SUNDAY 7TH JANUARY 2024

2024 Budget: Amid Growing Concerns, FG, States to Spend N17.04tn on Recurrent Expenditure James Emejo in Abuja Despite concerns over the increasing recurrent expenditure by states, particularly given their

low level of productivity and contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the federal and state governments have earmarked a total of about

N17.04 trillion for recurrent expenditure in 2024.

While the sum of N8.27 trillion is earmarked for salaries, subsidy transfers, and other

non-capital spending by the federal government, recurrent expenditure by the states will gulp N8.77 trillion.

THISDAY gathered that of the

combined N44.93 trillion 2024 annual budget of both tiers of governments, the sum of N17.38 trillion is set aside for capital projects.

Data collected by the Analysts Data Services and Resources indicated that the states have Continued on page 5

Nigeria Bolsters OPEC’s December Crude Oil Output by 50,000bpd… Page 6 Sunday, January 7, 2024 Vol 28. No 10497

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Rivers Crisis: We will Know Who is in Charge When Time Comes, Says Wike… Page 12

A New Twist as AGF Faults Betta Edu’s Request, Says N585m Payment Not Honoured Criticises bulk payment to an individual’s account N585m fraud allegation against me baseless, Edu insists

Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Laleye Dipo in Minna

A new twist has emerged in

the controversy surrounding a memo by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta

Edu, requesting the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to pay N585,198,500.00 for the implementation of grants to

vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, as the AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, yesterday faulted the

minister’s request to her office.

While denying honouring the request, the AGF clarified that her office does not make payments

for projects and programmes on behalf of Ministries, Departments Continued on page 5

Dangote Group Explains Visit by EFCC, Says No Accusations of Wrongdoing Insists commission made similar requests to 51 other companies Pledges to provide EFCC with all necessary information and cooperation Ejiofor Alike Dangote Group yesterday reacted to the widely reported visit of the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to its headquarters in Lagos on January 4, 2024, following the concern and interest the visit has generated among the company’s partners, stakeholders, and the public.

In a statement issued last night, the company disclosed that on December 6, 2023, it received a letter from the commission, requesting the details of all the foreign exchange allocated to it by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 2014 to 2023.

While stating that similar letters were also sent to 51 other companies requesting for same information, the Dangote Group said it responded to the EFCC, acknowledging the receipt Continued on page 5

CELEBRATING NEWEST COUPLE… L-R: First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and a former First Lady, Hajia Mariam Abacha, during a special dinner to celebrate the wedding Fatiha of Alhaji Mustapha Sani Abacha at the International Conference Centre, Abuja…weekend

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In Defence of His Former Boss, Ngige Says Buhari’s Administration Not a Failure Lists railways, school feeding programme, Second Niger Bridge as former president’s achievements

Ejiofor Alike The immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has insisted that the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari was not a failure as claimed in some quarters.

Addressing journalists yesterday, in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, while distributing palliatives to indigenes from the 21 LGAs of the state, Ngige said he was part of Buhari’s administration and witnessed projects carried out by the administration.

The former Anambra State

governor listed the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, school feeding programmes, and Enugu Airport, among others, as some of the projects carried out by the last administration.

Ngige, who vowed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over Anambra State in 2025, explained that his faction of the party in the state remains the authentic APC in Anambra, insisting that there was no crisis in the party.

He said, “It is not true that the Buhari administration was a failure. I was part of the government and the administration completed a lot of projects, including the Second

Niger Bridge, school feeding programme and numerous railways across the country.

“There is APC one and two in Anambra State. I won’t deny that fact. I am the father of APC here; I am the face of APC in Anambra State and I know for certain that we have newcomers who have been coming since the year 2021 and because the party is like a church, you don’t stop people from entering a church to seek salvation; so also you can’t stop people from entering a party to support government in power.

“We allow everybody but there is a segregation already because the new members don’t want to

reckon with the old members who have laboured for the party from the time, we were SDP to ACD, AC to ACN and then finally liberated as APC when we collapsed with NNPP and CPC. These are facts, and I don’t like denying things are facts.”

While responding to how APC will wrestle the ruling APGA in Anambra for the governorship race in the state in 2025, Ngige said: “Don’t worry for us; this is politics and in politics, you disagree to agree. One day if you don’t agree, you bear the consequences. We didn’t agree in the 2021 election and the result was clear in Anambra State.

“I am optimistic that APC will

take over in Anambra come 2025 for if you are not optimistic in life, then you go and commit suicide.

So, optimism is with us. It is our watchword in APC. We have not done what we are supposed to do here but I am hopeful that between now and 2025, when the governorship election will be held in Anambra, we will have put our house in order and take over from APGA.” The former minister who promised to distribute more food items like bags of garri and cartons of tomatoes to citizens next week, said: “I am still on sabbatical leave, resting and by the end of May this year when I would have rested for one year,

I will decide and publicise my next line of action.

“Previously, we distributed 2,000 bags of rice, this time around, it was increased to 4,500 bags with yams because lots of homes and people are hungry and I do not want to call it poverty “Last farming season, Nigeria was unlucky as banditry and flooding caused havoc to farmers.

Food-producing areas of Anambra State were affected and more of our people fell into that category, so we have three categories of the people we are catering for – APC members, people living with disabilities and elderly from the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State.”

A NEW TWIST AS AGF FAULTS BETTA EDU’S REQUEST, SAYS N585M PAYMENT NOT HONOURED and Agencies (MDAs).

She also clarified that no bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of the project accountant, contrary to the minister’s position that it was legal for Onyelu Bridget to be paid the money as the Project Accountant for Grants to Vulnerable Groups (GVG).

According to the AGF, such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts.

This is coming as the minister yesterday described the N585 million fraud allegation against her as baseless and an attempt by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s effort in fighting corruption.

The memo from the minister to the AGF with reference number: FMHAPA/HQ/S.208 and dated December 20, 2023, was titled: ‘Mandate for payment grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Lagos and Ogun states’ respectively.

The letter, which was circulated in social media, read: “I hereby approve the payment for the accumulative sum of five hundred and eighty-five million, one hundred and eighty-nine thousand and five hundred

naira (N585,180,500.00). These are payments for programmes and activities of the Renewed Hope grants for vulnerable groups.

“Details provided below: 2023 grant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom State, N219,429,750.00; 2023 grant for vulnerable groups in Cross Rivers, N783,828,750.00; 2023 grant for vulnerable groups in Lagos State, N219,462,250.00 and grant for vulnerable groups in Ogun State, N72,468,750.00 with total at N585,189,500.00.

“The payment should be made from the National Social Investment office account with account number 0020208461037 to the project’s accountant’s details listed above as Onyelu Bridget, UBA account.”

Reacting to the controversy generated by the payment request, Special Adviser to the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, said the N585,198,500.00 was approved, adding that it was meant for the implementation of grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states.On the minister’s request for the payment to be made into a private account, the statement insisted that “Onyelu Bridget is the Project Accountant for GVG from the Department

2024 BUDGET: AMID GROWING CONCERNS, FG, STATES TO SPEND N17.04TN ON RECURRENT EXPENDITURE a combined annual budget of N16.15 trillion, of which recurrent expenditure will gulp N8.77 trillion.

On the other hand, of the federal government's N28.78 trillion appropriation, the sum of N8.27 trillion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure transfers and other non-capital spending.

The federal government will also spend N1.74 trillion on statutory transfers. The statutory transfers of the budgets are appropriations by certain government institutions enabled by law and backed by the constitution to be made by themselves and cannot be altered or reviewed by the presidency or executive arm of government.

There had been concerns over the increasing recurrent expenditure by states, particularly given their low level of productivity and contribution to GDP. Figures showed that Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Ogun states have the highest budgets of N2.26 trillion, N845.63 billion, N800.39 billion, N724.98 billion, and N703 billion, respectively in 2024.

This was followed by Niger,

Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Bayelsa with N613.99 billion, N592.20 billion, N567.20 billion, N521.50 billion, and N480.99 billion respectively.

Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Kano, and Zamfara have annual budgets of N458.27 billion, N454.31 billion, N438.45 billion, N437.34 billion and N426.50 billion respectively.

Others are Anambra, Ondo, Borno, Edo, and Plateau with N410.13 billion, N395.26 billion, N358.70 billion, N342.80 billion, and N314.80 billion respectively.

Other tates' appropriations include Taraba, Bauchi, Jigawa, Cross River, and Kwara with N313.39 billion, N300.22 billion, N298.14 billion, N296.96 billion, and N296.40 billion respectively.

Others include Osun, Sokoto, Kogi, Kebbi, and Adamawa with N273.91 billion, N270 billion, N248.20 billion, N250.10 billion, and N225.80 billion, respectively.

However, Yobe, Gombe, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Ekiti, and Benue have the lowest annual budget of N216.95 billion, N208.06 billion, N204 billion, N199.88 billion and N159.57 billion, and N225.70 billion, respectively.

of Finance and it is legal in civil service for a staff, the project accountant to be paid and use same funds legally and retire same with all receipts and evidence after project or programme is completed.”

But in her reaction, the AGF yesterday denied honouring the N585.198 million payment request.

According to Madein, whose position was contained in a statement by the Director of Press at the OAGF, Mr. Bawa Mokwa, it is not her responsibility to make payments for projects and programmes on behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The AGF clarified that allocations are released to selfaccounting MDAs in line with the budget, adding that such MDAs are responsible for the implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.

She explained that although her Office received the said request from the Ministry, it did not carry out the payment.

According to her, Edu’s ministry was advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.

The AGF noted that in such situations, payments are usually processed by the affected ministries as self-accounting entities.

She added that no bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of the Project Accountant.

Madein added that such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts.

She reiterated her determination

to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.

She advised MDAs to always ensure that the requisite steps are taken in carrying out financial transactions.

N585m Fraud Allegation Against Me Baseless, Edu Insists Meanwhile, Edu has described the N585 million fraud allegation against her as baseless and an alleged attempt by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s effort to fight corruption.

The embattled minister made this known in a statement posted on her Facebook page yesterday.

Breaking silence on the matter which has since gone viral, the minister noted that the allegation is a mere fabrication by her detractors who seek to frustrate her efforts in her fight against corruption and uplifting the needy.

She said: “I am writing to address recent news circulating about alleged fraud within the Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation.

“As the minister, I want to assure you that these claims are baseless and an attempt to undermine the efforts we are making to fight corruption and uplift those in need.

“In the course of our work, we have encountered resistance from forces whose hands may not be clean, but I want to emphasise that our commitment to transparency, accountability, and eradicating corruption remains unwavering.

“The challenges we face only strengthen our resolve to serve with integrity and dedication.

“I believe in the power of truth prevailing, and with God as my strength, I am confident that our collective efforts will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the less privileged. Your trust and support are invaluable as we navigate through these unfounded allegations.

Also, in a post on X, she denied any wrongdoing, saying plans to tarnish her reputation will fail.

“Integrity and accountability are our watchwords! Under my watch in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, no one will embezzle government funds as before,” she wrote.

“The plans to tarnish the image of this administration, my person or the ministry will amount to nothing.”

Groups Ask Minister to Resign Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has asked Edu, to resign from office for transferring of public funds of over N585 million to a private account, describing the action as fraudulent.

According to the rights group, the minister should resign or excuse herself from office, pending the conclusion of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

HURIWA pointed out that the Public Sector Financial Regulations of 2009 prohibits the payment of public funds to the account of private individuals, adding that Section 713 of the law states that: “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private bank account. An

officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with fraudulent intention."

HURIWA's National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, who signed the statement, called on President Bola Tinubu and the EFCC to use a universal yardstick in the enforcement of the anti-graft laws, arguing that certain individuals should not be exempted by the laws because they are senior national figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

On its part, the Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), has called for an investigation into the letter written by Edu, requesting the AGF to pay public funds into a private account.

NEFGAD in a statement signed by its Head of Office, Mr. Akingunola Omoniyi, urged President Tinubu to be impartial during the investigation and ensure that if found guilty, disciplinary action be meted on the minister, adding that the ‘massive corruption’ should not go unpunished.

Akingunola urged the president to direct the suspension of the minister for a thorough investigation by relevant anti-corruption agencies with immediate effect.

Akingunola noted that apart from the fact that Edu and the sacked CEO of NSIP, Mrs. Halima Shehu, are from different geographical divides of the country, the tendency and pattern of the allegations involving the duo are too identical and should not have attracted different approaches and measures in dealing with them by the president.

DANGOTE GROUP EXPLAINS VISIT BY EFCC, SAYS NO ACCUSATIONS OF WRONGDOING of the letter and also seeking clarification on the subsidiaries that they required information on.

“We also requested additional time to compile and properly present the extensive documentation spanning 10 years.

“However, the EFCC did not provide the clarification sought and also did not honour our request for an extension, and insisted on receiving the complete set of documents within the limited timeframe.

“Despite this constraint, we assured the EFCC of our commitment to providing the information and pledged to share documents in batches as we complete the compilation,” Dangote said.

The company further

explained that on January 4, 2024, its team delivered the first batch of documents to the EFCC. “However, officers of the EFCC did not accept the documents, insisting on visiting our offices to collect the same set of documents directly,” the company added.

The company revealed that while its representatives were still at the EFCC’s office to deliver the documents, a team of the commission’s officers proceeded to visit its offices “to demand the same documents in a manner that appeared designed to cause us unwarranted embarrassment.

“Worthy of note is the fact that the officials did not take any documents or files from

our Head Office during their visit as these were already in their office.

“We must emphasise that, to our knowledge, no accusations of wrongdoing have been made against any company within our Group. At present, we are only responding to a request for information to assist the EFCC with their ongoing investigation,” the company said.

Dangote Group noted that as a law-abiding and ethical corporate citizen, it remains committed to providing the EFCC with all necessary information and cooperation.

“We have already delivered the first batch of documents and are actively working to compile and submit the remaining

documents, in good time, to aid their investigation.

“Our Group is a key contributor to the national GDP, the largest employer in the private sector, one of the largest groups listed on the Nigerian Exchange, and one of the highest taxpayers in the country. We remain steadfast in our belief in Nigeria's commitment to the rule of law and its dedication to fostering an environment conducive to investment and value creation for both local and foreign investors.

“We therefore call for the understanding and patience of our stakeholders. We will keep our stakeholders informed of any further developments,” the company added.

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SENIOR MANAGEMENT… L-R: Acting Deputy Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer, Capital Express Assurance Limited, Mr. Gbenga Owodunni; Outgone Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bola Odukale; Chairman, Board of Directors, Otunba Ademola Adenuga; Company Secretary/Head of Legal, Joy Sulucanan; and Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mathew Ogwezhi, after the company’s Board meeting in Lagos…recently

Nigeria Bolsters OPEC’s December Crude Oil Output by 50,000bpd Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Crude oil production by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) remained steady last month before the onset of new supply cutbacks by the group and its allies, with Nigeria boosting output by 50,000 bpd, a survey

by Bloomberg has found.

The survey was based on ship-tracking data, information from officials, and estimates from consultants, including Kpler Ltd., Rapidan Energy Group, and Rystad Energy A/S. OPEC pumped an average of 28.05 million barrels a day in December as it persevered with supply restraints agreed earlier in the year as reductions by the United Arab Emirates and Angola were offset by other countries such as Nigeria.

“Supply declines from these two members were tempered by increases elsewhere. Nigeria bolstered supplies by 50,000 barrels a day to 1.49 million a day in December, in line with a revised quota that it successfully negotiated for this year,” the report said.

Nigeria’s last data published

by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed that the country produced 1.25 million bpd, referring to its “direct communication” channels.

But based on secondary sources, quoted by OPEC, Nigeria’s crude oil output was 1.37 million bpd in November.

The NUPRC and OPEC are yet to release the country’s output data for December.

However, Bloomberg said that output was set to fall further this month, as the wider coalition known as OPEC+ begins additional cuts of roughly 900,000 barrels a day in a bid to stave off a new surplus and defend flagging crude prices.

Oil futures have slumped roughly 20 per cent since they neared $100 a barrel four months ago, amid surging supplies from the US and OPEC’s other rivals.

The extra crude could prove too much for global fuel demand, which is projected to see considerably slower growth this year.

The UAE made last month’s biggest supply reduction, cutting by 70,000 barrels a day to 3.08

million barrels a day. That still left the country’s output above its quota for December, and also higher than a new, increased target that takes effect this month.

Angola’s production declined once again in the country’s final month as an OPEC member, dwindling by 40,000 barrels a day to 1.1 million a day. Luanda announced late last month it would quit the cartel, effective January 1, ending 16 years of membership amid a bitter dispute over its production quota.

The West African nation refused to accept a reduced limit imposed by OPEC’s leaders, but its output in December — eroded by years of underinvestment — was in line with the level it had rejected.

Crude traders are skeptical that the 22-nation OPEC+ alliance will fully deliver on the fresh supply curbs taking effect this month, as many members have already lost as much production — and associated revenue — as they can afford.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates the pledged cutback will translate

into an actual cut of about 500,000 barrels a day.

Iraq, which has a patchy track record on implementation and pressing financial needs for export revenue, would need to cut production by a substantial 290,000 barrels a day to meet its target for January.

OPEC+ will hold an online monitoring meeting to review market conditions on February 1, and ministers are scheduled to meet in person at the group’s Vienna headquarters in early June.

Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs has projected that oil prices might double if Houthi rebels’ attacks on commercial shipping, which have happened more than 20 times since November, continue.

In an interview with CNBC, the head of the company’s oil research division, Daan Struyven said: “The Red Sea is a transit route, and with a prolonged disruption there, oil can be three or four dollars higher.

“However if you have a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz for a month, prices would rise by 20 per cent and could even eventually double

NBA: Akeredolu’s Advancement of Cause of Justice, Human Rights will Remain an Inspiration to Lawyers Wale Igbintate The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), has said the legacy of the late Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) in advancing the cause of justice and human rights will remain an inspiration to lawyers in Nigeria.

Maikyau said this at the weekend when he led an NBA delegation on a condolence visit to Akeredolu’s family in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Akeredolu, who was a former NBA president, died of prostate cancer in Germany on December 27, 2023. His remains arrived

in Nigeria on Friday.

Maikyau was accompanied on the visit by some officials of the NBA, including the General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite; the 3rd Vice President, Amanda Demechi-Asagba, and the Welfare Secretary, Chinyere Obasi.

The delegation also included the chairpersons of the Ibadan, Ikeja, Lagos, and Ikorodu branches of the association.

Maikyau, who signed a condolence register during the visit, said Akeredolu’s tireless dedication had left an indelible mark on the legal fraternity.

He paid tribute to the late Akeredolu, describing him as “one of the most influential and

courageous presidents ever to lead the NBA.” He prayed for solace and comfort for the bereaved family, colleagues, and friends of the departed leader.

“Governor Akeredolu’s legacy in advancing the cause of justice and human rights remains an inspiration for us all. His tireless dedication has left an indelible mark on the legal fraternity.

“We stand united in paying homage to a remarkable leader whose commitment to the rule of law will be remembered as a cornerstone of his impactful tenure,” he said.

The NBA’s delegation was received by Akeredolu’s widow, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu,

and other members of the Akeredolu family, who expressed appreciation to the NBA for the visit at such a difficult time.

Governor Akeredolu’s tenure as the 24th NBA president from 2008 to 2010, was marked by an unwavering advocacy for respect for the rule of law, effective administration of justice, and the protection of human rights.

As governor, Akeredolu was renowned for his fearless calls for adherence to the rule of law, political fair play and commitment to security, which contributed to the establishment of the regional security network, codenamed Amotekun, across South-west states.

if the disruption there lasted for longer,” he said.

Despite caveating that the situation was “highly unlikely”, Struyven’s comments joined a collective of voices from across international business and politics decrying the situation in recent days.

Former Prime Minister now Foreign Secretary, David

Cameron said in an interview with Sky News that the attacks “have to stop”. “This is not just a British interest, it is global,” he added.

Since November, the rebels have attacked commercial shipping in the Red Sea more than 20 times using missiles, drones, fast boats, and helicopters.

Stop These Killings, Dogara, Bode George Tell Tinubu Segun James A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South, Chief Bode George, have urged President Bola Tinubu to stop the perpetrators of violence in parts of the country.

Dogara spoke in Jos, Plateau State when he led some serving and former members of the House of Representatives on a condolence visit to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, following the recent massacre of about 200 people in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas (LGAs) of the state by terrorists.

He urged Tinubu not to toe the path of his predecessors who only mourned victims of killings in press statements, thereby reducing themselves to mourners-in-chief instead of taking responsibility as commanders-in-chief.

He urged the President to rise to the occasion and use every available means to locate the perpetrators and sponsors of violence across the country and bring them to justice.

Dogara maintained that those responsible for the genocide and orgy of violence are all out to end the ways of life of Nigerians and must be stopped.

He said, “The perpetrators of this violence are not just crazy but are very dangerous, and the truth is that they won’t just stop until we stop them. We must stop them. Who has the responsibility to stop them?

It is the Commander-in-Chief, but previously, they reduced themselves

to mourners-in-chief instead.

“It means using whatever coercive security apparatus we have as a nation to locate where these perpetrators and their sponsors wherever they are littered in the ungoverned spaces that we have in Nigeria, whether in Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto or in southern Kaduna or the South, we must locate them and after locating them, the Commanderin-Chief must take justice to them or bring them to justice.”

The former Speaker added that the “failure to either take justice to them or bring them to justice has always been the bane of the fight against terrorism and violence in Nigeria because it emboldens them.

If they will kill on the Plateau and go scot-free, why won’t they kill in any other state in the North and the South?

“Failure to act at that level is more or less an incentive for them to continue to deploy this unbridled violence on the people.

So, my call, therefore, is to the President to rise up and for him to know that condolences at this moment, whether on the Plateau or elsewhere in the country, are better given in the form of decisive action against the perpetrators of this violence and not by mere words.”

He, however, exonerated the state governor of blame, saying he does not control any troops.

Responding, Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the former Speaker for always identifying with the state and urged him not to be silent but to keep pushing for the interest of the people.

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WE SHARE YOUR PAINS… President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr.Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) second left); and the late former Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s widow, Betty, when the NBA president led a delegation of other officials of the association to pay a condolence visit to the Akeredolu’s family at their residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State…weekend

Rivers Crisis: We will Know Who is in Charge When Time Comes, Says Wike Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has boasted that in 2027, everyone will know who is in charge of the politics in Rivers State.

Wike, who said this when he mended fences and realigned with the South-south Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Victor Giadom, who was hosted yesterday by the latter at his Bera country home in Gokana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

Obi: Exit of Syringe Manufacturing Firm from Nigeria Painful Chuks Okocha in Abuja The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the exit from Nigeria of the largest syringe manufacturer in Africa, Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing (JSM), located in Awa, Onna Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom State, as yet another painful development in Nigeria.

Obi, who expressed this view yesterday in his X handle, lamented that the sad development where multinational companies continue to exit the country should worry every concerned Nigerian.

This is as the former Anambra State governor has also described Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele’s blockbuster movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ as a reflection of the challenges facing the less-privileged Nigerians.

On the issue of the exit of the syringe manufacturer, Obi said: “This ugly development contrasts the government’s claim that the regime is attracting investors.

“I had earlier joined other Nigerians in lamenting the exit of some multinationals like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK); Procter and Gamble (P&G); Equinor ASA, and many others, and indeed many local businesses who have shut down over the same reason of not perceiving any prospect for the country as a business environment that would be anchored on productivity,” he said.

He further pointed out that the dire economic implications of such exits on the nation’s economy are grave.

“Aside from the resulting job losses, its cost effects on the products they produce, worsening poverty index, capital flight, and loss of human assets, I am particularly concerned about the negative impacts

of such exits on our health sector.

“The combined effect of the exit of GSK, a giant pharmaceutical company, and now Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing whose operations directly impacted on our loss of human assets, I am particularly concerned about the negative impacts of such exits on our health sector” he said.

On the harsh implications of this development, Obi explained: “We all look forward to and will focus on moving the nation from consumption to production, and from unproductivity to productivity. This will attract foreign and local investors, create jobs, and foster productivity and prosperity in the nation.”

‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Reflects Challenges of Less-privileged Nigerians, Says Obi In another development, Obi has described Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele’s blockbuster movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ as a reflection of the challenges facing less-privileged Nigerians.

Obi made this assertion yesterday in a statement via his verified X handle.

‘A Tribe Called Judah’ broke the record within three weeks of its release in cinemas to become the first Nollywood film to gross N1 billion.

Reacting to this development, Obi noted that the movie reflected “some of the complex challenges faced by many less-privileged families in Nigeria, in their struggles for survival.”

He stated: “It is heartwarming to learn that ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ a movie by Nigerian Movie Producer, @funkeakindele, has achieved a record-breaking earning of N1 billion, in just three weeks of its release,” adding that the feat was a “historic moment in our Nigerian movie industry.”

Clarifying the purpose of his visit, Wike said: “I didn’t come here for politics. I came here to visit my friend, Giadom.

Let nobody misinterpret why I came here. That is why I came with PDP and APC leaders. It is a private visit to my friend.”

Wike said Giadom only gathered his people to show he was still politically relevant, noting that politics was about making an impact on the people.

Addressing Giadom, he said: “I have never been in doubt about your capacity to relate with your people. Politics is about impact.

If you want to be a successful politician you must impact your people so that when you call them, they will answer you.”

Speaking on how people value him across the country and how they always pose for pictures with him, the FCT minister said

it was a testament to his service to the people.

However, he said: “Forget about these hungry noisemakers on the road. When the time comes, we will know who is in charge and who is not in charge.

There is a time for everything.

“This is not time for politics.

When the time comes, we will know who is who. If you like, abuse me as you want. If you like, employ everybody on social media. I have never bothered myself one day to know who is abusing me.

Politics will come. We didn’t contest elections based on social media. We spoke to the people, they listened and believed in us”.

Speaking on his realignment with Giadom, he said: “Party will come and go and friendship will remain. We have made our

mistakes; we are all humans but friendship remains.

“When I was appointed a minister, Victor Giadom led a team to congratulate me. It does not matter where you belong to, what is important is the interest of Rivers. If you want to be a successful politician, greedy ones will not like you. Nobody has done well in politics without enemies. Those who hate you are in the minority. Those who love you are in the majority”.

Wike recalled his capacity when he held sway as the Rivers governor insisting that he would continue to support the administration of President Tinubu.

He said: “When I was governor, Nigeria heard about Rivers State. That is what I have always preached. So, nobody should be afraid. I have no

regrets when I stood by with my colleagues and friends that the presidency must go to the south.

“This visit I came today will cause a lot of trouble. Some people will start visiting now.

Follow who knows the road.

Continue to support Victor and all your leaders who mean well to all of you.

“For the first time in history, Ogoni man is the chairman of works. I am happy that Ledum Mitee is a member of the NNPCL. Let nobody do community problems. When you do that development will not come”.

Earlier, Giadom referred to Wike’s visit as the homecoming of a brother, a friend and a leader and assured him that they would support a team he would lead in Rivers.

Edo 2024: Former Senator, Speaker, Others Step Down for Asue Ighodalo PDP special committee adjourns screening of aspirants Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The member of the House of Representatives, representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency and leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Marcus Onobun has stepped down from the race, declaring his total support for the former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

This is as Senator Clifford Ordia has also dropped his governorship ambition for Ighodalo.

