FRIDAY 17TH MAY 2024

Report: Amid Nigeria’s Underproduction, Dangote Refinery Orders 24m Barrels of US Crude Oil

Commences export of its refined products to European market

Wale Edun: No Attempt to Illegally Use Pension Funds

Says FG will be guided by rules

Organised labour warns against tampering with funds

FAAC shares N1.2tn from N2.192tn gross revenue

Naira slides to N1533/$1 at official market, stable at N1,540/$1, parallel market

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday, clarified that the federal government had no intention of illegally tapping into the N20 trillion pension funds for infrastructure development.

The clarification followed media reports quoting the minister as saying, after the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, that the federal government was considering tapping into the pension funds to drive investment in growth areas, including infrastructure and housing.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Peter Uzoho in Lagos

Visiting new Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye (L) with

Continued on page 35

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, hosted the new Senegalese President, Bassirou

Ndubuisi Francis, Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

FG Directs Gradual Payment of N1.3tn, $1bn

Gas

Debts to Gencos, Suppliers

Reveals many Discos insolvent, finding it hard to do business Argues recent tariff hike reduced production cost by 40% for manufacturers

The federal government yesterday revealed that it had directed the Ministry of Finance to begin the payment of the first tranche of the N1.3 trillion gas supply debts owed power Generation Companies (Gencos) as well as gas suppliers.

The revelation came as the government admitted that many electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) operating in the country were technically insolvent and finding it difficult to do business.

Edun had said the move to use the pension funds was part of the government’s efforts to bridge Nigeria’s estimated 20 million housing deficit, and to provide massive housing and mortgage loans at 12 per cent interest rates, with 25-year repayment plans.

The minister's comments immediately ignited serious reactions from notable Nigerians, including the former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who advised the federal government to suspend such a move. Atiku said the move was misguided and potentially disastrous for retired Nigerians, who were dependent on their pensions.

Organised labour, led by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), also yesterday warned the federal government not to tamper with the workers' pension fund.

However, in a statement he personally issued yesterday, Edun said the stories making the rounds that the federal government planned to illegally access the hard-earned savings and pension contributions of workers were false. He stated that the pension industry was guided by rules, adding that the government will

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu who spoke in Abuja, stated that a liquidation plan had been approved by President Bola Tinubu, beginning with the payment of about N130 billion in the first instalment.

Adelabu, along with others, spoke at the 8th African Energy Market Place themed: “Towards Nigeria‘s Sustainable Energy Future: Policy, Regulation and Investment – A Policy Dialogue for the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation

be strictly guided by extant rules in accessing the pension funds of workers.

The minister explained that government will not go outside the stipulated limitations on what the funds could be invested in, to guarantee safety of the workers' pension.

The statement read, "It has come to my notice that there are stories making the rounds that the federal government plans to illegally access the hard-earned savings and pension contributions of workers. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

“The pension industry, like most the financial industries, is highly regulated. There are rules. There are limitations about what pension money can be invested in and what it cannot be invested in.

“The federal government has no intention whatsoever to go beyond those limitations and go outside those bounds, which are there to safeguard the pensions of workers.

“What was announced to the Federal Executive Council was that there was an ongoing initiative drawing in all the major stakeholders in the long-term saving industry, those that handle funds

Plan (NIEP-SIP).”

The minister explained that the government was working to get the distribution companies solvent and effective by unbundling their operations along state boundaries, insisting that their areas of coverage were too large for them compared to the Discos’ capacities.

“Mr. President has approved the submission made by the Minister of State Petroleum (Gas) to defray the outstanding debts owed to the gas supply companies to power generation companies.

that are available over a long period to see how, within the regulations and the laws, these funds could be used maximally to drive investment in key growth areas, including infrastructure, housing, and, of course, to find a way to provide Nigerians with affordable mortgages.

"Within this context, there is no attempt, nor is it being considered, to offer unsafe investments for pension funds or even insurance funds or any investment funds. No attempt whatsoever to increase the risk. No attempt whatsoever to lower the returns that would otherwise be earned.

"It is important to remember that the federal government possesses the ability to provide guarantees where stocks are needed in order to unlock funding that will lead to growth, creation of jobs and alleviation of poverty.

"It is an ongoing conversation, a challenge, a test for the best and the brightest in the financial industry to come up with solutions that, while safeguarding the long-term savings do provide an avenue that help to boost growth in the economy."

However, just as Edun's clarification was hit the news stand yesterday, NLC and TUC wrote

“The payments are in two parts, the legacy debts and the current debts. For the current debt, approval has been given to pay about N130 billion from the gas stabilisation fund which the Federal Ministry of Finance will pay.

“The payment of the legacy debt will be made from future royalties in exchange for incomes in the gas subsector which is quite satisfactory to the gas suppliers. This will allow the companies to enter into firm contracts with power generation companies.

warned the federal government not to tamper with the workers' pension fund.

The labour movement said apart from the lack of transparency trailing the government's move, seeking to borrow from the fund was not backed by the Pension Act.

In a joint protest letter to the federal government, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC Deputy President Etim Okon, organised labour urged the government to reconsider its plans to tap further into pension funds and, instead, explore sustainable financing options that did not compromise the retirement security of Nigerian workers.

The statement said the recent announcement by the finance minister regarding the government's intention to utilise the pension funds of N19.66 trillion for infrastructural development had ignited deep apprehension and unrest among Nigerian workers, who were the primary contributors and eventual beneficiaries of the funds.

It said the revelation that the government had already accessed nearly 70 percent of the entire pension fund value was not merely alarming, but also utterly

“For the power generation companies, the debt is about N1.3 trillion and I can also tell you that we have the consent of the president to pay, on the condition that the actual figures are reconciled between the government and the companies.

“ This we have successfully done and it is being signed off by both parties now. Majority has signed off and we are engaging to ensure that we have 100 per cent sign off.

“The debt will be paid in two ways, immediate cash injection and through a guaranteed debt instrument, preferably a promissory note. This assures the companies that in the next three to five years, the government is ready to defray these debts,” the minister stated. According to Adelabu, the recent ‘Band A’ electricity tariff that came to force on April 3, 2024 had also succeeded in reducing the cost of production by manufacturers by 40 per cent.

unacceptable.

Labour said in the statement, "Nigerian workers have entrusted their hard-earned savings for retirement security, not as a means for government projects.

"It is imperative to halt any further plans to tap into these funds, especially given the lack of transparency and accountability in past government borrowing practices.

"Your proposal to further leverage these funds for the purported betterment of housing and infrastructural sectors raises serious questions about fiscal prudence and responsible governance.

"Where does the government intend to source the additional N20 trillion it seeks to acquire, especially considering the ambiguity surrounding previous borrowing practices?”

NLC and TUC said the lack of clarity on the matter only fuelled scepticism regarding the feasibility and sustainability of the initiative.

According to labour, Nigerian workers rightfully demand assurances that their retirement funds will not fall victim to further federal government borrowing especially when the PENCOM Board had not been constituted as envisaged by the statutes.

note that the NLC and TUC, representing the owners of the entire pension fund contributions, have neither been consulted nor informed about the government's intentions.

"This lack of transparency undermines the sanctity of pension funds, which should be treated with the utmost reverence and protection at all times."

WHAT THE RULES SAY ABOUT DEPLOYMENT OF PENSION FUND FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVT

Section 8.0 of the Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets, 2019 deals with the investment limits of pension funds. The section stipulates the maximum investment limits under the MultiFund Structure.

Subsection 8.1 indicates that:

“Not more than 10 per cent of the total pension assets under management aggregated in all the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) Funds, shall be invested in all securities (equity, money market and debt) issued by a corporate entity.”

Also, 8.2 stresses that:” A PFA may invest the pension fund assets of any one Fund in the ordinary shares of a listed company, subject to a maximum limit of 7.5 per cent of the issued share capital”, adding that “Cumulatively, in the six Funds under the Multi-Fund (WTI) Midland crude for 12 months starting in July, according to a document seen by Bloomberg. The tender closes on May 21, it said.

The call for US oil highlights how influential the plant will be in global crude and fuel trading. It also reflects Nigeria’s struggle to lift its own crude production, which remains well below theoretical capacity, as well as Dangote’s willingness to tap cheaper supplies than it can find at home.

“Supply of Nigerian crude is insufficient or unavailable and sometimes unreliable,” said Elitsa Georgieva, Executive Director at Citac, an energy consultancy specialising in the African downstream sector.

“WTI on the other hand, is available, with reliable supply and competitively priced,” Georgieva added.

Buying different feedstock also provides flexibility and optionality for the refinery, so the tender makes economic sense for Dangote, Georgieva said. Nigeria has been unable to meet its OPEC+ quota for at least a year.

The nation pumped about 1.45 million barrels a day of crude and liquids in April, still far below its estimated production capacity of 2.6 million barrels a day. Crude theft, aging oil pipelines, low investment, and divestments from oil majors operating in the West African nation have all contributed to declining production.

In spite of various assurances by the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) of

meeting the country’s Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota, Nigeria recorded an estimated 30 million barrels underproduction in the first four months of 2024.

A recent THISDAY analysis of the latest data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicated that whereas Nigeria was meant to produce a revised 1.58 million barrels per day during the period, on the average, output was 1.32 million bpd.

In April, the NUPRC data showed that Nigeria recorded a volume of 1.28 million bpd, compared to 1.23 million bpd in March. It further showed production of 1.32 million bpd in February and 1.42 million bpd in January this year.

In all, excluding condensates which are outside OPEC’s computations, the country managed to drill 44.2 million barrels in January, 38.3 million bpd in February, 38.1 million barrels in March and 38.4 million barrels in April.

The data further showed that whereas Nigeria was supposed to record an estimated 190 million barrels in the four months spanning January to April, it could only drill 160 million barrels for the period, indicating a 17.1 per cent deficit.

In November 2023, OPEC+ handed Nigeria a revised 1.58 million bpd oil output target in 2024, lower than Africa’s largest oil producer had hoped for, because the country failed to consistently meet its 1.74 million bpd production

target.

Despite massive spending to curb insecurity in the Niger Delta by the NNPC and the federal government, oil theft, assets vandalism and outright sabotage are rampant in the area where Nigeria extracts its oil from.

The country currently has a multi-billion naira contract with local security groups in the region aside the huge spending on the official security agencies deployed to curb the menace in the area.

Nigeria’s projected oil production in its budget this year is about 1.78 million bpd, with a benchmark price of $77.96 per barrel. It’s unclear where the federal intends to get funding to close the huge gap between projected and actual production.

To ensure enough local supply to the giant 650,000 barrel-a-day Dangote refinery, Nigeria’s upstream regulators released new draft rules last month that will compel its oil producers to sell crude to domestic refineries, the Bloomberg report said.

The plant, currently running at about half capacity, is taking advantage of cheaper US oil imports for as much as a third of its feedstock. Since the start of this year, it has received at least one supertanker carrying about 2 million barrels of WTI Midland each month.

An official at Dangote declined to comment, Bloomberg said.

Meanwhile, in a major milestone, the world's largest single-train petroleum refinery, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery has commenced export of its finished products to the European market.

For the first time, a cargo of Low- Sulphur Straight Run Fuel Oil (LSSR) produced at the Lekki Free Trade Zone-based facility has reached European market, thus expanding the company's opportunity for revenue

The 90,000 tons cargo was loaded at Dangote’s terminal in Lekki on April 25 and discharged in Rotterdam on May 13, Argus Media quoted data from trade analytics firm, Kpler.

The cargo will likely be used as a blendstock to produce very-low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), market participants said.

Roughly 72 per cent of the fuel oil exported from Dangote has been delivered to the US since the refinery offered its first LSSR export tender mid-February. A total of just under 620,000 tons has been delivered so far.

Another LSSR shipment of 83,400 tons departed the refinery on May 7, another trade analytics firm, Vortexa stated. It is scheduled to arrive in France on May 22, but market participants say this is unlikely to be the cargo’s final destination.

The LSSR price assessments on a fob Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) basis have stayed at a $5/bl premium to front-month Ice Brent crude futures this week, narrowing from an 18-month high of $7.50/ bl in mid-April.

Maintenance work that began in the first quarter affected fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units at some refineries. The FCCs take LSSR and low-sulphur vacuum gasoil to increase gasoline yields.

It stated, "Despite the government's assurances of widespread consultation with major stakeholders in the pension industry, it is disheartening to

Student

Loan Application Portal Opens May 24, Says NELFUND

The Federal Government through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, yesterday night announced that May 24, 2024, was the official date for “the opening of a portal for student loan applications.

In a statement signed by the media head of the Fund, Nasir Ayantogo, the opening of the application portal marks a significant milestone in the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to” fostering accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students.”

On June 12, 2023, Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The move was in “fulfilment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education,” a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to process all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

Although the government initially announced that the scheme would be launched in September, it suffered several delays, leading

to an indefinite postponement in early March.

The Presidency had linked the delay to Tinubu’s directive to expand the scheme to include loans for vocational skills.

After receiving a briefing from the NELFUND team led by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, on January 22, the President directed the Fund to extend interest-free loans to Nigerian students interested in skill-development programmes.

Tinubu based his decision on the need for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue a university education, noting that skill acquisition is as essential as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.

“This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas.

“This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation

“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFUND to explore all opportunities to inculcate skilldevelopment programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he had said.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Adelabu

BRANCH EXPANSION...

L-R: Akinwunmi Thomas (representing Fuad Laguad, Honourable Member, Surulere Constituency 1 Federal House of Representatives), Kingsley Aigbokhevbo, Deputy Managing Director ProvidusBank; Hon. Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf, Chairman Surulere Local Government; Deoye Ojuroye, Executive Director/CFO ProvidusBank; Rasheedat Adeyemi, Zonal Head Lagos Mainland; Charles Okoko, Branch Head, Surulere Branch at the ProvidusBank Surulere Branch opening in Lagos… yesterday

Emirates Resumes Flight to Nigeria October 1

Chinedu Eze and Sunday Ehigiator

Two years after it suspended operations to Nigeria, the Middle East Mega Carrier, Emirates Airlines has announced that it would resume flight services to Nigeria from October 1, 2024. This was announced by Emirates Media Centre, the news website of the airline.

The airline stated: “Emirates will resume services to Nigeria from October 1, 2024, operating a daily service between Lagos and Dubai, and offering customers more choice and connectivity from Nigeria’s largest city to, and through, Dubai.

“The service will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER. EK783 will depart Dubai at 0945hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1520hrs; the return flight EK784 will leave Lagos at 1730hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0510hrs the next day. Tickets can be booked now on emirates.com or via travel agents.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer expressed delight over the new development, stressing that the airline was excited to reconnect travellers.

“We are excited to resume our services to Nigeria. The Lagos-Dubai service has

traditionally been popular with customers in Nigeria and we hope to reconnect leisure and business travellers to Dubai and onwards to our network of over 140 destinations.

“We thank the Nigerian government for their partnership and support in re-establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers back onboard.”

With the resumption of operations to Nigeria, Emirates operates to 19 gateways in Africa with 157 flights per week from Dubai, with further reach to an additional 130 regional points in Africa through its codeshare and interline partnerships with South African Airways, Airlink, Royal Air Maroc, Tunis Air, among others.

As a major economic hub in Africa, Nigeria and the UAE have built strong bilateral trade relations over the years, headlined by Lagos as the nation’s commercial centre.

With the resumption of daily passenger flights, the airline’s cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, will further bolster the trade relationship by offering more than 300 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity, in and out of Lagos every week.

Emirates SkyCargo will support Nigerian businesses by exporting their goods via its

state-of-the-art hub in Dubai, into key markets such as the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain, among others with key anticipated commodities such as Kola Nuts, food and beverages, and urgent courier material.

Emirates SkyCargo will also import vital goods such as pharmaceuticals and electronics as well as general cargo from key markets such as the UAE, India and Hong Kong. Keeping trade flowing seamlessly, these goods will be transported quickly, efficiently, and reliably via the airline’s multi-vertical specialized product portfolio.

The Emirates Boeing 777300ER serving Lagos, said it will operate with eight First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 seats in Economy Class.

Offering the best experience in the sky, Emirates said its passengers can dine on regionally inspired multicourse menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages.

“Customers can tune in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including 23 Nigerian movies, in addition to series and other content on ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system,” it added.

Emirates stopped its operations to Nigeria indefinitely on October 29, 2022, and gave reason that it stopped flights to the country because of its trapped funds and over the failure of government to make dollars available to the foreign carriers to repatriate their revenues.

With the resumption of Emirates flights to Nigeria, the UAE and Nigeria would resume their diplomatic relations and Nigerians can now obtain visa to travel to the Middle East country.

Also in a tweet, the airline wrote: “We’re back Nigeria! We’ll be resuming services to Lagos from 1 October

2024, and we can’t wait to offer unrivalled connectivity to Dubai and beyond to over 140 cities.”

Earlier, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) hinted about the development on his X handle.

In his post, he revealed that he met with the Ambassador of the UAE to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, in Abuja on Tuesday, explaining that during the meeting, Al-Shamsi handed him a correspondence from Emirates Airlines confirming the flight resumption date.

The Minister wrote: “Yesterday (Tuesday), I paid a working visit to the

Ambassador of the UAE to Nigeria, His Excellency, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi at the UAE Embassy in Abuja.

“He handed me a correspondence from the Emirates Airline indicating a definite date of their resumption of flights to Nigeria. That date will be formally announced by Emirates Airlines in a matter of days.”

The two countries have faced longstanding issues related to the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). More recently, visa restrictions had compounded the situation, affecting many Nigerians who consider the UAE a top destination.

Obaseki: Edo’s N70,000 New Minimum Wage to be Funded from Govt

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the N70, 000 new minimum wage for civil and public servants in the state will be funded by revenue inflow savings from government expenditure as a result of nuanced reforms by his government over the past seven and a half years.

Stressing that the government was also pushing for businessfriendly policies, Obaseki, who

NEMA Announces Delivery of 1,199MT of Food Commodities in Kebbi

In continuation of its distribution of food items from the National Strategic Reserve across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has delivered a total of 1,199.1 MT of assorted food commodities to the Kebbi state government for distribution to vulnerable citizens of the state.

The items, which constitute the state’s allocation of the 42,000MT of food commodities approved for release by President Bola Tinubu, include 462 MT of maize (9,240 bags of 50kg), 537.6 MT of sorghum (10,752 bags of 50kg) and 199.5 MT of millet (3,990 bags of 50kg).

Presenting the items to the

State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said they would be shared equally to all the local government areas in the state.

She added that based on the directives of the president, 20 per cent of the food items due for each council should be given to religious organisations and 3 per cent to be given to boarding schools in the state.

A statement from the organisation quoted Umar as informing the Kebbi State government of the seasonal climate prediction of flood this year as it may affect the state and urged the state government to be proactive in taking necessary precautionary measures to mitigate against

flooding in the communities.

According to the Director General, the local government areas with high probable flood risk in the state include: Bagudo, Ngaski, Yauri, Argungu, Suru, Augie, Jega, Maiyama, Koko/Besse, Sakaba, Gwandu, Dandi, Kalgo, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza and Aleiro.

Receiving the food items, the governor who expressed appreciation to the president and the federal government for timely delivery of the food items through NEMA, described the gesture as evidence of commitment towards improving the quality of lives and welfare of the citizens.

While assuring that the items would be distributed to the target beneficiaries, the governor noted that it would complement the

efforts of the state government to address hunger and boost food production at the grassroots,. He assured that the government would work with NEMA on the flood prediction to mitigate against the impact of the predicted flood in the State.

Meanwhile, the allocation of the food items for 12 states have been fully transported and handed over to the state governments by NEMA. The states include Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Kebbi, Plateau, Kogi, Ebonyi, Yobe, Delta, Enugu, Abia and Anambra States.

Giving assurance that it would soon conclude the distribution to all the states and the FCT, NEMA expressed its renewed commitment to conclude the assignment within shortest possible time.

Savings, Others

spoke to journalists in Benin City, said some of the monies will come from savings from the State’s fleet management system.

According to him, these include the e-gov platform which has eliminated the need for the purchase of papers and investment in the Ossiomo Power Project which is saving the government millions of naira for diesel purchase, among others.

The governor said: “I have been a private sector person for most part of my career before I ventured into the public sector. With that training and background, we don’t just make statements without careful analysis of our revenue flow and expenditures and then analyse how we are going to go about ensuring that we are able to live up to our promise.

“We have been very strategic in Edo State. We embarked on a very radical reform of the civil and public service which engendered a transformation exercise that completely turned around our civil service and has made it more efficient and effective.

“We are perhaps the only state government in Nigeria that has now gone totally paperless, we run our government on the e-gov platform and we have made a lot of savings from there.

“We have what we call a

fleet management system for our vehicles in the state government so we no longer have multiple vehicles for multiple public officeholders running different expenditures to manage all these vehicles; they are all managed in one single pool called the fleet management system. We have made massive savings from there as well.”

Obaseki added that early in his first tenure, he entered into an agreement with a private company to generate electricity and serve the government and this has come on stream since 2020.

“The state government has now been taken off the national grid and curbed the use of diesel and petrol to run the government because we now have a 24-hour power supply from Ossiomo.

“So, we have cut down on diesel expenditure and in many other areas. Another area is training. Before, people had to leave the state to get trained but now we have John Odigie Training Centre where all our civil servants are trained at very frequent intervals at little or no cost because we have a training centre in the state.”

“All of these have resulted in massive savings for government which allows us to be able to take this bold decision which also means that we will be able to sustain it,” he added.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

US AFRICA BUSINESS SUMMIT IN DALLAS...

Mahama: Nigeria Must Show Leadership in Global Energy Politics

Calls for stronger ties between Ghana, Nigeria

Sunday Ehigiator

A former President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr John Mahama, yesterday admonished Nigeria to show strong leadership capacity in the global energy politics, as other West African countries are looking up to the world’s most populous black nation.

Calling for stronger economic and technical ties between Ghana and Nigeria, Mahama also noted that the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) presents an excellent opportunity for energy integration in West Africa.

He made this known while speaking at the Inaugural Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture, themed: ‘The Politics of Energy and The Way Forward’, held in Lagos. It also doubled as the 64th birthday celebration of the Ovation Magazine Publisher.

“As we may be aware, the African continent is home to about 17.8 per cent of the world’s population and

we have about 600 million of these people without access to electricity with a staggering 98 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa and another 940 million people lacking access to clean cooking fuels and technologies.

“This calls for bold and decisive policies by continental leaders and pulling resources together to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 7 which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy by 2030.

“World energy politics and the role of Nigeria by its size and economic power alone, Nigeria can be described as a natural continental economic leader and powerhouse in Africa.

“With the loopholes specifically at the country’s economic resources such as oil, gas, and other minerals, Nigeria has the unique opportunity to achieve energy security and sufficiency for itself and indeed the entire West Africa sub-region.

“Today our world is at the

crossroads of what has become an energy trilemma that is sustainability, energy security and affordability. Already, many Western countries have adopted renewable energy primarily because of the factor of climate change and partly due to global political tension.

“As a result, most sub-Saharan African countries are at a high risk of having stranded assets and petroleum reserves. Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa must address the question of which energy path we tend to adopt; full-scale transition by capping our oil and gas wells or customised energy transition that prioritises climate justice, wealth creation and inclusiveness?

“This is a critical question we need to answer and sub-Saharan Africa, especially West Africa, is looking up to our big brother Nigeria to make this decision. This is the moment Nigeria must show leadership in the global politics of energy,” he said.

According to him, the future of sub-Saharan African development

greatly depends on the success story of Nigeria’s energy sector, calling on the country to lead the politics of energy resources in Africa.

“On this note, there is a need for Ghana and Nigeria to deepen our economic and technical operation in harnessing and developing our energy resource potential for energy security and reliability as a catalyst for industrialization, job creation and equitable wealth distribution for the entire West African sub-region.

“The establishment of WAPCo presents an excellent opportunity for energy integration in West Africa.

Ghana has already constructed a high-voltage electricity transmission network that connects Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali and Cote d'Ivoire so it makes it possible for us to evacuate excess power into the grid for export to any of these countries.

“The critical step left is the synchronisation of the entire West African power co-interconnected transmission system which includes a link with the Nigerian system and a

UNICEF Begs States to Access $3.4bn Child Nutrition Fund

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has enjoined state governments in Nigeria to access the $3.4 billion Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) to address the problem of acute and choric malnutrition that is prevalent across the country.

Delivering a paper at a Media dialogue organised by the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office in Gombe, Philomena Irene, the Chief Nutritionists at the Bauchi Field

Office revealed that only four out of the 36 states had so far accessed the Fund.

To access the CNF, which was inaugurated in 2023, Irene stated that States are expected to contribute a minimum of N100 million as counterpart Fund which would be matched by the CNF.

Though N100 million is the least amount a state can contribute to access the CNF, she said there is however no ceiling to the amount any state may decide to contribute as such amount would be matched

by the donor Fund.

Irene revealed that the issue of chronic malnutrition has reached an alarming rate in Nigeria saying a total of 1.3 million children were treated in 2023 from the 400,000 children that were treated in 2022 saying the number would continue to increase if urgent steps were re not taken to prevent the menace.

She further stated that one out of every four children suffers from acute malnutrition while four out of every child suffering

from moderate malnutrition are likely to experience chronically malnourished within a year.

She however maintained that UNICEF is committed to reaching over 350 children and women every year by 2030 in its determination to address the problem

"We are committed to reaching at least 350 million children that under the age of 5 years and women, particularly those who are pregnant or breastfeeding every year by 2030," she said.

CIBN President Opara Receives Warm Farewell, Emphasises Building for Future

Banking

the financial sector.

The CIBN, the umbrella professional body for Nigerian bankers, celebrated Opara's legacy

of significant development during his time in office. In a farewell speech, Opara emphasised the importance of building a sustainable future for the banking industry. He urged leaders to focus on strategies that empower the next generation of bankers with essential skills and foster a culture of innovation.

He said: “We must know that

our businesses and professional Institute belong to the younger generation, hence, strategies should be built around them to prepare them with the necessary skills, competencies and attitudes necessary for sustainability, and that lack of this understanding has been and remain the major reason many businesses do not survive the “third generational curse”.

Opara championed the concept of "Future" as the cornerstone of his strategic agenda. He underscored the importance of sustainability in all aspects of business, encompassing environmental, societal, and economic factors.

This approach, he said, aligns with the need for long-term success and aligns with the concept of a product's life cycle.

connection to Niger and the northern part of Togo and Benin.

“This will be a great opportunity for ECOWAS countries, especially Nigeria because the country has the potential to have excess power they can put into the West African power company for use by other countries that have deficits,” he added.

The former Ghanaian leader said Nigeria with vast and available generation, has capacity to thrive in the regional electricity market will be an advantage for the sub-region.

With rich historical ties, he argued that the two countries must lead the process of realising a fully liberalised and interconnected energy market in West Africa to which energy sources

especially gas and electricity can be easily traded.

“Finally, the energy sector is the foundation for economic growth; Nigeria must take the leadership mantle to build the regional consensus that will provide a more promising future for Africa.

“African leaders must define their energy transmission modalities and choose the most equitable transmission. Nigeria has all it takes to lead the path for sub-Sahara Africa to advance our collective energy agenda by engaging its neighbours such as Ghana to achieve the delivery of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for the whole sub-region,” he said.

Declare State of Emergency on Schools’ Safety, Group Tells FG

Funmi Ogundare

The Executive Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, yesterday, appealed to the federal government to declare a state of emergency on the safety and security of schools and commit funds towards ensuring that schools in the country are safe for teachers and learners .

Akiyode-Afolabi made this call at a media roundtable meeting on School Safety Declaration (SSD) Accountability, organised in collaboration with United Nations Democracy Fund ( UNDEF) and (FNUD) in Lagos.

She expressed concern about the attack in March this year, of a school in Kaduna state, saying that there should be a minimum standard which schools should operate to enable their safety and security.

She regretted that despite Safe School Declaration ( SSD) in the country 10 years ago, schools are still being attacked.

"The government should come up with a legal framework that will define appropriately the minimum standards which schools should operate in Nigeria and enable safety and security. We noticed that in most of the schools, there are no perimeter fencing and we can't leave the school to be porous with different access

into them, " she said.

