FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2023

Zenith Bank Signs MoU with CFA Institute to Develop Finance, Investment Professionals Dike Onwuamaeze Zenith Bank Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Financial

Analyst (CFA) Institute to promote efforts and activities that support the formation, training and updating of human capital in finance and investment for the overall

development of the Nigerian financial services sector.

The MoU, was signed by the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer

Onyeagwu; the President/CEO of the CFA Institute, Margaret Franklin, and the President of CFA Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Onyeagwu was quoted in a statement yesterday, to have commended the CFA Institute and the CFA Society, Nigeria for their

laudable programmes in developing finance and investment professionals in Nigeria. According to him, “your Continued on page 5

In Dubai, Tinubu Parleys With King Charles Ahead of COP28 Summit... Page 16 Friday, December 1, 2023 Vol 28. No 10460. Price: N250

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Despite 1.78m bpd Budget Production Benchmark, OPEC Hands Nigeria 1.5m bpd Output for 2024... Page 8

NASS Begins Debate on Tinubu’s N27.5tn Budget with Details of Fiscal Document Rewane: Nigerians interested in food affordability, not budgetary arithmetics Says citizens want to feel impact of government's economic policies Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday started debate on the general principles of the 2024 budget proposal without having

details of the fiscal document.

The development at the red chamber might not be unconnected

with its determination to speedily approve the appropriation bill before the end of the year.

On the other hand, the House of Representatives also yesterday, commenced debate on the general

principle of the 2024 appropriation Continued on page 5

NERC, Stakeholders Seek Dedicated Funding to Meet Massive Investment Gap in Power

Discos list illiquidity, FX scarcity as factors hindering mass metering Shettima: Mass meter manufacturing will help country address power challenges FG warns against power theft, says liquidity dependent on customers’ ability to pay Says licensees must meet renewable energy obligations Story on page 5

THE PRESIDENT AND THE KING...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (R) meets King Charles of England ahead of the COP28 Climate Action Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates... yesterday

SIGNING OF MOU BETWEEN ZENITH BANK AND THE CFA INSTITUTE...

L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu and the President/CEO, CFA Institute, Margaret Franklin during the signing of an MOU between Zenith Bank and the CFA Institute to develop human capital in finance and investment, recently

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Senate Threatens to Involve EFCC in CBN N250bn Gas Intervention Funds’ Probe Lee Engineering says Tinubu will inaugurate its project next year Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate Committee on Gas Resources probing the N250 billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention funds to some firms in the oil and gas sector has threatened to involve the anti-graft agencies to recover the money from defaulting beneficiaries.

The panel gave the threat when the affected companies, numbering 14, who had so far collected N135 billion out of the funds, appeared before it yesterday, to defend the utilisation of the loans they collected.

The members described as

unacceptable, the fact that there was no synergy between the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the CBN on the project.

They also queried the discriminatory disbursement of the funds to the beneficiaries and wondered why some firms collected more than the N10 billion credit limit.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Agom Jarigbe, collected the records of the beneficiaries and the locations of their project sites for immediate investigations.

Speaking at the investigative hearing, Jarigbe lamented that

the funds released under the gas expansion and intervention fund were inappropriately accessed.

He said, "The task of the committee is to ensure that the companies actually expended the funds on what they collected it for.

"The observation of the committee is that there are inconsistencies in the process and the committee may not hesitate to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to recover the funds.

"Some of the beneficiaries did not follow the guidelines. For instance, the ministry of petroleum resources is not even aware that the funds

had been released.

"The guidelines stated clearly without ambiguity that they are supposed to do evaluation at the ministry before the list of the qualified ones would be sent to the CBN for them to access the loans but that was not done properly.

"We have also discovered that some of the companies do not have anything on ground since they got the loan.

“The committee would investigate all the observations and work on them and let Nigerians know the true position of things," Jarigbe added.

However, the Legal Adviser to one of the beneficiaries, Lee Engineering and Construction Company, Mathew Agbadon, complained to committee that the publication made by the committee had put the firm in a negative perspective.

He said, "There has been a fundamental misconception out there in the public domain that some people just leverage on the CBN money, stole it and went away.

"That is far from the truth. The truth of the he matter is that as a beneficiary of that scheme, we had business with the commercial bank.

Cardoso "The discussion was done at the commercial bank level and due diligence was done and our application was approved.

"Based on the application we accessed the facility as an organisation. Lee Engineering has been in the oil and gas industry for 32 years with over 4, 000 employees.

NERC, STAKEHOLDERS SEEK DEDICATED FUNDING TO MEET MASSIVE INVESTMENT GAP IN POWER Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja, DavidChyddy Eleke in Awka and Oluchi Chibuzor in Lagos The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and stakeholders in the power sector have advocated for a dedicated financial institution that would cater only for the energy sector, while meeting the massive investment gap in the industry.

Panellists at the 14th edition of the 2023 PwC's annual power and utilities roundtable made the call at an event held in Lagos, yesterday.

The call came as Vice President Kashim Shettima identified mass production of electricity meters as crucial in efforts by the federal government to address the challenge of power in the country. Shettima stated this yesterday at Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, during the inauguration of an electric energy meter manufacturing factory.

Still on electricity, the federal government, yesterday, warned against electricity theft by consumers, insisting that the illiquidity challenge in the sector can only be solved when Nigerians pay for power consumed.

Speaking at the third edition of the annual workshop organised by the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PCAN) in Abuja, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, stated that President Bola Tinubu was determined to provide reliable and regular supply of electricity to households and businesses in the country.

According to the panellists at the PwC forum, a dedicated financial institution that caters only for the energy sector would ensure that the newly amended Electricity Act 2023 achieves its key objectives and provides the investment needed to grow the economy through effective power generation, distribution and transmission.

On their part, the distribution companies stated that while the new Act required them to provide meters for consumers, illiquidity, unstable foreign exchange rates, and theft remained a challenge to their capacity to meet the requirement.

The theme for this year’s forum was, “The Electricity Act 2023: Powering Nigeria.”

Speaking as a member of the 2023 panellists, the Commissioner, Legal, Licensing and Compliance, NERC, Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, said the country

should seek to have a dedicated financial institution for the power sector. Akpeneye said the country should seek a single law that covered the federation, like India.

He stated that the sector, being critical to the country, needed longterm investment, which the local banks could not provide.

According to Akpeneye, “This type of funding will require synergy and collaboration in a model that gives room for every stakeholder to operate where they have unique advantage.

“The country needs to build local capacity and have dedicated funding institutions to strategically provide funds for the sector.”

Explaining the modalities, he said, “The capital requirements to enter the grid are so expensive and investors want certainty of payment to come in.

“So we need to have a phased approach on how we do this and we also need to have a phased approach on the implementation of the Act itself.

“As I rightly said, since you cannot cover the grid, we are going to have dispute laws and that is an area of confusion itself.

“India is a better example for us to learn from. At India, the big states do it on their own, the small states form their regional grid. The position we find ourselves right now is that some states go on their own.

When you want to go on your own, NERC is no longer responsible for your tariff.

“But for states that have not gone on their own, NERC is responsible.

India has one single power law that covers everything we are trying to do now in our power sector.”

Earlier, in his keynote address, the Partner, West Africa Area, Energy, Utilities and Resource Leader, PwC, Pedro Omontuemhen, reiterated that investors in the country should be looking at synergy and collaboration in the areas they have comparative advantage.

Omontuemhen stressed that the country could not shy away from addressing the power poverty across the country if it must increase economic growth. He said the biggest challenge in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, was power poverty and not just having enough power.

He stated, “For a country with 200 million people to have power of 4,000 megawatts, that is a huge power

deficit. It cannot meet our drive for economic growth. This requires an emergency and the issue is, how do we generate, transit and distribute enough power to meet our needs as a country?

“If Nigeria is going to develop or leapfrog, then we cannot run away from power generation, distribution and transmission.

“There is a huge need for investment in the sector that covers the entire value chain and we are hoping that electricity actors provide that enabling environment for people to bring in their hard earned money."

One of the panellists, who is also Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric Plc., Mrs. Folake Soetan, said energy theft had a direct effect on operators’ performance.

Soetan said there must be a link between the states and the federal government in the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, to give private investors assurance that they would recoup their funds.

“So the states should see the Act as an opportunity to collaborate with players and ensure that the needed legal frameworks that will attract investors are in place,” Soetan added.

On why operators were not sufficiently providing meters to their customers, Soetan attributed the metering gap to inflation and FX shortage.

According to her, “The reality is that most of the meters are not manufactured locally, as some of them are assembled and there is an FX

element. So, that impacts cost of the meter today and is quite difficult for meter asset providers to be able to replenish those meters at the cost we have today.”

Other stakeholders and members of the 2023 PwC roundtable asked the federal government to consider using palliative funds to bridge the metering gaps. They also called on the National Assembly to see provision of meters as constituency projects.

Shettima: Mass Meter Manufacturing Will Help FG Address Power Challenge Vice President Kashim Shettima said mass production of electricity meters would help the federal government solve the problem of electricity in the country. Shettima stated this when he inaugurated an electric energy meter manufacturing factory in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The vice president also inaugurated other projects in the state, including a radio station, Ijele 93.1FM; housing units donated for widows by Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), Touch-A-Life Housing Unit and Phase 3 of the Housing Scheme; and SEOF Social Investment Programme.

Inaugurating Advanced Energy Management Solutions, an electricity meter manufacturing company, Shettima said its operations would assist the federal government in

efforts to address power challenge.

The vice president stated, "We commend this initiative as we commission the factory to the glory of God and for the use of humanity.

This will help reduce the shortage gap of prepaid meters in the country.

"We believe that the establishment of the factory will help resolve the power supply challenges facing the country by addressing the critical issue of very high metering gap among consumers.

"It is also a direct response to the call by the federal government for local and foreign investors to invest in Nigeria, create jobs and stimulate economic activities all around the country."

Earlier, Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Energy Management Solutions Limited (AEMSL), Okechukwu Onyejiuwa, said the factory had the capacity to produce 1.4 million meters annually. Onyejiuwa said the firm could produce Single Phase, Three Phase, and Maximum Demand (MD) meters.

He revealed that the factory would create about 500 direct jobs, comprising mainly engineers, technicians, as well as finance and administration professionals.

Onyejiuwa stated, "In addition to the direct jobs, we estimate that there will also be over 4,000 indirect jobs created by activities of this company.

"The operations of this factory will stimulate economic activities in the country, especially given the high-tech nature of the skills required for the

manufacturing process.

"It will also conserve scarce foreign exchange through reduction in the cost of imported raw materials, developing local raw materials sources and the potential for export to other countries within Africa and other parts of the world in the near future."

FG Warns Against Power Theft, Says Liquidity Dependent on Paying Customers The federal government yesterday warned against the incessant theft of electricity by consumers in the country, stressing that the illiquidity challenges in the sector can only be solved when Nigerians pay for power consumed.

Speaking at the third edition of the annual workshop organised by PCAN in Abuja, Adelabu said Tinubu was determined to provide reliable and regular supply of electricity to households and businesses in the country.

The programme, with the theme, “Resolving Nigeria's Power Crisis: The Implication of the Electricity Act 2023,” had in attendance players from the entire power supply value chain.

Adelabu explained that due to the president's desire to provide regular supply of electricity across the country, he had liberalised the power sector through the enactment Continued on page 42

NASS BEGINS DEBATE ON TINUBU’S N27.5TN BUDGET WITH DETAILS OF FISCAL DOCUMENT bill.

However, the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, yesterday, stressed that Nigerians were not interested in budgetary arithmetics and mathematics, but that they want to see prices of foodstuffs like rice, bread and garri reduced and affordable.

Rewane, who spoke on a Channels Television programme, said beyond the budget figures, what would interest Nigerians would be when prices of food items become affordable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had presented the estimates to the joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The President had pleaded with the lawmakers to pass the budget within 30 days.

The appropriation bill passed first reading in both chambers of parliament when President Tinubu presented it.

The red chamber began the consideration, a day after the president's presentation. The breakdown was however, not available for deliberation.

The development was however, a deviation from the previous budget considerations in the parliament.

The breakdown of the budget estimates used to be usually studied by the lawmakers before they convene in plenary to debate its general principles.

Senator Kawu Sumaila, had in a point of order, which was over-ruled, urged his colleagues to suspend the consideration of the budget pending when the lawmakers would be provided with the details.

He said, "We are representing

interests here. Where are the budget details? We need to have the bill. We don't have any idea on the sectoral allocations and what our constituents will be getting. It is very strange in the parliament."

Also, Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa) said lawmakers' contributions on the budget would be limited because there were no details of the proposals except what the president presented on Wednesday.

Also, Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa) also cautioned against rushing the budget consideration, said the two supplementary budgets earlier passed by the parliament were not thoroughly scrutinised due to inadequate time.

"The development led to series of injustice. We need fairness and equity in the allocation of projects," he said.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, faulted the submissions of his colleagues, saying the Senate had all needed to proceed with the budget consideration.

He added, "During second reading, it is only the merits and demerits of a bill that are debated, not the details.

"The president had talked about the merits and demerits of the 2024 Appropriations bill and what we have before us is the entire speech made by the president yesterday (Wednesday).

"By virtue of our rule 79, we have all it takes to conduct the second reading of the bill."

Bamidele, while leading the debate, made presentations that were largely based on Tinubu’s budget speech.

He said he believed that all Continued on page 42

ZENITH BANK SIGNS MOU WITH CFA INSTITUTE TO DEVELOP FINANCE, INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS Women in Investment Management Initiative, CFA Institute Research Challenge, CFA Society Nigeria Ethics Challenge and University Affiliation Program are very laudable, and Zenith Bank will continue to partner with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria to ensure that young finance and investment professionals get the needed support for their career development.

"As a good corporate citizen, Zenith Bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of the society.

As such, we continue to support projects and initiatives that have

long-term social and economic benefits for our various publics and stakeholders.

“Partnering with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria is therefore a demonstration of our commitment to building professional excellence in the finance services industry in Nigeria".

At the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference, during the 'Journey to the Top: A Discourse with CEOs' segment, Onyeagwu inspired future finance and investment professionals to uphold the highest standards of integrity.

He stressed the importance of making difficult yet high-quality

decisions, building robust networks, and dedicating themselves to hard work for career success.

In his words, "as upcoming professionals, the opportunities are immense for you. Africa doesn’t get bigger than Nigeria. There is scarcity of the right kind of people that have the talent, that have the character and the leadership to provide leadership in organisations.

“Make a decision to be one of those, make a decision to be different. You must be driven by your passion; you must delay gratification. In Zenith what is driving us is the strive for excellence.

It is not about who you are and

where you come from. We have the best class of talents you can think of anywhere in the world."

He assured the young finance and investment professionals that Zenith Bank would offer immediate employment opportunity to CFA Charter Holders and those who qualify as Chartered Accountants.

Also speaking on the MoU, Franklin reiterated the Institute’s commitment to the professional development of students and upcoming professionals. In her words, "there are many things that we do for students, we invest heavily in students and why is that?

Because they are our future.

“The mission of the CFA Institute is to lead the investment industry with the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society and that starts with our CFA programme."

She commended Zenith Bank for its continued support to the CFA Society Nigeria and sponsorship of the CFA Institute Research Challenge over the years.

She also commended the bank for being one of the top employers of CFA members in the country.

Additionally, she expressed admiration of the culture of

excellence in Zenith Bank.

Also speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Oyedeji commended Zenith Bank for its partnership with CFA Society Nigeria and its commitment to the development of young finance professionals in the country.

The CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference is being hosted by the CFA Institute and CFA Societies from Ghana, East Africa, South Africa and Mauritius. The conference has representatives from over 20 universities in Nigeria (members of their investment clubs being supported by CFA Society).

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NEWS

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

SEPLAT OFFICIALS' VISIT TO THE ORODJE OF OKPE IN HIS PALACE… His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo RTD (CFR), mni, Orhue 1, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom flanked by Mr. Basil Omiyi, the Chairman of Board, Seplat Energy Plc (right) and Chief Mike Affe, the Unuokpe of Okpe Kingdom, during the visit of senior Seplat officials to the Orodje in his palace at Orerokpe in, Delta State...recently

Nigeria Foot-drags as S'Africa Adopts Anti-money Laundering Measures to Exit FATF Grey List Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Latest reports have indicated that South Africa has put more anti-money laundering measures in place to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, while Nigeria has continued to foot-drag.

FATF, the global watchdog with the mandate to combat money laundering and terrorism financing had in February 2023 placed Nigeria, South Africa and 20 others on its grey list, following deficiencies in their legislations to counter money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.

There are many pitfalls of a country being on the grey list, including its citizens with offshore bank accounts risking being subjected to enhanced due-diligence, with increased difficulties in opening overseas bank accounts or investing offshore.

The economy of a greylisted nation might also suffer as international organisations would have to audit companies and take

extra steps before investing in the country. This could be especially significant for Nigeria, as the country’s foreign direct investment (FDI) has been plummeting in the past few years.

However, while Nigeria had less than three weeks ago failed to scale a review of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Risks conducted by the global financial intelligence agency, the latest FATF follow-up report on South Africa's antimoney laundering (AML) regime found significant improvements in many respects, although some areas remaining in partial compliance would keep it under increased monitoring until the next FATF report in October 2024.

At its plenary held between October 25 and 27 in Paris, France, FATF had reviewed Nigeria’s money laundering and terrorism financing risk.

Despite claims by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) that it had been working to meet the FATF recommendations on money laundering and terrorism financing, it failed to scale the

review carried out by the global anti-money laundering watchdog during its last plenary in France.

Nigeria had also alongside Haiti, Syria, Tanzania and Yemen chosen to defer reporting during the FATF meeting in June, when the progress of the affected countries was reviewed.

Nine months after it was grey-listed, Nigeria is yet to meet the 15 recommendations imposed by the FATF. In contrast, South Africa has reportedly made progress in addressing most of the technical compliance deficiencies identified in the mutual evaluation of June 2021. That evaluation rated it non-compliant with five of FATF's 40 recommendations and only partially compliant with 15.

Those deficiencies resulted in South Africa being placed in 'enhanced follow-up' and in February 2023 it was alongside Nigeria added to the FATF list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring for AML weaknesses.

The latest report giving the Southern African nation kudos was the first follow-up in

which South Africa has sought re-ratings. It has resulted in FATF upgrading the country on 20 recommendations.

Recommendations 5 and 23 have been upgraded from partially compliant to fully compliant.

These refer respectively to the existence of an offence of terrorist financing and to the regulation of designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs).

Recommendations 1, 7, 10, 14, 18, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 have been upgraded from partiallycompliant to largely compliant.

These recommendations mostly refer to customer due-diligence, money transfer services, foreign branches, beneficial ownership transparency and supervision powers.

FATF also upgraded Recommendation 12 on politically exposed persons is from noncompliant to largely compliant.

Recommendation 17, regarding firms' reliance on third parties, was changed from non-compliant to ‘not applicable’, because

FRC Suspends NIMASA's 2018 Audited Financial Statements Jamoh, Offodile’s FRC registration numbers also suspended Agency fined N500m, directed to restate results The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) last night, announced the suspension and restatement of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency's (NIMASA) audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

It explained in a statement posted on its website that the action was taken in accordance with the FRC Act 2011 (as amended) and the Financial Reporting Council of NigeriaGuidelines/Regulations for Inspection and Monitoring of Reporting Entities.

Furthermore, it announced the suspension of the FRC registration numbers of certifiers of NIMASA's 2018 Audited Financial Statement, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, (FRC/2017/

CIANG/00000016699) and Chudi Offodile (unregistered).

Jamoh is the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, while Offodile is an Executive Director.

The FRC stated: “This suspension renders them incapable of certifying any financial statements in Nigeria. Withdrawal and Restatement of 2018 Audited Financial Statements: The 2018 Audited Financial Statements of NIMASA are hereby withdrawn, and NIMASA is directed to restate its 2018 audited financial statements.

“NIMASA is required to publish, within seven working days from the date of this notice, in at least two national newspapers (full page), that their

2018 financial statements and returns have been withdrawn for noncompliance with Financial Reporting Standards.

“The FRC will immediately post this information on its website and inform other regulatory agencies that the defective financial statements and returns have been withdrawn for restatement.

“NIMASA is directed to begin the process of restating the 2018 audited financial statement in accordance with the FRC Act. This restatement will form the basis for the preparation and submission of audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

“NIMASA is required to file the restated financial statements

for 2018, together with the management letters issued by their external auditors, with the Council within 60 days.

“The Council hereby imposes a Type six penalty of N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) for the withdrawal of the 2018 financial statement, in line with Regulation 18 of the FRC Guidelines/Regulations 2014.”

“The FRC emphasised its commitment to upholding financial reporting standards and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial statements, noting that the action against NIMASA served as a reminder to all reporting entities of their responsibility to comply with prescribed standards and regulations.

regulated institutions in South Africa were no longer allowed to delegate their AML compliance to third parties.

Recommendations 6 (terrorismrelated sanctions), 8 (non-profit organisations) and 15 (virtual assets) have been upgraded from non-compliant to partially compliant.

A notable success is the rerating to largely compliant of the key Recommendations 24 and 25, regarding beneficial ownership transparency of legal persons and arrangements.

South Africa has made considerable efforts in 2023 to meet the demands set out by FATF in February 2023, which emphasised the importance of “enforcing the rules on giving competent authorities timely access to accurate and up-to-date beneficial ownership information.”

Laws requiring compulsory registration of trust and company beneficial ownership took effect

on April 1, 2023 and a strict enforcement programme began on October 1, 2023.

However, FATF has noted that the jurisdiction was still only partially compliant on five of its recommendations. It would, therefore, remain in enhanced follow-up until the next report in October 2024.

The five recommendations that still needed work were 2, 6, 8, 15 and 32; referring to national coordination of AML efforts, targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism, non-profit organisations and new technologies such as virtual currencies and cash couriers.

The FATF recommendations set out a comprehensive and consistent framework of measures that countries should implement in order to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Gunmen Kill Seven in Renewed Attacks on Plateau Communities Seriki Adinoyi in Jos At least seven persons have been reportedly killed following attacks on Puka and Pinper communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack, which happened in the early hours of yesterday, is coming after a long period of peace in the area.

THISDAY gathered that the seven persons were killed in Puka community, while the assailants only succeeded in stealing motorbikes, sheep, and other domestic animals in Pinper community in Komun district.

A community leader, Mr. Zaccheaus Jomo, who confirmed the killings said: “The Puka community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State came under heavy attack by gunmen early this morning (Thursday). They also attacked another community in the council area known as Pinper.

“In Puka community, they killed one lady and six men.

But in Pinper, they carted away motorbikes, sheep, and other valuables before they fled into

the hills.”

While condemning the attacks, Jomo said the incident had been reported to security operatives for investigation.

The spokesman of Police Command, Alfred Alabo, could not be reached for confirmation, while the media officer of the military task force deployed for peace in the state, Capt. James Oya said he will get back with facts on the attacks.

Meanwhile, the state government has completed training for 600 personnel of Operation Safe Haven, a stateowned security outfit.

During their passing out parade in Jos, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support to stateowned security outfits.

He stated that the revitalisation of the outfit was timely, coming when the state needed consolidation on the gains of tackling security challenges that had ravaged the people for years.

He admonished the personnel to uphold discipline and professionalism in their conduct.

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ANNUAL DINNER IN HONOUR OF FORMER CBN GOVERNOR… L-R: Former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Special Guest of Honour, Chief Joseph Sanusi; Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN), Mr Babatunde Savage; Vice Chairman, ICCN, Dr. Raymond Ihyembe; Honorary Treasurer, ICON, Mrs Dorothy Ufot (SAN); Member, ICCN, Mrs Jean Chiazor, (SAN); and Secretary General, ICCN, Mrs Olubunmi Osuntuyi, during the 2023 Annual Dinner in Honour of former Governor of CBN, by International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria [ ICCN], Theme'' Good Governance; Panacea for Peace and Prosperity'' held in Victoria Island, Lagos... recently

Despite 1.78m bpd Budget Production Benchmark, OPEC Hands Nigeria 1.5m bpd Output for 2024 Angola rejects quota, vows to drill extra volume Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja After intense negotiations that lasted several days, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) yesterday handed Nigeria a 2024 oil output target of 1.5 million barrels per day.

It was significantly lower than Africa's largest oil producer had hoped for. The Bola Tinubu-led administration had during the week pegged crude oil output at 1.78 million bpd for next year.

OPEC also lowered Angola's target, according to a statement from the group of oil-producing countries.

The move followed a meeting in June where OPEC+ agreed a complex deal that revised production targets for several members.

OPEC had tasked three consultancies - IHS, Rystad Energy and Wood Mackenzie - with verifying production figures for Nigeria, Angola and Congo.

Based on that, it has now given Nigeria a 2024 target of 1.5 million barrels per day, Angola 1.11 million bpd and Congo a target of 277,000 bpd.

