SUNDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 2024

At NDA, Tinubu Demands Stronger Military Response to Security Threats Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has charged the Nigerian Armed

Forces to step up the fight against insurgency and continue to protect Nigeria's territorial integrity against all threats.

He also commended them for their dedication to duty and sacrifices for the nation.

Speaking yesterday at the

Diamond Jubilee of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, the president said with the quality of training at the

Academy, the military is capable of bringing to an end all acts of banditry, insurgency, and criminality that have ravaged

the country.

He said: "Let me also add Continued on page 5

Implement Aggressive Monetary Tightening, Fiscal Adjustment Measures, IMF Tells Nigeria…Page 8 Sunday, February 11, 2024 Vol 29. No 10532

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Niger Republic Restates Ban on Flights from Nigeria… Page 9

AFCON Final: Tinubu Directs Maximum Support, Urges Super Eagles to Make Nigeria Proud Shettima leads FG's delegation to Cote d'Ivoire Cardiac society warns against over-excitement during final match Deji Elumoye in Abuja As the Nigerian national team is set

to face the host, Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire, in the final match of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON)

at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, today, President Bola Tinubu has called on all Nigerians to unite in

support of the Super Eagles, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride

that propels the team to glory. presidential team to cheer the team This is coming as Vice President Kashim Shettima is to lead a Continued on page 5

Macron, Okonjo-Iweala, Leaders Mourn as Wigwe, Wife, Son, Bimbo Ogunbanjo Die in US Crash "

The NTSB about an hour ago arrived at the scene of the accident for investigation. Last night at 8.45 pm, an Airbus, EC130 helicopter departed Palm Springs, California enroute to Boulder in Nevada. At about 10.8pm, the helicopter impacted Halloran Springs , California. Halloran Springs is about 75 miles northeast Boulder. Two crew members and four passengers were aboard and were fatally injured. Before I go further, on behalf of the NTSB, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the terrible tragedy.

"

How Wigwe’s SA, Olusola cheated death Festus Akanbi in Lagos, Sunday Aborisade and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja French President, Mr. Emmanuel Macron; Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki,

and the Nigerian business community were thrown into mourning yesterday as the Co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe; his wife, Chizoba, and son died in a helicopter crash, Continued on page 5

THE MANIFEST OGUNBANJO ABIMBOLA OLUROTIMI (M) WIGWE DOREEN CHIZOBA (F) WIGWE HERBERT CHIZI (M) WIGWE HERBERT ONYEWUMBU (M) The late Co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe; and his wife, Chizoba

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NEWS AT NDA, TINUBU DEMANDS STRONGER MILITARY RESPONSE TO SECURITY THREATS that although the war against the enemies of Nigeria is not over, it is fair to state that relative peace has been recorded across the major flash points. These successes have come at a price for the government and the populace. We remember our fallen heroes and those out in the trenches for the sake of our fatherland. Let us also celebrate their resilience and sacrifice at this diamond jubilee.

"I urge you to continue to play your constitutional role

of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria, our fatherland. You must shun any acts that are inimical to the well-being of our nation and acts, which can destroy the gains of democracy, which we have enjoyed in the last 20 years.

"The government is fully aware of the service and sacrifices that members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to render across the length and breadth of this country, especially in the face

of daunting challenges. We, as a government, will continue to accord priority to the needs of the armed forces to enable the military to play its constitutional role without let or hindrance.

"Let me reiterate the urgency to upscale the fight against insecurity, which has robbed us of peace and progress. While the relative peace you have been able to secure is worth celebrating, you must remember that the war is not yet over until every parcel of land held by the

enemy is flying the flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria".

The president assured the military of his administration's commitment to its welfare, as well as unflagging support in the discharge of its duties.

President Tinubu highlighted some of the milestones recorded during the transformation of the NDA to include the subsequent addition and training of Air Force cadets, the successful reunification of the country after the Civil War in 1967 as

well as the various short-service military training programmes instituted to fill the manpower needs caused by the civil war.

Other noteworthy achievements, he stated, include the upgrade of the NDA from a non-degree awarding institution to a full-fledged degree-awarding university in 1985, thereby phasing out the Nigerian Defence Academy Certificate of Education hitherto awarded to cadets.

According to him, "the

MACRON, OKONJO-IWEALA, LEADERS MOURN AS WIGWE, WIFE, SON, BIMBO OGUNBANJO DIE IN US CRASH which occurred on Friday night in the United States.

However, Wigwe’s Special Assistant, Faleye Olusola, whose name was in the manifest, escaped death miraculously as he did not board the ill-fated flight but opted to travel by road.

Olushola flew with Wigwe, his wife, son and former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo from London, United Kingdom to Palm Spring, a city in California, United States.

But on getting to Palm Spring, Olushola declined to board the ill-fated flight going to Boulder City in Nevada, insisting that he would not travel by Helicopter at night due to the weather conditions.

He was said to have opted to travel to Boulder City by road and escaped the air disaster, that claimed the lives of four others.

Meanwhile, Access Holdings has reacted to the incident in a statement, saying however, that it lacked adequate information about the crash and was collaborating with the US authorities to get the updates.

The statement reads: “We have received numerous inquiries concerning an airplane crash in the USA. “Presently, we lack specific information; however, we are actively collaborating with US authorities who will furnish updates.

“Your understanding and support are valued, and we commit to keeping you informed promptly as we receive updates on the situation.”

The crashed chopper also had on board three others, including the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo in California.

In their separate condolence messages, French President, Macron; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Director General of WTO, OkonjoIweala; Edo State Governor, Obaseki; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; and Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga expressed sadness over the incident.

In his condolence message sent on X, President Macron said France has lost a friend with the demise of Wigwe.

The French president noted that Wigwe worked tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between France and Nigeria through his leadership of the French -Nigeria Business Council.

Describing the late banker as the humanistic and talented entrepreneur, Macron expressed his heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

The message read: “France has lost a friend, Herbert Wigwe, President of the French Nigeria Business Council.

A humanistic and talented entrepreneur. He tirelessly

worked to strengthen the relationship between our two countries. Our heartfelt thoughts go to his family and loved ones.”

Atiku, in a tweet on his X handle last night, described the incident as unfortunate.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, OkonjoIweala wrote that she was “terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe ... his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash.”

“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” she added.

Sources said the chopper was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night. The US government confirmed all on board dead.

Last night, The New York Times quoted US authorities as saying that a helicopter carrying six people crashed on Friday night near the California-Nevada border, roughly 60 miles south of Las Vegas, and that no survivors had been located as of yesterday morning.

“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter crashed at around 10 p.m. local time near Nipton, California, an unincorporated community about 60 miles south of Las Vegas in eastern San Bernardino County,” the report stated.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are said to be investigating the cause of the crash.

According to the report, “officials at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department were made aware of the downed aircraft at 10:12 p.m. local time, a public information officer with the department, Mara Rodriguez, said in a statement, adding that the scene of the crash was determined to be east of Interstate 15, near Halloran Springs Road.

Addressing the media this morning, Board Member of NTSB, Michael Graham disclosed that the Airbus, EC130 helicopter departed Palm Springs, California enroute to Boulder in Nevada at 8.45 pm on Friday.

“At about 10.8pm, the helicopter impacted Halloran Springs, California. Halloran Springs is about 75 miles northeast Boston. Two crew members and four passengers were aboard and were fatally injured,” Graham explained.

“This is the beginning of a long process; we will not jump into any conclusion, and the information that I provide for you tonight is preliminary.

A preliminary report will be available in a couple of weeks and however, a full NTSB investigation will be made and investigations will last between 24 months before the final report is published.

“Additional details about the accident include: the

crew consisted of a pilot -in- command and a safety pilot; the accident flight was operated by Woebeck Air LSC, as a charter flight.

Witness reports of the weather conditions at the time of the flight suggest rain and a wintery mist. The helicopter was not equipped with a voice recorder or a data recorder.

This helicopter was not required to be equipped with those kinds of devices. We are aware of media reports of down power lines near the accident site; we will be looking into this report during our on-the-scene investigative phase of this investigation.

Several NTSB investigators will be examining the following areas: airworthiness to include maintenance instructions of the helicopter, operations, meteorology and aero traffic control,” he explained.

He expressed NTSB’s deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the terrible tragedy.

A consummate banker noted for his fearlessness and ingenuity, Herbert Wigwe was a visionary, and progressive business leader, a philanthropist, and an undisputed leader in the economic and social transformation of Nigeria and Africa.

Acclaimed as one of Africa’s foremost corporate bankers, Herbert was the co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings and was credited for nurturing Access Bank into the international powerhouse.

He hailed from Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

He was married to Chizoba Wigwe (née Nwuba) and had four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah and David.

Wigwe’s Premonition of his Demise?

Observers said Wigwe’s latest posts on social media gave the impression he had a premonition of his passing away. For instance, in a January 19, 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), Wigwe admonished his followers and members of the public to appreciate life, saying ‘Let us number our days.’

He wrote: “Today and always, let us remember that life is a precious gift – a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect.

“Let’s honour this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count. Let us number our days.”

Reacting to the incident in a post on X, Onanuga described Wigwe’s death as “a terrible blow” for Nigeria and Africa’s banking industry.

“Wigwe had a big vision to make Access Holdings Africa’s biggest, with all the unquenchable thirst for acquisitions,” Onanuga added.

Obaseki: Wigwe’s Death Painful, Heart-

wrenching

In his condolence message, Edo State Governor, Obaseki described the news of the crash as devastating.

In a statement released last night, the governor said the news of Wigwe’s death left him extremely shocked and devastated.

“We also unfortunately lost Wigwe's wife and son as well as the former Group Chairman of Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash.

“The tragic incident is painful and heart-wrenching and we pray for God's abiding comfort in this profoundly difficult time.”

Keyamo: Wigwe, Ogunbanjo’s Death, a Tragic Loss On his part, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo, said the death of Wigwe and Ogunbanjo has created a void not only in the corporate world but also in the hearts of those who knew them.

The minister, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood lamented that the world just bid a painful farewell

to Wigwe, his beloved wife, child, and business partner, Ogunbanjo.

According to the statement, their journey left behind a void felt not only in the corporate world but also in the hearts of those who knew them.

According to the minister, Wigwe’s untimely demise occurred during a crucial juncture, as he sought to revolutionise Nigeria's aviation infrastructure.

Orji Kalu Mourns Wigwe, Others On his part, Senator Kalu, who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Privatisation, lamented the demise of the renowned banker.

He condoled with the Board, Management, staff and stakeholders of Access Holdings.

The former governor of Abia State, who described the death of the Access Holding helmsman as a great loss to the country, also described the late banker as a thoroughbred professional with a proven track record in the financial sector.

In a condolence message, the business mogul prayed to God to grant the Wigwe family the fortitude to bear the sad losses

government is also pleased to note that the curriculum approved by the National Universities Commission, the regulatory body is sufficiently robust and broad-based to enable the cadets to acquire the knowledge, skills, values, character, and discipline required for effective and efficient service in the Nigerian Armed forces in peace times and in times of crises.

"I understand that other giants’ strides recorded in the NDA include the establishment of post-graduate programs, the creation of research centres and centres of excellence to facilitate research and enable cross fertilization of ideas.

"The consistent academic calendar devoid of industrial disputes and strikes should make the NDA postgraduate school an institution of first choice not only for Nigerian students but also for students across the globe. I therefore charge the academic staff both military and nonmilitary to transform the NDA into ‘Nigeria’s Silicon Valley,’ a hub for startups where ideas are not only incubated but also actualized".

President Tinubu commended the past and present leadership of the NDA for the quality of military and academic training, which has continued to attract clientele from other African nations.

The NDA was established about six decades ago, on February 5, 1964. The institution has undergone various stages of transformation in its quest to fulfill its mandate of training officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Before obtaining independence from Britain, Nigeria’s first set of officers were trained in Ghana and subsequently at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England. But by January 1964, four years after independence, the first batch of 64 army and navy cadets commenced training at the NDA.

AFCON FINAL: TINUBU DIRECTS MAXIMUM SUPPORT, URGES SUPER EAGLES TO MAKE NIGERIA PROUD to victory just as the Nigerian Cardiac Society yesterday cautioned Nigerians against getting overly excited during the final match and other games and emotional events.

The Lagos State Ministry of Health has also issued a health advisory to all residents ahead of today’s finaal match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.

Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire Ambassador to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore, has extolled the 2024 AFCON tournament as a platform towards deepening Nigeria-Cotè d’Ivoire’s trade cooperation.

Vice President Shettima had earlier on Wednesday led the government’s delegation to the semi-finals when the Super Eagles defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a pulsating encounter to qualify for today’s final match.

The Nigerian national team will today face the host, Côte d'Ivoire.

The match will rekindle the memories of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the group stage secured through Captain William Troost-Ekong's penalty.

Recognising the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity, President Tinubu, according to a statement issued yesterday by the Media Assistant to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, believed that Shettima's presence alongside the delegation is a testament to his administration’s unwavering support for the team and its dedication to their success.

Tinubu, according to the statement, also called on all Nigerians to unite in support of the Super Eagles, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that propels the team to glory.

In another development, the Lagos State Ministry of Health has issued a health advisory to all residents ahead of today’s final match.

A statement released by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, yesterday, outlined some tips to help citizens prioritise their health and well-being while enjoying football matches or any other intense activities.

The statement advised the residents to understand their physical limitations and consult with a healthcare professional if they have any underlying health conditions before engaging in activities that could potentially exacerbate them.

It also urged residents to remain hydrated and nourished.

“Crowded poorly ventilated hot environments should be avoided with attention to good hydration. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and ensure you drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to keep your body fueled and hydrated, especially during prolonged periods of sitting and watching the game,” the statement said.

Cardiac Society Warns against Over-excitement During Final Match Meanwhile, the Nigerian Cardiac Society yesterday cautioned Nigerians against getting overly excited during games and emotional events.

The society in a statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara State, which was jointly signed by the National President, Professor Augustine Odili; SecretaryGeneral, Professor Chizindu Alinkor and Publicity Secretary, Abiodun

Akintunde commiserated with the families of those whose death was linked to the semi-final match played on Wednesday.

The society, however, warned that sports and other emotional events can trigger arrhythmias, heart attacks, and strokes in those with underlying heart conditions.

“The society notes with utmost concern the several reported cases of sudden deaths among Nigerians both at home and abroad directly or indirectly.

“We wish to commiserate with the immediate families of the deceased and the country at large and pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

“The reported deaths of at least four individuals occurring during the match leaves much to be desired on the cardiovascular health of Nigerians,” the statement read.

The experts explained that many risk factors are prevalent among Nigerians and are also poorly controlled.

They described sudden death as a natural, unexpected fatal event occurring within one hour from the onset of symptoms, in a healthy subject, or in one whose disease was not so severe to predict such an abrupt outcome.

“Sudden cardiac death can be defined as death resulting from abrupt loss of cardiac function with or without previous heart disease unexpected within one hour of onset of symptoms.

“About 50 per cent of all deaths from heart diseases are sudden regardless of the aetiology. deaths “It has also been shown that 89 per cent of all sudden cardiac deaths occur outside the hospital and less than 40 per cent are witnessed,” they said.

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NEWS

NEWEST COUPLE… L-R: Father of the groom and Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo; the new couple, Olawunmi and Adebola; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, at the church service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos…yesterday

Implement Aggressive Monetary Tightening, Fiscal Adjustment Measures, IMF Tells Nigeria Seeks total elimination of petrol, electricity subsidies Senate committee endorses CBN's recent policy decisions Nume Ekeghe The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Nigeria to implement a comprehensive strategy involving aggressive monetary tightening and fiscal adjustment to address the looming challenges to its macroeconomic stability.

This is coming as the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, declared that the recent reforms undertaken by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were geared towards stabilising the volatility in the foreign exchange market and urged patience with the apex bank.

The multilateral body, in its assessment report titled: “IMF Executive Board Concludes Post Financing Assessment with Nigeria,” released yesterday, highlighted Nigeria's adequate capacity to repay the Fund under the baseline but emphasised the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.

The IMF report acknowledged that the Nigerian authorities have articulated policy intentions that were well-aligned to address the potential downside scenario.

It explained that this scenario envisions difficult trade-offs between addressing urgent humanitarian needs and fulfilling debt service obligations, including those to the IMF. The IMF also stressed the need for Nigeria to eliminate fuel and

electricity subsidies in its totality, asserting that they pose a financial burden and do not provide substantial benefits to the majority of the vulnerable population.

It states: “Staff assesses that Nigeria’s capacity to repay the Fund is adequate under the baseline. The authorities’ policy intentions are well placed to address risks of a downside scenario where difficult trade-offs may arise between urgent humanitarian needs and debt service, including to the Fund. In such circumstances, aggressive monetary tightening and fiscal adjustment combined with support from development partners would be needed to restore macroeconomic stability.”

It noted that the new administration has made a strong start, tackling deep-rooted structural issues in challenging circumstances.

“Immediately, it adopted two policy reforms that its predecessors had shied away from - the fuel subsidy removal and the unification of the official exchange rates. Since then, the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) team has made price stability its core mandate and demonstrated this resolve by dropping its previous role in development finance. On the fiscal side, the authorities are developing an ambitious domestic revenue mobilisation agenda.

“Like many other countries, Nigeria faces a difficult external environment and wide-ranging

domestic challenges. External financing is scarce, and global food prices have surged, reflecting the repercussions of conflict and geoeconomic fragmentation. Per-capita growth in Nigeria has stalled, and poverty and food insecurity are high, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. Low reserves and very limited fiscal space constrain the authorities’ option space. Against this backdrop, the authorities’ focus on restoring macroeconomic stability and creating conditions for sustained, high and inclusive growth is appropriate.”

The report reiterated that the CBN has set out on a welcome path of monetary tightening.

“The governor has committed to making price stability the core objective of monetary policy, and the CBN has taken actions to mop up excess liquidity. Continuing to raise the monetary policy rate until it is positive in real terms would be an important signal of the direction of monetary policy. The authorities are exploring options to strengthen Nigeria’s reserve position, though a careful assessment of unintended consequences is needed in some cases. Settling the CBN’s overdue dollar obligations will help rebuild confidence in the central bank and the naira. Sharing comprehensive information on Nigeria’s reserves position would facilitate a more complete assessment of the external situation.

“The government’s focus on revenue mobilisation and digitalisation would improve public service delivery and safeguard fiscal sustainability. The envisaged reduction in the overall deficit in 2024 would help contain debt vulnerabilities and eliminate the need for CBN financing.

Temporary and targeted support to the most vulnerable in the form of social transfers is needed, given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Fuel and electricity subsidies are costly, do not reach those that most need government support and should be phased out completely,” the report said.

Meanwhile, in his first official reaction to the new operational template unfolded by the CBN, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, has noted that the focus of the CBN on curbing inflation would extend to fostering economic growth and alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday on the sidelines of a retreat organised his committee by the NDIC for discussions centred around “Deepening Deposit Insurance Knowledge for Effective Legislative Functions', Abiru acknowledged the pivotal role played by the NDIC in enhancing stability within the banking sector, particularly in safeguarding depositors' funds.

Don’t Allow Growing Anger, Discontent to Reach Volatile Point, Lamido Tells APC Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has tasked the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to allow the growing anger and discontent in the country to reach the point of violence.

He asked the president to take preventive measures against the general discontent in the country arising from poverty, high cost of living and the insecurity currently bedeviling the nation to avert an impending disaster.

Thousands of citizens in Minna, the Niger State capital, had taken to the streets in protest against what they described as severe hunger and escalating cost of living in the country.

There were similar protests in Kano, Plateau, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, and other states.

Lamido who is also a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, on his verified Facebook wall, used two analogies by two famous persons to capture the near disaster waiting to happen if the Nigerian government does not take an immediate preemptive measure.

“The first of the two famous people is Fidel Castro. He narrated a story of a rich man on a holiday in his luxurious yacht. While indulging in the upper deck of the yacht with all the comfort money can buy, his workers were groaning in the heat of the engine room.

“The commotion coming from the engine room arising from the unbearable heat started shaking the yacht violently! It was a signal to the rich man and his friends on the upper deck to either respond to the commotion from the engine room or risk the yacht overturning.

“The other famous man is our very

own Bishop Kukah. During the era of our blessed PDP, there were cries of hardship arising from the increase of the pump price of fuel and the then serious insecurity from Boko Haram culminating in the abduction of Chibok girls in Yobe State.

“There was general outcry all over the country from the then opposition APC, organising protests against the PDP government. I vividly recall when Buhari, Tinubu, Bisi Akande, and other bigwigs of the APC poured out and filled the streets of Abuja chanting and condemning our government for allegedly failing to secure Nigeria and unleashing hardship on the citizens!

“That was when my good friend, Bishop Kukah presented his paper alerting of the impending danger should the government fail to take urgent action.

“He gave an analogy of American coal mining in the 18th century by

taking a canary in a cage into the mining pit. The canary, according to Bishop Kukah, has a very weak respiratory system and can easily suffocate in low-oxygen areas.

“Deep in the mining pit when the oxygen is getting exhausted, the canary will begin to shiver and the miner gets the message and quickly scrambles out of the pit. That was the miner’s ‘early warning system’!

“In Nigeria today, the hardship is so unbearable that tales of ‘early warnings’ are manifesting all over the country. In Lagos and Minna, women are demonstrating over the high cost of living.

“Women in Plateau State are demonstrating the cost of their favourite local brew called ‘burkutu’ now selling for N3 a cup which they drink to drown their hardship and sorrow thereby getting temporary relief. Above all, there is hunger everywhere and people are starving.”

He noted that such measures contribute significantly to bolstering confidence in the overall banking system.

While acknowledging the NDIC's positive impact, he also urged the corporation to prioritise the prompt payment of depositors' funds in the unfortunate event of bank closure.

Abiru said: “If you also follow what has been happening, particularly from the end of the CBN, we have seen a lot of rafts of circulars that have come into play. I am sure you

are mindful of the limit they have brought to the net open position of the bank. The fact that they have also validated most of the outstanding obligations that people refer to as forward and of course, you can see in the last couple of days, some gains, some strengthening of the naira, and I think that you should give them a bit of time. Also, most of the policy decisions that we are beginning to see, we believe hopefully, will help us moderate the depreciating value of the currency.

Plateau Attacks: 62 of Our Members Killed in Eight Months, Says Baptist Church Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The Baptist Conference in Plateau State yesterday cried out that 62 of its members were killed in eight months and challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Governor Caleb Mutfwang-led state government to address the incessant attacks and killings in the state.

The President of the Plateau Baptist Conference, Rev. Koeleh Saleh, who gave the charge during the church’s 47th Annual Conference, which ended in Jos yesterday, revealed that over 62 members of his church, including pastors and their children, were killed during the various attacks that occurred in several communities in Mangu and Bokkos LGAs of the state within the past eight months.

