FRIDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2023

Third Edition of Zenith Tech Fair Ends with Hackathon Winners Receiving Significant Cash Rewards Kayode Tokede The Third Edition of the Zenith Bank Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 3.0”, which was held on

November 23rd and 24th, 2023, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos has concluded.

From the over 500 contestants

that participated in the Zenith Hackathon (Zecathon), Sync, a team collaboration and workflow management platform that provides synergy, enables project

management, task planning, messaging, payments, scheduling and people operations, emerged as the overall winner, taking home the grand prize of N20 million.

for entrepreneurs in emerging markets.

The first runner-up, Skill

This was in addition to a mentorship programme with Seedstars, a company dedicated to implementing high-quality capacity-building programmes

Continued on page 5

TotalEnergies Confirms First Oil Leak at 2.3m Barrels Capacity Egina FPSO... Page 5 Friday 24 November, 2023 Vol 28. No 10453. Price: N250

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FG Introduces $750m World Bank-assisted SABER Programme for States... Page 6

Shettima to Governors at NEC: We Must Develop Our Agric Sector for Self-sufficiency NEC to channel $1.5bn donor funds into 36 SAPZs Targets 17.5m jobs, 100,000 farmers nationwide

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima

has charged governors of the 36 states of the federation to work towards revamping the country's

agricultural sector with a view to reducing dependence on food imports and attaining greater food

self-sufficiency. Shettima said this was in tandem with the investment and commitment of the African

Development Bank (AfDB) towards establishment of Specialised Agro Processing Zones (SAPZ) across

the country.

Continued on page 5

Olanipekun: A’Court Can’t Correct Clerical Errors in Kano Guber Judgment Tension as NNPP, APC hold rally tomorrow Court reverses Nasarawa governor’s sack

Adedayo Akinwale, Alex Enumah in Abuja, Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano The dust raised by the contradictions contained in the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Court of Appeal judgement in the Kano State governorship election has yet to settle as Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, counsel to the Kano State governor, Kabir Yusuf, has insisted that the appellate court cannot correct what it claims to be mere clerical errors, contrary to the court’s position.

Olanipekun said yesterday that the appellate court lacked the powers to effect any correction in the said judgement, having become functus officio in the case.

There are fears that the simmering political crisis in Kano State in the aftermath of the CTC discrepancies might boil over tomorrow, as stakeholders of both the All Continued on page 5

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES TO WINNERS AT THE ZENITH TECH FAIR 3.0...

L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu (Centre) flanked from left by Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Temitope Fasoranti; Founder, Skill up with Kahdsole (SUWK), Chioma Ukpabi; Co-founder, Sync, Princess Edokpayi, and Co-founder/CEO, Tribapay, Bolu Oluwagbesan during the presentation of cash prizes to the winners of the Zecathon at the Zenith Tech Fair 3.0 held at Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday.

Wigwe University to Commence Academic Programme in September 2024... Page 16

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TotalEnergies Confirms First Oil Leak at 2.3m Barrels Capacity Egina FPSO Says production, communities not impacted NIMASA rallies IOC, NUPRC, NOSDRA to manage situation

Peter Uzoho French oil and gas giant, TotalEnergies has confirmed the first crude oil leak at its 2.3 million storage capacity Egina Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, located in Port Harcourt, Rivers, stating that the incident had been contained.

The oil major in a terse message sent to THISDAY, yesterday, by its Country Communications Manager, Dr Charles Ebereonwu, said the incident did not impact production

at the five-year-old facility as well as the shoreline and host communities.

The said oil leak at the 200,000 barrels per day Egina FPSO had occurred on November 15 while crude was being loaded from the facility to a vessel, according to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Ebereonwu said the leak was a minor one and had been contained with appropriate remedial measures.

"This is not a massive leak and the sheen has been treated with the

appropriate response that resulted in a reduction of most of it. No shoreline or communities have been impacted. Production has not been affected.

“This is not a massive leak and the sheen has been treated with the appropriate response that resulted in a reduction of most of it," he said.

NIMASA had in a statement issued earlier, reported a crude oil spill incident that occurred during loading operations in Egina FPSO. In the statement signed by its

Head of Public Relations, Edward Osagie, the agency said the incident occurred on November 15, 2023, at the 220,000 metric tons FPSO facility — operated by TotalEnergies — in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

NIMASA stated that it was collaborating with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) from the Crisis Management Room (CMR)

on the incident.

It added that it was using an oil spill monitoring software from the emergency response centre to monitor the incident in real-time, adding that the volume is not yet confirmed.

NIMASA further said TotalEnergies was also conducting aircraft surveillance and applying dispersant while evaluating additional action to clean up the incident.

The Director General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh, had assured that the

Komolafe agency was collaborating with all stakeholders to control the pollution.

“Since the incident happened, our men have been liaising with other organs of government to ensure the pollution is effectively controlled and managed, to protect the marine environment and the communities close to the incident point.

OLANIPEKUN: A’COURT CAN’T CORRECT CLERICAL ERRORS IN KANO GUBER JUDGMENT Progressives Congress (APC) and the governing New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state announced plans to hold separate rallies, in defence of their differing positions.

In a related development, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, yesterday, reversed the sack of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.

The appellate court had in a unanimous judgement delivered on November 17 dismissed Yusuf's appeal against the ruling of the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had sacked him, for lacking merit.

But in the CTC released to lawyers, the majority judgement delivered by Justice Moore Abraham Adumein in one breath gave judgement in favour the appellant and, in another, favoured the first respondent, APC. Adumein had read in the open court that the "appeal lacks merit and is hereby dismissed". But the CTC read, in part, that "the judgement of the tribunal in... is set aside".

The contradictory positions led both parties to claim victory at the appellate court.

While Deputy Chief Registrar, Court of Appeal, Kano Judicial Division, wrote to parties to return the CTC for correction, the Chief Registrar, Mohammed Bangari, noted that the errors in the CTC would be effected once parties brought a formal application to that effect.

Bangari also stressed that the errors did not in any way invalidate the judgement of the appeal court.

But Olanipekun pointed out that the appellate court lacked the powers to effect any correction in the judgement having become functus officio in the case.

In a letter to the Deputy Chief Registrar, dated November 23, 2023 and titled: RE: RETRIEVAL OF CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF JUDGMENT IN APPEAL NO: CA/ KN/EP/GOV/KAN/34/2023 – ABBA KABIR YUSUF AND ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS & ORS, the lawyer stated that the appellate court was since November 18 relieved of any authority to act on the judgement.

Olanipekun said the 60 days allowed by law for the appellate court to hear and determine the appeal expired on November 18,

and as such the court no longer had the power to correct any perceived error in the judgement.

He stated in the letter, "As officers in the Temple of Justice, we believe we owe the institution, as well as the respected Court of Appeal, a duty to highlight and address some very pertinent issues arising out of your said letter, including, but not limited to: "Timely Disposal of Appeal: The judgement of the lower Tribunal was delivered on 20th September 2023. By the imperative of Section 285(7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Court of Appeal had only sixty (60) days to ‘hear and dispose’ of the appeal arising from the judgement of the Tribunal. Most humbly, the Constitution applies the word ‘within’ and not ‘from’ the date of the delivery of the judgement of the Tribunal.

"Constitutional Mandate: Further to the above, the Court of Appeal, by the same constitutional dictate, had up until Saturday, November 18, 2023, to ‘hear and dispose’ of the appeal filed by our client (the appellant) to the Court of Appeal against the decision of the Governorship Election Tribunal, sitting in Kano.

Several judicial precedents of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal itself abound in our Law Reports on this subject, which has now become trite.

"Function of the Court: Assuming without conceding that the judgement has some errors, whether typographical or otherwise, we humbly and dutifully draw your attention to the fact that the Court of Appeal became functus officio in the matter on Saturday, November 18, 2023."

The letter added, "Any application for correction of errors can only be entertained by the Supreme Court.

Section 285(7) of the Constitution earlier referred to becomes very handy and imperative to the effect that the Court of Appeal cannot take any further step in the appeal or subject after the expiration of sixty (60) days."

Referencing Bangari's assurance that the error did not in any way invalidate or change the findings and conclusion of the appeal court and that the error would be rectified once

parties in the matter filed a formal application to that effect, Olanipekun pointed out that they were not aware that any of the parties had filed any application to correct any error.

The senior lawyer stated, "Even at that, judicial precedents are countless as to the procedure to follow, and which court has jurisdiction to take such an application, after the expiration of the sixty (60) days mandatorily benchmarked by the Constitution."

Stating that November 23 made it seven days since the delivery of the judgement of the Court of Appeal,

Olanipekun reminded the court that out of the 14 days mandatorily prescribed for his client to file his Notice and Grounds of Appeal to the Supreme Court, "he is left with just seven (7) days; and it is only fair that he should be allowed to exercise his constitutional right of appeal without any inhibition, within the fraction of days left for him".

He reiterated that their response was borne out of a compelling duty and responsibility to the administration of justice, adding that it is their responsibility to draw attention to these salient statutory

imperatives.

Copies of the letter were sent to the First Respondent, All Progressives Congress (APC); Second Respondent, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and Third Respondent, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The appellate court had in a unanimous judgement last week dismissed Yusuf's appeal against the ruling of the governorship election tribunal for lacking merit.

The court, in its judgement, held that the candidate of NNPP in the last governorship election in Kano

State was not qualified to contest the election.

The appeal court said evidence before it showed that Yusuf was not a member of NNPP at the time he was sponsored by the party to contest the March 18 governorship election in Kano State.

Specifically, the appellate court held that NNPP breached the constitution by sponsoring Yusuf, who was not a member of the party.

Having dismissed Yusuf's appeal, the appellate court subsequently Continued on page 36

SHETTIMA TO GOVS AT NEC: WE MUST DEVELOP OUR AGRIC SECTOR FOR SELF-SUFFICIENCY He spoke yesterday during the monthly meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at State House, Abuja.

The vice president is chairman of NEC, a statutory body that has the constitutional mandate to advise the president on the country's economic affairs. Governors of the 36 states of the federation, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Minister of Finance, and other stakeholders are members of the council.

Delivering his opening address at the meeting, Shettima said, "Our upcoming task must be rooted in recognising the agrarian nature of our economy. We must strive for deliberate value addition in the agricultural sector, moving away from commodity exports towards job creation.

“Collaboration is vital in enabling the Specialised Agro Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with the Africa Development Bank (AfDB).

"Your Excellences, we must develop our agricultural sector towards self-sufficiency and exporting processed agricultural products in line with the African Union’s Africa 2063 Agenda.

“This also aligns with AfDB's investments and commitment to establishing the SAPZ. Collaboratively, we should harness our agricultural comparative and complementary advantages across the value chains of priority crops within the SAPZ."

The vice president also spoke on the possibility of engaging the private sector in tackling floods and other natural disasters, saying considering the financial implications of managing natural disasters, the government cannot do it alone.

He stated, "While urging unity as the nation's hope, I am aware of the financial implications of managing natural disasters. We cannot tackle this alone. Innovative capital pools from the private sector can help share and mitigate fiscal and economic risks posed by such disasters.

“This approach has been successful in other African countries, preparing for low-probability yet highly disruptive 'black swan' events. Once again, we find ourselves bearing the weight of the nation. Since our last gathering, much has transpired, with each event punctuated by the nation's reactions.

“None of us here requires a reminder of the direction we are headed or what is required to ensure that we stand together through the storm to fulfil our promises to the people.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you back, back to the 137th meeting of the National Economic Council, our engine room.”

Recalling that President Bola Tinubu had recently highlighted eight presidential priorities for his administration, which serve as a conduit to his Renewed Hope Agenda, Shettima told the

governors and other members of council to get "involved in seeking both short-term palliative and enduring solutions to the consequences of our reforms".

Other highlights of the meeting were an update on Excess Crude Account (ECA), which stood at $473,754.57 as at September, 2023.

Shettima’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, explained that stabilisation stood at #37,597,965,211.43, September, 2023, while Current Balance of Natural Resources was #144,683,136,928.25 Nkwocha said there was a presentation on state budget support facility and gave the breakdown of States Outstanding Liability to include FCT 49,105,873,326.75, and 36 States 49,105,873,326.75, bringing the total to 1,718,705,566,436.25 He noted that the budget support loan was stopped in July 2023. The decision was taken to set aside an amount from the Federation Account to take care of the balance, he said.

At the end of the November 2023 meeting, NEC announced plans to channel at least $1.52bn in donor funds into 36 Special AgroIndustrial Processing Zones across the country, aiming to create 17.5 million jobs and support 100,000 farmers nationwide.

The first phase, which currently runs in Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory, would gulp over $520 million and is set to be concluded by 2028.

Twenty six states have also

expressed interest in joining Phase II of the programme, where the $1bn funding from AfDB and other partners would be channelled. The states will begin documentation for the second phase in early 2024.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this to newsmen at the end of the 137th NEC meeting.

Kyari said the funds were earlier pledges by AfDB, Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, who voted $1bn to deliver SAPZs in 24 states at the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, World Food Prize 202, in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, in late October. This was apart from an initial $520m voted by the development partners for the same purpose.

He said, “The vice president, who attended the World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa, met with the president of the African Development Bank. Dr. Adesina, who has already pledged $1bn to the second phase."

Kyari noted that his ministry made a presentation to the council outlining the collaborative programme with AfDB, International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Islamic Development Bank, various state governments, and the private investor.

He stated, “The seven states are Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Imo and Cross River, and Continued on page 35

THIRD EDITION OF ZENITH TECH FAIR ENDS WITH HACKATHON WINNERS RECEIVING SIGNIFICANT CASH REWARDS Up With Kahdsole (SUWK), a social-tech startup that provides an end-to-end platform for learning technical and vocational skills to empower young people, won N15 million and a mentorship programme with Seedstars, while the second runner-up, Tribapay, a payment processing gateway that allows for cross-border payments and transactions in Nigeria and Ghana, won N10 million as well as a mentorship programme with Seedstars.

Other finalists who took home N2 million each included Edupoint, Joovlin, Frootify, Izesan Limited, Natal Cares, Plychain.io, and Niteon.

In his welcome address at the

Zenith Bank flagship Tech Fair, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, expressed excitement over this year’s Hackathon, stating that it was indeed the high point of the overall event. According to him, “We have deliberately kept the best for the last. The high point of today’s event is the Hackathon. This is where we have the opportunity to see the immense creativity and talent in our youth as they come up with different innovative ideas.” He added that “the good thing about the Hackathon is that the pitches you see presented are completely different from the ones we have seen before and we intend to make it far more elaborate as we hope

that as we go into the future, we should be able to bring back winners where they can tell the audience their journey and how they have progressed so far.”

The two-day Tech Fair which was described as a huge success by participants, featured presentations on the leading technological innovations that cut across different aspects of life, such as Artificial Intelligence, Contactless Payments, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, FinTech, Data Analytics, Financial Intelligence, and communication technologies, with the keynote address,” “Artificial Intelligence - Application & Bias “, delivered

by Chris Lu, the renowned IT Specialist, business strategist and

Managing Director for Huawei Technologies, Nigeria.

The event also featured a welcome address by Onyeagwu, the Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc and Chairman of Body of Banks’ CEOs, Nigeria, and a goodwill messages by the Minister of Communication, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Doris Anite, (represented by Dr. Femi Adeluyi, National Coordinator for the National Talent Programme).

Other eminent IT practitioners from top global brands who also made presentations include Demola Sanusi, Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services; Temitope Aladenusi,

Partner & Leader Cybersecurity, Deloitte; Andrew Uaboi, Vice President/Cluster Head, Visa West Africa; Dr. Blaise Ijebor, Director of Risk Management, CBN; Keelan Singh, Head, UiPath EMEA Banking and Financial Services; Shweta Juneja, Partner, McKinsey Digital; Wole Odeleye, Financial Services Technology Lead, Microsoft; Ope Ajayi, Founder & CEO, Cinemax; Elo Umeh, and Managing Director of Terragon.

The fair featured two panel sessions. The first panel, which examined, “The next frontier: Digital Wallets, Contactless payments and BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later)”, had Chris Lu as the host, with five discussants, including Fey Wong,

Country Director, Palmpay; Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director, NIBSS; Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director, Verve; Ebehijie Momoh, Country Manager, MasterCard, and Managing Director of Network International, Adelola Agbebiyi.

The second panel explored the theme “The intersection of Fintech, eCommerce and SMEs – Collaboration for growth”. It was hosted by John Obidi and had five discussants, including Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, Chief Executive Officer, Konga; Tunde Kehinde, Managing Director, Lydia; Stan Martins, Regional Director, Meta; John Obaro, Chief Executive Officer, Systemspecs, and Seyi Banigbe, Founder of Bland2Glam.

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NEWS

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

NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL MEETING...

L-R: Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara state; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State at the National Economic Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa , Abuja …yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

FG Introduces $750m World Bankassisted SABER Programme for States SFTAS to end in December

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja As the World Bank-assisted States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme-for-Results (PforR) designed to enthrone fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability at the subnational level winds down in December, a $750 million State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) is to be established as a replacement, the federal government has revealed.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Yemi Edun, who made the disclosure, expressed the federal government’s commitment to improve fiscal reforms at the sub-national level by working assiduously to sustain collaboration with the states and international development partners through programmes such

as the World Bank-assisted SFTAS Programme, which he said, had brought a great deal of reforms that helped to strengthen state governments’ approach to governance and public finance management.

The minister stated that SABER, which is coming as a successor programme to SFTAS would effectively run from 2023 to 2025.

The $1.5 billion World Bank-assisted SFTAS, which was conceived by the federal government, and approved by the multilateral institution in June 2018, took effect in May 2019, to nudge states into imbibing fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability.

Speaking at a retreat with the theme, “Creating a Resilient Economy through Diversification of the Nation’s Revenue,” organised by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in Asaba, Delta State, Edun, who was represented by

the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties in the finance ministry, Mr. Okokon Udo, observed that the $1.5 billion SFTAS, which ends in December 2023, brought about remarkable achievements recorded by all the 36 states in key result areas.

He listed the result areas as fiscal transparency and accountability, domestic revenue mobilisation, efficiency of public expenditures and debt sustainability.

"We hope and encourage the sub-nationals to continue with these laudable reforms beyond the SFTAS period,” Edun said.

He disclosed that as SFTAS comes to an end in December, the federal government in collaboration with the World Bank came up with SABER, which would effectively run between 2023 and 2025.

“This programme aims at improving the business enabling environment of Nigeria’s states.

Other intervention programmes

from the World Bank and other International organisations would continue unabated," Edun said.

According to him, the $750 million SABER Programme, which is currently awaiting the approval of an abridged External Borrowing Plan by the National Assembly, seeks to incentivise and strengthen the implementation of business enabling reforms covering land administration, the regulatory framework for private investment in fiber optic infrastructure, public-private partnership and investment promotion frameworks, tax administration and the business enabling regulatory environment.

Speaking in the same vein, the World Bank Senior Economist, Mr. Samer Matta, congratulated the federal and states governments for the fiscal reforms initiated under the SFTAS Programme,

Senate Sets Legislative Process in Motion for Mass Production of Bitumen

calling for the sustainability of results especially by new administrations in the states through adhering to the SFTAS Charter signed by governors in August 2022, committing to continued achievement.

Matta, attributed the success of the SFTAS programme to a number of factors which included the deployment of simple but substantive eligibility criteria annually to open the programme to all states for participation in any year, but ensure that minimum performance standard for receiving grants.

Others include making technical assistance available irrespective of meeting Eligibility Criteria (EC) and level of achievement of Disbursement Linked Results (DLIs); robust and credible results verification process; use of performancebased criteria that is nonnegotiable and consistently applied; transparency of results encouraging virtuous peer competition, and active peer learning among states facilitated by the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF) as well as the utilisation of state-level platforms for engagement at

multiple political and technical levels.

He further noted that the implementation of SFTAS reforms had enhanced the perception of states as having sound fiscal practices, a key factor for capital markets.

This improvement, he noted, was bolstered by the availability of more comprehensive and improved fiscal data, facilitating a more informed, evidencebased dialogue.

Also speaking, the World Bank Task Team Leader for SABER, Ms. Bertine Kamphuis exuded optimism that the SFTAS ideals would be sustained even in the absence of further incentives given the fact that SABER is a natural component of the sustainability strategy as it will continue to use two SFTAS Eligibility Criteria.

These are the timely publication of National Chart of Account compliant budgets and the timely publication of IPSAS-compliant audited financial statements, as well as elevate the SFTAS result on the timely publication of a debt sustainability report to eligibility criteria.

Okays bill to establish agency for $147bn global bitumen market Tinubu Appoints Ambassador Akawor

Sunday Aborisade, Abuja

The Senate has commenced a legislative move to include Nigeria in the $147 billion global bitumen market.

The red chamber at plenary yesterday, passed for second reading , a bill seeking to establish Bitumen Development Commission The proposed legislation was sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC Ondo South).

Ibrahim said the country has quantum of 5.9 trillion barrels (938billion m3) of global in - place Bitumen and heavy oil resources, second to Venezuela .

He specifically informed the Senate that more than 80 per cent of the resources are found in Canada , United States of America , Venezuela and Nigeria .

He lamented that while other countries blessed with the Natural resources were exploiting it through required legislations or legal frameworks, Nigeria' has no legal framework for such exploration with attendant untapped opportunities and huge market loss.

He said, "The objectives of the bill includes: the need to develop a legal framework for the regulation of the Bitumen development in Nigeria; to prevent unconventional sources from taking advantage of research-enhanced applications over other competitors; and to lead innovation and resource-based strategy in the development of bitumen in Nigeria.

"The bill will also ensure effective utilisation of over 38 billion reserve of bitumen

in Nigeria; and to promote economic diversification policy of the federal government."

He added that the bill among other reasons, seeks to restrict the activities of the commission to its regulatory and coordinating functions, specifically as it relates to the Development of Bitumen in Nigeria .

Ondo State alone, according to him, has the highest deposit in Africa with an estimated value of $42billion which are aside from deposits in Ogun State , Edo , Lagos and Akwa- Ibom States .

"The proposed Bitumen Development Commission when established, would fastrack the development of Bitumen in Nigeria, make her a key player in the $147 billion global market and create instant 12, 000 jobs for Nigerians.

"It would also help government at various levels to put in place asphalted roads in various communities.

"Out of the 200, 000 kilometres of roads in Nigeria, only 20, 000 are asphalted even with imported Bitumen which is not good and being addressed with the proposed commission," he said.

The Senators who contributed to debate on the bill , concurred with Ibrahim's submissions, making the Senate as put to voice votes by its President, Godswill Akpabio , passed it for second reading .

Akpabio, who commended Ibrahim for sponsoring the development - driven bill, mandated the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals to make further legislative inputs on it and report back in a month's time .

As RMAFC Federal Commissioner Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ambassador Desmond Akawor as a Federal Commissioner of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), pending the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate.

The new RMAFC Federal Commissioner, according to a release issued on yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, who represents Rivers State, is being appointed following the tragic demise of the immediate past RMAFC Federal Commissioner from Rivers State, Hon. Asondu Wenah Temple, earlier this month.

Akawor is a decorated public servant who has served the nation as Nigeria's Ambassador to South Korea; Minister of State of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Sole Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority; CEO, Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, and Executive Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (Engineering & Technical Services).

The President charged the new Federal Commissioner to deploy his robust experience across tiers of government towards the comprehensive reformation of processes that will ensure the most efficient and productive utilization of allocations to all three tiers of government in Nigeria.

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10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BELT AND ROAD… Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with Member of the Standing Committee of Fujian Provincial Committee and Secretary of Fuzhou Municipal Party Committee, Mr. Lin Baojin, at the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference, in Fuzhou, China on Wednesday

Steel Development Ministry, NIPC Collaborate to Revive NSRMEA, NMTI Niger Extraction Company to establish $300m steel plant in state

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Ministry of Steel Development is set to collaborate with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) for the revitalisation and operationalisation of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA), Kaduna and the National Metallurgical Institute, Onitsha.

The move, the duo said was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Administration and in achieving its mandate of ensuring that the nation's steel sector contributes to the sustainable development of the economy and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This was even as the Minister of State, Ministry of Steel Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, disclosed that Niger Extraction Company Ltd, a Nigerian Company registered to undertake mining and steel development had sent in a proposal for the establishment of a $300 million Steel Plant in Niger State, a development which according to him, indicates that the Steel Sector is set to take off and deliver on its mandate.

Ahmadu, gave the hint yesterday, in Abuja when he played host to the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi in the Ministry's Headquarters.

Ahmadu, enumerated areas of collaboration to include among others: "Organising local and international investment fora for relevant stakeholders to showcase the full potentials of the NMTI with the view of attracting investments and funding for modernising and upgrading the institute's facilities, curriculum, and training programs to meet industry international best standards and demand; Develop Policy Reforms and incentives that would be inclusive but not limited to legal, governance, finance tax incentives, and regulatory reforms that would reposition the institute to contribute more meaningfully to national manpower and infrastructure development."

The Minister listed more areas of collaboration to include: Identifying local and international multilateral, multinational, Institutional and venture capitalists who could inject technical and financial capital into revitalsing the institute and

Tinubu Signs Defence Industries Corporation Bill into Law Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has assented to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill, 2023.

According to a release yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, theDefence Industries Corporation of Nigeria was established on August 1, 1964, by an Act of Parliament and revised as the DICON Act in Chapter 94 of the Laws of the Federation, 2004.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act, 2023, repealled the previous iteration of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act and empoweredthe Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria to: Operate, maintain, and control subsidiaries and ordinance factories to manufacture, store, and dispose of ordinance and ancillary stores and material.

Also, to establish the Defence Industry Technology, Research, and Development Institute (DITRDI)

to create an elaborate scientific and research-based technological foundation for Nigeria’s defence industry through the leveraging of combined, multi-disciplinary research from multiple military research institutes for application that leads to commercialization and the development of new military technology and capacity in Nigeria.

Provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for the regulation of the manufacturing, distribution, storage, and disposal of defence articles in Nigeria. Incentivize the development of a nuanced financing architecture that enables private capital to facilitate research, development, and production in the defence sector in a transparent and predictable fashion.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill, 2023, was sponsored by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson (APC Ikorodu Federal Constituency)

position it as a center of excellence for metallurgical training and skills development; Establishing a PPP (Public Private Partnership) framework for the revival of NMTI that would involve engaging with private sector stakeholders, such as steel companies, mining firms, and educational institutions, to form partnerships aimed at modernising the institute and aligning its training programs

with industry.

Continuing, he identified areas of partnership with NIPC for NSRMEA to comprise: Accelerating investment interest from both local and International investments in exploration projects, with special interest in steel raw materials such as iron ore, manganese, coal, refractory, limestone, through establishing partnerships with mining companies and exploration

firms; among others.

Ahmadu, expressed the Ministry's willingness to leverage on the expertise and networks of NIPC, noting that the collaborative efforts of both organisations would help attract private sector investment, modernise exploration techniques, and enhance the capacity of NMTI and NSRMEA to fulfill their mandates.

Also speaking, the Permanent

Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development/Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary A Ogbe, while expressing optimism that the collaboration between the Ministry of Steel Development and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission was a step in the right direction, reiterated the ministry's commitment to ensure the goals set during the deliberations are achieved.

Access Holdings Board Chairman Passes On

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc, Bababode Osunkoya has passed on.

Osunkoya who was appointed to lead the board of Access Holdings a little over a year ago was said to have died after a brief illness.

According to a statement filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday, Osunkoya died on Tuesday.

The statement signed by the Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, said, “Consequent upon the tragic event, the company now has a nine-member board comprising of six non-executive directors (two of whom are independent) and three executive

Directors inclusive of the group chief executive officer.”

In his time as chairman of the board of the holdings, the bank reported bumper profits with key ratios heading north.