In June it had been agreed, pending the assessments by the consultancies, that Angola could

Facilitate Swift Presidential Assent to Road Sector Reform Bills, NIHTE Urges Senate Folalumi Alaran in Abuja The National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), Hassan Saidu, has called on the Senate, to as a matter of urgency, facilitate the Presidential assent to the Road Sector Reform Bills with the view to addressing the existing constraints in the sector Saidu stated this during the opening ceremony of the 2023 conference at the National Society of Engineers yesterday in Abuja.

These crucial bills, he explained, are focusing on the Federal Road Authority and National Road Fund, aimed at establishing a robust governance structure and secure funding for sustainable road development and maintenance in Nigeria.

Saidu stressed the significance of these bills in addressing the current challenges faced in road management and funding.

He also provided insights into NIHTE's position on pavement choices, flexibility, and rigidity, adding that collaboration was essential to prevent further complications in road infrastructure.

Saidu stated: "We hereby recommend as follows: As a matter of urgency, we urge the Senate to facilitate the Presidential assent to the Road Sector Reform Bills with the view to addressing the existing constraints in the sector.

"The choice of pavement depends on the design criteria and available funds for initial construction."

Saidu recommended the adoption of the ECOWAS harmonised axle load supplementary act, ACT/ SP.17/02/12, for harmonisation of standards and procedures for the control of dimensions, weight, and axle load of goods and vehicles He added: "We enjoin the Senate to adopt the ECOWAS harmonised axle load Supplementary Act; ACT/SP.17/02/12 relating to the harmonisation of standards and procedures for the control of dimensions, weight and axle load of goods and vehicle within member states of the Economic Community of West African States."

The chairman, therefore, urged careful consideration in pavement selection, cautioning against abrupt changes that could lead to legal disputes and substantial losses.

With approximately 2,604 road projects totaling about 18,000 km at a cost of N14 trillion, NIHTE stressed the challenges of transitioning to rigid pavements.

He stressed the need for a careful consideration, citing the dominance of flexible pavements in global road networks and the importance of maintaining existing equipment.

The institution, however, advocated the enforcement of quality control measures outlined in design manuals, condition of contracts, and general specifications.

produce 1.28 million bpd and Nigeria 1.38 million bpd and possibly as much as 1.58 million bpd.

Both have failed to meet previous quotas hurt by underinvestment and security issues.

Disagreements over African output quotas was cited by sources as a reason OPEC+ postponed an in-person OPEC+ meeting scheduled for November 26, until yesterday, Reuters said.

Angola on Thursday was unhappy with its 2024 output target and does not plan to stick to it, Bloomberg reported.

Nigerian output has been in decline for years, but has picked up in recent months helped by more production offshore, which is less prone to security problems, two analysts said.

Still, Nigeria's own targets of

hitting 2 million bpd in crude and condensate output next year are more optimistic than realistic, they said.

According to Rystad's calculations, under its base case scenario Nigeria can expect to see crude output rise to 1.5 million bpd next year assuming no further disruptions.

Meanwhile, Angola rejected new output quota handed to it by OPEC and said it planned to breach it, a rare challenge to the cartel that heralds more infighting ahead.

“We will produce above the quota determined by OPEC,” Angola’s OPEC governor Estevao Pedro said in an interview on Thursday. “It is not a matter of disobeying OPEC; we presented our position, and OPEC should take it into consideration,” he said.

A spat over African members’ quotas delayed the latest OPEC

meeting by four days, and a decision was finally reached on Thursday.

But after a review — pledged back in June after another fraught meeting in which the Africans lost out to other members — Angola has been handed a quota it doesn’t think is fair.

Angola, Africa’s second-largest crude producer, will pump 1.18 million barrels a day from January, Pedro said, above the 1.11 million quota set out in the OPEC agreement on Thursday.

In June, Angola, Congo and Nigeria were pushed by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman to accept reduced output targets for 2024 that reflected their diminished production capabilities.

The deal in June was only reached after the countries were promised an audit. But the review reflected

lower capacity — and as a result a lower quota.

Pedro said last week that the country would remain an OPEC member despite the dispute. On Thursday, he sounded less sure.

“The question of whether Angola remains in the OPEC is a decision at the highest level of authority,” he said.

The defiance will bring back troubling memories of Ecuador’s exit from the group. The South American producer said it would breach its quota in 2017, and eventually ended up leaving, Bloomberg said. OPEC members also embarked on cuts.

“The OPEC Secretariat noted the announcement of several OPEC+ countries of additional voluntary cuts to the total of 2.2 million barrels per day, aimed at supporting the stability and balance of oil markets.

NCC: We are Creating Conducive Environment for Startups, SMEs Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has stated that it was playing a crucial role in the nation's digital economy drive by providing a conducive environment for both tech start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The Executive Commissioner, Technical Standards, NCC, Ubale Maska, stated this at the National SMEs/Entrepreneurship Programmes for Start-ups on Thursday, in Abuja.

Speaking through the Head, New Media and Information Security, NCC, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, he said:

"The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has played a pivotal role in cultivating an environment conducive to start-ups and innovative hubs.

"This persistent endeavours and commitment to the promotion of a digital economy have set the stage for a transformative era of innovation and entrepreneurship."

According to him, the programme represents a significant stride forward as it presents a platform for start-ups to translate their innovative concepts into tangible reality.

"It also presents an invaluable opportunity for entrepreneurs to acquire knowledge, expand their enterprises, and contribute

meaningfully to the advancement of our nation.

"We find ourselves on the cusp of a new era, one in which SMEs and start-ups assume a leading role in propelling our economy forward, generating employment opportunities, and shaping the trajectory of our collective future," he added.

"The stakeholders’ engagement,” he stressed, "is just with the NCC and there will be subsequent ones that you will have the CBN and other regulations around."

The keynote speaker and acting Director, E-Government and Regulation, National Information Technology Development Agency

(NITDA), Mr. Ben Ewah, delivered his presentation titled, "Best Strategies to Stay Ahead of the Curve in the Telecommunications Emerging Technologies Investment Space: Skills for creating MVPs (Minimum Valuable Products/ services) and achieving effective problem/solution fit for telecom entrepreneurs."

He said: "With great potential, comes great challenges.” SMEs and start-ups, he noted, “often grapple with resource limitations, regulatory hurdles, and the daunting task of keeping pace with technological advancements,” adding that within these challenges lie immense opportunities.

First Bank Appoints Adenowo MD/CEO of UK Subsidiary Nume Ekeghe The First Bank Group, has appointed Olukorede Adenowo as its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank UK, effective November 16, 2023, pending regulatory approvals.

Prior to this appointment, Adenowo served as the Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) Nigeria.

He joined the Corporate Banking sector of the Bank in 1999.

During his career, he held key positions, including MD/CEO

of SCB Gambia, Deputy MD/ CEO of SCB Cameroon and MD of Corporate Commercial and Institutional Banking for SCB Nigeria and West Africa.

Adenowo, believed to have demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the global financial landscape, brings a wealth of experience, built by a proven track record of success in the banking industry across several countries.

The newly appointed CEO has also served as a Non-Executive

Director of SCB Gambia and SCB Sierra Leone, accumulating over 13 years of invaluable experience as a Board member within the Chartered Bank Group.

Commenting on this appointment, CEO FirstBank Group, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan stated, “On behalf of the Board, Management, and staff of FirstBank Group, we are excited to welcome Olukorede Adenowo to the FirstBank family.

“With his wealth of experience, we are confident that he is the perfect fit to lead FirstBank UK into its next

phase of growth and development.”

Adenowo started his career at Deloitte Nigeria, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1991. He became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria in 2003 and received a Distinguished Alumnus award from Deloitte Nigeria in 2015.

He is an alumnus of INSEAD and Said Business School, Oxford University, where he underwent management training in leadership.

He holds an MBA from Lagos Business School.

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NEWS

IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY 21ST CONVOCATION...

R-L: Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai; former Edo State Governor and Deputy Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; and Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye at the award of honourary doctorate degree on Buratai at the 21st convocation of the university held in Okada, Edo State... recently

Nigeria Scales Through Global EITI Assessment, Achieves Overall 72% Score

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria yesterday scaled through the final global assessment of the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in the country.

The result of the assessment was announced by the international board of the EITI at its 58th board meeting coordinated from the international headquarters in Oslo, Norway and presided over by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark.

Nigeria recorded an overall score of 72 points in the international assessment which lasted over a period of 11 months.

The country was assessed on three major thematic areas

of transparency, stakeholders’ engagement and outcomes and impacts, according to a statement signed by the Deputy Director/Head Communications & Stakeholders Management of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Obiageli Onuorah.

In the three major areas, Nigeria recorded her highest score of 92 points on outcomes and impacts, 71.5 points on implementing transparency driven reforms in the extractive industry and 52.5 points on stakeholders’ engagements.

In arriving at the decision for Nigeria’s rating of 72 points over 100, the board particularly noted NEITI’s effective implementation of EITI in the country with

Gombe Govt Urges UNICEF to Sustain Its Intervention in Education, Health, Others in the State Segun Awofadeji in Gombe The Gombe State Agro-Climatic in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has in collaboration with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Gombe State Ministry of Education commemorated the 2023 World Children’s Day. This is as the Gombe State Government has appealed to UNICEF to sustain its Intervention in education, health and nutrition, among others across the state.

Speaking during the 2023 celebration which was organized by the UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office in conjunction with the ACReSAL and Gombe State Ministry of Education, held at The Evolution Hotel, Gombe, themed “Every Child Right; Urgent Climate Action,” the Commissioner of Education, Prof.

Aishatu Umar Maigari commended UNICEF for exerting energy on creating awareness on climate change among children.

The commissioner said that the various interventions of the United Nations agency have been all encompassing and have left no child behind.

She then appealed to UNICEF to sustain its intervention in education, health and nutrition, among others across the state.

In a remark, the Officer-InCharge of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Mr. Clement Adams, said the event was organized to

give children the opportunity to celebrate responsibly by engaging them in useful ventures like quiz competitions and tree planting.

In his remarks, the Gombe State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Amb. Sani Adamu Jauro, charged children to work toward creating a better for themselves.

He said the Gombe State ACReSAL Project carried out numerous climate actions including planting 9,761 seedlings covering 31 km of degraded land as part of its sustainable land management and environmental preservation.

Ambassador Sani Adamu gave credit to the state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his support of the project and for initiating climate change programs like the 3G which has strengthened community climate resilience.

He assured that ACReSAL would continue to support children, especially through the existing Young Forester Clubs formed by the project to make school-age children agents of climate change and environmental protection.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to quiz competition winners from 3 schools in the Gombe metropolis with GGC Doma clinching the first position.

GDSS Gombe and GSS Gandu trailed in the second and third positions, respectively. This was followed by tree planting at Science II, Gombe.

“visible and tangible impacts on extractive industry governance”.

The international board noted that the score of 92 points recorded in the area of outcomes and impacts reflected what the global EITI calls “NEITI’s robust system for developing work plans for implementation, monitoring and evaluation, dissemination and outreach.”

The 20-member board chaired by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Clark, applauded the "visible and tangible" impacts of NEITI in leading extractive industry reforms and governance in the oil, gas and mining sectors.

The global board added that data integrity and access as contained in NEITI’s reports also recorded 90 points which reflected that information and data from NEITI reports are not only credible but globally acknowledged to be comprehensive.

Reacting to the global assessment report, the

Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji said that NEITI remains fully committed to outcomes and impacts that translate to visible results that shape the ongoing reforms which will guarantee more revenues for government through the blocking of leakages to improve the lives of Nigerians.

“As an agency, NEITI expected a higher overall score for Nigeria given government’s support, stakeholders’ collaboration, the quantum and quality of work that NEITI has put in on behalf of the federal government in the past two years. Our expectation was an overall minimum score of 90 points in all the three major indicators,” he said.

He however stated that NEITI was happy that Nigeria recorded her highest score of 90 points in the area of quality, openness and integrity of data, outcomes and impacts in the NEITI report.

Orji further remarked that

the global EITI’s endorsement of Nigeria’s comprehensiveness and data integrity was very important for the work it is doing in Nigeria, given the importance of credible information and data to support planning and national development.

“NEITI is equally delighted with the score of 90 points recorded on contribution to economic growth and development as this points to the fact that the agency’s work has been impactful and aligns to the national priorities of government.

“NEITI, working more closely with the government, civil society and extractive companies is fully set to mobilise more work towards addressing the areas that need improvement as clearly highlighted in the report. These include deepening engagements with government, companies, civil society and the citizens,” the initiative stated.

Other areas for improvement,

NEITI said, are priority attention to the development of the solid minerals sector, expanding beneficial ownership disclosures and all other emerging issues in the extractive sector as outlined in the EITI board assessment for improvement.

Orji however, expressed regrets that the absence of the board as required by the EITI standard to provide oversight adversely affected Nigeria’s overall performance in the international assessment.

He therefore renewed the agency’s and stakeholders’ calls for the urgency to reconstitute the National Stakeholders’ Working Committee (NSWG) affected by the recent dissolution of all boards of in Nigeria.

The global EITI has scheduled the January 1, 2026 for its next global assessment of Nigeria, during which it expects that all corrective actions should have been strengthened.

Housing Minister Unveils 480-unit CityGate Homes Project in Abuja Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, yesterday performed the ground-breaking ceremony of a 480-housing unit project at the Kukwaba area of Abuja.

Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said that growing the housing industry required the participation of the private sector to bridge the housing deficit in the country.

He argued that the quantum of funding required to fix the housing shortage was beyond what government can provide.

The project covers phases II and III of the company’s Kukwaba housing project and comprises 480 housing units of six-bedroom semi-detached duplexes as well as four-bedroom blocks of flats.

Dangiwa described the groundbreaking event as a significant contribution to the ministry’s ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis in the country.

The initiative taken by Citygate Homes aligns perfectly with the

government's vision for sustainable urban development.

"This project embodies the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, showcasing how partnerships can drive impactful change and contribute to the growth and development of our nation.

“In a rapidly growing city like Abuja, the demand for housing has surged, and it is our collective responsibility to respond to this need. I commend Citygate Homes for their dedication and investment in this endeavour.

“This housing project will not only provide shelter but will also create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the enhancement of the local community,” he said.

The minister assured that the government will continue to provide the enabling environment for private-sector investment to thrive, especially with the determination displayed by President Bola Tinubu to cater for the welfare of Nigerians.

He urged them to embrace

sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability in their housing and urban development drive.

“I commend Citygate Homes for their dedication and investment in this endeavour. This housing project will not only provide shelter but will also create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the enhancement of the local community.

“Furthermore, I want to emphasise the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in urban development.

"As we move forward, it is imperative that our housing projects incorporate eco-friendly designs, embrace technological advancements, and cater to the diverse needs of our society, including the low and medium income earners.

“In this regard, I will request that the management of City Gate Homes earmark a certain percentage of the 480-homes as affordable housing with price tags that average Nigerians can afford to buy.

“ As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I am an advocate of affordable housing with the focus on the average Nigerian worker, who are indeed, the majority,” he added.

He explained that developers should borrow a leaf from the ministry which has recently designed a housing plan to create integrated communities with housing types that reflect the diverse income segments of the country, using cross subsidies.

“This way we aim to sell high-end homes at market rates and deploy the profits towards subsidising the units for low-andmedium-income households. This enhances inclusivity,” he stressed.

He further urged the management of the company to ensure timely execution of the 480 units, while upholding the highest building codes and standards, as well as operate transparently.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CityGate Homes, Michael Ejiogu, noted that the company has nine projects in Abuja.

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NEWS

ABIODUN PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO THE FAMILY OF HIS LATE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun pays condolence visit to Kehinde and Olamide, wife and first son, respectively, of Ogun State Director of Finance and Administration, late Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, in their home last Thursday

In Dubai, Tinubu Parleys with King Charles Ahead of COP28 Summit Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), met with King Charles III of England on the sidelines of the ongoing 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as Conference of the Parties (COP28).

The president tweeted about the meeting with King Charles III on his verified X handle, @ officialABAT, saying the parley was a significant step towards strengthening the NigerianUnited Kingdom relations and partnership.

President Tinubu was optimistic that the contributions of both Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) will impact

positively on the world's future in the efforts to set equitable global environmental standards.

He said: "I had a productive meeting with His Majesty, King Charles III of England, who is also the Head of the Commonwealth, and a passionate climate advocate.

"The meeting was a significant step in strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and I am optimistic about the positive impact our joint efforts will have on our planet’s future as we look forward to setting an equitable global standard for environmental stewardship at #COP28."

A statement issued earlier in the week by his presidential

FCTA Discovers Illegal Oil Refining Site in Abuja Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and security agencies yesterday uncovered an illegal oil refining warehouse in Mabushi, Abuja.

The Director, Department of Development Control, FCTA, Mukhtar Galadima said during the operation that the illegal refining site located at a Mobile filling station on Ahmadu Bello Way was discovered during routine city cleaning exercise.

While no arrest was made during the exercise, it was discovered that about three to four plot of lands designated for commercial purposes had been converted to a facility where oil and diesel were adulterated and distributed to other parts of the city.

Galadima vowed that the FCT sanitation task force would consider the provisions of the law and make necessary recommendations to the FCT administration for further actions on the plots used for the covert activity.

He said all the items used in carrying out the illegal refining had been impounded.

"During the continuation of our city sanitation exercise in

Mabushi opposite Mobile filling station on Ahmadu Way, we discovered an illegal refining site where oil and diesel are being adulterated. We have done the needful by moving the items to Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

"From what we have seen so far, about three or four plots of lands designated for commercial purposes have been converted to unapproved activities, which we believe the owners are fully aware, there will be consequences.

"We are going to look at the provision of the law and make necessary recommendations to the FCT Administration," Galadima said.

He also vowed uncompromising stance of the FCT administration, including revocation of titles against activities being carried out without government approval on any plot of land.

Also speaking, Head, operations FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS), Deborah Osho, said the city management team during the exercise also discovered that most of the areas in the city had been converted to illegal car mart and motor parks.

spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu would deliver a national statement, at the Summit, highlighting Nigeria’s stance on various thematic issues, including renewable energy and climate financing.

The president, according to the release, would maximise the opportunity afforded by the platform to advocate increased

financial and technical support for developing nations, while reminding developed countries of their public pledge to provide $100 billion annually for support to localised initiatives to address climate change-related challenges.

President Tinubu's message will also focus on holding businesses and institutions accountable, reflecting Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable and

responsible practices.

The Nigerian delegation to COP28 will actively explore establishing new and deeper bilateral partnerships to implement Nigeria's Energy Transition, Article 6 Projects, Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), Technology Transfer, Capacity Building, and Methane Mitigation.

While in Dubai, President Tinubu will also actively participate in key sideline events, which will further support the advancement of his avowed commitment to aggressively attract foreign direct investment for enhanced wealth creation and revenue expansion in the country, in addition to other events hosted by the Nigerian delegation.

Varsities’ Relevance in 21st Century Pivots on Research, Community Service, Says Bogoro Kuni Tyessi in Abuja Two-time Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, has revealed that only research and community service can anchor the relevance of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions within the global tertiary education context.

Bogoro who spoke at the 11th convocation ceremony of the Nile University of Nigeria under the topic “Reasserting the Pivotal University Roles of Research and Community Service for National Development,” said the essence of research has become imperative, stressing that the ultimate objectives for both theoretical and applied research must be carried out to conclusion.

He observed that in many cases, some community services also serve as avenues for additional income for the faculty members, thus becoming a win-win situation for both the community and the lecturers, though he lamented that "this is one area that has not been explored enough to the benefit of universities and the community."

Commending the increase of education tax from 2.50 to 3.00 percent through TETFund, the former executive secretary added that more funds are to be deployed to address nonbudgetary funding intervention priorities for public tertiary institutions, the justification for the establishment of TETFund ab-initio.

According to him, “For universities to be relevant in

both local and larger context, they must be seen to undertake Research and Community Service that address and solve problems and needs of the university community, but more importantly, the needs and demands of the immediate community and nation.

"This is the reason why justification for any research enterprise is clearly expressed in all research proposals. There must always be justified anticipated deliverables that must be problem-solving. It took the injection of science and innovation for Malaysia to have imported our oil palm and has over the years turned its innumerable Value Chain into a goldmine."

Commending President Bola Tinubu for paying four

months out of the eight months of withheld salaries owed to lecturers in the public universities due to strikes, Professor Bogoro recalls, “President Bola Tinubu, in his inaugural address, vowed to end the embarrassing cycle of ASUU strikes in our universities. He has just paid four months out of the eight months of withheld salaries of university lecturers in public universities.

"He has also commendably approved a Student Loan Scheme aimed at relieving students of indigent parents and also making available part of the loan to address the financial squeeze arising from non-payment of tuition fees in Public Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education," he added.

NYSC DG Lauds Delta Corps for Building Skills Acquisition Centre Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha'u Ahmed has commended officials of the Delta State NYSC for initiating and completing a skills acquisition centre at the state orientation camp in Issele-Uku, Delta State.

The NYSC DG, who said the facility would help promote training of corps members and boost their moral well-being, spoke

during the inauguration of the centre.

A statement issued by the scheme and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, disclosed that Ahmed spoke after inaugurating the centre.

"This centre would serve as additional advantage and morale booster in the training of corps members in vocational skills," he said.

He commended the NYSC Delta State Coordinator, Mr. Alao Olusegun for his determination in completing the one-block of six-rooms

project which was conceived by late Mrs. Folake NdubusiJohnson, a staff of NYSC Delta State secretariat, who died in 2021.

Speaking earlier, the DG advised the 2023 Batch 'C' Stream members to respect the constituted camp authorities and use the three weeks orientation period to establish long-lasting friendships, and stay away from social vices.

"Respect the culture and traditions of the people you are going to serve. Add value to your communities.

"Avoid the use of hard

drugs, cybercrimes and other activities that can put you in danger," he said.

Ahmed had earlier visited Anambra State Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/ Mbaukwu in Awka South Local Government Area of the State, where he admonished the corps members to embrace the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC. He listed them as: Orientation Course, Place of Primary Assignment, Community Development Service and Winding-Up/ Passing-Out activities.

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POLITICS

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

Akpabio’s Call on Tinubu’s Appointees to Be Up and Doing Mon-Charles Egbo writes about the need for appointees of President Bola Tinubu to be alive to their responsibilities as government moves to deliver democracy dividends to the citizenry.

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igerians are desperately yearning for a legislature that embodies the wishes and aspirations of the people as well as the ideals of democracy. The majority have even concluded that an effective legislature remains a mirage in Nigeria, lamenting that all the investments in institutionalizing democracy since independence have amounted to a wasted venture. And then interestingly, this view found an apt expression in the recent observation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the effect that democracy cannot work in Nigeria because it is alien to the African culture and tradition. Though this opinion is incompletely validated, the legislature has largely failed in its roles and responsibilities, as the shield for the citizenry, particularly in holding the executive accountable.

Corruption, insecurity, poverty and poor leadership are geometrically growing sequel to the absence of diligent legislative oversights.

Consequently, there is a high sense of frustration fuelling the already poor perception of the legislature. In other words, public trust today favours the other arms more than the legislature. Yes, the legislators are not trusted due to accumulated failed expectations from them in addition to limited public knowledge about the legislature’s mandates.

However, on the flipside, democracy is still the best form of governance the world over while the primary cause of Nigeria’s underdevelopment lies squarely with the constitution.

In the place of pragmatic laws and policies to drive the system optimally, a weak and shallow document that was hurriedly packaged by the military and foisted on the people as a constitution is in force. These pseudo-laws do not substantially reflect the wishes of the people.

Rather than strong institutions, this obsolete constitution created and sustains strong individuals who dominate the democratic landscape thus exposing Nigeria’s democracy to stunted growth.

Yet ironically, all those at the vanguard of criticizing the legislature for underperformance are well-versed in this fundamental error.

They are fully abreast of the numerous flaws inherent in the constitution and as such, agree that amendment or outright replacement is the panacea. But typical of the elites whose sense of hypocrisy has since become legendary, they are rather selective in their clamours. They only champion alterations in the aspects that serve their self-seeking interests. For instance, they are vociferous in calling for devolution of powers, creation of additional states, local government autonomy, state police, and funding of political parties.

Despite how popular and germane these thematic areas are, the elites are only driven by the latent opportunities to advance their perennial agenda of self-preservation. And of course, restructuring and true federalism mean different things to different elites, depending on what suits their expectations. Furthermore, whereas this issue of faulty constitution has been receiving the attention of the legislature, no one is raising a voice for the strengthening of the legislative framework. None seemingly is concerned that all the powers and influence of the national assembly are merely theoretical.

All feign ignorance that the legislature is being mercilessly dominated and controlled by the executive and also, that there is no practical protection for the legislature to independently exercise effective supervision over the executive.

We pretend not to know that the legislature wholly depends on the executive for existence notably in the areas of operational funding and logistics.

As just one insight into the fragile situation of the federal legislature, the immediate past president of the senate, Ahmad Lawan, penultimate week, reminded his colleagues that “while it is true that on paper, lawmakers have the power of the purse, the execution of the project lies in the hands of the executive arm of government through various ministries, departments and agencies that should be lob-

bied”. That was during a debate on the need for the legislature to have greater control over the funding of constituency projects.

