jokingly used to describe his sudden and overwhelming acts of kindness - transformative in value, but always wrapped in discretion.

In contrast to today’s performative philanthropy, Dr. Adenuga reminds us that legacy is not measured by likes, but by lives and community strongly impacted.

The Spirit of Africa

At 72, on April 29, 2025, Dr. Mike Adenuga embodies a rare force in modern Africa: power without noise, wealth without arrogance, and influence without intrusion.

He is not merely a businessman - he is a nation-builder, a cultural bridge, a quiet revolution. Above all, he is a son of Africa who believed in her potential long before it became fashionable. Happy 72nd Birthday, Dr. Mike Adenuga. The quiet force. The cultural architect. The Spirit of Africa!

Adeniyi Funsho (ABD) afunsho52@gwu.edu

The Tunde Bakare Dilemma and

the Danger of Misplaced

Patriotism

In an explosive video release tagged as a “State of the Nation” address, Pastor Tunde Bakare once again stepped into the center of Nigeria’s political discourse, drawing sharp criticism and renewed debate about his dual roles as preacher and political aspirant. His recent public attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, less than a year into its term, has ignited questions over motive, timing, and the boundaries between pulpit responsibility and political ambition.

Bakare, who lost the 2022 APC presidential primaries, finishing without a single delegate vote, has since become a vocal critic of the same government he once sought to lead. But can his public outbursts be dismissed as objective patriotism, or are they the echoes of a bruised political ego and an undisclosed agenda?

From Prophet to Politician: A Troubled Crossover

Tunde Bakare rose to prominence as the General Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, a self-founded religious movement built on fiery rhetoric, eschatological sermons, and a messianic tone. Over the years, he has claimed divine ordination, once famously declaring that he would succeed President Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s next leader—a prophecy that failed dramatically when he received zero votes in the 2022 APC primaries.

Now, almost two years into President Tinubu’s administration, Bakare’s renewed criticism raises a vital ethical question: Is he speaking as a concerned Nigerian, or as a failed presidential aspirant unable to accept political reality?

“BAKARE’S AMBITION TO BE PRESIDENT NEVER DIED—IT ONLY MUTATED INTO SELFRIGHTEOUS OUTRAGE,” NOTES POLITICAL ANALYST DR. ADAMU BELLO.

His outburst reflects a broader pattern of religious figures using their platforms for political maneuvering, particularly in societies with high illiteracy and religious sensitivity—a dangerous mix in a nation where over 85% of the population lacks advanced political education.

Governance is Not Sermonizing Bakare has never held elective office. He has never managed a local council, ministry, or economic agency. His attempt at national leadership as running mate to General Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 election, APC Presidential Primaries, which they lost and lobbying to be a Vice Presidential candidate to a Northern Presidential Candidate in 2023 in a selfish manner when the Presidency was zoned to the South. Bakare returned to the pulpit but never dropped his ambition, oscillating between prophecy and political posturing.

Governing a country like Nigeria—Africa’s most populous nation, with over 200 million citizens and a GDP of $477 billion—requires far more

than vision; it demands experience, structure, alliances, and emotional intelligence. Criticizing a president midstream, especially one navigating structural reforms, is not statesmanship—it is political immaturity.

“IF PASTOR BAKARE TRULY WANTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO GOVERNANCE, HE SHOULD RESIGN FROM THE PULPIT AND JOIN THE POLITICAL FIELD FULL TIME,” SAYS DR. AMIIDA FRASER, MFR, GOVERNANCE CONSULTANT AND ETHICS ADVISER.

What Role Should Clergy Play in a Secular State?

Globally, respected clergy avoid direct condemnation of governments. In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) restricts pastors from making partisan political endorsements to retain tax-exempt status. In the United Kingdom, the Church of England rarely issues statements on government affairs unless rooted in human rights or national crisis.

By contrast, Bakare continues to weaponize his religious pulpit to undermine an elected president, leaning on the trust of followers who are ill-equipped to distinguish between faith-driven sermons and politically motivated commentary.

This is dangerous for three reasons:

1. It blurs the lines between Church and State, threatening Nigeria’s secular constitutional foundation.

2. It manipulates religious sentiment to delegitimize government authority, especially among an emotionally driven population.

3. It distracts from real nation-building, replacing evidence-based critique with subjective outrage.

Personal Ambition Disguised as Prophetic Mandate

It’s important to note that Bakare once lobbied for the Vice President’s slot in Buhari’s final term before the APC Primaries demonstrating the depth of his ambition for Aso Rock. His recent criticisms, therefore, are not driven by love for Nigeria, but by personal frustration over political irrelevance.

One must ask: What sector has Pastor Tunde Bakare transformed in Nigeria—education, health, economy, infrastructure? Beyond the cathedral he built, where is the empirical impact? His followers,

many of whom remain poor and uninformed, have been fed apocalyptic visions and now, confusing political sermons.

“POLITICS IS OFTEN THE MASQUERADING OF PERSONAL INTEREST DRESSED AS PUBLIC SERVICE,” SAYS VETERAN COLUMNIST SAM OLATUNDE.

“Bakare has mastered the costume but failed the performance.”

Conclusion: Leadership Requires Clarity of Calling

Nigeria’s future cannot be entrusted to individuals who oscillate between prophecy and protest, pulpit and power, righteousness and rivalry. Governance is a full-time, results-driven assignment—not a stage for personal brand revival.

Pastor Bakare must choose: be a shepherd of souls or a contender for office, but not both.

In the words of the scriptures he often quotes: “No man can serve two masters…” And Nigeria cannot afford pretenders to the throne hiding behind the cloak of patriotism and prophecy.

Bakare in his video starts like a person who is the leader of a Coup d’ Etat against the State and justifying the reason for his criminal action on an elected President. This freedom to incite Nigerians against constituted authority in a democracy is a treasonable offense. Nigerians are aware that things are challenging but the government is trying to educate them on the need for reform while making effort to address the poverty index within the food security, health and other critical sectors. Bakare as a so called man of God ought to give suggestions to the government rather than publish Broadcasts to undermine the government’s effort. That is unacceptable for a man of God. It is obvious that his outbursts lacks good will and good intentions. He is set to stir the hornet’s nest and what Nigeria needs now is peace as the polity is overheated with the unfortunate incidents in the Northcentral states.

•Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR, Founder, The National Patriots, Publisher Headlinenews. news. Governance Consultant, Strategist & Researcher

Adenuga

Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR

Bakare

NIGERIAN MIDSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM REGULATORY AUTHORITY (NMDPRA)

Plot 1012, Cadastral Zone, Central Business District, FCT, Abuja

INVITATION TO TENDER

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is saddled with the statutory mandate of regulating the Midstream and Downstream operations of the Petroleum Industry. To achieve its mandate, the NMDPRA is desirous to procure goods, works and services.

1.1 In compliance with Sections (24)(25) of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Authority is therefore inviting experienced and reputable Contractors/Suppliers for the following:

2.0 SCOPE /SPECIFICATION

LOTSDESCRIPTION

PROCUREMENT OF OUTSOURCED DRIVERS.

Lot 1North Central: Zonal Office Abuja, Head Office Abuja, Ilorin, Jos, Lafia, Lokoja, Makurdi, Minna and Sokoto

Lot 2North-East: Gombe. Bauchi, Jalingo, Maiduguri and Yola,

Lot 3North-West: Gusau, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina

Lot 4 South-East: Awka, Enugu, Owerri, Umuahia

Lot 5 South- South: Eket, Yenagoa, Warri, Port Harcourt, Benin and Calabar.

Lot 6 South-west: Abeokuta, Akure, Ibadan, Lagos Zonal Office and Oshogbo

3.0 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

a) Evidence of Incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

b) Copy of current TAX Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) Years (2023, 2024 and 2025) valid till 31st December 2025.

c) Copy of current PENCOM compliance certificate valid till 31st December 2025.

d) Copy of current Industrial Trust Fund (ITF) compliance Certificate valid till 31st December 2025.

e) Copy of Interim Registration Report (IRR) with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) valid till 31st December 2025 or valid Certificate issued by BPP.

f) Copy of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) compliance Certificate valid till 31st December 2025.

g) Signed Cover Letter.

h) A sworn affidavit disclosing whether or not any officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) or the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is a former or present Director, Shareholder or has pecuniary interest in your company and confirm that all information presented in the bid are true and correct in all particular. For Joint Venture (JV’s), include the Notarized Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

i) Current Company’s audited account duly stamped and signed by ANAN/ICAN licensed Auditors for the last three consecutive years (2023, 2024 and 2025)

j) Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last five years (i.e. letters of award, certificates of practical job completion, etc.)

k) Company profile with curriculum Vitae of key staff including copies of their Academic and Professional Certificates.

l) In addition, the Federal Government Circular Ref No CS.14/T/2014 dated 25th April 2017 mandates all Companies wishing to transact business with the Federal Government to comply with the following requirements:

i. That the Incorporation Number (RC) as issued to the Company by CAC must appear on their Letter Head, with contact telephone numbers, valid e-mail address and official Company address.

ii. That the Letter Head paper must bear the name and the Nationalities of the Directors of the company at the bottom of the page.

m) The hard copies of these documents should follow the order as listed above, appropriately paged and should have a table of content indicating the pages on which these items are to be found.

4.0 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS.

All Drivers must have the following: Lot 1- Lot 6 FRSC Driver’s License Minimum qualification SSCE Certification of Medical Fitness Trade Test Certificate

5.0 COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS

Interested bidders are to collect tender documents from the Procurement Unit on Ground Floor Wing B of the Authority Headquarters Building between 9:00am – 4:00pm (Monday – Friday) with evidence of payment of a non-refundable tender fee of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000.00) only which shall be paid into the Authority’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

6.0 SUBMISSION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS

Prospective bidders should take note of the following steps for submission of tender documents: -

i. Enclose two (2) copies of the technical bids in a sealed envelope marked ‘’Technical” with company name and Lot number clearly writing on the front side of the envelope.

ii. Enclose two (2) copies of the financial bids in a sealed envelope clearly marked” Financial” with company name and Lot number clearly writing on the front side of the envelope.

iii. Enclose both Technical and Financial envelopes into a bigger envelope and write “(Submission of tender) indicating the Lot you are bidding for.

iv. Furthermore, the name, address and phone number of each company, Lot number and Lot name should be written on the front side of the envelope after sealing.

v. All Bids should be dropped in the designated tender box at the Procurement Unit on the Ground Floor, Wing B of the Authority Headquarters Building, addressed to: The Authority Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Plot 1012, Cadastral Zone, C.B.D, Abuja.

7.0 CLOSING DATE

Submission of tender shall end on Monday 19th May 2025

8.0 OPENING OF TENDER

Tender will be opened immediately after the deadline for submission at 12:00 noon on Monday 19th May 2025 at the Procurement Unit on Ground Floor, Wing B of the Authority’s Headquarters Building.

9.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

a) Bids must be in English Language and signed by an official authorized by the bidder.

b) Bids submitted after the deadline for submission would be returned unopened.

c) Bidders should not bid for more than one Lot.

d) This invitation for Tender shall not be construed as a commitment on the part of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) nor shall it entitle any company to make any claim whatsoever or seek compensation having responded to the invitation.

e) All expenses incurred in preparing Tenders and all expenses otherwise associated with this exercise shall be borne solely by the prospective bidder.

f) Any Bidder who fails to comply with the instructions shall automatically be disqualified.

g) All pre-qualified bidders will be contacted for financial bid opening, while financial bids of un-successful bidders will be returned unopened.

Signed: Management

www.thisdaylive.com

TURNING PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVES INTO TANGIBLE SECURITY GAINS

The success of the ‘enough is enough’ directive will depend on our ability to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete actions, argues KABIR ADAMU

See page 21

RIVERS STATE AS UNDERDOG OF NIGERIA POLITICS

O. JASON OSAI argues that the state deserves more than peripheral attention

See page 21

opinion@thisdaylive.com

A clear two years away, TUNDE OLUSUNLE is worried that the 2027 election is increasingly taking the centre stage

PLEASE COME QUICK, 2027

I have taken liberties to somewhat adapt the title of the prophetic poem, *Come Thunder,* written by Christopher Okigbo, one of Nigeria's most talented first generation poets, as title of this piece. Okigbo, a contemporary of the Chinua Achebes, Wole Soyinkas, John Pepper Bekederemo-Clarks, wrote the highly prophetic poem at the time, which was concretely validated by latter day developments. Okigbo's piece of art, undertook a dispassionate view of Nigeria's sociopolitical turmoil at the time and predicted a rancourous denouement. Lightning and thunder, two fearsome, natural phenomena famous for leaving trails of blood, death and destruction, Okigbo predicted, would characterise the coming *Tsunami.* Okigbo had barely dropped his pen after writing *Come Thunder,* than Nigeria degenerated into fractious civil war. This was triggered by the resolve of the country's contemporary South East and adjoining territories, to secede from the country. The larger Nigeria would also not subscribe to such a move. The secessionists had indeed christened the territory they desired to appropriate, as the *Republic of Biafra.* That strife validated Okigbo's clairvoyance to the very letter. A zealous Okigbo enlisted to fight on the side of *Biafra* wherein lay his birthplace and homeland. Sadly, he died in battle in the same 1967 when he wrote *Come Thunder.*

No election, since I became a politically conscious Nigerian adult, has been as frenzied and talked about as the forthcoming 2027 presidential election. Yes it is almost two years away but the "flag-off," that is bringing it to the front burner of fervid public conversation, was instantiated just months into the life of the Bola Tinubu presidency. A thanksgiving service held in honour of Barry Mpigi, Senator representing Rivers South East in February 2024, nine months into the administration of President Bola Tinubu, was the forum where the subject was first broached. Armed with a job and an address as reward for undermining his bona-fide political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in the 2023 presidential election, Nyesom Wike the truculent overseer of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA), blew the bugle at the event. Those who know Wike very well, know that he suffers the "microphone disease." It is an affliction manifested in the inability of microphone-wielders to simply be pointed and laconic. They over-reach themselves and veer off the course of the subject of immediate concern.

Akume, have intoned at various fora, that "there's no vacancy in Aso Villa, come 2027." Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, declared at the flag-off of the segment of the Lagos- Calabar super highway, that he and his constituents would support "Baba," in reference to Tinubu, for a second term. Days after, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, and the entire PDP pyramid in the state, defected to the APC, all in a calculated move to back Tinubu’s second term. Such is the fever-pitch craze to determine the 2027 presidential election, two clear years before the expiration of his subsisting tenancy in the State House.

Nigeria, meanwhile, has transmogrified into a sprawling landmass of ungoverned spaces, a testament to the near absence of conscientious administration. Whereas the *Boko Haram* scourge which has festered in the nation's North East was the deadliest security scourge, new terrorist groups have taken position in other parts of the country.

The *Lakurawa,* an armed group reportedly affiliated with extremist organisations operating in the Sahel region, especially in Mali and Niger, have made incursions into the North West, notably in Sokoto and Kebbi states. A previously little-known *Mahmuda* group is digging in in Nigeria's North Central, notably in Niger and Kwara States. Borgu local government area in Niger, and Kaiama and Baruten local government areas in Kwara, have been the worst afflicted in recent weeks. About two dozen people were recently killed by members of the sect, around the Kainji Lake National Park area in Kwara State.

deploy in the containment of insecurity in that part of the state. A recent report by *The Sun* newspapers suggests that almost 600 people have been massacred by herdsmen, bandits and free-style killers within the last six months. The report indeed captures figures of casualties in Nasarawa, which is put at over 100, and Kogi States, where about 60 lives have been wasted. Both states complete the six in the the North Central which effectively surmises that the whole of the zone is at the mercy of criminal bloodhounds. Sadly, in several instances, the nation's military, intelligence and security forces have been blamed for their laissez-faire attitude in nipping internal security threats in the bud. The military high command has indeed been fingered in instances, for the unnecessary politicisation of personnel deployment at the various theatres of operation. One often cited example is the recall, years ago, of Anthony Mayowa Atolagbe, a highly professional Major General who was erstwhile Field Commander of the Joint Task Force, (CJTF), overseeing the *Operation Safe Haven.* Atolagbe, a veteran of international military operations, very ably led an uncanny amalgam of land, maritime and air forces, as well as police, civil defence and prison personnel on the frontlines of Plateau, Kaduna and Niger States. Atolagbe's ruthless efficiency was said to have angered certain interests who subtly canvassed his recall and redeployment. This was at a time he was on the verge of total clearance of troubled territories under his command.

Notable figures in Nigeria's military and intelligence ecosystem have repeatedly admonished Nigerians to rise up to defend themselves. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, a former Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) and Defence Minister respectively, speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Taraba State University in Jalingo in 2018, advised his kinsmen to rise up in self defence. The Nigerian state, he warned, is incapable of guaranteeing the security of its citizens. Days ago at an event in Takum his hometown also in Taraba State, Danjuma re-echoed his advisory of seven years ago. Nigeria's longestserving President of the Senate thus far who is also a retired Army General, David Alechenu Mark, recently challenged Nigerians to rise up to be counted in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and killings. He was reacting to recent incidents of unprovoked attacks of his constituents by faceless gunmen. Mark, by the way was a military governor and minister respectively, under Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, an Army General, during Nigeria's years of military rulership.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who was also at the thanksgiving used the opportunity to canvas for the election of an *Ogoni* governor in the 2027 polls. This, he observed, is necessary to acknowledge the place of the *Ogoni* nationality in the nation's socioeconomic life. Once he got a grip of the microphone, however, Wike alluded to his privileged position as a member of the PDP serving in a government led by the All Progressives Congress, (APC), as availing him the opportunity to get both sides to return Tinubu in 2027. "See as we are today," Wike blurted. "If we all come together, who can defeat us in 2027? Nobody," he answered himself. A video clip which trended on the social media last year, showed Wike singing and marching to the now famous Tinubu anthem, "On Your Mandate We Shall Stand," in the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. Ever since, the talk of Tinubu's reelection in 2027, has dominated national discourse.

Major APC bigwigs notably the party's national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), George

Plateau and Benue States, also in Nigeria's North Central, have lost no less than 350 people in recent attacks by marauding herdsmen and cold-blooded criminals. Benue alone is estimated to have lost at least 250 people. The calibre of weapons and ammunition deployed in these attacks transcend familiar armaments as deciphered from the profiles of expended shells found at various theatres of ruination. Whole communities have been sacked in instances by these terrorists, their lives and affairs disrupted. The populations seeking refuge in inconvenient camps for internally displaced persons, (IDPs), in Benue for instance, continue to swell. The hitherto recessed and serene Bunu district in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency has been at the receiving end of the antics of criminal voyeurs who abduct, attack and maim innocent rural folk. Pressures by well-meaning constituents of the area has gingered the Nigerian Army's recent approval of a Forward Operating Base, (FOB), to be stationed in the area to secure lives and property.

A far-sighted Sunday Karimi, the Senator representing Kogi West zone had last October, delivered a fully built and kitted FOB in Egbe, Yagba West local government area, to the military to help

Minority Leader of the Senate and successor to Mark, Patrick Abba Moro equally opined recently, that locals in places may be compelled to recourse to self-help in the face of government's powerlessness in protecting lives and property. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services, (DSS), said as much at a recent lecture hosted by the Institute for Security Studies, (ISS), Abuja. He alluded to his entreaties to his kinsmen back home in Ogun State, to do their bit in selfprotection and not to be wholly dependent on government. Such is the despairing reality of the security situation across the country. All of these are happening when Nigeria's leaders at various levels of the governance pyramid, have appropriated sizeable proportions of security personnel to themselves for their personal protection, the mass of the people abandoned to their whims.

Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), teaches Creative Writing at the University of Abuja

The success of the ‘enough is enough’ directive will depend on our ability to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete actions, argues KABIR ADAMU

TURNING PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVES INTO TANGIBLE SECURITY GAINS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent "Enough is Enough" directive, calling for a strategic overhaul of Nigeria's security apparatus and the outcome of a meeting by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and its proactive commitment to engage federal security organisations and leverage technology, resonates with a nation yearning for lasting peace. These presidential directive and the NGF commitments, while timely, joins a series of previous presidential pronouncements and subnational efforts aimed at improving our national security landscape. The critical question now is: how do we translate these directives and commitments into concrete, measurable security gains?

The NGF’s proactive commitment to engage federal security organisations and leverage technology offers a promising avenue. Their willingness to collaborate and explore innovative solutions underscores a shared understanding that addressing our complex security challenges requires a unified approach. This collaborative spirit is essential, but it must be coupled with concrete action and sustained accountability.

And as we move forward, a cautious and principled approach is paramount when addressing the multifaceted nature of violent conflicts in Nigeria. We must remain vigilant against:

•Biased Interpretations of Events: Our security forces must be insulated from pressures to react based on skewed or partisan interpretations of events, regardless of the conflict's underlying drivers. Such influences can lead to misapplied resources and escalate tensions.

•Profiling and Stigmatisation: The perilous practice of profiling and stigmatising entire communities or groups based on the actions of a few is not only a violation of fundamental rights but also a catalyst for further alienation and potential radicalization across all conflict types.

•The Critical Need for Impartial Intelligence: The deployment of technology must be underpinned by objective and accurate intelligence that avoids generalisations and prejudices, ensuring that responses are targeted and just, irrespective of the conflict's origin.

Building a truly secure Nigeria demands collaboration, innovation, a strengthened legislative role, active citizen engagement through education and advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equitable solutions for all forms of conflict. Let us engage in constructive dialogue and work collectively towards a safer, more just, and accountable future for every Nigerian, where every voice matters.

Subnational governments, comprising state governors and local government chairmen, bear a significant responsibility in building the foundational infrastructure including platforms and interventions necessary for effective and efficient public security at the grassroots level. This necessitates a proactive approach across the six critical requirements: establishing robust intelligence networks and community policing initiatives to detect threats early; implementing physical security measures and social programs that deny opportunities for crime and violence to take root; investing in command and control centers (C3 or C4i) with rapid communication systems and local security personnel to delay the progression of security incidents; equipping and training local response teams and fostering inter-agency collaboration for swift and coordinated response; establishing mechanisms for regular review of security strategies and incident analysis to identify weaknesses and adapt approaches; and developing victim support services and community-based reconciliation programs to recover from security breaches and build long-term resilience. By prioritizing these infrastructural investments and localized strategies, subnational leaders can

create a more secure environment for their citizens and complement national security efforts.

To ensure that President Tinubu's "Enough is Enough" directive, and indeed all subsequent directives, and the NGF’s commitments deliver tangible results, we must prioritize the following recommendations: Strengthening the Administrative Machinery: The administrative apparatus surrounding the President including officials at the Presidency and the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation as well as the coordinating elements of our national security architecture (the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministers of Defence, Interior and Police Affiars) must act as crucial catalysts. They must transform directives into precise, actionable tools, including clear guidelines, protocols, and performance metrics. This ensures seamless implementation and avoids the pitfalls of well-intentioned pronouncements fading into inaction.

Enhancing Accountability Mechanisms: Robust accountability measures are non-negotiable. Independent oversight bodies, strengthened internal disciplinary procedures, and transparent security operations are essential to build public trust and ensure adherence to the rule of law. This is especially vital in a context where previous directives have sometimes fallen short of desired accountability.

Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular, data-driven performance monitoring and evaluation are critical. We must track security incidents, analyze trends, and provide regular feedback to security agencies and policymakers. This allows for course correction and ensures that strategies are continuously refined for optimal effectiveness.

Legislative Oversight: The National Assembly must play an active role in scrutinizing security budgets and operations, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks, and enacting legislation that reflects the evolving security landscape. This legislative oversight is a crucial pillar of accountability.

Ethical Technology Integration: While the NGF's focus on technology is commendable, we must prioritize its ethical and responsible deployment. Objective intelligence gathering and the avoidance of profiling are paramount.

Active Citizen Engagement: Investing in civic education and supporting civil society organisations will empower citizens to participate in peacebuilding efforts and hold institutions accountable.

The "Enough is Enough" directive and the NGF’s commitments present crucial opportunities. However, their success depend on our collective ability to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete, measurable actions. By strengthening the administrative machinery, enhancing accountability, leveraging technology responsibly, and fostering active citizen engagement, we can translate presidential directives into tangible security gains and build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Dr. Adamu

is Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited

O. JASON OSAI argues that the state deserves more than peripheral attention

RIVERS STATE AS UNDERDOG OF NIGERIA POLITICS

Following the Buhari/Idiagbon coup in December 1983 and the subsequent war against indiscipline (WAI), Engr Victor Masi was virtually declared the corrupt officer of the Federal Republic while President Shagari and Vice President Ekwueme were declared saints. I cried foul and opined that Masi was so treated because Rivers State is the underdog of Nigeria politics. I furthered that the Buhari/Idiagbon junta did not touch Shagari, a Fulani, neither did it touch Ekwueme, an Igbo, because both came from major ethnic groups that possess a vociferous voice in the affairs of the nation.