At the conference attended by several dignitaries, including Governor Mutfwang, Saleh recounted the frequent attacks on Baptist churches and the killing of their members, noting that in Mangu LGA alone, 33 of his church members were killed on May 15 and 16, 2023, while eight others died shortly afterward after their displacement on account of hardship and illness.

He further noted that during the attack on Hirpia, a Christian community in Bokkos LGA, on June 15, 2023, an additional five church members, including the wife and two children of Rev. Emmanuel Makama who is the pastor of Nasara Baptist church in the community, were murdered.

According to him, besides several lives lost and those that were wounded, the destruction and economic dislocations caused by the attacks were monumental.

He noted that the invaders have continued to graze freely in

the deserted communities without any challenge.

He said: “In Mangu LGA, we lost 33 members to attacks on May 15, 2023 besides eight persons who died after their displacement on account of hardship and illness.

“Among the slain was the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Rev. Mangmos Tangshak, who was also the Moderator of Albarka Baptist Association and one of his church deacons.

“Besides the destruction and looting of member houses, the Baptist churches that were destroyed during this attack included Alheri Baptist Church, Jwak-Maitumbi, Alheri Baptist church, Kwaghaskipanglang, Godiya Baptist church, Changal and Shiloh Baptist church, Kombili.

“This was followed by another attack on Sabongari on July 7, 2023.

The attack led to the desertion of the community and then the Christmas Eve attacks on 15 communities in Bokkos LGA on December 24, 2023. The Baptist churches affected include Nasara Baptist church where 11 persons were killed among whom was Pastor Philemon Gushe. Members’ houses including the pastorium were burnt down and the church auditorium was vandalised “In Chiran village where over 40 persons were slaughtered in cold blood, we lost five members of Kauna Baptist church. The church pastor, Rev. Jonah Joseph, narrowly escaped with his four-year-old son who was macheted on the head but miraculously survived. While we were still nursing the wounds of the Christmas Eve attacks, the murderous militia invaded Mangu town in January 2024 killed several people, and set churches ablaze.

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MARITIME SAFETY ON THEIR MINDS… L-R: Executive Director, Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh; United States Coast Guard Advisor, Lt. Benjamin Montz; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Jibril Abba; and Head, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards, NIMASA, Olaniyan Taiwo, during a courtesy visit by the USCG to the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos…recently

Niger Republic Restates Ban on Flights from Nigeria Says restriction doesn’t affect commercial flights flying over its airspace Chinedu Eze The military government in Niger Republic has reiterated its ban on flights from Nigeria, insisting that flights emanating from Nigeria would not be allowed to land in Niger.

It, however, stated that the restriction does not affect commercial flights that fly over Nigerien airspace without landing there.

This was contained in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the country’s airspace management authority on February 6, 2024.

Nigeria had earlier issued a statement reinstating its earlier ban on flights to and from Niger in a NOTAM, stating that the action was taken as part of the ECOWAS resolution.

In the NOTAM issued by

Niger Republic, the airspace authority stated that the country’s airspace “is opened to all national and international commercial flights from ground to unlimited except for Nigerian flight to or from Nigeria.”

“This restriction doesn’t affect commercial flights that fly over Nigerien airspace without landing there.

However, it is recalled that ADB-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) or Radar transponders (for surveillance and communication) must remain on for any flight taking place in the Niger Republic airspace.

“On the other hand, the Niger Republic Airspace still remains closed for all military, operational and other special flights. These military or special flights are only permitted subject

After House Intervention, NECO Postpones Staff Promotion Examination Indefinitely Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the indefinite postponement of its 2024 staff promotion examination.

The examination body disclosed this in a statement signed by its acting Director, Directorate of Information and Digital Communication, Azeez Sani, dated February 9, 2024.

The promotion examination was earlier scheduled to hold on February 14 and 15, 2024 in Minna, Niger State.

However, NECO informed all its staff who are due for promotion this year that the exercise has been put on hold.

The House of Representatives had Wednesday mandated the Committees on Education, Examination Board, and Basic Education to interface with NECO on its planned promotion examination for about 1,500 staff, given the security and economic situation of the country.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akeem Adeyemi, noted, that due to the security situation in the country and the

economic hardship biting hard on the citizens including NECO staff members, it is perilous to cause about 1,500 staff to travel from different parts of the country to one place in the name of a promotion examination.

In reaction to the resolution by the Green Chamber, Sani stated, “The management of the National Examinations Council, (NECO), has announced the indefinite postponement of the 2024 Staff Promotion Examination earlier scheduled to hold on 14th and 15th February 2024 in Minna, Niger State.

“The postponement is in compliance with the directive of the Committee on Basic Examination Bodies of the House of Representatives as contained in a letter referenced NASS/HR/10/ CT.20/64 dated 9th February 2024 and signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji.

“With this development, all NECO staff who are due for promotion this year should note that the exercise has been put on hold indefinitely,” the statement added.

to prior authorization from the competent authorities. This circular, which only concerns Niger and Nigeria does not repeal no NOTAM in force,” the circular stated.

Nigeria had three days ago issued a NOTAM reiterating the ban of flights from Niger or to Niger, saying that the decision was part of the ECOWAS resolution against the Niger Republic.

According to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency

(NAMA), the restriction included the directive that no commercial flight from Niger should overfly Nigerian airspace and no flight from any Nigerian state should overfly Niger’s airspace.

The NOTAM was contained in a letter titled: “ECOWAS Restriction on the Republic of Nigeria,” from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Aeronautical Information Services and signed by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Tayo John, on behalf of

the agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive.

The letter stated: “In accordance with ECOWAS resolutions, all commercial flights from Niger to Nigeria, or from Nigeria to Niger, or from Niger overflying Nigeria, or any state overflying Nigeria to Niger are suspended.”

However, the letter added: “These restrictions do not affect: (a) Overflight aircraft through Niger airspace; (b) Aircraft in a state of emergency and (c)

Special flights.”

It directed further that “special flights are to obtain authorisation from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace.”

After the coup of July 26, 2023, that ousted its duly elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, and installed General Abdourrahamane Tchiani, ECOWAS issued resolutions against the country, which included the ban of flights to the West African nation.

APC Clears 12 Edo Governorship Aspirants, Set for Primary Juliet Akoje in Abuja Ahead of the February 17 primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, its National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee has cleared all the 12 governorship aspirants jostling for the ticket of the party for the September governorship poll.

The Prof. Taoheed Abdul Adedoja-led seven-man screening committee on Friday night after a two-day screening exercise gave all the aspirants a clean bill to contest Saturday party’s primary.

APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammadu Arugungu yesterday presented all the cleared aspirants with Certificate of Screening clearance at the party National Secretariat in Abuja.

The aspirants cleared include

former Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen; member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri; former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Engr. Gideon Ikhine.

Others cleared are the immediate past Edo APC chairman, Col. David Onabure Imuse (rtd); former Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niget Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd); former Governor Prof.

Oserheimen Osunbor; former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South), Dr. Blessing Agbohmere; member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency,

Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.

All the aspirants but Prof.

Osunbor who was represented by his wife, Lady Ussieh Osunbor, received their certificates.

Assuring the aspirants of a free, fair, transparent shadow election on Saturday, February 17, the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Hon. Nze Chidi Duru told the aspirants the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) remains the only clearing house for all the processes for the election.

According to Duru: “We (NWC) are working closely with the state acting chairman of the party. We will brief him constantly on the steps being taken by the NWC to ensure free, fair and transparent primaries in the state. Where you are in doubt, please feel free and make a call to the state chairman. If

you cannot reach him, you can call on the national organising secretary or myself to answer any questions at any point in time.”

He also advised the aspirants to acquaint themselves with a schedule of activities towards the conduct of the party’s primary.

“The next will then be the delegate’s Congress which will be conducted on Monday. I want to believe for those of you who don’t have the schedule. It has been produced and published which will lead us to the conduct of the primaries on the 17th, February 2024. Please do have it ready and handy.

“We would like to wish all of you the very best and ensure you conduct yourselves as members of the party in an atmosphere devoid of rancour.”

Police Kill Scores of Kidnappers in FCT, Rescue 12 Children Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigeria Police Force yesterday said its operatives launched an attack on a kidnap enclave killing many notorious kidnappers, including kidnap kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape in Abuja.

This is coming as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad on Friday intercepted one Muhammad Isah, a resident of Kafanchan in Kaduna State, in a Toyota Hiace bus with

Reg No APP 489 XE, conveying 12 under-aged children to Ogun State.

The children include four males and eight females.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau–Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralised and eliminated many notorious kidnappers, including the kidnap kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape.

It said: "The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained a bullet wound."

It said the operation followed the killing of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, who led security operatives to their hideout, on February 8, 2024.

"Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape

and Bwari in the FCT, Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State.

"His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilising armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom," it said.

The statement further stated that "the successful raid on their hideout, situated in the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by the brave men of the FIBIRT through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of these notorious criminals".

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CARING FOR THE ELDERLY… L-R: Trustee, JBS Elderly Care Foundation Africa, Mrs. Joke Silver; Medical Director/Founder, JBS Gerontology Centre, Dr. Toyin Akande-Ajala; Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Board Chairman, Odua Group/Trustee, JBS Elderly Care Foundation Africa, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; Founder/CEO, Maracelle Ruth Cancers Centre Specialists Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi; and Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Hospital, Prof.. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, at the official inauguration and groundbreaking of JBS Gerontology Centre in Lagos…recently ETOP UKUTT

Amnesty International, SERAP Charge PDP, LP to Reject Bill Seeking to Gag CSOs, NGOs Global watchdog warns FG against plots to regulate social media Wale Igbintade Right groups, Amnesty International (AI) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have called on lawmakers elected on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) to reject a bill currently on the floor of the House of Representatives that seeks to gag Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-government Organisations (NGOs) in the country.

This is as the international watchdog warned that any attempt by the federal government to regulate use of social media is an open attack on freedom of expression.

The House of Representatives had last Thursday considered a bill for an Act to establish a regulatory agency for NGOs and CSOs in the country.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli, sponsored the bill, which seeks to regulate the promotion of social development activities in Nigeria and associated topics.

In his lead discussion, Soli stated that the bill’s primary goal is to establish the agency to ensure that NGOs and CSOs reach their full societal development potential, as

well as to manage private-public development partnerships.

Further debate on the bill was postponed to this week after some members of the House raised an alarm that they were yet to see the content of the bill.

Subsequently, the House Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, directed that the bill be stepped down so that members could read the content of the bill and adequately participate in the debate.

Making this call in a post on its official X account, Amnesty International charged the lawmakers to immediately reject the dangerous and oppressive bill re-introduced by an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, Sada Soli. It promised to vigorously oppose the bill.

The group stated that the bill is intended to “violate Nigerians’ human rights and gag civil society in the country.”

“Amnesty International calls on the members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives to immediately reject the dangerous and oppressive bill reintroduced by Sada Soli (APCKatsina) to violate Nigerians’ human rights and suppress civil society in the country.

“Amnesty International is concerned that rather than passing

laws that would guarantee and ensure the social and economic rights of the people, Nigerian lawmakers are pushing to take away human rights, contrary to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) @Speaker_Abbas @HouseNGR,” the post reads.

It also stated that the bill poses a “direct and serious threat to human rights and would exacerbate restriction of civic space, the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association as well as media freedom in Nigeria.”

On its part, SERAP tasked the minority lawmakers to reject the repressive bill, warning that it was an attempt by the government to crack down on human rights.

SERAP’s statement read: “Labour Party and PDP members in the @HouseNGR should reject the repressive bill reintroduced by the Tinubu’s administration and Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) to crack down on human rights and civil society in the country. We’ll see in court if this bill is ever passed into law.”

Over the years, the National Assembly has made repeated attempts to pass the bill despite uproar by members of civil society organisations in the country.

Activists have vehemently opposed the introduction of the NGO bill in

Nigeria, describing it as a threat to is the topic for which I am absolutely civil society and human rights. Their very much interested – the menace resistance is rooted in concerns that the of social media. Although it has the legislation if passed, could undermine potential to reach millions all around the vital work of NGOs by imposing the world, but (the social media) poses great danger, not just to the society, restrictive regulations.

The activists argue that the bill but even unintended consequences to poses a risk to human rights, creating the individual who is at the receiving a platform for potential abuse and end, including security of life.

“The question that I normally ask suppression of civil society activities.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International is,‘who do you hold responsible; the has warned that any attempt by the purveyor of the fake news, or the federal government to regulate use person who reads it?’”

Gbajabiamila said as Speaker of of social media is an open attack on the House of Representatives, he freedom of expression.

The warning came after Femi attempted to make a law that will Gbajamiala, the Chief of Staff to regulate the social media “but we President Bola Ahmed Tinuubu, were resisted very vigorously by the said on Friday that “social media civil society. I think the chickens have is a menace” that must be regulated. finally come home to roost. And I Gbajabiamila spoke at Eko Hotels believe we are all on the same page Lagos where he represented President Tinubu at the public presentation of a book titled: “Nigerian Public Discourse: The Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole” authored by the former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola.

In his preamble before reading the message of the President, Gbajabiamila Wale Igbintade said: “Perhaps, and I believe many of you here, unless of course you don’t The Ekpeye-speaking people of Rivers live in this geographical space… this State have raised the alarm over an alleged plot to kill one of their sons, who is the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Hon. Edison Ehie, using the instruments of government.

In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, the Ekpeye-speaking people called on the president to prevail on to roam non-designated areas with the Minister of the Federal Capital their animals for grazing.

Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo "The state government, therefore, Wike, and the Inspector General of is resolved to strictly implement Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, to the laws against open grazing in drop all the “trumped-up charges” any part of the state. filed against Ehie, and others, saying "As a result, specific areas that “the matter is purely a case of designated for grazing shall be victimisation and oppression”. created, managed and held in trust The letter was signed by 33 sons by the government. It is the idea of and daughters of Ekpeye-speaking the government to build a modern people of Rivers State, which includes; abattoir around each ranch from Dr. Nname Robinson, Vice Chairman, where all processing of meat is Rivers West Senatorial District PDP to take place before sale to other and former Deputy Leader, Rivers parts of the state.

State House of Assembly; Dr Chigbo "Consequently, all cattle Sam, former member, Rivers State movement transported from the House of Assembly, Ahoada northern part of the country stops West Constituency; Dr. Kennedy at the ranch for proper inspection Ebeku, former member, Rivers State and revenue build-up.

House of Assembly, Ahoada East "Government cannot allow Constituency 2; Hon Nwanaka fabulists and political manipulators Okpokori, former member, River to take advantage of social media to State House of Assembly Ahoada work the people to frenzy against West Constituency 3; Mrs Beatrice the government's programmes and Awala, former member, Rivers State projects.

House of Assembly Ahoada East

We Have No Plans to Build RUGA Settlement for Herdsmen, Enugu Govt Clarifies Ejiofor Alike The Enugu State Government has debunked the claims that it plans to establish a Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, saying it instead plans to establish modern ranches as part of its agro-industrial productivity agenda to turn the state's dormant assets to productive assets as well as further stem the activities of kidnappers and other criminals, who masquerade as herders.

The government said it had no plans to cede any part of the state's lands to Fulani headers in the name of RUGA. The state's Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aka Eze Aka, who made the clarifications in a statement issued yesterday, described the reports and videos of a few individuals purportedly protesting government’s alleged

plan to set up RUGA for the Fulani at Nimbo in Uzo Uwani LGA as the handiwork of manipulators and political losers, who want to run the administration down for political gains.

In a statement entitled "Ranch is Not RUGA", the commissioner said: "The attention of government has been drawn to insinuations and utter misrepresentation by some individuals of the good initiative of government to use ranch to further stem the tide of kidnapping and clashes between our border people and the herders.

“Enugu State Government is not engaging in any RUGA project in any part of the state and shall not do so. Ranch is Not RUGA. “It has become necessary to explain matters regarding the design to use ranching, a modern method all over the world, to rear cattle. The recent viral messages and outcry of a few persons against what

they construed as government’s intention to take over a portion of land in Uzo-Uwani LGA and give out to Fulanis in the guise of RUGA is but the unfortunate machination of those who wished to make a mountain out of molehill for political reasons.

"The intention of the government is clear on the matter. Armed bandits and kidnappers in the name of herders have for long taken advantage of our forests and farmland to commit heinous crimes, abduction, rape and killings.

"The government of Enugu State has resolved to put a stop to these and introduce ranching, the most modern way of rearing cattle.

“Recall that one of the outcomes of the attempts to introduce RUGA establishments in Nigeria was the suggestion to establish controlled ranching as practiced the world over. When established, no cattle herder or dealer shall be allowed

now. The social media is a menace, and it must be regulated.”

Amnesty International, in the statement yesterday, noted that the social media ‘regulation’ would pose a threat to critical opinion, satire, public dialogue and political commentary.

It added that the regulation could be “easily abused” to punish critics of government policies and actions, saying that the government can arbitrarily shut down the internet and limit access to social media.

“Nigeria’s social media regulation?

Social media users will be punished for freely expressing their opinions.

The government can arbitrarily shut down the internet and limit access to social media. Criticising government will be punishable with penalties of up to three years in prison,” it added.

Rivers Indigenes Write Tinubu, Allege Plot to Assassinate Edison Ehie Constituency.

Others are Hon Chibudo Ezu, former member, of Rivers State House of Assembly Aboada East 1 Constituency; Chief Steven Ihua, former Chairman, of Ahoada East LG Council; Dr. Reason Onya, former Commissioner of Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning; and Mr. Samuel Eyiba, former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, among others.

They stated that Ehie played a pivotal role in the formative stage of the Grass Root Development Initiative (GDI), the political pressure group that ushered in Wike as governor of Rivers State in 2015, and also served as its National Youth Leader from inception to date.

The letter added that Ehie was a very close and dependable ally of Wike, which earned him an award of excellence by the former governor, as Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS).

They added that the former governor equally awarded an 11-kilometre road contract worth over N8 billion from Obodi to the Ozochi community, the hometown of Ehie with an over 200-metre bridge.

According to them, Ehie helped mobilise the youths of Rivers State for Wike through the One-MillionYouth -March and also aggressively campaigned for the election of the president.

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TRIBUTE

Life and Times of Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe

Obinna Chima It was feelings of shock and numbness across the country yesterday, when the news of the demise of the Group Managing Director of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe; his wife, Chizoba, and his son in a helicopter crash in the United States, on Friday, spread like a wild fire. The accident also killed three others, including a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo in California.

This tragedy left so many in mourning mood as they continued to ponder what caused the sad disaster. Death is cruel, especially when it happens to someone who has big dreams, a builder of men, someone who loves humanity, and is relentless, audacious and fearless, which were the attributes of the late banking icon.

His passion is infectious and electrifying.

His energy unmatched and the result has been the rise of Access Holdings as well as his recently launched Wigwe University, which was being positioned to compete with any ivy-league institution across the world.

Wigwe, who was born on August 15, 1966, started his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand Associates, an international firm of Chartered Accountants. He spent over 10 years at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc where he managed several portfolios, including financial institutions, large corporates and multinationals.

He left Guaranty Trust Bank as an Executive Director to co-lead the transformation of Access Bank Plc in March 2002 as Deputy Managing Director. He was appointed Group Managing Director/CEO effective January 1, 2014 and served in that capacity till May 2022. He was subsequently appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Bank effective May 2022.

Wigwe was an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management

Wigwe

Programme. He held master’s degree in Banking and International Finance from the University College of North Wales, a master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of London and a B.Sc. degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He was also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

He was the Chairman of Access Bank (UK) Ltd and a Non-Executive Director of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company Plc; FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange; Shared Agents Network Expansion Facilities Ltd and Agri-Business/ SME Enterprises Investment Scheme. He is also a member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Wigwe was one of the most respected bankers on the continent, without a shadow of a doubt. He clearly understood that without embracing change and having foresights, banks would not be able to compete and would be left behind by their peers, which would definitely impact customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and revenue growth negatively. This was why he continuously ensured that Access Holdings under his watch emerged as one of Africa’s leading financial services groups. He showed relentless pursuit for growth, but in a measured and calculated manner.

From a small bank in 2002, the late Wigwe who took over from his close friend and business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, in 2014, completely transformed the bank which at some point was ranked 65th among 89 banks operating in the country.

Access Bank under Wigwe, evolved from an obscure bank into a world-class African financial institution.

Today, the financial institution, which is a subsidiary of the holding company, is one of the five largest banks in Nigeria in terms of assets, loans, deposits and branch network; a feat which was achieved through a robust long-term approach to client solutions – providing committed and innovative advice.

Access Bank has built its strength and success in corporate banking and is now applying that expertise to personal and business banking platforms it acquired from Nigeria’s international commercial bank in 2012. Wigwe has helped to develop some of Africa’s biggest companies in the construction, telecommunications, energy, oil and gas sectors through Access Bank.

Immediately the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was established in 2018, Wigwe saw it as an opportunity to position Access Bank and the parent company for the continental benefits. This saw him aggressively drive the expansion of the institution.

To him, AfCFTA, among other benefits, was expected to expand intra-Africa trade and provide real opportunities for the continent. His belief was that Africa has enormous potential and that there are opportunities for an African bank that is well run - that understands compliance and has the capacity to support trade and the right technology infrastructure to support payments and remittances, without taking incremental risks.

“We are building a strong and sustainable franchise to support economic prosperity, encourage Africa trade, advance financial inclusion thereby empowering many to achieve their financial dreams. We believe that we are best positioned to basically do all of that. Our focus is to become an aggregator in Africa and we are building a global payment gateway and providing trade finance support and correspondent banking across the continent. We are focusing on the key markets.

“The approach would always be that in the country we wish to go to, that we have the right skills. We would not just be a drop in the country in which we are present, we would make sure that we have an impactful presence in each Continued on page 15

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Life and Times of Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe

Wigwe and family

of the major countries in which we are present.

“In doing this, we are also mindful of the country we are going to so as to make sure that it is of benefit to the bank. As we do this, we are working with our friends and partners,” he had said while speaking about his big dream for the financial institution.

Today, Access Holdings has spread from Nigeria to Rwanda, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Zambia, Angola, France, United Kingdom, Botswana, Guinea, R.D. Congo, Gambia, Tanzania, Uganda, among several other countries.

His latest aggressive expansionist drive was in Zambia, where Access Bank Zambia Limited last month announced the completion of its acquisition of African Banking Corporation Zambia Limited (also known as Atlas Mara Zambia), after obtaining all requisite regulatory approvals.

In May last year, Wigwe emerged as President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, a platform that was established to strengthen business ties between France and Nigeria, and promote mutual growth and prosperity. Under his leadership, the council has held several fruitful engagements between French and Nigerian businesses.

His Wigwe University, which is presently admitting its first set of students was expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the skills’ gaps in the continent and ensure that the right manpower is developed for African businesses and for the rest of the world. The ivy-league institution is based on high-standard teaching quality, established to build a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and scientists.

