FRIDAY 24TH MAY 2024

Shettima: Tinubu’s Administration Has Secured over $20bn in Potential Investments

Nume Ekeghe Vice President Kashim Shettima

Sanusi’s Reinstatement

Enumah in

and

Wale

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, yesterday, reinstated Muhammad Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, four years after he was deposed, saying the decision to return him to the stool is in the best interest of the state and its people.

Yusuf, who signed the new Kano Emirate bill (2024) into law, declared Sanusi's reinstatement as the 16th Emir of Kano, and pointed out that the new law would bring unity to the people of Kano as well

as foster sustainable socio-economic development.

He issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the man who had replaced Sanusi, Aminu Ado Bayero; his brother, Nasiru Ado Bayero; and three other former first class monarchs to vacate their palaces and hand over all emirate’s property to the office of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.

But, in a dramatic but curious turn of events, a Federal High Court in Kano State, last night, stopped the reinstatement of Muhammad

Sanusi

Alex

Abuja,

Igbintade in Lagos

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

NBS to Rebase GDP, Inflation Estimates to Capture New Economic Frontiers

Outcomes may return Nigeria as Africa’s economic powerhouse, lower fiscal deficit to GDP ratio, remarkable decline in tax-to-GDP

James Emejo in

Abuja

Statistician-General of the Federation/ Chief Executive, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Semiu Adeniran, yesterday said the statistical agency had commenced the process for the rebasing of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Consumer Prices Index (CPI) estimates.

The United Nations Statistical Commission recommends that countries rebase their GDP every five years to reflect more updated economic conditions.

Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano as directed earlier by Governor Abba Yusuf of the state.

The court, subsequently, ordered the Kano State Government, and the State House of Assembly to maintain status quo ante and refrain from implementing the operation of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024 (1445 A.H.), as they affect all offices and institutions of the Emirate Council created pursuant to the provisions of the Kano State Emirate Council Law, 2019 (1441 A.H.).

Governor Yusuf, while justifying the decision, stated that, "Everyone should go about his or her normal activities in the state, we have done what we believe is in the best interest of the state and its people.

"I want to inform the good people of Kano that today, we reappointed Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi popularly known as Muhammadu Sanusi the II as the 16th Emir of

The last rebasing exercise was carried out in 2014 and the current exercise will be the second in almost a decade.

Speaking at the opening of the sensitisation workshop for stakeholders on the GDP and CPI Rebasing Exercise, Adeniran said in an era of rapid change and global interconnectedness, the need for accurate and timely data had never been greater.

He said the workshop seeks not only to sensitise the critical stakeholders in the process but also solicit feedback, inputs, and support towards achieving

Kano, while the five former emirs are expected to vacate the palaces within 48 hours."

The governor explained that the return of Sanusi would enhance peace and prosperity, adding that the repeal of the council law is in realisation of his campaign commitments to restore the lost glory of the state and its rich cultural heritage.

He emphasised that the signing of the bill symbolised the restoration of the revered legacy of the Kano Emirate, which had stood the test of time over a thousand years.

The House of Assembly had earlier passed the new law, which abolished the five emirates established by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

There was uneasy calm in the ancient city of Kano following the new law, as it ordered the governor to take all necessary measures to restore the status of the Kano Emirate System to its position prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal

an output that will satisfy the needs of all users and reflect a better picture and understanding of our economy.

The NBS pointed out that these exercises, which are routine statistical practices, need not attract much noise and ceremonies in an ideal situation.

However, he said that given the delays and irregularity in some major statistical activities, this had become a significant part of the country’s data production.

Furthermore, he noted that given the informal nature and structure of the economy, which creates an additional

Law dated December 5, 2019.

The Assembly, which passed the bill yesterday, dissolved the five emirates created by the Ganduje administration, namely, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, Karaye, as well as Kano Emirate.

The new law is titled, “Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 (1445 A.H) A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Repeal of Kano State Kano Emirates Council, Law, 2019 (1441 A.H) and for Other Matters Connected Thereto, be it Enacted by Kano State House of Assembly.”

Majority Leader, and member representing Dala Constituency, Lawal Yangurasa, had sought the approval of the lawmakers to recall the laws for amendment.

Yangurasa moved a motion of urgent public importance and interest during Tuesday’s plenary, presided by Speaker Jibril Falgore.

The law was first amended in 2019 amid tension between Ganduje and

burden for data collection, these exercises have become much more pronounced in statistical production.

He said, “It is for this reason therefore, that when the decision was made to embark on the rebasing exercise, we made it a cardinal objective to ensure inclusivity, collaboration, and partnership throughout the process of these rebasing exercises. “

In his remarks however, former Chief Executive, National Planning, Ode Ojowu, explained that since the last rebasing in 2014, Nigeria had witnessed a structural shift in

Sunusi, which led to the fragmentation of the Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates.

Subsequently, Ganduje dethroned Sanusi and had the Kano Emirate split into five, and appointed new first class Emirs.

But following the victory of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, the political godfather to the current governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, had hinted that the new government would review the dethronement and balkanisation of the Kano Emirate.

The amendment by the Assembly came in the wake of speculations on whether Yusuf would reverse the fragmentation of the old Kano Emirate and return it to the status quo.

Under the repeal law, "All traditional office holders and title holders elevated or appointed to office created under the repealed Principal law, dated 5th December, 2019 shall revert to their position.

SHETTIMA: TINUBU’S ADMINISTRATION HAS SECURED OVER $20BN IN POTENTIAL INVESTMENTS

CBN was dedicated to maintaining a transparent and functional FX market where price discovery is guided by market-driven frameworks, explaining that the approach will lead to the long-term stability of the naira.

Both the vice president and the CBN governor spoke at the Vanguard Economic Discourse themed: ‘’Reforms in the Era of Global Economic Uncertainties: Whither Nigeria’’, in Lagos.

Shettima who was represented by the Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, detailed that Tinubu had facilitated investments to the tune of $14 billion from India and $250 million from the Netherlands.

He also mentioned a recent commitment of $500 million for lithium development in Nasarawa State and another $500 million from Germany for renewable energy projects.

He said: “Mr. President has been able to secure more than $20 billion in potential investments into the country, including $14 billion from India, $250 million from the Netherlands, and commitments of $500 million for lithium development in Nasarawa State.

“There is another $500 million from Germany into renewables and the Siemens power sector projects are picking up speed and will positively impact our energy sufficiency in due course.”

Shettima emphasised the administration’s openness to ideas and its willingness to refine policies to avoid undue hardship for Nigerians.

He added: “Our government has always maintained that we don’t know it all. We are a determined government open to ideas and the refinement of well-meaning members of society.

“We are not afraid to backtrack and review if a policy will impose undue hardship on Nigerians. This administration is not out to make the lives of Nigerians suffer but to make Nigeria’s economy sustainable and the lives of our people more enjoyable.”

Looking ahead, Shettima expressed

optimism about the future, promising positive achievements, improved standards of living, higher productivity, and enhanced food security in the coming years.

Also, speaking on the FX reforms, Cardoso who was represented by the Director of Risk, CBN, Blaise Ijebor reiterated that the recent reforms had seen an uptick in inflows into Nigeria compared to the previous year.

He said: “We remain committed to using all the orthodox monetary policy tools available to us to address inflation. We have also embarked on major reforms to liberalise the foreign exchange market, which has enhanced transparency, reduced arbitrage opportunities promoted stability, and improved the liquidity in the market.

“The settlement of all valid FX forwards which was one of my commitments when I came on as governor of the CBN, has also improved the confidence of stakeholders. We are already seeing the result of these reforms in the growth of FX flows into the country.

“The FX flows into the country in Q1 of 2024 was 136 per cent of the total inflows that we had in the whole of 2023.”

Furthermore, he noted that he remains committed to repositioning the central bank to deliver meaningful data-driven and sustainable solutions with clear positives for all Nigeria.

“We continue to be committed to a transparent and functional FX market where price discovery is based on market-driven frameworks and we are confident that this will lead to long-term stability of the naira which I know is what all of us seek.

“We are confident that a good implementation of our reform programme will restore the economy to the path of inclusive and accelerated economic growth in the near term.

“I won't lie but much more work is required to address our economic challenges, but let me assure you that the CBN is committed to and

will continue to enhance its effort to deliver on its mandate of promoting monetary and price stability in Nigeria,” Cardoso said.

He added that under his stewardship the CBN was committed to implementing bold reforms to ensure the economy benefits all Nigerians.

“We have initiated a tightening of the bank's monetary policy to address inflationary pressures on the economy. I am confident that the results will become apparent in the near term.

“Fortunately, we are already witnessing a deceleration in inflation, as evidenced by the decline in monthon-month growth in headline and food inflation.

“In addition, we are all working to address the challenges in the Bureaux De Change (BDCs) segment. To this end, we have developed and revised regulatory and supervisory guidelines for BDC operations in Nigeria.

“ This is aimed at ensuring that BDCs play the right role that they have been envisioned to play in the foreign exchange market. In addition, we have also revoked the license of BDCs who we have established and have been involved in unwholesome practices.

“Also, we continue to be focused on increasing the flows of diaspora remittances into the economy via official channels to improve liquidity to the foreign exchange market,” he added.

the field of technology and digital sectors, encompassing the rise and adoption of fintech, e-commerce, and digital service. He said in agriculture, various agricultural value chains like agribusiness, processing, commodity exchanges, and export activities and in renewable energy had emerged, including the growth in solar and other renewable energy production.

According to him, the skit industry, Nollywood and music production in the entertainment and creative industry had gained international recognition; as well as the growth in urbanization and infrastructural development which had also enhanced the value of real estate among other sectoral shifts that the rebasing of the CPI and GDP will capture.

"Where such positions previously existed under recognised custom and traditions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December, 2019."

The new law said, "The commissioner responsible for local government shall oversee all transitional arrangements, including how best to deal with assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates and new structure created under the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December, 2019."

According to the 2019 amended law, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the dethroned Emir, was only in control of eight local governments councils, out of the 44 in the state. He will now revert to his former position as Wambai of Kano.

Apart from Bayero, who was said to be on official trip outside the state, the location of other dethroned emirs was not ascertained at the time of filing this report.

Some residents of Kano, mostly supporters of Emir Sanusi, charged into jubilation, in expectation of his arrival to lead prayers today.

Meanwhile, the exparte application dated and filed on May 23, with suit number: HC/Kn/CS/182/2024, has the Kano State Government, House of Assembly, Speaker, Attorney-General of Kano State, Commissioner of Police, Kano State, Inspector General of Police, Nigeria security and Civil Defence Corps and Department of State Security as 1st to 8th defendants.

Justices A. M. Liman made the order stopping Sanusi’s reinstatement in a fundamental human rights suit filed by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi (Sarkin Dawaki Babba) against the Kano State Government and seven others.

After hearing ‘the submissions of Ibrahim Aliyu Nasarawa, Counsel for the Plaintiff/Applicant, who moved in

Ojowu said the sensitization workshop was a testimony to the NBS’s relentless effort to ensure that governments and private sector users of statistics have a variety of reliable and timely data that meet their needs.

terms of the Motion paper, and after careful consideration of the application and submissions of Counsel, Justice Liman gave the orders.

"That leave is granted to the Plaintiff/Applicant to issue and serve their Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes on the 6th Defendant Inspector General of Police) in FCT Abuja and outside the: jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.

"That an Order of this Honourable Court marking the Plaintiff/ Applicant’s Concurrent Originating Motion as wellas all other court processes to be served on the 6th Defendant in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court is granted.

"That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

"That in view of the Constitutional and Jurisdictional issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the Court on same at the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application which is fixed for the 3" of June, 2024.

"That in Order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an Interim Injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the 5th to 8th Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing and operationalising the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.

"That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into law pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

"That this case is adjourned to 3rd day of June, 2024, for hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.”

The court, however, granted leave to the applicant to serve the court documents on the IG in Abuja.

AKUME: DIFFICULT CHOICES BEING MADE BY OUR GOVT ARE TO PREVENT

the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reiterated that most of the difficult decisions being made by the federal government were to prevent a total collapse of the system.

At the same time, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed concern over rising cases of cybercrimes, especially among the youths in the country.

The commission, however, said 60 per cent of arrests so far made on cybercrimes are mainly young persons between the ages of 16 and 19 years.

Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, have lamented the persistence of the evil of corruption in Nigeria, adding that citizens were going through a lot of hardship at the moment.

However, speaking on the state of things, Akume explained that the government has never relented in expressing its deepest sympathy with the people over the resultant hardships Nigerians were passing

through.

The SGF, who spoke at the First Quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) held in Abuja, also addressed the menace of cybercrime, and lamented the increasing involvement of youths in the criminal act

He said though moderate successes had been recorded in dealing with cybercrime, especially in the areas of apprehension, prosecution and convictions, the government would leave no stone unturned in exterminating the scourge.

On his part, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who was represented by the commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwajerin, said a collective action needed to be taken by the society not just the Commission or government alone to prevent the country from sinking deeper into corruption and moral decadence.

He said the commission was worried about the involvement of large number of youths in cybercrime, adding that over 60 per cent of arrests made by EFCC involved people of

this age group.

"That some of these young ones, some of them 16, 17 and 19 years old, are being convicted and sent to prison is very worrisome of what may become of them in the future.

"At the moment, a lot of these youths do not know the implications of carrying that tag of ex-convicts, something that may deny them a lot of benefits in the future.

“By the way our constitution is framed, some of them may not be qualified to aspire for a political office in future and they may not even fit into some areas in the private sector.

"So, that is the challenge for us now in the EFCC," he said, stressing that the Commission had come the realisation that enforcement alone could not solve the problem thus the decision to embrace the idea of prevention," he said.

In his presentation, the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, said the two major religions in the country condemned and abhorred corruption.

Specifically addressing cybercrimes,

he said the ICPC has received several cases of alleged cybercrimes, some of which it had prosecuted and conviction secured. He said there was need for religious leaders to join hands with government in the campaign against corruption and to fish out corrupt elements in the society.

Earlier the Sultan of Sokoto, lamented the hardship the citizens were going through at the moment, most of which he said could be attributed to economic sabotage and corruption. he, therefore, called for more support for the anti-corruption agencies in their efforts to rid the country of the dubious practices. Okoh, on his part, said the teachings of the Holy Bible eloquently discourages the faithful from engaging in corrupt acts but that many had ignored the injunction to indulge the crime.

Executive Secretary of NIREC, Prof Cornelius Omonkhua, contended that most young people were driven into cybercrimes by their desperate bid to escape poverty.

Adeniran

LAUNCH OF EUTHYROX PRODUCT IN NIGERIA BY MERCK...

L-R: Speaker/Unit Head, Endocrinology. Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, LUTH, Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade; Speaker/Consultant Physician, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Prof. Babatope Kolawole; Marketing Manager, Merck, Fady Emile; Representative of First Lady, Lagos/Consultant, Public Health Physician, Dr. Omowunmi Bakare; Representative of Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Olanrewaju Jenrola; Speaker/Senior Lecturer in Endocrinology, Newcastle University UK, Prof. Salman Razvi and Country Manager, Merck Pharmaceutical ( English-Speaking West Africa Region), Mr.

Ajibo during the Launch of Euthyrox Product in Nigeria by Merck at Radisson Blue, lkeja, Lagos on Wednesday ABIODUN

FG Seeks $2bn Funding from Russian, Chinese Investors to Revive Ajaokuta Steel Plant

Launches information portal on Nigeria

Wike declares 60 days free ride for FCT residents on Abuja light rail

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government said it was in talks with investors from Russia, China, and some Arab countries on the possibility of revamping the Ajaokuta steel company. The government said it was considering an investment of about $2 billion into the resuscitation of the plant constructed in 1979.

Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, made the disclosure yesterday at the Ministerial Sectoral Briefings to mark the first anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

That was as the federal government launched the Nigerian National Information Portal, as the official digital gateway to comprehensive information on Nigeria.

The portal was launched yesterday by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed

Idris, at the commencement of the ministerial briefing in commemoration of the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said at the briefing that FCT residents would be provided a two-month free ride on the Abuja Light Rail, which will be launched on May 27 by Tinubu.

Taking his turn at the ministerial sectoral briefings, Audu said the Russian builders had shown substantial willingness and desire to complete the 110 megawatts power plant and bring in the funding and structure that will be the best for Nigeria.

He said, “Although we are talking to the Russians, we have other parties that are also showing interest, including the Chinese, the Arab companies. The consortium the Russians are bringing also include the

Nigerian investors. We are factoring local capacity into the conversation.”

Audu added that the ministry had obtained presidential approval to raise private capital to kick-start the live section mill of the Steel Plant One that was 98 per cent complete, and was at the final stages of raising $35 million via private capital institutions.

He said the mill had the capacity to produce over 400,000 metric tonnes of iron rod.

Audu explained that the ministry had also had progressive engagements with the Minister of Defence on using one of the engineering workshops at Ajaokuta to produce military hardware, like helmets, vests, and bullets for use by the Nigerian military.

The minister stressed that the federal government was also thinking of creating an industrial park on a 25-acre land available at Ajaokuta, where all steel operators will coalesce into an industrial hub of Nigerians.

According to him, the ministry is reviving the steel industry with a 10-year document produced by international experts. He said about N5 billion would be required to draft the roadmap from the programme.

Meanwhile, Wike said FCT residents will enjoy a two-month free ride on the Abuja Light Rail, due for launch on May 27 by Tinubu.

He said the Abuja Light Rail will commence commercial operation after the launch, saying, however, that the president may even consider extending the free ride to six months.

Wike said at the briefing, “We are going to allow for rides for two months and you know Mr. President can even say it should be extended to six months, just to reduce the pains of the people. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda, when you say something, you do it.”

He also stated, “So many have said that it was commissioned before. We

Shettima Receives Tax Professionals, Says Govt Will Improve Efficiency of Nation's Tax Collection System Without Overburdening Nigerians

Seeks inclusion of more youths in capital market

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to revamping the country's tax system without overburdening Nigerians.

Shettima said the fundamental motive of the administration was not to increase the tax burden on Nigerians but to improve the efficiency of tax collection.