Ordia was the immediate past Senator who represented Edo Central senatorial district in the Red Chamber.

Following the endorsements, the Edo Central PDP Special Committee has adjourned the screening of the governorship aspirants from the senatorial zone scheduled for yesterday to Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

The adjournment was one of the decisions the committee took

yesterday in its meeting, which was held at the Igueben residence of the party’s national leader, Chief Tom Ikimi, who is also the Chairman of the Special Committee.

Previously, two leading aspirants of the party, Friday Itulah and Kenneth Ahbulimen, had during the week, stepped down, declaring support for Ighodalo, citing patriotism and the interest of Esan and Edo people for their decisions.

Onobun’s endorsement of Ighodalo was conveyed in a letter personally signed by him following his inability to attend the screening of aspirants of Esan extraction as a result of the funeral ceremony of his grandfather, Pa Iregbeyen Onobun.

According to him, his decision to step down and collapse his structure for Dr. Asue Ighodalo followed due consultation and in the Spirit of Sportsmanship and respect for leaders of Esan land.

Noting that Asue Ighodalo was a credible, competent and

qualified candidate, Onobun however pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the emergence of an Esan man as the next governor of Edo State He said, “I have done consultation across the state, and in the Spirit of sportsmanship and respect for our leaders, I wish to suspend my Aspiration for Edo Governorship 2024 and support my brother, Barr. Asue Ighodalo.

“It is my desire to see an Esan man become Edo Governor in 2024.

And I pledge my Commitment to take a front seat in this Struggle.

God bless my leader and the Edo Central Special Committee.”

Aspirants present at Ikimi’s residence included: Mr. Anselm Ojiezua, Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. John Yakubu, Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi and Mr. Asue Ighodalo.

In his opening remarks, Ikimi thanked the aspirants for their commitments to the overall interest of the party and the Esan people.

On his part, Ojiezua informed

the committee that he was still consulting and was waiting for the outcome of the decision of the committee.

Senator Ordia said for the overall interest of the party, personal sacrifices must be made. He announced that he had decided to support the ambition of Ighodalo.

Hon. John Yakubu told the committee that he had gone around the state and needed time to consult before communicating his decision to the committee within the next 24 hours.

Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi also requested more time to consult before making his position known.

On his part, Ighodalo thanked the committee for their sacrifices and pledged his continuous alignment with the committee.

After a brief meeting with members of the committee, its Chairman, Ikimi adjourned the screening of aspirants to Wednesday, January 10, 2024, to give time for some aspirants to consult further.

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TYING THE KNOT… L-R: Managing Director, Full Page International Communication Limited, Chief Ingram Osigwe; Groom’s mother, Mrs. Caroline Ifejiagwa; Groom, Dr. Chinedu Ifejiagwa; Bride, Mrs. Somadinna Ifejiagwa; Father of the bride and Chairman, Golden Destiny Hotel Group, Chief Israel Orjiekwe; and Chairman, UFrank Nigeria Limited, Chief Uche Offor, at the traditional wedding ceremony of Chinedu Somadinna in Lagos…recently

We've Set up Peace, Reconciliation C'ttee to Address Anti-Igbo Hostility, Says Iwuanyanwu Tony Icheku in Owerri The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, yesterday said the organisation had set up two major committees, namely 'Peace and Reconciliation Committee’ to tackle the challenge of increasing hostility and marginalisation of Ndigbo under the All Progressive Congress, (APC} government of President Bola Tinubu.

Iwuanyanwu who also reacted to stories about the visit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to his Owerri residence, explained that Obasanjo was on a private visit to Imo State and paid him a courtesy visit in his capacity as the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

He averred that Obasanjo has a significant role to play in the reconciliation efforts of the committee as he (Obasanjo)

is not only a highly respected and detribalised Nigerian, but also a God-fearing man of peace, whose Presidency could aptly be referred to as the golden period of Nigeria.

Iwuanyanwu argued that the manifest anti-Igbo posture of the Tinubu-led federal government became very apparent with his appointment of 48 ministers.

"President Tinubu appointed 48 ministers and the South-east got only five, rather than eight, which made them an automatic minority in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He, however, traced the APC marginalisation of Ndigbo to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari when the whole of the South-east and South-south geo-political region was excluded from the railway project.

He noted that the rail track ran

from Lagos through Kano to the Niger Republic, while the Port Harcourt-Enugu-Maiduguri rail track was completely abandoned.

Iwuanyanwu argued that Igbos are being punished unjustly for supporting Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

"Igbos supported Obi and LP because they believe it is the turn of the South-east to produce the President for Nigeria. But the voting pattern which showed the LP winning massively in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory showed that Obi and LP also enjoyed the support of other Nigerians, including prominent Yoruba leaders who vigorously campaigned for him.

"The election has come and gone, and I have said earlier, Tinubu is our president. The Supreme Court has affirmed the outcome of the presidential

election, and Ndigbo has a choice: to support President Bola Tinubu or not to support him, and we have decided to support him.

APC must reconcile itself to the fact that two Igbo States are controlled by the APC, therefore there is no basis for the continued marginalisation of Ndigbo under the APC" Iwuanyanwu who said the Peace and Reconciliation Committee would take the message of peace and oneness of Nigeria across the length and breadth of Nigeria proffered that it is painful that after the last presidential election, some sections of the country have mounted a campaign that the capacity of Ndigbo must be crippled in Lagos, Abuja and other parts of the country.

According to him, in some states, properties belonging to Igbos are arbitrarily demolished,

FG, NNPC Should Be Commended for Maintaining Fuel Price Without Subsidy, Say Petrol Retailers Peter Uzoho The Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PROOAN) has said the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) should be commended for being able to stabilise the price of fuel without making subsidy payments.

The National President of the association, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry stated this during an interview on ARISE NEWS Channel.

He said: “I think that if the subsidy is being paid, we should hear it from President Bola Tinubu who clearly stated that subsidy is gone on May 29, 2023. And we have also not heard from the Group CEO of NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari, and neither have we heard from the MD of NNPC Retail Limited.

“So, it is absolutely correct that people can have competitions, associations that are busy working for the interests of Nigerians and their members can also do some

projections and speculations as to what’s going on, but the reality is that we can only get accurate information from the source. So, if the government says there is no subsidy, that clearly means there is no subsidy, and that’s the reality.”

Gillis-Harry further stated, “There are so many ways and means that the government can work out the process of how service is given to Nigerians in a way that it does not tell too badly on the economy.

“So, if the government has said that they are not paying subsidies and allow petroleum products to rise from where it was about four hundred and something to today’s six hundred and something naira, there is a clear mandate that we cannot go beyond that, and NNPC is managing to make that work. I think we should give them credit and give them kudos.

“Clearly you can see that Nigeria’s price is the lowest anywhere in the world. So, if the President and the NNPC

are working out the mechanics of how that should happen, I think, for me, as a leader of the Retail Outlet Owners Association, we should give them credit first, then of course, we should ask questions, qvery productive questions not questions that will set panic in the system, because we need peace, we need progress.”

Gillis-Harry then revealed that the recently mechanically completed Port-Harcourt Refinery has started to receive crude and that the team in charge is working to ensure that the refinery is on stream in the coming weeks, as he explained that he had personally visited the refinery with a technically competent team to survey the ongoing work even before the Minister of Petroleum declared it mechanically complete.

The Retailers Association President said, “I am pleased to tell you that, from my experience, I’m in Port Harcourt right now and I’m still here because I’m monitoring the refinery personally from our

association’s point of view, and every other day we try to get updates on that.

“So, the refinery really mechanically was completed, and I’m aware that the refinery has started receiving crude oil.

And I’m also aware that Dr. Onoja, the MD of the refinery, is working hard with his team to ensure that the refinery comes on stream in the coming weeks or the coming days.

“So, that is good news, and this is from me as critical as I am about what the refineries are doing and what they are not, because we are the ones always asking for a state of emergency to be declared on all the refineries- Kaduna, Warri, and the two refineries in Port Harcourt.

“It’s good that the Dangote Refinery is coming up, it has received crude oil. We want to be sure that it does well, and then we will give them the best support as a retail association to make sure that their products penetrate all the parts of the country seamlessly.”

arbitrary taxes are imposed on Igbo businesses, Igbo-dominated markets are closed at will and they are denied certificates of occupancy.

He added that Igbos are unjustly profiled as aggressive, arrogant, and hostile to other Nigerians, noting that such misconceptions would be tackled

by the committee when they embark on their mission.

Iwuanyanwu further added that Ohanaeze has set up a Youths Development and Skills Acquisition Committee under the chairmanship of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige to address the challenges of insecurity.

FG Grants Approval to Three Airlines for 2024 Hajj Operations Hammed Shittu in Ilorin In a bid to make this year’s Hajj operations a hitch-free exercise, the federal government has approved three airlines as exclusive carriers of Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.

The affected airlines are Air Peace Limited, FlyNas and Max Air. A statement issued at the weekend by the Assistant Director in charge of Public Affairs at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Fatima Sanda Usara, said the approval would enhance the efficient and effective movement of the pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj exercise.

The statement, which was made available to journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, further stated: "The commission also approved the three other air cargo companies that will airfreight pilgrims' excess luggage and that include: Cargo Zeal Technologies Limited, Nahco Aviance and Qualla Investment Limited".

According to the statement, "The approval reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure pilgrimage experience for Nigeria’s intending pilgrims.

"Consequently, the federal government concurrently approved the allocation of pilgrims from various states to each of the approved airlines."

The statement said: “Those states approved for the affected three airlines are as follows, Air Peace is to transport intending pilgrims from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River,

Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Imo, Kwara, Ondo and Rivers.

"FlyNas will airlift Muslim pilgrims from: Borno, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe and Zamfara while Max Air with the highest allocation will be responsible for moving pilgrims from: Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Oyo, Taraba, Kaduna, Armed Forces, Gombe, Jigawa and Plateau states.

"The allocation of pilgrims to the airlines was in line with the subsisting Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on airlift of pilgrims under government quota".

The statement added: "However, state governments may choose to designate any of the approved freight companies to convey their pilgrims’ excess luggage.

"Should any state enter such an exclusive arrangement, the decision should be communicated to the commission accordingly," the statement added.

While congratulating the three approved airlines for this year's hajj operations, NAHCON however, said it remained dedicated to upholding the highest standards in pilgrimage organisation, with a focus on the safety and satisfaction of pilgrims.

In another development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, is set to lead a delegation from NAHCON to partake in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this weekend.

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CONGRATULATIONS… L-R: Chairman, Sylva Frank international Limited, Chief Francis Ugo Chukwudebelu; the Bride, Mrs. Ifeoma Chukwudebelu; Groom, Mr. Chukwudi Chukwudebelu; and Director, Sylva Frank international Limited, Mrs. Julie Chinyere Chukwudebelu, at the wedding of the couple at the Hampton Event Centre, Dallas, Texas, USA…recently

Oborevwori Lauds Army for Fight against Oil Theft, Sundry Crimes in Delta Omo-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the country for their fight against oil theft and sundry crimes.

Oborevwori gave the commendation at the 2023 combined West African Social Activities (WASA) for Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion held at the 181 Amphibious Battalion New Barracks, Alifikede, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu said the efforts of the Army and other sister security agencies have helped to maintain peace and phenomenal growth of infrastructure as well as unity across the state.

He said the success story of the Oborevwori administration cannot be told without the collaboration of the Army, the police and other sister security agencies.

He said: "I am delighted to be in your midst today as Special Guest of Honour for the year 2023 West African Social Activities for the Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion.

"The tradition of WASA dates back to the days of the Royal West African Frontier Force when

troops and their families come together at the end of the year to socialise and celebrate the achievements of their formations or units for that year.

"I am proud to say with all confidence that officers and soldiers of Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion as well as their families have given a good account of themselves in the true spirit of WASA. "The year 2023 was an eventful year characterised by challenges and successes. Worthy of note is the gallant performance and sacrifice of the personnel towards the fight against oil theft, sundry crimes and the successful conduct of the 2023 general election among other operations and assignments.

"Therefore, I commend you for the sacrifices towards ensuring an enduring peace across the state and I must sincerely appreciate the Commander 63 Brigade and his wonderful team for this," he stated.

Oborevwori while urging the officers and soldiers to remain loyal and committed to their duties, assured the Army of the continued support of the state government and paid special tribute to fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to keep the country safe and united.

In his opening remarks, the Chief host and Commander 63 Brigade Asaba, Brig. Gen. S. Aliyu said WASA is aimed at bringing the soldiers and their families

together to celebrate the activities of the year.

He said the exercise helps soldiers and their families to bond together through the display of various cultural activities Brig. Gen. Aliyu said the

Brigade will continue to ensure the welfare of soldiers in the performance of their duties and commended Governor Oborevwori, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division PortHarcourt and the Chief of Army

Staff for their support.

Welcoming guests earlier, Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Agbor, Lt. Col. A. N. Abubakar, said the exercise was one of the activities organised annually to celebrate

the successes recorded by the Army during the year.

The celebration featured the famous tug of war draw, stripping and assembling, cultural dances as well as local cuisines across the country.

P&ID: I am Ready to Meet You in Court, Seun Kuti Tells Senior Lawyer, Ayorinde Segun James Seun Kuti, son of the late Afrobeat musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has reiterated his readiness to meet the counsel who represented Nigeria in the Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) Limited, case in London, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), in court over the libel and defamation of character suit instituted against him.

Ayorinde had debunked the claim by Kuti that as a principal counsel in the P&ID case representing Nigeria, he intentionally leaked documents to the company against the country.

Kuti at a press briefing in Lagos, denied ever committing any libel or defamation of character against Ayorinde.

Rather, he said he only read out the judgment of Justice Robin Knowles of the Commercial Courts of England and Wales, which

ruled in favour of Nigeria in the enforcement of a $11 billion P&ID arbitration award on his social media handle.

He expressed surprise that Ayorinde could sue him for defamation of character and libel when the 140-page court judgment was already in the public domain.

Kuti also wondered why Ayorinde could sue him in Oyo State when both parties involved in the case are residents of Lagos.

He further emphasised that he received a Nigeria Police invitation on the matter, which he intended to honour on Thursday.

The case according to Kuti, is expected to come up for hearing in Oyo State on January 24, 2024.

Kuti, however, expressed confidence in the judiciary, insisting that justice would prevail at the end of the day.

He noted that Ayorinde attempted to silence him and

other Nigerians on the case.

Kuti further commended the federal government for appealing the earlier ruling, which awarded $11 billion in damages to P&ID, saying that the judgment was unprecedented.

He said: “This is the first of its kind in the world. This case caused a serious arbitration system in the United Kingdom but didn’t make much impact in Nigeria. No one is talking about it. Nigerians must know that we are all children of sacrifice and we need to speak out on behalf of our people.

“What I did in the entire case is to read out the judgment as delivered by the UK court. I read the entire 140 pages of the judgment and whatever I said emanated from the judgment.

But, Ayorinde who represented Nigeria in the case has taken me to court for libel and defamation

of character. He also reported me to the police.

“The Nigeria Police is not an attack dog of anyone and I stand by the things I have said on the case. I am ready to meet him in the court.”

Ayorinde through his law firm had denied allegations made by Kuti that its principal partner leaked documents to the P&ID company that sued Nigeria.

Ayorinde had dismissed Kuti’s claims as false, misconceived, and of no substance, maintaining that no corruption charges were ever brought against him by any court or tribunal concerning the P&ID case.

Justice Knowles had in October 2023, ruled in favour of Nigeria in the enforcement of a $11 billion P&ID arbitration award.

According to the judge, the award against Nigeria by the company was obtained by fraud.

Lokpobiri Rallies Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Tinubu Rejoices with DR against Oil Theft, Vandalism of Assets, Others Congo President Felix Tshisekedi on Re-election

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo on his reelection.

The president, in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale; commended the government and the people of DR Congo for ensuring a successful conduct of the last elections.

President Tinubu also hailed the people of DR Congo for deepening democratic norms by exercising their rights without resorting to

acts inimical to the sustenance of democracy.

According to him, "It is welcoming that the last elections in DR Congo were well-concluded.

Democracy is sustainable on the continent. I congratulate President Tshisekedi on his victory. The president has demonstrated statesmanship in his handling of regional and continental matters. Africa will overcome any challenge with governance by popular consent, and democracy will thrive."

Tinubu wished President Tshisekedi a successful term in office.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has met with several traditional rulers in Bayelsa State as part of the federal government’s renewed efforts to curb pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

A statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, yesterday described the series of meetings as insightful and collaborative.

For over three years, Nigeria has been unable to meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

crude oil quota due to oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and outright sabotage of critical assets in the Niger Delta region.

In the last data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for November, the country only managed to produce 1.25 million bpd out of OPEC’s 1.742 million bpd quota.

Indeed, that would be one of the country’s highest volumes in 2023.

The federal government’s collaboration with local security groups like Tompolo’s Tantita has resulted in some increase in production, but still far from the target after over a year since the deal was made.

But the minister stated that the series of consultations were meant to extract the commitment of the traditional rulers in Bayelsa State, a major hub for Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, to key into the government’s renewed fight against the menace.

“This strategic initiative aligns with the minister’s unwavering commitment to fostering cooperation with key stakeholders in the oil industry, specifically aimed at addressing persistent challenges such as pipeline vandalism, crude theft, and security uncertainties in oilbearing communities across the region,” the statement added.

One of the meetings, the ministers said, took place with

the Pere of Ekpetiama clan and chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council (TRC) in Bayelsa State, King Bubaraye Dakolo.

“In the engaging encounter, the minister stressed the imperative of collective efforts in curbing pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

“He called on his royal majesty to utilise his esteemed position to rally other traditional rulers in the state for a unified front in addressing these challenges.

“Recognising the crucial role traditional leaders play in the socio-economic fabric of the region, the minister emphasised the need for a joint commitment to securing the oil infrastructure,” the statement added.

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Editor: Festus Akanbi 08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

Nigerians yearning for improved standards of living

Calls Grow Louder as Nigerians Crave Solid Economic Solutions, Not Rhetoric As Nigerians look forward to a better 2024, members of the organised private sector last week expressed shock that seven months after, the President Bola Tinubu administration’s testimonial is still in the realm of promises instead of reeling out its achievements, Festus Akanbi writes

I

n response to the growing hardship in the land, President Bola Tinubu in his New Year speech reassured 1LJHULDQV RI KLV UHDGLQHVV WR À[ WKH economy currently haemorrhaging due to the implementation of certain policies by his administration.

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Most of these challenges are the aftermath of the petrol subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms and insecurity. These have combined to put businesses on edge with some multinationals announcing their exit from the country, while some domestic ones are folding up. Multinationals which announced their planned exit included GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Procter & Gamble (P&G), DQG 6DQRÀ DPRQJ RWKHUV 7KH ODWHVW YLFWLP RI WKH harsh environment among local manufacturing ÀUPV LV WKH $NZD ,ERP EDVHG -XELOHH 6\ULQJH Manufacturing Company, said to be the Africa’s largest syringe producer. It announced the closure of its operations last week.

Afew days after the speech, the consensus was that the speech was all about promises without concrete achievements in the seven months the government has been holding sway.

Key Takeaways from the Speech

One of the major highlights of the president’s promises in the New Year broadcast included a renewed commitment to boost foreign and local investments. Vowing to make Nigeria a preferred location for both domestic and foreign investments in 2024, Tinubu pledged to clear any obstacles on the way. However, critics wondered how he plans to achieve this considering the apathy of foreign investors according to the latest data rolled out by the National Bureau of Statistics WKDW LQGLFDWHG WKDW VWDWHV KDG ]HUR )', LQÁRZ in the period under review.

7LQXEX DOVR UHD΀UPHG KLV FRPPLWPHQW WR ensuring reliable power supply through power installation projects nationwide.

However, analysts lamented his inability to turn things around in the power sector in the ÀUVW VHYHQ PRQWKV RI KLV DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ ZLWK the average power distribution hovering around 4,000 megawatts.

Another issue raised was that of the Modular, 3RUW +DUFRXUW DQG 'DQJRWH 5HÀQHU\ ZKLFK LV to begin operation this year. The president also VWDWHG WKDW WKH ORFDO UHÀQHULHV WKH 3RUW +DUFRXUW UHÀQHU\ DV ZHOO DV WKH SULYDWHO\ RZQHG 'DQJRWH UHÀQHU\ ZLOO EHJLQ RSHUDWLRQ WKLV \HDU DOWKRXJK KLV SURPLVH WKDW WKH 3RUW +DUFRXUW 5HÀQHU\ would begin operation before the end of last year couldn’t materialise.

Also on the list of the president’s promises was the implementation of a new living wage IRU ZRUNHUV 7KH 3UHVLGHQW D΀UPHG KLV FRPmitment to increase the living wage of workers in the year 2024.

On this, analysts wondered where he plans to raise money for the proposed wage given the GL΀FXOW\ RI SD\LQJ WKH 'HFHPEHU VDODU\ to the federal government workers.

The president also noted that his administration ZLOO UHIRUP WKH WD[ DQG ÀVFDO SROLFLHV WR HQDEOH D thriving business environment. He added that he will not hesitate to remove any clog hindering local and foreign investment in the country.

Critics believe this is a tall dream since the government hasn’t shown enough examples LQ WKH DUHD RI ÀVFDO GLVFLSOLQH 7KH\ SRLQWHG out that the situation is so bad that even some banks are beginning to complain of a lack of cash to meet the demand of depositors. They drew attention to the exit of some companies and those planning to leave the country such as Jumia and Shoprite, among others.

Another issue that came up in the speech was WKDW RI IRRG VHFXULW\ DQG DͿRUGDELOLW\ $FFRUGLQJ to President Tinubu, the primary objectives on his agenda list are ensuring food security and UHGXFLQJ IRRG LQÁDWLRQ He said, “To ensure constant food supply, VHFXULW\ DQG DͿRUGDELOLW\ ZH ZLOO VWHS XS RXU plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops. We launched the dry season farming with 120,000 hectares of land in Jigawa State last November under our National Wheat Development Programme,” the President said.

Speaking on anARISE NEWS programme last week, Chief Economist at SPM Professionals, 3DXO $ODMH VDLG WKH WDVN RI À[LQJ WKH HFRQRP\ is beyond Tinubu. He insisted that other key

ministers should be held responsible for the current economic challenges. For instance, he maintained that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, has the responsibility of utilising ÀVFDO SROLF\ WR WUDQVIRUP WKH 1LJHULDQ HFRQRP\ into a production-oriented one.

Loopholes in the Proposal He also faulted the president’s plan for small and medium-scale enterprises, stressing the need to review the proposal. On SMEs, Alaje stated that both the money and target number are small saying “How can we be targeting 500,000 out of 40 million (SMEs)?” He also noted that the equivalent of the proposed N1 million is, today, about N500,000.

7DFNOLQJ ,QÁDWLRQ

On its part, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the President to provide more detailed plans and strategies WR WDFNOH LQÁDWLRQ XQGHU HPSOR\PHQW VHFXULW\ and social inequality in the country.

The LCCI made this call in a statement by its Director General, Dr. Chinyere Almona, as a reaction to the President’s NewYear message. The chamber insisted that the government needed to provide more detailed plans and strategies to WDFNOH DOO WKH FKDOOHQJHV LGHQWLÀHG E\ WKH SUHVLGHQW ZKLFK LQFOXGHG LQÁDWLRQ XQGHU HPSOR\PHQW security, and social inequality. “A transparent and inclusive approach to governance will FRQWULEXWH WR EXLOGLQJ SXEOLF FRQÀGHQFH DQG achieving sustainable economic growth,” the statement said.

However, LCCI cautions that the productivity RI WKH IDUPODQGV DQG WKH HͿHFWLYHQHVV RI LQYHVWments in food production are subject to adequate security measures. The chamber warned that “Investment in agriculture has a limited chance of success as long as the government fails to deal with the security issues.

Shedding more light on the chamber’s position, the President and Chairman of the Council of the LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, who spoke on the ARISE NEWS live programme last week, said it had become a serious risk for anybody to spend quality time on farmlands these days as a result of the growing security risk in the country, saying there is no way any meaningful

achievement could be recorded in agriculture when the farmers are not safe.

The Group Executive Director of Cordros Capital Limited, Mr. Femi Ademola, told THISDAY that it is a very good idea for the government to focus on a few important issues that tend to spur economic growth.

According to him, by implementing strategies to boost food security, deliver reliable power DQG HQVXUH ORFDO UHÀQLQJ RI SHWURO WKH FRXQWU\·V manufacturing and other productive sectors could EHQHÀW TXLWH VLJQLÀFDQWO\ He believed the removal of obstacles that impede business competitiveness through the QHFHVVDU\ ÀVFDO UHIRUPV ZRXOG OHDG WR HFRQRPLF transformation and the implementation of a new national living wage for workers would DOVR SRVLWLYHO\ DͿHFW WKH VRFLDO FKDOOHQJHV IDFHG by the citizens. He, however, stressed that the achievement of these objectives depends on several embedded tasks and actions that must be implemented within the year.

Speaking further, he said several other aspects RI WKH HFRQRP\ QHHG WR EH À[HG VXFK DV VHFXULW\ and failing infrastructure. “However, some of WKHVH LVVXHV ZRXOG EH À[HG LQGLUHFWO\ WKURXJK WKH DFKLHYHPHQW RI WKH REMHFWLYHV LGHQWLÀHG E\ the president. Some of the issues are tasks to be sorted in the bid to achieve the broad objectives of the government,” he said.

Another analyst and the Managing Director of SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, believed the targets set by Mr. President are achievable if the performance evaluation unit in the presidency does its job.

According to him, when the drivers of government initiatives like ministers and heads of MDA know they are evaluated every quarter, they will sit up. He added that the determination of the government should also be backed by IXQGLQJ WR HQVXUH WKH HͿHFWLYH H[HFXWLRQ RI WKH various targets.

On the whole, analysts believe that rather than LQVSLULQJ KRSH DQG FRQÀGHQFH WKH VSHHFK UHJUHWtably was full of promises without a concrete plan to address the growing hardship in the land.

Having been in the saddle for the past seven months, Nigerians expected the President to reel out his achievements and not to regale them with D UHKDVK RI SURPLVHV JLYHQ RQ 0D\

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Sunday 7 January, 2024

T H I S D AY Vol MONDAY MARCH 14, 2022 27. No 10497

OPI NION

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

TINUBU AND PEACE IN THE SOUTH EAST The worst moments for the South East are over as all critical stakeholders are committed to the peace project, writes DELE OLOWU

1 31

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI pays tribute to Adeola, businessman and co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank

THE ESSENTIAL FOLA ADEOLA AT 70

A See Page 31

THE NEW NIGERIA

FREDRICK NWABUFO writes that the Tinubu administration will be defined by justice, fairness, and trust

See Page 32

EDITORIAL EPIDEMIC OF FAKE UNIVERSITY DEGREES /6

22

6&+

See Page 57

head of the 10th memorial anniversary of the passage of Brigadier-General Solomon Giwa-Amu in February 2018, I was detailed by his widow, Judith, to liaise with Mr Fola Adeola who had been scheduled to deliver a keynote speech. The late ADC to President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2003 was a man to whom my wife and I were close. As it would happen, Adeola had another commitment in Lagos on the day of the event, so he forwarded me the speech, ‘Transforming Self, State and Society’ to read on his behalf. Going through my archives last week, I came across the speech, which also reminded me of a promise I made a decade ago. On 10th January 2014 when Adeola clocked 60, it was from newspaper adverts that I knew about his birthday. When I called that day to wish him well, I also promised: ´, ZLOO EH RQH RI WKH ÀUVW WR FRQJUDWXODWH \RX when you clock 70.”