It is Africa’s gateway to the world of entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and impact. Wigwe’s mission, through the Wigwe University, was to change the course of Nigeria’s future through committed and world-class faculty and globally relevant and locally impactful curricula taught through novel methods to rival the globe’s most respected universities.

The Wigwe University is dedicated to fostering a global learning environment with a focus on excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.

To bridge the gap in manpower, Wigwe

had planned to recruit 30 per cent of the teaching staff from the UK and the US. He was to play an active role in teaching and mentoring, engaging prominent entrepreneurs like his friend Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man. The university aims to enroll 1,400 students in its inaugural year, with a projected increase to 10,000 within the next five years.

To Wigwe, education is expected to make one fearless. It should help students remain focused, unwavering, and fixed firmly on the exhilaration of victory rather

than the fear of defeat. He said this was why Wigwe University was focused on delivering education, cultivating Africa’s bold and fearless generation of leaders, innovative thinkers and entrepreneurial sons and daughters.

“I cannot change the world overnight.

But if I can empower even one youth today, tomorrow, they could join me in empowering others. With time, we could change the world. The truth is that the end to the good we can achieve is nowhere in sight. There’s so much

more to conquer. There are more lives to impact and generations to uplift to achieve their full potential,” Wigwe said recently.

In addition, his philanthropic gesture saw him set up the HOW Foundation (Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe), which is focused on education, health, youth empowerment and sustainability. The Foundation has over the years committed several billions of naira to upgrade and support 23 Primary Health Care Centres across Rivers State in five years, to train 75 doctors (in Israel and the USA) over the course of five years, among several interventions. Its achievements are evidenced in its commitment to change the future through the upliftment in education, health and youth empowerment. Also, the HOW Foundation supports the education of 13 000 Almajiri children in Kaduna State.

Indeed, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, his son, Ogunbajo and others that died in the accident would be dearly missed by all their admirers and family members. But they must all be encouraged by the words of Wigwe who on January 19, 2024 tweeted: “Today and always, let us remember that life is a precious gift - a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect. Let’s honour this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count.

Let us number our days.”

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HONORARYAWARDS… L-R:ViceChancellor,FederalUniversity,OyeEkiti,Prof.AbayomiFashina;LeaderoftheSenate,SenatorOpeyemiBamidele;EkitiStateGovernor,Mr.BiodunOyebanji;Chairman,SenateCommitteeonAppropriations,SenatorAdeolaOlamilekan;and Chairman,HouseofRepresentatives’CommitteeonNavy,Hon.YusufDaji,aftertheconfermentofHonoraryDoctorateonthelawmakersattheeighthconvocationoftheuniversityheldinOyeEkiti,EkitiState….yesterday

To Tackle Challenges, Shettima Asks Leaders to Renew Their Commitments to Humanity Deji Elumoye

As the federal government strives to address challenges confronting Nigerians, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the celebration of the Maulid calls for renewal of commitment to service by leaders at all levels.

Shettima spoke yesterday in Abuja at the 38th anniversary of the Shiekh Ibrahim Niass Alkaulakhy National Maulid to commemorate the birth of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, just as prayers are conducted for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

The vice president, who was joined by Shiekh Muhammad Sanusi II, Sautul Faida Shiekh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh Alhusaini, and Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, among others, in his address titled, ‘Serving Humanity,’ said the event is “an invitation

to renew our commitment to embody the spirit of serving humanity.

“I must reassure that the path before us is one of propriety, and, more than that, we are comforted by the endurance and understanding of each citizen, none of which is taken for granted.”

Speaking further on the teachings of the Holy Prophet on the responsibility of leaders, Shettima said: “The intersection of faith leaders and political leaders is a sacred space where the responsibilities of service converge.”

According to him, every leader is driven by a profound sense of duty, noting that “each of us strives to promote the welfare of the people we serve.

This is the essence of our shared purpose.”

He stressed that “whether in times of celebration or challenge,

Fifth Columnists Leaked Presidential Memos, Says Arewa Think Tank Following the recent leakage of some secret memos at the Presidency, Arewa Think Tank said it has been proved right that President Bola Tinubu must ensure fifth columnists do not embarrass his administration.

Penultimate Thursday, an internal memo was leaked, indicating that President Tinubu allegedly approved the disbursement of N500million from N1billion to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The allocated funds were intended for the inauguration of a 37-member Tripartite Committee responsible for discussing the New National Minimum Wage.

The Presidency has since requested an investigation into the civil service framework in

order to eliminate individuals it refers to as “moles” who are loyal to the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, the Chief Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu in a statement yesterday recalled warning Tinubu last November when some critics descended heavily for his trio to Saudi Arabia.

“This fifth columnists are within Nigeria, they are not in Saudi Arabia because if you see the kind of warm reception Saudi Arabia gave President Tinubu you wouldn’t say the fifth columnists are in Saudi Arabia. In some quarters, they said President Tinubu did not have one-onone discussion with the crown Prince, Salman.

the unity of the leaders of any group becomes a powerful force for positive change. It is within this intersection that we find common ground to identify with our people’s aspirations, joys, and struggles.”

The vice president further noted that “more than mere collaboration, it is a testimony to our collective stewardship. So,

again, we are grateful for your hospitality and honour.”

Shettima appealed to the faithful of the major religious groups in the country to always “engage in tangible efforts to understand one another.”

He continued: “More than ever, we appeal to you to remain the voices of reason in bridging the gaps between

knowledge and ignorance, between reality and mischief.

To honour the legacy of Rasul sincerely, we must fulfil the noble injunction of being the “best of people” by bringing maximum benefit to our people.”

Shettima added that tolerance and collaboration are important in transforming “Nigeria

into a welcoming home for all, a nation of opportunities. This mindset is crucial for fulfilling our commitment to building an inclusive and progressive society.

“Regardless of one’s position at the religious or ethnic table, the undeniable reality is that none of us remains immune to the repercussions of chaos, poverty, or insecurity,” he stated.

Tinubu Warns Universities against Indiscriminate Award of Honorary Degrees Igbawase Ukumba in Lifia President Bola Tinubu has warned Nigerian universities against indiscriminate award of honorary degrees, saying that it undermines the very core values of academic integrity and must be discontinued.

Tinubu made the warning at the combined convocation cer-

emonies for the sixth, seventh, and eighth graduates of the students of Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital yesterday.

The president, who was represented by the Acting Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris

Jibreel-Maiyaki, explained that degrees were being awarded for candidates found worthy in character and learning.

He argued that the honorary degrees should be given to only deserving Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the growth of the society.

According to him, academic

competence and professional training represent just a fraction of the qualifications needed to build a strong and prosperous nation.

He said: “Moral training and ethical standards must be coupled with the best form of academic development for universities to fulfill their purpose.

Power Generation to Receive Boost as NNPCSPDC JV Gets Set for FID on Iseni Gas Project Peter Uzoho Efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to stimulate investment in the oil and gas industry to support the growth of the Nigerian economy have received a major boost with the commitment by the NNPCSPDC Joint Venture to take the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Iseni Gas Project.

This will see the building of a dedicated upstream facility to supply 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCF) to the domestic market for 10 years.

Once completed, the additional gas volumes supplied to the

domestic market will also translate into significant forex savings for the nation.

The Chief Corporate Communication Officer (CCCO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye, disclosed in a chat with reporters that with the development, NNPCL was poised to sustain the momentum and finalise terms with partners for other upstream gas development projects.

He noted that adding 100 MMSCF of gas per day to the domestic market translates into feedstock capable of generating 400 Megawatts (MW) of

electricity or 1.5 Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPa) of Urea.

Soneye noted that based on the agreed structural design, the project would flow gas from the prolific Iseni wells through a dedicated 24” X 50km pipeline from Iseni into NAG 3 Gas Plant to be constructed at Utorogu.

He said the gas would then be processed and injected into the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) to the domestic market.

NNPCL spokesman made it clear that this milestone was enabled by the strong collaboration and support for the JV from the Federal Government and NNPC Ltd, under the strategic

leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and guidance of President Tinubu.

“Nigeria’s gas reserve is estimated at 206 trillion Cubic Feet (TCF), and with adequate and consistent investment in the gas value chain, Nigeria could become Africa’s gas powerhouse.”

According to Soneye, the project is one in a series of efforts President Tinubu has instituted in the energy sphere being driven by the NNPCL team led by Mele Kyari as a show of commitment to enhancing the standard of living of Nigerians.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER )(%58$5<

BUSINESS

17

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

Nigeria’s Power Supply Woes Continue

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18

T H I S D AY SUNDAY FEBURUARY 11, 2024

JOSEF OMOROTIONMWAN urges severe sanctions on judges who usurp the peoples’ votes

REWARD, PUNISHMENT AND ELECTIONS

T

he concept of reward and punishment is as old as time.

Even without calling it by that name, societies have, in varying degrees, learnt to reward good and punish evil.

We have come a long way – from very early in life, in our small community where we ate rice once a year – on New Year Day – to the stage where rice was promoted to the reward level.

On the day of vacation at the end of the school year, our mother prepared us for school and gave us three pence with conditions – if we passed the promotion examination, we were to treat ourselves to “Rice imi giogio” with the money; and those who failed had to return the money home. That was the beginning of the reward system; and we pushed hard toward the mark.

In some homes, failures at school were also denied the Christmas and New Year rice. In my particular case, my parents promised me a “foreign trip” to Igbanke, Benin or Lagos – each time I took first in the promotion examination – a promise they kept very religiously. It worked wonders.

As applicable in the larger society, where the system of reward and punishment is not properly enforced, the system soon begins to wobble and so dies.

Nigeria has been fixated at this level; and this is what this piece is out to examine as it concerns our elections.

Representative government presupposes that there should be periodic elections at which representatives who perform well would be rewarded with re-election, while those who perform poorly would be dropped and others are made to replace them.

In any case, the responsibility for choosing those to represent the people belongs solely to the people. Tragically, this responsibility has been snatched from the people by the Judiciary. In what we call Judiciocracy – Government of the Judiciary by the Judiciary for the Judiciary – the Judiciary has cornered the duty of deciding who wins an election. No one rejoices over an election victory until the Judiciary pronounces. The Supreme Court has been described as the final Collation Centre for our elections. This is happening everywhere and, in every election, but because of space constraint, we shall take just a few examples: It is no longer news that in January 2008, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi became the Governor of Rivers State at an election in which he was not even on the ballot, no thanks to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

This was the beginning of the reckless usurpation by the Supreme Court, of the role of choosing who rules the people – a

role exclusively reserved for the citizenry in a democracy.

[Enter Senator Adolphus Obi Igbeke – ANPP | Anambra North] This is one man who contested election to the Senate three times. The three times, he was rejected by the people at the poll. And the three times, he headed for the courts where he was awarded victory.

Up in the Sahel, Hon. Dr. Bello Matawalle became the Governor of Zamfara State, after losing abysmally in all the local government areas, and heading for the courts where, by the new technical mathematics, his opponent’s votes were consigned to the waste basket, and he was declared winner!

Suddenly, the people now realize that it is folly to be wise where ignorance is bliss.

The new realization is: Why kill yourself working for the people, and why kill yourself campaigning and working hard to win an election, when you can buy a judge?

This portends real and present danger; and that’s where we are!

In 1979, the “Japa Syndrome” was not yet born. We merely checked out 10 years earlier for further studies.

On my return, I almost needed a dictionary to get along. On our way from the airport, my friends were talking of jerry can, generator, megawatts, etc.

In real democracies, the people have light, water, good roads, and other essentials of life.

Who needs a generator, megawatts, and all that?

Right now, every Nigerian is a lawyer and a judge. Ask any bike rider or anyone on the street for that matter, and he will tell you that in an election, the issue of party primaries and congress is a settled ingredient of our electoral jurisprudence. It is purely a party affair. And more so, it is only a member of the political party who participated in the primary and congress that can question their outcomes.

In spite of this obvious knowledge, we saw the recent shenanigans that went on at the Court of Appeal, following the 2023 general elections. Can anyone say that the Appeal Court judges in Nigeria are ignorant of the law or that they are less knowledgeable than the proverbial common man? Of course, no! All one might say is that the justices might have twisted justice for their personal benefits.

Meanwhile, they have inflicted permanent injuries on two Senatorial candidates, three House of Representative candidates, and 11 House of Assembly candidates, all in Plateau State! What collateral damage! For these people, it is the end of the road since the Appeal Court is final on legislative electoral cases.

Omorotionmwan writes from Canada

LESS IS MORE

The ban on sachet drinks is detrimental to the economy, argues GABRIEL OSARO

T

his is not the best of times for Nigeria and Nigerians. From any angle one chooses to look at it, the country is already edgy. Economy is in comatose, the masses are suffering, multinationals are relocating while many local manufacturers that cannot withstand the current tense economic climate are folding up. The future looks bleak and no solution is in sight yet.

In the midst of all these, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) wielded the big stick last week and put an end to the months of speculations on the ban of drinks in sachets and pet bottles. Expectedly, the clampdown on the manufacturers of the alcoholic beverages attracted mixed reactions, with many experts arguing that the decision is not only harsh, the timing is extremely wrong, considering its multiplying effect on the economy.

However, one question nobody has answered is whether the regulatory agency was sincere in its decision or playing out a VFULSW RI VRPH ÀIWK FROXPQLVWV 3XQGLWV KDYH argued that the latest resolve by NAFDAC was as a result of some clandestine moves made by those whose businesses are threatened by the success of pet and sachet drinks in the market.

According to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, the uncontrolled access and availability of high concentration alcohol in sachets and small volume PET or glass bottles contribute to substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria.

The position of the NAFDAC’s Boss notwithstanding, it’s believed that there are ÀIWK FROXPQLVWV KDQJLQJ VRPHZKHUH DQG pushing the narrative for the ban for their pecuniary interest. The issue many are raising is whether substance abuse is peculiar to the sachet drink market alone. To this end, many analysts have argued that if a ban is placed on the sale of alcohol in sachets and small bottles, it should as well be placed on others in bigger bottles such as Vodka, Johnnie Walker, among others.

Therefore, linking the ban on the fact that sachet drinks promote abuse is laughable considering the fact that alcohol has a limited contribution to today’s youth substance abuse. We all know the truth but we are looking for scape-goats without minding the consequences. At various fora, the fact that the real problem is from other substancestramadol and other substances, has almost become an overkill but only a few stakeholders cared. At least, victims of kidnap in the hands of Boko Haram and others are always quick to narrate how the perpetrators rely on heavy GUXJ LQÁXHQFH WR DFW GDVWDUGO\ 6SHFLÀFDOO\ LQ 0DUFK ODVW \HDU 1LJHULDQ Breweries, the country’s largest beer manufacturer, announced its worst sales in 15 years. The decline in sales, according to the company, was due to a drop in beer consumption caused by cash scarcity in Nigeria. The cash scarcity has severely impacted the purchasing power of Nigerians across the country. Beside the global economic crisis, the drop in consumption occurred as the Central Bank of Nigeria drained about 2.1 trillion old naira notes off circulation.

According to a 2021 report by Afrinvest, Nigeria’s protracted FX scarcity occasioned E\ UHGXFHG LQÁRZV IURP FUXGH RLO VDOHV and the resultant currency pressures has continued to impact the cost structure of brewers such as Nigerian Breweries, International Breweries and Guinness.

The report stated that despite the adoption of backward integration policy aimed at increasing the share of locally produced raw material in production inputs, Nigeria’s major brewers still depend on large raw material importation to bridge the gap created by domestic supply gaps.

Despite being a common societal norm, the increasing rate of alcohol consumption in Nigeria has since created competition among makers of alcoholic drinks. The general public

is now exposed to choices that suit their desires and budgets, which determine the type of drinks they take.

In the recent time, as far as alcohol is concerned in the Nigerian context, beer, bitters and spirits have been at loggerheads in the market space, struggling to make sales to gain more market value among alcohol consumers at large.

But beyond emotions, I think stakeholders in Nigeria, especially the economic drivers need to consider the far-reaching adverse effect of the recent ban on the economy.

Rather than throwing away the baby and the bath water, the point being raised by various labour unions and the beverage manufacturers deserves some attention.

6SHFLÀFDOO\ RQH LV PRYHG WR WHDUV E\ WKH recent analysis by the Executive Director of Stellar Beverages, Gandhi Anandan, who didn’t only condemn the decision of the NAFDAC to ban the production, sale and distribution of alcoholic spirit drinks in sizes below 200ml in both sachets and PET bottles but gave a statistical details of the investment in the sector and the loss that would herald the ban.

In a statement on Thursday, February 8, Anandan said the action would have a drastic effect on Nigerians. He said manufacturers were dismayed by the unilateral action taken by NAFDAC last week regarding the ban. According to him, not only does this action unnecessarily put at immediate risk the 500,000 direct and 5,000,000 indirect jobs of those working for the spirit drinks industry and their suppliers but also the traders who rely on this category for their businesses and livelihoods.

I personally support his argument that to do so at a time when people are already under tremendous economic pressure is not RQO\ LQVHQVLWLYH EXW XQMXVWLÀDEOH The manufactures are currently thinking of their dedicated workforce and customers at this worrying time as stakeholders continue to engage with relevant authorities in the government with the hope of achieving a responsible resolution.

To me, we seem not to consider the fact that moderation and responsible drinking promotes good health. Small is good, if you buy small you will consume small. If you buy big, you will consume big and that to me is not healthy.

Bigger sizes encourage consumption of bigger portions, while small sizes encourage portion control. If NAFDAC takes away small sizes, the agency is simply encouraging excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

As things are, to go ahead with the ban based on perceived danger, without empirical information and not minding the consequences is to me, unfair to the industry operators, the millions of workers who will lose their jobs and is inimical to the Nigerian economy.

Osaro, a market research expert, writes from Benin

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER )(%58$5< , 2024

RIGHT OF REPLY

If We Don’t Buy Nigeria, We Will Die in Nigeria Henry Omoregie

L

ike many other Nigerians, I read Joseph Edgar’s musings attacking Glo and hyping MTN. I was at a loss for words. It used to be that only music stars had hype men. Never knew that telcos had followed suit. But to each his own.

As someone who has built a reputation for promoting the brand Nigeria, let me thank President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for putting Nigeria first and intervening in MTN’s plot against Glo. Obviously, they want to try here what they have done in Ghana.

In Edgar, we see that many Nigerians will do anything for money. Sad. Let me take on Edgar issue by issue.

First, he claimed that since MTN has Nigerian shareholders, it should be seen as a Nigerian company and that we need foreign direct investments. Yes, he is right to an extent.

We need foreign direct investments, not foreign exploitative investments.

MTN is an exploiter that has officially been branded an exploitative monopoly in neighbouring Ghana. MTN even went to court in Ghana over a tax dispute and lost.

Not done, Ghana fined MTN $773 million as back-tax bill, penalties and interest charges, with Kevin Ekow Taylor, one of the most prominent journalists in Ghana, saying, “successive Ghanaian governments have given too much room to MTN to cheat the Ghanaian.”

Now, they are doing the same thing in Nigeria. Exploitatively using interconnectivity rates to squeeze out their competitors and grow their market share.

Additionally, MTN is not a Nigerian company because the owners of the 30% Nigerian shareholding are nominal shareholders with no real power to determine the direction of that firm.

The fact remains that MTN is a majorityowned South African company that repatriates its profits to South Africa, thereby putting downward pressure on the Nigerian Naira. Daily, Nigeria loses millions of dollars to South Africa, for a service we can provide ourselves.

Edgar, a man with a foreign name, and who is supporting a foreign company, tried to justify MTN by saying that their foundation has spent billions of naira in Nigeria and employs Nigerians. Well, if that is his argument, then why did Nigeria get rid of the colonial masters? They also invested a bit of the money they exploited from Nigeria locally, and they employed and educated more people than MTN. Yet, we still sent them packing. Maybe Edgar would like us to invite them back to recolonise us.

Next, he tried to fudge the truth by alleging that Glo owes MTN. Bunkum. That was an unproven allegation that has since been debunked by the reconciliation of accounts between both parties.

Glo does not owe MTN. MTN was only engaging in the same old exploitative practices that had branded them an exploitative monopoly in Ghana.

MTN came up with the alleged debt claim, stating, among other things, that they paid Value Added Tax on behalf of Glo. I mean, that is just an insult to the intelligence of the NCC. Who authorised MTN to pay taxes on behalf of other corporate entities? What is the business of MTN with Glo’s taxes, which, by the way, investigations revealed that Glo had paid?

And then they claimed compounded interest since 2009 and that the compounded interests ballooned to over ₦7 billion. Who does that in corporate Nigeria? By virtue of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, what MTN admitted to doing is a banking and financial service, which is illegal for a non-banking institution to do. The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Ministry of Finance and the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions should look into alleged possible violation of applicable Nigerian laws

by MTN. In these lean financial times, Nigeria may have to slam another $1.671 billion fine for this violation.

Edgar should seek proper information for MTN before doing their work.

MTN first alleged that Glo owed them ₦7.05 billion. Thank God, we now have a businessman President, a first-class accountant, who promotes transparency

and supports an audit. It was discovered upon reconciliation that only less than two billion naira of that amount was even their alleged interconnectivity charges, which Glo was said to have paid and tendered the receipts.

And finally, the VAT tax, which they claimed they paid on behalf of Glo. Interestingly enough, upon investigation, it was found that Glo had paid its VAT tax as and when due.

The long and short of it is that it was proved to the regulators beyond the shadow of a doubt that Glo was not in any way indebted to MTN. And to show that this was not about money, Glo insisted on a reconciliatory audit, which the Presidency promptly approved, and deposited bank guarantees of ₦3.489 billion, as well as seven bank drafts to the tune of ₦3.5 billion, as acts of good faith during the pendency of the reconciliatory audit.

How can you claim compounded interest from 2009 and only want to collect it in December of 2023, fourteen years after the alleged debt? You can see quite clearly what they are doing. Attempting to use underhand tactics to edge out Glo’s market share; no other telco charges any such interest in the industry.

MTN is still stinging from the initial $1.671 billion (amounting to N330 billion as at then) fine imposed on them by the Buhari’s administration for non-deactivation of 5.2 million non-registered SIM cards.

A company that allegedly undermined Nigeria’s national security by not disconnecting non-registered SIMs now threatens to disconnect Glo. Just imagine that. You cannot disconnect unregistered phone lines to curb insecurity but you want to disconnect the phone lines registered to your biggest

competitor.

They feel Glo is the only thing standing in their way.

Only that in the case of Nigeria, some patriots are standing up to them.

And to think that Edgar was raining insults on one of these patriots who lamented that MTN’s monopoly is not good for the Nigerian economy. Edgar aspired to lead his secondary school’s alumni association but withdrew after opinion polls revealed his unpopularity. If people who went to school and know you best rejected you, then the public should find out why.

The fact remains that colonialism was only possible because foreigners used locals to sell their people and country for kickbacks like mirrors and alcoholic drinks. Centuries later, little has changed.