Speaking on Thursday while receiving in audience a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) at State House, Abuja, Shettima stated that no Nigerian was pleased with the illegal tax collection happening across the entire country by non-state actors.

On the same day, the vice president called on leaders in Nigeria’s capital market to restructure the system with a view to deploying strategies that would attract more youths to leverage opportunities in the sector.

Shettima made the call when he

received the management of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), led by its 13th President and Chairman of Council, Mr Oluropo Dada, on a courtesy visit to him at State House.

Seeking CITN's insights on attracting foreign direct investment through competitive company tax rates, the vice president said, "The focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration is not to increase the tax burden on Nigerians but to improve the efficiency of tax collection. That is our fundamental motive.

"As you go across every state, you get to at least five or six places where you have to pay all sorts of fictitious taxes that do not get to the pockets of the government."

Shettima stressed the importance of collaborating with the CITN to adopt global best practices in tax administration, pointing out that "knowledge is not something you can buy in the market square; you have to earn it".

Earlier in his remarks, CITN President, Samuel Agbeluyi,

commended the federal government's efforts to address the needs of Nigerians, citing the recent suspension of the Cyber Security Levy as a prime example.

Agbeluyi applauded the various initiatives of the administration, including unifying exchange rates, attracting foreign investment, establishing the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, as well as deploying monetary policy measures to stabilise the naira, combat inflation, and recapitalise the banks.

Agbeluyi also outlined CITN's multi-pronged goals, chief among which was forging a strategic partnership with the government to ensure the smooth implementation of the fiscal policy committee's recommendations.

He advocated the professionalisation of tax functions within government agencies, recognising exemplary tax professionals and taxpayers through national honours, and fostering a robust working relationship between CITN and

the vice president's office on fiscal matters.

Agbeluyi stated, "We believe that our collaborative efforts will contribute significantly to the realisation of a tax system that is fair, transparent, and capable of driving Nigeria's economic growth and development."

The CITN boss pledged to provide technical and professional advice to the government at all levels, and contribute to the development of an efficient tax system that fostered ease of doing business, accountability, and prudent utilisation of taxpayers' resources.

On Thursday, also, the vice president called on leaders in Nigeria’s capital market to restructure the system with a view to attracting more youths into the sector.

He said the restructuring of the sector should include, among other things, the strengthening of internal mechanisms to check unwholesome practices by unscrupulous persons in the market.

are not talking about commissioning of building; we are talking about commissioning the commercial operations. There was no access road to all the stations, how do you use it?

“The unavailability of those access roads hindered the operation of the metro line. Remember, in September last year, the president said he wanted to ride on the metro line and, to the Glory of God, on Monday, 27th of this month, Mr. President will ride on that metro line. Now, all the access roads have been done with their car parks.

“From Tuesday, 28th of this month, everybody can go and take a ride for themselves.”

The minister said the last administration awarded a contract to CCECC at the cost of $128 million to train FCT train managers for 29 months for the operation of the metro line. He said when he came on board, he rejected that arrangement and reduced the amount to $75 million, in the process saving the government $53 million.

He urged the National Assembly to review the law against vandalism in the nation's capital, stating that the current law, which prescribed N10, 000 as fine on conviction, was not punitive enough to deter vandals.

The minister explained, "Take for example, the issue of streetlights on Abuja streets. Today you put streetlights, tomorrow night, it is no longer there. What happened? They have vandalised them. They cut off the cables.

“You arrest them for prosecution, and What does the law say on conviction, N10,000. So, they continue with the act.

“We have told the National Assembly that they must come to our aid by amending and reviewing the law to make it very tough as to discourage vandals from vandalising our infrastructure.”

Equally speaking, Minister of Solid Mineral Resources, Henry Dele-Alake, said the country failed to utilise the humungous amount of petro-dollars that accrued to it over the years to create a structural economy in other sections, including solid mineral and agriculture.

He said over 2,500 mining licences had been revoked by the administration, while 10,000 applications for mining licences

were received, of which 4,000 were approved.

The information and national orientation minister launched the Nigerian National Information Portal at the commencement of the briefings, to serve as the official digital gateway to comprehensive information about Nigeria.

Idris said the portal was a centralised source for both local and international audiences, providing reliable and up-to-date information on various aspects of the country, including the government, the people of Nigeria, their cultural heritage, and many more.

The minister stated as he launched the portal, “We use this opportunity to launch the Nigerian National Information Portal. Of course, it was in existence before, but it has been so badly managed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has resuscitated this new portal.

“It is a gateway to all the information you require to know about this government; about Nigeria, people, and our cultures. So, join me in clapping for Nigeria for having this relaunched new National Information Portal.”

The link to the portal is www. nigeria.gov.ng.

Earlier, in his address of welcome to the sectoral briefings, Idris said the president had started laying a solid and enduring foundation that will make life better for the people of Nigeria.

He stated, “Landmark initiatives, like the Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, the N200 Billion Presidential Grant and Loan Scheme, our Agriculture and Food Security efforts (including the launch of Dry Season Farming, and massive fertiliser distribution), the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund(RHIDF), Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme, our reform efforts in the electricity sector, and in the area of taxes and fiscal policy, and the negotiations for a befitting new National Minimum Wage are some of the many policies and programmes that will directly touch and improve the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of Nigerians.”

Charles

AJALA

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

SOYANNWO'S FUNERAL SERVICE...

At NERC Public Hearing, Manufacturers Challenge Hike in Electricity Tariff

Power sector regulator to release appeal decision in 30-45 days Gencos, Discos oppose move to reverse rate increase

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday held a petition hearing at the instance of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), following the organisation’s petition demanding a reversal or indefinite suspension of the implementation of the recent electricity tariff rate.

The power sector regulator had in its supplementary multi-year tariff order of April 3, 2024, noted that

after considering the macro-economic environment, it found it necessarily to approve an increase in tariff for Band ‘A’ to N225/kWh. It later reduced the rate to N206/kWh.

During the petition hearing which took place at the NERC headquarters in Abuja, the association through its Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir and MAN’s lawyer, Tola Oshodi, made their case for the reversal of the decision.

Other parties present at the event included: Representatives

of power firms and power sector experts, who also presented their cases on the prevailing situation of the macro-economic indices against which the tariff adjustment was made.

Vice Chairman of NERC and chairman of the petition hearing team, Dr. Musiliu Oseni noted the submissions from MAN as well as from ‘intervenors’, explaining that after listening to the arguments, NERC will make a ruling on the petition during a 30-day window, which may include an extension

window of 15 days.

But he questioned MAN on the decision to instruct their members not to pay the new tariff, adding that it amounted to resorting to self help.

Nonetheless, he commended them for later following due process by appealing against the order, promising that the panel will rule on the appeal within the stipulated period.

In their argument, the manufacturers challenged the powers of NERC to review electricity tariff monthly without adequate

NNPC, Shafa Energies, Nigus Unveil Nigeria’s First EV Charging Station in Abuja

Sign MoU on development of facilities nationwide

NNPC New Energies Limited (NNEL), a subsidiary of the national oil company, Shafa Energies and Nigus International, yesterday launched Nigeria’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, marking a major step for the country’s aspiration to wean itself off other expensive sources of energy.

The parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of charging stations in Nigeria, which will see the spread of the facilities nationwide.

Speaking at the event in Mabushi, Abuja, the Managing Director of NNEL, Kanayo Odoe, described renewables as the future, considering that they are cheaper, cleaner and less harmful to the environment and human health.

He argued that NNPC as an organisation has a lot of interest in cleaner sources of fuels with the establishment of the new subsidiary, explaining that apart from charging vehicles, the new stations will also be able to power homes.

“This is the way of the future. This is the way of the world. Aside from maybe climate change, we are particular too about the health

impacts of fossil fuels on the environment.

“So, this is a no-brainer. Also, you consider the economics of it. This is cheaper for our people. So, coming together to push for renewable energy is in the interest of our nation as one of the options for energy sources.

“Our GCEO of NNPC is very particular about renewable energies. And that has led to the birth of NNPC New Energies Limited. So, moving forward, there's going to be a lot of action in this space. And this action in this space will lead not only to EVs recharging stations, but also lighting up Nigeria through solar,” Odoe explained.

Aside the north, he stated that the chargers will also expand to the south because there’s sunlight in all parts of Nigeria, promising to work with NNEL’s partners to spread cheaper sources of energy to consumers.

“So we have the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), Nigus, you have the NNPC, we are the non-operators in this case, so NNEL is working with Nigus to supply the equipment, charging stations across.

“And AYM Ashafa, petrol stations, retail stations will hold the charging equipment to give to

the supplier. So actually Ashafa is the base upon which the charging stations will sit.

“So the source of energy is limitless, as long as the sun will have generation of energy without looking for diesel or PMS at a cost. This is straight source from God that we’re utilising. And aside from charging vehicles, you can also use this to power homes,” he noted.

Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Shafa Energies, Abdulmuminu Maishanu, said he was glad that his company was taken as a participant in the pilot phase of the programme, stressing that the objective was to ensure that electric vehicles and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) become good alternatives for the very expensive fuels.

He noted that the plan was to ensure the survival of the country due to the current economic conditions, expressing his commitment to the federal government’s initiative to embrace cheaper fuels.

He stated that even though the rest of the world was already ahead, it was good for Nigeria to start somewhere.

In his remarks, Chairman of Nigus International, Malik Ado-

Ibrahim, noted that as a company operating in 18 countries, Nigus has developed over 1 gigawatt of storage, with the lithium coming from Nasarawa, Niger and Taraba states.

“I've been processing lithium since 2014. Since 2017, I've been supplying power to countries like Turkey, the United States. We've done a very big deal with Escom in South Africa to give them about 300 megawatts of stored power.

“ And so the vision that we had 10 years ago is now coming to be part of what's happening today. I'm a proud Nigerian that is really grateful because of the relationship with NNPC that we've been able to showcase our products,” he said.

He lauded the NNPC, stressing that the firm has been able to do what every other big multinational organisation has done and has diversified its portfolio into other areas like CNG and EVs in the nearest future.

Also commenting, the Chief Executive of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), an indigenous Nigerian EV company, Mustapha Audu, said the latest initiative, when expanded, will reduce the cost of logistics which affect prices of goods and by extension the welfare of the citizens.

consultation with consumers and other stakeholders, noting that the continued implementation of the order would lead to complete closure of the manufacturing sector.

Ajayi-Kadiri told the four-man panel of the commission headed by Oseni to suspend the implementation of the new tariff, explaining that the cost was becoming almost impossible for his members to bear.

He said: “Power to a manufacturer is like blood to a human being. It represents anywhere between 28 per cent to 40 per cent of our cost structure depending on how power intensive your manufacturing process is. So you can imagine if there is a 250 per cent increase in that particular cost, it is going to inflict damage.

“We operate in an environment in which this increase is coming on the back of the exchange rate challenge, petrol subsidy removal, increase on import duties, multiple taxation and other challenges”.

The MAN boss submitted that the decision to raise tariff was making the manufacturing sector uncompetitive, stressing that many companies were being disconnected from the grid because of their inability to cope with current prices.

“If you add the cost of electricity to the burden that we already have, we are not going to make a profit. More than 36 companies have been disconnected at this moment.

“If it is possible for them to pay and pass on the cost, we would not bother. We are being bashed from all angles and we need to engage in such a way that we are able to survive.

“We know that Distribution Companies (Discos) are business men and we are also businessmen, nobody will go into a business and try to make a loss. But what we are seeing in the increase is that the Discos are going to survive and the manufacturers are going to die. It is not possible for manufacturers to take on this cost,” Ajayi-Kadiri argued.

In his submission, legal counsel to MAN, Oshodi, challenged NERC’s powers to review tariffs monthly, maintaining that the commission had not consulted widely and given consumers enough time to state their case before approving the increase.

He averred: “There is a process for the bi-annual review, which means

three months to the time for the biannual review, notices ought to be issued, stakeholder representations are invited and comments are taken over a period and considered before the review. I do not think regulations and guidelines allow NERC to do this monthly.”

Oshodi argued that for the tariff order to be valid it must follow the process prescribed and the amount of time needed for stakeholders to make their presentations on the review. However, the application by MAN to have the implementation of the tariff increase suspended was opposed by the power generation Companies (Gencos) and the electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) which argued that it would lead to losses for them.

Chairman of Sahara Energy, Kola Adesina pointed out over the years Gencos had been at the receiving end of the liquidity challenges facing the electricity sector in the country. The company owns Ikeja Electric and Mainstream.

“As a producer of power, we are also directly affected by those variables we all talk about, including inflation rate, interest rate and exchange rate. But we do not have the room like the manufacturers have where their entire cost can be passed on to their pricing.

“For years, we were subsidising the power sector in Nigeria and till today we are still doing exactly the same thing,” Adesina lamented. Also speaking the Discos stated that they also have remittances to make to other stakeholders every month, explaining that they have also been struggling.

Chief Executive of Ibadan Disco, Mr. Kingsley Achife, noted that although the company was willing to make concessions to those with a payment plan, it however disconnect customers who refuse to pay outright without explanation.

They threatened to disconnect any manufacturers which failed to pay the new rate, adding that DisCos also receive invoices from the markets which they need to settle.

“We have some MAN members telling us they will pay the old rate. For us in Ibadan, we are disconnecting those ones because we don’t want to build up the liabilities they owe.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: Children of the late Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Fir st Lady, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Elder brother of the deceased, Mr. Bayo Soyannwo during the funeral service of Mr. Soyannwo, at the Redeemed Christian Chur ch of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Victoria Island... yesterday

NIGERIA INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL MEETING...

FBN Holdings Declares N359bn

Profit Before Tax in 2023FY

FBN Holdings Plc, yesterday announced its audited results for the financial year end December 31, 2023 with about N359 billion profit before tax, an increase of 127.3 per cent from N157.7 billion declared in the 2022 financial year.

From the result and accounts posted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the group declared N310.5billion profit after tax, representing an increase of 127.8 per cent from N136.3 billion declared in 2022.

Amid growth in profit after tax, the board of directors recommended a dividend of 40 kobo per ordinary share of 50 kobo each, amounting to N14.36 billion in 2023 financial year compared to N17.95 billion paid to shareholders in 2022 financial year.

Gross earnings stood at N1.6 trillion in 2023, about 95.7 per cent from N815.2 billion declared in 2022.

The growth in gross earnings was driven by a 74 per cent growth in interest income to N960.3 billion in 2023 from N551.9 billion in 2022, which represents 60.2per cent of gross earnings.

The growth in interest income was underpinned by the strong rate environment which resulted in an increase in earning yields to 10.7per cent from 8.8per cent in the prior year. Likewise, net interest margin improved to 6.1per cent from 5.8per cent in 2022.

Relatedly and in line with the focus of driving transaction-based offerings, non-interest income grew 153.6per cent to N601.7 billion. This includes trading and mark to market income of N382.7 billion. Excluding this, non-interest revenue was up 52.4per cent to N219.0 billion from N143.7 billion.

This was primarily driven by 63.8per cent growth in net fee and

NBTE, PTDF Partners to Maximise AKK Gas Pipeline Social-Economic Benefits

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) have collaborated to maximise the socio-economic benefits of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline.

The Executive Secretary, NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje at a Round Table on AKK Gas Pipeline in Abuja on Thursday, said there was need for collaboration that would yield sustainable industrial development.

The theme of the round table is tagged: Bridging the Skills Gaps for the AKK Downstream Industries.

He noted that the round table was aimed at addressing critical aspects of the AKK Gas pipeline project by reviewing its progress and identifying skill gaps.

He added that this would help to explore strategies for power generation and addressing security concerns.

"The AKK Gas Pipeline project stands as a testament to our nation's commitment to harnessing its abundant natural resources for the benefit of its people.

"This ambitious endeavour promises to revolutionise our energy landscape and presents unparalleled opportunities for economic diversification and job creation, particularly in the downstream petrochemical industries.

"We are concerned that we are not seeing the utilisation that comes from gas . It is one thing to deliver the gas and it's another thing to develop the downstream utilisation.

"And that's very critical because this gas 85 percent of it is loaned from China and that's why we need to bring stakeholders together so that we can now start planning on how to utilise the gas properly,'' he said.

Also, the Executive Secretary, PTDF, Ahmed Aminu, said concerted efforts were being made to develop a robust and more dynamic energy sector that is more sustainable in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Aminu said the Fund, through such roundtables, had sought partnerships for capacity building and bespoke training at the Centres of Excellence to bridge the gap for necessary skills required to man the industry.

"The necessity of bridging the skills gap in the entire value chain is of utmost priority to PTDF. In line with this mandate, the Fund has engaged in several value-adding initiatives.

"We have in the recent past introduced a project-based training programme, which is an intervention specifically for the Frontier basins, non-associated gas projects and the AKK gas pipeline project.

commission income – underscoring the strength of our core banking and related offerings.

The Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings, Nnamdi Okonkwo in a statement stated that the Group’s strong performance underscores the resilience and sustainable growth despite the challenging macroeconomic landscape.

He explained further that, “Notably, gross earnings grew 95.7per cent to N1.6 trillion, while profit before tax increased by 127.3per cent to N358.9 billion.

“We are committed to further enhancing revenue and profitability by

leveraging technology, strengthening our value proposition, refining our governance model, and maximising operational efficiencies. In the face of the increasingly competitive environment, we maintain a forwardlooking approach, with a clear aim to build a sustainable institution.

‘Our disciplined execution of strategic initiatives positions the Group for improved profitability, excellence in performance, and surpassing stakeholders’ expectations.”

Meanwhile, the group’s deposit from customers increased to N10.7 trillion, a growth of 49.7per cent from N7.1 trillion declared in 2022.

“Customer acquisition drive has also been enhanced through a growing adoption across digital platforms and greater penetration of the unbanked segments through the agency banking network, further boosting financial inclusion drive,” the old financial institution in Nigeria explained.

Total assets hits N16.9 trillion in 2023, a growth of 60.1 per cent from N10.6 trillion reported in 2022 on the back of a 67.8per cent increase in customer loans and 20.5per cent growth in investment securities, thus enhancing our earning capabilities and overall asset position.