The essence of the roundtable meeting , she stated, was to ensure that the media play an important role in demanding accountability from the government and ensure an action plan.

" We believe that everyone is connected to a child in school and so it should be an issue that should affect all of us. There's currently a national policy on safety and security; and violence -free school, so if we adopted that, why can't we put our money where our mouth is.

“ There is a need for an action plan . There are agencies that can work on security of schools and ensure that kidnapping and abduction of students do not arise", the executive director stated.

Akiyode-Afolabi expressed concern that when bandits attack schools and kidnap students , it will generate headlines and once ransom are paid, the process will be seen as a norm.

" That normal situation cannot work, as it has not worked for us for 10 years and that is why we are saying that government needs to have the political will to stop the abduction and kidnapping in schools ," she stressed. She stated that Nigeria has the highest population of out-of-school children, adding that incidences like this will make them not to go to school.

Nume Ekeghe

The 22nd President and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Ken Opara had concluded his tenure on a high note, receiving glowing tributes from fellow leaders in

L-R: Chairman Oodua Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Managing Director, Head of Sub-Sah ara Africa Bank of America Merrill Lynch International, Yvonne Ike-Fasinro and Hon. Habeeb Adekunle B. Fasinro at the just concluded US Africa Business Summit in Dallas Texas USA...recently

2024 SENSITISATION SEMINAR FOR THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT...

L-R: Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige; Executive Director, Operation, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mustapha Mohammed Ibrahim;

Court Lagos Division, Hon. Justice Olayinka Faji; Executive Director, Corporate Service, Mrs Emily Osuji; and Managing Director, Deposit Insurance Corporation, Bello Hassan, at the 2024 Sensitization Seminar for the Federal High Court Judges with the Theme: "Building Strong Depositors Confidence in banks and other Financial Institution Through Adjudication," held in Lagos... yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Barth Nnaji: Renewable Energy Poses

More Devastating Environmental Hazard

Says the world can’t do without fossil fuel yet Calls out Western country's double standards on global warming

Sunday Ehigiator

Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, and Chairman, Geometric Power Limited, Professor Bartholomew Nnaji, has revealed that renewable energy poses a more devastating environmental hazard than non-renewable energy. Nnaji also said the world could not do without fossil fuel just as yet, while condemning the double standards of Western countries on the issue of global warming.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos at the Inaugural Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture, themed, “The Politics of Energy and The Way Forward,” Nnaji also suggested that Nigeria should declare a state of emergency in the gas sector.

Speaking on renewable energy and some of its challenges, Nnaji said, “Renewable energy has been marketed as the silver bullet to climate change. Many are, therefore, under

the impression that there are no environmental issues with electric vehicles, solar panels, solar batteries, wind farms, dams, etc.

“Electric vehicles, for instance, are expensive, to begin with; Tesla vehicles' prices range from $40,000 to $47,000. Elon Musk has been rattled by cheaper electric vehicles from China like those from BYD.

“Solar panels and batteries do not charge at night. This adds to the high costs, especially in poor nations. However, those deficiencies are hardly mentioned in mainstream Western media. It is like a wind farm works only when there is considerable wind. But this is also not usually discussed. So, you can imagine, that if we begin to rely on wind farms, there are only certain parts of Nigeria where this could work.

“Solar radiation intensity is also an issue. So, certainly, in parts of the southern part, you don't have enough

NiMet, FUPRE to Partner on Weather Observation, Research, Others

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) said Thursday it will collaborate with the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, on weather observation, research and e-learning.

This was disclosed by the DirectorGeneral/Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NiMet and the University in Abuja.

Anosike observed that oil companies have weather stations spread across the shores of Nigeria which are illegal according to the new NiMet Act.

He said that these weather stations need to be registered with NiMet in compliance with NiMet Act and solicited the collaboration of the university to achieve this.

Anosike further noted that the partnership with the petroleum institution will not only help improve data gathering on climate risk in the area, but also strategically make NiMet become the centre of excellence in disseminating the risk to the oil and gas sector.

“I will like the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), to take advantage of NiMet’s e-learning services that will soon be unveiled.

"It would actually fast-track introduction of joint courses between FUPRE and NiMet," he concluded.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Akpofure RimRukeh, disclosed that the institution expects support from NiMet in the installation of observatory stations, training personnel on generation of weather data that can support research, journals and academic publications and other good interventions that will impact the university and its environment.

Amongst other things, the MoU aims to establish a collaborative framework between NiMet and FUPRE for joint efforts in research, training and promotion of activities relating to meteorology/climatology and climate change in Nigeria.

Specifically, the MoU will have NiMet install its observatory station known as Resident Observatory Station (ROS) in suitable locations within FUPRE for the purpose of carrying out meteorological activities.

The MoU signing was witnessed by the Director, Legal Services of NiMet, Barr. Shola Gabriel, and other staff of the agency.

The Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, signed on behalf of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, while Professor Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.

to power solar. It's not that you can't at all; it's just that you don't have enough to make it economically viable.

“You can do it on the rooftops and so on, but big solar farms are more economical where the intensity is high. So, a critical raw material used in the production of solar panels and batteries is lithium-ion. It is a mineral-like coal or crude oil. It is mined. The process of extracting it is environmentally hazardous as well. But this is not usually discussed.”

The former minister said in Chile, which is the biggest producer of solar panels in the world, rivers were being polluted, thereby compounding environmental challenge.

He also referred to Yerevan in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where cobalt, copper and lithium-ion were massively produced, and the human rights abuses that went with such industrial production.

He stated, “The beneficiaries are mostly Western multinationals. The DRC government, towards the end of April 2024, hired the services of a team of French lawyers to write to Apple Corporation, the American tech-only giant, accusing it of benefiting from illegal actions in the eastern part of its country, where lithium-ion and copper are used in the manufacture of electronic gadgets, like our smartphones and solar panels, as well as their

batteries, where they are mined.”

Nnaji also said, “Rebels are active, very much so, in those parts of the DRC. You can imagine, because the big companies that rely on this, hire rebels also to be part of the business.

“In New York State, where the government plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and by 85 per cent by 2050, from the 1990 levels, through solar and wind power, there have been protests against the conversion of farmlands to solar and wind farms.

There have also been protests against the destruction of biodiversity and the habitat generally, and this is in America.

“The world needs environmental protection. But the world just cannot do without fossil fuel. At least for now, that's the bottom line. And that's what those who were campaigning for the total elimination of fossil fuel in Europe discovered more recently.”

Nnaji discussed the issue of Western double standards, saying, “The West, particularly Western Europe, has been mounting a relentless campaign for cleaner energy. It wants the world to embrace solar, wind, and other forms of renewable energy, like hydropower. It has been asking mostly developing countries to abandon coal, in particular, referring to it as the greatest environmental

pollutant through carbon emission.

“It has even added natural gas to the list, all to make the world limit global warming to 1.5 degrees centigrade by 2030, as required by the Paris Accord on Climate Change of 2015.

“Something dramatic was to happen in 2022. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, European nations imposed a series of sanctions on Russia. Moscow, in return, took punitive actions against the West.

“Western countries, like Germany, which depended largely on gas exports from Russia, began to feel the pinch. Germany, the largest European economy, decided to revive coal-fired plants that it had resolved under Angela Merkel to close down.”

Nnaji said Germany chose to reverse its power policy, even though there was no imminent threat of power shortage in that country.

He added, “Germany was not alone. The United Kingdom, which had prided itself on shutting down its coal-fired plants and on building large wind farms, decided to resuscitate its coal plants. Why? It didn't want its citizens to suffer the 2022 heat wave and dwindle.

“A similar scenario emerged in France this same year. Faced with winter, which could hurt its people, Paris chose to extend the lifespans of

its coal-fired plants. Though electricity from coal was responsible for only about 0.6 per cent of national electricity in France, the French government had to extend the lifespans of coal-fired plants just to protect its people.

“This is the country where 196 countries, including the Vatican City, signed the famous Paris Accord on Climate Change under the United Nations processes. The United States is proud that several of its coal-fired plants have been decommissioned.

“Coal used to account for 50 per cent of America's electricity, but the figure has now reduced to about 17.8 per cent, and it is expected that it may decline to 4 per cent by 2030.

“Environmentalists are delighted at the rapid decline, but it would appear that the decline has not been driven by as much commitment to environmental protection as by economics.

“Now, it is easier to run a natural gas-fired plant than a coal one, thanks to enhanced shareholders gas production in the United States. Fossil fuels make up 60 per cent of the total fuel-to-power in America since gas contributes more than 42 per cent of the fuel-to-power in America.

“So, decommissioning the coal-fired plants, yes, but then there's another fossil fuel that has taken its place. The Donald Trump administration used to celebrate the ubiquity of coal all over the United States.

Maternal Mortality Rate in Nigeria Remains Alarmingly High, Says Expert

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Executive Director of Hacey Health Initiative, Rhoda Robinson, yesterday decried that the maternal mortality rate in Nigeria is still alarmingly high.

He said that despite concerted efforts by stakeholders, the Nigeria's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and one of the highest rates in the world.

He stated this in Ado-Ekiti during the Maternal Health project organised by Hacey Health Initiative with the goal of reducing maternal mortality rates in the State.

No fewer than 100 pregnant women benefited from the intervention by Hacey health initiative, including free distribution of birthing kits and Mackintosh Rubber Sheet for safe delivery.

"Despite the efforts of key stakeholders to combat this issue, significant gaps in maternal health interventions remain. Therefore, it is crucial to improve access to high-quality maternal health services and supplies, alleviate poverty and promote practices that prioritise the wellbeing of women.

"HACEY has created the Maternal Health project with the goal of reducing maternal mortality rates. The project focuses on enhancing access to safe and essential birthing kits, empowering women to make informed health and financial choices, and fostering community support for pregnant women.

"So far, the project has successfully reached 12,000 pregnant women across 12 states with crucial health and financial information for a safer delivery. Additionally, these women have received safe birthing kits to

ensure clean and safe deliveries," he said.

Speaking at the intervention programme, Matron of Okeyinmi Health Centre, Mrs Dili Margaret, hailed the organisation for deeming it fit to organise the event.

She reiterated the need for mothers to carry antenatal visits and encourage others for successful delivery which will be carried out in the health centre.

"It's good and commendable. Our mortality rate here is within normal range. There is no death rate at all concerning the mother and the child. The fertile ones, with good antenatal, we don't have such.

"The need for them to have successful delivery is the major thing to be carried out and provided. We used to tell them on each antenatal visits and even if they have friends, they should encourage their friends to

come to antenatal clinic," she added. On his part, a Social Worker, Adebayo Abiodun said 15 Primary Health Centres in Ekiti State had been targeted for the programme aimed at reducing mortality rate in the State.

He said: "I am helping them to fast tracking the distribution of these birthing kits to 15 Primary Health Centres, PHCs, in Ekiti State which is Ikere, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Igede including Ado-Ekiti.

"We have been reaching out to the pregnant women in reducing mortality rate in Ekiti State and the programme has been bringing quick results among the pregnant women. "They should not take safe medication or go to any centre that is not a well-equipped medical centre. In Ekiti State, there is free health care and delivery in all the PHCs in the state."

Presiding Judge, Federal High

DISCUSSING GAS INFRASTRUCTURE FUND…

L-R: Authority Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed; Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nicholas Ella, and Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), Oluwole Adama, during the inaugural retreat and Governing Council meeting for the MDGIF in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State…yesterday

IYC Backs Fubara’s Moves to Liberate Rivers from Detractors

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has expressed commitment to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara for his untiring move to liberate the state from all levels of detractors for developments.

This is as governor has warned that any out-going local government chairman in the state who hurts any Rivers person will

not be forgiven. National President of IYC, Mr Jonathan Lokpobiri, who spoke during a solidarity walk to Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday, described the visit as historical, saying that the Ijaw people were meeting with their Governor on Major Isaac Adaka Boro Day of memorial. The solidarity walk was staged as part of activities to celebrate the

University Don Decries Drug Abuse among Teenagers

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

A university lecturer, Professor Florence Adeoti Yusuf, has decried drug abuse and misuse of drugs among adolescents in the country.

Speaking during a campaign organised by the College of Education of the Osun State University, Professor Yusuf, who is also the Provost of the College of Education Uniosun, described drug abuse as the excessive, maladaptive and addictive use of a drug for purposes other than those for which it was intended.

She emphasised the concept of addiction, characterised by a compulsive need for drugs despite negative consequences.

The don warned about the susceptibility of teenagers due to various factors, including peer pressure, the desire for acceptance, and coping mechanisms for stress or mental health issues.

Yusuf further called on teachers, government and nongovernmental organisations to encourage and reward positive behaviour as alternatives to drug use among youths in the country.

Kwara to Hold LG Polls September 21

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Kwara State Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC), announced yesterday that the next local government council’s elections would hold across the 16 local government areas in state on September 21, 2024.

The development, according to THISDAY checks, might not be unconnected with the recent appointments of Local Government Development Officers (LGDOs) by Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

It was also gathered that the new directive might not be

unconnected with the political strategy by the government ahead of 2027 elections in the state.

The local government’s councils in the state were dissolved in 2019 and had been managed by caretaker committees appointed by the state government until Tuesday when the governor announced announced the appointment of LGDOs.

However, a statement issued yesterday in Ilorin, which was signed by the Chairman of KWSIEC, Mr. Okanla Baba, stated that “arrangements is being put in place to make this happen within the set date.

Police Parade ex-Oyo PMS Chairman

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Commissioner, CP. Adebola Hazmat, yesterday, said that the sacked Chairman of the Parked Management System (PMS), Oyo State, Mr. Mukaila Lamidi (a.k.a. Auxiliary), would soon be arraigned in court for alleged murder and other criminal charges.

It would be recalled that Lamidi has been on the wanted list of the police since June 2023 before his recent arrest by the Directorate of State Services (DSS).

The suspect was brought to the headquarters of the Police

Command, Eleyele, Ibadan, at 10:45 a.m. in a white KIA salon car marked 106 in a leg chain and handcuffs.

Hamzat, while parading Lamidi before journalists, said that the police, in conjunction with other sister agencies, had been on his trail since he was declared wanted in June 2023 for alleged murder and other vices.

According to him, Lamidi was declared wanted by the state Police Command on June 2, 2023, in connection with offences ranging from murder, attempted murder, arms dealing, armed robbery and kidnapping.

heroic exploits of the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro, 56 years after his death, which is observed on May 16, every year.

Lokpobiri affirmed that the gods of Ijaw people are at work, and warned all detractors to retrace their steps, and allow the governor,

who has the full mandate of the people, to discharge his duties to Rivers people.

He commended Governor Fubara for his courage, bravery and commitment to good governance, insisting that the governor’s struggle and triumph

resonates with the hope of all Ijaw people.

On his part, Chairman of IYC, Eastern Zone, Mr Tamuno Kpokpo, clarified that their visit was not to signify an ethnic war but to lend support in protection of the interest and continuous

development of Rivers State. Kpokpo said IYC will stand to resist anybody or group of persons anywhere who dare to cause any distraction of governance anymore in the State, and appealed that the Governor be allowed to govern the State peacefully.

Edo 2024: LP Group Urges INEC, Judiciary to Adhere to Rule of Law, Electoral Act

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

A pressure group within the Labour Party (LP) called Catalyst Committee has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary not to succumb to political pressure,

and show conformity to the rule of law and the Electoral Act as amended in 2022.

The group made the call against the background of the legal case instituted by one of the party governorship aspirants in Edo State, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, against

the candidacy of Olumide Akpata.

In a statement issued by the Coordinator of the group, Dr. Abel Oarhe, the Catalyst Committee noted that the call became necessary as some “money bags” were out to ensure that justice was not served and thereby subverting the will of the people.

In the statement made available to journalists in Benin-city yesterday, it pointed out that it is only when justice is served on the matter that democracy can be deepened in the country.

NSH: 30% of Nigerian Adults Live with Hypertension

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Nigerian Hypertension Society has disclosed that about 30 per cent of Nigerian adults are currently suffering from hypertension in the country.

The President, Nigerian Society of Hypertension(NSH),

Professor Simeon Isezuo, stated this yesterday in Sokoto at a press briefing in Sokoto as part of activities to celebrate the 2024 World Hypertension Day.

He said the aim of the exercise is to create awareness and promote the early detection and treatment of hypertension.

“This is particularly significant in Nigeria where one of every three adults has Hypertension. It has no symptoms until a serious damage has been done to the body.

“Many people with this condition are unaware of having it and only a few of those who are aware are on treatment while many of them don’t take their medicines regularly.”

While identifying hypertension as the leading cause of stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and heart attack resulting in death or disability of persons, he said the sickness is, however, preventable and treatable.

How C’River Will Execute $3.5bn Afrexim Bank Mandate, Says Otu’s Aide

Bassey InyanginCalabar

A Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State and Director-General Bureau for Public Private Partnership (BPPP), Dr. Francis Ntamu, has explained how the state will execute its recently secured $3.5 billion mandate instrument with Afrexim Bank for the execution of legacy projects.

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Otuaro, has paid glowing tribute to the memory of Ijaw hero and icon of the Ijaw struggle, Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, on the occasion his 56th anniversary

Projects covered by the arrangement include Obudu Ranch Resort, Tinapa Resort, Obudu International Airport, and other infrastructural facilities.

Ntamu gave this insight while speaking on the sidelines of a recent

Ntamu explained that under the arrangement, Afrexim Bank is to source private sector equity partners/ non-recourse finance of about $3.5 billion for some of the state legacy assets, stressing that this was not a loan facility but rather an arrangement where the bank will bring in investors who will get money from them to execute the projects.

Business to Government (B to G) meeting between the Cross River State Government and officials of the African Import Export bank (AFREXIM) in Cairo, Egypt. He said that by the initiative, the Bank would earn success fees from footprints on the matching of equity partners with the respective project opportunities.

Amnesty Programme’s Boss Urges Niger Delta Youths to Shun Violence

celebration.

In a statement issued to mark this year’s Boro Day by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, yesterday Otuaro said that Boro was being remembered for his vision, amazing intentions to ensure better standard of living

for the ijaw people.

He therefore advised Ijaw and indeed Niger Delta youths to shun violence, embrace unity and love one another in the interest of Ijaw nation.

He also urged the youths to celebrate this year’s Boro Day responsibly while upholding the ideals for which the late icon is being remembered.

He described Boro as a courageous Ijaw freedom fighter, who lived a selfless life and promoted the ideals of an egalitarian society.

ABCON Seeks SEC’s Collaboration for Efficient Digital Currency FX Sector

The Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has called for Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s guidance and collaboration in harmonising peer-to-peer (P2P) forex sector in the country.

The President of ABCON, ABCON, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, made the call during a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Director-General of SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama. Gwadabe congratulated the SEC DG on his appointment,

and quickly highlighted that SEC regulates the sector that is a threat to the continued existence of BDCs in Nigeria through online virtual transactions platforms which gives access to millions of Nigerians to trade in foreign exchange without trace and accountability. He also explained that ABCON has invested in requisite technology to ensure the continued existence of the business and preserve the integrity of the sub-sector.

Flood: Stakeholders Blame Riverine Communities for Annual Losses

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Stakeholders at a meeting organised by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) in Minna yesterday have accused some riverine communities of causing

the huge human and material losses during flooding annually.

The stakeholders claimed that after receiving compensations and support from governments and non-governmental organisations for property previously destroyed always returned to construct their

houses less than 100 meters from the rivers exposing them to flood next time

In addition, the stakeholders said some farmers who were compensated for the loss of their farms during one flood season returned to the same spots

in another farming season in order to collect another round of compensations. The stakeholders also claimed that most of the people in riverine areas refused to relocate upland because of the compensation they receive from government.

Over 44 Truckloads of Solid Minerals Currently at the EFCC Exhibit Dump in Ilorin, Says Director

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The acting Zonal Director of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Harry Erin, has disclosed that over 44 truckloads of assorted solid minerals such as lithium, lepidolite, marble, and gold running into millions of naira were currently at the Command’s exhibit dump.

Erin disclosed this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday

while receiving the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, Brigadier General Oluwafemi D. Williams, in his office in Ilorin.

He, however, called for synergy between the Nigerian Army and the EFCC in the fight against economic and financial crimes in the country, adding that the Nigeria army remained a veritable ally in the war against economic and financial crimes.

According to him, “A ton of lithium sells between $42,000 and

$70,000 in the international market whereas pittances are usually paid as wages from the several millions of dollars realised from the illicit business to casual labourers hired for the job.

He stated that: “The unfortunate thing is that hundreds of trucks of these crude minerals are being transported outside the country without due registration and payment of royalties to the government as required by law. We just have to find a way to deal with it.”

AMC: African Journalists Urged to Embrace Potential of AI

Olawale Ajimotokan

He said AI technologies have the capacity to enhance journalistic workflows, automate repetitive tasks and personalise content delivery to diverse audiences.

Otieno also echoed the

The President of Africa Editor’s Forum and the Chairman Africa Media Convention, Churchill Otieno, has challenged African media professionals to embrace the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise the media landscape in Africa. He made the appeal yesterday at the opening of the AMC-III at the Accra International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana.

challenges and risks associated with AI, including potential biases in algorithms and concerns about job displacement.

According to him, “As African media professionals, we must engage critically with AI, ensuring that its development and deployment are guided by ethical principles, transparency, and accountability.

‘Ken Etete Library is Committed to Lifelong Learning in Nigeria, Africa’

Sunday Okobi

The management of Ken Etete Library and E-Library on the Apapa campus of the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) has expressed commitment to lifelong learning. It stated that the library is a testament to the mission of Century Group, a leading energy infrastructure company that recognises quality education as a necessary social investment. It added that: “The Ken Etete Library’s legacy will endure for years to come as the company commits to its continued improvement in anticipation of global reach and transgenerational impact.

In giving credence to the importance of nurturing talent and fostering innovation, it noted that the Century Group has forged a living partnership with NUTM, a strategic and novel nonprofit STEM University “dedicated to developing innovative leaders with competence in technology, entrepreneurship and leadership who would create a lasting impact in Africa and beyond.

POLITICS

Gov Adeleke, His Dance, Personality and Politics

Sarafa Ibrahim reports about the life of Dancing Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state and what he has been able to do to change the face of politics in the State of the Living Spring.

Ademola Adeleke is a name that meant different things to different people. And the reason for this is no other than politics. Since Adeleke’s debut in electoral contest in 2017, those who are opposed to him have done almost everything to adorn him a garb that does not in anyway reflect his true personality.

His hobby, which is dancing, was seen as a weakness and not suitable for leadership position. But the mistake in that narrative was ignoring that a happy man will understand what it takes to make another man happy. And this has been the experience with Adeleke in the leadership positions entrusted him so far.

Although, his time in the Senate was short, but it prefaced an enduring sense of commitment to the good of the people. That proved his doubters wrong, and in turn, endeared him more to the people, which earned him a victory at the 2018 governorship poll at the first ballot before manipulation thwarted the will of the electorate.

And the same thing manifested in the 2022 governorship election, which saw Adeleke edge out the incumbent, Gboyega Oyetola, to emerge the 6th Executive Governor of Osun state. How Adeleke got here tells a story of determination and drive for success. He fought through searing, dehumanising political persecution— the mountain of court cases on his qualification for office and media onslaught at his person.

Speaking at the convocation of the Adeleke University in Ede, Osun state in 2023, Adeleke recounted that “I was subjected to the worst personality attacks and assaults in Osun political history,” adding that “After a manipulated judicial process, I went on self–exile for two major reasons. Firstly, to escape the evil plot of enemies who were not satisfied with stealing the People’s mandate. Secondly, to complete my degree programs especially as my educational qualifications dominated the 2018 campaigns.”

It was that rough and draining but Adeleke was not shaken in his desire to halt the retrogression of the state and ensure a government that have real impact on the people. When those before him have a ready excuse of paucity of fund to dodge certain responsibilities, especially the welfare of workers and pensioners, Adeleke made it a first–line charge for his administration.

Obviously guided by the general understanding that a labourer deserves his or her wage, and in time, Adeleke prioritize the payment of workers salary and associated benefits. Even when he knows nothing about 30–month half salary untouched by his predecessor, Adeleke set out a template to defray the debt and bring reprieve to those affected.

One spectacular thing about Adeleke is his simplicity and him not given to the temptation of politics of bitterness. Despite all he went through in the hand of his opponents to get to where he is now, Adeleke made it clear he would only be guided by public interest and not the bitter politics of the past. For that reason, he is continuing projects, programmes and initiatives inherited as long as it will benefit the people.

In fact, Adeleke effected the cashbacking of promotion for workers by his predecessor. Knowing how his predecessor treated some of the projects and initiates inherited, the attitude of Adeleke to inherited projects and initiatives showed he is not driven by hate or needless political strife. Adeleke’s interest is public benefit and whoever started a project or initiative does not matter to him.

Adeleke has been exceptional in implementing the desire to address the mountainous infrastructural deficit inherited without burdening the future.

The dire strait of Osun finances as a consequences of past debt binge is a reality well know to all. And Adeleke is not willing to add to the debt burden even though he is making effort to improve the state’s infrastructural landscape and derive economic and social benefits for Osun and its people.

In October last year, Adeleke unveiled a multi–billion naira infrastructure plan for the state. Through the infra plan, road projects and overhead bridges across the state will be constructed while a total of 345 primary healthcare

centres and 31 public schools will be renovated and equipped. Boreholes will also be sunk in the 332 political wards in the state as well as installation of streetlights among other infrastructural needs will be taken care of.

The first phase of the infra plan projects had started and will be delivered before the year runs out. Parts of the second phase had been flagged off and work ongoing. Mind you, no kobo is taken as loan on this ambitious multi-billion

naira projects, which must have confounded the opposition and responsible for the series of erroneous insinuations it is peddling about them. And you can’t really blame them when you look at the past, and how they were able to execute some of the projects that can be ascribed to them while in power. If they are not taking loan to execute a project, they will enter into a contracting arrangement, which in real sense put the state at a disadvantage.

The long and short of it all is that Adeleke is a sure fit for leadership position. The opposition, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state, who portray him as incapable are not just wrong but also mischievous.

From his time in the Senate and now as a Governor, Adeleke has been effective in delivering good governance and advancing the cause of the people.

Civil servants who endured over three years for the effect of the financial consequence of promotion given to them until Adeleke implemented it can attest to his kind leadership.

Over 50,000 beneficial of the Imole Medical and Surgical Outreach will tell you that Adeleke is a leader that truly cares. Pensioners in Osun state, who no longer have to worry about the cost of managing their health because Adeleke provided them a full healthcare coverage, can better tell the story of a passionate leader. And Osun people who can see and feel the reality of the ongoing infrastructural development across the state will echo loud the transformational leader that Adeleke is.

-Ibrahim is a Special Assistant to Osun Governor on Print Media.

Yayi: A Curious Look at Representative Democracy

Kunle Somorin writes about the legislative and constituency interventions of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.

He is a study on representative democracy. Many have shouted themselves hoarse on the primacy of the legislature as the bastion of democracy and pegged the logic on the propriety of the Westminster model of parliamentary system of government for Nigeria on the institution.

One of those “representing” well in that arm of government is Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.

Fondly called “Yayi”, which the online encyclopedia, nomorigine.com says is a name given to a special breed of mankind whose “character traits typically include kindness, compassion and a nurturing nature”.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation is a lawmaker from Ogun West who represents his people like no other. Unique antecedents of lawmakers like this recommend the legislature as an institution to represent the common interests of the citizens through lawmaking and exercise of oversight functions on the activities of the other two arms of government, that is, the executive and the judiciary.

Not only has Adeola served as a legislator at the state unicameral level and at both chambers of the bi-camera National Assembly, but he has also represented constituents across two politically sophisticated states: Lagos and Ogun.

As a Chartered Accountant first elected a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent Alimosho State Constituency 2 in 2003, Adeola was reputed to have been instrumental to the enactment of the law that strengthened the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. That piece of legislation kickstarted a financial revolution in Lagos and initially shot up the revenue of the state from N5 billion monthly to over N20 billion.

Also, as a state lawmaker, Adeola was part of the team that passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Public Procurement Act of Lagos State.