The sordid scenario prosaically painted above was poetically portrayed in my 1994 poem titled “A Disturbing Pattern”, which states that “My Victor…is anguished/The only one vanguished/ At the kangaroo grill/In the central seat/While the rechristened Saul sent to Steel/Stole and walked down easy street”. Given my kinship with Masi, the view was seen as biased Babangida entered the scene and retained Professor Tam David-West as Petroleum Minister. Based on spurious allegation of a gift of golden wristwatch and a cup of tea, David-West was sent to Bama prisons while those from other ethnic groups who brazenly looted the treasury walked home free. Again, Navy Captain Ibim Princewill was sacked as Governor of Cross River State on very flimsy reason and that was the first time a governor under a military administration was so treated. The double commonality of these two cases is that their indictment took place under military administration, which was very unusual given the rabid rate of roguery and robbery during that administration; also, both David-West and Princewill are Rivers men of Kalabari extraction. When I raised the same point of Rivers State being the butt of Nigeria politics, it attracted the attention it deserved. However, no concerted effort was made to protest such ignominious treatment.

Today, Bauchi and Borno are burning; “the farmlands of Benue and Plateau/Are soaked in the blood of not a few/Dozens of cadavers, bloodsplattered/Are recklessly scattered/On the streets of Yoruba/And the bushes of Taraba”. The Middle Belt has long been a theater of the bizarre bazaar of bounty-hunting bandits. In the Southeast, a renegade security network has virtually brought the otherwise thriving economy to its knees.

In Ebonyi, the acclaimed “HQ of Islam in the Southeast”, bandits walked into a church and slaughtered everyone therein. Yet, there is no declaration of state of emergency in these areas. Why? Because the people have put their diversity in check and forged a unity that has put the operators of the Nigerian system in check.

Conversely and rather sadly, the Babelian nature of Rivers State and our inability to transcend petty differences have led to our vulnerability; this is exacerbated by our characteristic docility and gullibility. These have made Rivers State a ready prey for exploitation by the operators of this amalgam called Nigeria.

An Egbema aphorism holds that “palm kernel pomade runs where the skull is low”. The paradox of Rivers State is that it is the hub of the mainstay of the Nigerian economy yet the people live in abject poverty. Their traditional occupations have been rendered unprofitable by pollution and dangerous by Fulani herders who rape, maim and kill farmers with impunity. Many families live in mud-andthatch houses within five meters of live oil wells yet they are not able to feed their children or send them to school. Victims of the weaponization of poverty, they are not able to organize and raise a voice.

Today, the democratic structures of Rivers

State have been dismantled and a Sole Administrator appointed; he is riding roughshod by decimating what is left of the democratic institutions while insolently claiming to have transformed Rivers State. At the national level, a 19-man House Committee has been set up for oversight functions. These are aberrations in a democratic dispensation; they justify Rivers State being referred to as “Colony on the Coast”.

In the Babelian Syndrome that typifies Rivers State, there has been a well attended and widespread “RETURN FUBARA” procession, which was quickly followed by an orchestrated counter procession that shamelessly proclaimed the opposite. Many well-meaning groups have sprouted from the nooks and crannies of the State protesting the unconstitutional act. Yet, a Presidency that is smitten by the Iguana Syndrome is listening to the choreographed “Aye” by a heavily funded micro-minuscule minority. What a people! What a system!!

In my early thirties, I was the spokesman of Egbema Youths Association (EYA), which peacefully paralyzed the operations of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Egbema for two weeks until NAOC yielded to its demand for electricity, pipe-borne water, school buildings, scholarships and roads. The outcome of that first community action against a corporate multinational in the history of old Rivers State was such that a 1997 OP-ED in The Guardian rated Egbema as “the most infrastructurally developed community in rural Nigeria”. Thereafter, I was elected Secretary-General of Association of Mineral Producing Areas of Rivers State (AMPARS). Under the leadership of the legendary Chief HJR Dappa-Biriye, AMPARS audaciously demanded the creation of “a commission for the development of the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta” from the Buhari/Idiagbon junta. That effort was sustained into the Babangida Administration and it fructified in the creation of Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), which morphed into Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Now in my mid-seventies, all I can do is write and speak, when invited.

Wake up! Rivers people!! Wake up from your slumber!!!

Professor Osai writes from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE ILLICIT TRADE IN FEMALE EGGS

Issues of fertility deserve serious attention

The World Health Organisation has advocated that no woman should have her eggs harvested more than twice a year

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

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

Letters to the Editor

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

UNDERSTANDING FINTIRI’S STYLE OF LEADERSHIP

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s remarkable success in politics and governance is built on three pillars. First and foremost, he holds an unshakable belief that power is granted solely by the Almighty Allah, who bestows leadership upon whomever He wills. This beleadership, power, and responsibility.

Secondly, Fintiri is a man of conviction. He cannot be swayed or coerced into decisions. However, he remains open-minded and intellectual humility sets him apart in a political environment where many leaders either succumb to pressure or refuse to listen to alternative views.

Thirdly, Fintiri possesses an in-depth understanding of governance and political power, how it works, when to deploy it, and allowed him to wield power not for personal gain, but in service of meaningful, people-focused development.

From his early days as a member of the State House of Assembly, through his rise to Speaker, Acting Governor, and now twoterm Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Fintiri has consistently demonstrated strategic acumen. What has kept him ahead of

his adversaries is not just political skill, but his deep-rooted belief that power belongs to Allah alone. This faith has given him clarity, courage, and calmness in the face of political storms, enabling him visionary decisions. These are decisions that echo not only in the

His independence of thought, combined with a willingness to embrace sound reasoning, has driven unprecedented transforma-age and a “yes-sir” culture, Fintiri has introduced a new style of leadership: one that prizes merit, innovation, and long-term development over short-term political expediency.

Under his leadership, Adamawa has witnessed a massive in-

ing for the masses. He has established three mega science schools, one in each senatorial district, positioning the state as a hub for

schools across all local government areas, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education.

Fintiri’s health interventions are equally groundbreaking. From the provision of free kidney treatment to the establishment of one of the most advanced medical laboratories in Nigeria at the Specialist Hospital in Yola, his vision is clear: a healthy population is the foundation of a prosperous state.

His administration has also been proactive in addressing youth unemployment and gender inclusion. Through programs like PAWECA (Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency), thousands of women and young people have been empowered with skills, funding, and job opportunities, restoring dignity and creating pathways for self-reliance.

Leadership, as Fintiri understands it, is both a divine responsibility and a human enterprise. Often, when the Almighty Allah grants leadership, He also grants a unique wisdom, the ability to see what ordinary eyes cannot. Fintiri not only possesses this foreand service. He knows when to exercise power and when to listen; when to act boldly and when to build consensus.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja

Kayode Tokede

Amid double-digit inflation rate, 10 leading Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria saw their average Cost-to-Income Ratio steady at 46.56 per cent in 2024 from 46.12 per cent in 2023.

The banks are: GTCO, First Holdco Plc, Access Holdings Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and FCMB Group Plc.

Cost-to-Income Ratio is important for determining the profitability of a bank and it gives a clear view of how efficiently the bank is being run. The lower the ratio, the more profitable the bank.

In the banking sector, CIR is a critical indicator of operational

efficiency. A lower CIR can reflect better cost management, higher productivity, or both. However, it should be analysed alongside other metrics like Return on Equity (ROE) and Net Interest Margin (NIM) for a holistic assessment. For banks, an ideal CIR is typically between 40 per cent and 60 per cent, though this can vary based on the industry and geographic region.

Inflation rate in Nigeria, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) increased to 38.8 per cent in 2024.Elevated inflation, driven by currency depreciation and persistent food price pressures, continues to pose a concern for most African economies. However, moderation in inflation is expected in 2025, supported by improved agricultural output and stabilizing exchange rates.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s central

banks maintained high interest rates in 2024 to curb inflation and support currency stability. With the outlook of inflation tapering in the horizon, the region is expected to see a gradual shift toward monetary easing in 2025.

THISDAY analysis of Nigerian DMBs 2024 results revealed that GTCO declared the lowest CIR in 2024 when it dropped to 24.14 per cent in 2024 from 29.13 per cent reported in 2023 financial year amid increasing operating expenses (OPEX).

GTCO reported a 60.9 per cent growth in OPEX from N250.4 billion in 2024 to N403.0 billion in 2024 with non-controllable cost mix improving to 28.9per cent of the OPEX in 2024 from 33.3per cent in 2023.

GTCO in a presentation said, “The key OPEX growth drivers

are as follows: Increase in regulatory charges - AMCON levy and Deposit Insurance Premium. AMCON levy increased by 34.2 per cent (N36.6billiion vs N27.4billion) due to growth in total Asset and contingents base (N7.33trillion vs N5.46trillion).

“Also, deposit insurance premium increased by 28.9per cent (N21.9 billion vs N17.0 billion) due to a 48.1 per cent increase in underlying customers’ deposit volume (N5.26 trillion vs N3.55 trillion). 84.3 per cent growth in occupancy costs and repairs & maintenance (N35.2 billion vs N19.1billion), driven by impact of exchange rate and increase in price occasioned by rise in diesel, fuel, and general maintenance costs as well ground and water rates.

“48.4per cent growth in technological and service-related

expenses to N88.0billion in 2024 vs N59.3billion in FY-2023 is in line with the Group’s growth aspirations, necessitating increased spend on technology. The weaker Naira/US$ conversion also had a major impact on the translation of subsidiaries’ OPEX balances.

“89.4per cent growth in personnel expenses (N85.4 vs N45.1billion) resulted from increase in salaries of core and non-core employees across the Group’s banking and non-banking entities to cushion the impact of rising cost of living for employees.”

The lender in the period under review emerged as the second most profitable bank after Zenith Bank, reporting N1.27 trillion profit before tax, about 107.8 per cent increase from N609.31billion in 2023.

Similarly, other Tier-I and II banks

investigated by THISDAY recorded Cost-to-Income Ratio below 70 per cent in the period under review. Data compiled by THISDAY showed that Zenith Bank recorded 38.90 per cent Cost-to-Income Ratio in 2024 from 36.10 per cent in 2023 followed by UBA with 49.50 per cent Cost-to-Income Ratio 2024 from 37.26 per cent reported in 2023FY. Zenith Bank in a statement said, “Rise in the cost-to-income ratio was driven by increase in regulatory cost and I.T spend, as well as general prices due to higher inflation levels.” Zenith Bank’s profit before tax stood at N1.33trillion in 2024, about 67 per cent increase over N795.96 billion reported in 2023.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the proposal for the establishment of a Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board (CTGDB) to regulate activities in the sector.

The NEC also approved new strategies for agribusiness expansion and livestock transformation projected to generate up to $90 billion in economic value by 2035.

The meeting, which was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and was attended by governors of the 36 states of the federation, also approved the establishment of

the Green Imperative Project (GIP) national office in Abuja and regional offices across the six geopolitical zones to address the crises fuelled by the current system of animal husbandry in the country.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement stated that the CTGDB would be domiciled in the Presidency and funded from the Textile Import Levy being collected by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Other members of the board would be representatives of the six geo-political zones as well as

the ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Shettima said that the establishment of a CTGDB aligned with the economic revival agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and would resuscitate a sector that once clothed the people and powered the nation’s economy.

He said: “Nigeria is a nation where cotton can thrive in 34 states. Yet our production level remains a fraction of our potential. We currently produce only 13,000 metric tons, while we continue to import textiles worth hundreds of

millions of dollars. This is not just an economic imbalance. It is an invitation to act. Our goal is not just regulation. It is a revival. This is our opportunity to re-industrialise, to empower communities, and to restore pride in local production.”

Shettima also announced that the NEC also approved the establishment of the Green Imperative Project (GIP) national office in Abuja and regional offices across the six geopolitical zones, as well as the request for support for the formal launch of the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism.

On strengthening the nation’s food security, he said even

though it is a vital follow-up to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, it is also basically about building an inclusive, efficient and sustainable national food economy.

“We are building a national food economy that is inclusive, efficient and sustainable,” he noted.

Other highlights of the NEC meeting included the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development’s (FMLD) presentation on, “Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy,” which is built on the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) (2018 – 2028) that is focused on modernising Nigeria’s livestock sector, with an emphasis on

The presentation projected that the strategy would build a $90 billion sector by 2035 in direct partnership between states, the private sector and foreign investors under a sound federal regulatory umbrella.

The ministry said that investments in the programme between 2025 and 2026 would prioritise Animal Health and Zoonoses Control, Feed and Fodder Development, and Water Resources Management.

Dike Onwuamaeze

Wema Bank 80 Years Story: Journey of Resilience,

Transformation, Innovation

From culture shifts to digital bets and from generational change to long-term vision, the story of Wema Bank’s transformation is one of bold decisions, disciplined execution, and the belief that even an 80-year-old bank can reinvent itself, writes Oluchi Chibuzor

Wema Bank, founded in 1945 as Agbonmagbe Bank, began its journey with a simple yet powerful vision: to serve Nigeria’s unbanked and underbanked population, particularly those the larger international banks neglected. Despite early challenges, the institution grew steadily for decades until the early 2000s, when it was teetering on the brink of collapse.

Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, leadership transformation, and a relentless focus on digital banking, Wema Bank survived and emerged as a powerful force within the Nigerian financial sector. This is the story of Wema Bank, an institution that has evolved stronger in an ever-changing landscape, with its tagline “With You All the Way” at the heart of its mission. At 80 years old, the bank is ready to tackle more challenges and emerge victorious on the other side.

Moruf Oseni and Ademola Adebise joined Segun Oloketuyi, Wema Bank’s 2009 MD, at the center of this remarkable transformation. Their leadership philosophies and vision for the future played pivotal roles in the bank’s recovery from the brink of dissolution. With their extensive experience and deep understanding of the financial ecosystem, they embraced different yet complementary strategies to reshape the institution. Adebise’s tenure from 2018 to 2023 reflected bold decisions. Oseni, who took over as MD/CEO in 2023, carried the baton forward with a vision that inspires staff and stakeholders.

When Segun Oloketuyi took over as Managing Director in 2009, Wema Bank was in dire straits, saddled with N66 billion in negative capital and teetering on the edge of regulatory dissolution, but Oloketuyi saw an opportunity to rewrite the story. With calm resolve and a sharp grasp of what was required, he assembled a management team grounded in integrity, technical competence, and the courage to make tough decisions. Rather than pursue flashy fixes, he focused on stabilizing the institution from the inside out - repairing internal processes, rebuilding trust among staff and investors, and enforcing financial discipline. He believed transformation could only take root when supported by strong governance, clean books, and a workforce aligned with long-term goals. Under his steady leadership, Wema Bank survived and began to find its footing again.

The years between 2009 and 2017 were a critical rebuilding period marked by deliberate steps to restore confidence, recapitalize the bank, and lay the foundation for innovation-led growth. The journey began with the new management in 2009, which immediately set out to stabilize operations and reestablish regulatory compliance. In 2010, a targeted capital raise provided much-needed short-term liquidity, while in 2011, in response to a new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy requiring banks to focus on core banking services, Wema Bank made the tough but strategic decision to divest from non-banking subsidiaries and scale down to a regional banking license in 2009. That same year, the bank adjusted its operating model to fit the realities of a smaller footprint, a tactical retreat that positioned it for a more sustainable comeback. Adebise notes they switched to regional banking because it was the most strategic move. He noted, “The minimum requirement for a national banking license was N25 billion. Initially, we scaled down to a regional bank to stay afloat, shutting down branches in the Southeast and North. After the second capital raise, we scaled back up to a national bank.

It was a very tough period. We gave it our all because we thought the bank could collapse.”

By 2013, with improved stability, the leadership launched Project LEAP, a long-term growth strategy built around technology, people, and operational efficiency. A N40 billion equity raise followed, further shoring up capital and investor confidence. The bank deepened its product and service offerings after another capital raise in 2014. In 2015, Wema regained its national banking license, signaling its return to full strength and ambition. That same year, a comprehensive corporate branding exercise began, initiating the cultural and identity shift that would become central to the Wema vision.

In 2016, the bank fully repaid its CBN loan — a significant milestone that underscored its financial turnaround and restored credibility. Then, in 2017, Wema stunned the market with the launch of ALAT 1.0, Africa’s first fully digital bank, and a landmark achievement in its transformation journey.

Throughout the early stages of Wema Bank, Ademola Adebise served as Segun Oloketuyi’s right-hand man, holding the role of Deputy Managing Director and helping to steer the bank’s turnaround efforts. Moruf Oseni, now the current MD, spoke on their roles over the years. He shared, “As far as I’m concerned, Wema Bank’s succession planning is the best in the Nigerian banking industry. Mr. Oloketuyi handed over to the best man to lead the bank in 2018. I was fortunate to serve as his deputy. Mr. Oloketuyi had laid the foundation and stabilised the bank, and then Demola focused on driving growth and capitalizing the institution.”

A clear sense of purpose and a deep appreciation of the institution’s heritage defined Adebise’s leadership journey. A man who spent most of his career consulting with Accenture, Ademola Adebise joined Wema Bank with a mindset shaped by flat structures, accountability, and speed. So, his first day at the bank was a culture shock. “I was surprised to see people rushing to collect my bag and phones,” he recalled. “That day, I knew we had to change things.”

It wasn’t just about the optics. The incident underscored a deep-seated challenge: a rigid, hierarchical culture that no longer served the bank’s future. Adebise quickly realised that the transformation Wema needed wasn’t just technical or infrastructural; it was cultural. He met a workforce loyal to past leaders, bound by legacy systems, and resistant to new ideas. Changing that meant confronting long-held habits and difficult trade-offs.

“We had to rejuvenate the workforce and introduce a new way of thinking,” he said. By 2019, Wema Bank was a different place.

The average age of employees had dropped from over 48 to about 30. Over 60 per cent of the workforce had been refreshed, with younger, more tech-savvy professionals taking the reins.

The leadership team invested heavily in training, onboarding programs, and open communication.

“Everyone needed to understand the bank’s new direction,” Adebise noted. Town halls became common. Innovation was encouraged. What was once a buttoned-up, top-down institution was becoming nimbler, flatter, and more human.

The cultural shift was foundational to what came next: the birth of ALAT. In 2017, Wema Bank launched Africa’s first fully digital bank, a bold move for an ‘old’ institution with limited

resources and minimal tech pedigree. At the time, larger banks were cautiously experimenting with mobile apps while fintechs were beginning to lure away younger customers. Wema Bank chose a different path. “We saw what was coming,” Adebise said. “If we didn’t move, we’d become irrelevant.” He also explained the bank’s name, “ALAT is an acronym. While the word “alert” inspired it, we wanted something aspirational. ALAT stands for Audacious, Limitless, Aspirational, and Timeless.”

ALAT wasn’t just a new app. It was a fullstack digital bank, built in-house, launched with zero branches, and designed from day one for mobile-first customers. The bank hired a team of young developers, partnered with McKinsey for strategic support, and worked through countless iterations. The risk paid off. In its first year, ALAT onboarded over 250,000 customers and generated N1.6 billion deposits. Oseni led the team that built ALAT from scratch till it hit the market. Wema Bank launched the app during Oloketuyi’s last year as CEO, and it became a mainstream financial solution during Adebise’s tenure.

“The highlight of my career at Wema Bank was when we launched ALAT on May 2nd, 2017. That moment meant a lot. It’s especially significant because I was the Executive Director in charge of the project,” Oseni reminisced. “Mr. Oloketuyi gave me full freedom to run it without interference. I assembled the team that built ALAT and worked with them daily from day one until launch. I went on to manage the product for many years. If I were to retire today, that period remains the best time of my banking career.”

ALAT changed the perception of what Wema Bank could be and gave it a young and audacious image. The user base grew exponentially, crossing the 500,000 mark by its second year and reaching 1 million by the third. It won accolades like Best Digital Bank and Best Mobile App from BusinessDay and KPMG. However, ALAT’s real legacy is how it rewired Wema’s product development and innovation. For the first time, the bank learned to build fast, test often, and adapt quickly. “We moved from waterfall to agile,” Adebise said. “It was chaotic, but it taught us how to think like a tech-driven company.”

It also created a ripple effect across the Nigerian fintech space. Many young engineers and product managers who cut their teeth on ALAT have since moved on to build or lead at some of the country’s most successful startups, including Flutterwave and Moniepoint. Wema Bank, once seen as a legacy bank, had unwittingly become a launchpad for tech talent.

When Moruf Oseni took over as MD/CEO in 2023, his mandate was clear: scale what Adebise and Oloketuyi started. Where Adebise had focused on building from within, Oseni is pushing for broader relevance, aiming to position Wema Bank as a systemically important player in Nigeria’s financial system. “In 2024, we made N102 billion in profit before tax,” he said. “Now the goal is N300 billion.”

Oseni believes the future of Wema Bank rests not just on technology but on people and a shared sense of purpose. His leadership

philosophy reflects a core belief in the power of people. “When people ask why Wema has done so well in the last three years, I tell them it’s my ‘people strategy.’ I level with the team, meet them at their point of need, and tell them the journey will be tough but worth it. And they’ve bought in. They’re no longer just staff; they’re stakeholders. Without them and their commitment, even with all the knowledge, investments, and customers, we’ll be nowhere,” he says. He has improved performance management, internal branding, and leadership development. Under Oseni, the bank has embraced what he calls “people-first prosperity,” which positively impacts the staff, shareholders, and customers. It’s a philosophy that aligns with his broader vision of inclusive progress. This ethos has driven changes company-wide, from performance management to customer engagement. “Performance is non-negotiable under my watch,” he says. “But so is care. For me, everybody is important. We must respect everybody.”

Within the last five years, Wema has launched Hackaholics (its annual youth-focused tech hackathon), SARA by Wema (a women-focused community created to boost financial inclusion), ALAT for Business (digital banking for SMEs), ALAT Xplore (a banking and financial literacy App for teenagers), and ALATPay (a fast-growing payment gateway). Other key initiatives introduced over the last few years to better serve customer needs include Royal Kiddies (banking for children), FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme (a youth empowerment and tech skills initiative launched in partnership with the federal government), the NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Programme, CoopHub (digital banking for cooperatives), ALAT Union Pay (international card services), Prestige by Wema (for high-net-worth individuals), and the Phygital Banking model that combines physical branches with digital tools. Wema Bank might be 80 years old and, in everyone’s books, an ‘old bank,’ but it won’t just be Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank. It has grown to become Nigeria’s most innovative bank, and it’s determined to lead in every way that counts. Oseni’s vision is bold. “We want to be a tier-one, systemically important bank. Not just big in size, but big in impact,” Oseni said. He sees Wema Bank leading in financial inclusion, SME empowerment, and digital innovation in the future. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We’ve built the foundation. Now we scale.”

The Bank’s future is bright, and even its past leaders are ready to support it with encouragement and advice. Adebise echoes this sentiment while beaming with pride, “In terms of performance, I’m not surprised by where we are. When I left, I told Moruf, ‘You guys have to shoot for 10x.’ So, no, I’m not surprised we’re doing N100 billion and aiming for N300 billion next, and I believe the bank is well positioned to get there.”

From culture shifts to digital bets and from generational change to long-term vision, the story of Wema’s transformation is one of bold decisions, disciplined execution, and the belief that even an 80-year-old bank can reinvent itself. Through the efforts of leaders like Oloketuyi, Adebise, and Oseni, Wema Bank has caught up with the times and redefined what a Nigerian bank can be. As it steps into its next decade, Wema Bank is shaping the future of Nigerian banking and keeping its promise to be “With You All the Way.”

Adebise

Oseni

Edun: Nigeria’s Reforms Hailed Globally, Next Target

is 7% Growth

At a media briefing marking the conclusion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington DC, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, revealed that Nigeria’s economic reforms received strong commendation from the international community, hailed as the most credible pathway to sustainable prosperity. Edun noted that with macro-economic stability now taking root, the government’s focus has shifted to accelerating growth to at least 7 per cent annually, a critical threshold needed to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty. He also discussed an array of economic issues. Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe presents the excerpts

What was the key message from your meeting with the IMF/World Bank regarding Nigeria’s economic direction?