In addition, the Group’s Gross loans

improved to N6.6 trillion in 2023, an increase of by 68.8per cent from N3.9 billion in 2022, due to growth in lending and benefiting from the increase in foreign currency loans following devaluation of the currency.

“Despite the volatile business environment, NPL ratio remained well within the regulatory threshold at 4.7per cent, while coverage ratio further improved from 80.5per cent in 2022 to a solid at 91.7per cent, thereby sustaining the overall strong asset quality profile of the portfolio - this remains a top priority,” the bank explained in a statement obtained by THISDAY.

REA Signs 350mw MoU with EM-One to Electrify Underserved Areas

energy service companies (RESCOs).

The Renewable Energy Agency (REA) activated two critical partnerships yesterday, including a 350 megawatts (MW) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EMOne, an integrated energy solutions and renewable energy company, for delivery of clean and reliable electricity to underserved peri-urban and rural areas in Nigeria.

The second deal was with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) for the provision of clean off-grid power solutions to millions of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country, who were constrained by lack of access to power supply.

The two partnership deals were signed in Lagos on the side-lines of the ongoing Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2024, organised by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE).

Managing Director of REA, Mr. Abba Aliyu, signed on behalf of the agency.

Notably, the two deals came a day after the agency had on Wednesday inked an MoU with Husk Power for the delivery of 250MW of sustainable electricity to millions of underserved rural communities and peri-urban centres in Nigeria.

However, the historic 350MW partnership with EM-One, according to document made available to THISDAY, was built on REA's commitment to achieving universal energy access through renewable

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the REA boss expressed enthusiasm over the partnership. He stated that the agreements represented a significant step forward in realising the agency's vision of a robust network of RESCOs delivering clean and reliable electricity to even the most remote corners of Nigeria.

Aliyu said, "This collaboration with EM-ONE is a significant step towards our goal of universal energy access in Nigeria. By scaling up renewable energy projects and supporting RESCOs, we are not only addressing the immediate energy needs of our communities but also fostering long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability."

He explained that in the first part, the MoU with EM-One signified a combined commitment to deliver an additional 250MW of interconnected mini-grids (IMGs) across Nigeria, essentially targeting peri-urban and rural communities, with a particular focus on sites with large-scale anchor loads, like factories or commercial centres.

He said these anchors would not only power their own operations but also serve as hubs, illuminating surrounding underserved communities.

Aliyu maintained that the IMGs were a core component of the REA's Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale Up (DARES) project, aiming to enhance energy access, stimulate local economies, and promote balanced development across Nigeria.

He stated that the partnership with EM-One, alongside the previous agreement with Husk Power, would bring the total combined commitment to a staggering 500MW of renewable energy delivered through mini-grids.

Aliyu explained, "This signifies a major leap forward in the REA's vision for a network of RESCOs that can empower underserved communities across Nigeria.

"The MoUs also pave the way for cutting-edge technologies, like smart grids and decentralised systems, to be integrated with IMGs.

"The integration of such technologies will increase grid visibility, optimise power flows, and enable large-scale grid interconnection of renewable energy, ultimately modernising Nigeria's energy infrastructure and ensuring efficient energy distribution."

Beyond community electrification, Aliyu stated that REA was exploring the electrification of health facilities with dedicated solar mini-grids.

According to him, the initiative, along with the promotion of other value chain enhancing productiveuse cases, such as electric vehicles (EVs) for sustainable transport solutions, further demonstrated REA's commitment to a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.

Commenting on the deal, Chief Executive Officer of EM-ONE, Mir Islam, highlighted the innovative aspects of the partnership.

Islam said, "We are excited to work with REA to bring cutting-edge technologies, like smart grids and

decentralised systems, to address the challenge of energy access in Nigeria. These solutions will not only enhance energy efficiency but also ensure that renewable energy can be reliably integrated into the national grid at scale."

REA also stated that partnership with EM-One, combined with the earlier agreement with Husk Power, set a new global standard for expanding access to clean energy through decentralised solar solutions. By prioritising the needs of local communities, the agency said the initiative went beyond simply providing electricity, as it empowered communities with the tools and resources they need to maximise the benefits of renewable energy.

Meanwhile, REA said the deal it signed with SMEDAN for the provision of clean off-grid power solutions to MSMEs across the country marked a significant step towards achieving universal energy access and accelerating Nigeria's energy transition.

The document made available to THISDAY, indicated that the strategic partnership marked a crucial step in unlocking the growth potential of MSMEs by providing them with access to reliable and sustainable alternative energy solutions.

The collaboration between REA and SMEDAN, according to the document, directly aligned with REA's long-held ambition of providing clean and dependable energy solutions that drive socio-economic development, particularly in underserved areas.

Peter Uzoho

Kayode Tokede

L-R: President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archchibishop Daniel Okoh; Representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Maurice Mbaeri; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar; Chairman, ICPC, Musa Adamu SAN and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, during the first quarter meeting of the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC) in Abuja ... yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

55TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF NESTLE NIGERIA...

Stakeholders Proffer Solutions to Gas Sector Issues, Seek Right Pricing, Market Liberalisation

Say 12BCF of gas unaccounted for in 12 months Babalakin decries Nigeria’s underutilised natural resources

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s gas sector yesterday converged on Abuja to discuss the country’s perpetual underperformance, despite having the 9th biggest reserves in the world, with over 209 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of the commodity.

Major themes which resonated during the event, were the need to ensure an appropriate gas pricing mechanism, effective enforcement of the network code, consistency in policies as well as the full

liberalisation of the gas market.

The colloquium themed: “Strategies for Developing Nigeria’s Gas” was organised by Wale Babalakin & Co, led by its Founder, Wale Babalakin (SAN) as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The event was attended by the eggheads in the sector, including the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed and

former Executive Director, Gas and Power, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Dr David Ige.

Also in attendance were: The Chief Investment Officer, NNPC Gas and Power Investment Services , Dr Salihu Jamari; President, Nigeria Gas Association (NGA), Akachukwu Nwokedi; Manage Director, Shell Nigeria Gas; Ralph Gbobo as well as Group CEO, UTM Offshore, Dr Julius Rone.

Others included: Acting Managing Director and Asset Manager, Neconde

Energy Ltd, Chichi Emenike; Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Find (MDGIF), Oluwole Adama as well as Dolu Olugbenjo, Chief Investment Officer, Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund.

The panel sessions were anchored by Partner and Head, Energy Group, Babalakin & Co, Prof Bayo Adaralegbe as well as Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, General Manager, Gas Commercial, Sahara Group.

At the event, Babalakin stated

Contractors Blame Poor Funding by FG for Project Delivery Hiccups

Seek stakeholders’ intervention to resolve current faceoff with works minister, save industry from collapse

James Emejo in Abuja

The Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI), an umbrella group for organised companies and stakeholders in the construction industry, yesterday declared that contrary to suggestions, contractors are not to blame for the current state of road projects across the country.

President of FOCI, Chief Vincent Barrah, said contractors are currently challenged by inadequate funding by the federal government thus leading to delays and in some instances project abandonment.

Addressing journalists at a media briefing in Abuja on the industry’s position on the current face-off between members and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, Barrah also appealed to all relevant stakeholders to intervene urgently in the dire situation to save the construction industry from total collapse. He added that the altercation if not addressed could defeat President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda in the industry.

He said most of the projects awarded between 10 to 15 years ago are still ongoing due to inadequate

funding and delayed payments for certified works.

Speaking alongside the group’s acting Director General, Mr. Fidelis Imoisili, said, “If you award me a contract, you should fund me. And the much I can do is the much you have funded me. And of course, if you budget and fund me appropriately, I will deliver.

“Our members are proven and tested construction companies in Nigeria; we are ready to deliver projects if funded.

“Give us the job, give us a timeframe as contained in the contract agreement, pay us and we assure you that we will deliver before the timeframe.”

Among other things, the minister had accused contractors of deliberately delaying road construction even when they had been mobilised to the site, thus allowing inflation to affect project costing.

the minister had also demanded as much as 15 years warranty for construction works.

However, Barrah said there was no way inflation, augmentation, and variation of prices would not occur as long as funding was delayed.

On the issue of the 15-year-old warranty, he said, “We are not objecting to it. We don’t have problems with that. What we are saying is that it has to start from the inception and design of the contract.

“When you design a road with 15 years warranty from inception, the contractor will build according to that design. But what we are saying is that you cannot change

in the middle of the game.”

He said, “For instance, you have designed the roads with a 12-year warranty, then in the middle of the contract you say no, you want a 15-year warranty. It’s not acceptable, it’s not practicable because even if you are building a house; you need to know the design from the foundation so that you can lay the foundation that is in line with the structure.

that the initiative was aimed at meaningfully contributing to national discourse and the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

Stressing that Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural gas, having the largest natural gas resources in Africa and ranked the 9th country with largest gas reserves in the world, he said that unfortunately, Nigeria’s gas resources have remained largely untapped, unutilised or underutilised due to several reasons, including paucity of investments and inefficient and opaque regulatory system.

“With sustainable investments and efficient and transparent governance system, our gas has the potential of significantly contributing to our national revenue.

“Commendably, there is renewed vigour and focus towards optimising investments in, and utilisation of, our gas resources. This is buttressed by the several inaugurated and ongoing gas projects across Nigeria today; and the drive towards transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles,” he stated.

In his intervention, the minister who was represented by the MDGIF Executive Director, Adama, explained that Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its history, particularly in the realm of energy.

With vast reserves of natural gas, he said that Nigeria possesses a resource that holds the key to unlocking immense potential for economic growth, industrialisation,

FG Realigns First Section of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Bennett Oghifo

Minister of Works Dave Umahi yesterday said the federal government had fully redesigned the first section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is 47 kilometres of the road.

Umahi said President Bola Tinubu would flag off the road's construction on Sunday, May 26. He said, "We have fully

redesigned section one, which is 47 kilometres, and we can say that we've done everything possible to put human face by managing the alignment. We've taken hard decisions and we're happy that our decisions are not harmful.”

Umahi added, "We have also concluded the design of the road.

"We are concerned about some houses in this Goshen Estate."

He said the road would

be adjusted and a flyover constructed to enable residents move freely, as requested by the residents.

The federal government also diverted the road away from MTN and Okoaja community, the minister said. Umahi assured that these adjustments were not done out of pressure, but in response to Tinubu's directive to them to apply human face.

and sustainable development.

“However, realising this potential requires concerted efforts, innovative strategies, and unwavering commitment from both the public and private sectors.

“ Investment in infrastructure is paramount to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria's gas sector. We must prioritise the development of gas pipelines, processing plants, liquefaction facilities, and distribution networks to facilitate the efficient and reliable supply of gas to domestic and international markets.

“While domestic demand for gas continues to grow, we must also explore opportunities for export and diversification of markets. Leveraging Nigeria's strategic geographic location and competitive advantages, we can become a leading supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to global markets, thereby attracting significant investment and generating substantial revenue.

“Embracing technological advancements and promoting innovation is essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and mitigating environmental impacts in the gas sector. We must encourage research and development initiatives, foster collaboration with the academia and industry stakeholders, and leverage digital technologies to optimize operations and maximise value creation,” he said.

He stressed the need for stakeholders’ collaboration among government, industry players, local communities, and civil society, noting that it was indispensable for sustainable development and social responsibility in the gas sector.

In his submission, the NMDPRA boss, Ahmed, who was represented by the Director of Gas Operations and Development, Joseph Musa, admitted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was not a perfect document, but stressed that the organisation was amenable to its amendment.

He described some of the operators who inject molecules into the network as ‘reckless’ , reason that there are discrepancies between input and output gas, stressing that the government was working to ensure that wastages are eliminated. “So some of them are very reckless. And that is the battle we’re actually battling,” Ahmed said.

L-R: Non –Executive Director Nestle Nigeria Plc . Mr Mauricio Alarcon; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wassim Elhusseini; Chairman , Mr Gbenga Oyebode ; Company Secretary Mr Bode Ayeku;and Finance and Control Director , Mr Namit Mishra, at the 55th annual general meeting of Nestle Nigeria Plc , held in Lagos .... yesterday

The police? Always on the take, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

POLICING IN NIGERIA: THE BIG SURRENDER

I was recently trying to open an international bank account for a start-up that’d also raise money from investors in the United States. Those investors will only invest in an American company, so whilst you may be registered in Nigeria and your business model focused on Nigeria, they require an American identity for your business. This dual local and American identity is the norm for African start-ups. When time came to open the account, which until now you could do from Nigeria and as a Nigerian, the platform had blocked Nigeria.

No one needed to tell me why. I knew. You didn’t experience this with me, but you probably already know too. What used to be the most popular digital bank for Nigerian founders suddenly closed shop against the country. What happened? I can take a guess; some Nigerians broke the rules. What did they do exactly? I don’t know. What I do know is that those Nigerians are the minority of the Nigerian users of that platform, but that minority did enough to shape the perception of the entire country and helped to inform

a whole new blockage policy against Africa’s populous country.

I tell this story because, when you write about the unwholesome aspects of a population or system, it is not a denial of the presence of exemplary people and good practices in that system. It is an acknowledgement of the few and the far-reaching effects of their ways. Here, I acknowledge the good police officers, those that may be perceived as the outliers but could in fact be more in population than the bad eggs. They exist — I have written about them —and we have heard stories of their gallantry and kindness, even though those stories are not the norm, which is why when we hear them, they are such a big deal.

Years ago, a friend of mine visited Nigeria from Botswana. I played the good host, driving her around Abuja. Everything was going on just fine until we got to a police stop during the day. She could not understand what was happening. She was asking, “why are they there? Is everything okay?” The questions did not register. “What do you mean why are they there?” Then I caught myself. This is not normal in most places around the world, even though it is normal in this situation. If seeing them was shocking enough to this first time Nigeria visitor, the officers going on to ask for money raised the scale of anomaly. After we went past the police point, I was on the receiving end of a lot of questions. This fellow African had witnessed something that clearly was from a world she had never been

in. This experience taught me how a thing can become so normal, you forget how abnormal it is until you experience things differently. Or until you witness the anomaly through the eyes of someone who isn’t used to it. If you are a curious person, you’d immediately realise you were for a long-time part of an anomaly and had gotten so used to it you hardly or never noticed.

We all have that image in our heads, we have depicted it in movies and skits. We have made jokes out of it; the Nigerian police officer on the road, soliciting for money, getting it and immediately pocketing it as if the money would disappear if it spent a second longer without finding shelter in his pocket. Every Nigerian, from the president to the ones who live in the remotest parts of our country know this image. Whilst in the case of top government officials like the president and the vice-president, they do not get to witness this on account of the protocol that accompanies their movement, the good thing is they once lived before they attained those offices, and thankfully, getting sworn into public office does not wipe off one’s memories.

Other officials drive home at night. Whilst they may not have to endure being asked for money by these officers, they witness the activity before they make their own passage. This unwholesome act is so widespread and so normal, you could easily catch it on camera in every major Nigerian city tonight. It is no longer a sign of our dysfunction; it has become such a design, it is hard to see it as one of those, “Nigeria is not working” situations.

Once this became entrenched without push back from government via some policy implementation or even the people, these officers did the most natural thing in their situation; they became more daring.

A young Nigerian professional was stopped by men dressed in police jackets around 9:30pm on the island. They told him it was a ‘stop and search’ operation which he complied with. They found nothing. Then they asked to search his phone, an illegality that the Nigerian Police has itself publicly stated should be refused by Nigerians. Immediately after this, they started accusing him of being a cultist. Next thing he was cuffed and bundled into their Siena vehicle. He soon realised he was on the Third Mainland Bridge, guns pointed at him all the way to Agege. These men demanded N10m to have him released, they eventually robbed him of N2.8m, collected from several POS terminals, after he repeatedly pleaded for mercy. He feared for his life all along, so felt a great relief when they released him at 3:45am.

These men were dressed as police officers, empowered by the Nigerian Police Force and they in this instance were literally armed robbers. This experience isn’t the outlier, it is the norm. We don’t know how many Nigerians didn’t live to share similar experiences.

On the matter of policing in Nigeria, we are at the point of surrender. We all know holistic measures must be put in place to address this subject matter, we also know not to expect any change. At least not anytime soon. That’s more tragic than the tragedy that is policing in our country.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/BGX

PAT ONUKWULI contends that Oshiomhole's claim of being a “national” senator undermines the essence of Nigeria’s federal system

OSHIOMHOLE'S FAUX PAS

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the representative of Edo North Senatorial District, made a surprising entrance at a recent conference hosted by The Kukah Centre. His unexpected presence, coupled with his characteristic rhythmic tone, drew attention. He delved into various socio-economic issues, including the uneven application of legal principles, resource allocation for elementary education, the collaboration of the clergy in corruption, the view of Nigerians on homosexuality, and the economic downturn due to ineffective policies.

Oshiomhole's declaration that he is not just a Southern Senator but a representative of the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria is a significant departure from the norm. In a country often divided by regionalism and ethnic tensions, this stance is refreshing. Nigeria's political history is marred by leaders who prioritized their regional constituencies over national unity. By asserting his role as a national representative, Oshiomhole is challenging this status quo and advocating for a more inclusive and unified approach to governance.

By gate-crashing into the conference, he demonstrated a willingness to break norms and engage directly with the public, which can be seen

as daring and democratic. It shows a readiness to step out of traditional political arenas and address broader audiences, a tactic that could inspire greater public engagement and accountability. With this, Oshiomhole portrays himself as a river that flows from the south but nourishes the entire national landscape with its waters. He sees himself not merely representing a specific region but as a beacon of unity and service for Nigeria.

However, it is imperative to scrutinise the substance behind such bold proclamations. Federalism emphasises decentralisation and power distribution among subnational entities; these entities frequently gravitate towards the central government, profoundly shaping governance dynamics. Therefore, the constituent parts are the active players and engines propelling the federal system. Far from being mere cogs in government machinery, these subnational entities are the dynamic drivers shaping federal systems' direction, vitality, and strength worldwide. Oshiomhole, therefore, missed the mark because the convergence of constituent parts is the centralising force that often goes unnoticed in the intricate web of federal governance at the centre.