Lawan has only reiterated that the powers of the legislature, particularly in supervising the executive, begin and end on paper, but with collaboration, there could be a difference.

Apart from becoming a presiding officer, he has been in the national assembly since 1999.

So he knows enough having seen it all.

Expectedly, that proposed legislation was jettisoned by the Senate.

Understandably, the lawmakers acknowledged that they lack both the constitutional and political wherewithal to engage the executive in any form of governance battle. They might have also recalled several incidents where certain individuals openly disparaged the legislators in the course of their duties, even right inside the national assembly and nothing happened.

Similarly, representatives of government and private organizations have serially shunned legislative summons with no repercussions. No doubt, the Senate is conscious that the executive determines the pace and direction of oversight duties using funding and logistics as baits.

Then above all, they reasoned that what becomes of legislative resolutions has always been at the discretion of the executive in the same manner that the presidency chooses the bills to accept, despite the concerted efforts of the legislature in playing its roles.

Regrettably, all these democratic misnomers have become entrenched in the polity because the laws have not adequately empowered the legislature to perform. And this is why every sensitive legislature settles for collaboration with the other arms in the discharge of its functions being aware that whatever a legislature can deliver is a function of what the executive

is willing to offer.

Guided by these facts, the President of the senate, Godswill Akpabio, was careful in reading a riot act to the executive, recently. Speaking at a public hearing on the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, he noted that “any serious appointee or any head of any agency that is interested in the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration ought to be here. Chairman (of the event) should give me the list of all the heads of agencies that you invited who have failed to show up in this session. This is the beginning of their failure in their various offices”.

Continuing he stressed that “any head of agency that sends representation here is not a serious person and therefore the president must take a second look at such a person’s appointment. It is not a threat but the truth”.

And to further underscore the critical importance of that function, he announced that “I shelved even my appointment to appear in Owerri today for our final rally of my party and other schedules that I have, to make sure that I appear so that we can strategize on how we can succeed”.

Instructively, in an enlightened democracy, no concerned stakeholder could have been absent on such a critical occasion. Yes, in the face of a strong and truly independent legislature, it is an offence with grave consequences for the executive to treat governance issues with levity. But sadly, this is the Nigeria of today!

Therefore interpretatively, there are veiled but direct messages for President Bola Tinubu in those Akpabio’s remarks.

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

Identifying Cog in Wheel of Increasing Anambra’s IGR David-Chyddy Eleke reports that Anambra Internal Revenue Services, the body charged with collecting internal revenues for the State has abandoned the task as top management staff fight dirty.

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IRS is obviously the cash cow of the Anambra State government.

For a state that has over a 100 markets in Onitsha alone, 20 major international markets across the state, an industrial city in Nnewi and several semi urban centres that can boast of appreciable economic activities, it is not a surprise that the agency responsible for revenue collection reeks in cash.

Recently, top management staff of AIRS, have been enmeshed in a fight over revenues in the state and its collection.

The fight however is principally between the Executive Chairman of AIRS, Chief Greg Ezeilo and Executive Director of Operations in the agency, Dr. Christian Madubuko.

THISDAY gathered that the bone of contention is who controls the internally generated revenue of the state. Soludo had upon his swearing in charged the AIRS on increased generation of revenue. The governor told the agency a target growing the state’s internally generated revenue to N10billion monthly.

The charge had then led to a revenue drive by the agency, which later led to a backlash on the governor, as people complained of being suffocated with taxes. Though this was happening under Dr Richard Maddiebo as executive chairman, the agency later reformed its operation, such that it abolished collection of cash, opting for electronic payment.

Maddiebo however resigned from office, over rumours of being overshadowed by Madubuko, who was calling the shots, despite being his subordinate.

A source within the agency, who spoke

to THISDAY, pleading for anonymity said Madiebbo was bitter that despite the open confrontation and feud in the agency, Soludo failed to wade into the matter to call Madubuko to order. His exit ushered in Greg Ezeilo as the New Chairman and Executive Director. He was also in the system previously, and said to be grounded. His entry however created another round of feud, between him and Madubuko, leading to his attempt to cut Madubuko to size.

THISDAY gathered that as part of the strategy, Ezeilo created a new office, UHBET Centre and assigned Madubuko an office in the complex while also changing his job description from being in charge of field operations to New Businesses Development, Motor Licensing, Road Taxes and overseeing the UHBET Computer-Based

Testing Facility (CBT). This did not go down well with Madubuko, who ignored him and continued with his role as operations manager, leading staff to the field for enforcement.

Our source stated that: “The main reason for such insistence to remain in the field was because of the money involved.

If you know how much is in the field, you will know why Madubuko insists on being in the field. On the other hand too, the Executive Director himself also goes to field. He has an eye in the field, and he does not want Madubuko with his overbearing influence to continue to pry into his affairs. It’s a whole lot of game going on there.”

Meanwhile, the fight between the duo has started in earnest. In an internal memo, which came in the form of a query, which Ezeilo issued to Madubuko, he accused him several wrongs, including insubordination, usurpation of power, and coveting of some of the agency’s operational vehicles for his personal use.

The lengthy memo read in part: “You will recall, in my last conversations with you, shortly after you returned from your overseas trip, I took you to the UHBET Centre and conducted you round that facility; showed you your new office location in that Centre, and intimated you that your job roles would now change to cover among others, New Business Development, Motor Licensing, Road Taxes and overseeing the UHBET Computer-Based Testing Facility (CBT).

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

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY DECEM ͯ˜ 2023

19

IMAGES

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

L-R: Executive Director, Finance and Banking Operations, 9 Payment Service Bank, Nasiru Isyaku; Executive Director, Lagos Food Bank, Michael Sunbola; Managing Director, 9 Payment Service Bank, Branka Mracajac; and Head of Products and Innovations, 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Akeem Salam, during 9PSB third anniversary outreach programme in partnership with Lagos Food Bank, held in Lagos…recently

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti (left), receiving a souvenir from the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Yushau Dogara Ahmed (right), during Ahmed’s visit to the governor in Abia State…recently

L-R: President, Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigerian, Gbenga Adebayo; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ubale Maska; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Aminu Maida; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders’ Management, NCC, Adeleke Adewolu; and President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, at the NCC EVC’s interactive session with chief executives of telecoms companies in Nigeria held in Lagos…recently

L-R: President, Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigerian, Gbenga Adebayo; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ubale Maska; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Aminu Maida; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders’ Management, NCC, Adeleke Adewolu; and President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, at the NCC EVC’s interactive session with chief executives of telecoms companies in Nigeria held in Lagos…recently

L -R: Head of External Communications and Partnerships, Reckitt, Sub-Saharan Africa, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dame Didi Esther Walson-Jack; Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Ishaq Salako; and Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, Charles Ikeah, during the World Toilet Day commemoration in Abuja…recently

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Konga, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh; Entrepreneur and Founder of Bland2Glam, Seyi Banigbe; Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu; Group Managing Director, SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, Mr. John Obaro; and author/Founder of Headstart Africa, John Obidi, during the Zenith Bank Tech Fair held in Lagos…recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023

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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

3 0 , 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%

Passport Racketeering in South-east Heightens as Applicants Indict Immigration Officers Chinedu Eze Passport Control Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in the South-east have been accused of charging extra fees in addition to the official fees for obtaining international passports.

THISDAY Investigation revealed that hundreds of applicants who applied to obtain passports were made to either pay more for the passport, or get delayed for several months before they were given their passports if they choose to follow the normal process of applying online.

Some of the applicants that

applied for passports in each of the South-east state, spoke to THISDAY and reported similar treatment.

In Abia State for instance, applicants that spoke to THISDAY, alleged that after applying for the passport, they are forced to pay N13, 000 before an applicant is allowed to go for capture.

It was learnt that after the capturing, an applicant would be told to pay additional N20, 000, if he wants passport to be processed faster, thus making it N33, 000, which is aside the official payment of N25, 000, including bank charges of N2000, totaling N60, 000 for the five-year

passport.

“This is the least amount you are allowed to pay if you wish to get your passport in less than two weeks. May be, in one week.

But nobody in immigration will talk to you. Big business is going on there. The Passport Control Officer has her agents. If you pay into the wrong hand, your money goes into the drain, and nobody will talk to you,” he said.

In Owerri, the Imo State capital, THISDAY gathered that applicants were made to pay about N70, 000 for five years passport, of 32 pages, while about N150, 000 is paid for the 64-page 10 years passport.

“I came down to my state, hoping I will easily obtain a passport because there will be less crowd and less pressure but when I came to the federal secretariat, I saw crowd milling everywhere.

I got to the passport office and I was told the official price and what I will have to pay to get my passport. I wanted to get 10 years passport and they are calling N150, 000. I told them I am not that in a hurry; I was then asked to wait for two months. This is unbelievable, ”an applicant said.

THISDAY also learnt that Nigerians who wish to urgently renew their passports could be asked to pay as much as N150, 000,

especially those who live abroad that need to urgently return to their station.

“Those ones who come from overseas just want quick service.

They are ready to pay you what you asked for. They just want to know whether you will deliver,” an Immigration official in Imo State told THISDAY. In Enugu, it was learnt that while applicants were made to pay more than the official cost for the passport. The amount added, brings the total payment to N60, 000 and sometimes less, but in Ebonyi, the officials could request N115, 000 for 10 years passport and N55,000 to N60, 000 for five

years passport and up to N150,000 for “express service.”

“Many of us come down to the East to obtain passports but we are witnessing the same treatment we were getting in Lagos and Abuja.

There is too much congestion in Lagos. At Festac, my uncle’s children obtained their passport more than two months after the applied and got captured. So, I came over to the East, believing it will be better but the charges are too much. I know it will take shorter time to get the passport,” an applicant told THISDAY. The story continues online on

www.thisdaylive.com

BOOST FOR SOLID MINERALS SECTOR…

L-R: Country Manager, Segilola Resource Operating Limited, Austin Menegbo; Chief Operating Officer, Thor Explorations Limited, James Philip; Minister, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Henry Dele Alake and Chief Financial Officer, Thor Explorations Limited, Chris Omo-Osagie, at the Abuja International Conference Centre…recently

NPA Reassures Oil Industry of Adequate Vessel for Pilotage Services Eromosele Abiodun The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko has stressed that it’s compulsory vessel pilotage regime will ensure efficiency and support the oil, gas and allied sectors.

Bello-Koko stated this while delivering a paper on Port Strategies to Promote Seamless Import of Petroleum Products, at a forum organised by the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Represented by the General Manager, Office of the Managing Director, Ayodele Durowaiye, he

said pilotage, towage and mooring services represent some of the major areas it is supporting the oil industry, even in a post subsidy removal regime.

According to him, the NPA has invested heavily in the provision of berthing facilities directly for ships while working with critical government and non government stakeholders like the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) The NPA boss who was a guest speaker at the event organised by stakeholders in the oil importation business, added that the authority has

continually invested in equipment to support it’s operations across various pilotage districts.

Giving a breakdown of NPA interventions across various operational areas comprising four pilotage districts, Bello-Koko said in addition to existing platforms, the NPA acquired two units of 80 Bollard Pull Tugs to support it’s operations at Dangote and Pinnacle Oil while reassuring that more are expected as the authority’s assessment shows greater potentials for increased oil related maritime operations in the Lekki axis in future.

On dredging to support vessel

navigation, he said NPA dredging campaigns are regularly undertaken notably in Lagos where we have a joint venture (JV) relationship with the Lagos Channel Management (LCM) and Bonny Channel Management, for the Bonny /Port Harcourt axis.

He said, “This is for both capital and maintenance dredging done to allow bigger draft ships to access the ports seamlessly and at cost saving amounts. In Warri Pilotage District, the restriction to the port in Warri, is that of cargo that can be loaded, not necessarily the size of the vessel. The authority

is working hard to address the issue of collapsed breakwater moles, which causes serious siltation into the Escravos Channel. The consultancy service for the project has been completed and advert for bidding by contractors will soon be out “For the Calabar Channel Management, there is a Presidential directive that all court cases involving the parties should be suspended to pave way for take off of the Channel management company joint venture relationship.

This is a good development that will eventually ensure dredging

campaign that addresses the restrictions to the cargo volumes that can be loaded onboard vessels arriving the port.”

He added that his office has commissioned several study groups to look into tariff on ship/harbour dues and the issue of payment in foreign currency but noted that the dredging cost, quay wall strengthening and other costs associated with the services NPA offers are denominated in US Dollars.

According to him the current port rehabilitation, which NPA is about undertaking is estimated to cost N1 billion.

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 3 0 , 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

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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

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T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

TACKLING THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC The authorities must do more to stem the burden

N

and 2013, a no mean feat. But there are still dreary igeria will join the rest of the world statistics of how many young people are still being today to commemorate the World infected through careless sexual habits. It is indeed Aids Day. This year’s event, with ZRUULVRPH WKDW +,9 $,'6 HSLGHPLF LV VWLOO D VHULRXV the theme, ‘Let Communities Lead’ public health issue with enormous negative impact should compel authorities in Abuja on the health of Nigerians and the economy. Yet one and the 36 states as well as other RI WKH NH\ LVVXHV ÀQJHUHG E\ KHDOWK DXWKRULWLHV IRU stakeholders to collaborate on how to reduce the the present scary situation is inadequate funding but +XPDQ ,PPXQR 'HÀFLHQF\ 9LUXV +,9 EXUGHQ there are other challenges. For instance, less than 50 in our country. According to the World Health per cent of people needing anti-retroviral treatment 2UJDQLVDWLRQ :+2 WRGD\ SUHVHQWV DQRWKHU have access while barely half the numbers of people RSSRUWXQLW\ ´WR UHÁHFW RQ WKH SURJUHVV PDGH WR GDWH OLYLQJ ZLWK +,9 NQRZ WKHLU VWDWXV raise awareness about the challenges that remain It is even more disturbing that critical agencies to achieve the goals of ending AIDS by 2030 and of government continue to understate the national PRELOL]H DOO VWDNHKROGHUV WR MRLQWO\ UHGRXEOH HͿRUWV prevalence rate of the dreaded disease as well as WR HQVXUH WKH VXFFHVV RI WKH +,9 UHVSRQVH µ the total number of people According to the OLYLQJ ZLWK +,9 DQG $,'6 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV 2΀FH LQ 1LJHULD 3/:+$1 on Drug and Crime because it wants the Today presents another reminder that there is an urgent need for 812'& 1LJHULD UDQNV country to look good to third among countries government, at all levels, to show renewed commitment in fighting the the AIDS world. There with highest burden is also the challenge of RI +,9 LQIHFWLRQ LQ WKH HIV/AIDS scourge funding, especially for the world. The 2019 Nigeria health sector. The annual 1DWLRQDO +,9 $,'6 allocation for health in Indicator and Impact Nigeria is far below the T H I S D AY survey found that 1.9 million people were living 13 percent recommended by the World Health EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU ZLWK +,9 DQG $,'6 LQ 1LJHULD DV RI +RZHYHU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE 2UJDQLVDWLRQ :+2

DQG WKH $IULFDQ 8QLRQ +,9 DQG $,'6 DUH IDU PRUH SUHYDOHQW DPRQJ SHRSOH MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO $8 SHUFHQW $EXMD GHFODUDWLRQ 7KH FRQVHTXHQFH in prisons and high-risk drug users, in particular DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU of this situation in the health sector is that several SHRSOH ZKR LQMHFW GUXJV 3:,'V $FFRUGLQJ WR CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI Nigerians die needlessly of both preventable EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN UHFHQW 812'& VWXGLHV RQ +,9 SUHYDOHQFH LQ DQG FXUDEOH GLVHDVHV ,Q WKH FDVH RI +,9 $,'6 THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE 1LJHULDQ SULVRQV RI SHRSOH LQ SULVRQV DQG inadequate funding has limited the capacity of RI SHRSOH ZKR LQMHFW GUXJV 3:,'V OLYH ZLWK +,9 health authorities on tackling the challenge.

AIDS. The prevalence rate of Nigerians between the Therefore, today presents another reminder that DJH EUDFNHW RI DQG ZLWK +,9 LQIHFWLRQV LV there is an urgent need for government, at all levels, per cent, making the country the second largest in T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D WR VKRZ UHQHZHG FRPPLWPHQW LQ ÀJKWLQJ WKH +,9 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA Africa, after South Africa.

AIDS scourge. Health authorities must scale up GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, While the prevalence varies from one state to ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI their enlightenment campaigns, particularly in the another, it is estimated that about two million DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, rural areas, on the many risk behaviours that could Nigerians are infected with the virus. However, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE lead to infections, including unprotected sex, said what saddens is that Africa’s most populous country DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI WR DFFRXQW IRU DERXW SHUFHQW RI QHZ LQIHFWLRQV LQ SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH demonstrates so much ambivalence to the disease. the country. Nigeria has what it takes to stop new ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI )RU VXUH 1LJHULD KDV PDGH VLJQLÀFDQW JDLQV LQ WKH transmission and improve the lives of those living battle against the menace. It reportedly achieved a CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO with the virus.

35 per cent reduction in new infections between 2005 TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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

LETTERS PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM DRUG-TRAFFICKING PARENTS

The rate at which women are involved in the illicit WUDGH RI GUXJ WUD΀FNLQJ LV DODUPLQJ DQG VKRXOG EH D subject of concern to the Nigerian public.

In the past three months, the National Drug Law EnIRUFHPHQW $JHQF\ 1'/($ DQQRXQFHG WKH DUUHVW RI an unprecedented number of female suspects. One of them was the alleged female head of a drug syndicate who was arrested at her residence in Lagos, shortly afWHU VKH UHWXUQHG IURP D ZDUHKRXVH DW $PXZR 2GRÀQ where she loaded eight cartons of tramadol into an unPDUNHG 689 6LPLODUO\ D /DJRV IHPDOH ODZ\HU DOOHJHG to have specialised in the production and distribution RI VNXFKLHV D QHZ SV\FKRDFWLYH VXEVWDQFH 136 WKDW is a mixture of cannabis, opioids, and black currant, was arrested in a follow-up operation in Awka, Anambra State, following an earlier seizure of cannabis and bottles of prepared skuchies in her apartment in Lagos. ,Q WKH ÀUVW ZHHN RI 2FWREHU WKHUH ZDV D PXJVKRW RI D 45-year-old woman who was arrested at Kano airport on her way to Saudi Arabia with cocaine and methamphetamine. A week earlier, two women were arrested

with bags of cannabis.

These women are among a long list of women arrested by NDLEA in the past three months.

What is appalling about their situation is that they conducted their illicit businesses in their homes, where they lived with their children. This should be of concern to Nigerians. And we should start pondering: What kind of children are these women raising? Again, this UDIW RI DUUHVWV RI IHPDOH WUD΀FNHUV VKRXOG DOVR WXUQ RXU attention to the possibility that not all teenagers picked GUXJ DEXVH RU GUXJ WUD΀FNLQJ KDELWV IURP IULHQGV DQG peers. Some of them actually ‘inherited’ the habit from their families. If a mother or father sells cannabis or any other illicit drugs for a living, what is the possibility that the child will deviate from the ‘family’ business? What is the possibility that the child will not end up as a user?

This is not about women alone but about parents in general. It is disheartening to see fathers and grandfathers dealing in drugs, like the case of the two old men recently arrested in Ihila, Anambra State, with 49kg cannabis sativa, 127g of methamphetamine, and 15g of

cocaine.

'R ZH VHULRXVO\ H[SHFW WKHLU RͿVSULQJ QRW WR EH LQWHUested in the livelihood of their parents? ,Q RXU FROOHFWLYH GULYHаVSHDUKHDGHG E\ 1'/($аWR rid our country of the menace of dangerous drugs, we need to pay attention to children from homes where SDUHQWV DUH DFWLYH SURGXFHUV DQG WUD΀FNHUV As a society, the onus is on us to protect the rights of the child, and this includes looking out for their wellbeing and ensuring that they grow up in a wholesome environment where they will not be introduced to abnormal behaviour by their families.

The NDLEA should expand its WADA advocacy campaign to target community leaders, religious leaders, and teachers to further amplify the message to parents WR WKLQN DERXW WKH IXWXUH RI WKHLU RͿVSULQJ EHIRUH YHQWXULQJ LQWR WKH WUDGH DQG WUD΀FNLQJ RI LOOLFLW VXEVWDQFHV Nanzem Nkup, Rikkos, Jos

FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Aero Re-launches Calabar Route as Governor Plans Additional Aircraft vChinedu Eze Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s oldest aviation company is getting three additional aircraft into service following major repairs by the Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) arm of the airline.

The airline also on Tuesday, recommenced scheduled services to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar from its base at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos.

This is as the governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Out, has promised to increase the state’s aircraft fleet from the present two to five in the coming months.

Speaking at the re-launch of of the route, Capt. Ado Sanusi, the

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Aero Contractors said that for the first time, the joint venture between the airline and the Cross River government has brought all the two Boeing 737 aircraft owned by the state to service.

Sanusi described the feat as a major boost to the airline’s fleet and a demonstration to the quality and professional competence of its Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

He said: “We are proud of them for putting additional aircraft to service, while working on the fifth aircraft to be back in service by the end of next month.

“We are equally pleased with the full support of the Cross River State government

especially, His Excellency the Governor, Bassey Otu on this joint venture, which we believe will continue to grow and enhance the governor’s vision of growing the economy through tourism among others.

“With our increased fleet, we are delighted to be in the position to fully support the upcoming Calabar Carnival themed: ‘Season of Sweetness,’ this festive season, and we promise our customers competitive fares.”

Besides, he explained that the airline intended to increase the frequencies as demands grow, assuring that the airline would always offer quality services to its customers throughout the festive season.

A I R WATCH New Strategy in UK that Undermines Airline Competition

BASL Lauds Ibom Air over New Airbus Aircraft Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal two (MMA2), has commended Ibom Air for the acquisition of its brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

BASL said the arrival of the aircraft, a first in the lineup of 10 orders, has indeed marked a significant milestone for the Airline and underscores its commitment to providing world-class air travel services to its passengers.

BASL’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Tosan Duncan Odukoya, in a statement signed by Head of Corporate Communications for BASL, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, expressed her delight and congratulated Ibom Air for the arrival of their new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

Odukoya, stressed that the Airbus A220-300 is a state-of-the-art aircraft that is known for its comfort, efficiency, and performance, making

it particularly well-suited for regional operations.

“This is so because it can operate from shorter runways and consume less fuel than larger aircrafts. This is a testament to Ibom Air’s dedication to providing a superior travel experience for its customers. The addition of this fuel-efficient and modern aircraft to their fleet will further strengthen their position as a leading regional airline,” Odukoya added.

Stressing that the development was consistent with MMA2’s drive for excellence in airport infrastructure and management, the BASL boss said the acquisition of the Airbus A220-300 will encourage more Nigerian airlines to consider regional operations. According to her, “We believe that there is a strong market for regional air travel in Nigeria.

The Airbus A220-300 is the ideal aircraft for this market, and we anticipate that the success of Ibom

Air will encourage other airlines to follow suit.”

MMA2 is strategically positioned for regional operations, and we are prepared to be a single-hub partner for domestic airlines, facilitating seamless travel operations and potentially reducing overhead costs, thereby increasing revenue generation for domestic airlines in line with one of the 5-point agenda of the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Also speaking, Head Aeronautical and Cargo Services Department for BASL, Remi Jibodu, described as remarkable, the move

by Ibom Air, saying such is worthy of emulation by other airlines. He said Bi-Courtney will continue to encourage Nigerian airlines that strategically advance the Nigerian aviation space as well as the continent as a whole.

Dana Air Wins Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award Dana Air has been honoured by the Women in Aviation for celebrating 15 years in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry at the Annual Conference of Women in Aviation Nigeria Chapter held recently in Kano.

According the President of Women in Aviation Nigeria, Rejoice Ndudinachi, this year’s conference is Themed: Connect, Engage, Inspire, and the highlight is presentation of awards to persons and organisations who have distinguished themselves in the society’’ Similarly, Dana Air has bagged the Corporate Social Responsibility

airline of the year Award 2023 at the City Business News Summit 2023, held recently in Lagos at Oriental Hotels.

Speaking on the double honors, Dana Air’s Chief Operating Officer, Ememobong Ettete, said: “Dana Air remained committed to the theme of this year’s WIA conference as always and this is a well-deserved recognition for us and it just goes to show that people see and appreciate the little things we do to support not just our dear country but communities, youths, the women

PalmPay Woos Customers with iPhone 15, Phantom X2 Emma Okonji

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporters Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

in aviation, our industry and even the entertainment industry.”

As a responsible corporate citizen, we remain committed to supporting worthy causes across the country and contributing to her growth and development as we have no other option than to build our country and see it achieve its full potential. he added.

Having flown over 36m passengers in the last 15 years of its operation, Dana is one of Nigeria’s airlines with a mixed fleet of boeing aircraft and daily flights to major cities in Nigeria.

Fintech company, PalmPay, is rewarding its users for their saving habits in a new savings promotion geared towards driving financial literacy.