In 2011, Adeola’s hard work and dedication to representative democracy were rewarded when he was elected to the Federal Legislature to represent Alimosho Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

To underscore his reputation and competence, when the committees of the House were inaugurated by the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal for members, Adeola got the position of the chairman of the only constitutional committee, the Public Accounts Committee of the House. He got the post as a first-time member of the House.

For eight years between 2015 and 2023, Adeola served as the Senator representing Lagos West, before switching allegiance during the 2023 general elections to represent Ogun West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, where he is currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

Apart from his primary legislative work which he significantly thrives at to the admiration of his colleagues, Adeola has a passion for facilitating meaningful projects to his senatorial district and empowering his constituents.

When he was representing Lagos West, the

senator facilitated the construction of six major water works in six local government areas within his district. Apart from facilitating those projects, the senator also personally financed the construction of 28 boreholes in public schools and public toilets across the senatorial district.

The senator also facilitated the training of hundreds of constituents in fish farming and processing, animal feed production, and boat operation, in conjunction with the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos. Tagged “Teach a Man to Fish”, the training included the provision of a training manual, fishing equipment, start-up capital, and bags of feeds.

Under his “Light Up Lagos West” project, Adeola facilitated the provision of 130 poles of solar-panel street lights distributed to 20 major streets in Ojo, Badagry, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Ikeja, Alimosho, Mushin, Ifako Ijaiyae, Oshodi-Isolo and Agege LGAs.

As someone who cares about education and capacity development, the senator also facilitated training for teachers in his district and the supply of 750 prefabricated chairs and desks for 13 public nursery and primary schools spread across Lagos West at Ojo, Badagry, Oshodi-Isolo, Mushin and Alimosho. Even before transferring his mandate to represent the people as a lawmaker from Lagos West to Ogun West, Adeola already started to empower his Ogun constituents in 2022 when he trained and equipped 6,000 indigenes of Ogun West in various skills acquisition programmes. He also funded the construction of a library at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and facilitated the upgrade of the institution to a university.

-Somorin writes from Abeokuta.

NOTE:

Oyetola’s Ambitious Fish Production Initiative and other Matters

Ismail Omipidan writes about the fish production initiative and other programmes executed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in the last eight months.

President Bola Tinubu did not mince words when he declared upon assumption of office in May 2023 that transformation of the economy was central to his agenda.

To ensure the realisation of the agenda, the President set out by unbundling some of the ministries to give room for robust engagements and promote friendly economic environment to foster rapid growth.

Incidentally, one of the new ministries established is the Marine and Blue Economy and to pilot the ministry is someone who is vast in private and public sectors operations, in person of former Governor of Osun state, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Realising that there is no time to waste, the minister hit the ground running by meeting with stakeholders in the new ministry, which is expected to generate revenue for government and entrench a culture of global best practices in the maritime domain.

The minister declared from day one that the ministry would embrace the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to transform the sector. He assured the indigenous ship owners that the PPP initiative would not in anyway impede the growth of local players, but would rather provide an avenue for them to create and extract more value from the sector, especially through ship construction, maintenance, and repairs.

At the first Stakeholders’ Roundtable Engagement on Advancing Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector, convened to bring together players in the sector to discuss and chart a roadmap/direction that will advance the industry’s potential, promote sustainable Blue Economy investments and ensure global competitiveness within the sector, the minister noted that the PPP model, a collaborative synergy between the private sector’s efficiency and the public sector’s oversight, would bring about transformative impact on the marine and blue economy as well as boost the creation of substantial job opportunities and the facilitation of increased trade and investment in the nation.

As part of efforts to walk his talk, the minister, last week, met with an indigenous Delta Systematics Group, led by Professor John Onwuteaka, to X-ray a Strategic Plan for enhanced fish production to position Nigeria as a global leader in fisheries.

The comprehensive Strategic Plan for the Enhancement of Fish Production, the minister noted, aims at transforming the marine and freshwater fish production in Nigeria with the aim of reducing the country’s dependency on imports, increase domestic production, and establish Nigeria as a net exporter of fish.

The initiative, led by the minister, is divided into short-term, medium-term, and long-term programmes.

Each of the programmes, it was noted,

has specific goals within a structured timeline. The short-term programme has the innovative GIFT Tilapia programme.

The programme is expected to produce over three billion fingerlings to adult fish within four years, generate over two million jobs across related sectors, and contribute over four trillion Naira to Nigeria’s GDP.

In the medium- and long-terms, the focus would be on addressing the crucial challenges of insufficient fish meal production for feed and enhancing artisanal fisheries.

Also, the strategic exploitation of Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is anticipated to produce trawling and sea farming export-oriented revenues exceeding $5 billion. This, would no doubt further secure Nigeria’s position as a formidable player in the global fisheries and aquaculture market.

The strategic initiatives that were X-rayed for the enhancement of Nigeria’s fisheries sector include several key projects, all of which are aimed at modernising and expanding the industry’s infrastructure and capabilities.

To drive home the plan, the meeting recognised the urgent need to resuscitate and modernise existing storage and processing facilities. It also emphasized that the effort would be complemented by the strict implementation of biosecurity and traceability infrastructure, which is critical for maintaining the health of aquatic stocks and ensuring the safety and traceability of seafood products from “catch to consumer.”

Similarly, a comprehensive digital infrastructure would be implemented for managing fisheries data in an integrated manner. The platform, it was noted, would provide a cohesive framework for managing aquacultural and artisanal fisheries data, facilitating decision-making and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The plan also includes the establishment of fishing harbours and terminals in both coastal and inland areas, alongside the formation of fisherfolk cooperatives. These facilities and organisations aim to support the livelihoods of local fishermen, while simultaneously promoting sustainable and profitable fishing practices and inducing tourism.

The plan would also develop national pond and cage aquaculture clusters accompanied by associated farming cooperatives. This initiative aims to increase and double domestic fish production; reduce reliance on imports; and secure the supply chain, contributing significantly to national food security and economic growth.

Interestingly, the indigenous Delta Systematics Group, is peopled by prominent Nigerians who are experts and critical stakeholders in the industry. The team of experts, it was further gathered, would be instrumental to integrating essential public and private initiatives into the heart of Nigeria’s fisheries enhancement strategies.

“This strategic plan not only aims to revitalise our fish production sector but also to ensure long-term sustainability and food security,” Oyetola added.

Apart from the ambitious fish production initiative, Oyetola since assumption of office has carried out several activities, including ports inspections and quality assurance exercises, and meeting with the Customs’ headship on the imperative of deploying scanners at the country’s sea ports to enhance the ease of doing business.

-Omipidan writes from Abuja.

EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA

Tinubnomics:

How far, so far

Anthony Kila writes about the policies of the Bola Tinubu administration which he referred to as Tinubnomics and the need for them to be reviewed for the greater benefit of the citizenry.

Dear Readers, The title of today’s epistle is derived from a significant panel discussion that took place during a book launch in Lagos last week (on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024). This event, presided over by former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, was a gathering of the nation’s key figures, including governors, industry leaders, public analysts, top media practitioners, academics, and prominent members of civil society.

The book, Leading from the Streets, was reviewed during the event by Prof Eghosa Osaghae. It is a compilation of essays by Magnus Oyinbe, an entrepreneur, public policy analyst, author, development strategist, and former commissioner of the Delta state government.

Oyinbe offers a comprehensive exploration of various aspects of the Nigerian state and its trajectory.

The panel of discussion to dissect the topic of Tinubnomics was chaired by me, and discussing members were Ayo Obe, a legal practitioner and civil rights activist; Bala Zaka, an engineer and charted accountant; Sam Omatseye, Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Nation newspaper, and Dakuku Peterside, former NIMASA Director-General. As moderator of the panel, I forced discussants to spend some time on the topic of social media regulation, and though some of the panel members were not very pleased with the detour, we at least agreed that fake news was evil. That remedy was self-regulation by media organisations and invocation of existing laws by offended parties. Sam Omatseye and I cited, as a good example, the reaction of former Lagos state governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who sued those who posted fake news about him.

When we got to the issue of governance and the economy, the first salvo on the issue of Tinubnomics was shot by Bala Zaka, who posited that it is so far, so bad for Tinubnomics. He argued that nothing works because the policies were wrong in conception and implementation. His argument was based on the fact that the effects of the administration so far on people were debilitating; he raised the cost of living and juxtaposed it with incomes and cited the exodus of companies from the countries and the shutting down of some operations.

A country where a worker’s monthly salary cannot buy a bag of rice is in the wrong direction, he argued in many emotional and colourful words. He also listed the other indexes, such as the rise in the cost of petrol, the value of the naira to the US dollar, etc.

For him, Tinubnomics was a failure.

The teacher in me thought it would be good to review and introduce the term Tinubnomics to the audience before we delve into judging it. I defined Tinubnomics as a shorthand for describing the political and economic philosophy, policies and activities of the Tinubu administration.

Using the name of the head of the administration as a prefix to “economics” is primarily an Americanism that allows analysts to succinctly catalogue the distinctive features of an era and an administration and to contrast it with other administrations and eras.

The policies of the Barack Obama administration, for example, were dubbed “Obamanomics” and that of Roland Reagan “Reaganomics”.

In the case of Barack Obama, the main features of his Obamanomics included tax increases on higher-income taxpayers. Such increases were conceived and presented as a means to fund social initiatives such as health care reform, a reduction in the federal government deficit, and a declared attempt to reduce income inequality.

Roland Reagan’s political-economic policies and programme, dubbed Rea -

ganomics, were mostly about increasing defence spending, balancing the federal budget and slowing the growth of government spending, tax reduction (income tax and capital gains tax), deregulation, and attempts to curb inflation through monetary policies aimed at reducing the money supply.

In the case of Bola Tinubu, my take is that so far, in the first year of the administration, what we can describe as Tinubnomics is a mixture of ordinarily unpopular hitherto discussed but never fully implemented economic intervention aimed at reducing government spending and increasing government revenue (by reducing subsidies, raising tariffs and levies), liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, devaluation of the naira and introduction of direct cash and kind transfers (palliatives) to the most vulnerable members of the society as well as investments in massive public infrastructure.

Sam Omatseye, a man who knows Tinubu well, provided context for our reflection by insisting that to comprehend Tinubnomics, we must first understand the man Tinubu, whom he described as an accountant with a laissez-faire economic outlook. It is safe to deduce that the emphasis on the “accountant” bit is to remind us that Tinubnomics is also about balancing the books.

Regarding the implementation of Tinubnomics, Dakuku Peterside rightly pointed out the need to improve the timing and thoroughness of plans and policies. Some of the policies introduced simultaneously could have been better timed. There was no need, for example, to adopt the current forex policy and remove the fuel subsidy simultaneously. I must confess here that I remain unconvinced about the need to remove the fuel subsidy.

In all, it must be said that Tinubnomics is a work in progress and that in just one year, to the mandate of four years, we are in just 25% of the game. However, it must also be said that one year of Tinubnomics at this stage is challenging for most in the country; the sacrifice and tightening of the belt required by families and businesses are a lot.

The words of Ayo Obe come as golden here when she reminded everyone that it is essential for a government and leadership that wants people to sacrifice to be seen as sacrificing at least like if not more than, others.

As we move into the second quarter of Tinubnomics, an excellent place to start for those managing the country’s affairs is to read Magnus Oyinbe’s Leading from the Streets. The book contains chronicles and commentary on socioeconomic and political developments that have led us to where we are today, and the insights provided in it can be nuggets of wisdom for those who want to improve. Join me on Twitter @anthonykila to share your insights and continue these conversations.

-Kila is an Institute Director at CIAPS. www.ciaps.org

www.thisdaylive.com

opinion@thisdaylive.com

TINUBU’S NEW RULES FOR VIPS

President Tinubu’s decision to toll everyone at the airport is commendable, writes ISUMA MARK

See page 21

FROM BASKETBALL AFRICA LEAGUE IN DAKAR TO D’BANJ … We must build the ecosystem to expand the value chain of our superstars, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

See page 21

The security reality on the ground calls for establishment of state police, argues GBADE OJO

STATE POLICE IS THE ANSWER

Undoubtedly, one major glaring absurdity of Nigeria’s convoluting federal architecture is that of over centralization in all ramifications. Globally, there is no other federal state with power so concentrated at the centre as Nigeria. This has led to what students of federalism would regard as ‘federal immobilism’ with the concomitant effect of stress that has given birth to strident calls for both fiscal and political restructuring of the federation.

It is ludicrous that the octopus federal government was contemplating chewing what it cannot swallow by nursing the idea of community policing in the face of palpable failure of the over centralized Nigeria Police. Now that the security reality on the ground has called for establishment of state police, one is shocked to the marrow that Inspector General of Police (IGP) who is supposed to be the arrow-head of the initiative prefer the extant system of an octopus police structure under the command of one person called Inspector-General. A country of 120 million population by conservative estimate and land mass that can swallow many countries in Africa coupled with the gargantuan problem of hyper-ethnic instability syndrome in the midst of hundreds of ethnic nationalities where justice do not reign; the idea of state police becomes imperative which no doubt will promote community policing. Despite the benefits of technology and ICT; it is humanly difficult to police 774 local government areas (aside from the numerous local council development areas (LCDAs) all over the country. It is unimaginable for the IGP to ever contemplate being abreast of happenings in Gbada Efon village where I hail from in Ona-Ara Local Government of Ibadan in Oyo State. This is practically impossible. This is why most attacks by hoodlums and bandits are carried out in rural communities to embarrass the government.

What the country needs for now in the face of overwhelming security challenges all over the country no doubt is state police; which cannot be achieved by presidential fiat as some are made to believe but rather through careful constitutional amendments. Presently, Nigeria as a federal state operates a central policing system. Article 2 (section 2) of the 1999 constitution (as amended in 2010) affirms that “Nigeria shall be a federation consisting of states and a Federal Capital Territory”. Article 214, section 2 however stipulates that “there shall be a Police Force for Nigeria”, which shall be known as the Nigerian Police Force, and subject to the provisions of this section, no other police force shall be established for the federation or any part thereof. The combined effect of these provisions, as our legal luminaries would say is that although the Nigerian constitution recognizes two tiers of power with authorities to make exclusive or concurrent laws on stipulated areas, only one police authority is recognized by law to enforce laws made by both federal and state legislatures! It is perhaps against this background that the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice – Abubakar Malami –was critical of the Amotekun , the security initiative in the South Western States, which no doubt has been copied by other parts of the country to combat security challenges.

It is imperative to note that the provision of central policing has thrown up many challenges in

our fledgling democracy, as recently noted by a twoterm former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (of blessed memory) in a perceptive lecture he gave at the University of Ibadan, Department of Political Science that the most fundamental being the unprecedented level of violence and crime in the country. As any international visitor may note, more so that anyone visiting Nigeria for the first time, perusing our national dailies or follow social media will definitely think that the country is in a perpetual state of war with the deluge of crimes and violent cases across the country on a daily basis such as: Boko Haram insurgency, armed robberies, kidnapping for ransom, mob killings and assassinations with the addition of Fulani herdsmen wreaking havocs nationwide.

At the heart of these security challenges is the structure of our policing. How is the police organized? How are its men recruited? How is the force funded? What is the indoctrination of the force? Who does the force report to? How nimble is the reporting authority? How conversant are they with the culture and language of the communities they police, how familiar are they with the terrain they superintend over? What is the relationship of the police commissioner with the state governor whom he is supposed to serve as the chief security officer of the state? And above all, what is the population size of the police? It is often stated that the personnel in Nigeria is now barely over half a million. Whereas, the real number may be far less, the police management is unwilling or unable to give us the exact figure of its membership – so we are all guessing. The fact is that the total numbers of the Police, both officers and men vis-à-vis the United Nation (UN) requirement is absurd. It is not a surprise that many Nigerians die daily of avoidable deaths!

Rather than Nigeria to benefit from the experience of its peers in the international system (federal states) such as the United States of America, Canada, India, Switzerland and the likes, the policing system in Nigeria has no bearing to what it should be in a federal state. For instance, the constitution of the United States allows the federal, state, local and even special districts like universities to perform police functions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); for instance, investigates inter-state crimes, among others, the state police enforce state laws and even supervise federal elections, city/township police enforce local laws while police authorities of special districts like schools enforce regulations of

their jurisdictions. The relationships between all the police services are properly coordinated for the exchange of intelligence and prevention of crimes. On a comparative basis, the federal government of Australia maintains police forces alongside the federating units. In the Republic of Germany made up of the 16 Landers (equivalent of states), the German constitution cedes most of police powers to the 16 Landers even though the federal government is also allowed to legislate on the subject. The constitution of Switzerland empowers the federating units to share policing functions with the federal government, same for Canada and India. Coming nearer home, Ethiopia operates a federal constitution in which article 52 sub-section 2(g) of its constitution expressly grants each federating state the power ‘to establish and administer a state police force, and to maintain public order and peace within the state’.

Be that as it is, it is evident from the foregoing that Nigeria’s refusal to reflect the required dynamism of federal architecture in its policing structure is the exception rather than the rule in comparative federal systems. Even in both pre-colonial and immediate post-colonial Nigeria police establishments were highly decentralized and localized. Many of the units that were amalgamated into Nigeria operated a diverse system of policing. In the old Oyo Empire, public security was provided by the Eshos. In Igboland, communities enforced societal rules with the use of age groups while the Dongaris were the law-enforcement agents in most of the communities in the areas that became Northern Nigeria. Thus, under colonialism, the colonial power established different police forces across the country until it brought all of them together in April, 1930 to form the Nigeria Police Force, with headquarters in Lagos. However, the Nigeria Police Force existed along with Local Government Police in the Western Region (called Akoda), and the Native Authorities in Northern Nigeria. For instance, the Local Government Police Law 1959 of the Western Region confirmed existing police forces in the region and authorized every local government council with the approval of the Minister of Local Government to establish a police force. Also, Section 105(7) of the 1963 Republican Constitution empowered the regions to establish police authorities at local government and regional levels.

It is unfortunate that this system was abrogated when the military took over power in 1966. In his maiden broadcast as the Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi pronounced that ‘all local government forces and Native Authority Police Forces shall be placed under the overall command of the Inspector General.

The police forces of native authorities and local councils were put under the operational control of the Inspector General of Police. The reason for this abrogation was the use of the local police forces to harass, intimidate and oppress political opponents. It is unfortunate that this centralization of police functions has been sustained both in the 1979 and 1999 constitutions.

Ojo,

a Professor of Comparative Politics, writes from the University of Ilorin

President Tinubu’s decision to toll everyone at the airport is commendable, writes ISUMA MARK

TINUBU’S NEW RULES FOR VIPS

It's never heard that a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting ran for two days. The last FEC meeting which President Bola Tinubu presided over and which held on Monday and ended on Tuesday, rolling out 21 major policy initiatives, was unprecedented.

It showed the president is in full grasp of what is needed to railroad the country into full gear for the task ahead. In fact, many commentators are astonished as to how the president held himself for two consecutive days, carefully listening and making key contributions and decisions on the issues brought by his cabinet members.

For instance, the president listened to the memo from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on key reforms intended at the nation’s airport and overruled the Minister for exempting VIPs including him and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, from paying access toll and parking lots levies.

“Our memo says with the exception of the President and the Vice President. But the President overruled me and said he and the Vice President would pay. He said everybody must pay,” Keyamo, one of the shining lights of the administration, said

after the FEC meeting.

The president realised the revenue haemorrhage, which runs into billions of naira it would have generated from e-tags sold to VIPs and government officials for easy airport access must stop. The president deserves commendation. The target is to raise N10bn from airport toll annually. The airports need all the money to keep them in top shape.

Also, the president agreed that there must be continuous investment in the airport and approved a memorandum seeking N4.2bn for the maintenance and supply of aircraft recovery equipment. The equipment was designed to respond to occasions of aircraft breakdown on runways to bring it at par with international best practices.

As the administration continues to make concerted effort to reverse the misfortune in the economy, foreign direct investment is key. It's in the realisation of this that it is initiating reforms in the visa regime, aimed at granting visas to those who wish to invest in Nigeria within 48 hours.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, lamented that the FEC realised “our visa processes are becoming cumbersome and this is not encouraging investors to come in easily because, as the President has indicated, the ease of doing business is also tied to the ease of visa application.

“Therefore, the FEC has set up a committee to look at our visa processes to reduce the cumbersome nature of these visa processes, meaning that those investors or tourists who want to come into Nigeria will find it a lot easier to go into this country provided they follow all the laid down processes.”

The expected reform is in line with several moves the president has made since assuming office to attract foreign investment. The president is

actively engaged in attracting investments through a series of strategic international engagements and high-level meetings aimed at boosting Nigeria’s economic profile. In all of these meetings, the president has led the line like the Chief Executive Officer to deepen FDI into the country.

The council also approved a N2trn mortgage initiative, N51bn transport terminal hub in Abuja and banned sand-dredging 10km from federal bridges pointing out that $7m US property would become Nigeria’s tech hub. This as it also approved a new revenue platform for gaming and lottery businesses as well as N546bn for roads in Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kebbi and Sokoto.

Similarly, it approved about N72bn for the construction of a new transmission line and emergency restoration systems for other transmission lines to enable quick repair of vandalised and damaged power infrastructure.

The N72bn project covers the 93-kilometre transmission line at Oji River/9th Mile for the 132 KV double circuit transmission line, costing $33.9m (N50.93bn) and N10.1m.

After that, it would shift gear to the next stage with the approval of supply and installation of 15 units of emergency restoration systems costing $14m (N21.04bn) for 330 KV and 132 KV transmission lines, to expedite the repair of damaged power infrastructure.

The new 93 km transmission line is expected to stabilise the national grid and expand its capacity, in line with the national grid expansion plan and the Presidential Power Initiative to increase its end-toend capacity.

In fact, the administration will procure 10 transformers and 10 reactors for the Transmission Company of Nigeria costing $4.8m (N7.2bn) and N102m, to enhance the optimal performance of the national grid, reduce the risk of electric shock and equipment damage, and protect personnel from the effects of high voltage.

The government resolved to tap into N20trn pension funds to fund key infrastructure such as housing and providing long-term mortgages as part of the president's macroeconomic reforms.

The council also approved strategic investment in the transport system in the FCT with the approval of N96.2bn for the development of bus terminals and other transportation facilities.

Key deliverables include the construction of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, contract for the provision of Security operation and maintenance of back-up generators for the street lights along the Presidential routes and Villa Gate 8, as well as upgrading roads in Kwali Area Council.

What the Tinubu administration has shown is that it's matching reforms with strategic investment despite the revenue shortfall. Knowing that the government is running on a budget deficit, a sad development it inherited, it's opening channels for foreign investors to cash in through reforms in ease of doing business and visa policy.

It's also essential to note that one of the key areas is the reform in the power sector which the administration is steadily investing in to ensure the power problems are solved once and for all.

It realised businesses are suffering leading to loss of jobs and suffocating business owners who are losing their investments thus impacting negatively on the country's economy.

As the council reiterated the government’s infrastructure initiative especially the LagosCalabar coastal highway, movement of goods and services is very strategic for any country's development.

We must build the ecosystem to expand the value chain of our superstars, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

FROM BASKETBALL AFRICA LEAGUE IN DAKAR TO D’BANJ …

If I was a believer in coincidence, I’d have put my meeting Mr Tunde Folawiyo in Dakar to one of those. I was attending a private event in the city until he handed me the experience that was the Basketball Africa League (BAL). He suggested to attend the games. Days later, attending with friends, we felt like we were watching a live NBA game. It certainly matched my NBA experience. Tunde Folawiyo, Amadou Fall, Tope Lawani, Mo Samba etc., can be proud of what they are building in BAL.

I don’t enjoy making Nigeria to United States comparisons. The only thing the U.S. has in common with African countries is that they are all geographical entities. Economically speaking, we should make comparisons between U.S. states/ counties and African countries. If you put the top five U.S. counties in Africa, they’d have the highest GDP. The economies of Los Angeles, New York, Cook, Harris, and Santa Clara are bigger than every African economy.

Jazz Fest reportedly added $400m to the New Orleans economy in 2022. The Super Bowl brought

in about 330,000 cash-carrying visitors to Vegas last February. “Afrobeats to the world”, is yet to bring the world to the capital city of Afrobeats, Lagos. Until then, Afrobeats and the entire culture it has helped to birth, will only enjoy the satisfaction of individual wins — this artist winning that award, that artist performing to this audience, etc., — in essence reflecting one of Nigeria’s failings, a country with many private jets and not enough private airlines. Because it can’t boast of a strong middle-class able to reflect the macro-benefits of collective prosperity.

As Afrobeats roams the world, I crave the day we will bring it home and bring the world with it. This is one of the reasons the Lagos Arena excites me. My visit to the Dakar Arena spurred some envy in me, then I asked my host, “I hope Lagos Arena is going to be better than this?” Even though if you offered me the Dakar Arena in that moment, I’d have returned with it to Nigeria. Especially on that day.

I was welcomed into the complex with sound after sound from Nigerian superstars. Its 15,000-capacity filled, save for the backdrop that needed to cover one of the sides, two African presidents, Senegal’s Bassirou Faye and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame in the audience, signifying the support of both countries to the socio-cultural sporting festival in play. Rwanda Tourism and events like BAL are led by the presidential office in that country, reflecting their priority. You want to earn foreign exchange? Show workings.

Governments support economic activities, but some governments need their eyes opened. To understand that some things that are perceived as “co-curricular activities” and left at that subsistence level, without encouraging the layering of more value chains, are goldmines that could create jobs, improve livelihoods, and make their cities the

centre of global attention.

These are the caterpillar that could grow into butterflies, helping to breed hundreds of millions of dollars in value, if not billions. We have the superstars, the fundamental building block of a creative economy, we now must build the ecosystem to expand the value chain. Else we will continue to export raw materials whilst importing them as finished goods, like we have done with our non-human resources through the decades.

When in 2007 I followed ace event planner and then CEO Silver Platter Events, my sister Deola Demilola-Shitta to a Satzenbrau reintroduction event at the Civic Centre Victoria Island, with D’banj as the star artist for the evening, I was driven into a reverie as the superstar, dressed in a yellow jacket and singing, ‘Why Me’ waltzed through the room, entertaining the audience. Singing out his several noms de guerre, he rocked the stage and owned the room. Several years on, some of those dreams have become reality.

A few things remain elusive though. We do not have any venue in the entire country built purposely to accommodate the challenges an Afrobeats festival would pose. The event venues that were the go-to at the time remain same even now, with a few more additions. Even the performer that is D’banj continues to tower above everyone else on that front; who does performance like Banga Lee?

He’s had his challenges and the scars to show for it, through those times, the stage he left remained empty. With his return, ‘Since ‘04’ — hopefully with a new album to boot — not to suggest 2012 and 2013 did not happen, when with Oliver Twist he expanded the global pathway that was created by Nigerian music legends years before, the Snoop Dogg feature as a defining moment for Afrobeats, that he and Don Jazzy must continue to earn their flowers for.

The person who travels through the highway may not acknowledge those who first walked through the wilderness to create the path that the highway was eventually built, that the fast lane exists is an acknowledge of the labour of our hero’s past.

Today, we take international features for granted. We do not care as much as we used to when one of our own receives one of those big awards or appear at some big festivals. Big deals in the past, the norm now. What is yet to become the norm is the one thing that’d sustain today’s win: a thriving, layered ecosystem. Since ‘04, we have created a horde of superstars that have followed in Dbanj’s and others’ footsteps. We must now commit to creating the platforms and arenas. I was reading up on social media about Lagos Liga, a football tournament set to debut this December promising glory and glamour, and big prize money. One day soon, the Lagos Arena will host an NBA game, there with D’banj and those whose path and vision his success made clearer. And sporting events like Lagos Liga, the BAL and all the various forms of Afrobeats festivals will take place. Even then, it won’t be the final word! Because we must always aspire for more.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing

Mark writes from Abuja

Editor, Editorial Page PETER

ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

AS ‘OVULERIA’ EXITS THE STAGE…

Lizzy Ovoeme, veteran actress, dies at 81

The death last week of Ms Lizzy Evoeme popularly known as ‘Ovuleria’ has brought back memories of ‘New Masquerade’, one of the must-watch locally produced sitcoms that kept Nigerian viewers glued to their television sets from the early eighties to the early nineties. She played the role of a ‘submissive’ wife to a ‘domineering’ character called Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo who invented his own English vocabularies (real name, Chika Okpala.) “Most people who know me don’t know me by any other name except Ovuleria. But to tell you the truth, when people close to me, like family members or intimate friends, called me that name, it sometimes annoyed me,” the late thespian once explained. “I prefer my real name. I felt that taking over my real self.”