We still have many Edgars, who will offer themselves as willing tools to undermine their nation. Maybe South Africa, too, should have accepted Apartheid. After all, those behind Apartheid invested in building townships like Soweto and employed turncoats.

The fact remains that unless we buy locally made goods and services, the naira will not rise in value since it has been floated. The value of our currency is now in the hands of the laws of demand and supply. This is elementary economics that cannot be twisted, no matter how much minions try to twist things.

We must look after our own because if push comes to shove, exploitative investors, like MTN, can and will go, but Glo, Dangote and Innoson will sink or swim with Nigeria.

If Nigerians make calls with Glo, drive to work with Innoson, and eat Dangote staples, the Naira will rise faster. What is even Nigerian about Edgar? A man so ashamed of his roots that he has a foreign name. Inferiority complex does terrible things to people!

Let me end by counselling Globacom to seek legal redress against MTN in court for alleged extensive brand damage. Do to them in Nigeria what was done to them in the Ghanaian courts. ˾ ×ÙÜÏÑÓϘ Ë ÝÍÒÙÖËÜ ËØÎ ËßÞÒÙܘ áÜÓÞÏÝ ÐÜÙ× ÏØÓØ˛

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SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2024 • T H I S D AY

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2024 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R FEBRUARY 11, 2024

GLITZ ENTERTAINMENT

Glo Showcases Power of Telecoms in Business

Oladele S. Oladele

Businesses today rely so much on innovations to make impactful progress and grow beyond the marginal level.

For owner of such businesses across the world, they have to adopt different strategies to ensure the success of their companies. They innovate and access different channels to ensure that their enterprises are able to thrive in the midst of stiff competition and global economic difficulties.

One key component that has been found to aid the growth of companies is telecommunication.

The telecoms industry plays a crucial role in helping businesses to effectively communicate, collaborate, and reach their customers. With the rise of remote work and increasing reliance on mobile devices, businesses leverage telecommunications solutions to enhance their productivity, efficiency, and customer experiences.

Interestingly, access to a wide range of tools and resources from telecommunication services has not only aided the growth of burgeoning companies across the world, it has also fasttracked their development in a very short period.

Telecommunication support for entrepreneurs comes in different forms including but not limited to artificial intelligence, digital services, e-commerce and social media. It helps businesses to operate at all levels, leading to huge increases in efficiency and productivity.

This is succinctly captured and showcased in a new television commercial, “Big Day”, currently being aired by Nigeria’s total telecommunications solutions provider, Globacom across various visual platforms.

The company, which is reputed for consistently rolling out highly engaging and entertaining television commercials to market the brand and its products, is using the new commercial to highlight the impact of digital technology and how the company drives entrepreneurship and promote development of businesses through its different technology platforms. The commercial encapsulates how digital technology and the internet are consistently changing entrepreneurship and businesses.

This commercial, flagging the latest mainstream brand campaign tagged ‘Powering Your Ambition”, is focused on inspiring Nigerians to work towards achieving their dreams, with Globacom walking its talk by providing a slew of digital and technological support to bring those ambitions to reality.

“The Big Day”, Glo showcases its strength as a digital services company with solutions capable of helping its customers pull off ambitious goals. The TVC tells the story of how three techprenuers of a virtual runway start-up were able to overcome the challenge of heavy rain and collectively find their way to the location from where they beam it to their potential investors in different parts of the world. Tobi Bakare goes on a fast car, Tope Olowoniyan hops on power bike, while Chike Osebuka uses the traffic app powered by Glo data to direct them to the location through a faster route to the venue.

They eventually get there and quickly set up the meeting with a hologram using Glo data.

Runway X is showcased and the investors are impressed and they approve the project. When

the investors inquire how they are able to pull off such a feat, Tobi answers: “Thanks to Nigeria’s top tech talent”, while Chike quips, “And Glo!”, thus acknowledging Glo as the genius behind their feat.

With modern technological services in place, as clearly captured in the TVC, Globacom is no doubt empowered to support businesses and help many entrepreneurs power their ambitions.

Globacom is legendary for its wave-making, entertaining commercials right from the unique Glo “Ball” commercial that heralded the launch of the network in 2003 and the “Unlimited” brand commercial that had music icons, Lagbaja and P-Square.

The company had, several years ago, engaged such great national icons as the late Maitama Sule, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, Ikemba of Nnewi, late Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, to tell its brand stories. It has also used Nollywood icons to weave its products and brand stories in evergreen commercials. Chief Zebrudaya (Chika Okpala), Chiwetalu Agu, Mama Gee (Patience Ozokwo), Richard Mofe Damijo, Madam Kofo, Madam Amebo and a whole lot of Nollywood icons have, at one time or another, been engaged by Globacom in exciting commercials.

The younger generation of musicians and actors have also been engaged by Globacom to tell its stories to the public through sensational commercials that resonate with the target population.

In 2013 when the Mobile Number Portability idea was introduced, Globacom featured several stars to present a “Move to Greener Pastures” TV commercial that was a hit among the people. The musical video commercial had nine Glo Ambassadors, Flavour, MI, Omawumi, Waje, Lynxxx, Bez, Naeto C, Chee the Voice and Burna Boy and generated unmatched interest among youths in the country. For Globacom, ‘Powering Ambition’ which the Big Day advert encapsulates is much more than just a proposition. “it’s a promise. A promise to keep you ahead of the curve, so that whenever opportunity whispers, you’re ready to respond and take the leap. Be it in making you stay close-nit to your family and friends with our ultra high speed data plan sharing, voice/data CUGs and transforming your home into a gateway for access to ultra high quality video entertainment content streaming, and partnering with you in delivering cutting edge digital transformation of your business and innovative ideas”.

The company says that when the ambitions of Nigerians thrive, Nigeria too rises to the heights of her ambitions, and “because Nigeria’s Unlimited Potential is forged in the Unlimited Ambition of the Nigerian Spirit, it is only right that Nigeria’s One and Only Unlimited Network is at the heart and forefront of Powering the Ambition of our great nation”.

One remarkable way Globacom demonstrated its commitment to powering the ambition of Nigerians is the construction in 2010 of – Glo 1 international submarine cable the first such project to be undertaken by an individual company.

Since the launch of Glo1 in 2010, it has metamorphosized into a leading end-to-end connectivity solutions provider across the globe.

The undersea cable from the United Kingdom to Nigeria has the lowest latency in the market. With nationwide terrestrial fiber coverage and presence in all data centers, it boasts a major advantage very few possess in the market. With more undersea cable operators entering the market, the competition is going to intensify. However, the main distinction for Glo is that it can address market requirements across all spectrums, i.e. international cable + national fiber, last

mile fiber connectivity using multiple fiber routes for redundancy up to any major data center within Nigeria.

Glo1 is the first successful submarine cable from the United Kingdom through the West Coast of Africa to Ghana and Nigeria. The 9,800-km-long cable with 169 repeaters originates from Bude in the UK and branches out at Osu landing station, Accra, Ghana, and terminates at Alpha Beach landing station, Lagos.

The facility has provided individuals, small and medium scale businesses and several industry verticals the much needed connectivity to power critical sectors of the economy such as oil and gas, manufacturing, banking, commerce, education and health, among others.

r 0MBEFMF JT B -BHPT CBTFE NBSLFUJOH DPOTVMUBOU

5 Love Lyrics for Valentine’s Day Vanessa Obioha

In case you are lost for words to express how you feel to that special loved one on Valentine’s Day, we have selected five love lyrics to help you out:

For All Time (Michael Jackson)

“And maybe the walls will tumble And the sun may refuse to shine When I say I love you Baby, you gotta know that’s for all time Baby, you gotta know that’s for all time”

Start All Over (Niniola and Johnny Drille) “See you and me have been together And I want our love to last forever Happily ever after oh oh yeah uh No matter what we’ll stay together You cannot leave me now or ever Let’s do it again, girl lets start all over” I Knew I Loved You (Savage Garden) “I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life”

Stutter (Chris Brown)

“All of the signs that lead to you I’m doing things I never do now You turned a heart I thought was Made for one into two, yeah And now I’m tired of the games, yeah And I’m hoping you feel the same You got me Stutterin’ (stutterin’, yeah), stutter-stutter You got me in my feelings”

Running to You (Chike ft Simi) “I’ll be a soldier for you I’m getting better in kung-fu You should know I got you And you don’t need to get me too I’ll be right beside you In anything that you do If you ever need saving I will be running to Running, running, running to you I’ll be running to you Running, running, running to you Anywhere that you go to”

Michael Jackson, Niniola and Johnny Drille, Chris Brown, Savage Garden, Chike and Simi, Savage Garden

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY FEBURUARY 11, 2024

EDITORIAL FLY, SUPER EAGLES, FLY…

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

A l m o s t e ve r y t h i n g a u g u r s w e l l fo r S u p e r E a g l e s ’ v i c t o r y

1

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LETTERS

NIGERIA AND WELFARE OF SOLDIERS

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

11.2.2024

NIYI ADESANYA BRIDGING LEADERSHIP GAP WITH THE GIFT OF THE GAB At a time when many have strayed from the path of professional and motivational speaking, Niyi Adesanya, a distinguished professional speaker and business coach, stands unwavering in his commitment to uplifting others with the gift of the garb. Celebrating three decades on stage, Adesanya shares with Vanessa Obioha the enduring strength behind his journey, providing insights into transformational leadership EDITED BY: VANESSA OBIOHA/vanessa.obioha@thisdaylive.com.

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COVER

We do not have national leaders in Nigeria

Adesanya

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few days after the conclusion of the sixth edition of his signature leadership initiative, the Niyi Adesanya Leadership Bootcamp (NALB), founder Niyi Adesanya found himself at Eko Hotels and Suites. Here, one of his protégés hosted a leadership/ business conference. Having addressed a cumulative audience of approximately three million, coached over 1,000 executives, and provided training for more than 37,000 corporate professionals spanning mid-level to senior managers, CEOs, and public servants in his career, the conference vividly attests to his impact on the lives of many.

Adesanya requires no formal introduction, being a highly soughtafter performance strategist and consultant with an illustrious threedecade career. He has meticulously crafted a reputation that garners the utmost respect from prominent leaders in both government and the corporate sphere. Juggling multiple roles, he serves as a teacher, consultant, author, motivational speaker, and a seasoned business engineering expert. He is also the CEO of FifthGear Plus, a

consulting, recruiting, and publishing firm with clients including at least one of the top three organisations in major sectors of the economy.

Through his business and life coaching platform, Adesanya has empowered business owners across diverse sectors to navigate the intricacies of today’s dynamic business landscape. His groundbreaking MACE procedure template, a product of years of leadership management practice, simplifies complexities. As a result, businesses engaging with this methodology have experienced remarkable boosts, with bottomline increases ranging from 63% to an impressive 313%. Beyond the boardroom, his global influence is evident through captivating keynote addresses that inspire and empower audiences to drive impactful change in their domains.

Adesanya has received prestigious accolades including Nigeria’s Foremost Performance Strategist (Middle East Africa Business Award), and the African Prize for Leadership Excellence. Notably, he earned an Honourary Doctorate Degree in Transformational Leadership from Myles Leadership University, India,

and a Professional Fellowship Doctorate from the Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development of Nigeria.

Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Adesanya enjoyed a privileged childhood shielded from harsh realities. His father’s managerial role at a top auto company required frequent relocations, but circumstances shifted, leading them back to his father’s village, Sagamu in Ogun State. Financial constraints, particularly the inability to afford Adesanya’s WAEC fees, prevented him from attending university.

Despite this, he proactively acquired essential knowledge through relevant courses, thoroughly preparing him for his true calling.

Adesanya’s gift of the gab was evinced during his young adulthood.

“I realised that I loved to talk and argue a lot,” he said on a recent afternoon, recalling some of his arguments with his peers in such a way that they doubt their own convictions.

This penchant for articulate discourse led him to embrace public speaking in 1993. Subsequently, he ventured into the religious realm, serving as a pastor under the guidance of Sam Adeyemi, the esteemed founder of Daystar Christian Centre, for eight years.

He would later transition into full-time professional speaking, consulting, and coaching. Adesanya credits Prof. Pat Utomi and Azubuike Ishiekwene as some of the influential mentors in his career.

Significant emphasis is placed on transformational leadership in his teachings. His focus is on cultivating leaders who drive positive changes within their spheres of influence.

The establishment of NALB stemmed from his commitment to fostering this transformative approach to leadership.

“There was a gap. We don’t have national leaders. We don’t have a Yoruba leader that an Igbo guy can look up to and vice versa. Secondly, we do not have leaders who have the skills. They may know what to do but before you get into the activities of doing, you must first get to that state of being. You must be before you do,” he said.

“Once you become, then it’s easier for you to do,” he continued.

“Once you do not become, even if you do, you’ll get hired along the way. Don’t work hard on your job, work hard on yourself. Because if you work hard at your job and get better at your job, the day you leave that specific assignment, and move to somewhere else, you become very useless. But when you work hard on yourself, no matter where they put you in, you will thrive because you know what to look out for.

That’s one of the reasons why we decided that we need to change the narrative when it comes to Nigeria.”

Focusing on political leadership within Nigeria, Adesanya highlighted the absence of a national leader since independence, noting that the country has primarily produced ethnic leaders. He emphasised a prevailing lack of clarity regarding the role of a leader and what it entails.

“A leader fixes the road, builds bridges, and is applauded. What do you mean? Fixes a road that has been there or even if he creates a new one, that is not his job. Your job as a leader is to look at where the country or the state or the

organisation is going in the next 20 or 25 years. As far as I’m concerned — I think I wrote it in my book — one of the few people that stood out for me amongst all the political leaders in Nigeria is Donald Duke. Duke did not just build roads or bridges. He changed the orientation of a state and made it a tourist attraction. That is a cultural change, not an infrastructural change.

Every leader knows that your first assignment is the mindset, the attitude and the culture of the people and that’s where you get the core values.”

For one to be a transformative leader, Adesanya emphasised that cultivating a mindset detached from biases and prejudices is imperative.

“There’s something I call the frame of reference. Everything everybody hears or sees is filtered through the frame of reference. And your frame of reference is your exposure, education, network and your knowledge base. And then your biases and prejudices.”

Adesanya’s aim is to transform NALB into a global pilgrimage for leaders, ensuring it meets international standards and leaves a significant impact. This year, he is planning a Growth Festival for individuals seeking a purpose-driven life.

As our conversation progressed, Adesanya’s passion for sharing knowledge shone through. Our dialogue was enriched with insightful nuggets, including the 1% theory, asserting that at least 1% of any community will thrive in the future, and the importance of prioritising values over materialism. Yet, there was more to it. Adesanya exhibited a subtle yet engaging sense of humour, often using popular colloquialisms to underscore key points. For instance, when questioned about the fear of loneliness, he playfully hummed Afrobeats star Asake’s ‘Lonely at the Top.’ Addressing a common misconception about him, Adesanya clarified that the perception of him being proud is unfounded.

“It depends on where you are coming from. I tell people that it’s only ignorance that mistakes confidence for arrogance. But people around me know that I’m very approachable and accessible. But for you to succeed in life, you will need a bit of arrogance.”

Another misperception is when people characterise him as a transformational speaker rather than a motivational speaker.

“I’m a motivational speaker because the word motivation means movement.

So when you say you are a motivational speaker, you are moving people from point A to point B. In other words, there must be improvement in the lives of the people. If there’s not an improvement, then you are just an inspirational speaker because you are only inspiring them,” he clarified.

Reflecting on his three decades on stage, Adesanya attributed his enduring success to his deep love for people.

“I won’t say money because I’m not sure I’ve made that money even if money was the motivator. I will say the love of people, the love of seeing people get better. And then the push.

The best news that I hear is when people come back to you and tell you what you said, they utilised it and this is the result. That has actually kept me going.”

Countless stories of success permeate his life, especially in the real estate and tech sectors, where those who benefited from his leadership coaching flood him with messages of appreciation and requests to join their companies. Yet, for Adesanya, true fulfillment lies in witnessing their success, a testament to his authenticity.

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HighLife Supersonic Rise of Abayomi Awobokun

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

Where is Scott Tommey?

“What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?” These opening lines to William Henry Davies’ poem paint a sad picture of humanity. In many ways, Scott Tommey fits into this picture. Despite being believed to have more money and influence than he would probably ever use, the iconic businessman continues to live as a hobbit, far from the lively surface of affluent sociability.

Once in a while, the past glories of Tommey, the CEO of Osmoserve Global, come to mind. Tommey, formerly the shining gemstone of the Niger Delta region, has gone low profile. Today, he lives under the radar, no longer the big Abuja socialite that others publicly hated but secretly admired.

There are many theories as to why Tommey is nowhere to be found. One theory holds that the Osmoserve Global CEO allegedly fell out of favour with the powers that be, thereby attracting the efflorescent gaze of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Who has ever attracted

the eyes of this anti-graft agency and remained the same?

Another theory has it that Tommey’s primary fallout is with Senate President Godswill Akpabio who was not happy with something Tommey did and left him out to dry. Following their relationship going sour, Akpabio’s political ascension naturally became the precursor for Tommey’s plunge into social and political obscurity.

Perhaps there is a pinch of truth in both theories. It is no secret that Tommey has had dealings with EFCC in times past. One particular instance comes to mind, the one in which he was accused of receiving bribes on Akpabio’s behalf. Tommey’s drop from public view once Akpabio became Senate President also indicates that all is not well with their old friendship.

Whatever the reason is for Tommey’s disappearance, Abuja’s circle of socialites undoubtedly miss him. Perhaps, like the EFCC and some commentators have stated,

Tommey

Can Fuad Laguda Fill Femi Gbajabiamila’s Big Shoes?

Awobokun

In the march of progress, vision and diligence beat everything. Abayomi Awobokun, the CEO of ENYO Retail and Supply Limited, possesses these qualities and has used them effectively to outpace the expectations of peers and superiors.

His rise can only be described as meteoric, a thing of legend, splendidly cheered by a background incompatible with his current condition.

There are many success stories in Nigeria, especially in the corporate corridor. That of Awobokun has a stage to itself because of the paceatwhichitwentfromplayingadourtheme to a majestic one. It is the story of a graduate of Applied Mathematics from an ordinary family and projected to have an ordinary future.

Awobokun’s parents are certainly not runof-the-mill. His father is a medical doctor and his mother’s roots are in the law profession.

But Awobokun did not exactly inherit their aristocratic pedigree. He chose to make a path for himself, a path that someone once projected as likely to peak in a classroom in some obscure place.

Awobokunhas eclipsed such projections.

He started from Oando PLC where he jumped on an opportunity to work in tech.

Despite his natural intellectual advantages, Awobokun remained there because of his passion for the domain, only moving to another department when he was required to.

From Oando, Awobokun directly started ENYO Retail and Supply Limited, not minding how the industry was clogged with businesses with similar goals of standing out. In the years that have passed, Awobokun’s distinction has shown itself in ENYO’s success, far removed from the ups and downs of the mainstream trajectory of business operations.

Today’s Awobokun is also a tall expert.

His signature cuts across three continents.

With his gaze focused on quality tasks and service delivery, his ENYO Retail and Supply Limited shares the stage with few equals.

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

Laguda

Comparison is the thief of joy, so goes the old proverb. The House of Representatives has become the soup pot for this comparison. With Fuad Kayode Laguda (fondly called FKL), the

new member of the House of Representatives for Surulere 1 Constituency, one might expect a new wave of life in the legislative government arm. But comparing newcomers like FKL to their predecessors, case in point Femi Gbajabiamila is a venture in futility.

Since the emergence of FKL as Surulere 1’s representative, many media houses have opened a sort of betting campaign. The seasoning of this campaign is to determine how well FKL fits into the shoes of his predecessor, Gbajabiamila. At present, the votes are mostly against the economist-turned-politician.

It has to be said that Gbajabiamila’s shoes are huge. Before becoming the Chief of Staff to his lord, President Bola Tinubu, Gbajabiamila held the prestigious position of being the Speaker of the House of Representatives. For the people of Surulere 1, that is a peak that nobody else has reached.

In light of this, FKL’s emergence as the winner of the February 3 by-election for the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a bitter-sweet pill.

Although it is no fault of his, FKL does not wield as much charm as his predecessor, nor does he possess that paradoxical quality of being flexible but never compromising, unlike Gbajabiamila, who wears that vesture well.

Even the other members of the House might look down on FKL. After all, despite his impressive academic, professional, and political portfolio, there can only be one Gbajabiamila. Will FKL be able to get labour unions to stand down or whisper a word or two into the ears of the president to startling effects?

Probably not. FKL may wear Gbajabiamila’s big shoes, but he may never fill them completely.

Some believe that a taxman can never reach Gbajabiamila’s political heights and influence.

Some think that there is no need to.

Rise of Femi Otedola: from Oil and Power to Banking Human potential is one of the biggest marvels of the universe. A single individual, mortal, designed to expire in at most 100 years, can dare to mount dreams and ride into the sunset. Femi Otedola fits this image best.

Rising from one end of the corporate skies and extending his shadow to the others, Otedola is gradually filling out the business world in Nigeria. His rise, once debated, is now considered unstoppable.

The First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings recently announced their appointment of Otedola as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Taking effect on January 31, 2024, Otedola’s ascension at FBN Holdings follows his growing influence at the group where it is reported that he possesses the most shares.

Otedola taking over FBN Holdings is not so much a surprise as it is a jerker. Just last year, around July, there were numerous complaints about his increasing financial weight in the

group. So rowdy was the series of events that led up to these complaints that another bank got involved, similarly trying to pull their weight.

Yet Otedola has emerged as the champion of them all. More than that, now that his wings have unfurled across the banking sector, the billionaire can pit himself against other business people on the continent. After all, how many Africans wield so much power over the oil, power (energy), and banking sectors of their native economies?

In the meantime, Otedola’s stakes in his oil businesses continue to grow. But they are greatly overshadowed by the swelling returns of his Geregu Power PLC. One might say that Otedola wants to clone his historical success in oil and gas, duplicating his domination of that industry in the energy and banking sectors.

Whatever he does, Otedola’s rise in banking is a welcome development. Should he successfully integrate these sectors, he will

Otedola

be setting a record that few have dared to dream about since past heroes fought for Nigeria’s foundation.

Oshinibosi Announces Educational Awareness and Sustainable Development in Lagos In a world of mantes, termites, and woodpeckers, someone has to look out for the little guys. Abiodun Oshinibosi, the mind behind Abelinis Limited, is just this someone.

Having considered the sombre statistics about youth development and prospects, Oshinibosi has decided to change the narrative, pulling up Lagos youths and setting them on a spring to sustainable living.

Oshinibosi’s Abelinis Limited has started again. In times past, this project management firm attached itself to different humanitarian campaigns. It led the wagon to look after the underprivileged. It did the same for girl-child education and protection. Now, it has turned its

attention towards youth development.

