FRIDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2023

Tinubu to S’Court: Dismiss Atiku's Appeal, It’s Abuse of Court Process Alex Enumah in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal filed by candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar against his declaration as president.

Tinubu predicated his request on the grounds that Atiku's appeal seeking to upturn the judgment of the presidential election tribunal, which affirmed his victory at the presidential poll, was lacking in merit and an abuse of court process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

had on March 1, declared Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the presidential poll, having been convinced that he won a majority of the lawful votes cast at the presidential election.

Dissatisfied, Atiku on March 21, lodged his petition at the tribunal, seeking amongst others, the

nullification of Tinubu's election over alleged irregularities, malpractices, and non-compliance with electoral laws amongst others.

But, the tribunal in its unanimous judgment delivered on September 6, upheld the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the presidential poll.

The five member panel, led by

Justice Haruna Tsammani, pointed out that Atiku's petition failed to prove allegations contained therein and subsequently dismissed the petition for lacking in merit.

Still not satisfied, Atiku on September 18, asked the apex court to set aside the judgment of the tribunal for being perverse

in arriving at the conclusion that he did not prove his case.

He predicated his appeal upon 35 grounds upon which he is asking the Supreme Court to set aside the judgment of the tribunal.

He has also brought in fresh and Continued on page 5

AFCON 2023: Nigeria Pit Against Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, the Guineans... Page 39 Friday 13 October, 2023 Vol 28. No 10411. Price: N250

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History as Olukoyede, First Christian, First Southerner, is Appointed EFCC Chair Ex-agency’s boss, Bawa, resigns Deji Elumoye in Abuja L-R: Minister of Power, Mr Bayo Adelabu; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Chiedu Ugbo in a group photograph during the Agbara Business Roundtable held in Agbara, Ogun State on Thursday.

History was yesterday recorded as President Bola Tinubu approved the Continued on page 5

CBN Lifts FX Restrictions on Importation of Rice, Cement, Palm Oil, 40 Other Items Cardoso: Apex bank does not have magic wand to address Nigeria's challenges Says refocused central bank will serve country better through improved monetary policies To shift focus from direct development financing to advisory roles that supports economic growth Naira depreciates further, now N1050/$ on parallel market, N759.20/$ on I&E

Obinna Chima, Eromosele Abiodun, Nume Ekeghe and James Emejo The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday, declared that importers of 43 items previously restricted from

accessing foreign exchange (FX) at the official window are now allowed to purchase FX in the Nigerian foreign exchange market going forward.

The development came just as the Continued on page 5

Ganduje: South East’s Cry of AGBARA BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE...

Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; and Chairman, Marginalisation Controversial... Page 36 L-R: Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, Mr. Dere Otubu, at the Agbara Business Roundtable held in Agbara, Ado-OdoOta Local Government Area of Ogun State… yesterday

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FG Grants First Petroleum Exploration Licence Under New PIA, Expects Revenue from Data Use Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Commission (NUPRC) yesterday announced that in compliance with the provisions of Section 71 (1) – (10) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), it had granted a Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) to TGSPetroData Offshore Services Limited (TGS-PD).

The PEL, it said, is the first under the PIA 2021 and is under the licence agreement which the commission and TGS-PD executed for a Geophysical Survey Project for the acquisition of about 56,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic and gravity data.

A statement signed by the Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Gbenga

Komolafe, said the development was another milestone in the smooth implementation of the PIA for the attraction of investment in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

Without data, the NUPRC said reserves cannot be auctioned for development and revenue attraction.

“Data acquired under the PEL is not proprietary but speculative/ multi-client survey data acquired in partnership with the NUPRC. The licence therefore authorises TGS-PetroData Offshore to carry out non-exclusive Petroleum Exploration Operations on a multi-client basis within the licensed area and permits the use of the acquired 3D seismic and gravity data by exploration companies.

“Due to the specialised nature of the Geophysical Survey Vessel to be used for the acquisition of the 3D seismic and gravity data, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) granted no objection to TGS-PD to deploy the facility.

“The acquisition of the 3D seismic and gravity data commenced on July 17, 2023, and the processed data will be available for use by mid-2024,” the commission said.

The scope of the Geophysical Survey Project, it stressed includes: Phase 1 acquisition of about 11,900 sq. km of new 3D seismic and gravity data in water depth ranging from 30m to 4000m offshore Niger Delta.

According to the NUPRC,

acquiring seismic and gravity data at the same time will improve the correlation of identified structures and reservoirs.

It added that the scope also includes a record length of 14 seconds, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and will help image deeper reservoirs that have not been done offshore Niger Delta before now.

“The acquired seismic and gravity data will be processed using the latest TGS proprietary technology.

The acquired data will be licensed to exploration companies.

The commission listed one of the benefits that Nigeria will derive from the new 3D seismic and gravity data acquisition as: availability of new

regional 3D seismic and gravity data in deep waters ranging from 30m to 4000m offshore Niger Delta.

“The commission has the sole right and title over the acquired raw and interpreted data to be obtained by the licensee (TGS-PD) under a petroleum exploration licence. Therefore, the 3D seismic and gravity data belongs to the Nigerian Government.

“Based on section 71(7) of the PIA, the commission and federal government of shall benefit from the revenue that will be generated from the data use licence that will be granted to interested exploration companies by TGS-PD. “The new 3D seismic and gravity data being acquired will further provide an opportunity for

understanding the regional petroleum system of the ultra-deep waters of Nigeria and unlock the hydrocarbon prospectivity of Nigeria’s frontier basins (Ultra-deep offshore),” it stressed.

According to the NUPRC, the 3D seismic and gravity data when acquired will be useful in future deep water licencing rounds which will attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into oil and gas exploration in Nigeria as well as create opportunities for increasing oil and gas reserves and production.

The Komolafe-led organisation stated that it will further create opportunities for Nigerian content development and employment of Nigerian professionals.

CBN LIFTS FX RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTATION OF RICE, CEMENT, PALM OIL, 40 OTHER ITEMS CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has emphasised that the apex bank does not have a magic want to address the myraid of challenges facing the Nigerian economy.

The apex bank in June 2015, had initially included 41 items to the list of commodities which were not-valid to purchase FX from the market, citing the need to conserve the scarce forex and encourage domestic production for self-sufficiency and exports. The list was thereafter expanded to 43 items.

Some of the items listed then as not-fit-for forex included rice, cement, margarine, palm kernel products and vegetable oil, meat and processed meat products, vegetables and processed vegetable products, poultry chicken, private airplanes, tinned fish in sauce, roofing sheets wheelbarrows, head pans, among others.

However, in it's latest statement, the CBN Director, Corporate Communications, Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, said the central bank would continue to promote orderliness and professional conduct by all participants in the FX market segment to ensure that market forces determine exchange rates on a Willing Buyer - Willing Seller principle.

He stressed that the prevailing FX rates should be referenced from platforms such as the CBN website, FMDQ, and other recognised or appointed trading systems to promote price discovery, transparency, and credibility in the FX rates.

The CBN director further emphasised that as part of its responsibility to ensure price stability, the bank would boost liquidity in the FX market by interventions from time to time, stating however, that as market liquidity improves, these interventions would gradually

decrease.

AbdulMumin, said the CBN remained committed to accelerating efforts to clear the FX backlog with existing participants and intensify dialogue with stakeholders to address the issue.

He added that the CBN had set the attainment of a single FX market as one of its goals, adding that consultation was ongoing with market participants to achieve the objective.

The FX market has undergone a series of reforms since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May. In June, the CBN directed the banks to remove the cap on the investors and exporters’ (I & E) window of the forex market to allow for the free-float of the naira exchange rate.

At the behest of Tinubu, the apex bank had announced the abolishment of segmentation in the FX market and collapsed all rates into the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window.

The move had put an end to the multiple exchange system leading to the floating of the naira.

The central bank further announced the re-introduction of the “Willing Buyer, Willing Seller” model at the I&E Window as well as the cessation of the RT200 Rebate and Naira4Dollar Remittance Schemes, with effect from June 30.

Cardoso: CBN Does Not Have Magic Wand to Address Nigeria's Challenges Meanwhile, Cardoso, has emphasised that the apex bank does not have a magic want to address the myriad of challenges facing the

Nigerian economy.

Cardoso, whose nomination was confirmed by the Senate few weeks ago, however, reiterated the preparedness of the apex bank under his leadership to ensure improved monetary policy interventions and advisory functions.

In a document obtained from the CBN yesterday, Cardoso noted that in line with the President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, a refocused CBN would play a pivotal role in supporting economic growth.

“It must be emphasised that CBN does not have a magic wand that can be waved at the current economic challenges.

"The problems facing the bank are large and complex. However, with focused leadership and sustained reforms, it is expected that over time, the country will see gains open economic spaces, attract new investments, create employment, and

give our hardworking and talented compatriots opportunity for a more prosperous future,” he explained.

According to Cardoso, key factors the central bank under his leadership would be to support the fiscal authorities to achieve a $1 trillion GDP within eight years, moderating inflation, increasing foreign reserves, and the capacity to rebound quickly from economic downturns.

In addition, he said the central bank would shift from direct development financing to advisory roles that supports economic growth, promoting specialised institutions and financial products, facilitating new regulatory frameworks, expanding financial inclusion, and de-risking instruments to attract private sector investment.

On how a refocused CBN could support economic growth, the CBN governor said: “The economic policy proposals of the administration

identifies a set of fiscal reforms and growth targets that will achieve $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within eight years.

"In reviewing selected BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey) countries, with large populations and similar developmental characteristics as Nigeria, it is interesting to identify macroeconomic indices that point to Nigeria’s economic trajectory, given the faithful implementation of the proposed economic reforms. "In economies bigger than $1 trillion, these indicators include moderate inflation, sizable foreign reserves, and the capacity to quickly rebound from a cyclical economic downturn.”

Given these, Cardoso noted that a refocused CBN would "better serve the country through monetary policy interventions and advisory roles that sustain implementation of the

administration’s fiscal proposals."

He added: “Much has been made of past CBN forays into development financing, such that the lines between monetary policy and fiscal intervention have blurred.

"In refocusing the CBN to its core mandate, there is a need to pull the CBN back from direct development finance interventions into more limited advisory roles that support economic growth.

"These advisory roles could include, for instance: Act as a catalyst in the propagation of specialised institutions and financial products that support emerging sectors of the economy.

“Facilitate new regulatory frameworks to unlock dormant capital in land and property holdings.

Accelerate access to consumer credit and expand financial inclusion to the masses.

Continued on page 36

HISTORY AS OLUKOYEDE, FIRST CHRISTIAN, FIRST SOUTHERNER, IS APPOINTED EFCC CHAIR appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the first Christian and southerner, to ever head the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since the agency was set up in 2004.

His appointment, which was approved for a renewable term of four years in the first instance, pending the senate confirmation, however, followed the alleged resignation of his predecessor, Abdulrasheed Bawa, who had since been suspended by the president, and kept in detention.

The presidency would later justify the appointment of Olukoyede, saying he was more than qualified for the top position.

His appointment, according to a statement by the Media Adviser

Olukoyede to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, was in line with the powers vested in Tinubu as established in section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, that, “the Chairman and members of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the President."

Olukoyede, a lawyer with over 22 years of experience as a regulatory compliance consultant, is also specialist in fraud management and corporate intelligence.

He has extensive experience in the operations of the EFCC, having previously served as Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman (2016-2018) and Secretary to the Commission (2018-2023).

"As such, he fulfils the statutory requirement for appointment as Chairman of the EFCC," the statement

added.

The president has equally approved the appointment of Mr.Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda, to serve as the Secretary of the EFCC for a renewable term of five years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.

Hammajoda, a public administrator with requisite experience in public finance management, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maiduguri and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the same university.

He began his career as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. From Continued on page 9

TINUBU TO S’COURT: DISMISS ATIKU'S APPEAL, IT’S ABUSE OF COURT PROCESS additional evidence to prove that Tinubu ought not to be on the ballot in the first place on the grounds that he forged his Chicago State University (CSU) certificate he submitted to INEC in aid of his qualification for the presidential election.

Relying on Section 137 of the Constitution, Atiku also urged the apex court to sack Tinubu for lying on oath, regarding his academic qualification.

However, in response to the appeal marked SC/CV/935/2023; with petition number: CA/PEPC/05/2023, Tinubu through his team of lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, argued that from the "clear position of the law", Atiku and his party in their joint appeal have not, "demonstrated any reason why this Honourable Court should disturb any of the findings of the lower court, which, with all modesty are rooted in law and perfect demonstration of scholarship.”

Tinubu, in his response, challenged the competence of the grounds of appeal contained in Atiku's Notice of Appeal, as well as the issues formulated in the appellants' brief.

He raised seven issues for determination by the apex court, which included, having regard to the appellants' pleadings before the

lower court, vis-a-vis the provisions of paragraphs 4(1)(d)(2) and 16(1) (a) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022 and Order 13 Rule 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, coupled with consistent judicial authorities on the fundamental nature of pleadings, whether the lower court did not rightly strike out offensive paragraphs of the petition and petitioners' reply to the respondents' respective replies?

"In view of the clear provisions of section 285(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), section 132(7) of the Electoral Act, 2022, paragraph 4(5) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022 and the settled line of judicial authorities on the subject, whether the lower court did not rightly strike out the witness statements on oath and expunge the evidence of PW 12, PW 13, PW 14, PW 15, PW 16, PW17, PW18, PW19, PW2 I , PW23, PW24, PW25, PW26 and PW27?

"Was the lower court not right when it upheld the respondents' objection to the admissibility of the documents tendered by the appellants and struck out the said documents?

"Considering the clear provision of Section 135 of the Electoral Act,

the pleadings and the reliefs sought by the petitioners/appellants as well as the admissible evidence before the lower court, whether the lower court was not right in dismissing the appellants' petition?

"In view of the circumstances of the petition before the lower court, the terse evidence adduced by the appellants and the state of the law on the respective subjects, whether the lower court could rightly be accused of bias by the appellants?” he asked.

On issue one, Tinubu claimed that by all extant relevant laws, INEC has/had the prerogative of determining the mode and manner for the transmission of election results and the lower court was perfectly in order when it so held.

Atiku, had in his petition, alleged substantial non-compliance because INEC failed to transmit election results to the IREV in realtime, adding that failure to do so automatically nullified the result of the election.

"The lower court, in deciding the issue, took a painstaking consideration of the binding judgment of the Federal High Court, per Nwite, J., in FHC/ ABJ/CS/1454/2022-Labour Party v. Independent National Electoral Commission, delivered on January 23, 2023, which was tendered before

it and admitted as Exhibit.”

Tinubu stated that all the provisions of the regulations created the alternative between electronic transmission and transfer, with the use of the article "or".

On issue two, which bordered on a candidate securing 25% votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before being declared winner, Tinubu submitted that the wordings of sections 134 and 299 of the Constitution were clear and urged the apex court to hold that "any election where the electorate exercise their plebiscite, there is neither a 'royal' ballot nor 'royal' voter.

“It added “that residents of the FCT do not have any special voting right over residents of any other state of the federation, in a manner similar to the concept of preferential shareholding in Company Law. We, therefore, urge the court to resolve this issue in favour of the respondent and against the appellant."

On issues three to five, which bordered on the striking out of certain paragraphs as well as witnesses' statement of the petitioners/ appellants, Tinubu said the tribunal was right in holding that the affected paragraphs were offensive and should be removed.

"We, accordingly, urge this

Honourable Court to affirm the decision of the lower court, while dismissing this appeal in its entirety, as same is lacking in merit and bona fide.

“We cannot draw the curtain on this brief, without drawing the Supreme Court's attention to another hypocritical relief being claimed by the appellants in their petition, and more particularly, that in their supplication before the Supreme Court, they are asking that their reliefs be granted.

"The alternative relief (e) put forth by the appellants at the lower court reads thus: ‘An Order directing the 1’ Respondent to conduct a second election (run-off) between the 1’ Petitioner and the 2’ Respondent.’

“Undoubtedly, this relief has exposed the pretentious attitude of the appellants, both at prosecuting their case at the lower court and before this Honourable Court.

“Here are the same set of appellants alleging non-qualification of the respondent, via the backdoor, that is, through their reply, on the one hand, and on the other hand, praying this Honourable Court to nullify the presidential election of February 25, 2023, and direct a second election between the 1st petitioner and the respondent.

"The logical conclusion from this approbative and reprobative posture of the appellants is that deep down in their hearts, they are convinced that the respondent won the election, but have decided to embark on this voyage of abuse of court processes.

"Lastly, may we draw the attention of the Supreme Court to the fact that at the lower court, this set of appellants did not ask for any relief that could inure to the benefit of the appellants in their final written address, as all issues formulated by them and prayers also sought by them before the lower court were targeted at the respondent, without any one of those reliefs designed for their benefit.

“May we quickly refer the court to the 4 issues formulated for determination in their final written address at page 6974 (vol. 9) of the record, and the concluding part of the address in paragraph 6.01 (a), (b), (c) and (d) on pages 7004¬7005 (vol. 9) of the record.

"Everything put together or summarised, this appeal is a further demonstration of the abusive nature to which the appellants have subjected court processes.

The Supreme Court is urged to dismiss it."

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322

WORLD FOOD DAY...

L-R: Board Director, British America Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, Mrs. Odiri Erewa-Meggison; Lagos State, Commissioner For Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Olatokunbo Emokpae; and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola during the 2023 Food Day walk on Obafemi Awolowo way Ikeja, Lagos SUNDAY ADIGUN

EU, Bill Gates Foundation Vote €1.1bn to Tackle Polio, Other Diseases New push targets 370 million children

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The European Commission, the European Investment Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have pledged a new financing partnership of €1.1 billion to address critical global health challenges especially polio that puts 370 million children at risk.

The effort was meant to address critical global health opportunities, eradicate polio and ensure that innovations in health were more accessible to the people who need them most.

According to a statement issued in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday, the new funding was to ensure 370 million children receive polio vaccinations and to boost health innovation in low-income countries It noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, as implementing partners for the polio funding, would deploy resources to eradicate polio, support the distribution of other childhood immunisations and strengthen health systems so that they are better able to respond to emerging health threats.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was quoted to have said: “We are about to wipe polio off the face of the Earth. The European Commission, the EIB and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are partnering to get through the final stretch.

"With one billion euros supported

by our European investment strategy Global Gateway, we will invest in stronger health systems globally and local vaccine and medicines production, manufacturing and administration, where it is most needed.

"Global cooperation has helped us put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now it will help us get rid of polio once and for all.”

The statement further read: "The expected €1.1 billion financing package aims to provide new funding to eradicate a human disease for only the second time in history and help solve the health and development challenges faced by the world’s most vulnerable people, who otherwise do not get fair access to healthcare services and innovations."

According to the statement, the partnership would mark a significant increase in funding for global health and human development under the European Commission’s European Fund for Sustainable Development plus (EFSD+) and was expected to include a match of new complementary funding for global health by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, maximising the impact of every Euro committed by the EU and the European Investment Bank.

“Today we are united to write the final chapter in the history of polio. The European Investment Bank is playing its part in a unique partnership with philanthropy and health partners, by providing EUR

500 million for investment in support of the Global Polio Eradication Programme.

"This initiative will be a milestone in scaling up immunisation and strengthening healthcare, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can be protected against polio,” President of the European Investment Bank,Werner Hoyer said.

He noted that in order to promote progress towards eradicating wild poliovirus, the partnership aims to deliver €500 million in payments to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative – specifically the World Health Organization and UNICEF. The funds would cover polio vaccinations for nearly 370 million children annually; deliver vital health services to children alongside polio campaigns, including measles vaccines and other routine immunisations and strengthen health systems to better prepare and respond to emerging health threats, as the polio program has done against COVID-19, Ebola, and other diseases.

The global health body said as of today, wild poliovirus remained endemic in just two countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan while 80 percent of variant poliovirus cases are found in just four subnational regions.

“Thanks to medical innovations, the world eradicated one human disease – smallpox. Today we’re on the verge of ending another – wild

poliovirus.

"I am committed to ensuring that no child, anywhere in the world, faces this awful disease.

"I am also optimistic that we will eradicate polio once and for all and make health innovations more accessible for everyone, particularly those in the poorest countries,” Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates said.

Another €500 million aims to expand the innovation capacity of health systems in low- and middle-income countries.

This includes new funding to initiatives supported by the European Commission such as efforts to make health innovations like mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics more accessible to people in low- and middle-income countries, under Europe’s investment plan for the world, Global Gateway. More investments in health worldwide will be discussed among global leaders and partners at the upcoming Global Gateway Forum (25-26 October) Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda French Gates, said based on the partnership of the European Commission and European Investment Bank, vaccines, medicines and other life-saving innovations should reach the people who need them most, making communities everywhere healthier.

"We know that when a community is healthy, economies grow,” she added.

NHRC Seeks FG's Support to Boost Commission's Activities Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, has sought the support of the federal government to strengthen the Commission's efforts in the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in the country.

He made the request when he led the Commission’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, at his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

During the visit, Ojukwu

provided a comprehensive overview of the NHRC's history, mandate, functions, powers, organisational structure, and management since its inception.

He discussed the Commission's growth, the challenges it was facing and its struggle for independence in recent years.

He emphasised the Commission’s role in holding governments accountable for policies and laws that promote human rights, while mitigating human rights violations in the country.

Furthermore, Ojukwu highlighted several key issues in the Commission to include

governing council appointments, financial constraints, staffing challenges, budgetary allocations.

He, however, highlighted some significant achievements the Commission had recorded to include mthorough investigation and resolution of 1,640,018 complaints with notable compensations of N350 million to the families of eight victims of the Apo killings (Okada riders) by the Department of State Services in 2013, and N450 million in compensation paid to victims of the #ENDSARS protests by the Commission.

Responding to these concerns, the Attorney General of Federation

assured that the present administration has prioritised the National Human Rights Commission as an institution that could ensure peace, stability and the respect for and human rights in the country.

The Minister acknowledged the financial hardships confronting the Commission, urging for patience while the government addresses their needs, particularly with respect to acquiring vehicles. He expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s independence and its commendable commitment to non-interference from the government and other bodies.

Also, WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that reaching under-vaccinated children in the most remote and hardest-to-reach areas was essential for finishing the job of polio eradication.

In the same vein, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said the new funds would not only help to drive us towards a polio-free world, but would also help to build more sustainable and resilient health systems to protect the same children and communities who are at risk of polio against the many other health threats they face.

“Polio eradication is within reach, but the progress is fragile, and we must remain laser focused.

“This new funding will help ensure that all children get

vaccinated to eradicate polio, while strengthening community-based health systems. No child should suffer from an easily preventable disease.”

Specifically, the funding partnership was expected to include: €500 million in new funding for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, €500 million in investments and grants to ensure health innovations are more accessible, strengthen health systems and prepare for future pandemics: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation plans to provide €250 million of grants and investments to match a €250 million in investments made by the European Investment Bank and guaranteed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development plus.

UNESCO Advocates Technological Advancement to Bridge Cultural Divides James Sowole in Abeokuta The UNESCO Institute for African Culture and International Understanding (IACIU) has stressed the need for African countries to embrace technological advancement in order to bridge the gap between the African culture and the cultures of other nations of the world.

The Director of the institute, Prof.

Peter Okebukola, made the remark while addressing participants at the Africa Regional Intellectual Workshop, organised by the institute for students across the state and cultural artistes at the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Okebukola, who condemned the way African cultures were been belittled by the Western world, cautioned that no culture should be placed above another.

The scholar disclosed that the programme was designed to educate and enlighten Africans on the importance of technology, as a bridge that links all cultures of the world together. According to Okebukola, technology would help bridge the African culture and other cultures of the world and would ensure the growth, as well as foster a more interconnected and culturally enriched global community.

He said, "The Institute for African culture and International

Understanding (IACIU) was therefore established by UNESCO with the aim to further foster the capacities and knowledge of people through activities that promote cultural expressions through technology in line with the goals of the convention, which includes protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions and preserving our cultural heritage amongst others.