However, that most people called her ‘Ovuleria’ was because she played the role, which earned her recognition and renown, very well. “When you go out and people you don’t know and wouldn’t have met in your entire life tell you they appreciate what admitted. Created and often directed by James Iroha a.k.a. Giringory Akabogu who passed away in 2012 shortly after celebrating his 70th birthday, the play started as ‘The Masquerade’ before morphing into ‘The New Masquerade’ following a copyright dispute.

‘The New Masquerade’, alongside similar sitcoms like ‘The Village Headmaster’ and ‘Hotel de Jordan’, made waves on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Following her passage, glowing tributes have been paid by Nigerians to the versatility of ‘Ovuleria’. Given her accomplishments, she deserves no less. While we commiserate with the art and culture community in Nigeria, we must not fail to call on their various guilds and associations to take immediate steps like instituting a health plan for its members. Too often, many of our popular names in the arts have had their dignity stripped from them as they are forced to go public with life threatening conditions that they battle with. That of course was not the case with ‘Ovuleria’ who died at 81, but this is an issue that needs to be addressed.

While some of her contemporaries treated the emerging Nigerian film industry with cynicism, ‘Ovuleria’ was one of eminent trained thespians who supported Nollywood with her expertise and credibility

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

A pioneer student of the University of Ibadan’s Theatre Arts Department, the late Iroha once admitted drawing inspiration for the play from his parents who, as he recalled, were unknowingly acting out a comedy drama through the way they related to each other. Vignettes of the life of this intriguing couple provided the template for the beloved ‘Ovuleria’. And for almost two decades,

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

More unfortunately, the death of ‘Ovuleria’ has further depleted the rank of actors and actresses of a certain generation. Christiana EssienIgbokwe, who played the role of Apena, the wife of Jegede Sokoya (Claude Eke) in the same sit-com played the role of Clarus, the other houseboy in the play, is also late. On a personal note, ‘Ovuleria’ lost her husband during the civil war in the sixties and she never remarried, having resolved to devote all attention to raising her children.

Despite her limited formal education, ‘Ovuleria’ remained one of the few who could give a good account of themselves either on live stage or on television and silver screen. At the emergence of the her experience. While some of her contemporaries cynicism, ‘Ovuleria’ was one of eminent trained thespians who supported Nollywood with her expertise and credibility. By all accounts, Lizzy Evoeme was a great Nigerian and an accomplished actress who left indelible mark. May her soul rest in peace.

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

GROWTH AND AFFORDABILITY IN TELECOM INDUSTRY

Today, Nigeria's telecommunication industry stands at a cross-side, it is battling with the challenges of sustainable operations and shareholders demands and on the outside, raising costs and regulatory constraints. The Nigerian telecom industry has immense potential. The recently launched GSMA digital economy report made this point. It projects a rise of 15 million new internet users by 2028. nation's GDP.

Industry players, in the light of existing reality, have determined breathe. The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), an umbrella organisation for telecom and allied services

investments in network infrastructure and possibly impact service quality. This assertion gains traction against a backdrop of foreign economic environment.

three times; the price of fuel has gone up by over 300 per cent and

bate among industry stakeholders. For many, the crux of the matter is that the economy is already hard, so telcos should not compound

currency devaluation, increase in the pump price of fuel, electricityly increased operational expenses. The cost of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, alongside acquiring foreign equipment, has outpaced current price structures.

The second is the investment challenges. Without a price adjuststagnation in investment will limit the industry's ability to expand networks, adopt new technologies like 5/6G and ultimately serve a growing population. The bulk of investment in the sector is dollar-denominated.

Then thirdly, unsustainable business environment. The industry contends with a multitude of charges and levies (the perennial multiple taxation). ALTON reveals that there are over 45. This burden, coupled with a perceived lack of regulatory independence, creates

an unfavourable business climate.

ter of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive solution. He argues that higherclusion, particularly for low-income Nigerians. This outcome will no doubt widen the digital disparity in the country.

In my mind, to move forward, we must be able to strike a bal-

a multi-pronged approach.

many. Reducing the number of charges levied on telecom operators could free up resources for investment. This can potentially create a more attractive business environment.

Secondly, regulation must be streamlined in line with global best practices. Experts concede that enhancing regulatory clarity and promoting an environment that encourages responsible risk-taking by investors would be crucial.

Elvis Eromosele, elviseroms@gmail.com

POLITY

Dangiwa: Driving Nigeria’s Housing, Urban Development Agenda

John Mark Ikyaave

Housing is a basic need. According to the United Nations (UN), every human has a right to adequate housing. This means it should be safe, affordable, comfortable, easy to access, in a good location and suitable for their culture.

However, while housing is a right, it depends on the financial ability of households. It is also defined by the ability, capacity, and will of government. Without the support of the government, it is hard for people to access decent, quality, and affordable housing. The role of government is therefore critical not only in the provision of housing but in creating the enabling environment for its provision.

In Nigeria, the issue of housing remains a major challenge. The country has a dual challenge of inadequate housing supply to meet its teeming population growth, and substandard housing that is not safe, habitable, comfortable with access to infrastructure.

A research by PWC shows that Nigeria’s housing need occasioned by ineffective demand, due to inability to pay for housing units despite willingness, is estimated at 26.40 million units.

Although there has been no shortage of policies and programmes over the years, effective implementation has been poor. There are also several systemic challenges in the housing ecosystem that remain unsolved. These include difficulties related to accessing land, deficits in infrastructure, escalating construction costs, subdued demand from households because of macro-economic challenges, and insufficient access to financing options for affordable housing. Experts agree that fixing these problems requires a holistic approach that considers the critical linkages across the housing ecosystem.

The Renewed Hope Vision for Housing

Under the Renewed Hope Vision of President Bola Tinubu, the government listed housing as a critical social infrastructure alongside roads, bridges, airports, and dams, among others. To ensure a more coordinated and focused implementation of reforms in the sector, the president demerged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from Works and made it a standalone Ministry.

He went on to appoint a team of proven sector professionals to lead the sector’s transformation: They include Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, a highly accomplished administrator with a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years in administration, real estate, mortgage financing, and housing development, as Minister of Housing and Urban Development and Abdullahi Gwarzo, a former Deputy Governor of Kano State as the Minister of State.

Ten months in and the outlook for Nigeria’s housing and urban development space is becoming increasingly promising as the Tinubu administration inches towards one year come May 29, 2024. This optimism is based on the clear-sighted leadership at the Federal Ministry of Housing.

Since assuming office on Monday, August 21, 2023, Dangiwa has led the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to develop and commence implementation of a Strategic Housing Reform plan in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme

A notable component of the Strategic Housing Reform Plan of the ministry under the leadership of Dangiwa is the Renewed Hope New City Development Plan. Under the plan, the ministry aims to lead partnerships with the private sector, local and international investors, towards redefining the concept of cities in Nigeria and decongesting city centres and state capitals in line with the president.

The flagship initiative under the New City Development Plan is the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme. In February 2024, President Bola Tinubu, officially launched the programme with the ground-breaking ceremony for a 3,112-housing unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of 20,000 housing units to be built in Abuja.

The project is the pilot under a Public Private Partnership between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and a consortium

of developers comprising Continental Civil and General Construction and Ceezali Limited signed in December 2023 to deliver a total of 100,000 houses nationwide.

Under the PPP arrangement, the ministry is creating the enabling environment and facilitating off takers for the houses through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) while the developers will source for land and finance the construction. This will take the financial burden off government while meeting citizens needs for decent and quality shelter.

A Nationwide Footprint

Under phase one of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, the ministry plans to deliver a total of 50,000 housing units across Nigeria. The Cities will have 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones in the country and FCT, while the estates will have 500 housing units per site in the remaining thirty (30) States.

The ministry has designed the Renewed Hope Cities as integrated living communities targeting all income brackets. They comprise one-bedroom blocks of flats, two-bedroom blocks of flats and three- bedroom blocks of flats; two-, three- and four-bedroom terraces, four-bedroom duplexes, and five-bedroom duplexes.

On the other hand, it has conceptualised the Renewed Hope Estates to cater to lowand medium-income earners. They comprise one, two, and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows. To enhance affordability and ease of offtake, it used organic designs where one bedroom can be expanded to two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms as the income of beneficiaries increase over time.

Furthermore, the programme aims to address social inequality by providing a broad range of affordable homeownership options. This includes single digit and up to 30-year mortgage loans to be provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Rent-to-Own options where beneficiaries can move in and pay towards homeownership in monthly, quarterly, or annual instalments and outright purchase for high income earners.

The funding for these projects is to come from a mix of sponsors comprising the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s budgetary allocation, the FMBN, and Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers.

Catalyst for Economic Growth

The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is not only a grand vision; it is a necessity for many reasons. As Nigeria’s

population continues to grow, the demand for housing and urban infrastructure is rapidly growing.

Existing cities are grappling with issues like congestion, inadequate housing, and strained infrastructure. Establishing new cities and estates also provides an opportunity for Nigeria to deliberately plan and design urban spaces that are not only beautiful additions to our landscape but also efficient and sustainable. This is more so given the climate challenges that we face and to ensure that the housing sector contributes its quota to helping our country meet its green gas reduction targets.

The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is designed to be a catalyst for economic growth. The construction and development of these new areas will generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and attract investments.

The 50,000 units that the Ministry plans to deliver under phase 1 will create 1,250,000 direct and indirect construction jobs. This is in addition to the value chain effects of purchase, supply of building materials, businesses around the construction sites, etc.

The programme also aligns with the government’s broader vision of national development and marks a practical step towards creating smart and modern cities that can compete on a global scale, attracting both domestic and foreign investments.

The groundbreaking of the 3,112-housing unit in Karsana, Abuja is just only one of many more to follow. The ministry has scheduled other groundbreaking ceremonies for several additional sites nationwide under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in the 2nd quarter. This includes 2,500 Renewed Hope City housing units at the Ibeju-Lekki Coastal City, Lagos, the development of a 500-housing unit Renewed Hope Estate in Kano and 250 housing units in twelve (12) states (2 per geopolitical zone) as Renewed Hope Estates. This amounts to 6,000 housing units under the 2023 Supplementary Budget.

From the 2024 Approved Budget of N18.9billion, the Ministry plans to roll out another batch of Renewed Hope Estates comprising 250-housing units each in 6 additional states totalling 1,500 housing units.

The implication is that from the housing component of the Supplementary Budget and the 2024 budget, of N100 billion and N18.9 billion respectively for Renewed Hope Cities and Estates and Urban and Slum Upgrading programmes, the Ministry is set to deliver 7,500 affordable housing units that will cater to the average Nigerian worker.

A Commitment to Project Completion

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development under the leadership of Dangiwa has also demonstrated a firm commitment to ensuring that Nigerians get value for the money that government has injected into housing projects. This includes ensuring the completion of all abandoned government housing projects and easing the process for Nigerians to own them.

A good example are the pragmatic steps taken so far to fast-track the sale and occupancy of 2,870 completed housing units, built between 2017 and 2022 under the National Housing Programme (NHP).

In November 2023 the Ministry advertised in the national dailies for interested Nigerians to apply and received a total of 8,925 Expressions of Interest. This comprises 1,294 persons who applied for Outright Purchase of the units, 2,408 through a Mortgage arrangement, 2,184 under the FMBN Rent-To-Own product, and 3,039 for Instalment payment.

Recently, the ministry announced that it had processed the first batch of Provisional Allocation Letters for Nigerians seeking to pay outright for the completed units. What is interesting about the Ministry’s approach is that despite the rising cost of construction materials, the houses are still being offered for sale at the prices that were fixed in 2017. This includes 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalow at N9,268,751.80, 2-bedroom semidetached bungalow-Type A at N12, 398,460.20, 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalow-Type B at N10,833, 606.00, 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalow at N16, 491, 155.80, 1-bedroom in condominium block at N7, 222,404.00, 2-bedroom in condominium block at N9, 148, 378.40 and 3-bedroom in condominium block at N13, 241, 074.00.

The bullish drive of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to implement the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme and the commitment towards ensuring that the inherited National Housing Programme works and delivers value to Nigerians provide signs of hope for the millions of Nigerians seeking to own a home.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dangiwa and the Minister of State, Gwarzo deserve the support of all stakeholders as they seek to increase stock of affordable housing units towards meeting the Renewed Hope Vision of providing decent and quality housing to all Nigerians.

*Ikyaave is an Abuja-based housing policy analyst

President Bola Tinubu & Ahmed Dangiwa at the groundbreaking of the 3,112 Karsana Renewed Hope City in Abuja

BUSINESS WORLD

Aviation Stakeholders Fret over Recent Aircraft Incidents across the Country

Aviation industry stakeholders have expressed deep concern over the many aircraft incidents in recent time, insisting that the development is aggravating their fears and compelling them to remember major air accidents that occurred in Nigeria in the past that claimed the lives of many Nigerians

They therefore called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the federal government to take urgent action to stem the situation.

Since last year, Nigeria has recorded many air incidents involving aircraft overshooting the runway and even accident, where a single engine aircraft crashed on the street in Ikeja, Lagos but there were no

Industry insiders say this is similar prologue that led to tragic crashes in early 2000s, peaking in 2005 and 2006, involving Sosoliso Airlines, ADC Airlines, Bellview Airlines

During this period, some accidents with fatalities come to mind, including Skypower Express Airways Bandeirante 110P1A that crashed on landing at Abuja airport, January 5, 2000, killing 17 person; the EAS Airlines BAC 1-11-500 that crashed on May 4, 2002, killing 76 out of 105 persons on board in Kano. It crashed on densely populated suburb, killing 72 persons on the ground, and bringing total casualties to 148.

On December 19, 2004, a Boring 727 aircraft operated by Chanchangi Airlines belly-landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos but there

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Stanbic IBTC Bank’s Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) showed that the strengthening of the Naira in the foreign exchange market slowed down the pace of inflationary pressure in the month of April.

The PMI’s headline, showed a marginal increase in business condition in the Nigerian private sector as it grew to 51.1 percentage point in April from 51.0 it recorded in March, pointing to a fifth consecutive monthly improvement in business conditions.

It stated that the conditions

for firms continued to be heavily influenced by movements of the Naira in the foreign exchange market and the subsequent impact on prices.

The report said: An improvement in the strength of the currency over the past month led to sharp slowdowns in rates of increase in purchase prices and output charges, although inflationary pressures remained substantial nonetheless. The latest rise in selling prices was the softest in just under a year. Slower price increases were seen across all four broad sectors covered by the survey.

Although price increases were

were no fatalities. On October 22, 2005, a Boeing 737-200 operated by Bellview Airlines which took off from Lagos on its way to Abuja, crashed at high speed, just a few minutes after take-off, killing all 117 persons on board.

Also, on December 10, 2005, a Port Harcourt bound flight 1145 from Abuja, operated by Sosoliso Airlines, crash landed at the airport, killing 109 passengers, including 60 students of Jesuit Loyola College, Abuja and on October 29, 2006, Aviation Development Corporation (ADC) Airlines operated Boeing 737 with 104 passengers on board crashed minutes after take-off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, killing 98 passengers with six survivors.

Industry insiders posited that

less pronounced than in March, the extent of inflationary pressures continued to limit rates of growth in output and new orders in April, both of which were unchanged from the previous month.

Agriculture and manufacturing both saw output increase sharply, while wholesale & retail activity also rose. On the other hand, services activity decreased.

As well as seeing purchase cost inflation soften in April, firms also saw a slower rise in employee expenses. Staff costs increased modestly, and at the weakest pace in 13 months. Nevertheless,

before these major tragic accidents there were minor and major incidents that happened in between. They noted that since 2006 there were the missing Beechcraft 1500 that disappeared on its way to Bebi airstrip in March 2008, which was later found to have crashed in a dense forest in Cross River state with the three-member crew dead and also there was the tragic crash of Dana Air flight on June 3, 2012 that killed 153 people on board and six on the ground. Also, the Associated Aviation Flight 361, which crashed on take-off at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on October 3, 2013, killing 16 of the 20 persons on board.

Since 2013 till date, there have not been major tragic accident that

cost pressures led some companies to reduce staffing levels. This was broadly cancelled out by hiring elsewhere, however, meaning that overall employment was little changed in April following falls in February and March.

Although investment in business expansions, higher new orders and advertising activity are all expected to lead to growth of output over the coming year, sentiment ticked down from March and remained among the lowest in the series history. Nevertheless, just over half of respondents predicted an increase in activity over the next

involved commercial airline on scheduled flight service, but there have been incidents that awake the fear that Nigeria may be heading to another major accident if NCAA does not take the right actions.

In November last year, Valujet operated Bombardier, CRJ-900 aircraft with registration 5N-BXR, skidded off the runway after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport. There was serious incident that happened at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan in Oyo State on November 3, 2023, which an aircraft not designated for charter service was involved in charter operation and it landed short of the runway in the night and crashed into the bush.

Also, on August 2, 2023 a single engine, fixed wing, Jabiru aircraft

12 months.”

Commenting on the PMI, Muyiwa Oni, Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Muyiwa Oni, said: “Nigeria’s private sector activity started the second quarter on strong, albeit modest footing as the slower rate of price increases supported a rise in the growth of new orders. Notably, the USD/NGN pair appreciated by 22.5 per cent m/m to an average 1,236.05 in April.

“This provided support for a slowdown in the pace of price increases more so that the conditions for firms continued to be heavily

with registration number 5NCCQ and three persons on board crashlanded into an old communication pole inward Ikeja Bus Stop on Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos. Before these two incidents there have been records of helicopter accidents that claimed lives. Industry operators attributed these accidents to growing poor oversight function of NCAA. Then there was another serious incident at the Ibadan Airport involved HS25B aircraft with Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) with call sign, 5NAMM operated by Flint Aero. All these incidents preceded the skidding off runway of Dana Air flight and that of Xejet, which happened last week.

influenced by movements in the Naira and the subsequent impact on prices.”

“Still, inflationary pressures remain at record highs, suggesting limited headroom for private sector activity to improve substantially.

“Accordingly, the headline PMI ticked up to 51.1 in April from 51.0 in March, pointing to a fifth consecutive monthly improvement in business conditions in the Nigerian private sector, but one that was only slight overall.”

Chinedu Eze

fatalities.

NAMA Boss Harps on Commitment, Innovation

Stories by Chinedu Eze

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ahmed Farouk, has urged the top management team at the agency to reaffirm their commitment to excellence and innovation in air navigation services.

The Managing Director made the call during the 2024 management retreat of NAMA with the theme: ‘Sustainability of Strategic Management and Leadership Development in Airspace Management: a New Approach’, which was held at the Zuma Rock Resort in Niger State.

Farouk delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining his achievements since assuming the role of Managing Director of NAMA and shared his vision for the agency, emphasizing the imperative of visionary leadership, strategic management, and collaboration

in achieving NAMA’s objectives of safety, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigerian airspace

A statement from the agency signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, stated that the eight Directors of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, who provided comprehensive reports on their stewardship since assuming their roles in December 2023, delivered detailed presentations outlining their vision,mission and achievements so far recorded. Additionally, they signed a recommitment bond, accompanied by key performance indicators (KPIs), aimed at evaluating performance and pinpointing areas for enhancement.

Representing the Directors, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, affirmed their backing for the Managing Director. They lauded his outstanding leadership as instrumental in driving the

significant advancements observed in NAMA’s growth and ensuring safety in Nigerian airspace.

Esosa Iyawe, a member of the House of Representatives who represented the Cairman, House committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Idris Garba, reiterated the pivotal role of NAMA as the heart of the aviation sector in Nigeria. He urged the managing director and his team to deliberate on meaningful recommendations aimed at enhancing safety in the Nigerian airspace. Furthermore, Iyawe pledged swift action to ensure adequate funding for the agency, acknowledging the precarious financial situation exacerbated by an inequitable revenue-sharing formula. The Managing Director of NAMA expressed gratitude to Iyawe, while advocating for a review of the current revenue-sharing formula to ensure fair allocation of resources to NAMA.

SAHCO Kano Station Receives ISAGo Re-certification

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, Kano station, has been re-certified by International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The re-certification was issued to SAHCO after it passed the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) standards audit conducted on the company in Kano.

The IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) is an aviation specific audit for the global oversight of ground handling service providers (GHSPs). ISAGO focuses on the standardization of operational procedures and management thereby increasing harmonization of best practices among the ground handling stakeholders.

By the re-certification, it means that SAHCO’s Mallam Aminu Kano’s International Airport station has continued to model its operations to ISAGO standards, as a result making a commitment to continue to operate to globally accepted industry best practices.

The Audits cut across Organisation and Management (ORM), Load Control (LOD), Passenger and Baggage Handling (PAB), Aircraft Handling and Loading (HDL), Aircraft Ground Movement (AGM), Cargo and Mail Handling (CGM).

As already pledged to its clients (current and prospective), it is SAHCO’s resolve to continually provide quality and efficient Passenger, Ramp and Cargo Handling Services in line with

best practices and the highest International Standards to the delight of its customers and benefit of all stakeholders, utilizing State-of-the-art equipment, skills, procedures and facilities, and employing a dedicated workforce who are highly skilled.

ISAGO audit is essential to promote safe ground operations and understanding of high-risk areas within ground operations.

The duties of SAHCO involves all the actions that takes place from the time an aircraft touches down on the tarmac to the time it is airborne, also ensuring that Ground Handling assignment is carried out in an efficient, speedy and safe manner, while deploying the right tools.

Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates Employees

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading airline, announced the awarding of a special honeymoon package to three lucky employee couples.

The initiative underscores the company’s commitment to celebrating and rewarding the personal milestone of its staff.

Its Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, expressed his delight, saying: “We are more than an airline; we are a family. By granting these honeymoon packages, we honor the love and dedication of our employees, not just to each other but also to our great company.”

Group VP Human Capital Management, Mrs. Zenebework G/Tsadik, said: “Our employees are our greatest asset. We strive to support them professionally

and personally. This gesture is a testament to the holistic benefits we offer, which include free tickets, subsidized meals, comprehensive medical and insurance plans, housing projects, and transportation facilities.”

President of the Ethiopian Airlines Group Primary Basic Trade Union, Mr. Tekalign Terfasa, also commented: “Such initiatives reinforce the sense of unity and appreciation we foster here at Ethiopian Airlines. It’s a reflection of our continuous efforts in human resource development and employee

welfare.”

In a splendid ceremony held at the luxurious Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, a pair of newlyweds, accompanied by their relatives and distinguished members of the Ethiopian Airlines Group’s executive team, commemorated their nuptials.

Following the festivities, the couple embarked on a journey to Zanzibar. Ethiopian Airlines is dedicated to creating an exemplary work environment for its personnel, thereby sustaining its status as the employer of choice.

inDrive Highlights Positive Impact of Ride-hailing Business

AIR WATCH

NIMET’s Protracted Labour Challenges

Chinedu Eze

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has been having labour issues over the welfare of its workers since the past nine years and recently the workers of the agency have threatened to embark on strike action for seven days in protest against the over 42 months unpaid salary arrears.

NiMET workers issued a warning in a letter signed by union representatives, demanding the settlement of 42 months of outstanding arrears by Monday, 20th May 2024. Failure to comply will result in a withdrawal of services.

Meanwhile, NiMet management has assured staff of efforts to resolve unpaid salary adjustment disputes saying the issues predates current management.

The letter addressed to the NiMET Director General, was signed by the General Secretary, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Ocheme Aba; General secretary, Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE); and General Secretary, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Abdulrasaq Saidu.

candidates with same first degree as others on GL.09, that is a grade level higher without any justification.

Group Business Editor

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inDrive, a ride-hailing company has highlighted the positive impact of ride-hailing business and how inDrive’s initiatives have rippled through communities, creating waves of change that extend far beyond their initial touch points.

In an exclusive premier showed in Lagos, recently, inDrive released a documentary that offered audiences a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of the company, and how inDrive started the ride-hailing business with an inner drive that has impacted communities.

The documentary displayed how a group of people band together against the unfair price collusion of taxi companies that leaves people stranded in the cold.

Among the heartwarming tales shared, the film follows the journey of Obadiah, a Nigerian boy once enveloped in the despair of his surroundings.

The inDrive’s ‘Beginit’ initiative

is now paving the way for a brighter future for Obadiah and many others.

Reflecting on the film and its message, inDrive Founder and CEO, Arsen Tomsky said: “We should focus on the path, on the journey. And if you do something important for you, that is very meaningful for you, and you develop an external environment during that journey, you are getting more and more with each step. And that is something which nobody can take from you. Even if you don’t reach a peak, you will have something available to you.”

The documentary tells inDrive’s story, from remarkable individuals in Nigeria, Indonesia, Mexico and beyond, who use the ride-hailing app to take control of their futures.

The inDrive’s ‘Beginit’ initiative is an epic journey told by connecting people around the world, and it’s far from over.

The unions accused management of NiMET of neglecting the welfare of the agency’s workers and called for a restructuring of the salary system to align with government-approved standards and the resolution of outstanding CoS issues with set timelines for action.

The letter also accused management of deceptive practices in previous payment agreements, highlighting a lack of responsiveness to staff concerns.

“Your management took the decision to offset the payment of the 45 months arrears on installment basis. It turned out to be a gimmick to just avert the strike as management discontinued the payment after only three months. This left a balance of forty-two (42) months,” the letter said.

THISDAY learnt that despite recent initiatives to provide relief and salary increases, the government excluded NiMet staff, further exacerbating tensions.

Responding to concerns over unpaid salary adjustments, NiMet’s HR Director, Dr. Nasiru Sani, emphasised the institution’s commitment and explained that the issues’ pre-existing nature but assured ongoing engagement with unions and updates on progress and cited recent discussions with union reps at the Budget Office.

“We are optimistic and hopeful of a positive outcome. The Budget Office informed us during our last visit with the union representative that arrears payments are not unique to NiMet. They have placed NiMet in the sixth batch of scheduled payments. Currently they are paying the fifth batch,” Sani explained.

In 2017, under the then Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Abubakar Mashi, the unions petitioned the then management of the agency.

The Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals had petitioned the then Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, over alleged neglect of the union’s members at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

In a letter signed by the association’s Secretary General, Abdul Rasaq Saidu, ANAP alleged that in the past years, various director-generals and chief executive officers of NiMet had violated the Public Service Rules through irregular employment, promotion of junior workers above their seniors, and indiscriminate filling of vacant positions from outside the agency without internal and external advertisements of such vacant positions as required by law.

ANAP said the activities carried out on the basis of demographic representation or political sentiments had placed existing serving career members of staff in NiMet at a disadvantage.

The association said: “A lot of long serving meteorologists were cheated in 2005 when the then CEO and his management team carried out an employment exercise for fresh meteorologists to G1.08 with first degree to complement the workforce of the agency at that time. But to the surprise of everyone, they placed some of their

“The exercise done 12 years ago was to position the meteorologists for leadership over their colleagues. Such a step was a dangerous trend, which became an order of the day in MiMet. Subsequent DGs and CEOs and other management used this as an opportunity for them to also position their own in leadership positions in the agency regardless of the provisions of the Public Service Rules of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as it concerns promotion and employment,” the union said.

ANAP also stated that to correct the rot in the agency, it had written a letter dated July 27, 2017 to the Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Abubakar Mashi.

According to the association, the letter which was acknowledged on July 31, 2017, was meant to create a platform whereby it would meet with the DG, NiMet management and other stakeholders to discuss the issues.

Two years earlier, NiMET had threatened to down tools and demanded a better working environment and respect for dignity of labour.

On May 12, 2015, NUATE said in a statement that NiMET staff wanted better working environment and respect for dignity of labour.

NUATE said the union had engaged in social dialogue with the management of NIMET, where several of their grievances had been laid before the management, with a view to getting answers to them, in the collective interests of all parties.

The issues the staff are demanding include promotions, 13th month, 27 percent relativity arrears of six months, visa fees for about 60 staff, pre-retirement training, training and retraining of all categories of personnel, filling of existing vacancies, review of the conditions of service/inauguration of COS members and remittance of union dues.