Apart from Access Holdings Plc, he is also on the board of Richardson Oil & Gas Limited, Haggai Mortgage Bank Limited, Freedom Foundation (Nigeria) and Guiding Light Assembly and Associate Member at Institute of Directors and Senior Partner at Abax-Oosa Professionals.

In the past Mr. Osunkoya held the position of Partner at Bababode Osunkoya & Co., Manager at Abacus Merchant Bank and

Assistant Audit Manager at HLB Z. O. Ososanya & Co. Mr. Bababode Osunkoya is a Senior Partner at the chartered accounting firm of Abax-OOSA Professionals. With over two decades post-qualification experience in banking, audit, accountancy, taxation, business and financial advisory.

Mr. Osunkoya is an accounting graduate from the University of Lagos and is one of the first Certified Forensic Auditors of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria. Mr. Bababode Osunkoya is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

Osunkoya

Akpabio: Ecological Office Should Urgently Tackle Life Threatening Disasters …Pledges foreign intervention through inter-parliamentary engagement Sunday Aborisade in Abuja President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has advised the federal government to channel the ecological funds to tackle life threatening environmental issues.

Akpabio gave the advice on Thursday when the Permanent Secretary of the Ecological Project Office, Mallam Shehu Ibrahim, led officials of his agency to an interactive session with the Senate leadership.

Akpabio was reacting to the submission of the permanent secretary who said the monthly N3bn allocation to his agency was grossly inadequate to tackle

the requests it gets on daily basis.

Ibrahim had told the Senate leadership that the agency was currently in possession of over 5,000 requests from disaster ravaged communities across the country for urgent attention.

Akpabio in his response urged the agency to prioritise it's interventions.

He cited the case of ocean surge that is currently ravaging five states in Southern Nigeria and the massive desert encroachment of the Lake Chad basin.

Akpabio promised that the Senate would carry out necessary legislative actions to assist the ecological office to perform well.

He said, "The method of

intervening and selection of projects must be such that they will put urgency outside the normal data they are working with.

"The Ecological Office should attend to the most urgent situations that are likely to affect the lives of the people before it goes to the ones that may not affect lives. Those that are life-threatening should be selected first."

Akpabio also encouraged the office to learn to preempt some of the natural disasters.

He specifically called on the agency to embark on advocacy that would encourage Nigerians to plant at least one tree per year.

He said the current desert

encroachment in the northern part of the country showed that the agency was not conscious of the magnitude of the devastations.

He said, "Every child should be encouraged to plant at least one tree in a year. In the areas that are worst hit by the desert encroachment, people should be encouraged to plant one tree per month.

"Considering the Nigeria's population, doing that would help us to reclaim a lot of land to tackle the looming disaster.

"The same climate change had affected the Lake Chad basin which used to have 125 square kilometers of water about 10 years ago, is now lower per cent of its original size.

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NEWS

NIGERIA BRIDGE SUMMIT 2023...

L-R: Staff, Department of Logistics and Supply, Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, Innocent Anagbadu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, James Sule; Minister of the Ministry, Chief Uche Nnaji and Chairman, Technical Advisory Committee, Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Prof. Danladi Matawal, during the Nigeria Bridge Summit 2023 in Abuja ... yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Dangiwa to FHA: Delivery of 1,000 Houses Annually Inadequate, Unacceptable Wants agency to approach capital market, issue bonds Fashola advises FHA to run on strict corporate governance principles Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa yesterday said that the average of 1,000 housing units built per year in the last five decades by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) was inadequate and unacceptable.

Speaking at the 50th anniversary of the FHA in Abuja, Dangiwa said the management and staff of the agency and all housing stakeholders should therefore use the moment to reflect on the enormous work that still needs to be done in the sector.

He urged the agency to wake up to its responsibilities by sourcing for long-term funding from the capital market, which could even make the organisation declare profits in the long run.

"Records show that FHA has only delivered a cumulative of just over 50,000 housing units. That shows an average of 1,000 houses per year in 50 years.

“This is clearly not acceptable, especially from Nigeria’s foremost

housing agency that has so many institutional advantages that it can leverage to deliver more results,” he said.

The minister recalled that last month, during the Shelter Afrique meeting in Algeria, he found out from the Algerian government that an agency like the FHA delivers between 400,000 and 1 million houses annually for that country.

He added that President Bola Tinubu was interested in seeing a reformed, more efficient, and capable FHA that would have the financial strength to deliver more on its mandate.

The minister said that the FHA has an advantage of operating across all income segments and must take advantage of its unique position to deliver more value to government and Nigerians.

"I want to see the FHA go to the capital market, issue bonds, and raise funding to deliver mass housing projects across the country, market them, payback the loans, and declare profit.

Jega: Elections Can’t Have Integrity with Faulty Register Chuks Okocha in Abuja A former national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday, said the voter register was essential to any election as elections would not have any integrity, when the voter register was faulty Also, INEC former national commissioner, Prof Okey Ibeanu, has called for the linkage of the voter register with National Population Commission (NPC).

Both spoke at a workshop organised by Yiaga Africa in Abuja.

According to Jega, in his paper titled: "Improving the Integrity of Nigeria’s Voter Register," voter register was essential to any election in the world and there was no way that there could be credible election, when the register was faulty.

"We need to quite early start the processes of policy, legal and administrative reforms to improve the integrity of elections in Nigeria.

And, as we strive to improve the

integrity of elections, we must also give priority to finding ways and means of improving the integrity of the register of voters," he said.

He explained that this was in contrasts with the practice in some other countries,where the register of voters was merely derived, extracted from the national civic/ population registration database, and a few other countries in which all an eligible voter required was an acceptable means of identification, to be allowed to vote.

Jega explained that the condition and manner by which these exercises were done left much to be desired, essentially due to financial constraints, tight/limited time-frame for compiling and cleaning of the register, poorly trained staff, and the challenges and distribution/collection of the voter registration cards.

As a result, he said, "the comprehensiveness of the compiled register of voters, as well as its integrity are quite often, and in many cases justifiably, called into question.

“In the next 50 years, we expect that the FHA would be celebrating millions of homes built and successfully delivered to Nigerians," he said.

Dangiwa stated that as the organisation which has free access to land from the federal government in all layouts and new districts,p as well as relationships with other government entities, the FHA should strive to do more.

“I am also pained to say that analysis of all the Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) that the FHA has entered into over the years have delivered little or no value to the country. This is also not acceptable. FHA needs to wake up to its responsibilities," he added.

To ensure speedy delivery of its agenda, Dangiwa said his ministry has secured presidential consent to

inaugurate a land reforms committee comprising state governments, traditional rulers, among others.

Also speaking at the event, former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), noted that the FHA must begin to take a demand-driven approach to embark on sustainable housing delivery.

He said: “Perhaps, unknown to members of the public, the resources available for housing at the federal level are insignificant and not proportionate to the expectation.

“I therefore not only hope, but I also expect that there will be deliberate follow-ups on the theme of the National Council, with the objective of ensuring that commensurate and substantial funding is available for housing delivery generally and to FHA and

allied agencies particularly.

“As far as FHA is concerned, I will repeat publicly my advice to them when I was the Minister for Housing supervising the authority; namely that they are owners of very large estates, and vast tracts of land which are very valuable assets upon which financing can be raised.”

However , he stated that he was not suggesting the disposal of the assets for cash, but argued that if the assets are properly valued, titled and managed, they can unlock vast financial resources.

“In this way, FHA can become a proper business run on very strict corporate governance principles that conform with global best practice and this will be consistent with previous attempts to commercialise or privatise the authority.

“It is a long and I daresay painful process which must start from within FHA and which will require some external professional support, but which I firmly believe can be done,” he stressed.

In his address, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), said providing shelter for Nigerians is still a priority today as it was 50 years ago, and even more so in view of rapid population growth.

Commending the FHA for its efforts and achievements over the decades, Gowon noted that there was still so much more work to do.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the FHA, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, stressed that the Authority was already implementing operational reforms in the areas of digitisation and process optimisation.

FG Begins Construction of 1.6 MWp Solar Minigrids to End 10-year Blackout in Abuja Suburbs Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government yesterday commenced the construction of 1.6mwp solar mini-grids to serve four suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, after a prolonged blackout spanning over 10 years.

The standalone mini-grids which are being executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Korean Energy Project (KEP) will supply power to four communities in Kuje, Abuja and one in Nasarawa. They include: Rubochi, Ikwa, Gada Biyu and Kugbaru.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the REA, Mr Salihijo Ahmad, lamented that rural communities suffer profound health and economic impacts as a result of the wide use of non-renewable or polluting energy sources.

He recalled that for this reason, in June 2022, Nigeria officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korean Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) to develop the four mini-grids within the FCT. According to him, these include the Rubochi interconnected

mini-grid which will have a total capacity of 900kWp, divided into three sessions.

In addition, he stated that the construction of 100kWp is ongoing at Ikwa community of Gwagwalada, while the remaining two would be delivered before December 2024.

At the ground-breaking ceremony, Ahmad stated that upon full delivery of the projects, the intervention would have delivered a total renewable energy capacity of 1.6 MWp and 3.0 MWhr system across the four main communities in the FCT. Also speaking, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification Access, Samuel Ayangeor, stated that Nigeria has a unique history that has taken it through varying phases of the journey toward the desirable change it strives to see in the energy sector.

While harping on recent plans to decentralise the sector and expand investment opportunities through the state governments, he stated that the new Electricity Act, now gives the opportunity to further explore renewable energy

solutions across the nation.

“I celebrate with the people of Rubochi, Ikwa, Gada Biyu and Kugbaru as the beneficiary communities of this impactful support. It is a great progress to have an additional 1.6MWp and 3.0MWhr capacity energising 7,300 residential and commercial homes in these communities while transforming the socio-economic status of the people,” Adelabu said.

The programme being carried out with the support of the Korean government under the Official Development Assistance (ODA), he said, should come with culture change through deliberate sensitisation of beneficiaries and stakeholders.

“This is why I am particularly proud of the REA and its strategic partners for taking a solid path towards sustainability through the growth of the productive use market in Nigeria. Through the central role of the productive use market, more lives are being transformed just as more communities are being enlivened,” he added.

In his remarks, the Ambassador of Korea to Nigeria, Kim YoungChae, described the event as a

pivotal step forward in illuminating the rural landscapes of Nigeria, bolstered by the unwavering support of the Korean government.

“Undoubtedly, Nigeria grapples with electricity challenges, particularly in its rural areas.

In a significant stride towards addressing this issue, the Korean government, in collaboration with the World Bank, signed an MoU in 2018, allocating $350 million to the Nigeria electricity supply project.

“In the same vein, the World Bank pledged its support, a testament to the global commitment to alleviating Nigeria's energy woes.

“The year 2019 also saw Korean experts dispatched to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the Nigeria electricity improvement project. Subsequently, the Korean government pledged a substantial sum of $12.4 million to ameliorate the power deficit in Nigeria's rural areas.

“This transformative project encompasses the installation of solar power generation facilities in four rural areas in close proximity to Abuja. The envisaged outcome is a tangible improvement in the lives of those grappling with inadequate power supply,” he said.

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NEWS

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER “DOING BUSINESS WITH NIGERIA” FORUM...

L-R: President and CEO, Dubai Chambers, Mr. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chief Michael Olawale Cole at the Dubai International Chamber “Doing Business with Nigeria” Forum, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos ... yesterday

Wigwe University to Commence Academic Programme in Sept. 2024 Invites applications from prospective students

Dike Onwuamaeze The Wigwe University has announced that it would officially commence academic programmes in September 2024, with the focus of nurturing and building responsible and thoughtful leaders who would have the capacity to ignite the potential of Africa to take its rightful place on the global stage.

Pledging to provide world class educational services to passionate students, the university advised prospective students and their families as well as academic enthusiasts to visit its official website for further information, inquiries, and registration details.

The website, according to a press statement released recently, would serve “as an invaluable resource, providing comprehensive insights

into the university's academic offerings, admission requirements, and the opportunity to connect with the admissions team.”

Founder of the Wigwe University, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, said: “The Wigwe University project is special because it is an opportunity for me to give back to society by providing world-class quality education that will foster the development of Nigeria and Africa.

“The project’s major focus is nurturing and building responsible and thoughtful leaders who have the capacity to ignite the potential of the continent and take its rightful place as far as the global stage is concerned.

“We want to build people who will alter where Nigeria and Africa is going, and make sure that we

Wike Meets Cuba, Mexico Ambassadors, Seeks Partnership on Health, Investment Olawale Ajimotokan, Abuja The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday parleyed with the Ambassadors of Cuba and Mexico to Nigeria on health partnership and investment opportunities in the FCT. The minister, who first met the Cuban Ambassador, Miriam Morales Palmero, said that Nigeria would like to leverage Cuba's medical breakthrough in the development of anti-malarial drugs.

She said Cuba, through Labiofam, a Cuban-based pharmaceutical company, had developed a single anti-malarial dose which can also be used for some other diseases.

Palmero disclosed that Nigeria had in 2016 signed an agreement with the company as part of efforts to eliminate malaria.

She stressed that investors from her country would like to partner with the FCT administration in the areas of agriculture, tourism, and job creation.

The envoy invited the minister to Cuba to see the achievements made so far by Cuba and the areas he would require collaboration.

In a related development, Wike informed the Mexican Ambassador, Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, that President Bola Tinubu had eliminated bureaucracy that constituted encumbrance to investments in the country.

"Mexico is a country noted for agriculture and we would like to partner with a country that will add value to our economic development.

"I am tired of signing MoUs. I want actions that will bring benefits to the country". Wike said.

Ambassador Ortiz assured Wike that once there was an enabling environment, Mexican investors would be glad to bring their skills in agriculture to Nigeria.

He said the two countries have a large number of similarities, including a multi-cultural population that should be used for mutual benefits.

“Both countries have been colonized. Both countries have a political system based on the federal system. Mexico has 32 states, Nigeria has 36 states, and we know what exactly these numbers mean because the democracy construction with these big numbers is always a daily basis work,” Ortiz said.

remain a very competitive place.”

The university is funded by the HOW Foundation, an NGO focused on education, youth empowerment and healthcare. The Foundation is dedicated to a mission to change Africa, one life, one community, one future at a time.

The press statement said that “the university was built as part of the foundation’s five-year strategic

plans and goals in providing quality education and reshaping the educational landscape on the African continent.

“The university will offer a diverse range of programs across four major colleges including the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Art, the College of Science and Computing, and the College

of Engineering, with a distinct curriculum ensuring that students can explore their passions and potential in an intellectually stimulating environment.”

It said that Wigwe University is poised to shape Africa's future as a leader in global education with its innovative approach to higher education and strong commitment to research,

community engagement, and academic excellence.

“The institution’s blend of home-based and foreign faculty members promises to instill a sense of purpose, foster creativity, and inspire a new generation of well-rounded fearless leaders who will make a significant impact on the world,” the statement said.

Gaza War: Palestinian Envoy Asks that Hostage Exchange Should Be Without Timeline Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah Shawesh has said the ongoing exchange of hostage between Hamas and Israeli government should encompass over 7,000 Palestinian hostages in Israeli cells.

He noted that the entire crisis should be treated holistically for a solution and return of peace, insisting that there should not be timeline to hostage release from both camps.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on the ongoing hostility between Hamas and Israeli forces in Gaza, Shawesh noted the ongoing situation should be used to solve the age-long crisis between Israel and Palestine, and in that light hostages across the

two borders should be released holistically without timeline.

He said that the hostage exchange talk should include the over 7,000 Palestinians behind bar before the outbreak of current hostility.

He claimed every Palestinian is for peace and looking forward to all hostages going to their homes regardless of nationalities.

He however said it should not just be about the Israeli hostages alone but the situation of West Bank and the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, whom should be set free from Israeli siege.

He said there are 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza and have been subjected and held hostage by the Israeli since 2007, noting that more than 7,000 Palestinians are in Israeli jail including 300

children.

The envoy said: “So when we talk about hostage solution, it should be collective on both sides. We cannot just talk about one side. I strongly believe that all the hostages, regardless of their nationalities should be back home tonight.

“The Israelis and the Palestinians. And Gaza should be free and likewise West Bank.

The people of Gaza should not be subjected to Israeli siege.

"We want the ceasefire and also to ensure that there is no one Israeli or Palestinian hostage.

"We hope that all the hostages, that is, Israelis and Palestinians go back to their homes tonight.

It is very important and in this particular issue we need all to take it in a collective manner and

not to talk about just the Israeli hostages. There are more than 7,000 Palestinians in the Israeli Jails. More than 300 children.

“More than 2,600 from last escalation. All of them should be set free.”

When asked if there can be peace given the stand of Hamas and Israeli, the envoy responded, "There cannot he peace as long as Israel has nuclear weapon; there cannot be peace as long as they continue to occupy our land.”

He hoped the new agreement would be another step forward towards solving all the problems between Hamas and Israel "I hope this would be another step forward to have peace between Palestinian Liberation Organisation and Israeli authorities."

Committee of ICT Directors in Tertiary Institutions Break Glass Ceiling with First Merger Kuni Tyessi in Abuja For setting new standards of excellence in the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), directors of ICT in the nation's public tertiary institutions have broken the glass ceiling of a first merger.

They broke the glass ceiling by creating an association that amalgamates polytecnics, colleges of education and universities.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the inauguration of the new executive council, Chairman of

ComDICT-NTI, Daniel Inusa Yakmut said the formation, the first of its kind will continue to explore and harness the full potential of ICT to improve the quality of education.

He added that the association will also be advocating for policies and standards that support the integration of technology in higher education.

According to Yakmut, "we have formed an association that had broken the glass ceiling. Ours is an association that is an amalgam of public polytecnics, colleges

of education and universities.

Consequently, we are the first of our kind within the tertiary education sector.

"The common denominator is the merger and provision of ICT infrastructure and services in tertiary institutions. We have common needs and challenges.

"Therefore, the formation of a unified association is beneficial and important to us, it provides us with a common front to confront our challenges and proffer solutions in entrenching the adoption and use of ICT in

our tertiary Institutions.

"ComDICT-NTI had been formed with the main objective to promote and advance the use of technology in tertiary Institutions.

"Through collaboration and networking, the ComDICT seeks to share knowledge, resources, and best practices to improve the quality of education and research through the effective use of technology.

"We also will be advocating for policies and standards that support the integration of technology in higher education" he added.

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POLITICS

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

Why Enugu Guber Contest Defies Judicial Autopsy Oguejiofo T. Ujam canvasses the need for all political stakeholders in Enugu State to team up with Governor Peter Mbah to develop the Coal City state since the Appeal Court has affirmed the governor’s election in the March, 2023 poll.

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hose who do not reflect on the lessons of history are bound to repeat the flaws of the past. The recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the ruling of Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah was properly returned as winner of the March 18 gubernatorial election in the state, did not disappoint.

What was surprising however, was that some commentators anticipated a different verdict.

But, some of us who had taken time to study the dynamics of Enugu State politics, particularly its nuances, cleavages and contracts, expected nothing less.

It is good a thing that Chief Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga and the Labour Party (LP) approached the election petition tribunal and the appellate court to test the outcome of the governorship poll. The judicial autopsy helped in no small way to convince both Edeoga/LP and Governor Mbah, whose victory was being challenged, that there is something about Enugu that is beyond the ordinary electoral competition.

In 1977, I think Bob Marley must have had Enugu State governorship in mind when he released the Reggae Album, Exodus, and sang, “There is a natural mystic blowing through the air.” Indeed, only those who look and listen carefully hear and perceive the natural mystic.

In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, I remember that I authored a write-up where I laid out the possible scenarios that would determine the outcome of the governorship contest.

At the risk of sounding immodest, let me recall that I warned that the attempt by some political revisionists to redraw the electoral map of Enugu State could push the state back to its destructive and divisive past.

The point I tried to make is that in Enugu State, the exercise of democratic choice is predicated on not only very strong, but also a robust power rotation arrangement.

The zoning format in the state stands strong as a kind of ouster clause for any individual or group that may seek to breach it. Il In simple language, it could be said that the vote for zoning precedes individual votes for candidates, which nonetheless is enhanced by presenting an electable individual from the favoured district.

It was based on the understanding of that interplay of zoning and general voter preferences that I predicted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could lose the governorship election if it failed to choose its flag bearer from Nkanu clan within the Enugu East Senatorial District.

Also, my prediction sounded more as an alarm against the underground plots by some well-heeled Nsukka leaders of Enugu North Senatorial Zone to coral the then Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, into supporting a candidate from within the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, which is culturally linked to the Nsukka clan, but situated in the Enugu East Senatorial District. It was obvious that that group of politicians had a hideous intent to cheat, exploit and flout the well-defined Enugu State governorship sharing arrangement.

Evidence from the recent National Assembly election in Enugu State suggest that the people of Nsukka decided to punish the former governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for not acceding to the selfish intra-Enugu North zonal political gang-up to hand over power to their next of kin in Enugu East Senatorial Zone.

Additionally, that action was a mixture of greed and ungratefulness, because despite the quantum of social amenities provision and government good gestures to Nsukka zone during his eight years in office, the people were heavily mobilized and incentivized to vote against Ugwuanyi in the senatorial election.

It should be noted that those who wanted Ugwuanyi to throw the state into needless turmoil by supporting a candidate from the same Nsukka cultural zone, gathered themselves and infiltrated a better organised and

constructive group called Odimma Nsukka.

When their divisive plot failed, they moved over to the Labour Party (LP), deceived and pulled out Hon. Chijioke Edeoga from PDP, where he contested, lost the governorship primary, congratulated and pledged support for Dr. Peter Mbah in line with the extant zoning

tradition in Enugu State.

Some prime movers of Odimma Nsukka did not hide their narrow intentions, because as they mobilised the people of Enugu North Senatorial District or Nsukka zone, they made it clear that Nsukka must succeed Nsukka in the 2023 governorship election.

Not even the plan to pair up an Nsukka person with a governorship candidate from Enugu East Senatorial District, where the governorship slot rightly belonged could assuage their selfish demand.

I was compelled by the dangerous narratives of those leaders of Odimma Nsukka to author an article captioned, “Emerging Dangerous Power Rotation Narratives Around Post-Ugwuanyi Enugu State.” in that piece I quoted Okey Ezea, who stated during a rally by the group, as follows: “I am sure Odimma Nsukka is working for the betterment of Nsukka. I commend all those going about in Nsukka, but I have not heard you talk about the main message. The main message is that come 2023 an Nsukka man or woman would succeed Ugwuanyi. I am not afraid to say it. Quote me anywhere.

“By the workings of God, the governorship has rotated. We are at the last lap. As those who grew up in the village, fetched water from the streams and firewood from the farms, we know that if you are sharing anything, by the time the last person takes he should be the first to start the next round.

“Equity and natural justice demands that we have to begin another round. We do not maltreat people; we are not like Orlu or Tiv; we are fair-minded. We have the numbers and the demographic advantage. We must go out and look for it. We have done it before we shall do it again. Let us remove partisanship from it. Nsukka is well positioned to be beneficial to everybody.”

-Prof. Ujam writes from Nsukka NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Charting Nigeria’s Course through Commitment and Innovation Nnenna Agbai writes about efforts being made by the Federal Government through the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, to reorganise National Directorate of Employment towards service delivery for teeming unemployed youths.

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n a dynamic and forward-thinking display of commitment, the 55th International Conference & Exhibition and Emerald (55th) Anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) echoed with resonating themes of progress, empowerment, and transformation.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in a compelling address this week, encapsulated the fervour of an administration dedicated to sculpting Nigeria into a self-reliant, economic powerhouse.

Underscoring the President’s resolute dedication, the Minister of State unveiled a strategic vision that emphasized the pivotal role of innovation, economic dynamism, and poverty eradication in Nigeria’s development trajectory.

President Tinubu’s resounding commitment to metamorphosing Nigeria into a hub of creators and builders served as the cornerstone of his administration’s vision. Emphasizing this, he laid out plans for unique industrial hubs, finely tailored to harness the strengths inherent in each region of the nation. This blueprint promises an unprecedented surge in industrial activity, propelling Nigeria towards economic revitalization.

Crucially interwoven with this industrialization vision is the resolve to banish the specter of unemployment and poverty. The administration’s strategy banks on fostering an environment teeming with job opportunities, bolstering food security, and spearheading poverty eradication initiatives that will see 50 million Nigerians move up above the poverty line and begin to aspire in to the middle class bracket.

This interconnected approach underscores

the belief that sustainable development hinges on empowering individuals and communities across Nigeria.

Simultaneously, at the heart of this transformative vision of Mr. President lies the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), an instrumental agency under the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, and under the purview of Minister of State.

Recognized as a linchpin in the fight against poverty, the NDE received an impassioned call to action from the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Onyejeocha.

At a meeting themed ‘Developing a Roadmap for the NDE within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ she rallied its leadership to assume an even more substantial role in uplifting Nigerians from economic hardship.

Emphasizing the agency’s critical role in job creation, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship development, Onyejeocha reasserted the administration’s employment policy. This policy

not only prioritises skill empowerment and entrepreneurship for blue-collar jobs but also envisions the NDE as a catalyst in driving the President’s vision and agenda of prosperity for all.

Quite an inspiring agenda with a spotlight on youth, women, and the vulnerable groups, the NDE stands poised to equip them with essential skills vital for national rejuvenation.

The clarion call by the Minister to fortify the NDE’s strategic initiatives echoes the urgency of the hour, especially when Nigeria grapples with formidable unemployment challenges.

Minister Onyejeocha’s directive to intensify awareness about skill acquisition programmes aligns seamlessly with the administration’s endeavour to confront unemployment head-on.

As Nigeria navigates its developmental journey, these two events stand as lighthouses illuminating the path towards an empowered, industrious, and self-reliant nation. The amalgamation of visionary leadership, dedicated agencies, and strategic frameworks lays the groundwork for a Nigeria that not only thrives amid domestic and global uncertainties, but also paves the way for its citizens to prosper and flourish.

The commitment echoed at the 55th International Conference and Exhibition and the impassioned plea at the NDE meeting underscore a collective resolve to transform Nigeria’s democratic landscape, where citizens can touch and feel the true meaning of democratic dividends. The narrative of hope, innovation, and empowerment scripted at these events will continue to embolden the nation on its quest for sustainable growth and prosperity.

-Agbai writes from Abuja

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 • T H I S D AY

18

POLITY Emzor: Breaking Malaria with $23m Investment Atinuke Morris

P

harmaceutical industries, the world over, depend actively on active pharmaceutical ingredients, APIs. They are like the bloodstream of the industry, and for Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, new prospects are at the doorpost for local production of APIs with a £13.85 million loan from the European Investment Bank, EIB, to develop a $23 million production plant for APIs. The Sagamu, Ogun state production plant of Emzor is a beehive of activities. Construction engineers on site are busy putting the finishing touches to the production plants, which, upon completion, would be churning out 400 metric tonnes of APIs yearly.

Currently, 90 per cent of APIs needed in local industries are imported. This puts the industry in dire straits due to difficulty sourcing adequate forex to secure the ingredients. However, this narrative will change by the first half of 2024 with the two-phased plants for the production of APIs

by Emzor coming on steam.

Reports showed that Emzor secured the EIB loan to grow its widening production lines and buoy Nigeria’s investment strength. Local manufacturers are also expected to heave a sigh of relief from the new strides.

Emeka Okoli, the chairman of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, stated that, with the loan, four anti-malaria APIs (artemether, lumefantrine, sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine) would now be produced locally.

Available statistics show that Nigerian importation of finished drugs stood at N1.3 billion as of 2021.

With more than 150 pharmaceutical industries in Nigeria depending on only 25 per cent of drugs locally available and 90 per cent of imported APIs, Emzor’s forays into APIs point to new hopes for enhanced local production of drugs and widened

Mrs Stella Okoli, Founder, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited raw material markets for players in the industry.