"It is in this respect that the Institute has taken it upon itself to continue to train and enlighten individuals in all fields irrespective of their cultural backgrounds without any form of discrimination or segregation, as we know that culture is all encompassing and the 2005 convention advocates for cultural equality."

He added that the institute took it upon itself to continue to train and enlighten individuals in all fields irrespective of their cultural backgrounds without any form of discrimination or segregation, as we know that culture is all encompassing and the 2005 convention advocates for cultural equality.

The convener of the programme Mrs Aderonke Olutola- Amos, who is a National Programme Officer at the Institute, stressed the need for Africans to guide their culture and be equipped with the knowledge of technology, saying this was the link between African culture and other cultures of the world.

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SON DESTROYS SUBSTANDARD PRODUCTS...

L-R; Head Port and Border, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Sani Katsina; Director, Public Relations (SON), Mrs. Bolaji Foluso; Director (SON, Engr. Yahya Bukar; Director General/ Chief Executive, (SON), Mallam Farouk Salim; Director, Inspectorate Compliance Department(SON), Mr. Pius Manji; and Head of Product Registration, Mr. Umar Yakubu at destruction of substandard products seized from various locations across the country by SON, in Lagos…. yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Audit Report: Senate Probes Ex-Accountant General for Signing N26tn Financial Statement without Finance Minister's Input Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Members of Senate Public Account Committee yesterday commenced the probe of a former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, for unilaterally signing the country's 2019 financial statement, totalling N26 trillion without the awareness of the former Finance Minister, Hajia Zainab Ahmed.

The total federal government financial liabilities for 2019 was N26.2 trillion.

The Senate panel chaired by Senator Ahmed Wadada, disclosed this while considering the financial statement of the Federation for the 2019 fiscal year.

The infraction was contained in the 2019 report of the Auditor General for the Federation report, which was submitted to the National Assembly.

Part of the AUGF report read, "The Accountant-General of the Federation was the only officer of the Federal Government of Nigeria that signed the consolidated statement of financial position without indicating his Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria registration number component that caries the approval of the Cash Flow Statement (CFS) contrary to the extant regulation.

"There was no signature with FRC of Nigeria registration number

of the Honorable Minister of Finance , Budget and National Planing on the Consolidated Statement of the Financial Position .

"The above anomalies could be attributed to weakness in the internal control system in the consolidation process."

The Chairman of the Senate panel expressed concerns over the issue raised in the AuGF report and asked the Accountant General of the Federation to respond to the allegation.

However, the acting Accountant General of the Federation, Toyin Madein, said she was not the Accountant General of the Federation at the time the financial statement in question was signed "I was not the Accountant General at the time of signing the financial statement," she said .

It was learnt that the reason for the introduction of co-signing of the financial statement was to ensure proper accountability and transparency.

It was also discovered that between 2018 and 2019, the Federal Government migrated cash basis to actual basis.

It was the standard for accrual account that the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General should co-signed the Financial statement.

The AuGF noted that ased on the nation's Financial Regulations," The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had assigned to the Minister of Finance the

responsibily for all financial business of the government of the Federation.

"Paragraph 105 of the FR empowers the Minister of Finance to issue from time to.time financial regulations, which is of general applications to ministries , extraministerial offices and other arms of government .

"By implication , the Honourable Minister of Finance in Nigeria is the Chief Executive officer (CEO) on government financial matters."

NUPRC Shops for Continental Opportunities to Over 70 Manufacturing Firms Get Boost as Tackle Nigeria's 3.1 Bcf/day Gas Shortfall by 2030 NDPHC Takes Bilateral Power Supply Scheme to Industrial Clusters in Lagos, Ogun States

Peter Uzoho Over 70 manufacturing companies operating in Lagos and Ogun States are set to experience a major relief as the federal government through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has begun the process of sustainably solving their energy challenge with the introduction of an efficient and stable Bilateral power project for them.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, accompanied by the Governors of Lagos and Ogun States, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun, respectively and the Managing Director of NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, yesterday kick off the NDPHC/Agbara Industries Bilateral Energy Sales Roadshow.

The roadshow was an avenue for the federal government, the two state governments, NDPHC and the technical and financial partners to present to meet and interact with the companies, assuring them of the opportunities inherent in the proposed bilateral power project for them.

The Vice president directed the NDPHC to ensure that the power project for the Agbara Industrial Cluster was implemented within the next six months to improve power supply to the over 70 companies.

Also speaking at the Agbara Business Roundtable, an integral part of the Light up Nigeria Programme of the NDPHC and part of the activities for the roadshow, the vice president expressed the commitment of the federal government to tackle power challenges facing businesses in the country.

He assured the companies operating within the industrial

clusters of the commitment of the government through the NDPHC, the operator and implementer of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) to provide them with efficient, stable and affordable electricity.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of NDPHC, said the event, which was under the leadership of the Vice President and Chairman of the government-owned power firm, signified the unwavering commitment and preparedness of NDPHC in strategic collaboration with their esteemed partners, to undertake bilateral electricity sales to end-users.

Ugbo, said the primary objective of the initiative was to ensure a consistent, reliable, and cost-effective supply of electricity from their power plants to the extensive industrial and business clusters in Agbara and throughout Nigeria.

He explained that the NIPP aimed to enhance electricity generation with associated electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians.

He further said the NDPHC had successfully constructed eight power plants with a combined capacity of approximately 4000 megawatts (MW) as well as various transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Ugbo noted, however, that a significant portion of the capacity remained stranded due to constraints within the transmission and distribution system, distribution losses, gas limitations, and the financial burden on the federal government's balance sheet through Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), the FGN-owned primary bulk purchaser of electricity that on-sells to electricity distribution companies in Nigeria.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday urged operators in the African oil and gas business space to take advantage of the new regulatory and commercial environment in Nigeria to halt the projected 3.1 billion cubic feet per day gas deficit by 2030.

Speaking in Cape Town, South Africa, at the Africa Oil Week, the Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, stated that opportunities therefore exist for both existing investors and new entrants in the Nigerian upstream gas sector.

Komolafe, who presented a paper with theme: “Energy Transition Regime: Leveraging Investment Opportunities in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Sector,” highlighted the ‘generous’

fiscal incentives in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), calling on interested investors to leverage on the law to do business with Nigeria.

The commission’s chief executive pointed out that Nigeria was suitably positioned to becoming a superpower in the unfolding energy transition, given its population of over 200 million people and abundant energy sources to achieve the right energy mix.

As a country, Komolafe explained that Nigeria boasts of 36.966 billion barrels of oil which ranks her second in Africa, eigth in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and 11th in the world.

He added that the country was also richly endowed with 208.83 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of natural gas reserves with upside potential estimated at 600 TCF. Aside the hydrocarbon potential,

Nigeria, Komolafe said, was blessed with potential for green and blue hydrogen, solar, wind, biomass and other sources of renewable energy to leverage the right energy mix in the energy transition regime.

Besides, he explained that other critical minerals such as lithium, manganese, copper, graphite and nickel for development of clean energy technologies also exist in the country.

He quoted the Solid Minerals Development Fund as having recently declared that Nigeria’s mining sector boasts 44 different types of commercially viable minerals worth an estimated $700 billion.

However, he reiterated that the progress towards fully harnessing the country’s resources had been hobbled by certain factors in the past, including an inclement fiscal regime before the advent of the PIA.

“Unfortunately, in the years preceding the enactment of the PIA (2021), investments in the Nigerian oil and gas industry declined mostly due to regulatory uncertainty, de-funding of fossil fuel development occasioned by energy transition and the global call for decarbonisation.

“Most IOCs deprioritised Nigeria in their portfolios leading to the redirection of Capex to other countries with attendant dwindling investment in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

“This led to a decrease in the total annual upstream capital expenditure from $27 billion in the year 2014 to less than $6 billion in 2022, representing a 74 per cent decrease in Capex. Additionally, increasing competition from regional peers also led to a decrease in the proportion of the overall upstream investment attracted to Nigeria.

HISTORY AS OLUKOYEDE, FIRST CHRISTIAN, FIRST SOUTHERNER, IS APPOINTED EFCC CHAIR there, he went into banking, including successful stints at the defunct Allied Bank and Standard Trust Bank.

Tinubu charged the new leadership of the EFCC to justify the confidence reposed in them in this important national assignment as a newly invigorated war on corruption undertaken through a reformed institutional architecture in the anti-corruption sector remains a central pillar of the President's Renewed Hope agenda.

Meanwhile, the presidency, yesterday, provided a list of seven facts about the new EFCC helmsman, which validated his appointment as Chairman of the Commission.

The unsigned list, titled: 'Quick facts on the legality of appointment of the new EFCC chairman', explained those grounds that qualified Olukoyede.

According to the presidency, "President Bola Tinubu approved his appointment in line with Section 2(3) of the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.

“Mr Olukoyede was the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC (2016-2018) and Secretary to the Commission(2018-2020). He was a member of a law enforcement organisation as Secretary, in this case the EFCC, as stipulated in the EFCC Act, and as such satisfied every legal detail to be appointed as Chairman.

“Section 2(1)(p) of the EFCC Act plainly, ordinarily, and unambiguously established the Secretary to the Commission (i.e., EFCC) as its member and head of its administration.

“The Supreme Court determined in the case of Ejuetami v. Olaiya & Anor (2001) LPELR-1072 (SC) at Pg.23-24, that: The words used are to be given their ‘ordinary and natural sense’.

“Therefore, the clear, explicit and unambiguous words used in sections 2(1)(a)(i)-(iii), (p), 2(2), 3(1)-(3) and 8(5) of the EFCC Act must be given their ordinary and natural sense in

line with the guidelines set by the Supreme Court in its long line of undisturbed judicial precedents.

“The provision of Section 2(1) sub-paragraph (iii) of the EFCC Act did not state the nature of the experience which a person is required to possess its similar or alike for fifteen (15) years.

“This implies that such cognate experience is presumed to be that of the work or functions of the EFCC acquired anywhere since the EFCC Act did not state the specific place where it must be acquired. It is also unambiguous by the provisions of sub-paragraph (iii) that once a person possessed fifteen (15) years of such cognate (i.e., similar or alike) experience, then he has satisfied the provisions of sub-paragraph (iii) of section 2(1)(a) of the EFCC Act. “It is clear from the unambiguous provisions of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, that any member of the Commission whether serving or retired, who has 15 years' cognate

experience in their chosen career are eligible to be appointed as the Chairman of the Commission.

“Prior to this time, the convention and precedence, is that to be qualified for appointment as the Executive Chairman of the Commission, the nominee must be a Police Officer or someone with law enforcement background, particularly in the area of investigation.

“This has not only exposed the Commission to all manner of vices but has brewed internal wrangling, discontent, and hatred among the members of staff of the Commission.

“It is nonjusticiable to elevate convention above statutory provision.

It is time to move away from fiction to fact and from convention to strict adherence to the statutory provisions of the enabling Act of the Commission in our constitutional democracy.

“Mr Olukoyede satisfied every legal requirement to be appointed as EFCC Chairman," the document stated.

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NEWS

NORRENBERGER FINANCIAL GROUP ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUND SYMPOSIUM...

L-R: Country Director, Solar Sisters Nigeria, Chioma Oma; Director of Programs, Enterprise Development Center, Dr. Olaoluwa Anifowose; Chairman, Board of Directors Norrenberger, Mr Ibrahim Bala; Director, International Labour Organisation, Dr. Vanessa Phala; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Norrenberger Financial Group, Mr Anthony Edeh; with representative of Director General, SMEDAN, Mr Oryiman Aliu; during the Norrenberger Financial Group Entrepreneurship fund symposium ''Investing in Nigerian Youth held in Abuja Yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Bloomberg: African Banks, Trafigura Partly Fill Oil-field Financing Gap on Continent OPEC sticks to 2024 oil demand growth forecast Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja African banks and traders, including Trafigura Limited are filling some of the financing gap for oil projects on the continent following the exit of European lenders from fossil fuel development, Bloomberg reported yesterday.

Funding from traditional sources had dried up as decarbonisation policies are implemented to mitigate climate change. That has left a smaller

pool of financing options for oil and gas companies and the countries they operate in.

“It’s pointless to think about the way things used to get done,” Matthieu Milandri, Trafigura’s head of upstream finance said at a Cape Town conference. “ European banks are unlikely to come back , but that’s OK, because companies like Trafigura offer flexibility and various debt options in exchange for production. We need the barrels

to trade — that’s always a condition for us,” he said.

Chief Financial Officer, Africa Oil Corporation, Pascal Nicodeme, said there are no longer European lenders and the company only has financing from African banks.

Also, crude originator for BP’s trading and shipping business, Tamoor Ali, said :“The African banks are there and they’re doing deals,”.

Lending institutions on the continent are also are coming

under increasing scrutiny for their involvement with new projects that will extend the use of fossil fuels.

At the same time, they are under pressure to help fund nascent oil and gas fields as their host governments defend the right to extract their own resources.

The African ExportImport Bank is planning to bring together partnership arrangements with traders, wealth funds and other

Oilserv: AKK Gas Pipeline Project Set for Completion in July 2024 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Group Chief Executive Officer, Oilserv Group of Companies, Emeka Okwuosa, who heads the company executing segment 'A' of the 614-kilometre Ajaokuta-KadunaKano (AKK) gas pipeline project, has assured that the project would be completed by July 2024.

While responding to questions from the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, who was on an inspection tour at the Pai River crossing session in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Okwuosa said all hands were already on the deck to ensure the deadline is met.

Okwuosa noted that the Pai River crossing was peculiar, hence the deployment of Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology (HDDT) to ensure a perfect execution of the project.

“From our schedule, I know we are finishing next year. On the main pipeline itself that will deliver the gas, we are optimistic that by July, or August next year, we would be done.

“We have our schedule as far as where we are today and we are working hard to mitigate and make sure we deliver. A lot of what we have to deal with in the next six months will be the river crossings area,” he noted.

He commended the federal

government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the minister for their support and commitment to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

“I can assure you that whatever we are doing will not be possible without the support of NNPC and we are always in sync and they support and raise the funds to keep the project ongoing.

“Our commitment is more than 100 per cent. Though we have challenges, but our job is to deal with the challenges and make sure the project is completed as scheduled,” he stated.

Speaking on the importance of the AKK gas pipeline project to the development of the nation’s economy, Okwuosa explained that it was capable of spurring development in parts of the country.

"For the gas itself, the project AKK is very critical as well as important in gas delivery in Nigeria.

“It is a major segment of the Nigerian gas master plan meant to distribute gas across Nigeria and provide energy.

"You must have heard the minister stating that energy is life. But gas is energy and that is what we have in Nigeria.

"After completion, we would be able to have gas and NNPC

the owner, would be able to deliver gas to the Northern part of Nigeria, but also spur development of gas in the Southern part of Nigeria and create a lot of wealth as well in the South.

"With gas available, you have power, Compressed Natural Gas

(CNG) for vehicles to run with and reduce dependency on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), build fertiliser plants, help agriculture, and so on.

"This project will change the landscape of energy delivery and the economy of Nigeria will change,” he assured.

institutions to fill more of the need for oil and gas financing, according to Babajide BodeHarrison, a senior manager at Afreximbank. “We’re creating an energy transition bank,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) yesterday stuck to its forecast for relatively strong growth in global oil demand in 2023 in 2024, citing signs of a resilient world economy so far this year and expected further demand gains in China.

World oil demand will rise by 2.25 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, compared with growth of 2.44 million bpd in 2023, the OPEC said in a monthly report, as per a Reuters report. Both forecasts were unchanged from last month.

A lifting of pandemic lockdowns in China has helped oil demand rise in 2023. OPEC has consistently forecast stronger demand growth for next year than other forecasters such as the International Energy Agency (IEA).

"In 2024, solid global economic

growth, amid continued improvements in China, is expected to further boost oil consumption," OPEC said in the report.

OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, began limiting supplies in 2022 to support prices.

The report also said that demand in the rest of this year and next could take a hit in some parts of the world and trimmed its forecasts for total world demand in the current quarter and the first three months of 2024.

"Looking ahead and despite the usual seasonal rise in heating oil demand, ongoing uncertainty and economic developments in OECD Europe and other areas are expected to impact oil demand in the remainder of 2023 and in 2024," OPEC said in reference to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development nations.

The OPEC report also said OPEC oil production rose in September despite pledged OPEC+ supply cuts, driven by increases in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

House Calls for Free Education for Girl-child Nationwide Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Education to drastically reduce or eradicate the number of out-of-school girls by ensuring compulsory free education for girls across the country.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved yesterday,

by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, to commemorate 2023 International Day of the Girl Child “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being” Moving the motion, the lawmaker said 11th of October every year was globally celebrated as International Day of the Girl-Child, adding that the occasion provides a platform for the global community to understand the disadvantages the Girl-Child faces in life.

She said International Day of

the Girl-Child was a day adopted by the United Nations to remind young girls of their uniqueness, strength and prowess.

Ogbara, added that it was also a day set aside to address issues such as early or child marriage, violence against girls, rape, child molestation, education deprivation and all other issues faced by girls; She said that adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated and healthy life, investing in girls' leadership includes creating space and platforms for girls to raise their voices at every level of policymaking.

The lawmaker lamented that in most countries, patriarchy and power dynamics affords boys comparative advantages compared to girls in most domain; saying last survey from UNICEF revealed that 18.5 million children are out of school, out of this number, 60 per centare girls a factor

that left them behind across multiple dimensions.

She expressed worry that the high number of out-of-school girls that engage in drugs and other vices, throughout history, girls have been systematically held back and undervalued in society.

Ogbara, explained that investment in critical steps such as the Girls Rights under the Convention of the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) would help to fast track the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

She noted that the current trend in Nigeria revealed that young girls who are sexually abused by their parents/ guardians, return back to the same house where they were abused after police intervention.

In its resolution however,

the House urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other stakeholders to initiate ways of educating and sensitising adolescent girls on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child in Nigeria going forward; It urged: "The Federal Ministry of Education to drastically reduce/eradicate the number of out-of-school girls by ensuring compulsory free education for girls across the country."

The House also urged the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) saddled with the responsibility of training and empowerment to ensure compulsory vocational skills acquisition training for girls to keep them engaged and productive enough to keep them away from drugs.

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YOUNG LEADERSHIP CLINIC EVENT...

L - R: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable. Yakubu Dogara; Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah and Chief of Staff to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable.Toby Okechukwu; at a Young Leadership Clinic event, for School Prefects from Senior Secondary Schools across FCT, held at the University of Abuja,... yesterday

Obasanjo, Buhari, Jonathan, Abdulsalami, OPEC Congratulate Daukoru on His 80th Birthday Ooni of Ife, Sultan describe him as a unifier, upright man Celebrant says LGs now drain on national resources rather than devt centres Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Eminent Nigerians from all walks of life, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, and a former military head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) among others, have extolled the virtues of one-time Minister of State Petroleum Resources and the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State, Dr. Edmund Daukoru who clocks 80 today.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) where Daukoru was a former President and Secretary General also paid glowing tributes as he joined the octogenarian club.

First class royal fathers from all parts of the country, captains of industry, clerics and the academia were also on hand at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hotel, Abuja to celebrate a man identified as a trailblazer and icon in the oil and gas industry.

FG Reads Riot Act Over Sexual Harassments in Universities Kuni Tyessi in Abuja As a follow up to the University of Calabar sex scandal involving the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has warned members of the academia and the university community over matters of sexual harassment on campuses.

He stressed that the ministry would deal decisively with perpetrators of such acts.

The Minister gave the warning while addressing members of the press yesterday, in his office in Abuja, when he received the report of the committee on alleged sexual harassment by Ndifon.

Maman, said sexual harassment was a serious criminal offence and must be dealt with decisively, when and whenever it occurs, adding that the ministry would do everything humanly possible to tame the ugly tide in institutions of higher learning.

He noted that the offence of sexual harassment was cancerous and must be eliminated at all cost, adding that all hands must be on the deck to tackle the menace in the educational system.

While reiterating that he would evoke the long arm of the law to ensure that perpetrators are adequately punished, the Minister added that no one would be allowed to take advantage of the vulnerable groups.

The Minister disclosed that

sexual offences units would be established in the Ministry and all institutions of higher learning to deal with the menace.

"Sexual harassment is a serious criminal offence and must be dealt with decisively, when and whenever it occurs," he said, adding that the ministry would "do everything humanly possible to tame the ugly tide in our institutions of higher learning".

"This offence of sexual harassment is cancerous and must be eliminated at all cost.

Therefore, all hands must be on deck to tackle the menace in our educational system" he said.

Earlier in the presentation of her report, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, told the Minister that the university has followed all due processes in handling the matter including the suspension of the suspect, appropriate queries and setting up of a disciplinary committee to hear all parties.

In order to ensure a very high degree of transparency, the Vice-Chancellor said the Public Complaint Commission, Nigeria Bar Association, the Federation of Female Lawyers, (FIDA) Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) the Chief Judge of the Student’s Union High Court as well as seven civil society organizations were brought on board the committee as observers.

In his goodwill message, Obasanjo said the celebrant has every cause to thank God for many blessings, remarkable achievements and distinguished community service worthy emulation.

He said: "You have lived a wellfulfilled life and God has been kind to you in very many ways. You have shown the path to millions and nourished positive and creative thoughts in many.

"Over the decades, you have shown uncommon courage leadership, vision, loyalty and unbounded patriotism to your people and your country Nigeria.

"You have been an embodiment of love, compassion, hope affection, discipline, and identification with the common good."

Noting that by all measures, Daukoru has lived a worthwhile life of service to his family, community, state, nation and humanity, Obasanjo wished him good health and divine strength as well as many more years to serve his Nembe Kingdom and the country.

Also, in his goodwill message, Buhari noted that reaching the landmark age was by divine grace, noting that the celebrant has served his Nembe people, Bayelsa State at large, and Nigeria as a country, to the best of his ability.

He prayed God to grant Daukoru longer years in good health and sound mind.

In his own goodwill message, former President Goodluck Jonathan described him as a statesman of repute, with an excellent career record of success and notable strides in public and private service.

"As a first class monarch in Bayelsa State, you have demonstrated great leadership skills beyond your immediate Kingdom. As the Chairman of South South Monarchs Forum, you have been consistent in promoting peace and advocating for the development of the people of the region," Jonathan said.

On his part, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) described the celebrant as "a complete elder statesman , a philanthropist and patriotic Nigerian who contributed immensely to the well-being of this great nation of ours," adding that Daukoru is an asset to this generation.

In a goodwill message signed by its Secretary General, Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC wished Daukoru well as he clocked 80.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, who is the Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and the royal father of the day at the event, supported by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi-Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife and other top traditional rulers from across the country were present.

In his goodwill message, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III observed that although the celebrant

was 80, he looked 60, and wished him 80 more years on earth.

"At 80, he looks like a 60-year-old man. He is an upright and honest person who has gone round the world. We have come a long way.

This gathering shows that traditional rulers in Nigeria are united. We are not politicians with differences," he said.

Applauding Daukoru for attracting such a huge assemblage of top Nigerians and royal fathers from all nooks and crannies of the country to honour him, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar described Daukoru as an upright man.

On his part, the Ooni of Ife who described Daukoru as a unifier, going by the way top traditional rulers from across the country gathered in his honour, and urged royal fathers to also promote togetherness in the country.

"We traditional rulers should use initiatives and platforms like this to send messages to generations yet unborn that in unity we stand. The togetherness of our country is what we are seeking; different cultures and tradition coming together for the betterment of our country," he said.

The Ooni commended Daukoru for always attending and making useful contributions, during all meetings of the nation's traditional rulers.

While stating that royal fathers should use gatherings like Daukoru's

birthday to send strong messages of unity, he said, "we don't have any other country."

In his remarks, Daukoru noted that Nigeria has 774 local governments, which are recognised in the constitution, and are part of the budgeting process of the states.

Noting that while their functionality and economic well-being is a prime responsibility of the states, he however, regretted that in the past two decades or three, they have become a drain on national resources instead of being development centres and the foundation of national economic production.

Daukoru lamented that it was the empty shells of the economic dream of the mid-seventies that present royal fathers have to oversee in one form or the other.