Hence, Oshiomhole's claim of being a “national” senator undermines the very essence of Nigeria’s federal system. Nigeria’s political structure is designed to ensure that regional interests are adequately represented nationally. Senators are elected to advocate for the needs and concerns of their specific constituencies. By dismissing his role as a regional representative, he essentially ignores the mandate given to him by his constituents, who expect him to address their local issues. It raises the question: how effectively can he serve his people if he is quick to abandon their unique needs in favour of a vague national agenda?

Moreover, his statement fails to acknowledge the complexities and diversities that define Nigeria. The

notion of a “national” senator sounds noble, but it oversimplifies the intricate labyrinth of ethnic, cultural, and regional identities that make up the country. Authentic leadership lies in recognising and valuing these differences, not in homogenising them under the guise of national unity. It is about finding a balance where regional interests are not seen as antithetical to national progress but as integral components.

Similarly, Oshiomhole's dramatic entrance into the conference and subsequent declaration reek of political grandstanding. Rather than genuinely bridging regional divides, this may be a calculated move to garner attention and reposition himself nationally. In a country where political credibility is often in short supply, such theatrics do little to build trust. Instead, they contribute to the growing cynicism among citizens tired of empty promises and performative politics.

This rhetoric also diverts attention from pressing issues that require immediate and localised interventions. While having a vision for national unity is crucial, it should not come at the expense of addressing specific problems individual regions face. From infrastructural deficits to security challenges, many areas of Nigeria grapple with issues that demand focused and sustained attention. A senator who dilutes his regional responsibilities favouring an ambiguous national focus risks neglecting these critical areas.

Oshiomhole should not refuse to acknowledge that charity begins at home like a gardener who neglects to tend to the roots of his garden while tirelessly planting seeds in distant fields, oblivious to the withering foliage at his doorstep. He should neither symbolise a lighthouse with a beacon shining brightly for distant ships, while at the same time, its foundation remains neglected and in darkness.

Senator Oshiomhole's roots in Edo State run deep. He served as its Governor and left a legacy of development and progress. By prioritising his role as an Edo State Senator, he can ensure that the needs and aspirations of his constituents remain at the forefront of his agenda. Direct engagement with local communities, addressing their concerns, and championing initiatives that promote growth and prosperity within the state are essential steps in fulfilling his mandate as their representative.

Expanding his scope of representation to encompass the interests of the Southern region is the next logical step. The Southern Senators Forum of Nigeria (SSF) provides a platform for collaboration and advocacy on issues pertinent to the Southern states by actively participating in the forum and aligning his priorities with those of his Southern counterparts. The SSF is a collective of senators representing the country's southern states. It comprises 51 senators from the 17 southern states. Like its counterpart, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), the forum has existed since the Ninth Senate. On March 13, 2024, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) was elected its new Chairman and Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) Deputy Chairman.

The SSF aims to discuss, analyse, and dissect national issues to move Nigeria forward. It serves as a platform for Southern senators to deliberate on matters affecting the region and the country. The SSF's Chairman recently stated that the Forum aims to champion the course of Nigeria and Nigerians. It plans to work in partnership with the Northern Senators Forum to advance the collective interests of the nation and roll out plans for the betterment of the Southern region and Nigeria as a whole.

Onukwuli PhD, writes from Bolton, UK

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ISSUES IN MATERNAL MORTALITY

The authorities must do more to stem the scourge

The scale of maternal mortality in Nigeria has become so alarming that we must call on the health authorities to fashion out a blueprint that will extenuate this pressing challenge. According to the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, no fewer than 700 babies die daily in Nigeria. “This is the highest number of newborn deaths in Africa and the second highest in the world. Alarmingly,

said while also noting that his state has the highest neonatal mortality rate in the Northwest.

from the World Health Organisation (WHO) which reveal that Nigeria accounts for over 34 % of global maternal deaths while the during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, or after an abortion for a Nigerian woman is one in 22, compared to one in 4900 in developed countries. The WHO report, ‘improving maternal and newborn health and survival and reducing stillbirth: Progress Report highest number of maternal and child deaths globally, after India.

Besides, women who do not have access to healthcare are prone to unassisted delivery carried with dire consequences for both the mother and foetus. To address this serious public health issue, we must begin to examine how to mitigate the acute poverty that has become a major challenge, especially in the rural areas.

We must end the agony and tears of mothers who carry pregnancy for nine months only to die at the point of delivery

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

The challenge at hand goes beyond what the federal government can handle. Many of the rural and medical facilities that will address these challenges. Where they exist, there is shortage of manpower, and obsolete medical equipment . Instances abound of pregnant women who have had to die in the process of commuting from their homes to a medical facility.

Yet when a pregnant woman avoids prenatal hemorrhage (PPH), a complication arising from childbirth, which can result in a fatal outcome.

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

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

However, we must put the blame on the state of them to primary healthcare system at the grassroots. It is even worse that most of them have rendered prostrate the local government administration in their states, leaving healthcare delivery at that level comatose. The solution goes beyond mere formulation of some policies by the federal government. There should be a and local governments are held accountable for maternal child healthcare services in their domains. The authorities, at both to cushion the economic burden on most of the women who dwell in the rural areas, as that has

should be a special focus on maternal, newborn and child health. That many hospitals in the country are without the necessary drugs while their facilities are outmodelled and begging for urgent renovation is a situation that needs to be redressed. We cannot continue to put the lives of

There is an urgent need to go beyond rhetoric and promises, to actionable plans to address all the existing gaps in the primary health sector. This will require a collaboration between the federal government and authorities in the 36 states. We must end the agony and tears of mothers who carry pregnancy for nine months only to die at the point of delivery.

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.

NEED FOR OPEN SOURCE IN ENERGY ACCESS

The presentations and panel discussions spotlighted several

The symposium brought together energy access practi researchers, and donors to learn from each other’s experiences, eraged to improve energy access where it is needed the most.

portation and Infrastructure at National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). The event also championed diversity, as 45% from the global south, fostering a truly inclusive space for col laboration.

creating such a plan without access to relevant data is challeng event was to ensure its sustainability and ability to achieve its being a vital part of that.

ergy Access Symposium as a very novel initiative, and that the

tools that drive energy access in Africa. The symposium was a giant leap forward in harnessing the power of open source for a more sustainable and equitable energy future.

POLITICS

Olukoyede: The More the Distractions...

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, remains steadfast in his commitment to combating corruption, despite attempts to undermine his efforts, Shola Oyeyipo writes.

Corruption is a deep-seated issue in Nigeria, surpassed only by the country’s flawed constitution as a major challenge. For far too long, corrupt individuals in positions of power have siphoned public funds, perpetuating a culture of impunity.

However, the current administration under President Bola Tinubu has vowed to tackle corruption head-on. To spearhead this effort, President Tinubu strategically appointed Ola Olukoyede as the EFCC Chairman, leveraging his over 22 years of legal expertise to drive the fight against corruption.

Undeterred by distractions orchestrated by corrupt persons, Olukoyede is resolute in his mission to hold corrupt individuals accountable and restore integrity to Nigeria’s institutions.

His unwavering dedication is crucial at this critical moment, as the country seeks to break free from the shackles of corruption and forge a path towards a brighter future.

In October 2023, when Tinubu announced the choice of Olukoyede, he emphasized that his leadership at the EFCC would have significant bearing on his Renewed Hope Agenda. Hence, he promised an invigorated war on corruption through reformed institutional architecture in the anti-corruption sector.

But rather than get the needed support to do the job, in what was the first indication that it wasn’t going to be a smooth sail for Olukoyede, no sooner had Tinubu announced his appointment and the National Assembly confirmed him, than traducers began to do all they could to dislodge him from office.

First, two lawyers in persons of Mr. Stanley Okawara and Mr. Maxwell Opara, approached a Federal High Court seeking the nullification of his appointment on the grounds that he was not a serving or retired member of any government security or law enforcement agency not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or equivalent.

But the presidency maintained that it complied with Section 2(3) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, which stipulates that any member of the Commission whether serving or retired who has 15 years’ cognate experience in their chosen career is eligible to be appointed as the chairman of the commission.

Olukoyede, having served as the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC (2016-2018) and Secretary to the Commission between 2018 and 2020, and having been a member of a law enforcement organisation as Secretary, in this case, the EFCC, as stipulated in the EFCC Act, is qualified for the job.

Fingers are crossed as Nigerians await the verdict of Justice Obiora Egwuatu of Federal High Court in Abuja who has fixed June 19, for judgment in the suit seeking Olukoyede’s sack as the EFCC chairman.

However, while those challenging Olukoyede’s eligibility were slugging it out in the court, a certain, Daniel Bwala, dragged him to the court of public opinion where he alleged that President Tinubu erred in appointing him as EFCC boss because he was allegedly suspended by former president, Muhammadu Buhari, following an alleged indictment by a judicial panel headed by a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami.

Though Olukoyede has remained unperturbed by the allegation, his supporters have continued to explain that the suspension was not due to the recommendation of the Justice Ayo Salami Panel of Inquiry, but an administrative procedure aimed to give the panel unhindered access to EFCC documents and not as a result of any wrongdoing or crime committed as being insinuated in some quarters.

Coordinator of a group, Alliance for Good Governance and Due Process, Mr. Ayelabola Hussain, also took to the media to allege that Olukoyede’s bank account was under investigation. In fact, he claimed that his account had been frozen. But challenged to back his allegation with facts and figures by providing details, Ayelabola has remained silent while the EFCC boss still has full access to his bank

accounts.

The case of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahya Bello and the EFCC chairman is another interesting one. While the former governor is evading prosecution in an N80 billion money laundering charges filed against him, his successor, Ahmed Ododo,

helped him to escape arrest by EFCC operatives in Abuja.

It didn’t stop at that. Justice Isa Jamil of Lokoja High Court, Kogi State, on February 9, 2024, restrained the EFCC from arresting, detaining and prosecuting Bello following ruling in an ex-parte motion filed by Yahaya

Bello through his lawyer, M.S. Yusuf, Esq. The former governor is still on the run and yet to defend the allegation of staggering embezzlement of public funds brought against him.

So, when EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence on April 17, 2024, Olukoyede was ordered to appear before the Lokoja court on May 13, 2024, to face a contempt charge for going after the ex-governor before the determination of the substantive Originating Motion.

It took the intervention of a three-member panel of the Abuja Court of Appeal headed by Justice Joseph Oyewole to halt the Kogi High Court verdict.

Meanwhile, the anti-graft body has gone ahead to get a refund of $760, 000 paid as futuristic school fees for his levels 2 to 8 children by Bello, who is presently on the run, at the American International School, Abuja.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told Nigerians, especially the impoverished Kogi State indigenes, that, “The school has refunded the entire $760, 000 to the EFCC’s recovery account.”

Much more than the money recovered from the American International School, Abuja, even though Olukoyede has been confronting deliberate distractions from quarters fighting back as he tries to fight corruption, he has remained persistent and has not buckled either. So, it is right to say, for him, the more the distraction, the stronger he gets.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

10th Senate: Third Quarter Review of Akpabio’s Leadership

Mon-Charles Egbo writes about the bills and appointments undergoing consideration by the Red Chamber of the National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio.

In its sustained display of empathy with the Nigerian masses over the prevailing economic hardship, the senate passed yet another resolution against the planned withdrawal of electricity subsidy and subsequent increase in electricity tariffs. Also unwilling to see a repeat of the petroleum subsidy unpleasant experience as well as in furtherance of its multi-faceted interventions in the power sector, the senate is investigating the claim of the minister of power that the government owed the generating companies (GenCos) and the gas companies N1.3trillion and $1.3 billion respectively as part of the justification for the intended action.

Yet the electricity tariffs have since been increased amid public outcry which again underscores the executive’s domination of the legislature resulting in the disregard for legislative resolutions.

This major threat to democratic governance, it is hoped, would be addressed among other issues for which the senate in this quarter inaugurated a 44-member Constitution Review Committee in response to the relentless yearnings of well-meaning Nigerians. Also in this regard, there were five separate bills in addition to the ones from the previous quarters on the alteration of the 1999 Constitution that have been referred to this committee that has since commenced its special assignment.

In solidarity again with Nigerians, the senate held a special session on the state of the economy culminating in a joint committee that later met with the executive branch, through the national economic management team, towards rescuing the country principally from inflation and food shortage. There were of course far-reaching recommendations with inherent capacities to turn around the economic woes of Nigeria if only there would be sufficient political will and the zeal to implement them. Though the national assembly leader-

ship had followed it up with an interface with President Bola Tinubu, the senate on its part commenced the probe of the various incidents that forced the federal government into the humongous deficits for which the country is today bleeding.

It constituted an ad-hoc committee “with the mandate to investigate the N30tn Ways and Means obligation and the various Central Bank of Nigeria, interventions made under the Ways and Means expenditure which include the Anchor Borrower Programme, budget supports to states, support to the power and manufacturing sectors, airlines, etc., with a view to uncovering what the monies were used for, the conditions of the disbursements and possible recoveries to shore up the fortunes of the CBN”.

While the Anchor Borrower Programme was for farmers, the Ways and Means was an advance to the federal government for sundry purposes such as listed above.

President of the senate, Godswill Akpabio was very clear on what the goals and objectives were. Inaugurating the committee, he stated that “the constitution of this committee is a testament to the Senate’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountabil-

ity, and good governance. It reflects our dedication to addressing the concerns of the Nigerian people and upholding the principles of democracy.

Lest it be misconstrued, he added: “to the members of this esteemed committee, I implore you to approach your responsibilities with the utmost sense of patriotism, professionalism and integrity. Your investigation demands impartiality and fairness, always keeping the public interest and the welfare of our nation at the forefront. We must leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the truth. Therefore, conduct thorough inquiries and dig out information that will assist the Senate in making laws for the betterment of our country. Let us set aside personal and partisan interests, focusing solely on the task at hand. By working harmoniously, we can ensure that the Ways and Means in Nigeria are managed prudently, efficiently, and in accordance with the law”.

Still on the food insecurity, the senate referred the executive to countries “where food-stamp, which is a government-issued coupon that is given to low-income and non-income persons and is redeemable for food…......as a measure to cushion the resultant hardships and sufferings on the poor/less priviledged as well as low income earners”.

As such, it recommended the introduction of “the Nigerian version of the food stamps programme as an interventionist measure to cushion the effects of food insecurity/shortage in the country”.

Equally, it expressed concern about the sudden increase in the costs of building materials, particularly cement whose raw materials are sourced locally.

-Egbo is a parliamentary affairs analyst

NOTE:

BUSINESS WORLD

Amid 28m Housing Deficit, Mortgage Banks Granted Paltry N42.3bn Loans in 2023

Despite the massive housing deficit in Nigeria, three mortgage banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) granted N42.3 billion loans to customers in 2023, about 50.5 per cent increase from N28.1 billion reported in 2022.

The three Mortgage Banks are: Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc, Livingtrust Mortgage Bank Plc and Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc.

Analysis of the banks’ 2023 financial year results showed that Livingtrust Mortgage Bank reported N12.79 billion loans to customers, nearly 20 per cent high from N10.68 billion reported in 2022, while Abbey Mortgage Bank disbursed N14.14billion loans to mortgage loans to customers in 2023, a significant increase of 174

per cent from N5.16billion reported in 2022.

In addition, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank announced N15.4 billion loans to customers in 2023, about 25 per cent increase from N12.3billion in 2022.

The loans granted to customers by these three mortgage banks is relatively small when compared to Banks such as Wema Bank that granted N801.1 billion as loans to customers in 2023 financial year.

One of the key issues plaguing the mortgage system in Nigeria is the limited access to mortgage financing. Financial institutions often require high down payments, making it difficult for most citizens, particularly low and middle-income earners, to access mortgage loans.

The Nigerian mortgage system has long been a source of frustration

for aspiring homeowners in the country. Despite efforts by the government and financial institutions to improve accessibility, the mortgage system continues to falter, hindering the dreams of countless Nigerians to own their homes.

According to reports, the housing deficit in Nigeria has surged from 14 million units in 2010 to a staggering 28 million units in 2022, marking a remarkable 100 per cent increase over the past decades.

“As of 2023, the housing deficit stands at 28 million units, requiring an estimated 21 trillion Naira to rectify the situation,” the report added.

Recently, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated that the real estate on an annual basis recorded

a growth of 1.68 per cent, lower than 3.95 per cent recorded in 2022.

“It contributed 6.06 per cent to real GDP in Q4 2023, lower than the 6.18 per cent it recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2022” the report by NBS added.

In 2023, the three mortgage Banks declared N78.5 billion total assets, representing an increase of nearly 37 per cent from N57.32billion declared in 2022 financial year.

The Chairman, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank, Mr. Adeyinka Bibilari in a statement stated that the bank disbursed a total of N7.94 billion in loans in 2023 and closed the year with loan assets valued at N15.3 billion.

He noted that, “Our Balance sheet expanded by 23 per cent, from N16.7billion in 2022 to N20.6billion

in 2023. While shareholders’ funds grew by 10 per cent which shows the strength of the Bank in implementing our strategy to meet its set corporate objectives.

“Customer deposits increased from N3.2billion in 2022 to N4.41billion in 2023, while our debit on-lending and refinancing activities witnessed a growth of 31per cent from N5.41 billion in 2022 to N7.09billion in 2023, due to investor confidence in the Bank.

Bibilari stated that demand for mortgage finance would continue to increase, particularly from individual mortgagors, although interest rates and affordability constraints remain major challenges due to high interest rate, stressing that, “but we will not relent in our target to capture more market share because we

are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities that will undoubtedly arise this year.”

He added, “We hope to create a healthy dynamic Bank of good value to the stakeholders in 2023. It is clear that Banking remains a risk-based industry, therefore, we shall remain prudent in our management and pricing of risk to balance our risk and returns.

“Although the disruptive challenges still persist, we are however seeing a lot opportunities and are optimistic that our Bank will sail through to record a better performance. We will remain vigilant and focused, while taking nothing for granted on the key value drivers of our business.

Domestic travel by air is diminishing due to the high cost of airfares occasioned by the increase in the cost of operation, poor disposable income and protracted economic downturn.