Since he will be 70 on Wednesday, I am IRUWXQDWH WR EH DOLYH WR IXOÀO D GHFDGH ORQJ SOHGJH WR EH WKH ÀUVW WR ZLVK $GHROD KDSS\ birthday. The pioneer Managing Director/ CEO of GTBank (which he co-founded), who was also instrumental into building PENCOM into the multi-trillion Naira institution it is today as founding Chairman, is one of the wisest persons I know. If your desire is for ‘Black Tax’, you will be wasting your time with Adeola who though an Egba man is rather ‘Ijebuish’. But if you need good counsel, he is gold standard. Better still if you are Yoruba because of his mastery of the language and the manner he uses it to convey deep messages.

I had three memorable encounters with Adeola before I left Lagos for Abuja in 2007, and I shared one two years ago. On the day he retired from GTBank in 2002, he decided WR ZDON IURP KLV RIÀFH LQ 9LFWRULD ,VODQG WR his Ikoyi residence. Having been detailed to stay with him that day, we did the walk together after which I interviewed him for a THISDAY special report. One thing he spoke about that day was the concept of ‘to have and to yield’ which is one area where many Nigerians, either in politics (given perennial ÀJKWV EHWZHHQ RIÀFH KROGHUV DQG VXFFHVVRUV or the corporate world, fail miserably because it is an attribute that speaks to integrity DQG VHOÁHVVQHVV , ZLOO OHDYH WKH WZR RWKHU encounters for my memoirs.

As a tribute to Adeola, I want to share his thoughts on how we can reshape our society as captured in the speech at the Giwa-Amu memorial. He started with an anecdote. “A traveller came upon three men working at D FRQVWUXFWLRQ VLWH +H DVNHG WKH ÀUVW PDQ what he was doing, and he replied that he was laying bricks. He asked the second man the same question and he responded that he

was putting up a wall. When the traveller posed same question to the third man, he said he was building a cathedral. They were all doing the same thing but with different SHUVSHFWLYHV 7KH ÀUVW PDQ KDG D MRE 7KH second man had a career. The third man had a calling.”

This is instructive because of my second encounter with Adeola which I consider lifechanging, since it had to do with taking a crucial decision on job offer. But the challenge of the present generation of Nigerians, according to Adeola in the speech under reference, “is that many are looking for jobs; and of those who have, majority of them DUH GLVVDWLVÀHG )HZHU VWLOO DUH VHDUFKLQJ IRU career by which they intend to climb up the ladder. But the pertinent question is: How many of them take it to the next level by helping to right the wrongs of society and serving as true change agents?” He added: ´$V ZH UHÁHFW RQ WKH VWDWH RI RXU QDWLRQ DQG the role of individuals, the message here is simple: It is good to have a job or career, but good societies are built by people with a calling.”

To transform our society, Adeola said we could borrow from the ‘Broken Windows’ theory in urban policy, made famous in the case of crime reduction in New York when Rudy Giuliani was Mayor of the city. “In the 1980s, New York was a very scary place.

Crime was rampant almost everywhere. Two American social scientists: James Q Wilson and George Kelling came up with the theory.

The title comes from the following example: Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it’s unoccupied, SHUKDSV EHFRPH VTXDWWHUV RU OLJKW ÀUHV inside. Or consider a pavement. Some litter accumulates. Soon, more litter accumulates.

Eventually, people even start leaving bags of refuse from take-out restaurants there or even break into cars.”

Adeola then applied this to Nigeria, and how we gradually built a system with scant regards for transparency and accountability both in the private and public sectors. “When people get away with small crimes and misdemeanours, it is not a huge leap to the ELJJHU RQHV ,I , FDQ JHW DZD\ ZLWK WUDIÀF YLRODWLRQ E\ JLYLQJ PRQH\ WR WKH WUDIÀF PDQDJHPHQW RIÀFHU , FDQ FHUWDLQO\ JHW DZD\ with theft and kidnapping by bribing the police. What’s to stop me there? Why not buy P\ ZD\ LQWR SROLWLFDO RIÀFHV RU EULEH WR JHW ELJ contract…”

But Adeola also reminded us that the problem starts from the home in a society where students now ‘earn’ foreign university degrees within two months after which they are mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)! “Your children tell you their teachers are making monetary demand that you know to be wrong but consider LQVLJQLÀFDQW DQG \RX REOLJH ZLWK QR TXHVWLRQV asked. The next time, you are asked to pay for ‘expo’ for those children and you rationalize it. You pay for the questions ahead of examinations and your children pass without efforts. The foundation for fraud is gradually being built as you destroy the future of those children and that of the larger society. But how many people see it that way?”

Notwithstanding, Adeola is optimistic that the narrative can change, if only each one of us can play our part. He suggested several ideas, including giving back to teachers in our various alma maters. “These are your teachers; these are your schools. How much does a teacher earn? You mean we cannot ÀQG LW LQ XV WR VSRQVRU D WHDFKHU" ,W·V QRW about how much you give, but that you give.

In your hometown or village, what would it take to adopt a school, and do one thing for that school annually? How many lives would be touched?”

0HDQZKLOH XVLQJ WKDW VSHHFK WR UHÁHFW RQ the 70th birthday of Mr Tajudeen Fola Adeola is because I know he is not a hypocrite. He is a man who lives by the ideals he espouses. As he therefore joins the elite Septuagenarian Club on Wednesday, I can only wish him happy birthday, long life, and good health.

Adeniyi is Chairman of THISDAY Editorial Board

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JANUARY 7, 2024

TINUBU AND PEACE IN THE SOUTH EAST The worst moments for the South East are over as all critical stakeholders are committed to the peace project, writes Dele Olowu

FREDRICK NWABUFO writes that the Tinubu administration will be defined by justice, fairness, and trust

THE NEW NIGERIA

A

s legend, Bola Tinubu is probably better known as a pro-Democracy advocate, his campaign for the restoration of June 12 being amongst his worthiest contributions. His extra ideological baggage has however included his concern with true federalism as well as the requirement for a revision of the awkward Nigerian constitutional order. Time and Incumbency can reframe political priorities. It is no surprise therefore that given our current nation-wide experience, the imperative of security has become a top agenda in President Tinubu’s to-do list. It appears that security, not just in Nigeria, but security in the South East of Nigeria has become a consuming priority. Evidence of this new shift was provided recently when Nigeria’s policy icons moved to Bende in Abia State for the unveiling of the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

This project which has received the Presidential nod, is outstanding, in that it has enjoyed an overwhelming amount of support among Igbo elites, a pleasant surprise, considering the plurality of voices and interest groups which now and again wrestle over issues in the largely republican jurisdiction. A combination of Presidential fervor, Igbo enthusiasm, and nation-wide weariness with unrest, is likely to inaugurate a new dawn of peace for our country.

The histrionics at the unfurling of the peace plan will not be ignored. Theater and political enunciation often proceed hand in gloves. Appropriately, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were conferred with Igbo traditional titles. Tinubu was invested as the Omezeri Igbo 1. This eminence was received on his behalf by the Vice President, Alhaji Shetima who was himself conferred with the title Enyioma Ndigbo. But the policy resolutions which emerged from the event were far more important than all the theater. Most Nigerians will therefore welcome the announcement by President Tinubu of his readiness to end the reign of terror in the South East and the very useful acknowledgement that the criminal class terrorizing the region, represent neither the region and its interests nor those of Nigeria in general. This is an important philosophic clarification.

Given the clamor generated by the turbulence in the South East and the mindless violence its perpetrators have frequently employed, the voice of the majority has remained furtive, silent and unfashionable. The enduring climate has seemed to encourage the conclusion that everybody in the east is a war monger. The new peace project is bound to produce and sustain a new impetus in support of the voices of moderation and a Nigeria in harmony. One of the more distinguished peace champions is the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu.

Worried to no end by the pressures imposed on the South East by the continuing insurrection, the Deputy Speaker has reached the conclusion that peace is better than terror. The logic of underdevelopment is fueled by the challenge of chaos and crisis. And this is highlighted in the presentation of the Deputy Speaker. One illustration offered is the transport sector with its massive complement of 1,083, 000 commercial vehicles in the south east. This important UHVRXUFH IDFHV ÀQDQFLDO LPSDLUPHQW GXH to the sit-at-home protests amounting to 13billion Naira per exercise. The business environment contains similarly

bewildering statistics, with trading businesses incurring losses ranging from N655 billion to N3.8 trillion in the last 24 months.

These consequences affect SMES and extend to employment and income across various tiers. The peace which Speaker Ben Kalu seeks is not illusionary; it is not a fairy tale feature. In his own words, ‘it is a choice we make and a commitment we uphold.’ It is important and useful that the peace project is supported by all the subnational governments and by the Vice President and the President himself. This popular acclamation is both important and decisive. Republican sentiments, often in full voice in the south east, tend to challenge public interest issues.

The Peace In The South East Project (PISE-P) has been singularly lucky.

The weight of the Presidential and Vice Presidential support has been important; so also perhaps is the war-weariness of the communities in the south east. The very decisive coming together of people, various tiers of government and the Presidency places an amazing premium on the peace project. The open admission by President Tinubu that he has been worried about WKH HFRQRPLF GHYDVWDWLRQ LQÁLFWHG RQ WKH southeast geopolitical zone by non-state DFWRUV VLQFH KH DVVXPHG RIÀFH PD\ EH RI some comfort to doubting Thomases. But of greater consequence is his determination to eliminate self-serving criminals and threats to our national security. The peace project is a program of action and contains elements which will not only promote unite but will also help to release new energies for nation-wide development. The program will also promote reconciliation among communities and individuals riven apart E\ SUHYLRXV FRQÁLFWV The aesthetics of the programme has itself been harmonious and peace driven.

It has been cross cultural and has also broken down political barriers. The Governors came from different political parties, beholden severely, only to the creed of peace and development for the south east zone. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has received huge praise for the peace project. His enthusiasm has been a great mobilizer.

But he must be prepared to share the glory with President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their commitment; the Deputy Speaker must also share the applause with all Governors across party lines for their empathy and with the general citizens, who now freed from the stranglehold of terror champions, can now rejoice in true freedom offered by the Tinubu peace. Hon Benjamin Kalu has been an important helmsman in the crafting of this peace. It’s QRW WKHUHIRUH VXUSULVLQJ WKDW WKH RIÀFLDO opening ceremony at Bende looked like a homecoming for him. The outpouring of enthusiasm is an encouraging welcome.

Olowu is a Veteran Journalist

T

he new Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu is one not shackled by atavism, dogma, and primordialism. It is a Nigeria GHÀQHG E\ WKH SXUHVW LGHDOV RI fairness, equality, and justice. It is a Nigeria run on the eternal H20 of unity, purpose, and shared vision. It is a Nigeria of immense promise.

President Tinubu has been relentless in spreading the pollens of positivity, unity, and truth, fecundating minds and thoughts and mobilising consciences towards his vision.

Leadership must possess the facility to inspire trust for the collective vision, and this agency the administration is galvanising. During the Christmas holidays, on different platforms, the President dispatched his accustomed statesmanship and statescraftship. He held seminal meetings where he reiterated his vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria.

Speaking at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque in Surulere, Lagos, on December 22, 2023, where he went to observe Jumaat prayers marking the centennial anniversary of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), the President UHDIÀUPHG KLV DYRZHG HVVHQFH GHFODULQJ that he would always be fair to all Nigerians and that his administration remained committed to advancing the unity of Nigeria, as well as ensuring the welfare and prosperity of all citizens. ‘’We are committed to enthroning a better society for our citizens irrespective of ethnic, religious, or geographical differences. The various policies already in place are expected to bring great succour to our people. We know their pains, and we are addressing them holistically,” he said.

In his sanctuary, the President held meetings with a rich blend of Nigerians across the divide, and across groups and persuasions – in his true aspect as a 3UHVLGHQW EOLQG WR WKH SRODULVLQJ SURÀOHV RI colour, complexion, class, and provincial VWUDWLÀFDWLRQ $ 3UHVLGHQW IRU DOO Among those, who visited the President were governors, political leaders, business ÀJXUHV DQG D ZKROH JDPXW RI 1LJHULDQV Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, one of the governors who visited, said after a meeting: “One thing is that he has a very courageous, unifying policy; the exchange rate and then removing subsidy, which actually had become a scam and costing us a lot of money. Those policies are good but then they come with the negative sides. They come with challenges for an economy where over 60 percent of the population is living below the poverty line. So, it’s not going to be easy, immediately. But I believe that if we are patient and if we go through the policies without compromising, over time, things will turn around.”

The Tinubu administration has been making deliberate, sincere, concerted, and sustained efforts to engender national cohesion. The principal ingredients for national or social cohesion are justice, fairness, equity, and trust, and these the leadership is advancing. The staunchest advocate of national cohesion and unity is the President who seizes every opportunity to declare truth, togetherness, and fairness.

In his New Year’s address, the President reprised his true form, declaring that he would always give every Nigerian equal opportunity to thrive and prosper.

The President said: “Fellow Nigerians, my major ambition in government as a Senator in the aborted Third Republic, as Governor of Lagos State for eight years and now as the President of this blessed country is to build a fair and equitable society and close the widening inequality.

While I believe the rich should enjoy their legitimately earned wealth, our minimum bargain must be that any Nigerian that works hard and diligent enough will have a chance to get ahead in life. I must add that because God didn’t create us with equal talents and strengths, I cannot guarantee that we will have equal outcomes when we work hard. But my government, in this new year 2024 and beyond, will work to give every Nigerian equal opportunity to strive and to thrive.’’

The new Nigeria under President Tinubu is not one manacled by the isms -- classism, sexism, and schisms. It is a Nigeria where citizens can thrive and prosper irrespective of demographic or geographic divergences; where women and the youth are prioritised, where hard work is rewarded and where any citizen can reach the pinnacle of his calling by sheer industry.

The new Nigeria under President Tinubu is not one characterised by insouciance and obduracy. It is a Nigeria where the leadership is attuned to citizens, focalising the welfare of the vulnerable and the most vulnerable segments of the population.

The new Nigeria under President Tinubu is a Nigeria rekindling hope with potent actions in the promises of a greater today and tomorrow. It is a Nigeria of possibilities. We can be better; we can be greater. We can be united. We can come together.

The new Nigeria under President Tinubu is a Nigeria we all have to support and work for. We all have our part to play in the Nigeria Project.

Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement

57

T H I S D AY SUNDAY JANUARY 7, 2024

EDITORIAL

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

EPIDEMIC OF FAKE UNIVERSITY DEGREES

A

R e g u l a t o r y a u t h o r i t i e s s h o u l d b e a l i ve t o t h e i r r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s

their names, department, year of professorship, and thriving educational racket has gripped area of specialisation. “In the process of validating the Nigeria. From Republic of Benin to Togo submissions, university senates have, in some cases, and other African countries, certificate uncovered that quite a number of professors are either entrepreneurs have recruited agents in fake or are yet to mature to full professors,” then NUC Nigeria who offer admissions and award LS O Executive Secretary, Abubakar Rasheed confirmed. bogus degrees in what has become a very O Two years earlier, NUC had published a list of more lucrative enterprise. With the right money, and without SCH than 200 fake professors in universities across the stepping out of the country, people are conferred with country. degrees in any field of study. And, as we are now also Even when Nigerians have known for years that finding out, these ‘graduates’ are easily mobilised for many top decision makers in our public services the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme conned their way into critical positions without the which then confers further legitimacy on what are no qualifications they claim, these reports are still very more than fake credentials. damaging. There is hardly any professional field today Last week, the federal government suspended the where these fraudsters have not invaded. From fake evaluation and accreditation of university degree pharmacists whose prescriptions are often fatal for certificates from five African countries. The National patients to fake teachers whose students are candidates Universities Commission (NUC) has also released a for failure to fake journalists list of unaccredited private who write to blackmail, it is universities labelled While the demand from certificate- hungry Nigerians may be now difficult to distinguish ‘Degree Mills.’

These between genuine and actions were sequel to a driving the epidemic of fake degrees, it is worrying that it took an fake professionals in our media report which detailed country. how an investigative investigative news report for the authorities to be drawn to Such is the level of decay journalist acquired a in the system that when an degree from a university the sorry state of affairs ordinary Nigerian walks in Benin Republic under into a hospital, chances are that the ‘doctor’ on duty two months and was mobilised for the NYSC scheme. may just be a glorified ward attendant. Some years “This report lends credence to suspicions that some S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R ago, a fake medical doctor was discovered to have Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable editor davidson iriekpen Deputy Editors FESTUS AKANBI, EJIOFOR ALIKE served in the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) for methods to get a degree with the end objective of Managing DirecTOr Eniola Bello nine years. The “doctor” rose to Grade Level 13 in getting graduate job opportunities for which they are Deputy Managing Director Israel Iwegbu the ministry and had worked in the Departments of not qualified,” according to the Federal Ministry of Chairman Editorial Board Olusegun Adeniyi Hospital Services and Health Planning Research and Education spokesperson, Augustina Obilor-Duru.

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN Statistics (HPRS) before he was eventually detected as She stated that the suspension will subsist until the THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE a fraud. Investigations revealed that the quack doctor outcome of an investigation by the Ministry of Foreign secured employment by using the stolen documents of Affairs and some identified countries. his childhood friend and best man who happened to be While the demand from certificate-hungry Nigerians T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D a medical doctor. may be driving the epidemic of fake degrees, it is Editor-in-Chief/Chairman Nduka Obaigbena Meanwhile, the media cannot be exonerated from worrying that it took an investigative news report for Group Executive Directors Eniola Bello, Kayode Komolafe, this national parade of shame. When politicians and the authorities to be drawn to the sorry state of affairs.

Israel Iwegbu, EMMANUEL EFENI business people arrange for some of these dubious Questions remain of how some of these institutions Divisional Directors SHAKA MOMODU, peter Iwegbu, certificates, they rent funny gowns with which they came to operate in our country without regulatory ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL Director OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI take photographs, and journalists immediately begin oversight. Worse still, there does not seem to be any snr. associate Director eric ojeh to address them by these bogus labels- ‘Professor’, reliable evaluation method for assessing the credentials Associate Director Patrick Eimiuhi ‘Doctor’, ‘Engineer,’ etc. Soon it becomes a manner of those offered jobs, including in our institutions of CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI of speaking, and the rest is added on. It is therefore higher learning or places in the NYSC scheme.

DIRECTOR, printing production CHUKS ONWUDINJO important not only for regulatory authorities to be alive Indeed, in June 2022, the NUC directed viceTO SEND Email: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com to their responsibilities, but also for critical stakeholders chancellors of all universities in the country to to begin checkmating the antics of these fraudsters. compile a list of all professors which must include

Letters to the Editor

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief(150-200 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 (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer

LETTERS

PLEASE, LET NIGERIA’S JUDICIARY BREATHE

Late last year, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, disclosed the totality of the judgments and rulings delivered by the Supreme Court in the 2022/2023 legal year. Basically, the apex court decided 1, 271 cases whjch emanated from political, criminal and civil appeals and motions.

During the same legal year, the 20 Divisions of the Court of Appeal handed down 7, 295 judgements and rulings, as revealed by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the president of the court.

In the same vein, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, estimated the decided cases of the court divisions to 12, 870 judgements. At the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the High Court Divisions adjudicated 4, 293 cases while the Magistrate Courts determined 7,328 cases according to Hon. Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, the FCT Chief Judge.

On the side of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), the president of the court,

Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip, revealed during the commemoration of the 2022/2023 Legal Year of the NICN that 4,108 industry/labour related disputes were resolved by the divisions of the court within the last two years. Across the 36 states of the federation, the divisions of each State High Court must have recorded a great number of judgements though no available unified breakdown of these decided cases.

The growing tradition of handpicking one or two sensational political cases within a plethora of decided cases as credibility test for Nigeria’s judicial institution amongst legal practitioners, revered columnists and veteran public-affairs analysts has continued to violate the basic principles of making a sound judgement.

This barometric approach is farfetched from unveiling the exact hallmark of Nigeria’s judicial institution.

No democratic institution, judiciary inclusive, has immunity against criticism. There are no extant laws that criminalize the public expression

of contrary viewpoints to court verdicts.

And there could never be any reasonable justifications for considering the enactment of such laws. Be it unfair or misleading, the representation of the entire judicial institution on the basis of critiquing a handful court decisions should never be criminalized.

Though, a dispassionate and comprehensive assessment of judicial institution should be inculcated into legal critiques for the sake of national interest and the development of the nation’s legal jurisprudence. Every decided case ought to be analysed in isolation within the contexts of the available facts before the court. The casting of aspersions on the entire judicial institution by singling out a court verdict has no basis in advancing any good cause.

Painstaking approach is required in the cause of righting any perceived wrong decision taken by the court to avoid being unconsciously turned into a pawn. Over the

years, the denigration of the judiciary through coordinated attacks has become a ploy by some power brokers who could go to any length in the pursuit of their vested interest. They do not mind toeing the road of anarchy and inflaming the entire country just to actualize their selfish goals.

On the other hand, it would amount to intellectual short-sightedness to classify every criticism against the judiciary as a sponsored attack. Many judicial reviews are done in good faith. Meanwhile, a half-baked legal appraisal may be synonymous to ambushing the judiciary. The tradition of one-sided reviews has the tendency to hamper a fair and just legal process in the country.

Judicial institution thrives on public confidence.

The fear of public backlash from the strong voices within the society must not determine or sway the judicial decision-making process.

Binzak Azeez, Newworth LLP (Legal Practitioners), Onikan, Lagos

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Glitz focus

2024: Creatives’ Take on A New Year

A few industry experts were asked to share their predictions and insights on the creative industry in 2024. The overall outlook is mostly optimistic, with a few reservations, reports Vanessa Obioha

Femi Odugbemi: Transforming Prophecies into Tangible Achievements

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s we embark on another journey around the sun, I think it is crucial for Nigerians to reflect not only on the passing of time but on the progress we have made toward our collective aspirations.

In the realm of our nation’s creative industry, particularly Nollywood, the repetitive cycle of unmet goals and predictions warrants a recalibration of our approach. With a dynamic young female Minister now at the helm of the Ministry designated for the creative economy, accountability becomes paramount. It is time to transform annual ‘prophecies’ into tangible achievements. The creative industry demands more than vague assessments—it necessitates a measurable matrix for growth and success.

To propel all our creative industry, especially Nollywood, into a new era of success and prosperity, we must inject fresh investments specifically into distribution infrastructure. This will not only boost profits but also pave the way for larger-scale productions, international collaborations and elevating the industry on the global stage. It’s time we start being intentional about a strategy to register presence in the major awards of the global film industry. That requires much more than creativity. It will take planning, investments and a national commitment beyond platitudes.

Government intervention is pivotal, calling for a deliberate effort to create a supportive regulatory environment. Streamlining bureaucratic processes and robustly protecting intellectual property rights will fortify the foundation on which the creative industry stands and our path to achieving specific goals.

The Nigerian Film Corporation should actively pursue many more international film treaties across the major film cultures - United

Obi Asika: Destination 2030 and Creative Economy

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he key trends to look out for in 2024, on the policy side, you’ve got to look at the Destination 2030, which is the roadmap to the $100 billion creative economy coming from the minister of arts, culture and the creative economy. And we also have to recognise and check for the impact of having a full ministry and a seat on the executive counsel and the impact that has on the creative economy and creative industries.

We can also see a closer relationship between technology and the creative industry.

We can see that the creative industry through the music industry, afrobeats, Nollywood, and comedy, is pushing Nigeria’s soft power worldwide, changing the image of Nigeria, socialising Nigeria in a new way, and

Obi Asika

Deola Art Alade: Entertainment Beyond Concerts

Femi Odugbemi

States, India, China and even particularly with neighbouring countries like Ghana, Benin, Togo, Niger, and Chad. Strengthening these ties will open new avenues for collaboration, creating a regional synergy that benefits all parties involved.

A focus on multi-language accessibility to the best of Nollywood films is paramount. Dubbing and subtitling films for both local and foreign markets will not only broaden Nollywood’s global reach but also instil confidence in potential investors. As the industry flourishes internationally, it becomes an attractive prospect for those willing to commit resources.

Moreover, capital investment in broadband technology is not just a luxury but a necessity. It has the potential to transform the landscape of e-commerce, providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs to thrive and become creators of wealth and employers of labour. Accessible broadband will also expand the audience base, enabling more people to stream content seamlessly on various devices. The economic viability of content creation hinges on widespread access and a seamless viewing experience.

By prioritising these aspects in the coming year, we can lay the foundation for growth in the creative industry that not only meets its objectives but surpasses them, as a beacon of innovation and success. We need to focus more on strategic planning and processes in Nigeria to develop. That’s really when all our investments in prayers can bear fruit.

enabling opportunities for Nigerian fashion, dance, culture, art and literature. And all of these things, the gateways coming through Nigerian music, what I call afrobeats culture, and the continued growth of afrobeats culture, is something to watch out for and to see how all those other elements, Nigerian cuisine, Nigerian fashion, Nigerian DNA just continues to grow and spread worldwide.

The next is technology and creativity.

Looking forward to seeing a closer relationship between Nigerian tech innovators and digital entrepreneurs, and the creative economy, to build new domestic platforms to enable growth, and scalability, open up new markets, and to sell. My conference Omniverse is something to watch out for. We’re very focused on that nexus between the digital, the tech and the creatives, as key drivers for the Nigerian economy going forward.

Another thing to look out for is the impact of generative AI. We’ve already seen that with ChatGPT. I think this year, we’re going to begin to see it manifest even more, and it’s going to affect the creative industries. It’s going to affect producers, content creators, and all these platforms and I think we will see continued growth of the influencer economy. We’re in the Creator economy already. But the Creator economy and influencer economy are going to become even closer and they’re gonna grow even bigger and become even more important.

The last is the power of storytelling. I think, finally, maybe it is possible that Nigeria, having created a ministry now and really beginning to understand the DNA and the power of storytelling, understanding that the Americans’ last 250 years are about storytelling, the European domination of the world for the last 500 years is primarily driven by narrative storytelling. To me, the future looks bright. It’s not going to be easy.

But with the innovation, ingenuity and true talents of Nigerians, new platforms, and more digital opportunities, I think that it’s all now about creating authentic experiences and creating more products and more merchandise.

T

his year, we will experience entertainment beyond just concerts! I am optimistic about the changes coming to the concert and festival space this year. The entertainment model will undergo a shake-up as audiences now seek more than just concerts.

I anticipate a surge in demand for more immersive experiences beyond artists’ performances and celebrity appearances.

Consumers want to deeply connect and immerse themselves in what we offer.

The current way we organise concerts in Nigeria isn’t sustainable for the audience or businesses. 2024 will bring a significant shift in approach; a lasting solution will involve rethinking how we approach these shows to make them more sustainable for the audience and the

Deola Art Alade

business.

Additionally, AI will have a significant impact on the entertainment and creative industry, streamlining processes and allowing creatives to focus on storytelling while AI handles the intricate technical data work that brings those stories to life.

Exciting times lie ahead.

Linus Idahosa: AI as a Beacon of Innovation

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rtificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant trends to impact the global creative industry.