Many drug manufacturers in Nigeria are import-dependent. APIs are largely imported

from China and India. With the local production of these ingredients by Emzor, smaller manufacturers that could not order large consignments of drugs

from China can now have their needs met locally.

Besides, foreign competitors operating in the Nigerian drug markets will lose a sizeable portion of their clouts, as local APIs by Emzor will throw open the market for new local investors.

Another benefit of the local production of APIs

by Emzor is greater prospects of drug security and sufficiency for Nigeria. Over the years, local drug manufacturers have been calling on successive governments to pay more attention to health care by investing in local drug production.

The Emzor’s intervention is a new window of opportunity for drug security in the country.

Additionally, the devaluation of the Naira offers drug manufacturers better chances of local sourcing of APIs with attendant benefits of reduction of prices of drugs across the country.

Arthur Delor, investment officer (Corporate Finance and Global Activities Department) of EIB, explained that his bank offered Enzor the facility to frontally attack malaria prevalence in Nigeria and bring up employment prospects for Nigerians.

“We are very excited about this operation and are confident that the development of this facility will bring many benefits to Nigerians and the broader African pharmaceutical sector, as it will contribute to reducing import dependency and ensuring a local and more resilient supply of high-quality competitively priced anti- malaria API,” said Delor.

Industry operators across the country are excited about the new investment drive.

They consider the initiative a bold effort to deepen and strengthen the local pharmaceutical industry, stressing that “Emzor’s investments in APIs at this stage of our economic challenge is a bold” move that is “more than a business initiative.”

“It is a patriotic effort that should be widely commended,” they noted.

NEWS

Magodo Residents Send SOS to Sanwo-Olu as Land Grabbers Invade Community Segun James The residents of Magodo GRA Phase II Association (MRA), highbrow communities, Lagos state, have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene in the rising insecurity and environmental degradation and encroachment of community by land grabbers.

The community at a press conference requested the governor to take action against the land grabbers who have made security of lives and property at risk.

They also asked the governor to call to order, the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, and some other government officials, alleging his involvement in the crisis that is rocking the estate.

One of the major concerns raised by the residents was the development of the wetlands beside the estate which they said pose a threat to the community, particularly during flash floods.

They said that the latest crisis began after the government had given permission to construct a perimeter fence at a portion of the estate, but after its completion, the physical planning enforcement team came and demolished it, causing distress to the residents.

The residents emphasised that rainwater from Ikeja and other parts of the state capital flows into the wetlands and the area is an important natural reserve that should be preserved, rather than developed for commercial purposes.

They also mentioned that animals from the wetlands have

encroached into their homes due to the land grabbing activities of “Omo Onile.”

Chairman of MRA, Sheriff Daramola, lamented the activities of land grabbers, the resulting insecurity, and flooding caused by encroachment into the wetlands and the demolition of the perimeter fencing.

He appealed to the governor and the state government to refrain from building link roads to the wetlands through Magodo Phase II and instead construct a road from the unencumbered Otedola underpass.

Daramola highlighted the negative consequences of accessing the wetlands through Magodo Phase II, including increased traffic flow, compromised infrastructure, and higher incidences of flooding and soil erosion. He urged the government to reinstate the perimeter wall for the safety and security of the residents.

One of the residents who is also a journalist, Mr. Mojeed Jamiu stressed that development of the wetlands was a threat to the bridge and gas pipeline.

He said there was conflicting interest between the Commissioners for Physical Planning and Environment, urging Sanwo-Olu to step into the situation as a matter of urgency.

The residents appreciated the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tokunbo Wahab, for recognising the significance of the wetlands during his visit to Magodo Phase II. The residents therefore urged the government to consider the

potential natural disaster that would result from building up the wetlands and called for the preservation of the security and tranquillity of Magodo Phase II. They emphasised the need for a balance between development and the well-being of the residents.

Also speaking during the press conference, former Lagos State Commissioner, Francisco Abosede, who is a resident in the Magodo GRA Phase II Estate, said the wetland amongst other ecological benefits served as a natural storm collector and flood control container

for all stormwater from Agidingbi, Ikeja, Ogba, Alausa.

He said forcing access to the wetland through Magodo Phase II in the proposed urban development scheme will have consequences for the existence of Magodo Phase II and its residents.

He added that using Magodo GRA Phase II to access the wetland is to destroy the fragile infrastructure the residents have collectively managed and maintained and with supports from the Lagos State Government.

Tobacco Graphic Health Warnings Can Save Nigeria N6.7 billion, Says NTCA Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) has said that a full implementation of the graphic health warnings policy on cigarette and other tobacco brands will end 11,744 deaths caused by tobacco use; prevent 32,608 illnesses attributed to tobacco use and save the country 6,745,786 million in healthcare costs annually.

To this end, it urged the Standards Organizations of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, and all agencies tasked with enforcement of tobacco control laws to save Nigerians by beginning the enforcement of the graphic health warnings policy without delay on all tobacco products.

According to the law on tobacco control, every tobacco company is expected to put a health advisory in form of graphics on their products warning prospective buyers of the

possible health danger.

This graghic health warning is to be changed every two years with a new message.

Mr. Chibuike Nwokorie who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday said that the government should consider the menace of tobacco consumption on the health and wellbeing of Nigerians and quickly take steps to enforce the Tobacco Control Act. He said National Tobacco Control Act gave a moratorium of 150 days before enforcement, during which tobacco companies are expected to phase out products bearing the outdated warnings He said that the moratorium period ended on November, 20 2023, marking the start of enforcement of the new set of warnings.

He explained that the first set of the two-year rotational warnings; a photo showing the diseased lungs of a smoker, and the healthy lungs of a non-smoker, expired on June 23rd, 2023.

Nwokorie also said that the current set of graphic health warnings; an image showing mouth cancer caused by tobacco use was approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and came into effect in June 2023.

While lamenting the consequences of poor enforcement of the control measures, Nwokorie said: “That a recent study by the Institute of Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy in collaboration with an indigenous research group, the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa; a full implementation of the graphic health warnings policy will end 11,744 deaths caused by tobacco use; prevent 32,608 illnesses attributed to tobacco use and save the country 6,745,786 million in healthcare costs annually’.

To monitor compliance with this critical policy, he said that NTCA has activated Alliance members in the Federal Capital Territory, also, in Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa, Kano, Adamawa, and Oyo States to carry out market surveys to

determine the level of compliance within their states.

“The survey results show that while some cigarette packs bear the new sets of warnings, some still carry the outdated pictorial warning, and worse still, a sizeable number of packs bear the very old ‘text-only’ warnings. The survey also revealed that compliance on other tobacco products such as shisha, cigars, snuff, and cigarillos is almost nonexistent,” he said.

Nwokorie said that one major obstacle to tobacco control in Nigeria is the tobacco industry’s interference in policy-making processes.

He accused the tobacco industry of employing various tactics, such as lobbying and strategic marketing, to influence decision-makers to dilute the impact of tobacco control measures.

Associate Director for Capacity Strengthening, Africa Tobacco Control Programme, Mrs. Hilda Ochefu said that things are not going well with regards to the revision of the graphic health warnings put on tobacco products sold in Nigeria.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

19

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

N O V E M B E R

S & P INDEX

2 3 , 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%

One Hour Return Ticket Now N300,000, May Rise Further During Yuletide

Chinedu Eze As domestic airlines strive to stay in business following economic constrictions in the country, airfares have been on consistent rise to the detriment of frequent of air travellers.

On Wednesday this week the cost of a return ticket for one hour flight jumped to N300, 000 and there are indications that as December draws nearer, the cost may even increase.

THISDAY investigation revealed that currently the base fare begins at N80, 000 and rises to about N150, 000 for economy ticket.

Business class ticket base fare on Wednesday was N110, 000 but

due to high demand, the cost of the tickets may rise to over N200, 000.

A protocol official at the domestic terminal, MMA2, told THISDAY on Wednesday that business class tickets hover around N250,000 “and what was surprising was that the there was high demand for the tickets, as economy class tickets have been exhausted for the period of the Yuletide.

“The price of tickets has continued to skyrocket. Today, I bought Lagos to Uyo business class ticket at N253, 000 on Ibom Air flight; Air Peace, N250, 000. The business class tickets may start from N96, 000 to N110, 000 and begin to graduate from

there, as demand increases. But even with the high prices, people are still buying tickets; people are still travelling; the airports are full.

I guess that the major reason why the prices are going so high is that there is no enough aircraft, so few seats are available,” he said.

The protocol official also told THISDAY that most flights were already fully booked for December.

“Economy class begins at N80, 000. It is no more N50, 000 and as we are talking the flights available are fully booked. We just hope that airlines will add more flights, but even at that, the fares will still be high and will continue to rise. As

Christmas draws nearer the fares will increase. Destinations like Enugu and Owerri are fully booked already,” he further said.

THISDAY findings indicated that many domestic carriers would not bring more aircraft just for the Yuletide because most tickets are sold in October and November.

“If you lease aircraft by December you will not be able to break even because most ticket sales happen in October and November. In fact, November is when airlines record their highest sales in Nigeria, subsequently what you will be witnessing in December is that airlines leaving Lagos and Abuja

to other states like Owerri, Enugu, Asaba, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Calabar travel with full loads, but you return to Lagos empty, with less than 40 per cent of your capacity,” an operator told THISDAY. The only airline that may add more aircraft to its fleet is Air Peace.

Currently it has about 38 aircraft that are airworthy, which include eight leased aircraft and there is hope that one or two aircraft on maintenance might return.

The Chief Operating Officer of Cleanserve Energy and former Managing Director of Arik Air, Chris Ndulue, also told THISDAY that the high rise of flight ticket is

not caused by increase in the cost of aviation fuel because the price of the product has been stable for some time now.

He said that naturally cost of flight tickets rise towards the Christmas holidays, remarking that it is the biggest season for Nigerian carriers.

He said that the Christmas season is very critical to Nigerian airlines because it determines their survival, noting that every airline builds the season into its strategic economic and survival plans without which an airline might go under.

The story continues online on

www.thisdaylive.com

International Telecommunications Union to Update Radio Regulations, Allocate Scarce Radio Frequency Spectrum Emma Okonji The ongoing World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23), organised by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which opened Monday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is currently reviewing the Radio Regulations, as well as the international treaty governing the use of spectrum and geostationary

and non-geostationary satellite orbits.

The conference offers opportunity for governments all over the world to negotiate on the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum, which has become a scarce commodity globally.

During the opening ceremony of the conference, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, noted that the World Radiocommunication Conference,

remained a testament to the power of international cooperation in tackling global challenges.

In the message delivered on his behalf, Guterres added: “Radio frequencies, whether on Earth or in space, form the backbone of advanced communications for all of humanity. From education to healthcare, from agriculture to climate monitoring, expanding radiocommunication services and

bridging the digital divide is key to reducing inequalities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Much of the technology in everyday life uses radio-frequency spectrum, allocated by ITU’s world radiocommunication conferences, and the spectrum has become scarce globally, prompting most countries, Nigeria inclusive to device new ways of managing spectrum allocation.

In order to deepen broadband

penetration and 5G rollout in Nigeria, telecoms operators are beginning to acquire spectrum that are not in use from other telecoms operators.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), recently gave approval to MTN to acquire the spectrum of OpenSkys Services Limited, an indigenous Nigerian telecommunications company that was licensed by NCC to offer

telecommunications services on the 450MHz spectrum band.

In 2016, MTN Nigeria completed the process for the acquisition of the spectrum of Visafone, which includes the acquisition of the telecoms company, to enable it to deepen its broadband penetration across the country.

The story continues online on

www.thisdaylive.com

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS Change Updated Time DESCRIPTION Price Yield (%) ^13.53 23-36, November 101.40 12.14 MAR-2025 00 2, 2023 ^12.50 22-12, November 99.00 13.00 JAN-2026 00 2, 2023 ^16.2884 November 108.14 13.23 -1,00 17-MAR-27 2, 2023 ^13.98 23November 99.81 14.02 -6,00 FEB-2028 2, 2023 ^14.55 26November 98.98 14.82 -5,00 APR-2029 2, 2023

BILLS

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

MATURITY

Discount Yield

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

1.80

1.80

Change (%) Updated Time November 0.00 2, 2023

MATURITY

2.57

2.57

November 0.00 2, 2023

3.92

3.94

November 0.00 2, 2023

3.50

3.53

November 0.00 2, 2023

JULI CP II 25-OCT-23 ZEDC CP I 17-NOV-23 NSDL CP IIA 22-NOV-23 MTNN CP V 23-NOV-23

NTB 8-Feb24

4.39

4.45

November 0.00 2, 2023

NSDL CP IIB 23-NOV-23

Change Time Discount Yield (%) November 0.00 2, 16.95 17.00 2023 November 14.71 14.89 0.00 2, 2023 November 19.25 19.60 0.00 2, 2023 November 11.27 11.39 0.00 2, 2023 19.24

19.60

November 0.00 2, 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

November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023

T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Akeredolu should do the right thing by handing over to his deputy, argues JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

AKEREDOLU VERSUS AKEREDOLU: IS THIS DÉJÀ VU? Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is a brave man.

Long before he eventually became the governor of Ondo State and even after, he was always the sort of person to take a stand on issues where you needed a courageous person to speak. Many will say that that defiance is what ultimately led him to clinching the APC ticket and eventually winning the election to become governor. He is not known to bite his tongue.

When I struggled between subject matters for this week, the choice eventually turned out to be an easy one. Because anyone who has been paying attention to the governor will tell you that he’d have chosen to prioritize writing on the

debacle Ondo State is currently entrapped in. If he was not the subject matter that is.

I have heard different stories from various political interests in Ondo State whilst mostly treating each side with suspicion. Politicians have never been known not to defend their side. Those who expect anything different are more irrational than whatever suspicions of irrationality they have of these politicians.

Despite being repeatedly prodded by X/Twitter users, I simply chose to look away whilst hoping that the leadership challenge in Ondo State will resolve itself. Months on, it hasn’t.

Whilst everyone is free to pick whatever side of the divide they belong, there must remain room for intersections. A space where everyone must agree, if not as a collective, at least as individuals, that it is not normal and it is unacceptable to have a governor who wouldn’t resume work in his state for months and who insists on neither resigning nor handing over power to his deputy.

We have been here before — precisely on the 8th of December 2009 — and my position on the matter will be led by the following words, “The prayer of the association is that the President should recover fast, return to his office, and resign. No matter how much you love your country, it should not be at the detriment of your health. It is not your party or your wife that will decide whether you are capable of handling state matters; it is only your doctors that can decide that. The bar is not asking the president not to come back and take his seat, but the right thing must be done”. These are the words of the then NBA President, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, whilst addressing the absence of then President Umaru Yar’Adua who had taken ill and could not resume as president.

We need not go too far as to what Governor Akeredolu ought to do at this time, he offered the template at a time he had no reason to be biased

one way or other, except his commitment to the rule of law, order and propriety. Akeredolu was right in 2009.

Today, Ondo State is where Nigeria was in December 2009: an ailing leader who is not able to carry out the duties of his office and has refused to formally hand over to his deputy governor, so there’d at least be an Acting Governor in the state. Instead of just a governor who can’t act. Interestingly, the deputy governor is in more danger of getting impeached than the Governor is. It is another manifestation of the machinations and anomalies of politics in Nigeria. Akeredolu was right in 2009.

If it was based on political interest, I should be defending Akeredolu’s end. I’ve got friends on that side that I do not have on the side of the deputy governor. The governor also graciously posed with my book when one of those friends gifted him a copy. However, this is not a choice between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa, it is a choice between what is right and what is wrong.

It is a choice between standing with those who would want Nigeria burdened with an ailing president who couldn’t resume office and those who stood with Akeredolu when he bravely made the call for the president to do the right thing. Akeredolu was right in 2009.

I do not care for Aiyedatiwa’s politics.

Never interacted with him nor attempted to. This is beyond the fact he stands to gain more than anyone else were the governor to resign or formally hand over to an acting governor. However, this is beyond the politics of personalities, it is about the essence of governance; to always do right by the people.

Akeredolu was right in 2009.

I wish Governor Rotimi Akeredolu full recovery. I believe in miracles and our country is better of with Akeredolu in it, healthy and strong. His priority and that of anyone who genuinely cares about him should be to take care of his health and not be distracted by anything that does not advance his recovery. I am not naïve. I know that there are people whose livelihood and political interest are hinged on Akeredolu holding on to power. I understand this lot. It is the nature of humans to seek their own good. Even though their choice is more about them than it is about the well-being of the governor. In a sense, they are holding the state hostage and denying the people governance by capturing power through a governor who clearly needs time and space to heal. Akeredolu was right in 2009.

In 2009, Akeredolu asked that the president should recover fast, return to office and then resign. In 2023, I’d say Governor Akeredolu should continue to work on his recovery. When he returns to office, he can continue to govern without resigning. Until then, he should hand over to his deputy governor. Put the people first. This can’t be too much to ask of someone who asked more of another leader. Let it be said of you, that when the time came to live by the words you declared, you did exactly what you asked of others.

Akeredolu was right in 2009, the right thing must be done. If he is the one taking these decisions, there is no better time than now, to do the right thing.

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

DAYO SOBOWALE contends that many acts, across nations, are coloured by religion

RELIGION, DEMOCRACY AND SECURITY

Israel’s unending retaliatory military strikes the desired goal of lifting Nigerians out of against Hamas over its attack on Israel on poverty and that the nation should look for October 7 2023 has thrown the watching succor from a brand of democracy he called global audience into turmoil and anguish in a Afro Democracy. way not experienced in any historical dispute What is important about these three between two nations. No one dare call the views is that they are literally from the dispute an Armageddon for the simple reason horses’ mouth of those who have the of the religious depth of a dispute between two knowledge, the facts and know how of peoples, once one, but divided by history since what they are saying in that they have been ancient times and now in terms of contemporary consummate participant observers on the history, since the establishment of Israel in issues they have raised . Such views are Palestine in 1948. An indignant reaction to the pertinent and relevant for any democracy to horror of the Holocaust by the victors of WW2, succeed and thrive and that is the essence who defeated Hitler, the German leader who of any democracy which must indeed look swore to wipe out the Jews in Europe but lost for the ultimate welfare of it electorate. If it the war to achieve that horrendous goal. The is not to descend into massive dissent and ongoing Israeli elimination of Hamas before a violence which invariably is the precursor watching world has shown again that religion of anarchy, the antithesis of democracy. is not only the opium of the masses, like the In Suella Braverman’s letter of socialists claimed in days of yore, but the disapproval of the PM ‘s failure to soft underbelly of western civilization and deliver on their party’s manifesto , a key the harbinger of the death of free speech and component of democratic performance and SURWHVWV ZKLFK DUH WKH GHÀQLQJ FKDUDFWHULVWLFV leadership of the ruling Conservative Party of democracy, the prevailing ideology in the , she challenged as follows – ‘You have free world as we know it today. manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver Anti Jewish or anti semitic and anti Israel on every single one of these key policies. protests have broken out all over Europe and Either your distinctive style of government the US the main promoters of free speech and means you are incapable of doing so. Or, as democracy in the world and their police have I must surely conclude now, you never had been hard put to keep a straight face and any intention of keeping your promises ‘ .

She concluded brutally on the British PM Sunak’s leadership style – ‘Our deal was no promise over dinner , to be discarded when convenient and denied when challenged ‘.

I see Braverman as a future PM of Britain for the single fact that her colonial background has emboldened her to see and say what others, like the Mayor of London, a Pakistani origin Muslim British citizen , cannot see or say, in the tacit support for Hamas which the former Home Secretary saw and acted on, in accusing the Metropolitan Police of leaning towards the Anti Jewish and pro Islamic protests rocking London over the war on Gaza.

In the same vein the Nigerian Chief of pretend that it is business as usual as it is the 'HIHQFH 6WDͿ *HQHUDO &KULVWRSKHU 0XVD LV dictum of democracy that dissent and protests bold man indeed to call out the Nigerian are human rights and that the majority may prisons warders on their collusion with have its way but the minority must always be Boko Haram to formulate terrorist strategies allowed to have its say. Those two democratic against the Nigeria state in Nigerian prisons values are being tested on security grounds not .It is a well known but never spoken fact that only on the streets of the US and Europe but in religion has played a major part in stalling the way religion is holding many nations by the Nigerian military in their patriotic role the balls not only in terms of the safety of lives to defeat Boko Haram. There is an unspoken and property, but indeed on the important and empathy for this terrorist group against the sacred ground of political stability, which is the Nigerian military both in the use, gathering fundamental enabling environment for peace, and misuse of intelligence to eliminate prosperity and economic development. the terrorists. I am sure that very soon the In the UK the former Minister of Interior or 1LJHULDQ PLOLWDU\ FKLHI ZKR GHÀDQWO\ KDV Home Secretary Suella Braverman was forced revealed this prison conspiracy with Boko to resign by the PM Rishi Sunak because of Haram would soon be condemned because her criticism that the PM has reneged on the of his not being a Muslim. Even though his manifesto that brought his government into revelation is a commendable act of bravery power and that the Metropolitan Police has in ensuring our collective security and EHHQ OHVV WKDQ HYHQ KDQGHG RU ÀUP LQ WKH ZD\ political stability. that it is handling the massive anti semitic, With regard to OBJ’s brand of Afro pro Hamas protests in their thousands on the 'HPRFUDF\ , EHJ WR GLͿHU ZLWK KLV VW\OH RI streets of London. As against anti - migrants categorization, even as I acknowledge , as he demonstrations by the nationalistic groups too must, of being the strongest promoter of usually branded as xenophobic in Britain. In the ill- fated democracy he now denounces, 1LJHULD WKH &KLHI RI 'HIHQFH 6WDͿ DFFXVHG almost belatedly, in the twilight of his long warders in Nigeria’s prisons of colluding with and controversial career, as a well known Boko Haram terrorists in their custody for a democrat of the chequered and Eminent fee in formulating and executing terrorist acts Citizens mould of old. against the Nigerian state. Also in Nigeria a former military and elected Head of State Sobowale ÀQDOO\ GLVFRYHUHG WKDW GHPRFUDF\ LV QRW VHUYLQJ is a news analyst with Arise News

21 4

T H I S D AY

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

ADDRESSING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN The authorities should do well to enforce the law

T

Due essentially to the patriarchal interpretations he 2023 edition of the global 16 Days within our various faiths which preach endurance as of ‘Activism against Gender-Based a sure pathway to heaven, our religious leaders most Violence’ commences tomorrow with often advise forgiveness, even in the most bizarre of the theme ‘Invest to Prevent Violence instances. Again, most abused women who opt to against Women & Girls.’ We hope that remain in the most challenging of marriages claim the exercise will help draw attention stability for their children as the excuse for their to the plight of Nigerian women and girls. It is no ‘fortitude’. longer news that violence continues to manifest Against the background that curbing these tragic itself in new forms and trends against women and incidents is a collective responsibility, both the girls in the country. From physical and verbal abuse authorities and the society must be alerted to the to rape and even murder, it is evident that relevant fact that battery and assault remain felonies in our authorities are not doing enough to tackle this ODZ ERRNV HYHQ ZKHUH LQÁLFWHG EHWZHHQ VSRXVHV menace.

We must therefore understand that ignoring the While spousal abuse indeed cuts across both subtle signals of violence can only lead to fatal sexes, women are predominantly the victims in consequences as we our country. Yet abused have witnessed lately. women rarely report Assault and battery, even WKH YLROHQFH LQÁLFWHG WKRXJK VHULRXV RͿHQFHV While spousal abuse cuts across both sexes, women are predominantly on them, for fear of in our law books, are being stigmatized by the victims in our country.

Yet abused women rarely report the violence hardly ever perceived the society. Besides, as crimes by many of the patriarchal inflicted on them, for fear of being stigmatized by the society our law enforcement interpretations within agencies, unless the acts our various faiths preach ultimately culminate in endurance. Inevitably, the occurrence of death.

T H I S D AY the victim and the abuser (where summoned) are It is indeed imperative that the authorities make EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU XVXDOO\ DGYLVHG WR JR KRPH DQG ÀQG D ZD\ WR VHWWOH DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA PRUH HͿRUWV WR XQGHUVWDQG WKH XQGHUO\LQJ FDXVHV WKHLU GLͿHUHQFHV UDWKHU WKDQ PDNH SXEOLF WKH LQMXU\ MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO and dynamics of this growing violence, if only or the violence within.

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU to redeem the stability of the family unit, and There is hardly a day without a report of a man CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI consequently, the larger society. We cannot continue EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN visiting violence either on his spouse or girlfriend. to ignore the societal upsurge in these occurrences, THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE This is despite the stringent provisions in the Violence for the implications on our collective psyche, as Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015. The citizenry, and our development as a nation, are law prohibits, among others, abandonment of spouse, ominous. More disturbing is that complaints of children and other dependents without sustenance, violence and abuse (against family members) made battery, and harmful traditional practices; provides T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D at our police stations, where girls and women can EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA a legislative and legal framework for the prevention summon the courage to do so, are often dismissed GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, of all forms of violence against vulnerable persons, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI as domestic matters, especially where such violence especially women and girls. It prohibits economic DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, occurs between spouses. abuse, forced isolation and separation from family ANTHONY OGEDENGBE Government, at all levels, must address these and friends, substance attack, depriving persons of DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI concerns.

That is the only way to assure our women SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH their liberty, incest, and indecent exposure. It also and girls that we care about their welfare and ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI intends to eliminate violence in private and public wellbeing, and the health and prosperity of the OLIH DQG SURYLGHV PD[LPXP SURWHFWLRQ DQG HͿHFWLYH CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO nation. remedies for victims of violence.

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

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LETTERS CHEERING NEWS FROM LIBERIA For a long time, political transition has been a serious issue in Africa. Elections are often turned into a theater of warfare as incumbent political leaders wouldn’t want to concede to electoral defeats easily.

It is almost rare in Africa for an incumbent President to lose an election. It is sacrilegious! The ugly trend has sadly led to the existence of an array of sit-tight-leaders who hold on to power at all costs on the continent. And the list is pathetically extensive.

In Cameroon, 90-year- old President Paul Biya has been in the saddle for 41 years. He has been the country’s President since 6th November, 1982, having previously been Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982. In Sudan, after 30 years, Omar Al-Bashir’s reign ended almost the same way he started. The Sudanese longtime president, who seized power in a military coup on -XQH VWD\HG LQ R΀FH WLOO $SULO ZKHQ KH ZDV RYHUthrown and arrested by the armed forces.

7KH VWRU\ LV QRW DQ\ GLͿHUHQW LQ IDUDZD\ $QJROD ZKHUH -RVH Eduardo dos Santos, 75, has been President since 1979, after the FRXQWU\·V ÀUVW SRVW LQGHSHQGHQFH SUHVLGHQW $JRVWLQKR 1HWR died.

After a peace deal signed in 1991, Mr. Dos Santos beat UNITA OHDGHU -RQDV 6DYLPEL LQ WKH ÀUVW URXQG RI $QJROD·V ÀUVW FRQWHVW-

HG SUHVLGHQWLDO HOHFWLRQ LQ EXW 6DYLPEL UHMHFWHG WKH UHVXOW and resumed guerrilla war.

While some have praised the septuagenarian for leading the country to recovery after the end of its 27-year civil war in 2002, RWKHUV DFFXVH KLP RI DXWKRULWDULDQLVP RYHUVWD\ LQ R΀FH DQG failing to distribute the proceeds from the oil boom more widely. Detractors indicted him of being gradually dictatorial when he chose his daughter, Isabel, as the Head of the country’s oil company, Sonangol.

In Gambia, Yahya Jammeh was forced to leave after he had refused to step down following his defeat in the December 2016 election. He went into exile after a last minute diplomatic push and threat of military invasion by ECOWAS troops.