The savings challenge will run from November 28 to December 7, 2023, and users have the chance to win one of five iPhone 15, five TECNO Phantom X2 smartphones and participate in winning part of N10 billion in Trial Cash.

Announcing the initiative, the Senior Marketing Manager, PalmPay, Kevin Olumese, said: “Users will earn a daily interest rate of 16 percent per annum from the Trial Cash and have the earned interest credited to their savings account as spendable money every day.”

Olumese added: “Of course, we understand that it’s easier to spend than to save money. However,

what if you were told you could delay that gratification to buy a new smartphone and in 10 days become the owner of a brand new iPhone 15 or Phantom X2?

“The PalmPay Savings Challenge is to encourage users to delay that gratification to spend and instead save while also being rewarded.”

During the campaign period, users stand a chance to win if they join at least one round of challenge, verify their BVN on the PalmPay app, share the campaign with at least one friend, and keep their CashBox balance above N1,000.

Joining more rounds of challenge will increase users’ chances of winning in the savings promotion. In the final round of the challenge, lucky users with the highest trial cash will be drawn to win an iPhone 15 or Phantom X2.

Chinedu Eze There has been a history of UK using airport authorities to undermine Nigerian airlines in their bid to operate from Nigeria to the UK. The London-Lagos route is the most lucrative route out of Nigeria and it is the route where an airline can have high number of passengers on direct flights. Nigerian airlines do well on the route, from Nigeria Airways Limited, the nation’s erstwhile national carrier, to others that operated the route.

Over the years, there have been attempts by UK authorities to constrict Nigerian operators using all kinds of strategies to stop them from coming to the UK, despite the fact that the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) signed between Nigeria and the UK gave both countries 21 frequencies and allow each country to have three airlines operating seven times a week flights between the two friendly nations.

But the UK authorities, knowing how profitable the route is, had always found ways to stop Nigerian carriers. In the case of Arik Air, after a dogged fight they were given Heathrow airport but when the airline wanted to reciprocate London-Abuja route, which British Airways was operating, the British Airport Authority then stopped the airline and insisted that it must buy slots to operate the route.

UK authorities went further to argue that it was begged by the Nigerian government to operate the London-Abuja route and therefore the route should not be subject to reciprocity.

Arik Air eventually pulled out of the route.

In March 2012 Arik Air announced suspension of the route and explained that it “was compelled to suspend its services on the route following the inability of the UK and Nigerian governments to come to agreeable terms on the 2008 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).”

“Under the terms of the BASA, Arik Air was allocated seven frequencies per week in respect of the Lagos/ London, Heathrow service and seven per week for the Abuja/ London, Heathrow service. The total of 14 frequencies is out of 21 available for Nigerian carriers under the BASA.” Obviously frustrated by the strategy to push it out of the market, the exasperated Arik Air admitted that “an anomaly exists between access to slots in the respective countries with the Nigerian government matching the allocation of slots with frequencies; therefore, giving UK carriers unfettered access to its full complement of 21 slots at Abuja and Lagos airports.

“Whilst it is regrettable to have to suspend our services between Abuja and London, we simply could not continue with the route due to the restrictions placed upon us in accessing arrival/departure slots into UK airports.”

Medview Airline even had a shorter spell on the route before it was thrown out on technicalities. First, its own aircraft was rejected from operating the route, it had hiccups in leasing aircraft to operate the route and late gave it up.

The same politics of slot is being used against Air Peace now. THISDAY learnt that the airline has met all the conditions to operate Lagos-London flights. The airline’s first choice of Heathrow was rejected and UK authorities obviously, grudgingly, gave the Nigerian carrier,

Gatwick but initially stated that there were no slots for allocation. But after some push by the airline, Air Peace was given slots, which some industry observers said were almost like the airline was not given slots.

THISDAY learnt that the airline was given staggered slots. The airline was not given consistent time of arrival and departure for the days it will operate; rather, every day was given its own time of arrival and departure different from the time of arrival and departure of another day. Besides, the airline was given turn-around time that was not enough for such large-body aircraft as Boeing 777. While some turnaround time was two hours, some were a little more than one, which the airline said that it is impossible to operate.

“The slot schedule is meant to leave us disorganized. It is not practicable that you will disembark, clean the aircraft and board your passengers in just a little more than one hour for an aircraft that has over 300-passenger capacity. This cannot work. Let them treat us as we treat their own airlines that operate to Nigeria,” Air Peace spokesman, Stanley Olisa, told THISDAY. Reacting to this development, former senior official of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and former Nigerian representative in ICAO and currently the Managing Director/ CEO of Anambra International Cargo Airport, Umueri, Martin Nwafor, told THISDAY that the schedule given to the airline was not practicable and urged Air Peace to go and renegotiate the slot allocation.

“The slot schedule should take cognizance of the aircraft size, type and number of passengers.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), there should be no discrimination in the way you treat foreign airlines that operate into your country. You treat them as you treat your own airlines. Such staccato schedule will leave them so disorganized. There should be consistency in the particular time they arrive and depart and they should treat Air Peace the way they treat their own airlines and the way Nigeria treats their own airlines.

“In the principle of reciprocity, Nigeria can start selling their own slots too. But their airlines come whenever they want and depart when they want. Nigeria does not sell slot. They sell slot because of congestion. We should discourage this maltreatment. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to support its own airlines because they are representing Nigeria and they are carrying Nigerian flag. BASA agreement is government to government,” he said.

He also observed that what is happening is strategy that UK authorities want to use to protect their own airlines and entrench monopoly on direct flight between the two countries by making sure that Nigerian airlines are not given the opportunity to come to the UK. “This is all about commercial interest. When is Nigerian government going to start protecting its own? UK knows how many jobs British Airways gave the citizens; how many jobs Virgin Atlantic gave the citizens. If they are making profits, they will sustain the workforce. So, Nigeria should also start protecting the jobs of its own citizens by ensuring that its airlines operate profitably,” he further said.t

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023

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BUSINESSWORLD

BANKING

Impact Investing: Wema Bank’s Green, Gender Financing Drive in Focus Kayode Tokede takes a look at Wema Bank’s drive for Impact Investing–the deployment of funds into investments that generate a measurable and beneficial social or environmental impact alongside a financial return on investment

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he term ‘Impact Investing’ has gained increasing recognition in recent years across regional and global spheres and sectors. Following growing awareness on the limitations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in addressing societal and economic concerns, thought leaders and drivers of sustainability across sectors, industries and nationalities have shifted the focus to creating better avenues for measurable, positive socio-economic impact.

Impact investing relates to the more measurable initiatives, policies and procedures set in place to provide long-term solutions to the socio-economic inequalities that affect modern societies and economies. This is further exemplified by the imposition of new criteria for measuring the effectiveness of social and sustainability initiatives across all areas of materiality towards the overarching need for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Renewable energy and gender financing are two major focus areas of the impact investing movement with the global Net-Zero Emissions commitments signed on by over 140 countries to achieve carbon neutrality and the Gender 2x Challenge commissioned by the G7 summit in 2018 as a bold commitment to encourage financial and development finance institutions and the broader private sector in women across the world. These two areas have specific goals of preserving climate energy levels below 1.50C and bridging the gender equality gap respectively.

Wema Bank, a leading organization in the Nigerian sustainability space, is not behind the times with respect to the impact investment agenda with a focus on innovative financing and catalytic funding. As far back as 2018, the Bank expanded its socio-economic focus beyond the limited scope of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and adopted the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) policy as the strategy for achieving the sustainability vision of providing solutions for societal impact. All social impact initiatives championed by the Bank cut across five core Corporate Social Investment pillars namely; Economic Empowerment, Education, Environment, Finance & Health. Over 500,000 beneficiaries across the nation have been impacted so far.

In keeping with the rise of impact investing especially along the global Green Energy and Gender Financing focus areas, Wema Bank has the following initiatives targeted at both areas of materiality: t (SFFO 'JOBODF 'BDJMJUZ o There is a general understanding by the leadership of the Bank that financing choices tie directly to the necessary transition to a greener and more sustainable economy. In pursuit of the drive to build climate resilience through the financing of adaptation measures, the Bank launched a Green Energy Finance Facility to enable SMEs and individuals reduce their emissions through power generation. The facility provides opportunities for SMEs to access up to N10million for renewable energy solutions in their business operations and processes. t 4VTUBJOBCMF 'JOBODF o Wema Bank is committed to the systemic reduction of financed emissions through reduced lending to high climate risk sectors and promoting investment in more sustainable segments of the economy such as renewable energy, waste management, gender finance, smart agriculture amongst others. About N50billion has been invested in sustainable businesses so far with enhanced incentives for the adoption of sustainable business practices promoted through outlets such as the Vendors Environmental & Social Forum, SME Business School, webinars and bankwide sustainability training courses amongst others.

r SARA by Wema: The Bank’s proposition for women was established to provide gender-targeted solutions across the workplace, community and marketplace segments. In response to the AfDB report of a $42billion gender financing gap and the World Economic Forum estimate of 136 years to bridge the gender equality gap, SARA by Wema has led diverse empowerment initiatives to promote gender finance. In alignment with the Gender 2x Challenge commitment to promoting women-owned/women-led businesses, Wema Bank has provided over N58.9billion uncollaterized loans to women MSMEs across the nation through the SARA proposition. This is a direct solution provided by the Bank to the access to finance problem and lack of collateral for accessing loans highlighted as some of the major obstacles encountered by women businesses.

Over 45,000 women have also benefitted from the diverse access to market programs such as online and physical trade fairs.

SARA by Wema also champions training programs and seminars as well as skill acquisition workshops to promote business growth and entrepreneurial success for women businesses. This is further bolstered by the provision of business startup kits and grants for over 30,000 women in the Nigerian SME sector. t 6/ 8&1 $PNNJUNFOU In November 2021, Wema Bank committed to the United Nations Women Empowerment Principles targeted at offering guidance on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. Since adoption of the 7 principles, diverse initiatives and policies have been implemented to promote the work towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 –

“Over 45,000 women have also benefitted from the diverse access to market programs such as online and physical trade fairs. SARA by Wema also champions training programs and seminars as well as skill acquisition workshops to promote business growth and entrepreneurial success for women businesses.”

Gender Equality. A clear example of the foregoing is reflected in the update to the Bank’s procurement strategy to provide priority to female-owned businesses on the Bank’s supply chain in alignment with UN-WEP principle 5 - Enterprise Development, Supply Chain & Marketing Practices. The Bank has also introduced vendor categorization and tracking for seamless onboarding processes to ensure even more female representation on the supply chain.

Gender financing and the need for sustainable business practices are also emphasized for all the Bank’s vendors and suppliers at the annual Vendors Environmental and Social Forum.

In further alignment with the United Nations Women Empowerment Principles – Principle 1 – Establish High-level Corporate Leadership for Gender Equality, the Bank appointed its first female Chairperson – Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola – in June 2023.

This is yet another bold step in the Bank’s path to the achievement of gender equality and equity. Women empowerment in the workplace is also promoted through the Wema Women Network – the internal structure for female employees across all cadres and levels within the Bank. The Wema Women Network charter objective of empowering Wema women to become achievers in their career and personal lives is continually driven through growth and development initiatives such as quarterly connect sessions and workshops, mentorship opportunities through the internal Big Sister Program, career development and etiquette trainings, fitness programs amongst others. t :PVUI &NQPXFSNFOU Youths form the majority of the Nigerian population with 70% under the age of 30. They also constitute the primary drivers of digital innovation and other socio-economic and environmental solutions targeted at specific societal issues. This is further evidenced by the impressive volume of fintechs, ed-techs, health-techs and other solutions making a significant impact across the nation and African continent.

Wema Bank is deliberate about promoting youth innovation and empowerment and has consistently led the drive starting with the launch of ALAT – Africa’s first digital banking platform with over 2.1 million active customers transacting daily. Not an institution to rest on its oars, Wema Bank

“As far back as 2018, the Bank expanded its socioeconomic focus beyond the limited scope of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and adopted the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) policy as the strategy for achieving the sustainability vision of providing solutions for societal impact. All social impact initiatives championed by the Bank cut across five core Corporate Social Investment pillars namely; Economic Empowerment, Education, Environment, Finance & Health. Over 500,000 beneficiaries across the nation have been impacted so far.” also launched the ALAT x FGN partnership in 2023. In partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, Wema Bank launched the Digital Skillnovation Program for MSMEs through which digital hubs will be established in 15 states across the country as innovation centers equipped with advanced technology for optimal impact.

The Bank’s youth empowerment drive also continues with a partnership with Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) for capacity building exercises on solar installation and sustainable entrepreneurship for Nigerian MSMEs. These Solar Powered Hubs include locations across all regions in the country to promote solar power transition and adoption as part of efforts towards achieving the national 2060 net-zero emissions target.

The above and many more provide proof of Wema Bank’s immense contribution and participation in the global drive for promoting impact investing. Impact investing is the way to go in ensuring sustainable finance and providing positive impact across the environmental, social, economical and governance pillars of sustainability.

As the world draws closer to the 2030 Agenda timeline, it is important, now more than ever, for all players to get on board in shedding the traditional financing measures causing more harm than good and promote the triple bottom line – People, Planet and Prosperity through impact investing and sustainable finance.

Impact investing provides a business unusual approach to solving socio-economic and ecological problems and ensure positive impact is driven to the last mile. In this aspect, Wema Bank’s commitment to empower lives through innovation and provide solutions for societal impact continues to ring true. Towards the establishment of a better world, Wema Bank is a stellar example of a business that seeks to do well by doing good through the creation of useful solutions to meet the dynamic needs of the populace with Initiatives centered on social equity and diversity, empowerment, hybrid working models and sustainable business practices.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Of Regulatory Challenges and Airline Operations in Nigeria The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority is pressured by public outcry to take decisions that may hurt the industry, despite the regulatory authority’s priority to protect the airlines and the travelling community, writes Chinedu Eze

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ast Sunday, United Nigeria Airlines flight NUA 0504 on Lagos-Abuja destination diverted to Asaba airport, landed and disembarked the passengers, after the crew announced that the flight had safely landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The shocked passengers were consternated by the incident and they went to the social media to express their shock; although the aircraft, an Airbus A320 aircraft, later took them safely to Abuja, their planned destination.

In what many in the industry described as knew-jack reaction, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the suspension of all the leased aircraft operated by United Nigeria Airlines until after investigation was completed on the incident.

The airline has its own four aircraft, 50-passenger capacity ERJ 145 and out of the four, three are operational. It leased the Airbus aircraft from Europe-based Fly2Sky, and it had about 150 passengers during the flight that was inadvertently diverted to Asaba. On the strength of the leased aircraft, which has about 170 passenger capacity, the airline had sold tickets to travellers to meet its increased capacity or seats, but with the suspension of the aircraft, the airline left many of its passengers stranded on Monday, as its existing aircraft, already scheduled, could not take the passengers.

Subsequently, the airline cancelled many of its flights, thus hurting the operations of the airline and inconveniencing its passengers.

SAFETY CONCERNS Contrary to what many Nigerians were complaining about on safety of Nigerian airlines on social media, industry stakeholders who spoke to THISDAY said that the incident did not infringe or compromise safety in any way but it led to flight delay, high cost of operation and inconvenience to passengers.

The stakeholders said that there was nothing new about unplanned diversion of flight because the industry is replete with reports of similar incidents in different parts of the world and excoriated NCAA for taking a punitive measure of suspending the leased aircraft before indicating to carry out investigation on the incident.

In March 2019, a British Airways flight destined to Dusseldorf in Germany mistakenly landed in Edinburgh, which is about 800 kilometers from the planned destination.

Reports stated that passengers only found out about the mishap when the pilot said the plane was coming in to land in Edinburgh, which is around 500 miles (800 kilometres) from Dusseldorf.After the crew realised the mistake, the plane was refuelled and flown to Dusseldorf, landing in Germany with a delay of more than three and a half hours.

Also, in October 2023, a Turkish Airlines passenger aircraft leaving Haneda airport in Tokyo, erroneously diverted from its route and flew over Tokyo Tower and other central parts of the Japanese capital.

According to media report, “The flight did not pose as safety threat to its passengers or people on the ground, as the plane flew at sufficient altitude, but the Ministry requested the airline to take preventive steps and alerted other air carriers to avoid similar incidents.”

The report also stated that instead of flying east over the coast of Tokyo Bay it flew northwest over Tokyo Tower and other parts of the capital before turning southwest toward the bay.

NCAA’ KNEE-JERK REACTION A reputable pilot who has flown for years as a captain told THISDAY on Wednesday that such mistakes of diverting flight to another destination different from where it is scheduled happen in aviation but noted that the airline was lucky that it landed at an airport the aircraft could take off again from, noting that in smaller runways, the

flight could land but would not be able to take off again.

“Those mistakes happen. That is when you are given a wrong flight plan. But another thing I see is lack of coordination and there could be language barrier, which is making the crew that came with the aircraft not to be talking much. Otherwise, they could have noticed the mistake during conversation before the flight took off or when the flight was taking off. It could have been resolved on ground.

“I think they should investigate how the error occurred. It is not major incident but could get worse if such continues to occur. But couldn’t the airline come clean and tell the truth? Do you know why? They are afraid of the regulator.

They are afraid because of the punitive measure the regulator will give to them.

That was why they said it was caused by weather. Because of punitive measures airlines do not come clean when an incident happens. Weather is a phenomenon that anybody can see.

“They handed the pilot a wrong flight plan and he imputed it in the system.

NCAA approach should not have been suspension of the leased aircraft. They should have tried to get the facts first before applying sanctions. You don’t react to public pressure. This should make other airlines to hide incidents. This is why we have non-punitive system, to encourage airlines to come out with their facts so that others can learn from it. This does not mean that there won’t be severe punishment if there is sabotage. This incident was not intended to harm,” he said.

MINISTER’S REACTION The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo in reaction to the United Nigeria Airline’s incident summoned Chief Executive Officers of aviation to a meeting. During the meeting Keyamo directed that all wet leased aircraft must have a Nigerian in the cockpit. This is because many in the industry believed that the pilot and the flight officer were not familiar with Nigeria’s airspace. The Minister said that if the pilot and flight officer are foreigners, a Nigerian pilot should be on the jump seat to guide the foreign pilots that are unfamiliar with the Nigerian airspace.

The Minister said “I have spoken with them (head of agencies) and we have all agreed that wet leasedaircraft coming into Nigeria, must have a Nigerian pilot seated at least on the jump seat and must be seated there with the foreign pilot.A Nigerian pilot must be there with them in the wet leases even if it is for a few hours.I

have also directed the NCAA that within the next 72 hours, they should summon all pilots and crew who are operating wet leases in Nigeria for further briefing because the lives of Nigerians were at stake.They are flying Nigerians and our sacred duty is to protect Nigerians.”

The Managing Director/CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that Nigeria does not have enough pilots, who are qualified to operate and who are in the captain category, remarking that there are Nigerian pilots who are currently unemployed but they are not in the category of those that have the current licence to operate, so there is a gap.

On the directive of the Minister that Nigerian pilots should be in the leased aircraft during flight operation, Sanusi said that this could be possible if the airline leasing the aircraft speaks with them on that, but noted that he has misgivings about the policy because lessors may strongly object to it and such directive might not be in tandem with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the airline.

Sanusi also recalled that when he was the Director of Flight Operations in Arik Air, they had about 20 pilots from different parts of the world. So, in order to avert such incident from happening they encouraged cabin crew to be asking pilots about the flight plan and the assigned destinations.

“Communication was the problem.

Communication between the crew and the ground staff. It is very important.

It will be very important for NCAA to share the findings in order for us to learn from what happened,” he said.

PREVENTING FUTURE OCCURRENCE Many industry stakeholders have suggested ways to prevent such incident from occurring in future. The major challenge is that the crew that come with leased aircraft may not know the Nigerian terrain, its airspace and the names of its airports. Many of the crew have English as their second language and may not be dexterous in it. This impairs effective communication. Some of the stakeholders spoke about interaction between the ground staff and the flight crew, while others suggest that foreign pilots should take out time to understand the flight codes and also there should be interface between the foreign crew and Nigerian crew, which in ideal situation should be a mix in every flight.

Some of the stakeholders posited, “Well these are some of the issues that pop up when you have wet lease crew operating

in Nigerian airspace .One of the questions I ask is, was this wet lease crew given a brief introducing them into flying in Nigerian airspace by United Nigeria Airlines or was it a case of just start flying in our airspace?

“Back in the day Bellview Airlines (now defunct) used to have a Nigerian pilot in the cockpit on the jump seat for four flights in all the destinations on the Bellview network; that the wet lease crew (DC9 aircraft ) from JAT Yugoslavian Airlines flew into.The JAT pilots complained they couldn’t understand ATC (Air Traffic Controllers) instructions due to the Nigerian accent of the controllers,our ATC procedures and hand overs they found strange, given that they came from a radar environment in Europe . The Nigerian Bellview Pilot in the cockpit assisted JAT crew tremendously, and they appreciated this Bellview flight operations initiative.”

But an airline operator told THISDAY that piloting is an international job, where a pilot can come from any country and work in another country, operating the aircraft he is type-rated in. He also said that lessors and airlines have their standard operating procedures that may not dovetail with the new condition given by the Minister, insisting that a Nigerian pilot must be in the cockpit to guide foreign pilots.

“The operational environment could be different in the sense that we may not have state-of-the-art facilities which they have.

Over there they can land at zero visibility but here in Nigeria you must see the airport.

They may not be familiar operating under harmattan weather. But what we do is to reach understanding with the company we are leasing aircraft from and go through some familiarization expose. But pilot’s job is the same everywhere,” he said.

On the language and accent barrier, there are suggestions that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) should activate its controller-pilot data link communication system to enable foreign pilots overcome the inhibition of accent barrier between them and the ATC. The system provides data instead of voice and this would provide more effective communication for the foreign pilots.

However, THISDAY findings indicated that currently the system has shut down due to the inability of NAMA to pay the company that provides the service. So, the facility, which is crucial, has been added to many other facilities and equipment relating to landing aids that are not working.

It is expected that NCAA should review its reactionary punitive directives and the Minister should also look at the regulatory books before giving directives so that such directives should be in tandem with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations and recommended practices.

This

Weekend

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

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

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

Tejumola Maurice-Diya:

BRIDGING THE FASHION GAP

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˜ ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

COVER

Tejumola Maurice-Diya: Bridging the Fashion Gap Bridging the Gap conference, a celebration of style, culture, and innovation, designed to bring together students, fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and inquisitive minds alike, organised by The Fashioned Museum recently in Lagos, was a vibrant celebration of Africa’s rich fashion heritage, and a catalyst for fashion’s promising future. In this interview with MARY NNAH, Tejumola Maurice-Diya, Founder of The Fashioned Museum says that ‘Bridging the Gap’ is an integral part of the Museum’s mission to activate a broader and timely conversation around contemporary fashion in an ever-changing world with an immediate aim to celebrate the ever-evolving world of fashion by bridging the gap between the younger generation and the older generation as well as between the Western World and the African continent Tell us about the programme “The Bridging the Gap” and the idea behind it. he Bridging the Gap” is an event that we plan to have annually. So this is our maiden edition. And essentially what we’re trying to capture is we recognise that it’s important to catch people at the grassroots level. So this event is specifically targeted towards students. And the underlying theme here is to help them to identify who they are. It’s time for the youth to embrace themselves as Nigerians and as Africans. Very often there are negative associations that can be made with being Nigerian. For me, it was very important to help the students recognise that every single country in this world has negative associations. But it all depends on what you choose to focus on. So for me, it’s it was important to change that narrative to help students recognise that they need to focus on the bright side of things. They need to embrace being Africans and embrace being Nigerians, and they should be able to know that at the end of the day, their dreams are valid, and they have a place in the world.

So regardless of where they find themselves, they can shine their lights and they can identify as a proud Nigerian that is making waves and contributions to the world at large. So that was the essence of this event for the students.

The second part of the event is specifically targeted towards business owners in the fashion industry. So these are people that are, maybe, new to the fashion scene that are thinking about ways that they can scale their businesses, they’re looking for ways that they can strategically partner themselves to be ready for partnerships with international brands.

So we brought speakers that lecture them from a legal perspective like what are the things that they need to do to make sure they are ready for the future. How do they make sure that people do not steal their designs? There are different areas in which people need to make sure that they’re fully covered and prepared for such partnerships.

So we brought in people that are established and people that have successfully done fashion to talk to them. People like Lisa Folawiyo, who is highly recognised in terms of her designs.

She uses African prints and she prides herself in that. In every collection, you see Ankara or you see Adire and you see different patterns and designs. And so it was important for me that we had people that were using our designs.

Then we also had Emmy Kasbit founded

by Emmanuel Okoro who is known for using Akwete. So for me, the students needed to be able to see designers that use the natural resources that we as Africans produce, and so I thought it was a great idea to have people that have successfully done that and that they can be able to inspire the students to recognise that the future is theirs in terms of making a global impact and doing it well as they establish themselves as Nigerians here in Nigeria using our natural resources. Not having to import goods from other countries.

Not that importing is a bad thing. But let’s start with what we have to use and then we can export our goods thereby positively impacting the economy of Nigeria.