Its potential to drive unprecedented growth and transformation within the sector is immense. it has become a cornerstone for innovation and advancement.

At the Del-York Group, we recognize the transformative power of AI in reshaping the contours of creativity and storytelling. As CEO of the group, I am personally committed to ensuring that across all our subsidiaries, AI is not just an add-on but a fundamental part of our operational ethos.

AI’s role in the creative industry is multifaceted, extending from enhanced content creation to personalised user experiences, and even more complex applications like predictive analytics in market trends. In our commitment to staying ahead of the curve, both our Creative Agency and the Del-York Creative Academy (DCA) are prioritising disruptive AI technologies. By integrating AI into our curriculum, we are preparing the young, vibrant creative minds in Nigeria to develop the necessary capacities to propel the creative industry into the future. Our

Abiodun ‘Bizzle’ Osikoya: Content Creation and Changes in Consumer Preferences

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ome of the things that I think we will see changes in 2024 will include technological advancements like AI and sustainabilitydriven designs. We will also see a huge growth in content creation. A lot of

Linus Idahosa

students and professionals are being equipped with the knowledge and tools to harness AI, not only as a means of optimising creative processes but also as a medium of artistic expression in itself.

The creative industry cannot afford to remain anchored in the legacy business models of the past. To thrive, it must be perpetually on the brink of change, embracing new technologies and methodologies. Our vision is to cultivate an environment where creativity meets technology, leading to groundbreaking content and narratives that resonate globally.

As we continue to forge this path, the promise of AI stands as a beacon of innovation, guiding the Nigerian creative industry towards a future marked by endless possibilities and new horizons.

artists, actors and actresses will be more content creators. I’m sure more brands will tilt towards content creation than commercials. Consumers will also evolve in their preferences.

Abiodun ‘Bizzle’ Osikoya

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Glitz Entertainment

Funke Akindele’s Winning Formula at Box Office Stories by Vanessa Obioha Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele achieved a significant milestone recently as her latest production, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ became the first Nigerian movie to cross the N1 billion mark at the box office within three weeks of release.

The feat solidified Akindele as the queen of box office having recorded similar box office success in the past. For instance, in 2021, her movie ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ grossed N636 million, and in 2022, ‘Battle on Buka Street’ grossed about N668 million.

These achievements share a common theme—they are all comedies. Comedy stands out as a thriving genre in the Nollywood box office considered a winning formula for Nigerian filmmakers striving for notable success. Movies like ‘The Wedding Party,’ which maintained the highest-grossing Nollywood movie for almost five years till it was displaced by Akindele’s ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga,’ prove that this formula is worth trying. While other genres can achieve box office success, comedies consistently outpace them. An exception is Jade Osiberu’s 2022 crimeaction thriller ‘Brotherhood,’ the sole non-comedy to gross N328 million at the box office.

‘A Tribe Called Judah’ follows the story of a single mother and her five sons grappling with financial challenges. In a bid to overcome their struggles, they devise a plan to rob a mall. However, their scheme takes an unforeseen twist when they cross paths with another group of robbers already present. Akindele, at the premiere, revealed that the movie is a tribute to her late mother, who held a special place in her heart.

The movie stars Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene Achufusi, Olumide Oworu, and Nse Ikpe Etim, among others.

Akindele demonstrates a strategic approach to her movie releases. Her last three highest-grossing films, ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ ‘Battle on Buka Street’ and ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga,’ were strategically premiered in December, aligning with the peak cinema attendance during the Christmas holiday season. Notably, all these movies are distributed by FilmOne Distribution. This formula has proven successful for the filmmaker, and it remains to be seen what milestones she will achieve in 2024.

Akindele

RHOLagos S2 Reunion Set for January

The New Faces of Nollywood In 2023, a handful of breakout stars emerged, proving their prowess in dominating Nollywood. Notably, actor, model, and host Chuks Joseph garnered widespread recognition for his dynamic performances in Linda Ikeji’s ‘Dark October,’ Ndani TV’s ‘Schooled,’ and the MultiChoice Talent Factory’s ‘Leaked.’ His lead role in the 130-episode series ‘Masquerades of Aniedo’ and acclaimed performance in ‘The Origin: Madam Koikoi’ solidify his status.

Another standout is Uzoamaka Onuaha whose acting journey began at a tender age. Armed with a degree in Theatre Arts and Film Studies, Onuoha’s portfolio boasts an impressive array of feature films, including notable works like ‘Omugwo,’ ‘Stories by Her,’ ‘Schooled,’ and ‘Visa on Arrival.’ Her recent starring role in the psychological thriller series ‘Diiche’ showcases her prowess as she navigates a gripping investigation, confronting her haunting past with grace and intensity. She also appeared in Africa Magic’s ‘Moments’ and took centre stage in Africa Magic’s brand new series, ‘Theory of Breakfast.’

These talents, along with Temidayo Akinboro, Adeoluwa Akintoba, Kayode Ojuolape Jnr, Wumi Tuase, Valentine Ohu, Halimat Ganiyu, Mofehintola Jebutu, and Korede Ajayi, signify a wave of Nollywood stars determined to make a lasting impact. Their vibrant performances breathe new life into narratives, captivating audiences across the continent. In the new year, all eyes will be on these rising stars.

Cast of RHOLagos S2

In less than two weeks, the stars of the intriguing reality TV series, Real Housewives of Lagos season 2 will be reuniting to reflect on the season. But it will not be a peaceful conversation but a fiery showdown given the drama that unfolded at the finale — Faith Morey throwing shades at Tania Omotayo, Dr Rommel calling Faith a liar, Laura Ikeji and Iyabo Ojo going for each other ’s jugular and the friendship between Tiannah and Mariam hitting a rocky road following their heated altercation.

Set to air on the streaming

platform on January 19, 2024, this reunion promises to reveal who’s staying, who’s leaving, and whose friendships are on the verge of collapse.

One of the interesting storylines will be Iyabo Ojo’s reaction to Laura’s claim that she is all ‘mouth’ and cannot engage in a physical fight with her. Also, will Tania finally show her true colours?

The first part of the reunion is poised to answer these burning questions and unveil even more insights into the intricate dynamics of their relationships.

Joseph

Onuoha

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OBINNA CHIDOKA

A Quintessential Legislator Obinna Chidoka, an accomplished politician, started his political career at 33. He is a three-time representative of Idemili North and South federal constituency in the House of Representatives. As he turns 50 today, the former Chairman of the House Committee on Environment opens up to Vanessa Obioha about the significant chapters of his life, political experiences and cherished family moments edited by: VANESSA OBIOHA/vanessa.obioha@thisdaylive.com.

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COVER

We All Need to do More to Achieve Our Set Goals It’s quite an interesting story when you asked how I met my wife. I met my wife in 2008 at the Obosi Development Association in the United States. I should say that when I saw her at the party I knew there and then I was going to marry her, the rest they say is history. We are happily married with four kids

Chidoka

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ew Nigerian politicians are privileged to secure an early political milestone. Hon. Obinna Chidoka is among these selected few. At age 33, he won election into the House of Representatives, having served Senator Michael Ajegbo as his legislative aide in the 1999/2003 parliamentary session. He would later work with Nedu Ugochukwu from 2003 to 2005 before contesting and winning the House of Representatives in 2007. Subsequent elections have seen him win and lose some.

For instance, he lost in the 2011 elections but won in 2015 and 2019. He however lost in the 2023 general elections.

He currently holds the traditional title of Ife Idemili (Light of Idemili), signifying his noble accomplishments in his service to his community Obosi, and the entire Idemili North and South which he represented in the House of Representatives.

Born in Enugu to the highly disciplined family of Ogbueshi Ben and Deaconess Nneka Chidoka from Obosi in Anambra State, Chidoka and his four siblings were partly raised in Enugu before they relocated to Lagos where he completed his secondary education at Lagos State Model College, Badore, and later attended the University of Lagos, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. This relocation exposed him to different cultures.

Chidoka always thought he was going to be a businessman. Therefore, when the opportunity came to work with Senator

Ajegbo after his National Youth Service Corps year in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, he jumped at it.

“It was an interesting moment because he was a businessman and a politician at the same time, which was where I began to cut my teeth in terms of politics.

Coincidentally, he was not only from my state but also from my hometown of Obosi.

We usually had his constituency visits and consultations which also exposed me to a lot of people at the grassroots level,” he said during a recent encounter.

“But, I need to say that my initial thought of working with Senator Ajegbo was because he was a very successful businessman and I wanted to be successful as well and wanted to know how he runs his businesses,” he said admittedly.

“I wanted to study his businesses and if possible, learn from his business acumen and set up my businesses too.

However, like I always would joke about, I ‘unfortunately’ got bitten by the politics bug and that’s how I missed out on being a wealthy businessman!”

On what inspired him to choose politics over business, he said: “I’m really not sure how politics caught my fancy, but I liked the idea of bringing about tangible change to our laws and society with the instrumentality of government, it’s what I would call input, output, and outcomes.

You make a law and see it works for the benefit of the people, and also initiate a project and see people benefit from it. I guess that is one of the key things that

caught my attention because, ordinarily, all I wanted to do was to learn from my boss, set up my business, employ people and make money out of it.”

During his time in the House of Rep, Chidoka made a few significant legislative contributions.

“One of the first bills or motions I moved after I got elected in 2007 was the repair of the existing Niger Bridge which was built in 1964 by Dumez Construction.

And, then I added to it the completion of the second Niger Bridge because, at that time, the government had started preliminary works on the second Niger Bridge but nothing serious has been done.

I was the first to move for its completion.”

Chidoka openly noted the valuable lessons from his legislative encounters, highlighting a commendation from Mrs. Virginia Ngozi Etiaba, the f irst female governor of Anambra State, during a public function. He further added “And on a personal note, I’ve met prominent people like the Obi of Onitsha who also commended the work I did. After the Second Niger Bridge motion, I moved for the completion of the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway motion and the spur through Obosi. The Onitsha-Owerri expressway is a commercial nerve gateway that moves people between Onitsha all the way to Owerri, Port Harcourt and vice versa.”

As someone who started politics at a young age, Chidoka acknowledged that age and experience are very important factors in leadership. “You know, I’ve always said this, that people should be careful when they call for youths in very sensitive government positions. What I’ve found out is that youthfulness without experience comes to nothing.”

He continued: “It’s not about being young, but must have the requisite experience. And the way you get experience is to start early. I’m gratified that the not-too-young-to-run bill has brought down the age to about 25 for political participation.”

Elaborating more, Chidoka emphasised that in the case of a young president, the focus should be on someone who has adequate experience and can handle the economic and societal factors.

“Looking back, I’ve seen young people who got into positions as governors, speakers of their respective assemblies in their 30s or become senate presidents in their 30s, and what was the outcome?

You know, these are some of the things we should look out for before we begin to talk about youths in sensitive positions.”

Beyond his legislative career, Chidoka is a strong advocate for the environment, having been a former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Environment. He therefore shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s ambitions towards achieving a net-zero emission target as established by the Paris Agreement of 2015 at COP 21 which Nigeria is a signatory.

“Yes, there are hurdles for us as a nation in achieving our set goals which include funding and the sustainability of our plans as contained in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Nigeria is on the right path but we all need to do more to achieve our set goals for the sustainability of our environmental plans.”

A philanthropist, Chidoka also talked about the inspiration behind the Obinna Chidoka Foundation, a charitable project which he initiated several years back.

“Having been in the National

Assembly for some time, I knew where the issues lie within our communities, and most of our communities are facing many challenges and you cannot handle those challenges at the same time. And one of those critical areas I have found is that of empowerment. I need to be able to empower our people with relevant skills to be selfsustained.”

Chidoka turns 50 today, a milestone which is worth celebrating. As he looked back on his life and career, the legislator could not help but be grateful to the Supreme One for His grace and mercies.

“Fifty years have been one that, at some point in my life, I have become very strategic because having gone into the National Assembly; I have become intentional that I wanted to keep on being in the public eye to be able to make my contributions in life.”

He also appreciated his family including his late mother who passed on last year and his father who will be 98 this year. He also recalled the significant role his dad played in his life.

“My dad put education first, I played soccer and would have been a footballer but that didn’t work out and for those who don’t know, the other vocation I would have taken, would be the music industry, I would’ve been a dancer because I love to dance. I would have been in the music industry dancing away and all that. Those sectors today produce our big stars and major income earners just like the footballers earn a lot today instead of me struggling here to make sure that I help my constituents and help myself (Laughs). A young boy in Arsenal or Chelsea is probably earning £70,000 weekly,” he said, adding jokingly, “In another life I will choose wisely.”

At 50, Chidoka has no regrets.

“With the way my life has turned out, no regrets at all. I am very much grateful. I believe that my life has been such that the outcome has been something I am grateful for. I have been able to help our people. From a young age, I have been in the public eye, and I have sacrificed so much personally to see that we are where we are today.”

His family life is one that he has kept away from the public eye. However, he recounted how he met his wife.

“It’s quite an interesting story when you asked how I met my wife. I met my wife in 2008 at the Obosi Development Association in the United States. I should say that when I saw her at the party I knew there and then I was going to marry her, the rest they say is history. We are happily married with four kids”.

Reflecting on the most priceless memory of his past years, Chidoka fondly recalled the cherished moments of growing up with his siblings. As their parents frequently traveled, the children stayed with their grandparents, cared for by uncles. He treasures the music and dance shared together during that period.

As he steps onto the fifth floor, Chidoka is optimistic that he will climb more steps and each ascent will be dedicated to service; from the church to his community and he will continue his environmental advocacy.

Outside politics, Chidoka is committed to building businesses which he said would have been his first love anyway. “I have my business interests in a financial advisory firm and the hospital industry which I intend to scale. But I will continue on the pathway which gives me the greatest satisfaction which is serving others through my foundation.

There is still a lot of work to be done out there!

Going biblically, just like Nehemiah said to the naysayers.”

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HighLife The Sunny Side of Uba Sani Diligence and evidence of having fulfilled promises may just remain the two most powerful indications of a good governor in Nigeria. Still ticking these boxes, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, is winning cheers and accolades from people great and small over his feats in Kaduna. In this area, the former Kaduna Central senator appears to be leading the pack.

The most attractive of the waves of cheers and commendations sent to Uba is from Babangida Aliyu, the former governor of Niger State. According to him, Uba’s leadership style is inclusive and wholesome, paired with a compassionate disposition that causes his gaze and focus to stay on the needs of his people.

Aliyu made a startling comment, which is that Sani’s leadership has protected the people of Kaduna from the winds of hardship currently blowing across Nigeria. Aliyu tied this accomplishment to Sani’s willingness to fulfil promises, going above and beyond what is asked of him, such as in giving out massive lands for relevant projects and his unwavering commitment to education.

Different sentiments have accompanied the recent praises extended to Governor Sani.

Most people are excited that the governor is being recognized for good things, while others worry that such praises might numb him to the incentivization of public recognition. But it matters not given that Sani is gradually filling up the shoes of his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Set side by side, Sani looks no different from his predecessor in terms of starting grace.

El-Rufai also had praises sung about him in the beginning. Fortunately, he remained on this stellar path of accomplishment, giving nothing short of his best for the satisfaction of those who brought him to power.

Sani is doing the same, neither unduly humble nor arrogant, simply being the leader of the people of Kaduna. In this area, Sani is doing a fantastic job.

Sani

It is an exciting time as quintessential, family-oriented and media giant, Yinlayefa Adeleke clocks the milestone age of golden jubilee.

This complete woman adorns so many caps and they all fit perfectly. On one hand, she is a certified family life practitioner and an alumnus of the Couples Institute, USA, and a member of American Psychological Association while in another breath, she is a professional counsellor, teacher, media communication & public relations expert with over two decades of experience.

A strong believer in education, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from the University of Uyo, Nigeria, a

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

What’s Next for Timipre Sylva as Former Oil Minister Goes Under the Radar

Sylva

Time is a precious thing that looks abundant one minute and is gone in the next. President Bola Tinubu entered Aso Rock with appointments blazing, distinguishing allies from antagonists by those whose names were listed in his book of appointments. Having gone on this long and not including names such as Akinwunmi Ambode, questions arise as to whether the former Lagos governor has a chance at an appointment in this new year.

It’s been a while since President Tinubu took over from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. During the era of the latter, appointments into the ruling class were rare, often occurring only when a resident power-holder messed up too obviously. Tinubu has shown that he is not the same, being very generous. But he has not yet assigned any position to his former godson, Ambode.

Ambode, as a former governor of Lagos, has the needed experience to man an agency. Men of lower qualifications and exposure are doing so already. This has caused some people to wonder if Ambode remains unlisted in Tinubu’s

Garlands for Quintessential Yinlayefa at 50

Yinlayefa

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

Master’s degree in Education (Guidance & Counseling) from the University of Lagos Nigeria, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling from Blackford Institute, South.

She is also a graduate of the Institute of Family Engineering and Development ((IFED), and Attitude Development International (ADI), Nigeria among many other certifications. Professionally, Yinlayefa is the creator and host of “Talking Intimacy with Layefa” - a programme that has been impacting so many families and relationships positively across the globe. Furthermore, she is a regular guest on family life, relationship, and marriage programmes on different radio and television stations.

She has facilitated many seminars and workshops on emotional intelligence, work-life balance, and motivation for high performance in the workplace for various companies and currently, she is the Lead Counsellor in RecoveryWaters Counselling Ltd, Abuja.

Spirit-filled, she is also an ordained Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and married to her friend, Dr. Ademola Adeleke. The marriage is blessed with lovely children.

Happy Birthday to the “Complete Woman” as she is fondly called by family and friends!

Life is often a question of ups and downs, highs and lows, victories and losses. What usually matters is how an individual responds during low points. For former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, low points are the referee’s whistle to take a break and live under the radar.

Bayelsa State is home to many, including natives. Sylva, one of the most high-profile sons of the Bayelsa soil, may not be counted among the residents anymore. Due to losing the gubernatorial election that would have returned him to governorship status, Sylva is no longer attending all public meetings or visiting traditional rulers across the state.

Sylva’s secretiveness, if taciturnity can be called secretiveness, comes after he lost the election to one of his successors, Douye Diri. Before the

elections, Sylva faced some challenges with getting his name to remain on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list of candidates.

He had to go to court to contest as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

However, after going through all that stress, Sylva lost the election to Diri, polling 110,108 votes, less than 65,000 votes behind Diri’s 175,196 votes.

This demonstrated the difference in the confidence that the Bayelsan people had towards Diri and Sylva, and things took a worse turn when former President Goodluck Jonathan stated that he would have taken his mother out of Bayelsa if Diri had not won the election.

Jonathan’s alleged comments on the election cemented things for Sylva. Even though he still leaves comments here and there on social media, he has been relegated to the corner, again. Only God knows when he will be able to return to political power.

At least, Sylva has some selfawareness. With such mountains in front of him, the man has humbled himself and taken leave of the public space. Perhaps, the coming years will be kinder to him and accommodating of his ambitions.

Will Tinubu Glance at Ambode This Year?

Ambode

appointment books because of old tales of perceived disrespect and disloyalty.

But Tinubu has shown time and again that he does not hold grudges.

As readers would recall, Ambode’s gubernatorial adventure came to a sharp end in 2019, heralding the emergence of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the current Lagos state governor. During his time, Ambode did some work, finding and continuing the legacy of his godfather, Tinubu. But matters of power and self-importance arose and Ambode lost Tinubu’s protection.

Although the matters between them were eventually settled just before Tinubu emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, it had gone on for too long. This inspired observers to imagine that Ambode would hope for Tinubu’s failure in the presidential polls.

But he did not. So, there shouldn’t be issues from that angle, right?

Yet, the frequency of Tinubu’s appointments has significantly reduced, leaving Ambode’s fans unsettled. Will the president continue to overlook his former godson or remember the good old days?

Philip Oduoza Set to Change the Face of Banking with NOVA New waves come to surpass the old.

This is a timeless principle, one that explains the constancy of change and transformation.

With this in mind, it is incredible that NOVA Merchant Bank is on the cusp of a cosmic transformation, one requiring the strong corporate image of the bank’s new MD/CEO, Adebowale Oyedeji, and the peerless mastery of the bank’s Board Chairman, Philip Oduoza.

The customers, staff, and shareholders of NOVA Merchant Bank are currently celebrating the emergence of Oyedeji as the institution’s MD/CEO. Taking into account Oyedeji’s expertise and accomplishments in the realm of banking, these shareholders are confident that great things will accompany the new MD/CEO’s emergence. But even greater things are expected of the Board Chairman, Oduoza.

It was under Oduosa’s leadership that board members of NOVA came to realise the value of having Oyedeji as the institution’s spearman. Once again, Oduoza’s wisdom validates the less-than-obvious fact that old ginger is spicier and experience often sharpens vision better than PR does.

Oduoza’s value in NOVA has long been documented by the overseers of Nigeria’s banking sector. With his 30-plus years of active and dynamic corporate experience, Oduoza can be considered a banking giant.

Oduoza

It is no wonder his accomplishments as the old global CEO of UBA (United Bank for Africa) are still being sung, as well as his part in the establishment of Diamond Bank.

Oduoza has many colours in his expert coat. His strong interests in industries like infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, telecommunications, energy, technology projects, financial advisory, oil and gas, corporate finance, capital market activities, and debt restructuring charted his career course.

One milestone after another, Oduoza claims credit for his part in such amazing developments as ATM, BVN, POS, online transfers, and many of the other brilliant elements of Nigeria’s modernistic banking era.

Even now, great things are expected of NOVA because great things are expected of Oduoza. This only goes to show his value in the eyes of all and sundry.

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HIGHLIFE

Another Milestone Project as Sanwo-Olu Set to Establish Medical University

Sanwo-Olu

Will Lagos fall behind its sisters ever again?

Will there be a day when another state will take up the role of the leading state in terms of project development and completion?

Not unless it wins the heart of someone like

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a true son of the Lagos soil.

Lagosians are cheering on their beloved governor as he brings up a new project for them to prepare for. No different from his usual offerings, this project is set to launch Lagosians into another era of transformation and progress, the kind to keep them smiling in their sleep for the rest of the year 2024.

The project in question is the establishment of a state medical university to bolster the current gaps in the nation’s medical personnel. With the institution which Sanwo-Olu has promised to have up and running before the end of the year, medical staff will be trained in droves and gradually fill up the positions neglected by the abroad-loving medical workforce.

Sanwo-Olu made his plans known during the inauguration of the Femi Gbajabiamila General Hospital, the project completed by the

former House of Representatives Speakerturned-Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The latter had stated that his donation of the hospital in Surulere was to support SanwoOlu’s many Lagos projects.

A deluge of cheers accompanied Gbajabiamila’s gracious gesture, but these cheers reached an unprecedented height once Sanwo-Olu informed all that Gbajabiamila’s gift was coming at just the right time as his government had been sitting on the idea to put up a medical university.

For someone whose promises have been manifested in many forms, Sanwo-Olu’s assurance that the medical university will be up and running before the close of 2024 is a big deal. It is just so for Sanwo-Olu to go and put hope in the hearts of Lagosians a few days after the new year. This is a leader, one sensitive to the cries of the people.

The Burden of Lucky Aiyedatiwa In advertising the idea of a bed of roses, many people forget or intentionally ignore the part of roses having thorns. There is a lesson here for individuals like the newly inaugurated governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

By upgrading his status, he has unavoidably upgraded his burdens.

Ondo is still garbed in sackcloth and ashes over the passing of Rotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of the state. Akeredolu’s death was sudden and many citizens of Ondo have not been able to get over the fact that the person they elected into office did not finish his term before the cold hands of death dragged him away from life. One person who has likely overthrown such sentiments is Akeredolu’s deputy, Aiyedatiwa, who is now governor.

Aiyedatiwa’s seemingly quick overpowering of the sentiment of mourning is not because he is callous or excited at the opportunity to be governor in his deceased boss’ place. No, it is that Aiyedatiwa has entered into

a grinding machine of trouble, losing peace and sleep because of pressures from all around.

According to sources, Aiyedatiwa wants to please President Bola Tinubu. The president is one of the closest friends of Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa is alleged to consider himself on a lower rung concerning his relationship with Tinubu. Because of this, Aiyedatiwa is reportedly deprived of sleep over how to curry favour with the president, obtaining his support for the years to come.

Additionally, Aiyedatiwa is allegedly under pressure over who to select as his cabinet members. Old rivals are popping up with acquaintances, each wanting a share of the pie. And even though Aiyedatiwa’s choices should be simple, they are not.

Currently, things are not at all easy for Aiyedatiwa. Given these circumstances, perhaps Aiyedatiwa would rather someone else be governor instead of him.

Akinsanya aka (Oluomo)

End of an Era for MC Oluomo

Aiyedatiwa

Who Will Settle Rift Between Aiyedatiwa and Akinterinwa?

Akinterinwa

Interest is the fuel of passion and passion often drives one into action. But given a free view of the future, how many individuals

would be willing to nurture certain interests in the first place? A similar curtain of uncertainty currently shrouds the relationship between the new governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the state Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa.

Ondo is currently enjoying the sort of peace that comes before a storm. To a few, it is a matter of when the new governor, Aiyedatiwa, will wield the deceased Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s mantle, and reduce the power of old rivals like Akinterinwa to nothing.

The storm started when Akinterinwa and a few others reportedly attempted to paint Akeredolu’s relationship with Aiyedatiwa with a brush of mischief. This resulted in the near dismissal of Aiyedatiwa from the deputy governor position he previously held. Without the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and several other high-ranking individuals, Aiyedatiwa would have been the only governor-level figure impeached in 2023.

Ultimately, Aiyedatiwa weathered

the storm after the reconciliation with Akeredolu. Now that Akeredolu has passed, onlookers are certain that Akinterinwa is going to face Aiyedatiwa’s wrath, terminally falling from political power, never to rise again.

Reliable sources have unearthed the believed root of bitterness between Aiyedatiwa and Akinterinwa.

Reportedly, the latter has been working towards succeeding Akeredolu in 2025.

Perhaps the removal of Aiyedatiwa would have paved the way for him or one of the other supposed antiAiyedatiwa collaborators.

At the moment, well-meaning individuals are going about in a bid to settle the purported rift between Aiyedatiwa and Akinterinwa. If it is not taken out of the way, the current peace and soberness in Ondo may disappear, replaced with Aiyedatiwa’s damning gavel against all perceived slights, big or small.

Why Matrix Energy Boss, Adisa Aliu, Does Not Joke with NNPC’s Mele Kyari Excellence is certainly a denominator among people, even when all of them are brilliant and accomplished. This feature is one of the defining attributes of the boss of Matrix Energy, Adisa Aliu. It is also because of it that he has maintained a good relationship with so many high-profile Nigerians, including the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

Aliu’s relationship with Kyari has been shown time and again to eclipse the typical association between people in the same industry. Owing to the Matrix Energy boss’ accomplishments, it makes sense that Kyari would recognise him. However, their ties are stronger than mere friendship, reaching the level of the NNPC boss watching out for him.

With Matrix Energy, Aliu has been able to climb into the stratum of businessmen capable of calling the shots in the oil and gas industry. One reason for this is his ingenuity,

rich management experience, and a good eye for competent team leaders. Another reason is that Aliu has people like Kyari that he seeks advice from before making important decisions.