Yoweri Museveni, 79, became Uganda’s president in 1986. :LWK ÀYH SUHVLGHQWLDO WHUPV LQ R΀FH 0XVHYHQL FODLPV 8JDQGD is one of the most democratic countries in the world. In 2005, the constitution was changed to allow him to extend his time in R΀FH 0XVHYHQL ZDV UH HOHFWHG LQ LQ DQ HOHFWLRQ RYHUVKDGowed by arrests of politicians and allegations of rigging. Police carried out multiple arrests of opposition activists, including his closest rival, Kizza Besigye, during the vote. During one of his re-election bids, when he addressed the issue of stepping down,

for a younger generation of leaders, he asked: “How can I leave a banana plantation that I have planted when it has started bearing fruit?”

That, of course, is the skewed mentality of some African leaders. He sees his nation as a private property. He sees his people as a conquered species. He sees his country’s resources as a booty to be plundered and used for his fancy. Obviously, for him, the harvest is still not over as he has continued to rule over the country for 37 years!

That, indeed, has been the messy state of political leadership in Africa where leaders don’t really know when to quit. Oh, that *RG ZLOO JLYH $IULFD PRUH RI QREOH VHOÁHVV DQG YLVLRQDU\ OHDGers like late President Nelson Mandela of South Africa. After VSHQGLQJ D WHUP LQ R΀FH 0DQGHOD RSWHG WR VWHS DVLGH VWUHVVing that his country needed younger and more vibrant leaders. +HUH ZDV D PDQ ZKR VSHQW DOPRVW KLV HQWLUH OLIH ÀJKWLQJ IRU WKH emancipation of his nation.

Can Africa yet experience the privilege of having such leaders?

Tayo Ogunbiyi, 'LUHFWRU 3XEOLF $ͿDLUV /DJRV 0LQLVWU\ RI ,QIRUPDWLRQ 6WUDWHJ\ $ODXVD ,NHMD

22

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

OAS Acquires New Helicopter to Boost Offshore Operations Chinedu Eze An offshore and allied services company, Odengene Air Shuttle Services Ltd (OAS Helicopters) has announced acquisition of new equipment, the 2023 model Leonardo AW-139.

The AgustaWestland AW139, now known as the Leonardo AW139, is a 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter developed and produced by the AngloItalian helicopter manufacturer, AgustaWestland (now part of Leonardo). It is marketed at several different roles, including VIP/corporate transport, military use, offshore transport, fire fighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster

relief, and maritime patrol.

OAS Helicopters in a statement, said the helicopter has landed in the country and that it will be deployed for offshore services and dedicated to one of the major E and P companies in Nigeria.

“It is also necessary to share with you the short story behind its acquisition and timely delivery to Nigeria. At agreement, OAS consented to provide the aircraft within six months of contract signing. But due to financial and technical capacity we and our technical partners have mustered and deployed in the industry over the years, this aircraft through the manufacturers, Leonardo, was procured and delivered in Nigeria within three months (90 days). This

is a feat not common nowadays with Saudi Arabia multiple aircraft back-orders running in upper tens.

“We are aware of the oil and gas industry scope and desire to expand their operations in Nigeria at this critical business moment in our country, and we think it might be necessary to inform you that we have the capacity to provide you, on short notice, this type of oil and gas worldwide most reliable workhorse, straight 7-ton, helicopter – AW-139,” the company said in the statement.

OAS Helicopter is one of the leading indigenous helicopter companies with many years of experience, known for efficiency, safety and a multi-services provider in the sub-sector.

Ethiopian Airlines Acquires 84 Aircraft at Dubai Airshow Ethiopian Airlines Group, the fastest-growing global airline brand and the continent’s largest airline, has signed deals to purchase a total of 84 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.

Amid the Airshow, Ethiopian has signed deals with the aviation’s big names such as Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce for aircraft purchase, and engine total care service. Ethiopian has agreed to order 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes with an opportunity for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively, from Boeing, making the total order size with Boing to 67 aircraft. It

has also committed to buy 11 additional Airbus A350-900s with six more purchase rights.

The total deal for 84 aircraft purchase is worth USD 23 billion at List Price. Ethiopian Airlines has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RollsRoyce for a comprehensive Total Care service agreement for 22 Trent XWB-84 engines that exclusively power the Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Commenting on the deals, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, said: “We are pleased to reach a deal with both Boeing and Airbus for the purchase of these additional

84 airplanes. The Boeing 787-9, 737 -8 and the Airbus A350-900 aircraft models have been in ET fleet for several years now, and have demonstrated the highest level of passenger comfort, operational reliability and reduced operational cost. This order is consistent with our long-term fleet renewal and expansion plan. As a customer focused airline, we are particularly excited to boost our fleet with these ultra-modern airplanes that ensure a convenient and memorable onboard experience to our esteemed passengers, while being environmentally friendly with reduced carbon footprint.”

Coronation Group Partners Nigerians in Diaspora Commission The 6th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit convened by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), held in Abuja recently, with the theme ‘New Vistas, New Aspirations, New Visions: The Diaspora and National Development’.

The 3-day event brought together esteemed leaders and entrepreneurs, to forge strategic collaborations for growth. Honourable (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO NiDCOM, hosted the event, highlighting the pivotal role of the diaspora in Nigeria’s national development.

Distinguished guests in attendance included the Minister of Finance/ Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, and the Minister of the Federal

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also attended the summit, further enriching the discourse with their perspectives on the intersection of diaspora investment and various sectors crucial to national development.

Coronation Group Limited, Africa’s investment management powerhouse, sponsored the event, as part of a broader collaboration to democratise access to financial solutions for Nigerians living in the diaspora. The Coronation Group unveiled a portal on the NiDCOM website, designed to provide a safe and convenient avenue for diaspora members to access financial solutions.

Funke Feyisitan-Ladimeji, representing Coronation Group Limited said: “The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit underscores

the significant role the diaspora community plays in shaping our nation’s economic landscape. At Coronation Group, our participation reflects our shared goal of financial independence and wealth creation for Nigerians everywhere. Through our partnership with NiDCOM, we will provide Nigerians in diaspora with technology-enabled platforms to enable seamless and secure access to superior financial services. We will also provide free access to a robust financial literacy and education program, to ensure the community is empowered to make savvy investment decisions. Overall, we aim to create an environment where financial security and prosperity are not just aspirations, but attainable realities for every member of the Nigerian diaspora community.”

FintechNGR Attracts Investments at Singapore FinTech Festival 2023 Emma Okonji FintechNGR, the umbrella body for fintech players and the leading Fintech Association in Africa, led the Nigerian delegation alongside esteemed partners like Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and Wema Bank/ALAT, to the Singapore FinTech Festival 2023.

FintechNGR used the occasion to woo global investors to invest in the Nigerian Fintech industry.

The global nexus for policy, finance, and technology provided a vital platform for FintechNGR to connect Nigeria with the rest of the world.

The festival, which brought

more than 60,000 participants, 100 countries, and 1,000 brands together over the three-day event, saw FintechNGR’s pavilion emerge as one of the most visited, attesting to the heightened interest in Nigeria.

The COO of FinTechNGR, Dr. Babatunde Obrimah, said: “Our active participation through speaking engagements not only contributed to the global fintech knowledge base, but also showcased the pivotal role and impact of the Nigerian ecosystem on a broader African scale through product and brand exhibitions.

FintechNGR used the opportunity to attract foreign investments and businesses into Nigeria, positioning the nation as a hub for fintech

innovation. Through engaging discussions, brand exhibitions, and strategic showcases, FintechNGR actively worked towards opening doors for Nigerian fintech enterprises to establish a global presence.”

The Singapore FinTech Festival, known for exploring cutting-edge financial solutions, regulatory landscapes, and technological innovations, provided an unparalleled platform for global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

FintechNGR’s presence underscored its commitment to driving global collaborations and showcasing the immense potential of the Nigerian fintech ecosystem.

A I R WATCH ‘Nigeria’s Aviation Market Needs Policies to Boost Profit’ Chinedu Eze The Chief Executive Officer of the Togo-based Asky Airlines, Mr. Esayas WoldeMariam Hailu has said that Nigeria has big aviation market and also high number of travellers but needs policies that will empower its airlines to operate profitably.

In a recent interview, the Asky CEO said that Nigerian needs efficient and well-functioning airlines that would cater for domestic and international markets and appealed to Nigeria’s national assembly to introduce laws that will enable Nigerian carriers to thrive.

“Nigeria aviation is a very big aviation market by the share, by the mobility, the people are very high travellers. In Nigeria it is good to have a well-functioning domestic and international Nigerian companies. But the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria, the way I look at it, it is a little bit formidable and difficult for the Nigerian authorities. So my advice and my appeal for the Nigerian lawmakers is that they need to enable the operators in Nigeria to be able to thrive because the market is so big for the international and domestic operators.

“There is no shortage of market but the government should enable the Nigerian operators by way of good regulation that would create the enabling environment, by way of making them to thrive. Making the law, so that they can help them develop the aviation infrastructure, making the law to be very conducive for the local operators, so that they can grow up to the task and cover the region and the continent. So this is my appeal. Otherwise, there are a lot of people who are really interested to make aviation to work in Nigeria. And also the market is so in demand and saturated and there are a lot of operators in the sector. So my appeal to the Nigerian government is to enable them and push them to grow. That is my simple advice.

Of course the whole aviation ecosystem needs to be built to be an enabling environment for aviation,” he said.

Hailu said Asky Airlines, which is a private multinational passenger airline, was established in 2010, 13 years ago and has done so well and has become a profitable carrier in West Africa.

According to Hailu, Asky is not only profitable in terms of economics, but it is also profitable in terms of fulfilling its vision and mission of connecting West, Central, South, East Africa with each other and connecting people and goods and cultures. So, it is profitable in all dimensions.

The CEO said Asky is fulfilling its mission as pan-Africa airline and has effectively operated to fulfil its set out goals.

“First of all, the commercial tagline for Asky is the pan-African airline. By saying this, we are not just invoking slogans, we mean what we say in Asky. Asky is a real Pan-Africa, number one. By connecting people from Cape Verde, from the westermost to Kenya, Nairobi the eastermost to Niamey, Niger, the northermost and Johannesburg, South Africa, the southermost. And just about anywhere else in between 28 destinations. This means west, central, south, east Africa, building one of the largest networks connecting Africa. That means serving the Pan-African initiative, the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), and before it is even being fulfilled, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). So this is one of the Pan-African attributes of Asky, by the sheer network architecture. It

shows pan-Africanism.

“Number two, look at Asky’s name. Asky means African Sky. Look at the color of the logo.

The golden and the brown. The brown is the brown color of the Africans. The golden is all the minerals and the gold which is in Africa, be it in Ghana, Mali, Niger, and elsewhere.

Number three, Asky is Pan-African because Asky is employing pilots and cabin crew from Senegal to Chad to Ghana to Gabon to Benin to Togo to Niger and from everywhere. Even from Nigeria, from Sokoto to Maiduguri, to Ogun State and to Abia State, all geopolitical zones. In fact, the largest concentration of pilots flying as Asky are from Nigeria. So this shows you that Asky is Pan-African in terms of its employment opportunities, in terms of its brand, look and feel and logo, in terms of its network. It is living true to its claim. It does not deny its claim of being Pan-African,” the CEO said.

He said that the highpoint of what he would want to achieve as the CEO of Asky Airlines is to instill proficiency and technical knowledge in Africans, to train aviation experts who could market their technical skills globally.

“The singular high point I have in mind is that Africa needs aviation proficiency.

People talk about brian drain from Africa to the developed world, but when it comes to aviation, Africa does not have the trained aviation expertise to drain. So, Africa needs to train a lot of aviation experts. This is a highly skilled intensive industry which requires license, modulated license and other things.

So, the high point is that Asky should be bent on developing aviation in the region by way of training aviation professionals. This needs to be done in every country in Africa; to train aviation professionals. The more aviation professionals we have, we can help aviation to grow in the continent,” he said.

Hailu disclosed that Asky started from a humble beginning, operating Bombardier Q400s, which are Turbo props aircraft with ultra narrow body. Now Asky has migrated into jet engine. Asky is operating Boeing B737 MAX, B737-800, which are new generation aircraft.

“Asky is now having 15 aircraft and 28 destinations. And Asky has diversified its network all the way to East Africa, Kenya, Nairobi, and all the way to South Africa, Johannesburg, as well as to the westernmost part Praia Cape Verde, and a big network of 28 destinations. So Asky has grown within the last 13 years. It has outgrown from a humble beginning of a regional operator, and has truly become a pan-African airline,” he added.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

23

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Plasticity Amid Challenges Nigeria loses huge foreign exchange to international air transport because Nigerian airlines are not major players, but Air Peace is buffeting through the odds to carve a market for Nigerian operators, writes Chinedu Eze

N

igeria is recognised as a very lucrative and highly competitive route by international carriers because Nigerians are compulsive travellers, the only country in Africa where its population fills up the cabins of aircraft from business class to the economy.

In 2022, reports indicate that foreign airlines operating in Nigeria repatriated about $1.1 billion and there are signs that foreign airlines would earn near double of this in 2023, considering the rate Nigerians are still travelling and the increase in airfares.

With such high population of international travellers, it is expected that Nigeria should be benefitting hugely from its air transport sector and the sector should contribute significantly to its GDP, but international air travel in Nigeria is dominated by foreign airlines that charge outrageous fares to Nigerians. They are using every instrument possible to hold tightly to the market, including diplomatic channels, aeropolitics and compromise of Nigerian government officials.

They know that if Nigerian airlines begin to gain sufficient passenger traffic on foreign routes, airfares will come down and the exploitation Nigerian travellers will stop.

Document obtained from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), showed that in 2022, 26 airlines carried out a total of 13,003 international flights to and from the Nigeria. In the same period, inbound international passenger traffic was 1, 648, 225, a significant increase when compared to 1,109,621 in 2021; while outbound international passengers in 2022 was 1, 855,467, recording over 700, 000 increase compared to 2021, which was 1,109,525.

It was only one Nigerian carrier, Air Peace that operated international flights; the rest were foreign airlines. So, Nigerian airlines do not even have up to 5 per cent of the international market.

Even African airlines, except Ethiopian Airlines are minor players in the market. During that period Kenya Airways recorded 344 flights, Air Cote D’ Voire operated 609 times into Nigeria; while EgyptAir equally followed with 706 flights. The highest besides Ethiopian Airlines was Ghana based Africa World Airlines (AWA), which operated 1,367 flights through Nigeria. Air Peace, the only Nigerian carrier in the international market, operated, 1,258 flights. Most of these carriers operate small-body, single isle aircraft, the big players like British Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic Airways operate large-body aircraft with average capacity of 320 passengers.

This buttresses what the former Ethiopian Airlines Group Managing Director, Tewolde Gebremariam said that European and Middle East carriers airlift over 80 per cent of travellers from Africa.

MARKET PENETRATION

Many industry experts have acknowledged that running airline in Nigeria is very difficult. They attribute the difficulty largely to certain factors, which include government not having defined objective and cohesive policy to push for Nigerian airlines to dominate the Nigerian air travel market, the disposition of international aviation community to air transport in Nigeria and the poor airport infrastructure, which has not significantly changed over the years.

The international aviation community categorise Nigeria as high country risk, which makes the insurance premium Nigerian airlines pay for their aircraft very high and the airport facilities are inadequate. For example, if Nigerian wishes to participate effectively in international and regional air transport, it ought to have transit facility at its airports.

Sometime ago, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, spoke about the difficulty in operating airline in Nigeria. He frowned at the short lifespan of the airlines. Industry stakeholders still debate the reasons for the short lifespan of Nigerian carriers, but many attributes it to lack of clear aviation policy by government, the lack of will to push for specific objective in the industry and lack of effective collaboration between the airlines and government in charting out a cause to make Nigerian carriers dominate players on its international routes.

Onyema who spoke about the difficult challenges running airline in Nigeria, said: “It is a very difficult business terrain. Airline business all over the world is not every body’s call. In Nigeria, over the years airlines have come and gone; from the statistics I learnt that over 50 airlines had existed here and have decided not to exist again. Out of over 50 or 70 airlines that have been established in this country only about four or five are in operation (then).

“And when you look at the health of those five, there is nothing to write home about. Could this mean that the owners of these airlines who must have succeeded in other business endeavours got it wrong

themselves? Could it be that they were responsible for the failure of their airlines? I think I disagree with that assumption. In as much as I will accept that some of these failures could be traced to the owners, but majority of them were out to do business but some of the policies that they met on ground were not quite helpful.

“So, running an airline in Nigeria is a very tough call and it is not something that gives joy to any of the operators. We operate in a very harsh environment; it just takes the grace of God for some of us to continue doing what we are doing. The challenges are enormous, they are too wide and so many, you don’t even know where to start from. So, it is a tough one. It is a very difficult terrain.”

It is the opinion of industry observers that for Nigerian carriers to have a chunk of the international market, government must be intentional about it and must provide the needed support the airlines need.

AIR PEACE RESILIENCE

Nigeria’s biggest carrier, Air Peace has defied many challenges thrown at it as the airline with the highest flights in Nigeria and the airline that has kept Nigeria’s flag flying at the international airspace. It is the wish of many that more Nigerian carriers could defy the odds and cut into the international air travel market like Air Peace. That will help the country reduce capital flight, have a share in the revenue earned from international operations and cut down the fares Nigerians pay. On the home front, it will create more jobs for Nigerians and it will boost the number of pilots and engineers from Nigeria who would travel overseas and earn the highly sought-after dollars.

The Managing Director of Flight and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan, said Air Peace has put a lot of things in place in order to succeed and break the jinx of short lifespan or poor performance after some years of optimum operation.

“So, it has what is needed to sustain Nigeria on international air travel market and provide the incentive for other Nigerian carriers to join the market. I have observed the following about Air Peace: Air Peace has a board of directors that the management meets with on regular basis to give report. Air Peace takes welfare package of personnel seriously, as observed during the covid-19 and the current fuel subsidy impacts. Air Peace displays patriotism on national issues as demonstrated during evacuation flights from South Africa, India, China, UK, and Malaysia. This level of patriotism has never been exhibited by a business Organization in the aviation industry. Air Peace has demonstrated resilience and doggedness in a hostile business environment. She keeps going and growing against headwinds,” he said.

Akpan also said that it was his wish to see Air Peace operate daily flights out of Abuja and Lagos to at least 15 intercontinental destinations.

“That West Africans will not have problems flying Air Peace to other parts of the world in the next nine years.Nigerian government will designate Air Peace as our flag carrier to more destinations and that Nigerians will patronise Air Peace on international routes,” Akpan added.

THE SLIPPERY PEELS

What has become very clear about international Nigerian routes is that foreign airlines that have secured flights from Nigeria to their countries do not want Nigerian airlines to compete with them.

They device many strategies, play games to ensure that they dribble Nigerian carriers out of the routes.

How does the Nigerian government respond to these games? Industry observers say that the major challenge Nigerian airlines face is the inability of the federal government to have standby policy on how to battle countries diplomatically when they put obstacles through their embassies, their airports on Nigerian airlines to stop them from reciprocating

their flights to Nigeria.

“If these airlines know that Nigeria will always back their own and ensure that the right things are done they won’t be using that strategy to de-market or stop Nigerian carriers from operating to their countries because they know Nigeria will hit back,” an industry source told THISDAY.

THE FLEET

Air Peace had planned when it started flight operations in Nigeria that it would provide service to international destinations Spokesman of the Air Peace, Stanley Olisa, said that when the airline started in 2014 with a record fleet of seven aircraft to becoming the largest carrier in West Africa, Air Peace has continued to evince strength, reliability and consistency, becoming the aviation pride of Nigerians. He said the airline has

not only put Nigeria’s aviation industry on the map; it has also shown the world that a Nigerian airline is capable of globally acclaimed feats across all fronts, including a matchless safety culture.

“Air Peace’s vision is ‘to be ever dependable through the creation of seamless connections and network options for its domestic, regional and international markets’. This has steered the airline’s fleet modernisation and route expansion drive. In 2021, the airline took delivery of five brand new 124-seater Embraer 195-E2 aircraft- the first of its kind in Africa. The airline became Embraer’s launch customer for this aircraft model in the whole of Africa. These deliveries were part of the 2018 firm order for 13 E195s with purchase rights for seventeen of the same aircraft. Meanwhile, the airline also has existing orders for 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and five Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft in its bid to gradually phase out current Boeing 737 fleet.

“Taking its fleet modernisation strategy a notch higher, Air Peace recently signed another milestone deal- a firm order for five brand new Embraer 175 aircraft and a planned maintenance facility with support from Embraer to service the aircraft locally. The new acquisition does not only make Air Peace the airline of the future but it is also in line with its determination to become the operator of the largest and youngest fleet of aircraft in Africa. It reinforces its commitment to enhancing its domestic and regional network connectivity and paves way for further regional expansion,” Olisa said.

He explained that the firm order is valued at $288.3 million; noting that cumulatively, this sums up to 28 aircraft on concrete order. Olisa remarked that in the history of Nigeria’s aviation, no airline has ever placed such an ambitious order.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

CELEBRATING THE POWER OF RESILIENCE IN WOMEN

Dr. Tewa Onasanya

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˜ ͰͲ˜ ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

COVER

Dr. Tewa Onasanya: Celebrating the Power of Resilience in Women Dr. Tewa Onasanya, an entrepreneur and philanthropist with over 20 years of experience, while studying Pharmacology at the University of Portsmouth, UK found a gap in the market for magazines that cater for black women. In 2003, she launched the pilot edition of Exquisite Magazine, a fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine for black women with the vision and mission to celebrate, inspire, motivate and empower women. On her return to Nigeria, Onasanya found out that a lot of women were unaware of cervical cancer so she decided to use Exquisite Magazine as a platform to increase awareness of cervical cancer while offering free screening. She also started the Exquisite Ladies of the Year (ELOY) Awards in 2009, the only female award in Nigeria using the platform to celebrate women of excellence in different fields while she continues to raise awareness for cervical cancer. Today, the ELOY has become the most soughtafter award for women in Nigeria with every woman looking forward to it every year. As the 2023 edition of the annual ELOY conference and awards is held on November 24th, Onasanya in this interview with MARY NNAH, reminiscences on the journey so far, her passion over the years in empowering, inspiring and motivating people, particularly women, to be the best version of themselves You hold a BSc in Pharmacology. So, what informed your decision to deviate from medicine to writing and publishing a fashion and lifestyle magazine? he decision to deviate into publishing and writing was just a natural occurrence. It just happened naturally. Yes, I am a pharmacologist, and I went into pharmacology because I felt like I needed to do another degree in medicine.

When I was younger, I wanted to become a doctor. And the reason I wanted to become a doctor was because I wanted to take care of people, and things like that.

Little did I know that I would end up becoming a doctor, not of medicine but an honorary one, and also I would get to help people via my platforms. When I started Exquisite Magazine, it was just because in the area I used to live in England, I couldn’t find any magazines for black people and women of colour.

And, true story, on my drive home that day, I just said, you know what, instead of complaining about it, do something about it. You love fashion, you love writing, you’ve been writing since you were young, you might as well just go for it. That’s how Exquisite Magazine started. I did a bit of research, learned on the job and then was able to bring people together to start the magazine, and here we are today, twenty years later, still running, still relevant in the market, one of the biggest magazines in Nigeria, and it’s quite exciting to tell these stories.

Writing had always been something that I had been doing from when I was young. I love reading and writing, so it was just like a natural progression. I think that we just have this idea of what we want to do in the future and how we want to get there, but God always has a way of letting us get to where we want to get to but in different directions. I’m always encouraged by the fact that, yes I wanted to care for people as a medical doctor, but I am still doing that now as an honorary doctor using my platforms to inspire and empower other people and help them.

T

Tell us about life as a writer and publisher of the renowned magazine.

I would say my life is exquisite to God’s glory.

My life is good, I can’t say otherwise. Every single waking moment is a moment to be thankful for, and a moment to continue to pursue my goals. I would say that it’s a great life. I wake up every day doing what I love to do, what I enjoy doing, and I feel like I am so blessed. I feel like I am God’s special baby.

We started Exquisite Magazine in 2003. Eventually, we grew up a little and started the Exquisite Magazine Annual Cancer (EMAC) Foundation walk for Cervical Cancer Prevention, and then we grew another year and started the ELOY awards.

Because my aim and goal had always been to inspire people and to empower people to be better versions of themselves, that is what I wake up doing every single day, and the funniest thing about doing this every single day is, yes I’m inspiring and empowering other people, but in return I’m being inspired, motivated and empowered as well to become a better version of myself.

Before we used to say, we would empower just ten people. Now, we’ve been able to empower thousands of people, and with that, it means that I have grown to become a person who has the capacity and ability to do these great things as well. I can wake up every day doing what I love, and I can see the massive impact that my work and my team’s work are imparting on the world. I would say I am very thankful that I am waking up every day to do what I love to do.

Making a massive impact whilst making an income.

Exquisite Magazine is about fashion, wellness and lifestyle. It’s about just bringing out that confidence and style in women, and we do that every single day and it’s so exciting.

The ELOY Conference and Awards will be held in a few days. What are you doing differently this year?

The ELOY Conference and Awards is on November

24th, and we are all looking forward to a great learning and sharing experience at the conference, and celebrating women of excellence in different fields at the awards, that same night. Every year, we tend to bring in new categories that we’ve probably never celebrated before, and the reason we do this is because, every year we want to be able to showcase women succeeding in different careers that ordinarily won’t be in the forefront of everybody. We aim to showcase these women, celebrate them and show the world and other women that women are doing excellently well in these fields as well.

The new categories this year include the category for catering. We’ve never had that. We’ve never had a category for technology as well, so that’s come up this year and we’re so excited about that.

Another thing that we’re doing this year, because it’s our 15th year is that we are celebrating all our past winners, and congratulating them as well as celebrating all our nominees for this year.

For the ELOY Conference, the theme is sustaining “Women Empowerment Through Technology and Innovation” and we are going to be giving people actionable skills and tips for them to be able to achieve their goals, now and even in 2024. So those are the unique stuff that we bring to the table. And at the ELOY Awards this year, we are calling this our year of resilience. We want to showcase the power of resilience. We want to celebrate women who have fallen nine times and gotten up ten times because they have that “I can’t quit” spirit. Those are the things that are unique about this year.

Those are the things that are unique about this year, and this year, we want people to know her name, to know that she is exquisite, she is inspiring, and she is motivated. She is an ELOY Woman, an exquisite lady of the Year.

What is it about your growing up that influenced who you are today?

I would say it’s the fact that I grew up in a very fun family. I am the first of six girls and we are a very closely-knit family. My sisters are like my best friends, even though I am older than all of them. I think one of the big things that influenced my life today is that when I was younger, my Mom hounded us and always said this to us, and even now, I’m still guided by that.

She always said, your education is your property, no one can take that away from you, so make sure you study, make sure you are learned.

She was all about education. That’s why I love acquiring knowledge. She taught us that it’s not just about acquiring knowledge alone, it’s also about applying whatever you have learned.

That always stayed with me. Everywhere I go, I am always looking for that next opportunity to learn something. Even now, I read every single day, because I just want to acquire some form of knowledge, to be a better person than I was yesterday. I would say that informed my person today.

Another thing that informed my person today is my Dad. My Dad is a very calm, calculative person. When they say that you should be slow to respond and eager to listen, that’s my Dad. He’s meticulous like that and I learnt that from him, to be able to dissect a situation and build on from it. And also, to not think everybody is against you, but work with the mindset that everybody is for you.

My parents taught me that whatever it is that I want to become, I can become it. I can do it. They never made us feel like because we’re girls, we couldn’t do anything else. I only realised that girls and boys were segregated when I became older, and I saw that boys were doing some things that girls were not allowed to do. In my household, we didn’t even know that. If you’re a girl, yes you’re a girl, but you can do or be anything you

want. That kind of informed me growing up as well, and up till now, I feel like I can do anything.