The general idea behind the programme was to get them thinking about the future. And so the idea is for them to see that okay, this is what the future of fashion is looking like now, this is where we are in Nigeria right now. Where can ‘bridge the gap, that’s where ‘Bridging the Gap’ comes in. It is for them to identify with, and then think - what do I as an individual need to do to make sure that I get to that place where other countries are and even past them, so it was more of an idea of getting them to stimulate their brains and minds towards thinking and knowing that literally, they have

people through the history of fashion, and then I kind of help them, to see the difference between history and the future. So for example, if you go on my page, which is @TajumolaMD on Instagram, you will see that do a reel, talking about Shade Thomas-Fahm, who is one of the first fashion designers in Nigeria, and she came up with the design of the bubu, so I will put a picture of how bubu was won years ago, and how we worn today. So you’re able to see the contrast in all. So the reason why it’s called the Fashion Museum is because it’s an accumulation of beautiful history in general of you know, what it is that we do and what it is that we have to offer as Africans. So it’s beyond just now. It’s a collection of the years past and even the future to come.

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Where do you draw your inspiration from?

It might sound like a cliche, but my inspiration is the Holy Spirit. I can’t help it! Everything that comes to mind is me partnering with the Holy Spirit which helps me to identify what it is that I need to do or where the gaps are, that need to be bridged.

Are you thinking of having a fashion brand yourself in future?

I don’t know what the future has. I mean, let’s see what God has in mind. I don’t know what the future says. If it’s if it’s meant to be then I will go for it. I’m very, very passionate about fashion. So I would I would love to have a collection someday. Maybe potentially partner with international brands, you know, I am open to them partnering with me, whoever it is. I’m open to international partnerships. If you would like to create designs, it’s something I’m very passionate about.

Maurice-Diya no limits in achieving their goals.

Can you tell us some of the things we’ve done before now?

I’ve dabbled in the fashion industry for over 12 years. I’ve modelled in the past, and I’ve worked with the Macy’s Fashion Incubator. I’ve also at some point started a children’s clothing line. And with all that experience, I’m fully aware of the challenges that business entrepreneurs have. And as a result of that, I also style people and so I’m fully aware of the challenges that a lot of brands have. There are certain reoccurring themes that most designers complain about in terms of scaling, in terms of the quality of their designs, and in terms of finishing there are certain things that need to be addressed. And so that was why this idea was birthed. Overall people need to get to a point where they find solutions to that problem so that we can take our rightful place in terms of fashion to the world.

What informed your choice of the students that you brought in here?

At the beginning of the session, we did a presentation that walked them through the actual history of Africa before we went into the history of African fashion. So by going through the history of Africa, in general, we talked about culture, we talked about natural resources, food and culture in general so that they even know what Africans represent. And then after that, we went into the fashion - African

fashion aspect. And what we essentially did was we helped them to see that there’s a rightful place for them to be able to express themselves through fashion, or even through whatever it is that they want to do. So the essence was to help them to understand that their dreams are valid.

So it was targeted towards students who were passionate about fashion in general, but then overall, it was just helping them to recognise that at the end of the day, they can be successful in whatever it is that they choose to do. But at the end of the day, it’s just having the right mindset towards achieving those goals is critical.

Tell us about your experience as a model.

I modelled over 12 years ago. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. And so very often I went to the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign. I studied communications. And so we had a panel like we had an association of African students.

And so every single time we would have our parties or themes, I would always model and so in essence, that was when my modelling started. And then when there were other opportunities for me to model I always took up those opportunities as well.

So why did you establish the fashion museum? What does the museum show?

So the fashion museum stems from the fact that I’m a fashion historian. And so with that being said, what I do is I walk

Tell us about your style.

I love African textiles. As you can see I’m wearing Aso Oke and I’m wearing Ankara today. So I’m very passionate about using our beautiful prints. We have amazing prints, and they’re actually sustainable and very comfortable for me. So that’s what inspires me to be honest, using our own natural, sustainable fashions and designs. This particular dress was made

by Shakara Couture.

Do you still model?

Not really but I’m open to modeling, like it’s something that I’m very passionate about.

As I said, if you go to my page TejumolaMD, you see that a lot of the reels that I do are as a result of my modelling, to be honest, I’m kind of used to it. So I’m very open to modeling in the future if there are brands that want to partner with me.VW

“The general idea behind the programme was to get them thinking about the future. And so the idea is for them to see that okay, this is what the future of fashion is looking like now, this is where we are in Nigeria right now. Where can ‘bridge the gap…”

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˜ ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Glamour, Glitz at the 2023 BusyBee Excellence Awards

SALVI LIGHTING NIGERIA UNVEILS A NEW

Stories by Mary Nnah

ERA IN ILLUMINATION

The 2023 edition of the BusyBee Excellence Awards, “A Sparking Soiree-themedGalaNight”recently held in Ogudu, Lagos was filled withexceptionalglitzandglamour that thrilled members of the Well Watered Garden Tribe (WWGT), and online viewers.

The star-studded event kicked offwithacaptivatingredcarpetand an exhilarating awards ceremony.

ThisAwardhadmajorcorporate sponsors such as MTN Nigeria, Nestle Pure Life, Get Linked Events and E320Associates while LSETF, 9ija Kids, and Tabul were corporate partners.

The extraordinary event, where icons and outstanding performers in the 2023 business year in the event business industry were recognised for their influence and remarkable achievements across various award categories, was infused with musical interludes and the presence of celebrity anchors- NDTALK and Afroflux Some of the winners on the glamorous evening included Young Event Professional of the Year, Habeeb Lamidi of Althenel Bakehouse, Aanuoluwapo Bamikole of Bamilk Events, “Event Professional of the Year”; OluchiOkekeofAgelessbyLuchys Events won Most Resourceful Member of the Year, while Team Player of the Year went to Chris Okpalaojioma of Krystalz Fiesta,

With the latest trends in innovation and technology, Salvi Lighting, a global leader in public lighting and “SMART CITY” solutions, recently launched its Nigerian subsidiary, Salvi Lighting Nigeria Limited. The momentous event unfolded in Ikoyi, Lagos, showcasing Salvi Lighting’s commitment to revolutionising urban spaces through innovative lighting solutions.

Salvi Lighting, a stalwart in the international lighting industry, is renowned for its expertise in creating sustainable and cutting-edge lighting systems.

The Spanish conglomerate, Salvi Lighting Barcelona, envisions a well-lit, smart nation powered by solar energy, aligning with the global shift towards renewable and sustainable solutions.

The launch event, themed “Powering Nigeria’s Economic Growth: Smart Lights for Safety and Nigeria’s Development”, brought together key stakeholders from the power, energy, and construction sectors, as well as public and private entities.

Salvi Lighting Nigeria presented its ambitious vision and value proposition, as well as highlighted past successes across other countries, including Rwanda, Spain, Cameroon, and Kenya.

During the press conference, the CEO of Salvi Lighting Nigeria Limited, Mr Olatunji Adebayo, passionately expressed the company’s dedication to lighting up Nigeria.

He emphasised the positive impact of consistent lighting on productivity, the beautification of the environment, and enhanced security.

Adebayo also outlined the significant job opportunities the project would bring, with plans to establish regional warehouses and offices across Nigeria.

“Our core philosophy revolves around empowering each partner country to develop localized intelligent public lighting solutions by establishing factories to meet local demand. Beyond creating numerous employment opportunities in Nigeria, our primary aspiration is to actively contribute to the nation’s growth in alignment with the development and economic objectives of the Nigerian government”, he added.

L-R: CEO, Kyksie Drapes Events, Kikelomo Idowu, Convener, BusyBee Event Business Summit, Bisi Sotunde and CEO, Alessa Suave Events, Nneoma Jide Ebelendu during the event MostImprovedBusinessoftheYear won by Adefila Titus Adebola of BamzMediaandMostSupportive Industry Leader of the Year went to Ibidunni Layade of Dunnice Integrated Services.

OthercategorywinnersareMost Influential Personality of the Year won by Abidemi Adeyemi of Tammys Events, Adefila Titus AdebolaofHeddyDecorEmerged InnovativeBusinessoftheYearand Outstanding Member of the Year went to Nneoma Jide - Ebelendu of Alessa Suave Events.

In the special recognitions category, Long Standing Members of the Year (2017-2023) went to

Joyce Imorhoa of Jollical Events, Nnamdi Davids of Ndtalk, Prince AbdulraheemAdeoye of Dynamics Prints, Ibidunni Layade of Dunnice Integrated Services, Jumoke Olatunji of Delonix Management Services and Ope “Mr Fix it” Bello of Oomph Events.

Meanwhile, honorary awards recipients for Excellent Leadership were won by Stella Naiye of Chillis Pot, Kikelomo Idowu of Kyksie Drapes Events, Magdalene Adegoke of BloomsVille Events while Recipient of Icon of the Year Award was Ope “Mr Fix it” Bello of Oomph Events.

Speaking at the event, the Organiser of BusyBee Excellence Awards, Bisi Sotunde, described the evening as glamorous, ecstasy, beautiful and fulfilling.

“Whatyouareseeingheretoday is an effort of 6 months and 45 member-committee for the year’s event. It is a 3-day event beginning withawelcomecocktailpartytothe masterclass session and climaxing withthesparkingsoireegalanight.

I am, indeed, fulfilled,” she added.

The elated Nneoma Jide Ebelendu, CEO of Alessa Suave Events who won “Outstanding Member of The Year”, thanked Sotunde for putting this together.

Lilygate Hotel Redefines Luxury Nightlife Experience with Launch of BaseBar Lilygate Hotel, a luxury hospitality brand in Lagos, proudly announces the successful grand opening of its latest venture, BaseBar. This unveiling signifies a momentous leap in delivering a unique fusion of luxury and entertainment, catering to the discerning residents of Lagos seeking unparalleled nightlife experiences.

The grand opening event, held on Friday, the 17th of November, 2023 at 2, Olubunmi Owa Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, was nothing short of spectacular, as the city’s elite gathered to witness the

inauguration of BaseBar. The night started with guests arriving at the venue, dressed in a way that spokeclass.DrinksbyTheBalvenie were given to guests to wet their throats, giving them a glimpse of what BaseBar is about to offer its guests. Nestled within the heart of Lagos,BaseBarhasquicklybecome a premier destination for those seeking a respite from their hectic dailylives,offeringanunparalleled ambience of relaxation, fun, and leisure.

JuliusAmaOrji,CEOofLilygate Hotel,expressedhisenthusiasmfor thenewestaddition to the Lilygate

family. He stated, “BaseBar is not just a bar; it’s a testament to our commitment to redefining luxury nightlife experiences in Lagos. We are excited to offer a haven where our guests can relax and unwind in an atmosphere crafted for the connoisseurs of luxury nightlife.”

Furthermore, Orji Ama, Managing Director of Lilygate Hotel, echoed this sentiment, “We’ve carefully curated an environment that seamlessly offers people a place that speaks comfort, where they can come relax and have fun with family and friends, making them even more productive and

creative. We look forward to seeing people enjoy our offerings at BaseBar.” As BaseBar sets the stage for a new era in luxury nightlife entertainment, Lilygate Hotel invites patrons to experience the reality of refinement at BaseBar; it’s a lifestyle. Cheers to the beginning of a remarkable journey!

Lilygate Hotel is a beacon of luxury hospitality in Lagos, dedicated to providing unparalleledhospitalityexperiences.Witha commitmenttoexcellence,Lilygate Hotel continues to redefine standards in the hospitality industry.

CLAM 25th Anniversary Kicks Off December 3rd As the Christ Livingspring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM), clocks 25 years this year, the Founder and Senior Pastor, CLAM Global, Pastor Wole Oladiyun, along with his wife, Bukola and the entire members of the church has put together a lineup of events to celebrate the ministry’s 25 years of apostolic revival.

Speaking during a press conference at the CLAM Auditorium, Omole, Lagos, to announce activities marking the anniversary, Pastor Oladiyun, said that the week-long event which kicks off on Sunday, December 3rd with an anniversary service and unveiling of the 25th-anniversary logo will run till Sunday, December 10th.

Oladiyun who said the last 25 years have been laden with God’s abundant grace, steadfast love, and

unending mercies, noted, “That we are still standing strong after 25 years is an indication of God’s abundant grace in our lives. We do not claim to be perfect, or to be the best: we are not infallible, but we are proud to say we are products of Grace. We have been planting and nurturing for the past 25 years, and God has graciously watered us to the extent that I sometimes ask God, what have we done to deserve these blessings.”

Recalling how the journey started on a rough but assured footing on April 2, 1998., the cleric noted, “I was called into the Ministry with nothing on the ground. No worship venue, no musical equipment, and no appreciable congregation. It was indeed a humble beginning,

but I was sure of the call, and I was focused on the assignment God gave me and the vision He unveiled. Despite the numerous challenges we faced, I remained undaunted and unperturbed, because I knew what God told me and what he promised that He would do with CLAM.” Oladiyun recalled further that things were so difficult that even his wife at one point asked him to be very sure God indeed gave him the assignment.”

“She was not doubting God or trying to jump the ship, but it was normal as human beings to be sure of what one’s partner is doing. It would interest you to know that mywifehasremainedmysourceof strength and inspiration. Without a wife such as Pastor Mrs. Bukola Oladiyun, I wouldn’t have gone

far in this ministerial journey”, he added.

Some of the activities, among others, marking the anniversary, which is taking place at the church headquarters in Omole, Lagos, include Special Edition of the MinistersApostolic Fire Convocation on Tuesday, December 5th at 9 am; CLAM ServiceAwards and OrdinationonThursday,December 7th from 4 pm; Free Medical and Wellness Advisory Services on Friday, December 8th from 8 am; 25thAnniversaryCommunionand Re-dedicationServiceonSaturday, December 9th at 9 am; 25th Anniversary Banquet and Launch of Commemorative Documentary on Saturday, December 9th at 1 pm and finally, the Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, December 10th at 8 am.

Backstories with Fatu, an Unscripted Talk Show Debuts ExploreAfrica’sdynamictechlandscape through the lens of personal narrativeswiththelaunchofSeason 1 of “Backstories with Fatu”, an unscripted talk show hosted by renowned tech entrepreneur Fatu Ogwuche.

Season 1, which premiered on YouTubeonNovember28th,delved into the backstories of the people backingAfrica’s innovators - Kola Aina, Founding Partner, Ventures Platform;OdunEweniyi,COO,PiggyVest;NicholeYembra,Managing Partner; Chrysalis Capital; and Olumide Soyombo, Founder,

Voltron Capital.

The show highlights the challenges, triumphs, and trends shapingthecontinent’sburgeoning tech ecosystem.

“Backstories with Fatu” goes beyond valuations and earning calls to uncover the human stories behindthesuccessstories.Through intimate one-on-one interviews, Fatu guides viewers on a journey into the personal lives, childhood memories, and pivotal life events that have moulded these tech pioneers.

“I’m excited to share the inspir-

ing stories ofAfrica’s tech leaders, individualsshapingthecontinent’s digital future and redefining the global tech landscape,” Ogwuche said.

Sheadded,“Theirexperiencesoffervaluableinsightsandlessonsfor entrepreneurs,investors,operators and anyone seeking to understand the driving forces behind Africa’s tech revolution.”

The show serves as a launchpad for emerging tech entrepreneurs, providing them with actionable insights and mentorship from seasoned industry veterans. For

ORGANISATION CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF PRESIDENT TINUBU AS PATRON

established tech insiders, the interviews offer a glimpse into the future of the ever-evolving ecosystem.

“Backstories with Fatu” is a celebrationofinnovation,resilience, and the transformative power of technology.PremieredonYouTube on November 28th, it will be subsequently available on all podcast platforms. Join Fatu Ogwuche as sheunveilstheextraordinarystories behindAfrica’s tech revolution, inspiringandempoweringviewersto pursuetheirdreamsandpositively impact the world.

Dr. Summy Smart Francis with President Tinubu Africa’s foremost entrepreneurship organisation, Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (AYE), marked a significant achievement recently as it celebrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ten-year tenure as its Patron.

Appointed in November 2013, the Nigerian President played a pivotal role in propelling A.Y.E to unprecedented heights as patron. The organisation, boasting members spanning 20 African nations, expanded its reach and impact, providing invaluable resources, training, mentorship, empowerment and many opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs across the continent.

Since 2010, Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs organisation has not only identified, showcased and empowered budding and emerging entrepreneurs to either commence or scale up their businesses with the relevant resources such as business funding, equipment, executive masterclass in entrepreneurship development, mentorship, conferences, access to angel investors, international scholarships and access to market but has also leveraged on innovation and technology to provide sustainable solutions in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals The organisation is now building the World’s first entrepreneurship village popularly referred to as Africa’s Silicon Valley - a groundbreaking innovation, education, creative, technology, and business eco-friendly estate situated in the upscale area of Akure, Ondo State.

In acknowledging this milestone, A.Y.E Founder and President, who is also the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Entrepreneurship, Dr. Summy Smart Francis, expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “President Tinubu, is a staunch advocate and supporter of youth empowerment, job creation and entrepreneurship, his manifesto clearly states how passionate he is about youth development, capacity building and job creation. His decade-long patronage of A.Y.E reflects a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for sustainability and socio-economic development. This is clearly stated in his mandate and agenda for the Nigerian youth.”

In celebrating President Tinubu’s 10-year milestone, Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs organisation reaffirms its commitment to advancing the cause of entrepreneurship and looks forward to a future marked by even greater collaboration, impact, and empowerment across the country.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

UBA Foundation Signals BegAndroid of Yuletide Season, Lights Up Marina United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has kicked off the beginning of the yuletide season in a grand ceremony marked with fireworks and melodious Christmas carols.

The ceremony attended by staff, customers and members of the general public was held at the well decorated UBA Foundation Garden in Marina, Lagos.

Through its corporate social responsibility arm UBA Foundation, the bank marked the start of a funfilled festive season that will bring lots of cheer and touch the lives of its customers and the individuals around the communities where it operates.

The bank celebrated the UBA Foundation Garden

Light Up Ceremony and Carol evening on Tuesday, where staff and customers alike joined in to spread hope and sing carols to usher in the Christmas and end of the year season.

At the ceremony, UBA’s Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, was joined by other management staff to officially light up the Head office and the UBA Foundation Garden, which according to him, signifies how the bank has been bringing light to the lives of the people and communities around it.

He said, “We are here to officially light up the season and as you know, UBA has been the light in the financial sector on the continent and

beyond. Going by our performance and we will continue to ensure that we spread light and joy wherever we go. This is very symbolic for us all, and we want to take time to appreciate the staff and customers who have made us achieve great things this year. At UBA, we are all about spreading love and giving hope.”

UBA’s Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, while talking on the essence of the annual event, said, “UBA is a bank that values its environment and as an organisation that is corporately responsible, we have taken it upon ourselves to beautify our environment and add colour, especially as the year comes to an end.”

L-R: Group Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi; Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba and Executive Director/GCOO, Alex Alozie, all of UBA during the UBA Foundation Garden Light Up Ceremony and Carol Evening, held at the UBA Foundation Garden, Marina Lagos...recently

Checkoff Finance Records N524m Revenue, Increase in Loan Portfolio The Board of Directors of Checkoff Finance Company Limited, a frontline Finance company, has released the Company’s unaudited financial statement for the third quarter ended 31st September 2023, declaring a revenue of N524 million for the period. This represents a 129% increase compared to the N228 million recorded in the 2022 fiscal year-end.

According to a statement signed by the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Eirene Idung, the increase in revenue was recorded despite a decline in access to financial options caused by the continuing pressure on disposable income and the socio-political challenges in various parts of the country.

Eirene noted that despite the prevailing economic predicament, low capital

injection as a result of the high rate of inflation and the devaluation of the naira as well as a ballooning interest rates in the markets, the operating profit increased by 25.3% from N25.3 million in 2022 to N31.7 million in the current period.

Shareholders of Checkoff Finance restated their confidence in the customized financial firm to sustain its impressive performance and deliver more value. The shareholders gave the commendation at the Inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the CBN approved Finance Company that was held in Lagos. Presenting the report for the year ended September 31, 2023, the Chairperson, Mrs Seyi Banigbe assured that Checkoff Finance Company Limited is well positioned to continue to succeed in the

years to come, even in the face of prevalent economic challenges. She attributed the optimism to the decisions that the financial institution has made over the past few years, especially those around leveraging new digital technology, to expand access to financial transactions.

On his part, the Chief Executive of Checkoff Finance Company Limited, Mr. Habila Musa-Luka, reported that in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment, the company grew profit before tax by 25.3% to N31.7million. He added that this increase had a direct correlation with earnings per share, which grew from 25 kobo in 2022 to 32 kobo in 2023, while return on average equity also rose to 32% from 25%.

Startups Seek More Access to Capital to Upscale Businesses Oluchi Chibuzor Some emerging Nigerian entrepreneurs have stressed the need for the country to provide more access to capital for them to upscale their businesses in view of the rising economic challenges facing the country.

Speaking at the 2023 Founders Mixers and Award event in Lagos, Publisher and CEO, Business Africa Online (BAO), Ayinuola Alaba said the government should begin to create a mechanism that

would provide the needed funds for emerging businesses.

The event tagged, “Celebrating Grit in A Challenging Economy,” was organised according to Alaba to bring founders together to share their experiences while encouraging one another.

He harped that notable startups in the country have continued to pursue growth through grit, hence the government should support them by removing every hurdle confronting them.

According to him, “One way the government can do this is to deliberately remove tax hurdles and give entrepreneurs more access to elusive capitals.

We can see how young technological startups are emerging in the country making impacts and at the same solving some of our indigenous problems.

However, the CEO, GAIA Africa, Olatowun CandideJohnson, said they need investors and are looking for equity because that is what makes it easier for them.

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

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

LivingTrust Emerges PFI with Highest Impact on Fledgling MSMEs

1 Month Deposit Rate

7.31

3 Months Deposit Rate

7.55

and success of otherwise disadvantaged MSMEs. “Livingtrust Mortgage Bank Plc is pleased to receive this award for two consecutive years, having also received the award for the 2022 financial year. As a bank, we have operational footprints in communities where we are the only financial institution physically present.

In these communities, we play significant roles in driving financial inclusion by making credit available to small businesses to spur economic activities in rural areas. We are proud of what we have achieved and we intend to do more in this regard,” Adewole added.

6 Months Deposit Rate

8.30

12 Months Deposit Rate

8.13

Prime Lending rate

13.99

Maximum Lending Rate

27.59

LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Plc has again been recognised for its leading role in supporting the growth of newlyestablished and rural-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

For the second year running, LivingTrust carted the award of Participating Financial Institution (PFI) with the Highest Impact on MSMEs Accessing Credit for the First Time, at the 2023 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassadors Awards, held on Friday, in Lagos.

Unlike most other financial institutions, who only give loans to customers with

credit history, LivingTrust was singled out for its innovative credit origination system, which enables it to avail credit to MSMEs who are first time borrowers, while still ensuring very low non-performing loan ratio.

According to DBN, Livingtrust Bank’s excellent performance in this area has offered tremendous boost to the attainment of its (DBN’s) core objective to reach MSMEs, who would have been unqualified for loan due to lack of credit history.

The bank in a statement by its Managing Director, Dr Adekunle Adewole, thanked DBN for recognising its unique efforts in supporting the growth

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˾ 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, DECEMBER 1, 2023

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MARKET NEWS

ETI Declares N262.17bn PBT, N20.7tn Total Assets

KayodeTokede

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), yesterday announced that it crossed the N20trillion in total assets as of nine ended September 30, 2023 audited results posted on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) The pan-African financial institution announced N20.7trillion ($26.6billion) total assets as of September 30, 2023, representing

an increase of 55 per cent from N13.37trillion ($29 billion) reported in 2022 full financial year.

The growth in total assets is driven by N14.93trillion ($19.21billion) deposits from customers, representing an increase of 56 per cent from N9.6trillion ($20.8billion) reported in 2022 financial year and N7.9trillion ($10.16billion) loans and advances to customers as of September 30, 2023, an increase of 56 per cent from N5.07trillion

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

($ 11billion) reported in 2022 financial year.

The group closed nine months of 2023 with N262.17billion ($450million) profit before tax, representing an increase of 55 per cent from N168.89billion ($400.73million) reported in nine months of 2022.

Also, it announced N182.92billion ($313.97million) profit, an increase of 56 per cent from N117.4billion ($278.9mil-

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

QUANTITY TRADED

liion) reported in nine months of 2022.

About N1.21trillion ($2.08billion) gross earnings in nine months of 2023 from N761.3billion ($1.82billion) reported in nine months of 2022 impacted on profit generation in the period under review.

The CEO of Ecobank Group, Jeremy Awori in a statement said: “Ecobank generated profit before tax of $450million for the

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S O F

nine months to September, an increase of 55per cent in constant currency from the prior ear.

“Moreover, we delivered profits attributable to ETI shareholders of $224million, which translated to a return on tangible shareholders’ equity of 25.6 per cent on the back of a strong revenue growth of 34 per cent in constant currency and an improved cost-to-income ratio of 53.7 per cent.