According to reports, Oshinibosi is set on a course of targeted educational awareness and sustainable development for Lagos State youths. Framed as a youth convergence for an estimated 10,000 youths, Oshinibosi and his Abelinis team intend to lend more life to the demand for excellence and deserved recognition through formal education.

It is believed that the convergence will break several records across the nation and the globe. For one, it will certainly make it into the Guinness World Record for the largest awareness parade. But all that Oshinibosi sees is an opportunity to shake

the nation’s foundation for the better, positioning young people to take their destinies by the bullhorn and take a step to conquer the skies.

Without question, Oshinibosi’s gesture will change many things. A recent report by UNESCO revealed that more than 250 million youths are out of school across the world. Setting that against formal education’s purpose to polish and prepare for a colourful future, what does this number say about the coming times?

This is why Oshinibosi’s youth convergence is a big deal. Come Children’s Day in May 2024, Oshinibosi and his Abelinis team will overturn the negative narrative and set a new pace for youth consciousness and development in Nigeria.

Oshinibosi

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R FEBRUARY 11, 2024

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HIGHLIFE

Senator Remi Tinubu’s Words of Encouragement

Tinubu

Someone once said that leadership is not only what the person at the rudder is saying but also what they are not saying. Senator Remi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria and wife of President Bola Tinubu is likely aware of this principle.

In her recent salutation to Nigerians, she played the role of a counsellor and cheerleader, urging her country people to endure and persist.

Senator Remi has lauded the tenacity of Nigerians and assured them that the sun, seemingly hidden behind clouds of hardship and despair, will soon shine again. The First Lady shared these words of encouragement during a meeting with the wives of state governors at Abuja.

According to the First Lady, a new year is upon the nation and this year is filled to the brim with many good things, including peace and progress. Granted, there is a gully between present realities and these prospects, but crossing onto their brilliance and colourfulness requires some sacrifice. This is the current bearing

of the nation on its way to greater and more glorious things.

Senator Remi’s words of encouragement are coming at a time when they are greatly needed. From one end of the nation to another, evil reports have populated the ears of the people. Amid economic hardship, kidnappers have raised their ugly heads and become the terror of people inside and outside their homes.

Businesses are collapsing daily while the prices of everyday commodities are almost touching hands with the sky. Given these realities, hope is the strongest armour against despair and it is a message of hope that Senator Remi brought.

Having a wife like the First Lady is President Tinubu’s fortune. It is also the fortune of Nigerians great and small. The words of encouragement may not buy food or protect from the kidnapper’s vicious gaze. But it will keep the heart yearning and waiting for better days.

As Mohammed Babangida Celebrates 52 There was a time when the idea that more is less started to encroach upon common sense. It was a time when excellence and philanthropy could not protest against the maddening crowd.

But that time is past and deserving fellows like Mohammed Babangida are trudging past in victorious reds and yellows. At 52, Babangida tips the scale of prestige from distinction.

It is that time of the year when a deluge of praises attends to the birthday of Babangida. Being the beloved son of the former military President of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), the seasoned executive wields great influence in his generation, enough to overwhelm his father ’s grand image in the past.

Following this influence, Babangida typically features on newspaper headlines around February of every new year due to his birthday. For the rest of

the year, he prefers to run his businesses and charities in quietness and peace, recognising the importance of doing great things at all times rather than for mere praises.

At 52, Babangida’s shadow billows far wider than one might assume of a gentleman.

In the area of personality, the man may be considered charming and immeasurably polite. But in the area of business, he becomes leonine, still straightforward, but sharper than one would expect of a clearly candid bloke.

It is because of this extraordinariness that Babangida was able to reach executive heights. At Profile Group, he is the Chairman.

At El-Amin International School, he is the Executive Director. At Lotus Bank, he is a nonexecutive director. But at home, he is a loving father, obedient son, and thoughtful brother.

Babangida is celebrated all over the world for his trustworthiness, ingenuity, and philanthropy.

He cuts the image of a gentleman and is the prime example of an altruistic aristocrat.

Babangida

Windfall as Aiyedatiwa Set to Begin Naira Rain

Aiyedatiwa

Over the long years of human civilisation, Fortune has been accused of favouring all kinds of people. Until Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, came into power, the brave and the blind occupied the top positions of Fortune’s list. But his arrival has added a new category—the rash and

inconsiderate. At least, that is the story on the streets.

Keyboard warriors and their online sect have started dragging Governor Aiyedatiwa over his recent decision to splash millions of naira in a venture deemed unreasonable and inconsiderate. Going by the number of people calling the governor unprintable names, Aiyedatiwa’s reputation has plunged further than the ocean floor.

Recently, news began to make the rounds that Aiyedatiwa intends to grease the hearts of several key legislative members in the Ondo State House of Assembly. The governor had allegedly decided to purchase luxurious vehicles for the Speaker of the Assembly and his happy deputy.

Needing to spend more than N200 million on this venture, Aiyedatiwa quickly attracted a tribulation of insults and curses on his greying head. People who got a copy of Ondo’s 2024 appropriation bill were quick to

add fuel to the fire by pointing out other seemingly unnecessary expenses that Aiyedatiwa is set to execute.

Keep in mind that there are several other expenses like the car purchase for the Honourable Speaker and his deputy.

Reportedly, Aiyedatiwa’s expenditure list includes a budget for other vehicles, laptops, video cameras, and more—all for the members of the House of Assembly and all very expensive.

Set against the alleged continued debt to pensioners in Ondo, Aiyedatiwa’s decisions have come under strong condemnation. After all, many of the things he intends to share came from the sweat of these pensioners. What is the governor’s justification for neglecting them?

Perhaps Aiyedatiwa is not convinced of the lesson of the brittleness and brevity of life, even though he saw it play out with his predecessor. Perhaps he knows and simply does not care.

Babatunde Okewale Set to Unveil a New State-of-the-Art Hospital in Lagos There are many professions in this world, but few can claim to be as nobly placed as the medical profession. With considerate individuals like Babatunde Okewale at the helm of affairs in the profession, great hope continues to swell across the nation, giving rise to more and lasting expectations of good things.

Lagos State is the latest to benefit from the wave of medical generosity coming from Okewale’s quarters. Taking the form of a stateof-the-art hospital, Lagosians will be able to benefit from the deliverables of the obstetrician and gynaecologist. The services may not be free, but they are set to free patients from the host of maladies prevailing against them before the hospital’s arrival.

Based on recent reports, the medical

complex is named St. Ives Akowonjo and is a 40 inpatient-bed facility. Situated in Akowonjo, as its name implies, it is Okewale’s recent project and will be a sanctuary for the ill and ailing once it officially opens on February 26, 2024.

It has been a while since something this good caught up on the airwaves. Perhaps, when Okewale’s first hospital, St Ives Specialist Hospital was opened, it was not accompanied by these many cheers. But several years have gone past during which Okewale has worked many wonders, including helping seemingly infertile women deliver healthy babies.

Presently, Okewale has awakened a reputation among Nigerians and outsiders that his peers have not matched up to. It is the reputation of a caring doctor, one who is more interested in the lives and families of his patients

Okewale

than he is in their money. This would also explain why he would situate the new hospital at Akowonjo.With Okewale’s new hospital, a new day has come for the health landscape in Lagos.

Okorocha

The Bornagain Rochas Okorocha Change, being one of the constants of existence, has occurred too frequently in some places to be considered extraordinary anymore.

One such place is the life of former Imo State governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha. Still wearing the vesture of a vanquisher after all this time, Okorocha is the symbol of solidness, always reborn from the ashes of circumstance.

Imo State remains on its trajectory of struggle and progress.

Like every other Nigerian state, it no longer holds many fond memories of former leaders.

Despite Okorocha’s unrestrained power and influence in the state in those years, little remains of his prestige.

During the recent gubernatorial election, Okorocha’s influence might have experienced a bit of resurrection. Brandishing this influence against the attempted reemergence of his successor, Hope Uzodinma, Okorocha tried to convince the people of Imo to choose his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu. But Okorocha’s pleas fell on deaf ears and Uzodinma came out on top of the situation.

Any other man would be broken, feeling betrayed that the pillars built over eight years would fade so quickly.

Not Okorocha. He has certainly mostly stayed out of the public eye since the election, but it is not the way others hide away to lick their wounds.

Still, it is important to note that Okorocha is not as loud as he was before the elections.

This is surprising considering that not even an alleged N2.9 billion corruption charge in the middle of last year could shut him up like this, especially after the court declared him innocent of the charges.

The coming years may be rowdy for Okorocha. They may push him to new heights or plunge him further into political unimportance. But this is certainly not the end for the former governor. There is a Ministry of Happiness catering to his heart somewhere, and it continues to keep him quiet and out of trouble.

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LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Tope Fasua: Through the Fire and Back It looks like it was “Tope Fasua” week on X - that thing they used to call Twitter. Tope, like you all know, is an economic adviser to this government in the Vice President’s office. You see, Tope is my friend but he no dey hear word. When he was appointed, I had mentioned to him to pull back from public advocacy since his utterances will now be seen as that of the government. I also mentioned that he was too junior in the scheme of things to be making proclamations that would and could be seen as the government’s position. But he said he would be ok.

Well, he wasn’t ok last week because he got the abuse of his life on social media over some utterances that even me sef I saw as irresponsible. When the hullabaloo was too much, I asked someone to send me the remarks, because I will never go to that thing they call X for anything. If you see the way they have finished Prof. Soyinka, you sef will run from the thing.

When I saw what Tope wrote, I screamed. Tope was quoted to have said that banks should lose their licences for damaging the economy or hoarding forex or something along those lines o. I will forget that Tope is my friend and lambast him. Nigeria is bigger than our friendship.

Tope, that was the most irresponsible and vacuous statement to have ever been made by any public official since Lugard was made to sign the amalgamation by his side chick, Flora Shaw.

Where did you put the CBN, the regulatory body that is regulating the banks in all of these? Abi you did not hear that the banks operated under the regime of Melchizedek who brooked no opposition? Instead of you people to sit down and look for a way out of this quagmire you are there looking for who to blame.

See my brother, I repeat my advice, if you are not careful, you will run into a

storm that may consume your career with this your public advocacy. You are now in government and must be seen and heard very rarely. You must clear your utterances with your seniors before releasing them.

You are part of a hierarchy, a system and cannot be running around like a drunken sailor and saying every and anything that catches your fancy my brother.

This is beyond you, if you know you have no reasonable advice to give your principals based on your offer letter, is it not better to just leave the place and come make we resume dey chop our afang for Duke’s summit instead of exposing yourself to little children that were not even born when you were doing JAMB to be exposing your big fat pimples filled backside like that Yoruba actor who exposed himself on the beach for Tinubu during elections.

My brother, you no try. No vex say I yab you but if you vex, he no matter. We are in a fight for Nigeria, there will be casualties.

WHY WE SHOULD IGNORE AISHA YESUFU FOR NOW This our DSS will not understand what is happening now o. They will now be shaking all over the place and in their usual gra gra with no strategy may want to move against this woman o. For those of you who do not know what has happened, let me give you guys a quick gist.

So, this woman, this Aisha woman covers her body and everywhere else, even wears gloves but exposes her face and starts to abuse Tinubu, DSS, SSS, EFCC and everybody that she remembers. The only person she didn’t abuse was the Shomolu Local Government Chairman- I don warn am.

She reserved more vitriol for DSS, calling them a useless organisation and that it is only

when there is protest that they will gather intelligence especially if it is involving women and children but when the lives of Nigerians are at risk, no intelligence.

This woman talk o. She abused our president, no name she didn’t call him o and even dared DSS to come and arrest her, saying that when they arrest her she will be freer than those of us outside, that at least they will protect her unlike the average Nigerian who is not sure of his safety.

Mbok as she spoke, the thing that came to my mind was market women fighting on the streets or prostitutes fighting over a drunk customer. This one no be activist o, this one no get finesse, this one na just cat fight she dey fight. The mouth runs at over 1,000 words per second,

with no decorum, no finesse and no class. This is not how to do activism.

But seriously, I think the DSS who was the brunt of her assault should not be like her and react in the same fashion.

They should at best ignore her or engage her on the issues she tried to raise in her tirade.

They should do the IBB style.

To date, nobody has been able to silence critics the way he did with charm and a smile. See what he did to Tai Solarin with his appointment into People’s Bank and the TV interview which forever scattered that one’s credibility.

They should do like the FBI and get a side chick for her husband and that will destabilise her totally. Because during that clip she kept saying- my husband this, my

husband that -meaning that she is a classic “aboko ku.” So, get her by distracting him. Too many Lekki slay queens to be used and you may even throw Bobrisky into the mix.

The end sha is for you people to tell your principal to ensure good governance. Simple.

Thank you.

Yesufu

Solebo

Fasua

Davido

DAVIDO, BURNA BOY, OLAMIDE: WE STAND When I saw the list of all the Nigerian artistes nominated for this year’s Grammys, something struck me. They did not consult with the Federal Character Commission in arriving at their list. E be like say na somebody from the Buhari government consult for them, you know that government wrote the book on nepotism and ethnically challenged governance.

Olamide

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No single musician from Akwa Ibom o, Rivers manage get one but the rest of the country no even get one showing. What North gained from the Buhari government, the Grammys take everything. Laugh wan kill me for them.

Then, just as I was about to petition them to ask simply if, na only Yoruba people can sing, get tattoos, wear big rings and chains, and be smoking igbo, the results came out.

A whole whitewash. Not even one win for Nigeria, my tribalism just died and national patriotism entered. Reminds me of the drunk that used to beat his wife in Shomolu and when we were all tired and joined to beat him, his wife fought us back asking – are you the one he is beating?

Mbok, Grammys you have beaten me o. We are all Nigerians o. All of us have tattoos and all of us are smoking igbo and carrying gold teeth. You cannot nominate about 12 of us and go and give the award to one little South African on a song that was inspired by a Nigerian.

E be like say you have some INEC staff doing an exchange programme in that your office because this thing just looks one kind - rigged.

Anyways, we remain who we are, a strong and indivisible entity that will not allow you to shake us. We retain the right to shake ourselves, by ourselves and for ourselves and not you.

Thank you and keep your “yeye” award, we no want again. Thank you.

I FINALLY WATCHED AFCON I had lost interest in football for a very long time and only just started regaining my interest because of my brother Kunle Soname. Kunle who is the proprietor of BETNaija and who built a world class football academy in his home town in Ikenne had rekindled my love for the game. I still go to his fantastic stadium to watch live premiership games and really do enjoy it, I swear.

But the AFCON and anything Super Eagles, I no gree. I stopped watching their games since Kanu Nwankwo lost one bad penalty which got us kicked out of one international tournament. Since I am battling with BP and do not want to take drugs, I decided to spare myself the trauma.

All I used to hear will be stories of the mess up and I will shrug my shoulders and walk away.

But last Wednesday, I watched the second half of Nigeria’s match with South Africa. The Eagles were inspiring o and one boy with gold hair and a lot of charisma carried the team.

What is that his name again,

PASTOR JIMMY ODUKOYA: A SPIRITUAL ADVISER TO THE EAGLES This very handsome pastor has been nothing but marvellous.

Before any match featuring the Eagles, he will shoot a clip and be praying for the team. His exhortations are usually very wonderful and perceptive. He has so many followers that each clip is “liked” by over 50,000 people and the comment section overflows with comments.

The pastor is very dramatic; you know he is an actor and the way he delivers the lines with so much charisma you will have no other choice than to be part of the crusade.

And at the end of each victory, he will come again and give praise, pray for the losing team in good sportsmanship and in the same vein push for victory in the next match.

Odukoya

I think I am liking this “boy” and if he continues like this, I may find myself revoking my self-ban and start attending his church again. I had stopped when, during his father’s reign, I was falsely accused of throwing “banger” in church.

No be small thing o, a whole Duke of Shomolu throwing banger and till today, they have not apologised to me so I stop going to their church.

When Pastor Odukoya died, I lifted the sanctions for that day and went because he was a good man, no be him send the yeye ushers.

But the way Jimmy is going, I just may appear in church one day and rain will fall because the prodigal son would have come back. Kai.

they removed him from the game at some point and the cameras kept showing his face as the game continued.

Then it was time for penalties and our goalkeeper wey look like G-Wagon was there to catch the balls ensuring our victory.

Kai, I was happy o, especially as the captain is an Akwa Ibom man. The first ever.

Mbok, these boys have made me proud o but no prouder than Gov Adeleke who was shown jumping out of his chair to dance and be doing leg like “sangalo”.

Well-done guys. Well-done. Oya let’s finish it and bring back the cup mbok. Afang for all of you if you win the cup. Thank you.

ABOLORE SOLEBO: A MAN ABOUT TOWN This very super intelligent banker has just been announced an Executive Director at the famous Fidelity Bank. If you know me very well, you will understand my glee. I am one for generational change in business and this appointment goes to the core of that.

Abolore is young, sweet and super brilliant. His understanding of the tenets of banking, his world view and his comradeship remains outstanding.

In talks with his Chairman, the ever brilliant Mustafa Chike Obi. He had mentioned that “Duke you should meet Abolore, he is a leader to watch out for.” Abolore came looking like a model from GQ and I wished he was tall so that I could carry him upside down and collect his shoes.

Abolore is a quintessential professional and it is just as well that the system noticed and have rewarded him with this position. I know he is poised for mega things with this and I do certainly wish him well. Congrats bro.

WHAT A SHAME FOR PA OLOWOFELA When you feel nothing else will shock you in this Nigeria, Pa Olowefela hits you. This 80-year-old man has been arrested and announced as one of the alleged brains behind the kidnapping epidemic that has hit Ekiti and Kwara states in recent times. I hear that he has also been linked to the killings of the monarchs recently.

His picture was released and I looked at a very harmless old man who had the wickedness of Lucifer if what has been reported is anything to go by.

Much as I still insist that his rights be respected, the system should go ahead very quickly with the process and do what they have to do. Kai. This is really sad. At that age? God help us.

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Real Reason Soludo Attacked Ubah

Adedoyin-Alao

Olusola Adedoyin-Alao’s New Attainment For ex-banker, Olusola AdedoyinAlao, achieving one’s life dream is the biggest of all things. The Kwara Stateborn and daughter of the billionaire business magnate, Samuel Adedoyin, is a determined woman. She sticks to her dream, and for her, no matter the frustrations or challenges, the aspiration must be accomplished.

Adedoyin-Alao, who is also a queen to His Royal Majesty Oba Olusola Alao, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, recently attained one of her heart desires; she got her PhD from the Department of Business Administration at the University of Lagos.

For the determined and hard-working Olori, nothing is truer than the words of Brandon Travis Ciaccio: “The pursuit of knowledge is never-ending. The day you stop seeking knowledge is the day you stop growing.’’

To say she was elated over her latest attainment is stating the obvious; she was simply over the moon with joy as she splashed the graduation ceremony on all her social media handles adorned in her gown.

Do you blame her? Please pardon her if you do. She has tasted the serio-comic side of life, almost in equal measures.

While it will be wrong to say that life has been unfair to her, she had, however, been buffeted, at different times in the past, with the blustering winds of vicissitude.

Indeed, the mere mention of her name would evoke pity, particularly among the few who know her story.

Mercifully, the former Managing Director of the defunct City Express Bank once battled with cancer. She survived the dreaded disease to the disbelief of those who had written her off. She was hovering between life and death, having been laid up with cancer. No one, including her doctors, believed she could survive it. They said she had only a few days left on the surface of the earth.

But the ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, held on to her faith in God and she miraculously survived the killer ailment.

The President of MariaSam Foundation also recorded another tragedy when the bank collapsed in the face of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, new regulations.

Shortly afterwards, her career was threatened when City Express Bank failed to survive the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s new regulations. But the graduate of Marketing/Accounting from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia did not despair.

Though she felt as if her life had come to an end. Yet, she kept her head up and she moved on.

She is indeed a true definition of grace and miracle as she had a set of twins at the age of 59.

Is Senator Ifeanyi Ubah assuming the unenviable position as one of the most attacked individuals in the country? This is the question currently on the lips of his friends and foes alike.

Since he built a reputation as a businessman and a politician, Ubah has been confronted with one battle or the other, facing challenges that would ordinarily consume a lily-livered. Yet the more they try to bury him, the more he sprouts like a seed in a well-fertile land. He keeps proving to his detractors that he is indeed a cat with more than nine lives.

The senator that represents Anambra South in the red chamber is yet in another battle with the Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo over a matter that could be considered insignificant.

According to reports, Soludo suspended Igwe Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area when the Igwe conferred a chieftaincy title on Ubah. Soludo claimed that the code of

conduct for traditional rulers in Anambra does not permit conferment outside the domain of the conferrer, claiming that Igwe Ezeani cannot lawfully confer a chieftaincy title on Ubah without permission from the traditional monarch of Nnewi, where Ubah hails from.

However, a source revealed to us that the issue actually goes beyond the chieftaincy brouhaha but a political war for the soul of Anambra. The source hinted further that it is a known fact that Ubah is nursing the ambition of becoming the number one citizen of the state in the next governorship election.

“Senator Ubah’s growing influence in the state and across the country is fast becoming a threat to his political opponents, so the governor is not comfortable with this, hence the unwarranted attack,’’ the source said.

Society Watch gathered that the senator, who recently defected to the All Progressives Party (APC), is one of the most popular and influential contenders for the 2025 governorship election. He also boasts of a heavy financial war chest.

Ubah

Ex-DIG Taiwo Lakanu’s Wife, Omowunmi, Celebrates at 60

Lakanu

As a wife, Omowunmi Lakanu’s husband cannot wish for a better lover, soul mate and ‘gist’ mate. Also, as a mother, the sophisticated and elegant woman is sweet and wonderful.

The wife of Taiwo Lakanu, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, is such a sweet mother. he beautiful woman who is also the Yeye Aare Akogun of Lagos is one sociable woman whose friendship cuts across borders. Even the younger generation of women love to be around her because of her amiable nature.

Many of them consider her as a friend, benefactor, confidant and mentor.

Besides, she is a woman of impeccable taste and style. Unlike many of her peers, she understands the intricacies of high society fashion. Thus, she excellently combines priceless jewels with glamorous couture to produce a scintillating look at every point in time.

So, whenever her birthday is approaching,

her family, friends and others who have benefitted from her large-heartedness and benevolence always see the day as another golden opportunity to celebrate her. The eulogies, no doubt, usually come in torrents.

Little wonder it was an assemblage of high networth individuals, top government officials, and highly revered monarchs as they all came to celebrate with her when she celebrated her 60th birthday. The colourful and high-octane soiree that was held at Queen Park Event Centre, Oniru, Lagos, showcased the sense of hospitality of the birthday ‘girl’ and her former DIG husband as they treated their gaily dressed guests with good and flavour-some food with premium drinks that flowed like water.

Blessed with two lovely kids, Lakanu holds the fort as the Managing Director of Lake Andrews Holdings, which has business interests in oil and gas, as well as advertising.

She is also a director at CMB Building and Investment Company Limited.