It doesn’t matter if it is male-dominated, we can go in there, and women can go in there as well.

You also went into a cervical cancer awareness campaign. Was there a particular reason for this?

I became a cervical cancer prevention advocate because a few years ago when I started coming to Nigeria often, I realised that a lot of women didn’t know about cervical cancer. And then, moving on from that knowledge, I decided to do research into cervical cancer in Nigeria, and the reason being that I always went back to England for my cervical cancer test, my smear test because they made it important that you have to go for your test.

And, I was wondering if it’s so important that they call and write you letters to come and do your test. So I started thinking, why is it so important for them in England for us to do this test? I did a bit of research and I found out that cervical cancer was killing women at an alarming rate, and that it kills one woman every hour in Nigeria and it’s one of the few cancers that is one hundred per cent preventable.

We just thought that at Exquisite Magazine it was unacceptable for women to be dying from a form of cancer that is one hundred per cent preventable, and because Exquisite Magazine is a magazine for women, who better to raise awareness for cervical cancer prevention than us? Every year since 2010, we have been raising awareness for cervical cancer prevention. We have been offering free screening to women in different parts of Nigeria.

The only way to prevent it is to do regular screening. That’s why we advocate for that because one woman every hour is unacceptable for cancer that is one hundred per cent preventable.

You appear to be a very quiet person but breaking boundaries. How have you been able to do the many things you do successfully?

How are you able to talk people into buying into your various ideas and get their support?

You are right. I am a very quiet person. Sometimes I say that I’m a shy person, but people are like how can you be shy and then you get on stage and you’re like a rocket that has just been let out of its can.

My quietness is there. I am very reserved, I am shy to an extent. But when it comes to work, I can project myself and project my voice so that I am heard. I am so blessed that I am working in a field where I am very passionate about what I do. And so talking about it and getting people to buy in comes naturally to me. I learned about delegating as well, knowing about what my strengths and weaknesses are, so I can bring people in to support my weaknesses, and then we grow together.

How much influence would you say you’ve had on women with your various platforms so far?

I would say a huge influence. Even though we’re not where we want to be. We’re still like a drop in a massive ocean. Because, many people are still dying from cervical cancer, and many people are still underserved in terms of women in business - they don’t have access to the resources they need to build their businesses.

We are always working to do more every single year. In terms of women in business, since 2020, we’ve been able to actively empower over 150 women on the ELOY Sustainable Empowerment Programme. And so far on the ELOY Awards Foundation, we’ve been able to reach thousands of women. I think so far, we’ve reached almost five thousand women on the ELOY Awards

Foundation, through our different activities and events.

How have you been able to achieve your foundation’s goals considering the present economic condition of the country?

Through God. That is what I would say, but yes, I do agree that the economic situation of the country is the way that it is. But we cannot afford to focus on that, because I am of the strong belief that whatever it is you focus on is what you get. If you focus on the negativity of the economic situation, then you’re going to attract more negativity and more negative experiences. What we do is, yes, the economy is the way it is, but we move forward. We look for avenues and opportunities to be able to still do whatever it is we do. Our aim is sustainable women empowerment, and to make women more economically independent.

Our vision and our mission still have to go on despite the economic situation. It will not always be easy, there will always be challenges, but we’re able to still do this regardless of what the economy is saying.

We’re looking forward positively and still going ahead positively. Because we know that with God everything is possible. And I always say this as well, no matter what it is, we are in God’s economy, so we will thrive if we decide to thrive. We have to make the decision that we want to thrive and not give up.

Can you recall the most challenging moment in your journey as a publisher and cervical cancer advocate and how you were able to overcome it?

There have been several challenging moments in my journey. For Exquisite Magazine, I recall that there was this particular year, I think in 2006, that we couldn’t print a copy of the magazine. I had used up all my savings, I had been working on the magazine for years, not making much money, but using my savings for my work as a manager.

This particular year, we couldn’t print a copy, and it was so demoralizing. I thought of giving up. But eventually, something changed the game.

After about ten months, we were eventually able to release a copy of the magazine. I remember sitting on my terrace crying, wondering if I was going to have to stop doing this. For the EMAC Foundation for Cervical Cancer Prevention, I would say maybe the most challenging part of it was going into areas that we weren’t familiar with and being able to convince the husbands of some women that screening for cervical cancer was important. There are certain places that we go to, because of the cultural thinking and ideas, some men don’t want their women being seen or screened by doctors and things like that. I suppose that was a big challenge because we needed to convince their husbands that what we were doing was good for their wives and they needed to be screened.

For the ELOY Awards Foundation, I suppose the most challenging period was probably 2017 or thereabout, when we were hosting the ELOY Awards, and it was such a tough year to raise funds for the event but now we’re still raising funds and we occasionally hit challenges and roadblocks, but we’re now able to move better with it.

I guess we’re able to overcome everything we do by just looking at the bright side of life and still forging ahead. Because we know the impact we are making and we know that it is necessary, and our results speak.

What words of encouragement do you have for women, especially regarding the present economic realities?

This is what I say to myself as well. It is that our vision is God’s word for us, and God’s words do not return to him void. The only reason we would not hit the goal that we desire to hit is if we give up. So you can’t give up. For us to even think of the idea in the first place means that it is possible for us. So yes, the economy is the way it is, but don’t give up.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

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NEWS

TVS Motor Company Launches TVS King Deluxe CNG in Nigeria ABUJA AGOG FOR THE 2023 Stories by Mary Nnah TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers in the world and a market leader in Nigeria has launched its new Keke, TVS King Deluxe CNG in Nigeria.

The launch event was graced by dignitaries from across Nigeria, especially from Edo State, during which the TVS King Deluxe CNG was launched.

The TVS King Deluxe CNG is designed to help customers cut down petrol expenses and drive towards a greener future by reducing pollution and promoting eco-friendliness. It sports arefreshedlookwithabolderbezel, andcrystal-liketaillampandcomes withastrongerandlongersteering column.

The TVS King Deluxe CNG comeswithaninternationallycertified 30-litre CNG tank and bi-fuel petrol fuel option. Complementing this, the striking new brighter headlamps improve visibility and safety. It also comes with double protection for the fuel filling valve.

Commenting on the launch, Vice President - International Business, TVS Motor Company, Rahul Nayak, said, “TVS Motor

L-R: 3W Profit Centre Head, Simba TVS, Rajesh Kumar; Managing Director Edo State Transport Authority, Mrs Edugie Agbonlahor and Business Head, Simba TVS, Mr Mahendra Pratap during the event continues to lead the Keke market in Nigeria with its innovation and customer-centric offerings.

“We take immense pride in introducing the TVS King Deluxe CNG, the first CNG variant in the Nigerianmarket,aimedatimproving and enhancing the well-being and prosperity of individuals. “ With this addition, we are confident of setting benchmarks in style, performance, and safety

in the Keke segment”, he added.

The TVS Deluxe CNG is poweredbyapowerfulandproven200 cc 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, singlecylinder SI engine that churns out a maximum power output of 6.3 kW@5500rpmintheCNGvariant.

TVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art

manufacturing facilities in Hosur, MysuruandNalagarhinIndiaand Karawang in Indonesia.

Rooted in our 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, we takeprideinmakinginternationally aspirationalproductsofthehighest quality through innovative and sustainable processes.

Speaking further, Nayak said, “We are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQSandAPEALsurveys.Wehave been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years.”

He added further that the group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world.

“Oursubsidiariesinthepersonal e-mobilityspace,SwissE-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movementhavealeadingpositioninthe e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliverthemostsuperiorcustomer experience across the 80 countries in which we operate.

Olóládé, Netflix Original Series, Make Its Debut on November 24 Following the announcement of Olóládé, a Netflix original series scheduled for release on November 24th, more details have emerged about the widely anticipated production.

Netflix recently added the title with a synopsis that reads, “Two friends suddenly become rich in unexpectedways.Itseemstoogood to be true until they get entangled in a deadly money laundering scheme.”

The series is produced by TNC Africa, a trailblazing production company founded in 2021, with a bold mission of telling original African stories through TV series.

OlawaleAdetula, co-founder and

CEO of the company, described OlóládéasahomagetoNollywood TV classics. “We are a tech and data-enabled company and our research shows growing demand for content similar to what many of us grew up watching - pure TV drama with no frills. We believe that a good, well-told story will find a home with anyone regardless of their location or language.

We hope that Olóládé will further increase the demand for and ultimately lead to the production of more premium original content produced in Nigeria’s indigenous languages”, he added.

On a similar note, the series director,Adeniyi Joseph Omobulejo popularly known as TAJ, said,

“When you watch Olóládé, you will feel a lot of nostalgia.

It’s good storytelling at its core.

You can expect to see relatable, well-developed, characters and drama unfolding, which for me, is whatgoodstorytellingshouldbe.”

Olóládé boasts of an impressive cast, bringing together seasoned industry titans and emerging talents. The lineup includes Kunle Idowu popularly known as Frank Donga (Hakkunde), Femi Adebayo known for his most recent Netflix sensation, ‘Jagun Jagun’, Mercy Aigbe, (Omo Ghetto-The Saga), Mide Martins (Onitemi), DebbyFelix,AdebowaleAdedayo a.k.a Mr Macaroni, Liz Da-Silva (Alakada: Reloaded), Jaiye Kuti

(Mofe Ni Mofe) and Damilola Oni. The cast also includes relatively new entrants, Oluwatobi Olubiyi known as Oli Ekun and Olanrewaju Ayanwale.

As “Olóládé” prepares to make its debut on Netflix come November 24, viewers can anticipate a captivating journey into the heart of Nollywood, a celebration of timeless storytelling, and a testament to the richness of African narratives.

TNC Africa is fast becoming a driving force in transforming the narrative landscape of the Nigerian and African film industry. Devoted to portraying the richness and diversity of the continent, the company has

Polaris Bank, Evolve Charity Extend Educational Support to Imo State Schools Polaris Bank in collaboration with Evolve Charity, has continued to champion the cause of education with a generous donation of educational materials to students in Imo State.

As part of its commitment to the ‘Girl-Child Education Project’ and in alignment with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, Polaris Bank has presented essential school supplies to over 500 students in Akokwa High School, Iheme Memorial School, and National High School Aro

Ndi Uzoogu.

The donation, comprising school uniforms, school bags, sandals, and various writing materials, aims to empower and support the girl-child through education, aligning with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) International Day of the Girl (IDG). This initiative serves as a testament to Polaris Bank’s dedication to fostering positive change in local communities.

Speaking at the event, Busi-

ness Development Manager Polaris Bank, Urualla Branch, Nwokoro Ifeyinwa, highlighted the transformative power of education, stating. ‘In the pursuit of knowledge, we find the key to unlocking boundless opportunities. At Polaris Bank, we believe that supporting the education of the girl-child is not just a noble cause but a strategic investment in shaping leaders and changemakers. Our collaboration with Evolve Charity is a step towards fostering a future where every

girl can dream without limits and achieve without boundaries.”

On the other hand, the representative of Evolve Charity Trust, Godwin Ejeh conveyed the organisation’s dedication to education, stating, “Our collaboration with Polaris Bank goes beyond a partnership; it’s a shared commitment to shaping a future where education is not just a gift but a promise.Adopting these schools means embracing the responsibility to nurture not just academic growth.

Lagos Trade Fair Crisis: BBA Caretaker Committee Raise Alarm over Illegal Invasion Precious Ugwuzor The Caretaker Committee of the Balogun Business Association at the Lagos International Centre of Commerce (ICC) (a.k.a.Trade Fair Complex)hasraisedthealarmover the alleged illegal invasion of the market.

While advising its members, stakeholders,affiliatesandesteemed customerstoremaincalmandlawabiding,thecommitteecondemned whatitcalledthe“toxicandobnoxiousshenanigansoffifthcolumnists who are bent on destabilising the ICC and the association”.

According to members of the committee, on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, an unseemly event occurred when the duo of Mr.Alex Obi-Odunukwe and Mr. Oscar Odogwu reportedly broke intotheshoppingcomplexwiththe aim of enforcing an alleged order or judgment of court.

In a public notice sent to members, affiliates and stakeholders of BBA soon after the purported takeover,theCaretakerCommittee

(CTC)ChairmanandtheSecretary Hon(Chief) Anslem Dunu and Chief Leonard Ogbonnia respectively, on behalf of the CTC drew the attention of all, to the fact that Alex Obi-Odunukwe and Oscar Odogwu’s invasion of the shopping complex was fraudulently contrived as they latched on stale and illegitimate lawsuits in which neither BBAnor its members were parties,eitherinitsplainnameorits corporate or registered association.

The public notice also stated that neither the incumbent Caretaker Committee nor any of its members were parties to the “abusive and contemptuous lawsuits”.

ItaddedthatAlexObi-Odunukwe and Oscar Odogwu, ostensibly consumed and propelled “by a combustible mix of inordinate ambition and desperation have done the unthinkable by brazenly misinforming and manipulating both the Court and the Nigeria Police Force to levy execution of a purported judgment against Balogun Business Association, the Caretaker Committee of the

Association and members of the Caretaker Committee who are not parties to the contemptuous lawsuits.

According to the CTC, “to make matters worse, the two desperado and their confederateswhoclaimto havebeen“elected”asmembersofa phantom“executivecouncil”oftheir own imagination at an hotel in Mile 2,Lagos,theirillegitimatelawsuitwas wangledbythemandunleashedon the court after the Federal High Court had, specifically in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021 (Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & Others Versus Inspector General of Police & others) and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/ CS/451/2021(Incorporated TrusteesofBalogunBusinessAssociation & Others Versus CorporateAffairs Commission & Others) made orders, decisions and pronouncementswhicheffectivelyinvalidated andnullifiedthecomedyoferrorsthat masqueraded as “elections”at Villa Park Hotel.”

The CTC declared that the two suits and the orders, decisions and

pronouncements made by the Federal High Court predated the now infamous and contemptuous lawsuit of Alex Obi-Odunukwe and Oscar Odogwu and their confederates and the orders, decisions and pronouncements of the Federal High Court in the aforementioned two Suits No. FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021andNo. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021 are still subsisting.

The CTC further stated that the two suits even came up before the FederalHighCourtonMonday20th November, 2023 and have further been adjourned by the court to the 19th December, 2023.

The Committee has therefore advised its members to ignore the antics ofAlex Obi-Odunukwe andOscarOdogwuastheAssociation and the incumbent CTC are backed and sustained not only by the subsisting orders, decisions and pronouncements in the two aforementionedSuitsattheFederal HighCourtbutbysubsistingjudgementbytheLagosStateHighCourt in Suit No. LD/5458GCMW)2018.

REGGAE FESTIVAL Following five years of a successful production of the Abuja Reggae Festival which represents Reggae for humanity, peace, love and unity, the 2023 edition of the concert promises to be even much bigger and better, organisers have said.

With the overwhelming participation and the generosity of media sponsors such as Star ReggaeBeat, L3 Magazine, Ray Power FM Nigeria, AIT TV Nigeria, Metaverse RealEstate, Matsumoto Production, Idaago Media, ITV, Love FM and Akweya TV, plans are in top gear to make this year’s outing a more remarkable event with diverse artistes who are ready to give enthusiasts a reverberating spark for the season.

Founder and CEO of the event, Murphy Dread, has deployed all Arsenals within the entertainment circuit to stage previous annual shows without major sponsorship.

Interestingly so, there’s a glimmer of hope, particularly judging from the impressive response the 2023 edition has been recorded.

Reggae is alive and the music community is coming together to provide a platform for new and ambitious artists. The diversity in this year’s media sponsorship is facilitating global promotion and media coverage of the event.

The founder of the show has announced that the event is slated for December 13, 2023.

Additional information about the show is available on Facebook and Instagram.

LIQUOROSE THROWS HER WEIGHT BEHIND OTUO HERITAGE WEEK Big Brother Naija Season 6 First runner-up, Liquorose (real name Roseline Omokhoa Afije) has thrown her weight behind the inaugural Otuo Heritage Week scheduled to hold between December 26 and 30 in Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Professional Dancer, Author, Model, Reality TV Star and Social Media Influencer is an indigene of the town.

Speaking during a visit to the Chairman of Otuo Heritage Week Planning Committee, Mr Ayoola Erukpe Omoruanga, at his country home at the weekend, Liquorose expressed her joy at the move by the community to celebrate the town’s rich cultural heritage.

“First, I want to thank all sons and daughters of Otuo who supported me two years ago in the Big Brother Naija Season 6, making it possible for me to finish as the first runner up in that contest. I am a proud Otuo daughter and will forever be one. This is the reason that I made sure I portray to the world the beautiful things about our culture and food during my stay in the Big Brother House.

“I am in full support of this Otuo Heritage Week which is meant to further open up our town to the rest of the world. Otuo sons and daughters are doing very well in all areas of human endeavors. Our culture and tradition deserves to be celebrated. I will continue to do all that is possible to project Otuo positively to the world,” observed Liquorose to the Otuo Heritage Week Committee members.

Earlier, Omoruanga, a retired staff of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and former National President of Otuo Union, welcomed the community’s illustrious daughter home, her first since emerging the runner up to White Money in the Big Brother contest.

“Otuo Heritage Week concept is designed to celebrate our rich culture. It is not just about the tradition alone, we are going to project to the world our staple foods, farm produce, Bible translation into Otuo language, documentary on Otuo, Talent hunt, Beauty pageantry, Awards to distinguished Otuo sons and daughters, Paper presentations, dances, Praise night, masquerades etc. It is an all encompassing week of the best of Otuo culture,” stressed Omoruanga.

He, therefore urged Liquorose to help project the community and the Heritage Week to the world.

“We are expecting an influx of eminent sons and daughters of Otuo and their friends to come and experience the hospitality we are offering during this week of exposing our rich culture to the world.”

Omoruanga hinted that the clamour for the celebration of Otuo Culture, Tradition and Religion dates back to 1999.

“It had remained a pipe dream, but for the test run done in Lagos by Otuo Union Branch in 2001.

“The idea to eventually have a maiden edition this year should be a collective project of every Omolotuo. The committee set up to conceptualise and birth Otuo Heritage Week has completed all preliminary arrangements.”

“As a full blooded Omolotuo, whom God has blessed, I believe you would want to be part of the epoch event.

You see, if we do not flaunt our rich heritage, who will do it for us. Globalization is the order of the day, so let’s promote our dear Otuo to the global stage and look forward to reaping from its tourist dividend,” concludes the Otuo Heritage Week chairman.

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY NOVEM ͰͲ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

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

L-R: Executive Director, Operations and Technology, Fatgbems Group, Shamsudeen Gbemisola; Executive Director, Retail Business, Adebayo Gbemisola; and Chief Operating Officer, Ayodele Odulaja, at the Fatgbems media parley in Lagos…recently

L-R: Deputy Director, Sanitation Services Department, Ministry of Environment, Office of Environmental Services, Alausa, Lagos, Yewande Obasa; Harpic Brand Ambassador, Helen Paul; Category Head, Hygiene/ Home Category, West Africa, Reckitt, Chioma Sylva-Ifedigbo; and Deputy Director, Scientific and Sanitation Services Department, Ministry of Environment, Office of Environmental Services, Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos, Omoyeni Balogun, during the ‘Walk Against Open Defecation’ campaign held in Ajah, Lagos...recently

L-R: Company Secretary, Global Spectrum Energy Services Plc, Onyinye Oguamah; company Chairman, Mr. Osahon Idemudia; and company Managing Director, Mr. Colm Doyle, during the annual general meeting of the company in Lagos…recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Mrs. Sarah Kareem; her husband and General Manager, NNPCL, Mr. Fatai Folorunso Kareem, receiving a fellowship award from the President of Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, Mr. Elliot Ibie, at the 41st NAPE 2023 annual international conference and awards night in Lagos…recently

L-R: Senior Photojournalist, Benedict Uwalaka; Secretary, Guild of Photojournalists of Nigeria (GPN), Mr. Odutayo Odusanya; Chairman, GPN, Mr. Abiodun Ajala; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi; Secretary, NUJ, Mr. Tunde Olalere; and a GPN member, Mr. Adekola Bamgbala, during the GPN’s visit to NUJ on its forthcoming third annual conference, photo exhibition, and awards, at the NUJ Secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos…recently

L-R: Guest, Chief Gbadebo Ishola; bride’s father, Capt. Johnson Oyediran (rtd); groom’s mother, Mrs. Rechel Ojo; couple, Mr. Abiodun Ojo and Mrs. Gloria Ojo; bride’s mother, Mrs. Foluke Akintan; and groom’s father, Mr. Jacob Adamu, during Abiodun and Gloria’s wedding ceremony at the Excellence Power Ministries Int’l, Osogbo, Osun State... recently

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

29

REVIEW Wigwe University and Africa’s Reawakening Targeting educational revolution, Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers State, a world-class institution modelled after Oxford-Harvard starts admitting students in September 2024, with the progressive enrolment of 10,000 students in five years, writes Louis Achi

W igwe Uni ver si ty

A

fter birthing the Homo sapiens and cradling human civilisation, Africa apparently went into a long sleep. But it’s time to wake up.

A new ferment is on. And the guiding spirits are up. The most powerful tool to catalyse the transformation is education, as pungently counselled by Nelson Mandela.

Dr. Herbert Wigwe, GMD/CEO Access Holdings Plc, and chief visioner succinctly captures Africa’s new course: “Wigwe University is the culmination of my lifelong ambition to build an exceptional, world-class, innovative, yet uniquely African institution to grow Nigeria’s next generation of leaders who will change the face of our continent.”

Wigwe who has pledged a princely $500m seed fund to power the project provides more insight into the groundbreaking vision. His words: “Through my foundation - The HOW Foundation, my mission is to shape the course of Nigeria’s future by grooming a fearless generation of Africans, who would be future leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs, who would propel Nigeria and Africa forward in leadership, socio-economic growth and inspiration.”

Peering into the future, he proclaims, “I cannot change the world overnight. But if I can empower even one youth today, tomorrow, they could join me in empowering others. With time, we could change the world. ” Indisputably, the world needs the problem solvers, torch bearers and game changers that will form part of the ecosystem of learning.

They will create sustainable solutions for the planet and people. Wigwe University promises with some audacity that they will have the most conducive environment to do this and attain their highest potentials.

With NUC’s approval on Friday, June 9, 2023, the dream of the university is officially realized after years of conception, planning and high-octane work. The University is located at Dr. Wigwe’s hometown, Isiokpo, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. It is about 15 minutes’ drive from Port Harcourt International Airport and occupies about a 400-hectare land space in the sub-urban community just 40 minutes from Owerri, the capital of Imo State.

With many of the facilities in the campus already built, Wigwe University is about ready to receive its first set of students. “Most of our buildings and facilities are ready or would soon be ready, and we expect to begin lectures in September 2024’’, says an elated Yvonne VictorOlomu, the chief operating officer of The Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (HOW) Foundation, the university’s promoter.

Significantly, the University has announced that it would officially commence academic programmes in September 2024, and advised prospective students and their families as well as academic enthusiasts to visit its official website

for further information, inquiries, and registration details WU is the second private university in the state but unquestionably would be one of the best on the continent when fully completed. Founded in 2016 as a nonprofit organization, the foundation is the special purpose vehicle through which Dr. Wigwe executes his numerous philanthropic activities. The HOW Foundation focuses on the critical arenas of education, youth empowerment through leadership and mentorship and health.

Browsing a soft copy brochure containing pictures of buildings in the massive campus clearly indicates it would be one of the most beautifully landscaped and planned campuses in the world and would change both the economic fortunes and development narrative of the people for good.

Wigwe University will offer courses in Science; Technology (AI, Robotics programmes and other futuristic niches); Engineering; Arts (Creative Arts and science-based Art Programmes such as Gaming and Computer Creative, etc) and Mathematics (STEAM); Management and Social Sciences at the start.

It would then subsequently offer courses in Medical Sciences; Medicine; Law and Post Graduate Degrees. It will have linkage relationships with top foreign universities that would facilitate students’ exchange programs. The thrust of the university is to create leaders and entrepreneurs who will, upon graduation, be focused on creation of jobs, as opposed to job-seeking.

Although there are many universities in the country, they have not substantially filled the void that exists in the nation’s tertiary education. WU is therefore being deliberately and carefully designed to fill these gaps, some of which are outdated curriculum; poor funding; decrepit facilities and infrastructure; poorly paid and motivated workforce.

The motivation for establishing the university was principally borne out of Herbert Wigwe’s burning desires to give back to Nigeria, a country he loves passionately. He realized that education and healthcare are two areas that his social interventions would make the greatest impact on Nigerians.

In designing the academic and nonacademic programs at WU, Dr. Wigwe has hired academicians from top US universities and European institutions to work with experts from across the world, including Nigeria. Undoubtedly, the people of Isiokpo community are enthusiastic about the huge investment coming to their town.

With the 37 newly licensed private universities, there are now 238 universities in the country, of which 147 are private,

43 federal government-owned and 48 state government-owned. But graduates from these institutions face prolonged periods of unemployment because the jobs have dried up and they were never equipped with entrepreneurial skills.

Indeed, the scope of the vision behind Wigwe University, Omueke-Isiokpo, Ikwere, Rivers State, aligns with that of South Africa’s revolutionary first black president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela.

Mandela held that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world and no country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.” He further observed that “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”

According to Wigwe, the scholars will be able to choose management, science and engineering, information technology and creative arts courses. The institution will need as much as $500 million to scale up in five years, he said.

His words: “The school will be hybrid.

Technology can help the university achieve the same quality of education as US and UK University and “I don’t need 100 years or billions of dollars to achieve the same quality of education as we find in those schools. India is churning out a lot of developers through a single building.”

Nigeria is facing a staggering skills crisis.

One in every five of the world’s out-ofschool children is in Nigeria, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund, while just 11.8% of the nation’s working-age population earn a wage. Last year, Nigeria spent about 96% of its revenue servicing debt, leaving little for education.

Significantly, the lack of funding is attracting investors to the sector. As many as 147 private universities have been established since 1999, compared with 115 state-run institutions.

According to Bloomberg, wealthy Nigerians send their children overseas for higher education. At least 44,195 residents were studying in UK universities in 2022, the highest in eight years, according to the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency.

Only China and India had more students studying in the UK. Canada and the US are also popular destinations for Nigerian students.

Wigwe is planning to recruit 30% of teaching staff from the UK and the US. According to Wigwe, WU is “A university that would create a new generation of fearless leaders and also be one of the best universities in the continent” and the institution which will have a 24/7 power supply within the campus and contiguous

environs and set new continental standards of excellence.”

Wigwe is today one of the most fearless African financial sector leaders astutely superintending the monstrous growth of the Access Bank Group from a mere commercial bank straight to a continental financial behemoth on its way to merited global recognition.

The Wigwe University cited in his hometown Isiokpo, would have a 60% local and 40% expatriate faculty population, with about 200 buildings spread over 400 hectares of land. A very unque, exciting dimension is the announcement that students of the university would spend one year abroad getting international exposure.

The University will also undoubtedly spark a great infrastructural development in and around Isiokpo. This will consequently open up not only that region but the whole of South-south to international attention.

Todate, it’s hardly debatable that Nigeria and Africa’s development quandary at this juncture of human history is firmly linked to how cavalierly its leadership has been treating the education of its children. And this has gotten the laser-sharp attention of Dr. Wigwe.

It is a given that powerful visions attract ideas, people and other resources. They create the momentum and will to incept imperative changes. They inspire individuals, complementary organizations and institutions to commit, to persist and to give their best.

This is Dr. Wigwe’s forte.