During the era of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aliu was described as one of the corporate progenies of the federal government. It was not because of anything tribalistic as Aliu was born in Osun State, far from the the-ruling north. It was simply because Aliu knew how to recognise opportunities, culminating in genuine relationships with people in power.

Nevertheless, Kyari is one of Aliu’s strongest supporters in the contemporary.

Given the NNPC man’s expertise, it is unlikely that more than a handful of oil and gas giants can surpass Aliu in terms of accomplishments. Kyari is not one to use his influence unreasonably, but there is no constitutional regulation against his chummy relationship with Aliu.

Aliu

No matter how long a tiger reigns over a mountain range, it will eventually return to the earth, back into the embrace of the soil that fed him. This is almost the case with prominent figures like MC Oluomo (real name Musiliu Akinsanya). Finally stepping down as the Chairman of the Lagos Road Transport Union, some Lagosians have been sent into a daze, reminiscing the flavour of MC Oluomo’s reign.

Sentiments vary, but the general gist is that MC Oluomo will not return to this position ever again, and may gradually lose his relevance as a mover and shaker in the state.

For someone who only oversaw the matters of road transport workers, MC Oluomo wielded a lot of power. Commentators have different things to say about him: that he was a glorified thug; that he had the natural intelligence to partner with winning people and remain a constant in political struggles; or that he lived by survival instincts, doing anything to be worthy.

The sketch of MC Oluomo’s place in the corridors of power in Lagos has now come to an end. All those speculations will gradually fade, giving way to new ones, such as why MC Oluomo stepped down and what is next on his agenda.

Regarding the first, it is rumoured that President Bola Tinubu, MC Oluomo’s support, pressured him into stepping down. Regarding the second, it is claimed that the authorities offered MC Oluomo the position of National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Whatever is true, MC Oluomo’s time as the lord of road fares in Lagos has ended.

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LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Cry, My Beloved Akwa Ibom

The orange men have taken over. My state just launched a N32billion church in Uyo. My governor has been quoted as saying that the church would pull in the grace of God to the state. The white elephant project was initiated by his

predecessor Mr. Udom. That one looked around him and did not see what to do with money in a state with one of the most horrendous poverty levels and decided that he needed to build this place as a panacea to all the problems in the state.

The other day, his “boy” declared a full public holiday so that we can all go and pray at the humongous thing that looks like the whale that swallowed Jonah. As if that was not enough bad news coming out of my state, the news that the state generated only $65,000 as capital importation hit the newsstands and drove me mad. This cannot even really cover three trips on the state private jet.

Mbok, if you see how these things are annoying me, you will worry about my BP. The sad thing is that our democracy is skewed towards incompetence.

It throws up only the bullies, those

who understand the process of manipulation of the vast mass of people, weaponising poverty and getting them to do their biddings.

Or how can you explain an Udom in power for eight years and as if that is not enough, this Pastor whose two pronged approach to governance is happy hour and prayer time.

My brother, the great Ide, in trying to mute my attacks, sent me some information with the proviso: “Duke, please see so you can see the governor’s actions in true perspective.” I look the thing and all I see are very opaque expenditures and almost meaningless policy drives that do not even begin to scratch the surface.

Building another 20,000 Amphitheatre for Christmas carol? Release of N10billion to contractors on projects started by his predecessor?

Construction of one primary school in Wellington Bassey way in Uyo and payment of bursary to just 106 students in tertiary institutions?

Ideeeeeeee!!!!! Ideeeeeeee!!!!! Mbok, don’t let me come at you o. I respect you o, you are my big brother, mbok leave me o, let me be shouting o…. our common heritage is being frittered away by average people who have found themselves in power o, so Ide leave me, let me cry my cry o.

If you don’t know, Akwa Ibom is crying, tears are all over the place at such humongous misplacement of priority at a time of massive economic dislocation.

Mbok, let us even declare a day of massive crying in the state. Let us all go to that massive ugly church and stand around it and just cry, yes all six million of us. Tears beget us.

Akwa Ibom has finally fallen. Shame.

URUAN PEOPLE AND THE SILVER LINING While all this madness is going on in my beloved state, the humble and well-respected people of Uruan were bringing pride and joy. My brother Larry Ettah, the former head honcho at the giant UAC used to invite me every year to the massively beautiful Iboku Uruan Cultural Festival.

Apart from my huge fear of the Ekpe masquerade- one fake one pursued me with cutlass in Shomolu as a child, since then I no dey carry play go there. My self-exile disposition until Akan Udofia emerges still stands and no amount of well-made Afang or Uruan virgins will make me change my stand. I am doing a Nelson Mandela on this one.

But the pictures I have seen are making me want to regret o. The festival from the report I am getting and seeing was massively beautiful. Well-

orchestrated with so many Ekpe masquerades on parade. The colours, the aesthetics, the dance and the well-dressed men in their wrappers and neck ties pushed me into another round of tears.

Akwa Ibom is a beautiful place, you should see these pictures.

Larry sent me over 50 of them and I am thinking of curating them and showing them on screen at my next play. Displays of Nyoro Ekpe, the Magical Eta Mbe Mbe masquerades and then the legendary Uruan cuisine, I am told, captivated the attendees.

I even heard my egbon, Udeme Ufot who told me he was on bed rest as an excuse not to attend my play somehow managed to be there – kai. I also learnt that nationally respected estate surveyor, Tony Ndah was there too.

The paramount Ruler of Itu LGA, Edidem Inyang, was there in rich splendour. This event is promoted by the Iboku Uruan

Heritage Foundation, set up by Larry and his brothers Barrister Out Medo and Otuekong PJ Efiong, amongst others to promote the renaissance of the world famous Uruan Inyang Atakpo culture.

With the amount of Afang I heard was on offer, I have given myself a 12-month savings plan to be able to buy my air ticket to the event next year, hopefully the Supreme Court would have saved us from the current malaise in our state.

Kai. Well done guys.

minister. The arrogance of it all, because I have just seen a report that says very clearly that she did not respond or even send in a message for her snub. If those ones now attack her house and climb in through the roof, we will now be doing Okorocha with her.

Kai. If what we are hearing from the EFCC investigation is anything to go by, then it is safe to conclude that we have very wicked and diabolic people in government.

How can you divert N33billion out of about N40billion allocated to your ministry? A ministry whose main task is to look out for the welfare of the people o. These people are not humanitarian at all. They are plain very wicked people.

I don’t even have much to say on this matter except to warn the EFCC that if they allow this woman “ chance” them, I will be very very upset. They must follow this matter to its logical

Umar-Farouq

Oyedeji

Eno

SADIYA UMAR-FAROUQ: DO THE RIGHT THING As I write on Thursday morning, after a healthy bout in the other room, madam has been reported to have snubbed the EFCC invite. She had been reported to have been invited to come and state her own case on the disgraceful revelations of happenings under her watch as

Orji

Ettah

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conclusion while protecting their rights to fair hearing and fair representation.

It’s not me saying you should go and do “bole ka ja” investigation o. That said, you must ensure that we get to the bottom of this matter and all the monies returned to Nigerians.

Kai, these people are just so wicked and they will be displaying arrogance on top of it all again. Painful and sad.

FEMI GBAJABIAMILA: CONFUSED AND VERY RELUCTANT FELICITATIONS With one fell swoop, Mr. Gbajabiamila has done much more than the past Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his successor put together have done in my state. As I watch the reel, showcasing the projects he has delivered to the people of Surulere and by extension Lagos State, I beam with very reluctant pride.

I say reluctant because my bad belle will not let me just felicitate with him and the people on these wonderful initiatives that has seen him provide infrastructural succour for Surulere people. My bad belle is saying I should ask how he is getting the funding for these massive and very laudable projects. My other mind is telling me to shut up that the man had constituency allowance and that he could have also pulled in funds from his many big friends. The other wicked mind is also saying that these could be proceeds from …….. make I keep quiet o.

But I tell you, I have decided to tell all of my wickedness to just shut up and celebrate with a man who truly loves Surulere.

Gbaja has for the past 20 years bestrode Surulere like a colossus.

He has impacted the people, led the people and given them very constructive representation and it is for this reason that they also made him the longest serving Rep in the history of this country and to show his continued appreciation for the people, he dropped this brace of projects.

Kai as I watched the video, I cried once again for my people in Akwa Ibom who are using state money to drink beer and go to church in a state with the highest number of witches in the country. Can’t they come and see how one man without disturbing government funds – no matter how he gets the money, discussion for another day – is impacting people with meaningful projects?

Well done, my egbon, well done.

Please can you come and help us in Akwa Ibom and build something, after all, it is looking that there may be a presidential ambition lurking there in that your gray beard. Kai, me and my big mouth ooo.

WALE OYEDEJI: RETURN OF THE SAINT During the week, the announcement of his appointment was made.

Wale Oyedeji, a consummate

ROTIMI AKEREDOLU: KINDLY REST IN PEACE The cowards in Akure are out in their droves. The strong man is dead and his body hasn’t been buried yet and the long knives are out against his widow.

Minions that could not say a word when he was alive are now attempting to bully and disparage his widow.

I saw a very sad video by one Ondo man apologising to the great people of Owo for all the “bad” things Akete did to them, putting all the blame on his “Igbo” wife. He accused her of so many things including neglecting him in the pursuit of material things.

Many write ups have emerged since the unfortunate passing of His Excellency painting the widow in very terrible terms, blaming her for her husband’s passing and all the issues he had while alive.

Late Akeredolu

This is sickening, jumping at a widow who stood by her man till the end. Abi you people did not see the man picture during NYSC. The widow saw that big head and still chose him? It is no wonder she has kept silent because that is what you do when fools are crying. You all sat there and watched the Igbo woman do all of these things and you could not fight back but only waited until his passing before you all now come down heavily on a vulnerable woman who just wants to bury the love of her life.

Cowards litter the landscape and there are plenty in Akure. Leave the poor woman alone, she has done nothing wrong but to love her man, protect him from you and stand by him.

I stand with the Igbo woman who took Akure.

banker was announced as the substantive Managing Director of NOVA Merchant Bank Limited.

The bank has for some time been mulling going commercial and the moment it got the nod from the CBN, it went for the very best to lead its assault.

Wale is the best in the space. A man of astute integrity, a man of professional excellence and a man of peace. Wale no like trouble, he will be calling me and saying, “Edgar you know you have a national following and a national platform, please rein yourself in.”

Anytime there is a fight, I don’t like taking his calls because he will not let me fight. Even if the fight does not concern him, he will still call and say, “Edgar, what will you gain if you fight this fight?” So, me, I now have sense, when there is a fight, I will block him and fight the fight. When I finish the fight, I will unblock him and I will see messages trying to calm me down.

You may be wondering what this is all about. Wale and I went to the same schools from primary through secondary to university.

But the man brilliant pass Einstein so we are not mates for brilliance but mates for alumni matters. He was our first BOT Chairman from where he led the over 11,000-member association to greatness. Since he left, the place no get sense again with “APC like” people taking over the place and scattering it, hence the daily fight with me in the middle.

Anyways, Wale has built for himself a very strategic and brilliant career pathway. From GTBank where he rose from a youth corper to Executive Director and then to Stanbic IBTC as a non-executive independent Director and now Nova Merchant Bank as MD. The market is responding very well to this appointment because he remains one of the very few highly cerebral bankers with the fear of God remaining.

Congrats my brother, and God will protect you in this your new mission. Go ahead, at least, now you will be too busy to come and distract me from the fights I have to fight in the alumni. Well done my brother.

ZACK ORJI: IT WILL BE WELL. As there is no privacy again in the land. That is how the still and very peaceful body of screen legend, Zack Orji, was laid bare for Nigerians’ to google at. His dignity threatened with Nigerians’ staring and passing all sorts of comments.

Well, the good thing about the noise is that it attracted the First Lady and Minister of Culture and they have pledged to support him at this time.

Our prayers go to the gentleman.

He has always been a very calm operative within the industry carrying himself with stoic dignity and earning the full respect of all. He will come out of this and will once again bless us with his talent.

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the New Go-to-Person During President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, he was surrounded by several young and resourceful youths whom he groomed for leadership positions.

Four of them were highly favoured and labelled the ‘Golden Sons.’. This formidable unit with far-reaching influence at the time and their positions were Folorunsho “Folly” Coker (Personal Assistant, later Deputy Chief of Staff); Gbolahan Lawal (Aide-De-Camp), Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Special Assistant), and Hakeem Muri-Okunola (Personal Assistant).

Two of those ‘Golden Sons’ are today notable Lagos monarchs, Oba Elegushi (Ikate kingdom) and Oba Lawal (Oniru). Coker is today changing the face of Nigeria’s tourism industry as the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Commission, while the last of the pack is Muri-Okunola, the immediate past Lagos State Head of Service.

The quartet remained extremely close, rose significantly into many dignified positions in life and was beholden to President Tinubu who is seen as the architect of their elevated positions. The Obasuyi

Nigerian-Canadian Chef, Beauty Obasuyi’s Recordbreaking Mission For some time now, Nigerianborn Canadian chef, Beauty Obasuyi, has made Canadian culinary space a whole vibe, particularly in the bustling city of Toronto, where Obasuyi’s Naija Jollof has turned into the coolest spot for Nigerian grub.

This real estate agent-turnedfood queen has been slinging the best Jollof rice in town. Obasuyi, who came to Canada in 2009, is now gearing up for a significant challenge. Starting from January 10, 2024, in the city of Brampton, Ontario, Obasuyi aims to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Cooking Marathon.

Diving into the history of this record-breaking endeavour, Hilda Baci from Lagos, Nigeria, cooked tirelessly for 100 hours, surpassing the previous record set by Lata Tondon of India, who cooked for an impressive 87 hours and 45 minutes. However, Alan Fisher from Ireland recently elevated the bar by cooking for an astonishing 119 hours and 57 minutes.

With this in mind, Obasuyi set her sights on surpassing Fisher’s record, aiming to cook continuously for eight days or 192 hours. This determination only underscores the global passion of chefs like Obasuyi who aspire for this prestigious title.

Obasuyi’s aspirations transcend mere cooking. Her mission is deeply rooted in supporting families in need.

In the heart of Brampton, the pretty chef has been recognised for her philanthropic endeavours, especially in aiding homeless families or those in shelters.

Her marathon is not just about setting records but emphasising community solidarity and the unifying essence of food. Residents of Brampton and neighbouring areas are urged to stand behind Obasuyi in this significant undertaking, acknowledging her cooking passion paired with a genuine commitment to philanthropy.

51-year-old Muri-Okunola, fondly called HMO by friends and associates, was said to be so meticulous while serving as the Personal Assistant to the then Governor Tinubu.

He was regarded as one of the architects of modern Lagos and an influential person in government affairs. HMO, a trained lawyer and administrator was later promoted to the position of the Head of Service by former governor Akinwumi Ambode in 2018 after a stint at the Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development.

HMO is back with major influence in the Presidency as the Principal Private Secretary to the President.

HMO’s appointment is seen as a vantage positioning that comes with a tremendous advantage as it enables him to share influence with the President’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

It is a development that reopens direct access to the President for the friends debonair HMO. Indeed, as he settles into his new responsibility, sources said Muri-Okunola is fast becoming the new go-to person in the Presidency, wielding more influence and becoming very powerful.

Muri-Okunola

Ex-Speaker, Dimeji Bankole Reignites Guber Ambition

Bankole

To some, 2027 feels like a billion miles away.

But to politicians that are serious with their ambitions, 2027 is like a few ‘days’ away and the permutation has started in earnest.

A source revealed to Society Watch that the Top society woman, Jokotade Oni, has continued to glow and radiate warmth and youthfulness despite having bestrode the social circles for close to five decades running.

Apart from being one of the top Lagos high society women, she is also one of those lucky women who have continued to age gracefully. Her love and passion for looking good have remained constant, even as the years rolled by.

The boss of Goldrush also has a penchant for quality jewellery and an admirable sense of fashion. Her jewellery store is a onestop shop for quality and premium gold jewellery. She has carved a niche for herself as a fashion connoisseur, socialite and jewellery magnate who ranks high among her peers. Her dress sense, aura, poise, elegance and beauty are still top-notch So, when such a society matriarch plans a party, it is indeed something to watch out

race of who succeeds the incumbent governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, is already on, albeit silently. It was gathered that Dimeji Bankole is said to be the favoured candidate of the governor who will end his constitutional terms in 2027.

The game, as hinted, is hot underground, while it has also pitched the elders of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) against one another. Some of them, according to the source, are working for the emergence of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola, otherwise known as Yayi. However, another source revealed that it is too early to conclude on this.

By Providence, Dimeji Bankole, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, once occupied an enviable position in the nation’s political circle. At 37, he emerged as the House of Representatives Speaker, following the removal of the former Speaker, Patricia Etteh, over an alleged financial malfeasance.

However, many years after his unceremonious exit from the National Assembly, he is still in quest of political relevance. First, he made an unsuccessful attempt to return to the House in 2011.

Then, he suffered a defeat when he contested

for the number one job in Ogun under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His ambition was truncated, as the party leaders seemed not to have any confidence in him. The popular choice then was Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.

Typical of an unrepentant optimist, he threw his hat into the ring for the number one job of the state and tried to slug it out with other gladiators in the state in 2019.

It was gathered that when he signified interest in the governorship race, the former Speaker of the Green Chamber became the anvil of criticisms in the political circle, as many in the state understood that he is no longer relevant, politically.

He was said to have spent so much money to realise his ambition. But to his chagrin, he scored less than 10,000 votes in the entire state.

Sadly, his inability to clinch the number one job in the state made him a subject of ridicule in some quarters.

The question on many lips is if he would be luckier this time around.

Society Matriarch, Joko Oni, Hosts High Society at 70th Birthday

for.

Oni

When the news hit the social circle that she was about to celebrate her 70th birthday, elites in the society were thrown into a state of frenzy and excitement. It suddenly became the main discussion among the high society, knowing full well that the high-octane shindig would leave them starry-eyed and in awe.

For them, this is like a perfect opportunity for them to pay their dear friend back for all her good deeds to them.

Trust Oni, she didn’t disappoint, the soiree last Sunday, December 31, 2023, was grand in every ramification. With its allure and grandeur, it epitomised sophistication, blending contemporary elegance.

It was star-studded and indeed a night for the high-networth, high profile and highflying eminent personalities.

Airtel Africa Boss, Segun Ogunsanya’s Sterling Career How time flies! Segun Ogunsanya started on a very eventful note in 2021 when he took over as CEO of Airtel Africa. The news of his appointment didn’t come as a surprise to many. It was well deserved and applauded by all stakeholders. So far, he has distinguished himself in various capacities.

As a result, stakeholders were confident that he would keep up the momentum that the telecommunication firm is known for.

The very brilliant man did not betray the confidence thrust on him.

It is not an exaggeration that Ogunsanya, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, is one of the brightest minds in corporate Africa. When he took over Airtel Africa’s reins, no one doubted his ability to turn things around in the company, having

performed wonders as the CEO of Airtel Nigeria.

Ogunsanya, an engineer of repute, was chosen as the right man to help stem the tide of the telecommunications company, which is known to have metamorphosed several times.

He was seamlessly captaining the ship of the Nigerian Bottling Company when Airtel Nigeria challenged him with another challenging position as its CEO. Known to take challenges head-on like a bull and surmount them, Ogunsanya could not resist the temptation of a fresh challenge.

Today, he is commended for his efforts to pull the company from the precipice, thanks to his managerial skills. Industry watchers affirm that it has been the longest period of stability without another change of ownership since the company first launched its network as Econet Wireless in 2001.

Ogunsanya

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

Davido

7. 1. 2024

Soyinka

Ayra

Stomping into 2024 with Big Dreams Expectations are high for the arts scene in 2024 as the whirlwind of culture is blowing across cities, Yinka Olatunbosun reports

O

wing to the various milestones reached in the creative arts sector last year, expectations are high this year as to the developments that would unfold. .LFNLQJ RͿ WKLV \HDU LQ JOREDO PXVLF WKH QH[W *UDPP\ $ZDUGV LQ WKH 86 ZRXOG EH D JURXQG EUHDNLQJ RQH IRU WKH 1LJHULDQ PXVLF VFHQH ,W LV WKH ÀUVW WLPH WKDW $IULFDQ PXVLF ZRXOG EH UHFRJQLVHG ZLWK WKUHH FDWHJRULHV VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ QDPHO\ %HVW *OREDO 0XVLF $OEXP %HVW *OREDO 0XVLF 3HUIRUPDQFH %HVW $IULFDQ 0XVLF 3HUIRUPDQFH (LJKW 1LJHULDQ artists are on the nomination list for the most SUHVWLJLRXV DZDUG LQ JOREDO PXVLF Burna Boy received nominations for “Sittin’ 2Q 7RS 2I 7KH :RUOGµ IRU %HVW 0HORGLF 5DS 3HUIRUPDQFH ´, 7ROG 7KHP«µ IRU %HVW *OREDO 0XVLF $OEXP ´$ORQHµ IRU %HVW *OREDO 0XVLF 3HUIRUPDQFH DQG ´&LW\ %R\Vµ IRU %HVW $IULFDQ 0XVLF 3HUIRUPDQFH $ ÀUVW WLPH QRPLQHH 'DYLGR EDJJHG WKUHH QRPLQDWLRQV IRU %HVW *OREDO $OEXP IRU KLV FRPHEDFN DOEXP ´7LPHOHVVµ %HVW $IULFDQ 3HUIRUPDQFH IRU KLV JOREDO KLW VRQJ ´8QDYDLODEOH µ DQG %HVW *OREDO 0XVLF 3HUIRUPDQFH IRU KLV VRQJ “Feel.”

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EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

78

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

ARTS & REVIEW\\POT POURRI

At 89, Another “Rebel” Bows Out Stories by Yinka Olatunbosun

T

he death of Oseloka Osadebe, one of the pioneer members of the famed Zaria Art Society, at age 89, was recently publicised in the art world. He died on Wednesday, December 27, in Jackson, Mississippi, USA, where he had lived since 1998, according to VRXUFHV 7KLV PXFK ZDV FRQÀUPHG in a statement made by his nephew, Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, on behalf RI WKH 2VDGHEH IDPLO\ FRQÀUPLQJ KLV death.

Professor Osadebe, who had been a US resident since 1965, returned to 1LJHULD IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH LQ IRU D retrospective solo exhibition of rare ZRUNV KH FUHDWHG IURP WR titled Inner Light. %RUQ LQ KH ZDV DQ RXWVWDQGLQJ artist, playwright, theatre director and teacher. Osadebe grew up in Onitsha, Anambra State, and, from an early age, distinguished himself as a brilliant draughtsman, eventually earning acceptance into the prestigious Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria.

Buoyed by the intellectual energy at the institution, he joined a group of dynamic students who were seeking to express a fresh perspective on classical art – a perspective which embraced their rich African traditions. Those forward-thinking art students, of whom only Demas Nwoko, Okechukwu Odita and Bruce Onobrakpeya, are still alive, formed the Zaria Arts Society. They became known by the popular name “Zaria Rebels,” and the members would become the fathers of the contemporary art movement in Nigeria.

Osadebe graduated from Zaria in 1962 with painting and sculpture as his specialisations. He proceeded to teach art at the University of Nigeria,

L-R: Yusuf Grillo, Oseloka Osadebe, Bruce Onobrakpeya and Demas Nwoko

TRIBUTE Nsukka from 1962 to 1965, during which period he featured prominently in the Nigerian art scenes of the decade. Thereafter, he left the country on an Aggrey Fellowship for African Students to pursue graduate studies in the US. He graduated with a Master of Fine

Arts degree from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1967, and he received a second master’s degree in 1973 from the Goodman School of Drama, Chicago, specialising in scene design, lighting, and directing. He completed his doctoral work at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois in 1981, specialising in Western and African theatre and drama and spent years teaching theatre and set design at

numerous universities, including Spelman College, Jackson State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Tougaloo College, and Central State University.

2VDGHEH UHWLUHG LQ DQG VSHQW the last 16 years of his life on his passion for visual art at his studio in Jackson, Mississippi.

Details of his burial will be released in due time.

A Literary Tribute to Jelili Omotola

P

reserving the memories of one of Nigeria's and indeed Africa's lawyers and scholars, Professor Jelili Omotola is central to the biographical book titled “Jelili Omotola: Memories of My Father.”

Written by Adetunji Omotola, the book presents a deeply rich account of the life of the late professor tracing his ancestry to Ijebu.

Documenting a life of honour, fame and controversy was the burden the author had to bear in completing this book, a first-of-its-kind to immortalise the lawyer who was a former vice-chancellor at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.

Torn between protecting his father's name and unveiling episodes of his travails at the university, the writer started the narrative by tracing his father's lineage through history. Educating the reader about the said history of the Ijebus from South Sudan, the writer takes a painstaking effort to document his pedigree from both the paternal and maternal cleavages.

Resetting the focus on the subject of his book, he shows how the love of education was at the heart and consciousness of his late father.

BOOK REVIEW Leaving the audience to guess whether his father was better as a family head and scholar than an administrator of a public institution, he presents the facts by playing as the devil's advocate. Presenting writings of others who were by-standers of history, the author who is the founder of the Guild of Nigerian Professionals, taps from sources who seemed knowledgeable about the circumstances surrounding the resignation of his father from the position of VC at UNILAG. Drawing upon the intrigues, feuds, claims and counter-claims that are interwoven with the UNILAG saga, the author paces the story like a film editor building the conflict in the middle of the narrative. Situating himself in the timeline, the author does not try to sound like a-knowit-all. He acknowledges that many people probably knew his father than he did.

With reference to his gut feeling within his younger self, he recalls how he couldn't comprehend some of his father's choices- one of which was the decision to return to Nigeria in spite of a fledgling career abroad, especially in places with dearth of scholarship in legal knowledge.

Citing the example of South

Africa, the writer demonstrates how his father's renown in scholarly contributions to land laws in post-Aparthied South African is noteworthy. Using simple and accessible language, Omotola makes the memoir an easy-read, bereft of intimidating or excessive legal jargons.

In addition to direct quotes from long-term associates of his father, the author is able to establish the influence that his father wielded in the practice of law and legal scholarship particularly in understanding and impacting reforms in property law in Nigeria as well as South Africa.

Painting a picture of a strict, workaholic father, the author gives his father the credit for his professional upbringing as well as those of others mentioned in the book.

An inspiring story of sacrifice and achievements, the memoir does not fail in highlighting issues in the Nigerian socio-political sphere including the need to provide adequate funding for public institutions as well as building depending health infrastructure. Through this book, the writer who is also a wine consultant has curated a cocktail of personal and general history as well as culture to appeal to a wide variety of readers.

79

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

CICERO

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

Fake Degrees: Any End in Sight?

It’s no longer news that there is a proliferation of fake degrees within the Nigerian socio-economic space due to over-dependence on certificates at the expense of competence. With the raging outcry on the seamlessness of acquiring such degrees, is there any end in sight? Kuni Tyessi writes

T

he fake degree saga in the last days of the year 2023 seemed to be the icing on the cake of key events in Nigeria. Although the news was not entirely unfamiliar, the speed in which the degree of a four-year undergraduate programme in Mass Communication from the ESGT- Benin University in Republic of Benin was offered to the undercover journalist within six weeks of application, without attending classes has left Nigerians in awe.