The union claimed that from available records, NIMET management earned more than 40 percent on its internally generated revenue for 2013 and therefore does not have any excuse for denying and depriving any worker of their financial entitlements.

“This bulletin is essentially to draw your attention to where we are with your unwilling, insensitive, uncaring and self-centered management, so that you must begin to mobilise for action which shall come in the next few weeks,” NUATE had said.

The major problem with these labour issues, THISDAY learnt, is that in the last nine years or more, none of the NiMET management has been firm in ending this problem.

When he was newly appointed, the then Director General, Prof. Abubakar Sani Mashi, promised he would ensure an adequate welfare of the agency’s workers.

He had said: “I am impressed with the very sensitive nature of the work done here, and I am quite ready and willing to promote workers’ welfare, based on creativity, innovation and professionalism required to take NiMet to the next level.” But he was removed without fulfilling his promise to the workers.

Embracing Remote-piloted Aircraft System

Aviation experts met in Lagos recently to brainstorm on the importance of Remote-piloted Aircraft System and the need to fully embrace it in order to maximise its benefits for the development of Nigeria. Chinedu Eze who attended the conference reports

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known as Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) or Remotely-piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and popularly known as drone, is the offspring of modern technology. Many countries, especially in Africa were reluctant to embrace it when it became commercialised and anyone could use it with proper licencing, but today, the technology has been fully embraced and the world appreciates its critical role in moving goods and services, information, photography, video coverage and espionage.

Unmanned Aircraft system is an aircraft without any human pilot, crew, or passengers on board. UAVs were originally developed through the twentieth century for military missions too ‘dull, dirty or dangerous’ for humans, and by the twenty-first century, they had become essential assets to most militaries. As control technologies improved and costs fell, their use expanded to many non-military applications. These include aerial photography, area coverage, precision agriculture, forest fire monitoring, river monitoring, environmental monitoring, policing and surveillance, infrastructure inspections, smuggling, product deliveries, entertainment, and drone racing.

It is because of the importance of this technology that experts in the aviation industry deliberated over its importance, its use and how it can be used for quick conveyance of light but critical products, like drugs to remote areas, capture images and do so many other things.

SECURITY

At a two-day workshop on the 4th Drone Technology Conference (DRONTECX) held in Lagos, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stressed the importance of balancing the UAS benefits and risks.

In the paper he presented on behalf of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Emmanuel Meribole said despite the importance of the drone technology the industry must do everything to

forestall its abuse, as drone could be used to do things that are inimical to public interest, saying that there is the need to safeguard civil aviation, infrastructure, and national security from non-state armed groups and terrorism.

“The Ministry prioritises drone progress but emphasises safeguarding civil aviation, countering exploitation by non-State groups and terrorists. We must find a balance between the significant benefits UAS offers across various industries and incidental risks to aviation infrastructure and national security,” he said.

He stated that the NCAA ensures safe RPAS operations with robust oversight, aided by aviation agencies and the Federal Ministry’s supervision, noting that regulating RPAS operations in Nigeria is evident, notably with the release of Part 21, outlining certification, registration, operations, and surveillance requirements, highlighting the significant role of UAS in various industries

such as agriculture, health, construction, logistics, and public safety.

He emphasised the country’s commitment to safety and security through appropriate regulations, considering its unique circumstances, remarking that with projections indicating a $260bn market potential by 2030, Meribole underscored the immense benefits Nigeria and other African countries stand to gain from harnessing UAS potential. He disclosed that Nigeria, alongside South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana, is emerging as a leader in leveraging UAS capabilities, stressing Nigeria’s proactive approach in fostering dialogue and advocating for responsible drone usage.

He proposed leveraging on DRONTECX to foster awareness and innovation among stakeholders, while mitigating risks for a safer future.

UTILISATION

“This conference serves as a vital platform for government and industry stakeholders to explore ways of leveraging the UAS sector for national development. I applaud this effort and pleased to say that the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, fully supports this drive and will ensure that discussions and ultimately, outcomes from this event strategically positions Nigeria and Africa in the RPAS industry. “Globally, the RPAS sector is evolving rapidly, playing essential roles in agriculture, health, construction, logistics, and public safety, with projections indicating a USD 260 billion market by 2030. African nations like Rwanda, Uganda, and Ghana are actively participating in this global race for leadership in RPAS technology. Recent regulatory developments, including amendments to ICAO annexes and the approval of new procedures, lay the foundation for an international regulatory framework for RPAS operations. Nigeria is actively engaging in this process while prioritizing safety and security considerations,” Meribole said.

He also observed that unlike traditional aviation, RPAS involves diverse stakeholders beyond aviators such as service providers, surveyors, geologists, engineers and so on, introducing unique safety and security challenges. He said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is tasked with providing robust oversight to ensure safe and secure RPAS operations, supported by other aviation agencies and others alongside the supervision of the Federal Ministry, noting that efforts to regulate RPAS operations in Nigeria are undeniable, such as the release of Part 21 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations being the regulatory framework, sets out requirements for certification, registration, operations, and surveillance of RPAS.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

TRIBUTE

Adieu, My Good Brother, Senator Ayogu Eze

Ikechukwu Eze

I write this with a heavy heart and a head that has continued to swoon in disbelief and denial. The family is in deep sorrow. The wound remains raw. Every sigh of grief and recollection of what we did together remind me of who and what we have lost. Senator Ayogu Eze was the pillar of the family, the pride of the community and a national idol.

It has been three weeks since your passing, and I am still struggling to put my thoughts together, accept what has become and eventually pen a deserving tribute (probably this will still come.)

Since Ebube Dike’s inopportune exit at the age of 65, a lot have been said in sincere adulation by numerous friends, well-wishers and admirers on his humaneness, oratory power, student activism, writing skill, sterling career in journalism, unrivalled performance in the senate and overall contributions to national development and the growth of our democracy which do not bear repeating in this short write up. I would rather that this piece came through as a candid reflection on my late brother’s positive influence on his siblings.

Ayogu was a worthy elder brother, who was more than just a sibling. Teacher, mentor, role model, guardian, trailblazer, critic and cheerleader; all that and more capture his essence. His unwavering guidance and support helped shape many lives back home and across the country.

From childhood, you took me under your wings and showed me the way. You were always there to lend an ear, offer avuncular advice, and push me to be the best version of myself. Your unwavering dedication and sense of duty served as a constant source of strength and stability for all of us.

Now, this is personal. From my child’s eye, growing up under his tutelage, Ayogu had a larger than life image. While I was still in primary school, he was already a shining star, writing as a student journalist for newspapers, especially those based in Enugu (Daily Star and Satellite) where he had become a household name.

Everything I did at that young age tried to ape his illustrious life and considerable achievements. I chose the arts in Senior secondary school, not because I wasn’t good in sciences, but because I had a big brother who walked the path and was already making waves in journalism. I couldn’t exactly study mass communication like he did, but I majored in English, a course I considered close enough to his.

Nonetheless, upon maturity after graduation from the university, I sought to carve out a different path for myself and began a stint in Enugu State public

NEWS

service. However, I found out after a couple of years that the experience wasn’t challenging enough for me; a vibrant young man with a head full of fancy and imagination. I shared this thought with Ayogu and he was quite taken with the idea that I should try something else to satisfy the push I was feeling inside.

My sense then was to do something else and establish myself differently. Even when I subsequently chose journalism because, like him, I had developed a love for writing, I thought I could practice outside his influence, beyond the coverage of his reputational radar.

I was reassured by the fact that journalism is a field where your work speaks loudly for you and you couldn’t hide your incompetence, just because you have a sibling who had made a big name in the profession.

For this, I deliberately avoided being piggybacked or dropping his name in all the places I had worked. I felt it was not

going to be fair for people in the industry to view my performance through his own prism and judge me by his towering image and soar-away records.

Yet, life sometimes has a way of playing games on one’s intentions by taking him through a labyrinth that, perforce, returns him to that road he probably wished to avoid. In most places I had worked, I found myself on the same trail that bore Ayogu footprints.

For instance, while working in Vanguard Newspapers as a reporter, I won a fellowship to the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) in Berlin, Germany in 2005. In the course of the four months programme, the school sought and confirmed that I was related to a certain ‘Ayogu Eze’ who had passed through the same programme many years before me. It became the first time IIJ would document two siblings as alumni of the institution, a record for which we both earned a special recognition.

From Vanguard I moved over to BusinessDay newspapers as Features Editor and member of the Editorial Board. One day, in the newsroom, the publisher Mr. Frank Aigbogun walked over to my desk and was like, “why didn’t you tell me all along that Ayogu Eze is your elder brother.” Apparently they had met at the airport and Ayogu had enquired how his younger brother was doing under Frank’s employ. I later found out that both Frank and Ayogu were classmates in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, and both later ended up in the Guardian where Ayogu also served as the Features Editor at some point!

Henceforth, my fate became like that of Jonah in the Bible; the more I sought to walk further away from Ayogu’s beaten path, the closer I moved to his vast network of colleagues, associates and friends. I left the newsroom to serve as the media adviser to former Planning Minister, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, on the recommendation of a colleague and a good friend of mine, thinking I had gone far enough from Ayogu’s encircling influence in the newsroom. How wrong I was! Few months after my appointment, I followed my new boss to a budget defense session at the National Assembly. Lo and behold, Ayogu was seated in the meeting right opposite me, as a member of the Senate committee on National Planning! That was how my cover was blown.

Later, when a minor cabinet reshuffle affected Dr. Usman’s job as minister of planning, he recommended me to his successor. That was how I continued as media adviser, this time,

to the Minister of state, works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, who took over the planning ministry as the supervising minister. This happened at a time my brother was the chairman of the senate committee on works. At that point, I knew how close they were but was determined not to reveal our relationship to my new boss. However, in 2013 Ayogu’s mother passed on and he sent me to notify my boss of the development. That was how Amb. Yuguda discovered that his media adviser and his ministry’s committee chairman in the Senate were siblings!.

Even when I moved over with Amb. Yuguda to the Finance Ministry where he was later redeployed as Minister of State, I could still sense that my brother’s name commanded attention in the new environment.

It is still a similar experience where I currently serve as the Media Adviser to His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, President Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015). I had known that my brother, while in the seventh Senate, was close to the then President but I never mentioned my relationship with him to my current boss until the day Ayogu visited and met me right inside the office of His Excellency, Dr. Jonathan. I could simply state that this testimony of Ayogu’s abiding influence held true for many others, especially members of the family, even those in different professions. If anything, this tells me that we were in deed meant not to be too far away from each other; he, always moving ahead and probably clearing and smoothening the path.

It also tells me that Ayogu had over the years, through sheer dint of hard work and goodwill, blazed many trails, touched many lives and cultivated good relations across the country. Whether as a journalist, commissioner or federal lawmaker, he acquitted himself creditably as a sincere patriot who sacrificed so much for others and selflessly applied himself to nation building. My Beloved Brother, the pain of your absence is intense, but the impact you had on lives is immeasurable. Your passion for life, your warmth and kindness, your commitment to making a difference, zest for leadership and unwavering love for humanity will continue to be remembered. The memories we made while you were here on earth will eternally remain in our minds and heart.

Adieu, Ebube Dike.

*Eze, is Special Adviser on Media and Communications to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Group Accuses Aisha Yesufu of Lying over Enugu’s N100bn Agric Deal

The Enugu Good Governance Group, E-3G, has reprimanded former Chibok Girls’ activist, Aisha Yesufu, over what it described as “wilful lies and misinformation” over the N100 billion deal recently signed by the Enugu State government and a private firm to revive the moribund state-owned United Palm Products Ltd.

It said whereas Yesufu claimed that the Governor Peter Mbah Government awarded N100 billion contract to a newly incorporated firm, it is actually the company, which is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), that is funding 60 per cent of the transaction value.

It accused her of rushing to the social media to amplify Enugu Labour Party (LP) mischief and ignorance-driven claims over the N100 billion deal without doing her due diligence.

The Enugu Good Governance Group, however, commended Mbah for what it described as “a mega deal that would change the fortunes of United Palm Products Ltd. from a moribund entity to a profitable asset.

The group weighed in on the matter in a press statement issued by its National Coordinator, Odinaka Okechukwu, yesterday.

“As clearly stated in government’s explanatory, it

is actually Pragmatic Palms Ltd. that is funding the revival of the state-owned United Palm Products Limited to the tune of 60 per cent of the transaction value.

“Enugu State Government, on the other hand, holds 40 per cent of the equity, which is the value of the land or assets, which it is contributing to the transaction. In other words, government is not

contributing any money,” the group stated.

The Enugu group wondered if Aisha Yesufu had never heard the term “Special Purpose Vehicle” in all her years of activism, which is what Pragmatic Palms Limited represents in the N100 billion deal.

It said: “For the avoidance of doubt, SPVs are subsidiary companies, which are formed to undertake a specific business purpose or activity.

“In this instance, because many partners are involved and also to guarantee both the government and investors’ corporate interests, it became necessary to incorporate an SPV to handle the transaction.

“It is for this reason that the Enugu State government produces the Board Chairman and other Directors, while the SPV’s parent company, Diamond Stripes, produces the MD/CEO.

Olaopa Lists Ways to Reform Civil Service, Harps on Mentorship

The Chairman, the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, yesterday listed some measures that can be taken to reform the civil service and make it viable.

Olaopa spoke in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Head of Service of Taraba State, Mr Paul Tino.

He recalled that he had been part of the conversation to raise the bar of professionalism of fellow bureaucrats in the Taraba State civil service twice, saying he was proud of the passion to learn new ideas by the civil servants he engaged at the two training seminars in the past.

He said that civil servants can regain their prestige if they are deliberate, committed and focused on their drive to re-professionalise through reinventing the service as a value-based profession and calling.

“By all means we should help the government to unbundle its entire expenditure structure, redundancies and waste which will extend to the administrative side to the restructuring of our bloated federation and expensive presidential system,” he said.

Olaopa however cautioned against boxing the government to “financial commitments that make the workforce in the organised sector of the economy to continue to consume the bulk of national wealth with the bulk of Nigerian tax payers ignored and emasculated in perpetual poverty.” Consequently , he noted that there was an imperative for gradual rethinking of the intellectual bases of skills for managing the business of government which will in turn inform the restructuring of the civil service cadres.

“Besides, this will demand the development of competencies catalogue and specification of the generic skills required by officers on each grade level in measure that serves as the basis for training, capacity development, career cum talent management, capacity utilization, leadership pipelining and succession planning “, he said.

The seasoned bureaucrat stressed that it was now urgent and critical for the civil service to strengthen strategic partnerships with non-state actors in the national economy.

He identified the most critical in this regard as the need to build civil servants commercial skills and exposure to the working of the private sector given their shared responsibility as the engine of growth of the economy.

Senator Ayogu Eze

Gideon Arinze

Reward for Exemplary Police Officers

In collaboration with Lenders Consult International, a topnotch security stakeholder, the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony was recently held in Abuja. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that beyond the need to reward exemplary police officers and other ranks, it was also a boost for police welfare as the president unveiled plans for the force

The maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony held in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, might have come and gone but its outstanding success continues to echo through time thanks to the collaboration with Lenders Consult International, formerly Matchmakers Consult International, led by Shina Philips, who also doubles as the President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, a football award platform in its 10th year that has consistently rewarded excellence and positively impacted the game in Nigeria.

With coordination from the Force PRO, ACP Adejobi Muyiwa, the evening started with documentary and speeches before the award proper.

At the award ceremony were the Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chairman, Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase; Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; former IGP, Chief Sunday Ehindero; Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Madori; Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Makki Yalleman; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja; former IGP, Chief Mike Okiro; former IGP, Baba Usman Alkali; Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji Ado Bayero; Customs CG, Bashir Adeniyi; and POWA President, Elizabeth Egbetokun, and other dignitaries from other security agencies including serving and retired senior officers, among others.

OVERARCHING OBJECTIVES

For the initiator of the award, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, the overaching objective for the police award was simple - reward and honour exemplary police officers to inspire them to do more and influence others to do better.

He said the ceremony was to recognise the steadfastness, dedication, and consistency exhibited by the officers in their duties to ensure the safety of the nation by diligently carrying out investigations, brought offenders to justice, delivered closure to victims and reinforced the rule of law, transforming justice from a mere concept into a tangible reality for all.

Noting that the Force “remains vigilant in sanctioning those who have acted unprofessionally or in violation of the code of conduct in the course of their duties”, the IG added that the awards was “a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility within law enforcement”.

BOOST FOR POLICE WELFARE

Whilst the importance of the award cannot be out ruled, it however shone light on the welfare of police men as was confirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who advocated for a complete overhaul of institutional mentality and memory of police officers as fundamental in his administration’s ongoing bid to transform the force into a modern, professional and accountable institution.

Stating that his administration had initiated wide-ranging reforms to revitalise the nation’s police force since assuming office in 2023, he stressed the need to engage men and women of the force in training and capacity-building to equip them with the expertise required to carry out the arduous task of modern policing.

He also unveiled the adoption of the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week as the National Police Day, just as he stressed that “we don’t see you as just the shields of the nation, we don’t see you as robots. This is why we are here; we are here to humanise you.

GOODWILL MESSAGES

Earlier in his speech, Senator Akpabio commended the IGP for recognising the hard work, resilience and patriotism of the officers and men of the Police Force, adding that the decision to celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes would pave the way for a

new Police Force in the country and weed out the bad ones.

In his remarks, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam said service is at the heart of the law enforcement profession and Police officers dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others, often

putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of their communities, thus Nigerians must recognise and appreciate the hard work and commitment of brave men and women who selflessly serve the people of Nigeria.

Also speaking, the CDS, General Musa said police officers have displayed unwavering courage, professionalism, and commitment to public safety in the face of challenges and adversity, as they go above and beyond the call of duty, often placing themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law, thus the award marked a significant milestone in recognising the exemplary service, and bravery demonstrated by our law enforcement officers.

Not left out was the PSC Chairman, IGP Arase (Rtd), who while commending the president for the support given thus far, advocated for improved welfare for the NPF, adding that enhanced wellbeing of the personnel would improve their overall performance in securing lives and property.

AWARDEES

Based on the recommendations of the Nigeria Police Force Awards Committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Bala Ciroma, the awardees were shelved in distinct categories, including crime posting side by client, community, policy, investigation, gallantry and integrity, communicating with the force. In no particular order, these nominees knocked others from the nomination list to clinch the award in their respective categories. They include CSP Odeyeyiwa Oladimeji who won Crime Buster of the Year; Grade III Alabi Kayode as Traffic Warden of the Year; Corporal Abbey Yetunde as Police Sportsman of the Year; and CP Muhammed Gumel as Community Policing Advocate of the Year.

Others include SP Haruna Abdullahi Kiyawa Kano State PPRO who won Police Public Relations Officer of the Year; ACP Dere Olalekan (Medical Officer, Ondo State Command) as Police Medical Personnel of the Year; ASP Nnamdi Egbunike as Cyber Crime Buster of the Year; SP Kasumu Oluropo as Investigator of the Year; and Inspector Onyia Everistus (State Criminal Investigation Department, Enugu Command) as Detective of the Year. Not left out were Patrol Team from 40 PMF (Taraba Command) who clinched the Patrol Team of the Ye ar; CSP Shaba Aliyu as Divisional Police Officer of the Year; ACP Muhammad Musa as Area Commander of the Year; ASP Madaki Emmanuel as Police Legal Officer of the Year; SP Elaigwu Augustine (Commander, Counter-Insurgency/Joint Operation FOB, Aguata Anambra Command) picked Award For Gallantry; SP Idris Ibrahim, SP Okoi Iferi (Counter Intelligence Unit) won Award For Integrity; and the biggest award for the night went to CP Olatunji Disu of Rivers State Police Command who deservedly won Commissioner of Police of the Year.

POSTHUMOUS SUPPORT

To put the cherry on the cake, the award organisers went a step further to showcase humanity by giving posthumous awards and financial support to the families of some deceased police officers. The support attracted extra N20 million from Kano State government; N20million from the Senate and N1million personal donation by the Senate President.

L-R: Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji Ado Bayero; PSC Chairman, IGP Solomon Arase (Rtd); Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf; POWA President, Elizabeth Egbetokun; Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Vice President Kashim Shettima; IGP Kayode Egbetokun; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Madori; Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Makki Yalleman; and the CDS, General CG Musa

Rivers CP, Tunji Disu with wife, Mrs.Olufunmilola Disu, after he won CP of the Year

FPRO, ACP Adejobi Muyiwa with DIG Frank Mba

IGP presenting an award to DIG Hafiz Inuwa (Rtd) while Mr. Shina Philips of Lenders Consult International looks on

Education Minister Applauds Etiquette Africa for Promoting

Civility,

Advancing Development in Africa

Precious Ugwuzor

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman has commended the conveners of the maiden edition of Etiquette Africa Conference and Exhibition for their dedication Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education towards promoting civility which he described as “an essential pillar upon which a prosperous society should be built.”

The Minister who was unavoidably absent (but represented) at the two-day event which held in Abuja recently said in his good will message to the organisers that the issue of incivility has remained critical but often gone unnoticed in discussions about Africa’s development. He was therefore hopeful that the conference would serve as a “catalyst for meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions with a view empowering individuals and communities to cultivate a culture of respect, understanding and cooperation.”

He described the theme of the Conference as being more

apt at this time in our history when the country “is charting a new course of rebirth in civility through the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As Nigeria plays a significant role in Africa’s socio-economic development, a rebirth of civility in this country will positively impact the African continent,” he enthused.

According to the Minister “incivility refers to disrespectful or rude behaviour, often characterised by a lack of consideration for others, disregard for social norms, and failure to maintain basic courtesy and decorum in interactions. It can manifest in various forms, such as verbal aggression, gender-based prejudice, disregard for regulations like disobedience to traffic codes, street hawking (especially on pedestrian bridges) and many other disruptive behaviours we see daily around us.”

He posited that incivility can occur in both personal, professional public or governance setting adding that incivility can impede Africa’s development in various ways.” These ways, he noted include the capacity to erode social cohesion thereby

fostering division and discord among communities, hindering collaboration and collective action towards common goals.

“It can also undermine governance by causing citizens’ trust in institutions and leaders to diminish, leading to instabilty and hampering effective governance. It can limit economic progress by hindering investments and business growth, as it creates an atmosphere of unpredictabilty and risk for both local and foreign investors.

“Incvility can also disrupt learning environments, affecting academic performance and the overall quality of education just as it has the capacity to diminish wel-being physical and mental health of its victims as a result of stress and anxiety it causes them.

This, he posited can utimately impact their productvity and general wellbeings. It can stifle creativity and innovation by creating an atmosphere of fear and inhibition, discouraging indviduals from expressing new ideas or taking risks.”

Prof. Mamman also declared that the efects of incivillty on Africa’s development are profound

and far-reaching, stating that “It is imperative that we recognize the importance of fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and collaboration if we are to overcome these challenges and unlock the continent’s full potential.”

The Education boss was however encouraging as according to him “amidst these challenges, there is hope. By fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and dialogue, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that impede Africa’s development. Investing in education, promoting transparency in governance, and empowering marginalized communities are essential steps towards building a more equitable and prosperous future for all,” he said.

He was however, not oblivious of the fact that overcoming the challenges may require, a multi-faceted approach which may include legal reforms, public education campaigns, through Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations, (which Etiquete Africa is taking the lead), educational institutions, and individuals.

Africa’s Tech Future: Daniel Oyeduntan Leads the Charge

Stories by Mary Nnah

Daniel Oyeduntan, a seasoned professional with about a decade of experience in data science and machine learning, is capturing the attention of the technology industry across EMEA.

Commencing his career as a Data Analyst at Linkage Assurance Plc in Nigeria, Daniel quickly distinguished himself by spearheading data analysis and insights extraction projects.

His innovative approach to automating reporting processes led to a 37% revenue increase in 2021, showcasing his ability to drive tangible business outcomes.

His time at Linkage Assurance Plc served as a springboard to his impactful career in Data Science.

Upon moving to Mastercard, the second-largest paymenttechnology corporation worldwide, he assumed the role of Senior Data Scientist. There, he developed datadriven products/features, achieving over 75% adoption rates within the first quarter of launch. Additionally, he led the deployment of an ML model that increased click-through rates by 20% and boosted sales revenues by 45%.

Transitioning to Kuda Bank in London as a Senior Data Analyst, Oyeduntan continued to excel, focusing on enhancing customer experience metrics

through cutting-edge machine learning models. His contributions to automating CX processes resulted in a 13% improvement in operations TAT and played a pivotal role in the successful development of the V2 app, which garnered over 17,000 downloads and a four-star rating.

Currently, as the Director of Data Science and AI at Unyte London, Oyeduntan’s leadership in AI-driven predictive modelling has revolutionized risk assessment and insurance optimisation. His achievements include crafting an AI-powered chatbot for enhanced customer interactions and leading datadriven initiatives that secured Unyte’s admission to the prestigious Tech Nation Libra

Program UK.

Commenting on his impact and achievements at Unyte, Oyeduntan highlighted, “Being able to pioneer transformative AI initiatives at Unyte has been a rewarding experience. I am passionate about harnessing data to drive meaningful change and innovation in the insurance sector. It’s not just about optimizing processes; it’s about fundamentally reshaping how we understand risk, engage with customers, and deliver value. Through our AI-driven approaches, we’ve been able to uncover insights that were previously unseen, leading to more tailored products, improved customer experiences, and ultimately, a stronger, more resilient insur-

ance ecosystem. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and collaborating to drive even greater impact in our industry.”

Speaking further on his expertise and impact in the data science industry, Fortunate Anozie, Chief Executive Officer, Unyte Limited stated, “Daniel Oyeduntan’s expertise in data science is unparalleled. His ability to blend advanced analytics with strategic insights has set new benchmarks in the industry, making him a true visionary in the field. His innovative approaches to problem-solving and his knack for uncovering actionable insights from complex datasets have earned him widespread recognition and acclaim. Daniel’s passion for data science is evident in every project he undertakes, as he continuously pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of datadriven decision-making. His dedication to advancing the field and his commitment to excellence make him a highly sought-after leader and collaborator in the industry.”

With a Master’s degree in data science from the University of Hertfordshire and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics & Statistics from the University of Lagos, Daniel combines academic rigour with practical expertise, making him a sought-after expert in the field.

Super Nannies Nigeria, NOUN Set to Improve Childcare Sector

Authorities of Super Nannies Nigeria and the National Open University of Nigeria have pledged to further lift the Nation’s education sector, especially in transforming the Childcare industry.

The partnership, they said, would enable them to provide an enhanced learning experience for the children.

This partnership, according to them, would bring together, the unique strength of the organizations towards driving innovation and delivering unparalleled values to learners.

In a press release signed by

the spokesperson of Super Nannies Nigeria, Mrs. Chika Nwuche, the collaboration of these two organisations is aimed at introducing a new era of possibilities that will set standards for excellence in the childcare industry.

“NOUN is a leading provider of distance education in Nigeria, known for its innovative solutions and exceptional teaching methods. By combining their expertise with Supernannies professional childcare program, we are confident that our learners will benefit from a more comprehensive and

seamless learning experience,” said Nwuche

According to her, “This partnership aims to enhance the caregiving profession, empowering Nigerians to embrace the role of caregivers while ensuring children receive educated and trained caregivers.

As part of the collaboration, Super Nannies Nigeria and NOUN will be launching a childcare program that will provide even greater value to learners. More details about this exciting new offering will be announced in the coming weeks.”

The partnership is anticipating a positive development that will go a long way to enhance the childcare community.

The Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and emphasized the university’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education.

In excitement within the childcare community, the collaboration between both organizations has got experts predicting the combined expertise as a groundbreaking advancement.

VIZO UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY GOLD TRADING, BILL SETTLEMENT, VIRTUAL TRADING APP

Precious Ugwuzor

A comprehensive, safe, and secured application for digital assets management and trading of actual gold has debuted on play store and iOS. It is called Vizo, formerly known as Zupago.

The app is also a wallet system that enables bill settlements and trading of digital assets.