Leo Stan Ekeh Secures Yet Another Ground-breaking Deal Billionaire businessman and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, no doubt earned an indelible name for himself through his visionary contributions to Africa’s economy.

It is not for mean achievement that the man is rated among Nigeria’s high-flying tycoons around the continent of Africa. The billionaire is unarguably a visionary whose contributions to the nation’s economy will forever be cherished.

His record of incisive investment and vision to reshape Nigeria’s business climate remains unequal.

For Ekeh, a major player in the e-commerce sector, whose intimidating profile dwarfed many of his contemporaries, cutting deals comes as easy as a hot knife slices through butter.

Multiple times, he has proved to the world that he is indeed a genius and a cognoscenti when it comes to investment and the art of making money.

Recently, one of his numerous companies, TD Africa, secured a ground-breaking

agreement with Starlink as it authorised the company which is Nigeria’s premier technology distribution powerhouse, to distribute Starlink Kits. This marks a significant moment in TD Africa’s goal of democratising internet access in the heart of Nigeria and across Africa.

As we all know, Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world.

Starlink provides quality and cost-effective internet access to homes, and businesses, and especially caters to those in remote locations that are currently underserved or unreached. As the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit, Starlink delivers broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more.

TD Africa’s extensive distribution network and experience coupled with Starlink’s highspeed internet aims to deliver innovative solutions and services that offer broadband connectivity, promoting economic development across Africa.

As gathered, the multimillion-dollar deal will

Ekeh

see TD Africa distributing Starlink Internet Kits across Nigeria.

Founded over 24 years ago, TD Africa has established itself as the pioneer and largest technology and lifestyle distributor in Africa, representing over 27 global companies, including Microsoft, IBM, Apple, Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Dell Technologies, Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, Lenovo, Asus, and many more. TD Africa has an extensive African reach, serving 47 African countries as Microsoft’s Cloud Solution Provider.

When Lagos Country Club Celebrated New Year Party

LCC President, Seyi Adewunmi

It would definitely be an understatement to say that members of the Lagos Country Club know how to enjoy themselves because they truly understand the definition of fun. Members of the number one family club had a great time on Friday, January 26 as King Sunny Ade and his African Beats took over the bandstand for the club’s 2024 New Year Party.

The musical icon, who has been a constant feature in the club’s Annual New Year Party thrilled attendees at this year’s edition.

A long list of dignitaries led by Seyi Adewunmi, president of the Lagos Country Club, from different walks of life gathered for the special party. They include the

Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, and billionaire businessman, Sir Adebutu Kessington.

Also in attendance were Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Honourable James Faleke, member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency; and Dr. Gabriel Ogbeche, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Rainoil Group of Companies.

The New Year Party, which is the foremost family club’s signature event, was introduced about three decades ago to herald the New Year and enable members to bond in an atmosphere of love and fun.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

11. 2. 2024

Master Storyteller, Cultural Ambassador, Jimi Solanke Bows Out Tremors of sorrow rippled through the artistic community upon the announcementofthesuddendepartureofJimiSolanke,alsoknownasBaba Agba at 81, from this earth-life, a tragic event deemed an immeasurable loss to the realm of storytelling, writes Yinka Olatunbosun

J

imi Solanke’s sudden passing on Monday, February 5, sent shockwaves through the culture industry. This was even as many tried to come to terms with the inevitability of shocking news.

Solanke, a true artistic stalwart, was revered for his immense contributions to Nigerian culture.

On that fateful Monday, he was said to have been rushed to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan, where he breathed his last breath. Prior to his being taken to the hospital, he had taken ill at his country home in Ipara Remo, Ogun State.

Solanke’s legacy as a cultural luminary LV ÀUPO\ HQWUHQFKHG DV KH KROGV D ZHOO deserved place among the Who’s Who in Contemporary World Theatre. His deep, melodic baritone voice resonates as a testament to his talent, particularly in his role as the narrator in Femi Adebayo’s FULWLFDOO\ DFFODLPHG 1HWÁL[ PDVWHUSLHFH titled Jagun Jagun.

Before his emergence as a cultural folk hero, Solanke was born on July 4, 1942, in Lagos and attended Olowogbowo Methodist School. Later, he proceeded to Odogbolu Grammar School for his second ary school education. His father and uncle wanted him to become an engineer, but KH GHÀHG WKHLU ZLVK DQG KRQHG KLV FUDIW till he became a popular face on television and in the newspapers.

Solanke’s oeuvre is loaded: he is a singer, dancer, actor, narratologist, writer, painter, and teacher. He acted in many of Ola Ba ORJXQ·V ÀOPV LQFOXGLQJ :ROH 6R\LQND·V and Ola Rotimi’s dramatic productions.

As a teenager, his father had sent him to Ibadan, away from Lagos, after he had composed a hit tune for Roy Chicago, a highlife artist. The idea was to remove him from the buzzing nightlife in the city. Upon his arrival in Ibadan, Solanke linked up with musicians such as Afrobeat pioneer Orlando Julius and highlife maestros of the period, IK Dairo and Eddie Okonta.

His meeting with Soyinka changed his trajectory, and he ventured into the theatre, VKXWWOLQJ EHWZHHQ ,EDGDQ DQG ,OH ,IH 6RODQNH ZDV RQH RI WKH ÀUVW VHW RI JUDGX ates of The School of Drama at the Institute RI $IULFDQ 6WXGLHV WKH ÀUVW LQ $IULFD DW WKH University of Ibadan.

It later became the Department of Theatre Arts. Solanke later joined the Department of Dramatic Arts at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) in 1969. He is an associate fellow of the Institute of Cultural Studies.

Mentored by the likes of Wole Soyinka, Ola Rotimi, Akin Euba, Peggy Harper, Dapo Adelugba, and Demas Nwoko, Solanke was one of the thoroughbreds of his generation in the performing arts.

Solanke during a stage performance

Solanke on a movie set

Solanke

In the early 1970s, Solanke acted in a production of Rotimi’s Ovonramven Nobaisi in Benin City. His outstanding SHUIRUPDQFH OHG WR DQ RͿHU RI DSSRLQW ment by Governor Samuel Ogbemudia at WKH 0LG :HVWHUQ 5HJLRQ $UWV &RXQFLO +H subsequently spent almost four years as D FXOWXUDO R΀FHU LQ %HQLQ +LV QH[W PDMRU dramatic assignment was a role in Wale Ogunyemi’s Langbodo, Nigeria’s entry for FESTAC 77. In that production, Solanke performed alongside Nollywood great

Sam Loco Efe. Upon graduation, he moved to the United States of America, where he created a drama group called The Africa Review, ZKLFK SHUIRUPHG DW $IUR $PHULFDQ schools. In 1986, he returned to his home country, Nigeria, with three members of the group to work with the Nigerian Television Authority. One of the most memorable productions at NTA then was ‘Storyland.’

With the power to ignite mental pictures,

Solanke fuelled the imagination of the youthful viewers with folktales, teaching valuable moral lessons with each episode.

Other productions where he left his mark at the Nigerian Television Authority 17$ LQFOXGH ZHOO NQRZQ SURJUDPPHV like The Bar Beach Show, For Better or Worse, Village Headmaster, and Family Scene on Lagos Television (LTV). He also PDGH VLJQLÀFDQW FRQWULEXWLRQV WR &KLOGUHQ·V Half Hour, African Stories on AIT, and the FDSWLYDWLQJ ÀOP 6DQJR 7KH 0RYLH DPRQJ many others. Looking back, he played a pivotal role as part of the team behind the ac claimed movie Kongi’s Harvest, which was penned by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.

Additionally, he took on leading roles in renowned theatrical performances such as Death and the King’s Horseman, Kurunmi, Chattering and the Song, Ovoramwen Nogbaisi, The Divorce, and more. As a PXOWL WDOHQWHG DUWLVW 6RODQNH DOVR FRPSRVHG popular folk songs like ‘Onile Gogoro,’ ‘Eje ka jo,’ ‘Jenrokan,’ and ‘Na Today You &RPH · +H HYHQ VKRZFDVHG KLV H[FHSWLRQDO vocal abilities as the lead voice in Ralph MacDonald’s The Path, a recording made in New York in 1977. Furthermore, he served as a consultant for Theatre for Develop ment, UNICEF, UNFPA, and Women and Children’s Health initiatives.

His death has certainly left a vacuum in Nigeria’s creative space. In a tribute from Chief Olubunmi Ayobami Amao, WKH 'LUHFWRU *HQHUDO &HQWUH IRU %ODFN DQG African Arts and Civilization, Solanke, also fondly called Uncle Jimi, was eulogised for his immense contributions to the culture scene.

“Among our several fond memories of the late thespian at CBAAC was when he served as chairman at our 2021 public lecture on ‘African Hairstyles, Dress Culture, and Fashion in Contemporary Times’ held in Ibadan.

“He was also a lead presenter at our 2021 international conference titled ‘The Renaissance of African Culture: Music, Crafts, Language, Literature, and Folklore’ in Lagos.”

President Ahmed Bola Tinubu also described the late storyteller as “one of WKH ÀQHVW RI 1LJHULD·V FUHDWLYH DUWLVWV DQG D bastion of our cherished mores and cultural heritage.”

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 11, 2024

CICERO

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

IN THE ARENA

Hardship and the Orgy of Buckpassing

The severity of the current level of hardship in Nigeria is a clarion call for an urgent solution instead of buckpassing, writes Wale Igbintade

F

ollowing the mass protests that rocked some major cities across the country last week, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was quick to accuse the opposition political parties of instigating the unrest to undermine the administration of President Bola Tinubu. In a statement by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, these demonstrations were the manifestation of a ‘devious’ and ‘unpatriotic plot’ to present the federal government as under-performing.

The allegation came barely 24 hours after angry youths and women took to the streets of Minna, the Niger State capital, and Kano to protest what they described as the rising cost of living in the country.

During the protests, the mob, including women and youths blocked major roads to register their displeasure over the rising cost of living. They said the rising cost of food items and poor government efforts to address the situation influenced their actions.

Attempts by security operatives to disperse the protesters by firing tear gas canisters into the crowd and arresting a few of them were rebuffed by the mob.

A similar protest where hundreds of women, including local bread producers popularly known as “Gurasa” also took place in Kano.

In Kano, the protesters marched through the streets of the ancient city, decrying the high cost of living, especially the hike in the price of flour used largely for the production of the staple food.

“Everything is expensive, especially flour and grains; Tinubu, come to our aid; we cannot feed our families; most of us are widows and people are dying of hunger,” they lamented.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the protest, the leader of the group, Fatima Auwal, demanded better living conditions, saying that inflation is making it even tougher for people to make ends meet. She urged the authorities and those concerned to look into this matter as businesses are dying and families are affected.

In Oyo, Ogun, Jigawa and Taraba and other states, similar protests were organised as residents bemoaned the rising prices of sugar and other essential commodities ahead of the Ramadan fast.

They called for the government’s quick intervention. Within a month, the price of a 50kg bag of sugar rose to N73,000 from N46,000 while a bag of rice rose to N70,000.

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, Nigerians have yet to experience a remarkable change in the economy. Not only has

Tinubu the fuel subsidy removal increased the suffering and hunger in the country, the rate of unemployment has equally soared.

Though the government promised to give palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, many are yet to receive them.

Even those who got palliatives said they made little or no import.

Yet humongous amounts were rather set aside to purchase official cars for the political class. The level of insensitivity and nonchalance and show of extravagance and affluence on the part of government officials have shown the government is not headed in the direction of making life comfortable for the people.

Besides, late last year, the World Bank predicted that in 2024, Nigeria is expected to see about 26.5 million people grappling with high levels of food insecurity.

It added that approximately nine million children are at risk of suffering from acute malnutrition or wasting, and an alarming 2.6 million children could face Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and require critical nutrition treatment.

Also, the 2023 Global Hunger Index report ranked Nigeria as one of the nations grappling with a high incidence of hunger globally. The country holds the 109th position among 125 countries, narrowly sur-

passing India at 111th and Zambia at 110th. The ranking reflects a deterioration in the hunger situation compared to its 2022 GHI ranking, where Nigeria stood at 103rd out of 121 countries.

Added to these woes is the insecurity challenge.

In some parts of the North regarded as the food basket of the country, insecurity has worsened the prices of foodstuffs as farmers can no longer go to their farms due to the activities of herdsmen, and kidnappers. This has caused the country’s inflation rate to rise to 28.9 per cent in December 2023 — up from 28.20 per cent in the previous month.

Rather than act decisively on all the data by these bodies, the federal government either dismissed them or looked the other way until the situation got to a boiling point for the people.

While the APC was trying to deflect from the issues, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, admitted that the rising prices of food and commodities in the country had become increasingly worrisome for the federal government.

He added that the situation, which was creating growing discontent among the citizenry, was triggered by demand and supply forces.

Speaking in Abuja during a bilateral meeting with a visiting German delegation, led by that country’s

Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Ms. Svenja, alongside the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris UzokaAnite, Edun noted that, “the issue of rising prices is of concern to the government and everybody in Nigeria,” adding that some major steps were being taken to address the situation.

On many occasions, President Tinubu himself had appealed to Nigerians for patience, saying that though the policies of his administration seem difficult but will produce positive outcomes.

Last month, at the convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaira, the president had also called for the patience and understanding of Nigerians, particularly the youths, assuring them that the hardships of the moment will eventually give way for a more prosperous, equitable and inclusive economy.

It was not until last Tuesday that the federal government finally convened an emergency meeting to address the spate of protests in some parts of the country following the rising cost of food nationwide.

The meeting yielded result when it directed the immediate release of 102,000 metric tonnes of rice, maize, millet, and garri from government reserves and stores of rice millers to the Nigerian market. It added that as last resort it may import commodities in efforts to address the current shortages or clampdown on hoarders of food items in the country.

Many feel that 102,000 metric tonnes of grains for the population of those who are hungry is grossly inadequate and called on the government to open up the borders for foods to come in before the situation gets out of hand. They also asked the government to remove tariffs on wheat and other essentials to cushion the effect hunger.

Despite all the admissions by these leaders and the reality starring the nation in the face, the APC and the Special Adviser to the President on Communication, Mr. Bayo Onanuga do not appear to believe that anything has gone wrong.

They have politicised the issues as if the country is still on election mood, claiming that the protests that happened simultaneously in both cities were not coincidental but a manifestation of a devious and unpatriotic plot that bore a bold stamp of an orchestrated and coordinated effort to instigate unrest and undermine the government.

Onanuga and the APC should know that the period of campaign is over. This is not the time to distract Nigerians by pointing fingers at the opposition. The masses are hungry and angry. This is the time for governance and time for the APC to deliver on their promises.

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

Lessons for Wike from Delta State

Uzodimma

Wike

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, last weekboastedthathispredecessor,SenatorIfeanyi Okowa does not interfere in the governance of the state. He added that unlike other former governors of some states, Okowa respects the office of the governor.

Speakingatthe60thbirthdayand24thmarriage anniversary thanksgiving of the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Kingsley Esiso in Sapele, Oborevwori said Okowa is a good man, who has immense respect for the office of the governor.

He said: “Senator Okowa is a good man; he is not like other predecessors of other states. He has never interfered in the governance of the state. He has immense respect for the office of the governor, beinganimmediatepastoccupantoftheoffice.You

are a goodman; you are not like other predecessors in other states. Our immediate past governor is a very refined man. So many rumours were flying, but the truth is that he has never ever interfered with what we are doing in the state.”

While Oborevwori can conveniently boast of his predecessor’s non-interference in the affairs of the state, the same cannot be said of Rivers State where Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is suffering in the hands of his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Wike is not the only key member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet that installed a governor.

Vice President Kashim Shettima was instrumental to the emergence of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Secretary to the Government of

the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume installed Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi was alsoinstrumentaltotheemergenceofEbonyiState Governor,FrancisNwifuru;theMinisterofDefence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar installed Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, while the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Atiku BagudualsoinstalledGovernorNasiruIdrisofKebbi State, among others.

But while these eminent persons have focused on their new assignments in Abuja, Wike has been shuttling between Abuja and Port Harcourt, making public utterances that suggest that he is more interested in the control of Rivers State than his new assignment in Abuja where he is expected to help security agencies to secure the territory.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 11, 2024

BRIEFINGNOTES The Plights of Female Nigerian Soldiers

The sad story of a female personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, Beauty Uzezi, who was gruesomely raped by her superior and dismissed from service, which prompted the ECOWAS Court to deliver $200,000 judgment against Nigerian government, and the ongoing cases of Ruth Ogunleye and Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko who were allegedly dehumanised and detained by senior officers of the Nigerian Army for refusing to succumb to their sexual advances, have exposed the ordeals of female soldiers in Nigeria, Ejiofor Alike reports

T

he Nigerian military authorities had received applause from several quarters in April 2019 when a special military court in Maiduguri, Borno State, dismissed Flight Lieutenant Martins Enwerem of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), for raping a 14-year-old internally displaced person (IDP), Zara Ali, while she and her friends were searching for firewood at the outskirts of Maiduguri on September 29, 2018.

In his ruling, the President of the court, Major General Yakubu Auta, found the officer guilty of “defiling, assault and disobedience of standing order.”

According to the Court Martial Judge Advocate, Aminu Mairuwa, the dismissed officer had ordered his soldiers to arrest Zara and her friends, accusing them of being suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers.

The judge said that during the body search of the teenage females, Enwerem “dragged the victim into the bush and inserted his hands in her vagina and eventually defiled and assaulted the victim.”

While Zara and her family were given justice by the military authorities, 19-year-old Beauty Igbobie Uzezi, aircraftwoman with the NAF, who was drugged and gruesomely raped by her superior, was denied justice by the military.

When Uzezi enlisted into the NAF on August 15, 2010 with Service No NAF10/25157F, she did not envisage that a randy officer, Flight Lieutenant B.S. Vibelko, who was her trainer, would inflict life-threatening pains on her and terminate her career.

She had alleged that on May 17, 2011 she was “sexually assaulted, brutally raped and de-flowered” by Vibelko at the NAF Base, Kaduna.

In her suit filed at the ECOWAS Court through her counsel, Marshal Abubakar of Femi Falana’s law firm, she stated that the officer overpowered her by hitting her head against the wall several times until she fainted while he had his way with her.

According to her, on October 19, 2015, one Squadron Leader Ejiga informed her orally that she had been dismissed from NAF after which she was bundled to the guardroom to serve 98 days imprisonment with hard labour.

She further alleged that she was on October 28, 2015 evicted from her official residence at the NAF base, Ikeja Lagos.

Delivering the lead judgment, the ECOWAS Court judge, Justice Dupe Atoki, said that “the brutal rape of the applicant is beastly, undeserving of a human being, and the failure of the Nigerian Air Force to investigate and punish

Lagbaja its perpetrator is a show of impunity by the Air Force and the Nigerian authorities.”

She ordered NAF and the Nigerian authorities “to arrest, investigate and prosecute the perpetrator.”

The judge also ordered the Nigerian government to pay her $200,000 as compensation while her dismissal should be converted to voluntary retirement with full benefits.

Zara Ali and Beauty Uzezi were not the only victims of sexual predators in senior military officers’ uniform.

In January, another female personnel of the Nigerian Army named Ruth Ogunleye, also alleged that some officers, whom she identified as Col. IB Abdulkareem, Col. GS Ogor, and Brig. Gen. IB Solebo had made her life unbearable because she rejected their sexual advances.

She claimed that Col Abdulkareem administered injections on her against her will, forcibly removed her from her residence, and confined

her to a psychiatric hospital for several months because she rejected his advances.

Despite her explanation on how she reported to her father and other senior officers, the military authorities, in their characteristic style of intimidating both junior ranks and civilians, claimed that she did not seek redress, according to the laid-down procedure.

As Nigerians await the result of the investigation promised by the Nigerian Army, the female soldier was moved to a rehabilitation facility in Abuja, where the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who visited her recently, said she was in high spirits.

But another female soldier, Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko was not as lucky as Ogunleye.

The soldier attached to Ilese Sappers Barracks, Division 2, Ogun State, who alleged that her senior colleagues had been bullying and harassing her on account of her refusal to give in to their sexual advances, was allegedly beaten and sent

to the Yaba Psychiatric Hospital.

In an interview she granted a national daily on January 28, 2024, before her arrest, she claimed that she had written several letters, seeking a voluntary discharge from the army, but was not granted.

As if sending her to a psychiatric hospital was not enough, her only child, 23-year-old Emmanuel Brown, was reportedly arrested and detained for confirming to the media that her mother was beaten and bundled to a psychiatric hospital by the Nigerian Army.

Before his arrest, Brown had told a national newspaper that: “I got the information (about his mother’s torture) around 10 pm, and I rushed to the Medical Reception Station (MRS) inside the barracks. When I got there, she was unconscious.

When she regained consciousness, she explained how they beat her up.

“On getting to the MRS this morning, I discovered that they had taken her to the Yaba Psychiatric Hospital. I was confused as to what happened to her to warrant her being taken to a psychiatric hospital.”

Philomena’s lawyer, Kayode Oshiyemi, also confirmed in a media report that his client was assaulted by a senior officer, alleging that the military authorities lied that she had a mental disorder to cover up for the assault.

Her twin brother, Philip Edwin, also insisted that her twin sister did not have mental issues.

Philomena’s experience was similar to that of Uzezi, who was also treated like a psychiatric patient by the authorities to cover up for the assault on her by the senior officer.

The question agitating the minds of many Nigerians is: Why did the Nigerian Army not carry Philomena’s family along in seeking for medical help for her if she actually had a mental disorder or attempted suicide as the Army claimed?

Uzezi, Ogunleye and Philomena’s cases have shown that senior military officers are treated as sacred cows when they commit atrocities against their junior colleagues.

Military officers should not hide under military laws and ethics of the profession to abuse female soldiers.

The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu; the Minister of Women Affairs, wives of governors and civil society and non-governmental organisations should prevail on military authorities to punish the senior officers involved in these despicable acts to save female soldiers from being sent to psychiatric hospitals and rehabilitation centres.

Military authorities should also issue code of conduct against sexual abuse and harassment of female soldiers by their superiors.

NOTES FOR FILE

As Court Okays Arrest of Naira Abusers

Olukayode

The recent conviction of an actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court marks a significant step forward in the effortsoftheEconomicandFinancialCrimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to curb the inappropriate culture of spraying and stepping on naira notes during social functions in the country.

OmoseyinwasarrestedbytheLagosZonal Command of EFCC after she was caught on video spraying money at an occasion.

At the time of the offence, there was a severe scarcity of naira notes due to the Central Bank’s withdrawal of old 200, 500, and 1,000 naira notes from circulation, replacing them with newly designed versions that were difficult to obtain.

She was later arraigned on February 13, 2023, on a two-count charge, to which she pleaded “not guilty” and was subsequently granted bail on February 15, 2023.