It is worthy of note is that in setting sail to actualise his tertiary education institution project, Dr. Wigwe certainly is not the kind of personality who stays tamely at the end of received prescriptions. He covets knowledgedriven innovations, proactive engagement with stake-holders and policy makers even in fluid operating environments. Perhaps most importantly he believes in sure-footed, decisive action. These dimensions have been boldly mirrored in the challenging pathways he has trodden.

Cut to the bone, university education is more than the next level in the learning process. It is a critical component of human development globally. It provides not only the high-level skills necessary for every labour market but also the training essential for teachers, doctors, nurses, civil servants, engineers, humanists, entrepreneurs, scientists, social scientists, and a myriad of other personnel which Nigeria and Africa badly need.

It is these trained individuals who develop the capacity and analytical skills that drive local economies, support civil society, teach children, lead effective governments, and make important decisions which affect entire societies.

This is the philosophical and foundational backbone of Wigwe University with which it aims to reawaken Africa, the continent that cradled humanity.

30

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Senate to Comprehensively Review Extant Laws on Financial Services Sunday Ehigiator The Nigerian Senate, through its committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions has disclosed its plans to comprehensively review extant laws in the financial services sector for economic sustainability and growth.

The committee disclosed this at a 2-day sensitization retreat organized over the weekend, for the members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions recently in Abuja.

Speaking at the retreat, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo

Abiru, said the retreat was aimed at equipping the members with the necessary understanding of the core mandates of the committee and also enhancing the legislative framework and oversight of the financial sector.

According to him, “The financial sector is the lifeblood of any economy, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it functions effectively, efficiently, and with the utmost integrity.

“As we gather here today, we are confronted with a rapidly changing financial landscape, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, and

evolving global dynamics.

We must adapt and respond to these challenges in a manner that fosters innovation, promotes financial inclusion, and maintains the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

“Over the remaining life of the 10th Senate, it is imperative that we work together on this journey to build a financial service industry that will not only bring prosperity to all Nigerians but also be the pride of Africa. As we embark on this legislative journey, we must recognise the critical role our committee plays in shaping the economic landscape of our nation.”

UBA FoundationAnnounceWinners of National Essay Competition Nume Ekeghe A 15-year-old student from Fountain Heights Secondary School in Lagos, Onaro Adaeze, has emerged as the winner of the 2023 United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation, National Essay Competition (NEC).

Onaro won a grand prize of N5 million in scholarship from over 12,000 entries, which was narrowed down to 12 finalists who were awarded various prize categories at the finale in Lagos recently.

Also, AbdulHameed Khadija of Sweet Haven High School, Kano, secured the first runner-up position, claiming a scholarship valued at N3

million. Chukwuma-Okoh Naomi of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, was recognised as the second runner-up, earning a scholarship worth N2.5 million.

Speaking at the prize presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, revealed that participants were tasked with exploring the realm of artificial intelligence and its potential augmentation of their learning abilities through research-driven approaches.

Atta said: “The caliber of entries received this year was outstanding. The winners, in particular, displayed exceptional qualities, exhibiting outstanding talent and skill.

There has been a consistent

year-on-year enhancement in the submissions for the national essay competition.”

Expressing the competition’s objective, United Bank for Africa, Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba highlighted its aim to hone the critical thinking prowess of African youth and groom them for leadership roles across the continent.

He said, “The UBA National Essay Competition centers on nurturing African youth. It seeks to bolster their critical thinking and reading capabilities, preparing them for leadership roles within the continent. It encourages them to research and articulate topics relevant to the African landscape.”

MoMo PSB Sensitises SMEs on Payment Platform Oluchi Chibuzor As part of its customers’ education drive to deepen financial inclusion in the country, MoMo PSB, a subsidiary of MTN, has sensitised Small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) on its payment platform, as it launches a N40m incentive grant to over 500 merchant partners.

Speaking at the end of a two day MoMo/ Nigerian Association of Small And Medium Enterprises (NASME) business symposium and exhibition held in Lagos, the Chief Commercial Officer, MoMo, Elsa Muzzolini, said as a trusted brand from a reliable company they believe in collaboration to serve the needs of their customers.

According to her, MoMo PSB USSD is a simple business solution that without data can enable SMEs to connect digitally, hence the collaboration with NASME in Lagos state.

However, to further support SMEs, Elsa said for the next four months 500 merchant partners will receive N20,000 incentives to support their business.

“By the end of the fourth month, 100 partners will further receive N100,000 each and 1500 partners will also get N20,000 as grants. All this is part of our effort to get all financially included.”

Delivering his keynote address, the President of NASME,

Abdulrashid Yerima, The collaboration between NASME and MTN MoMo PSB signifies a collective commitment to nurturing the thriving NMSME ecosystem in Lagos.

“Through this event, we aim to provide a holistic platform for NMSMEs to not only connect with potential investors, partners, and customers but also to equip them with the necessary knowledge and resources to drive their businesses forward.The event provides a fertile ground for SMEs to connect with potential investors, partners, and customers, fostering collaborations that transcend the boundaries of traditional business.”

TGI Distri Marks 6th Anniversary, Celebrates with Orphans TGI Distri Limited, a worldclass distribution, sales, marketing, and logistics subsidiary of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has marked its sixth anniversary by making a difference in the lives of underserved and vulnerable children in Lagos State.

On Monday, 20th November 2023, TGI Distri visited the headquarters of the Little Saints Orphanages at Palmgrove Estate, Lagos, to donate its high-quality, nourishing food brands, including Big Bull Premium Rice, Big Bull Gold Rice, Golden Terra Soya Oil, and Terra Seasoning Cubes to the Orphanage for the children’s nutrition and wellbeing.

The TGI Distri Team had a brief discussion session with the management and staff of

the Little Saints Orphanages to appreciate the good work done by the orphanage in caring for the vulnerable children.

The TGI Distri team commended them and stated that their visit and support was to fulfil its promise of nourishing lives and giving back to society. Addressing the Little Saints Orphanages team, Tony Ogbonna, the Category Marketing Manager of TGI Distri applauded the Orphanage on the remarkable work being done over the years and urged them to continue caring and nurturing these children.

Commenting, the Managing Director of TGI Distri, Deepanjan Roy, explained that there was no better way of marking the anniversary than by spreading happiness and

making a lasting difference in the lives of the wonderful children.

He added that the children’s event is also part of TGI Distri’s commitment to nourishing lives and uplifting the vulnerable and underserved, particularly orphans.

“At TGI Distri, we prioritise seamless and prompt distribution of high-quality food products and remain committed to uplifting the needy and vulnerable. This is why we are marking our sixth anniversary with these wonderful children.

Our 6th-anniversary celebration at Little Saints Orphanages is proof of our mission of making a positive impact on the lives of the communities we serve. Together, we can create a brighter future for these children.”

L-R: Head of Marketing & Brand Communication, Baobab Microfinance Bank, Samuel Oguzie; Regional Manager, David Esezobor; Aba Branch Manager, Francis Nwachukwu and Deputy Chief Client Officer, Godwin Gabriel during the inauguration of the bank’s Aba Branch…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

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 ˾ DAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

31

MARKET NEWS

Buying Interest in GTCO, Zenith Bank, Others Lift Stock Market by N26.87bn KayodeTokede The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) stock market yesterday gained N26.87billion driven by investors’ buying interest in Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Zenith Bank Plc, and 33 other low and mediumcapitalisation strong fundamental stocks.

As GTCO gained 1.96per cent to close at N38.95 per share,

Zenith Bank appreciated by 0.30 per cent to close at N33.50 per share, the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) gained 48.87 basis points or 0.07 per cent to close at 71,052.85 basis points from 71,003.98 basis points.

Accordingly, the NGX ASI Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns printed +2.6per cent and +38.6per cent, respectively.

Also, market capitalisation rose by N27 billion to close

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

at N39.075 trillion from N N39.048trillion it closed trading the previous day.

From a sectoral perspective, the NGX Insurance Index appreciated by 1.3per cent, while the NGX Consumer Goods dropped by 0.1 per cent. The NGX Industrial Goods, NGX Banking, and NGX Oil & Gas closed flat.

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth was

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

positive, as 35 stocks gained relative to 19 losers. Beta Glass emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent to close at N59.40, while Multiverse Mining and Exploration followed with a gain of 9.98 per cent to close at N5.29, per share.

Nigerian Enamelware and MeCure Industries advanced by 9.97 per cent each to close at N19.30 and N8.38

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S O F

respectively, while Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank and Deap Capital Management & Trust rose by 9.87 per cent each to close at N1.34 and 67 kobo respectively, per share.

On the other side, Ellah Lakes led others on the losers’ chart with 9.89 per cent to close at N3.37, per share. Omatek Ventures followed with a decline of 9.17 per cent to close at 99 kobo, while McNichols

shed 5.56 per cent to close at 85 kobo, per share.

Academy Press went down by 5.56 per cent to close at N1.70, while NPF Microfinance Bank depreciated by 4.11 per cent to close at N2.10, per share.

The total volume traded increased by 31.6 per cent to 563.71 million units, valued at N3.44 billion, and exchanged in 6,579 deals.

N OV E M B E R / 2 3 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Bulls Rally Back͙ ASI up 7bps

ଂ ଂ ଂ

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 R O X P H

7 R S * D L Q H U V T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

B ET A GLA S

59.40

10.0%

T ic k er UN IVIN SUR E

164.3

8.3%

M ULT IVER SE

5.29

10.0%

VER IT A SKA P

77.1

8.1%

EN A M ELWA

19.30

10.0%

UN IT YB N K

24.0

9.7%

D EA P C A P

0.67

9.8%

CHA M S

20.8

-0.4%

IN F IN IT Y

1.34

9.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

20.7

0.3%

17.8

0.0%

UN IT YB N K

1.69

9.7%

F ID ELIT YB K

N EIM ET H

2.03

9.7%

M B EN EF IT

17.3

3.4%

D A A R C OM M

0.36

9.1%

OM A T EK

15.8

-9.2%

R T B R ISC OE

0.72

9.1%

D A A R C OM M

12.1

9.1%

N SLT EC H

0.50

8.7%

R OYA LEX

11.1

6.5%

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 D O X H

7 R S / R V H U V

T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

ELLA H LA KES

3.37

-9.9%

Z EN IT H B A N K

694.2

P ric e C hg % 0.3%

OM A T EK

0.99

-9.2%

P R ESC O

274.5

0.0%

M C N IC H OLS

0.85

-5.6%

M TNN

268.2

0.0%

A C A D EM Y

1.70

-5.6%

VF D GR OUP

202.9

0.0%

NP FM CRFB K

2.10

-4.1%

GT C O

177.8

2.0%

ST ER LIN GN G

3.50

-3.8%

FB NH

177.3

-1.0%

UN ILEVER

14.30

-3.4%

UB A

160.5

0.0%

A B CTRA NS

0.93

-2.1%

F ID ELIT YB K

159.3

0.0%

C A D B UR Y

15.35

-1.9%

A C C ESSC OR P

151.1

0.0%

VIT A F OA M

22.50

-1.7%

B UA F OOD S

99.9

0.0%

33

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

NEWS

SIGNING OF LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TATA INTERNATIONAL AND LAGOS FREE ZONE… L-R: General Manager, Power and Gas, Lagos Free Zone, Prem Krishna; Managing Director, Tata International Limited, Anand Sen; Managing Director, Infrastructure and Fintech Business, Tolaram, Navin Nahata; Managing Director, Tata Africa Holdings Property Limited, Len Brand and General Manager, Strategic Marketing, Lagos Free Zone, Tejaswi Avasarala; during the official signing ceremony of the lease agreement between Tata International and Lagos Free Zone, held in Lagos ...yesterday

UAE President Canvasses Stronger Diplomatic Ties with Nigeria As Dubai International Chamber Opens Office in Lagos Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its commitment towards strengthening diplomatic ties with Nigeria beyond the current state.

UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation and Special Envoy to Nigeria, Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting with

President Bola Tinubu, also said she conveyed the UAE President's letter on the issue to the Nigerian President.

She expressed optimism that both countries would be able to strengthen the bridge between them so that their governments could generate more prosperity to their citizens.

In another related development, it was a historic moment in the bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirate (UAE) when the President and CEO of

Dubai International Chamber, Mr. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, announced yesterday in Lagos that the chamber would inaugurate its new international representative office here in Lagos, yesterday.

Lootah made the announcement before the cream of Nigeria’s organised private sector in Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, when he read his welcome address for the “New Horizons Trade Mission in Nigeria,” at the “Doing Business With Nigeria Forum” that

was facilitated by the Consulate General of the UAE. UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation described the nature of the message she delivered to President Tinubu as both positive and futuristic plans for cooperative partnership between both countries.

Her words: "We are very happy to be here in Nigeria. After several years for me personally, since I've come to Abuja, it's nice to see such

Osun CJ: Don’t Allow Yourself to be used by Desperate Politicians, JUSUN Warns Workers Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), National Secretariat has dissociated itself from the ongoing protest and strike actions of some of its members against the embattled Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Ojo, suspended

by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The national body of the judicial workers decried the action of those it described as unscrupulous elements causing confusion in the name of the Union in the Osun State Judiciary.

JUSUN however admonished its members in Osun State not to allow themselves to be used by desperate politicians.

Judicial workers in Osun had yesterday declared industrial action citing brutalization suffered from the police station at the entrance of the State High Court located in Okefia area of the state capital

on Wednesday.

The Judiciary Staff Union in Osun State had, Monday, locked the entrance of the court and picketed the office of the Chief Judge in protest against the Chief Judge and the management on the activities of the judiciary in the state.

However, Justice Ojo drove into the court with security personnel and went straight to her office on Wednesday, a situation that caused chaos.

Workers on sighting the Chief Judge, it was gathered, got infuriated and insisted on gaining access to the court premises.

According to the Chairman, Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Osun Chapter, Gbenga Eludire, the workers decided to withdraw their service from their respective stations since the Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Ojo, has declared war against them.

In a circular by the National President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Adamu, which was signed by his deputy, Comrade Emmanuel Abioye and addressed to the Osun chairman of JUSUN which was copied, The Chief Registrar, Osun State High Court, JUSUN warned judiciary workers in Osun to desist from turning themselves to the tools in hand of politicians.

The leadership of JUSUN characterized the current picketing by judicial workers as a means to settle political scores, emphasizing that such actions go against the principles of the union.

He stated: “Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) as a responsible union has never and will never take any perceived or real partisan position in all its activities with any individuals or organization.

“Judiciary Staff Union of

Nigeria has never directed or approved that any of its members should proceed on any protest or picketing activity in Osun State Judiciary or any other state to settle any perceived or real political scores.”

“Consequently upon the above-highlighted position the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) hereby dissociates itself from any action taken so far by any set of people whatsoever under whatever guise and the National Secretariat views such action as a calculated attempt by some set of people to play cheap political games with the intent to blackmail the Union and tarnish our good image and good reputation built over the years.”

The JUSUN national leadership thereafter warned its members against participating in any ‘illegal’ picketing, protest, or job boycotting whatsoever.

a vibrant, beautiful country and to have incredibly successful meetings.

"We are, as you also are aware, expecting to receive the whole world at COP28 in the UAE in about a week's time and are very committed to ensuring that Nigeria continues to be a strategic partner for the UAE and we continue to work on important issues for the Nigerian people.

"We're very keen on looking at how we can strengthen our ties more than they already are and we've come with a really positive letter to this new Nigerian government.

"The President of Nigeria and the President of the United Arab Emirates met for the first time in September and we are optimistic about all of the great projects we're going to be working with you on.

"We are pleased to have an audience with the President and this delegation has been formed under the guidance and instruction of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the President of the UAE we're here to deliver a very promising, positive and futuristic plan for cooperative partnership between our two countries.

"I hope that we would be able to strengthen the bridge between our two countries and bring more prosperity to our two nations.

"Both UAE and Nigeria are blessed with a lot of resources. The most important is the human resources we both have and we've tried to build on what we already have between our two nations".

According to the President and CEO of Dubai International Chamber, Mr. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, “We are honoured to be here in Lagos to explore exciting and mutually beneficial opportunities

to strengthen cooperation between Dubai and Nigeria.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in helping to organise this timely trade mission, which we are confident will unlock fresh opportunities for the business communities in both Dubai and Nigeria.

“As part of our efforts to further strengthen Dubai’s trade and economic ties with Nigeria, I am also excited to announce that we are inaugurating our new international representative office here in Lagos today.

“Establishing a presence in Nigeria represents another significant milestone for Dubai International Chamber.

This strategic move creates a vital platform for enhancing cross-border partnerships in one of Africa’s leading economies.”

He added that the launch of the Lagos office, which is the chamber’s 7th in Africa and 28th worldwide, would open new channels for communication and economic cooperation.

“Our team will work with local partners to strengthen Dubai’s robust commercial relationship with Nigeria, co-organise business matching and networking events, and ensure that companies and investors in both markets have access to all the support they need to navigate business opportunities and boost trade and investments,” Lootah said.

Responding to the announcement, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the aspiration of the Dubai Chamber to open its office in Lagos “deeply resonates with our popular proposition that ‘Lagos is Open for Business.’

Continued online

Three Missing As Navy Allegedly Forcefully Disperse Protesters at Chevron's EGTL Plant In Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri Three persons were feared missing, Thursday, following an alleged attempt by operatives of the Nigerian Navy to disperse protesters at the Escarvos Gas To Liquid (EGTL) plant operated

by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) at Escarvos in Warri South West Local government Area of Delta State.

The protesters from Ugborodo, a riverine community that hosts the EGTL plant, had laid siege on the plant since Monday demanding, amongst others, the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to its

fullest.

An Ugborodo community leader, Mr. Alex Eyengho, in a press statement, alleged that though the protests had been peaceful since it commenced but turned bloody in the early hours of yesterday when the naval personnel engaged the protesters and at the end three of the youth could not be accounted for.

According to Eyengho , "Three Ugborodo indigenes involved in the renewed protest against Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) over the perceived non-implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, (PIA) by the company, have been reported

missing somewhere at the bottom of Escravos River in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

"In the wee hours of today, Thursday November 23, the Ugborodo indigenes are missing due to alleged vicious attacks launched by the Commanding Officer ( C.O) in Chevron Nigeria Limited Tank Farm in Ugborodo Community ( Escravos) and his men" on the instruction of a PGPA Boss in Chevron Nigeria Limited as well as other senior officials of the oil and gas major”.

The protesting indigenes of the oil-rich Ugborodo community had occupied the Escravos Gas To Liquid

(EGTL), tendering 41 demands before quitting the facility.

Some of the demands were that Chevron should, as a matter of urgency, implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), implement the Ikpere Host Community PIA as agreed by the National Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURPC) as well as give employment to youths and people of Ugborodo and Itsekiri indigenes.

But in a swift reaction, Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL) in a statement yesterday said it was committed to the operationalization of the HCDT in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 (“PIA”).

During the protest, the indigenes mounted a shrine with a fearful, ancestral effigy known as “Ogbejugbele” in the Chevron facility to depict that their ancestors aren’t only in support of their actions, but also angry.

The protesters, while frowning at the non-implementation of the PIA by blocking the entrance of the facility against the workers, warned Chevron not to take them and their ancestors for granted as they blocked the entrance into the facility.

The protesters, who chanted solidarity songs, also bore placards with inscriptions such as, “2019/2020

workforce are your family members,” “Chevron don’t intimidate us with security,” “Give us what rightfully belong to us,” “We can work,” “Put the Community First in all Employment.”

Others were: “Chevron implement Ikpere Host Community PIA as agreed by NURPC,” “Train the people on the job,” “Chevron Engage Community in the Ongoing Conversion,” “Chevron Gross Marginalisation Must Stop,” “Give us our Own Contract in the Turnaround Maintenance,” “Our community is not your Property,” and “Chevron Stop the Discrimination Against Ugborodo Host Community.”

34

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

NEWS

NNPCL MANAGEMENT'S CHARM OFFENSIVE TO LAWMAKERS… GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari (left) in a handshake with the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Abbas Tajudeen during the NNPC Management's visit to the House at the National Assembly Complex, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

PDP Governors Express Mixed Feelings over Off-season Polls Urge Plateau, Zamfara governors to seek justice at the Supreme Court Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, expressed reservations over the last off-season elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states, and urged the governors of Plateau and Zamfara states to

seek redress at the Supreme Court.

Reading the communique of their meeting, the chairman of the PDP governors, Senator Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, expressed confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

Mohammed said, “The meeting reviewed the recent judgements of the Court of Appeal concerning governors of various states and noted the mixed outcomes. As a forum, we once again re-state our overall confidence in the judiciary to do justice.

"We believe that the Supreme

Court will do justice in the cases where we recorded temporary setbacks, like Zamfara and Plateau states.”

Reviewing the off-season elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states, the meeting stated, “We support the decision of INEC to investigate the allegation of existence of pre-filled result

sheets even before elections started in some places to ensure the confidence of the people in the electoral process.

"On the national economy, the meeting urgently requested the federal government to prioritise the introduction of a new Revenue Allocation Formula that gives more money to

states and local governments to enable them meet their increased responsibilities.”

The governors that attended the meeting were the governors of Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau and Bayelsa states, while the deputy governors of Zamfara, Enugu, Osun represented their principals.

Rivers Assembly Crisis: Ex-Speaker, Deputy Risk Jail Lalong May Resign Ministerial Post, Set to Go to Senate Term over Court Contempt Receives certificate of return, hints Akume, Gbajabiamila on decision Wale Igbintade A Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, has been asked to commit a former Speaker, Rivers House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol, to prison for alleged refusal to obey an order of the court.

Already, the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, has filed Form 48, being a notice of consequence of disobedience of Court Order against the former speaker and his deputy.

The Applicants in the suit are the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the Speaker, RT. HON. (Barr) Ehie Ogerenye Edison, while the alleged contemnors are Rt.Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, (Former Speaker, Rivers House of Assembly), Rt.Hon. Dumle Maol, (Former Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly) the Inspector General of Police, the Director, Department of State Security Services, Rivers State, and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.

The Applicants in suit number FHC/PHC/CS/240/2023 alleged that the 1st and 2nd Respondents disobeyed the order of the Court made on the 7th day of November, 2023, which ordered parties not to take any step concerning the subject matter of the suit before the court.

Ehie, in the processes, accused

the former Speaker of invading the Rivers State House of Assembly and purportedly holding a sitting of the House in flagrant violation of the order of the court for parties to maintain status.

The Form 48, titled 'Notice of Consequences of Disobedience of Order of Court' was dated the 22nd day of November, 2023 and signed by the Registrar of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt Judicial Division.

The alleged contemnors were warned that they would be liable to be committed to prison unless they obey the order of the Court.

Justice Phoebe Ayuba of the Federal High Court upon the application of Ehie and the Rivers State House of Assembly, issued an order directing all parties to the Rivers Assembly crisis to maintain the status and not to take any step concerning the subject matter of the suit until the determination of the motion on notice.

The order of the case, which has been adjourned to the 27th of November, 2023, read: "That the prayers as stated on the Motion paper are denied. That an Order is made directing the Plaintiffs/ Applicants to put the Respondents on Notice forthwith.

"That an Order is however, made, directing that all parties on record respect the Court and should not take any step concerning the subject matter, since the matter is already before this Court — sub judice"

Chuks Okocha in Abuja Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, may resign his position in the President Bola Tinubu administration in view of the possibility of returning to the senate.

The Court of Appeal panel on the Plateau State National Assembly elections, a fortnight ago, declared Lalong senator-elect for Plateau South senatorial district.

All senatorial elections end at the Court of Appeal, while only the presidential and governorship elections go to the Supreme Court.

Lalong represented Plateau

South in the senate before he became governor in 2015, and served for eight years. He left office as governor and was appointed minister by Tinubu.

A source close to the minister, who pleaded anonymity, told THISDAY that the minister had collected his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday.

According to the source, Lalong has communicated his desire to proceed with his senatorial ambition to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and the Chief of Staff to the president,

Femi Gbajabiamila.

The source said, “The minister is yet to brief President Tinubu on his desire to join the senate after the appeal court’s ruling, but has met with the SGF and the Chief of Staff on the matter and both men had wished him well on the endeavour.

“But, like you know, the president has the final say on the matter. If President Tinubu decides to keep him as minister, he will gladly stay.

“The president returned last night from the G20 Summit in Germany and, hopefully, Lalong will see him tonight and then we will get to know the final

stand of things.”

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had nullified the participation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its senatorial candidate in the February 25 National Assembly Election, Napoleon Bali, for Plateau South Senatorial District, on the grounds of refusal to carry out lawful order of court.

Delivering judgement, a three-member panel led by Justice Elfreda Williams-Dawodu declared as unlawful and wasted votes cast for PDP in the election and declared Lalong, as the senator for the Plateau South senatorial district.

House Urges IG to Resolve Communal Crisis Between Anambra Communities Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to resolve the communal crisis between NneyiUmueri and Sugbe communities of Anambra East local government area.

The resolution of House followed the adoption of a motion moved at plenary yesterday by Hon. Peter Aniekwe.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker said the primary reason for governance was to protect lives and

properties as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as Amended.

He stressed that the communal crisis caused by boundary dispute between Umueri and Nsugbe communities located in Anambra East started in the early hours of 22nd November, 2023, has resulted in loss of several lives and properties with many people displaced.

The lawmaker, who regretted that the crisis has left some houses burnt down, expressed worry that an escalation was imminent if an urgent step was not taken to nip

the crisis in the bud.

The house, therefore tasked "The Committee on Police Affairs to manage the ongoing crisis and nip it in the bud to avoid further loss of lives and destruction of properties."

It further mandated the Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to as a matter of urgency provide relief materials to victims of the current crisis.

Meanwhile, the House has called on NEMA to quickly respond to

petroleum fire disaster incidence at Abajah in Nwangele L.G.A of Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba federal constituency of Imo state.

The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved at the plenary on Thursday by Hon. Ugenna Ozurigbo.

Presenting the motion, the lawmaker said it was the core mandate of NEMA to quickly respond to disasters of high magnitude in Nigeria, including disasters that affect lives and livelihoods.

35

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

NEWS

CENTENARY ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT PAUL ANGLICAN CHURCH...

L-R: Former Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Chief John Odeyemi; Senator Segun Bamgbetan; and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, at the centenary anniversary of Saint Paul Anglican Church, Aiyegbaju, Ile Ife, on Sunday.

Kalu Wants Foreign Husbands of Nigerian Women Granted Citizenship UN says one in 10 Nigerian women experience violence FCT records over 1,000 GBV cases in 10 Days Kuni Tyessi and Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja and Ugo Aliogo in Lagos The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, yesterday opined that for equity and justice, foreign husbands of Nigerian women should be given citizenship by the country.

The speaker who stated this during the launch of: “Advocacy Hashtag and Signature Campaign" in continuation of the five dropped bills by the previous Assembly, said Nigerian men that are excited to marry people from other countries and get citizenship can extend the gesture to their women.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker and former Deputy Chairman, Human Rights Committee, Hon. Karu Elisha, the deputy speaker said there was need to elevate the conversation surrounding the gender bills and articles contained

in them for credibility and visibility, He noted that 49 per cent of the women population need to understand the contents of the bills.

"We should not only speak about the five gender bills, but about the 49 per cent of women population that need to understand the five bills and the articles contained in them.

That gives it credibility and visibility that is required around.

"A lot of people don't understand what those bills actually entail. If I am to mention one, same Nigerian men that are excited to marry people from other countries and get citizenship can extend the gesture to women.

“So if you desire to marry a citizen of another country, you should be allowed to extend such to men of other countries.

"We have also seen women do excellently well in the legislature and also in the executive. Why can't we expand the scope so that women can do more in the legislature? Women

should not look at the National Assembly alone, but should extend to all platforms" he said.

In the same vein, the Executive Director of Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Saudatu Mahdi, argued that Nigerian women have outgrown tokenism.