"It is not my intention to bore you with the details of community development, but it will be a major omission on my part if I closed without saying anything at all about it.

"Nigeria has 774 LGA's, which are recognised in the Constitution, and are part of the budgeting process of the states. Their functionality and economic well-being is a prime responsibility of the states.

"But since the past two decades, if not three, they have become a drain on national resources instead of being development centers and the foundation of national economic production.

Sickle Cell: Don Seeks Legislation for Pre-marital Genotype Test in Nigeria James Sowole in Abeokuta A professor of Biophysical Chemistry at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Najeem Babarinde, has called on governments to enact lawthat would make pre-marital Genotype Compatibility Test (GCT) compulsory in Nigeria.

The pre-marital GCT, according to the professor, becomes imperative, in order to check the alarming rate at which children were being born with sickle cell.

Babarinde made the call as part of his recommendations at the 113th OOU Inaugural Lecture, he delivered, at the institution.

The lecturer expressed concern that Nigeria had been reckoned to be the global epicentre of sickle cell anaemia following her surging population.

According to the university don, research puts the birth figure in the country as between 100,000 to 150,000 sickle - celled babies every year. He expressed concern that the number represented about

30 per cent of the annual global sickle cell birth rate.

He said, "A law should be enacted to make pre-marital GCT compulsory. Such genotype compatibility tests will ensure that children suffering from sickle cell anaemia are not born."

He also expressed worries that about 50 to 80 per cent of the estimated 150,000 infants born yearly in Nigeria with sickle cell disease die before they attained age five.

The lecture entitled, "Survival

and Society,' attracted members of academic community from within and outside OOU, principal officers of the school, traditional rulers, students and friends of the lecturer.

Babarinde explained that a compulsory GCT would ensure that children with sickle cell anaemia were not born.

He added that it would also checkmate the criminal and unethical practice of child swapping in the labour room by unscrupulous paramedics.

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POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

Adeleke’s Meeting with Osun People: A Precept for Good Governance Sarafa Ibrahim submits that the quarterly meeting between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of the state of the living spring whick kicked off this month is a sign of good things to come the way of the citizenry.

O

ftentimes, we relish the progress in advanced societies and hope that similar experience be replicable here. As good as those thoughts usually are, we do miss one critical factor, and that is the existence of a proper feedback mechanism that is applicable in those environments that primarily account for the growth and developments we see and cherished.

Accountability and transparency is the heart of good governance. If government is about the people, it is incumbent that they are carried along in the administration of their affairs. This plain logic is what drives the incredible progress we see and cherish in society that embraced accountability and transparency in governance.

And fortune enough for Osun state, this same philosophy defines the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

From the outset of his administration, Governor Adeleke was pointedly clear that he will be different. Governor Adeleke embraced it as the needed catalyst to achieve the needed progress for the state.

Early into his administration, GovernorAdeleke did the usual by opening up the financial books of the state to the people through traditional rulers in the state.

It was a move that provided a clear understanding of the financial situation of the state to the people, demonstrating a major shift away from the opaqueness and secrecy that defined the past in the administration of the state.

It was in furtherance of his commitment to transparency and accountability that Adeleke hosted Ipade Imole on Thursday October 5, 2023. Just as the name implies, Ipade Imole was a gathering of stakeholders that cut across every segment of the Osun society. It was a platform for the Governor to render accounts of his stewardship to the people and also receive feedback from the public.

“Ipade Imole will be a quarterly event. We have to let Osun people know how we are expending their money,” Adeleke disclosed at the event which held at the Aurora event centre in Osogbo, before going on to add that “at this meeting, you can ask any question and we will answer you.

You put us in this position.”

And true to his assurance, the Governor provided a detailed overview of the activities of his administration since he assumed office on November 27, 2022.

This began with a 45-minute documentary of programmes, interventions and policies executed by the Adeleke administration under 10 months, providing pictures and videos evidence of the monumental achievements that Governor Adeleke recorded in the various sectors during the period under review.

What followed was even more encompassing, as the Governor’s speech outlined not just what has been done or currently ongoing, but also future plans of the administration in delivering for the people. Remarkably, the Governor made it abundantly clear that “this administration has not and will not borrow to fund ongoing infrastructure upgrades. From bridges to dualisation of existing roads among other infrastructures, we are pursuing value for money and public private partnership. Our financial plan is sustainable.”

Also, Adeleke elaborately answered questions on the costing of projects executed by his administration, particularly providing clarity that against the erroneous cost of N14 million per borehole quoted by the opposition, each of the borehole in the 332 wards across Osun state cost the government N1.5 million. This disclosure on the cost per borehole, underscored the financial prudence in the Adeleke administration. Because, similar project under the Oyetola administration was done at a cost of N1.925 million per borehole, even though, none of it came with a generator set as it is the case with the one executed by the Adeleke administration.

Away from this is the recurring questions on the whereabouts of the N2 billion palliative fund received by the State Government from the Federal Government. For some weeks now, the APC had mischievously created an impression of abuse and misapplication. But Adeleke defused the main opposition ignoble narrative, pointedly noting that the N2 billion is safe and will be

on three projects. One of them is the purchase of additional buses to complement the buses in the pool of the state, which has been repaired and soon to be unveiled for use,” he disclosed.

The two other projects to be funded from the palliative fund, as disclosed by the Governor, is the rehabilitation of health centres in the state and the purchase of food items for distribution to the people of the state.

Not only did this erase the erroneous conclusion of the APC on the fund, Adeleke was able to stress the commitment of his administration to allocate resources for meaningful interventions.

This is further evident in the disclosure of the Governor that the state is in receipt of N7 billion refund from the federal government for projects executed by State Government on its behalf and that it will be used solely to fund infrastructural projects across the state. In the past, refund to the state from the central government is usually shrouded in controversy going by the lack of openness and transparency by the previous government. Adeleke did not only disclose the received fund, but also provided clear direction on how and on what it will be utilized.

Projects ranging from the dualisation of at least two roads in each senatorial district, construction of flyovers in Osogbo and some other towns, installation of streetlights on newly constructed roads, fresh installation of boreholes in the 332 wards, Imole Housing Estate at 500 units in each federal constituency and Imole Transport service outlined by the Governor are likely to benefit from the fund. applied for the benefit of the people of the state.

The Governor explained to the people that his government is careful not to repeat the mistake of the previous government that dragged the state

into financial mess that it is struggling with at the moment, hence, not rushing the application of the palliative fund. “The N2 billion palliative fund by the Federal Government will be spent

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

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

Underlying issues in Edo 2024 Guber Contest Etim Etim writes that two corporate lawyers and intimate friends - Olumide Akpata and Asue Ighodalo - have thrown their hats into the ring for the September, 2024 governorship poll in Edo State.

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rominent corporate lawyer and former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, 51, is running for governor of Edo State on the platform of Labour Party. The election is scheduled for September next year. Announcing his aspiration last week, Akpata said he chose Labour Party because it is people-oriented.

But the governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, prefers another corporate lawyer, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, 64, as his successor. APC is yet to make its choice.

The stage is therefore set for a titanic electoral battle in Edo with the main combatants being two prominent Lagos lawyers who are also friends.

I know both of them, but in this piece, I want to share a few tips with Akpata on what he should expect as he prepares to take on an incumbent who does not brook dissent. Outgoing governors usually invest all the resources at their disposal, including their emotions, ego and psychology, into installing their preferred successors, so much so that the governor begins to assume that the contest is a personal affront to him.

To that extent, Akpata should have at the back of his mind that he would be contesting against Godwin Obaseki; or to put it more appropriately, he would be confronting the incumbent governor; and he may take it personal.

Succession politics could be a matter of life and death for some exiting chief executives because the power of incumbency is the most potent political force in Nigeria.

In fact, since 1999, less than 10 % of all outgoing governors have failed to put their anointed choices as their replacements. Statistically, the odds do not favour the opposition candidate.

You must therefore be well prepared for the battle ahead.

I have some experience in this. Since 2015, I have served as a communication consultant to three different opposition governorship candidates in Akwa Ibom State, and I can confirm that being an opposition candidate no be moi moi.

The first hurdle to overcome is the issue of zoning; and this depends on how strong this factor is in Edo politics. Obaseki and former governor Lucky Igbenedion are from Edo South, while former governor Adams Oshiomhole is from Edo North. Akpata is from Edo South and Ighodalo from Edo Central.

Since 1999, Central has not produced a governor apart form Prof. Osunbor Oserheimen who was on the seat for only 18 months before he was sacked by a court judgement in 2008 and was replaced by Oshiomhole.

Within PDP, the sentiment is that the next governor should come from Edo Central, but Labour and APC are yet to make a categorical statement on their zoning preferences.

In some states like Akwa Ibom, zoning is a very strong factor and so the governorship position moves to another senatorial district every eight years. There is no debate. But if zoning is not

such an important consideration in Edo, then Akpata ought not to worry.

He should, however, be well prepared to give a convincing justification for why he is running in case voters in Edo Central come up with ‘’it is our turn’’ protests. No doubt, Obaseki will definitely play it up.

By the electoral law and INEC Guidelines, party primaries are held six months to the election. There is a bit of time to prepare for it, but as a major opposition candidate, Akpata will do well to pay attention to a few important things now.

It is crucial that he secures the backing of the national and state leaders of his party. As the national leader, Peter Obi will be an important influence in deciding who secures the nomination, but other NWC and SWC leaders are also very crucial and he should endeavour to establish very close relationships with them.

-Etim writes from Abuja NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 13, 2023

Some of the ‘Obidients’ could be something else, reckons JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

A DIFFERENT KIND OF OPPOSITION Chiagozie Nwonwu, Fauziyya Tukur and Olaronke Alo could not have bargained for what they got served on social media by a sizeable number of the members of the political group, Obidients, since Wednesday, 11 October when they released a report that did not go down well with the group. As members of the BBC’s Disinformation Team, the three journalists released their report on the controversy generated by the legal proceedings instituted by Mr Atiku Abubakar of the PDP around President Tinubu’s Chicago State University diploma. As far as these Obidients

were concerned, the report titled, ‘Bola Tinubu diploma: No evidence Nigeria’s president forged college record’, should never have seen the light of day. Because it did not fit into their expectations and biases.

These BBC journalists aren’t their first victims. This has been the norm since 2022, local and foreign journalists have been hounded, defamed, trolled and harassed on twitter especially. Some, like the three journalists above, had to lock their accounts. Others had to exit twitter altogether. A particular writer for The Economist magazine faced what one wouldn’t wish on even an enemy from this group. The supposedly rational members of the group often look away at times like this.

Because to condemn these barbaric acts is to get harassed and trolled themselves. It is in essence a way to keep not just members of the public in check, also their own members. People like myself cannot get kept in check, we are the ones who must keep irrationality at bay. It is the least we owe society.

In his November 2022 article, “History Beckons and I Will not be Silent (Part 1)”, Prof Charles Soludo, the Governor of Anambra used the word, “mob” about eight times to describe this group. Offering an understanding of what the attacks against the aforementioned journalists must have been about, he stated in that article, “this exhibition of desperation, intolerance and attempt to bully everyone who expresses the slightest of dissent is reprehensible… Someone reminded me that a mob has no head and hence cannot reason”.

Touche! One can understand why this article reverberated across the country at the time. The Governor had put people’s thoughts into words.

I have been on the receiving end of their vitriol. I get threatened by them almost every day, even on days I am not online. My wife received threats in her Instagram inbox, whilst various anonymous accounts set up by the group have repeatedly defamed my person.

Some of the things published by members of this group cannot be repeated here. Their modus operandi hardly changes. One of them

takes cover under an anonymous account, then writing in abysmal English, they draw up a target list of people they intend to defame, then come up with everything and anything to excite the rest of the group. Nothing is off-limits to this virtual mob. The only good thing here is that they often end up feasting over this harvest of hate and evil alone. Those who aren’t smart enough not to engage the inanity often end up regretting their attempt to reason with the mob.

A seemingly funny side to this is that members of the group are not spared either. If you exhibit any sign of appearing to think, yet alone voice your thoughts, without considering whether it slots into the group-think, you are setting yourself to be insulted and abused.

Depending on your ethnic group, you could be in for words like “bigot”, irrespective of the fact that your only “sin” was to dare think outside of the norms of the group.

One person who has been at the receiving end of such a treatment is Akin Olaoye – Akintollgate. Akin wakes up on most days as an Obidient, however, there are days he goes to bed stripped of his membership on account of asking for order and respect or some other form of call that does not align with the ways and acts of the mob. He often finds his loyalty repeatedly questioned. An outlier in such a setting, one must wonder how rational people like him manage to retain their sanity and sense of Independence in such a closed system bereft of Independent thinking, or in fact any form of thinking.

For a group that claims to want better for Nigeria, one has been left wondering the sort of Nigeria we’d get in their hands. A Nigeria where disagreeing with them as a group leaves one feeling endangered. One, as in my case, where I had to institute new security measures just to ensure my safety. One where bonafide adults wake up on a work morning to “celebrate” the big victory of one of their own, albeit in anonymous cloak, spew hate and defame others. Thank the Heavens, that’s a Nigeria we will not find ourselves in.

There is certainly one useful lesson to learn from this group. Hate them or love them, they live in their La-La land. A state of mind that puts them in a permanent state of expectations of what will never happen. However, because their expectations often travel in perpetuity, there is no chance of it being cut off. Because as soon as one dream gets cut off, they dream again another one. Combined with their ability to make up scenarios in their heads and then go on to celebrate these scenarios, they have developed a method that most definitely ensures that at least as a group, they have something new to aspire to every day. Each desire may prove futile in the end but with an endless list of desires, it is an endless chain of futility.

Life is tough, so if you are able to live like this — irrespective of your reality — congratulations. Because outside of this group, you cannot achieve this state of mind without a sustained use of drugs. That said, it is a state that leaves you with zero progress. Because it is a state that keeps you in permanent denial of reality. That’s what we mostly get for an opposition these days. Trust me, I am not complaining.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/author, Digital Wealth Book

ONOAWARIẸ A. ẸDEVBIẸ pays tribute to Regina Otitẹ, a woman of substance

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EDITORIAL

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

SHEHU: PASSAGE OF AN EMERITUS PROFESSOR Umaru Shehu, distinguished physician, academic, and administrator, dies at 92

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knowledge to young people, Shehu transferred his resident Bola Tinubu spoke for millions services to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria of Nigerians in his tribute following the where he eventually became Professor, Head of the passage last week of Professor Umaru Department of Community Medicine, Director of Shehu, at age 92. “Emeritus Professor the Institute of Health, and Deputy Vice Chancellor.

Shehu was a giant, even among that In 1978, the Shehu was appointed Vice Chancellor legendary generation of pioneering of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a challenging indigenous professionals in our country, and the appointment that he took on and served with VWRU\ RI KLV OLIH LV VDWXUDWHG ZLWK PDQ\ ÀUVWV JROGHQ distinction until 1980. He later returned to University steps across the realms of medical practice, school of Maiduguri where he served as Consultant administration, and humanitarian services,” the Physician, Provost of the College of Medical president said. “The renowned Professor of Medicine Sciences and between 1993 and 1994, the interim has always served Nigeria meritoriously and Sole Administrator. Other eminent positions Shehu bestowed on all Nigerians a sense of pride with his held include Chairman, Board of Management of indelible breakthroughs and innovative approaches University College Hospital, Ibadan; Pro-Chancellor to the administration of health and medical education and Chairman of around the world.”

Governing Council, Bayero While we join University, Kano; and Proin extending our Chancellor and Chairman His life and record of service should inspire young Nigerians that condolences to his family, of the Governing Council, the late Shehu was one of University of Lagos. politics and wealth are not the only fields where one can leave indelible Nigeria’s most eminent Professor Shehu was SUDFWLWLRQHUV LQ WKH ÀHOG impressions DOVR DW GLͿHUHQW WLPHV of medicine, university the President of Medical administration, public Schools in Africa; External service and he made T H I S D AY Examiner in Public Health at the University of multi-faceted contributions in healthcare and EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU Ghana Medical School; chair of the boards of statesmanship. That his record of medical and DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) academic service to the country has few parallels MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO and STOPAIDS. He was patron of Guild of Medical in modern Nigeria explains why there has been DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU Directors, Nationwide Network for Health, CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI an outpouring of grief following his death. Born EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN Nigerian Medical Forum of Great Britain and in Maiduguri, Borno State on 8th December 1930, THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE Ireland and Nigerian Institute of Stress as well as Shehu attended elementary and middle school in being trustee members for the National Foundation Maiduguri from 1935 to 1943, Kaduna College (later on Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) and Nigerian known as Barewa College) from 1944 to 1947 and Tuberculosis and Leprosy Association.

University College, Ibadan, from 1948 to 1953. He ,Q WKH ÀHOG RI PHGLFDO VFLHQFHV 8PDUX 6KHKX T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D obtained his medical degree from the University of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA ZDV D UHVSHFWHG JOREDO ÀJXUH )URP XQWLO KH London and studied at the University of Liverpool, GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, died, he played advisory roles for the World Health United Kingdom from 1953 to 1956 and later from ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI Organisation (WHO) on several health issues. Even 1966 to 1967.

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, though he lived to a ripe old age, his passage will be ANTHONY OGEDENGBE The late Shehu started his medical career as Prefelt both in our country and across the continent. But DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI 5HJLVWUDWLRQ +RXVH 6XUJHRQ DW 6RXWKSRUW ,QÀUPDU\ SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH his life and record of service should inspire young in the UK in 1957, before returning home to work ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI Nigerians that politics and wealth are not the only with the government of Northern Nigeria until CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI ÀHOGV ZKHUH RQH FDQ OHDYH LQGHOLEOH LPSUHVVLRQV DV &KLHI 0HGLFDO 2΀FHU ,QWHQW RQ LPSDUWLQJ DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO May his soul rest in peace.

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LETTERS MEMORIES FROM PYANKASA, AVBIELE AND BENIN CITY Twenty four hours before making the trip to Benin City, Edo State, I decided to visit a reverend gentleman friend of mine who lives in Pyankasa Village. Pyankasa is one of the many villages like Aleta, Kushigworo, KarPDMLML /XJEH 6RND ² ORFDWHG RͿ WKH DLUSRUW URDG LQ $EXja. Most Nigerians who come to Abuja seeking to wade through the Nigerian thoroughfare, and who seek what FDQ ORRVHO\ EH WHUPHG WKH JROGHQ ÁHHFH OLYH LQ WKHVH YLOlages. Accommodation in the city centre here is a no-no, except perhaps you are willing to part with as much as N800,000 to N900,000 monthly as rent. These villages are usually as unplanned as they can be, and it is usually a UHJXODU RFFXUUHQFH WR ÀQG H΁XHQW ÁRZLQJ ULJKW DFURVV your doorstep.

When I lived in Pyankasa, life appeared a bit better that all the other villages. This was 2012 to 2015. There were private and public schools, a good primary health care centre, a police post, and a magistrate court. The streets were untarred, and power was verily intermittent. I was often to regret coming home to the dark and undulating thoroughfares lined with dirt, sewage and disorder. The

only roads that were tarred were the ones leading to the village and no more.

But on 2 October 2023 as I approached Pyankasa, I thought I was lost. But here it was and indeed it was the Pyankasa of old. On both sides of the Pyankasa road, I saw the many things that were not there before - the beautiful estates nearby, the schools and the irregular shopping centres. The dirt road leading to the village had been tarred, and as I got to the village proper, I was to stare in wonder at the sleek roads within. After I was done with my friend, I took a walk around the village.

Walking down to the main road, I found that nearly every road had been tarred, akin to what I had seen in some villages in Europe. The villagers told me that they were OXFN\ WR KDYH RQH RI WKHLUV DW WKH KHOP RI DͿDLUV ZKR WRRN the development of their village to heart.

Most of what I saw about the sleek roads in Pyankasa has been subject of quarrels between me and some RI P\ (GR EUHWKUHQ )RU RYHU ÀYH \HDUV , KDYH WULHG WR GUDZ DWWHQWLRQ WR VWDWH RI WKH URDGV LQ (GR 6WDWH $W ÀUVW it seemed as though I was a lone voice in the wilderness, but matters came to a head after the convoy of Governor

Godwin Obaseki was stuck in one of the roads in Benin &LW\ RYHUWDNHQ E\ ÁRRG My trip to Edo State from Abuja on 3rd October 2023 appeared smooth, until we got to Avbiele in Edo State and had to take a detour into the town to avoid the ruined federal road. If you were to compare Avbiele to Pyankasa in terms of size, population and historical antecedents, you are likely to agree that Avbiele by far stands head and shoulders above Pyankasa. But Avbiele has no roads, it is riddled with undulating gullies and thoroughfares.

The journey from Abuja to Auchi had taken us less than WKUHH KRXUV EXW ZH VSHQW WKH QH[W ÀYH KRXUV PHDQGHULQJ though one thoroughfare or the other on this axis of Edo State.

We arrived Benin City completely broken, traumatized DQG VKDWWHUHG 9HHULQJ RͿ WKH DLUSRUW URDG LQ %HQLQ &LW\ LQWR WKH LQQDUGV RI WKLV ¶FLW\· , ZDV WR ÀQG DV ZHOO WKDW many roads in Benin City, and beyond, are in bad shape.

Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, editor in chief/publisher WADONOR, cultural voice of Nigeria

24

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13, 2023 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

25

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

O C T O B E R

S & P INDEX

1 2 , 2 0 2 3

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

19.12%

INDEX LEVEL

611.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.07%

N795.28/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

16.25%

1-DAY

0.03%

YEAR TO DATE

0.48%

*AS AT MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023

3-MONTH

15.75%

MONTH-TO-DATE

-0.7%

FG: Inadequate Facilities at New Lagos Int’l Terminal Hinder Passenger Facilitation Chinedu Eze The federal government has confirmed that the facilities at the new international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos are inadequate and constitute hindrance to passenger facilitation.

This was contained in the findings of the task force set up by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, which disclosed that some equipment installed at the facility, known as Terminal 2, do not meet the international standard equipment

for international airports.

The task force also disclosed that there were no adequate entrance and exits to the terminal in line with international standard requirements and warned that the consequence of these limitations could be disastrous.

The finding of the task force was also in line with earlier study carried out by Arcaid, Architects and Environmental Consultants, which revealed that the new airport terminal was inadequate for targeted passenger traffic and lacked essential facilities.

The report of the studies made available to THISDAY then, disclosed that to provide the infrastructure that were lacking in the terminal, government has to deploy over $500 million and dovetail the terminal to the multistory car park and seamlessly to the old terminal.

Details of the report disclosed that adequate feasibility study was not carried out before locating the terminal at Lagos airport where the facilities obstructed the fire service and the control tower respectively.

The studies also revealed that

essential facilities that were absent in the new terminal, include landside link, which ought to link the new terminal to the old, drop off canopy, access roads, apron and taxiway, water treatment upgrade and power improvement equipment.

When the study was released to the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika he deployed funds to carry out remedial work on the facility but there were structural limitations, as the study indicated.

Sirika explained then that the

planning of the project did not envisage that the building would lead to additional works, power and water supply, adding that the building will block both the control and fire towers, which will require relocation. He said additional work was required to link it with the existing terminal as well as expanding the apron to accommodate bigger airplanes.

Despite the remedial work, other defects remain, which include the lack of enough apron space, which is not wide enough to accommodate

wide body aircraft such as Boeing Dreamliner B787, Boeing B777, Boeing B747, Airbus A350 and many others. The terminal has one entrance, which drastically restrict movement of passengers to the terminal, especially at peak hours and there are many things not in the original plan of the building but which are very critical for the functionality of the terminal that must be provided.