In 2023 the overall passenger traffic was 15.98 million, which is less than the 16.17 million figure in 2022.

It is projected that passenger traffic will dwindle further, as the economy bites harder.

Industry insiders also explained that the reason why more people

travelled in 2022 than in 2023 was because of economic downturn, which is getting worse by the day, noting that the depreciating naira against to the dollar is a disincentive to travelling because fares cost much more in 2023 than in 2022. Also, domestic air travel has become very costly, as average airfares increased from N50,000 base fare in 2022 to N80,000 in 2023.

In January 2024, the domestic flight arrivals and departures from the nation’s busiest airport, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport was 343, 904, but in the same period in 2023, the airport

recorded a total of 905, 267 passengers, according to statistics by the Federal Airports of Nigeria (FAAN).

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja recorded total number of passengers on domestic flights in January 2024 to be 389, 955, which is far less than 1, 134, 953 recorded in 2023.

Industry stakeholders explained that airlines still record high load factor in major routes because just as the number of passengers are diminishing, aircraft seats are also diminishing because of low capacity.

Many Nigerian carriers have

few aircraft, which is meeting the demand of few passengers, as many Nigerians are no more disposed to travelling by air due to a passenger who spoke to THISDAY referred to as outrageous fares.

Recently, theManaging Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi decried the high cost of operation, which he said, reflects on the fares.

Also, he said low capacity utilisation is helping to up the fares, as few aircraft seats hardly meet the demand.

Recently, Dana Air operations

was grounded and many industry experts posit that the industry has lost about 1000 seats daily and this would further deteriorate the situation as fare would rise in a less competitive environment.

Sanusi said the reduction in the number of airlines would further shrink the number of operating aircraft and with increase in demand and limited supply of equipment, airfares will continue to rise.

“The impact of removing airlines out of already depleted sector will definitely impact on the capacity and lead to increase in

the price of tickets. Demand will increase in the face of shortage of available seats. This may give rise to panic buying, as airlines with the knowledge that airlines are down would increase their prices and force people to start booking ahead. So the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should ensure that it effectively regulates the industry. It should look at the health of the airlines, their finances and also protection of the consumers,” he said.

Chinedu Eze

Kayode Tokede

Keyamo Rebukes Former Aviation Minister over Return of Emir ates

Stories by Chinedu Eze

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has responded to the statement by the former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who condemned the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigeria after two years hiatus.

In condemning the return of the airline to Nigeria, Chidoka chided the federal government for showing so much excitement that the airline would be resuming flights to Nigeria by October 1, as it announced.

Chidoka said: “The gleeful announcement of the return of Emirates Airline to Nigeria by the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, on X is a sad reminder of the deepening lack of national pride and the growing irrelevance of Nigeria in the World.”

He also wrote: “The audacity of Emirates Airlines to even consider returning to Nigeria reeks of contempt and disdain towards our nation. The actions

of the government of UAE and their airline, Emirates, from the unwarranted visa ban on all Nigerians to the suspension of flights, have been nothing short of a blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians.”

Responding via his verified X handle, Keyamo said: “Thank you, @osita_chidoka for your opinion. However, to demonstrate your patriotism, sincerity and fidelity to the touted ‘Nigerian Pride’, the big puzzle is, why did you fail to similarly advise your boss, principal and mentor Atiku Abubakar @ atiku to immediately relocate from Dubai to Nigeria and sell off all his assets there in protest when the ban on visa and flights were announced? Hypocrisy has never been this audacious.

“Again, it is curious that, as a member of the think-tank of the PDP, your election strategy at a time (popularly dubbed ‘the Dubai Strategy’) was hatched in the same Dubai and not in Nigeria before the ban was announced. Why export

a purely Nigerian project to Dubai if you loved Nigeria so much?

“For the avoidance of doubt, this government is focused on fostering healthy relationships with major partners around the world for the ultimate benefits of Nigerians. Considering the huge investments and interests of Nigerians in the UAE, should we continue to engage in ‘Bolekaja’ (motor park) diplomacy capable of hurting the interests of Nigerians? Will the imminent return of Emirates to Nigeria and in reciprocal manner, Air Peace returning to operating that route, not lead to better competition which will ultimately crash the present high fares on that route? Who will benefit more? How many Emiratis visit Nigeria and invest here as much as Nigerians visit the UAE and invest there? Have you bothered to ask about the lifting of the visa ban before issuing your warped statement? For your information, that has been resolved too and the announcement is imminent.”

Aviatrix Hub Graduates Flight Dispatchers, Urges Professionalism

A leading Approved Training Organisation (ATO) in the Nigeria aviation industry, Aviatrix Hub has graduated a new set of batch Five flight dispatchers who recently completed the Advanced Flight Dispatch course.

They were trained for six weeks at the institution’s centre located in Lagos.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Aviatrix Hub, Mrs. Victoria Adegbe, urged the dispatchers to deploy the skills and knowledge learnt to improve the image and safety of the aviation industry.

Adegbe said: “The aviation industry is a global village therefore;

you must continue to maintain the highest form of discipline, professionalism and good conduct wherever you find yourself in order to remain relevant in the sector”

She admonished them to cultivate friendly disposition while interacting with aircraft crew affirming that the safety of any flight rest on their shoulders hence they must not give room for mediocrities neither should they allow personal emotions becloud their sense of judgment.”

According to her, “The pilots and the airline companies relies on the flight dispatcher to ensure the safety of the aircraft and passengers right from when the plane is on ground, during passengers facilitation up

AIR WATCH

Much Ado about Ramp Inspection on Air Peace London Operation

until when it is been prepared for take-off to when it arrived at its destination.

“Your role is critical to ensuring safety in the airspace. You must be patriotic to the country when you find yourself on a foreign airline and must always maintain a cordial and friendly relationship with colleagues, the crew and airport authorities” she told the graduates.”

Also speaking, Aviatrix Hub Director of Training, Mr. Olatunde Oyewo, urged them to be good ambassadors in the aviation industry, adding that the sector is in dire need of competent flight dispatchers as a result of their important roles in any flight operation.

FAAN Begins Awareness Campaign on New Access Gate Fees

The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Kuku, has initiated a comprehensive public awareness campaign to ensure that all airport users are well-informed about the new policy on access gate fees.

The agency said the awareness campaign was in response to the recent directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, mandating that all citizens pay access gate fees at all 24 airports nationwide.

The FAAN MD affirmed that implementing the mandate immediately would address one

of the key revenue leakages the new management is determined to eliminate.

Speaking on the new policy, she commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister for their proactive roles in helping to give vent to the use of technology in order to shore up revenue, prevent leakages, and reduce the abuse of privileges by very important personalities (VIPs).

She said: “FAAN is currently poised to leverage technology

to intensify its revenue drive. The new mandate also provides some protection for FAAN staff, who are often bullied and railroaded by VIPs and military personnel.”

She further said: “The good news is that all government organisations, the military and VIPs are fully in support of Mr. President on this directive. FAAN is, therefore, guaranteed of maximum support from all sides.”

Max, Spiro Collaborate to Drive

Innovation in Electric Mobility

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu

(Advertising)

Correspondents

Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporters

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Ugo Aliogo (Development)

Max, the leading tech platform that democratises access to vehicle ownership and Spiro, an innovative electric mobility company, have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and advancing sustainable transportation solutions across Africa.

Both companies signed a partnership deal at Max head office in Lekki, Lagos, recently. CEO and Co-founder of Max, Adetayo Bamiduro, said: “Max is committed to offering our customers innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. We are excited to partner with Spiro to integrate their advanced electric vehicle technology into our subscription platform, thereby providing our customers with access to a wide range of electric vehicles and helping to drive the transition to a greener future.”

Co-founder of Max, Chinedu

Azodoh, explained that the collaboration was in line with the bid to make mobility more accessible to Nigerians, especially with the move towards more sustainable transportation.

Speaking about the collaboration, CEO of Spiro, Kaushik Burman, stated that in the near future more charging stations would be made available Pan Nigeria, so as to ensure seamless mobility for users of MAX’s electric vehicles.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Max to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility. By combining Max’s drive towards simplifying ownership of transportation assets and Spiro’s advanced electric vehicle technology, we aim to make electric transportation more accessible and convenient for transporters, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future,” Burman said.

Last Sunday Nigerians were inundated with reports emanating from ramp inspection of Air Peace aircraft on arrival at the Gatwick Airport, London by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA).

The Authority identified some infractions, which it directed Air Peace to correct, which it did, but almost a month the incident happened, the UKCAA report was leaked to the media and it became a big issue in Nigeria.

The report had to do with the positioning of certain critical devices and information equipment relating to travel and the fact that the pilot in command at one of the times it operated a flight to Gatwick did not follow orders on where to exit from the runway.

But without interpreting the technical terms in the report, it became a big deal to non-aviators, including the thousands of potential travellers who might become apprehensive after reading the report.

Many in Nigeria’s aviation industry wondered why some people could go against the standard rule to leak the document to the press, contrary to rule of engagement and standard practice.

Air Peace later reacted to the reports and confirmed that the UK Civil Aviation Authority carried out ramp inspection on its aircraft operating the Lagos-London service and raised concerns, which it has since resolved with the UK authorities.

The airline said reports indicating safety breach in its operation were false and aimed at creating fears and doubts in the minds of potential travellers; insisting that those reports were false and exaggerated.

“From the commencement of our inaugural flight to London, our operations have been subjected to intense scrutiny by the relevant authorities, which we most welcome as we pride ourselves in our continued pursuit of operational excellence and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our esteemed passengers.

“We can confirm that the UK Civil Aviation Authority wrote to Air Peace, after their statutory Ramp Inspection on April 7, 2024, to request clarification on our use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and some other concerns. We provided the necessary information, and the matter was resolved without any issues.

“It is, therefore, wrong to say we do not have approval for our EFB. Air Peace received approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and all our Boeing 777 aircraft are certified to operate with EFBs.

“Regarding the claim that our B777 aircraft lack iPad mounts and charging ports in the flight deck, this is incorrect. All B777 aircraft are equipped with charging ports in the cockpit, and we ensure that all our B777 aircraft have iPad mounts,” the airline said in a statement signed by the management.

Air Peace also disclosed that another issue raised by the UK CAA was the location of the cockpit library on the B777.

“The B777 designates two locations for storing manuals and books: one behind the captain and one under the jumpseat. During the inspection, the books were stored under the jumpseat, as it is commonly practised. We understand the inspector’s preference for the books to be placed behind the captain and have ensured this preference is accommodated for all operations going forward.

“There was also a concern about the captain’s

choice of runway exit after landing. Instead of exiting at the middle runway exit, the captain, out of his professional discretion, opted to exit at the end of the runway. This may have delayed the arrival of another aircraft. We acknowledge this deviation and have addressed the matter with the captain to ensure adherence to preferred exit procedures in the future,” the airline said.

Air Peace noted that ramp inspection is a normal procedure carried out by aviation authorities globally, and the UK CAA did the right thing by notifying the NCAA of the outcome of their inspection.

“However, we are shocked to see several media publications with exaggerated and sensationalised accounts of this matter that were closed with the authorities over a month ago. It is unprofessional for the media to publish slanted and alarmist reports to create public panic and impugn our deeply ingrained safety culture.

“Air Peace’s safety record is second to none, and we go above and beyond to comply with all established safety standards. Safety is the bedrock of our operations, and we have robust operational mechanisms to guarantee full compliance always,” the airline added.

THISDAY spoke to former Director General of NCAA, Benedict Adeyileka on the implication of the report and he said that ramp inspection is normal which officials of civil aviation authority carry out from time to time and reports on the inspection are treated internally and wondered why the report was leaked out to the media.

“When I was DG of NCAA we carried out ramp inspection and whatever error that is detected is corrected. We will ask the airline to correct it. The errors could be from Levels one to four and we usually send the report to the country where the aircraft is registered, Adeyileka explained.

The report of the inspection was sent to NCAA by the UKCAA where the original report from the UKCAA and the letter NCAA in response to UKCAA sent to Air Peace.

The letter NCAA sent to Air Peace was dated May 14, 2024 with reference number NCAA/ DOLTS/vol.11/03624 and addressed to the CEO, Air Peace Limited with attention to the airline’s Quality Manager. It was titled: United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report.

Adeyileka also said: “What worries me is the negativity the report generated. No UK media could have reported this against UK airline because in the first place this confidential report that was not meant to be in the media. Nigeria is not patriotic. When I was Director General we had caught a foreign pilot with fake certificate and we treated the matter in a professional way such issues are treated without leaking it to the media. That report was not in the UK; so, our people are behind it. I don’t know why we hate ourselves.”

Adeyileka who is aeronautical engineer that practiced many years in the UK, further said: “I can tell you categorically that if the infraction was a major one, UKCAA would not allow the aircraft to take off from the airport. But the infractions were not major but the only problem the airline would have had was if the UKCAA gave it three days or one week to correct the infractions and it did not do so. I am really sad because of the negative report. Leaking it to the press was bad. If I am not an aviator I would think the aircraft was about to fall from the sky after reading that report. We have to be careful what we bring to the public.”

Chinedu Eze

JANE KIMEMIA

JANE KIMEMIA: ‘SHECAN’ Initiative Aligns with Our Goal to Empower Women to Do More

Dr. Jane Kimemia is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Optiva Capital Partners Limited, easily the largest provider of second citizenship and residency services in Africa. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes on Kimemia’s commitment to women empowerment and girl-child education for effective nation building. As this year’s SheCan Initiative, with Optiva Capital Partners as headline sponsors, begins today in Victoria Island, Lagos, it has proven an opportunity to empower women to position for more

Women empowerment is at the core of inclusive nation building. It enables women to control their lives, make informed decisions, and participate fully in society, free from discrimination, marginalisation, and oppression. It involves promoting gender equality, challenging patriarchal norms, and addressing the social, economic, and political barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential.

A crucial aspect of women empowerment is girl child education. Educating girls and young women has a multiplier effect on their lives, families, and communities. It helps break the cycle of poverty, reduces gender-based violence, and increases economic opportunities.

Investing in girl child education is essential for achieving gender equality and women empowerment. It has a ripple effect, benefiting not only the individual girl but also her family, community, and society as a whole.

Girl child education is particularly important due to our country’s low literacy rates, especially among women. According to UNESCO, in 2018, only 59 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15-24 were literate, compared to 74 per cent of men. Educating girls and young women can help bridge this gap and promote gender equality.

It is against this background that leading investment immigration firm, Optiva Capital Partners offered to headline the sponsorship of “SheCan” Conference which begins today in Victoria Island, Lagos, to re-affirm its commitment to empowering women.

This year’s ‘SheCan’ Conference whose theme is ‘SheCan Do More 5.0’ is organised by SheCan Nigeria, a movement dedicated to empowering women in Nigeria.

Dr. Jane Kimemia, the transformative Chief Executive Officer of Optiva Capital Partners explained

that the company came on board as the lead sponsor of SheCan conference because they are proud to be associated with this important agenda of empowering women to be more.

According to her, “the female gender has always been important to us as over seventy percent of our workforce is women. When you empower a woman, you empower a generation. The theme of this year’s conference aligns with who we are at Optiva Capital Partners and we are happy to partner with SheCan as we tell our stories.”

Dr. Kimemia who is an alumnus of INSEAD Business School, France, further explained that “we align with the SheCan Nigeria initiative which believes women and young girls should be able to ‘Be More’ in every facet of life irrespective of their background, gender, religion or their limitations, to be able to give their best to the society.

“Empowered women will come together to empower others in this year’s conference. We understand that there were over 3000 participants last year but about 4000 participants are expected today. This year’s conference theme is ‘Positioning for More” in your career, business, and anything you aspire to become.”

Women empowerment matters because it is a fundamental human right, essential for achieving gender equality and social justice; empowering women can boost economic growth, as women are more likely to invest in their families and communities, leading to improved health, education, and well-being; and empowering women can help reduce poverty, as women are more likely to manage resources effectively and make sustainable investments. The United Nations and other international organisations have also made the case that empowered women are more likely to prioritize healthcare, leading to better maternal and child health outcomes; empowering women can lead to increased education and skills development, benefiting entire communities; can also lead to more inclusive decision-making processes; and can break cycles of violence, discrimination, and marginalization, creating a more equitable society. There are also the futuristic imperatives that empowered women can serve as role models, inspiring future generations to strive for equality and justice; and above all, empowering women is crucial for human development, as it enables women to reach their full potential, contributing to a more prosperous and equitable society.

In our country, women empowerment is particularly important due to our patriarchal culture, gender-based violence, and limited access to education and economic opportunities.

Dr. Kimemia therefore advocates that more needs to be done to empower women beginning from the girl-child. She starts by reminding the society that women started as girls and as such the focus should be on the girl child, the opportunities for girls to succeed through empowerment schemes to let them know that they can succeed and be everything they want to be. She makes a strong case for investment in the education of the girl child and put them in the right programmes for them to succeed. Give women equal playing field, equal opportunities and very importantly, financial inclusion for women.”

With the much that have come the way of women in terms of education, Dr. Jane Kimemia believes that they are doing well because whether as trader or in the corporate circles, holding big positions in organizations, waking up every day to attend to daily activities has been a fantastic job and also balancing so many different roles outside the home. “We wear so many different hats as women, daughters, mothers, wives, friends and the trainers of our children and also the corporate people as well. And to balance it all, women are doing fantastic jobs across the different devices.”

In words and deeds, Optiva Capital

Partners is committed to the empowerment of women with the recent groundbreaking ceremony of the multi-million Naira rehabilitation and upgrade of Agboyi Ketu Primary Healthcare Centre, Lagos, into a fully equipped ultra-modern maternity centre.

The area of maternal healthcare is a big concern especially Nigeria. According to reports, Nigeria contributes close to 10% of the global maternal death. A cursory look at the nation’s population shows that the bulk of it is young, that means a lot of people are in their child bearing ages. Yet there is such a disparity between the provision of healthcare and what women are really doing.