She said the struggle which needs commitment and dedication should also push that the content of the bills be translated for simplification and better understanding of the issues.

She said: "I like the idea of translating the issues surrounding the gender bills and it's simplification.

This is not anything new, but about equity, justice and productivity. We don't want to be recipients, but contributors. We refuse tokenism.

"Whatever we do is for the next generation. This struggle needs dedication and commitment that has continued to short-change the 50 per cent of its population" she added.

Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) Women Representative to Nigeria and the Economic Community

of West African States (ECOWAS), Beatrice Eyong, has stated that one out of 10 Nigerian women experience some type of Gender-based Violence (GBV) in their lifetime She added that the private sector has proven to be a good ally in reversing the situation, stating that 22 per cent of private sector workers are women, which she said is remarkable compared to other fields.

Eyong spoke yesterday in Lagos during a regional dialogue with the private sector to advance gender equality and women empowerment.

She revealed that 65 per cent of women in Central Africa and 40 per cent in West Africa have experienced violence, adding that there is an urgent need for more investment efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

She hinted that the private sector has a critical role to play in advancing and ensuring that gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“This is the reason why UN women in our region and particularly in Nigeria has been engaged over the years with private sector to

creating an enabling environment for women to access their full potential as economic actors.

“In Nigeria, UN women has worked to drive gender responsive procurement, increase access to finance for women business owners and explore how private sector can address violence against women and girls,” she stated.

She further explained that through the Women Empowerment Principles, (WEPs), programme, UN provides support to formulate and promote policies and practices to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.

The Chairperson of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Mrs. Amina Oyabola, emphasised the need for immediate action and collective partnership between government and the private sector to address the challenges in funding for achieving gender equality by 2030.

“Realising true gender equality demands resolute and immediate action. Monumental challenges, especially in funding, persist.

“The additional investment needed for achieving gender equality by 2030 is estimated at $360 billion per year. A collective and active partnership among government, civil society, and the private sector is indispensable for tangible progress,” Oyabola stated.

In a separate event, the Pioneer Mandate Secretary for the Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory (SDSFCT), Adedayo Laniyi, has disclosed that over 1,000 GBV cases were recorded within 10 days of her resumption of duties.

She made the disclosure during an interactive session with journalists and other stakeholders organised by SDSFCT in Abuja to kick-start 16 days of activism.

"What had only been a thousand and some paltry number 10 days ago has now showed up to be 2,344 cases. This is incredible," she said.

According to her, the increase in the number of cases was as a result of awareness that the secretariat had embarked on since she assumed office as the mandate secretary of the SDSFCT.

like I said, with the FCT being the eighth partner in this programme.

The quick wins here are that even in the stage of construction, you will have the opportunity for over 3,000 jobs.

“And at the end of the construction, opportunities will be for almost 500,000 jobs on each zone that is for each state and then also to support about 100,000 farmers.”

The minister described the SAPZs as a cross-cutting initiative and platform to attract private sector investment, add value to Nigeria’s agro-processing, and unlock opportunities for improved food security and job creation.

He revealed that the programme, which commenced in 2022, saw the active participation of seven states and the Federal Capital Territory, even as the zones would not only serve as production sites, “but also hubs for aggregation and processing of agricultural produce”.

The programme earmarked approximately $530m for the first phase, aiming to establish clusters of agricultural production and

significantly reduce post-harvest losses, the former lawmaker noted.

He pointed out, “For instance, Kano has keyed in to do a lot of tomatoes in this zone. And we know that tomato losses run to almost 50 to 60 per cent. It is unacceptable in today’s agricultural sector.”

On Phase two of the programme, Kyari said, “We have already received expressions of interest from about 26 states so far. The second phase is supposed to kick in from next year. This first phase will last for five years. And the documentation for Phase Two will begin by next year.

“There are only three states (Abia, Adamawa and Yobe) that have not expressed interest. But as we were leaving here, one (Abia State) had already signified and are working on sending the expression of interest.”

The council also acknowledged the leading role of Ogun State in the development of these zones.

But Kyari said despite Ogun’s delay in signing the Subsidiary Loan Agreement, a commitment

was recently secured from the state government to sign it promptly.

To further expedite the initiative, NEC approved “the accelerated transmission of the official documents to funders by the Federal Ministry of Finance,” and granted a waiver from the same ministry for the payment of performance allowance to project staff by the funders, as requested by the executing agency, to “avoid project implementation risks”, he said.

Kyari said the meeting also called for “a lot of enthusiasm from state governors to participate and key into” the project, which, it said, will drive significant economic growth through job creation and modernised agricultural practices.

NEC also approved plans to overhaul 17,000 and 774 primary and secondary healthcare centres, respectively, nationwide. The move was in response to identified funding gaps and deteriorating healthcare metrics, as revealed by a presentation by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social

Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, to the council.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who shed more light on Pate’s presentation, which highlighted the critical condition of the health sector, said, “the presentation...dissected in terms of very robust sector scan on health, from the tertiary to the primary level, looking at all the gaps, the problems and challenges of funding.”

Mohammed expressed concern about statistics showing a decline in health indices, including infant mortality rates, stating that the Tinubu administration aims to establish a synergy among stakeholders for deep, lasting reforms.

The governor said, “Certainly, we have a huge problem of human capital and attrition of experts and the need to develop a strategy to retain our experts to care for our health sector.” He said this underscored the collective commitment to budgeting and prioritising healthcare.

Bauchi Unveils Construction of 200km Roads, Two Flyovers SHETTIMA TO GOVS AT NEC: WE MUST DEVELOP OUR AGRIC SECTOR FOR SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Bauchi state government yesterday unveiled plans for the construction of 16 strategic roads worth about N100 billion across the state.

The project also comprises two flyovers in the busiest areas of Wunti and Central Market to beautify and decongest the city centre.

These, among some other rural road construction projects across the state's three senatorial zones, were part of the resolutions made during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by the State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

Some of the projects that make a total of 200 kilometres include 2.6 kilometres Sabon Kaura Birshi Gandu road, 4.5 kilometres Zango-Gwallagan Mayaka access road, 1.7 kilometres Bayara township road, rehabilitation of Disina-Adamami road in Jama'are local government area and ‘dualisation’ of A.D Rufa'i College to Misau town road, among others.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the Commissioners of Works and Transport, Ibrahim

Galadima and his counterpart at the ministry of Special Duties and Rural Development, Faruq Mustapha, said the projects had been awarded to competent contractors in line with developmental initiative of Governor Bala Mohammed led administration.

Also during the meeting, the council ratified and approved the upgrading of the palaces of the Emirs of Bauchi, Ningi, Jama'are and Dass at sum of N2.2 billion under the State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The commissioner of the ministry, Ahmed Jalam, said the move was to create a conducive environment for the traditional institutions to discharge their duties.

The council has also approved a memo for the 2024 Medium Term Expenditure presented by the commissioner ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Aminu Hammayo as well as a memo presented by the commissioner of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mahmud Baba Ma'aji on the preparation for the forthcoming North-east Joint Trade Fair in the state

36

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

NEWS

WIKE TOURS SOUTHERN PARKWAY...

FCT Minister Mr Nyesom Wike speaking during the inspection of Southern Parkway under construction by Setraco Nigeria Ltd, standing next to him are Engrs Ziad Mouannes the MD and Charbel Eid, the Operations Director of Setraco, in FCT ...recently.

Abass Tasks NNPC to Adopt Creative Ways in Achieving Optimal Performance Company projects N4.5tn revenue in 2023 Juliet Akoje in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said that for Nigeria to avoid more wasteful years of non-performing public assets in the oil sector, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) must come up with creative ways for optimal performance.

The speaker stated this when he received the management of the NNPC, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja yesterday.

Abbas, while commending the NNPC for taking full advantage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to maximise its commercial potential, decried the state of Nigeria's refineries, which he said had been moribund for over 20 years, even though the staff were maintained, paid and promoted.

He described the situation as “inefficiency and waste of human resources” that should be addressed.

"I am from Kaduna, and the Kaduna refinery has been moribund for more than 20 years. I know of

people working there who have been idle all these years receiving salaries and promotions.

“This is inefficiency of a worrisome proportion. The company needs to seek creative ways to repurpose staff strength in such facilities to areas where they can remain productive even in the absence of crude oil at the refineries," he said.

Abbas called for measures to turn around the losses suffered by the economy, owing to the nonproductive state of the refineries, by privatising them for better management and productivity.

The speaker congratulated the company for redirecting gains of subsidy removal to other productive areas of enhancement that are now adding value to the system as shown by the quantum leap being reported in its revenue profile as presented by its chief executive.

He said the 10th House, and by extension the National Assembly, would fully be behind the company in its fight against oil theft, disclosing that the House has taken the lead in creating a Special Committee on Oil

Abiodun: Ogun Committed to Religious Tolerance

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said that his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance has ensured peaceful co-existence among various adherents in the state.

The governor noted that though people living in the state practice different religions, with Ogun being the “religious capital of the country”, they have imbibed the spirit of tolerance by seeing themselves as one.

He said that this is due to the fact that his government has been promoting acts that unite and encourage peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.

The governor stated this in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he received the national leadership of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy call.

Represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun assured that his administration would continue to give equal treatment to all religious bodies operating in the state.

He said: "Our administration is committed to religious tolerance.

Our state is the religious capital

of Nigeria with headquarters of Muslims and Christian organisations.

We are a very tolerant state, and we have lived together peacefully.

The government is also reflective of that with the appointment of a consultant to the governor on Islamic affairs.

"This is done so that issues that pertain to religion can be channelled to him so that we do not have biases or any issue between our faiths.

We work together to maintain that harmony in our state."

He also called for synergy between government and religious organisations in addressing social ills currently prevalent in society.

The governor decried the moral decadent that is gradually tearing the society apart, emphasising collaborative efforts in stemming the tide.

He challenged the Ansar-Ud-Deen society to work with the government to make sure that some of the ills are tackled and eliminated to create a better community.

Abiodun lauded the society for its various philanthropic work especially in the area of education, nothing that it had helped in providing health facilities to ensure that quality health services get to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

Theft and Pipeline Vandalism, which was inaugurated on Wednesday.

However, Abbas, who received the NNPC management in company with the Minority Whip of the House, Hon. Ali Isa, and the chairmen of relevant committees in the oil and gas sector, assured the company of the willingness of the House to always partner with it in repositioning the nation's economy.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari, earlier

highlighted the areas of improvement in the company using the instrument of the PIA. Kyari who reiterated that the entity has fully gone commercial with the new law, added that it was hitherto operating at a loss, recording a negative of N803 billion in 2018.

He informed the Speaker and the House that the changes that happened in the company after the PIA had led to the realisation of N674 billion profit after tax in

2021, and over N2 trillion income in 2022.

Adding that the company had a projected revenue to the tune of N4.5 trillion as expected income in 2023, he said that having gone fully commercial, the company controls over 30 per cent of the market share in the downstream sector.

"This company is operating just like any other private company providing dividends to its shareholders. We have over 30

per cent of the market share in the downstream sector, which is why no single player can hold this country to random in terms of making products available to Nigerians.

"So when you see queue, it's really not as a result of scarcity but internal events arising from the actions of marketers, and people can always go to our stations and be served.

They are guaranteed quality and accurate quantity of dispensed products," he said.

OLANIPEKUN: A’COURT CAN’T CORRECT CLERICAL ERRORS IN KANO GUBER JUDGMENT upheld the judgement of the Kano State Election Petition Tribunal, which declared the APC candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, as the authentic winner of the March 18 poll.

INEC had announced NNPP's Yusuf winner of the March 18 election, saying he scored 1,019,602 votes to defeat Gawuna, who got 890,705 votes.

However, following APC and Gawuna's petition, the tribunal held that there was evidence of irregularities and corrupt practices resulting in the cancellation of over 160,000 ballot papers on the grounds that the ballot papers “were not signed or stamped by INEC”.

After the deduction of the over 160,000 votes from Yusuf's scores, his votes then came down to about 853,939, less than the 890,705 polled

by Gawuna.

The tribunal subsequently declared Gawuna authentic winner of the March 18 governorship election.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Yusuf approached the Court of Appeal to challenge his sack by the tribunal.

The appellate court, in its judgement last Friday, dismissed the appeal on the grounds that the appellant did not provide credible and cogent reason for it to upturn the judgement of the tribunal.

The three-man panel of the court held that every political party should maintain the register of its members, adding that the appellant, to his own detriment, did not submit his NNPP membership register or even tender his statement on oath regarding his membership of the party.

The court said the 1999 Constitution made it mandatory for a political party to have a membership register and submit the same to INEC and the tribunal when needed. It added that Yusuf’s name was not in the NNPP membership register.

The appeal court held, "As rightfully found, Yusuf Abba was not a member of the NNPP at the time he was purportedly sponsored by his party and he was not qualified to contest

the March governorship eection.

"If you claim to be a member of a political party, is it not logical for you to say so by yourself and not by proxy? Even though membership of a political party is an internal affair, a political party cannot be permitted to circumvent or breach the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

"The tribunal was wrong not to have disqualified the appellant.

Therefore, the failure of the appellant and the NNPP to comply with the 1999 Constitution is fatal to their election. All issues in this appeal are dismissed and the judgement of the tribunal is affirmed."

But the CTC of the majority judgement dated November 21 and signed by one of the court's registrars, Ibrahim Umar, read, in part, on page 67, “I will conclude by stating that the live issues in this appeal are hereby resolved in favour of the first respondent and against the appellant.

"In the circumstances, I resolve all the issues in favour of the appellant and against the first respondent.

Thereby, I find no merit in this appeal, which is liable to be and is hereby dismissed.

"The judgment of the tribunal in Petition No: EPT/KN/GOV/01/2023 between All Progressives Congress (APC) versus Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 2 others delivered on September 20, 2023 is hereby set aside.

"The sum of N1 million is hereby awarded as cost in favour of the appellant and against first respondent."

The contradictions generated huge controversies leading to protest in Kano by supporters of NNPP.

NNPP, APC Hold Rally Tomorrow in Kano The political crisis rocking Kano State might boil over tomorrow following the announcement by stakeholders of APC and NNPP

that they would stage separate rallies.

The announcements came as Yoruba residents in Kano, under the aegis of Concerned Yoruba Community, urged President Bola Tinubu to stop interfering in the court case between APC and NNPP, because it put their lives at risk.

Addressing a press conference at the national secretariat in Abuja on behalf of the Kano APC stakeholders, Director General, Garo Campaign Organisation, Rabiu Bichi, noted that since the conduct of the 2023 governorship election and the declaration of NNPP as the winner, the ruling APC as a peace-loving party had remained calm and shunned any form of violence.

Bichi stated that APC rejected the outcome of the election and sought to reclaim its mandate through the appropriate channel as laid down in the Electoral Act and the Nigerian constitution.

He stressed that after filing its case at the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that sat in Kano, APC patiently pursued it for months up to the pronouncement stage, where the three-man panel of judges fixed the date for the judgement.

He said, "However, sensing defeat, the NNPP resorted to threatening to kill the judges of the tribunal should the verdict of the court eventually be announced and not in their favour.”

Bichi alleged that the threats by the NNPP government's cabinet members, including that by Secretary to the Kano State Government, Baffa Bichi, “forced the tribunal to deliver its judgement via Zoom for fear of their lives".

He added that things appeared to be getting worse since the embattled leader of NNPP, Senator Rabi'u Kwankwaso, came back to Kano, where he held a meeting of the party's stakeholders.

Bichi stated that at the end of the meeting, they came up with activities that included unleashing violence to not only eliminate APC in Kano but also to make it ungovernable in the

event of a Supreme Court judgement in favour of APC. He stated, "We have it from reliable sources that they are planning a mass protest on Saturday during which key figures of the APC will be targeted, if possible to eliminate them.

"It is on this note that we called the Kano State police command and other security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities and take measures to avoid loss of life and property.

“In defence of democracy and peace in the state, we are holding a rally on Saturday in Kano."

Asked if there won't be a clash between APC and NNPP, Bichi noted Kano was big enough and assured that there wouldn't be any clash.

At their own press conference in Kano, leader of Concerned Yoruba Community, Taofeek Olalekan Olaosebikan, warned that removing Governor Abba Yusuf would not augur well for the Yoruba community in Kano.

Olaosebikan said, “There is a negative notion going around that people were denied what they have elected because the president is Yoruba, a situation that is endangering their lives as Yoruba living in Kano.”

The group warned that removing Yusuf as governor was very worrisome as the unfolding political situation would have adverse effects on the Yoruba living in the state.

Olaosebikan stated, "Kano is a very volatile state politically and this is the reason why all men and women of goodwill should be concerned about the situation in Kano and rally around towards a collective initiative to save the state from any calamity, which will affect us and our livelihood.

"In this regard, we are using this platform to call on all Yoruba Obas and leaders of thought to wade into the Kano situation without further delay by engaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a possible political settlement of the Kano logjam.”

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

COURTESY VISIT TO UMAHI…

Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru (left) being welcomed by Minister of Works, David Umahi when Nwifuru paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja... recently

Imo Guber: Labour Party Protests to INEC Headquarters over Copies of Election Results Chuks Okocha in Abuja The governorship candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the November 11 election in Imo state, Senator Athan Achonu yesterday led a protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission,(INEC) demanding certified true copies of the election results.

The Imo state governorship candidate leading the protest arrived the INEC office at about 12.20pm with the party’s national Youth leader, Kennedy Ahanaotu among others in a convoy of buses.

They were received by two INEC National Commissioners, Mohammed Haruna and Abdullahi Abdulzuru who led

YABATECH Graduates 7,717, Honours Otedola, Others The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, has urged graduates of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to utilise knowledge gained from the institution to serve humanity and remain exemplary citizens.

Mamman gave the advice yesterday in his address to 7,717 graduating students at the combined 35th Convocation and 76th anniversary of the institution in Lagos.

The ceremony also featured the conferment of Fellowship Awards on three outstanding Nigerians for their contributions to national development.

The awardees are: Lady Christine Otedola, a former first lady of Lagos State and matriarch of the Otedola dynasty, Lady Christine Otedola; first President, of Nigeria Labour Congress, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu and an accomplished administrator and Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum.

The minister called on stakeholders and industrialists to complement government initiatives through contributions to research, structure development, scholarships for underprivileged students, capacity building and graduate employment.

Senator Achonu into the INEC office for discussions on the Imo state governorship election.

Before then, the members of the protest who blocked INEC office

An ex-Police Inspector who served in the Niger State Police Command, Yahaya Mohammed, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for theft and sale of AK-47 magazines and ammunition.

Chief Magistrate Fati Hassan handed down the sentence to the former policeman after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and theft of AK-47 magazine and unlawful dealing in the sale of AK-47 and ammunition contrary to Sections

97(2) and 288 (1) of the penal code and 27 (6) (111) of the Act. The Chief Magistrate, however, gave the convict an option of N100,000 fine because of his ill health.

The prosecution had told the court that the police obtained classified information from the Directorate of State Service (DSS) that some unknown persons were transporting some goods suspected to be arms and ammunition in a ‘Ghana Must Go’ bag, as the police swung into action leading to the arrest of the convict in Kagara, Rafi Local Government Area of the state.

A prominent pressure group, Delta Political Vanguard (DPV) has warned that the people of Delta State who overwhelmingly voted Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in March this year will stand strongly against any attempt to boot him out office through the instrumentality of an allegedly manipulated judicial

A member of the House of Representatives, representing Argungu/Augie federal constituency of Kebbi State, Sani Yakubu Noma, said he has concluded arrangement to give out 100 female orphans for marriage.

Speaking to journalists at his hometown in Argungu area of Kebbi State, he said the marriage plan is part of his contributions to his religious obligations and sympathy to female children who lost their parents in his

constituency.

He said arrangements have been concluded for the marriage ceremony, which will take place at the palace of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera.

He added that the event would hold on November 25, 2023, by 10 a.m.

According to him, “A committee has been set up for the successful implementation of the event.

Those selected to be married out were drawn from the two local government areas that I’m representing at the national assembly.

and with the arrival of a Police reinforcement from Maitama Police, the INEC Commissioner, Haruna asked Senator Achonu to come inside for further discussion.

process.

The group, which reportedly played a role towards the election and re-election of the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as in other elections in the state, also urged Nigerians to be more vigilant as rumours of plans to career the country towards a one-party state were better louder by the

day. It added that more and more Nigerians were finding the spate of electoral losses suffered by governors from opposition political parties very worrisome.

The National Secretary of the DPV, Mr. Ese Sanco, stated this while addressing newsmen yesterday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, saying that the people could not fold their hands and watch

democracy in the country being destroyed by a handful of greedy and desperate politicians who have, somehow, taken the reins of power in Nigeria.

He said: “Nigerians must be wary and watchful of the clear antics of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country.Today,APC has given Nigerians, and PDP in particular, every cause to worry.”

UNWomen: Investing in Women’s Rights Organisation Key to Gender Equality Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations Women(UNWomen) has said the key to achieving gender equality was investing in and empowering women’s rights organisations.

Delivering a speech at the Regional Consultation with

women’s rights organisations organised under the 16 Days of Activism against GenderBased Violence, the Country Representative of UNWomen, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, lamented that significant changes have not been made since the commencement of 16 Days of Activism 20 years ago.

On gender equality, she said: “Addressing and eradicating it requires more than just reacting to violence when it happens; it mandates proactive and innovative solutions. A key to these solutions lies in investing in and empowering women’s rights organisations. You possess the knowledge, tools, and

determination to reshape societies to be safer, more inclusive, and just.”

She added that: “In the first twenty years since the first edition of the 16 days campaign, we witnessed some historic results to end violence against women and girls.”

NOA Restates Commitment to National Rebirth, Unveils Lifestyle Charter Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led government

through the establishment of National life charter that will spell out what it wanted from Nigerians.

The Director General, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who made the declaration during a working visit and interactions with the agency staff in Ekiti

state, said the agency would soon launch the National lifestyle charter which will define responsibilities of government and expectations from the citizens.

Mallam Yisa-Onilu who noted that all Nigerians should rather be blamed for the decadence in

the country than apportioning blames to any leader, added that the NOA was ready to change the narrative through the rebirth agenda and ensure ethical re-orientation and citizens’ mobilization for increased development of the country through the Nation life charter.

House Urges FG to Grant Tax Incentives to Public-spirited Companies Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to consider granting tax incentives to more companies engaged in the infrastructural development of public schools and hospitals under

the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment investment Tax Credit (RITC) Scheme.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji and eight others at the plenary yesterday.

Presenting the motion, Nnaji recalled that on January 25, 2019, the then Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, signed the Presidential Executive Order for the RITC scheme.

The lawmaker stressed that the main objective of the scheme

was to sensitise and promote private sector funding for road infrastructure projects in a manner that would generate value for money and guarantee participant’s timely and full recovery of funds provided for the construction or repair.

Minister Seeks Industry Leaders’ Partnership on Developing Education FunmiOgundare

Lawmaker to Marry Off 100 Orphans in Kebbi The Minister of Education, Prof.

Onuminya Innocent inSokoto

give us the certified true copy of Imo Governorship election amongst other songs.

But sensing that the protest was about to get out of hands,

Deltans ‘ll Resist Attempt to Unseat Oborevwori, Group Warns Omon-Julius OnabuinAsaba

National Orientation Ex-Police Inspector Jailed The Agency, (NOA) has restated its towards redefining for Gun-running in Niger commitment the country for better recognition by keying into the Renewed LaleyeDipoinMinna

were chanting anti INEC songs, “INEC is corrupt; INEC is not independent but dependent; INEC has killed our democracy; INEC is now for the highest bidder; and

Tahir Mamman, yesterday, called on industry leaders to complement government’s initiatives through partnerships that would enable them to contribute to research, structural development, scholarships for

underprivileged, capacity building and graduate employment.

Mamman stated that the partnership would significantly augment the accomplishment facilitated by agencies such as TETfund, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and international development partners.

Mamman made this call at the 35th convocation ceremony of Yaba College of Technology where a total of 7,717 students graduated in the 2021/2022 academic session for the award of diplomas and certificates.

Fellowship awards were also conferred on the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana

Zulum, wife of the former Lagos State Governor and matriarch of the Otedola family, Lady Doja Otedola and a former General Secretary of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), Comrade HassanAdebayo Sunmonu, for their immense contributions to education and national development.

Re-open Fees Payment Portal for Undergraduates, Pleads LAUTECH Alumni President Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The fifth Global President of the Alumni Association Worldwide of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Olalekan Badmus, yesterday charged the

management of the school to consider re-opening of the school fees payment portal for undergraduate students of the institution.

He also announced that the alumni would generously sponsor the educational expenses

of some indigent students for this session, ensuring that they are given the opportunity to continue their academic journey without financial burden.

Speaking at the 5th global anniver sary of the alumni where he was made the fifth

global president, he noted that in recognition of the profound importance of education as a transformation force, he posited that the alumni have come together to provide immediate relief and support to those in need.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

38

Nigeria, China Open Talks on Military WORLD OF ISLAM Equipment Production, Intelligence Sharing Islam’s Call for Control: Navigating

NEWS XTRA

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

KingsleyNwezehinAbuja

In a renewed bid to contain the challenge of insecurity in the country, Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, yesterday, said the federal government was in talks with the Chinese government to engender partnership in the area of military equipment production, intelligence sharing and technology transfer.

This came as Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops had decimated 99 terrorists and arrested 198 insurgents across the country.

The minister made the assertion

when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, who was on a courtesy visit to the Ship House, Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

He said both countries opened bi-lateral talks with a view to developing relations with Chinese companies on transfer of technology and military equipment production.

According to him, the interest of the government of China to cooperate with Nigeria in the areas of technology transfer and training, was encouraging.

“I was in China to attend a forum, which was very successful and we

had a very good discussion centered on the transfer of technology, military training and the protection of the interest of Chinese corporations in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking further, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained passionate with the private sector involvement in the renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just signed the Defence Industry Act as a guide on the development of the defence industry. The Act provides a level playing grounds for all investors,” he said.

Edo, IOM Intensify Fight against Irregular Migration AdibeEmenyonuinBeninCity The Edo State Government, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has intensified the fight against illegal migration and human trafficking in the State.

This is as they equip vulnerable persons in the area of mental health and psychosocial imbalance in various communities across Edo. The commitments were made during stakeholders’ engagement on dialogue validation involving IOM, the State Ministry of Arts,

Culture and Tourism and Igueben Community.

Participants at the forum recommended the need to organise events such as cultural festivals that would engage vulnerable groups of communities in the State.

The stakeholders’ dialogue, which was held at the palace of the Onojie of Igueben, HRH Ehisogie Eluojierior I, was to identify goals and set priorities to address mental health issues and provide support service needs based on the result of an assessment conducted by IOM in Edo.

The outreach is to, among other goals, activate a commitment to get the people closer to their culture and seek cultural ways to solve mental health and psychosocial issues.

The stakeholders’ forum attended by the Secretary to the Onojie of Igueben, officials of both IOM and the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, among others, was an opportunity for the locals to call on the Ministry to support them in organising the Igueben Day and assist in reviving their age-long cultural practices to avoid extinction.

Bauchi to Lay Strong Foundation for Economic Devt Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Mr. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, has assured the general public that the current administration in the state would lay a strong foundation for economic growth and development of the state.

Jatau made this known yesterday at the inaugural meeting of the reconstituted State Council on Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Reforms at the conference hall in his office.

He said that at the moment Bauchi State is one of the good performing states in sub national Ease of Doing Business ranking among the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. The deputy governor, who is the chairman of the council, pointed out that the state

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as IBEH LILIAN UCHECHI now wish to be known and addressed as WILLIAMS LILIAN UCHECHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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I formerly known and addressed as HEPHZIBAH OLAMIDE OLUWATIMIRO, now wish to be known and addressed as HEPHZIBAH OLAMIDE OLAKUNLE-JINADU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note I formerly known and addressed as MISS. ONYELEUCHE PRISCILLA EJIME, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JEHAT PRISCILLA EJIME. All former documents remain valid.