More shocking is the fact that the registrar of the institution, Mr. Ogunniyi Oluwaseun, a fellow Nigerian has chosen to further dent the image of a country that is struggling to come out of the doldrums. With this action which has been supported by his elaborate signature on the admission letter, suspicion on Nigerian certificates, locally and internationally will not end anytime soon.

It must be noted that this is even for persons who genuinely want to seek tertiary education at all costs, and who can be said to be gullible, hence in need of sympathy when the lid blows off. But in this case, the degrees are for persons who desire to flaunt certificates and reap where their inputs have not been felt academically, save for the investment of good sums of money that have been paid to unscrupulous members of the institution’s management who have continued to make nonsense of degree certificates in Nigeria. These are schools outside Nigeria that ride on the limitations of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to investigate if courses and institutions have been fully accredited. Indeed, after fulfilling the stipulated requirements which should be universal, regulating bodies may then serve provisional licences in their respective home countries.

But, the recent unveiling of the purported degree which had passed all forms of academic tests and even embraced by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has given Nigerians the understanding that just when they think they have seen it all, another shocker takes everyone by surprise and creates an atmosphere for questioning of degrees acquired from African countries and some European countries, particularly those from eastern Europe. Also, it has further encouraged the resurrection of a seemingly dying debate on the academic qualifications of top Nigerians in sensitive positions, particularly those in the legislative chambers and executive arm of government.

The inspiration for such an investigation could not have come at a better time than now when the

Mamman attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been overwhelmed with escalating cases in the number of out-of-school children, curriculum review/upgrade, mechanisms to reduce or even stop incessant strikes by university lectures amongst other issues screaming for its attention and which it hopes to solve.

The Ministry, after the submission of reports by a committee it inaugurated to develop a roadmap tagged ‘Education for Renewed Hope Agenda: Roadmap For the Nigerian Education Sector 2024-2027’, did not include the issue of fake certificates or even unaccredited institutions in the to-do list of the ministers despite the huge implications it portends to the nation and even beyond. This could arguably be the least of its worries since merchants of fake degrees and their clients are hardly known, particularly when such degrees have passed the originality test.

More disturbing is the calibre of persons involved in such unworthy racketeering.

The question to be asked is: does the government have the capability and wherewithal to go after such dubious persons with fake degrees? Can they be prosecuted and removed from their positions of power in order to serve as deterrents to others, par-

ticularly young people who are said to be owners of the future? Or is the Nigerian value system preaching against such unwholesome practices on the one hand and yet supporting it on the other hand with ineffective policies that promote impunity?

The Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, has directed the suspension of accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from francophone Benin Republic and Togo and has revealed that sanctions will be extended to more countries like Uganda, Kenya and neighbouring Niger Republic.

Referring to students who patronise such institutions as criminals, the minister further states that he does not pity such people. He added that security agents will go after those with fake certificates from foreign countries already using them to secure opportunities in Nigeria. Now, as optimistic and daring as his declarations may sound and look, how far can he go?

In the same vein, the acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Chris Maiyaki, had during a television interview stated that the commission had listed 37 institutions which have not been given operational licences, adding that Nigerians must not patronise them. This measure is not enough as the commis-

sion must come up with a more workable solution to end this menace. This will involve collaborating with the Nigerian police and even the DSS to thoroughly investigate and harvest workers in the payroll of the Nigerian government whose degrees are from such institutions, particularly the aforementioned.

New intakes into government establishments with certificates from questionable African ivory towers or even those with European flavours should be subjected to thorough scrutiny.

The investigation can also serve as a clarion call to government at all levels to desist from the irredeemable emphasis placed on degrees at the detriment of expertise. With this in place, the quest for fake certificates which cannot be defended will be a thing of the past or brought to the barest minimum and with its condemnation be accepted by all. With the elevation of competence being subjected to the brandishing of degree certificates, the government can harvest nothing outside of fraudulent practices.

The government must ensure that moving forward, degree certificates that will be accepted and recognised in the country, particularly those from African countries, must have strict regulations which have stood the test of time. The NUC must insist that it is not enough to present certificates from other countries, but that the qualifications must pass through the Nigerian academic fire of scrutiny to be certified perfect for employment and other conditions attached.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) made use of the aforementioned technique in sifting the chaff from the genuine a few years ago and several medical graduates with certificates from other countries failed its test. These and more are mechanisms that can be put in place to stop, or better still, reduce the menace. Above all, political will is needed to end the menace.

While the NUC is taking action against these African universities, many are also calling on it to be aware that such malfeasance equally exists in abundance in universities and other higher institutions in Nigeria. They therefore urged the regulatory body to swiftly move against some Nigerian universities that are in habit of certificate racketeering. They further urged it to shut down study centres, and satellite campuses of universities, saying that they are all breeding grounds for nefarious activities.

Above all, with the revelation, it means that the NYSC has to be stricter with the graduates they mobilise for national service each year. They constantly need to be aware that it is every degree certificate that is brought before them that they should accept.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

Who is Afraid of Atiku’s Ambition?

Uzodimma

Atiku

Forthesecondtimeinfivemonths,theConvener ofConcernedNigerians,DejiAdeyanju,hasasked the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to take a bow from politics and serve as a mentor for the younger generation of politicians.

Inastatementissuedlastweek,heurgedAtiku to leave behind a legacy of uniting the opposition andpushingforayoungerpoliticiantobepresident of Nigeria. He said Atiku could have had the best shotatthepresidency,butallowedacombination of arrogance, inadequate human relationship, inabilitytomanagetheopposition,andseveralother lesserknownfactorsbringhimdefeatinthepolls.

According to him, Atiku should not see himself as the only politician in Nigeria, but must give way for the younger generation of politicians.

He urged him to assume the role of Moses and let history be the judge. Though the activist stressedthatonecannotdenythefactthathehas contributed a great deal in shaping the Nigerian democracy,heobservedthatforoverthreedecades, Atiku’s name had appeared prominently in the Nigerian political lexicon.

He said: “From the aborted third republic down totherecentlyconducted2023generalelection, Alhaji Atiku has played one role or the other in Nigerian politics, with varying results. However, it is now time for him to take a bow from politics andserveasamentorfortheyoungergeneration of politicians.”

Last August, the same Adeyanju had advised Atikutoretirefrompoliticsandsupportayounger personin2027,sayingthatpoliticsmustnotalways

be about self.

ItissurpringwhyAdeyanjushouldbedissipating his energy on whether the former vice president wants to take another shot at the presidency in 2027. How has Atiku’s ambition or aspiration jeopardisedhischancesofventuringintopolitics?

Itissurprisingwhytheactivistshouldbeblackmailing Atiku to retire from politics when the former vice president did not in any way stop him from contestingforthepresidency.OrdoesAtikuneed toretirebeforehethrowshimselfintothering? If delegates decide to vote for the formerVP again come 2027, is it not their constitution right?

As powerful, boastful and wealthy as Nyesom Wike thought he was, didn’t Atiku defeat him to secure PDP’s ticket in 2022 for the 2023 presidential election? That is politics.

80

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

BRIEFINGNOTES Adopting New Strategy to Tackle Insecurity With the claim by the Middle Belt Forum that the military was aware of the identity and hideouts of the perpetrators of the Christmas Eve attacks on Plateau State and that seven communities had been renamed by the invaders, it is obvious that terrorists who invade communities and forcefully occupy them, are still being treated as sacred cows, Ejiofor Alike writes

A

s Nigeria continues to grapple with the nationwide state of insecurity, the Deputy National Publicity of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Mr. Stanley Kavwam, has made a startling revelation, declaring that the military is aware of the identity and hideouts of the terrorists who carried out the Christmas eve attacks on three local government areas in Plateau State.

From the North-west where bandits terrorise residents, the South-west where ritualists hold sway, to the South-east where unknown gunmen kidnap, slaughter and harvest the body parts of their victims, virtually all parts of the country are unsafe.

In the North-east where the immediate past administration claimed that it had defeated Boko Haram, the terrorists have continued to launch attacks.

The terrorists in gun trucks and motorcycles had last Monday killed 12 persons in two communities of Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, while they also torched many houses and shops in Gatamarwa and Tsiha communities on the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

Borno State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Yusuf, who confirmed the attacks, disclosed that the insurgents were disguised in military uniform, before attacking the two vulnerable communities located on the fringes of forest.

The latest attacks in Chibok came barely two weeks after the terrorists attacked the town and killed two people, looted houses, and shops, before setting them ablaze.

A three 330KVA electricity towers of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) was also brought down on Christmas eve by the terrorists, plunging the residents of Yobe and Borno states residents into darkness.

The affected towers are sited along MaiduguriAuno and Damaturu-Gujba roads in the two states.

The people of Taraba and Benue communities on the borders with Cameroon are constantly being attacked by terrorists who constantly attack, kill, rape and destroy their means of livelihood.

Reacting to the Christmas eve attacks on Plateau State, while speaking on ARISE News Channel, Kavwam alleged that security agencies knew that the attacks would be launched. He insisted that the military was informed before and during the Christmas eve attacks.

“They received about 37 distress calls, that is ‘Operation Safe Haven’ or the Joint Task Force.

About 37 distress calls!! Yet nothing was done,’’ he alleged.

He added: “They know where they orchestrate the attacks from. The autonomous community called

Ribadu Manga is at the foot of Bokkos hills, bordering Wamba in Nasarawa State to the south; It’s this autonomous community from where these attacks are orchestrated from, just the same way we have in the Mandara hills in Borno State.

He said: “These attacks could last for as long as 12 to 24 hours and there is no security presence whatsoever.”

He added that despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive to service chiefs to intensify security in the affected communities, “nothing has changed and the attacks are still going on and there is no response from the security authorities.”

The MBF deputy publicity secretary had recalled how General TY Danjuma (rtd) had alleged that the military was colluding with the invaders, adding that the collusion has persisted.

“Let me give you a classic example. How could a community be invaded, the inhabitants dislodged, and that community is renamed and they still inhabit that community and the security agencies do not

do anything about that?’’

He added that seven communities in the state had been renamed by the attackers.

“There is no way the security can absolve itself from liability because they (insurgents) do announce before they come. They come in thousands. How could 1,000 people invade the local government area? And there are security agencies in all of those areas. How do they manage to pass and how do they acquire their weapons?’’ Kavwam queried.

Before President Bola Tinubu assumed office, foreign invaders masquerading as herdsmen had frequently sacked communities in North-west and North-central, and occupied their lands under the guise of avenging the death of a cow allegedly killed or stolen by criminal elements.

Despite claiming responsibility for such heinous crimes, none of the attackers and their sponsors was arrested by security agencies.

Rather than going after the invaders, who were the aggressors, security agencies had targetted

communities that organised self-defence or reprisal.

The most dangerous dimension was the allegation by the MBF official that the sacked communities were renamed and occupied by the invaders without the security agencies arresting anyone.

Since the MBF official made the claim, neither the security agencies nor government officials have disputed this claim, which suggests a grand plot to displace indigenous communities by foreign invaders with the backing of powerful forces.

Since it has become increasingly obvious that certain perpetrators of insecurity in the country are being shielded by those who should arrest them, President Tinubu should quickly give marching orders to the security agencies to rout out these terrorists from the occupied communities and other places, which serve as their bases for launching attacks in order to end the inglorious era when they brazenly justified their attacks on their helpless victims.

While some of these herdsmen and other terrorists escape to the neighbouring countries or neighbouring states after carrying out a successful attack, some brazenly occupy the lands vacated by their victims without any response by the security agencies.

Apart from shielding terrorists who sack communities and occupy their lands, the complicity of security agents in kidnap-for-ransom has elevated this act of criminality to a lucrative venture.

Security agents were not only caught in the act in some reported cases, unconfirmed reports have also alleged several cases where security agents at checkpoints facilitated the movement and transfer of ransoms to kidnappers by the families of victims.

While bandits administer some communities where they collect levies and are publicly conferred with traditional titles, security agencies still claim that these bandits are on their wanted list.

Recent media reports claimed that bandits have occupied Dogon-Dawa, Kurege, Kangarewa and Mangoro communities, among several others in Niger State and are governing these areas based on their own rules.

While the past administration had boasted that no inch of the Nigerian soil was under the control of Boko Haram in the North-east, many communities in the North-west are still under the control of bandits.

Tinubu should devise a new approach to tackle insecurity instead of adopting the old way of issuing press statements, threatening fire and brimstones after every incident, which do not bring an end to such incidents.

Also reacting to the Plateau attacks, a former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has urged the President Tinubu-led administration to consider a review of the nation’s security architecture with a view to making it more proactive and strategic towards addressing the recurring insecurity in the country.

NOTES FOR FILE

Is Fubara Building His Own Structure?

Fubara

The recent resignation of the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, has led to speculations that the former lawmaker, who represented Ahoada-East Constituency II in the State House of Assembly, would replace Hon. Chidi Amadi, a kinsman to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, as the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

If it is true, the development is a strong indication that Governor Fubara is building his own political structure to prepare for what many believe is an inevitable battle ahead.

Fubara had on Tuesday said the resignation of Ehie was for peace to reign in the state.

Rivers State has been embroiled in a

political crisis, following a failed move by 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike to impeach Fubara.

President Bola Tinubu had waded into the crisis and invited the players, who signed an eight-point resolution to resolve the crisis.

Many said the resolutions were skewed in favour of Wike and warned Fubara against accepting it, but the governor insisted that he would abide by the terms of the resolutions.

Ehie, who opposed the impeachment move, had tendered his resignation from the legislature and wrote to inform the IndependentNationalElectoralCommission (INEC) of his decision, fuelling the speculations that he has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff.

Though Ehie, in his resignation, did not give any reason, Fubara said all the steps that had been taken were calculated to ensure peace.

Many had wanted Fubara to reject Tinubu’s intervention and fight Wike but others believe that with the state’s political structure under the control of the FCT minister, it would be political suicidal for the governor to battle him.

If Ehie turns out to be the new Chief of Staff as is being speculated, it means Fubara has started building his own structure for the impending battle with the FCT minister.

The governor needs to win the support of more political leaders in the state, particularly the members of the state House of Assembly for him to fight the FCT minister.

He also needs to appoint his trusted allies as personal aides and not the current aides imposed on him by Wike.

81

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

CICERO/ISSUE

Oshiomhole

Shaibu

Orbih

Obaseki

For Shaibu, the Chicken Has Come Home to Roost In his effort to see his governorship ambition through, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, reconciled with those he had distanced himself from. How this will help his cause is left to be seen, Adibe Emeyonu writes

T

he Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, stirred the hornet’s nest recently when he apologised to the former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, over his utterances during the latter face-off with Governor Godwin Obaseki in the run-off to the 2020 governorship election in the state. Shaibu, who spoke during a television programme, said Oshiomhole remained his father despite their political differences.

Obaseki and Oshomhole fell out in 2020 when Obaseki was seeking re-election for a second term. During the face-off, Shaibu backed Obaseki, saying former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) could not be playing a godfather. The rift saw Obaseki leaving the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to seek a re-election ticket.

Shaibu stood behind Obaseki against Oshiomhole all through the rift, noting that the former governor was playing godfather when they both never allowed such to happen in Edo State. He launched attacks on Oshiomhole, subjecting him to ridicule and challenging his character and integrity.

In the 2020 election, Obaseki and Shaibu trounced Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC despite Oshiomhole’s backing and other APC heavyweights, including ex-governor of Lagos State now President, Bola Tinubu, and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

Unfortunately, things are currently not rosy between Obaseki and Shaibu, following Shaibu’s ambition to succeed Obaseki. Even though Oshiomhole and Obaseki, who have been sighted at state functions together in recent times, seem to have settled their differences, Shaibu has now become their common enemy.

Addressing his past disagreements with Oshiomhole, Shaibu expressed regret for his choice of language. He affirmed his apology to Oshiomhole and expressed his intention not to repeat such mistakes.

He said: “I express remorse over my choice of words against Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in times past and I insist that the former governor, now a senator at the National Assembly, remains my father despite our political differences.

“People have asked me if I had regrets about my confrontation with Oshiomhole because the governor I supported is now fighting me and I said no, the only thing, I have apologised and I am still apologising to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for is the language I used and that is why I said I don’t want to repeat the same mistake.

“I regret the language I used but in terms of the principle to support Obaseki, if I still

have the opportunity, I will support Obaseki because at that time, that was the right thing to do, it is the language used, and I apologise again to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on the language used.”

On his ambition, he said: “I want to be the next Governor of Edo State not because l am Philip Shaibu, it is my constitutional right.

Before publicly declaring my interest in the contest, l had consulted widely with many persons and groups within and outside Edo State. Moreover, l went into prayers to seek guidance and direction from God. The signs l received encouraged me to go ahead with my aspiration, though it was obvious the Governor had his own plans of supporting another person.”

It is not particularly clear why Shaibu who is more of a political orphan and of the PDP, wants to reconcile with the Oshiomhole of the APC when it is obvious that he would not get his support.

Even though they are from the same local government area, Oshiomhole is the political leader of the senatorial zone (Edo North). In the last elections, the APC won the senatorial and House of Representatives seats in the zone, and almost all the state House of Assembly seats.

It is not only Oshiomhole that Shaibu has approached for reconciliation. Recently, he suddenly showed up at a Christmas party hosted by another of his political foe, the PDP South-south Vice Chairman, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, at his country home in Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state on Boxing Day, extolling his leadership qualities and appreciating him for bringing members of the party together. Recall that Obaseki had cut ties with Orbih.

Speaking at the occasion, the deputy governor said: “All of us are here today to celebrate with our national leader speaks volume. lt has further shown his leadership capacity. For a long time, we have not been able to gather like this, having this kind of get-together. For all of us to be here today it’s a clear testament to Chief Dan Orbih’s leadership qualities. This is leadership people can feel and touch. Let everyone subscribe to this kind of leadership, and eschew intimidation that will further divide the party and jeopardize PDP’s chances of retaining Osadebey Avenue, the seat of power.

“Christmas is a period of love and the sharing of love is the greatest of God’s commandments.

If you love your neighbour as yourself, this is the time to show it. If there are clothes you have not put on for the last three months, wash and press them and look for your neighbour who has none to wear,” Shaibu added.

Earlier, in his Christmas message to the people, Orbih stated: “For me, this is a special occasion since the re-election of our Governor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and our son, the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.”

Orbih enjoined all the governorship aspirants on the PDP platform to shun political campaign music capable of dividing the party; music like ‘Obaseki pepper dem ooo.’ “The people have really been peppered and we don’t want to see pepper again.”

He continued: “We have all made sacrifices. Obaseki should also know that no sacrifice is too big for the growth of the party. He should be ready to make that sacrifice for the party to remain in Osadebey Avenue, come 2024. While we enjoy the Christmas celebration, I thank you all for coming.”

Despite the obvious fact that his aspiration did not get the desired support and blessing of the governor, he drew the battle line when he declared and threw his hat into the 2024 governorship ring at a colourful ceremony.

He boasted before his supporters of defeating Obaseki’s preferred choice, Asue Ighodalo at the February 2024 governorship primaries.

It is not particularly clear why Shaibu who is more of a political orphan and of the PDP, wants to reconcile with the Oshiomhole of the APC when it is obvious that he would not get his support.

Though they are from the same local government area, Oshiomhole is the political leader of the senatorial zone (Edo North). In the last elections, the APC won the senatorial and House of Representatives seats in the zone, and almost all the state House of Assembly seats.

Many gathered that the deputy governor’s effort to reconcile with Orbih is based on the assumption that the PDP South-south zonal vice chairman stands a good chance to stop the governor from imposing his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, on PDP. There is no doubt that Shaibu is walking a tightrope. The same Obaseki he had strenuously defended is currently moving against him in his efforts to stop him from succeeding him. So far, there is nothing the governor has done to strangulate his decision. After stripping him of some functions, Obaseki had

relocated the deputy governor’s office from the Government House.

Currently, the crisis between the two has shifted to the 2024 budget of the state with the office of the deputy governor receiving a paltry N300 million as compared to billions received in the past. The amount represents a significant drop from the N650 million allocated to the office of the deputy governor in the second quarter of 2022.

Shaibu had also recently complained that he has not received his salary and allocation to his office for over six months.

Before the 2024 budget was signed into law on December 15, 2023, it was gathered that some lawmakers believed to be loyal to the deputy governor had opposed the decision of the members of the assembly to pass the budget as presented by the governor which they said was an “unfair appropriation” but that they were overwhelmed by the Speaker, Hon Blessing Agbebaku and others.

A peep into the budget as passed showed that the sum of N19,148,177,584 was approved for the governor while the deputy governor was allocated the sum of N345,522,729. The office of the Secretary to State Government (SSG) had N8, 847,647,676, the office of the Head of Service (HoS) N968,000,000 while the House of Assembly had the sum of N13,074,500,000 A politician, who is close to the governor said the camp of the governor has taken a vow to strangulate Shaibu financially in a bid to frustrate his governorship aspiration.

A principal member of the Edo State House of Assembly while explaining the slash of the deputy governor’s budget for 2024 said: “The sum allocated to the office of the deputy governor is not small. The deputy governor is contesting elections and you know what it takes to contest; he will have no time for official duties, so the governor decided that since he will not do those official work, you cannot allocate such money to the office.”

Despite these, Shaibu has constantly reaffirmed his loyalty to Obaseki, asserting that despite ongoing altercations and deprivation of his constitutional rights, he was committed to supporting the governor and the government to end well and finish strong.

“I have over time been deprived of my constitutional rights as deputy governor.

This has not in any way affected my loyalty to the governor. I have had to make lots of personal sacrifices to ensure a good relationship and deliver on our promise to Edo people.

Sometimes, one has to play the fool for a relationship to survive,” he said in the television programme.

82

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

INTERNATIONAL ThisDay Alumni Association Annual Dinner: Addressing Tinubuplomacy of 4-Ds

T

hisdayAlumniAssociationAnnual Dinner first connotes an event: annual dinner, the maiden edition of which took place on Saturday, 16th December, 2023 in Abuja. The Thisday Alumni Association (TAA) comprises former Members of Staff of ThisDay Newspapers. The use of ‘alumni’, of Latin origin, implies that the alumnae and alums were either former nurslings, pupils, students, graduates, or associates, etc. of ThisDay Newspapers, published by Leaders and Company Ltd. and chaired by Prince Nduka Obaigbena.

Explicated differently, Thisday Newspapers constitute a special media school of thought. When Albeit Einstein said the purpose of education is not simply about gathering and accumulating facts and knowledge but essentially about training the mind to think rationally. And true enough, thinking without fear or favour was, and still is, the hallmark of ThisDay journalists. It is this particular factor that largely explains the jots of camaraderie of the TAA members. More interestingly, it is this same factor that also explains the choice of many ThisDay staff for political appointments at both the state and federal levels. The appointments of Olusegun Adeniyi, Kola Ologbondiyan, Waziri Adio, Yusuf Olaniyonu, Paul Nwabuiku, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu and many others were noteworthy.

For example, while Olusegun Adeniyi served as Presidential Spokesman to President Umaru Yar’Adua, Paul Nwabuikwu served as Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonjo Iweala. Waziri Adio was the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). He also served as adviser to the Senate President on Communications. Simon Kolawole was the recipient of the World Economic Forum’s prestigious honour, the ‘Young Global Leader’ for the year 2012. In fact, many members of staff of the ThisDay newspapers, especially the former editors like Victor Ifijeh, Dr Amanze Obi, are stars on their own right where they currently find themselves. One major rationale for the progress of ThisDay journalists is the fact that they were initially educationally well-baked and Nduka Obaigbena has special eagle eyes to fish them out for recruitment within a new framework of media thinking. The establishment of an annual dinner as a new instrument of inter-personal relationships clearly illustrates this.

Beyond Tinubu’s 4-Ds Without any whiff of doubt, the TAA is a projection of the ThisDay media school of thought beyond the frontiers of newspaper editorials and production. Reflecting over dinners cannot but be a very welcome development for various reasons. First, with the conception of an alumni association, the message is that the umbilical cord tying the ThisDay as an organisation, and the alumni association together will henceforth be strengthened. It will not be broken.

Secondly, the TAA has the potential to become a major instrument of Citizen Diplomacy as espoused by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe. When official diplomacy is unnecessarily challenged by unforeseen irritants, citizen diplomacy is what governments often resort to. Citizen diplomacy, by its name, is citizen-centric. It is generally considered as Track-two Diplomacy because it deals with unofficial and officious contacts between and among government officials, and between them and non-state actors. Citizen diplomacy complements official diplomacy which is considered as Track One diplomacy. It is within the framework of Track-two Diplomacy that the TAA can play more prominent roles in Nigeria’s foreign relations as Nigeria’s ambassadors with ‘small letter “a”’ to borrow the words of Ambassador Nkemjinka Wadibia-Anyanwu, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Without any shadow of gainsaying, journalists with the mind of critical thinking who also abound in many media

with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Tinubu houses in Nigeria, should be specially organised into citizen diplomatic frameworks to reflect and help Government in the conduct and management of national questions. This is why the establishment of the TAA is of particular importance and should be nationally commended.

Thirdly, a distinction is often made between international relations which deal essentially with inter-state activities, and international life in which state and non-state actors are involved.

International life is what we have called this column. It is Vie Internationale in French, the first language of diplomacy before English language was introduced as the second language of diplomacy at the end of World War I. Track-one diplomacy is associated with international relations while Track-two diplomacy is associated with international life. The TAA, therefore, cannot but be a potent instrument of Nigeria’s diplomacy in the foreseeable future, especially in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT)’s diplomacy of the 4-Ds. Fourthly, as media professionals, Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as amended requires the media, in its sense of press, radio, television and other agencies, not only to uphold the fundamental objectives of the Constitution but also to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people. It is on this basis that the TAA should seek to beam its light on Tinubuplomacy of the 4-Ds particularly in responding

The critical implication for Nigeria’s foreign policy is that France has had her influence drastically reduced in Francophone West Africa but still wants to stage a stronger comeback. The ECOWAS is the main institution on which France is capitalising. This is because of ECOWAS opposition to coups making in the region. Besides, France cannot easily use Nigeria’s territory to launch an armed attack on Niger Republic, Nigeria’s immediate neighbour. It is the Francophone neighbours, particularly Benin Republic that can be used. But this cannot be done without the express support of Nigeria which is currently chairing the ECOWAS. PBAT is perceived to be currently under the French influence to which the foreign policy elite is against. What really is the way forward for PBAT and his 4-Ds doctrine? In which way can the doctrine address meaningfully the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine? What about Nigeria’s internal crises and conflicts? The establishment of the TAA, without iota of doubt, is very timely. A New World Order is in the making. Quo vadis for Nigeria in 2024? The challenge is before the TAA. May it please God Almighty to use the TAA as a new instrument to speak truth to power and restructure Nigeria in order to further strengthen it

“

“

VIE INTERNATIONALE

to the foreseeable global disorderliness in 2024.

We already submitted in this column the appropriateness of talking about PBAT’s diplomacy rather than doctrine, and 6-Ds, rather than 4-D’s in the conduct and management of Nigeria’s foreign policy. It is a truism that foreign policy is considered an extension of domestic policy. In other words, foreign policy does not exist independently of the domestic environmental conditionings. The domestic policy considerations impact on external behaviours and vice versa. The domestic guiding ‘Ds’ cannot but be considered along with the 4-Ds already thrown to the public for further reflection.

Indeed, the 4-Ds – Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora – are not, as presented, strategic objectives per se.

While development and democracy can be rightly explained as objectives, demography and diaspora cannot be so considered.