Dr. Kimemia said that Optiva Capital Patners is working with Lagos State Government in this regard because it is one of the areas they are very passionate about, to reduce maternal mortality that’s avoidable. Starting with Ketu, the company adopted a primary healthcare center for total refurbishment, transforming it to a maternal health centre with the right bed capacity

“We align with the SheCan Nigeria initiative which believes women and young girls should be able to ‘Be More’ in every facet of life irrespective of their background, gender, religion or their limitations, to be able to give their best to the society.”

to be able to serve the region, with the right equipment and right environment.

The upgrade includes infrastructure, the right medical equipment, ambulance and everything holistically. “Everything has to do with how we create the right environment for women to be able to get help when it comes to delivery or if there will be need for any referrals. That’s a really big initiative which is focused on women maternal health,” she enthused Speaking further on the maternal healthcare initiative, Dr. Kimemia stated that Optiva Capital Partners will expand the healthcare facilities to accommodate more beds and enhance the quality of the maternity wards and labor rooms with state-of-the-art hospital equipment. This, according to her, is to ensure that a larger number of women in Agboyi Ketu Local Government receive enhanced maternity care. “We will be working extensively on the infrastructure and ambience from the time you walk in to receive medical help to the time you receive the help you need. So it won’t only benefit mothers but the entire population of Ketu LCDA. We will provide hospital equipment for the delivery room as advised by the Ministry of Health. Soon, we will come back to commission a full-fledged maternity centre where women, mothers and children will be happy to come in to receive medical help. This is the beginning of our journey towards creating sustainable change in maternal and childcare. Through our collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, we strive for a future where the number of women who lose their lives during childbirth is greatly minimized.”

The Optiva Capital CEO further stated that “we also have an initiative in Enugu state, working with families, offering palliatives especially to the disadvantaged people with no source of livelihood. Every month, hundreds of families come there to benefit from the initiative. Also, we are working with an organization for women traders to be able to access credit.”

It is not surprising that Optiva Capital Partners provides this level of service and commitment to the society through women empowerment because as Dr. Kimemia stated, “over 70% of our workforce is women. And if you look at who we are, we are a lifelong learning institution. The empowerment and training of our staff over the years is to make a difference in the society. We serve women when we serve the community.”

Kimemia

FYA24: Jaiz Bank Reports Profit Before Tax of N11.2bn

Jaiz Bank Plc has announced a profit before tax of N11.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, a significant increase from the N6.9 billion recorded in the corresponding year of 2022.

Asside the 2023 full-year financial results the bank also announced its unaudited financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX).

Additionally, the bank posted a profit before tax of N6.0 billion in Q1 2024, representing a 278% increase over the N1.6 billion recorded in the corresponding period ended March 2023.

The bank’s finance and investment portfolio grew by 16%, from N357 billion as of December 2023 to N415 billion in March 2024, while deposit liabilities increased by 11%, from 466 billion in December 2023 to N518 billion

in March 2024. Jaiz Bank in a statement said its balance sheet remains well-structured, diversified, and resilient, “with total assets and shareholders’ funds closing at N671 billion and N39 billion, respectively. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remains robust at 15.91%, while asset quality continues to improve.”

Commenting on the results, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Haruna Musa, said: “Our 2023 and first quarter 2024 results reflect the commitment of the board and management to continually add value to our customers through bespoke ethical finance.

We are well-positioned to compete effectively on all fronts and meet our customers’ needs through fair and ethical financing. Despite the challenging operating environment, we continue to enhance our performance across all indices,

recording significant growth in both financial and non-financial metrics. We remain on track to become the leading ethical bank in Africa.”

Looking ahead, Musa remarked: “We will continue to focus on strengthening our relationships with loyal customers and attracting new ones, supporting not just individuals and businesses but also our communities through digital platforms and innovative products and services. We are confident in our journey to lead the future of ethical finance in Africa and will not relent in our commitment to excellence while delivering long-term value to all stakeholders.”

Overall, Jaiz Bank continues to deliver superior metrics, with a return on average equity (ROE) of 61.38%, a return on average assets (ROA) of 3.60%, and a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 15.91%.

Playhouse Communication, NCAC Partners to Showcase Nigeria’s

Creative, Cultural Wealth

Playhouse Communication Limited, the creator of StoryStoryHub, a leading digital platform for Nigerian storytelling, and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) have announced a significant partnership aimed at spotlighting and preserving Nigeria’s abundant arts and cultural heritage.

The partnership, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, signifies a joint commitment to leveraging their respective expertise in nurturing, celebrating, and safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural legacy.

During the MoU signing ceremony, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr Obi Asika disclosed that the partnership is aimed at creating a digital platform, envisioned as a comprehensive repository of Nigeria’s cultural wealth featuring a wide array of content, including stories, artwork, music, and immersive cultural experiences. “We are deeply passionate about both showcasing and safeguarding Nigeria’s rich arts and cultural heritage. The digital platform, born out of our partnership Playhouse Communication Limited, will offer a kaleido-

scopic window into Nigeria’s traditions, providing both Nigerians and global audiences with an opportunity to explore and engage with our nation’s cultural tapestry,” remarked Asika.

In response, the Managing Director, Playhouse Communication Limited, Tolu Onile-Ere expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing Playhouse’s commitment to supporting and complementing the efforts of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), by massively amplifying compelling stories of Nigeria’s rich arts and culture across various digital platforms.

Afe Babalola Commends Outgoing Odu’a Group Managing Director

Founder, ABUA University, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, SAN has commended the achievements of Mr Adewale Raji as the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited for 2 terms tenure of office ending May 31st 2024.

The legal luminary made this commendations during a working visit of the outgoing Group Managing Director and the incoming GMD to Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

The Odu’a team were on a

facility tour of the multi system hospital complex, industrial park, ABUAD farm and the gas powered Independent Power Project of the university.

Aare Afe Babalola emphasized on Mr Raji’s doggedness and forthrightness in shaping the company’s new board governance structure which has helped in ensuring continuity and stability of its businesses. While aligning with the 8 sectors of Real Estate, Hospitality, Financial Services, Agriculture, Energy/Power, ICT/Digital, Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals

and Logistics/e-Commerce, the founder of ABUAD University charged the incomingGMD to ensure continued contact with Mr Raji even after retirement and make Odu’a presence become more visible in all the South Western States of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos.

He admonished further that Odu’a should be a big player in the Agriculture, Industry and Education sectors which were the main cardinal focus areas of the founding fathers of Odu’a Investment Company Limited.

Kalejaiye Assumes Role as CEO of ND Western, Oji Moves On

ND Western has announced the departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Eberechukwu Oji, to new horizons in community leadership and the appointment of the Senior Vice President, Olanrewaju Kalejaiye, as the new Chief Executive Officer of of the company.

In a statement, the company said, “Eberechukwu Oji as CEO led ND Western through significant milestones and has been pivotal to the company’s growth and success. During his tenure, he led several major initiatives, including the landmark transaction with Shell International PLC for the acquisition of its entire

shareholding in The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), through Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited. Additionally, he facilitated an affiliation with Optimera Energy LFZ Enterprise’s 20-year Gas Infrastructure Development Agreement in partnership with Lagos Free Zone, positioning the company as a leader in the oil and gas sector. He also founded the NDW Women’s Network and Future Leaders Networks which have contributed significantly to the company’s human assets.

“The new CEO, Olanrewaju Kalejaiye is a seasoned industry

leader with 35+ years of diverse experience in oil and gas Exploration & Production. Prior to joining ND Western, he held various leadership roles in Chevron Nigeria Limited including General Manager Operations, General Manager Health Safety & Environment, Director Human Resources & Medical and General Manager Gas. Mr. Kalejaiye has also served on various industry boards including Chairman OPTS Gas Sub-Committee, West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) Governing Council and Gas Aggregation Company Nigeria (GACN).

The Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr Obi Asika and Managing Director, Playhouse Communication Limited, Mr Tolu Onile-Ere after a meeting in Abuja…recently

ECOWAS PARLIAMENT GETS NEW SPEAKER...

L-R: First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau I Jibrin, handing over to Memounatou

the second extraordinary session of the assembly in Kano, yesterday.

Lokpobiri: Nigeria’s Oil Sector Got $16.6bn Commitments in Offshore Assets Investments, Acquisitions

Says oil, condensate production grew by 600,000 barrels

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday gave a scorecard of his stewardship since assuming office last year, disclosing that the sector has had about a cumulative $16.6 billion in commitments from investors.

Speaking at a ministerial sector update in Abuja organised by the Federal Ministry of Information, the minister also said that under him, Nigeria’s oil and condensate production have risen from 1.1 million barrels per day to 1.7 million bpd, a growth of about 600,000 bpd. When he assumed office,

Lokpobiri stated that the biggest challenge met by the administration was a dire lack of investment in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, due to the protracted passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and inconsistent government policies, which drove potential investment to other climates.

As such, he said that the primary policy thrust was, and remains, to increase production because increased production is the lowest hanging fruit for Nigeria’s economic recovery.

He listed some of the challenges he met on the ground as: Conflicts among partners, divestment issues, inconsistent policies, insecurity, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Eswatini Leader, 7 Govs, Ribadu, Others to X-ray Economic Growth at FIN- Forbes Summit

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The King of Eswatini, Mswati III, seven Nigerian governors as well as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu and Nigerian Ministers: Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Nyesom Wike (Federal Capital Territory) and Prof Tahir Mamman (Education) have been slated to examine economic growth at the annual Foreign Investment Network (FIN)-Forbes International Business Roundtable and award ceremony.

Other key personalities expected at the event include: Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede and his Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) counterpart, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN).

The governors are: Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).

FIN, a leading investment consulting agency with a legacy of over 40 years, also disclosed that the upcoming Annual International Business Round Table will feature conversations on investment opportunities and ways to tackle corruption to stimulate growth.

The event will also include discussions on wide range of

topical issues and strategies on how to improve and stimulate investment growth in Nigeria, Africa and global communities.

The organisers also disclosed that the event will also feature Forbes Best of Africa Award Ceremony for important personalities who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers.

In a statement signed by its Director of Strategy and Operations, Kenneth Beregha, FIN stated that the annual event is slated to hold on June 28 - 29, 2024, at the Marriott Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal.

It added that its annual International Business Round Table aims to continue the already existing business relationship between Nigeria and Portugal

The event, according to the organisers , is against the backdrop of Lisbon's vibrant business landscape, aims to bring together global leaders, investors, innovators, and policymakers to explore emerging opportunities and foster strategic partnerships in key sectors across Africa and other emerging markets.

FIN also explained that with a focus on driving Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and promoting sustainable economic growth, saying that it has been instrumental in facilitating impactful investment ventures, contributing significantly to the development of emerging economies worldwide.

Consequently, over the past nine months, he said that the ministry has been dedicated to removing the obstacles, restoring investor confidence, and ensuring an enabling environment for business in the oil and gas sector to thrive.

“Our foremost achievement is the significant increase in production. When we took office, production was at approximately 1.1 million barrels per day, including condensates. Today, I am proud to report that we have increased our production to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day (inclusive of condensate).

“This increase is a testament to our relentless efforts to streamline operations and resolve conflicts among stakeholders. Steps taken to increase crude oil production include: Efforts towards revamping redundant oil assets to active status

“Continuous engagement with IOCs and Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) members in resolving industry disputes towards increasing production. Resolutions of internal joint venture contracts feud between joint ventures partners on critical productions fields.

“Engaging local communities with critical assets running through them to protect the assets all in a bid to decrease oil theft in the country.

Consolidating existing security framework with private security firms and government security agencies for pipeline surveillance, which led to sharp decline in crude oil theft and thus increased production for export.

“During this period, we also experienced the coming on stream of OMLs 13 (Sterling Exploration) and 85 (First E&P), with the respective assets reaching first oil in the development of their licenses.

“These assets are expected to produce an average of 20,000 and 40,000 barrels per day respectively. One of our main objectives has been to create an environment where investment can thrive. For over a decade, the non-passage of the PIA and inconsistent policies had driven investments away. Today, I am pleased to announce that our efforts have rekindled investor confidence in the sector.

“Investments committed to the tune of $5 billion and $10 billion respectively in deepwater offshore assets; and $1.6 billion investment commitment in oil and gas asset acquisition,” he disclosed.

He also highlighted the very high global interest noted in the ongoing bid round of assets coming online, arising from the recent roadshow activities in the US and Europe.

in 9 Months

He said the government has been working to eliminate the bureaucracies and bottlenecks that have stifled investment for over a decade by resolving conflicting issues and fostering a more consistent policy and business friendly environment.

He explained that there has been as extension of oil prospecting licenses to technically and financially capable indigenous and international companies all geared towards increasing production as well as providing ministerial consent to companies to divest some of their equity in their assets to companies of proven technical and financial capability.

“As I have mentioned on numerous occasions you do not need to know me for me to sign off on your asset acquisition application, once you are of proven technical and financial capacity I will sign off,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lokpobiri has restated the commitment of the federal government to create the enabling environment that would attract more investments to the oil and gas sector of the Nigerian economy.

Lokpobiri stated this in his address to a delegation from Schlumberger (SLB) Ltd. led by its global Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olivier Le Peuch, who paid him a courtesy

visit in his office in Abuja yesterday. He remarked that one of the cardinal objectives of President Bola Tinubu was to unlock the potential in the oil and gas sector so that Nigeria would be able to harness the benefits of huge deposits that we have.

“I want to assure you that this new government that is led by a man who is a tested businessman is willing to do things differently, and we the foot soldiers can’t do anything less,” a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Press, Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, added.

“We know in Nigeria that the quickest way out of our economic problems is through the oil and gas sector. Our objective is to see how we can work with you to grow investment in the sector, increase production so that we can get more revenue to cater for the 230 million Nigerians that are in dire need of basic infrastructures,” he said.

In his remarks, the global Chief Executive Officer of Schlumberger, Le Peuch, gave the assurance that they were ready to work and partner with the government.

“We are ready to contribute to the change that you are willing to put in place to facilitate investment in the oil and gas sector,”he said

MAN Accuses CBN of Prioritising Financial Sector over Real Sector

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of prioritising the financial sector over the real sector in the manner it has been deploying its monetary policy options.

This view was expressed yesterday by the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, in a press statement titled the “Position of MAN on the Report of Monetary Policy Committee Meeting on May 20-21, 2024.”

Ajayi-Kadir said: “It is evident that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) leans towards prioritising the financial sector over the real sector, rather than striving for a balanced approach between the two.”

The MPC reached a decision to raise the interest rate by 150 basis

points, from 24.75 per cent to 26.25 per cent and opted to maintain the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of deposit money banks at 45.0 per cent and retain the liquidity ratio at 30.0 per cent during its latest meeting.

But these decisions, according to him, have serious militating implications for the Nigerian manufacturing sector.

He argued that “the persistent macroeconomic instability in Nigeria, resulting from sustained monetary policy decisions over the past two years has negatively impacted the manufacturing sector.

“This instability, compounded by various constraints affecting sectoral performance, continues to disrupt production plans, undermine investments, and cast uncertainty over prospects.

“Furthermore, recent decisions by the MPC exacerbate these

challenges by further tightening credit interventions, increasing loan costs, raising production cost, limiting fund accessibility, and eroding investment and competitiveness within the manufacturing sector,” he said.

The director general of MAN noted that the strategy of raising the MPR has persisted for nearly two years without yielding positive results.

Ajayi-Kadir stated that the probable outcomes that could be harvested from continued tightening of monetary instruments would be constraints on investment, business expansion and further decline in manufacturing competitiveness.

He said: “The combination of heightened borrowing costs and reduced liquidity will hinder manufacturers' ability to invest in innovative technologies, expand production capacities, or venture into new markets.

“As a result, this could lead to delays or cancellations of planned initiatives, ultimately constraining the sector's potential for growth and its overall contribution to economic growth and development.”

He added that high lending rate exceeding 30 per cent will increase the cost of borrowing and make Nigeria goods less competitive to products from other nation.

“This is evident in the substantial downturn in global demand for Nigerian goods. Notably, data sourced from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) reveals a stark contrast in manufacturing export values between Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco in 2022, with South Africa, Morocco and Egypt recorded $45.38 billion, $30.61 billion, $20.14 billion respectively compared to Nigeria's modest record of $3.21 billion.

Ibrahima, a Togolese parliamentarian , who emerged as the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament during

International Breweries Launches 161.17bn Rights Issue

Kayode Tokede

International Breweries Plc (IBPLC) has announced the launch of a rights issue offer of 161,172,395,100 shares to its shareholders at the offer price of N3.65 per share.

The rights being offered are six (6) new Ordinary Shares for every one (1) Ordinary Share held as of May 2, 2024. Each Ordinary Share holds an equity value of two (2) kobo. This

offer will enable shareholders to consolidate their ownership of the company and optimise their future profitability.

International Breweries is the producer of endearing beverage brands such as Trophy Lager, Budweiser, Hero Lager, Trophy Extra Stout, Flying Fish, Castle Lite, Beta Malt, Grand Malt, amongst others.

Shareholders will have ample time to participate in the offer as the acceptance list for the

rights issue opened May 21, 2024 and closes June 10, 2024.

The Finance Director, International Breweries, David Tomlinson, speaking on the issue said, “We are pleased to announce the International Breweries Plc rights issue offering, which presents a convincing opportunity for our valued shareholders to further participate in the growth and success of our company. With a rights ratio of six new Ordinary Shares for every one held, and an

offer price of 3.65 per share, we aim to provide our shareholders with access to additional equity at an attractive valuation. “

“This offering underscores our commitment to creating value for our shareholders while fortifying our position in the Nigerian beverage industry. We encourage all shareholders to seize this opportunity to participate in the growth story of our dynamic business. Together, we will continue to brew success,

deliver long-term value for our shareholders and create a future with more shares.” He concluded.

The shareholders are to note that the rights being offered are tradable on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited for the duration of the rights issue, ensuring liquidity and accessibility. To participate in the offer, shareholders are requested to download the form from the following official channels.

International Breweries had in February 12, 2024 received the approval of shareholders during an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) to commence the Rights Issue which it plans to utilise to deleverage the Company. At the February EGM, shareholders expressed anticipation for the commencement of the rights issue so they could save to buy more shares noting that the full payment of IBPLC’s loan will support the company’s growth drive.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MAY 23 /24

64TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BANK OF INDUSTRY...