This Nigerian created but globally recognized innovative app is set to revolutionalise digital payments and asset acquisition. Astatement signed by the digital assets exchange firm and signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olajide Abiola, said trading has since begun on the platform. Backed by partnership lincensed to trade Gold, the platform (Vizo) is the first digital wallet in Nigeria to enable individuals to buy and hold gold in small fractions and increments as a store of value in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“This means that users can buy as little as 1 gram. When they do, the actual physical Gold equivalent is deposited with the bank as a pool. It is the first gold digital trading platform that is backed by real Gold. So far, users have begun to give impressive and positive feedback regarding their experiences.”

Vizo also enables tokenization and redemption of virtual gift cards.

Other services offered by the platform include: facilitation and the enabling of fund transfers in and out of bank accounts.

Meanwhile, security and safety are critical to the platform this is why it validates the identity of users. The app requires proper identity authentication and verification of its users, ensuring safety and security for all. The KYC system is seamless and top of the range, adhering to global best practices and national regulatory compliances, Gazakir Bashir, the Head of Finance stated.

For virtual currency users, Vizo incorporates a digital wallet for crypto related transactions with one of the fastest processing times.

“You can purchase airtime and pay your electricity bills via the platform as all DisCos are on it,” Mr Abiola said. The App can be downloaded on both the Google Play store and Apple App store through the https://vizo.app/.

AYATO! GOLDBERG SHOWCASES UNIQUE BEAUTY OF OUR CULTURE AT THE AMVCA 10TH EDITION

The AMVCA Cultural Day was a spectacular celebration of Africa’s vibrant heritage, with fashion, performances, food, and exhibitions taking centre stage in Lagos. At the heart of this cultural extravaganza was Goldberg, the Premium Lager Beer that champions African culture, presenting the highly coveted Best Dressed Award Category.

As a brand deeply rooted inAfrican traditions, Goldberg proudly honoured Neo and Venita Akpofure with the Best Dressed Male and Female awards. The stylish duo stunned in their exquisite Itsekeri regalia, effortlessly embodying the essence of African elegance. Their impeccable looks earned them a well-deserved 1 Million Naira each, courtesy of the brand.

The AMVCA Cultural Day was a true feast for the senses, as it brought together dignitaries from various industries, including Nollywood actors, musicians, and fashion designers. The attendees’ outfits were a stunning display of Africa’s diverse fashion heritage, seamlessly blending traditional elements with modern flair.

Yemi Cregz’s ensemble beautifully combined the traditional embroidery of the Yoruba Aso Oke and Fila with the South-South wrapper style, while Sofia Chisom exuded regal charm in the beaded Ewu-ivie Edo cap. Tana Adelana and Tomike Adeoye brought the Northern Nigerian spice, representing the Hausa and Fulani tribes with their stunning ensembles. And Alex Ekubo kept his Igbo outfit simple yet regal, a true embodiment of African sophistication.

Kunle Aroyehun, Goldberg’s Senior Brand Manager, expressed his delight at the brand’s involvement in showcasing the unique beauty of African culture at the 10th AMVCA. “We are delighted to not just present the Best Dressed award to the Omoluabis- Neo and Venita, who look incredible while honouring their Itsekiri ancestry, but also to be part of this celebration which captures the essence of African Fashion in all its diversity and splendour for which Goldberg stands for,” he said.

THE WAIT IS OVER, SAHEED OSUPA PERFORMS AT NEON NIGHT

Mary Nnah

After a long absence from the Nigerian music scene, the undisputed King of Fuji Music, Saheed Osupa, is set to thrill his fans live on stage at the prestigious RM Hall Magodo, Lagos, on Saturday, 18th May 2024. The much-anticipated show, Neon Night with Osupa Saheed, promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of the Fuji legend. Saheed Osupa’s return to the stage is a highly anticipated event, and his fans have been eagerly waiting for this moment. The show’s organisers have ensured that maximum security measures are in place to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. This edition of Neon Night will feature Saheed Osupa performing alongside other popular artists, including the fast-rising Suave, known for his hit single “Omalicha.” This will be the first time Saheed Osupa will perform in Lagos since his return to Nigeria, and fans are ecstatic about the opportunity to see their favourite Fuji king live on stage.

According to Olabanji Adelana, Lawbell Manager in Nigeria, the Canadian entertainment company packaging the show is fully prepared to deliver an exceptional experience. “No stone will be left unturned to ensure that this show is a success,” he assured.

Africa’s Tech Future ... Daniel Oyeduntan leads

UBA Africa CEO Advocates for Funding, Partnerships to Boost Infrastructure Development in Africa

In a bid to address the critical need for infrastructure development across the continent, the Executive Director and CEO, UBA Africa, Mrs. Abiola Bawuah, has emphasized the importance of securing funding and forging strategic partnerships.

While acknowledging the pivotal role that infrastructure plays in driving economic growth and enhancing livelihoods on the continent, she underscored the urgency for concerted efforts to address the continent’s infrastructure deficit. Speaking in a panel discussion on infrastructure development in Africa, during the launch of the 2025 Africa Prosperity Dialogue, Bawuah highlighted the presence of regional, commercial, and development banks in Africa which, according to her, could offer the needed support for infrastructure financing to propel growth in Africa.

She stressed the importance of

collaboration among all financial stakeholders towards pooling funds for Africa’s development, just as she took time to highlight UBA’s contribution to infrastructure development over the years in Africa, including Ghana, and expressed the bank’s willingness to partner with governments and other entities to drive Africa’s development agenda with regards to closing the infrastructure gap in Africa.

She also emphasized the need for sustainable funding mechanisms, adding, “Our quest for good infrastructure like roads, railways, telecoms, etc. must be paid for, and therefore we must demonstrate the ability to pay for the funding,” she stated as she cited UBA’s financing of a $300 million road project in southern Africa, which is sustained through tolling mechanisms.

Bawuah also called for dialogues aimed at reducing funding costs to make lending

more viable for banks and urged the African Prosperity Network (APN) to convene discussions between banks, the Bank of Ghana, the Business Community, and other stakeholders to achieve this goal.

She also advocated for a review of Stock Exchanges in Africa, noting their underperformance and suggesting improvements to better support infrastructure development initiatives across Africa with long-term funds.

The panel discussion also featured prominent Personalities including the Group CEO of Telecel, Moh Damush, the Director-General of SSNIT, Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Marfo, and Hon. John Peter Amewu, Minister for Railway Development in Ghana, emphasizing the collaborative efforts needed from various sectors to drive infrastructure development in order to harness the opportunities that abound in Africa.

Abbey Mortgage Bank Cleared of Insider Trading Allegations

Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc has been cleared of allegations regarding insider trading during a closed period, as initially stated in the Nigerian Exchange’s X-Compliance Report.

After a review of the circumstances surrounding the case, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) has decided not to enforce any penalties against the bank.

The initial report, dated May 10, had implied a breach of Rule 17:18, which governs the period of closure for trading activities by insiders who possess material, non-public information.

Such periods are critical in maintaining market integrity and investor trust. However, upon closer examination and considering the explanations provided by Abbey Mortgage Bank, the NGX concluded that there was no substantial violation warranting a penalty.

Instead of a penalty, the NGX has mandated that Abbey Mortgage Bank attend a compliance training session, which is intended to reinforce adherence to regulatory standards and further ensure the bank’s commitment to best practices in corporate governance.

This training, costing N1,230,180, highlights the NGX’s dedication to education and compliance over punitive measures.

Abbey Mortgage Bank, a leader in the Nigerian mortgage sector since its incorporation in August 1992, has continually demonstrated resilience and stability.

With strategic growth initiatives, such as the addition of a significant investor in 2020, the bank has shown remarkable progress, including a 250% increase in customer deposits from N6 billion to N21 billion in 2021 and shareholders’ funds exceeding N8.5 billion.

SFS REIT Records 70% Income Growth, Proposes N14.50 Dividends

Dike Onwuamaeze

The SFS Real Estate Investment Trust (SFS REIT) has announced 70 per cent increase in its net income for the 2023 financial year, alongside a proposed dividend of N14.50 per share, which is the highest in its 17-year history.

This announcement was made by Managing Director and CEO of SFS Capital Limited, Mr. Patrick Ilodianya, who oversees the SFS REIT, formerly known as Skye Shelter Fund.

“Between 2022 and 2023, SFS REIT experienced a remarkable 70 per cent growth in net income. Concurrently, dividend payouts also surged by 71.60 per cent,” Ilodianya stated.

He emphasised that despite facing challenging market conditions, SFS REIT has consistently delivered robust performance

since its inception.

Ilodianya highlighted that the proposed N14.50 per share dividend would mark a historic high for the fund.

According to him, “an investor who purchased SFS REIT shares at N77 on January 1, 2023, the current share price of N101.35 represents a capital appreciation of 31.62 per cent.

“The dividend payout translates to an 18.83% return on the initial share price, culminating in an estimated total return of over 50% annually.”

Ilodianya stressed that the current dividend payout is not only unprecedented but also a sign of continued strong performance, with no decline anticipated in the near future. “We foresee SFS REIT continuing to deliver higher dividends moving forward,” he added.

He also noted that the SFS

REIT has maintained an “A” credit rating from an SECapproved rating agency for over a decade, with aspirations to achieve an “AA” rating in future evaluations, reflecting the fund’s significantly enhanced performance.

The SFS REIT strategically invests in multiple units within organised and efficiently managed residential estates along the expanding Lekki corridor. Notable investments include Milverton Court Estate, Victoria Crest Estate, Sapphire Gardens Estate, and Cromwell Court Estate.

Ilodianya reaffirmed the SFS Capital’s commitment to real estate investment as a dependable avenue. “Real estate returns remain stable, adjust to inflation, and consistently appreciate under skilled fund managers,” he said.

FG Lists N4.214bn Savings Bonds On NGX

The federal government has listed its April 2024 Savings Bonds worth N4.214 billion on the Nigerian Exchange Limited platform. This was disclosed in the market bulletin signed by the Head, Issuers Regulation Department of NGX, Godstime Iwenekhai.

According to the bulletin, “Trading License Holders are hereby notified that the April 2024 Issue of the Fed-

eral Government of Nigeria (FGN) Savings Bonds was listed on Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on May 13, 2024.”

Details of the Bonds include FGS April 2026, 1.228 million units valued at N1.228 billion at a coupon rate of 17.046%, while FGS April 2027, 2.986 million units amounted to N2.986 billion at a coupon rate of 18.046%.

MARKET INDICATORS

The bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government of Nigeria and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria, according to the debt office.

FGN Savings Bond is issued monthly in tenors of two and three years with quarterly payment of coupons (interest) at a rate predetermined and published by the DMO every month.

Chief Executive Officer, Ladybird Limited, Bunmi Oke; Assistant Manager, Digital & Media, Chivita Hollandia, Edidiong Andem; Manager Corporate Communications Seplat Energy, Stanley Opara at the presentation of Juice Brand of the year Award for Chivita Active at the 5th Edition of Industry Summit Award recently held in Lagos…recently

Kayode Tokede

Seplat Energy Recommits to Growing Shareholders Value, Sustainability

Kayode Tokede

The management of Seplat Energy Plc, yesterday recommitted itself to growing shareholders value, company’s sustainability at its virtual 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Seplat Energy’s shareholders at the AGM approved the payment of a total dividend of US 15 cents by the Company as recommended by the Board. This comprises a special

dividend of US 3 cent per share for the 2023 business year aside the core dividend of US 12 cent per share.

In his address to shareholders and other stakeholders during the AGM, Chairman of the Board, Seplat Energy, Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, provided insights into the company’s financial performance for 2023, highlighting Seplat Energy’s robust financial results, including an 11.5 per cent increase

in total revenue to $1,061.3 million, crossing the $1.0 billion mark for the first time.

Udoma said: “We delivered a strong set of results in 2023, against a weaker oil price environment. Despite the 17per cent decline in average price of Brent crude, we grew our oil and gas revenue by 11.5per cent to $1,061.3 million, crossing the $1.0 billion mark for the first time, supported by improved production and

asset availability. We also made significant progress on several of our growth projects, showing a willingness to not just deliver value today but to plan for tomorrow.

“Our average daily production also increased by 8.3per cent in 2023, to 47,758 boepd (barrels of oil equivalent per day), from 44,104 bopd in 2022, with revenue from oil and gas sales for 2023 rising to 11.5per cent to $1,061.3 million

from $952.0 million in 2022. This excludes the reported $98.9 million overlift. We also completed 14 new wells across our operated and non-operated assets.”

Furthermore, the CEO of Seplat Energy, Mr. Roger Brown, reiterated the Company’s commitment to sustainability and energy transition, outlining Seplat Energy’s initiatives to increase its contribution to Nigeria’s power sector by

providing lower carbon and renewable energy solutions. He said: “As Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy company, we recognise our duty to minimise the impact of our operations on the environment. We aim to create increasingly sustainable energy solutions to provide access and meet increasing energy demand, while addressing the critical challenge of climate change for society and our business.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MAY 16 /24

NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON PREVENTING TERRORISM FINANCING...

L-R: Charge de Affairs, Embassy of France in Nigeria, Dean- Francios Hasperue; Spokesman, House of Representative, Akin Rotimi; Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy (CISLAC), Musa Rafsanjani; Chairman, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede and Chairman, ICPC, Musa Aliyu, SAN, during a multi- stakeholder national dialogue on preventing terrorism financing, organised by CISLAC in Abuja ... yesterday

OIC African First Ladies Unite to Combat Cancer

Mrs Tinubu hosts 3rd regional seminar

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

First Ladies from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation African (OIC) member-states have agreed to join forces to accelerate cancer prevention and treatment, with a focus on promoting early detection and treatment. This united effort was brought to the fore Thursday at the Third

Regional Seminar on Cancer Awareness, hosted by wife of the Nigerian president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Abuja.

The seminar, attended by First Ladies from African member-states of OIC, aimed to share knowledge and mobilise resources to combat cancer, particularly breast and cervical cancer, among women.

Presenting situation reports on cancer management in their various countries, First Ladies from OIC African member states, including Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Islamic Republic of Mauritania, emphasised the need to forge alliances and raise awareness on the deadly disease.

In a statement issued by the Nigerian first lady’s

spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu emphasised the need to reverse the grim statistics of cancer prevalence in Nigeria, which had seen 127,763 new cases and 79,542 deaths in the past year alone. She said while President Bola Tinubu had fully taken up the diagnostic and treatment components of cancer care, she could lead

FG Committed to Fight against Jagged Edges of Fake News Syndrome

EFCC launches new radio station

Kingsley Nweze in Abuja Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said yesterday that the federal government was committed to the fight against the jagged edges of the fake news syndrome.

Idris said all efforts should be geared towards fighting it.

The comments came as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, denounced the scourge of fake news and its attendant disservice to the country.

The duo spoke at the launch of the EFCC Radio at the headquarters of the commission in Jabi, Abuja.

The minister praised the initiative of a radio station by the commission, explaining that it would empower it to fight false narratives, fake news, and jaundiced presentation of its works.

Idris said, "As a minister, we feel very glad for this step, because we put too much focus on catching people rather than advocacy, enlightenment

and sensitisation.

"I am happy now that we are making the right step in the right direction because nobody can tell a story better than you are, so fake news and misinformation are things we need to come together and fight by putting out facts so that the right information can be out there and radio is the simplest way of reaching the larger audience.”

He assured the EFCC of increased support and collaboration in the working of the radio station and other works of the commission.

The minister said, “Be rest assured, we will do our best to ensure you achieve your goals of informing, enlightening and sanitising, I am happy we have the EFCC joining us to achieve this. My principal role is to see that information is given accurately, I will urge other stations to support you too.”

On his own part, Olukoyede went down memory lane concerning the conception and crystallisation of the idea of a radio station for the commission, describing its

commissioning as a milestone.

He denounced the scourge of fake news and its attendant disservice to the works of the EFCC, maintaining that the radio station would help the commission tell its own stories more accurately.

Idris said, “Communication

offers us stronger weapons for breaking half-truths, lies, insinuations and other distortions of the works we do. Indeed, with our own radio station, we are in a better position to tell our stories, factually, ungarnished and unspun.”

the advocacy to promote innovative approaches to cancer prevention and early detection.

She expressed her commitment to promoting innovative approaches to cancer prevention and early detection, with a focus on reducing late presentation and improving treatment outcomes.

According to her, “My major interest is to reduce the prevalence of late presentation in order to improve treatment outcomes.

“Reports from various cancer registries in the country, which has been corroborated by Globocan Data reports, showed that there were 127,763 new cancer cases and 79,542 deaths within the year and also, the prevalent cases of cancer over a period of five years in the country, stood at 269,109.

"Globocan shows that cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer among women in Nigeria. Fortunately, it is preventable and curable when detected

early. This has led to my stand in championing preventive measures and early detection approach to all preventable and curable cancers in Nigeria.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, emphasised the need to enact a National Cancer Act. Abbas said with the first ladies taking the lead in the advocacy, he was assured that the outcome would be more positive.

Worried by the cumulative toll of cancer on the continent, First Lady of Turkey, Emine Erdogan, urged Africans to promote good dietary system and leverage their rich medicinal resources.

After the seminar, which had the technical session on Wednesday, there was the Abuja Declaration that had resolutions, including Improved funding, heightened advocacy, and improved collaboration between member states.

The resolutions, signed by the first ladies, were read by Mrs. Tinubu.

Adeniyi Decorates Newly Confirmed Customs Management Team Members

James Emejo in Abuja Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, has decorated 13 members of the customs management team with their new ranks, while urging them to redouble their commitment and dedication to the service.

According to a statement issued by Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, Adeniyi decorated five Deputy Comptrollers-General and eight Assistant Comptrollers-General following the approval of their appointments by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) on May 14, 2024.

The statement said the

appointments and approvals followed due process of the Federal Character Commission's laws and principles of seniority.

“Most importantly, their appointment was in view of their exemplified dedication and commitment to the service," the statement said.

Shortly before decorating the 13 newly promoted officers, the CGC charged them to redouble their devotion and determination to promote the Nigeria Customs Service selflessly.

While urging them to intensify their contribution to revenue generation and trade facilitation, as well as the fight against smuggling, the CGC enjoined the new heads of departments to

ensure they had a shared vision on how to fulfil the mandate of each department.

Adeniyi told the newly decorated officers, "I must emphasise, as usual, that this level of your placement in the service requires your utmost discipline at all times. You must conduct yourselves in a manner that sets a good example for the officers behind you."

The decorated DCGs included Suleiman Bomai as DCG/ Commander Training and Doctrine Command; Bello Jibo as DCG in charge of Enforcement Inspection and Investigation; Beatrice Nwafor as DCG in charge of Excise, Free Trade Zone and Industrial Incentives;

and Caroline Niagwan as DCG Tariff and Trade.

The newly confirmed Assistant Comptrollers-General of Customs were Baba Imam as ACG Board, Adekunle Oloyode as ACG Trade and Tariff, and Sambo Dangaladima as ACG/ Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘B’. Abdulrazaq Abdulazeez was made ACG/Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘D’, with Sai'du Yusuf as ACG Human Resource Development. Others were NP Umoh as ACG Training and Doctrine Command, Charles Obih as ACG/Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘C’, and Ciroma Sulaiman as ACG Strategic Research and Policy.

ENOCK REUBEN

MEETING ON STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT...

Senate Panel Recommends Suspension of New Power Tariff

The Senate Committee on Power yesterday recommended the suspension of the planned hike in the electricity tariff, after the Chairman of the panel, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, presented the report at plenary.

Majority of the senators who contributed to the debate commended the panel and urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend its implementation.

Further deliberations on the issue was however stepped down because it is currently before a Federal High Court in Kano.

The Committee in the report, recommended among others, that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory

as Lawmakers Halt Deliberations

Commission (NERC) should suspend the ongoing implementation of the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2024.

The MYTO as released by the NERC, had approved over 200 per cent upward review of the previous tariffs from N68/kWh to N225/kWh.

The Senate panel said the suspension would allow for robust consultation with customers on the various bands on the cost of service instead of heavy reliance on feeder location and duration of service which are difficult to determine and monitor.

The panel also recommended that the NERC should ensure full compliance with the mandatory requirement of stakeholder consultation under Section 48 of the Electricity Act, 2023 regarding

Carnival Calabar 2024 Promises Unparalleled Opportunities for Partners - Gov’s Aide

The 20th edition of the renowned Carnival Calabar is set to offer sponsors an unprecedented level of exposure and engagement, according to the event's organisers.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, yesterday, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Event Management and Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Effiong Ekpenyong, revealed that this year's edition has been infused with diverse activities to make it more captivating and rewarding for partners and attendees alike.

Ekpenyong emphasised that the carnival has grown significantly since its inception, with a substantial increase in viewership and global reach.

"We started with DSTV showing our event for one day, but now we have seven days of coverage, reaching over 40 countries and attracting more than 50 million viewers. Our mileage is second to none, and we assure sponsors that partnering with us will be a decision they won't regret”, he said.

The theme for this year's carnival, "Our Shared Prosperity," reflects the event's focus on unity, love, and community empowerment.

Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, highlighted the significance of the

theme, stating that it represents the state's commitment to sharing peace, love, and prosperity with visitors from around the world.

Onah emphasised that the Carnival Calabar has endured for two decades due to the government's and community's dedication. He identified the three sustainable pillars of the carnival as the product, community, and stakeholders, stressing the importance of love and ownership in driving the event's success.

The Chief Executive Officer of the marketing firm for Carnival Calabar, Okhma, Mary Ephraim-Egbas, expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to market the event.

She emphasised the theme of "shared prosperity" and the aim to share value, love, and gratitude with partners and attendees. She also acknowledged the support of partners like FirstBank, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and GAC Motors, and welcomed new partners to join the "shared prosperity" story.

With an expected attendance of two million people over 32 days, Carnival Calabar 2024 promises to be a remarkable experience for sponsors, partners, and attendees. The event offers a unique platform for brands to connect with a vast audience, making it an unparalleled opportunity for partners to share in the prosperity and success of the carnival.

future regulatory decisions to avoid a repeat of the confusion and public outcry that trailed the recent tariff increase.

Other recommendations were:

"That the Ministry of Power and NERC should in the meantime adopt measures to address the problem of power scarcity holistically rather than its preoccupation with price manipulation which has proven to be counterproductive.

"That NERC should hold the Discos accountable on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including failure to deliver on capital expenditure and operating expenditure allocations, customer metering obligation under the Electricity Act, 2023, essential customer service obligations including customer sensitisation, implementation of energy credits for customers who invested in transformers meters and other assets on the Disco networks.

"That rate designs should only be cost-reflective if proper account is taken of the relevant macroeconomic environment that determine the affordability of electricity to the different segments of the market.

"That the federal government metering intervention should be encouraged and intensified to address current metering gap of 6.3 million.

"This must be pursued by the federal government without prejudice

to the statutory obligation of Discos to meter their customers as provided under Section 68(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2023.

"In this regard, Mr. President should be commended for the introduction of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI).”

It further advised the Ministry of Power to intensify efforts towards honouring the subsisting contract with Ziklagsis Networks Ltd (ZNL) for

the manufacture, supply, installation, management and maintenance of Pre-Paid Meters (PPMs) in Nigeria.

"It should also intensify efforts on the recent Tripartite Metering Project Consortium Agreement between ZNL and De-Haryor Global Services Limited and the Nigerian Army dated September7, 2023 which was signed by ZNL for the metering of Army Barracks and other Military Facilities or in the alternative refund

the initial funding to the Federal Government.

"That vigorous implementation of power decentralisation provided for under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) and the Electricity Act, 2023 to relieve the Federal Government of the pressure to electrify every nook and cranny of this country should be encouraged,” the senate added.

Zamfara: DHQ Declares Rogue Goldmine Owner from Niger Republic Wanted

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The military high command, yesterday, declared terrorist leader and illegal owner of a gold mine in Zamfara State, Halilu Buzu, wanted.

Buzu hails from Buzu in Republic of Niger.

It said the fugitive gold miner and cattle rustler, settled in Subbubu Forest and lives in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.

At a media briefing in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Edward Buba, said "his camp and illegal gold mine are located at Kawayi in Anka LGA of Zamfara State, where he has a lot of boys working for him".

Buba said "Halilu is a major arms supplier, trusted by arms dealers from supplying arms from Libya. When, troops close in on him, he moves across the border into Republic of Niger for refuge.

"At this time, we are through appropriate channels calling on the Nigerian authorities to apprehend and hold him accountable for his atrocities.

"These category of terrorists are relentlessly targeted by troops, such that we will be able to strike them out and take them off the battlefield as soon as possible", he said.

Buba declared: "It clear that the fate of the terrorist perpetrating insecurity in our nation will be

violent and short. Troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield.

He troops launched manhunt for senior terrorist leadership, who were of operational importance in terms of coordination of the terrorist attacks against troops and citizens.

"Troops are also hunting those that of symbolic value including all those declared wanted", he said. He said troops were actively fighting in various theatres of operation across the country and focused on destroying both the military capability as well as the will to fight of the terrorist and their cohorts across the country.

FCCPC Seals Warehouse in Ekiti Over Deceptive Batch Numbers, Fake SON Barcoding, Others

A warehouse in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital, has been sealed off by Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for distributing goods the commission described as deceptive and misleading batch numbers, fake SON barcoding, among others.

Speaking with journalists at the premises of the warehouse in AdoEkiti, Director of Surveillance and Investigations of FCCPC, Boladale Adeyinka, said the agency acted on intelligence report that their activities violate consumers' safety.

According to her, during inspection of products in the warehouse, they discovered obnoxious business practices that are contrary to the FCCPA Act were being carried out.

While calling on Nigerians to give out intelligence report on any harmful business practices in the state, she said investigations will still continue to trace the products to the manufacturer and hold them accountable.

Her words: "The commission received an intelligent tip regarding what is going on within this business premises and we did our surveillance activities to scope the intelligence. Upon reasonable suspicions that those activities going on here violate consumers’ safety, violate the provisions of the FCCPA Act, particularly on safety of consumers’ product that are being sold here.

"The quality of the product that are being sold here, as well as the labeling standard in requirement for such vast moving consumers’

product. We decided to inspect the premises and to search the premises and confirm such obnoxious business practices that are contrary to the FCCPA Act here in Ado Ekiti.

"This business is a big warehouse, it has about four or five warehouses that are stocked with vast moving consumers goods. We discovered that the batch numbers on the way bill of the supply from the company and the product that were offloaded were not the same.

"None of the batch numbers identified on the waybill matches the actual products that are in the warehouse. We are unable to confirm the source of those products as the products itself do not have manufacturer’s batch number, even though it has expiry dates on them.

"We met with the supplier in

the factory who identified himself as the sales rep. We also interviewed the driver that brought the product allegedly from the company. They both identified the way bill they were given from the company and all the way bill information does not tally in any way with the product supplied to this business premises.

"We have reasonable suspicions that those products are not the products from the factory because the way bill is contrary to the actual product on ground. Again, the SON scan code that we used to verify the authenticity of the scanned SON numbers products authentication mark, declared the product invalid meaning that the product identification mark originally given to those products is not what is on the product in this premises.

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Mary Nnah

L-R: Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu and Consul General of France Embassy to Nigeria, Mr. Laurent Favier, during a meeting on strategic partnership for sports development in Lagos State at the diplomat's office in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria yesterday.

NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL MEETING...

Our Administration is Transparent with Nation’s Financial Dealings, Shettima Says

Rallies support for MSMEs, declares they’re backbone of nation's economy

Canvasses proactive flooding measures

To chair dialogue on gains of Tinubu's one year in office

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has said the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has performed well in its fiscal responsibilities and management, saying the administration has maintained transparency in financial dealings.

He cited the recent ranking by global credit rating agency, Fitch, which upgraded Nigeria’s credit outlook to positive, describing it as a reflection of increasing confidence in the nation’s economy.

Shettima, who spoke yesterday during the 141st meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the State House, Abuja, declared: "There is no doubt that this government has demonstrated transparency in its financial dealings and protections.

“Therefore, it is not surprising that just a few days ago, Fitch Ratings upgraded Nigeria’s credit outlook to positive, citing reform progress under President Tinubu.

“This reflects the increasing

confidence in our economic trajectory, especially in light of policy changes aimed at reducing our debt service burden,” he stated.

NEC also had members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in attendance to “shed light on the accountability index and their ranking of states on public financial management (PFM).”