Nigeria’s reform efforts are strongly appreciated by the international community as the most credible way to economic prosperity. Infact, the U.S State Department described Nigeria’s reforms as an economic miracle. There is a strong global appetite for investments in Nigeria and International Finance Corporation (IFC) continuing investment in Nigeria will be a strong signal for many more to come for the Nigerian Private Sector. Fiscal consolidation remains a critical element of the Nigerian Policy menu at this time and Nigeria agrees on the overarching theme of the 2025 World Bank Group/IMF Spring Meeting that Job creation is the sure pathway to poverty reduction and improved livelihood.

How does the downward pressure on oil prices indirectly affect fiscal sustainability and budget performance?

The era of reciprocal tariffs regime, as is called, was recently introduced earlier this month, does not affect Nigeria as much as others, and that’s because our major exports to the US which are oil and minerals are excluded from the reciprocal tariff regime. However, the indirect effect is there, and because of the global uncertainty and the volatility that followed in the financial markets, the oil price fell 20 per cent initially and was getting below $60.

But as the weeks has went on, there has been a pause in the reciprocal tariff regime, that too has started to settle a little bit of the uncertainty and the oil price has moved back up, as you say, to about $65, as we all know, below the 2025 budget estimate. But the budget is a statement of intent, and you always have to calibrate. You always have to adjust to the actual reality on the ground and the funds available. And that is exactly what is being done.

As the news of began to gather momentum, immediately the economic management team formed a subcommittee, which included various obvious ministries, projects and planning, the Budget Office, the central bank and so forth. That subcommittee was charged with just looking at and analysing and modeling what are the various scenarios under which we would be operating if this situation persisted. And in fact, it’s not all negative, sometimes these difficult situations provide opportunities. And I’ll give one example, our Minister of Health coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, immediately the announcement was made that USAID would be no longer funded by the US government.

It meant that funding for antiretroviral drugs, funding for medicine for tuberculosis and malaria that Nigeria benefited from to the tune of $800 million or thereabouts, would no

longer be available. His team immediately did the analysis, and he found out that by purchasing from cheaper sources and by cutting out some of the administrative expenses that were part of the package that came from USAID originally, we could get by with finding a quarter of that amount and yet still provide the health care to our citizens. And of course, this type of support is not to be forever.

So, they, too, I suppose, have their point, but in terms of the reaction, as I say, the analysis is being done and presented to the economic management team and ultimately, to the Federal Executive Council, and further decisions will be made. But we must also remember that it is not just about the oil sector, but it is the primary source of foreign exchange and indeed of government revenue. We have a new team at NNPC.

They have been charged with increasing production. So, if price goes down, but production goes up, you have a chance to make up for some of that deficit. They have been charged with minimising and rationalising cost, by looking for efficiencies across the board.

While the IMF and World Bank praised Nigeria’s reforms, there were also calls for the government to move to the next phase, which is increase spending on social protection, and ensure greater transparency in the oil sector. How is the government planning to respond to these expectations?

We have a robust revenue assurance initiative to automate and digitise even more than before, the revenue-earning agencies, ministries, and departments of government to make sure that what is paid by the public is received in the coffers of government.

And of course, you know, we have with us the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, as well as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, and they are major players as far as the tax reform bill is concerned. And I think they can probably tell you better than I, but I think the imminent passing of that tax reform bill is on the horizon, and once it is passed, it does have in it the potential for increasing tax as a percentage of GDP. It does have in it the potential for increasing tax revenues.

Initially, there was a focus on concessional funding from organisations such as the World Bank, German, EU, French governments, and then ultimately funding, first from Nigerians in the diaspora. But that has run its course, and the focus now is on domestic revenue mobilisation. However, it

now looks like the government is crowding out the private sector.

All revenue-earning areas that the government is involved are open to the private sector, and even the budget itself contains a line from privatisation, showing the intention of opening up the economy to the private sector. And that as you can well imagine, is a way of blocking and filling any gaps that might have risen from the fallout and the indirect effects. And the next stage, you ask, what the next stage is?

The next stage is to go for growth. Having stabilised the economy, there is a plan, and we have 3.4 per cent growth on average for 2024 but in the last quarter, it was 3.84 per cent so it’s accelerating, speeding up, and the objective is to really double that growth. Unless we get to about 7 per cent per annum growth, we are not going to substantially reduce poverty and improve the lives of Nigerians.

So that is the target.

That’s a commitment, and the way to get it is by focusing on agriculture, increasing productivity, as well as making food more available, infrastructure, particularly the digital economy, where young people play with coding, with business support, with e-commerce and the like. And then also improving and increasing through structural reform, something that the governor of the central bank will be very much part of overseeing is improving access to finance.

So, we’ll go with our suggestions and proposals, he will look at them from the regulatory point of view and hopefully pass them, thereby giving micro businesses, small and medium scale enterprises, as well as larger enterprises, better access to financing. In terms of the question of social protection, it is critical.

The president promised to make sure that the poor and the most vulnerable are not left behind. We have a social direct benefit transfer program. It started and it wasn’t robust enough, and we stopped, and we went back to the drawing board. And now we have a standard that payments that are going out regularly, on a monthly basis, to people on the social register, each person is identified biometrically through a need, and each person has a digital methodology for reaching them. So, they are paid either through a bank account or through a mobile wallet. So, when you ask, who did you pay yesterday? How much did you give them, or when did you give it to him, that information can easily be provided. Right now, we are running at a rate of about 1 million, additional people are brought into the social register every month because we have a social

register of about 20 million households and one person representing that household. However, not all of them have been captured biometrically and uniquely so. That’s the exercise that’s going on. The aim is to ramp up to about 3 million people being captured into that database every month, so that in no time, you have a database of the poor who can be reached at any time that the government needs to, not just for the existing direct benefit transfer program, but at any time, the government needs to reach and help these people.

And finally, in terms of transparency, in terms of the oil sector in particular, there is a new team in NNPC, and one of the areas in which they will be tasked is to provide transparent, complete and regular data as required by Nigerians, and by the public as a whole. And in addition, one of the important ways of communicating to Nigerians is through data. So we have an exercise, a very urgent exercise, being carried out by a team to ensure that we raise the quality and we have first-class fiscal data on all aspects of government’s finances and consistency across all the areas that provide that Data, be it central bank, Debt Management Office, Budget Office, accountant general’s office. The idea is to have a robust, regular, up to date and transparent data to provide to the public.

A report recently revealed that Nigeria is now the fourth largest economy in Africa, what plans do you have to reverse this?

What matters is, as you’ve heard from the governor of the central bank and indeed myself, Nigeria is economically, and financially, in a very much better place than it was just a couple of years ago. We have a sound macroeconomic base, and good progress across all major indicators, including the ones that people really feel. Inflation is coming down, the exchange rate is stabilising, food prices are coming down.

Based on that, the next step and stage is to build on that foundation, by maintaining the strength, the stability, and even resilience and as the governor mentioned during this recent crisis, the Nigerian economy and the Nigerian external sector and its monetary stability showed resilient. It was shaken, it was tested, and it showed resilience. People took their money, then they brought it back when they found out that there was nothing amiss.

And I think it’s on that foundation that we now have to push to grow the Nigerian economy deliberately at least 7 per cent per annum, because below that, we’re not helping Nigerians fast enough. We’re not taking them out of poverty quickly enough. There’s a GDP rebasing coming, These are statistical factors, but the statistics that matter are the number of Nigerians being helped out of poverty, the number of young Nigerians being given good quality jobs in a growing economy.

Edun

Cardoso: Economic Reforms Paving Way for Long-term Growth

In a chat with newsmen at the conclusion of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group spring meetings in Washington DC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, highlighted the significant strides made in Nigeria’s economic reforms. Cardoso underscored that the country’s bold policy shifts have not only strengthened the nation’s economic fundamentals but have also restored investor confidence. He noted that these reforms, combined with efforts to enhance Nigeria’s financial stability and improve foreign exchange inflows, are positioning the country for sustainable long-term growth, despite global economic uncertainties. Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe present excerpts

Can you speak on the outcomes of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings?

These Meetings come at a time of heightened global uncertainty an era that is testing the resilience of economies worldwide and underscoring the urgent need to build stronger safeguards against external shocks. Against this backdrop, our delegation used the meetings as a platform to spotlight Nigeria’s bold economic reforms and explore further measures to enhance macroeconomic stability, strengthen our financial system, and drive inclusive growth for all Nigerians.

In the lead-up to the Meetings, we convened a high-level global forum at Nasdaq MarketSite in New York. The forum brought together top-tier global investors, senior financial stakeholders, and influential diaspora leaders to engage in a candid discussion on Nigeria’s macro-economic outlook and reform trajectory. The forum focused on facts and the future an open and constructive dialogue aimed at reviewing our progress, addressing challenges, and forging stronger, long-term partnerships. Underpinning this engagement was a clear objective: reaffirming the Central Bank of Nigeria’s role as a credible, globally respected institution, trusted internationally and committed to excellence at home. I am pleased to share that the New York forum delivered powerful outcomes.

It significantly bolstered investor confidence in Nigeria’s market fundamentals, with leading voices from across the global financial system going on record to affirm the country’s economic progress and renewed standing as a compelling investment destination. This growing confidence is further reinforced by Fitch’s recent upgrade of Nigeria’s credit outlook - underscoring international recognition of our disciplined reforms and the bold steps we are taking to restore macroeconomic stability. Ultimately, none of these developments are abstract. They reflect the outcome of consistent policies which have brought about stability in our economy, setting the stage for investments and growth. Thanks to the steps taken over the past 18 months, we have strengthened our monetary buffers and positioned Nigeria to better withstand external shocks. Indeed, the macroeconomic stability we are beginning to see today would not have been possible without these decisive actions. We recognise that inflation remains the most disruptive force to the economic welfare of Nigerians. Our policy stance is firmly focused on bringing inflation down to single digits in a sustainable manner over the medium term. Our goal is to restore price stability, protect household purchasing power, and lay the foundation for long-term investment.

Another key pillar of our reforms is a market-determined foreign exchange regime. We have embraced market-driven pricing for the

naira, significantly enhancing transparency and restoring investor confidence. Again, thanks to disciplined reforms and policy clarity, the naira has stabilised at a more sustainable level against the U.S. dollar.

The once-wide gap between the official and parallel market rates has all but disappeared, a first in Nigeria’s recent history, and speculative arbitrage has all but vanished. This renewed stability has restored confidence and spurred autonomous inflows through formal channels. These inflows are diversifying our foreign exchange sources beyond oil. Nigeria’s external buffers have also strengthened considerably. Our foreign reserves now exceed $38 billion, providing nearly ten months of import cover. This robust buffer enables us to better withstand external shocks - whether from declining oil prices or global financial turbulencethereby safeguarding our economy.

In 2024, Nigeria recorded a balance of payments surplus of $6.83 billion, the strongest in many years, driven by rising exports and renewed capital inflows.

At the same time, we are enhancing the strength of our financial sector. The banking sector recapitalisation is well underway, with strong momentum and stakeholder alignment, and will ensure that Nigerian banks are fully equipped to support the real economy with greater scale, stability, and capacity. At these Spring Meetings, our development partners expressed their confidence in Nigeria’s trajectory. Feedback from global investors and the Nigerian diaspora has likewise been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting growing alignment with our economic direction.

Nigeria is increasingly recognised as a rising economic force, admired for the resolve shown in implementing difficult but necessary reforms. These achievements, while encouraging, only strengthen our resolve to press forward. We will not be complacent. Instead, we will redouble our efforts to ensure these positive trends are sustained. I wish to thank the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, for his invaluable partnership. Our progress is anchored in strong collaboration and a shared commitment to Nigeria’s economic renewal. To all Nigerians, these reforms are not easy, but they are delivering results. We have moved from a position of vulnerability toward one of growing strength, and our economic trajectory is beginning to turn positive. We return home mindful of global challenges yet filled with renewed commitment to stay the course and build on our gains in stability and resilience.

The IMF Managing Director mentioned that monetary policies should be local and tailored to each country’s needs. What key lessons or takeaways are you drawing from that guidance?

As far as monitoring policy is concerned, clearly, For the central bank being the custodians of stability, a number of things have come out that are important for us to take cognisance of. One of course, is the fact that we are entering a period of heightened uncertainty, and that one size doesn’t fit all in terms of trying to overcome whatever challenges come. One of the things that I have found very useful over the past months is meeting colleagues, exchanging ideas, and seeing how they have been able to tackle problems and challenges they’ve had. And I think the message that has come out now is that more than ever before, you’ve got to look at your peculiar situation because the effects of the uncertainty vary widely from one place to the other.

Riding on top of that is also the response to whatever challenges we see and whatever risks we see. I think the message that has come out there is that it is critically vital to respond with agility and not find yourself paying the price of not responding in the manner, in the way and manner that you should. And I think we are a case in point, frankly, because these reforms that we have done, I dare say that if we hadn’t done them on a timely basis, it would have been very difficult to begin to address some of those things at a period of heightened uncertainty.

You cannot afford to be slack and right now, going forward, there’s a need for heightened surveillance. In other words, you’ve got to be proactive in terms of how you see the future and what tools you deploy to ensure that your function as a custodian of stability does not get inappropriately compromised or lack of doing that. So, there’s need to be forwardlooking and not wait until certain things happen before you start taking appropriate action. Thankfully, the responses that we have had in terms of building offers as a result of the things we have done are useful going forward.

Cardoso: At the investors’ forum, the CBN was commended for timely data release. When you return home, what steps will you take to address any gaps in the data release timeline and improve coordination with fiscal authorities?

On the issue of data, again, I was pleased that what came out from the investor roadshow was the fact that

they were seeing the promptness of data coming from the central bank, and had not seen that level of promptness and transparency anywhere else in the world. So, I think that is a good thing, and all we will do is continue to make data the center of decision-making within the central bank. And I remember when I was called to the Senate before I was appointed the CBN governor, I did say, and I did commit, that decisions will be data-driven and evidence-based. So, this is part of that journey. We will only continue to strengthen what we have, and in conjunction with our development partners, because we have spoken to a number of them with respect to how to give us technical assistance to continue to develop the tools we are using and make them even more, stronger and fit for purpose. That of course, gives better credence to the monetary policy decisions that we make and helps along the road of transparency and accountability

Where do we currently stand on remittance flows, given your strong push to enhance them through your engagements, and what risks do you foresee for remittances in the short to medium term amid global uncertainties?

On the issue of remittance flows, we can see here that the journey that we started a while back is beginning to pay off. Remittance proceeds have contributed towards the diversification of foreign exchange proceeds, and there’s still a way to go. If you look at the indices of some countries, this is all they depend on. They do nothing else but just remittances. Talk less of a country like ours that have other channels of foreign exchange revenues, and hopefully, we’ll be building more of that. So, you can see that if we concentrate on these particular sectors, which, at one point in time, really seemed like nothing, but are now gaining gated traction. The future is bright.

I’m pleased that the banking system has come up with certain products that are meant to reach the non-resident Nigerians. They have products whereby non-resident Nigerians can invest in both naira and dollars and at the end of that investment, they can repatriate their money back as they like. Now, part of the feedback I am getting since the past week is that the diasporas are very happy with this development, because for many of them, they now look for the opportunity for to diversify their investments, and now they have seen that you can bring in your money, you can take it out.

As I said, the banks are coming up with products that will enable them to do things way beyond what they were doing before and with minimum risk, I believe that the developments that we are seeing in the remittance space is positive development.

Cardoso

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 24 April-2025, unless otherwise stated.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

LCFE, Shareholders Dialogue on Strategic Initiatives

Kayode Tokede

The board of a pan African Commodities Exchange, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) and the exchange’s shareholders, have exchanged ideas on some of the strategic achievements of the Exchange and the way forward to enhance its contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LCFE, Akin Akeredolu-Ale, who briefed the Exchange’s Shareholders during an interactive session in Lagos at the weekend, explained many initiatives that the Exchange had implemented, including signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and trading of some asset classes

to unlock full potentials and enhance its ability to contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

“The Exchange is proud to have played a pivotal role in during the review of Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, hence, dedicated section on commodities in the new Act stands as a testament to the contributions of the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE),” he said.

In his welcome address, the LCFE’s Chairman, Chief Onyenwenchukwu Ezeagu, commended the Shareholders for their unwavering commitment to the shared vision of the Exchange.

“Your presence here today reflects your unwavering commitment to our shared vision, and it is a privilege to have you

with us. This meeting is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering a deeper relationship between LCFE and its shareholders. As we embark on this journey together, our primary objective is to provide you with a clear understanding of LCFE’s strategic direction.

“We are committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that you are well-informed about LCFE achi evements, milestones, and ongoing projects. This meeting serves as an opportunity to update you on the Exchange’s achievements, key milestones, and ongoing projects that continue to position LCFE as a dynamic force in the Commodities and Futures market ecosystem, both locally and internationally,” he stated.

Lekki Port Showcases Smart Infrastructure, Economic Potential at Industry Forum

Lekki Port’s transformative role in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector was brought into sharp focus during the 5th edition of the Journal NG Town Hall held on Thursday, April 17, 2024.

At the landmark forum convened to explore gaps in achieving 24-hour port operations in Nigeria, Daniel Odibe, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Lekki Port, delivered an impactful presentation detailing the port’s infrastructure, operational achievements, and role in shaping the future of trade in Nigeria.

The event began with a warm welcome by Mr. Ismail Aniemu, publisher of Journal NG and

convener of the town hall series. In his address, he reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to driving policy discussions that catalyze change in Nigeria’s port and trade environment.

In his opening remarks, former President of NAGAFF, Dr. Eugene Nweke, stressed the importance of collective responsibility and strategic alignment in the journey toward 24-hour port operations.

“This is not about pointing fingers. It’s about national pride, policy alignment, and infrastructural will. To move forward, we must adopt a holistic view—embracing collaboration, investing in technology, and strengthening

inter-agency efficiency,” he emphasised.

In his keynote presentation, Daniel Odibe highlighted Lekki Port’s impressive infrastructure—including a 2-kilometre-long breakwater (the longest in Nigeria), 16.5-meter draft, and 680-meter quay length in the phase 1 development—positioning Lekki Port as the only port in the country capable of handling the world’s largest container vessels. He noted that Lekki Port is a product of a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and has already begun transforming the maritime landscape.

Al Amin Mota Pledges Automotive Innovation, Youth Empowerment

In a landmark event held in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, dynamic entrepreneur and visionary, Al Amin Mota, officially launched Sarikin Motors 2.0, an ambitious automotive venture designed to reshape Nigeria’s vehicle manufacturing landscape.

The unveiling ceremony attracted a cross-section of business leaders, industrialists, and automobile enthusiasts, all gathered to witness the rebirth of a brand with the promise to drive innovation, generate employment, and foster economic growth across the country.

Founder and CEO of Sarikin Motors, Al Amin Mota, shared his motivation behind the initiative, emphasizing the need to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported vehicles. “Our goal is to bring innovation to the

automotive sector, create jobs for our youth, and stimulate economic growth in our communities,” he stated passionately.

Sarikin Motors plans to employ over 500 young Nigerians within its first year, offering robust training programs to equip them with practical skills in automotive technology. The company will also focus on sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and processes to minimize environmental impact.

Attendees at the event were treated to an exclusive preview of the company’s first vehicle model, which featured a blend of cutting-edge design, smart technology, and environmental consciousness—signaling a bold move towards locally inspired, globally competitive innovation.

Al Amin Mota is no stranger to bold moves. Since stepping into the automobile sales industry in

2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional business structures, he has successfully harnessed the power of digital platforms to scale his business, becoming a standout name in Nigeria’s automotive sector.

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Mota said, “In today’s world, skills are more valuable than certificates. But education remains essential. It sharpens your thinking, improves communication, and shapes your worldview. Ultimately, it’s your skills and drive that determine your success.”

Looking ahead, Mota revealed plans for diversification into key sectors like real estate, oil and gas, agriculture, and recycling. “Agriculture is rewarding, but challenging. It demands patience and strategic engagement with communities,” he noted.

May Episode: Nickelodeon’s Viewers Prepare for fun, Thrilling Adventures

Viewers of the popular Nickelodeon’s shows will have the opportunity to watch fun, thrilling adventures and unforgettable family moments in May edition.

From high-energy action, side-splitting comedy, to heartwarming stories, Nickelodeon has something for everyone.

Viewers are to get ready for daring rescues with the PAW Patrol pups, magical mayhem

in The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish, and brand-new episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants! With so much excitement packed into the month, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Some of the programmes include the Loud House x Casagrandes x The Really Loud House where viewers are to get ready for the

loudest, wildest, and most hilarious crossover with the special Let’s Get Loud stunt! Bringing you the best episodes from The Loud House, The Casagrandes, and The Really Loud House—because when these families come together, things get LOUDER than ever!

Viewers are to tune in every weekday on Nickelodeon, DStv Channel 305, and GOtv Channel 87.

Sider (Libya), Bonny

Merey (Venezuela).

Oluchi Chibuzor

Transcorp Power Grows Profit by 50% to N43.3bn in Q1 2025

Kayode Tokede

Transcorp Power Plc has announced profit before tax of N43.3 billion in first quarter ended March 31, 2025, about 50 per cent increase over N28.8 billion declared in the first quarter of 2024.

One of the power subsidiaries of Africa’s leading and listed conglomerate, Transnational Corporation Plc on the Nigerian Exchange Limited declared an impressive growth in revenue, about N105.4 billion in Q1 2025 from N67.9 billion in Q1 2024

(grew by 55 per cent).

This strong performance was primarily driven by an increased available capacity of 625MW compared to 500MW in Q1, 2024. This growth has been achieved notwithstanding the liquidity challenges in the

sector, showcasing our commitment to closing the power supply gap in the country.

This substantial growth reflects not only higher revenues but also continued improvements in cost efficiency and operational excellence.

MD/CEO of Transcorp Power, Peter Ikenga, in a statement said, “We delivered a strong performance in Q1 2025, reflecting our disciplined execution, reliable operations, and unwavering focus on efficiency.

“Despite the chal -

lenges impacting the se ctor, we continue to optimise our generating capacity from 500MW in Q1 2024 to 625MW in Q1 2025. We remain firmly committed to delivering longterm value for our shareholders while powering progress across Africa”

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF APRIL/24/25

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025 THISDAY

Editor: Goddy Egene goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com 0803 350 6821

With Strong Regulatory Capacity, NUPRC Honoured Home and Abroad BUSINESS SPECIAL

Functioning with high professional standards and in sync with the demands of a 21st Century regulator, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has earned its accolades from stakeholders within and outside the nation’s oil and gas exploration and production sector owing to its sterling performance that has set the industry on the path of consistent growth, transparency, efficiency, and a renewed investor confidence. Only a survey with confusing conclusions and unanswered questions believes otherwise, writes Peter Uzoho

Asurvey is an intellectual exercise that is meant to reveal information, laden with data, which will be useful to the society. Part of the goals of a survey is to solve a problem and by this, it behoves on the person or entity conducting the survey to be as clear, transparent, fair, impartial, and credible as possible. It is expected that ambiguous, confusing, and overgeneralised conclusions be avoided.

A 2025 Investor Perception Survey conducted by Arbiterz Conferences was released to the media penultimate week. As reported in THISDAY, last Tuesday, the survey highlighted among other things, notable progress in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. It listed some of the progress as clearer licensing procedures, more active engagement between regulators and private sector stakeholders, and a cautious but growing optimism around Nigeria’s gas agenda.

The survey attributed the progress to two major reforms in the industry - namely the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and the Presidential Executive Orders – introduced by President Bola Tinubu, pointing out that the reforms garnered over 75 per cent positive rating among stakeholders.

However, the survey, as expressed by some industry stakeholders, appeared to have veered off the point, perhaps, out of ulterior motive or due to a lack of understanding of the role of a regulator in the eyes of the law when it asserted that systemic issues such as inconsistent policy implementation, ‘weak regulatory capacity,’ and entrenched bureaucratic inefficiencies have continued to cloud optimism and investor confidence initially sparked by two major reforms in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Titled, “Investor Perceptions of Nigeria’s Regulatory and Policy Reforms in the Oil and Gas Sector,” the survey, according to the promoters, provides a unified and urgent message to the Nigerian government and its oil and gas regulators on the need for consistent execution and confidence-building.

The promoters, suspected by some knowledgeable industry stakeholders to have a hidden agenda against the regulatory authorities in the nation’s oil and gas industry, went ahead claiming that the “survey captures a nuanced industry outlook: cautious optimism driven by recent reforms, such as PIA and Executive Orders, tempered by continued concern over implementation delays, regulatory inefficiencies, and persistent structural challenges.”

Perhaps not paying attention to the efforts being made by the NUPRC and its internationally-recognised high performing chief executive officer, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe as well as the results being seen and felt by industry players over the past three years of the commission’s existence, the survey agents further alleged that concerns about inconsistent policy implementation persisted.