Hinting at Next Move, Atiku Says He'll Keep Vying for Presidency Once His Health Permits

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has said he would “keep contesting” for the nation’s presidency for as long as his health permitted.

He made this known during an interview in the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja.

The 77-year-old Atiku was the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 national elections.

However, Atiku will be 81 by the time the next presidential election comes around in 2027.

Responding to a question, Atiku stated: “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy.”

Atiku has run for the nation’s number one office six times but has been on the ballot as a presidential candidate on three occasions: 2007, 2019, and 2023.

Atiku said he was consoled by the fact that former United States President, Abraham Lincoln, did not win the presidential vote on the first time of asking.

He also spoke about the crisis in the PDP, saying the party needed to be united and forge alliances with other political groups to win the presidential election in 2027.

According to him, “Even the former US President Abraham

Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.

“However, given the current state of the PDP, it is clear that a single-handed effort will not suffice to win the election. Strong support and collaboration with other parties are required.”

Last week, Abubakar said he was engaging the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on the possibility of a merger.

According to the former vice president, “This is to anybody

that thinks there is going to be a misunderstanding between me and Obi. Let me assure you that not even a small issue is going to happen between us.

“Also, we are going to be behind anybody that will be chosen to represent us in the

forthcoming elections.

“I have made it clear in my previous speeches that if our parties are going to merge to agree on a candidate from the South-east, as long as he is qualified, we will allow it,” Atiku stressed

Tunji-Ojo: FG Determined to Tackle Cross Border Banditry Through Electronic Means

The Federal Government has concluded plans to tackle crossborder banditry and irregular migration with the deployment of automated border management solutions across the vast borders in the country.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja after inspecting the e-border management centre as well

Ikpeazu, Akobundu, Other Stakeholders Rally Abia PDP Members to Rebuild Party

Ugwu-Nwogo

After witnessing a spate of defections in recent times, the Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has commenced a process of reconciliation and rebuilding the party.

To achieve this goal, the party leadership and major stakeholders met yesterday with 850 delegates from across the 17 Local Governments of Abia State to chart a way forward for the former ruling party. The meeting, which took place at the new party secretariat, Ogurube Layout Umuahia was graced by chieftains, including the immediate past Abia governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, and the only Abia PDP Senator in the 10th Senate, Austin Akobudundu.

The call that rang out consistently during the meeting was the need to rebuild the party that had held sway in Abia for over two decades

before things fell apart in 2023. Briefing journalists after the meeting of the loyal party members, Deputy Chairman (North), Hon Amah Abraham, who also doubled as the Acting State Publicity Secretary, said the "loyal party members" had pledged to rebuild the party.

"Today, we received 50-man delegation from each of the 17 Local Governments. We came to pledge our loyalty to the party," he said, adding, "We have assurances of loyal people from all the 17 LGs, who have pledged to rebuild the party,"

He asserted that Abia PDP still commanded multitude of loyal members across the state as represented by the delegates, noting that the vacuum created by defectors have been filled by new members coming into the party.

While acknowledging the exodus of "members that had benefitted from the PDP", Abraham said defections were part of the change being witnessed in the party at the moment.

as the Command and Control Centre for the electronic gates at the airports.

The minister said while the e-Border project was over 60 percent completed, the e-Gates Command and Control Centre was 100 per cent completed and awaiting commissioning by President Bola Tinubu.

Both centres are domiciled in the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS Headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, the minister said, “On the border management solutions, we have gone very far.

“At the moment, I think we have done 60 per cent in terms of deployment because what we saw the other time had to do with the air border solution, which is the Command and Control Centre, the e-Gates that we have.

“But we are not just talking about air borders or airports, we are also talking about our land borders and even the land borders as we know are more porous – both land and sea borders.

“What we are doing now is automating the whole surveillance system in our border space and real time, we can view a lot of our borders at this moment and I won’t want to disclose more.

“But the simple truth is we are automating the whole process and I think by October, the Phase one of the whole border surveillance system would have been completed and from here we can view, see kilometres away from the border before people even come into Nigeria.

“Also, there is a solution that enables people in the border areas

to communicate directly if there is emergency. They can report issues and there are solutions as to how we just don’t take their reports or complaints but that we can swing into actions.

“We want to make our borders as interactive and safe as possible because in the larger perspective, the belief of Mr President is that a secure border is a secure nation.

“So, securing our border is very key in terms of securing our nation and the administration of President Bola Tinubu is not leaving any stone unturned in the quest of making Nigeria a safe country for people to be able to sleep with their two eyes closed.

“But I can tell you, anyone who thinks that he can perpetrate illegality within our border space should be prepared for the consequences. We are renewing

the hopes of Nigerians in all areas of life. This is just Phase 1 and we will soon start Phase 2.

“We will do it in such a way that the entire 4,447 kilometres of Nigeria’s border is secured. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. We have started now and we are not going back until Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes closed.”

Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, said the officers and men were well-motivated and currently undergoing extensive trainings on the e-solutions.

“We are over 60 per cent gone with regard to the border management solutions and our officers and men are also being trained currently. We are ready and our officers are well motivated,” she said.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the personal particulars of the candidates and their running mates contesting Ondo State Governorship Election would be published this Saturday, May 25, 2024.

This was as stakeholders at a one-day town hall meeting on Electoral Reform in Rivers State, have stressed the need for increased voter participation in electioneering processes.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement yesterday

said the publication of personal particulars of candidates followed the conclusion of party primaries.

The Ondo State Governorship Election is scheduled for Saturday November 16, 2024.

“Following the conclusion of party primaries, seventeen (17) Political Parties have uploaded their candidates' nomination forms for the Ondo State Governorship Election by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 20th May 2024 when the dedicated portal automatically shut down.

“The personal particulars of the governorship candidates and their running mates will be published on Saturday 25th May 2024, one week from the last date for the submission

of nominations as provided in Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 4 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

“The Commission shall publish the personal particulars by displaying copies of Form EC9 along with all academic credentials and other documents submitted by each candidate at our State Headquarters in Akure and the 18 Local Government offices across the State.”

The electoral body, however, appealed to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents.

Olumekun said any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds

to believe that the information provided by a candidate or running mate was false could challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022. Meanwhile, the Rivers stakeholders made the call at a meeting by a non-governmental organisation, Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), in Port Harcourt. The event which was attended by officials of INEC, Security agencies, civil society groups, the media and other key players during the 2023 election, aimed at harvesting the gains and areas of improvement ahead of the future elections in Nigeria.

L-R: Chairman, Shareholders' Committee, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mallam Muhammad Bala; Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Industry, Enitan Badru; Managing Director/CEO,BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi; Executive Director, Large Enterprises, BOI, Simon Aranonu; Non-Executive Directors BOI, Tajudeen Dati Ahmed; with Mr. Adedamola Oluremi Young; during the 64th Annual General Meeting of the Bank of Industry held in Abuja recently KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Emmanuel

in Umuahia

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

PRESS BRIEFING TO COMMEMORATE SANWO-OLU'S FIRST YEAR OF SECOND TERM...

Damagun Desperate to Sink PDP Ahead of 2027 Elections, House Member Alleges

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has said the Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagun, was planning to sink the main opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ugochinyere, while addressing a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, said all the steps taken by Damagun after the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party were contrary to the peace agreement that gave him the opportunity to continue in acting capacity.

He called on the PDP governors, lawmakers, and other leaders of the party to rise up now and speak out with a view to saving the party from those he described as "agents of the APC".

According to him, “Since after the NEC meeting, which agreed for a peaceful exit for Damagun at the next NEC meeting that will come in a few months, which will see the emergence of a candidate from North Central as PDP Chairman, many strange things have been happening.

"First, they went to secure an

exparte order that Damagun should remain in office using APC members who are parading as PDP members.

“Now, in an action that looks like payback, Damagun NWC has hired a pro-APC interest lawyer to file court papers seeking to reinstate sacked APC lawmakers to enable them to attempt the

impossible task of attempting to illegally remove Gov. Fubara from the office.

"Also, a strange court action that Damagun NWC is not opposing came out from nowhere, ordering NWC to allow the PDP caretaker list filled with APC members to be inaugurated; strangely, our PDP now allows APC members to

take over our party structures. Now, are you thinking what we are thinking?”

Ugochinyere added that Damagun has dragged the PDP to court and obtained an order restraining the PDP from removing him from office, saying this was after the NEC of the party had fixed August for Damagun to peacefully

leave the office. "The PDP is now approbating and reprobating at the same time. So, what happened? When was this new alliance forged? When did the PDP start defending the defected lawmakers?

What are the terms of that negotiation? Are the terms in the interest of the PDP or APC, the new party of the now-former members?,” he queried.

Ugochinyere insisted that Damagun was a clear and present danger to the PDP and its survival, stressing that he has now come out openly and was no longer disguising that his loyalty is with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Economic Sabotage: Senate Sets Up Panel On Possible Upgrade of Oloibiri's Airstrip

Mulls Air Force base, wants oil firms to fund

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, set up an adhoc committee to work on the possible conversation of the abandoned airstrip in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, to an Air Force Base.

The upper chamber said its take over by the Air Force would curtail criminal activities and economic sabotage in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

The red chamber's resolution

was sequel to a motion by the senator representing Bayelsa East, Benson Agadaga.

The motion was titled: "Urgent Need For Transformation Of The Abandoned Shell Airstrip At Oloibiri Oil Well 1, Otuogidi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to an Air Force Base."

The Senate also urged the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Air Force to take over and convert the deserted and

uncultivable waste land of the abandoned Shell Airstrip at Oloibiri oil well 1, Otuogidi to a modern Air Force Base in Bayelsa State.

It equally resolved that the oil firms operating in Nigeria should be involved in the funding of the upgrade.

In his lead debate, the Bayelsa Senator noted that the Shell Airstrip, constructed in 1958 following the first discovery of crude oil in 1956 and sitting on

over 25 hectares of land situated at Itokopiri bush, hosting the famous Oloibiri Oil well 1 in Otuogidi Community, has long been abandoned.

He noted that the Airstrip, while in effective operation, was a very valuable asset in the company's oil exploration and exploitation activities in airlifting of personnel and equipment for that period.

Agadaga observed that during the years of its functionality,

heavy duty equipment, Company Workers, Captains of Industry, top Government functionaries and Diplomats resorted to this route for easy access to the Niger Delta region. He however, regretted that since the gradual decline of Shell's operations in the area and final departure from Oloibiri oil field, the Airstrip and the land where it operated have been abandoned and left desolate.

Stop Blaming President Bola Tinubu for Buhari's Failures, George Urges Nigerians

Says his former boss was a calamity Warns nation on verge of collapse

Segun James

Former Deputy National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has told Nigerians to stop blaming President Bola Tinubu for the woeful performance of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, which he said was a calamity.

George, who spoke to the press ahead of the first anniversary of

Tinubu's government, lamented that, "Everything promised before the 2015 general election was observed in breach by the Buhari administration.

"Despite that calamity, it is a pity that some Nigerians have come out to defend that administration, which ruled Nigeria for eight years. They are now blaming the Bola Tinubu administration, which has spent about one year in office.

"Governance is not a hundred-

meter dash race. We will advise and condemn so that in a year’s time, we can assess the methodology and performance of the government.

"Pitiably, some Nigerians have resorted to a blame game. Let me advise that we have to be careful in this country because Nigeria is not for any individual, group or region. Nigeria belongs to everybody. It is through cooperation and unanimity of purpose that we can lift the

country up."

He, however, lamented the plight of Nigerians, saying the country was on the verge of collapse, and therefore advised Tinubu to hasten up to reverse the trend.

The former military governor of the old Ondo State said successive governments had failed to address the problems of the nation.

"Today, all patriots are ashamed of what is going on

in the country as the polity is straying towards its elastic limit.

“It is now over-stressed and over-stretched beyond the bounds of acceptability. Our survival as a nation is genuinely being questioned by all lovers of democracy.

"Violence sprouts everywhere and the country gradually descends into a dangerous gangland, where the rule of the bayonet and clubs seems to be the norm. If Nigeria is to

survive (and I pray this happens very fast), this ruinous course must be reversed immediately.

"Because successive leaders have failed to successfully grapple with the problems of nation building, Nigeria is currently facing an existential crisis.”

He stressed that the crisis in the country "became complicated between 2015 and 2023 during the administration of my Oga, President Muhammadu Buhari.”

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr.Olusgun Ogboye;Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi; Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, at the Ministry of Health Ministerial press briefing to commemorate First year of the second term in office of Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration in Lagos ... recently

SAVOURING CANNES FESTIVAL…

L-R: Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna; former Minister of Information and Culture and Managing Partner of Bruit Costaud, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Chief Executive Officer, Ghana National Film Authority, Juliet Asante, and Manager, Creative Africa Nexus Afreximbank, Shari Hammond, at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France…recently

Police Intercept Gunrunner, Recover Rifles Meant for Enforcing Sit-at-home in Anambra

Rescue kidnapped victim, recover vehicle

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Operatives of the Police command in Anambra State yesterday intercepted a gunrunner, who was conveying rifles meant

for secessionists, who planned to use it to enforce sit at home exercise in the state on May 30. Similarly, the foiled an attempt to kidnap a victim in Aguata area of the state last Wednesday.

Delta LG Polls: Aspirant Protest Alleged Imposition of Candidate by PDP

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

An aggrieved chairmanship aspirant in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Prince Meshach Bebenimibo, has protested against alleged imposition of candidate by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

In a letter addressed to the state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, he lamented that a primary election was supposed

to be held in accordance with the party’s guidelines but reverse was the case in Warri South West council area where an aspirant was singlehandedly nominated by party leaders.

”We were waiting for the primaries to hold but to our surprise, we heard that there were already elected candidates. Unfortunately, no primaries took place, but some elders sat somewhere selected a name for reasons best known to them. This is not democracy, this is killing democracy,” he lamented.

Report: MAN CEO’s Confidence Index Records First Increase in 18 Months

Dike Onwuamaeze

The President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Francis Meshioye, yesterday officially presented the MAN CEO’s Confidence Index (MCCI) report, which recorded its first increase in 18 months by marginally increasing by 1.7 points in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1’24) when it moved from 15.8 points in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 52.5 points in Q1’24.

The MCCI is an index constructed to measure

changes in quarterly pulse of the CEOs of manufacturing concerns in relation to changes in government policies and movement in macroeconomic indicators.

The MCCI report said that “all the standard diffusion factors increased due to the positive effects of selective reforms and the consistent appreciation of the Naira in the greater part of the last month of the quarter by about 22 per cent and 28 per cent in the official and parallel markets respectively.

NASCON Assures Shareholders of Continuous Value Creation

NASCON Allied Industries Plc has assured its shareholders of continuous growth and value creation in 2024 and years beyond.

Speaking to shareholders, the Chairperson of NASCON, Yemisi Ayeni, gave the assurance at the annual general meeting of the company held in Lagos yesterday, said “amidst the challenges in 2023, the company achieved commendable operational performance. Our strategic initiatives and proactive measures enabled us to grow in value and profitability.”

She said: “Our turnover

for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, grew 37 per cent to N80.8 billion, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Profit after tax also saw an impressive growth of 151 percent to N13.7 billion, reflecting our commitment to operational efficiency and excellence.”

On future plans, Ayeni stated that “as we look ahead, NASCON remains focused on its commitment to health, safety, and environmental sustainability. Despite ongoing challenges in the global and national

Spokesperson of Anambra State Police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this, said the success of the operation was made possible by intelligence gathered by men of the command.

He said: “Anambra police operatives today 23/5/2024 by 11:30 a.m intercepted a gang member of a notorious

gunrunning syndicate in Onitsha, recovered seven brand new Jojef magnum pump action guns, in a concealed bag.

“This breakthrough is following the practical intelligence and tact-led Policing strategy of the Commissioner of Police (CP) Nnaghe Obono Itam, to frustrate criminal plans, especially on the

intel (intelligence) received over time about planned attacks by unlawful group/secessionists to enforce illegal sit-at-home on 30th May 2024.”

Secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had recently declared May 30 as heroes’ day, to honour the souls of those departed, during the civil war.

The group warned that the day would be marked by staying at home, and that anyone found violating the order would be dealt with. It also wrote to West African Examination Council (WAEC) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, to cancel its examination and proposed convocation respectively, which were scheduled for that day.

Nigeria Ranks Third Highest in Number of Child Brides, Says Group

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

An international non-govern-–mental organisation, Plan International, has disclosed that data findings has revealed that Nigeria ranks third highest in number of child brides in the world.

Showing disapproval to the trend, which it said was a leading factor to obstetrics fistula and a catalysts to perpetuating generational poverty, the organisation reiterated that data is needed at all levels to aid in governance and implementation of laws and budget.

Director of programmes, quality and influencing of the group, Ms. Helen Isiong, stated this yesterday in Abuja at the commencement of the workshop to review the version 2019 national health management information systems tools in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners. According to him, “In Nigeria, we have the third highest number of child brides and for children that married early, issues of obstetrics fistula are likely to happen thereby perpetuating generational poverty.”

PTDF Expresses Commitment to Growth of Nigeria’s Oil,

Gas Sector

To focus on renewed hope agenda in selecting candidates for overseas scholarship

Gideon Arinze in Enugu and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) has expressed commitment to the growth and development of the oil and gas sector, which contributes heavily to the Nigeria’s economy.

The South-east Team Lead, Overseas Scholarship Interview Programme, Afam Ikwuemesi, made this known yesterday at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, venue for the screening of 198 Southeast applicants for the 2024 Overseas Scholarship

Scheme (OSS).

This is just as the Fund said it will focus on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, in the selection of candidates for its 2024/2025 overseas postgraduate scholarship programme.

Ikwuemesi said that the

PTDF’s commitment is expressed in the annual scholarship scheme for Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes which provides Nigerians with the opportunity to become skilled in oil and gasrelated fields like geosciences, environmental sciences, and renewables among others.