“We achieved these results

despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, which demonstrates the resilience of our diversified business model.

“I am pleased to announce that we have completed our Growth, Transformation and Returns (GTR) strategy. True customer orientation is the core of our GTR strategy, meaning we will always focus our energies and resources on delivering great products and services.

N OV E M B E R / 3 0 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023

NEWS

ABIODUN'S BUDGET OF SUSTAINED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT… Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun presenting a copy of this year's Appropriation Bill tagged "Budget of Sustained Growth and Development," before the state House of Assembly on Thursday

Senate: Alake’s Inexperience Has Created Cloudy Future for Mines, Solid Minerals Ministry Summons minister, chides him for disregarding invitations Threatens zero allocation in 2024 budget Seeks end to violence against women Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate, yesterday, said the relative inexperience being exhibited by the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, has created a cloudy future for the yet to be explored wealth of the ministry.

The upper chamber of the legislature, which summoned

Alake, to appear before its Committee on Solid Minerals next Wednesday, chided him for disregarding its invitation and threatened zero allocation in the 2024 budget.

In another development, the senate has called for an end to violence against women in the country, and urged the police to prosecute those found culpable

in gender-based violence (GBV).

Alake is expected to brief the senate committee on the federal government's work plan to develop the sector and block illegal mining.

The committee made the resolution, during its meeting and expressed dissatisfaction about the failure of the minister to appear before it

The panel said Alake usually gave excuses that he travelled with Tinubu, and expressed concerns that the minister had abandoned his primary duties of bringing the mining sector to international repute.

The committee, which threatened to give zero allocation to the ministry in the2024 fiscal year, if the

Abiodun Visits Home of Slain Director, Promises Full Responsibility for Wife, Children James Sowole in Abeokuta Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that his administration would take full responsibility for the welfare and wellbeing of the family left behind by the slain Director of Finance and Administration in the Governor's Office, Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi.

Abiodun also assured the family of the slain director and people of the state that the perpetrators behind the killing will be caught and brought to justice.

The governor stated this when he paid a visit to the home of the late director, who was attacked on Wednesday within

the Abeokuta metropolis while on official assignment.

An emotional Governor Abiodun described the deceased as diligent, hardworking, honest and God fearing.

He said that the Governor's Office and the entire state workforce have been devastated by the killing, assuring that everything possible will be done to bring the perpetrators to justice.

He said: "How could we have imagined yesterday morning that we would be here this morning condoling with this family?

"We are all heavily burdened, the pain is not describable. He left us asking questions, since yesterday afternoon.

"Taiwo was very hardworking, very dedicated, diligent, honest, unassuming, a man who loved God, who served God and was very humble. He was very conscientious.

"Let me assure you that we will do everything within my power to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book.

"I will not leave any stone unturned until these criminals are arrested and dealt with; that much I also promise.

"I want to assure the members of his family, particularly his wife and children, that we will not leave you.

"We will take full responsibility for your welfare and for your wellbeing."

He noted that the death of Oyekanmi was a painful reminder that life is a journey, adding that the deceased lived a life of impact, touched everybody, and is well respected by everyone.

Responding on behalf of the family of the deceased his younger brother, Tayo Oyekanmi thanked the governor for the visit even as he said destiny has been shattered, dreams cut short, not only in the family, but the entire Ifonyintedo Community in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.

He urged the governor to unravel the people behind the killing in no distant time to assuage the pains of the family.

Minister failed to amend his ways, advised him to start responding to the invitations of the committee.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sampson Ekong, who issued the summon at the meeting, maintained that his panel would ensure the right legal frameworks that would bring a positive turn around of the sector.

Ekong pointed out that accountability and transparency would be the watch word of the Committee.

He noted that the Bitumen bill sent to the Committee would be expeditiously processed and presented to the Senate for passage and onward transition to the President for assent.

"The Nigerian solid minerals and extractive industry is very vast and grossly under-taped.

God in his unquestionable benevolence, has blessed Nigeria with huge mineral deposits.

"However, a number of factors have continued to hamper the sector. The sector has the potential of contributing significantly to our economy," he said.

Ekong also pointed out that the 2021 contributions of the solid minerals sector to Nigeria's GDP stood at 0.63 per cent.

Meanwhile, the senate resolution on gender-based

violence followed a motion sponsored by Ireti Kingibe, senator representing federal capital territory (FCT), and 16 other senators.

The motion was to commemorate the 16 days of activism against GBV celebrated by the UN every year.

While moving her motion, Kingibe, who said GBV was a “pervasive problem worldwide,” added that, “Women are vulnerable and are at risk. More is needed to ensure that women live and are free of violence. The fatalities from GBV are more than 1,000.”

On her part, Natasha AkpotiUduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, said women have also suffered in the hands of women, saying, “Nigerian women and the world have suffered in the hands of not just men but women and in various organisations. I support the call for a stop to the violence.”

Adams Oshiomhole, who is representing Edo north, said there should be stiff penalties for GBV offenders, and contended that, “I think we need to review the laws that have to do with violence against women. We need to make the penalties stiffer.”

The motion was adopted after it was put to a vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Oyebanji: My Govt Will Resist Human Rights Abuses, Social Injustice Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has vowed to consistently reinforce the fight against human rights abuses and all forms of social injustices in the state to create an egalitarian society devoid of unwarranted class differences.

Oyebanji said his commitment to the entrenchment of social

justice made him place high premium on provision of various legal and institutional supports for the vulnerable to entrench economic and social balancing in the system.

The governor said this in Ikogosi Resort Centre, yesterday, while flagging off a two-day workshop for social work practitioners in Ekiti, organised by the office of the First Lady and

Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Speaking on the theme of the programme: “Enhancing Effective Social Work Practice in Ekiti State,” a programme signposting the flagship of activities marking the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the governor posited that the initiative further underscored his administration's

focus on protection of the rights of women, children and the vulnerable segments of the population.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, applauded the social workers in the state for being supportive of government to tame human rights infringements and gender imbalancing.

The governor, said the

programme would further equip the social workers with better skills to be able to discharge their duties to the target population.

He also said social work was a profession devoted to helping vulnerable and communities’ work through challenges they face, assuring the people that his government would continually provide the workers with necessary social and legal

instruments that would ease their humanitarian jobs.

He explained that his government had continued to open the vistas of partnership with private individuals and corporate organisations in the running of government, charging the practitioners to continually support his government to achieve the task of ridding Ekiti of injustice.

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NEWS

COURTESY VISIT BY ASSOCIATION OF COMPUTER VILLAGE TECHNOLOGY MERCHANTS… L-R: Executive Director, Mortgage Bank PLC, Mr. Simon Ogwu; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology Mr. James Sule; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; President, Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants of Nigeria, Prince Anthony Nwakeze and Managing Director, Nonny Computers, Madam Nnadi Margret, during the courtesy visit by the Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants of Nigeria, Ikeja, Lagos, to the Minister in Abuja...yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Obi: Demolition of Personal Property Heaping More Hardship on Citizens Says there’s poverty in the land Ohanaeze alleges anti Igbo-campaign in Lagos Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has cautioned against demolitions of private property in the country by the federal and state governments, reminding them that there was poverty in the country.

Similarly, an Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze, has expressed concerned over what it described as re-emerging negative campaign against the Igbo living in Lagos and other parts of the country.

There has been threats of demolition of private properties by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Also, some state governments, particularly those of Lagos and Kano, had embarked on demolition of buildings whose developers allegedly contravened environmental laws and building plans.

In Lagos, the state government and the Federal Housing Authority demolished some buildings in Lekki, Ikota, Ajao estate, FESTAC, Abule Ado and other parts of the state.

The demolished buildings were said

Collective Effort Needed to Stop Nigeria’s Economic Challenge, Says ASDIR Michael Olugbode in Abuja The African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR) has said that the collective efforts of all was needed to achieve meaningful economic growth in Nigeria, insisting that without this Nigeria’s economy would continue to witness hiccups.

The Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive of ASDIR, Dr Tunji Asaolu, gave the advice at the 2023 annual public lecture series, induction and conferment of honorary doctorate degree ceremony organised in Abuja by the school.

Asaolu, who is also the Deputy Secretary General, African Affairs, International Society of Diplomats (ISD), said the call had become imperative in order to ensure sustainable progress in the country.

The event, which marked the third edition, had as its theme: “The Political Economy of Nation Building: The World's Unfinished Business”.

Asaolu said: “To support government efforts to achieve its purpose of representing the people, is the reason we looked at perceived gaps in terms of economic crisis to chart a way forward.

“Critically, we looked at some ways we can be of help in terms of recommending solutions to perceived economic challenges. Then we came up with a topic centered on the political economy of nation building.

“We considered this topic as unfinished business because we will continue to be experiencing economic challenges if all hands are not on deck to tackle issues bordering inequality, socioeconomic crisis, poverty and insecurity.”

He explained that the honorary degrees and fellowship awards were carefully conferred on specific persons based on proven track record of excellence in the society.

He mentioned that the awards, which cut across various fields of endeavour, were conferred through collaboration with Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom, that has the right of conferment.

In his remarks, Chairman, Governing Board of ASDIR, Prof Jonathan Aremu, said the programme was apt, because it will help to boost the capacity of citizens in the area of diplomacy.

He said: “This programme has become necessary for diplomats like those inducted today, to enable them develop the the know-how about best practices and to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on diplomacy.

“What the school is doing is to position the graduates to contribute meaningfully to government efforts centered on diplomatic activities and ensure Nigeria performs excellently, among the committee of developed nations.

to have obstructed water drainage channels and contravened building plans.

On Wednesday, the Lagos government debunked allegations that the demolition exercise in the state was targeted at a particular ethnic group.

It was against this background that Obi, in a statement yesterday, said the demolition exercise was “heaping” more hardship on “hapless citizens, who are already battling with multi-dimensional poverty.”

The former governor of Anambra State said it was not the time to embark on a demolition spree given the prevailing economic hardship across the country.

“Even if there are some violations as the governments are claiming, this critical time is not auspicious for such

an exercise knowing the hardship in the land and the consequences it will have on the poor, who are struggling to make ends meet with their little resources.

“The poor in our midst who are putting their meagre resources are going through very severe financial stress that should not be multiplied further. In some cases, the properties being demolished are the lifetime savings and retirement abodes of the aged and incapacitated.

“My appeal, therefore, is for the respective governments involved in this act to consider the hardship in the country and try to put a human face to their actions. While we should enforce sensible regulations, all actions of the government must show compassion,” Obi stressed.

Meanwhile, the Ohanaeze,

which assured President Bola Tinubu of its support now that the Supreme Court has ruled in his favour, said the actions of the Lagos State government seemed to give credence to an anti-Igbo message currently circulating on the social media.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, elder statesman and President of OHANEZE, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said from all indications, the anti-Igbo campaign was uncalled for and did reflect the reality on ground.

As part of the means of cushioning the effect of economic difficulties, he said Ohanaeze would set up a relief agency that would support Igbo men and women, who may be distressed or suffer loses due to crisis in the future.

According to him, “Rather than accuse the Igbo of domination, they should be commended for living the dream of one Nigeria and investing their energies and resources towards developing places that are not their home base.”

Harping on the ongoing demolition of buildings along drainage lines in Lagos, Iwuanyanwu said he has carried out investigation on what has happened, and that there was doubt that some of the properties affected by the demolition might have flouted the laws.

"I appeal to the Government of Lagos State to intervene and ensure that justice is done. If any body fails to obey the laws of the Land, the Igbo leadership will never support misconduct from any Igboman anywhere they live.

I Will Not Fail Rivers People, Fubara Assures Lauds Kalabari unity at King Princewill's burial Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reassured that he will not fail Rivers people as long as he remains the governor of the state with support from the people.

Governor Fubara said his administration is determined to enthrone an enviable Rivers State that satisfies the dreams and aspirations of all residents.

The governor stated this yesterday in his remarks at the funeral service in honour of late King Theophilus J.T. Princewill, the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom, who was laid to rest at his Buguma Town, Asari Toru Local Government Area.

Speaking on the modus to achieve development in the state, the governor charged all residents to embrace peace, exhibit mutual harmony among themselves and meaningfully contribute to achieve designated developmental activities that will eventually benefit the state.

Fubara who thanked the wife of

the former president, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, representatives of the Bayelsa State government and other prominent dignitaries for gracing the event in their numbers, lauded the Kalabari people and Ijaws for the show of unity at the event.

His words: "Let me on behalf of the government and the wonderful people of Kalabari Kingdom welcome you all to this event. As a matter of fact, kings don't die they transit to become ancestors. So we are here to lead our monarch to join his ancestors while he waits for us, we are not coming now though.

"Let me thank the family for working together with the Kalabari ethnic group to see that this burial after years of waiting has finally come to fulfillment. I want to thank the Kalabari people for the cooperation given to every unit to ensure that this event is holding today as against every other prediction".

He further said: "We cannot achieve peace in an environment of chaos; we cannot grow our state to our aspiration where there is trouble. We can only advance to

that our dream state in a peaceful environment. So I urge every one of you to be peaceful.

It is important I say this - peace is the only instrument that can bring development. So I want to urge you, not just after the burial or the complete transition of our monarch you start fighting. Please, ensure peace even in the process that is going to commence after this moment.

Let me also assure you that we will continue to cooperate and support the Kalabari people. I want to thank every one of you, both the people on my side and the other side. We will all get there together as one. By the glory of God I will not fail Rivers people".

Speaking with THISDAY at the event, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections in the state, Tonye Cole said all the tribes in the country stood in solidarity on the unity of the state at the King's funeral.

Cole asserted "Today is extremely important for all Kalabaris, for all Ijaws. What you are seeing here is that the king of Kalabari is being buried. In the

crowd today, you see people from all parts of Kalabari Kingdom, Ijaw leaders and people from all tribes of Nigeria standing in solidarity on the unity of Rivers today.

On his part, a former presidential aspirant under the APC, Tein Jack-Rich, noted that the event united the people of the Niger Delta region.

According to Jack-Rich, "The most important action point including myself is taking advantage of the celebration to unite our dear Kalabari people, our dear Rivers State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

"The king we are all here to celebrate represented the unity of the people. He was a father to all of us, he encouraged the youths, all cultural diversities given his platform to showcase the value they represent".

The Intercontinental Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge, who represented the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, admonished the people on the topic: "Don't Wait Until You're Late".

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NEWS

NAFRC'S COURTESY VISIT TO MOUKA...

L-R: Head, Human Resource and Admin., Mouka Limited, Ifeoma Okoruen; Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Herbert Ameshinlola; Chief Commercial Officer, Mouka Limited, Dimeji Osingunwa and Major General Emmanuel Anaryu, during a courtesy visit of the commandant and his team to Mouka Limited’s Head Office in Lagos last Tuesday

We’ve Found Political Solution to Ondo Crisis, Speaker Tells A'Court, Withdraws Suit Alex Enumah in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, yesterday, told the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, that parties had reached a "political solution" to the crisis of leadership rocking the state, hence his withdrawal of the appeal against the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

This was as an Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure, the state capital, yesterday, restrained the state government from inaugurating Caretaker committee for the newly created 33 Local Development Council

Areas (LCDAs) and the 18 Local Government Areas of the state .

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Executive Council, yesterday, after several months, held its meeting after the political crisis among members was resolved and presided over by the deputy governor.

The deputy governor had dragged the state assembly, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and others to court over moves to remove him from office following alleged acts of gross misconducts.

He however, secured an interim order from the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, restraining the assembly from initiating impeachment proceedings against him.

But, the assembly, citing lack of jurisdiction, appealed the order of the court and prayed it to set aside the order of the Federal High Court.

Thus, at the resumed hearing on Monday, the speaker, represented by Dr Remi Olatubora, SAN, informed the court that he had the authority of his client to withdraw the appeal.

"Parties to this dispute have found political solution to the problem. They have sign an Armistice," he said, adding: "On behalf of my client, we are here to enforce our own part of the armistice to withdraw the appeal."

The senior lawyer informed the three-member panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani that the motion

was "in the interest of peace and in furtherance of the agreement to withdraw the appeal."

According to Olatubora, the instruction to withdraw the appeal was given to him on November 29, while the Notice of Withdrawal was filed November 30.

In their separate responses, lawyers to the respondents who confirmed receipts of the motion for withdrawal, however told the appellate court that they were not opposed to the withdrawal.

In a short ruling, Justice Tsammani held that, "the appeal having been withdrawn, is hereby dismissed.”

Meanwhile, the assembly, had

Tuesday confirmed the appointment of interim management committee chairmen and vice chairmen for the 18 local governments areas and newly created 33 Local council development areas of the state.

Granting a prayer for interlocutory injunction by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the court restrained the inauguration of any person or persons as caretaker committee in any local government or local council development area pending the determination of the substantive suit.

In a suit NO: AK/390/2023, the party through its lawyer, Oluseye Olujimi, sought "an Order of Interim Injunction

restraining the defendants from inaugurating any person or persons not democratically elected as member(s) of caretaker committees to administer the affairs of Local government councils and local council development areas in Ondo State pending the determination of the interlocutory Injunction in this suit.”

Joined as defendants in the order were Ondo State Governor, the State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the Assembly and Attorney General of the state.

The Presiding Judge, Yemi Fasanmi, after hearing Counsel to the Claimant ordered that the application was granted as prayed.

NASS BEGINS DEBATE ON TINUBU’S N27.5TN BUDGET WITH DETAILS OF FISCAL DOCUMENT the proposals in the budget were laudable and would enhance the lives of citizens.

Meanwhile, senators during their contributions to the debate, praised Tinubu for the budget proposals, but sought the allocation of capital projects to their constituencies, which they claimed were neglected by the federal government.

"Convert palliatives to capital projects and we will sort ourselves out. Humanitarian and palliatives be converted to roads construction," said Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi).

House Commences Consideration of 2024 Budget Also, the House of Representatives has commenced debate on the general principle of the 2024 appropriation bill.

At plenary yesterday, lawmakers commended the president for paying special attention to areas of education, healthcare, security, infrastructural development, diversification of the economy, and employment generation.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, House leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbare, said the budget was all about how to make the nation better so that, “those coming behind us will not curse us in the grave.”

He commended the President for capturing the current global issues in his budget speech, adding that the problems around the world have direct impact on Nigerians.

The House Leader added that the appropriation bill drew attention to the Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing the country to where the country was coming from and where it was headed.

He recalled that before the last Assembly passed the Secondary Education Commission bill which was signed into law, Secondary Schools in the country were marred by infrastructural decay.

Ihonvbare, pointed out that this would now be a thing of the past

with the coming into existence of the Commission which has been accommodated in the 2024 budget.

In his submission, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, said the budget was the foundation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, adding that the work of the parliament would either make or mar the implementation.

He stressed that the President’s presentation was a clear testimony that this was not the time to borrow money to fund personal expenditure and asked the parliament to provide robust oversight, saying if that was not done, the expectations of the Nigerian people will not be met.

Contributing, the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Kumo said the budget points the nation towards stability and a clear indication that the President meant well for the country and was ready to put the country back on track.

He noted that the function of any government was to protect the lives and property of its citizens which he said had adequately been taken care of in the 2024 budget presentation by the President and asked members to support the budget.

On his part, Hon. Ahmed Jaha, said capital allocation and contribution to the development fund of the nation was commendable.

He stressed that as a developing nation, providing a substantial amount of money in the budget showed the seriousness of the government about investing in development projects.

Jaha, added that the decision of the President to pay attention to the diversification of the economy was also commendable, saying it was time the country break away from its mono-economic nature and invest in other sectors like solid minerals, and agriculture.

Also, Hon. Stanley Adedeji, said the budget would move the nation forward, adding that members of the parliament have a responsibility to

ensure that it is well implemented.

Rewane: Nigerians Interested in Food Affordability, Not Budgetary Arithmetics Rewane has said Nigerians were not interested in budgetary arithmetics and mathematics until prices of foodstuffs like rice, bread and garri are reduced and affordable.

Rewane, who spoke on a television programme monitored in Abuja explained: “In the end, budgetary arithmetics, budgetary mathematics in economics, is of

no use to anybody except when by this time in six months’ time, if we are buying rice at N40,000 a bag rather than N60,000 a bag, if we are buying bread at N900 a big loaf instead of N1,300, which we are doing today and if we are buying garri at lower prices.

“The people are not interested in whether the budget is balanced or what the debt is. How does it (the budget) affect their day-to-day livelihood? That is the key thing.”

Rewane, while analysing the budget estimates argued that the people were not interested in figures but want to feel the impact of government’s economic policies,

saying many citizens were under pressure.

According to him, “As you know, prices are up and people are under tremendous pressure,” adding that the rate of poverty in the country is driving people mad.

“You will notice that on the streets of Lagos in particular, the number of lunatics has increased and part of it is driven by poverty. There are many mental health issues. People are pushed to the wall. Some of them walk across the road, even in moving traffic.

“People need to feel the impact.

The impact is not going to be felt because of 10 or 12 per cent of

GDP, that is, N27 trillion; it has to be more. Where is the money going to come from?

“It’s going to come from investors and investors are going to come here when they are sure that their money's safe and the environment is clean, and they can look forward to a brighter future.”

Rewane, urged the federal government to be honest with Nigerians about the economic realities, saying that “honesty is in short supply.”

He said, “You can fake news, but you can’t fake prosperity,” adding that Nigerians must stop pretending that they are happy.

NERC, STAKEHOLDERS SEEK DEDICATED FUNDING TO MEET MASSIVE INVESTMENT GAP IN POWER of the 2023 Electricity Act. Adelabu, who was represented by Director, Transmission, at the Ministry of Power, Emmanuel Nosike, said the Act was a significant part of Nigeria’s energy roadmap, as it clearly signified the present administration’s commitment to the transformation of the power sector.

Adelabu stated, “Taking all the above into consideration, especially with the liberalisation of the sector, Nigerians will soon start to experience the objective that led to the Act, which is improved power supply across the country.

“On a final note, I would like to emphasise the role of the media in terms of communication and advocacy.

“For the sector to progress we must advocate against power theft, vandalism and educate consumers against sabotage.

“The financial liquidity in the NESI is dependent on customers paying for electricity consumed.”

The minister stated that the Electricity Act had liberalised electricity generation, transmission and distribution and now empowered states, organisations and even individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

He said under the Act, state governments could now issue licences to private investors to operate power plants and mini-grids within the states, while investors could also obtain licences for generation, transmission, system operations, trading, distribution and supply.

According to him, “The Act also encourages the integration of renewable energy technologies into the existing grid system while licensees are expected to meet renewable energy obligations as stipulated by NERC. “Among others, the Act also introduced mechanism for incentives for investment in the sector. Such incentives include feed-in-tariffs, which guarantees a fixed price for renewable energy fed into the grid and tax incentives for investors.

“In order to ensure a level playing field for all players in the sector and prevent anti-competitive practices, the Act also provides clear guidelines for the licensing, monitoring and supervision for market participants.

“Furthermore, the Act guarantees assets protection by allowing investors to sell or transfer their undertakings in the event of revocation of licenses or compensation in the event of takeover of such undertakings.

“Therefore, when we consider the totality of the re-enacted electricity Act, it has changed the entire landscape of the power sector.”

Adelabu said the liberalisation of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution implied that everyone involved in the power sector value chain must contribute meaningfully to ensure the successes envisaged in the enactment of the Act. The minister said a key part of the 2023 Electricity Act was the development of the Integrated National Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan.

He stressed that the ministry was working with the National Council on Power (NCP) to develop and send the implementation strategy to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

Adelabu promised to focus on solar energy in the North, mini hydro power plants in the Middle Belt and South-west, hybridised with solar, while the emphasis in the coastal states will be wind energy utilisation.

Earlier in his presentation, Chairman of PCAN, Mr. Obas Esiedesa, said the workshop, from inception three years ago, was intended to create a platform for

building the capacity of journalists covering the power sector.

According to Esiedesa, the Electricity Act 2023 has prescribed far-reaching changes to how the sector has been governed in the past, especially the devolution of power to the states.

Head of Metering and Laboratory Services Department, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Gideon Fatumbi, who spoke on the need to have standard quality meters in the industry, said information obtained from meters could be used for energy budget planning and tracking.

Fatumbi listed the features of a good metering system to include electricity meter quality and accuracy, complying with the requirements and specifications of Nigeria Metering Code, and ability of the metering system to deal with several technical energy theft challenges.

Others who made presentations at the technical sessions included General Manager, Planning, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Head, Commercial Department, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Ajah Okoro.

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NEWS

LAUNCH OF PROVIDUSBANK AMPHI CARD FOR SMES...

L-R: Head, Card Business, ProvidusBank, Lanre Ogundare; Deputy Managing Director, ProvidusBank,Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo; General Manager, Mastercard, Ebehijie Momoh; Managing Director/CEO, Providusbank, Walter Akpani; Vice President, Customer Solutions, Indian Ocean Islands, East and West Africa, Kari Tukur; Executive Director/CFO, Deoye Ojuroye; and Group Head, E-business, at the launch of ProvidusBank Amphi Card for SMEs and retail businesses, in Lagos… yesterday

UNAIDS: Nigeria Recorded 64% Increase in HIV Treatment Through Community-based Intervention Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja A new report by the United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS (UNAID) has shown how programmes delivered by community-based organisations in Nigeria gave rise to a 64 per cent increase in access to HIV treatment, thus doubling the HIV prevention service utilisation.