Later she changed her “not guilty” plea to “guilty.” Following her guilty plea, Justice Aneke accordingly sentenced the defendant to six months in jail, with the option to pay a fine of N300,000.The judge said the amountshouldbepaidintotheFederation’s Consolidated revenue account.

In Nigeria, spraying of naira notes at social events is rampant. But despite the legal provision criminalising such action, relevant security agencies always look the other way when these offences are committed.

For instance, Section 21(3) of the CBN Act 2007 (as amended) clearly stipulates

that spraying or matching on the naira during social occasions or otherwise shall constitute an abuse punishable under subsection (1).

However, at social functions, politicians, celebrities and captains of industry are seen contravening the law with impunity.

Even sub-section (1) also states that it is an offence for any person to hawk, sell or otherwise trade in the naira notes, but such practice is rampant on the streets and parties, with many hawking naira with complete impunity.

Recently, a viral video depicted a traditional ruler adorning a popular Fuji musician with knitted N1,000 notes fashioned into a long piece of jewellery at an event, yet no arrests were made.

With the EFCC’s commencement of legal proceedings against Omoseyin, there’s optimism that they will diligently pursue similar cases to effectively address this societal issue.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 11, 2024

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INTERNATIONAL

Tinubuplomacy and Current International Developments: Continental Integration, Quo Vadis?

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urrent developments are international only to the extent that they are perceived to be external to one’s own country. In other words, whatever happens outside of the national boundaries of a country is foreign or external or international. Put differently, what is considered to be domestic here in Nigeria is necessarily viewed as external in foreign countries. Still explained further, Nigeria is a foreign country to Senegal as Senegal is also a foreign country to Nigerians. Consequently, an international current development is both a domestic and an international act at the same time. The determinantofwhatmakesadevelopmentinternationalordomestic is the location of perception or determination.

In this regard, how does the Tinubu administration respond to the current developments in, and outside, of Nigeria? There are the many questions of international migration and refugees; international climate change and environmental pollution; renewal of recidivist inter-state international conflicts; democratisation of the United Nations system, enlargement of the UN Security Council, and the challenge of right of veto power; politics of nuclear non-proliferation; the unbelievably true Israelo-Hamas genocide; unending pandemics and the challenge of global health; deepening opposition to Westernisation in the conduct and management of international affairs; increasing disregard for human rights; policies of duplicity in the management of international questions; establishment of new international organisations as a counter-weight to the United Nations, such as the BRICS to which several countries are showing keen interest; international terrorism; unending threats to national territorial sovereignty; increasing calls for self-determination in several countries, and increasing gap between the rich and the poor, coupled with denial of justice and conscious impoverishment through foreign exploitation of natural resources of the developing countries. It is necessary to provide an exegesis of some of these developments in the context of Tinubuplomacy and challenges forAfrica’s continental integration and future.

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Current International Developments Many of the current international developments have serious implications for Nigeria’s foreign policy. There is the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One fundamental issue is that of recognition and position taking. Saudi Arabia reportedly made it clear to the United States that ‘there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian State is recognised on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital’ (The Nation, Thursday, February 8, 2024, p.3). Two issues are involved here.

This position is consistent with the popular international quest for a 2-State approach to the conflict. The problem, however, is the non-precision of where the borders begin and stop. Saudi Arabia, like many other Arab states, wants a return to the pre-6 Day War of 1967.

The problem again is that Nigeria is sharply divided over the conflict. The Nigerian Muslims generally tend towards the Arab Palestinians while the Nigerian Christians generally support the Israelis. The implication of the Israelo-Palestinian conflict is its potential to further the divide between the Muslims and Christians in Nigeria on the matter. History has shown that Nigeria has generally expressed sympathy for the Palestinians. It should be recalled that Nigeria allowed the Palestinians to open an Office in Lagos before the capital was moved on 12 December 1991 to Abuja.

Similarly, Nigeria not only supported Egypt in its fight against Israel, but also, in solidarity with Egypt, strained diplomatic ties with Israel. The pertinent question is this: were Nigeria’s policy positions consistent with Nigeria’s national interest? Nigeria’s non-alignment policy has made it clear that Nigeria’s foreign policy attitude shall be defined and determined by Nigeria’s national interest. In other words, what really is Nigeria’s policy stand on the conflict beyond simply supporting the 2-State suggestion?

Israel has repeatedly shown non-preparedness to accept the option. Israel has said that it would wipe out the entire Hamas and

Tuggar has actually been doing just that. What does Nigeria’s national interest dictate in this case?

A second but related development is the issue of recognition of Israel raised by Saudi Arabia. The mere fact that Nigeria has a diplomatic mission in Israel clearly suggests that recognition is a non-issue for Nigeria. But has Nigeria recognised the State of Palestine? The answer can be yes as the Palestinian National Authority has a representation office in Abuja. There is nothing to suggest that Nigeria and the State of Palestine have exchanged diplomatic missions in its true sense of diplomatic accreditations.

If this is so, why should it be so in light of the country’s foreign policy of non-alignment?

A third international development is the signing of the pact of l’Alliance des Etats du Sahel,AES (Alliance of Sahel States,ASS) by BurkinaFaso,Mali,andNigeron16September,2023.Theagreement has the potential to be more destructive than progressive in the region and the whole of Africa. This is because there is nothing that can be easily done to remove the military juntas currently in power for two reasons: they have actually consolidated their power; they enjoy the active support of their people, they also enjoy the backing of some powerful big powers like Russia, and more importantly, their military forces also support them.

It was because of the increasing French military presence in Niger Republic that prompted the ‘Nigerien military backing the

“

The ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, chaired by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, is currently making efforts to pacify the three annoyed Members. However, the arguments advanced to pacify them are not strong enough. The appeal is not different from a court ruling threatening to convict a suicide bomber to death. A suicide bomber already left his home to go and die. So such a court ruling is not a bid deal. Warning the three countries of awaiting hardship is only prolonging and deepening the dispute. The military juntas in the three countries enjoy popular support. The people are already suffering considerable hardship from the various ECOWAS sanctions. ECOWAS should first appeal to the sentiments of the people.

As reported in a story by Reuters and published in the CNN World at 11.49 am Est on Friday February 9, 2024, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar reportedly said the military juntas’ withdrawal from the ECOWAS ‘would bring more hardship and will do more harm to the common citizens of those three countries.’ The Foreign Minister not only gave the rationale for continuing ‘to urge those three countries to remain’ but also why the ‘ECOWAS is going to redouble its efforts towards diplomacy, towards dialogue, towards reconciliation.’ This is good but not enough. ECOWAS should remove its toga of supranational pride, engage in citizen diplomacy, apologise, and even go to the extent of initiating talks with Mauritania to come back home. This is necessary in revisiting the question of unconstitutional change of government thereafter. Total reunification is the way forward and Tinubuplomacy should be more concerned with it

coup led by GeneralAbdourahmane Tchiani’ against the President Bazoum administration, Professor Westcott of the University of London further argued. This simply means that any battle to be carried out and any diplomatic engagement to be envisaged must be done at the three levels of the military junta in power, the military institution backing the government, as well as the people also serving as the democratic backbone of the military junta and without ignoring the foreign policy interests of Russia and its allies.

Another international development that is at par with the issue of unconstitutional change of government in Africa is the postponement of elections by President Macky Sall in Senegal.

Many public observers consider the postponement as illegal and different arguments and insinuations have been raised to rationalise the postponement. The argument of Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is particularly pertinent. As he put it, ‘by arbitrarily postponing the elections, Mr Sall has clearly shown his reluctance to implement and uphold the constitution of Senegal and democratic and rule of law principles, something to which the ECOWAS is expressly committed.’

More important, he recalled the many legal provisions that the Senegalese president, Macky Sall, has violated by his arbitrary postponement: Article 2(1) and (2) of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, Article 3(h) of the African Union’s ConstitutiveAct, andArticles 13(1) and 20(1) of theAfrican Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Based on these rules of law, the very patriotic human rights activist, Femi Falana, has suggested that ‘the ECOWAS leaders should consider imposing targeted sanctions including travel bans, asset freezes, and other targeted sanctions on Mr. Sall and officials of his government responsible for serious violations of the democratic rights of the people of Senegal (vide ThisDay, Thursday, February 08, 2024, p.11).

TakingsanctionarymeasuresonthebasisofECOWASandAfrican Union’s protocols is a very welcome development. However, it is important to first investigate the environmental conditionings of the alleged arbitrary postponement: Some opposition members reportedly called for postponement. Some of the presidential candidates were not listed on the balloting papers for various indictments but are also protesting. In fact, in-spite of the fisticuffs in the Senegalese National Assembly, 105 members of the 165 Assembly Members voted in support of the postponement until December 2024, rather than holding it on 25 February, 2024. It is better for the ECOWAS to wade into the misunderstanding first before taking sanctions. This is necessary because the issue of liberal democracy truly needs to be given a second look as suggested by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Even if President Sall had reportedly dropped his presidential ambition in July 2023 and has been ‘manipulating the democratic process to install his surrogate, there is no disputing the fact that ‘the postponement of the election is a constitutional coup, and a major threat to the rule of law and constitutional government not only in Senegal but also across the sub-region…’ to borrow the words of Femi Falana.

However, the ECOWAS must first learn to make haste slowly in applying its rules and regulations whenever matters of interference and intervention in the affairs, domestic and international, of its MemberStates.Inotherwords,lessonsmustbelearntfromthepolicy of non-acceptance of unconstitutional change of government. This cannot but be so because the policy of unconstitutional change of government does not reflect the dynamics of coup-making inAfrica of today. When the policy of non-acceptance of unconstitutional change of government was adopted, military coups d’état were the target. In theAfrica of today, there are three types of coup d’état: military coups or coups by soldiers, people-initiated or supported coups, and constitutional coups. ECOWAS policy only envisaged military coups and not the two others. The fundamental question therefore is to ask who the African Union or the ECOWAS is seeking to protect with the policy of unconstitutional change of government. If an elected government is not governing well and the people that are governed are complaining to no avail, and by so doing, they support coup-making, who is to blame in this case?

Some observers have it that the electorate should wait until the time of re-election to vote the non-performing government out.

Again, what do we do about winning elections by rigging of the elections? What about the manipulation of the constitution in order to prolong the stay in power? When is the people’s power really democratic? Is the buying of votes a reflection of true intention of commitment to the candidate coercively voted for? There is the need for a greater caution in first sanctioning.

Continental Integration, Quo Vadis?

There are the domestic and international threats to regional and continental integration in Africa with the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger from the ECOWAS. When Mauritania gave notice of its withdrawal from the ECOWAS in December 1999, the withdrawal, which took effect from December 2000, was not taken as a big deal. It was only one country out of sixteen that opted to withdraw. With three countries deciding in 2023 to withdraw at the same time from the ECOWAS, the withdrawal is really a big deal this time as the cardinal objective of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity and its transformation into theAfrican Union is now seriously threatened in an unprecedented manner.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER )(%58$5<

IMAGES

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anaging Director, Leke Andrews Ventures Ltd, and Yeye Aare Akogun of Lagos, Chief Mrs Omowunmi Lakanu celebrated her 60th birthday in Lagos penultimate Saturday. The event, which was organised by her husband, Rtd DIG of Police, Barrister Taiwo Lakanu, began with a thanksgiving service at the St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1004, Victoria Island. Thereafter, guests were entertained at Queens Park Event Centre on Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos.

Here are the faces of the personalities that graced the occasion.

PHOTOS: ABIODUN AJALA

Celebrant, Mrs. Omowunmi Lakanu and her husband, DIG Taiwo Lakanu

R-L: Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi conducting the cutting of the 60th birthday cake for Omowunmi while her husband and daughters watch

Prophetess Esther Ajayi

L-R: Akin Osuntokun; a guest; and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi

L-R: Elepe of Epe, Oba Oshiberu Adewale; and Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi

Lady Adejoke Okeowo and her husband, Sir Olu Okeowo

L-R: Rtd. IG of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith and Rtd. Air Vice Marshal Sikiru Smith

L-R: Oniru of Iruland, Oba AbduIwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal Abisogun and Senator Gbenga Ashafa

Mrs Helen Onasanya and her husband, Bisi Onasanya

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER )(%58$5<

IMAGES

L-R: Stan Ekeh; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and her husband, Segun

L-R: Deji Okoya and Hon. Debo Collins

L-R: Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi and Tayo Ayeni

L-R: Bobasuwa Chris Okunowo and Muyiwa Adegorite

L-R: Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi; and Asiwaju Olusegun Odusanya

L-R: Hon. Kayode Amushan; and AIG Tunji Alapini

L-R: Yinka Guedon; Aare Joko Savage; and Amb. Musiliu Obanikoro

Onisabe of Isabe, Oba Owolabi Adeniyi and his Olori Adeniyi

L-R: Biodun Aina and Bayo Onafuwa

L-R: Chief Olawunmi Gasper; and Mrs Adeoti Ogunsusi

L-R: Chief JK Randle; and Chief Paul Dacosta

L-R: Chief Mike Inegbese; Mrs Katia Ekesi; and Henry Unachukwu

L-R: Kemi Afolabi Balogun and Feyi Glover

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER )(%58$5< , 2024

PERSPECTIVE

Jimoh Ibrahim: The Man Ondo Needs Akeredolu Tope

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hereisarealisationthatthepeople of Ondo State must come into an agreement like an epiphany, a revelationsenttodirectourpath.It is the understanding globally that there is unprecedented economic uncertainties and hardships occasioned by many factors chief among which is the COVID 19 pandemic of these years ago and its attendant negative effects that are still being felt by the third world economies.

Economy, the world over are looking to leaders with the prerequisite expertise as the direct go-to for short and long term solutions to these uncertainties.

ItistheunderstandingthatIbelieveshouldinform our choice for governor. The primary concern of our people should be to elect a competent leader; someone with the vision, the desire and actionable knowledge to drive an economic ecosystem that will open new frontiers for further economic prosperity.

ThisiswheredistinguishedSenatorJimohIbrahim comes in, trained in the best universities in the

world, he has the combination of both bookknowledgeandpracticalexpertise to turn the state around.

I have always maintained that a leader should have the following qualities in my opiniontobeconsideredgoodandworthy oftheconfidenceandvoteofthepeople. ˾ ßÍÍÏÝÝÐßÖ ÑÙËÖ ÑÏʵÏÜ˝ ÒÏ ÙÜßÌË would say that if a man says he desires to sew you a new dress, please do well to check what he is wearing. Sen. Jimoh IbrahimCFRisagoalgetterwhothrough the combination of hard work, determination and grace of God is today one of the richest men in Nigeria, a status he attained even as a young man. He has demonstrated the capacity to bring OndoStateintogenerationalprosperity. ˾ ÙØÝÞËØÞ ÝÏÖÐ̋Ó×ÚÜÙàÏ×ÏØÞ˝ ÑÙÙÎ leader must have the hunger, the desire and thirst for constant and consistent self improvement. This is necessary to get him updated on the emerging realities of our ever changing world.

This is why I believe Jimoh Ibrahim CFR has not stopped learning. He is a man

that is prepared and ready. He is always on the go ready to take on any topic because he is vast and well read. ˾ ÙÙÎØÏÝÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ Òß×ËØ ÝÚÓÜÓÞ ËØÎ ÑÏØÏÜÙÝÓÞã˝ No matter how good a man is, if he is not generous, he would not see the need to carry out people’s ÙÜÓÏØÞÏÎ ÚÜÙÑÜË××Ïݲ ×ËØ ÞÒËÞ ÓÝ ÑÓàÏØ ÞÙ parsimony is not a man worthy of leadership. Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR is a philanthropist who has has been touching lives for decades till now with his personal resources. Imagine what he would achieve with our state if elected. ˾ ÖÏËÎÏÜ ×ßÝÞ ÌÏ ÏâÚÙÝÏΘ ÏâÚÙÝßÜÏ ÓÝ ËÝ important as formal education if not more important and of all the aspirants, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim is the most exposed. He currently sits as chairman Inter-Parliamentary relations in the ÏÎ ÍÒË×ÌÏÜÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ËÞÓÙØËÖ ÝÝÏ×ÌÖã áÒÓÍÒ ÓÝ a direct testament to his status as a global player.

He features in the world stage amongst the one percent of leaders of thought and global policy shapers. In Jimoh Ibrahim,we have a medley of all the qualities of a great leader in their right proportions.

Akeredolu Tope writes from Ikare Akoko.

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Declaring Ehie Wanted for Terrorism is Pure Act of Aggression Constance Eluwe

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he biggest shock in the ongoing saga between the former governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the current governor,SirSiminalayiFubara,is perhaps the breaking news that the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Rt Hon Edison Ehie, has been declared wanted by the Inspector-General of Police.

It may even be more shocking that terror and murder were the stones hanged on the Chief of Staff, showing that the hands behind this development are determined to cause harm, havoc, and instability in Rivers State. Whenever such persons want to deal with you, they are known to invent the crime that is in vogue and that carries maximum penalty and serious uproar from the masses. It is clear that Gov Fubara is the target.

It is also obvious that the office of Chief of Staff in Rivers State has been a contentious one for the mere fact that the man who wants tocontrolRiversStatewasoncetheChiefofStaff in Government House. He alone seems to know whatthatsensitivepositionmeansinprosecuting war against citizens or groups.

Many would recall that it was the position he occupied that fired possibilities in his heart and createdthehungertobecomeaSenator.Topacify him, he was offered the position of Minister. It is also true that he wanted to keep both the position of Minister and Chief of Staff by nominating a proxy. It was the rejection of such behemoth arrangement that created big rift between him and his boss then, the then governor of the state.

ItisonrecordthathealsoimposedhisownChief of Staff on his godson (Sir Fubara) as part of the scheme to control the governor, the state, and the structure of power and governance, probably to also control the treasury. Now, that the governor has said enough is enough and appointed his own ChiefofStaff,suddenly,theappointeeisaterrorist and murderer. They know the charges that do not qualify for bail and they choose such charges, fully advised by their police collaborators, to stick them on their target.

That is why those who were alarmed by the threatsofmakingRiversStateungovernable,being that this had been crafted in the past (during Rt ÙØ ÒÓÌßÓÕÏ ÙÞÓ×Ó ×ËÏÍÒÓ˪Ý ÖËÝÞ ãÏËÜÝ̚˜ ÚÏÙÚÖÏ of the state have a clear idea of what that threat means. They therefore see declaring Rt Hon Ehie wanted by the police is a pure act of aggression as a starting point in fulfillment of that threat.

That must be why some citizens such as Ezebunwo Ichemati in their publications said people of the state are not surprised by this strategy because they have seen it before and it has emerged as the fighting tool of men of influence.

More surprising is that this declaration came just few days after he was announced as Chief of Staff. This made many to wonder if that was why his appointment was delayed all this while.

Egbetokun Many persons in the state have not forgotten what threw Ehie up in the crisis. ×ÏÏÞÓØÑ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÖËá×ËÕÏÜÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ was said to have been called to brief them and mobilise them to impeach the sitting governor. Their signatures were required in the plot. It was learnt that he was one of four lawmakers that argued against such a move and refused to sign no matter the persuasion. This is said to have angered the plotters and their master who right there marked him for destruction. Ehie was to later emerge as Speaker leading a faction ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÓàÏÜÝ ÞËÞÏ ÙßÝÏ ÙÐ ÝÝÏ×ÌÖã˛ Ø this score, therefore, every crime in the world is reserved for him so as to hang him.

It is on record that he also imposed his own Chief of Staff on his godson (Sir Fubara) as part of the scheme to control the governor, the state, and the structure of power and governance, probably to also controlthetreasury.Now,thatthegovernor has said enough is enough and appointed his own Chief of Staff, suddenly, the appointee is a terrorist and murderer. They know the charges that do not qualify for bail and they choose such charges, fully advised by their police collaborators, to stick them on their target.

That is why those who were alarmed by the threats of making Rivers State ungovernable, being that this had been crafted in the past (during Rt Hon Chibuike ÙÞÓ×Ó ×ËÏÍÒÓ˪Ý ÖËÝÞ ãÏËÜÝ̚˜ ÚÏÙÚÖÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ state have a clear idea of what that threat means. They therefore see declaring Rt Hon Ehie wanted by the police is a pure act of aggression as a starting point in fulfilLment of that threat.

That must be why some citizens such as Ezebunwo Ichemati in their publications

Wike said people of the state are not surprised by this strategy because they have seen it before and it has emerged as the fighting tool of men of influence.

More surprising is that this declaration came just few days after he was announced as Chief of Staff. This made many to wonder if that was why his appointment was delayed all this while.

Many persons in the state have not forgotten áÒËÞ ÞÒÜÏá ÒÓÏ ßÚ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÍÜÓÝÓݲ ×ÏÏÞÓØÑ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ lawmakersinthestatewassaidtohavebeencalled to brief them and mobilise them to impeach the sitting governor. Their signatures were required in the plot. It was learnt that he was one of four lawmakers that argued against such a move and refused to sign no matter the persuasion. This is saidtohaveangeredtheplottersandtheirmaster who right there marked him for destruction. Ehie was to later emerge as Speaker leading a faction ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÓàÏÜÝ ÞËÞÏ ÙßÝÏ ÙÐ ÝÝÏ×ÌÖã˛ Ø ÞÒÓÝ score, therefore, every crime in the world is reserved for him so as to hang him.

The then governor, Wike, never saw anything good in the Nigerian Police, and he left no one in doubt how much he detested them. He led the campaigns against almost every commissioner of police posted to the state except anyone that accepted his ‘hand of fellowship’. He led the camÚËÓÑØ ËÑËÓØÝÞ ÞÒËÞ ËÖ×ÙÝÞ ÍÜËÝÒÏÎ ÓÑÏÜÓ˲ Now, suddenly, he seems to be the best friend of the same police; not because the police have been reformed to become what he wanted them to be but because he is now on the side of the Federal Government and the ruling party. Does this not mean that whatever is not working for him is bad for Nigeria, and what works for him is very good for the people.

Ichemati also argues that the passage of time has revealed a lot, that Chief Wike who used the people to resist the police for eight years has lost the people and he is now using the police

to fight the same people who stood with him in solidarity and in defence of his government against the police.

Many argue that since the political quagmire that has bedeviled Rivers State, the Nigeria Police authoritieshaveactuallymadenopretenseabout their biased roles from when they deliberately teargassed and poured pressure water on Gov Fubara, that not one person has been made to account for that humiliation on a sitting Governor.

TheRiversscenarioseemstoexposethedeeper rots of the Nigerian police system. The police is good but some of its leaders exploit loopholes deliberately created to feather their nets. They seem to use the force as their force, not the one meant for internal security and order. The people have been made to believe that sadly, whenever it comes to political fights in Rivers State, the police has always been willing tools of witch-hunt in the hands of politicians with federal backing.

They however believe that these schemes would always crash, just like yesterday.