Adeleke: Our Administration is Focused on Reviving Osun’s Cocoa Industries

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has restated his commitment to reviving cocoa industries in the state with a target to be the first cocoaproducing state in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in the governor’s remarks at a meeting with a Chinese investors from Wuxi Huadong Cocoa Food Co. Limited, who were on a two-day working visit to the state.

The company’s Managing Director, Mr. Yan Weiqing, who expressed satisfaction after the site inspection at the moribund Cocoa industry at Ede, had promised to rebuild the cocoa processing facility and bring in new equipment for the progress of the governor’s industrialisation agenda.

According to the governor, “In January this year, I launched the cocoa revival initiative of this administration. The state’s plan covers revival of old cocoa plantations, planting of at least a million seedlings and development of processing factories for new cocoa products. Our agenda extends to developing partnership with agro industrial firms from far and near.

“Our government is particularly focused on reviving the state Cocoa Industries Limited. We seek to go beyond becoming the first cocoa producing state in Nigeria.”

Teachers, Education Officers Challenged to be Innovative, Strategic Leaders

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Principals of Junior Secondary Schools, head teachers and education officers from Gombe and Taraba States have been called upon to be seasoned, innovative and strategic leaders.

This is in order to meet the global demand for formal education and technological advancement particularly of the students.

The call was made by the Ag. Director General/Chief Executive, National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Dr. Shofoyeke David Adebiyi, at the opening ceremony of a five-day capacity building workshop on “Effective School Management in the 21st Century.” It was organised by the Universal Basic Education

Commission (UBEC) in collaboration with NIEPA, for head teachers of primary schools and Junior Secondary Schools’ principals in Gombe and Taraba States held at the Community Education Resource Center (CERC) Gombe yesterday.

Emerging Africa Leads Closure of N40bn Infrastructure Bond

The Emerging Africa Group, acting as Financial Adviser and Lead Issuing House, has spearheaded the successful completion of the NEN Infrastructure Limited 10year private bond, which was oversubscribed at N40.9 billion.

The bond, which effected the full repayment of an N36 billion Syndicated Bridge Finance provided jointly in 2023 by Emerging Africa Capital Limited, United Bank for Africa Plc, Polaris Bank and Wema Bank Plc, and raised additional

funds, is to finance a range of infrastructural projects in Bauchi State.

Sponsored and Guaranteed by the Government of Bauchi State, this issuance is the first tranche in a N100 billion programme. The funds raised

will be instrumental in driving numerous infrastructure projects in Bauchi State, addressing pressing needs within the State. The projects to be funded span critical areas such as food security, road transportation, commerce and social cohesion.

Turkish Airlines to Resume Airlifting of Stranded Nigerian Passengers

Chinedu Eze

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has brokered peace between the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Turkish Airlines.

This, it was learnt would allow the airline to begin the airlift of Nigerian passengers who have been stranded at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos since Tuesday following the picketing of the airline by the union.

This is coming as the European

carrier alleged that it sacked its seven staff, which incurred the wrath of the union, because they were engaged in fraudulent ticket racketeering to the tune of $600, 000.

With the NCAA intervention, NUATE has temporarily agreed to shelve further interruption of Turkish Airlines operations in Lagos and Abuja to allow the airlift of stranded passengers both inbound and outbound from across the world.

The agreement was reached after a meeting with the

Igbomotoru

representative of the acting Director General Civil Aviation, Mr. Michael Achimugu who is also the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA.

Achimugu had on Wednesday evening after meeting with the Country Manager of Turkish Airlines in Nigeria promised to meet with the union on Thursday to resolve the impasse.

The meeting had representatives of NUATE led by its General Secretary, Ochema Aba, the Lagos Regional Manager NCAA, Mrs Bukola Teriba, among others.

Invasion: Nigerian Army Sued

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

A Niger Delta youth activist and gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election, Festus Daumiebi Sunday, has instituted a lawsuit against the Nigerian Army, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff, and the Attorney General of the Federation seeking N20.4billion as punitive, exemplary and special damages for infringing on his fundamental rights.

The suit marked FHC/ YNG/183/2024 sighted by THISDAY was filled at the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, by a team of lawyers led by Prof. O. F. Emiri (SAN) against the respondents for unlawfully breaking into the six-bedroom duplex, and five bedroom guest house duplex of the lawyer in his country home at Igbomotoru 1 in Bayelsa State

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as JOY IFUNANYACHUKWU MORGAN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOY IFUNANYACHUKWU EZEIBE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SALIU OYINOLA ADISA now wish to be known and addressed as SALIU OYINLOLA ADISA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IKEH NGOZI LAURENCIA now wish to be known and addressed as IKEOLUMBA NGOZI LAURENCIA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AGHEYISI ELAYE JOY now wish to be known and addressed as SUBOH ELAYE JOY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take

I formerly known and addressed as TAOFIK MUHAMMED ELEBUTE, now wish to be known and addressed as TAOFIK MUHAMMED BANWO ELEBUTE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

for N20.4bn

and subsequent destruction of his property. The applicant fears that his freedom of movement and his life is in danger.

The suit, therefore, seeks “for an order for the enforcement of the applicant’s fundamental right to life, liberty, privacy of his person

and his home, freedom of movement and to own property.”

He said that on March 30, 2024, men of the Nigerian Army invaded Igbomotoru 1 community, Bayelsa State, in search of the suspected masterminds behind the killings of soldiers in Okuama, Delta State.

Rivers APC Members Match in Support of Tinubu

Blessing Ibunge

inPortHarcourt

Members of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday staged a one-million man match in support of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The rally, which was led by the state Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC, Tony Okocha, also witnessed participation from members of the party and other groups from across the 23 local government area of the state.

THISDAY observed that the rally started from the popular GRA junction on Aba Road and terminated at the party’s new secretariat, along artillery axis of

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as CHINONYE OKEKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHINONYE JOSHUAUKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OBI JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KENNEDY JOY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AWANJINU JOSEPH OLUWASEGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as ROLAND JOSEPH OLUWASEGUN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNRONBI ANJOLAOLUWA ABIGAIL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS TAIWO ANJOLAOLUWA ABIGAIL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Building a Society Characterized by Solidarity

By: Islamweb

From a social perspective, the teachings of Islam aim to bring together all Muslims to be a unified entity, in conformity with the words of the Prophet (pbuh): “The example of the believers as regards their mutual love and compassion is like that of a single body. If any of its parts aches, all the other parts share in the sleeplessness and fever.” [Imam Muslim] The strong among them support the weak, and the rich help the poor. Social solidarity manifests in the Muslim community such that its objectives and implications are realized. There are many Sharee‘ah (Islamic Law) texts and provisions describing the Muslim community and how it should embody the spirit of solidarity.

same Aba Road in Port Harcourt.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the party’s secretariat, Okocha said the march was to bring out one tenth of the members in the state to reaffirm commitment and support for the renewed hope policies of President Tinubu.

He stressed that the policies and Renewed Hope Initiatives of the president would lead the country to a greater prosperity.

According to him, “Rome was not built in a day, so the process put in place by the president will yield great prosperity for the country if we support the policies of his administration.

“Since the president pronouncement that petroleum subsidy is gone, some state governors are now able to use their state federal allocations to build infrastructure and carry out projects without struggling for funds.

Adedoyin

Re-elected to the Executive Board of IPI

Former Commissioner for Information, Kwara State and Chairman, Editorial Board of The Herald Newspapers, Ilorin, Raheem Adedoyin, has been reelected to the executive board of the international Press Institute (IPI), the global network of senior editors, media executives, and communication experts promoting press freedom.

He is representing Nigeria and Africa on the board of IPI, with its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

Adedoyin, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), was elected today for another three years tenure at the World Congress/ General Assembly of the IPI in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He will serve for another three years, as he was first elected for a three-year tenure in Vienna in 2021 at the World Congress and General Assembly of IPI.

There are multiple objectives for such solidarity that incorporate all the needs of the individual and the community, whether material or moral. Social solidarity means that Muslims should work together, each through his position and status, to preserve the public interests of the community as a whole and the private interests of the individuals, so that everyone in the community would feel that his rights are fulfilled and he, accordingly, is eager to fulfill his duties and obligations towards other members of his community. The scope of this solidarity then expands to encompass all people (not limited only among Muslims). Allah, the Exalted, Says (what means): “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” [Quran 49:13] Allah, the Exalted, honored Man and commanded us to treat all children of Adam (as) accordingly (with respect). He Says (what means): “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam.” [Quran 17:70]

From day one, the teachings of Islam laid emphasis on fostering human ties, strengthening social bonds, and establishing equality among all people so that each and every Muslim would feel the bond of brotherhood with his fellow Muslims. Islam also established a social safety net on the basis of solidarity to enhance the moral and physical building of the individual and community. It laid the foundations of the righteous Muslim individual, the virtuous family, and the integrated society to ensure the establishment of the Muslim community that provides security and safety for all its members. The circle of this solidarity begins with every Muslim individual as he refines his own ‘self’, takes care of it and rectifies it, directing it to what is good for himself and for all people, and then he tends to the bonds that connect him with the members of his family. Each family member bears his own responsibilities and shoulders his duties, acting upon the words of the Prophet (pbuh): “All of you are guardians and are responsible for your subjects.” [Al-Bukhari] A man is a guardian in his family; he has rights and duties, and the same applies to the woman who has her own rights and duties. This critical task begins from the very moment a man chooses his prospective wife; he should choose someone from a righteous family to be a good building block for their family and be able to provide their children with a good upbringing that pleases Allah, the Exalted. This is why the Prophet (pbuh) said: “A woman is married for four [reasons]: her wealth, her noble descent, her beauty, and her religion. So win the religious woman – otherwise, you will be a loser.”

[Al-Bukhari] The marital life should be founded on mutual kindness, as Allah, the Exalted, prescribed, acting upon the instructions of the Prophet (pbuh) when he said: “The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.” [Imam At-Tirmithi]

As for the process of raising the children and taking care of them, it is a joint duty of both parents. Allah, the Exalted, Says (what means): “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…”

[Quran 66:6] This includes directing them from an early age towards what benefits them in their worldly lives and the Hereafter, starting with the acts of worship and all good deeds. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Command your children to perform prayer when they are seven years old and beat them (for abandoning it) when they are ten.”

[Imam Ahmad]

When these teachings are instilled within the individual at a young age, he has successfully taken the first steps in the right direction and recognized his position and status in his community. Islam is

keen to foster solidarity among the Muslim individual and his community and harmoniously preserves both the private and public interests to ensure that neither would undermine the other. An individual interacts and cooperates with other members of his community to maintain this harmonious balance. Allah, the Exalted, Says (what means): “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” [Quran 5:2] On the other side, the community is responsible for preserving the private rights of the individuals, and this contributes to maintaining public order for the sake of the community and all its members. The scope of such solidarity is not confined to the interests of the individual, the community, or even the country, but rather extends to include other communities and future generations, as confirmed by the words of Allah. He Says, (what means): “And [there is a share for] those who came after them, saying, “Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.” [Quran 59:10] This is how the humanness of man that Allah, the Exalted, intends for us Muslims is realized, and it is how the enjoined solidarity is realized with its temporal and spatial dimensions.

One of the most important manifestations of solidarity which Islam is keen to instill in our communities is how to treat the elderly and take care of them, starting with one’s parents, acting upon the verse that reads (what means): “And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months.” [Quran 46:15] Also, the Prophet (pbuh) said: “He is not one of us who is not merciful to our youngsters and does not respect and honor our elders.” [At-Tirmithi] Then comes the duty of caring for the orphans, the poor, and the needy, and supporting them. Allah, The Exalted, Says (what means): “They ask you [O Muhammad] what they should spend. Say, “Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” [Quran 2:215]

This can be achieved by providing job opportunities for all members of the community rather than concentrating the employment opportunities in specific segments or groups, eliminating the obstacles hindering the poor, and empowering them to break free from the feelings of inferiority to their peers. Another important manifestation of solidarity in Islam is the enjoined kindness towards neighbors by keenly fulfilling their rights and preserving their interests. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.” It was asked, “Who is he, O Messenger of Allah?” He (pbuh) said: “The one whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil.” [Al-Bukhari]

Another manifestation is honoring guests and offering them hospitality, and this applies to your private guests or those visiting your country, such as tourists or expatriates (guest workers). You should be hospitable to them all; the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be hospitable to his guest.” [Al-Bukhari]

There are many ways by means of which the members of the community can contribute to the realization of this solidarity, including: Zakaah, charity, expiation, Waqf (Islamic endowment), Wasiyyah (will), ‘Aariyah (gratuitous loan of non-fungible objects or property), gifts, grants, and others. There are also other means which the government is responsible for, including: carrying out public projects, building infrastructure for the cities and villages, providing job opportunities for all members of the community, facilitating the fulfillment of people’s needs, organizing transportation and communication means, and the means of individual solidarity among the members of the community such as facilitating the establishment of centers for collecting and distributing Zakaah and facilitating their work, acting upon the verse that reads (what means): “Take [O, Muhammad] from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [the blessings of Allah] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” [Quran 9:103]

These were some of the features and manifestations of social solidarity in light of the teachings of Islam, and there is no doubt that this topic deserves more detailing, but brevity is the soul of wit, and less is always more; and Allah Knows best.

Friday, May 24, 2024Price:

MISSILE

ACF to President Tinubu

“The times continue to be tough and challenging for the average citizen who is daily confronted with runaway Inflation, unemployment, rapid deterioration in standard of living in the face of incidents of insurgency, terrorism and banditry, etc. The immediate causes of the problems have been policies put in place by government over the past months...Public policy response to the problems remains weak and ineffective at best” –Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Spokesman, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, challenges the government to do the needful.

KAYODESOREMEKUN

GUEST COLUMNIST

Tinubu,The Opposition and The Nigerian Honey Pot

As the Tinubu administration approaches the one year mark, it is important to effect a review of what has transpired in the last twelve months.

At the level of sheer policy postures and pronouncements, much has been done and so much is also being done, such that it is almost impossible to keep pace.

In this narrative however, I have decided to dwell on an unusual aspect of the last twelve months.

On this note, the thrust of my argument is this: Nigeria is a lucrative honeypot for external actors and their local collaborators. It is a situation in which every achievement of this administration translates into a loss for external actors and their interests. These indeed are the various indices of the opposition which will continue to stalk this administration.

At the instinctual level, and unfortunately, the average reader is likely to view the opposition in terms of predictable variables like the: PDP, LP and possibly the various indices of civil society.

But this piece is not preoccupied with these.

Rather our attention is focused on the implications of the evolving dynamics of Air Peace (AP) and the competition in the aviation industry.

It is instructive to recall here that, as soon as AP ticked off on the LagosLondonn route, the other airlines came into some form of self-serving epiphany. They changed tack through the process of fare reductions.

The implications of this on-going process are deeper than one may think.

As long as Nigeria was absent on the Lagos-London route the route was something of a honey pot for the other airlines. It was a sybarritic situation in which all the other airlines were busy enjoying themselves at the expense of Nigerians and Nigeria.

In my innocence I thought that the only airline that was benefitting from this bazaar of the Lagos- London route was British Airways (BA) whose ancestors were the original predators of what passes for the Nigerian state. Little did I know that other Airlines

like Airmaroc and Egyptair were also partakers of this largesse.

On this note,the mind remembers the goggled General, Sanni Abacha. In the light of the inclement interplay between his regime and Britain, British Airways was banned from Nigeria. But as soon as he died, BA resumed its lucrative foray into Nigeria. One can imagine how much BA must have lost in the light of that move by the General.

The implication is that for every omission or commision on the part of Nigeria,someone out there is smiling home with huge profits.Such forces and individuals constitute at one level the opposition that anyone who occupies Aso Rock, has to contend with. Needless to say, our Nigeria is a huge

honeypot since we are talking here of a huge market of 200 million Nigerians

The situation also partly explains why the naira will continue to go south since for most of, even our basic needs we depend heavily on the external realm.It also explains why anybody who occupies Aso Rock is not just up against the usual opposition at the domestic level, he is also up against the various indices of opposition beyond Nigeria.

And here we are talking about hardheaded interests and zero-sum games in which what one entity loses, is gained by another one.

This brings to mind another major area in which over time, Nigeria continues to be a spectator in the scheme of things.

Our specific reference here is the

On this note,the mind remembers the goggled General, Sanni Abacha. In the light of the inclement interplay between his regime and Britain, British Airways was banned from Nigeria. But as soon as he died, BA resumed its lucrative foray into Nigeria. One can imagine how much BA must have lost in the light of that move by the General

Nigerian oil industry.Nigeria continues to be passive in this industry. So passive that as an oil producing country there are no backward linkages like refineries and petrochemicals. Even as I write,there are rumblings to the effect that, there are jitters out there. This is because, should Nigeria succceed in bringing on stream her own refineries,very many jobs will be lost by refiners in places like Rotterdam and South Korea. These are some of the entities who import refined oil to an oil producing Nigeria.Again as regards petrochemicsks,should Nigeria come into her own in this vital area, then out imports of raw will redice drastically.In the light of what is happening to Air Peace, we should expect a fight-back from relevant interests out there.

Very much the same thing can be said for our steel industry. Till date, it remains comatose. No thanks to international conspiracy ably aided by a wayward ruling class. This is invariably a sad feature which stretches far back to the dawn of our polirical independence. Again, Nigeria’s attempts to come into her own in this vital area will be resisted and vigorously too by the relevant and extertnal forces out there in collaboration with their internal allies. So as PBAT Tinubu settles into his second year in office, he will do well to remember and appreciate that he will be contending with various indices of the opposition at the external level. In various ways these have their tongues and fingers in the Nigerian honey-pot. They will not give up easily. Which is why, the Tinubu presidency should give these self-serving and external forces a good run for their greed and avarice. There is some hope however. This cautious optimism lies in the fact that, in the course of that historic outing in Abeokuta where Tinubu openly staked his claim to the Presidency he also pronunced with equal gravity on his place in history.Specifically he opined that he would not want to be a footnote to the Nigerian narrative. So all said and done,it is possible to contend here that in the light of what can be regarded as his self-conscious place in history;PBAT has his work cut out for him in critical and vital areas of our national life like: the steel industry,our oil industry and of course the Aviation sector.

TRUTH & REASON

N400

Tinubu