The report also indicated the critical role communities play, and how underfunding and harmful barriers are holding back the lifesaving work of communitybased organisations and obstructing the end of AIDS. According a statement issued by UNAIDS to mark the World AIDS Day, the body urged governments across the world to unleash the power of grassroots communities across the world to lead the fight to end AIDS. "A new report launched today

by UNAIDS, ‘Let Communities Lead’, shows that AIDS can be ended as a public health threat by

2030, but only if communities on the frontlines get the full support they need from governments and donors.

“Communities across the world have shown that they are ready, willing and able to lead the way. But they need the barriers obstructing their work to be pulled down, and they need to be properly resourced.

“Too often, communities are treated by decision-makers as problems to be managed, instead of being recognised and supported as leaders. Communities are not in the way, they light the way to the end of AIDS,” Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, said.

The report which was launched in London during a World AIDS Day event organised by the civil society organization STOPAIDS, Byanyina said, shows how communities have been the driving force for progress.

UNAIDS further said that the report showed that investing in community-led HIV programmes delivers transformational benefits.

COP28: NASENI EVC, Halilu to Speak On Home-grown Technologies for Rural Electrification in Dubai The Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu is set to detail the agency’s plans and strategies for rural electrification in Nigeria using home-grown technologies.

He is scheduled to deliver opening remarks and also to participate at a panel session titled: ‘‘Advancing Sustainable Rural Electrification through Home-grown Technologies.’’

The COP28 also referred to as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) will hold from November 30 to December 12, 2023, and is intended for governments to agree on policies to limit global temperature rises and adapt to impacts associated with climate change.

The event will be graced by government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners, civil society organizations, academics and media.

Halilu, during the panel session, to be moderated by Al Amin Idris, CEO of Interface Africa,

will speak alongside Gunther Beger, Managing Director of the Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, UNIDO; Gov Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor of Niger State, Nigeria; and Miklós Veszprémi, Climate & Sustainability Expert Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

The NASENI boss is expected to discuss the roles which NASENI currently is playing, back home, to promote development and adoption of home-grown technologies for rural electrification in Nigeria , Director of Information NASENI, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said in a statement.

In September, NASENI and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) agreed to work together to deploy NASENI solar resources and other renewable energy technologies to increase electricity supply to Nigeria’s rural areas.

Also in November, the Family Homes Funds Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the agency to promote modern and sustainable building designs for affordable housing across Nigeria.

'It sets out how programmes delivered by community-based organizations in Nigeria were associated with a 64 per cent increase in access to HIV treatment, a doubling of the likelihood of HIV prevention service utilisation, and a four-fold increase in consistent condom use among people at risk

of HIV. “It also notes how, among sex workers reached by a package of peer-based services in the United Republic of Tanzania, the HIV incidence rate was reduced to below half (5 per cent vs 10.4 per cent),” he stated.

On his part, Executive Director

of the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition, Solange Baptiste, said that in the 2021 Political Declaration on ending AIDS, United Nations member states recognised the critical role communities play in HIV service delivery, particularly to people most at risk of HIV.

"However, whereas in 2012, when over 31 per cent of HIV funding was channelled through civil society organisations, 10 years later, in 2021, only 20 per cent of funding for HIV was available—an unprecedented backsliding in commitments which has cost and is continuing to cost lives," Baptiste said.

Abiodun Presents N703bn Budget Proposal to State Assembly Bauchi governor proposes N300bn

James Sowole in Abeokuta The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N703.02 billion to the State House of Assembly at the Assembly complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The budget proposal christened “Budget of Sustained Growth And Development,” according to Abiodun, was to sustain the ISEYA mantra.

Addressing the lawmakers, the governor said N415 billion was estimated as capital expenditure, while N287 billion was earmarked as recurrent expenditure.

According to Abiodun, the recurrent expenditure comprised the personnel costs of N95.05 billion; Consolidated Revenue Cost of N27.35 billion, Public Debt Charge of N59.09 billion and Overhead Cost of N105.88 billion.

The key capital projects of N415.66 billion included light up projects and hosting of the 2024 Ogun National Sports Festival.

Other proposed capital projects were in the transport sector, road and housing construction in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Abiodun disclosed that the revenue composition included Ogun State

Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) with an estimate of N100.81 billion and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) estimated at N139.73 billion totalling N240.54 billion.

“By this, we will achieve an IGR to GDP ratio of 4.1 per cent,” he said.

He said the Statutory Allocation from the federal government was expected to be N182.05 billion and enjoined the lawmakers to give the bill accelerated consideration.

To ensure speedy passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill, the governor said he had directed all commissioners, accounting officers, and heads of agencies to be personally available for the budget defence.

He added: "We are mindful of the fact that these are indeed hard times. That notwithstanding, let me assure our people that we will put our words into action in our development agenda for the state.

"We will leave no one in doubt about our genuine intentions to work for the development of our dear state. I strongly believe that by God's will, with determination and collective effort, we shall succeed in the desire to sustain the growth of our dear state."

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State

Governor, Bala Mohammed has presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of over N300.2 billion before the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

This followed approval of the budget by the State Executive Council during it extraordinary meeting held at Government House Bauchi.

Presenting the document tagged ‘’Budget of consolidation and Renewed Focus" on the floor of the assembly on Mohammed said that it was was made up of recurrent expenditure of N121,341,193,343.11, representing 40.4 per cent and capital expenditure of the sum of N178,878,512,477.49, representing 59.6 per cent.

According to the governor, the 2024 proposed budget is 48.2 per cent higher than the budget for 2023, stressing that the increase was as a result of increase in revenue arising from the subsidy removal and the upward inflationary trends associated with the depreciating state of the local currency.

"This implies an increase in prices upon which our projects and programmes will be implemented.

The adoption of this conservative approach is to ensure that projects and programmes captured have

appropriate cost.

“The 2024 budget has been predicated on the assumptions of an oil production projection of 1.78 million barrels per day; a bench mark oil price of 73.96 US dollars per barrel; an exchange rate of N700 to the US dollar; an improved level of revenue accruals into the Federation Account arising from oil subsidy removal; and an improved and efficient system of internally generated revenue collection.

"Government has in the course of the preparation of the budget taken the following measures into consideration which include ensuring the completion of ongoing projects, proposing new projects only on the basis of critical need and the immediate impact they would make,” he stated.

The governor solicited for the continuous support of the 10th Assembly towards formulation and implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving the quality of lives of the citizens.

Speaking after receiving the budget, Speaker of the State Assembly, Babayo Akuyam, who commended the governor for his commitment to transforming the state, assured of speedy passage of the appropriation bill.

House Approves N61.55bn FCT Supplementary Budget Juliet Akoje in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday approved N61.55 billion Federal Capital Territory (FCT) supplementary budget for the financial year ending December 31, 2023.

The approval followed the passage of the 2023 supplementary appropriation bill for the FCT through third reading during

plenary on Thursday.

This was as the House considered the report of House Committee on FCT chaired by Hon. Aliyu Betara on a bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Federal Capital Territory Administration's (FCTA) Statutory Revenue Fund for the total sum of N61, 553, 778, 260.

The total approved sum, N12.90 billion is for overhead costs

(recurrent expenditure) while the balance of N48.65 billion is for capital projects.

The FCT administration was allocated N2.2 billion, FCT Human Resources Management Department N3.3 billion, Department of Information and Communication N2.8 billion and Legal Secretariat N1billion from the overhead costs.

However, others are Facilities Maintenance and Management

Department - N1.6 billion, Abuja Environmental Protection Board N1.5 billion and Satellite Towns Development Department N500 million.

The capital expenditure engineering services was appropriated N30.54 billion, Public Building (FCDA)-N15.11 billion and Bus Rapid Transit and Transport Regulations (BRT&TR), N3 billion.

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FOR A BETTER JUDICIAL REFORMS…

L-R: Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani; Resident Electoral Commissioner, Benue State, Prof. Sam Egwu; Country Director, MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima; Special Adviser to Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) Chairman, Prof. Muhammed Kuna; Senior Fellow, Centre for Democracy and Development, Prof.

Jubrin Ibrahim, and Pro-Democracy Advocate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore , at a national seminar organised by CISLAC on judicial reforms in Lagos…yesterday

We Won’t Tolerate Sabotage of Drug war, Marwa Warns MichaelOlugbodeinAbuja

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law EnforcementAgency (NDLEA), Brig.

Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has warned that there would be no room for internal sabotage in the renewed war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Marwa gave the warning yesterday

in his remarks at the passing out ceremony of additional 2,500 cadets of Senior Officers Basic Course 16 at the NDLEA Academy, Jos. The anti-narcotics czar, while reminding the gathering that the ceremony completed the addition of 5,000 personnel to the NDLEA workforce, charged the graduates to make their impact felt.

He said that within the last 30

House Committee Vows to Revive FERMA for Roads Facelift JulietAkojeinAbuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) yesterday promised to revive the agency to meet the needs of Nigerians.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Aderemi Oseni said this at an interactive session with the management of FERMA in Abuja.

Oseni noted that the conditions of roads in the country have reached a deplorable state, resulting in untold hardship for Nigerians, hampering economic growth, and tarnishing the nation’s image.

He said: “The image of FERMA

in the eyes of the public is one of inefficiency, corruption, and ineptitude.

The aim of the committee is to rejuvenate, reposition, and redefine the agency in order to effectively fulfill its mandate.

“This is a reality we cannot ignore and thus a perception that must be changed, and it is our duty as representatives of the people to take decisive actions to address this issue and ensure that FERMA becomes a beacon of hope for Nigerians. Our responsibility as the House Committee on FERMAis to uphold this principle by working tirelessly to improve the state of our roads, ensuring the safety and convenience of our citizens.

years, the world of illicit drugs had become complex and more devastating to society, and the dynamics of the Nigerian drug situation had become more dire, noting that that was why the 2018

Media practitioners across the country have been urged to take ownership of the Nigerian brand by being strategic in the discharge of their roles as members of the fourth estate of the realm.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Kwara State Governor, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, made this call in Ilorin during the grand finale of the 2023 Annual Press Week of the Correspondent’s Chapel of

the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Ajakaye said in his address as the keynote speaker on Role of the Media in Nigeria Soft Power Conundrum that “our population is surging every day; yet we have limited resources to get everything we need, especially human capital and foreign investments in our economy.

“But we cannot attract the right investments and human capital if we do not project Nigeria as safe and right for all.

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Residents of Iyiowa Odekpe town in Ogbaru Local Government Area have protested the destruction of their properties by indigenes of the town, over their resistance to be extorted through revenue collection.

The residents, who held a

Akinro; Victor Ochei; Pastor Ayodele Evans Usengbuwa; Pastor Jane Pela (Founder, Afro Columbia Christ School) and Engr. Anthony Ufuoma Ekpruke.

Others are: Samson Ivovi; Sam Egube; Saliu Osifuemhe Ahmed; Osa Aiwerioghene; Felix A. Ayejunikanwa and Kingsley Chukwuma.

A statement by Public Relations Officer(PRO), UBAA, Lagos Branch, Olugbenga PaulOsaro, said Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) is the Guest Speaker and Chief (Dr.) Paul O. Enebeli, the chairman.

agency. Having another batch of 5,000 officers to strengthen our workforce will assuredly give the needed impetus to the fight against the abuse and trafficking of illicit substances.”

peaceful protest at the Anambra State government house said they hail from various parts of the South-east and settled in Iyiowa Odekpe, but are surprised that despite the ownership of their properties in the area, the indigenes keep molesting and extorting them.

The leader of the protest, Dr.

Tony Chukwunoso Princewill, who spoke at the government house, said the indigenes invaded them last week Wednesday and destroyed buildings, cars, shops and wares worth millions.

“A total of 10 storey buildings and 30 vehicles were burnt down by the hoodlums. The hoodlums also inflicted bodily injuries to

residents during the attack. The problem stated when we refused to continue to pay multiple levies to them.

“In the lay-out we have over 10,000 stores and every quarter of the month we are forced to pay N10,000 mandatory levies to them. We pay N10,000 for every store.

AIG Charges Ekiti Police to Eschew Corrupt Practices Gbenga Sodeinde inAdoEkiti

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 17, comprises Ondo and Ekiti States, Mr. Adebowale William, has charged men and officer of Ekiti State Police Command to eschew corruption and always

be dedicated to their duty posts.

The Senior Police Officer equally stressed the needs for the police officers to always respond to distress calls from members of the public and build more relationship with the members of the public.

The AIG spoke in Ado-Ekiti yesterday while addressing men

and officers of the Ekiti State Police command as part of his familiarisation tour to the State.

Describing security as a joint task between the police and the people of the society, the AIG charged the officers to always try their best by reducing crime to the lowest level and safeguard the lives and

property of the residents of the State.

The zone 17 helmsman admonished the police to always maintain good relationship with other sister agencies and display high degree of maturity by respecting the right of the people and maintain high level of ethical practice in their dealings.

FG Plans to Rehabilitate Federal Roads in Kogi, Congratulates Ododo Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

construction/rehabilitation Kogi State.

in

He also outlined the modalities being explored to expedite the works without delay.

In a Statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor , Muhammed Onogwu, copy of which was made available to Journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

Umahi spoke during a visit to

him by the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, at his office in Mabushi, Abuja.

Governor Bello expressed gratitude to Senator Umahi for his support and solidarity, contributing to the victory of the Governor-elect in the November 11 governorship

election in Kogi State.

He also expressed confidence that Ododo, upon his inauguration on January 27, 2024, would continue to bring significant infrastructure development to Kogi State, enhancing the pride of the people and the All Progressives Congress(APC).

Fintiri Announces N10,000 Monthly Allowances as Palliative for Corps Members in Adamawa DajiSaniinYola

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has approved N10,000 monthly allowance as palliative to Corp members deployed to serve in the state beginning from January 2024.

Following the removal of fuel

subsidy earlier Fintiri had approved N10,000 additional monthly allowances and immediately implemented as palliative for all the civil servants in the state to cushion the hardships and sufferings ensued by the removal of subsidy.

The governor also bought 10

luxurious buses to addresses the challenges of transportation and bought food items to address the dearth food security in the state.

He has also built 2,000 housing units for civil servants in the current period of the subsidy removal.

Meanwhile, Fintiri made

announced yesterday while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of Batch ‘C’ Stream 2 Corps members deployed to Adamawa State at Damare NYSC orientation camp Girei LGA and approved the road construction from Damare to Borong for easy accessibility.

Group Urges Tinubu, Ganduje to Stop Taraba N’Assembly Members from Defecting to PDP Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

UNIBEN Alumni Body Honours 13 A group of concerned party University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA), Lagos branch, will on December 3, 2023 celebrate some of her best who have shown sterling achievements in their various callings and contributed immensely to the body.

They will be honoured at the branch’s Award of Excellence and Dinner Nite at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja with the theme “Exploring Our Nation’s Strength: A Rethink.”

Those to be honoured are: Nnaemeka Iheonu, Ifeoma Utah (General Manager, MTN); Kemi

and improve its systems to counter contemporary drug problems.

“Today’s passing out ceremony, coming after months of rigorous training, is one of the manifestations of the ongoing restructuring in the

Anambra Community Residents Protest Destruction of Properties by Indigenes

Hon. Minister of Works, Kwara Gov’s Aide Tasks Media The Dave Umahi, has disclosed that ministry has received express Practitioners on Reporting Policies hisapproval from the presidency to commence federal roads Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Drug Use Survey jolted Nigeria and sounded the alarm bell on the inevitability of arresting the situation.

He said: “Hence, some 35 months ago, in January 2021, NDLEA was handed a lifeline to rejig its structure

members under the umbrella of Progressive Frontliners has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi

Ganduje, to halt the moves by two Taraba state lawmakers in the National Assembly to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group noted that there was cause for strong suspicion that APC is about to lose two Taraba state National

Assembly seats to PDP within the next few weeks.

The President of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Adams, and the Secretary, John Matthias, in a statement jointly signed yesterday, expressed worry by allegations that both Senator David Jimkuta and Hon.

Mark Useni of the House Representatives were set to fulfi–ll a rumoured preelection agreement to defect to the PDP and support Governor Agbu Kefas, who garnered support for them during the pre-election court cases.

Japan: Key to Nigeria’s Diversification Lies in Entrepreneurial Drive of Youths

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

Japan has stated that the key to Nigeria’s diversification lies in the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive of Nigeria’s young people.

It stated that by investing in start-ups and fostering a culture of innovation, Nigeria can unlock its full potential and secure a brighter future for its people.

In his remarks at the closing of the second and the opening of the third Cohort organised by

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in Abuja yesterday, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, said Japan has a role to play

in supporting the Nigerian start-ups’ eco-system.

At the event, the country donated $38,000 to three Nigerian start-ups through the JICA, with a promise for more cooperation and support for Nigerian companies and start-ups.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

45

NEWS XTRA

NSCDC Launches Safe Schools Response Squad in Bauchi Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched Safe Schools Response Squad in Bauchi State as part of its efforts to provide safe and secured environment for teaching and learning in Nigerian schools.

THISDAY reported that the squad would work in close partnership with other security agencies to tame the spate of attacks on schools, students and teachers and ensure a robust secured learning environment.

Speaking during the launching of the squad on Wednesday, the NSCDC Bauchi State Commandant, Mr. Ilelaboye

Oyejide, said that the squad would provide security to universities, polytechnics, colleges and boarding schools in the state.

Oyejide said that the Safe Schools Declaration, which Federal Government ratified in 2018, mandated the NSCDC to coordinate the implementation of the scheme along with other state security agencies.

He said that the safe schools initiative would reduced armed conflict on education where incidences of bombing, kidnapping and killings of both students and teachers occurred.

He expressed confidence that smooth implementation of the initiative would reduce the

burden of out of school children which Bauchi State Government is currently grappling with through various policies and programmes.

Oyejide said other safety and security issues confronting students on various campuses such as sexual assault, child abuse and theft would also be tackled.

To effectively implement the initiative, the commandant said that emergency hotlines have been put in place to receive complaints and distress calls for prompt action to ensure safety of students and government structures across the 20 local governments of the state.

Lagos First Settlers’ Controversy will End Soon, Says Erelu Dosunmu

Wale Igbintade

The Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Abiola Dosunmu, has stated that the controversy over ownership of Lagos would soon be put to rest with her new initiative.

Dosunmu, who is also the Erelu Yeye Oodua, stated this while briefing journalists on the forthcoming inauguration of EYO Cultural Renaissance Centre which will hold on December 3, 2023, in Lagos.

Speaking on the controversy trailing the history of Lagos State original settlers, she said one of the reasons her foundation (Erelu Yeye Oodua Foundation)

instituted the new centre was to address such controversy relating to history, culture, art, lifestyle, and other traditions of Africans.

Erelu Dosunmu disclosed that very soon, the new centre, which is hinged on research, empowerment, education, training and promotion of culture and languages, would unveil a book to put end to the controversy on who owns Lagos.

She said the issue on who founded Lagos should be based on documented evidence and not hearsay or sentiment.

According to her, “First of all, have spoken about this issue several times. And you see, if

the people refuse to use common sense and do research and use relics for their argument, why do you waste your time.

“All these things that have been said, you have the evidence, relics and proofs for a whole lot of them, to be able to bring the story to the right perspective.

“Everybody is talking from different corners of their mouths, especially those who don’t even know anything about it.

“How old are they, how many of them who are kings today actually grew up within the environment where they could be impacted with the authentic history of their people.”

112 Katsina Varsity Students Bag First Class Degrees Francis Sardauna in Katsina A total of 4,365 students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, would be awarded various degrees during the 7th and 8th combined convocation of the institution.

The Vice Chancellor of FUDMA, Professor Armaya’u Bichi, disclosed yesterday at a pre-convocation press conference that 112 students graduated with first-class honours.

Bichi explained that 1,131 students have second-class upper, 2,476 have second-class lower, while 646 students would be awarded third-class degrees during the combined convocation ceremony.

He added that the institution would also be graduating 401 postgraduate students, “out of this figure, 11 have PhD, 168 have academic masters and 75 have professional masters, 149 have postgraduate diploma.”

The vice chancellor noted that “for the first time in the

history of the university, we are graduating 401 postgraduate students, out of this, 11 have PhD, 168

Kidnap: Court Jails Seriki Fulani for Life in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State High Court in Ilorin yesterday sent Seriki Fulani of Kwara, Mr. Usman Adamu, his brother and Mr. Gidaddo Idris to life imprisonment for conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping.

The convicts were said to have kidnapped one Abubakar Ahmad for which they collected N1 million ransom after spending 20 days in their custody.

The kidnap was in 2022.

The Kwara State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP,) Mr. Idowu Ayoola, brought the defendants before the court for conspiracy to kidnap and

Gov Eno Releases Another N1.5bn Gratuities for Retired Workers Okon Bassey in Uyo Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has directed the immediate release of an additional N1.5 billion for payment of outstanding gratuities of retired workers in the state.

Before the current release, N5.3 billion had been released by the governor for the payment of the benefits of retired workers in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, said that the directive was a further confirmation of the governor’s resolve to fulfill his pact with workers

have academic masters and 75 have professional masters, 149 have postgraduate diploma.”

in the state.

During his campaign, Governor Eno had promised to continue paying backlog of gratuity from where his immediate predecessor in office had stopped.

Few weeks ago, an additional one month salary, otherwise called 13th month salary, or “ Enomber” was approved for civil servants in the state for the Christmas.

He noted that Governor Eno has within six months in office, touched on the critical pillars of the ARISE Agenda, especially in rural development, education, healthcare, security and infrastructural maintenance.

kidnapping itself.

In her judgment yesterday, Justice Adenike Akinpelu, confirmed that the trio were all in agreement to have committed the offence, adding that their physical presence at the kidnap scene was immaterial.

According to her, the convicts “supposedly arrested their victim claiming that he was a kidnap suspect to extort money from him.

“I am not persuaded by the submissions of the counsel to the defendants to dismiss the two charges against them based on the fact that they were not at the scene of the incident.”

Akinpelu lamented that “it is saddening and disturbing that community leaders charged with the welfare of their subjects could because of the love of money breach the security of the same subjects.

“They are hereby found guilty as charged and are so convicted.”

After listening to the convicts allocutus plea, the judge said: “By Section 15 of the Lead state Anti Kidnapping Law, the court cannot exercise any discretion of leniency, so you are hereby sentence to life imprisonment.

“The sentence is to run concurrently,” she ruled, ordering that N600,000 be paid the victim of the abduction.”

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

WORLD OF ISLAM Court Restrains Ondo from Swearing

NEWS XTRA

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

in LCDAs, LGA Interim Committees AI and Islam: Navigating the Path

Fidelis David in Akure

An Ondo State High Court in Akure, the state capital, yesterday restrained the state government from inaugurating caretaker committee for the newly created 33 Local Development Council Areas (LCDAs) and the 18 local government areas of the state.

The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, had last Tuesday confirmed the appointment of interim management committee chairmen and vice chairmen for

the 18 local government areas and newly created 33 LCDAs in the state.

However, granting a prayer for interlocutory injunction by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the court restrained the inauguration of any person or persons as caretaker committee in any local government area or local council development area pending the determination of the substantive suit.

In a suit NO: AK/390/2023, the party through its lawyer, Oluseye Olujimi sought “an

Order of Interim Injunction restraining the defendants from inaugurating any person or persons not democratically elected as member(s) of caretaker committees to administer the affairs of local government councils and local council development areas in Ondo State pending the determination of the interlocutory injunction in this suit.

Joined as defendants in the suit are Ondo State governor, the state House of Assembly, the Speaker of the Assembly, and state Attorney General.

Between Progress and Ethics

By: Muhammad Mumtaz Ali/IslamiCity As technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), continues to advance, it sparks debates about its potential impact on humanity. While some see it as a solution to challenges such as diseases and disasters, others raise concerns about the ethical and societal implications.

This discussion delves into the intersections of AI, transhumanism, and Islamic perspectives, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach.

Delta Commends Heritage Energy on Community Devt The Role of AI in Modern Society The Delta state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has commended Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited ( HEOSL), operator of the OML 30, the joint venture partners and the Community Development Board ( CDB) for the quality of projects completed as the board marks one year in office.

Represented by the Oil and Gas Commissioner, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, the governor, who spoke in Ughelli North Local Government, lauded

HEOSL and the CDB” for these kind of projects completed and inaugurated that are in line with the Delta state Government’s MORE Agenda.”

According to the Governor, “if all oil mining lease community development boards and the oil companies are doing these kind of projects with their Corporate Social Responsibility, various host communities will experience peace and development.”

Governor Oborevwori

applauded HEOSL and the joint venture partners and the host communities for their cooperation and development and noted that government was elated with what they are doing.

The first Anniversary ceremony of the OML 30 CDB which held at its office in Ughelli was kicked off on Monday 27 November, 2023 with the inauguration of completed projects and the inspection of others ongoing across the clusters that make up the oil block.