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government has demonstrated strong commitment and willingness by participating in the World Bank first Performancefor-Result program known as the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER).

According to him, other

commendable efforts made by the state included the development of the state’s action on Business Reform Action Plan (BERAP) for 2023 through the active engagement of key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.

Ohanaeze Asks FG to Honour Nwabueze, Ebigwei Gideon Arinze in Enugu The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has asked the federal government to give national posthumous recognitions to late eminent constitutional lawyer and elder statesman, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), and a former vice president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mr. Sylvanus Ebigwei, for their contributions to the country.

The Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Mr. Okey Emuchay, made this appeal yesterday at the national secretariat of Ohanaeze in Enugu, when he opened condolence registers for the two eminent Igbo sons who died recently.

Recall that Nwabueze died after an illness on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 94 while Ebigwei, a former vice president of Ohanaeze for Delta State during the administration of Mr. Nnia

Nwodo, died at 80 on November 3, 2023.

Emuchay said that apart from being a constitutional lawyer, Nwabueze also served Nigeria as a one-time minister of education.

He explained that both Nwabueze and Ebigwei played critical roles in what is today known as Ohanaeze, adding that Nwabueze remained the longest-serving secretary general of the organisation.

He maintained that before their deaths, both eminent individuals were members of the presidential advisory council and the National Executive Council of Ohanaeze.

“The families have not decided on the date for their funerals. But we thought it important at this time to sign and open the books so that members of the public will also have the opportunity to sign and show their respect for the leaders,” he said.

James Minna Okpeki Foundation for Launch A soft launch of the James Minna Okpeki Foundation (a non-profit organisation) will take place on 14 December 2023 to commemorate his posthumous 88th birthday. James Minna Okpeki (1935 -2013) had many loves, two of which were people and football. The inauguration of the JMOFFC aims to celebrate both.

Commenting, Mrs Judith Ufford , James Minna Okpeki’s first daughter, and member of the Foundation’s board, said: “This is a remarkably apt way to remember my father. He was renowned for his generosity, to family, friends and strangers alike. A foundation in his

memory that invests in the potential of young people through grassroot football brings together so much that was important and joyful to him.”

The Foundation in a statement said an online competition, which began this month and closes on 6th December invites participants to answer three questions (questions and answers are available online-jmoffc) and submit their preferred slogan for the new Foundation.

Ten winners, who will share the cash prize of N500,000 will be announced on 14th December.

Humanity’s History of Violence (IV) By: Spahic Omer/Islamicity Islam is not hawkish, nor are Muslims war-mongers That the Prophet and his companions – whose life pattern is attempted to be followed thenceforth – were not war-hawks and were not disposed to fighting unless really necessary, testifies the fact that, internally, theirs was either passive resistance (pacifism) while in Makkah or self-defence while in Madinah, and externally, the Prophet just wished to convey his universal message to the world, after which the consequences of uninhibited acceptance or rejection will fall on the shoulders of people themselves and their rulers, hanging on who exactly was influencing whom and to what extent. There was a divine instruction that must have weighed heavily on the Prophet’s mind: “O Messenger, announce (balligh, i.e., announce, deliver, proclaim and preach) that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people” (al-Ma’idah, 67).

The Qur’an also informs the Prophet that he was not responsible for whatever happened after his proclamation and conveyance of Islam to the world, for he was not people’s guardian (hafidh), nor controller or overseer (musaytir): “And if they submit (in Islam), they are rightly guided; but if they turn away - then upon you is only the (duty of) notification (the delivery of the message)” (Alu ‘Imran, 20).

Thus, as soon as the internal matters in Madinah stabilized somewhat, following the signing of the Hudaybiyah treaty with the Makkan polytheists towards the end of the sixth year of Islam’s presence in Madinah, the Prophet decided to send messages to the kings and rulers beyond Arabia calling them to Islam. In order to authenticate the credentials of his envoys, a silver seal was made in which were engraved the words: “Muhammad the Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet sent his envoys with invitations to Islam to the following kings and rulers: the king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia), the ruler of Egypt, the emperor of Persia, the king of Byzantium, the governor of Bahrain, the governor of Yamamah, the ruler of Damascus, and the king of Oman and his brother. “Through these letters, the Prophet managed to communicate his message to most monarchs at that time; some believed, while others remained obdurate and persisted in their disbelief. However, the idea of embracing Islam, and the advent of a new Prophet preoccupied all of them” (Mubarakpuri, The Sealed Nectar).

The content of the international correspondence was indicative of a pattern. The Prophet asked the kings and rulers to accept Islam and be saved in this world and in the Hereafter; to continue in their office even after agreeing to accept Islam and whatever was under their command was to remain theirs (their countries will remain in their hands); to let people be free and, if they wanted, to let them embrace and practice Islam freely; and to make those who declined to accept Islam pay the jizyah tax which was in lieu of military service (considering how much the jizyah was and what it was a surrogate for, non-Muslims were in a position of advantage). But if they refused to become Muslims, the Prophet warned the kings and rulers that the burden of the sins of all their people shall fall on their shoulders (because of the principle: cuius regio, eius religio, which means “whose realm, their religion” or “he who governs the territory decides its religion”); that Islam will prevail anyway – as a miraculous announcement concerning a development whose signs were omnipresent - so it was better that they hastened to jump on the bandwagon; that their kingdoms were fading in comparison to the power of the prophethood; and that everything they possessed was in danger of extinction in advance of the expected victories of the heavenly truth of Islam.

The Prophet did not threaten anybody with force, or invasion. He was sincere, trustworthy and compassionate. Knowing the future

civilizational trajectory of his Islamic message, the Prophet, consequently, was a warner and a giver of glad tidings. His divinations that disobedient and insolent territories will perish, will be overrun and appropriated by Muslim armies, and that the prophethood will assume preponderance over kingdoms, should not be understood in terms of an Islamic imperialism or colonialism, but rather in terms of the powerful laws of the rise and collapse of civilizations which, when they fall in place, inescapably lead to the predictable conclusions. And when such happens, both internal implosions and external as much calculated as impulsive liaisons get to be at work and contribute to the transformations. People become but instruments of destiny, of divine providence.

The gist of those laws are abridged in these Qur’anic words: “And say: ‘Truth has come, and falsehood has vanished. Indeed, is falsehood (by nature), ever bound to vanish’” (al-Isra’, 81); “Say: ‘Truth has arrived, and falsehood (from there on) neither creates anything new, nor restores anything (falsehood shall vanish and shall not come back)’” (Saba’, 49).

A good number of international players became obsessed – for good or for bad - with the new message originating from the Arabian Peninsula. However, not all were happy about the developments. The message was seen as a threat to the prevalent world order, so the latter’s custodians were not inclined to accept the Muslim case into the club. Like their former counterparts in Makkah, the international protagonists, too, could discern as to the distinctiveness of Prophet Muhammad and the moral fibre of his Islamic message, but refused to back down. There were plenty of other geopolitical and sociocultural considerations that presided over decision making, relegating the proven integrity of the Prophet and his teachings to a subordinate role. Which is actually the tactic of Satan, who was familiar with basically everything relating to the character and tone of each of the truth and falsehood, but remained faithful to his arrogance, selfcenteredness and passion. Instead of ruling those, Satan was ruled by them. Instead of subjecting them to the requirements of the ultimate grades, the pre-eminence of those grades was compromised and was reduced to the ignoble ranks of solipsism. In consequence, Satan never leaves the truth and its people alone.

In the same vein, the international central characters never left the truth of Islam and Muslims alone. Even during the Prophet’s time, they aspired to meddle in the internal affairs of Muslims, seeking to undermine the outlooks. The interferences were either direct or through proxies. Later when Islam started to spread its wings beyond the confines of Arabia, the same protagonists decided either to stop the spread of Islam’s influenced by force, or to create bulwarks or their countries’ front walls (the antemurale myth) against the expansion. In this case, fighting against tyrannies, which shut themselves off from contacts with Islam and thus denied their citizens freedom and right to know, became foreseeable. The obstacles of despotism and injustice had to be attended to.

But then again, the ensuing warfare was not for warfare’s sake or for the empire-building aims, but for the opening (fath) and unlocking of the impenetrable environments so that freedom and uprightness could win out.

At the back of the unfortunate wars, it was natural that the victorious Muslims stayed and administered the newly-opened-to-Islam countries to ensure what people had fought for remained in force. In so doing, Muslims did not hesitate to cooperate with and seek assistance from the locals concerning essentially all spheres of life, to retain local cultures, traditions and languages, to guarantee liberties, justice and respectability, and to integrate whatever was wholesome and beneficial into the escalating global spectacle of Islamic civilization. Muslims offered Islam to the world but were ready to embrace all that was viable from the world in return. A new fusion was on the horizon.

39

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Awoniyi Blow for Eagles, Out of AFCON 2023!

Undergoes surgery for aggravated groin injury

Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria and Nottingham Forest forward, Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out of Super Eagles squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to kick off in January in Cote d'Ivoire.

The gangling power playing forward aggravated a groin injury which he picked up in October

and has now undergone a surgery which will rule him out for months.

Awoniyi's coach at Forest, Steve Cooper confirmed on Thursday that Awoniyi will spend months on the sidelines through injury.

The striker played an hour for Eagles in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Lesotho before withdrawing from international duty last week, due to the groin injury.

Speaking in Thursday morning's press conference ahead of Forest's Saturday's fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion, Cooper said: "It's bad news on Taiwo, he's had to have surgery and he is going to be out for months.

"We'll support him and try to get him back as quick and as fit as he can be, but it's a really unfortunate situation and a blow for him.

"He's become an important player for us with the goals he's scored and the goals he will score for us, but he's such a good guy and a good professional who is desperate to do well, so to get an injury like this is harsh on him.

"We've got to support him through the process of coming back stronger. He's done that once before here and I'm sure he

will give everything again like he did last time.

"You think about how well he did when he returned last season, I'm sure that's given him a good reference point to come back to.

"We'll definitely see him again this season, but it's groin surgery so it will take a little while," Cooper was quoted by Nottingham forest. co.ukyesterday.

Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out of the 2023 AFCON scheduled to begin January next year in Côte d’Ivoire

Bariga FC Beat Odion Ighalo FC to Win Maiden 1XBET Cup Bariga FC yesterday emerged champions of the inaugural 1XBET Community Football Tournament after defeating Odion Ighalo FC 2-0 in the final of the competition played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island.

Two goals scored in each half of the pulsating final by Babatunde Oladejo and Benjamin Friday ensured that the Bariga Boys walked out of the Onikan Waterfront with the N1million cheque and the gold plated giant trophy.

Much-fancied Ighalo FC boys were opposite of the team fans saw in the confluence playoffs as well as in the quarter and semi finals. The boys suffered what their Captain, Inah Emmanuel termed fatigue on the way to the final.

“I don’t want to give excuses for why we failed in the final today.

We just had a bad day in the office this evening,” observed the Ighalo FC captain.

The final match was the climax of the six-week long Zonal playoffs which started since October. It was

pure grassroots football across five different communities in Lagos State.

Forty teams of non-league players started the journey with several of the players now penciled for pro careers by some of the coaches and scouts that have monitored the quality on display.

Earlier before the final, Young Strikers FC defeated De Elite FC 1-0 to win the consolatory third place match.

Also, a novelty five-a- side match between Lagos Legends, a group of former footballers like Friday Ekpo, Friday Elaho, Wasiu Ipaye, Loveday Omoruyi, Taiwo Oloyede, John Dosu and a host of others thrilled the well attended match with skills that made them household names in the country’s football.

A former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro , Managing Director of 1XBET Company Limited, Dr Oluwafemi Babalola and some of his management executives were in the VIP stand to watch the final match of this inaugural edition of the competition.

Maguire Accepts Apology from Ghanaian MP Adongo Nigeria’s Flag Bearer in

Bariga FC players celebrating defeating Odion Ighalo FC 2-0 to lift the inaugural 1XBET Community Football Championship yesterday in Lagos

Manchester United footballer, Harry Maguire, has accepted an apology from a Ghanaian MP who mocked him.

"See you at Old Trafford soon," the defender wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

MP Isaac Adongo had been debating the budget last year when he compared Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia's economic management to Maguire's performances on the pitch.

On Tuesday, Mr Adongo said he wanted to correct the record and hailed Maguire as a "transformational footballer".

He was a "key player" for Manchester United, Mr Adongo said during a budget debate.

But he did not let up in his criticism of Vice-President Bawumia.

"As for our Maguire, he is now at the IMF, with a cup in hand," he added.

Speaking to the BBC's Newsday programme, Mr Adongo explained that he had used "Harry Maguire's struggle for form from 2021 to 2022" to communicate his dissatisfaction with Ghana's economy.

"When Harry's form improved, I felt that he deserved an apology. As a lover of football, it was important that I recognised his turnaround."

When Mr Adongo was asked about the footballer accepting his apology, he said: "That humility has made my day, this brings closure."

Mr Bawumia is the head of the government's economic management team as Ghana faces its most severe economic crisis in years.

As government debt has soared, the country had to take a $3bn

Great Start, Beat Togo 4-0

Harry Maguire...accepts apology from Ghanaian parliamentarian (£2.4bn) loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In December 2022 inflation in Ghana reached a record 54% but has since fallen to around 35%.

A year ago Mr Adongo compared Mr Bawumia to Maguire, who Mr Adongo said "became the biggest threat at the centre of the Manchester United defence".

The video of the speech was widely shared on social media.

It came amid a torrent of criticism of the footballer.

England manager Gareth Southgate has condemned the mockery as "ridiculous treatment" and said he's been "an absolute stalwart" for the team.

Nigeria’s representatives in this year’s CAF African Schools Football Championship, National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu State were off to a roaring start with a 4-0 defeat of their Togolese counterparts, as the WAFU B Zonal Finals of the championship began in Lome yesterday.

National Grammar School had emerged champions of a national championship staged in the Federal Capital, Abuja between November 2nd and 9th 2023, which entertained a total of 11 teams from nine states of the federation.

There were teams from Yobe, Enugu, Plateau, Borno, Oyo, Ogun, Taraba and Kwara states as well as the FCT in the U15 competition.

In the female category, FOSLA Academy (the stellar football+education project of former NFF President, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi), emerged champions of a three-team competition and is flying Nigeria’s flag in the female event.

Representatives from Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and host Togo are converging on Lome for the four-day WAFU B zonal finals that will end on Sunday, with matches at the Stade Municipal de Kegue.

The winner in Lome, where the competition is being played in a round-robin format, will fly WAFU B’s flag at the continental finals slated for April 2024.

CAF AFRICAN SCHOOLS CUP The zonal finals are being staged alongside the WAFU B Congress, being attended by President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

Over 800,000 boys and girls from 28,000 schools across 44 countries are taking part in this season’s CAF African Schools Football Championship, which is the brainchild of the President of Confederation of African

Football, Dr. Patrice Motsepe.

Billionaire industrialist Motsepe is committed to contributing to the development of Africa’s next generation of football talent and future leaders, with a number of noble developmental programmes subsumed in the Football Championship.

NPFL: Yellow Card to Niger Tornadoes Players, Officials over Poor Show Laleye Dipo in Minna The Management of the Niger State Government owned team, Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna, has shown flash “yellow card" to the players and their officials for their unimpressive run since the beginning of the 2023/24 National Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Niger Tornadoes sit second to the bottom of the 20-team league table after playing 12 matches. They are scheduled to slug it out with Akwa United FC at their adopted home in Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna on Sunday.

The Chairman of the Management Committee of the club, Mr Ibrahim Dada, warned yesterday that if the fortunes of the club do not improve,

"I will take drastic action shortly.”

Dada who was addressing the players at their training ground on Wednesday insisted there was no excuse for the dismal performance of the club because the "management and government (of Niger State) has been giving you everything you need." He added that the club may not be among the highest paying teams in the NPFL but definitely not the least in terms of payment of players entitlements.

"There are managements that will promise their players high wages during negotiations and end up not meeting up. This is not the case with us. So there is no reason whatsoever for you not to give us your best. I want to assure you, for the umpteenth time that, Niger Tornadoes do not

owe players, which most of you here can testify to.

The club Chairman restated his belief in the ability of the players.

“I have always said and I will maintain my stand, I believe in you guys. But you need to prove that you are worth my trust by going out there and prove the naysayers wrong, otherwise we would be left with no option than to take drastic measures," Dada warned.

He further declared: "Enough is enough; we are not going to seat and watch things deteriorate further, neither would we condone anymore lack of seriousness and disloyalty from any player.

"I don't want division in my team; your loyalty, is to the team, not to any individual, be it a coach or any management member," he concluded.

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Gov Obaseki to Federal Govt “Everything we do today is based on the dollar exchange rate, and it’s like most of our existence depends on what we import. Imagine a country of 200 million people that has to depend on an external economy. We spend about $40bn a year in this country and you would expect that it should be enough for any country to develop but no, today, we earn less but our demand for foreign exchange is more” –Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, bemoaning the dollarisation of the economy.

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FEMIFALANA GUEST COLUMNIST

Outstanding Electoral Reform Questions

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etween 2022 and 2023, general elections were conducted by electoral bodies in some African countries, including Angola, Kenya, and Nigeria. The petitions filed against the results of the presidential elections declared by the election management bodies in Angola and Kenya were determined within 14 days by the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court respectively.

Even though the general elections in Nigeria took place between February and March 2023, the legal battle to confirm the actual winners of the presidential and legislative elections has just ended while the results of the governorship elections may not be determined by the courts until January 2024. The reason is that the elections shifted from polling booths to the election petition tribunals and the appellate courts.

Specifically, the results of the presidential and legislative elections will be confirmed after 8 months (October 2023) while the results of the governorship elections will be confirmed after 10 months (January 2024).

Notwithstanding the shortcomings that characterized the general elections the partial deployment of technology by the Independent National Electoral Commission was responsible for the reduction in the election petitions filed by aggrieved contestants. While 436 post-election petitions have been filed in respect of the 2023 general elections, 807 post-election cases were filed in 2019. In fact, the 2023 general elections have recorded the lowest number of petitions filed against elections conducted in Nigeria since 2003. The reduction in the number of election petitions was largely due to the introduction of the BVAS machines which removed millions of ghost voters from the electoral process.

In this address, we are going to make a case for the conduct of credible elections with a view to minimizing the involvement of tribunals and courts in the electoral process. As the nation’s electoral jurisprudence has become otiose and outdated, we shall review some recent decisions of the Supreme Court and make a case for the deployment of full technology and implementation of the remaining recommendations of the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Panel. It is a review that will require vital amendments of the Electoral Act and the Constitution. In conclusion, we shall critically consider the neocolonial political economy as democracy cannot succeed in an atmosphere of mass poverty.

Lack of commitment to democracy by the political class Sometime in 2017, I compared the conduct of elections and resolution of election petitions in Nigeria and Kenya.

In the well-publicized article entitled “Electoral Justice in Nigeria and Kenya . I called on the national assembly to technologize the electoral process and fast-track the resolution of election disputes by amending the Electoral Act and the relevant provisions of the Constitution. I equally recommended the implementation of fundamental electoral reforms. The suggestions were ignored by members of the political class due to the fact that they are beneficiaries of the dysfunctional electoral system.

It is common knowledge that despite the fact that State Independent Electoral Commissions are headed by retired chief judges and senior lawyers, they conduct the worst elections in Africa whereby the candidates of the ruling party in every state are declared the winners of all chairmanship and councillorship elections. The sole reason for the brazen manipulation is that state governors are not prepared to have elected chairmen and councilors from opposing political camps who may challenge the diversion of the monthly statutory allocations of local government councils.

In many states, democratically elected councils are dissolved or suspended by state governors to pave way for the appointment of caretaker committees and sole administrators to run the affairs of such councils in contravention of section 7(1) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) which guarantees the existence of democratically elected local government councils. Such executive lawlessness has continued despite the fact that the Supreme Court has

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu repeatedly condemned the frequent dissolution of local governments and appointment of caretaker councils by State Governors on the ground that it is not only illegal but highly undemocratic. See Governor of Ekiti State v. Olubunmi Bashorun Bosun Mojeed Ajuwon & 10 Ors v Governor of Oyo State & 6 Ors and Yantaba v Governor of Katsina .

It is equally interesting to note that the political leaders that have accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of mismanaging the 2023 general election performed worse in the conduct of primary elections of majority of political parties last year. In fact, a handful of top party chieftains engaged in the imposition and substitution of candidates. On account of protests by the victims of illegal imposition or substitution of candidates, a total of 1,878 pre-election cases were filed in 2022 whereas only 370 pre-election cases were filed in 2019.

No doubt, the political leaders and senior lawyers who are dissatisfied with the results of the 2023 presidential election have suddenly embraced the Kenyan model and recommended the implementation of the recommendations of the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Panel. However, the demand for electoral reforms by members of the political class smacks of hypocrisy. For instance, a former head of state who has suddenly become an advocate of credible elections introduced violence which marred the 2003 general election and claimed the lives of hundreds of voters. The state of anomie was vividly captured in Buhari v. Obasanjo by Pat-Acholonu JSC when he condemned the “nationwide spread of ineptitude, violence, intimidation and other acts of terrorization” witnessed during election.

The same political leader proclaimed the 2007 election as a “do or die affair” for the ruling party. As if that was not enough, he made a dangerous attempt to scuttle the democratic process with an ill-fated third term agenda.

And when the anti-democratic agenda failed woefully, he colluded with INEC to turn the 2007 general election into a lousy mockery of democracy. Thus, the result of the 2007 presidential election was almost annulled as it was decided on a narrow margin of 4-3 Justices of the Supreme Court. Thankfully, President Umoru Yaradua was honest to admit that the election which brought him to power was “highly flawed”.

Matters arising from Uwais Electoral Reform Panel In order to put an end to the disgraceful conduct of elections and the political culture of violence and manipulation of election results, the President proceeded to set up the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Panel.

The 22-member Panel collated the views of the Nigerian people and made profound recommendations which were submitted to the federal government. The highlights of the Uwais Electoral Reform Panel include the procedure for transparent appointment and removal of chairman and members of INEC, unbundling of INEC, independent funding for INEC, proportional representation, independent candidates, fixing of dates of elections, composition of election tribunals, time for determination of election petitions, and shifting of onus of proof in election petitions.

Apart from the rejection of the appointment of the INEC board by advertisement, the Yar’Adua administration accepted most of the other recommendations of the Uwais Panel. As he could not implement them before his demise in May 2010, his successor, former President Goodluck Jonathan adopted some recommendations and forwarded the entire report to the National Assembly for consideration. No doubt, the 2010 Electoral Act and the amendment of some provisions of the Constitution in 2011 were influenced by the report of the Uwais Panel, but the principal recommendations were jettisoned.

It is pertinent to note that the Ahmed Lemu Panel set up by the Goodluck Jonathan administration to investigate the violence that occurred in 12 states in the North and Akwa Ibom in the south after the announcement of the results of the presidential election in April 2011 made a strong case for the implementation of the far-reaching recommendations of the Uwais Panel. The ACN and CPC which later merged and became the All Progressive Congress (APC) campaigned vigorously for the implementation of the recommendations of the Panel. As National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu set up a body called the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms which campaigned for the adoption of the electoral reforms recommended by the Uwais Panel.

However, the report of the Uwais Panel was revisited when Professor Attahiru Jega became the Chairman of INEC in 2010. As a former member of the Panel, Jega made a strong case for the recommendations of the Panel. Specifically, he ensured the implementation of the recommendations on independent funding for INEC, appointment of dates for elections by INEC, fixing of 180 days for determination of election petitions, establishment of the Centre for Democratic Studies and delineation of constituencies.

Electoral Reforms by Buhari administration In 2016, the Muhammadu Buhari administration instituted an Electoral Reforms Panel headed by a former senate president, Mr. Ken Nnamani. The panel was tasked “to review the electoral environment, laws and experiences from recent elections conducted in Nigeria and make recommendations to strengthen and achieve the conduct of free and fair elections in Nigeria.” At the end of its assignment the panel recommended the unbundling of INEC, participation of independent candidates, diaspora voting and the use of technology for elections.

Aside the introduction of partial technology the Electoral Bill signed into law by President Buhari in 2022 did not adopt other recommendations of the Ken Nnamani Panel. In fact, certain provisions of the law are designed to frustrate the conduct of credible elections in the country. For instance, section 31 of the Electoral 2010 that permitted members of the public to challenge any false information contained in the nomination forms submitted by candidates contesting elections was removed in the 2022 Electoral Act. In the same vein, section 285 of the Constitution was amended to limit the power to challenge disqualification of candidates to members of political parties.

The jurisdiction to hear pre-election cases has been conferred on the Federal High Courts alone. While exclusion of names of candidates and political parties from the ballot by INEC can no longer be a basis to nullify elections that have been conducted the law has failed to provide any remedy for such exclusion. In spite for the popular call for the establishment of an electoral offences commission to deal with the menace of rigging, manipulation of election results and violence, the law has empowered INEC to prosecute electoral offenders.

The Way Forward Between 2008 and 2016, Nigeria set up three electoral panels for the sole purpose of reforming the electoral system. But the fundamental recommendations of the panels have been ignored by successive administrations.

In view of the fact that Nigeria has repeatedly failed to deliver credible elections there has arisen the urgent need to overhaul the electoral process to make it more democratic, accountable and acceptable. The objective cannot be achieved without the adoption of full technology in the electoral system, appointment of independent electoral authorities and substantial reduction of involvement of judges in the determination of outcome of elections.

In addition, the implementation of the remaining recommendations of the Uwais Electoral Reform Panel has become a desideratum. Therefore, we suggest that the said recommendations be incorporated with necessary modifications in the proposed amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 and the 1999 Constitution. While the National Assembly has rightly rejected the call for independent candidates we invite the Nigerian people to consider the following recommendations: 1. Procedure for appointment and removal of chairman and members of INEC In order to ensure the independence and neutrality of INEC, the Uwais Panel had recommended that members of the commission should not be appointed by the President.

The National Judicial Council, NJC is tasked with the duty to: advertise the positions, spelling out requisite qualifications; receive applications/nominations from the general public; shortlist three persons for each position and send the nominations to the National Council of State to select one for each position and forward same to the Senate for confirmation.

The Chairman and members of the INEC commission may only be removed by the Senate on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council, (NJC) by two–third majority of the Senate which shall include at least 10 members of the minority parties. It is suggested that the same procedure be adopted in the appointment and removal of resident electoral commissioners and members of state independent electoral commissions.

2. Unbundling of INEC In order to allow INEC to fully concentrate in conducting general elections, the Uwais panel recommended the unbundling of the INEC into Political Parties Registration and Regulation Commission; Electoral Offenses Commission, Constituency Delineation Commission, and Centre for Democratic Studies. The Centre for Democratic Studies was established by the Independent National Electoral Commission under the Chairmanship of Professor Attahiru Jega.

3. Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission (PPRRC) The Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission (PPRRC) shall register political parties in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, monitor the organisation and operation of the political parties, including their finances, arrange for the annual examination and auditing of the funds and accounts of political parties; monitor political campaigns and provide rules and regulations which shall govern the political parties, accredit domestic and international election observers and provide rules and regulations which shall govern their conduct and observation of elections.

4. Electoral Offences Commission In order to stop the increasing wave of electoral impunity the Uwais Panel had recommended the establishment of an autonomous and constitutionally recognised Electoral Offences Commission. The body is to be empowered to investigate and prosecute political violence; electoral fraud, political terrorism and other electoral offences and enforce the provision of the Electoral Act, the constitutions of registered political parties and any other Act or enactments.

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