This, the vice-president said, would guide the government at all levels to adjust their “finances and planning for the rainy days based on realistic projections.”

NEC deliberated on the general state of the economy and resolved to do more to improve the situation across the country, especially supporting the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Urging Council members to assess the administration’s journey so far and acknowledge the impact of their decisions, Shettima drew attention to the nation’s MSMEs, describing them as the backbone of the country’s economy.

Edniesal Consulting Announces CIO C-Suite Awards for African Tech Driven Innovations

The Edniesal Consulting Limited (ECL) has announced the launch of the 5th edition of the CIO and C-Suite Awards Africa.

The ECL said that the award is a prestigious event dedicated to recognising and celebrating those who have driven remarkable innovations through technology across Africa. It said: “The awards honour executive leaders who have leveraged technology to achieve extraordinary business outcomes and foster innovation within their organisations.”

In furtherance of the award, a press conference would be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, to provide further details about the awards, the nomination process, and the event’s agenda.

In addition, a call for nomination for the awards would be made in June 2024 while the awards ceremony would hold on Saturday,

November 30, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Lagos, Nigeria.

In addition, there would be two sessions, a conference, which would dovetail into the awards ceremony proper, bringing together industry leaders and innovators from across the continent.

Last year, according to ECL, the awards extended the recognition of excellence from Nigeria to five other African countries.

But this year’s edition will cover 11 countries in Africa, namely Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, Egypt and Zambia.

The ECL said that the awards would highlight the achievements of leaders who have made significant contributions to their industries.

“Awards will be presented in various categories, reflecting different aspects of technological innovation and leadership excellence,” it said.

“As we plan for stability, we must remember that the backbone of our economy isn't solely comprised of our big corporations. While these entities play a vital role in tracking the nation’s productivity and employment data, it is our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that should keep us awake at night.

“Accounting for about 96% of all businesses in the country and contributing 49% of the national GDP, MSMEs are the backbone of our economy. The past few months of our efforts to mend the economy have caused disruptions that have sent

shockwaves throughout the industry.

“We cannot afford to ignore this reality; immediate intervention is essential to mitigate the damage and ensure their survival,” he pointed out.

To achieve the president’s promise to create jobs and eradicate poverty, Shettima noted that access to capital must be a central driver of the target.

“Therefore, our agenda today revolves around the ongoing and proposed interventions we have designed to support our small businesses.

“Whether it is addressing the inflationary impacts of the inevitable

solutions proposed to save the economy or tackling the issue of high-interest rates at our financial institutions, our focus is on ensuring the survival and prosperity of these enterprises,” he said.

Shettima underscored the role of digital technology in the growth and sustainability of small businesses, tipping Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) as “a work in progress to upscale these businesses.

“The potential of our creative and digital economic sector is vast, and iDICE presents an opportunity to

explore it and offer our people an advantage to compete fairly with their counterparts from other parts of the world,” he explained. Shettima also called for proactive measures in tackling flooding this year, cautioning that incident reports of Nigeria’s vulnerability to flooding in 2024 were such that it required constant vigilance and preparedness.

“We cannot afford to be caught off guard by a disaster that we are all too familiar with, one that has devastated various communities across the nation, including our urban centers.

Amaechi Dismisses Report on Link with Otti, Says It’s Disingenuous, Lazy Journalism

Former Minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed as a disingenuous and lazy brand of journalism, a recent report by an online news portal, which insinuated that the reason he was hobnobbing with the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, was because he was idle.

The online report with the header: “Is Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, an Employee of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti” had claimed that since leaving office as minister, Amaechi had found a new home at both the private and official residences of Otti.

But Amaechi, who snickered at the report and queried the depth of the reporter, stated in a press release that, if he allowed such

deliberate snide remarks to slide, other equally demeaning concoctions could creep in with time and become the truth of “the truly lazy lot, who have nothing good to do with their lives and times.”

For the record, the former Rivers State governor, said, “I have only seen Alex thrice since I left office. Once, at his inauguration and the other two times, at mine, when he visited, including at my recent graduation. That cancels out the first lie.

“But in case the lazy and inane reporter would like to know, Alex and I had been friends since our university days. He was a year, my junior. We were all members of the Marxist Movement of Nigeria and also Youth Solidarity of Southern Africa and Nigeria under NANS

(National Association of Nigerian Students).

“Thus, since my time as both the Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, our friendship had continued and in fact, he had been asking me lately to go and observe some rest because he thought I looked tired. But I think that’s because I’d been studying hard lately.

“Another former governor that I share similar relationship with is Senator Simon Lalong of Plateau State, whose elections I supported with everything a good friend possibly could and he, too, remains my friend.

“So, staying off the radar of the current political misfortune is deliberate, especially since I am very busy with my academics at the moment. I’m currently writing

examinations and therefore do not have the time for frivolities.

“If the reporter’s concern is that I am not talking, maybe partly because I am truly unhappy with the Nigerian citizens for their docility and the nation in general.

“But, certainly, not a cowardly choice. Let me state very clearly and also for the record, no one can chase me out of my state, Rivers, not even the intrepid nuisance currently strutting the stage. Far from it.

“Taken together, I don’t know if that report is as a result of poor training or deliberate mischief. But, whichever it is, the individual needs to also consider the integrity and credibility of his platform before trading on the alter gaudy giftings.”

Insecurity: Conference of Speakers Endorses State Police, Wants It Prioritised

Urges

Tinubu to undertake measures to ameliorate current hardship

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Conference of Speakers of the 36 state Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, yesterday, threw their weight behind the agitation for the establishment of multi-level police, and urged the National Assembly to prioritise it in the current constitution review exercise.

The speakers, who contended that it was the best way to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, however, urged

President Bola Tinubu to undertake further measures to ameliorate the current hardship in the country.

The lawmakers said the hardship became intense following the removal of fuel subsidy and other economic policies.

The speakers made the call in a communique issued at the end of their meeting in Abuja, and signed by their Chairman, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, the Oyo State speaker. Part of the Communique read,

"The Conference strongly advocates for state policing to check the negative trend of insecurity in our country. "To achieve this, the Conference appeals to the National Assembly, Presidency and other relevant stakeholders to leverage on the ongoing constitution review exercise."

The Conference acknowledged the courage of the president on his economic policies taken so far,

such as the removal of petroleum product subsidy and the floating of the exchange rate. The speakers noted that "the unintended consequences of these policies are too harsh on the populace. "We, therefore, urge the federal government and state governments to initiate sustainable policies with equal measure of courage to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

L-R: Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; and the Minister of state for Petroluem Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, at the National Economic Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja….yesterday

GODWIN OMOIGUI

Dike Onwuamaeze

INAUGURATION OF SONY CENTRE AT JARA ORE IKEJA...

Ohanaeze Warns Obi, Says His Pursuit of Northern Links Risky for Igbo Presidency

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, that his relentless pursuit of Northern connections posed inherent risks and uncertainties to the realisation of Igbo presidency.

The group, which advised Obi to learn from history, stressedthat alliance with some opposition leaders in the Northern might not guarantee his presidential ambition in 2027.

In a statement by the Secretary General of the group, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the body noted that alliance of leaders of the opposition parties and potential merger of existing parties as spearheaded by by Obi's confidant, Prof. Pat Utomi, to sack President Bola Tinubu in 2027 was charged with anticipation.

"The recent political maneuvers of former Anambra Governor and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, have stirred both surprise and scrutiny among Nigerians and Ndigbo. Mr. Obi's deliberative visits to key Northern figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Jigawa Governor Dr. Sule Lamido, hint at potential opposition party alignments aimed at unseating President Tinubu in 2027.

"The Northern political

establishment, religious scholars, and traditional institutions harbor reservations towards Mr. Obi for several notable reasons. Firstly, his failure to clearly address the issue of Biafra Agitation and enunciate a definitive stance on the matter has left the Northern elites hesitant about endorsing an Igbo presidency.

"Secondly, questions abound concerning the substantive benefits that the North stands to gain from Mr. Obi's self-reliant and self-assured political approach, especially when contrasted with the impactful empowerment endeavors undertaken by figures like President Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

"Thirdly, the North is bewildered as

to why Mr. Obi has shifted his focus from his historical support bases such as the Southeast, Middle Belt, and Niger Delta regions, redirecting his efforts towards soliciting acceptance in the Northwest and Northeast areas," Ohanaeze Ndigbo stated.

The apex body, therefore, implored Mr Obi to glean wisdom from the poignant lessons of history, specifically

the disenchanting experiences of past Igbo presidential candidates, who pinned their hopes on Northern endorsement.

"Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends well wishes to Mr. Obi in his political pursuits in the North but implores him to glean wisdom from the poignant lessons of history, specifically the disenchanting experiences of past Igbo presidential candidates who pinned their hopes on Northern endorsement.

“Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Chuba Okadigbo, and others serve as stark reminders of the disappointments faced by Igbo aspirants despite their overtures and perceived alliances with the North," Isiguzoro noted.

APC to Mutfwang: Forcing Our Lawmakers to Sign Post-dated Resignation Letters Illicit

Warns Speaker Dewan too

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan, against coercing and illegally procuring APC lawmakers to sign post-dated resignation letters as a pre-condition for their inauguration. APC in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, condemned the alleged brazen act of Muftwang and Dewan as “utterly outrageous, and anti-democratic.”

The APC also described the act as illegal and a vile contempt of the binding judgement of the Court of Appeal that ordered the inauguration of all 16 APC members-elect as members of the House of Assembly.

“The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to disturbing and unlawful acts of the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Caleb Muftwang, and the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, in relation to APC members of the House of Assembly ordered by the Court

TINUBU HOSTS SENEGALESE PRESIDENT, FAYE

Diomaye Faye, and called for an alignment of purpose and structure in West Africa to effectively address the challenges confronting the region.

Speaking during a meeting with Faye at the State House, the president said West Africa must work together to defeat the hydra-headed problems of terrorism, banditry, human trafficking and poverty.

According to him, "We must defeat human trafficking. We must defeat terrorism, banditry, and poverty in our society. That must be our focus and commitment."

He advised leaders in the region to make the people the point of convergence in governance, noting that the essence of democracy was lost when the people were not the focal point.

President Tinubu emphasised

that democratic governance, democratic values, and constitutional order were sacrosanct and must be protected. He also stated that critical institutions and precepts, like the judiciary and the rule of law, must be respected and observed for the sustenance of democracy.

"Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa. It is a joy to have you here; to meet the hope and aspiration of our youths. You fit in perfectly well.

"A critical time it is in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa. What you have embarked upon, a struggle couched in freedom, is remarkable," the president said. Tinubu described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations, recounting both countries' long

history of cooperation.

"We are brothers. We have shared interest in democracy. To make democracy sustainable in the interest of our people, we definitely must work hard. I am glad that you are a shining example of patience, perseverance, and commitment to democratic values.

"We must partner to make our people the focus of our democratic commitment. Your belief in the sovereignty of Africa is shared by all of us. But how can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting unconstitutional takeover of government?

"As the Chairman of ECOWAS, I am inviting you to collaborate and meet those other brothers. To persuade them to come back to the fold. We will continue to

of Appeal to be inaugurated as members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

“The Governor and the Speaker coerced and illegally procured APC lawmakers to sign post-dated resignation letters as a pre-condition for their inauguration as members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

“Nine lawmakers that succumbed to the intimidation and coercion, and signed the demanded post-dated resignation letters and verifying affidavits were inaugurated by the Speaker as members of the House of Assembly on April 5, 2024.

work together. We share good backgrounds, and we will continue to embrace and promote democratic governance.

“We must be able to partner and build the freedom we believe in –in economic growth, development, and other spheres of governance. It is left for us to provide assurance to our people and walk our talk," he stated.

In his remarks, President Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal's shared values, ideals, and challenges, emphasising that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s.

His words: "The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial to our countries."

He called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen

“Seven members-elect that refused to submit to this illegality were denied inauguration by the Speaker.”

The APC wondered why Muftwang and Dewan were unwilling and seemingly terrified to comply with a valid judgment of the Court of Appeal but would rather resort to illegal and underhand tactics to intimidate, blackmail and cajole members to sign post-dated resignation letters in violation of the laws of our land.

Morka stressed that the continued refusal of the Speaker to inaugurate the remaining seven APC members,

bilateral relations across the areas of diplomacy, trade, and other spheres.

On ECOWAS, Faye said with President Tinubu's wisdom and experience, relations among member-states could be strengthened and bolstered for the advancement of the community.

His words: "ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally.

It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community, and I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration. The union is going through a rough patch, but not everything is lost.

"I know I can rely on your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation, and the more recent example of Senegal, so that together, hand-

who have stoutly refused to submit to this illegality has become a clear and present threat to the peace and stability of Plateau State. He said constituents of yet-to-be inaugurated members are becoming increasingly restive and might resort to peacefully protesting the unlawful refusal to inaugurate their own elected representatives, saying it was avoidable and must be avoided. The APC called on Dewan to unconditionally swear in the remaining seven APC lawmakers without further delay in keeping with the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

in-hand, we can grow together, and that we can discuss with our brothers and convince them to come back into the fold.

“To come back and share our common democratic values and what we stand for. Your wisdom and your democratic values should be an asset to that vision, and my youth and determination can also be an asset. If we come together, with all these assets and advantages, I am convinced we can open a window of opportunity to discuss.

"United, we are stronger. Faced with common challenges, such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and all other challenges, we need to show resolve to confront these challenges so that economically, we can thrive and satisfy the wishes of our people," Faye further stated.

L-R: Naija Home Automation Limited, Mr. Sunil Kumar; Naija Home Automation Limited, Mr. Amit Khandelwal; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr. Adegoke M. Fayoade; Regional Manager, West and Central Africa Sony Middle East and Africa, Mr. Saurabh Bhalla; and Naija Home Automation Limited, Mr. Sujay Kumar at the grand opening of Sony Centre at Jara Mall, Ikeja, Lagos….. yesterday

SUNDAY ADIGUN

PROTECTION OF CHILD DOMESTIC WORKERS PRESS CONFERENCE...

Project Foundation, Ezenwa Okoro at a Media Parley on

Workers in Nigeria held in Lagos… yesterday

Our Stand on Embattled 27 Former Rivers Lawmakers is Sacrosanct, PDP Declares

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, declared that nothing would make it change its position on the vacation of seats by former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, he said, "The party also clarifies that it is not under pressure from any quarters to compromise its position in Court wherein it had already clearly stated that the lawmakers were no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from December 11, 2023, when they publicly announced their defection from the PDP to the APC.

"This clarification is a rebuttal to a mischievous report in a section of the social media falsely claiming that there are plots to compromise the party’s position and provide an unattainable lifeline to the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to return to their seats which they have constitutionally vacated.

"Our party therefore stands by its position that the affected members have since lost their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, having arrogantly committed an unpardonable

constitutional breach.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP in its Counter Claim by its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2023 filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, stated clearly that the former Rivers State lawmakers ‘are no longer members of the

Rivers State House of Assembly from December 11, 2023 when they publicly announced their defection from the PDP to the APC’.

"For emphasis the PDP in the said suit seeks among others the following Declaration/Orders against the former Rivers State lawmakers.

"A Declaration that by provisions of Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the seats of the plaintiffs have been vacant since 11th December 2023 when the plaintiffs announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"A Declaration that the

plaintiffs are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, having defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 11th December 2023.

"An Order directing the first defendant (INEC) to conduct bye-elections in the respective constituencies of the plaintiffs in compliance with the provisions of the laws.

"An Order of perpetual injunction restraining the plaintiffs from parading themselves and/ or further parading themselves or from performing or further performing the functions and duties of members of Rivers State House of Assembly…" the spokesman of the party started.

Kano: Judge Replaced Amid Concerns in Corruption Trial of APC Chair, Ganduje

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, yesterday, reassigned the alleged corruption case involving APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and seven others to a new Judge. The case was earlier presided by Justice Usman Malam Na'abba, of Court 4, but now transferred and reassigned to Justice Amina Adamu, of court 7, Kano High Court.

Many people including Journalists, who had gathered at the court premises for a ruling, on substituted service to the defendants were

...Party's Silence Promoting APC's Alleged Plot for One Party State, Says Northern Youth

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Youths under the aegis of Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF), has said the silence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on issues in the country was beginning to promote the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC’s) alleged plot to turn Nigeria into a one party state. Specifically, the youth knocked the National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Ilya Umar Damagun, for allegedly helping in the ugly of the ruling party.

The NYFL said rather than the party under the leadership of Damagun, to play opposition roles and give constructive criticisms, it has been on a deliberate and manipulated

sabbatical silence.

The group disclosed its position at a news conference addressed in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Addressing journalists, the National President of the Forum, Afiyo Elliot, observed that the ruling party has been working against the very existence of Nigeria's democratic principles to lead the country into a one-party state so as to institutionalise, secure authoritarian and dictatorial system in the country.

He said despite the introduction of unfriendly policies by the incumbent administration in the country, a word of criticism has never come from the supposed main opposition party.

allegedly shocked by the sudden reassignment.

A statement by Baba Jibo Ibrahim, Public Relations Officer of the Kano State High Court, said the Chief Judge of the state had the power to direct and transfer a case at any stage before judgment.

Structure, a PFA shall not hold more than 20 per cent of the issued share capital of a listed company.

While the global limit for infrastructure fund is 10 per cent, there’s a maximum of 5 per cent of value of pension assets to any one issuer, with a maximum of 20 per cent of the value of any one Fund.

So, essentially, there’s N732 billion of unallocated funding for infrastructure, while there is also N2.2 trillion of allocated funding to mutual funds within which real estate sits.

Equally, yesterday, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared a total of N1.208 trillion April 2024

Federation Account revenue from a gross revenue of N2.192 trillion generated in the month, to the federal and state governments, as well as the local government councils in the country.

The revenue was shared at the May 2024 meeting held in Abuja.

Quoting the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, a statement from the Office of the Accountant-General General of the Federation (OAGF) revealed that the N 1,208.081 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N284.716 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N466.457 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N18.024 billion and

Before the transfer, Nuraini Jimoh (SAN), defense lawyer for the 6th respondent, argued that substituted service without previous attempts to serve the defendants was a nullity.

He stated that substituted service could not be made on a company and would violate

Exchange Difference revenue of N438.884 billion.

Total revenue of N2,192.077 billion was available in the month of April 2024, while total deduction for cost of collection was N80.517 billion; total transfers, interventions and refunds was N903.479 billion. Gross statutory revenue of N1,233.498 trillion was received for the month of April 2024.

It was higher than the sum of N1,017.216 trillion received in the month of March 2024 by N216.282 billion. The gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in April 2024 was N500.920 billion. This was lower than the N549.698 billion available in the month of March 2024 by N48.778 billion.

The statement noted that from the N1,208.081 trillion total distributable revenue, the federal government received a total sum of N390.412 billion, states got N403.403 billion and the local government councils received N293.816 billion.

A total sum of N120.450 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation. revenue.

On the N284.716 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué stated that the federal government received N112.148 billion, the state governments received N56.883 billion while the local government councils received N43.855 billion.

The sum of N71.830 billion (13

the federal constitution.

The defence counsel further argued that there were no charges or hearing notices before the court, and therefore, defendants could not be served by substituted service.

The Kano State Government has assembled 15 witnesses to testify against the respondents in an eight-count charge. The matter was previously adjourned on April 29, 2024, for a ruling on the motion of substituted service, as the court had not been able to serve the defendants except for the sixth defendant.

per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

The federal government also received N69.969 billion, states got N233.229 billion while the local government councils received N163.260 billion from the N466.457 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.

A total sum of N2.704 billion was received by the federal government from the N18.024 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL).

States received N9.012 billion, while the local government councils received N6.308 billion.

The federal government received N205.591 billion from the N438.884 billion Exchange Difference revenue.

The state governments received N104.279 billion and the local government councils received N80.394 billion.

The sum of N48.620 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

According to the statement, in the month of April 2024, oil and gas royalties, Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and CET Levies increased significantly while Import Duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) recorded considerable decreases.

The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) remained static at

$473,754.57.

Meanwhile, the naira, yesterday experienced a reversal of fortune at the official window, witnessing a depreciation against the United States dollar, while maintaining stability at the parallel markets. At the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEM) window, the naira recorded a decline as it closed at N1,533.99/$1, a N74.97 loss compared to N1,459.02/$1 which closed on Wednesday.

Conversely, the parallel market concluded at N1,540/$1, remaining unchanged from the previous day's rate.

The daily turnover recorded a decline in transactions of 5.63 per cent, to $272.86 million yesterday compared to the $289.14 million recorded on Wednesday. Furthermore, the highest spot rate observed yesterday stood at N1,590, with the lowest spot rate recorded at N1,399.20

WHAT THE RULES SAY ABOUT PENSION FUNDS & INFRASTRUCTURE

According to the Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets 2019, Section 8.0 which deals with investment limits, states that; Essentially, there’s N732bn of unallocated funding for infrastructure.

There is also N2.2 trillion of allocated funding to mutual funds within which real estate sits.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

L-R: COO, Street Project Foundation, Eduvielawhe Olutimayin; Founder/Lead Visionary, Street Project Foundation, Rita Ezenwa-Okoro; National Coordinator, Child Protection Network , Olakunle Sanni; Program Adviser, Freedom Fund, Chika Nwabeke, Labor Expert, Khadijat Emmanuel; and Programs Director/Consultant, Street

the Protection of Child Domestic

SUNDAY ADIGUN

Kano Mosque Attack: Death Toll Rises to 11

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

No fewer than 11 persons have been confirmed dead and 25 other hospitalised with different degrees of burns two days after the early morning attack on worshippers at a mosque in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

This figure was confirmed by the Police Spokesperson SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, yesterday to journalists in Kano. He, however, said the figure is still rising

Earlier, a 38-year-old, Shafi’u Abubakar, was identified as the prime suspect who launched an early morning attack on innocent

worshipers because of a long-standing family dispute over inheritance.

“The principal suspect have been identified and arrested, he is Shafi’u Abubakar aged 38 years, who said his action was purely in hostility following prolong family disagreement over sharing of inheritance of which those that he alleged to have cheated on him were in the mosque at that moment and he did that for his voice to be heard,” Kiyawa said.

An eye witness, who preferred anonymity, said among the number of casualties, six were adults, a youth and a minor.

He further stated that 32 persons were affected, adding that 28 were

hospitalised due to various degrees of burns while four others sustained minor injuries.

“As we speak, we are at the graveyard now. Right from when the incident happened till this moment (evening), about eight persons have died.

“We have buried two while six others are being conveyed for burial. The victims were those rushed to Murtala Specialist Hospital.

“Majority of the victims were in the emergency unit of Murtala Specialist Hospital and others in the main ward. However, I was made to understand that some other persons were later taken to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).

NDFF Recommends Way Forward for Citizens,Economy

The Nigeria Development and Finance Forum (NDFF) has recommended the provision of palliatives to vulnerable citizens to cushion the impact of economic shocks. It has also said policy must build resilience to crisis by improving the business environment, incentivising production, boosting industrial capacity, and bringing industrial production closer to the people. The NDFF stated these as parts of its 15 recommendations made at the of 2024 conference held in Abuja.

Participants included at the conference included cabinet ministers, regulators, policymakers, members of the diplomatic corps in Nigeria, public and private sector leaders, leaders of

international institutions, social sector leaders, and the media.

According to NDFF, demand for palliatives will remain because global economic shocks and shocks from local economic, social, and climate crises, which are no longer a rarity, are expected to continue to occur regularly.

“As such, it is important that the Nigerian government put in place frameworks to deliver palliatives in an efficient and cost-effective manner,” it said.

NDFF equally recommended that Nigerian institutions need to be rebuilt and equipped with the ethos and capacity to be values-driven,

goal-oriented, and efficient.

“The country also needs a coherent economic development agenda to boost long-term investment confidence. The essential factors for achieving this are good governance andpublic sector managerial leadership skills, which are crucial for effective resource management, policy implementation, building trust, and promoting unity,” it said.

It also said Nigeria must adopt people-centric approach to the governance of the health sector, begin to reindustrialise the sector to create jobs, and drive inclusive progress, as a means of fostering economic resilience and health security.

Jubilation as NDDC Light-up Rivers Community

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The people of Omerelu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers state, were thrown into jubilation yesterday, following the inauguration of a Hybrid Solar-powered streetlights installed across villages in the community by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

In line with its project titled “Operation Light Up Niger Delta”, NDDC provided the solar power to mitigate the once darkness-ridden Omopi - Omerelu community.

During the unveiling of the project, THISDAY observed that the community people gathered in their numbers, including, their Council of Chiefs, CDC, Women’s group, Youth group, and others, with different kinds of traditional musical groups

displaying different dance skills. Inaugurating n the project, the Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board, Mr Tony Okocha, said it will provide economic value to the community, reduce criminal activities, and also provide an aesthetic night view in the community.

Okocha thanked the Board and Management of the NDDC, headed by Mr Chiedu Ebie and Dr Samuel Ogbuku, respectively, “for rewriting the history of NDDC from widely being viewed as a cash cow to a vibrant and vivacious interventionist agency that is attracting immeasurable

people-oriented projects to the good people of the Niger Delta”.

He thanked the community for the hospitality and support they accorded the contractor that handled the project, which resulted in the completion of the project in stipulated time.

In appreciation, Chairman of Omerelu Council of Chiefs, Chief L. O. Didia, thanked the NDDC Board, particularly, the Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board, for bringing the project to the community. He also thanked their son, Dr. Anosike Orduwa, for attracting the project to the community.

Mbaise USA Lays Foundation for Medical City in Imo State

Tony Icheku in Owerri

Imo State’s citizens under the aegis of Mbaise USA resident in the United States of America, USA, has

held the ground breaking ceremony for its gigantic multi-billion Naira Medical City project that would blend medicare and hospitality into an exceptional healthcare experience.

The project, which is named Medville Medical City and proposed to be sited at Eziala Kaohu Community in Aboh-Mbaise LGA of the state, is conceptualised to create an oasis of affordable quality healthcare and position Nigeria as one of the attractive destinations for medical tourism.

In his speech at the ground breaking ceremony, the National President of Mbaise USA, Mr. Sonny O. S Echendu, described the project as the beginning of the illumination of Africa, starting with Medville Medical City in Mbaise.

Echendu urged all progressive citizens and all those who profess their love for Mbaise and the advancement of humanity to join forces with Mbaise USA to “raise the standards of living for our various communities.

Establish the best healthcare system, improve the quality of education, create a conducive environment for seniors, establish a world-class hospital, hotel, schools of medicine and nursing, a mechanized agricultural farm, a supermarket that does not sell adulterated products, an amphitheater, and a self-sustaining community.”

Our Need for Guidance (2) WORLD OF ISLAM

TEdited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

he Messenger, (pbuh) asks Allah for guidance

The Prophet (pbuh) used to invoke Allah frequently for guidance: “Allahumma innee as-aluka al-huda, wat-tuqa, wal-`ifafa, wal-ghina (O Allah! I beseech You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment”) Imam Muslim reported in his saheeh from the Hadeeth of ‘Aa‘ishah (the mother of the believers, ra) that she said: “The Prophet of Allah (pbuh) used to start his prayer when he got up at night with: “Allahumma Rabba Jibraeela, wa Meekaeela, wa Israfeela fatira as-samawati wa al-ardha, ‘aalima al-ghaybi wa as-shahadata, Antha tahkum bayna ‘ibadaka fee ma kanoo feehi yakhtalifoon, ihdinee ikhtalifa feehi minal haqqi bi idhnika, innaka tahdee man tashau’ ila siratin mustaqeem”. (O Allah, Lord of Jibra’il, Mika’il, and Israfil, Originator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, You judge between Your slaves concerning that wherein they differ. Guide me concerning that wherein they differ of the truth by Your leave, for You guide whomsoever You will to a straight path.”) That was the introduction of night prayer in the middle of the night while his tongue was saying: “Guide me”.

An-Nasa’ee and others reported with an authentic chain of narration from the Hadeeth of Jabir, may Allaah be pleased with him, who said: When the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) started his prayer, he would say the Takbeer and then say: “Inna salatee wa nusukee wa mahyaya wa mamatee lillahi Rabiil ‘aalameen. La shareeka lahu wabi dhalika omirtu wa ana awwalil Muslimeen. Allahumma ihdnee li ahsanil a’amali wa ahsanil akhlaqi la yahdee li ahsaniha illa Antah” (Verily my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds; There is no partner with Him and this is what I have been commanded (to profess and believe) and I am of the believers. O Allah, guide me to the righteous deeds and manners, for none would guide to them but You.”