The story continues online on

www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: Head Market Growth, AFEX, Zara Dogo; President Rest of Africa, AFEX, Sanne Steemers; Financial Advisory, Marble Capital, Mubarak Abdulhameed; Head ESG/Legal & Compliance, Marble Capital, Barakah Saba; President AFEX Nigeria, Akinyinka Akintunde; MD AFEX Investment Limited, Samirah Ade-Adebiyi; Head Advisory, FSDH, Oladipupo Ogunbiyi; MD AVA Asset Management, Efe Shaire and Head Primary Market, AFEX, Sam Ukoh at the Bell Ringing Ceremony in Lagos… recently

SON, BOI, NEPC, NAFDAC Assure MSMEs of Assistance to Perfect their Export Business Dike Onwuamaeze N igerian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who are desirous to export their products have been advised to exploit the services of regulatory agencies that are established by federal government to ensure that their products are received in foreign markets.

This advice was given in Lagos by the representatives of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control

(NAFDAC), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) during the Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) workshop on, “MSME Business Optimisation Clinic Agenda.”

They urged Nigerians that desired to launch into export business to approach them for guidance on certification, standardisation, financing and provision of incentives that would enable them to make their export oriented businesses a success and win coveted foreign

exchange for Nigeria.

According to the Director General of SON, Mr. Farouk A. Salim, SON has products that would help Nigerian MSMEs to satisfy the standard required by their export destination countries, adding that they should approach the agency to interpret the standard requirements of the countries they wish to export their products to avoid rejection.

Salim, who was represented

by Head, SON’s SME Desk, Mrs. Phebean Arumemi, said: “Every country is conservative about

what comes into its market to help protect their security, health and safety. One instrument a country can use to limit what comes into its territory is standard. If you do not package very well your product will get rejected.

“You must understand that we have a body in Nigeria that is created and funded by government to ensure that Nigerian products are well marketed abroad. SON is a supporting organisation and covers all scope of requirements that are needed to enable your export. Our

aim is to help businesses to produce and sell their products successfully and not to discourage them. Nigeria needs foreign exchange and we interface on behalf of Nigeria in every international, continental and regional organs for standard development and certification to ensure that Nigeria maintaining international best practices.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Dr. Ezra Yakusak, who was represented by theNEPC’s Chief Trade Officer (South), Mrs. Patience Afanide, said that Nigeria

MSMEs could sell their products everywhere in the world as long as they are able to follow standards and excellence.

“They have to look at the regulations of the country of trade they want to engage. We can hold them by the hand and guide them on market access, packaging, and even provide mentorship for those who know nothing about exports but want to enter the terrain,” Yakusak said.

The story continues online on

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M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS Change Updated Time DESCRIPTION Price Yield (%) October ^13.53 230.00 12, 100.95 12.79 2023 MAR-2025 ^12.50 22October 98.89 13.05 0.00 JAN-2026 12, 2023 ^16.2884 October 107.24 13.58 0.00 17-MAR-27 12, 2023 ^13.98 23October 99.32 14.18 0.00 12, FEB-2028 2023 ^14.55 26October 100.15 14.50 0.00 APR-2029 12, 2023

BILLS

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change (%) Updated Time

MATURITY

NTB 26-Oct23 NTB 9-Nov23 NTB 7-Dec23 NTB 25-Jan24

1.53

1.53

October -2.08 12, 2023

3.50

3.51

October 0.00 12, 2023

3.92

3.95

October -1,00 12, 2023

5.39

5.48

October 0.00 12, 2023

ZEDC CP I 17-NOV-23 NSDL CP IIA 22-NOV-23 MTNN CP V 23-NOV-23 NSDL CP IIB 23-NOV-23

NTB 8-Feb24

5.81

5.93

October 0.00 12, 2023

VAAG CP XVII 24-NOV-23

Change Time Discount Yield (%) October 0,00 12, 14.83 15.10 2023 October 19.43 19.94 0,00 12, 2023 October 11.57 11.76 0,00 12, 2023 October 19.45 19.97 0,00 12, 2023 16.88

17.28

October 0,00 12, 2023

CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS OCT 1 – 30 2024 NGUS NOV 2 – 27 2024 NGUS DEC 3 – 24 2024 NGUS JAN 4 – 29 2025 NGUS FEB 5 – 26 2025

Date

October 12, 2023 October 12, 2023 October 12, 2023 October 12, 2023 October 12, 2023

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Anambra to Build Entertainment Hub at Airport Chinedu Eze The management of Anambra State International Cargo Airport, Umueri has disclosed that the state government plans to build entertainment hub at the airport premises to drive non-aeronautical revenue.

The Managing Director and CEO of the airport, Martins Nwafor, who made this known to THISDAY in an interview, said that the state government would develop a very large area at the entry of the airport for the entertainment hub.

Nwafor said the facility would attract businesses and a lot of people who would enjoy the offerings at the hub without getting into the restricted area of the airport.

According to him, this is how many airports in the world develop non-aeronautical revenue sources by building different businesses that will attract people.

“We are planning to develop a very large area. If you are used

to the airport, once you drive past the gate, you will drive to almost another 500 to 600 meters before you get to the car park of the airport. There is a very large expanse of land there. It is marked for an entertainment hub. People can have their recreation, enjoy themselves, listen to music and drink while enjoying the theme of the hub. We can also have a small theatre for film and stage performance going on there. We are also looking out for investors to help us in developing that more,” the Managing Director said.

Nwafor said contrary to general belief that state owned airports are not profitable, the plan laid out by the state government and the management of the airport, the Umueri airport will generate revenue that will sustain its operation, adding that the airport which has only operated for one year and seven months will not only fund its operations but will also generate profit to the

state government to justify the investment.

“At the Anambra international passenger and cargo airport, we are not in any way a waste to the state, to Nigeria and the general aviation system globally. Some may actually not be profitable because of the way they were conceived, but I can assure you that Anambra International Cargo & Passenger Airport was well conceived and initially was a project between the Anambra state government and orient petroleum resources.”

The Managing Director said that at the moment, there are two major scheduled airlines that operate into Anambra state and that is the largest airline in Nigeria today, Air-Peace and United Nigeria Airlines. These airlines operate six days in a week, adding that Air-Peace has daily operation, one inbound from Lagos and one outbound to Lagos and an inbound from Abuja and one outbound to Abuja.

A I R WATCH

How Market Needs Will Boost FX in Agri Export

Firm Enhances Travellers’ Experience with Virtual Reality Chinedu Eze Touch down Travels, a Travel Management Company (TMC), has developed a pre-emptive experience for travellers who are given the opportunity to witness and immerse themselves in a destination through virtual reality before physical visit to the place.

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated 3D environment that enables users to explore and interact with a virtual surrounding in a way that approximates reality, as it is perceived through the users’ senses.

It creates familiarity and a knowing experience before the visitor travels to the new place.

Chief Operating Officer of Touchdown Travels, Olufunso Ekundayo, explained during a recent launch of its Lekki Experience

Centre, that virtual reality is a game changer in travel management and for the sector as a whole.

It is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings and Touch Down Travels has incorporated it into Nigeria’s travel business.

Ekundayo said: “The idea of an experience center is to show how travel should be done. You would be able to experience the destinations before you actually go there and you get the best deals. We have been in operation for over 30 years. We are not limiting ourselves to the corporate space and we are very concerned about getting this experience to everyone. The same quality of deals we have been giving to the corporate space is what we

are extending to individuals. This is how travel should be done.

“We don’t just do flights, hotels and tour packages. We leverage on technology by introducing things like Virtual Reality tools which will enable our customers experience what they want to see even before they travel. Now imagine if your kids want to go to Disneyworld, when they come to us, they would be able to experience all the activities of Disneyworld even before they leave Lagos.”

On the menace of fraudulent travel agents, he said: “We have worked so hard that we don’t need to introduce ourselves. We also have the financial capacity and muscle to put in the best resources to ensure people are satisfied. You can book flights ahead of time to cut down on cost.”

Onyema Lauds Azman University of Aviation, Offers Scholarship The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has announced the sponsorship of indigent youths across the country into the Azman University of Aviation, Kano.

Onyema made the disclosure when a delegation from the university paid him a courtesy visit at Air Peace headquarters in Lagos, recently.

The Air Peace boss pledged to sponsor many youths who are unable to afford university education but meet the requirements.

The delegation was led by the institution’s founder, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, who doubles as the Chairman of

Azman Air. Other members of the delegation were the Executive Vice President, Alhaji Mustapha Yunusa Sarina; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fatima Batul Mukhtar; Registrar, Mr. Aminu Ibrahim Lawal; Bursar, Mr. Ahmed Balarabe; the Librarian, Dr. Ali Garba; and the University’s Head of IT, Mr. Awotunde Adedeji.

In his remarks, Onyema lauded the university for its commitment and for providing quality education in the country while adding that he believes in the vision of its founder.

Stressing that education is key to the advancement of any society, Onyema specifically commended the Azman Chairman for choosing

to invest in the sector as it is a strategic contribution towards the achievement of government’s blueprint for education. “I call on other well-meaning Nigerians to consider CSR in education as it is the bedrock of any society,” he asserted Sarina expressed gratitude to the Air Peace helmsman for the support and his many other humanitarian interventions which have tremendously impacted numerous Nigerians, especially his philanthropy, charity, CSR initiatives, advocacy for peace cum broad nationalism, and massive job creation.

Smile Launches CSR Initiative to Support Schools Emma Okonji Smile Communications, a leading telecommunications company with a strong presence in nine states in Nigeria, has launched a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at primary and secondary schools within its service areas across Nigeria.

With a commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves, Smile Communications has initiated the programme to support schools as they resume new terms, particularly in these challenging times.

As part of this CSR effort, Smile Communications will be distributing

hundreds of exercise books to each of these schools, benefiting students and educators alike.

The primary objectives of the CSR initiative are to: Support Education, Promote Community Engagement and Encourage Learning.

To support education, the initiative will provide essential learning materials to students in underserved communities to enhance their educational experience.

To promote community engagement, the initiative will strengthen the bond between Smile Communications and the communities it serves by actively contributing to their development.

To encourage learning, the initiative

will encourage a culture of learning and academic excellence among Nigerian youth, helping them realise their full potential.

Speaking about the initiative, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications, Goke Olaleye, said: “At Smile Communications, we believe in giving back to the society that has supported us over the years.

We recognise the challenges faced by parents, students and schools alike, during these times, and our CSR initiative is our way of providing meaningful support directly to schools and indirectly to the government in the alleviation of the hardships associated with new term/session resumptions.”

Chinedu Eze Nigeria may realise the projected $20 billion annual revenues from the export of agricultural produce if farmers are able to identify the real needs of the market in different parts of the world.

The Coordinator of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviacargo Roadmap Committee, Ikechi Uko told THISDAY that Nigerian farmers should first carry out the study to know what different markets yearn for Nigerian agricultural produce and cultivate their farms to produce such crops in accordance to the given specification to meet those markets.

Uko was reflecting on the findings of the committee, which just returned from fact finding visit to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana as part of its benchmarking efforts in the air cargo business.

He said agriculture export starts from the farm; that the farmer has to identify the needs of the market and then plan how to grow farm produce that will meet the needs of that market.

Uko cited example with Kenya, saying that French beans is not a staple food in Kenya but Kenya cultivates it for export and earns millions of dollars annually exporting the produce to the countries that demand it.

“What we lack currently is market intelligence and strategic thinking. For example, Ghana imports eggs from Belgium; it has hatchery at its airport and uses the equipment to hatch the eggs and export day-old chicks to different markets in the world.

That is strategic thinking. Here in Nigeria, we have the ability to produce the eggs, to hatch them and export them. So, we have to find the market by conducting market research. We need to know the exact thing the market needs. We have onions, but you don’t just export onions. Your onions may have chemical residues and may not be what the market needs; so, you tailor your produce to meet the market,” Uko said.

It is to discover these strategies and other vital information that prompted the FAAN Aviacargo Roadmap Committee to embark on fact finding mission to countries that have achieved a level of success in exporting agricultural produce to the world and earning huge resources in foreign exchange, which is what Nigeria is in dire need of today to give value to the naira.

THISDAY learnt that the FAAN Aviacargo Roadmap Committee was led by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Olumyiwa Femi-Pearse to Ghana.

“The trip was with the support of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Ghana Airport Company Ltd (GACL). The trip is part of the effort by the Nigerian team to ramp up aviacargo business in Nigeria. Nigeria is currently ranked Number 5 in Africa behind aviacargo leaders Kenya, Egypt South Africa and Ethiopia. As the biggest economy and the largest population Nigeria receives over 10 fully loaded freighters weekly and most leave empty.

“To redress this, the government of Nigeria set up an Aviacargo Roadmap Committee with Ikechi Uko as the Coordinator of the project. During the Visit to Accra, Ghana they were received at the airport by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority GCAA and the Ghana Airport Company Ltd GACL led by Rev. Alexander Kwaiku Yeboah the Air Cargo Safety Inspector for GCAA. Capt. Solomon Quainoo, the

Director of MCDAN Aviation and the Group CEO Kweku Ampofi received the team at the MCDAN Group FBO,” the Committee said in a statement.

The team includes the General Managers of Business Development and that of Cargo Development, Hyacinth Ngwu and Kabiru A.N. Mohammed, respectively.

Also, senior officers from both cargo and Business Development of FAAN with a representative from NAFDAC Mrs. Sanwoolu and another member of the Aviacargo committee Alex Nwuba were part of the team.

The team was taken to the aviance cargo, the oldest special purpose cargo terminal in Ghana for a tour of the first upscale cargo terminal in Ghana.

The team also visited the Swissport Terminal which is the most modern cargo terminal in West Africa where they engaged with government agencies and some stakeholders. It also visited the Nigerian Embassy where the High Commissioner Ibok-Ete Ibas and the staff hosted the members. The High Commissioner thanked the Team for making out time to visit the embassy. He wants the team to make sure the report and findings are implemented.

“Nigeria is now learning from people who had earlier learnt from us. We should show more patriotism to restore Nigeria to its rightful position in the world,” he admonished.

The DCBD in his remarks told the High Commissioner that “the potential in Nigeria to do air cargo is massive but mostly untapped. We have seen the high-tech facilities at Addis Ababa, we have seen the output by Kenya and we have now seen the modest but functional adaptation by Ghana so we know exactly what to do. We have now woken up to the reality of the game.”

According to the committee, the group rounded off the tour with an engagement with the Ghana Export Promotion Agency (GEPA). The members were received by the Deputy CEO, Albert Kassim Diwura. After the engagement, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Aviacargo Roadmap Committee, Ikechi Uko, while thanking the government of Ghana for the reception of the team, wondered why the two countries are not working closer together.

“I observed that Ghana imports eggs from Belgium to hatch for day old chicks while eggs are rotting in North Central Nigeria. Why is Ghana importing mangos from Brazil to produce fruit juice for export.

Why is Nigeria importing chocolate from Europe when Ghana can supply all we need. If Ghana is good at exporting yam, can we supply more yams to Ghana for increased exports. These will grow the two economies. We need to start this export thing at the regional level then expand globally,” he observed.

The Deputy CEO of GEPA, thanked the Nigerian visitors and said that he was happy that NAFDAC was part of the team as NAFDAC has been one of the obstacles faced by Ghanaian exporters to Nigeria. The NAFDAC representative was quick to assure him about the ease and transparency of the agency pointing out that importers come to the agency when their goods arrive instead of coming to get the approval before bringing in the goods. The visit to Ghana is the third international airport visited by the Aviacargo Committee. They had earlier visited the airports at Nairobi Kenya and Addis Ababa Ethiopia. They have also visited three airports in North Central Nigeria in Jos, Lafia and Abuja.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

27

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Olawuji: Nigerian Aviation Market Too Big to Ignore The Chief Commercial Officer of Uganda Airlines, Adebayo Olawuyi in an exclusive interview with THISDAY said Nigeria is a very important African destination that the East African carrier must operate in, and take advantage of its huge population. Chinedu Eze presents the excerpts: What informed the decision for Uganda Airlines to start operation to Nigeria? ganda Airlines has been in operations for the past four years. Nigeria being the most populous nation in Africa has definitely been on the business implementation plan for the airline.

That is primarily because of the population of the country, and because of the ties that Nigeria has with Uganda, and definitely because of the travelling population that we have in Nigeria.

We are trying to build a network in Uganda. We present the flight to 11 destinations. On Saturday, the 7th of October, we just launched our flights to Mumbai, India. So, Nigeria has always been one of those destinations that we have been looking to tap into, considering presently there is no direct flight between Entebbe, Uganda and Nigeria. So, that’s actually in a nutshell what informed that decision to start operations into Nigeria.

there was a vacuum that had been left by the absence of a national carrier. And to be able to drive the economy of the nation, there was a need for that. So primarily, the airline has been funded because it is supposed to be an enabler to be able to push the economy of the country. There are presently no plans to bring in the private sector. Because the government expects that the airline will become profitable at some point in time based on the business implementation. So, we are still fully funded for now. I don’t know that decision might change in the future but that’s what the decision is today for the airline.

U

Can you give a brief profile of Uganda Airlines?

Yes. Uganda Airlines was restarted in August 28, 2019 by the government of Uganda. We are fully government owned. We are being run primarily by two main ministries, Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Finance. We commenced operations after the government had purchased six brand new aircraft, which are the aircraft we still have in operation today. We have four Bombardier CRJ-900s, they are 76 seaters in two cabins configuration. 12 in business class, 64 in economy. And we have two A330 new 800 aircraft. The A330 aircraft are in three class configurations, 20 in business, 28 in premium and 210 in economy. So, with this aircraft we are presently operating from our hub in Entebbe, Uganda. We fly to Kenya. In Kenya we have two destinations: Nairobi and Mombasa. In Tanzania we have three destinations. We fly to Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. We fly into Kinshasa in Congo. We

Olawuji fly to Bujumbura in Burundi. We fly to Juba.

We fly to Johannesburg in South Africa. We fly to Mogadishu in Somalia. And we also fly to Dubai. Like I mentioned earlier, we just commenced operations into Mumbai in India, and India is our second international destination. And Lagos, Nigeria, will be our 13th, which we will be commencing on the 19th of October.

Does the government own your airline 100%?

Yes, it is 100% owned by the government.

As a national carrier, are you thinking of maybe in the nearest future bringing in the private sector to partner with the government to drive the national carrier?

The government of Uganda restarted the airline because government understood that

What are your expectations on the Lagos-Entebbe route?

On the Lagos-Entebbe route, we are quite hopeful. When you look at the Market Information Data Tapes (MIDT) data now, looking at the O&D numbers, the original destination between Entebbe and Lagos, the numbers are about 13,000 passengers a year, which normally you would say it’s a very low number for a market as large as Nigeria and Uganda. But we have come to realize that that’s because there’s been no existing traffic flights between the two destinations as a direct flight. We understand from our business that there is always a level of stimulation that will happen in the markets when people see that there is now a direct flight between two destinations. So, our expectations are quite high. We are hoping that we will be able to stimulate a lot more traffic between Entebbe and Lagos, which will be brought by increased opportunities for businesses to be able to have mutual business and the contributions between the two routes. We are expecting that tourism will be able to blossom. We are expecting that we will be able to bring more investors into the country. Uganda also is one of the

largest producers of coffee today. We are expecting that we can start to export our coffee to the 220 million people who are in Nigeria. So, it is just trying to link the market of 220 million people to own market here and beyond. Also, we are trying to build a network. We are able to carry Nigerians into other destinations that we travel to. So, these are the expectations that we have on the Lagos and Entebbe route.

Do you think that the relationship between the two countries will improve with direct flights?

Yes, definitely so. We are quite positive that a direct flight will definitely be able to stimulate the traffic between the two routes. It will stimulate business; it will stimulate relationships between government partnerships. We have had a lot of engagement; like last week in Kampala, we held a Uganda-Nigeria trade and business forum where we brought in companies, Nigerian companies, which are already doing business in Uganda. We brought in investors who are looking at doing business in Nigeria, who are presently based in Uganda. The feedback from that was very positive because everybody seems to have that excitement of being connected to a market as large as Nigeria. The tourism sector also is very excited about that. As you know, there’s been a lot of intra-Africa travel by Africans. So, we want to be able to position ourselves, which is one of the key reasons why the airline was actually set up to promote Uganda as a destination, to promote business and trade, to improve the balance of trade between Uganda and all the other countries that we relate to it. So, we are quite positive that with a direct flight the relationships between the two countries will improve on all the different fronts.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

63 Years After, Nigeria still Depends on Food Imports There is no gainsaying that Nigeria recorded the best days as an agrarian economy in the 1960s.

Gilbert Ekugbe writes on the need for economic managers to target at least 50 per cent agriculture sector contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in the next five years.

The sector has continued to receive high neglect from successive governments due to its inability to generate immediate revenue for the economy.

With the help of modern day technology agricultural productivity has been enhanced through the adaptation of new technologies and innovations to ensure food security and nutrition, especially with the increasing population estimated to reach 400 million by 2050, but despite the potentials of agricultural technology, it is yet to receive the necessary support in terms of financial and policy support. To this end, support from all partners to the efforts by the federal and state governments is central to achieving this goal.

6

3 years is a whole lot for any serious government to draw out a road map to address all the bottlenecks hindering the potentials of its agricultural sector as well as its value chains.

Gone are the glory days of Nigeria’s agricultural boom such as the groundnut pyramid and cocoa that were symbols of Nigeria’s agricultural wealth in the past, but the agricultural sector has faced several challenges that have hindered its growth and development over the years.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and the country spends approximately $22 billion annually on food imports this is even despite the government’s efforts to boost local production capacity in recent years, Nigeria still spent a whopping N1.9 trillion importing food in 2022, a huge sum of money that could have been channeled into development projects.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector contributed about 21 per cent to the country’s GDP in the second quarter of 2023 recording a 2.31 per cent growth rate in the second quarter of 2023 as the GDP from agriculture in Nigeria averaged N4079275.90 million from 2010 until 2023, reaching an all-time high of N5625362.33 million in the third quarter of 2022.

All of these indications show that all hopes are not lost as the agriculture sector remains the largest sector in Nigeria, contributing an average of 24 per cent to the nation’s GDP over the past seven years, but despite the contribution of agriculture to the economy, the sector faces many challenges that impact its productivity, such as poor land tenure systems, low level of irrigation farming, climate change, and land degradation. These challenges have stifled agricultural productivity, affecting the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP and leading to increased food imports due to population rise, hence declining levels of food sufficiency.

Despite touted to be one of the world’s most promising agricultural producers in the 1960s, Nigeria’s rising food imports at $22 billion on annual basis is still a source of concern to agricultural gladiators even as the country continues to struggle to grow its foreign reserves.

AGRIC SECTOR BEFORE

AGRIC STAKEHOLDERS RECOMMENDATIONS

INDEPENDENCE

It is an established fact that the history of Nigeria’s agriculture dates back to the pre-colonial era, where subsistence agriculture was the dominant practice.

This era was characterised by hoes and cutlasses as the British colonials focused their policies on deploying all human and material resources in the country to meet the needs of their industries abroad.

Cocoa, oil palm and groundnuts accounted for about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s total export during the colonial era. The agricultural sector served as the nation’s main source of food and livelihoods, and agriculture was the nation’s main source of employment and income. Export cash crops were responsible for 62.2 per cent of the young nation’s foreign exchange and 66.4 per cent of its GDP. Northern cities like Kano, with its towering groundnut pyramids, employed large swathes of the population and became regional economic hubs, emblematic of the nation’s agricultural wealth.

The major crops grown in Nigeria before independence include maize, cassava, guinea corn,

yam, beans, millet, rice, sorghum, groundnuts, cocoa beans, palm produce, and gum arabic.

AGRIC SECTOR POST INDEPENDENCE

Disheartening, the sector’s output and earnings have declined over the years as many successive governments have failed to adopt various agriculture policies. Some of these policies include Operation Feed the Nation, (OFN) the Green Revolution Programme and agricultural credit and finance policies. Other policies that have been implemented in recent years include the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) launched in 2011, the Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP) launched in 2016, and the Green Alternative Policy (GAP) launched in 2016.

Regrettably, these policies have all failed to see the light of day as previous economic managers have prioritised food importation over food exportation.

These policies aim to enhance agricultural productivity, promote food security, and increase the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP.