They are at best tactical in design. Government is only seeking to take advantage of Nigeria’s big population and Nigeria’s very vibrant and resourceful Diaspora to help achieve Nigeria’s international objectives. The Nigerians in Diaspora are seen as a wheel of progress, as a tool of national growth and development.

As explained by Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, the purpose of the adoption of democracy as a guiding principle of foreign policy is to stop the general perception of our environment as a region of coups d’état and present Nigeria as a proactive democracy. And true enough, there is no disputing the fact that PBAT has been proactively engaged in the struggle for true federalism in Nigeria (vide my edited book, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Struggle for True Federalism, Ibadan: Vantage Publishers, 2000). There is nothing wrong in seeking to be seen as a pro-democracy country but democracy cannot and should not be the primary focus of foreign policy the way respect for international law is considered as a foreign policy objective in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

In the same vein, the Foreign Minister sees Nigeria’s demography as big enough to qualify the country to play big roles in international affairs in the same way other big countries do.

In his calculations, Nigeria is expected to be the third most populous country in the world after India and China in 2050.

As the biggest population in Africa, the biggest economy in Africa, and as the country with the biggest arable land in Africa, etc., there is no way Nigeria’s quest for membership of the G-20 would not be driven by the factor of development and democracy. But both democracy and development are nothing more than objectives while demography and Diaspora are the means of attaining the objectives at the foreign policy level.

At the domestic level of policy formulation, there are also the principles of Determination, Discipline, and Diversification.

Determination is about government’s policy direction, while discipline is in the area of individual attitudinal disposition of the citizens to nation-building. Diversification is about the expansion of the economy. Thus Nigerians should be talking about more than 4-Ds. The attainment of the objectives of the 4-Ds at the foreign policy level is largely contingent on determination or political will, on self-discipline and national discipline of the operators. Diversification, in order to move away from mono-cultural economy is also a desideratum.

All these considerations clearly point to the fact that what has been called the doctrine of the 4-Ds does not cover many aspects of the issue. The domestic and external factors considered together, we should be talking about Tinubuplomacy of the 7-Ds. At the domestic level are determination: to ensure good governance and promotion of patriotism; Discipline at all levels of political governance; and Diversification, not only of the economy, but also of the policy attitude to various global questions. The 4-Ds as espoused by Foreign Minister Tuggar can stand upright like the Rock of Gibraltar.

The TAA and Tinubuplomacy of 6-Ds The TAA should be much interested in the use of the external environment and foreign policy as a potent instrument for national security and nation-building. As explained by Professor J.M. Amoda, Dean of School of Diplomacy and International Security Studies, Igbinedion University, Okada, ‘citizen diplomacy is one of the several tools for advancing a nation’s security and diplomatic interest in the context of the transformation of Government into The Establishment.’

More important, when Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe wanted to have a ‘contextualising contribution to the practice of Foreign Minister Diplomacy,’ he opted for Citizen Diplomacy the objectives of which are to bridge the gap between government and its citizens; government and the private sector; political parties and the governments of the day; the military and politicians; academia and the government technocrats; heads of universities and heads of select secondary school –in the evolution of an Establishment Regime and Meritocracy in the Nigerian polity.’ In essence, Professor Amoda has it that ‘it pays to keep in constant focus that state diplomacy can be used to develop the efficacy of citizen diplomacy and vice versa.’ In this regard, if state diplomacy can enhance citizen diplomacy and vice versa, who are the citizen diplomats to impact on state diplomacy? Naturally, the TAA are some of the citizen diplomats and should not found wanting in this area.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

83

JANUARY 7, 2024 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

B AC K PAG E C O N T I N UAT I O N THE LABOUR OF OUR HEROES PAST remember the labour of our heroes past. We live for here and now.

A while ago, I was discussing with my pal, Calvin Emeka Onwuka, on the worrisome amnesia in the football arena. We pay little or no attention to our past heroes. In recent times, Emeka has probably done more than any other Nigerian in the visual promotion of our football history through the social media and his website, ACLSports. He catches up with our “heroes past” and interviews them, reliving the days that served as part of the building blocks of our sporting sector. He has a golden throve of footages of matches played decades ago. It is not surprising that he is not getting the kind of corporate support that he needs: I think most of us are not really interested in our own history.

For instance, how on earth will the birthday or death anniversary of Stephen Keshi not be a significant day on the Nigerian football calendar? I challenge anybody to name one Nigerian sportsperson who did more for our football than Keshi. After being banned — along with Henry Nwosu, Clement Temile, Bright Omokaro and Sunday Eboigbe — by the football authorities in 1985 for failing to report for national duty within deadline, Keshi left for Stade d’Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to ply his trade. He won trophies there before heading for Belgium, where he opened the floodgate for other Nigerian and African players, practically involved in

getting them into European clubs.

Nigeria’s qualification for its first FIFA World Cup in 1994 was largely a product of the sojourn of our footballers in Europe — inspired in no little way by Keshi. It was not just that our footballers became multi-millionaires but their technical capabilities and exposure did Nigerian football a world of good. It was Keshi that opened that door. He was a mentor, offering shelter and financial support to upcoming players. He was kind-hearted and open-handed. When Osaro Obobaifo, a gifted midfielder, died in a road accident in Belgium in 1991, it was Keshi that paid the fine for the damage caused to public property by the crash and got his body repatriated to Nigeria. He footed the funeral costs.

Keshi was a leader. The late coach Paul Hamilton, another forgotten hero, said sometime in 1987 that anytime Keshi reported for national assignments, he always made things easy for the coaches. As a player, he would join the coaches to lead training sessions even without having a coaching badge. Hamilton said he usually concentrated his energy on tactical sessions since Keshi had made things easier for him.

When the authorities forgot to bring Super Eagles’ kits to the stadium for a crucial match against Burkina Faso in 1991, players lamented that it would not have happened if “Skippo” was around. He always checked before every match to be sure everything

was in place. Leadership.

In 2013, Keshi, after coaching a couple of foreign national teams, led Nigeria to win the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa — the first by a Nigerian coach. He had won Africa’s most-coveted trophy as a player in 1994 in Tunisia. Only two Africans have ever achieved that feat — the other being Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary, who won as a player in 1959 and coach in 1998. Sadly, since the sudden death of Keshi aged 54 in 2016, I don’t think the football authorities have done anything worthwhile to commemorate his unrivalled service to fatherland. It is not out of place to immortalise this modern hero. Instructively, he was honoured by Google with a doodle on his post-humous 56th birthday.

If we do not give Keshi the honour due him, is it Sam Okwaraji who died ages ago that we would give his place in our football annals? Okwaraji died while playing for Nigeria on August 12, 1989. The authorities promised to retire the No. 6 jersey in his honour. They reneged as soon as they could. One of the most patriotic Nigerian sportsmen ever, Okwaraji would pay for his own tickets to honour invitations to the national team and would not even bother to demand a refund. All he wanted to do was serve his fatherland. He played out his heart every single time he had the opportunity and paid the ultimate price in the ill-fated match against Angola at the National

Stadium, Surulere, Lagos state.

Let me now stop lamenting. In the words of Olusegun Adeniyi, the distinguished THISDAY columnist, we need to move from the Lamentations of Jeremiah to sing the Songs of Solomon. Brodericks-Imasuen’s death should set us thinking on two fronts. One, how can the sporting authorities make sure that those who served their fatherland are not neglected and turned to beggars in old age? Do we need a special trust fund for them? Two, how do we make sure that the labour of our heroes past is not, indeed, in vain? Can the authorities please come up with creative ideas to keep them alive in our memories? Addressing these two issues should not require rocket science, or should it?

On a final note, I find it befuddling that President Bola Tinubu’s handlers did not deem it fit to issue a statement on the death of Brodericks-Imasuen. For a team that eagerly issues statements to celebrate the 46th birthday or chieftaincy title of somebody, it would not be too much to say a word or two on Brodericks-Imasuen. The sports ministry too does not consider it to be a big deal. But it is not too late: the federal government can still afford to meaningfully recognise or immortalise the departed coach and others before him. Those who choose to serve Nigeria “with heart and might” should know that, in life and in death, their service is not in vain. Pray, is that too much to ask?

And Four Other Things…

‘I AM A SOLDIER’ On Tuesday, Lagos Governor Babajide SanwoOlu ordered the arrest of a soldier who was riding against traffic on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. The culprit was genuinely surprised because he obviously believed that as a soldier, he was above the law. Generally, members of the security agencies appear to think that the laws don’t apply to them.

Many drive against traffic, go above speed limits and park at No Parking spots. Some ride motorbikes without wearing a helmet.

They hardly stop at traffic lights. It may take centuries to make them accept they are not above the law but it is, all the same, worth the trouble to take them through a complete reorientation. Civilisation.

RIDE ROUGHSHOD When President Bola Tinubu declared “transportation subsidy” during the Yuletide — offering passengers 50 percent discount on designated routes and rides across the country — I was expecting that the usual greedy human behaviour would kick in. Human beings would game anything and take advantage of the best of intensions. As it turned out, some officials of the national railway company block-booked seats and started selling to passengers at a premium. There was a similar experience with some inter-state buses. The heart of man is desperately wicked. The default instinct of many people is how to cheat and make greedy gain. We are a religious but godless people.

Shameful.

BUDGET BAZAAR The details of the budgets of federal “super agencies” (remember we hardly bother ourselves with the states) are now being made public after years of agitation by transparency campaigners and public affairs commentators. I think we need to acknowledge this development. It is a positive one and a win for the campaign for accountability. Sorry to say, but the details are depressing in many instances. I saw a budget of over N2 billion for the purchase of empowerment freezers for women. One agency budgeted N11 billion for long service awards. The bazaar has always been there just that the details were never made public before. We know how to burn money in this country. Wow!

NO COMMENT As the 34th Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Cote d’Ivoire next week, there is still no certainty over how Nigerians will watch the games. New World TV, a Togolese broadcaster, surprisingly won the broadcast rights, edging out giants such as beIN, Canal+ and Supersport.

It should be good news that another African broadcaster is on board, but New World is so new to the world it barely has a presence even in Francophone African countries where it targets. There are unrefuted reports that Dr Patrice Motsepe, president of the African Football Confederation (CAF), owns Sanlam, the company that guaranteed New World TV’s loan used to pay for the broadcast rights.

Africa!

STILL ON THE FUNDING OF OUR SUPER AGENCIES expenditure for the 63 GOEs will be N70.5 billion in 2024. (And by the way, the figures for NNPCL and CBN are not captured or revealed). By whatever metrics, an average expenditure of between N61 billion and N70.5 billion is a significant sum that should, even in the best of times, invite legitimate questions about the quality of spending, about value for money, about opportunity costs and about optimal use of scarce public resources. Needless to say that, financially, these are not the best of times for Nigeria.

For context, the yearly budget for most government agencies ranges between N1 billion and N3 billion.

We have close to a thousand government agencies, meaning that the specially-resourced, super agencies constitute just a tiny island in the sea of our vastly under-resourced public sector.

For additional context, the state governments receive an average of about N6 billion from FAAC, if we use as benchmark the FAAC disbursement for October 2023 (itself a buoyant month). This will mean that the average annual FAAC allocation to the states and the average annual expenditure for these super agencies are almost the same. So, these agencies have almost the same resources as the states, with some super agencies even having more at their disposal.

As usual, averages do not tell the full story. There are many super agencies above the N100 billion expenditure mark. These include: N451.55 billion projected expenditure for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS); N356.95 billion for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); N349.02 billion for the Nigerian Ports Authority; N272. 9 billion for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); N229.82 billion for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); N188.43 billion for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS); N142.6 billion for the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); N130.3 billion for the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC); N119.3 billion for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and N106.14 billion for Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

There may be some strong justifications for providing predictable funding and special incentives for certain regulators and other strategic agencies. But it is always important to constantly review if those justifications still hold up and whether the incentives are not producing unintended consequences. Government policies should be dynamic and should be constantly reviewed for effectiveness. This leads to my second point.

Urgently needed: a review of the suboptimal funding arrangements: at present, whatever some of these organisations earn as costs of collection is treated as their full entitlement which they can expense as their fancy directs. On account of this warped arrangement, Customs plans to spend N451.55 billion out of its

Tinubu expected revenue of N459.38 billion. On its part, FIRS plans to spend the entire N356.95 billion that it expects to earn in 2024.

This egregious spending pattern reinforces the variant of the Parkinson Law that I cited in my previous article: expenses always rise up to income. It is noteworthy that FIRS, according to a report on its website, spent a total of N171.22 billion in 2021. Within three years, FIRS plans to more than double its spending. Simply because the money is there!

A breakdown of FIRS’s spending plan in 2024 aptly illustrates the saying that the devil is in the details.

The tax authority plans to spend N171.29 billion on personnel alone (slightly higher than its entire expenditure for 2021); N122.5 billion on overheads; and N63.16 billion on capital. Further breakdown throws up some interesting details as follows: N3.6 billion budgeted for management, board and staff retreats, N4.4 billion for office furniture and fittings, N4.5 billion for local transport and travels, N4.6 billion for purchase of computers, N5.55 billion for purchase of motor vehicles, N7.5 billion for local trainings, N11.07 billion for long service awards, N13.62 billion for welfare packages, N15.22 billion for grant to government owned companies, and N26.52 billion for construction and purchase of office buildings (including a N7.82

billion for an office in Ikoyi, which may just be the allocation for the financial year).

It must be stated that FIRS is not alone, even if it stands out. Most of these super agencies have allocations for travels, trainings, welfare packages, office buildings etc., that individually are in excess of the total budgets of typical government agencies.

There are ample examples in the breakdown of the budgets of NCC, NDIC, NUPRC and others. NUPRC, for example, plans to spend N19.51 billion to build its head office (called The Barrel) and N50.43 billion on welfare packages (outside of N65.21 billion for personnel) and it intends to “sequester” N71.09 billion for capital projects.

In a slightly different but related vein, we need to reappraise the amount of money going to some obscure agencies and decide on whether some agencies that are commercially viable should continue to be propped up by government. In this category are the following: the Nigerian Postal Service (which hopes to generate N10.83 billion but plans to spend N23.63 billion); the Nigerian Television Authority (with expected revenue of N4.03 billion but projected expenditure of N12.63 billion); Raw Materials Research and Development Council (with N24.28 billion in projected expenditure); the National Space Research Development Agency (with expenditure of N24.70 billion, all from government funding, out of which N21.36 billion is assigned to personnel) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (projected expenditure of N28.85 billion, out of which N24.26 billion goes to personnel). We need to appraise the public value created by these organisations and amounts expended on them can be justified.

It may be important to either drastically reduce the cost of revenue collection and exercise stronger oversight over application of even the money ‘earned’ by these agencies or bring all agencies within appropriation and ensure that all expenditure lines pass a strict need and smell test. We should constantly be guided by the need for optimal application of scarce resources and the cost of alternative action.

Revisiting the concept of regulators as revenue agencies and the efficiency of earmarks: we need to stop the practice of seeing regulators as revenuegenerating agencies and desist from giving regulators a percentage of the fines they impose. As stated earlier, this arrangement creates a perverse incentive that distorts the focus of the regulatory agencies. Regulation is an important state function and the state should make adequate but reasonable budgetary provisions for agencies such as NAFDAC, NCAA, NCC, NDIC, NERC, PCCPC, SON and others.

Charging regulators to raise revenue for the state or expecting them to earn their keep is an anomaly.

If we think the services that these regulators provide

are important enough—and clearly, they are— we should make full provision for their needs. This is not to say erring businesses should not pay fines or be sanctioned. But saddling regulators with finding resources for their operations through fines will mean that they will be incentivised to go to great length to prioritise imposing fines, irrespective of the costs on businesses, consumers and the larger society. That is how the law of incentives work. However that is not how effective regulation works.

We also need to review the multiplicity of levies and how they are applied. For example, there are levies paid at entry-points into the country and on certain goods and services by businesses and individuals. Some of these levies include the 7% port levy, 5% levy on local and international air tickets sold in Nigeria, 1% import duty surcharge, 1% levy on all upstream oil and gas contacts awarded, 2% cabotage levy and others including the education tax, information technology tax, annual operational levy etc. We need to do an assessment of these levies and weigh the implication of consumer welfare and national competitiveness.

Some of these levies do not make material difference to the nation’s coffers but they increase the cost of goods and services for consumers and increase the cost of doing business in the country.

Also, instead of just sharing the port development levy or the air ticket levies to port-related and aviation agencies to fund their operations, we may need to ringfence the accrued fund for the development of infrastructure in the port and the airports. This is how earmarks should work, and we have a template in the how the education tax fund is tied to funding research and infrastructure in higher education, even if the application of the money itself needs further reforms.

In refining earmark, the curious case of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) should focus the mind. The NSITF is funded from mandated contributions by companies and some government agencies. The accrued resources are designed to provide compensations to workers or their relatives for work-related injuries such as physical harm, mental stresses and even deaths.

In 2024, NSITF plans to spend N83 billion, out of which only N8.02 billion will go to sundry forms of injury/death claims, the raison d’etre of the organisation.

However, N25.29 billion will be spent on personnel, N8.85 billion will be used for promotions, recruitments and appointments, N3.8 billion for purchase of office buildings, N2.84 billion for productivity allowance, N2.49 billion for purchase of computers and N1 billion for purchase of buses. The contributions made to NSITF to compensate injured workers and relatives of deceased workers are effectively being used by NSITF to take care of itself. Talk of total misalignment, underpinned by a huge dose of immorality.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANAURY 7, 2024

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ENGAGEMENTS

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

Neither at War Nor in Peace

N

igeria has hit another milestone. It has graduated into a hybrid state, a distinction it shares with very few other nations. Simultaneously, Nigeria is at war and in peace.

The United Nations has observed that literally the entire northern half of the country is a virtual war zone and is likely to remain so for the better part of 2024.

Sporadic violence is likely to rule the reality of states like Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau states for the foreseeable future. Add to this the incidents of gangster killings in Anambra, Imo and Enugu states.

The Pope has joined the United Nations in calling Nigeria a befitting name: a nation at war with itself with hints of ugly unprintable dimensions of the ensuing war! As it is, the Nigerian reality has become something that no one has the courage to correctly call a name even though everyone knows the sad truth and fears that the worst is ahead of us. As a result, in the last decade, no one is certain whether Nigeria has been at war or at peace. But one thing is certain: Nigeria has maintained the appearance of a democratic state, sustaining the façade of democratic illusion; rituals of elections, results, inaugurations and political speech making. At least in the minds of our vast succession of noisy politicians, the nation is at peace. What it has on the side is ‘internal security challenges’.

Government insists we are at peace. To reaffirm this, handlers of presidential power seem to have created a Department of Condolences.

Since people die in droves nearly everyday, the presidency must send out condolence messages to state governments, community leaders and the deceased in the many places where the nation witnesses war like casualties.

There seems to be an unstated assumption that bandits, terrorists, badly trained soldiers and other bad people will kill many people either deliberately or by accident on a regular basis.

Therefore, a ready pile of condolence letters seem to be ready for dispatch to governors and traditional rulers in whose territories where bandits and terrorists unleash casualties. Just wait for news or field reports of casualties from an attack or operational error. Then date and insert location and send the condolence messages. Soon afterwards, send a delegation of ready officialdom to condole the affected and wait for the next outbreak of blood letting in a national festival of violence that seems endless. In spite of the industrial scale of these casualties, however, Abuja still believes we are a nation at peace.The production of condolence messages is after all a peace time industry in the government of nations at peace . We may as well measure the index of peace in a nation by the number of condolence messages the seat of power sends out annually.

For a nation that pretends to be at peace, the daily casualty figures from Nigeria’s decade long insecurity tempts one to group us side by side with nations fighting openly declared wars.

In 2023, the Syrian civil war claimed 4,360 lives, both combatants and civilians. In Sudan, 9000-10,000 died last year in the raging civil war. By October 2023, civilian deaths in Ukraine was 9,700. In Nigeria about 5,000 died in 2023 in several insecurity attacks. The decade long statistics is somewhere between 85,000 and 120,000 civilian deaths which for a nation at peace would frighten some war ravaged nations, The conduct of Nigeria’s security forces confirms the reality of a war time reality. In Tudun Bari, Kaduna state, over 100 innocent people died in one day recently from the accidental use of guns of an army in full combat formation sent to protect the people from bad people. A yet to be explained drone accident killed droves of innocent civilians who were not out to hurt anyone. In that ‘accident’, the military literally failed in executing its most elementary protocol. When you are in a zone of security presence and line of likely fire, you have to answer this simple question: ‘Who goes there?

Enemy or friend? Your answer determines your fate. But in this case, the people had no chance to identify themselves. They were what they were: innocent people living life! All hell was let loose on them. An instrument of war meant for

Tinubu

their protection was unleashed on innocent people because no one seems to know who is a friend or enemy anymore in present day Nigeria. The state cannot even make up its mind as to whether it is at peace or war. The army called it an ‘accident’, but more than 150 innocent people are dead. They may not be the last in this endless body count in our hybrid nation.

While we wrote this, no less than another 200 have been killed in bandit attacks in more than 23 villages and communities in Plateau state. It turns out that the bandit and terror squads had been occupying schools in these communities for years according to the newly installed governor of the state. Again, there is no certainly about anything in this place. No one is sure where the boundaries between a peaceful community and a theatre of war lies.

Again the condolence train of government big men has been all over Plateau state doing the predictable. It is a roll call of who is who in government. Big politicians, big soldiers with more medals and decorations for valour than their service years. Even the police has vowed to arrest the killers possibly because they dared disturb the president’s end of year working vacation of endless hosting in far away Lagos. In typical Nigerian ‘eye service’ showmanship, the police chief has vowed to relocate his high command to Plateau state until every bandit and killer is rounded up!

In other war like routines, the air force has occasionally bombed and strafed villages with its new American made combat aircraft, leaving behind many dead and habitations razed. No one knows what intelligence informs the targeting. One thing is certain: these bombardments are of doubtful precision.

Forget human rights. Weapons must be sold to and bought by those who need it. In war, every casualty is an adversary dead. Those who write the news report give the dead a name or category so that history can move on: ‘some terrorists were killed by gallant troops!’ The dead have no spokesperson and

cannot speak English! Government is wining the counter insurgency war!

Yet in the places where those who decide for Nigeria reside, an appearance of peace obtains. Over the Christmas festive season, endless parties and merriment were all over the place.

People were going about the things that people living in a peaceful country do. Dancing, eating and getting drunk on booze paid for by others! To those for whom the Nigerian experience is limited to Abuja and Lagos, it is unfair to see Nigeria as a nation at war. The occasionalarmedrobberyorkidnapping is merely an irritation to spoil the party hyped by headline hungry killjoy media.

Yet even in the few islands of peaceful appearance, a psychology of fear and trepidation is palpable. Party goers are suspicious of everyone else.The feeling that kidnappers and contract killers are lurking everywhere is pervasive in Lagos. Even more pervasive is the fear that neighborhood cults are real and on the prowl. And they frequently are.

Therefore, even the peaceful parts of Nigeria are pervaded by a psychology of war and siege. Most sensible embassies leave a permanent travel advisory on their websites which simply say to their nationals: AVOID most of Nigeria!

Ordinarily, the hybrid reality of today’s Nigeria should compel a certain comportment on the part of leadership. A hybrid nation is both a theatre of undeclared war and a landscape of uncertain and precarious peace.

The challenges for leadership can be daunting in this kind of place. To win the insecurity war and restore peace, the nation needs a war time president. To make peace universal and nationwide, we need a seasoned statesman who is loved because he inspires fear among bad people and love and respect among

those who want to live in a peaceful and secure country.

The basic irreducible responsibility of leadership in a free state is to protect life, limbs and property and relentlessly pursue the good life for the majority. If politicians fail this basic test, all else is a drama of futility. If the Hobbesian state fails, the only option left is the self- help state of anarchy and nature.

Everyman to himself in self-defence that entitles everyone to bear arms for self defense.

That is perhaps why the Chief of Army Staff, a man with the suggestive name of Lagbaja ‘Everyman’-the masked man-recently averred that severe insecurity should not entitle every Nigerian to bear arms.The army man is right: his continued employment depends on the exclusive monopoly of violence which is conferred on the state by the constitution. The people are also right in seeking to take their self defense in their own hands since the state is failing: a state that cannot defend good people from bad armed bandits is useless and does not deserve anyone’s loyalty. The lawyers are also right. The law permits people to bear arms if only they get a license. They can use such arms for self-defensive action if the defensive action is proportionate to the offensive action of the assailant! If a bandit squad invades your locality, you wait and calibrate their targeted casualties before you use your licensed guns to defend yourself proportionately! Silly lawyers! Terrorists and bandits have no time for the niceties of legal shenanigans. They shoot to kill as many people as possible.

It all brings us back to where we began. The existence of the state oscillates between the two ancient poles of war and peace. The worst states are those at war. The best places are those at peace. The middle ground is at the brink and threshold of anarchy, the precarious place where you find Nigeria, Somalia, Syria and Sudan. Nigeria only stands out in this fold in one sense: a pretension to democratic order in the midst of a war that has ranged for a decade.

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NEWSXTRA

HOMECOMING… Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha (left), receiving a gift fromWalin Adamawa and Group Executive Director, NIPCO Plc, Aminu Abdulkadir, during a civic reception organised for the former SGF by Hong indigenes in Hong, Adamawa State…recently

Governor Sani Condemns Fresh Killings in Kaduna General Lekwot hails gov for uniting the state John Shiklam in Kaduna The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has condemned the attack on the Dokan Karji general area of Kauru Local Government Area (LGA) of the state and other locations in the Gefe general area

by bandits.

This is coming as a former military Governor of Rivers State and elder statesman, Major-Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), has applauded Governor Sani for his commendable efforts to unite the people of the state since coming

Gunmen Kidnap Ex-Imo Traditional Council Chair Some unidentified gunmen yesterday kidnapped a former chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Samuel Ohiri.

Ohiri was kidnapped from his residence in Orodo Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state and taken away by the gunmen, reports said. The monarch is the traditional ruler of Orodo and served as the chairman of the council under the administration of former Governor, Rochas Okorocha.

When contacted by our correspondent, the spokesman

for the state police command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the development.

He stated that the state police had commenced a search operation for the monarch and assured all that the traditional ruler would be rescued unhurt.

Okoye said, “We are on top of the situation. We’ve since commenced an intense investigation and we’ve taken steps towards ensuring that His Royal Highness, Eze Ohiri, is released unhurt, his kidnappers all arrested, and made to face the full wrath of the law

on board six months ago.

At least 17 people were reported killed and 36 others kidnapped during last week’s attack.

While reacting to the incident at the weekend, Governor Sani, who took to his X handle, labelled the bandits “beasts in human skin”.

According to him, the bandits wanted to “reverse the gains the good people of Kaduna State have made in rebuilding trust, forging understanding, and reviving the

economies of conflict-challenged communities.”

He said the perpetrators of these heinous crimes have no place in a civilised society like ours and vowed that his administration would go to any length to hunt them down and bring them to justice.

“We have received information from security forces that a band of bandits attacked the Dokan Karji general area of Kauru LGA and other locations in the Gefe general

area of Kajuru LGA,” his post read.

“In these locations, lives were lost, some citizens were kidnapped and others were injured in the unfortunate attacks. We condemn in the strongest terms these acts of savagery.