Rivers people are meeting at different places and layers, but their message for once is firm and unified. They want any outsider to note that the Rivers people are united and will not be cowed by what many call ‘supermarket court orders’ or intimidating declarations from biased federal institutions. They seem to know that these institutions are for federal officers, not for the people,andcertainlynotforRiversStateinterests.

TheRiverspeopleareamazedthatsomeyouths who have chosen the path of amnesia by celebrating the arrest of their comrades and placement of Ehie Edison and others on a wanted list, have forgotten that, it is part of the price that comes with standing for justice.

That is why many have recalled how the people of the state marched the streets of Port Harcourt in solidarity alongside Chief Wike to submit a petiÞÓÙØ ËÑËÓØÝÞ ÕÓØ ËÕÙÜÏÎÏ ÐÙÜ ÓØÞÓ×ÓÎËÞÓÙØ ËØÎ harassmentatthePoliceCommandheadquarters in Rivers State. The people of the state can still do it again, and very soon.

Ichemati has helped many others to recall how loyalists of Chief Wike, Hon Rowland Sekibo, Hon Samuel Nwanosike, Hon Darlington Orji and Late Chief Odiari were politically arrested, made to sit on the floor in Etche Local Government and later charged to court on frivolous charges, and how they later used the State Government House as a safe haven until that matter died a natural death, because there was an order to re-arrest ËØÎ ×ÙàÏ ÞÒÏ× ÞÙ ÌßÔ˲ They have recalled how the then Camp Commandant to Chief Wike, SP London Erikefe was ËÜÜÏÝÞÏÎ Ìã ÞÒÏ ÓÑÏÜÓË Ü×ã ËØÎ ×ËÎÏ ÞÙ ÝÓÞ ÙØ ÞÒÏ floorandwasalsoparadedwithfrivolouscharges.

ThatseemstobewhytheRiverspeopleareonce ËÑËÓØ ÍËÖÖÓØÑ ÙØ ÜÏÝÓÎÏØÞ ÙÖË Ò×ÏÎ ÓØßÌß ÞÙ intervenebycallingtheevilforcestoorder.Forthe avoidance of doubt, the masses of Rivers State and beyond are behind their governor.

Eluwe writes from Port Harcourt.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 11, 2024

63

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Super Eagles on Cusp of Another AFCON Glory Today Duro Ikhazuagbe

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h e n Super Eagles step out against Côte G·,YRLUH LQ WKH ÀQDO RI WKH WK Africa Cup of Nations this evening inside the 60,000-capacity Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpé area of Abidjan, two things will be at stake: Vengeance and quest to make a statement that Nigeria football has returned to the top of Africa. )RRWEDOO DÀFLRQDGRV KDYH not forgotten the bitter memories of how Super Eagles lost WKH ÀQDO RI WKH ÀQDO WR Cameroon in that same city 40 years ago. Winning there will sort of wipe that sad memory.

Secondly, when Nigeria failed to qualify for the last World Cup in Qatar two years ago, the Super Eagles were derided as spent forces, living on past glory. Morocco’s Atlas Lions did the unimaginable, going all the way to reach the VHPLÀQDOV RI 4DWDU DV ÀUVW $IULFDQV WR DFKLHYH WKDW feat. A win for Nigeria today will not only restore Super Eagles pride, Coach Jose Peseiro and his wards will walk out of that stadium with $7million cheque, the highest earning by any past AFCON winner For Captain Ahmed Musa and defender Kenneth Omeruo, the only surviving members of Nigeria’s 2013 winning squad in South Africa, the feeling will be indescribable!

Musa, who scored against Mali in a 4-1 win for Nigeria in WKH VHPL ÀQDOV LQ 6RXWK $IULFD 11 years ago admitted last night: “It is a feeling you can’t always properly describe.

Winning the AFCON and touching the trophy is an unforgettable experience.

“Omeruo and myself experienced that when we won in 6RXWK $IULFD LQ %XW , want another one and he also wants another one. The good feeling and experience must be double double,” stressed the former Leicester City winger who is yet to taste action at Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

Omeruo, also very relaxed DQG LQ FRPSDQ\ ZLWK ÀOLDO UHlations, corroborated the team leader: “We want that special feeling again – the feeling of being a champion of Africa.

We have not gone this far to throw it away now. We have thrown everything into the six matches we have played here.

We will give more than 100 percent against the Ivorians on Sunday (today).”

When Cote d’Ivoire hosted the competition 40 years ago, the Super Eagles also played in the Final match, but against Cameroon. The hosts failed to qualify from the group stage.

7KDW ZDV DQ HUD ZKHQ WKH ÀQDO competition welcomed only eight teams.

Today, the tournament welcomes 24 teams (nearly half the member federations of CAF), making it a far bigger competition with so much glamour, glitz, grit and plenty of drama.

ROAD TO THE FINAL *Nigeria

L-R: Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen will spearhead Nigeria’s attack while Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller hold the ace as Côte d’Ivoire aim to add a third star to the two they won in 1992 and 2015 in the final of the AFCON 2023 tonight inside Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe area of Abidjan...

PHOTO: Courtesy BBC

1LJHULD·V URXWH WR WKH ÀQDO was not all smooth sailing.

Super Eagles 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea began the race sluggishly for Nigeria.

Eagles then defeated hosts Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 before again GHIHDWLQJ *XLQHD %LVVDX WR ÀQLVK RQ VDPH VHYHQ SRLQWV with Equatorial Guinea but LQIHULRU RQ JRDO GLͿHUHQFH Eagles sent rivals Cameroon home with a 2-0 defeat of the Indomitable Lions.

Angola came next and were given the same shock treatment of 1-0 defeat of

the Palancas Negras in the TXDUWHUÀQDOV 6RXWK $IULFD·V %DIDQD %DIDQD SURYHG VWXEborn but ended returning to -RKDQQHVEXUJ DV VHPLÀQDOists. After a tension soaked encounter that claimed the OLYHV RI ÀYH 1LJHULDQV 6Xper Eagles triumphed 4-2 in penalty shootouts to book a SODFH LQ WRGD\·V ÀQDO

in the opening match. Côte d’Ivoire lost their second group match to Nigeria 1-0 and were hammered 4-0 in ÀQDO JURXS JDPH DJDLQVW Equatorial Guinea. Ivorians lived in suspended animaWLRQ IRU KRXUV WR NQRZ LI they will qualify on just three points as one of the four best third place teams.

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech’s *Côte d’Ivoire goal two days later eliminated Two-time champions El- Zambia and sneaked the ElHSKDQWV EHJDQ WKHLU ÁLJKW LQ ephants into the knock-out Á\LQJ FRORXUV JULQGLQJ RXW D Round of 16. They barely ZLQ DJDLQVW *XLQHD %LVVDX survived defending champions Senegal 5-4 in penalty shootouts after regulation and extra time ended one all. In WKH TXDUWHU ÀQDO WKH\ GHIHDWHG KDUG ÀJKWLQJ 0DOL 7KH\ at the ongoing 2023 AFCON Cup chase also defeated DR Congo 1-0 in Côte D’Ivioire. to book their place in today’s A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, ÀQDO FODVK ZLWK IDPLOLDU IRH Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser Nigeria. to the Governor said as the chase for the trophy takes place Sunday, February 11, at the Stade Alassane Ouattara, Governor Uzodimma reiterates his earlier advice to the Super Eagles and their handlers to make hard work and commitment their watch word and be rest assured that victory is sure.

Nigerians Waiting to Celebrate You, Uzodimma Tells Eagles

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overnorHopeUzodimma of Imo State has sent another goodwill message to the Super Eagles players ahead of their encounter with the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire, today, urging them to work extra hard to bring home the trophy as Nigerians are earnestly waiting to celebrate them for winning the 2023 AFCON title.

Uzodimma has continuously encouraged

the players and their handlers since the tournament entered it’s critical stages to put in their best to carry the day at the end RI WKH FRQWLQHQWDO IRRWEDOO ÀHVWD The highpoint of Uzodimma’s encouragement was the support of N200million to the Super Eagles by the Progressive Governors’ Forum which he is the Chairman, prior 1LJHULD·V VHPL ÀQDO PDWFK ZLWK WKH %DIDQD %DIDQD RI 6RXWK $IULFD Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 via penalty VKRRWRXWV WR TXDOLI\ IRU WKH ÀQDO PDWFK

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n a day death stalked at Access Holdings Plc, owners ofAccess %DQN WKH 7LWOH Sponsors of the prestigious Lagos City Marathon, taking away the group’s Group Chief Executive 2΀FHU +HUEHUW :LJZH KLV ZLIH and eldest son and another Nigerian, Abimbola Ogunbanjo in far away USA, Kenyan athlete, %HUQDUG 6DQJ HPHUJHG FKDPpion of the gold-labeled race in KUV PLQV DQG VHFV Despite not matching the course record of 2hrs. 10mins 23 secs set by his compatriot, David %DUPDVDL LQ 6DQJ ZDV VWLOO rewarded with the $30,000 prize money at stake.

Two other Kenyans, (2.16.54)

DQG *HRͿUH\ %LUJHQ ÀQLVKHG VHFRQG DQG WKLUG WR SLFN $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.

The 42.2 km race in the current humid condition of Lagos ÁDJJHG RI DW DP LQ IURQW RI WKH National Stadium in Surulere and terminated at EkoAtlantic in Victoria Island. The race attracted runners from all over the world ZLWK WKH EHVW WRS ÀYH PDUDWKRQHUV SUHVHQW ,Q DOO WRS HOLWH DWKOHWHV participated at this 2023 edition.

Speaking after receiving his prize, Sang admitted that the hot weather condition of Lagos City made it impossible for any meaningful result to be achieved.

“I am however very happy and JUDWHIXO WR KDYH ZRQ WKH WK HGLWLRQ RI WKH $FFHVV %DQN /DJRV &LW\ Marathon.”

Sang also admitted to have surpassed the third position he clocked at the last edition in

2023. “I have been participating in this race and never emerged as a winner. Last year, I came in WKLUG EXW WKLV \HDU LV GLͿHUHQW because I won the race,” Sang

(Since 1980) 1980: Nigeria 1982: Ghana 1984: Cameroon 1986: Egypt 1988: Cameroon 1990: Algeria 1992: Côte d’Ivoire 1994: Nigeria 1996: South Africa 1998: Egypt 2000: Cameroon 2002: Cameroon 2004: Tunisia 2006: Egypt 2008: Egypt 2010: Egypt 2012: Zambia 2013: Nigeria 2015: Côte d’Ivoire 2017: Cameroon 2019: Algeria 2021: Senegal 2023: ?

Gusau Pays Condolence Visit to Family of Late Nwoye

Kenyans Dominate Again at Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Duro Ikhazuagbe

LIST OF WINNERS

stressed.

The champion further attributed his success to his rigorous training regimen and promised to return next year to retain his title.

L-R: Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Runner up, Silas Cheprot; Winner, Bernard Sang; third place finisher, Geoffrey Birgen; and Access Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Retail North, Victor Etuokwu, shortly after presenting prizes to winners at the 2023 goldlabeled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon...yesterday

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residentoftheNigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau has paid a condolence visit to thefamilyofChiefAngusNwoye, the Nigerian multi-millionaire businessman who slumped and died at the Stadium de la Paix in %RXDNH GXULQJ WKH $IULFD &XS RI 1DWLRQV VHPL ÀQDO PDWFK between Nigeria and South Africa on Wednesday.

“We are terribly shocked at this unfortunate incident, but we cannot question God. I have heard from so many people how large-hearted the late Chief was, how he was a pillar to so many Nigerians here in Cote d’Ivoire and how passionate he was about the game of football.

“It is very painful for us as a Federation to have heard of so many deaths accompanying that SDUWLFXODU IRRWEDOO PDWFK %XW *RG knows best. Many stakeholders have told me how they were with the late Chief in his house

wining and dining on the eve of the match. Our hearts go to you and the family. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant yourself, the children, other members of the family and the friends he has left behind the fortitude to bear this big loss,” Gusau told the widow, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Nwoye at the family house inAbidjan on Saturday afternoon.

Responding, Dr. Nwoye thanked the NFF President and his team for the visit, while recollecting how her late husband had looked forward to the match and the post-match celebrations.

“He was so passionate about football. He would do anything for football; that was why he SODQQHG IRU XV WR EH LQ %RXDNH for the match. He was so sure we would win that he said I should prepare for us to celebrate the victory after the match,” she sobbed as she was comforted by her son, Ifeanyi Nwoye and a family friend, Mr. Ikechukwu Asiegbu.

Sunday 11 February, 2024

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UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N500

MISSILE

Amnesty International to NASS “Rather than passing laws that would guarantee and ensure the social and economic rights of the people, Nigerian lawmakers are pushing to take away human rights, contrary to the Nigerian Constitution” – Amnesty International calling on the National Assembly to reject a bill currently on the floor of the House of Representatives that seeks to gag CSOs and NGOs in the country.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

And Four That Price Control Judgment Other Things…

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n Wednesday, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the federal high court, Lagos, ordered federal government to fix the prices of milk, flour, salt, sugar, bicycles, motorcycles, motor vehicles, and their spare parts. This looks like a judicial attempt to address the biting inflation and the harsh economic climate caused in the main by naira devaluation. My mind instantly flashed back to 1984 when the military government of Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari announced price controls for essential commodities, also known as “essenco”. The military had overthrown the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari on the back of untold economic hardship and corruption.

The hardship started in 1982 but Shagari papered over the cracks obviously because a general election was approaching. Crude oil prices were falling — from an average of $34 in 1981 to $32 in 1982 and $29 in 1983. Our foreign reserves, which stood at a decent $10 billion in 1980, had crashed to just $1 billion in 1983 as oil revenue dwindled. Before the oil boom of 1973, our foreign debts totalled $420 million. With the deceit of “unlimited” oil wealth, our debts had ballooned to $14.7 billion by 1982.

We earned $22.4 billion from oil exports in 1980 but just $9.6 billion in 1982. The dramatic fall ruined the Tinubu economy. Still thinking we were rich, we failed to in his hand and a rifle on his back, asked an old make key adjustments.

We had become hopelessly addicted to imports market woman. “Fifty kobo,” she replied. “It should because of what we celebrated as a “strong currency” be 30 kobo,” he decreed, brought out three 10 kobo — even though it was clearly propelled by oil revenues coins and paid. He went on and on and on. The which are eternally volatile and unreliable. We insisted poor woman was distraught.

When the soldier had bought three to four on keeping the naira at par with the dollar. We still refer to this as the “good old days”. With companies items, the woman pleaded with him to move to unable to access forex for raw materials and spare the next stall. We were kids and bystanders and parts, they started folding up or sacking workers. were somehow enjoying it. We believed prices Civil servants were being owed salaries, some for were too high and thought traders and hoarders three to four months because, simply put, government were the problem. We knew nothing about costs was broke. Oil wealth has a way of making you of production and transportation and other pricing live above your means until the day breaks and mechanics. All we wanted was cheaper sugar, milk you realise your tummy has expanded beyond your and Omo. How it was achieved was none of our business. My grandmother, a trader, miraculously feeding capacity.

As Nigeria could not import enough basic stuffs escaped the raid by the soldiers. She later told like rice, sugar and milk because of forex shortage, me that what the soldiers were doing was wrong.

Shagari decided to introduce “import licensing” by “I cannot sell my goods for less than the cost at issuing permits to a closed group of “importers” and which I bought them. It is as I buy that I sell,” allocating the little dollars in the kitty to them. We set she explained to me.

Despite the highhandedness of the military up a presidential task force to import rice to sell at “control prices”. Many of those who got forex — using enforcers, prices did not come down. In fact, their connections with Shagari’s government — were things got worse as traders began to hoard the not even importers or manufacturers and did not goods to avoid being forced to sell at a loss. They really need the allocations. They were believed to only sold whenever the soldiers were not around have diverted the scarce currency to the streets, and (and, in any case, how many shops and markets that was apparently the origin of the street trading across the federation could they police closely?) in dollars which we have now given the fancy name I would later take economics in my fifth form in secondary school. We were taught that when of “parallel market”.

Shagari’s government went into absolute turmoil. supply is below demand, prices would rise. We It tried to keep Nigeria afloat through an emergency were also taught that you cannot control prices “stabilisation plan” that cut spending, reduced imports if you do not have excess supply. If you are in and hiked duties. There was still no relief. As we say charge of supply and you can meet demand, you in Nigeria, “water don pass garri”. Prices of goods can decide to lower your prices. They don’t teach and services went through the roof. Unemployment this in military schools.

Now that Lewis-Allagoa has ordered federal was unforgiving as retrenchment became the order of the day. The opposition parties came hard on the government to fix the prices of sugar, flour, vehicles, ruling party, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). etc, we are celebrating again. It is a pro-poor judgment, This was the condition of Nigeria when then-Brigadier isn’t it? But we’ve been here before, haven’t we?

Sani Abacha announced the overthrow of Shagari’s The logic behind price control, as canvassed by its government on December 31, 1983. We all celebrated proponents, is that inflation is caused by traders the coup, expecting a better economy and lower and hoarders who are profiteering at the expense of the masses. There should be an element of truth prices.

Buhari did the “right thing” for “the masses”: to this, but that is probably 0.00001 percent of the he ordered price controls for essential commodities. reason for inflation. Don’t take my word for it: order Soldiers took over the streets, invaded warehouses, a used motorcycle or spare part directly from the shops and markets and started dictating the prices US and do the math. It is common sense prices will at which goods should be sold. I recall vividly how rise as component costs rise. If transportation cost soldiers came to our village’s central market and goes up, the price of tomatoes will rise.

How do we enforce this judgement? We import started forcing traders to sell goods below the prices at which they themselves bought from wholesalers. sugar. At what point are we going to fix the price?

“How much is Omo?” a soldier, with a horsewhip Should we go to Brazil and order their exporters

to sell to us at a particular price? Or is it when the importer has brought in the commodity — after buying dollars at N1,200 or higher — that we will order her to sell at a fixed price? Or is it at the point that the importer sells to the distributor? Or when the distributor sells to the wholesaler? Or when the wholesaler sells to Iya Mufu at Oke Arin market? I guess police will be ordered to use horsewhips to force her to sell at N50 what she bought at N100.

Even locally produced goods are at the mercy of rising production and transportation costs.

Apparently, there is an outdated law called Price Control Act that was enacted by the military in 1978 during the oil boom era when petrodollars launched us into a subsidy binge, including paying for meals and laundry for university students. Those were the “good old days” of subsidising consumption instead of production. According to Mr Femi Falana, the senior lawyer and human rights activist who instituted the price control suit, a Price Control Board is saddled with the responsibility of fixing the prices of goods, preventing hoarding of goods, and protecting customers from exorbitant prices. The goods listed in the law include bicycles, matches, salt and sugar.

What better time to “fix” the prices of these allimportant items than now when cost of living has gone haywire and Nigerians are in severe pains? Sure, you can keep prices below cost through subsidies.

No problem. But when the bubble bursts, you will be more than sorry. Venezuela did it for a long time with petrodollars and Venezuelans thought they were on top of the world. Under President Hugo Chávez, they barely paid the market price for anything. Petrodollars subsidised all. When oil revenues crashed and funding the mammoth subsidies became impossible, the inflation did not have Part Two. Since 2015, over 7.5 million Venezuelans have gone on a “japa” spree.

The solution to our current economic woes is not artificial price controls. It will only worsen the scarcity, empower black markets and raise prices. The solution is not border closure either, as suggested by Alhaji Abubakar Kyari, the minister of agriculture and food security. He obviously learnt nothing from our previous border closure in 2020. He should please ask the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for data on food inflation for that year. Those who benefit the most from these knee-jerk policies are the security officers at the borders. We always avoid the hard work when it comes to policy thinking.

The real challenge is: how can we reduce associated costs and boost supply?

Every economic reform must factor in safety nets for the poor. There are rational measures that can be taken in the short-run to reduce the pains. As Waziri Adio, one of Nigeria’s leading public policy analysts, proposed in his column last week, President Bola Tinubu can take urgent steps to address the food inflation by reducing tariffs on key items for a limited period of time. Releasing grain reserves can also help stabilise prices by boosting supply.

This is a more sensible and realistic route to “price control” instead of using horsewhips and guns. If Iya Mufu buys a bag of flour at N40,000, how on earth can government force her to sell to consumers at N35,000? I mean, who does that?

Tinubu’s directive that grain reserves be released to boost supply and, hopefully, tame food inflation is a welcome step. Let’s hope the grains would not be diverted to hoarders. This is Nigeria. While the price control judgment has to be appealed and the law eventually amended, the truth is that Nigerians are suffering and they need to breathe. I have witnessed episodes of economic hardship since I was a kid but I have never seen anything of this dimension.

I know Tinubu is clinically implementing tough reforms — which, I must agree, is inevitable if we are to have an economy — but I hope it does not end up as a case of “the surgery was successful but we lost the patient”.

GO FOR GOLD! Displaying more of grit and less of panache, the Super Eagles are one match away from winning Nigeria’s fourth Africa Cup of Nations title. I believe I am speaking on behalf of millions of Nigerians when I say we are aiming for the trophy against Côte d’Ivoire today, having painfully lost four finals before. The way Nigerians of all “tribes and tongues” have been celebrating our outings once again confirms my bias — that we really love this country. We do not hate one another. It is just that our leaders have politically mismanaged our emotions. We are united by sport, Afrobeats and Nollywood but divided by politicians. Imagine how great Nigeria would be with quality leadership.

Unstoppable.

AFRODEMOCRACY AGAIN Senegal, one of the most politically stable African countries with no history of military intervention, is on the verge of a debilitating crisis with the strange conduct of President Macky Sall, who is due to step down as president this year after serving two terms.

It is very clear that he wants to handpick his successor and is afraid of a strong opposition candidate being elected. In the typical behaviour of African leaders who have no respect for the liberal principles of democracy, he had been clamping down on opposition leaders and has now postponed the election, the first time ever, to “resolve” the crisis he orchestrated. And to think this man came to power as an opposition leader! Nauseating.

RIP, KT I lost a dear friend on Wednesday. Kayode Tijani, the sports journalist and archivist, died at 55 after a prolonged illness, dating back to the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2019. He went there whole and returned in bad shape, never to recover. KT, as we called him, was one of the most knowledgeable sports journalists in Nigeria and had an incredible trove of videos on the country’s sporting history dating back to the 1960s. He worked at a number of reputable media organisations home and abroad. He was one of the major supporters of TheCable, the online newspaper I founded 10 years ago. I pray that his family, friends and fans will be comforted at these difficult times.

Devastating.

NO COMMENT Something to celebrate: The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it has commenced oil production from the Akpo West field in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. This will add 14,000 barrels per day to our production. It may look small — compared to 250,000bpd from Agbami — but given the various mortgages on our future oil production, this is better than nothing. The NNPC said the new production “is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive”.

Have you noticed that many statements from government agencies these days start with “in line with President Tinubu’s vision” or “renewed hope agenda”? Is it a standing order or the signature tune? Wonderful.

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