The report also claimed that the concerns reinforced the need for government and regulatory agencies to focus on steady, transparent execution in order to consolidate recent gains, sustain investor optimism, and build lasting confidence in the industry.

But to every open-minded industry stakeholder and analyst that is knowledgeable about the essence and role of a regulator, there are a couple of salient questions the survey and its promoters failed to answer to prove its credibility and genuineness.

For instance, as argued by some stakeholders, when the survey mentioned weak regulatory capacity, despite tangible gains being recorded in the oil and gas industry, partly attributable to the regulator’s actions and directions, is it suggesting that the regulator should act outside the law for it to be seen to have capacity? Is the survey suggesting that the era of discretion be brought back so as to speed up processes and serve a certain selfish interest against national interest and against the extant legal provisions?

The industry stakeholders, who picked holes in the report of the survey, argued that it unfortunately failed to flag out any aspect of the law that the regulator failed to implement or that it implemented wrongly.

“Has the regulator not put regulations in place to guide the operations of the industry for clarity, for certainty, for attraction of investments? Are the regulations kept under the table? No. All the regulations are in the portal”, an industry stakeholder, who spoke to THISDAY, queried.

“How were the regulations made? Were they made in line with the provisions of the law, which is that there must be public hearing, stakeholders’ engagements? Yes, they were done. The problem here is either the

survey promoters are being mischievous or they don’t understand what is the role of the regulator.

“The NUPRC has been implementing every aspect of the law that it is supposed to implement. If anything is wrong in the law, then they should call the law to question”, the stakeholders further queried.

For the records, before the establishment of the NUPRC and the assumption of office of its pioneer chief executive, Komolafe, the Nigerian oil and gas industry, particularly the upstream segment was gasping for breath and looking for the needed reforms, regulatory initiatives and directions to rescue and rebound it.

At the time, the industry was faced with a plethora of challenges, ranging from low investor confidence, dwindling crude oil production worsened by theft and pipeline sabotage, absence of Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) on major projects, the slump of industry annual spends to less than $6 billion in 2021, from a high of over $27 billion in 2014, among many other teething issues. These were daunting challenges that were inherited by the Komolafe-led NUPRC upon its inauguration.

Upon his assumption of office in October 2021, Komolafe began the process of rebuilding the confidence of the industry with several regulatory initiatives churned out and gazetted. He galvanised all relevant industry stakeholders to ensure that government’s plan of growing the industry was achieved.

Owing to enabling regulatory frameworks put in place by the NUPRC, the industry is now witnessing a renewed investor confidence with investors returning to the industry. At the moment, the upstream industry has attracted multibillion dollar worth of investment since 2021 till date. A couple of big projects have achieved FIDs in the last few years, including the Shell’s Iseni Gas project, TotalEnergies’ $550 million Ubeta gas project as well as the $5 billion Bonga North project being promoted by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo). This couldn’t have happened if there was weak regulatory capacity in the industry as claimed by the survey.

In the area of exploration and production, the regulator has been up and doing and has proven its strong capacity beyond every reasonable doubt. Through its new metering initiative and the Project 1 Million Barrels Incremental Production, Nigeria’s crude oil production has grown to 1.7 million bpd including crude and condensate. The Project 1 Million Barrels activity launched at the NUPRC at three event, saw production growing by additional 250,000 barrels per day. With this, the agency is playing its part in helping to grow the federation’s revenue and the overall national economy.

Similarly, exploration has intensified, leading to new discoveries by some of the operators and further rising of the country’s hydrocarbon reserves. How then can the regulator prove its strong capacity to direct and guide the industry?

In the area of managing divestments in the oil and gas industry, NUPRC has discharged its responsibilities creditably, leading to the peaceful and successful conclusion of five major divestment deals in the last few years. While leading that charge, the Komolafe-led upstream commission ensured that the interest of the nation came first as he ensured that all provisions of the law were obeyed.

The agency prioritised key issues relating to the divestment deals including financial and technical capacity of the successor companies, their ability to optimise the assets, their capacity to fulfill their obligations to host communities among others. It also held the exiting companies to also commit to their abandonment and decommissioning obligations to avert environment hazards.

In the area of licensing, NUPRC has turned things around and has departed from the past when bid rounds were conducted in controversial manner, with no transparency and credibility, resulting to barrage of complaints and litigations following every award process. The first licensing round conducted by NUPRC under the PIA regime has been described by stakeholders as the first of its kind in the history of oil and gas industry in Nigeria. At the commercial bid conference held in December 2024, where winners emerged, the commission deployed modern technology and innovative approach in the process and ensured open participation of relevant stakeholders and the media throughout the process.

Relatedly, in keeping with the dictates of the law, the commission has begun the implementation of the Drill or Drop provision in the PIA to ensure that idle blocks are taken away from the holders and put back into the basket for auctioning. With this, the regulator intends to conduct bid rounds every year to further keep the industry active and ensure seriousness on the part of license holders.

In terms of bridging the funding gap in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, NUPRC is also cooperating and collaborating with the Africa Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) and the Afreximbank to ensure the realisation of the Africa Energy Bank. The $5 billion bank is intended to help energy companies in Africa to be able to carry out oil and gas development projects and optimize the continent’s huge hydrocarbon reserves still undeveloped.

All these are happening because a competent, capable, efficient and forward-thinking regulator is in charge of the Nigerian upstream petroleum

sector. These explains why NUPRC and its chief executive officer are being recognized and celebrated by reputable organizations locally and internationally.

AWARDS FOR PROVEN REGULATORY CAPACITY

In recognition of its sterling performance in engineering the upstream sector toward growth through efficient and result-oriented regulatory guidelines and interventions, the Commission has been receiving awards from reputable local and international organisations who have been watching the regulator’s activities. This is indeed, a testament to the capacity and impact of the Komolafe-led agency, which has now emerged as Africa’s best regulatory agency.

For instance, the Africa International Chambers has just nominated NUPRC for the Africa Development Awards 2025 slated for May 24, 2025, in Manchester, United Kingdom.

In a notification letter sent to the commission, dated March 10,2025, signed by the Chairman, World Economic Development Foundation/Joint Awards Screening Committee, the chamber said NUPRC’s nomination was for the Best Performing Government Agency Award at the Africa Development Awards 2025, a prestigious recognition of outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in Africa’s development landscape.

“The distinguished nomination recognises NUPRC ‘s exceptional dedication to advancing the development of the upstream sector in Nigeria. These remarkable efforts have played a pivotal role in shaping public service delivery, fostering economic growth, and advancing global partnerships that drive Africa’s development agenda.

Describing the award as a legacy of excellence and impact, the chamber said with a sterling performance over the years, NUPRC has demonstrated impressive capabilities and strategic foresight in navigating complex upstream operational challenges and delivering meaningful, sustainable solutions whilst improving the revenue base for national development.

“Under your leadership, the Commission has achieved exceptional efficiency, innovation, and impact in delivering services, fostering development and achieving organisational goals”, the letter read.

The chamber said the dedication of the Commission to excellence, innovation, and social impact has set a benchmark on the African continent, and this award recognises these efforts.

“We would be truly honoured to celebrate your achievements at this distinguished event...”Congratulations once again on this prestigious nomination. Your dedication to service continues to inspire, and we look forward to honouring your remarkable contributions at the Africa Development Awards 2025 in Manchester.”

Similarly, NUPRC has been recognised as a leading force in Africa’s energy sector, earning a nomination for the ‘Regulator of the Year Award’ at the upcoming 29th Africa Energies Summit.

The summit, now in its 29th edition, will be held on May 15 in London, bringing together top industry players, policymakers and innovators shaping Africa’s energy future, a statement from the company said.

NUPRC’s nomination under the Rhino Award category underscores its significant strides in transforming Nigeria’s upstream petroleum landscape through innovation, transparency and effective regulation.

The Commission’s Chief Executive, Komolafe, is also a strong contender for the Elephant Award, which honours distinguished individual contributions to Africa’s energy sector.

Komolafe, who has led NUPRC since its establishment in 2021, has received multiple accolades for his leadership, including the THISDAY/Arise Group CEO of the Year Award and the Sun Public Service Award, recognising his strategic reforms and commitment to Nigeria’s energy development.

As Nigeria continues to advance its energy sector through regulatory excellence, innovation and strategic reforms, NUPRC’s nomination highlights its pivotal role in shaping Africa’s energy future. The Summit’s awards will serve as a platform to honor these trailblazers and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a continental energy leader. Specifically, the nominees for the Rhino Award (Africa’s NOC/Regulator of the Year) include: NUPRC; Société Nationale d’Opérations Pétrolières de la Côte d’Ivoire (PETROCI); Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás e Biocombustíveis (ANPG); Agência Nacional de Petróleo de São Tomé e Príncipe (ANP-STP) and SMH (Mauritania) & PETROSEN (Senegal) – Greater Tortue Ahmeyim First Oil.

Komolafe

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The Digital Paradox: Why Africa’s Digital Future is Still Out of Reach for Many

Barriers, opportunities, and the road ahead

Lydia Olaniyi, a 29-year-old who runs a small hair salon in Ketu-Alapere, Lagos State, sat quietly beside her phone, longing for and awaiting her first client in two days. Despite her reputation as one of the best hair stylists in the neighbourhood, her customer base has steadily declined, not because her skills have diminished but because she is offline.

“I’ve heard of Instagram and WhatsApp Business,” she told THISDAY. “But I don’t know how to use them. Data is too expensive to even try.”

Lydia’s story is far from unique. Across Africa, the digital divide is a chasm, especially for women. According to the latest Facts and Figures 2024 report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 34% of African women use mobile internet, compared to 46% of men. That 12-percentage point difference represents millions of women excluded from digital opportunities due to barriers like affordability, digital literacy, and restrictive social norms.

Yet amid these gaps, signs of hope and innovation are emerging. One such initiative is Wow Braids, founded by Kemi Tijani, which empowers women by connecting informal hair braiders with clients.

Wow Braids goes beyond being a premium handmade wig brand; it celebrates black women’s beauty and strength while supporting rural Nigerian women by creating jobs and improving their quality of life through wig-making.

But even as individual solutions shine, the broader picture remains complex. The promise of Africa’s digital future is real, but so is the paradox of its present. Unless the continent confronts its systemic challenges, millions like Lydia will remain digitally and economically disconnected.

The 2024 edition of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Facts and Figures Report offers a sobering yet insightful look into the state of global digital connectivity. Nowhere is the digital divide more stark than in Africa, where access to the internet and other digital technologies remains uneven, underdeveloped, and in many places, wholly inaccessible.

URBAN VS. RURAL: A TALE OF TWO AFRICA

Africa’s digital divide is not just a matter of access versus non-access but also a story of vast inequalities between urban and rural areas. As the digital revolution unfolds, the disparity in internet penetration between cities and rural regions has become one of the continent’s most glaring challenges.

Urban areas, especially major economic hubs like Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town, have embraced the benefits of the digital age with relative ease. In contrast, rural regions face a range of obstacles that impede their ability to connect to the internet, let alone access the wealth of opportunities that come with it.

According to the ITU report, while 57% of urban Africans have internet access, only 23% of rural Africans are similarly connected. This gap is among the widest globally, highlighting the geographical and socio-economic barriers that continue to define Africa’s digital landscape. Such disparities not only hinder individual opportunities but also impede broader socioeconomic development, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion.

DEVICE OWNERSHIP VS. EFFECTIVE USAGE

The rate of device ownership has seen considerable growth in Africa, particularly with mobile phones. According to the ITU Facts and Figures 2024 report, mobile phone penetration in Africa has reached approximately 50%, with smartphones becoming increasingly accessible even in remote areas.

This surge in ownership is largely driven by the affordability of entry-level devices, which has enabled millions of people to own smartphones or feature phones. However, while device ownership is on the rise, the challenge lies in the effective use of these devices.

Many Africans, particularly in rural areas, possess mobile phones but often lack the necessary skills, infrastructure, and access to high-speed internet to leverage the potential of these devices fully.

Moreover, the issue of affordability goes beyond the initial cost of the device. The high cost of data, coupled with slow internet speeds and unreliable networks, further impedes effective usage. The ITU reports that mobile data in many African countries can cost up to 20% of a person’s monthly income, making it unaffordable for many.

While 66% of Africans own mobile phones, only 38% use the internet. This 28-percentage point gap highlights challenges beyond mere ownership; data costs, digital literacy, and device quality play significant roles. Many possess basic phones incapable of supporting modern web content, limiting their digital engagement.

Even for those who can afford the devices and data, the lack of consistent and fast internet connections means that many Africans cannot fully utilise the capabilities of their devices.

To bridge this divide, it is essential to focus not only on increasing device ownership but also on improving digital literacy, internet infrastructure, and the affordability of data, thus enabling more people to engage with the digital world effectively.

AFFORDABILITY: THE COST

BARRIER

Affordability remains one of the steepest hurdles on Africa’s path to digital inclusion. In many countries across the continent, the cost of a basic broadband subscription can eat up nearly a third of an individual’s monthly income. When families must choose between internet access and essential needs like food or medication, connectivity often loses out. Even mobile data, once hailed as a more affordable gateway, can account for 6six to 19% of monthly earnings in low-income nations, far higher than the 0.5% seen in wealthier economies. These stark cost differentials mean millions are effectively priced out of the digital world before they even log on.

This financial strain has profound ripple effects on education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Students without reliable internet struggle to complete coursework. Small businesses miss out on e-commerce and digital marketing channels. Healthcare workers in remote clinics cannot tap into telemedicine resources.

Reducing these costs is more than slashing data prices; it requires a holistic approach that addresses taxation on ICT services, subsidizes infrastructure deployment, and fosters competitive markets. Only by making connectivity truly affordable can Africa unlock the full promise of the internet for every citizen.

This financial strain deters many from accessing the internet, emphasising the need for policies that reduce costs and promote equitable access.

YOUTH AND DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE THROUGH 5G AND BEYOND

The rapid growth of the digital landscape is poised to shape the future of global youth, particularly in Africa, where the promise of connectivity and the pursuit of economic opportunities through technology intersect. However, the uneven deployment of advanced technologies like 5G presents both opportunities and challenges for young people, depending on their region and socio-economic context.

As of 2024, more than half of the world’s population now has access to 5G, marking a significant leap since the commercial deployment of the technology in 2019. Currently, 51% of people across the globe are covered by 5G networks, but the distribution of this coverage is far from equitable. Highincome countries dominate the 5G space, with 84% of their populations connected to the next-generation network. In stark contrast, only 4% of people in low-income countries are benefiting from 5G, reflecting a significant digital divide.

This disparity has profound implications for youth in these regions, as access to high-speed internet, real-time communication, and the ability to engage in digital entrepreneurship becomes increasingly reliant on 5G technology.

In high-income countries, the proliferation of 5G enables young people to leverage cutting-edge digital platforms for education, business, and social engagement. However, for their counterparts in low-income nations, this technology remains a distant prospect, exacerbating the gap in access to digital opportunities. Investments in infrastructure, especially

in underserved regions, are essential to ensure equitable access and foster economic growth.

INTERNET PENETRATION: PROGRESS AMIDST DISPARITIES

Globally, internet usage has reached 68%, yet Africa remains at 38%, highlighting a significant gap. In high-income countries, 93% of the population is online, contrasting sharply with Africa’s figures. Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) within Africa face worse, with only 35% and 39% internet penetration, respectively. This disparity shows the correlation between economic development and digital access. While some African nations like Kenya and Nigeria have made strides, many others remain digitally isolated, hindered by infrastructural and economic challenges.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND INTERNET TRAFFIC

Mobile-cellular subscriptions in Africa stand at 98 per 100 inhabitants, yet fixed broadband subscriptions are around two to three per 100. Moreover, the average mobile data usage is 3.1 GB per month, which is significantly lower than the global average of 13.9 GB/month. These figures reflect affordability issues and limited content relevance, indicating areas for targeted interventions.

POLICY DIRECTIONS AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

To bridge the digital divide, Africa must prioritise expanding infrastructure by investing in rural connectivity through public-private partnerships. This effort will ensure that underserved regions gain access to reliable and affordable internet services. Additionally, it is crucial to enhance affordability by implementing policies aimed at reducing both data costs and the prices of devices, making digital access more attainable for all.

Promoting digital literacy is another key strategy, with a focus on integrating digital skills into education systems to equip the next generation with the necessary tools to thrive in a digital world. Lastly, addressing gender disparities is essential, and this can be achieved by developing targeted programs that encourage and support the participation of women and girls in the digital economy.

Why Negotiations Will Not End Banditry in Katsina

Despite mounting calls for Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to engage in talks with bandits, Francis Sardauna argues that such negotiations would be misguided, given the criminals’ ongoing atrocities and the proven failure of previous peace deals

For over 10 years, banditry and kidnapping have ravaged communities across Katsina State, leaving a trail of devastation and agony. The crisis has not only claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of residents, but it has also crippled economic and social activities in some parts of the state.

Farming, education, and social cohesion have suffered immensely, while kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative business for the marauding criminals, thus entrenching a flourishing war economy in eight frontline local governments in the state.

Humanitarian Crisis and Failed Efforts

The humanitarian catastrophe that has negatively affected the frontline local governments of Batsari, Jibia, Kankara, Safana, Dandume, Sabuwa, Danmusa, and Faskari has not been pleasant for the state, despite restless efforts by previous governments to tame the scourge. In spite of these ongoing atrocities, calls for negotiation — popularly known in the Hausa language as Sulhu — were largely absent until recently when Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and security agencies’ relentless efforts forced the criminals onto the defensive.

Skepticism Over New Negotiation Calls

It is not surprising that this sudden push for negotiations has been met with skepticism, with many perceiving it as a desperate move by the bandits facing imminent defeat, rather than a genuine effort for peace in communities ravaged by their activities. The skepticism about this move is understandable, given that previous dialogue efforts, such as the amnesty programme championed by the former Governor of the state, Aminu Bello Masari, failed to achieve meaningful disarmament and allowed the cycle of violence to persist.

Masari, who signed separate peace deals with the daredevils on January 15, 2017, and September 9, 2019, after visiting their enclaves in the fringes of Rugu forest, later regretted his rapprochement with them, which many described as an unproductive exercise.

Regret and the Consequences

“The armed bandits have betrayed our trust in them following a peace agreement earlier negotiated with them in our quest to find lasting peace in our state. I will never negotiate with them again,” Masari said at an event during his second tenure.

The invariably failed approach by Masari in dealing with the seemingly intractable insecurity in the state during his eight-year administration has not only allowed banditry to fester but has also made it assume the more dangerous status of a hydra-headed monster.

While his negotiation approach could have been desirable for some security analysts, its failure has proven that it was not only ineffective but also emboldened the criminals to carry out their heinous crimes with even more baffling audacity.

The Challenge of ‘Leaderless’ Terror Groups

Moreover, bandits, unlike other terrorists in the country who claimed to be prosecuting a holy religious war, have no clear-cut ideology and no known central leader despite their age-long inhuman activities. Thus, each terror group has its own leader.

This remains an unresolved challenge. So, who is the government trying to negotiate with again? Nothing but criminal elements devoid of ideological beliefs. Therefore, negotiation with one or more of these terror groups does not apply to all terror groups who have displaced farmers from their ancestral homes.

For instance, this played out in 2017 when bandits who were against the peace deals between some of their members and former Governor Masari killed those who participated in it. Negotiating with top bandits also encourages leaders of smaller groups to scale up their heinous activities to gain attention from the government for either financial gains or show of force.

Kidnap, Rustling, and Arms Trade

These criminal elements also believe they stand a better chance of getting more money through kidnap-for-ransom, cattle rustling,

levies on rural communities, and gun running. So, it is very cumbersome for them to sustain or heed agreements with the government.

It is pertinent, therefore, to state that those who are calling on Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to follow Masari’s footsteps of negotiating with the bandits are enemies of the state in disguise and lack remorse for the downtrodden who are severely affected by the scourge of banditry.

Radda’s Stance Against Negotiation

But Radda, in different fora, warned the self-acclaimed harbingers of peace that his government will not negotiate with the hoodlums, “but any of the bandits who genuinely denounce banditry and surrender their weapons will be supported by the state government.”

He added, “Some people are saying that the only way to solve this problem is through negotiations. I told the National Security Adviser (NSA) that in Katsina, I would not negotiate with bandits because we have done it under the previous administration and it didn’t yield positive results.”

It is on record that Radda’s predecessor ended up giving the bandits taxpayers’ money, and they equipped themselves, acquired more weapons, and relaunched their attacks on innocent citizens of the state. Therefore, such a grievous mistake should not be repeated.

Federal Government’s Alleged Interference

Sadly, some forces from the seat of power in Abuja were allegedly trying to prevail

on Governor Radda to change his early decision on the criminals against the right course of allowing the full wrath of the law to be applied to these bandits, as has been demonstrated by the governor.

“Our governor has made his point clear that his government will not negotiate w ith criminals, but there are some people in Abuja who are trying to force him to accept it because of what is happening in Kaduna,” a credible government source said.

He accused the federal government of sabotaging the ongoing war against banditry in the state by negotiating with the bandits behind the state government’s back through security agencies.

Faulty Peace Deals and Dubious Surrenders

He voiced dissatisfaction with a recent peace agreement made by the Nigerian Army with Bandits’ Leaders Abu Radde, Umar Black, and others who were hitherto terrorising communities in the Batsari local government area of the state.

“Similar agreements have been made before, but none have succeeded. This one will not either. The federal government was wrong to go ahead without the state’s involvement,” he added.

Although military sources reported that the development came after intense operations by the combined forces of Operation Fasan Yanma, the government source said the secret move will not yield any result.

He also questioned the significance of the arms surrendered by the bandits,

Negotiations can only be sustainable if bandits are genuinely remorseful and voluntarily seek reconciliation with the government and victims are actively involved in shaping the peace building process

noting, “Four AK-47 rifles from a group with hundreds of guns? It’s hardly a meaningful gesture.”

The Danger of Repeating Past Mistakes

With this military initiative reportedly supported by the federal government, there are indications that Governor Radda may reconsider his stance of not negotiating with the bandits, arguably for political and economic gains from the federal government to continue to thrive in the state.

Unless those clamouring for Radda to negotiate with the hoodlums are planning to feather their own nests, they should not gloss over or downplay the atrocities being committed by these criminal elements and must allow security personnel to flush them out of the state.

Rather than engage in such a wild goose chase, the dialogue agitators should look inward and try to identify the remote and immediate causes of banditry so that they can retrace their steps and help the government deal with the menace decisively and comprehensively for sustainable peace.

A Call for Sustainable Solutions

Notably, engaging the bandits in a peace deal will never yield significant positive outcomes in the state because past experiences have demonstrated that the daredevils exploited the first and second negotiations under Ex-governor Masari as a means to buy time, regroup, and strengthen their nefarious activities. This is because they view the negotiations as a sign of weakness by the government, which emboldens them to continue their devilish acts. Thus, dialogue can only be meaningful if bandits are genuinely remorseful, voluntarily seek reconciliation, and victims are actively involved in shaping the process. Without the trust and participation of the victims and affected communities, any peace initiative by either the security agencies or the government risks being superficial and unsustainable in Katsina State.

Governor Radda

INFRACREDIT GUARANTEES CRANEBURG EKSG’S N32.50B 20-YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE BONDS ...

Chairman of Craneburg Construction Company, Mr. Femi Edun (left), and Managing Director/CEO InfraCredit, Mr. Chinua Azubike, at the guarantee signing ceremony for Craneburg EKSG Motorway Company PLC’s issuance of N32.50 billion 20-year senior guaranteed fixed-rate infrastructure bonds due 2045 for construction, operation, and maintenance of phase one 68km AdoEkiti Ring Road Project, Ekiti State held recently in Lagos.

Senate Advocates Urgent Budgetary Reforms to Consolidate Nigeria's Economy

Says Results-Based Budgeting (RBB) System’s Implementation overdue

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate Panel Chairman, according to a statement from his Media Office, yesterday, stated this on the sidelines of the Investors’ Forum in the US.

He specifically urged the executive arm of government to initiate Nigeria’s long-overdue transition to a ResultsBased Budgeting (RBB) system.

The Senate, through the Chairman of its Committee on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, has called for urgent budgetary reform that would adequately address the nation's current social and economic challenges Musa is a delegate representing Nigeria at the ongoing Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, in Washington DC.

He emphasized that monetary reforms must be complemented by urgent and far-reaching fiscal reforms to sustain the momentum.

He specifically called on the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, to work collaboratively with the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, to initiate the Nigeria’s long-overdue

transition to a Results-Based Budgeting (RBB) system.