“The perpetrators of these heinous crimes have no place in a civilized society like ours. We shall go to any length to hunt them down and bring them to justice.

“The sole aim of these beasts in human skin is to reverse the gains the good people of Kaduna

State have made in rebuilding trust, forging understanding, and reviving the economies of conflict-challenged communities.

“Our resolve to put Kaduna State on the path to sustainable peace and development is unshakeable. No number of evil machinations will deter us. The Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs has been working with the security forces to contain the evil forces that left a trail of blood, tears, and pain in these locations.

Emir of Kano: Trafficking of Northern Children Must Stop The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has condemned the trend of kidnapping and trafficking of children from the northern part of the country.

On December 27, the state police command said it had dismantled a human trafficking syndicate that specialised in abduction, buying and selling of minors.

The command said nine suspects were arrested, adding that seven children, majority from

Bauchi state, were rescued.

Addressing journalists yesterday, the emir, represented by the Dan Malikin Kano, Ahmad Umar, said the emirate would no longer condone the trading of children in the state.

He said the issue has got out of hand that proactive action must be taken to curb it.

“This ugly trend must stop.

We have to rise up against it.

We will no longer condone a situation whereby our children

are kidnapped, sold and their tribe and religion were changed,” he said.

“This illicit act must stop.

We have to rise up to check the situation as it is going out of hand.

The situation cannot stop itself.

It is we that will make it stop. It happened few years ago and now it has happened again. Only God knows how many of our children have been kidnapped and sold.”

Describing the situation as disturbing, the emir called for the

punishment of the perpetrators to serve as a lesson to others.

He said Kano has been accommodating visitors for hundreds of years, and that the visitors should not take the advantage of the hospitality to commit crimes.

“Kano, for hundreds of years, has been welcoming visitors and taken them as its sons. Recently we have seen a disturbing and unfortunate incident of rescuing children trafficked to Lagos through Kano,” he said.

Daji Sani in Yola

Aminu Abdulkadir, who chaired the special reception organised recently in their honour in Hong, Adamawa State, said, “both were men of impeccable character whose role as SGF engineered positive development in the entire country especially at the levels of policy formulation. They showed unwavering commitment and loyalty to their principal and contributed immensely to the stability in the cabinet of PMB’s administration” According to him, “the celebrants created a lot of employment for graduates and gave appointments at the level of CEOs of many federal government agencies to many Adamawa indigenes. They

brought the Federal Medical Centre to Hong among other MDA’s physical presence in Adamawa State.

“We would continue to be proud of your sterling leadership qualities while in office. Your pedigree and antecedents during your previous appointments have fascinated the indigenes of Hong and indeed Adamawa state in general to rally round the duo as SGF, being your last political appointment,” he said.

He however, urged them to continually present themselves in service of the state and the country at large in higher positions.

Lawal was appointed Secretary to Government of

the Federation (SGF) in 2015 and served till 2017.

Mustapha came into office as SGF in November 2017 and served till May 29, 2023. Prior to his appointment, he served as Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Aminu noted that while in office, the duo served the nation, coordinating effectively cabinet meetings and agencies under the presidency.

Mustapha, while responding on behalf of both of them thanked the indigenes for the honour.

He also eulogised former President Buhari for the confidence reposed in them to serve as SGF.

NAPTIP: 470 Human Trafficking Victims Rescued in Katsina Adamawa Honours Boss Mustapha, Babachir Lawal The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it rescued 470 victims of human trafficking in Katsina in 2023.

The NAPTIP Commander in the state, Mr Musa Aliyu, revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Katsina.

According to him, within the year under review, the command arrested and convicted four human traffickers.

“We received 25 cases of human trafficking and two cases of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP).

“In 2023, the command rescued 470 victims of human trafficking, and reunited them

with their respective families,” the NAPTIP commander said.

According to him, the command is expecting some rehabilitation items from the NAPTIP headquarters to enable it to rehabilitate trafficked victims.

He disclosed that NAPTIP, in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration on Policy Development (ICMPD), organised a series of sensitisation for border communities.

“We also carried out sensitisation programmes in conjunction with the Katsina government, for Religious and Traditional leaders, and also for youths in Mai’adua, Baure and Mashi Local Government Areas,” he said.

Adamawa State indigenes have celebrated their two illustrious sons, Babachir Lawal and Boss Mustapha for their immense contributions to the development of Hong town, the state and the entire country.

The duo, who served as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration were described as men of impeccable character whose roles have engineered positive development in the entire nation.

The Group Executive Director , Corporate Services, NIPCO Plc and Walin Adamawa, Alhaji

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NEWS

EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME… L-R: Programmes Officer, Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation, Adedoyin Shittu;Youth EmpoweredTraining Facilitator, Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On-air); Packaging Recovery Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Idris Adetola; and Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Specialist, NBC, Olukemi Ogunsakin, during the 2023 NBCYouth Empowered initiative held at the University of Lagos…recently

Soludo: Ex-VP, Ekwueme’s Community May Go Extinct in Next 50 Years Because of Erosion David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has said that the Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area, where former Vice President of Nigeria, the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, hailed from may go extinct in the next 50 years as a result of erosion.

Soludo stated this at the weekend while unveiling a magnificent civic centre in the community, which was built by a group of prominent sons of the community, and named after the late elder statesman.

The governor said since he became governor, he had held town hall meetings with only two communities, and that Oko was part of it.

He said there was the need to do everything possible to stop erosion in the community as it now threatens the existence of the entire community.

“Since I became governor, I have held two town hall meetings with two communities about problems threatening them.

The communities are Oko and Ekwulobia, and the reason is

because of erosion menace.

“We need to do what we have to do today to avoid Oko going into extinction. If we do not take this project seriously, we may not have an Oko community in the next 50 to 60 years to come.

“This was part of the things Ekwueme fought against, and which occupied his thoughts when he was alive, but it was not achieved.”

The governor said there were human factors that aided erosion and listed sand mining and disposal of refuse in drainages as some of them.

While calling for a proper method of waste disposal, Soludo announced a ban on sand mining in the community.

“Sand miners are part of the people spoiling Oko. We had met before and agreed to stop it by forming a task force to check them. We have heard that sand mining is the only source of livelihood for some people in this community, but we will hold a meeting about it.

“From next week, I will sign an executive order banning sand mining in the Oko community, and we will arrest those doing it and seize their vehicles for one

Osun Govt Seeks Greater Collaboration with LivingTrust Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has urged the management of LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Plc to establish more branches in the state.

Adeleke made the request during a meeting with the management of the bank, led by its chairman, Dr. Adebayo Jimoh and Managing Director, Dr. Adekunle Adewole, in Osogbo, on Wednesday.

Adeleke, who specifically lauded the bank for establishing branches in two unbanked communities in the state, observed

that establishing more branches would further complement the state government’s efforts to stimulate economic activities and development amongst the rural population.

The governor commended the bank’s growth, especially since it became privatised.

“I must commend the bank’s management for the rapid growth the bank has recorded, especially since it was privatised.

I must equally commend you for establishing branches in two rural communities.”

year. From next week, we will start implementing the executive order.”

Soludo regretted that even if he sinks Anambra’s entire resources into the Oko community, it would

still not be enough to tackle erosion in the community. He called for partnerships with rich individuals in the community to come together and join hands with the government to keep

the memories of Ekwueme alive.

He commended indigenes of the community for building the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre, Oko, while also unveiling a statue of the former vice president.

In memory of Ekwueme, Soludo announced the award of Pal brewery road, an industry founded by Ekwueme.

Earlier, the chairman of the organising committee of the

Kayode-Laguda Wins APC Ticket to Fill Gbajabiamila’s House Seat A financial expert and public servant, Fuad Kayode-Laguda, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Surulere 1 Constituency House of Representatives by-election.

This was confirmed yesterday

following his victory in the party’s primary election, which took place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The by-election, scheduled for February 3, 2024, aims to fill the vacancy left by the former Speaker

of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who previously represented the constituency before President Bola Tinubu appointed him as his Chief of Staff.

Laguda scored 30 votes to beat the other three contestants: Raheed

Owokoniran, Lawal Kabir, and Manzu Jemila, who scored nil.

The election was conducted by a five-member committee chaired by Buba Yusuf, while Dapo Lam-Adesina served as secretary.

Capital Express Assurance Appoints New Executives In a strategic move aimed at steering the ship through a new era, the Board of Directors of Capital Express Assurance Limited, a leading Specialist Life Assurance company, has officially announced the appointments of Mr. Mathew Ogwezhi as the Acting Managing Director / CEO, and Mr. Gbenga Owodunni as Acting Deputy Managing Director/COO. The appointees are undergoing approval processing by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

The Chairman of the Board, Otunba Ademola Adenuga, after a recent Board meeting disclosed these developments following the exit of the former

Managing Director / CEO, Mrs. Bola Odukale. This aligns with NAICOM’s released circular on executive tenure limits.

The Chairman expressed the Board’s gratitude to the former MD/ CEO Mrs. Bola Odukale, for her dedicated service, leadership, and contributions to the company’s enduring legacy and reminded the new appointees of the huge responsibilities before them which require that they retain and surpass the current achievements.

He stressed that the new leadership must focus on growth and ensure profitability that would take into consideration the interest of all the stakeholders.

Mr. Ogwezhi is a seasoned professional with over twenty years’ experience in the insurance industry, with expertise in strategic partnership management, deal structuring, contract negotiations, channel development, marketing, and leadership. His journey at Capital Express Assurance began in 2003, serving in roles such as Personal Assistant to the then Managing Director/CEO, Head of Educational Institutions, and Regional Director of South-south/ South-east and later, head of marketing, sales and distribution.

Otunba Ademola stated that Mr. Ogwezhi’s ascent to the position of acting Managing Director/CEO

Ogwezhi

signifies a momentous juncture for the company, acknowledging his over 20 years contributions to effective strategies and business direction. His invaluable contributions in conjunction with others has tremendously upscaled the company’s business.

Lulu-Briggs Foundation Celebrates New Year with Elders Yinka Olatunbosun The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation began 2024 on a merry note for the senior citizens it takes care of under its Care for Life Program with the annual New Year Party for them in Abonnema, Rivers State, on January 1.

The event featured praise and worship, dancing, and a cash award of N250,000 each to

seven nonagenarians who also received portraits of themselves and certificates, gifts for others and lots to food eat and drink.

The joyful senior citizens, attired in beautiful Kalabari clothes, had the time of their lives at the event, affirming the Foundation’s commitment to total care for older people.

In her welcome remarks at the occasion attended by partners including the Federation of

Women Lawyers, the African Women Lawyers Association, and Old Port Harcourt City Association of Friends, Chairman of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, expressed delight at hosting the elders again this year.

She explained that the New Year Party is special because it reminds her of how the Foundation started 22 years ago, focusing on senior citizens.

She said: “Back then, elders in our community were practically invisible, especially those who could no longer fend for themselves and did not have children or relatives who could do so. Elder abuse was frequently reported in the news. The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation began its operations by identifying and caring for such elders through our ‘Care for Life Programme’ 22 years ago.”

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

87

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Super Eagles to Test Strength Against Guinea Behind Closed Doors Kunle Adewale

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he Super Eagles will play a friendly match against Guinea’s Syli Nationale in Abu Dhabi on Monday eveningas they prepare for a feast of Guinean attrition in the group phase at the WK $IULFD &XS RI 1DWLRQV ÀQDOV LQ &RWH d’Ivoire.

Head Coach José Peseiro has the opSRUWXQLW\ WR SXW WR WKH FUXFLEOH GLͿHUHQW patterns and tactics against quality opposition, only seven days before the threetime champions’ opening game against Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang National LQVLGH $ELGMDQ·V 6WDGH $ODVVDQH 2XDWWDUD Nigeria’s Eagles are in Group A of the IRXU ZHHN QDWLRQ ÀQDOV DORQJVLGH KRVW

AHEAD AFCON IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE nation Cote d’Ivoire and Africa’s other two Guinean nations – Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.

The Syli Nationale was one of Africa’s strongest teams in the 1970 and 1980s, winning the silver medals at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia, and giving the so-called big teams a good run for their money at the Africa Cup and in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

The Eagles pipped Syli Nationale 1-0 in a group phase encounter at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Far back in 1981, Syli Nationale held the Eagles to a 1-1 draw in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Conakry, and in Lagos, Nigeria won with a long-range Henry Nwosu strike to the far

the Ivorian capital on Wednesday, 10th January.

Nigeria is seeking a fourth African title (after wins in 1980, 1994 and 2013) which corner of Abdoulaye Keita’s goal. will put them at par with West African Monday’s encounter has been arch-rivals Ghana, and leave only Egypt scheduled for the Bani Yas StaVHYHQ ZLQV DQG &DPHURRQ ÀYH ZLQV dium, and is sure to slightly open ahead of them in the inverted pyramid a window into the mind of Coach of glory.

Peseiro and how he intends to line After their opener against Equatorial RXW KLV DUP\ ZKHQ $IULFD·V ÁDJVKLS Guinea on 14th January, the Super Eagles football championship begins next will confront the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire weekend.

RQ WK -DQXDU\ EHIRUH D ÀQDO JURXS SKDVH Twenty-four of Nigeria’s 25-man clash with the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau squad assembled in the Gulf earlier RQ QG -DQXDU\ 7KHLU ÀUVW WZR PDWFKHV in the week and have been training will hold at the brand-new Stade Alassane ahead of the continental houseparty, Ouattara, while the date with the Wild Dogs with forward Kelechi Iheanacho will be at the Stade Houphouet-Boigny KDPSHUHG E\ LQMXU\ DQG VHW WR MRLQ – where the Eagles tackled Cameroon’s the group in Lagos on Tuesday ,QGRPLWDEOH /LRQV LQ WKH ÀQDO RI WKH evening, ahead of departure to Africa Cup of Nations.

Leicester Boss Not Certain When Iheanacho Will Be Fit

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eicester City manager, Enzo Maresca has claimed he is not certain when KelHFKL ,KHDQDFKR ZLOO EH ÀW enough to return to action.

Iheanacho is currently working his way back to IXOO ÀWQHVV IURP D PXVFOH LQMXU\ 7KH \HDU ROG LV DOVR EDWWOLQJ WR EH ÀW for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. $VNHG DERXW WKH WKH IRUZDUG·V ÀWQHVV level ahead of the Foxes Emirates FA Cup clash against Millwall, Maresca stated that Iheanacho is recovering fast, but is not sure of his return date.

“I don’t know,” the Italian was quoted E\ WKH FOXE·V R΀FLDO ZHEVLWH “The only thing I can say it that Kel is VWLOO LQMXUHG ,W·V JHWWLQJ EHWWHU EXW LW·V VWLOO not 100 per cent otherwise he would be in the squad for Sunday’s game and he’s not in the team.”

Mario Zagallo, the last living member of Brazil’s 1958 World Cup winning legends died on Friday night

Funeral for Brazilian Legend, Zagallo, Holds Today

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he funeral of late Brazilian football legend Mario Zagallo will be held today, his family said, after the four-time World Cup-winning player and coach died at age 92.

A wake for the man known as the “Old Wolf” will be held from 9:30 am (1230 GMT) at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in Rio de Janeiro, said a statement posted to Zagallo’s Instagram account Saturday, the day after his death.

That will be followed by a burial at the Sao -RDR %DWLVWD FHPHWHU\ WKH ÀQDO UHVWLQJ SODFH RI some of Brazil’s most famous citizens.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva led the tributes to Zagallo, calling him “one of the greatest football players and coaches of all time.”

“Courageous, passionate... (he) leaves a lesson of love, dedication and the will to overcome for our country and for world football,” Lula wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Zagallo, who played alongside Pele in Brazil’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup-winning teams, died Friday night of multiple organ failure at the Barra '·2U KRVSLWDO LQ 5LR DIWHU VXͿHULQJ D VHULHV RI health problems in recent months.

Zagallo was a winger in the Brazil team who won back-to-back World Cups in 1958 and 1962, VWDUWLQJ LQ ERWK ÀQDOV He managed the side widely regarded as the greatest international team of all time, including Pele, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto, to glory in 1970. =DJDOOR·V ÀQDO :RUOG &XS WULXPSK FDPH DV Carlos Alberto Parreira’s assistant coach in 1994.

He returned as Brazil manager after that WRXUQDPHQW DQG OHG WKHP WR WKH ÀQDO LQ where they were beaten by hosts France. =DJDOOR ZDV WKH ÀUVW SHUVRQ WR ZLQ WKH :RUOG Cup as both a player and a manager - a feat that has since been matched by Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and France’s Didier Deschamps.

“With enormous sadness, we inform you of the

NPFL: Bendel Insurance Beat Rangers to Climb to Top Four

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endel Insurance Football Club of Benin began the New Year on a positive note, defeating Rangers International FC of Enugu 2-0 in their match-day À[WXUH RI WKH 1LJHULD 3UHmier Football League (NPFL).

The win moved Insurance to fourth spot RQ WKH ORJ RQ SRLQWV IURP JDPHV MXVW four points adrift of leaders Doma United

who yesterday defeated Katsina United by same 2-0 margin to stay on top of the 1LJHULDQ WRSÁLJKW The Benin Arsenal left the Flying Antelopes dazed after throwing everything at the coach Monday Odigie led side without any goal IRU WKHLU ÀQH SOD\ 2VDJKDH -U RSHQHG VFRUing for the Benin Arsenals 14 minutes into the star match at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

Osaghae Jr headed home Paul Obata’s cross from a free kick when he was left unmarked by Rangers who looked too confident.

Sarki Ismael netted the second goal to put the game out of the reach of coach Fidelis Ilechuku’s side in the 63rd minute of play when Goalkeeper Detan Ogundare recklessly gifted the ball to Sarki who calmly slotted it in to make it 2-0 for the hosts.

death of our eternal four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo,” a statement on his R΀FLDO ,QVWDJUDP DFFRXQW VDLG “A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional and a great human being. Giant idol. A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements.”

NPFL B’Insurance 2-0 Rangers Doma Utd 2-0 Katsina Today Gombe

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Rivers Utd

Akwa

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Abia War

Enyimba

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Sporting

K’Pillars

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Plateau

Kwara

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Lobi Stars

Tornadoes

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Heartland

Remo

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Sunshine

Shooting

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Bayelsa Utd

75

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Price: N500

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Dogara to Tinubu

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“Failure to either take justice to them or bring them to justice has always been the bane of the fight against terrorism and violence in Nigeria because it emboldens them” – Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, urging President Tinubu to stop the perpetrators of violence in parts of the country.

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SIMONKOLAWOLE The Labour of Our Heroes Past SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

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n the day Nigeria played Italy at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, I was inside a public bus. When I left our office in Ajao Estate, Lagos state, for a Bible study meeting in my church at Surulere, the Super Eagles were leading 1-0 via an early goal by Emmanuel Amuneke (whose name was wrongly spelt as “Amunike” by the wonderful football authorities and had to live with it for the rest of his career). On the yellow bus ride between Ojuelegba and Masha, a passenger announced that Italy had beaten Nigeria 2-1. I did not want to believe him, so I did not believe him. Another passenger said it was not true, that it was still 1-1 and that the match had gone into extra time.

There were no mobile phones, no internet, no Livescore to follow the scores. Still, I was too emotionally invested to believe we had been defeated. I was praying that Nigeria would go all the way to the final. Reckless optimism. The optimistic passenger insisted that the match had not ended and we had not lost. Then he introduced himself. “My name is Baba Otu Mohammed.

I once played for Nigeria,” he said. The name didn’t ring a bell to others. I was the only one who picked it. Immediately, I said to him: “You played for Nigeria at the 1976 and 1978 Africa Cup of Nations.” I could feel his sense of pride. The sensational dribbler was in the team of the tournament in 1976.

This encounter replayed on my mind on Wednesday when Sebastian Brodericks-Imasuen, also known as “Sabara”, died. He had reportedly been bed-ridden for a while, suffering from stroke and diabetes. My first shock was that his name didn’t ring a bell to many young football fans. To be sure, I was a kid when

Sabara Mohammed represented Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in the 1970s and I never watched him play. But I still knew of him. I know of many great athletes who represented Nigeria before I was born.

You cannot say Emmanuel Ifeajuna or Hogan “Kid” Bassey and it would not ring a bell to me. This is not about history being taught in schools but knowing

and appreciating our sporting heroes.

Let me tell you a bit about Brodericks-Imasuen.

On August 11, 1985, a group of Nigerian teenagers, captained by Nduka Ugbade, stunned the world by beating the highly favoured West Germany 2-0 to win the inaugural FIFA Under-16 World Championship.

Jonathan Akpoborire scored as early as the fourth minute and Victor Igbinoba scored a TV goal one minute to the end of the match to send Nigerians absolutely crazy. It was incredible. Going to the tournament unknown and unrated, the Baby Eagles of Nigeria, as they were called before they were renamed Golden Eaglets, instantly put the country on the world map. Nigeria became the first African country to win a FIFA competition.

Just as Afrobeats has put Nigeria on the global entertainment map, Nigeria’s victory at China ’85 paved the way for our football to start gaining recognition beyond Africa. But this feat was not masterminded by a foreign coach, unlike when we won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980 under the tutelage of Otto Glória, the Brazilian tactician. This time, it was a Nigerian that did it. Yes, Sebastian Brodericks. It was not a fluke: he took us to the final again two years later but lost to the USSR on penalties after a last-minute goal-bound move by Dimeji Lawal was halted by the referee, José Wright from Brazil, because of a foul on the winger.

Wright curiously refused to give the advantage.

Let me put it plainly: Brodericks-Imasuen was the first Nigerian and the first African and the first black coach to win a world football championship. Should I say that again? On arrival in Nigeria after the glorious run, the team was received by Maj Gen Muhammadu Buhari, then military head of state, and Maj Gen Tunde Idiagbon, his deputy. Buhari declared them as heroes

and national assets, promised them scholarships and named streets after them in their state capitals. There were no lavish cash gifts, as we do today, but the pride of patriotism and achievement was written all over the boys and their coaches. More teenagers aspired to play football and represent their fatherland.

With Brodericks-Imasuen’s historic feat, you would naturally assume that he had secured a place in our annals and would be treated as a national treasure for life. You would never predict that a day would come when his family would be begging “kind-hearted Nigerians” to assist in offsetting his medical bills and helping him get better treatment. He died at 85. We cannot say he died young. But he died miserably — from the picture of him on hospital bed that I saw on social media. I also read where his son, Chuka, was practically begging: “We would like to say a big thank you to one of his former players, Kayode Keshinro, for his support. We hope others can lend their support to us.”

The mainstream media did not treat BrodericksImasuen much better either. Reports of his death did not get considerable inches or front-page treatment in the newspapers. A line in our national anthem says: “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain…”

Whoever wrote that line definitely had noble intentions about the beauty of remembering our history and honouring the memory of those who contributed their decent quotas to national development in different spheres of life. Maybe it is just not in our culture as a people to remember our history and honour our heroes. Perhaps, we are too occupied with today to Continued on page 83

WAZIRIADIO POSTSCRIPT

Still on the Funding of Our Super Agencies

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wo recent developments beamed an extra spotlight on some of Nigeria’s government agencies that are funded through special arrangements. The first development is a 28 December 2023 circular by the Minister of Finance mandating, among others, that 50% of the revenue generated by self-funded agencies be automatically remitted to the Federal Government.

The second is the publication, early last week, of the 2024 budgets of 63 government owned enterprises (GOEs). Both developments are consequential and commendable. But much more needs to be done to further optimise these laudable initiatives.

In my column of 24th December 2023 (“Revisiting How Nigeria’s Super Agencies are Funded”), I identified three sets of government institutions that I stylised as Nigeria’s “Super Agencies”: those that receive a percentage of the revenue that they collect on behalf of the federation; those that are assigned portions of some revenue handles; and those that are allowed to keep a share of the fees/levies that they charge and the fines they impose. In that piece, I argued that while possibly emanating from a good place, these special funding arrangements have created costly unintended consequences, such as perverse incentives, mind-blowing profligacy, suboptimal allocation of scarce resources, revenue leakages, and avenues for patronage and corruption.

The circular from the finance ministry, if painstakingly

implemented, should limit the games that some of these super agencies play with the revenue that they collect/generate and the portions that they are expected to remit. The 2023 circular is a major improvement on a 2021 circular from the same ministry. All things being equal, the Federal Government should earn more revenue as remittances from this set of agencies.

But the circular will not address how prudently the agencies are applying the revenue they are allowed to keep. Neither will it resolve the question of whether some of the expenditure lines in the budgets of some of these agencies can be justified. So, as commendable as the intervention by Minister Wale Edun is, it can only be the starting point. Much more needs to happen.

This is where the 282-page document on the 2024 proposed budget of 63 GOEs, released by the Budget Office of the Federation, steps into the gap. It represents a significant step forward. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that the disaggregated budgets of these GOEs will be in the public domain.

The GOEs used to be a complete black hole. The previous administration insisted that their budgets must be submitted to and approved by the National Assembly. At some point, GOEs’ budgets became part of the overall budget of the Federal Government and started featuring in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). But in the publicly available budget documents, the GOEs used to appear as aggregated as one-liners: GOEs’ revenue and GOEs’ expenditure.

It is conceivable that the budgets of the GOEs

were previously made available, either in parts or as a whole, to our legislators and to the Ministry of Finance. A few of the agencies have also published aggregated and sanitised versions of their annual reports. Even when the level of details is not even, the 2024 proposed budget of the GOEs is the most detailed I have seen on these super agencies.

The Budget Office has thus done a huge favour to all of us by giving us a full view of the budgets of 30 self-funded, 11 partially-funded and 22 fully-funded GOEs. (Actually, the number is 62 as TETFUND, which is in the main budget, is just listed. Also not included is the budget of NNPCL, an organisation that has notably relapsed to its dark past after a brief flirtation with transparency: it stopped publishing the monthly operational and financial report that was started in 2016 and it did not, contrary to its recent tradition, release its 2022 audited financial statement within 2023).

The Budget Office document puts the total revenue of the 62 GOEs at N4.93 trillion, out of which the GOEs proposed to spend N3.77 trillion. This proposed expenditure represents 76.5% of the revenue of the GOEs and 13.14% of the total sum of N28.7 trillion appropriated for the Federal Government in 2024.

By whatever measure, the proposed expenditure of the GOEs is material.

The previous and current openness that led to the unveiling of this important document is deserving of utmost praise. But openness is not an end in itself.

It can only be a means to an end. Accountability actors within and outside government and public financial management experts should be poring over this important document and should be asking serious questions around optimal approaches to resource mobilisation, allocation and application on one hand and should be discussing the design and implementation of appropriate policies for necessary course correction on the other.

In this piece, I will make a few general observations and ask a few questions about the 2024 budgets of the GOEs under three broad headings.

With N61 billion as annual average expenditure, GOEs deserve more intense scrutiny: The Ministry of Finance and the rest of us should not just be content with the GOEs remitting more revenue to the government. In the present circumstances, getting them to remit more is definitely a necessary step. But it is not sufficient. The quantum of public funds at play in these few agencies should earn them more than the passing and perfunctory examination that they are currently getting. The emphasis here is that what we are dealing with here is public funds, not private funds of these agencies or of those who run them.

With a proposed expenditure of N3.77 trillion, it means that the 62 GOEs will spend N61 billion on the average in 2024. If we include the N672 billion budgeted for TETFUND, this means that the average Continued on page 83

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