Commissioner Harps on Effective Community Involvement to End HIV/AIDS The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, has said effective community involvement in the eradication of HIV/AIDS is pivotal to any successful response to the menace, as it is well-positioned to address both the social and cultural factors that contribute to its transmission.

Dr. Coker revealed this during a press conference in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, organised by the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGSACA), held in commemoration of 2023 World AIDS Day, with the theme, ‘’Communities: Leadership To End AIDS by 2030.

Coker emphasised the need for community to lead in education and awareness, creating access to HIV testing services, promoting social behaviour, advocacy and policy change, and preventing stigma and discrimination, among others, noting that it is essential to place community leaders at the centre of HIV plans, programmes, budget and monitoring effort.

The commissioner, who reiterated the commitment and target of the present administration to end AIDS by 2030, pointed out that the health facilities in the state that are currently providing HIV services had increased from 198 in 2019 to 497 as of November 2023, while about 300 community testers had been engaged for HIV

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as NSIDIBE OKON JAMES now wish to be known and addressed as AKANIYENE SMART. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OGUNYELE IFE JEHOVAH FOLUKE now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNYELE IFEOLUWA FOLUKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

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case findings.

She added:’’ OGSACA has created a one-stop shop for testing people for the first time and providing medical support for them, and the center has collaborated with health providers to reduce the HIV/AIDs in the communities’’.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adeshina, said AIDS would be a thing of the past in the next seven years, saying people should be ready to put an end to stigmatisation, and take a bold step to know their HIV status.

IfeanHealth, Stanbic IBTC Empower 45 Children with Limb Loss IfeanHealth, a leading provider of prosthetics and orthotics in West Africa has partnered with Stanbic IBTC to provide modern, functional prostheses and an N1.5 million education trust fund to 45 children as part of its strategic step to empower Nigerian children,.

Chief Executive Officer/ Founder of IfeanHealth, Ejike Anih, while speaking after a walk organised by Stanbic IBTC for creating awareness for children with limb loss, called #Together4ALimb, lauded the bank for its commitment to having a multi-pronged impact in the lives of these children and by extension, their families and communities with the provision of prostheses and the education trust fund.

He said: “Over the last several years, we have had the opportunity

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as UNUIGBE ELIZABETH BOSE now wish to be known and addressed as UNUIGBE ELIZABETH BOSEDE IREKPITAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note I formerly known and addressed as MISS DIKE KELECHI DORIS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IHEANACHO KELECHI DORIS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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to provide prosthetics care to 100 children with limb loss from all 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT sponsored by Stanbic IBTC Bank.

We have also provided them with an educational trust fund of N1.5 million.”

Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC, Demola Sogunle, noted that this year marks the 9th edition of the #Together4ALimb walk, explaining that since the programme started it has been a very important and key aspect of the bank.

He added that the together for a limb initiative so far has transformed the lives of 100 children with limb loss thanks to their partnership with IfeanHealth who provides the prostheses for the children.

Sogunle said most importantly this year, they recorded the highest intake of beneficiaries of 45 beneficiaries in history4 limb initiative.

He said: “Each child will receive a Stanbic IBTC education fund of N1.5million empowerment with access to quality education”.

The wife of the Governor of Lagos State Mrs. IbijokeSanwoOlu ably represented by Mrs. Oyindamola Ogunsanwo, applauded the effort and commitment of Stanbic IBTC initiating this laudable project for supporting these special children who have experienced limb loss and support through the Educational Trust Fund.

She said the project would go a long way for children who benefited from this program and would do something for their families. She then called on other corporate organisations to take a cue from the initiative that will impact the lives of the vulnerable in our society.

AI, touted as a groundbreaking technology, holds the potential to transform various aspects of human life. In the 21st century, information technology has become a primary source of power in society, influencing cultural development, economic growth, scientific advancement, and community progress. The dependence on technological development raises questions about the source of information, human knowledge, and values.

Muslim professionals and scholars acknowledge the dual nature of AI, with both positive and negative implications for life and societies. Approaching AI as a technological challenge, they advocate for a critical and selective utilization of this evolving technology.

Despite its potential benefits, there are concerns about the misuse of AI, especially in instilling values contrary to Islamic principles, such as apostasy, radicalization, and terrorism.

Philosophical Foundations: Transhumanism and AI In understanding the broader context of AI, it is crucial to recognize the underlying philosophies that have shaped its development.

Modern Western philosophies, including rationalism, scientism, positivism, and transhumanism, have influenced the trajectory of technological advancements, leading to the creation of AI. Transhumanism, a philosophical and intellectual movement, envisions the transformation of ordinary humans into beings with extraordinary capabilities. At its core, transhumanism advocates for the enhancement of human capacities through advanced technologies like AI. This philosophy raises questions about the ethical and moral implications of merging human and machine.

Islamic Worldview and AI Islam is presented as a worldview and a Way of Life (al-Din). It provides a distinct perspective on the role of humanity and technology. In Islamic teachings, humans are considered creations of Allah SWT. Humans tasked with the roles of ‘abd’ (obedient beings) and ‘Khalifah’ (vicegerents). The purpose of science and technology, according to Islam, is to aid mankind in fulfilling their responsibilities while maintaining harmony with the environment.

The worldview of modern science and technology is influenced by speculative Western philosophies. It diverges from the Islamic perspective. The unending competition for technological development, fueled by material gain and military supremacy. It challenges the Islamic ethos of using knowledge and technology for the benefit of humanity within the framework of truth and reality.

The Intersection of AI and Transhumanism AI, as a field of study in computer science, extends beyond being a mere technology. It embodies a philosophy. Particularly in the context of transhumanism. Understanding the importance of AI requires delving into the principles of transhumanism. They seek to enhance human capabilities and overcome biological limitations using advanced technologies.

Transhumanism’s goal is to merge technology with human beings. Thus, creating a hybrid of human and machine. This has significant implications for society. As AI is integrated into the human body. The prospect of transcending current biological limitations raises ethical, moral, and existential questions.

Transhumanism’s Impact Transhumanism, the philosophical foundation of AI, goes beyond the simulation of human intelligence. It aims to transform ordinary humans into ‘posthuman’ beings with augmented capabilities. That is achieved through the fusion of technology, particularly AI, with the human body. This movement anticipates a future where humans evolve into intellectually and physiologically superior beings.

AI, Transhumanism, and Islam: Bridging Perspectives Muslim professionals and scholars, possessing Islamic Revealed Knowledge (IRK), must recognize the philosophical underpinnings of AI and its potential impact on human lives. As AI is not inherently incompatible with Islam. A critical approach is essential to ensure alignment with ethical and moral principles.

Addressing concerns raised by transhumanism is crucial for Muslim intellectuals. Distinguishing between the use of technology for health, general conveniences, and the implantation of technology in the human body becomes essential. Hence, the concept of ‘transhuman, is’ a hybrid of human and machine. It challenges the fundamental understanding of human existence in Islamic teachings.

Islam’s Embrace of Science and Technology Contrary to misconceptions, Islam encourages the exploration of nature and the acquisition of knowledge. The Islamic worldview emphasizes gratitude to Allah SWT for the signs in the natural world. However, the modern pursuit of scientific and technological advancements often lacks this spiritual and ethical foundation, leading to a divergence from the true purpose of science and technology in Islam.

AI: A Challenge to Divine Authority?

The development of AI, rooted in the philosophy of transhumanism, challenges the concept of divine authority. Transhumanists envision a future where humans, with the aid of AI, become God-like super-humans. This ambition to overcome the limitations set by a higher power raises profound theological questions and clashes with the Islamic understanding of submission to Allah SWT. The True Purpose of Science and Technology in Islam For Islam, the aim of science and technology is to help humanity maintain its true position as ‘abd’ and ‘Khalifah.’ This necessitates the development of science and technology within the framework of truth and reality, aligning with the principles outlined in the Quran and Sunnah.

The pursuit of knowledge in Islam is guided by a deeper purpose — recognizing the signs of Allah SWT, submitting to Him, and following His teachings.

The intersection of AI, transhumanism, and Islam prompts a nuanced exploration of their implications. While AI presents opportunities for progress, its alignment with ethical and moral principles is paramount. Transhumanism’s vision of merging technology with humanity challenges fundamental Islamic concepts, necessitating careful consideration by Muslim intellectuals. As the world navigates the evolution of technology, a harmonious integration with Islamic principles ensures that advancements serve the genuine needs of humanity while respecting divine authority.

47

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2023

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Super Eagles Slump as World Cup Opponents Climb Femi Solaja

The unimpressive start of Super Eagles in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying series has taken toll on the team’s standing in the November ranking released by FIFA. Expectedly, Nigeria slumped globally, falling two steps down to 42 from last month’s 40th position.

Eagles results in the two World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe may have largely contributed to Nigeria’s downward slide in the global ranking Paradoxically, Lesotho who were forced to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria in Uyo, climbed up from 153 in October to 148 in November.

Similarly, Zimbabwe that the Super Eagles laboured to a 1-1

F I FA R A N K I N G draw also rose from 125 to 124.

Rwanda, the surprise team in Nigeria’s Group C rose from 140 to 133, courtesy of their impressive 2-0 defeat of South Africa who slumped from 64 to 66.

On the top board, Argentina maintained their first position ahead of France in the second spot while England took over the third position from Brazil who are now fifth after back-to-back defeats. Belgium’s Red Devils are fourth on the log.

In all, 118 international matches were played all over the world in November across all the continents.

The final FIFA ranking for 2023 will be published two days to the Christmas Day.

Super Falcons Crush Cape Verde Ladies 5-0 in Abuja Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Super Falcons completely out-thought, outplayed and outmanoeuvred their counterparts from Cape Verde to hit five goals in the first leg of their 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations final round qualifying fixture in Abuja yesterday.

Uchenna Kanu, with a firsthalf brace, and substitute Esther Okoronkwo, with a second-half brace, swept the nine-time African champions into a comfortable lead in the fixture and all but earned a place in the finals slated for Morocco in the summer of next year.

Gift Monday rocked the bar from a 22-yard free-kick in the 4th minute before Kanu reaped from a goalmouth melee that followed a corner kick to slot past goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigues.

Rodrigues did better two minutes later when she palmed a left-footed angled drive from captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

In the 14th minute, Kleydiana Borges came close with a shot that

was charged down by Oluwatosin Demehin, and five minutes later, Toni Payne missed from close range to let off the Cape Verdeans.

However, Gift Monday made good from another goalmouth melee in the 25th minute, to make it two for the hosts at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

Petite midfielder Deborah Abiodun, whose turns, swerves and sweet touches were a delight all evening, came close with a 25-yard volley on the half-hour mark, but Kanu made good again just before the break, making no mistake from a pass from Toni Payne on a swift counter-attack launched by Ajibade.

In the second period, the Falcons again completely dominated, with Okoronkwo lifting the ball past Rodrigues in the 67th minute from a cross by Ajibade from the right, and then shot past the visiting goalkeeper from a Rofiat Imuran cross from the left with 13 minutes left.

Both teams will clash in the second leg in Praia, capital of Cape Verde on Tuesday, 5th December.

Solanke: Provazios Sports Academy Will Produce Future World Champions President and founder of Provazios Sports Academy, Segun Solanke, has promised that his sports facility plans to produce World and Olympic champions from the kids in his fold within the next 10 years.

Speaking on the success of the official launch and unveiling of the Ikeja centre located inside the sports arena of Lagos State Teaching Hospital, Solanke expressed his happiness on the very impressive turnout of parents, guardians and their obviously excited kids at the event.

"I am highly impressed by this large turnout of these impressionable young boys and girls. It shows that they are ready to develop their various innate talents in sports and entertainment, which we offer here at Provazios Sports Academy,” he noted.

Passionate and very enthusiastic about his visions for the sports academy, which has its flagship centre in Magodo area of Lagos State, he said, "Provazios Sports Academy is not just an happenstance. It was borne out of my love for the youths

Umuaja Mixed Secondary School players and officials celebrating winning the 2023 Zenith Bank/Delta State Principals’ Cup at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba...yesterday

Umuaja Mixed School Emerges Champions of Zenith/Delta Principals’ Cup Umuaja Mixed Secondary School, Umuaja, defeated Government College, Ughelli, 2-0 yesterday to emerge the new champions of the annual Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup final played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

The first half had ended goalless but the champions emerged from the tunnel to score two quick goals in the second half through Cypril Aniowa and Precious Mgobolu to seal the title.

The competition which started on October 19 from the preliminary stage saw Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) Sapele finishing third as they defeated Illah Grammar School, Illah, 3-2 on penalties after the regulation time ended 2-2.

Speaking after the final, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, appreci-

RESULTS EUROPA Freiburg 5-0 Olympiacos Topola 0-1 West Ham Athens 0-1 Brighton S’Prague 1-0 Real Betis Atalanta 1-1 Sporting S’ Graz 0-1 Czestochowa M’Haifa 0-3 Rennes AWCON 2024 QUALIFIER Nigeria 5-0 Cape Verde

ated the sponsor, Zenith Bank Plc, for bankrolling the Principals’ Cup from its inception, describing it as the true meaning of Corporate Social Responsibility.

The governor described all the teams that took part in this sixth edition of the competition as champions while urging those who failed to get to the final to learn from their experience and allow the lessons to serve as

motivation ahead of next edition.

In his own words, the Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, represented by the bank’s Assistant General Manager, Warri Zonal Head, Daniel Imani, congratulated all the teams that participated in the competition while also reiterating the financial institution’s commitment to sports development.

“Over the years, Zenith Bank has

been sponsoring countless sporting events, including the National Women’s Basketball League, to complement government youth development efforts,” he said.

“From the maiden edition of this tournament (Delta Principals’ Cup) in 2017 at Ozoro and this year’s finals in Asaba, we are proud to remain your partner of choice in this exiting game of football.”

NPFL Moves to Secure Spots in Super Eagles for Players Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has made a case for players in the league to be involved in Super Eagles to stimulate aspirations of players to stay in the country rather than seeking clubs outside.

The plea was one of the high points of the communique reached at the inaugural NPFL Board and Staff retreat in Abuja which was graced by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau in Abuja on Wednesday.

During the interactive session between the Board members and Staff, it was observed that the NPFL must create heroes to attract fans in larger numbers to the stadium.

"It is recommended that the

NPFL Board will reach out to the NFF with a recommendation that NPFL players must be included in future call-ups to improve their confidence and quality of play", it was stated.

Gusau, who declared the retreat open, commended the NPFL Board for the bold plan to reposition the league, said the NFF will back every forward looking proposition to add value to make the competitive and attract investors and Sponsors to grow domestic football.

"I came here today to lend support to this novel idea of changing the narratives about Nigerian football and will challenge the NPFL Board to extend this to also having a resource session with the clubs, " Gusau said in

his address.

Explaining his call to extend the retreat to clubs officers, the NFF President most of the issues that the NPFL deals with are related to activities of the clubs as they are the major centres for showcasing the good and bad of the league.

"I am always available to support initiatives that will change the narratives about our league", Gusau assured the gathering of the hierarchy of the NPFL Board members and staff.

In his address, the NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, said the purpose of the retreat was to achieve multipurpose objective of reviewing the last season's performance with a view to improving observed lapses and building on the successful aspects.

Segun Solanke...President, Provazios Sports Academy

3rd Quadri Aruna National T’Tennis Open Hits Knockout Stage

and the desire to always help them become good persons and of course, responsible citizens.

"I have done an extensive research on how to further help this great country build a new generation of healthier, energetic, educated, intelligent and socially responsible people. And I know that sports, is indeed, a veritable tool to help achieve the goals."

Following the conclusion of the preliminary round at the 3rd Quadri Aruna National Table Tennis Open, the stage is now set for the knockout stage as top seeds made their intention known yesterday after getting easy passage to the third round of the singles event taking place at Eko Club in Lagos.

From the registration of players,

this year turned out to be the largest gathering of table tennis players in the country as over 300 participants in the senior, junior, cadet, and veteran events are jostling for the N5million prize money.

Aruna Sports and Academy in collaboration with Eko Club and Olusoga Odunayo Adesanya Foundation are staging the tourna-

ment.

At the same time, the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA) provides technical support to ensure a hitch-free competition.

From the West Africa champion Amadi Umeh to defending champions, Muiz Adegoke and Bose Odusanya, the battle for the N500,000-star prize for men and women singles champions gets

tougher as the venue has been besieged by some foreign-based players like Ahmed Adeyinka who is also eyeing the star prize.

Umeh who recently won an invitation tournament in Cameroon believes he will be unstoppable in winning the coveted prize while Adegoke, the men’s singles defending champion is not ready to let go of his title.

75

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A Memo to Obasanjo

E

xasperated at a slew of successive military take over of governance in the African coup belt states of Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger and Gabon, President Olusegun Obasanjo came to the conclusion that liberal democracy has failed post colonial African states. Reinforcing this Afro pessimism was the recently concluded sham general elections that has produced the current elected civilian government in Nigeria. The election was fraught with the kind of political behaviour with a huge potential to precipitate a relapse into military dictatorship.

A scholarly opinion is that “Coups have become increasingly limited to the poorest countries in the world, and the recent wave of coups fits into that,” he said. Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad and Mali all had less than $22 billion in GDP in 2022, according to a World Bank estimate, while Sudan had a GDP of $52 billion. By comparison, the United States’ GDP was worth $25 trillion in 2022, ranking it the highest in the world”.

Defined by the inherent characteristics of separation of powers; an independent judiciary; and a system of checks and balances between branches of government, the former Nigerian President holds that the culture of liberal democracy is unamenable to the tradition of Africa. We can profitably proceed with a clarification of the concept of liberal democracy and the extent of its correlation with what is practised in its name. As an ideal type, it is only attainable in abstract and relative terms, the realisation of its fullness is unattainable.

There is a difference between the spirit and prescription of liberal democracy (as enshrined in the constitution) as against the reality of its practice. On this score, there is no country on earth including the advanced democracies that practises textbook or ideal liberal democracy.

“Practically every country in the West, including the United States, is for all practical purposes a social democracy—and for good reasons. They all have the good sense to recognize that social Darwinism has to be restrained as much as state power, that we simply cannot dispense with the notion of society as a commonwealth of persons with common concerns”.

In personality projection, Obasanjo is unapologetically African and given to recurrent ruminations on the applicability of proto African tradition to contemporary political challenges confronting post colonial African states. He believes that the notion of liberal democracy is alien to Africa hence its contextual failure in Africa. This belief is however at odds with the observation of Richard Sklar, who had this to say about the Alaafinnate of the Oyo kingdom. “The Yorubas of the West (Western Nigeria) are a highly democratic people. In the pre-colonial days, the monarchical form of government existing among them was a kind of constitutional democracy. Ibadan,which is an example of a Native Authority, has a far-more ‘democratic’ constitution with no crowned head, but a council of city fathers and military leaders whose tenure rests to some extent upon public approval.

Obasanjo

The classic illustration of Yoruba government is the kingdom of Oyo. In theory and in practice, the powers of the Yoruba kings were regulated by custom and limited institutionally by countervailing organs of the state. Government was a communal interest and at some point every adult had a say. All decisions of the Alafin (King) of Oyo required the approval of his council of chiefs. In former times, a gift of parrot’s eggs from the leader of the council was a sign to the Alafin that his death was desired by the chiefs and the people. Invariably the Alafin compiled by taking poison, so the threat of a dread gift was a safeguard against tyrannical rule. As remarked in an authoritative study, the proscription of this custom by the British dislocated the checks and balances of the old constitution”.

What, I think, the former President meant to articulate as the bane of post colonial African states is the absence of autochthony, ( in which regard, it is the totality of the colonial transition that has failed) of which the bastardisation of democracy is an epiphenomenon. As a sounding board, let us briskly run through a literature review of typical formulations of Africanist scholars on the failure of post colonial African states., Margery Perham remarked “I have believed that in a relationship which we forced upon a once ignorant and helpless Africa, we were responsible for all that they did. The great facts of history have exposed isolated and tribal Africa to the sudden dislocating effects of the twentieth century civilisation”.

Similarly, Mahmood Mandani wondered if it was not otherwise illogical to assume that modern civilisation which took a protracted period (centuries) to take root in the society of its birth could be transplanted in a much shorter period of half a century of colonialism in the African colonies. And that “this fragile transplant succumbed to caprice and terror on the morrow of independence and emerged

as a specifically African form of state”. In this tradition,Tom Young formulates the problem of colonial transition in terms of being defined by ethnicity. Posing ethnicity as a uniquely African phenomenon he argues that the failure of Africa should now be seen as autonomous of colonialism.

He characterised the bane of ethnicity as the “bitter struggle among ethnic groups for access to the resources of the state.. the instrumental use of culture for political ends’.

Running against the formulation of ethnicity as a uniquely African (or Asian) phenomenon is the argument that ethnicity is a postmodern global trend in which there is a general movement from class-based to ethnic-based politics. “The postmodern era has been universally characterised by ethnic revival and the reemergence of the sense of primordial ties as central to individual identity. It is reflected in the worldwide movement from class-based to ethnic-based politics’ and has resulted in such consequences as the linkage of peoples across state Chief Obafemi equally speculated whether “It was too much to expect that people with diverse and divergent political orientations would have, within a short period of twelve years (1947-1959), been so culturally and politically assimilated as to operate, peaceably and with understanding, such a strange and highly sophisticated political system as representative democracy. Somewhat in consonance with Obasanjo, Wande Abimbola opined that ‘The decay we are seeing everywhere in Nigeria is the result of the large scale abandonment of the traditional way of our fathers and mothers. We have condemned our way of life and embraced foreign culture”.

Claude Ake saw the failure of the colonial transition in terms of the disabling discontinuities it fomented, he contrasted the congruence of state and society in pre colonial states to their incongruity in the colonial and post colonial successors-’while most of the state forms in pre-colonial Africa tended to approximate statehood, the same is not true of the colonial and post-colonial state in Africa. Colonialism thus negated the prescriptive utility of “autochthonous transformation of the state in Africa. “Peter Ekeh restated the point that ‘there were no national societies commensurate and coextensive with the national states of conquest”. And haven brought the disparate ethnic groups together in a multi ethnic (national) state, “the British did no positive thing to minimise the feeling of cultural separatism” argues JideOsuntokun.

Ekeh continues “Take the Japanese, the Taiwanese, The Indian and the Chinese. They have evolve with their culture and tradition, intact. They evolved, wearing their own clothes, speaking their own language, teaching every subject up to university level, on their own language, keeping their values, their gods, their own religion... They have all come out better for it. Their economy, education, health, orientation, better than that of the Blackman and in some cases, better than the whiteman’s”.

In the proclivity to sow the seeds of political fractiousness (resulting from conspicuous cultural and national disparities among the precolonial African societies perfunctorily pooled together to

form a state) Nigeria was a typical product of the 1886 Berlin conference. Hence the discontinuity from precolonial African societies to post colonial African states. It was on account of the lack of this organic linkage between the Nigerian state and the constituting societies (of Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Berom etc) that Awolowo characterised Nigeria as a mere geographical expression.

Federalism In a paper I presented at the Obafemi Awolowo University in 199I, I located the misconduct of the Nigerian elite, as it borders on corruption, in the discontinuity between state and society; in the fact that the state did not organically evolve from society; that the state lacks autochthony. I will explain. When we talk of lack of autochthony and lack of organic evolution, we are saying that there is no organic relationship (analogous to parent-child evolution) or linkage between a state and the society from which it is supposed to be derived.There was no society of native Nigerians from which the Nigerian state emerged.

The entities comprising Nigeria preexisted as an assortment of tribal empires, kingdoms and principalities like the Oyo Empire, Sokoto caliphate, Tiv, Berom, Ogoni, Ijaw kingdoms and the like. It was from these disparate entities that Nigeria was created by the British colonial masters.

To borrow the parlance of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, there are no Nigerians in the manner that there are Germans, English or Russians. If there are no preexisting Nigerians before Nigeria was created, it means that Nigeria does not represent a continuity of any nationality in the sense that Germany and France are a continuation from preexisting societies or nationalities of the Germans and the French.

It is in this respect that we speak of state-society discontinuity in Nigeria.

Emphasising the antidote of federalism for such embattled states was the proposition that “Countries with ethnic, linguistic, or religious divisions that substantially coincide with territorial boundaries confront special problems in making democracy work. They are vulnerable to intense intergroup conflict, which all too often leads to violence or to attempts at secession. One institutional device intended to mitigate such strains is federalism” Of the same accord, I argued that the ethno regional federalism that defined the independence constitution best approximates a sociological continuity from the societies constituting Nigeria to the Nigerian state. The Yoruba political unit (nation) that, for instance, antedated Nigeria holistically found political and constitutional expression in the Western region of the Nigerian state. Hence the Pan Yoruba cultural/moral order was relatively preserved in the process of its incorporation into the Nigerian state. If there is virtue in autochtony then there must be virtue in its preservation. The extent to which Nigeria permits the preservation of autochtony is the extent to which the incorporated pre colonial societies/states would functionally integrate and succeed.

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