The Senate Finance Panel Chairman commended the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the unprecedented international credibility accorded to Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.

Musa hailed the presence of highranking global financial leaders and institutional investors as a powerful

UK Envoy Hails Partnership with Nigeria over $150m Charterhouse Lagos School

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery has hailed UK-Nigeria governments partnership for the recent investment in Nigeria education system, leading to the opening of a $15million Charterhouse Lagos School.

The school located in the highbrow Lekki, Lagos State, sits on 70 hectares, (nearly 150 acres) of land space.

Montgomery who said the school is an outcome of partnership between both governments noted it is modelled after the Charterhouse United Kingdom school which has

over 400 years of history, heritage and prestige.

He said: “Now, this is all made possible by the fact that the UK government and the Nigerian government have been working and secured a deal last year.

“It sounds a bit technical; they're called the transnational education guidelines but basically, it's a framework that enables UK investment in Nigerian education institutions with the blessings of both governments that we help facilitate from the Department of Business and Trade in the British High Commission but also the Honourable Minister for Education Dr Tunji Alausa.

“We work with him and his team and the Nigerian Universities Commission on those types of partnerships and we are on the verge of announcing some exciting ones in the coming months. So that's the wider picture.

“We are very conscious that Nigeria invests in education, Nigerians invest in education, you're very exciting customers but we genuinely feel we have a comparative advantage and we think that education is so important for the UK-Nigeria relationship because of the common language; because of some common values, because of the fact that we both have interests

in each other’s countries.”

On his ideas behind the project, the envoy said: “And one of our concerns is that a generation of Nigerian children is going to Britain and so many of them are not coming back.

“By spending their time at secondary school here, our hope is that they will stay and they will make a difference. And we very much talk about this as a vote of confidence in the future of Nigeria.”

He further explained that: “There are people looking for school options, and the message is that there is now an option for top UK private education in Nigeria.

Bankole Benard: Stringent UAE Visa Policy Targets

Prevention of Suspect Nigerians from Entering the Emirates

Chinedu Eze

The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings Limited and former President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bankole Bernard, has explained that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced stringent visa policy in order to prevent those that would come to the country to compromise security and engage in fraudulent activities from having access to its visas.

In July last year, the UAE lifted

visa ban for Nigerians but introduced very strict visa regime that made it very difficult for many Nigerians to obtain visa and travel to the popular destinations, Dubai and other cities in the Emirates.

Bernard said the change in visa policy was to promote quality and not numerous travelers into the country, noting the visa restrictions policy has reduced the number of air travelers to the Asian country from Nigeria. He added that that it has actually reduced the number of travelers to the Middle East country by 45 to

50 per cent, emphasising that those who travel now are high net worth individuals who fill up the first and business class cabins of Emirates Airlines, which also resumed flight operations to Nigeria last year.

Bernard told THISDAY at the weekend in Lagos that the change of focus from quantity to quality applicants by the UAE government was intentional, remarking that any airline on long haul flights that fills its first class and business class cabins is already on profit.

In 2021 and 2022 reports indicated

that Nigerians were allegedly involved in cult clashes at different times in Dubai, prompting UAE to introduce drastic measures to curtail the number of Africans that visit the country.

THISDAY learnt the new visa requirements for Nigerian citizens travelling to the UAE include age restriction, minimum of $10,000 balance (or its equivalent in naira) in the applicant’s bank account, work permit visa of two years only, increased visa fee, confirmed onward ticket, hotel booking only valid for 48 hours.

endorsement of the CBN’s reform trajectory.

He said: “The events in New York and Washington had reaffirmed global confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to economic transformation.

“I commend the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria under Mr. Yemi Cardoso for the renewed credibility and trust it has brought to our financial system and will dedicate this goal to the courageous leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The reform agenda being pursued is not only bold but also visionary— anchored on market principles and transparency.

“The presence of global financial stakeholders at these forums is a testament to the confidence the world now has in Nigeria’s economic direction.”

He emphasized the need to complement these financial

sector reforms with deeper fiscal transformation beginning with a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s budgeting system.

He said: “It is time for Nigeria to transition from the outdated envelope budgeting system to a Results-Based Budgeting (RBB) model.

“This performance-oriented approach, when combined with comprehensive tax reforms, will significantly enhance fiscal discipline, improve service delivery, and strengthen our economy.

“We must align our public financial management practices with global standards to effectively deliver on national priorities.” Musa reaffirmed the National Assembly’s readiness to support legislative actions that will drive these changes and ensure Nigeria’s economic policies remain credible, sustainable, and investor-friendly.

Protecting the Future: Adamawa Govt Launches Polio Immunisation Campaign for Children

Daji Sani in Yola

In a bid to safeguard the health and well-being of its future generations, the Adamawa State Government has launched a four-day polio immunization campaign targeting over 1.4 million children under the age of five.

The campaign which kicked-off Sunday at the Malkohi Primary Healthcare Center in Yola South Local Government Area, (LGA) Adamawa State, is a testament to the state's unwavering commitment to eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases.

The initiative brings together a coalition of traditional and religious leaders, health professionals, and representatives from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other key development partners.

Speaking at the event, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by Commissioner for Local Government, Yayaji Mijinyawa, reaffirmed his administration's resolve to leave no child behind.

"As a state, we recognize that the health and well-being of our children are

foundational to Adamawa's progress," Fintiri emphasized.

"Every child, whether in the cities or the remotest settlements, must be reached." The governor extended his appreciation to health workers, community mobilizers, and development partners for their dedication and resilience.

UNICEF's Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, commended the Adamawa Government's leadership in child health initiatives and urged intensified efforts in hard-to-reach communities. "Adamawa consistently sets a strong example by prioritizing children's health," Rafique said, calling on parents to ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated to strengthen their immune systems.

She explained the campaign aims to immunize children against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases, providing them with a shield against life-threatening illnesses. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and senior officials encouraged parents to take advantage of the safe, free, and life-saving vaccine.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

LAFARGE 66TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING...

L–R: Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Oyinkan Adewale, FCA; Non-Executive Director, Mr. Grant Earnshaw; Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi; Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode; Legal Director/Company Secretary, Mrs. Adewunmi Alode; Non-Executive Director, Mr. Kaspar Theiler; Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Olusola Oworu; Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Elenda Osima-Dokubo; and Non-Executive Director, Mr. Taner Demir — all of Lafarge Africa Plc — during the 66th Annual General Meeting of the company held at Civic Centre, Lagos, last Friday

FG Activates Implementation Structures for $1.1bn Green Imperative Project

The Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) has said the implementation structures for the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP) are currently being activated in the country.

Also, six regional offices that will support the onboarding of 774 mid-sized commercial farms and the establishment of six regional equipment hubs are being finalised.

PFSCU gave the update after its 5th Steering Committee (STEERCO) meeting held recently in Abuja.

Key endorsements and collaborations were secured at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held on April 24th.

The development reinforces the committee's commitment to fasttracking the country's food systems transformation amid emerging pressures and long-term priorities.

The meeting opened with a critical review of the national food security dashboard, which revealed worsening conditions in the wheat and rice value chains, marked by shifts in market prices against farmers, rising input costs, and an influx of imported alternatives. In a statement, the unit stated that these platforms will provide farmers with technical and financial access to modernise their operations and stimulate production and productivity across the rural economy.

It said, "The PFSCU and its partners remain focused on turning momentum into measurable impact-responding decisively to urgent needs while building resilient systems that will secure Nigeria's food future for generations to come."

However, in response to the worsening conditions in the

NAPTIP Receives Over 200 Victims of Human Trafficking from Ghana

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has promised to scale up collaboration with state and non-state actors within the West African corridors with a view to clampdown on the human trafficking syndicates operating within the region.

The director general stated this in Lagos while receiving over 200 victims of human trafficking who were rescued by Ghanian Authorities through its Economic and Organized Crimes Office (EOCO) in partnership the agency at the NAPTIP Lagos Command Office, Ikeja.

It will be recalled that in a letter addressed to the Director of NAPTIP by the Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crimes Office, Ghana, Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, titled “Request for Assistance to Screen Suspects of Human Trafficking for Possible Prosecution in Nigeria”, the Ghanian authorities disclosed that report indicated that “a gang of people suspected to be Nigerians were engaged in human trafficking and prohibited cybercrimes and related activities within Kumasi at Oyanfa, a suburb of Accra, Ghana.

“Out of approximately 50 houses in Kumsark Estate at Oyarifa, about 30 are occupied by the traffickers and their victims. The victims are mainly young men, some of whom are minors”.

“On Thursday April 17th, 2025, the Office conducted a search operation within the Kumsark Estate during which 20 houses were searched. A total of 231 Nigerians nationals were found comprising 227 males and four females

with age ranging from 15 to 18 years”, the Ghana EOCO said. Adamu who was represented by the Lagos State Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs. Comfort Agboko, disclosed that while a good number of the victims where trafficked for sexual exploitation, some of them were deceived, recruited and trafficked to Ghana and forced into cybercrimes.

She said: “We are seriously disturbed by the latest development which is gradually making Ghana and other neighbuoring countries, an epicenter of trafficking precisely cybercrime and other exploitation. We have commenced discussion with some of our sister law enforcement agencies in Ghana, Cote D’voire, Mali, Gambia and other countries within the African corridor, to restrategize and dismantle the emerging organizsed criminal gangs within the areas.

“This also involved a review of some of the existing Memoradum of Understanding (MOU), bilateral agreement and other legal instruments with a view to ensuring synergy and collateral response.

“At the moment, we shall commence the profiling of these returnees to ascertain their medical needs, their health status, the required skills and other basic variables in order to render to them victim support cares and post-trauma services.

“It should be pointed out that the latest development is a fallout of our sustained onslaught on these criminal elements in Nigeria. In the past few months, NAPTIP has continued to disrupt their activities through our Cybercrime Response Team resulting in the arrest of several of them.

food value chains, the committee approved the immediate activation of an Emergency Ad-Hoc Taskforce to conduct a rapid assessment and submit actionable recommendations to the President for urgent consideration.

The statement added, "This move underscores the administration's responsiveness to real-time challenges and its determination to safeguard vulnerable segments of the food system.

"To strengthen long-term planning and policy alignment, the committee

formally endorsed the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM)-a landmark initiative that will harmonise agricultural planning and investment across the three tiers of government.

"By integrating satellite data, farmer insights, and digital infrastructure, NAPM will significantly enhance coordination and transparency in managing Nigeria's agricultural resources.

"The initiative also received a $1 million boost from private sector partners to support data collection,

platform development, and evidence-based decision-making."

It stressed that recognising the link between food security and national stability, PFSCU is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to develop an Early Warning and Rapid Response System.

The next-generation platform will leverage Al and advanced analytics to detect potential shocks to Nigeria's food supply and enable

coordinated interventions before disruptions escalate.

As part of its public engagement strategy, PFSCU announced the launch of the Harvesting Hope Caravan a dynamic nationwide tour across all six geopolitical zones. The initiative will feature interactive town halls, live demonstrations, and cultural showcases, designed to share progress, gather community feedback, and build widespread support for the Renewed Hope agenda in agriculture.

First Lady's Initiative Empowers 500 Edo Women in Three Senatorial Districts

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the First Lady of the Federation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with office of the Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, at the weekend presented empowerment items to 500 Edo women to boost their economic status.

Speaking at the event, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State expressed satisfaction with the initiative noting the donation marked a milestone for the state and Edo women.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu was represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani.

The programme took place simultaneously in five South-South states of Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, and Delta.

Okpebholo, represented by his Special Adviser on Media Strategy and Publicity, Godswill Inegbe, in a welcome address read on behalf of the governor said the empowerment is capable of "unlocking the immense potential of our women, fostering their economic independence, and

creating sustainable opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Okpebholo said: "We recognise and deeply appreciate the noble objectives of this empowerment initiative, which is aimed at unlocking the immense potential of our women, fostering their economic independence, and creating sustainable opportunities for growth and prosperity.

"By equipping our women with these essential tools, we are strengthening their ability to build lasting livelihoods, thereby enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the inclusive and sustainable development of our nation.

"As a responsible and forwardthinking government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the economic empowerment of women, recognizing it as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and societal advancement.”

He further added the initiative is a clear demonstration of the practical implementation of several Sustainable Development Goals which Edo State Government has aligned with including SDG, No Poverty, SDG 5, Gender Equality and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth among others.

Also, the Senior Special Assistance to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Adefilire who was represented by the Coordinate Surveyor, Ali Rano, said the initiative is a demonstration and a bond step to the federal government to empower Nigeria women.

The distributions of the empowerment items which took place at festival hall in Government House, Benin, saw beneficiaries in Edo South carting away various items such as deep freezers, cooking gas, grinding machines, generators among other items.

Rano commended the wife of President, Oluremi Tinubu for the renewed hope initiative noting that her bold steps have transformed many lives of Nigeria women in line with sustainable development goals.

According to Rano, "Only a few weeks ago we flagged-off this programme in the FCT and across the six states of the North Central Zone; that milestone underscored our resolve to drive meaningful impact across the country and today we drawn on that momentum, indeed this initiative couldn't have come at a more opportune time.

"Let me from outset express

our profound appreciation to Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of women across Nigeria.

"The renewed hope initiative under her able leadership and guidance continued to serve as beacon of empowerment and economic transformation aligning seamlessly with our national development priorities and the sustainable development Goals SGGs.

"Today's programme is not just about distributing empowerment items, it's about unlocking potentials, sponsoring economic independence and creating opportunities for women to strive by equipping 500 women per state and FCT with tools such as gas cooker, generators, deep freezers and grinding machines, we are strengthening their capacity to build sustainable livelihood and contribute meaningfully to inclusive machinery development.”

On her part, representative of the First Lady and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady in Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, said the empowerment is creating opportunity of economic growth for Nigeria women.

Trouble Brews Over Planned Boycott of May Day Parade By NLC

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The observance of this year's May Day celebration in Edo State appeared to have split the state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Whereas the national leadership of NLC has asked members of its Edo State Chapter to commemorate the 2025 May Day independently in their respective union offices, there was another letter, directing workers to attend a governor’s parade on May 1st, 2025. However, a statement signed

by Deputy General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Ismail Bello, urged members in Edo State to ignore any directive to attend the parade being planned by the state government on May 1st.

The statement said the attention of labour movement has been drawn, "to a duplicitous and unauthorized circular purportedly issued by an individual claiming to be the "Acting State Secretary" of the NLC Edo State Council, directing workers to attend a Governor’s parade on May 1st, 2025.

"We categorically state as follows: Our earlier directive (Ref: 22nd April 2025) remains valid. Affiliates in Edo State are to commemorate the 2025 May Day independently in their respective union offices, in line with Congress’s efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state council.

"The NLC has no official position known as "Acting State Secretary".

The individual behind this circular is an impostor, and his motives are highly questionable. We urge workers and the public to disregard this fraudulent document. He clearly

neither works for the NLC nor for the workers.

"We reiterate that Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide is not known in any of our statutes or records as the Chairman of NLC in Edo state. When there is a change in the components of NLC’s Edo State council leadership, members of the public and our social partners would be informed accordingly." NLC reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the Edo State Council crisis and ensuring a united, worker-centric celebration of May Day.

James Emejo in Abuja

24TH CONFERMENT OF FELLOWSHIP STATUS CEREMONY...

L–R: Registrar/Chief

Alawuba: UBA to Operate in All African Nations, Expand Footprint to

James Emejo in Abuja

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, United bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, has said the bank envisioned a presence in every African country and will expand its footprints to over 100 countries across the world over the next 75 years.

Speaking at the bank’s 75th anniversary gala dinner, over the weekend in Abuja, Alawuba said the aspiration will deepen its role as a truly global African institution.

He said, “At UBA, we are building more than a bank; we are building a future for the next generation of Africans - one defined by opportunity, inclusion, and transformation.

“In the next 75 years, UBA will serve more than one billion customers, leveraging cutting-edge technology, customer-first innovation, and trusted relationships and collaborations to meet the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and governments.

“In the next 75 years, UBA will be more than a part of Africa’s economic renaissance - it will shape its trajectory and champion its transformation.”

Alawuba paid glowing tributes to its visionary Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, describing him as a foremost entrepreneur, philanthropist,

pan-Africanist, and architect of modern UBA.

He also hailed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s continued support for UBA, noting that his visible advocacy for Africa’s economic integration and private sector-led development align seamlessly with the bank’s pan-African vision.

He stated that the moment was particularly meaningful for the bank as “you are not only a respected national leader but also a valued part of the UBA family, having served within this Institution earlier in your distinguished banking career.

“Your presence here this evening is a powerful affirmation of the enduring bond between the public and private sectors, and a shared commitment to shaping a more prosperous future for Nigeria and the entire African continent.”

Alawuba said, “Thus, tonight is beyond a celebration, it is about renewal; a renewed commitment to innovation, service, and social impact; renewed ambition to lead Africa as a strong player in the global economy; renewed pledge to remain a beacon of excellence for generations to come.

“As we raise our glasses this evening, we also raise our collective aspirations - towards a future where African institutions like UBA lead with boldness, innovation, and purpose on

Ministers, 29 Federal, States Lawmakers, Prominent Monarchs

Grace Amaseikumor Festival in Delta

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, over the weekend graced this year's annual Amaisekumor festival organized by Ijaws

Also in attendance were Senators, House of Representatives members, Bayelsa and Delta Houses of Assembly Speakers, as well as members, traditional rulers from all the ethnic groups in the Niger Delta attended the carnival-like festival.

The Amaseikumor festival, a yearly cleansing ritual, is one of the ancient traditional celebrations of the Gbaramatu people, which was handed to them by their forebears.

The pilgrimage-like festival of Amaseikumor worship is believed

to have been rekindled under the leadership of Tompolo.

Besides the land cleansing rites by the Amaseikumor, the festival also showcased dance troupes from various Ijaw kingdoms, traditional wrestling and tug-of-war competition. Ijaws believed the weeklong festival is significant because, at the end of the celebration, the people of Gbaramatu kingdom usually enjoy unprecedented peace and unity within and outside the kingdom, and that the Amaseikumor is a deity of peace.

the global stage.”

100 Countries Globally

Highlighting the banks achievements from a humble beginning, the UBA GMD said, “We delivered an impressive performance in 2024 fiscal year, with Gross Earnings soaring by 53.6 per cent to N3.19 trillion ($2.14 billion)underscoring the bank’s strong earnings momentum.

“Furthermore, total assets expanded by 46.8 per cent to N30.32 trillion ($19.58 billion) and shareholders’ funds strengthened by 68.39 per cent to N3.42 trillion ($2.21 billion) - reflecting UBA’s growing balance sheet and unwavering resilience.”

Alawuba said, “75 years ago, UBA commenced operations in 1949 on

Kakawa Street, Lagos Island, as the British and French Bank. Today, by the grace of God, by the strength and resilience of our people, and the unwavering trust of our customers, we proudly operate in 20 African countries and four global financial centres (New York, London, Paris, and Dubai).

“We are serving over 45 million customers through 1,000 Business Offices and a diverse array of channels: more than 430,000 POS terminals, 2,600 ATMs, and 21 million cardholders, powered by a workforce of over 25,000 staff across our network.

“These milestones stand on the

pillars of stability, resilience, and excellence - pillars that have anchored UBA’s growth over the last seven and a half decades.

“We are inspired to do more - driven by our unwavering Customer 1st philosophy, the vast and untapped potential across Africa, and the deeply held belief that UBA possesses the capacity, resilience, and responsibility to confront and overcome the continent’s most pressing challenges, while unlocking sustainable opportunities for future generations.”

He said the dinner, with the theme,

“UBA @ 75 – A Legacy of Excellence” was more than a reflection on the past.

“It is a tribute to the men and

women who dared to dream, who laid the foundation for what we have become. It is a call to renew our collective commitment to excellence, enterprise, and execution.

“It is a reaffirmation of our vision - to build a future that is more inclusive, digitally enabled, globally competitive, and fundamentally committed to advancing Africa’s development and prosperity.”

He specifically praised former chairmen, board members, and executives, at both group and subsidiary levels, whose stewardship built enduring foundations, as well as customers, regulators, and “stakeholders in every market where we operate”.

Supreme Court Overturns N22trn Judgment Against Union Bank

Wale Igbintade

The Supreme Court has overturned a 2014 Federal High Court judgment that awarded more than N22 trillion against Union Bank and other parties.

The case arose from a suit filed by Visana Nigeria Limited, which claimed that Union Bank was indebted to it in the sum of approximately $8 million, with interest at 2.5 percent per month compounded from January 2000 until judgment, and thereafter at 10 percent per annum until full payment.

Delivering the lead judgment, with which four other Justices concurred, Justice Stephen Jonah Adah lamented

that the lower courts’ failure to adhere to established judicial precedents caused a simple matter to linger in court for over 25 years.

The Supreme Court’s final decision is expected to ease concerns previously expressed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Union Bank’s auditors, and credit rating agencies regarding the potential impact of the lower court’s judgment on the bank’s going concern status.

Visana had sued Union Bank and others, alleging that Metalloplastica Nigeria Limited - a borrower from Union Bank - was indebted to it in the sum of $7,616,188.94 as of December 1993.

It also challenged the validity of a

Deed of Debenture made on February 24, 1989, under which Continental Merchant Bank appointed Chief R. U. Uche as Receiver/Manager of Metalloplastica, claiming the debenture was invalid because it lacked the prior written consent of Universal Trust Bank (now Union Bank), as required under paragraph 13(f) of the original debenture agreement.

In a chat with journalists at the colourful event, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo and the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Comrade Alhassan Yahaya and popular environmental rights activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade urged Nigerians to live in peace and unity.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has said the federal government is partnering an organisationEmpower Swiss - to establish pharmaceutical manufacturing training institute in country to help improve knowledge of the nation’s medical professionals.

private sector capital, adding as these new investments come into our country, our focus on cultivating a world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing workforce in-country has sharpened.

In a statement, Pate said that Nigeria has advanced 22 new largescale health sector manufacturing projects funded by $5.5 billion in

He said: "Against the backdrop of Nigeria recently securing €1 billion from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and an additional $1 billion from AfreximBank to incentivize health sector value chain localization, we have signed an agreement with Empower School of Health, Geneva, that will see to the establishment

On December 16, 2014, the Federal High Court ruled against Union Bank, awarding Visana $7,616,188.94 or its naira equivalent, with compounded pre-judgment interest at 4.25 percent per month from January 26, 2000, until judgment, and 10 percent post-judgment interest per annum thereafter. However, Union Bank appealed. The Court of Appeal, after considering Visana’s application to tender fresh evidence, reduced the judgment sum to $365,605.32 or its naira equivalent, with simple pre-judgment interest at 4.25 percent per month from December 31, 1993, to December 16, 2014, and post-judgment interest at 10 percent per annum until final liquidation. Still dissatisfied, Union Bank proceeded to the Supreme Court in 2021.

of Africa's foremost pharmaceutical manufacturing training institute, Empower Academy Nigeria".

Pate said the initiative is targeting to accommodate knowledge transfer in support of the local production of pharmaceutical excipients, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and advanced dosage forms such as inhalers, extended-release medications, and dermatological patches.

The bank’s persistence was rewarded when the apex court, on Friday, April 25, 2025, finally set aside the judgment against it.

FG to Set Up Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Training Institute

regulatory compliance, quality control, environmental monitoring, and other important fields.

"With a mandate and capacity to train and upskill up to 2,000 Nigerian professionals annually, supported by cutting-edge equipment and world-class facilities, Empower Academy Nigeria will offer certification courses in partnership with Africa CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the International Federation of Pharmacists, amongst others". Bank’s assets hit N30.32 trillion in 2024

He added that the Empower Academy Nigeria will advance best practice in process engineering,

Executive, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Lanre Olasunkanmi, NPh.D, FCA; 1st Deputy Vice President, Mrs. Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, MBA, mni, FCA; Executive Chairman, Lionseal Industries Ltd., Mr. Rajashekar Hande; 60th ICAN President, Mr. Davidson Chizuoke Alaribe, MA, CFA, MNIM, FCS; Founder, ISUAN Consulting, Mrs. Eva Akinwuntan; Alale of Moriwi Kingdom, HRM Oba James Olusegun Taiwo; Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, and Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, during the 24th Conferment of Fellowship Status Ceremony held in Lagos, last Saturday PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

BURIAL OF THE PONTIFF...

Varsity Unions, Students Hail FG’s Release of N50bn Earned Allowances

SSANU, NASU meet on sharing formula

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The leadership of various staff unions in the federal universities in the country have welcomed the release of the N50 billion as Earned Allowances to the workers in the institutions.

Contrary to reports that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the government's move, the union together with other university-based unions had expressed satisfaction on the release of the money.