Agricultural gladiators have consistently called on the federal government to increase its level of partnership and engagement with the real actors of Nigeria’s agriculture sector while also yearning for the political will to implement effectively most of the agricultural policies designed for the sector’s growth which most governments have fallen short of. Key issues still remain the capacity to implement these policies to take the sector out of doldrums.

The National president, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Mr. Kabir Ibrahim, in a chat with THISDAY explained that it is time for the Tinubuled administration to parley with stakeholders in the agricultural sector to outline agenda that might salvage the precarious food situation in Nigeria.

Ibrahim advised that the federal government must ensure that the 100,000 metric tonnes silos strategic food reserve in each of the six geo-political zones be managed by the Strategic Grains Reserve (SGR) and directly supervised by the Food Security Council (FSC).

The AFAN national president also advised the present administration on the need to resuscitate the GMP (Guaranteed Minimum Price) and implement a special committee through the SGR (Strategic Grains Reserve) to be directly supervised by the Food Security Council.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY ͯͱ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Osun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bunmi Jenyo; Secretary of Osun State Government (SSG), Hon Teslim Igbalaye; Canadian High Commissioner, Mr. James Christoff; and state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, during a courtesy visit to the Canadian High Commissioner by the governor and his team in Lagos…recently

L-R: Group Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya; Nigerian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohammed Dansata Rimi; and Group Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr. Daddy Mukedi, during a visit to the ambassador by the Airtel Africa Team in Abu Dhabi, UAE…recently

L-R: Assistant Project Manager, Advapro, Mitchell Obaze; Zonal Accountant, Southeast, Mr. Akabuike Emmanuel Chijioke; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Paul University Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Stella Okunna; Corporate Affairs Manager, International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), Damian Igwe; and Enugu State Manager, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Ijeoma Eberechukwu Felix, during the IBPLC 2023 commencement of the bootcamp in Enugu…recently

L-R: Director, Centre for Commonwealth Affairs, Sam Bidwell; Advisory Board Member, Centre for Commonwealth Affairs, Abimbola Okoya; Country Director, British Council, Lagos, Lucy Pearson; and acting Director, Higher Education, British Council Lagos, Daniel Emenahor, at the high-level stakeholders’ roundtable on Education and Creative Industries, in collaboration with the British Council, Lagos, and Centre for Commonwealth Affairs, Westminster, United Kingdom, held in Lagos…recently

L-R: Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Osagie Okunbor; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; his wife, Tamunominini Makinde; celebrant and Director, Independent Oil and Gas Consultant, Charles Essien; his wife and Managing Partner, Principles Law Partnership, Miaanaya Essien (SAN); and Managing Director, First E&P, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, at Charles Essien’s 60th birthday dinner in Lagos...recently PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI

Founder of Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), Abosede George-Ogan, and the guest speaker and Founder of RED For Africa, Adebola Williams (centre), surrounded by head girls of secondary schools in Nigeria during the WILAN National Head Girl Conference held in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl-Child in Lagos…recently

This

Weekend

FRIday, October 13, 2023

Temitope Ajayi:

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

07010510430

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Weekly Magazine UTH

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On an Unending Quest to Drive Foreign Investment to Nigeria

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Friday, October 13, 2023 • T H I S D AY

Cover

Temitope Ajayi: On an Unending Quest to Drive Foreign Investment to Nigeria With Nigeria’s plan to woo over N19.5 Trillion worth of investment to the nation during the just concluded United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, the Chief Executive Officer of the Silicon Valley Nigerian Economic Development, SVNED, Inc., Chief Aminat Temitope Ajayi, spoke to Sunday Ehigiator about her investment drives for Nigeria, and the importance of foreign and diaspora investment in its development

C

hief Amina Temitope Ajayi (aka Mama Diaspora) is a US-based Nigerian business consultant who is an accountant by training, a social entrepreneur, and an ardent community activist.

She was the former President of All Nigerian American Congress (ANAC).

Her efforts and continued advocacy on the Nigerian Diaspora issues have earned her in the media the moniker “Mama Diaspora”.

Chief Ajayi is well known for promoting women empowerment and poverty eradication in Africa through Agri-business.

Through the Arkansas-Nigeria investment forum and other bilateral economic forums in the US, Chief Ajayi’s tenacity and genuineness have been very instrumental in convincing and attracting a lot of key investors in the agri-business from the US to Nigeria.

She is the Founder/CEO of the Nigerian American Agricultural Empowerment Program (NAAEP), which engages in the Agricultural empowerment of farmers, women and young Adults in Nigeria in order to increase foods sufficiency and sustainable employment for women and youths in the agricultural sector.

NAAEP has been a grassroots organization that trains and empowers farmers in mechanized farming system, while facilitating business loans, accessibility to farm implements, and the harvesting and marketing of their end product both locally and internationally.

Chief Ajayi is an Ambassador of Goodwill for the State of Arkansas and Maryland, USA, and was a distinguished delegate at the past 2014 Nigeria’s National Conference, where she represented the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in Nigeria and served in the Confab’s Committee on Agriculture.

Speaking with THISDAY, Ajayi, also known as ‘Mama Diaspora’, said her investment drive for Nigeria came alive after President Tinubu delivered a powerful message at the recent Economic Summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America.

According to her, President Tinubu encouraged investors and diasporans to invest in Nigeria and assured them of the commitment of his administration to provide a good environment for investment growth and profitability.

Ajayi said she played prominent in the conception and approval of the Diaspora Commission. She said that the commission should be a veritable channel to galvanise diasporans, ensure their welfare and growth, and attract investments to Nigeria.

She stated that diasporans are strategic to the development of their countries of origin, as according to them, the encouragement of development through their financial remittances to their countries.

The SVNED boss said, “I am a mother and the Mother of the Diasporians. India became India because of their Diasporans.

Ghana made substantial progress because of their Diasporans. Egypt became Egypt because of the Diasporans.

“I remember when we formed the Diasporans. That was 2002 when I was the President of All the Nigerians in the US (ANAC), when Baba Olusegun Obasanjo gave me that name, Mama of all the Diasporans “I worked so hard. I fought for the Diasporan Commission at the National Conference of 2014 when I convinced the world of the importance of the Diaspora Commission and the Diasporans’ voting

Ajayi

rights. History will never forget me. I fought for the Diaspora Commission to be approved.

“Any nation that knows the importance of the Diasporan will succeed.

Are we talking about Diaspora remittances?

They hold the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this nation. Everybody knows but sometimes I sit down and cry because what we worked hard for was not utilised.”

“I was one of those people with the former Chief of Staff, Prof. Agboola Zulu Gambari, who was the chairman of the Diaspora Committee at the National Conference. That prayer I worked for was approved by the conference. Since 2014 till date, I have always been an advocate of the importance of the Diasporans to the development of their country.

“Any nation that knows the importance of the Diasporan will succeed. Are we talking about diaspora remittances? They hold the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this nation.

Everybody knows, but sometimes I sit down and cry because what we worked hard for was not utilised.

“I listened to the speech of our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the United Nations. He appealed for foreign investments. That was part of his renewed hope. And I made up that even before he came to the US, I went soliciting foreign investors.

“In America, I consult for 4500 companies. I know the language of investors, but when you do not have the power or authority, you are just on the wayside. I am a member of the Forbes Business Council. All we are talking about is business. I came because I am part of this renewed hope government. I am very passionate about Asiwaju’s government.

By the special grace of God, people like us in the private sector will support him to another level.

“Asiwaju’s speech rekindled the interest of investors in Nigeria. That was what touched their heart. He spoke to the world as a father who has genuine interest and concern for his people. That is why many investors are desirous of investing in Nigeria.

“I want to use this opportunity to commend most especially the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite. I respect her. This woman stood and waited for these investors in her car at the Nigerian Embassy till 10 p.m. I could not believe it.

“Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Honourable Dele Alake, I respect him. He was very passionate.

He gave a listening ear to the investors who wanted to mine lithium and gold.

“He assured them of his cooperation.

Minister for Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, told the foreign investors that he could not wait for them to come. I shed tears. That boosted them.

“Minister for Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, one of the investors, said that he has already invested much in Nigeria and that he is ready to invest more. He told the minister.

The minister was excited and promised him his cooperation.

“Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta C. Edu and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris graced the economic summit.

“They were very excited when they heard the volume of investment the foreign investors wanted to bring to Nigeria. The Minister for Information witnessed the signing of the MoU for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric and solar buses where they made my company the sole distributor for Africa.

“They are ready to come and train all the Nigerian graduates on the dynamics of the buses. They are ready to build all the charging stations and maintain them for the next year.

They are also coming to invest in agriculture.

“One of them told me that he is going to invest millions of dollars in agriculture.

People are even giving us their land to farm for free. Some have given us 24 hectares and 70 hectares.

“The Governor of Kwara, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, was so excited about attracting foreign investors to Kwara “Some of these investors want to establish a lithium battery factory in Nigeria and an assembly plant for the buses in Nigeria. They told the ministers that they did not need us but were bringing their money to support Asiwaju’s government.

“As of today, the foreign investments committed is nothing less than $19.4 billion. This is just the first phase. By the special Grace of God, because we have the land, money and some governors and ministers have shown interest.

“I will say that President Bola Tinubu is blessed to have such people in his cabinet. Asiwaju spoke to the Diasporans, and I keyed into it.”

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Friday, October 13, 2023 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Rear Admiral Hassan Assumes Office as Western Naval Command FOC

Chiemelie Ezeobi

RearAdmiralMustaphaBalaHassan,lastWednesday,assumedoffice as the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), the premier command of the Nigerian Navy (NN).

Hassan took over from Rear Admiral Mohammed Miftah Abdullahi, who held away from July 9 to October 11, 2023.

According to the Command Information Officer, Commander Patricia Ochei, the handing and taking over ceremony which included the Command Insignia given to the new FOC signified the officialchangeofleadershipforthe command.

Also, beyond this, there was a lowering and the hoisting of the Command Flag, which signified the end of the former FOC’s tenure and the beginning of a new one.

Aftertheceremony,theoutcome FOC urged the officers of the command to give unflinching support to his successor like they gave to him during his tenure.

In turn, the new FOC urged the officerstoensureduecommitment to duty in the service to the nation, just as he promised improved welfare for the officers and men

Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, taking over from his predecessor, Rear Admiral Mohammed Miftah Abdullahi of the command.

OnthequalificationsoftheFOC, the CINFO said: “Rear Admiral Hassan DSS fdc(+) nwc(+) psc(+) (+)nswcMAMScCommunications SpecialistPhD(InView),isahighly experienced and accomplished Communication Specialist with a wealth of knowledge in national security, war studies, and interna-

tional relations.

“Hehasanimpressiveacademic background and has completed military courses at various prestigious institutions. Rear Admiral Hassan’s experience includes Directing Staff at several military institutions, sea command, and shore command.

“He has received numerous

awards in the course of his career.

He hails from Kaduna State. He is currentlyrunning a PhD, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and the University of Ibadan (In view).

“He has a Master of Science Degree in National Security and War Studies, National Defence University Islamabad, Pakistan, 2015.

“Master of Art Degree in International Relations, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, 2007; Post Graduate Diploma in Electrical Electronics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, 2004; Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, 1992.

“The Senior officer has attended some military courses during the course of his career; National Defence Course at the National Defence University Islamabad, Pakistan; and Senior Course, Ghana ArmedForcesCommand and Staff College, Accra, Ghana.

“Others include the Officers Directing Staff Course, Shrivenham, United Kingdom; Junior Course, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna; and Officers’ Long Course, Nigerian Navy Ship QUORRA, Lagos.

Leading Broadcaster, Ayo Mairo-ese and Corporate Executive, Rolake Akinkugbe-filani Launch SPEAKHER Chiemelie Ezeobi Broadcaster, Ayo Mairo-Ese, and Corporate Executive, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, will by 9am, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, proudly unveil SpeakHER their jointinitiativededicatedtoempoweringwomenwithcommunication excellence.

Co-founded by these two visionarywomen,SpeakHERisset tomakeitsdebutwiththeinaugural SpeakHER Conference themed “Find Your ROAR - The Power of a Woman’s Voice to Change Her World!”.

TheSpeakHERConferenceseeks to bridge the communication gap faced by many women, providing them with tools and platforms to articulate their visions, ideas, and

Ayo Mairo-Ese and Rolake Akinkugbe-filani inspirations confidently.

Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, while announcing the conference, remarked, “Empowering Women with communication excellence is a holistic approach to nurturing confidence,masteringdelivery,and creating opportunities for women

to express themselves genuinely.”

Ayo Mairo-Ese underscored the importance of addressing the often-overlooked communication challenges faced by women.

She stated, “We have found that many women, despite their innovative ideas and leadership

potential, are unable to express themselves effectively, leading to lostopportunities. SpeakHER aims to change that narrative.”

The conference promises a mix of activities designed to inspire and educate attendees.

Noteworthy elements include Speakathon Contest where participants showcase their speaking prowess; and expertled masterclasses tailored to refine communication skills.

Topushtheinitiative,SpeakHER extendsaninvitationtoindividuals andorganisationstobecomesponsors for this transformative event.

By backing the SpeakHER Conference, sponsors will directly empowerwomentobecomeimpactfulcommunicators,thusleadingto positivechangesincommunitiesand industries at large.

PMI Lists Six Africans Among 50 Standout Rising Leaders Three Nigerians are among the six Africans honoured by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the leading professional organisation for projectmanagementandtheauthorityforagrowingglobalcommunityof millionsofprojectprofessionalswithaplaceontheprestigiousFuture50list.

Thelistfeatures50outstandingRisingLeaderstransformingtheworld andrepresentsanewcohortofprojectprofessionalsdrivingtransformation across all PMI regions and industries.

AishaGarba,SeniorEducationSpecialist,WorldBank;TosinOshinowo, DirectorandPrincipalArchitect,cmDesignAtelier,andJohnNdubuisi, SeniorProjectManager,ITProgramsandPortfolioManagement,Union BankofNigeria,havebeenrecognisedbyPMIfortheireffortsatreshaping the future through projects.

ThelistalsofeaturesthreeotherAfricansKathleenSiminyufromKenya; Manuel Praia fromAngola; andAbdallahalah Maiguizo from Niger.

In the world today, global megatrends such as digital disruption, demographic shifts, and the climate crisis are driving the future of business and society.

At the same time, the global economy needs 25 million new project professionals by 2030. The 2023 Future 50 honourees collectively set an example and lead the charge in problem-solving while creating a better world through projects.

CongratulatingtheF50s,GeorgeAsamani,MD,SubSaharanAfrica,PMI, said,“Weremaincommittedtoequippingtheyouthwiththeknowledge, skills, and tools needed to not only embrace change but also to be the driversofit.YourachievementstodayareatestamenttoAfrica’sincredible talent and potential.

“Youarethearchitectsofthefuture,andyourvisionanddetermination will undoubtedly lead us to new heights and amplify the community’s impact.”

Adolescent girls in Nigeria face myriad obstacles to completing secondary education, from pervasive poverty to poor infrastructure to forced early marriage.

Ecclesia Hills Church Annual Word Conference 2023 Set to Equip, Empower Believers Thisyear’sEcclesiaHillsChurch,AnnualWordConference,scheduled to take place from November 3rd to 5th, 2023, is designed to equip and empower believers to live out their faith in a bold and impactful way.

Hosted by Pastor Moses Ida-Micheals, with the theme, “The Finishing Generation”, this year’s conference will feature a lineup ofrenownedspeakers,includingPastorChristopherDelvanGwamna; Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom; Pastor Evangeline, Dan-Yusuf and Prophet Edem Julius-Cudjoe.

The event, which is to be held at the Radisson BluAnchorage Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, will also feature music from talented gospel artists, including Moses Akoh, Hills Music, Cill and Precharzkid.

The Ecclesia Hills Church Annual Word Conference, a free event open to the public, is a unique opportunity for people to come together in fellowship and be taught of the Lord.

Apress release made available by the church stated that the conference being organised by the vibrant and growing church in Lagos, is designed to equip and empower believers to live out their faith in a bold and impactful way.

TheSeniorPastor,ofEcclesiaHillsChurch,PastorMoses Ida-Micheals, said, “Our annual Word Conference this year is a divine clarion call.

This is a time when we come together as a community to hear from God and to be challenged to deepen our faith. We believe that this generation is a finishing generation, and we are passionate about helping people to fulfil their God-given purpose.”

The Ecclesia Hills ChurchAnnual Word Conference will begin on Friday, November 3, at 5 p.m., and on Saturday the 4th, beginning at 9 a.m. It will conclude on Sunday, November 5, also beginning at 9 a.m.

Ida-Micheals advised further that interested persons can register for the conference by visiting the church’s website, www.ecclesiahills. org while they can also follow Ecclesia Hill Church on its various social media platforms including following platforms Facebook: (EcclesiaHills), Twitter:(@ecclesiahills) and Instagram: (@ecclesiahills) Ecclesia Hills Church is a vibrant and growing community of believers in Lagos, led by Senior Pastor Moses Ida-Micheals.

Arise Women Celebrate 15 Years of Impact: Unveil Activities #StepUp 6th Edition of GTCO Fashion Stories by Mary Nnah In a symphony of inspiration, impact, and empowerment, the Arise Women Foundation, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Siju Iluyomade, is set to illuminate the Nigerian landscape with a dazzling celebration of its 15th anniversary.

Themed #StepUp, this milestone event stands as a testament to the foundation’s unwavering commitment to uplifting women and the vulnerable.

Dr. Iluyomade, in a captivating press conference, unveiled a vibrant lineup of festivities for this remarkable celebration.

Commencing with the prestigious Arise Global Press Conference held in Lagos on October 8, 2023, the foundation gears up for a spectacular series of events.

The extravaganza kicks off with the Arise Walk for Life on Saturday, October 14, 2023, transcending global boundaries.

A rallying call for people of all ages, this free event promotes physical and mental well-being.

Dr. Iluyomade emphasised its goal “To raise awareness of the

L-R: DG, Arise Palliative Distribution, Mrs Lolade Wakama; Chairperson, Arise 2023 Planning Committee, Mrs Feyisara Osinupebi; CEO Arise Women Foundation, Dr Siju Iluyomade; Arise Committee Members, Mrs Adedoyin Arueyingho and Mrs Aderanti Aborowa at the event importance of regular physical exercise and proper health checks.”

Following this, the Ikoyi Club will host the esteemed Arise Golf Tournament on Friday, October 20, 2023, offering not just sporting prowess but a unique networking opportunity with business leaders and philanthropists.

Saturday, October 21, 2023, ushers in the Arise Football Novelty Match at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island.

Athrilling clash that unitesArise

Women supporters against a team of celebrities and business leaders, showcasing the power of unity through sportsmanship. Young Female Football enthusiasts are also encouraged to attend and participate.

The pinnacle of the celebration is theArise Women Conference at Trinity Towers and simultaneous event centres along COD road, Dideolu Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos. Graced by dignitaries, it stands as a testament to the

foundation’s commitment to fostering inspiration and hope.

Iluyomade expressed her excitement for the upcoming events, stating, “We are excited to celebrate our 15th anniversary with these events.

Arise Women has been committed to empowering women and young girls for the past 15 years, and we are grateful for the support of our partners and donors who have helped us make a difference in the lives of so many.”

In line with tradition, no fewer than 5,000 less privileged participants will receive the Arise Food Basket (Pink Buckets), and farmers will be empowered with fertilizer seedlings.

The celebration anticipates the attendance of influential figures from diverse sectors – First Ladies, Senators, Ministers, captains of industries, academia, market women, armed forces, and more. This diverse assembly symbolises the far-reaching impact of the Arise Women Foundation.

Themes with Purpose: #StepUp, Preventive Healthcare, and Spiral Wealth Creation.

Weekend Holds November

The Fashion Industry is in for another exciting experience as the GTCO Fashion Weekend returns for its 6th edition in November.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled to be held on November 11th and 12th at the GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos.

The GTCO Fashion Weekend is an annual consumer-focused fair designed to showcase the best of Africa’s Finest fashion to a global audience. Over the years, the event has firmly established its place as an incubator for diverse talent, creativity, and enterprise in fashion retail, bringing together some of Africa’s prominent fashion brands alongsiderelativelynewerlabelstointeractwithuniversallycelebrated fashion icons and engaging style personalities.

In keeping with tradition, this year’s event will feature insightful masterclasses and thrilling runway shows together with free stalls for over 120 fashion retailers. Colourful façades, lively music, and a delightful ambience are popular elements of GTCO fairs and work together to create a multisensory, thoroughly fulfilling experience for all attendees. Speaking on the 2023 GTCO Fashion Weekend, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, said; “Fashion is not just about making items of clothing or style accessories, it is about exploring feelings and channelling creative expressions to create experiences that resonate with various buyers, across different markets.

“The GTCO Fashion Weekend is constantly evolving to reflect the rapid growth of the global fashion industry in terms of size and sophistication, as we continue to draw on the endless possibilities in fashion retail to create better outcomes for individuals, indigenous businesses, and our communities.”

Hefurthersaid;“Thelandscapeforfashiondesignisalwaysshifting; so are consumer needs. The 2023 GTCO Fashion Weekend provides a unique opportunity for local fashion retailers to seize on emerging trendsandbuyers’preferencestorepositiontheirbusinessesandthrive amidst the uncertainties and complexities of the future.”

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

French Ambassador Seeks to Bridge MSMEs Funding Gap, Partnership with Baobab MFB Oluchi Chibuzor The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann has announced plans to partner with Baobab Nigeria to address the funding gap faced by small businesses in the country.

Recognizing the vital role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in economic growth, Blatmann commended Baobab Nigeria for its commitment to empowering small businesses in Nigeria, thereby creating wealth and job opportunities for the country’s unemployed youth.

Blatmann made these remarks during her recent visit to Baobab Nigeria in Lagos, where she

emphasized the importance of collaboration in providing training and support to women and vulnerable individuals. She stressed that access to loans can be a challenge for many, and a partnership between the French Embassy and Baobab could prove valuable in this regard.

Praising Baobab’s effort, she mentioned that the French group operates in 7 African countries, including Nigeria, where it serves customers in 16 states, totaling more than 200,000 customers. She also noted the existence of Baobab Plus, a branch of Baobab group specializing in providing renewable energy

solutions such as clean cooking with solar power. She highlighted the environmental and health benefits of clean cooking; including reduced smoke emissions and decreased charcoal usage.

Speaking, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Baobab Nigeria, Eric Ntumba described the Ambassador’s visit as a reminder to continue to relentlessly provide innovative financial tools to underserved populations, helping them scale up their businesses.

He emphasized that Baobab Nigeria, as part of Baobab Group, is committed to offering top-notch financial services to the underserved population of Nigeria.

OYCSDA Disburses N159m to 11 Communities for Micro Projects in Oyo Kemi Olaitan ÓØ ÌËÎËØ The Oyo State government through the Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA), has disbursed over N159 million to 11 communities in the state for various micro projects.

The projects include building or renovation of blocks of classrooms with furniture, drilling of boreholes, construction or renovation of community health centers, among others.

The disbursement of cheques to the Community Project Management Committees (CPMCs) was done during a two-day training for members of the committees in Ibadan after the participants have been taken through the capacity building and training under the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.

The General Manager, Oyo State Community and Social

Development Agency (OYCSDA), Mr. Salaudeen Jelili, said the training was targeted at equipping Community Project Management Committee of all the benefiting communities who were democratically elected by their community members on ways to implement the projects in their domains.

He added that each of the communities will be paid N15 million for their micro projects, noting that 2.5 per cent contribution by each community will be added to the 97.5 per cent contribution of the state government to engender sense of ownership of the project.

According to him, “We are here today to conduct community project management committee training and project launch, the committee is the implementation committee, democratically elected by the people of the community to

implement the projects.

“The budget limit for each of these micro intervention projects is N15million, the community will contribute 2.5 per cent of the amount while the state government will release 97.5 per cent to make it 100 per cent as entailed in community-driven development projects approach, so that the community will have the sense of ownership, maintain the project and sustain it.”

The Baale of Olohunde-Ige Community in Oluyole local government area, Chief Folorunsho Ige, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde, for what he called an encompassing developmental strides in the urban and rural communities.