Imam At-Tirmithi (ra) reported on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas (ra) that he (pbuh) used to say between the two prostrations: “O Allah! Forgive me, bestow mercy on me, enrich me, guide me, and grant me sustenance.”

‘Abudllah Ibn ‘Umar (ra) narrated: “Whenever I prayed with the Prophet (pbuh) I heard him saying at the end of Salah: “Allahumma ‘ighfir lee khata’ee wa ‘amadee Allahumma ihdnee li salihil a’amali wal akhlaqi innahu la yahdee li salihaha wa la yasrifu sayyi-aha illa Anta”. (O Allah, forgive my sins whether committed inadvertently and deliberately, O Allah, guide me to the righteous deeds and manners, for verily none but You guides to the best and none but You turn away its worst).”

He (pbuh) used to commend his companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, and advise them to invoke Allah for guidance. ‘Ali, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said to me: “Say: O Allah, guide me, direct me to the right thing; and remember with guidance, guiding you to the Straight Path and with correctness, the correctness of shooting.”

Allah is the True Guide

Al-Khattabi said: The Guide, is the One who grants guidance to whomever He wills of His slaves and honors them with the light of Tawheed (monotheism) as Allah, the Exalted Says (what means): “And guides whom He wills to a straight path” Quran 10:25.

He was the One who guided all creatures to their interests and inspired them as how to ask for sustenance and how to guard themselves against harm and destruction as Allah, the Exalted Says (what means): “He who gave each thing its form and then guided [it]” Quran 20:50

Allah, the Exalted Says (what means): “And indeed is Allah the Guide of those who have believed to a straight path” Quran 22:54.

Ibn Jareer (ra) said: “Verily, Allah is the Guide of those who believe in Allah and His Messenger to the intended truth and clear truth.”

Allah, the Exalted Says (what means): “But sufficient is your Lord as a Guide” Quran 25:31

Ibn Jareer, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Allah, the Exalted Says to His Prophet (pbuh): “O Muhammad, Your Lord is sufficient for you as a Guide to guide you to the truth, and enlighten you with the righteousness”.

As-Sa`di (ra) said: “The Guide: i.e., the One who guides His slaves to all benefits and averts them from all harms, teach them what they do not know, guide them to the truth and correctness,

inspire them with piety, make their hearts turning to Him and obedient to His Commands.”

Types of guidance:

Imam Al-Qurtubi (ra) said: “Guidance is of two types. It is described as follows: 1- Guidance of showing the way: This is the type of guidance which the Messengers and their followers are capable of. Allah, the Exalted Says (what means): “And for every people is a guide” Quran 13:7. He also Says (what means): “And indeed, (O Muhammad) you guide to a straight path” Quran 42:52.

So, Allah affirmed guidance to them which means guiding, calling, and warning.

2- Guidance of support and success: which comes directly and exclusively from Allah, as He Says to His Prophet, pbuh (what means): “Indeed, (Muhammad) you do not guide whom you like” Quran 28: 56] Guidance according to this type means creating faith in the heart.

Al-Fayrooz Abadi said: “Guidance of Allah to man is of four types:

First: Guidance which He granted to every Mukallaf (person capable of religious assignments and who is accountable for his deeds) in terms of reasoning, smartness, and necessary knowledge, and granted it to everything according to its capacity. Allah, the Exalted Says (what means): “Our Lord is He who gave each thing its form and then guided (it)” Quran 20: 50

Second: Guidance which was granted to people due to their invocations for Him as was reported on the tongues of Prophets and as reported in the Quran and the like which is intended with His Saying: “And We made them leaders guiding by Our command” Quran 21:73

Third type: Success that is granted to those who are guided which is intended by the Saying of Allah (which means): “And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance” Quran 47: 17 and His Saying (which means): “And whoever believes in Allah - He will guide his heart” Quran 64:11 Fourth type: Guidance in the Hereafter to Paradise, which is intended by the Saying of Allah (which means): “Praise to Allah, who has guided us to this” Quran 7:43

These four types of guidance are correlated, so if a person is not guided by the first, he shall not have the second, but he is not legally competent. And whoever does not get the second type of guidance shall neither get the third nor the fourth type.

A guidance causes another guidance

Allah, the Exalted Say (what means): “And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness” Quran 47:17

Ibn Jareer (ra) said: “Allah, the Exalted says: As for those whom Allah guided to follow the truth and expanded their hearts to believe in Him and His Prophet (pbuh) from among those who have listened to you, O Muhammad, the Quran you recited to them and what they heard from you (has truly increased their guidance) He said: Allah increased their faith along with their faith that they have already had, and a clarification of the truth which you brought to them from Allah in addition to the clarification that they have already had.”

Ibn Katheer (ra) said about the interpretation of this verse: “That is to say, those who wanted guidance, Allah granted it to them by guiding them to it, made them firm on it, and increased it for them (and granted them piety); i.e., guided them to righteousness.”

Ibn Al-Qayyim, (ra) said: “Guidance brings about guidance, and misguidance brings about misguidance; righteous deeds generate righteous deeds, and whenever you do them, your guidance increases. Actions of misguidance are on the contrary because Allah the Exalted loves righteous actions and rewards for them with guidance and success and hates the actions of misguidance and recompenses for them with error and misery”.

He also said: “Verily, if a servant believes in the Quran, follows its guidance in total, accepts its commands and believes in its narrations, that will be a cause for another type of guidance in details, as guidance is endless even if a person reaches the top “And Allah increases those who were guided, in guidance” Quran 58:76.

O Allah! Guide us and make guidance easy for us.

The last of our call is praise be to Allah the Lord of all the Worlds.

this rude awakening.

That said, you have to understand the context within which Crowther was operating. First, unless he was an initiate, his knowledge and understanding of Esu was essentially limited. It is in the nature of those days that premium is placed on opacity and secrecy in contraposition to the universality of knowledge and information culture that we subsequently inherited. Esu”is the neutral locus between good and evil as moral categories” and finds metaphorical analogy as ‘Inspector General of police who reports regularly to olodumare on the deeds of the divinities and men, everyone lives in dread of him lest he takes bad reports to ÈsùOlodumare”.(Idowu). láàlú does not have an English name just the way Sàngó, Ògún, Obàtálá, Òsun and others don’t have an English name. Èsù is Èsù! He is only a Messenger who delivers whatever messages he is sent, be it positive or negative. Esù láàlú does not have all those bad features ascribed to the Biblical Satan. People should therefore stop judging Yorùbá Traditions, Customs, Beliefs and Spirituality as “Sinful”, in the Judeo-Christian biblical sense.

A subject-matter I bandy around a lot is the concept of autochthony. (Autochthony is the belief or claim that a group of people are indigenous to a particular land or region). So when we commend autochthony, we are saying that a state should derive from the indigenous society and that to the extent it does not, is the extent to which it will likely fail. For instance there was not a prior Nigerian society from which the Nigerian state originated and that it is the extent of this deviation that Nigeria has failed. On the other hand, a potential Yoruba state would have fulfilled the sociological requirement of autochthony because there is a prior indigenous Yoruba society from which it has evolved. It

is in this respect that we talk of continuity and discontinuity. So there is state-society continuity in a potential Yoruba state which is lacking in the Nigerian state. To put it in the words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo “Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression. There are no ‘Nigerians’ in the same sense as there are ‘English,’ ‘Welsh,’ or ‘French.’ The word ‘Nigerian’ is merely a distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria and those who do not”

It is with regard to the Nigerian state-society discontinuity that I theorised that there is a psycho-cultural disconnect between the governing mores of the indigenous societies comprising Nigeria (on one hand) and the British-begotten values of the colonial legacy baby- the Nigerian state (on another). In many respects, you can no more psychically separate a European from Christianity than separate a Yoruba from the Yoruba cosmological order. This notion taps from Carl Jung’s analytical concept of the collective unconscious and the subconscious retention and transfer of collective institutional memory. Alexander Roob describes the phenomenon as “accumulated wisdom of the past” “a rich world of images which has etched itself into the memory of modern man, despite the fact that it is not available in public collections”

Flowing from the above is, as deterrence, for the Yoruba, the consequences of breaching his oath of office is more effectively conveyed by Ogun, the implacable Yoruba god of restitution than the Bible and Koran. To quote a Nigerian correspondent “They say when (It is said that if) you want an African to tell the truth, make the African swear to an indigenous divinity—not to the Bible or the Quran”. Pastor Tunde Bakare recalls, ‘To bring conclusiveness to the allegation, they called an ailala priest, with esoteric insight

into how to catch a thief. He recited some incantations over a cup of water and asked everyone to drink from it. “Anyone who drinks this water and has stolen the money will die from a gunshot wound “ he warned. They all drank...Years later, Bayo, my nephew, who had stolen the money, had gotten married and was a successful auto repair technician. One day, while testing one of the vehicles he had repaired, assassins who had been sent after the owner of the car, shot at him, mistaking him for the owner. Unfortunately, Bayo died..”.

The bad and good news is that while Ifa has travelled all over the world, Yoruba people, who are the real owners are ignorant about it because somebody brainwashed them.’There are white people who are now Babalawo and some of them have private jets from the practice.“ In New York, there are more than 2000 Babalawos and in Miami, there are more than 100,000. Some of them own banks and function in the legislative house. There are thousands of them in Cuba and other countries.”

The irony is that as African indigenous religion was steadily losing legitimacy and acceptance at home, a contrary trend ensued in the diaspora especially in South America where ‘African descendants in Brazil adopted the Yoruba religious culture (as Afro-Brazilian) and built an all embracing African identity around its universal character’. Could this be what Orunmila meant when he declared that ‘Ifa o le parun. Atelewo la ba ila, a o mo eniti o ko” (Ifa cannot lapse into extinction. The marks we bear on our palms, do we know how it got there?)

The trademark of Orunmila is a selfdeprecating acknowledgement of his fallibility. We find a lot of this in his deference to Ori, the God of destiny. Here we go. “Ko si Orisha ti dani gbe lehin Ori eni ( no orisha can bless you

without the concurrence and consent of your Ori). When his never-do-well, ward (Akapo) reported him to olodumare for not helping him to succeed in life. Orunmila explained to God that he had done all he could for Akapo but his Ori did not concur hence the futility of his intercession. On another occasion, he taunted “nigbati Ori n gbe ni, nibo ni orisha wa, e ba je ka fi orisha sile, ka bo Ori eni ( when Ori was blessing you, where were the orishas, you had better forgo the orisha and worship your Ori). In their collective dread of Sango and self-mockery he said “orisha ti Sango o ba le mu, ere lo mo sa (whichever orisha that Sango cannot deal with, must be a good sprinter). Ipin ja ju oogun, ori je ju ewe lo (Ori supersedes any other spiritual intervention) Oogun lo ni ojo iponju, Ori loni ojo gbogbo (ifa may help alleviate momentary adversities, ori is the eternal guarantor of a fulfilled existence) If the responsibility is accepted, the task is cut out for the Yoruba intelligentsia to take up the inevitable challenge of fostering the widening of the boundaries of ifa ownership through a programmatic iteration of its thematic and pedagogical emphasis on morality. Rationality demands that you need to understand precisely what is it you are running away from before taking to your heels otherwise you will ab initio be running blind. Let me now leave you with a prayer from Orunmila. Ihoho larin wa aiye, edumare ma je rin Ihoho pada sorun. Ekun lasun wa aiye, edumare ma je ki asunkun pada sorun. Inu eje la to waiye, edumare ma je ka to inu eje pada sorun (we were born naked, may we not return to heaven in nakedness. We were crying on arrival at earth, may we not return to heaven crying. We were delivered in blood, may it please edumare that we do not return in the midst of blood)

SOUTH AFRICA AND NIGERIA AT 30: FOSTERING A SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP AND COLLABORATION

many years, economic collaboration has been a cornerstone of the diplomatic journey between the two countries, with both nations recognising the potential for mutual benefit, albeit with some undertones of competition rather than collaboration.

In certain instances, trade and investment initiatives have flourished, contributing to the economic development of each country and reinforcing their roles as key players on the continent.

For the past 30 years, diplomatic ties between South Africa and Nigeria have not only strengthened their bilateral relations, but also served as a foundation for collaborative efforts in addressing regional challenges and advancing the interests of Africa on the global stage.

As vanguards and advocates of the continent and its development, the three decades of unbroken ties with Nigeria is a reaffirmation of shared leadership values and commitment by both nations in the continent. Furthermore, South Africa Week sought to “foster a deeper tie between South Africa and Nigeria among the public, scholars, and policymakers”. “Over the years, South Africa and Nigeria have navigated the complexities of international affairs, forging a diplomatic bond that extends beyond mere political interactions.

The relationship has witnessed significant milestones, overcoming historical nuances and embracing opportunities for cooperation in various sectors”. For 2024, South Africa Week comprised of a slightly different programme tilted towards promoting economic diplomacy and social compact, whilst encouraging people to people relations.

The first segment of South Africa Week Celebrations resumed with the in-store activation of South African products in partnership with Pick n Pay. The rationale for this is to introduce South African products to the market, and create an appreciation of their value, authenticity and for an opportunity to expand their availability in Nigeria, contributing to what in diplomatic nomenclature is called “soft power”. Similarly, the presence of MTN, Multichoice, RMB,

ABSA, Sanlam, and other proudly South African entities in Nigeria remain our greatest currency and influence in sectors such as banking, insurance, entertainment and telecommunication – just to mention but a few.

The second segment comprised of a public lecture jointly hosted by the South African missions in Nigeria and the University of Lagos. This public lecture, “celebrated the milestones of three decades, identified

opportunities, demystified the prevailing negative narrative, and paved way for continued cooperation between South Africa and Nigeria, fostering a spirit of collaboration as opposed to competition between the two nations”. Aptly titled, “Celebrating 30 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria”, this lecture brought together scholars, diplomats, and students from all walks of life to exchange ideas on how to make use of the gains of the past 30

years of these relations to benefit humanity. The lecture gave birth to the establishment of the Nigeria-South Africa Higher Education Forum, an initiative which will propel and foster academic excellence and cultural collaboration between institutions of higher learning in both countries.

The third segment was dedicated to a celebration of sports diplomacy through the South African Golf Tournament held at the prestigious Ikoyi Golf Club in Lagos. This event presented an opportunity to promote sports diplomacy, and leveraged the universal appeal of sports to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and South Africa. Furthermore, it showcased South Africa’s hospitality, while building diplomatic bridges and strengthening social compact in the business community.

The fourth and final segment comprised of the Freedom Day held on 04 May 2024. This was the zenith of the South Africa Week as the day marked the end of the two-week long activities. This mega event, powered by private sector partners from both South Africa and Nigeria, was an idea whose time is apt. The evening was undoubtedly one of a display of Nigerian and South African excellence in culinary arts, carefully selected to satisfy and match the palettes of guests.

The South Africa Week 2024 did not only serve to celebrate freedom and democracy in South Africa, but also acknowledged the strength of collaboration as depicted by a Sesotho proverb, “Kopano Ke Matla”, loosely translated as “Unity is strength”. In Yoruba, the proverb “Unity is strength” can be expressed as “Èéfín ni ìwà; kò seé fi pamo”.

*Bobby Moroe is the Consul General of South Africa in Lagos. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of KwaZulu Natal, in South Africa, and serves as Professor of Practice at the Centre for Afrocentric Governance of Public Affairs (AGOPA), North-West University, South Africa. He is a published author of a book titled, “South Africa and India – Perspectives on Socio-economic and Political Relations.”

President Tinubu, (right) and South Africa president, Ramaphosa

Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ List of Highest- paid Athletes for the Fourth Time

South Africa Drop Domestic League Top Scorer, Mabasa, from Squad to Face Super Eagles

Femi Solaja with agency report

In-form domestic league top scorer, Tshegofatso Mabasa, is a glaring absentee in the 36-man provisional squad that South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, has drawn up for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Tshegofatso Mabasa, the centre forward for Orlando Pirates currently tops the scoring chart in South Africa’s Premiership where he has scored 15 goals. The provisional 36-man squad will in the next few days be reduced to 23.

The Belgian tactician however called up most of the players that featured at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year when Bafana Bafana placed third after being eliminated by the Super Eagles.

Included in the squad is Lyle Foster, the striker whose club, Burnley, has just been relegated from the English Premier League.

He was absent at the Africa Cup of Nations owing to what was termed as mental health issues.

Also invited is Mabasa’s teammate at Orlando Pirate, Evidence Makgopa, who played a crucial role for Bafana as they won bronze at the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

He was not called for Bafana’s friendlies in Algeria in March, where the national team drew 1-1 against Andorra and 3-3 against Algeria as Foster’s future with the national team remained clouded.

Broos had said after the Nations Cup he would engage the Pirates youth product and Burnley manager, Vincent Kompany, on the striker’s future with Bafana.

Another notable inclusion is Pirates’ 19-year-old attacker, Relebohile Mofokeng, who has caught the eye with his performances, scoring four goals in 35 league and cup games in a breakthrough season for the Soweto giants.

Bafana will meet Nigeria in Uyo on June 7, then host Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein on June 11.

South Africa are second in Group C on three points next to leaders Rwanda on four. Nigeria, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have two points while Benin have one.

The top teams from the nine African groups will qualify for the first 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA. The four best runners-up will go into a playoff to decide the team that will contest a six-team intercontinental tournament.

Finidi, Osimhen, Obasogie, Ajibade, Others Vie for Honours

Organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards are set to take the ‘uncommon transformation’ city of Uyo by storm with the 10th edition of the country’s longest-running football awards scheduled for Saturday, 8th June at the Ibom Meridien Hotel and Resorts.

President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips said during the week that his team is packaging a showstopper of an event to mark one decade of an interesting project that has continued to gain strength and relevance on the pillars of authenticity, transparency and credibility, and which is endorsed by the Nigeria Football

Immediate past Chairman of the League Management Committee (LMC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has been appointed the Match Commissioner for the CAF Confederation Cup final between RC Berkane and Zamalek in Cairo on Sunday.

Dikko who is a member of the CAF Organization Committee for Inter-clubs competitions and Club Licensing Management is also a Member of FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee.

The former Nigeria Football Federation first vice president is on a familiar ground having been appointed in same capacity for the

2018 CAF Champions League final in Tunis between Esperance and Ahly.

Before flying out of Lagos yesterday, Dikko confirmed to THISDAY that it was an honour for him to be in charge as match commissioner for such an important game in the continent.

“Yes, I am heading out to Cairo for the CAF Confederation Cup final. It So great an honour to now do the finals of Confederation Cup,” enthused Dikko who will have another Nigerian, Barrister Okey Obi of the NFF on duty as the Match Security Officer.

Federation.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a memorable tenth edition of the awards. All is set, and we are heading to Uyo not only to put up a super-show, but also to mobilise resources within our capacity to support the Super Eagles to victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa on Friday, 7th June.

“I want to use this opportunity to deeply appreciate the NFF, the Super Eagles, all our friends, enablers, affiliates and commercial partners, for their support over the past 10 years, and to promise that the values of

transparency, integrity and credibility will never depart from the Nigeria Pitch Awards.”

Already, nominees have emerged in the 18 award categories, with the winners to be unveiled at the Ibom Meridien on the night of Saturday, 8th June. The award categories include Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Striker of the Year, Queen of the Pitch, King of the Pitch, Sam Okwaraji Award, Football Pitch, Football-Friendly Governor, Corporate Sponsor, alongside several honours for media representatives.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson will miss their Premier League title decider and the FA Cup final because of a fractured eye socket.

The 30-year-old Brazil international was unhappy at being replaced after 69 minutes of Tuesday's 2-0 league winat Tottenham following a collision with Spurs' Cristian Romero.

Leaders City host West Ham on Sunday, knowing victory - or matching Arsenal's result against Everton - will seal a fourth consecu-

tive title.

City will meet Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on 25 May.

Stefan Ortega, who made some key saves after replacing Ederson against Spurs, is set to deputise for the final two games. The German has played in every round of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup over the past two seasons and was likely to feature at Wembley even if Ederson was available.

Goalkeeper of the Year: Kayode Bankole (Remo

Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC) Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK)

Midfielder of the Year: Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC) Striker of the Year: Robert Mizo (Bayelsa United); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) Queen of the Pitch: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC)

King of the Pitch: Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Emeka Obioma (Enyimba FC); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) Team of the Year: Super Falcons; Enyimba FC; Remo Stars Coach of the Year: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars); Finidi George (Enyimba FC); Randy Waldrum (Super Falcons)

Sam Okwaraji Award: Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Ahmed Musa; Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars) State With The Best Grassroots Football Development Programme: Edo State; Delta State; Lagos State Football Pitch of the Year:

Tinubu Urges Senate to Enact Bill Against Doping in Nigeria Sports

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday asked the Senate to consider enacting a bill that would prohibit Nigerian athletes from consuming substances that could enhance their performances during or after sporting competitions.

The President's request was contained in a letter read by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.

The bill was titled "National Anti-Doping Bill 2024"

He said the proposed legislation will regulate substances that can be consumed by athletes during sporting events.

Tinubu said the bill will provide a legal framework for the establishment of the National Anti-Doping Organisation, an organisation that promotes, coordinate and monitor the fight against drugs in sports in the country.

He explained that the establishment of the agency was a requirement for Nigeria to achieve compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.

The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the core document that harmonises anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world.

Tinubu noted that the law will help Nigeria avoid the imposition of signatory consequences, inclusion of laws of hosting and participating rights at regional, continental and world championships or major athletic events.

Part of the letter read, “In accordance with the provisions of

section 58 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I forward herewith the National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 for the kind consideration of the Senate.

“The National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 seeks to create an administratively independent National Anti-Doping organization which is a cardinal requirement for Nigeria to achieve compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the international standard for code compliance by signatures.

(fifth)

Cristiano Ronaldo...highest-paid athlete for the fourth time

Victor Osimhen, Finidi George and Rasheedat Ajibade are on the Nigeria Pitch Awards list of nominees THE NOMINEES

Stars);

Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos; Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne; Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo

$111m

6. Kylian Mbappe, football: $110m

7. Neymar, football: $108m (£85m) 8. Karim Benzema, football: $106m (£84m) 9. Stephen Curry, basketball: $102m (£80m) 10. Lamar Jackson, American football: $100.5m (£79m)

TRUTH & REASON

Friday, May 17, 2024Price: N400

MISSILE

“Well, I don’t live in Rivers State. Look, this is politics and very often we, ordinary people, cry more than the bereaved. The important thing is politicians will fix their problems. But, look, when politicians fight, don’t get carried away because they have the capacity to fix their quarrel...Rivers State will sooner rather than later reposition, because it is not an insignificant part of Nigeria” –Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah, advises Nigerians not to worry about Rivers political crisis. Kukah to Rivers Political Combatants

AKIN OSUNTOKUN

akinosuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Know Your History (2)

‘For the modern Yoruba intelligentsia, Ifa is the index of Yoruba wisdom and cultural excellence”-Robin Horton

Epega classifies into three groups, those interested in Ifa. 1) Professionals (Ifa priests and diviners. 2) Ifa DevoteesWorshipers. 3) Philosopherswisdom and knowledge seekers

‘Founded on the beliefs of the earliest Yoruba, Ifa was systematised during the Oduduwa Era. It is regarded as the repository of Yoruba traditional body of knowledge embracing history, philosophy, medicine and folklore”, So says Jacob Olupona ( Professor of divinity at Havard University). Wande Abimbola added, It is our own encyclopaedia which is held orally. It is a testimony to the fact that the human brain can retain a lot of information without having to write anything. It was no surprise to learn about the severity and the protracted nature of the training required to get certified as Ifa priest. It consists of a pre initiation training which takes anything between ten and twenty years and another five years of post initiation training. But without

olodumare, from whom all else emanated, there would have been no Orunmila and Ifa.

Olodumare is the unique, omnipotent and omniscient creator. Directly ranking under him

BOBBYMOROE

is the Trinity of Qrunmila-Obatala-Exu. ‘Below this trinity are the other Orixa representing natural forces or spiritual ideas. Some are wrathful like Ogun, Xongo, Xopono, A won Iyami (witches) says Abosede Emmanuel. Obatala is said to be at the top of this trinity symbolising the Yoruba adage that a tripod ensures stability and order (adiro meta kii da obe nu). In order to acquire this philosophical stability ‘man is taught by Ifa to observe the ethical rectitude of Obatala, to allow for the unpredictable element in life, represented by Esu and to approach problems with the wisdom of Orunmila’. It is from Obatala that the Yoruba derived the role ideation and perception of themselves as urbane, mature, gentled-natured people. (Bolaji Idowu).

Ifa is a victim, first and foremost, of colonialism and its inherent requirement to delegitimize the precolonial history of Africa. Jean-Paul Sartre calls it ‘the sinister strategy of erasing native identities in which the aim is to supplant Indigenous culture with the colonisers own, leaving the population in a vacuum of identity’. It is a measure of the success of this delegitimization that it was

with considerable reluctance that I ultimately decided to enter it as a fit and proper subject of public communication beyond the rarefied precincts of academe.

Now let us proceed with the most contentious of the lot, Esu. Orunmila is his closest friend and confidante who is distinguished for his habit to routinely mock himself and his friend. In a broadside at his friend, he said those of you going to request Esu to bless you with a house, have you forgotten that Esu himself has no house and lives permanently on the streets?.

The original damage to the reputation and locus standi of Esu was inflicted by the mischaracterization of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther in his mistranslation of the Bible to Yoruba language. In his relative ignorance and religious fervour, he wrongly equated the Biblical Satan with Esu.The tragedy of Crowther’s life was the racist refusal of the Anglican communion religious establishment to accept his elevation to the Bishopric. If Christianity was all virtue as he believes, he would not have suffered

38

South Africa and Nigeria at 30: Fostering

a Spirit of Friendship and Collaboration

The year 2024 marks exactly 30 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria in February 1994. These relations that span three decades, “are a testament to the enduring commitment of both nations to foster regional stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange”. By no coincidence of history, “the year 2024 also marks the 30th anniversary since the dawn of the new democracy in South Africa in April 1994”. “On 27 April 1994, South Africa held its first non-racial democratic elections, marking the end of over three hundred years of colonialism, segregation and white minority rule and the establishment of a new constitution, ushering in a democratic government led by Nelson Mandela and a

new constitution.

For this year’s Freedom Day Celebrations, South African Missions in Nigeria hosted their 2nd South Africa Week Celebrations to recognise the significant milestones of the past 30 years of democracy and unbroken diplomatic relations with Nigeria. The two weeks’-long celebrations which took place from April 24– May 4, 2024, provided an opportunity for our Missions in Nigeria, South Africans and Nigerians alike, to “reflect on our collective achievements, acknowledge the challenges we face, and explore the untapped potential for future collaboration of both countries and their people”.

The South Africa Week Celebrations sought to simplify the often-complex definition, practice and understanding of diplomacy as a noble craft and seek to break it down into

segments that could be easily understood by the less discerning. Events associated with these celebrations are premised on the idea of building friendships, promoting social compact, recognising talent, appreciating diverse cultures of both countries, including music, film and fashion, inter alia. It also provided an opportunity for South African Missions in Nigeria to showcase their efforts in promoting South Africa as a preferred destination for tourism and investment, showcase South African products in retail stores, highlight opportunities in higher education, promote tourism, and hospitality. Above all, South Africa Week showcased how the country’s favourable climatic conditions have contributed to some of the finest produce; wine and beef – considered worldwide as some of the best nature has

provided to a nation.

It is our firm belief as South African Missions in Nigeria that strong bilateral relations are built on strong foundations of respect and cordiality amongst the people of both countries. We recognise that magnanimity and benevolence amongst the people of both countries are the cornerstones of successful relations.

We also recognise that these celebrations served as a stark reminder that the preservation of relations between South Africa and Nigeria, reflect on the shared common elements of our history.

As South African diplomats in Nigeria, our philosophy makes it even more critical to pursue social compact as our key strategic

Continued on page 38

Awolowo