However, the unions are urging the federal government to do more by releasing the N200 billion as revitalization fund to help in fixing of dilapidated facilities in the universities.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of

Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) which met recently to consider modalities for the sharing of the N50 billion released by the federal government for payment of Earned Allowances to university workers said they happy at the government's move.

On its part, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the timely release of N50 billion to settle the long-standing earned allowances owed to members of ASUU and other non-academic staff unions in federal universities across the nation.

A statement by Comr. Olushola Oladoja and Comr. Samson Ajasa Adeyemi (Samrich), the NANS President and the Secretary, respectively, said the action is not only a win for

ASUU, but an indication of progress and purposeful leadership that aims to transform tertiary education in Nigeria.

THISDAY gathered that the two university-based unions met in Abuja under the auspices of the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU now chaired by President of SSANU, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim.

The meeting came just as the President of SSANU, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, was chosen as the new Chairman of the Joint Action Committee, JAC, of SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions NASU.

A statement by the SSANU National Public Relations Officer, NPRP, Comrade Jafar Bage stated that the announcement was made

by the President of NASU, Dr. Mokolo Hassan, during a JAC meeting in Abuja.

Hassan described the appointment of the SSANU President as "long overdue" and expressed confidence in the new chairman’s ability to lead the committee effectively.

While details of the tenure were not fully disclosed, he emphasized the importance of unity between the two unions in addressing common challenges.

Members present at the meeting pledged their full support and cooperation to the new JAC chairman, reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts in advancing the welfare of university workers.

The Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU has been

Stakeholders Allege CBN’s Complicity in LivingTrust Mortgage Bank's Board Crisis, Petition Cardoso

Mortgage institution operating without functional board for nearly a year in breach of law Apex bank doubles down on rejection of Bolorunduro as director, Osun govt kicks

Stakeholders have again knocked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over its alleged complicity in the ongoing board crisis in LivingTrust Mortgage Bank (LTMB) Plc.

The apex bank was said to have shielded Cititrust Holdings Plc, labelled as a ponzi scheme operator by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the detriment of the bank and its shareholders.

At the heart of the controversy is the central bank’s rejection of Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, the Osun State Government's nominee, as a nonexecutive director on LTMB’s board.

The CBN reaffirmed its objection to the appointment of Bolorunduro in a letter dated April 10, 2025, and signed by Okey-Nwangwu, Chika for the CBN, Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department.

The correspondence, obtained by THISDAY, was titled, “re: Re-presentation of Dr. Adewale Bolorunduro as a Non-executive Director- Request for Clarification” was addressed to LTMB’s Managing Director.

Also, in the letter, the central bank noted that the mortgage bank's board of directors was required to meet within two weeks from the date of

the letter, given that the latter had been without board for almost a year.

The CBN further warned that the failure of the board to meet as directed by the bank would attract severe regulatory sanctions against the directors.

The CBN further clarified that its “decline of the appointment of Dr. Adewale Bolorunduro as a director in Livingtrust Mortgage Bank (LTMB) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), still holds".

It added, “Therefore, by virtue of our letter dated March 24, 2025, Dr. Bolorunduro is not a director in LTMB. As advised in our letter, the Osun State Government may wish to forward another nominee to represent its interest on the board to satisfy the number of its board representatives as agreed in the Shareholders' Protocol Agreement.”

However, stakeholders have argued that the CBN’s latest directives failed to address the underlying issues in LTMB which had resulted in a major board crisis.

They said despite a Federal High Court ruling forfeiting Cititrust’s 40 per cent stake in LTMB to the federal government, Cititrust has continued to wield significant influence over the mortgage bank.

Stakeholders further contended that the central bank’s opposition to Bolorunduro’s nomination stemmed from fears that his appointment would disrupt Cititrust’s questionable practices.

THISDAY further gathered that further fuelling the controversy, was the CBN’s fact-finding mission, led by Okey-Nwangwu Chika of the OFIDS department.

Stakeholders have criticised the CBN for its failure to act decisively on the various indictments against the management of Cititrust particularly its involvement in ponzi scheme operation, leading to the judgement against the company.

The stakeholders further confided in THISDAY that on the same day that the CBN fact-finding mission concluded, the bank's managing director, a Cititrust nominee, allegedly made suspicious large cash withdrawal.

Cititrust’s influence over LTMB had culminated in allegations of financial impropriety, including a reported N800 million withdrawals to settle its debts.

Stakeholders argue that the CBN’s refusal to sanction Cititrust appointees or approve credible leadership for the bank was tantamount to complicity.

They question why the apex bank

appeared to obstruct accountability, particularly through its rejection of Bolorunduro, a respected former banker and ex-Commissioner for Finance in Osun State while CBN approved individuals with nonperforming loans as a non-executive director, including a staff of the bank without relevant experience as an executive director - both appointees of Cititrust Holdings.

“Should a senior manager be appointed an executive director? Are these appointments not in contravention of the CBN guideline on the appointment of directors?, a source queried.

Sources also informed THISDAY that the Osun State Government had expressed frustration, instructing its representatives to boycott board meetings until Bolorunduro’s appointment was ratified.

Stakeholders have reportedly petitioned the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, calling for a thorough investigation into Chika’s actions and broader OFIDS department decisions.

A source within the Osun State Governor's Office expressed frustration, emphasising that the state's representative would not sit on the same board as individuals linked to fraudulent practices.

instrumental in negotiating with the federal government on issues affecting non-teaching staff in Nigerian universities, including wages, working conditions, and pension matters.

The highlight of the meeting was the way forward on the disbursement of the N50 billion Earned Allowances recently announced by the Ministry of Education to be shared among the university-based unions as well as the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement and presentation of SSANU yearly calendar.

The leadership of JAC is rotated between SSANU and NASU and Comrade Samson Ugwoke handed over to NASU at the end of his tenure about five years ago.

One of the university-based unions in the country, Congress for University Academics (CONUA) has commended the federal government for the payment of the N50 billion Earned Allowances to universities.

The union however asked the federal government to urgently address the concerns its exclusion from the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement on the funding and operations of federal universities in the country.

National president of CONUA,

Niyi Sunmonu, told journalists at the weekend in Abuja that any attempt to conclude anything on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement without voice and input of his members could spell doom for the peace the universities are currently enjoying. He said that the group had sent a protest to the Minister of Education regarding its desire to be included in the renegotiation talks by the federal government's committee led by Alhaji Yayali Ahmed but received no response.

Sunmonu said: "By 20th December 2024, a letter was extended to us that we have been invited to the renegotiation. Up and until now that I'm speaking to you, we have not been given this opportunity.

"There has not been any meeting that we were invited to physically. And we just read on 5th April 2025 that Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and his committee have submitted a report.

"Of course, we have protested on the pages of the newspaper and we have also written to the Minister of Education directly that any attempt to conclude anything without our voice will spell doom for the peace the universities are enjoying.

Afe Babalola Wins 'African Man of the Year' Awards in Food Security, Canvasses Nigerians’ Return to Full Agriculture

The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, (SAN), has reiterated his call for a return of the country to the era of full agricultural practice, saying no nation, especially in Africa, can thrive, or achieve greatness, without the sector.

This is coming just as the nonagenarian elder statesman emerged African Man of the Year, in Food Security, for the second time.

Afe Babalola thus set the new record at the weekend, having also emerged the recipient, eleven years ago, in 2014, defeating other nominees from across the continent.

The award was bestowed on Babalola by the Global Food Security Initiative for Green Sustainability/ FIGS-Africa, and having won the award twice, the legal luminary has thus become the first African to have attained the feat.

In Nigeria, for several years, Babalola has been adjudged one of the leading

large-scale farmers in Nigeria, and the largest single farmer in Ekiti, his home state, where he is also renowned as the highest taxpayer, and second largest employer of labour, after the state government.

Babalola who expressed gratitude to the global body for recognising his contributions to agriculture, described it as a challenge in ensuring food sufficiency.

He however described Nigeria as a net consuming country, pointing out that the nation cannot achieve true development without prioritising large-scale production of goods and services, particularly in agriculture. He urged the governments at all levels to create conducive environment for farmers, saying this would enable the subnational to be a self-sustaining food hub.

His words: “What caused problems for us in this country is because we do not produce, and yet, we eat. Those who do not work do not deserve to eat, that is what the Bible taught us.

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

James Emejo in Abuja

L–R: Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah; Minister of state for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; President of the Senate and Leader of Nigeria’s Delegation to Pope Francis’ Funeral Ceremony, Mr. Godswill Akpabio; and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, during the burial of the late pontiff, last Saturday

DINNER TO MARK HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY...

Massive Demolition Looms Along 61.1km Lekki-Epe Right of Way

Segun James

Following the intention of the Lagos State Government to begin construction of public infrastructure work on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, persons intent on buying property along the corridor will be do so at great risk. The state government warned property owner on that axis of its intention to embark on development projects. The implication

is that many properties are already in breach of the 94metres setback and likely to demolition.

For many unsuspecting buyers, this is the time to be vigilant as many landlords many be secretly planning to offload these properties to unsuspecting buyers who may not be aware of government's warning.

The government, in an advert stated that 61.1km along the corridor designated as a Right of Way by the

government for the construction of public infrastructure, and that those who have encroached on the RoW and are already embarking on development activities should ceased immediately.

Part of the notification read: "As part of sustainable planning and in line with the Themes agenda of the Lagos state government guaranteeing adequate space for immediate and future infrastructure requirements

of the state, in furtherance of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 as Amended.

"To this end, the general public is here by informed that Eti-OsaLekki-Epe Expressway (61.1km from Admiralty Toll-gate Plaza to Epe Junction) has a defined Right of Way of 94 meters reserved for critical infrastructure development."

Thisday checks revealed that some

Natasha Mocks Akpabio with Satirical Apology

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha AkpotiUduaghan, yesterday, vowed not to apologise to the Senate or to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over her six months suspension from the red chamber.

The senator was given a condition to apologise and get her suspension reviewed but in a mockery letter to Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan, said that would never happen.

Titled, Satirical Apology Letter,

the communication, she posted on her verified Facebook page, read, “From the Desk of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

“Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence.

“I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognise that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not

earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

“How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… ‘requests’ was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement.

“Truly, I must apologise for prioritising competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closeddoors.

“I now realise the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of ‘quid pro quo’, I bow my head in fictional shame.

“Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.”

World Immunisation Week: No Nigerian Community Should Be Left Behind, Says UNICEF

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF), has called on all citizens and communities in Nigeria to join in efforts to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through proper Immunization, noting that statistical evidence spanning about half century showed that millions of people, especially children, have been saved globally by the administration of essential vaccines.

The Chief of Field Office at UNICEF’s Enugu office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, made this known in Enugu on Thursday during a two-day multi-zonal media dialogue to commemorate the 2025 World Immunization Week (WIW) with the theme, "Immunization For All Is Humanly Possible".

owners of properties along corridor which have encroached on the Right of Way may be desirous to sell their property to unsuspecting members of the public.

The government in the advert signed by Mr. Oluwole Sotire, Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, insisted that the corridor has been earmarked for a three-lane dual carriageway, pedestrian bridges, the Green Rail Line tracks, drainages and gas pipeline among others, hence such development activity risk demolition.

The Public Notice published on April 7, 2025 by the government in Thisday warned unwary buyers to beware as those who know they

will be affected start selling their to unsuspecting buyers.

"As a result, the Lagos state government is seeking the cooperation of members of the public for the protection of these critical spaces for important social infrastructure may be compromised if proactive measures for the conservation of the Right of Ways are not applied.

"In the light of the above, Lagos State Government hereby enjoins members of the public, who have encroached on some areas along the alignment by carrying out various activities within, to as a matter of urgency commence disengagement as soon as the alignment are defined and the encroachment identified.”

Ekiti Rainstorm Damages Massive, Traumatising, Oyebanji Laments, Pledges Support for Victims

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has lamented the massive destruction of property during Saturday's torrential downpour in Ado Ekiti capital city, describing the proportion of wreckage as monumental and worrisome to his government.

government being pro-masses, won't abandon the victims in subduing the emergency shock occasioned by the disaster that rendered hundreds homeless and destroyed commercial centres.

His words: "You could see that the destruction was massive and there is no way it won't be a financial burden to those that were affected. Though, we are happy that no life was lost, this is the major thing to us.

Chiluwe said that for five decades at least six lives have been saved through immunization considering the fact that over the last 50 years, essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives in the last 50 years.

It is noteworthy that during the same period, vaccination has drastically reduced infant mortality by 40%, so that more children now survive the first 12 months of their life, all because of the use of essential vaccines.

She said that in line with the objective of this year's World Immunization Week "it is essential to underscore the continued relevance of this global observance", adding that medical and health practitioners as well as members of the Media were duty-bound to ensure the promotion of "the feasibility and necessity of protecting everyone, from newborns to the elderly, against vaccine-preventable diseases, through inclusive and equitable immunization services".

As part of the week-long activities, Chiluwe revealed that an extensive immunization exercise would be carried out across the 12 targeted states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi, Imo and Rivers.

While harping on the value of the world-wide commemorating the WIW in the last week of April every year, Chiluwe said, "UNICEF joins efforts with healthcare providers and governments to promote the values of immunization services as should, which entails getting to the last mile or kilometer.

“UNICEF uses this opportunity to emphasize that vaccines are a proof that less disease but more life is possible when we put our minds to it. It’s time to show the world that ‘Immunization for All is Humanly Possible’

“Vaccines remain one of humanity’s greatest achievements and over the last 50 years, essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives. That’s six lives a minute, every day, for five decades.”

She urged the government and other partners of UNICEF to continue to strengthen and advance the momentum of progress recorded over the years through meaningful budgetary provisions to ensure that every child get

immunized with life-saving vaccines in order that children would survive and reach their full potential in life.

She urged stakeholders to be deliberate about getting the people, communities and the whole world to know that immunuzation for all is, indeed, humanly possible.

Olusoji Akinleye, Health Specialist UNICEF Field Office Enugu, said the world immunization week, celebrated in the last week of April, aimed to promote the life-saving power of immunization to protect people of all ages against vaccine preventable diseases.

Akinleye, who explained in details about world immunization week, said that more lives are now being saved among people of all ages and that Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of those lives saved.

“Vaccine protects against more than 30 life-threatening diseases, with more recent vaccines against Malaria, HPV, Cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola, among others.”

Oyebanji had in a statement shortly after the stormy rainfall sympathised with the victims and pledged government's support for those who were enmeshed in the web of destruction - and timely interventions to rebuild their damaged structures.

Worst hit by the rain storm were residential buildings, commercial structures, public institutions, while electrical facilities were not spared as many poles and telecommunication masts were pulled down by the galestrength wind.

While touring sections affected on Sunday to evaluate the level of wreckage, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, said he was happy that there were no casualties during the torrential, stormy downpour.

The governor said that while some structures experienced partial damage, it was a complete sweep-off for the rooftops and the entire structures in some places, which he said would automatically subject the owners to emergency financial burden.

Oyebanji applauded the Ado Ekiti traditional institution for demonstrating concerns over the incidence, by making representation to tour the metropolis to appraise the level of destruction.

The governor assured that his

"We have always been advocating that our people should do turnaround maintenance on their buildings before the start of rainy season.

“The government was also encouraging tree planting around residential buildings to serve as wind breakers. These are the best ways to prevent some of these occurrences.

"We really sympathised with those affected. Like we have said earlier, we won't abandon them. We are with them and the government will surely intervene and give support required to rebuild these damaged structures."

At every location visited, Oyebanji assured that operatives of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency and National Emergency Management Agency will revisit the flashpoints to evaluate the damaged structures and enumerate the victims to guide the government on how best to intervene in the matter.

Oyebanji directed the SEMA operatives to do a thorough evaluation and enumeration exercise of those affected in collaboration with NEMA, so that all the victims and estimate of their losses can be captured adequately.

The celebrant, Chief Ephraim Okoro (left), with Governor Hope Uzodimma when the governor hosted Chief Okoro to a dinner to mark his 80th birthday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Owerri, last Friday

UPDC DISCUSSES DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS...

Benue Govt: Armed Herdsmen Have Sacked 50 Communities Across Five LGAs

Gwer West council worst-hit CDS tells troops to keep fit to defeat terrorism, banditry, other emerging threats Army says criminals using military uniforms to commit atrocities CDHR decries spate of insecurity in Kwara

other criminal elements were using military uniforms illegally to commit atrocities across the federation.

Fifty communities across five local government areas in Benue State have been sacked by armed herdsmen, a recent data released by Benue State Emergency Management Agency has revealed.

According to the report, which came amid renewed attacks in Ukum, Logo, Otukpo, and Gwer East local government areas, details of widespread displacement across 25 council wards identified Gwer West Local Government Area as the worst-hit.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday, said it was mandatory for the men and the women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to keep fit physically, mentally, and emotionally to cope with the enormous demands and challenges of upholding military values and aspirations of the country amid the rising insecurity.

Similarly, the Nigerian Army (NA) revealed that terrorists and

That was as Committee for the Defence of Human Rights(CDHR), weekend, decried the persistent security challenges facing various communities in Kwara State, particularly, and other parts of the country, in general.

SEMA’s information officer, Terna Ager, in the report, titled, “Displaced Communities in Benue State Where Fulanis Have Settled with Their Cows,” stated, “All 15 council wards in Gwer West have been affected at some point.”

The affected wards included Sengev, Gbaange/Tongov, Saav, Mbapupuu/ Tswarev, Mbabuande Kyaav, Mbapa, Tsambe/Mbesev, Sengev/Yengev, Merkyegh, Nyamshi, Tijime, Tyough Ater, and Njaha.

Other badly hit local government areas included Guma, where SEMA reported that several communities in Mbadwem, Nyiev, Mbaba, Uvir, and Mbayer/Yandev council wards had been overrun by herders.

Gwer East’s Mbalom council ward, Makurdi’s Mbalagh and Bar wards, and Kwande’s Moon and Anwase

wards were also listed among those suffering sustained attacks.

“There are many more, but these are the ones I can confirm for now,” Ager stated.

The report said thousands of displaced persons were forced to flee their ancestral homes and now live in makeshift shelters or internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps.

At least 13 official IDP camps were said to be sheltering victims, while others took refuge with relatives in safer locations.

Reacting to the findings, retired Comptroller of Prisons and President of Mdzou U Tiv Worldwide, Iorbee Ihagh, lamented the destruction of entire communities in Moon ward of Kwande Local Government Area, where he hailed from.

“Our community has been abandoned for years due to repeated attacks. Public facilities like markets, healthcare centres, and schools have all been destroyed,” Ihagh said.

Reiterating calls for decisive federal intervention, he said, “The federal government must declare a state of emergency in Benue. The situation

is out of control.”

CDS to Troops: You Must Keep Fit to Defeat Terrorism, Banditry, Other Rising Threats

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday, said it was mandatory for the men and women of the Nigerian military to keep fit physically, mentally, and emotionally to cope with the challenge of upholding military values and aspirations of the country.

Musa made the statement during the closing ceremony of the First Edition of the CDS Armed Forces Inter-Service Archery Competition 2025. He stressed that maintaining fitness will help the soldiers defeat terrorism and other emerging security threats.

Musa added that the Inter-Service Archery Competition served as a trial and selection process for the Armed Forces of Nigeria team for forthcoming Archery Championships both within and outside the country.

Represented by Chief of Defence

NDLEA Recovers Over N1bn Illicit Drug Consignments in Lagos Hotel

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis with a total weight of 417.3 kilogrammes worth 1.04 billion in street value during a raid at an 80-room new established hotel in Victoria Island Lagos. A press statement on Sunday by the anti-narcotics agency’s spokesperson Femi Babafemi alleged the hotel was being used as cover for distributing illicit substances, noting the seizure was made after hours of combing the rooms.

Babafemi said at least three suspects: Eze Ayitu; Ofuokwu Samuel; and Emmanuel Ameh were arrested in the course of the operation at the five-storey hotel building between Friday and Saturday, while two other suspects: Noble Philip and one Kenneth are currently at large. He disclosed that items suspected

to be proceeds of the illicit drug trade recovered from the premises housing raided hotel, The Hook Hotel, also known as Caesar Hotel and Caesar Lounge located at 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street, off Elsie Femi Pearse Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, include: Toyota Prado Landcruiser Jeep (Lagos AKD 472 OZ); Toyota Sienna Vehicle (Lagos KJA 79 HJ); Volkswagen Delivery Van (Lagos AAA 525 JE); Kia Ceranto Car (Lagos BDG 860 GQ); Grand Caravan Dodge (Lagos APP 847 YF); 74 new TV sets; 10 used TV sets; and 13 refrigerators, among others.

The spokesman said in another major interdiction in Jigawa State with a follow up operation in Kano, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence last Wednesday seized consignments of opioids being moved from Kano to Niger Republic and Yobe State through Jigawa.

He noted the psychoactive substances were being moved in a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked

ABJ 182 NW at about 2:30am on Wednesday along Kano-Ringim Road, Gumel town when anti-narcotic officers on patrol intercepted them with two suspects: Abba Ibrahim, 28, and Shuaibu Umar, 29 arrested.

He disclosed that recovered from the Sienna vehicle were 200,000 pills of tramadol 250mg and 217,500 capsules of pregabalin, adding that a swift follow up operation in Kano led to the arrest of the supplier, 41-year old Jamilu Muhammad, at his residence located at Mil Tara, Layin Technical area of Kano while additional 1,584,000 pills of tramadol 250mg stacked inside a Nissan 18-seater bus marked DAL 372 XA and a room in his house were discovered and evacuated, bringing the total number of the recovered opioids to 2,001,500 pills. Babafemi said barely a week after NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) uncovered 20 parcels of

cocaine concealed inside religious books going to Saudi Arabia at a logistics company in Lagos, the operatives have again intercepted another shipment of 46 wraps of cocaine weighing 547 grammes hidden in body cream going to the Middle East country, stating that the seizure was made last Wednesday at a courier firm in Lagos.

He said another consignment intercepted same day includes: 1.8 kilogrammes pentazocine injection and 60 grammes bromazepam tablets heading to Canada.

At the Seme border area of Badagry, Lagos State, three Ghanaian women were on Sunday 20th April arrested at the Gbaji check point by NDLEA operatives while attempting to smuggle combined 4.8 kilogrammes of Ghana Loud, a strong strain of cannabis into Nigeria. The suspects arrested include: Haziza Zubairu, 42; Samirat Mustapha, 43; and Jamila Salifu, 26.

Policy and Plans (CDPP), Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, the CDS stated that given the various security challenges facing the country, the timing of the competition was not only apt but also key to addressing the challenges through non-kinetic means.

He said, "Even more important is the fact that an event of this nature is being organised to improve marksmanship, inculcate core values of integrity, precision, intensity, innovation, and excellence, as well as enhance service delivery, because it is when personnel are fit that effective service delivery can be assured.

“Over the past few days, we have not only witnessed the exceptional talent and precision of our outstanding competitors but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that reflect the core values upheld by our armed forces."

Director of Sports, Air Vice Marshal Nanjul Kumzhi, said the championship highlighted not only the exceptional skills and accuracy of the archers but also the profound sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship that characterised the armed forces.

Terrorists, Criminals Using Military Uniforms to Commit Atrocities, Army Says Nigerian Army (NA) said terrorists and other criminal elements were using military uniforms illegally to commit atrocities across the federation. The service also sought the support of citizens and the media in leading a coordinated campaign against the illegal use of military uniforms.

Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Nigerian Army), Major-General Gold Chibuisi, said the illegal use of military uniforms was a crime against the state and attracted a jail term if a suspect was found guilty.

Responding to questions during the maiden edition of the Defence Correspondents' Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Roundtable with the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Nigerian Army), Chibuisi stressed that the Nigerian Army would continue to sanction soldiers found guilty of violating citizens' rights in trying to enforce compliance with the law.

Women Kreatives' Empowers

Sunday Ehigiator

No fewer than 2000 young women were empowered at the Women Kreatives Connect Summit (WKCS), held over the weekend by the ‘Terra Academy for the Arts’ (TAFTA), at Regal Hall, Daystar, Ikeja, for a day of inspiration, networking, and skill-building.

Themed ‘Building as a Creative in Nigeria’, the summit featured a panel session with TAFTA's brand ambassador, Bamike Adenibuyan, popularly known as ‘BamBam’ and actor Emeka Nwagbaraocha, a.k.a ‘Emeneks’, who shared insights on turning passion into profit and navigating Nigeria's creative industry.

Attendees participated in workshops on scriptwriting, art business and entrepreneurship, live creative challenges, and

networking moments.