He then called on the benefiting communities not to disappoint the state government by failing to deliver the projects to time and with quality materials which he said will ensure its sustainability.

Food Security: NASC Trains Stakeholders on Identifying Adulterated Seeds Seriki Adinoyi ÓØ ÙÝ As part of efforts towards improving agricultural practices and ensuring food security in Nigeria, the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has comprehensively trained stakeholders under the Program for Seed System Innovation of Vegetatively Propagated Crops in Africa (PROSSIVA) project on identifying adulterated seeds and the danger they pose to production.

Addressing participants at the two-day training which focused on the theme “Identification and Training of Licensed Seed Inspectors for Vegetatively Propagated Crops (VPCs) Certification”, the Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council who was represented by Dr. Bankole Osho-Lagunju, leader of the PROSSIVA project, passionately highlighted the critical role of

NASC in regulating the seed industry.

He warned that any seed not bearing the NASC logo and stamp could be adulterated, and of grave concern in Nigeria, noting that vegetatively propagated crops like yam, cassava, potatoes, and bananas pose unique challenges in achieving formal seed certification, which the PROSSIVA project addresses, with a special focus on crops like potatoes and bananas.

Osho-Lagunju said, “The project aims to create a decentralized system for seed quality assurance by training licensed inspectors, also known as thirdparty certification officers. This initiative will bring certification and field inspection closer to the farmers, a move set to ease the burden on seed companies.

The choice of Plateau State for this initiative is strategic, given its prominence in potato cultivation.

Collaboration with sister projects and organizations, such as the CIP Centre for Potato and GIZ enhances the project’s impact.

In his address, Program Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP), Mr. Ishiaku Jilemsam expressed the impact on farmers, noting that fake products often lead to disappointing yields. He also stressed the importance of certified seeds, which according to him, can significantly enhance agricultural productivity.

Proposing collaboration between PADP and NASC for the training of Extension Agents, Jilemsam expressed hope that the collaboration will empower them to identify issues and report them promptly, adding that the program also intends to register all input dealers, ensuring that farmers receive certified inputs, including fertilizers, seeds, and hybrids.

L-R: Baobab Plus CEO, Mr Kolawole Osinowo; Ambassador of France, Her Excellency, Mrs. Emmanuelle Blatmann; Baobab Nigeria Acting CEO, Eric Ntumba; Economic Officer to the office of the Ambassador, Mrs IIham Osrhir; Economic Counsellor to the office of the Ambassador, Mr. Cyril Darneix when Blatmann paid a curtesy visit to Marina Branch of Baobab Microfinance Bank in commemoration of customers’ week in Lagos...recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) August, 2023

Money Supply (M3)

65,445,154.2

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

552,553.58

Money Supply (M2)

64,892,600.61

-- Quasi Money

40,870,301.28

-- Narrow Money (M1)

24,022,299.33

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,295,309.10

---- Demand Deposits

21,726,990.23

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,144,158.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

58,300,995.27

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

87,273,966.81

---- Credit to Government (Net)

32,511,333.17

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

54,762,633.63

--Other Assets Net

13,347,376.27

Reserve Money (Base Money

19,429,603.25

--Currency in Circulation

2,660,138.92

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

16,769,464.34 428,519.21

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

August 2023

Inter-Bank Call Rate

3.89

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

18.75

Treasury Bill Rate

5.13

Savings Deposit Rate

5.26

1 Month Deposit Rate

7.31

3 Months Deposit Rate

7.55

6 Months Deposit Rate

8.30

12 Months Deposit Rate

8.13

Prime Lending rate

13.99

Maximum Lending Rate

27.59

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

Tecom Honoured as Innovative Managed IT Services Provider of theYear Tecom, a leading technology solutions provider, is proud to announce its remarkable achievement as the “Innovative Managed IT Services Provider of the Year” at the prestigious Tech Innovation Awards (TIA) 2023.

The gala event, held in Lagos on September 22, celebrated excellence and innovation in

the technology sector.

Speaking on the awards, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), InstinctWave, Akin Naphtal, in his welcome address, said the event was set up to celebrate the brilliance, ingenuity, and incredible impact of the tech industry in Nigeria. The Chief Executive Officer of Tecom, Mr. Duke O.

Anselam, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are truly honoured to receive this prestigious award. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our entire team at Tecom. We remain committed to delivering top-tier managed IT services that empower businesses to thrive in the digital age.”

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 29TH SEPTEMBER , 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $97.48 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $97.08 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

33

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Sustains Positive Momentum, Gains N18bn in Market Cap KayodeTokede The stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday sustained its positive performance as the overall capitalization rose by N18 billion, following investors renewed interest in Unilever Nigeria Plc and 21 others.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) gained 32.70 basis points or 0.05 per cent to close at 67,133.19

basis points.

Consequently, market capitalisation rose by N18 billion to close at N36.883 trillion.

The upturn was driven by price appreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks amongst which are; Unilever Nigeria, Africa Prudential, Zenith Bank, NASCON Allied Industries and United Bank for Africa (UBA).

However, investor sentiment,

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

as measured by market breadth was positive as 22 stocks gained relative to nine losers.

Thomas Wyatt Nigeria emerged the highest price gainer of 9.79 per cent to close at N2.58, per share. Courteville Business Solutions followed with a gain of 8.77 per cent to close at 62 kobo, while DEAP Capital Management & Trust advanced by 8.00 per cent to close at 27 kobo, per share.

F O R

S E C U R I T I E S

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

Africa Prudential increased by 7.69 per cent to close at N7.00, while Unilever Nigeria added 6.04 per cent to close at N14.05, per share.

On the other side, Cornerstone Insurance led others on the losers’ chart with 6.06 per cent to close at N1.55, per share. AXA Mansard Insurance followed with a decline of 3.61 per cent to close at N4.00, while Regency Alliance Insurance

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S O F

shed 2.86 per cent to close at 34 kobo, per share.

United Capital lost 2.07 per cent to close at N16.55, while AIICO Insurance depreciated by 2.02 per cent to close at N6.30, per share.

The total volume traded declined by 24.6 per cent to 309.32 million units, valued at N4.55 billion, and exchanged in 5,588 deals. Transactions in the shares of Fidelity Bank led

the activity with 61.780 million shares worth N511.532 million.

Access Holdings followed with account of 54.472 million shares valued at N860.09 million, while UBA traded 28.808 million shares valued at N503.054 million.

Zenith Bank traded 20.482 million shares worth N649.285 million, while Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) traded 12.916 million shares worth N82.261 million.

O C TO B E R / 1 1 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

NEWS

PLENARY DEFERRED IN HONOUR OF DANBUGA… The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio (left) with the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele before the deferment of the plenary due to the passage of a member of the House of Representatives representing Isa/Sabon Birnin Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Hon. Abdulkadir Danbuga at the Senate Chambers, Abuja … yesterday

Ogonis Drag FG, Rivers Govt to UN over $300m Compensation from NNPCL Wale Igbintade A former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, has dragged the federal and Rivers State governments to the United Nations, over the confiscation of $300million compensation funds released for the people of Ogoni over the oil deposit in their land.

Pyagbara who is also the Executive Director, African Indigenous Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development (AIFES), stated this while addressing the 54th session of the United

Nations’ Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

The event is the ongoing 54th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the highest arm of the United Nations that deals with issues of human rights violations across the world.

The month long meeting began on the 11 September 11 and will end on October 13, 2023.

Pyagbara alleged that the $300million was released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in early 2023 as compensation to the people of Ogoni was being withheld by the Rivers State Government.

The former MOSOP leader called on the United Nations to take every necessary step to ensure that the money is paid to the Ogoni people, stressing that the current situation in Ogoniland resonates with the Report of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, EMRIP on Militarization, Investment and Threats.

The Ogoni leader also accused the federal government of failing to launch investigations into the killing of over 5,000 Ogoni sons and daughters by the military, and refusing to pay reparations for the lives that were lost due

to the militarisation of Ogoniland.

He said: “The case of Ogoni people came into limelight in 1995, with the hanging of the leader of Ogoni and Environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists by the Nigerian government to protect the interest of Shell and their collaborators in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government has not opened investigation into the killing of 5,000 Ogoni persons in the period when Ogoniland was militarised, leading to the killing of Ogoni nine and thereafter.

“The reparation programmes even as recommended by UN

Supreme Court Dismisses Gbagi's Appeal against Oborevwori The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed an appeal brought before it by Chief Kenneth Gbagi against Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for being a waste of time, mere academic exercise, and lacking any utilitarian value.

In the appeal, Gbagi, a governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) filed the appeal against the decisions of the Election Petition Tribunal and Court of Appeal refusing to admit fresh evidence not pleaded or frontloaded during trial.

Gbagi who claimed to have discovered new evidence to prove his petition, had made an application for the reopening of his

case on the date fixed for adoption of final written addresses by the Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Asaba.

The Tribunal dismissed the aforesaid application for being incompetent, belated, and strange as the document he was trying to introduce was not pleaded in his petition.

The Tribunal proceeded to conclude the hearing of the Petition and found that Gbagi's claim of being the winner of the election was totally unfounded. The Tribunal also dismissed Gbagi's claim that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was not qualified to contest the election.

Not satisfied with the Tribunal's

ruling, Gbagi filed an appeal against the Tribunal's refusal of his belated application to reopen his case.

The Court of Appeal, in dismissing the appeal, held that the Tribunal rightly refused to reopen his case.

Still not satisfied, Gbagi proceeded to the Supreme Court against the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the issue of reopening his case.

PDP's counsel, Ekeme Ohwovoriole (SAN), and Ayo Asala (SAN) for Governor Oborevwori, had argued that the Appeal lacked merit because the tribunal had been dissolved.

In a unanimous judgment of the

apex court delivered by Justice John Inyang Okoro, the apex court held that the appeal was a complete waste of time, had become spent, academic and lacking usefulness The apex court held that 180 days for hearing the petition had expired, and there is no tribunal existing to even hear the appeal since the tribunal had since been dissolved.

Gbagi's lead counsel, Adeniyi Akintola, SAN had no option than to withdraw the appeal after realising (based on the chastisement/hint of the justices) that his appeal is academic exercise, lacks merit moreso, the fact that the tribunal had concluded its assignment.

Mbah Flags Off Construction of Roads, Other Infrastructure Projects in Enugu Gideon Arinze In Enugu As part of his administration's resolve to boost the economy of Enugu State and make it the premier destination for investment, governor Peter Mbah, yesterday, flagged off the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 71 roads within urban areas in the state.

Also flagged off was the construction of a 97 square kilometres brand New Enugu City in Enugu East which was expected to further boost the tourism sector in the state

and make it rank shoulders with other great cities in the world.

Speaking during the flag off ceremony at Premier Layout City where over 2km road was being constructed, Mbah, said the infrastructural development across the state were consistent with his administration's pledge and social contract to deliver a people focused governance.

The governor who said good road networks were essential for increasing distribution and consumption, which are critical

for any economy to develop, said that his administration is committed to constructing over 1000 km of roads yearly.

He noted that his administration would ensure that it provides the highest standard and quality of roads with closed drainages, road signs, street lights and walkways and a road that will last for several years.

Speaking further, he said, "this is essentially what governance is all about and we do hope that the roads will be completed between now and December,". The funds

have been secured hence there will be no reasons why they will not be completed," The governor maintained that his administration would not entertain cost or time overrun and that there would be effective monitoring to ensure that timelines are met.

In his address, the Commissioner for Works, Dr. Gerald Otiji, said all necessary monitoring and supervision strategies had been put in place to ensure that the best quality of road is delivered to the people.

Secretary General’s Fact-finding Team to Ogoni, has not been done to the Ogoni people even at this moment. The expert mechanism report had highlighted reparation as one way to provide any redress.

“I urged the UN Human Rights Council to prevail on Nigerian government led by President Bola Tinubu, to release the sum of $300million paid by NNPC Ltd. through NPDC, as compensation to the people of Ogoni which is

currently being held by the Rivers State Government.”

He urged the United Nations to blacklist governments and companies involved in militarizing indigenous people and territories with grave consequences on human rights and livelihoods.

Pyagbara also called for the blacklisting and denouncing of states, companies and governments involved in militarisation as a tool for climate change

House Screens NDDC Board, Management Nominees Juliet Akoje in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday, screened the 17 nominees into the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The nominees appeared before the House ad hoc committee mandated to conduct the screening in Abuja.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, charged the designates to justify the confidence reposed in them

by President Bola Tinubu.

Adding that more than ever before, the NDDC needed visionary leaders with integrity to drive the discharge of the commission’s mandate to translate to tangible impact on the lives of the people and communities in the Niger Delta.

She stated that the screening process for confirmation was in fulfilment of the provisions of Section 2 (2)(a) of the NDDC Act, 2000.

The House however asked board chairman, Chiedu Ebie; Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and other members to 'take a bow and go' Other nominees screened included: Mr. Boma Iyaye, ED, Finance & Admin (Rivers); Mr. Victor Antai, ED, Projects (Akwa Ibom); Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, ED, Corporate Services (Ondo); Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa (Bayelsa); Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono (Akwa Ibom); Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya (Delta); Chief Tony Okocha State (Rivers); and Hon. Patrick Aisowieren (Edo);

Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu State (Imo); Hon. Otitio Atikase (Ondo); Chief Dimgba Eruba (Abia); Rt. Hon Orok Otu Duke (Cross River); Hon. Nick Wende (North Central); Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak (North East); and Senator Dr. Ibrahim Gobir (North West).

The lawmakers further said the board members were enjoying the privilege always extended to former members of the National Assembly appointed into executive positions who are always asked to "take a bow and go."

The motion to allow the nominees to take a bow and go was moved by the Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isa, who commended the President for appointing some former members of the National Assembly to serve in the NDDC board.

The NDDC board chairman nominee, Ebie during his remarks said his cumulative experience in the public and private sector have adequately prepared him for the job.

“I assure you that as a chairman of the board if confirmed, I want to assure you of team work.

We would work as a team. We would ensure we have a very harmoniously working relationship and also ensure that peopleoriented projects and projects that are needs based would be executed by the commission" The Managing Director nominee, Ogbuku, expressed gratitude to Tinubu for reappointing him and promised that the new team would work hard to fulfil its mandate.

35

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

NEWS

UNVEILING OF THE INDOMIE LOVE BOWL GAME… L-R: Ashiwaju Temitope, General Manager, Corporate Communications and Events, Tolaram Group; Stephanie Coker and Darasimi Nadi, Host and Co-Host, Indomie Love Bowl Game Show, Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, Content & West Africa Channels, MultiChoice West Africa at the unveiling of the Indomie Love Bowl game show in Lagos.

Umahi: Tinubu Has Okayed Emergency Repairs on 260 Federal Roads Nationwide Projects estimated to gulp N217bn President also approves reconstitution of FERMA board Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has approved the emergency repairs of over 260 federal roads spread across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who disclosed this yesterday, while speaking with newsmen after meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja further disclosed that the emergency repairs on the 260 roads nationwide would gulp about N217 billion, adding that Tinubu had approved more road construction works, including project upgrades.

According to the Minister, the President has also approved the resurfacing of the Third Mainland Bridge, construction of Lekki deep seaport road in Lagos, re-construction of two collapsed bridges in Enugu and reconstruction of two locations on the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

Other roads approved for construction include the upgrading of the ongoing Abuja-Keffi-AkwangaLafia road, dualization of the Lafia by-pass.

Umahi said: "I've always commended Mr President for his deep interest in reinstating most of our roads in the country. Everyday we get a lot of concerns from the public on the very deplorable situation of our roads, but there is no paper I brought in respect of that that Mr President has not approved.

"Just yesterday he approved over 260 road interventions across the 36 states and the FCT. You'll recall that last week he approved a lot of emergency roads and bridges repairs; we have three bridges that collapsed on the Southwest roads, he approved for reconstruction immediately.

We have the Shendam- Lafia that collapsed, we also have the approval for its repairs.

"We have about 17 points along the East-West Road that have been destroyed by flood, Mr President has approved and released money for the immediate repairs. Of course the Third Mainland Bridge's resurfacing and repairs of some noticeable deflections, which have to be done under the deck on top of the water with equipments, he has also approved that.

"Two bridges that collapsed in Enugu, approved by Mr President; the two locations on the OnitshaOwerri Road, Mr President approved the reconstruction; Lokoja-Abuja Road, Mr President approved the reconstruction.

"I can name them, apart from

the 260 emergency repairs all over the country that worth about N217 billion, so I'm quite glad.

"This afternoon again, Mr President approved upgrading of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia Road, of course it's ongoing, but it's a PPP the Chinese and we're paying 15%.

Also the construction of the Lafia Bypass Dualisation from Makurdi, through Oturkpo, through Oboloafor, down to 9th Mile, it's a major one, but Mr President has approved it. This is also being financed by the China EXIMBank, Lafia-Keffi Road is also financed by Chinese EXIMBank.

"Then the of 7th AXA Road, Lekki Deep Seaport (access), in

Lagos. You know the Lagos State government is building the deep seaport, meaning that all the cargoes that cannot berth at the existing ports in Lagos can now come to that location and that's where the Dangote Refinery is located.

"I saw thousands and thousands of well-established companies that are already installing their equipments there. It's to be a huge free trade zone. So Mr President has approved that I should go ahead and sign MoU and that it should be programmed for priority in our business with the Chinese," he said.

Asked how soon Nigerians should expect to see contractors mobilising to site, Umahi said, "said there's a

process; we're doing the designs and procurement and selecting contractors to this. We're calling some contractors that have existing projects within these locations.

"We're getting selective renderings from the approval of BPP and these are the procedures. I'm sure with the onset of dry season from November, these works will get started and we're going to put a lot of pressure on them for them to complete the works".

The Minister also announced that Tinubu approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), with the aim of speeding up the road maintenance nationwide.

Ajulo, Falana's Wife, Funmi, Ex-PDP Legal Adviser, 55 Others Get SAN Rank

session of the LPPC held on October revealed that the LPPC meeting others who emerged successful NAFDAC, NHIA Sign Agreement Alex Enumah in Abuja 12, and under the chairmanship of the considered four different petitions were Felix Offia, Lawrence Falade, A human rights activist and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice against some of the applicants and Kingsley Obamogie, Folasade Alli, on Use of Branded Medicine constitutional lawyer, Dr. Olukayode Olukayode Ariwoola, a statement by dismissed them for lacking in merit. Abiola Oyebanji, Bomo Agbebi,

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have reached an agreement on the use of NHIA branded medicines by hospitals in the country.

The Director General of the NHIA, Prof. Nasir Sambo, said apart from ensuring that the branded medicines were of the required quality, NAFDAC would help monitor the distribution of the medicine so that they would not be faked.

Sambo who revealed this at a joint press conference with the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof.

Mojisola Adeyeye, at NAFDAC:s Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday, said NHIA was able to secure the agreement with the locsl manufacturers of the medicines to drastically reduce the cost of the drugs so that they can be affordable to Nigerians.

NHIA had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pharmaceutical Companies and Drugs Management Organisations (DMOs) for production of 33 different drugs to address the perennial problem of out-of-stock syndrome in the nations health

facilities.

Under the initiative, 12 pharmaceutical companies would be branding 33 products for the health insurance ecosystem in the first phase.

Speaking at the event, Adeyeye said the NHIA chose seven states (Delta, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Niger, Osun and Sokoto states) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the pilot phase of the initiative.

She said the initiative was also geared towards strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturers, which would ultimately guarantee medicines security.

"This drive to guarantee medicines security has been a deliberate and intentional effort by NAFDAC in the past five years and continues to be on the front burner to ensure that pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities are fit for purpose.

"This will help to reduce the proliferation of substandard and falsified medical products" According to the NAFDAC DG, categories of drugs involved will start from simple to complex, which would be used to address prevailing health conditions in Nigeria, such as malaria, upper respiratory tract infections, childhood illnesses and drugs being used by pregnant women.

Ajulo, wife of another rights activist, Femi Falana, Mrs. Funmi Falana, a former Legal Adviser of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and 55 others were yesterday elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The elevation followed their success at an interview session with the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), the body responsible for the discipline of lawyers in the country.

The decision to promote the lawyers was taken at the 159 plenary

the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court/Secretary of the LPPC, Hajo Sarki-Bello, said.

"The rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession, who have distinguished themselves as advocates and academics," the statement read in part.

Adding that the new SAN would be inaugurated on Monday November 27, by the CJN at the Supreme Court complex, Sarki-Bello,

Although the LPPC had last month shortlisted 69 candidates for consideration for conferment with the prestigious SAN rank, only 58, emerged successful.

While 57 were from the advocate, 12 were shortlisted from the academic.

The registrar while announcing the shortlisted candidates on September 15, had urged members of the public “to comment on the integrity, reputation and competence” of the candidates.

Beside Ajulo, Falana and Enoidem,

Daniel Uruakpa, and Oseloka Osuigwe.

Others included Babatunde Adeoye, Babaseyi Joseph, Kehinde Aina, Nghozi Oleh, Chile Okoroma, Ibrahim Angulu, Olayiwola Afolabi, Friday Onoja, Jonathan Taidi and Agada Elachi, erstwhile chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja branch.

Meanwhile, only only Professor Babatunde Oni, emerged successful amongst the 12 shortlisted from the academic.

APC Now Has 60 Senators as Ifeanyi Ubah Dumps YPP Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Anambra South, has defected from Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress ( APC ).

Ubah's defection on the floor of the red chamber had increased the number of senators on the platform of the ruling party from 59 to 60 while the minority parties now have 49 members.

His letter of defection read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

Ubah cited irreconcilable differences between him and leadership of the YPP as reasons

for his action.

He explained that his choice of APC as new political platform, was borne out of the commitment to good governance, economic development and social progress, which the party has demonstrated in governance at federal level.

A part of his letter read: "I am willing to formally notify and informed the Distinguished Senate President and our colleagues of inconsiderable differences between me and the leadership of my party (YPP) .

"I, therefore, resolved to move from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the most important party

in Africa, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"As a dedicated politician and representative of my people, this has become exigent at this period of my political career and public service.

"After thorough evaluation of the political landscape in Nigeria particularly, the good works being done by the All Progressives Congress since the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president of Nigeria, I have come to realisation and conclusion that the All Progressives Congress is better suited to champion the ideals and principles that can move

Nigeria forward.

"The APC's commitment to good governance, economic development and social progress resonate deeply to my own conviction and the alignment of each members on key national issues for achieving the promises of any decent politician and particularly the promises that I made to my constituents to better the lot of all of them.

"I am particularly impressed by the renewed hope initiative of President Bola Tinubu ( GCFR) and I have found it needful to join the trend so as to integrate my senatorial district into the laudable mission of my President."

36

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

NEWS

MEETING AT THE MINISTRY OF POLICE AFFAIRS...

L-R: Political Adviser to European Union (EU), Osaro Odemwingie, Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Remilekun Banigbe, Ambassador of European Union to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Head of Cooperation, EU; Ruben Alba Aguilera and Special Assistant to the Minister of State, Mike Imafidor during a meeting at the Ministry of Police Affairs in Abuja on Monday

Ganduje: South East’s Cry of Marginalisation Controversial Says APC's revolution will liberate region Insists Oyo party members must reconcile to recapture state Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has described the cry of marginalisation by the South East as controversial.

Ganduje stated this yesterday in Abuja, when the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, led Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who just defected to the ruling party to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The chairman described Ubah's defection to the party as the "biggest fish" he has gotten.

"This is the biggest fish I have gotten. Marginalisation is controversial. Let's see what is happening in South-east. With the five states: three states are controlled by different political parties. We have PDP, Labour Party, APGA and remaining two, APC. "Now, a geopolitical zone with five states controlled by four political parties. Is this a sense of unity? Is this a sense of collective decision in order to participate in national politics? No! Now we have started seeing the answer.

"We will start a revolution. Already, we have two states in the South-east and with this timber and calibre, juggernaut, I think we have found the answer. Answer liberating the South-east geopolitical zone.

"We thank you for coming. I describe him as a swing politician

because wherever he is, that party wins. And we expect this swing will swing throughout the South East especially to the other three states that don't belong to APC," he said.