Top female content creators received free premium content creation kits, reinforcing TAFTA's mission to equip women with tools to succeed in the creative economy.

Founded by Bolanle AustenPeters, TAFTA empowers women through creative education and professional certifications, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. With over 30,000 individuals already impacted, TAFTA envisions preparing the next generation of creative professionals to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Academy offers free training and certifications in animation, art business and entrepreneurship, scriptwriting, sound design, and stage lighting, open to creatives aged 18-35 in Lagos, Ogun, and Kano states.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, George Okoh in Makurdi and Linus Aleke in Abuja

L-R: Head of Development UPDC Plc, Mr. Olatunde Jagun; Director, Corporate Services and Company Secretary, Mrs. Folake Kalaro; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Odunayo Ojo; President/CEO, PR Africa, Prince Dapo Adelegan; Managing Dirctor, UPDC FM Limited, Ms. Tokunbo Lawal; and Chief Commercial Officer, UPDC, Mr. Priye Johnson, at a media briefing on the development and progress of the company in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos,  yesterday

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

MINISTER’S CONGRATULATORY VISIT TO AJIBULU...

L–R: Newly appointed Deputy Executive Secretary (Services), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mr. Tunde Segun Ajibulu; Minister of

Secretary, Technical, UBEC, Mr.

the

Fitch Upgrades Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, Oyo States to Stable

Sanwo-Olu

promises to do more

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Global ratings agency, Fitch, has upgraded the long-term foreign and local-currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, and Oyo states from ‘B-’ to ‘B’. It is a big boost for investors’ confidence and a testimony to the strength of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s ‘T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda’, the six-pillar economic plan of the governor’s administration, the government said yesterday. According to information posted on the agency's website, the outlook for all four states remains stable. The rating followed the upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign rating to ‘B’ from ‘B-’ on April 11, 2025, reflecting improved macroeconomic stability and policy reforms.

Nigeria’s intergovernmental fiscal system.

The ‘remarkable rating, the Lagos government said. comes two days after Sanwo-Olu told a group of Harvard students of the great potential of the state for investments.

Fitch, in line with its rating criteria, mirrored the sovereign upgrade in the affected states, given the predominant role of the federal government in

We’ve Removed 1,141 Contraventions on Drainage Right of Way, Lagos Govt States

Segun James Lagos State Government said as part of its commitment to ensure a flood-free Lagos, about 1,141 contraventions had been removed in the last one year to restore Drainage Right of Way (ROW) across the state. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, stated this during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefings organised as part of activities marking the second year anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa.

Wahab said the restoration of ROW and protection carried out included that of System 40 & 40a Alaba International Market Channel and Franklas Channel, 3.5 kilometres; System 34B Aiyetoro/ Iteku/Ishasi Drainage Channel, Ojo Local Government Area, three kilometres; and System 131 Odo Iraye Channel, Epe Local Government Area, 2.5 kilometres.

Wahab stated that from 2023 till date, a total of 12 primary channels, with a total length of 32.5 kilometres, were restored to their original state, while another 84 secondary channels, totalling 96 kilometres, were restored in 2024. Another four primary channels had been proposed for restoration in 2025, he said.

Wahab also stated that in order to eliminate the tidal effect, the state government had constructed a stateof-the-art pumping station, which was recorded as the first of its kind in Africa, at Ilubirin, Lagos Island.

He explained that the pumping station was designed to pump discharged storm from Lagos Island into the lagoon via an elevated channel after the completion of the ongoing Lagos Island Drainage regeneration project.

The commissioner said construction

work was ongoing to de-flood the entire Lagos Island, with areas like Oroyinyin, Idumagbo, Binuyo, Aroloya, Epe, Ojo-giwa, among others, to benefit.

Wahab said, “During the year under review, we issued 1,674 abatement notices and carried out 4,955 monitoring of various environmental health infractions, while 171 premises were sealed in the process for not abating the nuisance after being served.

“The infractions are stacking of building materials on roads and drainage channels, thereby blocking free flow of storm water, indiscriminate mixing of building materials on the roads, non-provision of toilet facilities in tenement leading to open urination and defecation, as well as indiscriminate waste disposal.”

The commissioner added that Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) also undertook compliance enforcement actions against non-environmentally compliant facilities, with a total of 872 complaints received. He said 610 of them were noise-related complaints, 129 of the cases were abated, while 320 cases were treated with appreciation letters coming from the complainants, and 26 of the reported cases were still under investigation.

He added that LASEPA monitored 140 hospitality facilities, which included supermarkets, nightclubs, and bake houses with a view to ensuring compliance with the state’s 2017 environmental laws on safety and cleanliness.

Wahab said the government, through the Lagos State Waste Water Management Office (LASWAMO), in order to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), intensified enforcement efforts to combat illegal wastewater discharge and mismanagement in the state.

“We consider the federal government’s role predominant in intergovernmental relations, as it controls the equalisation mechanism enacted through a system of transfers to states. Therefore, the upgrade of

sovereign IDRs is mirrored in the upgrade of those of Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, and Oyo, as their Standalone Credit Profiles (SCPs) align with or are above the ratings of Nigeria,” Fitch noted.

The agency added that by the end of 2023, 50 per cent of Lagos state’s direct debt was denominated in foreign currencies, highlighting a notable exposure to currency fluctuations. However, despite this, Fitch projected Lagos’s payback ratio

to remain strong at around five times by the end of 2028.

The agency stated that Lagos’s fiscal resilience is underpinned by its exceptional Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which accounts for 75 per cent of its total operating revenue, far exceeding the national average of 25 per cent.

“Supported by this strong revenue base, Lagos is also expected to record a budget surplus in Y2024”, it added.

According to the Lagos government,

the current rating underpins the state’s strong capacity to service its financial obligations owing to its stronger operating performance driven by IGR, which makes Lagos an outlier in the national context.

Speaking on the rating, SanwoOlu said: ”It is a good verdict on our performance in terms of policy decisions and project execution. It is also a call for us to be more active. We will be in every sector. I thank Lagosians for their support.”

Tinubu Trying to Stifle Dissent, Turn Nigeria into One-party Country, Says Yusuf

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of suppressing dissent and silencing critics.

Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday, Yusuf alleged that his detention was orchestrated to intimidate him and weaken his stand against government’s anti-people actions.

The former NHIS boss said, “The whole purpose was the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu trying to silence any form of dissent.

“This is coming from a president, who himself was once a NADECO activist, someone who fought against the military, who ran across the border, and fled to safety.

“Criticising a government in a

Bayelsa

democracy is the legitimate right of every citizen. But now, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying to stifle dissent and turn Nigeria into a one-party dictatorial state. We are not going to let that happen.”

In February, Yusuf was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged fraud.

He pleaded not guilty to a fivecount charge before Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

Yusuf described his time in Kuje prison as a period of “retreat for rest, prayers, and reflection,” and insisted that it strengthened his spirit.

Recounting the events of January 29, when he was arrested, Yusuf said men claiming to be from EFCC invaded his home without an arrest warrant.

He stated, “On the 29th of January this year, about 6:30pm, my wife came up to my room and said there were some gentlemen, who knocked and just walked into the house. They walked in through the door and said they wanted to see me, claiming I was expecting them.

“They said they were from the EFCC and had come to take me.

I said, ‘guys, you haven’t even introduced yourselves.’ They quickly brought out their badges and confirmed they were from the EFCC.”

Yusuf said the operatives blocked him from changing his clothes and stopped his wife from bringing him some clothing to change.

He added that he was sandwiched between an armed officer and a young operative in the bus, who

high-fived themselves “as if they had captured a notorious criminal like Kachalla Bello Turji.”

Yusuf said he spent six days at the EFCC facility before his arraignment, and added that he was denied bail due to the judge’s cold, and then spent 24 days in Kuje prison.

“The denial of bail was wrong,” he said, adding, “Bail is a constitutionally guaranteed right for any accused person, except in cases of capital offences or terrorism, and my case was neither.

“This government deliberately denied me bail to shake me up. I spent six days at the EFCC and 24 days in Kuje prison — all to try and silence me. But I am not someone who can be silenced.”

Yusuf was appointed Executive Secretary of NHIS in 2016 by then President Muhammadu Buhari.

Accuses Wike’s Supporters of Electoral Act

Breach

over Location of Rally Wants police to investigate shootings at event

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Bayelsa State Government directed the police authorities to probe the shooting incident at a recent rally held by loyalists of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, in the state.

Wike’s supporters held a rally on Saturday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.

The meeting was organised by New Associates, a pro-Wike political group led by George Turnah, a chieftain of Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP).

But some minutes into the rally, sounds of gunshots echoed in the air, with attendees scampering for safety.

The gunshots were said to have been fired from a nearby bush.

But the rally eventually proceeded as planned minutes after the incident.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the police should identify and arrest those involved in the shooting.

The state government stated that the incident was not a “coincidence, as the organisers had earlier threatened that ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ would attend the event”.

The government said the organisers made use of a campground belonging to a religious organisation.

The statement said, “While noting that the event negated guidelines for political activities as stipulated in the Electoral Act and by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),

the government observed that it was held on the campground of a religious organisation.

“It warned political groups in the state not to drag religious organisations into their partisan activities that desecrate sacred places of worship. It further stated that it would not hesitate to sanction any religious organisation that breaches the law.

“The government restated its commitment to sustaining the peace in the state as well as ensuring the security of lives and property of all residents.”

State, Regional Development, Mr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu; and Deputy Executive

Razaq Olajuwon, during

Minister’s congratulatory visit to Ajibulu at the UBEC headquarters in Abuja at the weekend

NIGERIA’S DELEGATES AT THE IMF/ WORLD BANK SPRING MEETING IN WASHINGTON DC...

Asaba, Delta Capital, Wears New Look as

Vice President Kashim Shettima Visits Today

and

Delta State capital, Asaba, and the adjoining towns and communities are donning a new look following elaborate beautification of the areas in preparation for the official visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima to Delta State today.

Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, will today formally receive into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) many leaders and members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had recently defected en masse. They included Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Others were Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, his deputy, Hon. Arthur Akpovwowo, and about 20 state lawmakers, former and present PDP members of the National Assembly,

and chairmen and councillors of the 25 local government areas of the state, as well as the state PDP chairman, Chief Arenyeka, and his executive members.

The defectors will during a rally at the Cenotaph formally join APC.

Apart from regular colourful decorations of major streets in the metropolis, the colours and logo of APC had practically flooded the city.

Beautiful welcoming posters and banners with pictures of Oborevwori, Tinubu, and Shettima hugged street lights and electricity poles on major streets. These included Summit Anwai roads leading to Government House, Asaba; the ever-busy Nnebisi Road/ Old Anwai roads, leading to Stephen Keshi International Stadium; and Ogbe-Ogonogo Market; as well as Westend to Interbau Roadabout/ Flyover Bridge.

Equally bedecked with posters and decorations were Maryam Babangida Way, housing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) State Headquarters and

HURIWA Slams Supreme Court for Delay in Listing Suit on Rivers Emergency Rule

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has castigated the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its refusal or undue delay by the Chief Justice of Nigeria to constitute a panel of Justices to adjudicate on the salient constitutional questions posed to them in the legal challenge instituted since April 8th 2025 against the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the Supreme Court of Nigeria was clearly doing the greatest disservice to the country by its refusal to quickly address a serious constitutional matter such as suspending an elected sitting governor by the President against the backdrop of the fact that there was nowhere in the Nigerian Constitution that gave the president the powers of unseating a sitting governor of a state. The Rights group alleged that the undue delay in fixing hearing date could be a red flag that Justices of the nation’s highest court seemed jittery of the prospects of deciding on the groundbreaking legal challenge to the

unconstitutional proclamation of a state of emergency particularly with regards to the apparent illegality of slamming a suspension on a sitting governor of Rivers State by a sitting President.

HURIWA claimed that the delay could mean that the Supreme Court might be tacitly adopting the delay tactics to unwittingly compel the Appellants to reach out to the Defendant for political solution rather than the nation’s highest court to make a definitive pronouncement to settle this thorny constitutional issues once and for all.

“We in HURIWA stand to be corrected that the delay is anything but ominous and toxic. The only logical explanation for the unfair tactics of the Supreme Court is to say that, maybe it is because of the fear of the unknown.

“But, if the Justices of the nation’s highest court are jittery and refusing to fix the dates for hearing of this legal challenge by the 11 PDP Governors against the suspension of a sitting governor, then we can say that there is a much deeper conspiratorial plot to destabilise constitutional democracy and achieve total state capture. We pray that we are wrong.

welcome Oborevwori, Okowa, others to APC

the magnificent Delta State Secretariat, Okpanam Road, DBS Road, and High Court Road, where the Cenotaph, venue of the event, is situated.

Interestingly, even before the official announcement of the mass defection of the PDP family last Wednesday, officials and workers of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) were seen fixing the stretch of the BeninOnitsha Expressway traversing Asaba and other areas of the capital territory, from Issele-Azagba end, through the Asaba International Airport towards Koka Junction flyover and the River Niger Bridge/Onitsha end.

The FERMA workers gave much attention to the remedial work on the hitherto run down portions of the expressway between Summit Road

Market

Junction and the airport, as well as the deplorable spots between the airport, Marble Hill junction, Okpanam City Gate, and Wichtech near Issele-Azagba City Gate, which had been described as death-traps.

In addition, general cleaning of the roads, sidewalk and drainages were also carried out extensively on the aforementioned roads in the Asaba/Okpanam metropolis mainly by the state Ministry of Environment, all in readiness for the visit of the vice president.

Meanwhile, the immediate past president of the senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, instructed his followers in Delta APC to turn out en masse for today's formal defection of the state leadership of PDP to the party.

Omo-Agege, who was governorship candidate of APC in Delta State in 2023, broke his silence yesterday on the defection of Oborevwori, Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in Delta to APC.

In a statement personally signed, Omo-Agege instructed all relevant organs of APC in the state to welcome the defectors into the party.

He assured his supporters that all key issues regarding the development were being considered by the national leadership of the party and other critical stakeholders.

On his part, a notable leader of APC in the state and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Thailand, Ambassador Oma Djebah, applauded and welcomed Oborevwori and the entire PDP political structure in the state to the APC family.

associations endorse gov for second term

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola

Adeleke, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to remain steadfast and avoid distractions as his administration delivered dividends of democracy and good governance.

Reacting to recent developments within the party, Adeleke stated that his victory in 2022 was made possible by dedicated and loyal members of the party, despite anti-party activities by some chieftains. He stated, “We know how we got to Government House and we know those God used to make it possible. We know those who worked openly or silently to stop us.

“We also know those who opposed us then but have now embraced our good governance mantra. We equally have a verified list of those who opposed us in 2022 and are still on the same line till now.

“My assurance to party members is that the PDP of 2025 now has an expanded membership base with so many decampees from the opposition. We have increased in strength and support.

“We have not lost any genuine supporter of our project from 2022 to date. Our good work has also gained for us more supporters, partners and men of goodwill across party lines.”

Adeleke explained, “Our administration treats all federal

constituencies fairly. A particular federal constituency has three critical portfolios in my cabinet.

“Our infra plan benefits all corners of the state. Our local content programmes spread opportunities to all and sundry. We run a truly pan-Osun government.”

While asking PDP members to remain firm and united, Adeleke expressed appreciation for the endorsements from various interest groups and affirmed his commitment to pursue the Imole agenda beyond 2026.

He said, “As a government that is delivering on all fronts, we have the goodwill of the people. So we must avoid distraction and continue to target grassroots mobilisation.

In a press statement, Djebah, a two-time Delta State Commissioner for Information, said the momentous political development did not only confirm that Delta State was now fully in alignment with the bold, courageous, and progressive policies of APC, but it also marked a new dawn rooted in a commitment to provide greater democratic benefits to the state. Djebah expressed delight at Oborevwori’s decision to join hands with progressives in the APC family in Delta State. He said the governor’s decision was a testament to his commitment to progressive politics, premised on the accelerated development of the state and the improvement of the welfare and living conditions of the people.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

As part of move to combat false information and empower Africans with the tools to discern fact from fiction in a digital age, MyAIFactChecker, the pioneering AI-driven fact-checking platform developed by FactCheck Africa, has officially partnered Meta Language Technology.

The founder of FactCheck Africa, Mr. Abideen Olasupo, who disclosed this to THISDAY in Ilorin over the weekend on the new innovation recorded by the organisation said: "The new innovative initiative by Meta is aimed at advancing open-source language technologies and encouraging greater linguistic inclusion globally".

According to him, "The Meta

“I must express my appreciation to groups and individuals who are endorsing us for a second term and who are pledging solidarity, loyalty and commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Our members should rest assured that we remain focused and dedicated to sustaining a strong PDP and a pro-people governance in Osun state.”

“Within the context of rule of law, we will soon resolve the face-off within the local government system.” The governor commended elected PDP local government chairmen and councillors for their sacrifice and endurance for justice and rule of law. He stated, “We must sustain our democratic patience to ensure the prevalence of the genuine choice of our people at the grassroots.

Language Technology Partner Program is designed to support organizations that are developing and deploying language tools to improve content moderation, fact-checking, and access to reliable information, particularly in underserved and low-resource languages".

Olasupo stated the collaboration will assist the Meta to accelerate the development of tools such as AI-powered translation and speech recognition systems. Olasupo who described the partnership as a “milestone moment” for the organization, said: “In a continent as rich and diverse in language as Africa, technology must rise to meet the scale and complexity of our communication landscape.

L–R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas; Chairman, Finance Committee, Senator Sani Musa; Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; and Vice Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Hon. Saed Musa Abdullahi, at the ongoing Spring Meeting of the IMF and World Bank in Washington DC, last Saturday

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

TOWARDS IRE-EKITI DEVELOPMENT…

L-R: President, Ire-Ekiti Development Union (IDU), Mr. Ayodeji Abe; the Onire of Ire-Ekiti, Oba Victor Bobade, and the Vice President 1, IDU, Bashorun Olu Ibigbami, during a courtesy visit to monarch by the new executive of IDU in Ire-Ekiti...recently

Suspected Kidnappers Abduct Legal Practitioner, Director of Personnel Management in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

About five suspected kidnappers at the weekend kidnapped a legal practitioner and the head of legal department of Oke Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State, Elizabeth Arinde.

Arinde was reportedly kidnapped alongside the Director of Personnel Management (DPM) of the local government over the weekend.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, S.M. Kosemani, who

confirmed the development to THISDAY in Ilorin, said that they were abducted while travelling from Oke-Ero to Ilorin.

He said: “We are deeply concerned to inform you that Barrister Elizabeth Arinde, Head of the Legal Department at Oke Ero Local Government Area, has been kidnapped.

“According to reports, she was abducted alongside the DPM of the LGA on April 25, 2025, while traveling from Oke Ero LGA to Ilorin.

“We will provide further

Foundation Empowers 60 Trainees, 50 Widows with Tools, Finance in Ondo

No fewer than 60 trainees in different fields have been empowered with working tools by the Tomiwa Aregbesola Foundation.

The beneficiaries, who had been trained by St.Gabriel Skill Acquisition and Empowerment, were empowered to start off their various vocations to reduce the unemployment rate in the state.

The foundation also presented textile materials and cash gifts to about 50 widows, doled out one industrial sewing machine to St. Gabriel Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Foundation to enhance its training programme.

The tools distributed to the beneficiaries include sewing machines, hair dryers, laptop computers, make-up kits, textile materials and cash gifts.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the founder of the foundation, Mr. Tomiwa Aregbesola, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering future generations and supporting the most vulnerable in the society. Aregbesola, who noted that the world was in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving economic landscapes, hinted that the significance of skill acquisition is more crucial than ever.

NOA Initiate Moves to Boost Public Health in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has underscored the importance of sanitation awareness in promoting public health, preventing disease outbreaks, and fostering a clean and sustainable environment.

Speaking in Yenagoa, the State Coordinator of NOA, Mrs. Grace Olobio, stressed that improved sanitation is key to reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever, especially among young children.

“Sanitation awareness is not just

about cleanliness. It’s a fundamental part of disease prevention and environmental protection,” Mrs. Olobio said.

She explained that good sanitation practices can significantly reduce mortality rates, enhance community health, and support economic development by lowering healthcare costs and improving productivity.

According to her, the agency’s awareness efforts are focused on key areas including proper waste disposal, regular hand washing, safe water treatment, toilet hygiene, and food safety.

Ecobank Reaffirms Commitment to SMEs

Kayode Tokede

Ecobank Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to supporting the growth and success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country for them to make a global impact and contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Speaking during Oja Oge; Ecobank Fashion Marketplace, Head of SME, Partnerships and Collaboration at Ecobank Nigeria,

Omoboye Odu, emphasised the bank’s unwavering support for the SME sector. She highlighted the bank’s wide range of initiatives aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and driving inclusive economic growth.

“Ecobank is fully committed to the success of small businesses because we believe that when SMEs succeed, we all succeed — the Bank, the entrepreneurs, and the country at large,” said Odu.”

updates as more pieces of information become available.

“Please share this information widely to aid her rescue and

pray for her release alive.”

Meanwhile, the state Police Command at the weekend confirmed the incident.

A statement issued in Ilorin by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated

that “the kidnap incident reported at about 5:45p.m. on April 25, 2025, at Eleyin village via Isanlu-Isin.”

PDP Group Appeals to Atiku, Others to Support a Southern Presidential Candidate

Blames Atiku for laying foundation for PDP’s woes

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Against the run of defections rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a group within the party under the aegis of the PDP 100 Percent, has appealed to former vice president Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians to support the emergence of a southern presidential candidate.

The PDP group blamed the former vice president for laying the foundation of the current PDP woes as he was the master mind of those that sabotaged former President Goodluck Jonathan when he led five governors to defect to the APC in 2014.

In a statement , the National Coordinator of the group, Dennis Shima said: ‘’At this critical turning point in our democratic

history, it is imperative to call on all and sundry within PDP to support a southern presidential candidate to complete eight years in the presidency after eight years of former President Buhari from 2015 to 2023.”

The group further said:

‘’Southern Nigeria has, credible and young presidential materials that can match the incumbent President Bola Tinubu than recycling the old

brigade who continue to dominate the political scene.”

‘’It is worthy of note that, most of the people who are agitating for a Northern presidential candidate of PDP are protagonists of Atiku Abubakar who unfortunately forgot to mention how magnanimous PDP has been to him, after he and others in the North orchestrated defeat of PDP in 2015.”

‘Nigeria Still Underdeveloped Because of Absence of Visionary Leaders’

Gideon Arinze

in Enugu

A former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Osita Ogbu, has said that Nigeria remains underdeveloped despite its potential because it lacks leaders with the right vision and philosophy.

Ogbu made this known

yesterday, while speaking at the inaugural edition of the Nigerian Hamilton Project put together by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), in partnership with the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, themed, “Development As Attitude.”

In his address, Ogbu, a development economist, said that in Nigeria, an individual with capacity is defined as one who can finance the electoral process during an election. That is why the country keeps producing leaders who do not have the right leadership philosophy.

“We do not put in efforts in the process of searching and deciding those who become our leaders,” he said. The choice of who takes over from where a leader stops is also crucial, we must begin to look at the knowledge they come with and what they think that the society should look like,” he added.

Forum Appeals to Tinubu for Intervention on Key Projects in A’Ibom

The Akwa Ibom Unity Forum (AUF), a bipartisan coalition of prominent sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State, has issued a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for federal government’s intervention in critical developmental projects within the state.

The AUF, in a statement released in Uyo emphasised the significance of Governor Umo

Eno’s recent endorsement of President Tinubu’s re-election bid, highlighting it as a bold and constitutionally grounded decision.

They noted that this endorsement has garnered substantial support from the people of Akwa Ibom, positioning the state as a strong ally in the president’s future political endeavors.

The AUF recalled that in a historic meeting on February 28, 2025, Governor Eno and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio led a 104-member to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. During the visit, the governor presented three pivotal requests to President Tinubu: urgent federal intervention in addressing ecological disasters affecting the state, support for the development of the Ibom

Deep Sea Port, and an invitation for the President to undertake a state visit to commission key projects.

The AUF underscored the transformative potential of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, describing it as a strategic asset that would not only bolster the state’s economy but also serve as a vital maritime hub for the nation and the Central African region.

Osun Urged to Return Mission Schools to Original Owners

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Bishop of the Diocese of Ife, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Reverend Olubunmi Akinlade, has asked the Osun State Government to release mission schools to their original owners.

Akinlade spoke during a press

conference at Ile-Ife, Osun State, to herald the second session of the twelfth synod of the diocese.

They premised the church’s demand for the return of the mission schools on the need to stall further deterioration of the school structure.

The cleric lamented the decay in school infrastructure owing to years of abandonment.

He urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to emulate President Bola Tinubu who, as governor of Lagos State, approved the return of mission schools to their original owners.

“Honestly, I am appealing to the Osun State Government because it is in their hands to please release this school back to us so that we can develop the place and put in a very conducive learning environment in place, in that space. In any case, it belongs to us.” “If you took it away from us and you can’t do anything with it, can you please give it back to us? That’s all I’m going to say on that.”

FG ‘ll Support Stakeholders’ Efforts in Oil, Gas Sector, Says Lokpobiri

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has assured local manufacturers and other stakeholders in the oil and gas sector of adequate support.

The minister, while speaking during the inauguration of Monarch Alloy Limited Oil and Gas Pipe Coating Facility in Lagos, said Nigeria is no longer a dumping ground for foreign countries, stating that the federal government will not allow waivers for companies that are not ready to add value to the country. He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is ready to create value and jobs in the oil

and gas sector, noting that the federal government will maintain the integrity of the pipelines. According to him, “The federal government is not leaving any stone unturned. We will support stakeholders’ efforts in the oil and gas sector and we will create value and job opportunities for the Nigerian youth wherever they are in this country.” Governor Babajide SanwoOlu of Lagos State, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the state government would continue to create enabling environment for business owners across the state.

DUBIOUS NIGERIAN ART OF DECAMPING

So they have other motives. What motivates National Assembly members to defect? While there are political and other benefits in belonging to the majority party in the Assembly, especially appointment to juicy committee chairmanships, an MP’s principal concern usually is to get re-elected. In that wise, local factors at home are more important.

The first step to re-election is to get renominated by the party. Easily the biggest factor in that is the state governor, if they belong to the same party. An MP could sponsor as many quality bills as he likes, could attract as many federal projects to his constituency as he can, and can do as much “empowerment” [read: bribery] projects in his locality as he can. But he must constantly look over his shoulder lest the governor promises someone else the same seat. Governors are under pressure from other aspirants, be they key loyalists, state assembly members, commissioners, wealthy businessmen or people recently retired from juicy federal positions, to get an MP’s seat in the next election. No wonder that, since 2003, the casualty rate of MPs in every election is something like 80%.

That is for MPs. Governors are usually more secure politically than MPs. Even federal power often finds it difficult to dislodge a governor who is running for re-election, though there have been noticeable such cases in this Republic. The first two governors to be denied re-nomination in 2003, by their own parties, were Anambra’s Chinwoke Mbadinuju and Borno’s Mala Kachallah. Mbadinuju was stopped by an overwhelming President Obasanjo, allegedly at the behest of the Ubah brothers, while Kachallah’s ANPP ticket was snatched by Ali Modu Sheriff, said to be with the help of Acting ANPP National Chairman Governor Attahiru Bafarawa.

Since 1999, no more than a score of governors have lost re-election bids. Apart from Mbadinuju and Kachallah, they include AD governors Lam Adesina of Oyo, Adebayo Adefarati of Ondo, Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti, Bisi Akande of

Osun, Segun Osoba of Ogun [all of them orchestrated by President Obasanjo], Rabi’u Kwankwaso of Kano, Abubakar Audu of Kogi, Mahmuda Shinkafi of Zamfara, Aliyu Akwe Doma of Nasarawa, Ikedi Ohakim of Imo, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna, Capt. Idris Wada of Kogi, Mohamed Abubakar of Bauchi, Mohamed Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa and Bello Matawalle of Zamfara. I may have missed one or two others. All the other state governors, more than a hundred of them, who stood for re-election all over the country were re-elected, so the governorship casualty rate is far less than MPs’ electoral casualty rate. Not to mention presidential electoral casualty rate, of which there has been only one so far in this Republic.

Media reports last week and into the weekend were that many state governors are preparing to jump ship from opposition parties into APC. Most mentioned are first term PDP governors who will be up for re-election in 2027. Apart from the Delta governor who jumped ship, one indication that other PDP governors are not lukewarm to the idea was the position they took at their recent meeting in Ibadan. They declared that the party will not enter into any merger or alliance ahead of 2027 in order to topple APC’s President Tinubu. The party’s 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has been actively pushing for an opposition alliance, which is logical because the combined opposition vote in the 2023 presidential election was nearly twice the APC candidate’s winning tally. So why should the PDP governors oppose the move? Maybe because they are looking to make a deal with APC, cede to it the presidency on a platter of gold in return for safe delivery of their seats. Or maybe, to ward off threats from federal agencies that could make life difficult for them. Or even, because they too are contemplating an outright move to APC. Why should they want to do so when, as noted above, governors’ electoral survival rate is very high irrespective of party? It is high but it is not guaranteed if you belong to

an opposition party. Since the Second Republic, the few memorable cases in Nigeria where governors who belong to ruling parties were knocked off by opposition parties happened in Kwara in 1983, in Kano in 2003, in Nasarawa, Imo and Zamfara in 2011, in Bauchi and Adamawa in 2019, in Osun in 2022 and in Zamfara in 2023. I may have missed one or two.

The unease among PDP governors is understandable. The main opposition party has been unable to get its act together since 2023. It cannot even hold a National Executive Committee [NEC] meeting to elect a new National Chairman and other officials. On many occasions the NEC meeting was scheduled, only to be postponed. The biggest problem is that PDP’s National Working Committee [NWC] is APC in all but name. Its leaders were appointed courtesy of then Rivers Governor and now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and they remain loyal to him. So, while Wike serves in a high-profile position in the APC federal cabinet, he controls the PDP national working committee. No politician in Nigeria since the Second Republic has played this game of running with the hare and hunting with the hound quite as adroitly as Wike has done. It made PDP governors jittery; if this situation persists up to 2026, a Wike-controlled NWC can deny them renomination to contest any election. They cannot expel Wike, they cannot change Ilyas Damagum, and they cannot even convene a NEC meeting, so they are keeping their defection options open.

Other non-PDP opposition actors are also rumoured to be on their way to APC. One of them is Labour Party’s lone governor, Alex Otti of Abia. Even though Otti has denied it, LP is in a mess right now. Three people, longtime chairman Julius Abure, his arch rival Lamidi Apapa and Mrs. Nenadi Usman are all claiming to be LP’s national chairman. The puzzle is that LP’s former presidential candidate Peter Obi, whose charisma and ambition overnight transformed LP from a near-briefcase political party into a

A POPE'S FUNERAL AND NEW LEADERSHIP PARADIGM

privilege.

Nigerian leaders, accustomed to the trappings of power and privilege, could profoundly benefit from embracing servant-leadership that prioritises citizens' welfare above personal gain. Imagine for a moment a Nigerian governor choosing to sleep occasionally in the wards of a rural clinic that lacks electricity, a senator commuting without escorts, or a budget speech opened with an apology to those whose dreams are still postponed. Such gestures, inspired by Pope Francis' humility, would earn ridicule from cynics trained by years of theatrical piety, yet they might also crack the granite of distrust that politics has laid around the citizen’s heart.

Throughout his papacy, Francis consistently demonstrated simplicity, living modestly, rejecting extravagance, and continuously expressing empathy for ordinary people. For Nigerian political leaders, adopting similar modesty could substantially enhance their legitimacy, distancing them from the extravagant lifestyles that alienate them from the realities of the people they govern. By following Pope Francis' example, Nigerian leaders could bridge the gap between themselves and the citizens they serve, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.

The scenes in Rome offered other lessons as subtle as incense. Refugees and cardinals knelt side by side; presidents exchanged the sign of peace; atheists joined murmured prayers. I thought of the Plateau and Benue, of plains made fertile by rivers and yet stained by cycles of reprisal killings, each side armed with grievances as old as maps. If a pope's funeral could fold the devout and the doubtful into the same silence, perhaps state ceremonies in Nigeria

could be reimagined as platforms for reconciliation rather than patronage. Symbols matter because they reach the imagination before the policy can touch the pocket. A wooden coffin whispered more convincingly than any communiqué on inclusive governance ever could. None of this is to canonise a man in hindsight; Francis was criticised, resisted, and sometimes misunderstood. Reform always bruises the edges of comfort. But in death, he achieved what many living leaders rarely managed: he convinced opposing camps to pause their quarrels long enough to say, “Thank you, Father.” The applause that rippled through St Peter’s Square did not celebrate power captured; it celebrated power surrendered. How extraordinary and disconcerting to think that the shortest route to influence might be the surrender of privilege.

I wish to reference the testimony of Vinod Sekar, the Hindu philanthropist who once described being in the presence of “someone relentlessly good” pointing to Pope Francis. Sekar confessed that holiness ceased to be a place, temple, mosque, or cathedral, and became instead a verb: to shelter, to include, to feed. Nigeria’s streets are crowded with worship houses, yet the mood often tastes of scarcity- scarcity of trust, of light, of potable water, of the belief that tomorrow might be gentler than today. What if holiness were measured not by the decibels of our prayers but by the quality of our public schools and hospitals ? What if fiscal policy became a beatitude, not just a technical tool or to score cheap political point but a source of broad social good?

Authentic goodness, the kind that disarms calculation, cannot be legislated; it must be modelled. Leaders who publish their asset declaration unprompted, reject

strong contender for the presidency, has been spending most of his energy in recent times pursuing an elusive opposition alliance while sparing little time for party reorganisation. Even if Otti decamps, LP will be comforted that it did not have a single governor when Obi won twelve states, including FCT, in the 2023 presidential election. It was a political feat equalled only by Muhammadu Buhari, who won 12 states in 2011 even though his CPC had only one state governor. Probably the biggest defection rumour last week, surpassing the Delta governor’s defection in political melodrama, was that former NNPP presidential candidate and Kwankwasiyya political cult leader Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is also contemplating a move to APC. For such a tricky move to happen, the blood feud between Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his former deputy and current APC national chairman has to be resolved. How? With many NNPP stalwarts in Kano recently defecting to APC, Ganduje probably feels APC can snatch the key state back in 2027. Kwankwaso’s likely asking price for defecting to APC will be to guarantee Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s return in 2027. Ganduje is unlikely to agree to this, since Kano APC has several powerful aspirants of its own waiting for 2027. They would also have to resolve the dual emirship of Kano. Ganduje’s wishes may however differ from President Tinubu’s, who might be angling for an electoral win in Kano to offset likely losses in other places.

Decamping is a messy business in Nigeria. No one here changes parties for ideological or policy reasons but in order to improve his or her chances of grabbing a plum job. Existing party members will however put up stiff resistance, as former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege is already doing in Delta State. A party may be gloating that decampees are flocking in. During its primaries next year, it should prepare to reap the whirlwind in the hot contests between decampees and native party members.

grandiose titles, and break bread with market women without cameras in tow begin to tilt the atmosphere. And atmospheres are contagious. When a pope chooses simplicity, bishops take notice; when a governor chooses public transport, commissioners start to wonder whether the show of might is worth its cost. A single act does not topple corruption, but it can short-circuit the logic that sustains it.

Critics will argue that symbolism is cheap and that coffins and cassocks cannot patch roads or fund hospitals. They are right, unless the symbol changes the story, and the story changes the budget. A nation cannot legislate self respect into its citizens while its leaders accumulate properties in distant capitals. Neither can it ask for sacrifice while official lips sip champagne at state banquets. The funeral in Rome stubbornly insisted that credibility is the one commodity no treasury can purchase; it must be earned in increments of integrity.

As I write, the image of that lone coffin lingers, framed by sunlight and the tear-streaked faces of strangers who felt seen by a man in white. Power looked strangely like the vulnerability that morning, and history tilted, not dramatically, but perceptibly, toward the possibility that public office might again be synonymous with public service. I imagine a version of that morning unfolding on Abuja’s Eagle Square: no imported SUVs, no choreography of arrival times to signal rank, only leaders standing shoulder to shoulder with nurses, farmers, students, and the internally displaced. I imagine a moment when applause signals not relief that the ceremony is over but gratitude that the example is true. Perhaps that is naïve. Yet every durable reform was once a

naïveté stubborn enough to outlive its ridicule.

The cypress boards of Francis’ coffin will one day fade, but the memory of his choices will migrate from anecdote to folklore, from folklore to benchmark. Nigeria, a country whose anthem pleads to “build a nation where peace and justice shall reign”, needs new benchmarks more urgently than new oil blocks. It requires the quiet scandal of servant leadership to make corruption look as outdated as a triple-nested casket. Nigerian leaders should embrace key principles drawn from Pope Francis' life and funeral rites: humility that transforms rulers into servant-leaders; real and courageous reforms dismantling corruption; moral authority grounded in integrity and humility; inclusivity that fosters unity across ethnic and religious divides; and a legacy defined by public trust rather than accumulated wealth. Ultimately, Pope Francis’ funeral provided a profound narrative on leadership that Nigerian political figures must internalise. By embodying these principles, they can cultivate a governance system rooted in moral authority, transparency, and service, genuinely transforming their nation and securing a legacy that endures beyond wealth or power. I end where I began, in the quiet of that Roman square, listening to chants swell like a rising tide, watching a coffin slip into the basilica, and feeling the strange comfort of a paradox: the smaller the ego, the wider the circle of souls who find shelter beneath its shade. This truth, more than any doctrine, is the gospel political leadership must embrace if it hopes to bury an age of hollow grandeur and awaken a season of genuine hope.

MONDAYSPORTS

Liverpool Crowned Premier League Champions, Match Man Utd Record

Liverpoolhave been crowned Premier Leaguechampions with their 5-1 winagainst Tottenhamat Anfield on Sunday.

Arne Slot’s side needed a minimum of one point to secure the title and match Manchester United’s record of 20 league crowns, and strikes from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpoand Mohamed Salah, as well as a Destiny Udogieown goal, sealed the deal.

“This is the most beautiful club in the world. We deserve this. We are going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and take it in,” captain Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports after the game.

“I was desperate to win it for (the fans) and all the fans around the world, and

for us as well.” Salah’s goal was the 185th of his Premier League career, making him the league’s top-scoring foreign player. With Arsenal’s 2-2draw against Crystal Palaceon Wednesday, they cannot mathematically catch the league leaders, even with four games still to play. Liverpool boast a 15-point advantage over Arsenal, having lost only twice in 34 league games this season. It represents a spectacular debut season for Slot, who left Feyenoordto replace Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool manager last summer. The Dutchman paid homeage to Klopp after the final whistle, singing his name to the crowd just as the German had done for him after his final game at the club 12 months ago.

Aemo Stars made Nigerian league history yesterday becoming the first club side in 29 years to win the country’s 2024/2025 domestic topflight since Oscar Udoji’s Udoji United FC did in 1996.

And Adebayo Sulaiman entered the club’s history as the player who scored the lone goal winner against Niger Tornadoes to give the Ikenne club their first NPFL title on the day club owner, Kunle Soname was celebrating his 59th birthday. They did it in style with

three matches till end of the season.

Remo Stars also became the first team from the South West to win the NPFL title since Julius Berger did in Year 2000.

It has been a brilliant season for the Coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s side who are now 10 points clear of second-placed Rivers United.

The Sky Blues needed a win to secure the title but were given a tough test by Niger Tornadoes, who are fighting to stay in the league.

After finishing second in the league for two straight

seasons, Remo Stars have finally achieved their dream of becoming champions of Nigeria’s top flight.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has congratulated Hon. Kunle Soname, the Chairman of NPFL club, Remo Stars on his birthday.

Soname clocked 59 on Sunday, April 27 and the NPFL Chairman, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye said the club owner is worth celebrating by the league for his contributions to the league and football in general.

“Hon. Soname is easily one of the biggest individual investor in

our league when you consider the physical structure that supports Remo Stars in Ikenne”, stated the NPFL Chairman.

He said that the NPFL will become a model in Africa if all the clubs in the league have the structural support found at the Remo Stars stadium in Ikenne.

In Elegbeleye’s words “It is difficult to find an expression that can suffiently define the speciality of this honorable Man. All I can say as wishes is for God to fortify you with good health and long life”

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Super Eagles duo of Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi will not be playing in the English FA Cup final after their Nottingham Forest lost their semi final clash with Manchester City 2-0 on Sunday evening.

Both Nigerians were looking forward to playing at Wembley on May 17 in the final clash with Crystal Palace. Defender Aina was not in action yesterday against City as he’s yet to fully recover from the calf injury that has sidelined him for weeks.

Taiwo Awoniyi who came on into the game for Chris Wood in the 71st minute clipped an effort against the post and once City’s keeper Stefan Ortega kept out Nicolas Dominguez’s header at full stretch from another opportunity, Forest knew it was not going to be their day as City booked a Wembley return.

The win was a third successive FA Cup final for Man City.

Pep Guardiola’s side set up a Wembley showpiece on 17 May against Crystal Palaceat the same time as they relinquished a four-year hold on the Premier

League trophy after Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur to become championson Sunday.

City were in control from the first whistle on a balmy day in London and will now aim to end a disappointing season on a high by lifting the famous cup trophy for the eighth time in their history. With their supporters outnumbered in the stands, the City players silenced the Forest following inside just two minutes as the impressive Mateo Kovacic found Rico Lewis on the edge of the box and the 20-year-old drilled an unerring finish into the bottom corner.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men should have levelled seconds after the restart, though, when Callum Hudson-Odoi rolled a pass across the box, but Anthony Elanga, on his 23rd birthday, sent his first-time effort wide of the post from eight yards.

City made the former Manchester United winger pay dearly for that miss as six minutes into the second half they doubled their lead - centreback Josko Gvardiol rising highest to power home a header from Omar Marmoush’s corner.

Wasola Football Club have emerged champions of the Ikeja Division of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer qualifying tournament.

The coach Paul Ezebiro-tutored side made a light work of Blood and Sand FC in their 3-0 triumph in the final played at the EL Cesped pitch in Ikeja on Saturday. Jimba scored a brace while Qudus got the third goal for the champions.

In his post match reaction, an elated coach Ezebiro said his players won’t be carried away

by the victory in Ikeja as they are determined to be crowned champions of Lagos in the main tournament later in the year.

In his words: “ i am happy we are champions of the Ikeja division, but i have told my boys that we must remain focus ahead of the main tournament, this is just a divisional qualifiers, the 16 teams tournament won’t be easy so we must stay focus and prepare well,” Coach Paul stated.

The third place Match gave the

fans plenty to savour with the last qualifying ticket at stake. At the end of hostilities, Soccergems FA came out tops with 4-2 Victory over their hard-fought opponent Amsterdam FA.

Wasola FC receive the sum of N500,000 as the champions of the Ikeja division, Blood And Sand FC got N300,000 as the first runner-up, while Soccergems FA pocketed the sum N100,000 as the third placed side.

All three teams will represent

the Ikeja division at the sixteen teams tournament.

The programme manager of the Spires 5-Aside Tourney, Mr. Akin Odunsi, said they hope to leverage on the successes recorded in the Ikeja qualifiers across the other divisions.

“I think we had a very good outing in Ikeja that can be consolidated going forward, up next in the qualifiers is the Ikorodu Division and you can be rest assured it’s going to be a success as well”. Akin said.

The third instalment of the South Africa’s Cup, an 18-hole golf tournament is set to take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos, as part of South Africa Week celebrating 31 years of that country’s Freedom and Democracy.

Managed by Crossflex Nigeria Limited and supported by a coalition of leading sponsors, including AB Inbev, Movenpick, Glenfiddich, FoodCo, Federal Palace Hotel, Jungle Filmworks, Frosty Bite, 1860 Travels, Mikano Motors, Acutech Support Systems, Checkoff, Q-shop, Pepsi, Kaldi Africa, and Guinea Insurance, the third edition of this acclaimed tournament continues to forge stronger ties between the Nigerian and South African business communities.

The South Africa’s Cup brings

together amateur golfers from Nigeria and South Africa business communities, including prominent business leaders and community figures, for a day of sport and networking on the golf course.

As part of the South Africa Week, the tournament has earned wide acclaim for fostering bilateral partnerships and celebrating South Africa’s democratic milestone. Its elegant setting and high-profile participation make it a highlight for golf enthusiasts and a catalyst for economic collaboration.

Consular General, Professor Bobby Moore, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “The South Africa’s Cup is key to fostering the already cordial tie between the two critical economies of the continent, and its impact reverberates deeper into other aspects that have driven deeper integration of the two economies.”

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Liverpool stars led by Mohamed Salah (centre) giving each other hi-five for a job well executed to become champions of the English Premier League 2024/2025 season

Remo Stars players celebrating their first NPFL title shortly after defeating Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to go 10 points clear of second placed Rivers United with three matches to end of the season

UBA'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER...

MAHMUDJEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

Dubious Nigerian Art of Decamping

Maybe the people of Delta State saw it coming, but there were no hints in the newspapers or in the social media that a political earthquake was about to hit in the state. With the suddenness of a gust of wind and with the fury of typhoon, the Governor of Delta State, his entire cabinet and aides, all the officials of the state’s ruling PDP and all the Local Government Chairmen and councilors defected in one fell swoop to APC, the ruling party at the federal level.

Tagging along was Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the former state governor and PDP’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election. Okowa had been very quiet since that election ended. He didn’t say anything publicly about the tug-of-war and the jockeying for positions and alliances as 2027 looms. It turned out

last week that he had his plans, and he jumped ship to APC alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Delta State seemed an unlikely place for a mass exodus from PDP. Why because, it is one state that no party other than PDP has ever ruled since 1999, the others being Taraba, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa. Let me do a slight correction; while no party other than PDP ever won a governorship election in Rivers since 1999, it briefly came under APC rule in 2014-15 when Governor Rotimi Amaechi defected along with nPDP in 2014, only for PDP to win it again in 2015. As for Bayelsa, APC did win a governorship election there in 2019, only for the courts to upturn the victory and hand the seat back to PDP due to a rumpus over the APC deputy governor elect’s name. Nor have there been visible signs that PDP was losing its grip with the Delta electorate. But then, the politicians often know what we don’t.

Last week, many media houses

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

used the phrase “gale of defections” to describe what was happening on the national political scene. In recent months many senators and House of Representatives members have decamped from opposition parties to the ruling APC, and there are indications that some more will follow. The puzzle is, given socio-economic conditions in the country under APC rule in the last ten years and especially compounded since 2023 by the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and free floating of the naira, why are politicians running towards APC, instead of away from it? Perhaps, just perhaps, Nigerian politicians no longer believe that votes count in elections and that a political party’s popularity has nothing to do with its chances of winning elections.

Continued on page 46

A Pope's Funeral and New Leadership Paradigm

The world came together on a warm April morning in Rome. Under Bernini’s wide colonnade, a simple wooden coffin lay, almost shy against the grand marble of St. Peter’s. It held the body of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, better known as Pope Francis; it also carried a final message, passed without words. As I watched the funeral, I wondered if the message would be clear to leaders in places where leadership is often about show instead of service. Nigeria, my country, came to mind, because its people long for leaders who serve with humility rather than rule with power.

At first glance, comparing a pope to political leaders might seem unconventional, but important commonalities exist. Upon reflection, parallels are audacious: a Catholic pontiff and a republic's president

spiritual, and both command loyalties that can bless or wound the human spirit. The difference lies in the currency they spend. Francis traded almost exclusively in moral capital. His motorcade rarely stretched beyond a small Fiat. He lived in a guesthouse, took meals in a communal dining hall, and instructed that his funeral expenses be redirected to shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

In stark contrast, many political leaders, notably in Nigeria, have consolidated power through patronage, wealth accumulation, and coercion, severely damaging their credibility and the public's trust. Nigerian power, by contrast, is often measured in sirens, convoys, and security votes, in the distance a public office holder can place between themselves and the exhaust of everyday life. The funeral invited a radical thought: what if legitimacy flowed from humility, not from the choreography of importance? This

Continued on page 46

stress on the importance of humility in leadership could enlighten and provoke reflection on governance. Humility, though, is not a mannerism. It is a decision made daily, a refusal to situate oneself above the collective story. Francis’ last request, “bury me outside the Vatican walls”, was a slight tectonic shift, the first such break with tradition in over a century. It told pilgrims and presidents alike that holiness is not the property of marble tombs but of living deeds. Pope Francis was buried in a simple wooden coffin instead of the traditional three-nested casket, symbolising a life dedicated to humility and service. This act is probably the first of its kind in papacy history. This powerful statement of reform and decentralisation challenged entrenched traditions that maintain inhabit very different orbits. Yet both preside over institutions that store immeasurable wealth-monetary, cultural,

Pope Francis

Gov Oborevwori

The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima receiving UBA Recognition Awards conferred on him as a former staff of United Bank for Africa(UBA) from the Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, at the 75th Anniversary Dinner of the Bank at Abuja, last Saturday