Earlier, Akpabio said their visit was to intimate the chairman that the number of APC senators had increased He said: "This time around we are bringing a political timber in the Senate to you. It was very difficult to convince him to join the train. Here is the man that survived the tsunami in the South-east when the Labour Party was deceiving Nigerians.

"He is not just coming with YPP alone, he is also coming with the timbers and calibers of the old party that used to be in charge of Nigeria, one of them is a former Senate President.

"Like they used to say during the civil war that the South-east has fallen; South-east has fallen and is fallen into APC. So, the man that comes will be the torch to lead the southeast to the national politics of Nigeria."

Ubah, on his part, said it has always been difficult for the Igbo people to key into the national party because of sentiments and emotions, and assured them that he would deliver for the party in the region.

Meanwhile, Ganduje, yesterday, said the APC must recapture Oyo state.

The chairman stated this when Oyo APC stakeholders led by their

chairman paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja He said there was no doubt that the issue of compensation was very important and assured them that he would take the issue up with President Bola Tinubu.

Ganduje blamed the division with the Oyo APC on internal crisis, saying

the problem was heightened during the APC presidential primaries.

"I think from what I have studied, that is the beginning and then led to the primaries for the gubernatorial election and then and then the presidential election.

"Because we want to recapture that state, we must all come together.

Those who left the party to come back to the party, those that are still in the party to reconcile. I think that is very important.

"We will look into the problems, so that you come back as one solid bloc of APC. So, there are two issues from what I have seen. One, is the issue of compensation and another

issue of forming a solid Bloc APC. "I have been trying to see what formula we can use. You know if you are solving a problem you need a formula — simple arithmetic, algebra, quadratic equation. We are still looking for the right formula to apply in order to form a solid bloc of APC," he concluded.

House Summons Tuggar, Dabiri over Maltreatment of Nigerians in Addis Ababa Juliet Akoje in Abuja The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the Chairman, Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri to brief them on the preventive measures taken to protect Nigerians and air travelers to Addis Ababa.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the Need to Investigate Alleged Victimisation and Maltreatment of Nigerians in Addis Ababa, Ethopia: Hon. Kingsley Chinda at plenary yesterday.

Other co-sponsors were Hon. Abdussamad Dasukki, Hon. Laori

Kwamoti Bittrus, Hon. Aliyu Madaki, Hon. Unyime Idem, Hon. Nkwonta Chris, Hon. Abbas Adogun, Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu, Hon. Ibe O. Osonwa, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, and Hon. Kelechi Nwogu.

Chinda, while presenting the motion noted the alleged incidence of victimisation, maltreatment and forced imprisonment of Nigerians, including air travelers, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He noted that one Dr. Paul Ezike in a “save our soul message” sought help at the instance of a Nigerian allegedly arrested and put in Ethiopian prison.

He further noted that some Nigerians were currently serving at the Chaota Maximum Security and

other prisons in Ethiopia most of whom were travelers that used the Ethiopian Airport as a transit point but were indiscriminately arrested, taken to the hospital and forcefully injected with some substances and later taken to the prison facilities.

"Nigerians in Addis Ababa and all over the world and their air travelers should be protected and should be accorded the same protection Nigeria gives to foreigners, who live in Nigeria," he said.

The lawmaker stated that 250 Nigerians were currently serving prison terms in Ethiopia as a result of frequent attack and may die in prison, if urgent steps were not taken to save them.

"These Nigerians are not only

poorly treated, but are also subjected to very agonising conditions, poor feeding and without medication," he said.

He recalled that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) joined the rest of Africa to sign a remarkable Trade Agreement for the continent and the fact that Nigerians are industrious entrepreneurs and had spent years transacting business in Addis Ababa and air travelers contributing to their economy.

"If earlier interventions and diplomatic measures are not taken by the Nigerian government to check the incessant attacks on Nigerian in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and air travelers would be at risk," he stressed.

CBN LIFTS FX RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTATION OF RICE, CEMENT, PALM OIL, 40 OTHER ITEMS “De-risking instrumentation to increase private sector investment in housing, textiles and clothing, food supply chain, healthcare, and educational supplies.

"These verticals have huge demand patterns, with the potential for high local inputs and value retention, and can be the basis for rapid industrialisation and exercise CBN’s convening power to bring key multilateral and international stakeholder participation in government and private sector initiatives.”

According to Cardoso, the CBN is currently facing a range of challenges, including issues related to corporate governance, diminished institutional autonomy, the need to refocus on core functions, discontinuation of unconventional monetary policies, tackling unorthodox use of Ways and Means spending, addressing the backlog of foreign exchange demand, clarifying fiscal and monetary relationships, managing inflation and ensuring price stability.

He listed other challenges to include enhancing access to the foreign exchange market, evaluating interest rate realignment and assessing the stability of the current financial system, with a proactive approach to monitoring the expanding use of electronic payment systems by Fintech and Telcos.

He stated that in assessing challenges currently facing the country's central bank, preliminary questions are presently being raised to address failure in corporate governance at the apex bank, just as he stressed the need to rebuild confidence in the bank and autonomy and integrity of CBN In terms of refocusing the CBN back to it's core functions, Cardoso noted that, "what needs to be in place is to revert to evidence-based Monetary policies, discontinuation of unorthodox monetary policies and foreign currency management."

He added: “Unorthodox use of Ways and Means spending: What controls can CBN develop to enforce

statutory limits in the use of Ways and Means of financing public sector deficit?

"Backlog of FX demand: How much of the backlog is real versus speculative/ hoarding and are there creative financing options for clearing the short to medium term backlog.”

He further raised some posers on the issue of lack of clarity in fiscal and monetary relationships, "where are the delineations, and what should be the limits in CBN’s fiscal side interventions Inflation and price stability? What are the causes, and what is CBN’s proposed response to address inflation and price stability issues?

“Access to FX market and FX price discovery: What mechanisms exist to address FX rate unification under a willing buyer and willing seller arrangement?

"What should be the role of the central bank in the FX market. Is there a need for interest rate realignment to money supply, inflation, and market realities?

"Current Financial System

Stability: What is the current state of the financial system? "Are CBN surveillance frameworks being updated proactively to track the expanding use of electronic payment systems by Fintech and Telcos?”

Naira Depreciates on Parallel Market, I& E Window The naira depreciated further on both the parallel market and the official I&E window yesterday, closing at N1050/$1 and N759.20/$1, respectively.

On the parallel market, the naira/ dollar exchange rate was N1050/$1, a decline from the N1030/$1 reported on Wednesday.

On the other hand, on the official I&E window, it closed at N759.20/$1, reflecting a decrease from the N776.80/$1 recorded on Wednesday. However, the official I&E window reported a daily volume turnover of $407.66 million, which

was an increase compared to the previous day's turnover of $29.06 million.

CPPE Hails CBN's Decision to End Exclusion of 43 Items from FX Market The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has welcomed the decision of the CBN to discontinue the policy to exclude 43 items from accessing foreign exchange from the official market.

The Founder of the CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, yesterday described the termination of the policy as a move in the right direction.

Yusuf said: "It is part of the policy normalisation process.

"The exclusion of the 43 items was one of the several drivers of distortions in the forex market. The exclusion of the items also contributed to the persistent divergence in rates between the official window and

the parallel market.

"The exclusion was also in conflict with extant trade policy as the items were not under import prohibition in the first place. It was an example of lack of policy coordination under the previous administration."

He said that the new directive would also improve transparency and disclosures in foriegn exchange transactions.

He advised the CBN to avoid market suppression tendencies, especially outside the I and E window.

"All policy impediments to forex inflows should be removed," he said , adding that the "fiscal authorities should continually monitor the economic landscape to shape the character of fiscal policy measures to regulate imports in line with comparative advantage principles.

"We need to worry about the risk of import surge. There is also need to upscale the use of fiscal policy measures to boost domestic production and productivity."

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

GETTING SET FOR ALMOND INSURANCE INDUSTRY AWARDS…

L-R: Member, 2023 Almond Insurance Industry Awards Panel of Judges/ Group Head, Insurance and Financial Risk , Dangote Group, Mr. Obashola Alo; Chairman of Panel, Ms Prisca Soares; Panel member, Dr. Jide Fadun, and Secretary of the panel, Mr. Obinna Chilekezie, during the press conference on the unveiling of nominees in the various categories of the awards, in Lagos ETOP UKUTT

DHQ: We’ll Dismantle Safe Havens for Terrorists, Bandits Nationwide Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The military high command, yesterday, vowed to destroy identified terror safe havens across the country.

It said the safe havens had supported and propelled insurgency for 14 years, listing such to include ungoverned spaces, notably, forests, jungles, national parks, and games

reserves among others.

Defence Headquarters also disclosed that troops killed 50 terrorists while 114 of them were arrested even as troops discovered and destroyed 53 illegal refining sites, recovered 983,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 144,980 litres of illegally refined diesel and 71,650 litres of DPK. At a media briefing in Abuja, Director of Defence

Flood Sweeps away 13-year-old Girl in Awka David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Flood occasioned by heavy rainfall last Wednesday evening swept away a 13-year-old girl in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

The girl, whose guardian operates a food stall along Ziks Avenue, Awka, was trying to rescue their wheelbarrow, which was being carried by flood, when she mistakenly missed her step and fell into drainage.

A source, who witnessed the sad event, said the girl was

immediately swept away by the fast-moving tide of the flood, and her body was eventually found down the road.

“The girl was trying to rescue their wheelbarrow, which was being swept away by flood.

They were two girls, but one of them, who was the eldest, missed her step and fell into the drainage, and was immediately swept away.

“People around the area rallied round and rescued the girl in drainage down the road, but before then, she was already dead.

Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, said the safe havens provided the flow of funding, material, weapons, fighters, command and control

modifying its operations to overcome the changes in tactics of the extremists operating across the country.

“Accordingly, the ongoing

counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations are designed to ensure that uncertainty is replaced with certainty.

Bayelsa Guber: APC Skakeholders Tackle Sylva for Naming Self Campaign DG Olusegun Samuel inYenagoa

Ahead of the Bayelsa State governorship elections coming up on November 11, some stakeholders in the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have faulted the governorship standard-bearer, Chief Timipre Sylva for naming himself the Director General of

the campaign council.

Reacting to the constitution and inauguration of the campaign council, some stakeholders and chieftains of the party under the auspices of Bayelsa APC Integrity Group, said the development has vindicated the group who has accused the party’s flag bearer of running a one-man show in the party.

The reaction of the group, which is contained in a statement signed by its Coordinator Chief Ebipadeowei Oyinkuro, recalled that only a few years ago, APC was not only in the heart and mouth of the people of Bayelsa State but was also at the commanding height of goodwill in the State, regretting that weeks to the governorship

election, all that has evaporated.

He said: “The party not only appears to be going into battle with its flanks wide open, but it is deep in tatters and also showing signs that it requires oxygen.

“Well-regarded and influential members of the party in the state who could rightly be described as the first and best 11 have all turned their backs against Chief Sylva.

BBC Report on Tinubu’s CSU Certificate Bias, Mischievous, Says Group BenjaminNworieinAbakaliki

A pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition(NADECO), has faulted the report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on the Chicago State University (CSU) academic records of President Bola Tinubu,

saying it was bias and mischievous.

The reputable broadcasting media had reportedly claimed that there was no evidence that the CSU’s academic certificates of President Bola Tinubu submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for the 2023 presidential election were forged.

In a statement, the Executive Director of NADECO, in United States (US), Lloyd Ukwu, regretted that the respected international media outfit like BBC was fast losing integrity over her recent image laundering for Tinubu.

“In a world where integrity and honesty are increasingly becoming

rare commodities, it is our solemn duty to shed light on deceit and manipulation, even when it is executed by influential figures. Today, we stand resolute against the latest reckless display of disinformation by the BBC in its apparent hired attempt to launder the tattered image of President Bola Tinubu.

Experts Express Worry over Poor Mental Health Services for Security Agencies OnyebuchiEzigboinAbuja

UNICEF: Kano Has 989,234 Security experts in the country raised concerns about the Out-of-School Children have declining level of mental health services provided for military and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

that supported terrorism and insurgency confronting the nation.

“The armed forces are constantly restrategising and

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) yesterday said that Kano State has the highest number of out-of-school children in the country, which stands at 989,234 and contributed to the country’s indices as the highest worldwide.

The UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms Cristian Munduate disclosed this during a press conference in Kano.

She said stakeholders,

especially the Kano state government, must demonstrate paramilitary agencies engaged in the more political will to change the task of securing lives and properties narratives noting that, the state in the country. stands a better chance to become a game changer in the country.

She said: “So if Kano has 989,234 children out-of- AdibeEmenyonuinBenin-city school, and we said with this methodology, we brought In order to encourage academic back 1.5 million to school in excellence, the Edo State House 10 years, Kano can accelerate of Assembly yesterday honoured and for instance, in some years a 15-year-old Master Ovoita Gold we end the problem and attain Ajagun from Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, who scored zero out-of-school.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has constituted both the Oyo State Elders’ Council and the Oyo State Advisory Council.

The duo of former Chief of Staff to Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Dr Saka Balogun and former Minister of Power and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese will serve as chairman and co-chairman of the State Elders’ Council, respectively.

A letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor,

dated 12 October, indicated that other members of the Elders’ Council include former Deputy Governor of the state, Hameed Gbadamosi; former first lady, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja and Chief Jacob Adetoro.

Others are: Chief Sunday Ogunlade; Ambassador Ronke Adefope; Chief Nureni Akanbi and Chief Ademola Eyinade.

The letter added that the State Advisory Council will be chaired by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN.

The concerned stakeholders said they were worried that the unbating exodus of Nigerian doctors and nurses abroad for greener pastures had further compounded issues with health services available for security personnel declining.

The Director General Office for the Strategic Preparedness

and Resilience (OSPRE), National Early Warning Centre of Nigeria, Mr. Chris Ngwodo, who spoke at a consultative roundtable on mental healthcare for armed forces, security services and law enforcement personnel said there was need for the security agencies to pool resources to address the gap in provision of

mental health services.

He said the authorities of the military and paramilitary agencies in the country and OSPRE came together in a collaborative effort, to convene a meeting of stakeholders in defence, security and law enforcement to addressing healthcare challenges facing the sector.

Edo Assembly Honours 15-year-old for Scoring 335 in Last UTME, Obtaining 8 A1 in WASSCE 335 in the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and obtained eight A1s in the recently released West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Receiving Ajagun, who attended GloryLand Secondary School, Igarra,

the Speaker of the House ofAssembly, Blessing Agbebaku, expressed delight in the results, stressing that the future of the state and the country is guaranteed with the academic excellence of the boy, and promised to give him a one-year scholarship.

In further appreciation, he was

made a one-day Speaker and presided over a mock sitting of the state House of Assembly, where he called on the state government to increase budgetary allocation for the education sector to enable all children of school age to acquire basic and good education.

Inaugurates $250m Lithium Factory in Nasarawa Makinde Constitutes Oyo State Tinubu Speaking at the groundbreaking energy for Nigerians.

According to the president, “I IgbawaseUkumbainLafia ceremony of the Ganfeng Lithium The president, who was must say congratulations to this Elders’, Advisory Councils President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Industry Limited Factory in Endo represented by the Minister of company for this uncommon Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan yesterday inaugurated a $250 million lithium factory in Nasarawa State, as part of the federal government’s efforts to meet up with the battery and energy demands of Nigerians.

community of Udege in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state, President Tinubu said the project was in line with his administration’s commitment to providing adequate

Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, therefore, commended the company for initiating the project and assured it of the federal government’s support at all times.

feat. Under this administration, we shall do everything possible to discourage the carting away of our solid minerals without value addition.

Liberia Elections: ECOWAS Commission Calls for Timely Release of Results The ECOWAS Commission Observation Mission has called on the Liberian National Elections Commission (LNEC) to diligently and urgently work on ensuring the timely and transparent release of results to defuse any potential tension that may arise from long waits for results.

The Head of the ECOWAS Observation Mission, Professor Attahiru Jega, made the call in his report on preliminary conclusions made available last night.

The mission emphasised the need for the legislature and other critical stakeholders in the country to consider the review of

relevant portions of the Liberian Constitution and electoral law to allow elections to be held during the dry season.

According to the mission, allowing elections to be held in the dry season would enable election workers and materials to reach hard-to-reach destinations

more efficiently.

The mission noted that there were challenges associated with infrastructure and their impact on the smooth conduct of the elections. He urged the government to implement measures to improve infrastructure conditions.

38

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

WORLD OF ISLAM Guinness Nigeria Not

NEWS XTRA

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

Leaving Nigeria, Says CEO Gaza Tragedy: A Step

DikeOnwuamaeze

The Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. John Musunga, has stated unequivocally that the company has no plan to exit from Nigeria, rather it is making increased capital investments and expanding its production capacity in the country.

Musunga made this clarification yesterday when he briefed journalists in Lagos to explain some of the company’s new operational strategies in distributing its products in Nigeria in the face of biting foreign exchange scarcity businesses are experiencing

in the country.

He said: “We have no intention now, or in the future, to exit from Nigeria market. We are delighted with the opportunities Nigerian consumers are giving to our brands.

They consume our brands and we want to continue to deliver value to them.

“We have a robust research and development (R&D) that will continue to give us what the taste preference, needs, aspirations of our Nigerian consumers are. And with that in mind we craft products that meet those needs.”

He said that Guinness Nigeria

has just acquired 25 acres of land in Ikeja industrial area in line with its expansion plan, and as recently as last week the company took delivery of new equipment that were brought to expand their spirit capacity having identified huge opportunities in Nigeria that we could tap into and expand substantially.

He said: “To demonstrate that we are keen to remain in Nigeria, our new water recapture plants in Lagos and Benin cost millions of dollars.

These state of the art facilities are expensive but our intention is to continue demonstrating as a business that we are thinking sustainability.

Kogi Govt Vows to Prosecute Suspects Who Buried 11-year-old Brother Alive Ibrahim OyewaleinLokoja Worried by the shocking inhuman treatment meted out on an 11-yearold boy (Friday Oshodi) by his parents, the Kogi State Government has vowed to prosecute all the suspects involved in burying the boy alive.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba, disclosed this in a chat with journalists yesterday.

Buba said the ministry is also making all the necessary arrangements to put the victim in an orphanage home.

According to the commissioner, information that got to the ministry indicated that the boy is being maltreated by his stepmother and brother, adding that the government will ensure that justice is served on

CHANGE OF NAME

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all the perpetrators of the evil act.

She reiterated that the government under Governor Yahaya Bello remains committed in protecting the boy and girl-child, warning that any guardian carrying out ill-human treatment on their wards will face the full wrath of the law.

The commissioner said: “The victim, Friday Oshodi, is currently

in our custody while the prime suspect, Goodness Oshodi, is in the police net. This is wickedness in the highest order. How will somebody bury his fellow human alive?

“The woman who ordered for the punishment of this young boy is currently at large. I am assuring the public that she will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Coke Studio Announces Africa’s Real Wonder Collaboration Coke Studio has announced an extraordinary collaboration between BNXN, Young Stunna and Nikita Kering in its Real Wonder Regional collision. Coke Studio, the platform known for bringing together musical talents from across the world announced its grand return through this extraordinary collaboration that is set to redefine the African music landscape.

Joining BNXN on this musical journey are Young Stunna, a renowned artist representing South Africa, and Nikita Kering, the sensational singer-songwriter

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from Kenya. Together, they deliver a mesmerising vocal performance that transcends borders and genres, promising to captivate listeners from the very first note.

The company explained that to breathe life into this exceptional track, Coke Studio enlisted the expertise of two acclaimed producers, Christer Kobedi and Eashan Thakrar.

“With their creative input and technical finesse, they have added an extra layer of depth and polish to “Traboski (Coke Studio)”, elevating it to new artistic heights.

The Frontline Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Yusuf Murtala in a statement said: “This year promises to be a pivotal moment in the world of African music, and I couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead.”

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to inform the public that my name was captured on my EcoBank as MORDI ENVY instead of MORDI ENVY-NO-ONE CHUKWUDUMEBI. My correct name is MORDI ENVY-NOONE CHUKWUDUMEBI. All former documents remain valid, Banks, FCDA authorities concerned and the general public to take note.

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West Africa examination council (WAEC) and the general public should please take note.

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This is to notify the public that during my BVN registration,my date of birth was wrongly written as 20/5/1968 instead of 27/5/1968, also my name was wrongly written as ANIEFIONG GEORGE JEREMIAH instead of ANIEFIOK GEORGE JEREMIAH. All former document remain valid and the general public should please take note.

Closer to the Apocalypse (I) By: Spahic Omer/Iviews/IslamiCity When the Qur’an said in the context of the battle of Badr - which was the mother of all battles and a precursor of things to come - that the objective of the battle was to establish as well as justify the truth and abolish as well as prove falsehood false “even if the criminals disliked it” (al-Anfal, 8), the stage was set for the emergence of perennial conflicts between the two divergent paradigms of fighting: one that champions the truth, justice and dignity of man, and the other that endorses the antitheses of the former.

The latest episode in the protracted Gaza tragedy is one of those conflicts when the truth is made manifest and its credibility firmly ratified, and when falsehood, on the other hand, is also made manifest and its professed integrity seriously undermined.

What follows are two aspects of the on-going truth affirmation process.

A mixture of occupation and oppression When in 637 CE Muslims liberated the holy land of Palestine, they converted it into a safe haven for both the Jews and Christians. Barring its formative age, the region for the first time in human history was governed by the principles of heaven and pure human consciousness, rather than the principles of ruthless imperialism and unbridled human avarice.

The new state of affairs persisted ever since. It was disrupted only twice: during the Crusades (1095-1291 CE) and in 1948 the state of Israel was formed and imposed on the lands of Palestine and its people.

Both disruptions were the result of fusing the effects of the perverted human nature, corruption of faith and mercenary colonialism. Since the disruptions were fuelled and sustained by unprecedented monstrosities, on both occasions were Palestine and its people subjected to unspeakable premeditated and systematically executed crimes.

Today’s fate of Gaza is an expression of a welldeveloped pattern. The place has been defiled to an equal degree with regards to both earthly and heavenly standards. It is crying for deliverance and the restoration of hopes not only for Muslims, but also for all people of ethical acuity and good will. It is crying for humanity.

Historically, the Jews were allowed to live in Palestine and to enjoy their freedom of worship. Just like everyone else, they were treated justly. The Islamic law has specific protective provisions for non-Muslim minorities. Moreover, it is not a secret that Muslim lands often served as a refuge for the Jewish migrants escaping persecutions elsewhere.

On balance, Muslims provided the most hospitable environments for the Jews, behaving towards them cordially. Hence, for example, no sooner had Salahuddin al-Ayyubi defeated the crusaders, bringing their unholy mission to an end, than he allowed both Muslims and the Jews to return to the holy land of Palestine.

In his book “Travels in Syria and the Holy Land”, John Lewis Burckhardt (1784-1817) was compelled to remark as an eyewitness that “the Jews enjoy here (in Syrian and Palestine) perfect religious freedom…

Christians and Jews are tolerated because Mohammed and his immediate successors granted them protection, and because the Turks acknowledge Christ and the prophets.”

However, instead of appreciating the Muslim justice and generosity, certain elements within the Jewish community were never at rest; they never stopped seeking out means to upset the status quo and unsettle the accepted norms. In the end, the illegitimate state of Israel was born on the land that belonged to someone, was developed and supported by someone, and was ruled by someone’s rules. No one can deny that the move was a stab in the back.

Doing so was a plain act of occupation, accompanied by unceasing acts of terror, displacement of the Palestinians and the seizure of their lands as well as property. And just like any other regime of occupation, Israel could only survive on the premises of extra terror, extra displacement and extra land and property confiscation. Since its inception and for as long as it has existed, Israel has been an apartheid state and will remain so until its expiry. Its inherent composition (existential DNA) is such that it cannot behave differently; it will never be able to shake off its identity.

Believing that Israel is “the direct continuation of Jewish history that had been interrupted 2,000 years earlier when the Roman legions had crushed the Hebrew freedom fighters and banished the Jews from Palestine,” and that the Jews’ period of exile was a prolonged interlude in the history of Israel following which the Jews had now regained their rightful home in Palestine – is, to all intents and purposes, an outlandishly naïve thinking. Reviving some ancient and generally hazy, plus inaccurate, events that had transpired thousands of years ago, and trying to graft them and their remotest implications onto the dynamics of modern socio political and civilizational realities

is nothing short of an absurdity. It is an endeavour to arouse sentimentality and suppress reason, and to pursue the acquisition of as much popular backing as possible for a devilish purpose. It is a revisionary measure that not only touches upon history, but also religion and humanity’s civilizational penchant.

As said earlier, Palestine was always cosmopolitan.

Absolutely no one was barred from accessing it and freely living or worshipping in it. Such is in full agreement with the message of Islam and its notions of “conquest” and coexistence. Islam liberated Palestine for the world, including the Jews.

It should be recalled that from 1920 until the illegal creation of Israel in 1948, Palestine as a geopolitical entity called Mandatory Palestine was ruled by Britain. It was during those years, especially after the collapse of the institution of caliphate, that conceiving the nefarious design of implanting the cancer of a Jewish state in the heart of the Muslim world was upped, after which it was gradually put into operation.

The ultimate objective was recognized. However, during a transitional period, when the ground for the occupation had to be prepared, people’s psychology to whatever extent be primed, and the position of a dwindling number of powerful and honourable Muslim leaders be softened, all sorts of tricks and manoeuvres were resorted to. Force, manipulation and inducement dominated.

Thus, for example, before the actual creation of Israel, David Ben-Gurion (1886-1973) - a major Zionist leader, Israel’s founding father and the country’s first prime minister – was proposing that a new state’s government should guarantee the idea of non-domination, i.e., complete parity in government between the Jews and Arabs, irrespective of population ratios. He hoped that a parity agreement would not be necessary for ever.

He said: “The time will come when Arabs and Jews will work together in mutual confidence, and the lines of division will become other than racial ones. This consciousness of a common citizenship will develop gradually as a result of economic cooperation, but until it has developed, and until the present racial suspiciousness has disappeared, it is necessary to have some arrangement which will prevent either race from being dominated by the other” (John Philby, Ibn Saud and Palestine).

These were the words uttered during the time of uncertainty, when the idea of the state of Israel was still in its infancy, so some diversion and smooth talk was a necessity, and when devising a contingency plan was crucial, for nobody could fathom what the future entailed. However, subsequent to the establishment of Israel, things dramatically changed and the events which followed are well-known. For one, as the country’s first prime minster, David Ben-Gurion was known as a vicious man with stronghanded policies that aimed to displace or expel the Palestinians by Zionist militias and to keep the neighbouring Arab countries at bay. His motto was: “What matters is not what the Gentiles will say, but what the Jews will do” (Britannica).

Thus, apart from the Zionist Jews themselves, Britain and its Western allies are to be blamed the most for the crime of creating Israel by means of dislodging the Palestinians, shedding their blood, destroying and taking their lives, and stealing their possessions. In that manner, Israel became a protectorate or a colony of the West; they were all partners in crime.

This indeed is the crux of the matter. It is all about occupation and a culture of cruelty – nothing else. So much so that commencing from Israel’s founding, the Palestinians could neither dream of, nor experience, better scenarios. The most they were able to procure were some meagre benefits for which however they were asked to relinquish their dignity and most basic of human rights. In short, they had to compromise their values and make a pact with the devil, which for the honourable and proud Palestinians was not an option.

Making a Faustian bargain was out of the question, hence, the whole of Palestine, in particular the proudest and most principled Gaza, was turned into an open-air prison with no escape. Due to this, Jonathan Cook, an award-winning British journalist, branded the latest Gaza uprising against the Israeli occupation as “Gaza’s (prison) breakout.”

It goes without saying that all discourses about the Palestinian issue are to be placed against the background of the occupation and perpetual tyranny. All other things are irrelevant. If not, problems could be muddled and developments misunderstood. Accordingly, the Palestinians are entitled to make recourse to all sorts of means and channels in order to end the occupation and punish the evil oppressors. Such terms as terrorism, criminality, rigidity, unwillingness to negotiate or compromise, etc., are not to be associated with the Palestinians in any way. They are freedom fighters par excellence; they are heroes and beautiful examples to others; their dead are martyrs and inspiration to posterity.

To Be Continued

39

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Super Eagles Dare Saudi’s Green Falcons Ahead AFCON 2023

Duro Ikhazuagbe

After Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, defeating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in a Group C game, the Middle East nation momentarily enjoyed the limelight of demystifying the South Americans with their legendary Lionel Messi.

Although Saudi Arabia led by Frenchman Herve Renard finished at the bottom of the group and exited the first Mundial in the Arab world at the group stage, the Green Falcons showed what is possible when a thoroughbred manager is in-charge of a team with ambition.

It is against this background that one needs to look at the international friendly between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in Portugal this evening (5pm Nigeria time) as a test of character between two managers.

Ordinarily, Saudi Arabia’s Italian Manager, Roberto Mancini, is a tested and trusted gaffer with better credential than Super Eagles’ Portuguese head coach, Jose Peseiro.

That has not translates to quick success, though. Saudi Arabia under Mancini have lost to Costa Rica (3-1) and South Korea (1-0) since taking charge in August. However, Nigeria’s legion of talents scattered all over the leagues in Europe, give Peseiro advantage over his more illustrious counterpart. What may

Nigeria's Super Eagles who last night were pitted against hosts Cote d'Ivoire in AFCON 2023 draw will play Saudi Arabia in an international friendly in Portugal tonight

I N T E R N AT I O N A L F R I E N D LY make the difference is the tactical acumen both men bring to bear on their teams this evening.

While Mancini is still searching

for his first win in-charge of Saudi Arabia, Peseiro boasts of five in six last outings. Guinea-Bissau inflicted the first defeat on Eagles

…Nigeria Pit Against Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, the Guineans Femi Solaja

For the first time since Mali 2002, Nigeria will have the host nation to contend with at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled to hold next January in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles were paired

AFCON 2023 DRAW GROUP A Cote d’Ivoire Nigeria E’Guinea Guinea-Bissau Group B Egypt Ghana Cape Verde Mozambique GROUP C Senegal Cameroon Guinea Gambia GROUP D Algeria Burkina Faso Mauritania Angola GROUP E Tunisia Mali South Africa Namibia GROUP F Morocco DR Congo Zambia Tanzania

against hosts Cote d’Ivoire in Group A alongside Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

Current African Footballer of the Year, Senegal’s Sadio Mane who was one of the football personalities invited to the Draw Ceremony in Abidjan, picked the ballot that pitted the two West African football nations to play in same Group A and interestingly, it will be the first meeting of the two countries since Nigeria eliminated the star-studded Ivorian side in the quarter finals of the tournament Super Eagles won in South Africa in 2013 Also, the two other nations in the group are no strangers to Nigeria after playing the Super Eagles in the qualifying tournaments to the last AFCON and World Cup qualifying matches. Guinea Bissau shocked Nigeria in Abuja last March in an AFCON qualifier.

Nigeria got paired with hosts Mali when they hosted the tournament in 2002. Super Eagles were similar paired with hosts Ghana (1978), Algeria (1990) and Senegal in 1992.

Super Eagles defeated hosts Senegal 2-1 in 1992 with goals by Samson Siasia and late Stephen Keshi in the opening match of that edition in Dakar. Late Teranga Lions’ star player, Jules Bocandes equalized Siasia’s goal before Keshi grabbed the winner to send the home fans into early retirement to bed.

The Eagles played the championship game in 1984, when Cote d’Ivoire similarly last hosted this tournament.

In the other groups, Egypt will take on Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique in Group B while defending Champions, Senegal lead the park in Group C with Cameroon, Guinea and Gambia.

In Group D, Algeria will play against Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Angola while Tunisia, Mali, South Africa and Namibia will tango for knockout slots in Group

E. Morocco, Congo Democratic Republic, Zambia and Tanzania have all to play for in Group F. The best two teams will automatically qualify into the next stage while four best losers will also progress.

The tournament will run from January 13th to 11th of February next year.

under his watch. Although that did not stop the Nigeria Football Federation from giving him a six months extension to his contract that expired in June, the local press and some vocal football stakeholders appear not impress with what he’s offering with his wards. They feel that qualification of Nigeria for AFCON 2023 is more of a birthright! The real task for Peseiro is to see win the continental title as well as qualify Nigeria for the 2026 World Cup after missing the cut in the last edition in Qatar. It is only then that Nigerians will begin to see Peseiro in the mould of Clemens Westerhof and the likes.

Interestingly, the only time that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have met was with Peseiro in charge of the Green Falcons in 2010 World Cup preparatory clash.

With exciting talents like Bright

Osayi-Samuel, Jordan Torunarigha, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo DeleBashiru, Terem Moffi, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar and of course FIFA Ballon d’Or Dozen-Shortlist member, Victor Osimhen, at Peseiro’s disposal, ever-demanding Nigerian ball fans will want to see more goals in this game as Nigeria prepare to begin the race to the 2026 World Cup qualification series.

There are also experienced defenders Kenneth Omeruo (who was in the 2013 AFCON-winning squad and is happy to echo ‘Let’s Do It Again’), Semi Ajayi and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho.

While Peseiro will surely miss in-form Nottingham Forest of

England forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who is sidelined by injury, there is the opportunity to either start Victor Boniface or see what ravemaking France-based Terem Moffi can truly offer.

Moffi was in Peseiro’s first roll-of-the-dice with the Eagles in the friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador in the USA last year’s summer, and scored as the Eagles marched on Sao Tome and Principe to set a record international scoreline in an AFCON 2023 qualifying match in Agadir, Morocco some days later.

With the recall of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, the rivalry between him and Francis Uzoho for Nigeria’s number one jersey resumes, and both goal-tenders know that only the best will keep the gloves in next month’s World Cup qualifiers and at the AFCON early next year.

Cricket: Nigeria Top West Africa Trophy with Two Games to End Nigeria’s senior male cricket team, the Yellow-Greens, are sitting comfortably atop the leaderboard of the ongoing West Africa Cup at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos, with eight wins and two matches to spare.

Rwanda, Ghana, and Sierra Leone are following respectively, in the four-nation tournament sponsored by Dafabet in conjunction with the Nigeria Cricket Federation.

Nigeria’s eight wins included three victories apiece against Ghana and Sierra Leone, and

two off Rwandan national team.

Currently, Nigeria’s Suleiman Runsewe leads the batters chart, with 208 runs on the log, from the eight games played so far.

The high-points, being; 80 runs from 62 balls in the encounter with Ghana on Tuesday and 79 runs he had from 55 balls against Sierra Leone penultimate Thursday.

Rwandan, Hamza Khan follows with 177 runs too, from eight matches, while Nigerian Ajekun Daniel sits in the third spot with 160 runs.

Nigeria’s right-hand medium bowler, Isaac Okpe, is leading the bowling chart with 16 wickets from eight matches played, two ahead of Emmanuel Sebareme and Martin Akayezu who are tied at 14 wickets a piece from eight matches. Nigeria’s Cheimelie Udekwe is lurking behind in fourth place, with 13 wickets haul.

President of the Nigeria’s Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, yesterday described the event as a demonstration of the progress that is being attained in the as-

sociate countries and the West African sub-region especially.

“There are gains we are recording in the sub-region. We may not be where we want, but cricket, is growing infrastructurally, and a lot of developmental efforts are ongoing. This is affecting the quality of the game. The West Africa Cup is a platform that we have used to rally those gains,” observed the NCF boss.

Today, Friday, October 13 has been designated rest day, while the final two games have been set for tomorrow and Sunday.

IOC Suspends Russian Olympic Committee The International Olympic Committee's executive board has suspended the Russian Olympic Committee "with immediate effect until further notice".

The move comes after the ROC recognised regional organisations from four Ukrainian territories illegally annexed by Russia since its full-scale invasion began in 2022.

The IOC said last Thursday's

recognition was "a breach of the Olympic Charter because it violates the territorial integrity of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine".

The suspension means the ROC "is no longer entitled to operate as a National Olympic Committee" and "cannot receive any funding from the Olympic movement".

Olympic Councils from the

regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia had been recognised by the ROC. The IOC added it would decide whether Russian athletes could compete as neutrals at Paris 2024 "at the appropriate time".

In response, the ROC called the suspension "another counterproductive decision with obvious political motivations".

The IOC did not initially

sanction the ROC following the invasion, but Russia has been banned from competing as a nation in athletics since November 2015 after state-sponsored doping was uncovered.

Russia's doping suspension was lifted in March but the World Athletics Council ruled the nation would remain banned "for the foreseeable future" because of the war in Ukraine.

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Friday, October 13, 2023

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& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Kachikwu to FG, NNPC

“Like many people, I obviously feel frustrated that the refineries are not working. In my time, we did all we could but were limited by the politics of the moment. When we looked at the refineries, we started from the basics which was, how do we, without spending too much money, get any of the refineries to offer partial production restart to help the then lingering fuel scarcity crises that we met upon assuming office?” –Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Prof. Ibe Kachikwu, baring his mind on why the local refineries are not working.

87 +

5( $ 62

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\HDUV 4*/$&

ERICTENIOLA Making a Liberal Democratic Choice GUEST COLUMNIST

T

he ex -Governor of Ekiti state, Dr. John Oluwakayode Fayemi, from Isan Ekiti has admitted what we knew all along, that liberal democracy is not working in this country.

He has previously served as governor of Ekiti state between 2010 and 2014 and also served as Minister of Solid Minerals Development under President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR from November 11, 2015 to May 30, 2018 before he resigned to contest for a second term as Governor of Ekiti state. He handed over as governor to his chosen successor, Mr. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji (55) on October 16 last year.

At present, he is a lecturer at Kings College, University of London, his former school. After completing his studies at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, he joined THE GUARDIAN newspaper, before venturing into academics and later into politics.

On Tuesday September 5, this year, he made the admission on liberal democracy while delivering a key note address at a national dialogue organised to celebrate the 60th birthday of Prof Udenta Udenta, founding national secretary of Alliance for Democracy (AD).

While speaking at the event, the ex-governor criticised the “winner-takes-all” nature of Nigeria’s democracy stating that the nation’s current challenges could not be effectively addressed without adopting proportional representation, where election rewards are distributed among contestants based on their share of the vote.

“Today, I read former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s interview in The Cable saying our liberal democracy is not working and we need to revisit it, and I agree with him. We must move from the political alternatives. I think we are almost on a dead end of that.”

“What we need is alternative politics, and my own notion of alternative politics is that you can’t have 35 per cent of the vote and take 100 per cent. It won’t work! We must look at proportional representation so that the party that is said to have won 21 per cent of the votes will have 21 per cent of the government.

Adversary politics bring division and enmity,” he said.

On a personal note, while I was working in Ibadan secretariat in the Ministry of Works and transport, Western state, his father’s office was opposite mine, the then Ministry of Information. When I switched to Journalism in early 1972, while working in the Nigerian Tribune, I used to visit his father, who took me like a junior brother.

His father was then working under Chief Festus Oladipo Shadare from Akure, who was then the Chief Information Officer in Western state. His dad’s colleagues at that time included my late friend, Femi Olurin from Ilaro in Ogun state, Chief Adewole Atandeyi (84), from Akure who retired as Chief Information officer in Ondo state, Mr. John Fademi (82) from Ijebu Ijesha in the present day Osun state and others.

General Yakubu Gowon (88) GCFR appointed Brigadier General Christopher Oluwole Rotimi(88), governor of Western state on April 1, 1971, likewise Brigadier Rotimi appointed Chief Samuel Kolawole Babalola(1931-2020) from Ipoti Ekiti as Commissioner for Health.

Dr. Fayemi’s father, Chief John Fadeyi Fayemi served as Information Officer under late Chief S.K Babalola. Dr Fayemi’s parents were then living at Agodi in Ibadan.

Chief Fayemi retired as a zonal information officer when Ekiti state was created. He died in 2009 at 86, just before his son became governor.

My keen interest in Dr. Fayemi grew when he went into politics in this republic and fortunate enough he has had his own share in serving the people, both at the national level and the state level. No one can predict his political future. What he has said deserved some commentary. The question I will like to ask, is who gave us this liberal democracy we are practicing?

Out of office, if these two men (Dr. Kayode Fayemi and former President Olusegun Obasanjo) are today questioning the validity of our liberal democracy, we should be worried. Afterwards empiricism in the philosophy of science emphasizes evidence, especially

Fayemi as discovered in experiments. It is a fundamental part of the scientific method that all hypotheses and theories must be tested against observations of the natural world rather than resisting solely on a prior reasoning, intuition, or revelation. Empiricism, often used by natural scientists, says that “knowledge is based on experience” and that knowledge is tentative and probabilistic, subject to continued revision and falsification”. Empirical research, including experiments and validated measurement tools, guides the scientific method.

It is often said that it is those who wears the shoes that know where the shoes pinches.

If former President Obasanjo, who was part of the Supreme Military Council that imposed on us this Presidential System of government is part of those complaining today about liberal democracy, we have to note that something is wrong. You may not like the messenger but you must examine the message.

Except for the President, the governors, legislators and their aides including Ministers and Commissioners and probably friends, no one is benefitting from the liberal democracy. The people are getting impoverished everyday.

It is no exaggeration that there is extreme poverty in the land irrespective of who is leading us. I wonder why we are sticking to this type of democracy that is not yielding results and making us more miserable. Is there no alternative? And why must we recite every script on liberal democracy? Can’t we adopt another system of government that will be beneficial to us all?

We have to admit that the liberal democracy is not working in our interest at all.

Nigerians are of the few people in the world who have never had a say in how they are being governed.

What has happened in Nigeria and what is presently happening is enough to bring a revolution in other parts of the world. Everything has been imposed on us.

There are other alternatives to liberal democracy. We have Noocracy- a democracy in which only the wise and competent are allowed to stand and vote, Sociocracy- a democratic system of governance based on consent decision making, circle organization, subsidiarity and doublelinked representation, New Democracy- Maoist concept based on Mao Zedong’s “Bloc of Four Classes theory in post-revolutionary China, Market democracy-- another name for democratic capitalism, an economic ideology based on a tripartite arrangement of a market-based economy based predominantly on economic incentives through free markets, a democratic polity and a liberal moral-cultural system which encourages pluralism.

Others are Participatory democracy – involves

more lay citizen participation in decision making and offers greater political representation than traditional representative democracy, e.g., wider control of proxies given to representatives by those who get directly involved and actually participate, Semi-direct democracy – representative democracy with instruments, elements, and/or features of direct democracy and Grassroots democracy – emphasizes trust in small decentralized units at the municipal government level, possibly using urban secession to establish the formal legal authority to make decisions made at this local level binding.

Let us look at what liberal democracy means.

According to Wikipedia, “Liberal democracy, substantive democracy or western democracy is a form of government that combines the structure of a representative democracy with the principles of liberal political philosophy. It is characterized by elections between multiple distinct political parties, a separation of powers into different branches of government, the rule of law in everyday life as part of an open society, a market economy with private property, universal suffrage, and the equal protection of human rights, civil rights, civil liberties and political freedoms for all people. To define the system in practice, liberal democracies often draw upon a constitution, either codified or uncodified, to delineate the powers of government and enshrine the social contract. The purpose of a constitution is often seen as a limit on the authority of the government. A liberal democracy may take various and mixed constitutional forms: it may be a constitutional monarchy (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom) or a republic (France, India, Ireland, the United States). It may have a parliamentary system (Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, the United Kingdom), a presidential system (Indonesia, the United States), or a semi-presidential system (France). Liberal democracies are contrasted with illiberal democracies and with dictatorships.

Liberal democracy traces its origins—and its name—to the Age of Enlightenment. The conventional views supporting monarchies and aristocracies were challenged at first by a relatively small group of Enlightenment intellectuals, who believed that human affairs should be guided by reason and principles of liberty and equality. They argued that all people are created equal and therefore political authority cannot be justified on the basis of noble blood, a supposed privileged connection to God or any other characteristic that is alleged to make one person superior to others. They further argued that governments exist to serve the people—not vice versa—and that laws should apply to those who govern as well as to the governed (a concept known as rule of law). Some of these ideas began to be expressed in England in the 17th century.

By the late 18th century, leading philosophers such as John Locke had published works that spread around the European continent and beyond. These ideas and beliefs influenced the American Revolution and the French Revolution. After a period of expansion in the second half of the 20th century, liberal democracy became a prevalent political system in the world.

Liberal democracy emphasizes the separation of powers, an independent judiciary, and a system of checks and balances between branches of government. Multi-party systems with at least two persistent, viable political parties are characteristic of liberal democracies. In Europe, liberal democracies are likely to emphasize the importance of the state being a Rechtsstaat, i.e. a state that follows the principle of rule of law. Governmental authority is legitimately exercised only in accordance with written, publicly disclosed laws adopted and enforced in accordance with established procedure. Many democracies use federalism, also known as vertical separation of powers, in order to prevent abuse and increase public input by dividing governing powers between municipal, provincial and national governments (e.g. Germany, where the federal government assumes the main legislative responsibilities and the federated Länder assume many executive tasks).

The characteristics of liberal democracies are associated with increased political stability, lower corruption, better management of resources, and better health indicators such as life expectancy and infant mortality.

John Locke was the first to develop a liberal philosophy as he coherently described the elementary principles of the liberal movement, such as the right to private property and the consent of the governed. The Agreement of the People (1647), a manifesto for political change proposed by the Levellers during the English Civil War, called for freedom of religion, frequent convening of Parliament and equality under the law Liberal democracy traces its origins—and its name—to the European 18th-century, also known as the Age of Enlightenment. At the time, the vast majority of European states were monarchies, with political power held either by the monarch or the aristocracy. The possibility of democracy had not been a seriously considered political theory since classical antiquity and the widely held belief was that democracies would be inherently unstable and chaotic in their policies due to the changing whims of the people. It was further believed that democracy was contrary to human nature, as human beings were seen to be inherently evil, violent and in need of a strong leader to restrain their destructive impulses. Many European monarchs held that their power had been ordained by God and that questioning their right to rule was tantamount to blasphemy.

These conventional views were challenged at first by a relatively small group of Enlightenment intellectuals, who believed that human affairs should be guided by reason and principles of liberty and equality. They argued that all people are created equal and therefore political authority cannot be justified on the basis of noble blood, a supposed privileged connection to God or any other characteristic that is alleged to make one person superior to others. They further argued that governments exist to serve the people—not vice versa—and that laws should apply to those who govern as well as to the governed (a concept known as rule of law).

Some of these ideas began to be expressed in England in the 17th century. There was renewed interest in Magna Carta, and passage of the Petition of Right in 1628 and Habeas Corpus Act in 1679 established certain liberties for subjects. The idea of a political party took form with groups debating rights to political representation during the Putney Debates of 1647. After the English Civil Wars (1642–1651) and the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the Bill of Rights was enacted in 1689, which codified certain rights and liberties. The Bill set out the requirement for regular elections, rules for freedom of speech in Parliament and limited the power of the monarch, ensuring that, unlike almost all of Europe at the time, royal absolutism would not prevail. This led to significant social change in Britain in terms of the position of individuals in society and the growing power of Parliament in relation to the monarch.

By the late 18th century, leading philosophers of the day had published works that spread around the European continent and beyond. One of the most influential of these philosophers was English empiricist John Locke, who refuted monarchical absolutism in his Two Treatises of Government. According to Locke, individuals entered into a social contract with a state, surrendering some of their liberties in exchange for the protection of their natural rights. Locke advanced that governments were only legitimate if they maintained the consent of the governed and that citizens had the right to instigate a rebellion against their government if that government acted against their interests. These ideas and beliefs influenced the American Revolution and the French Revolution, which gave birth to the philosophy of liberalism and instituted forms of government that attempted to put the principles of the Enlightenment philosophers into practice.

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