SUNDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Plateau Killings: Nigeria at War, Citizens Losing Hope, Bishop Kukah Tells Tinubu Traditional rulers cancel new year celebrations over attacks Senate summons security chiefs

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has raised the alarm that

Nigerians are losing trust in the government to secure them and asked President Bola Tinubu to

urgently address the insecurity facing the country.

This is coming as the Jos-Joint

Traditional Council has announced the cancellation of the usual New Year celebrations across the local

government areas (LGAs) in the Continued on page 5

Nigeria’s Capital Importation Drops to $654.65m in Q3, 31 States Fail to Attract FDIs…Page 5 Sunday, December 31, 2023 Vol 28. No 10490

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N'Assembly Passes 2024 Appropriation Bill of N28.7tn, Increases Tinubu’s Proposal By N1.2tn Pegs crude oil benchmark at $77.96 per barrel, 1.78m barrels daily output, exchange rate N800 Capital expenditure N9,995,143,298,028, recurrent expenditure N8,768,513,380, 852 Defence gets highest allocation of N1.308tn, police affairs N869.121bn, education N857.134bn, health N667.577bn NJC gets highest statutory transfer of N341.626bn, NDDC N338.925bn, UBEC N263.044bn, NEDC N131.836bn Senate okays Tinubu’s request to borrow $7.8bn, €100m Lawmakers approve president’s proposal to securitise N7.3tn ways and means Sunday Aborisade and Juliet Akoje in Abuja The two chambers of the National Assembly yesterday passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N28.7 trillion, increasing it by approximately N1.2 trillion from the initial N27.5 trillion proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The passage of the budget is coming as the Senate also yesterday approved President Tinubu’s request to borrow $7.8 billion and €100 million as part of the 2022–2024 borrowing plan of the federal government, just as the lawmakers also approved the securitisation of the outstanding debit balance of N7.3 trillion of the Ways and Means Advance in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the federal government.

The Senate passed the bill at a special plenary after the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola, presented his panel's report, which was approved by the lawmakers.

In presenting the report, Adeola said they adopted the Medium-Term Continued on page 5

PROMOTING CHILDREN’S EDUCATION… L-R: Vice presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023 general election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed; renowned writer and activist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; and the presidential candidate of LP, Peter Obi, at the official launch of Adichie’s children's book ‘Mama's Sleeping Scarf' in Lagos…weekend

Elections Should Be Decided at Polling Units, Not Courtrooms, Speaker Insists… Page 6

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DECEMBER 31, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

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NEWS

Nigeria’s Capital Importation Drops to $654.65m in Q3, 31 States Fail to Attract FDIs Lagos maintains lead with $308.83m investments; FCT, $194.66m; Abia, $150.09m

Emmanuel Addeh and James Emejo in Abuja Nigeria’s total capital importation declined by 36.45 per cent to $654.65 million in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023 compared to $1.03 billion in the preceding quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in a report released yesterday.

The data showed that capital importation further dropped by 43.55 per cent compared to $1.16 billion recorded in Q3 2022.

The report of the dip in foreign capital inflow was released at a time the President Bola Tinubu administration was making frantic efforts towards attracting foreign capital into the country amid the current FX shortages, which had impaired investors' confidence.

According to the ‘Nigeria Capital Importation Q3 2023’ report, which was released by the NBS, Lagos State remained the top destination for foreign capital inflows with $308.83 million, accounting for 47.18 per

cent of the importation.

This was followed by Abuja (FCT) with $194.66 million (29.73 per cent) and Abia State, which attracted $150.09 million (22.93 per cent).

However, the other investments accounted for the largest capital inflows of $507.77 million or 77.56 per cent of total receipts for the review period.

This was followed by portfolio investment which recorded $87.11 million, representing 13.31 per cent of inflows.

On the other hand, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) accounted for $59.77 million or 9.13 per cent of foreign capital.

While Akwa Ibom and Ekiti states received insignificant amounts in terms of investments during Q3, the report showed that 31 states did not attract any foreign investments in the third quarter of 2023.

Meanwhile, the report further revealed that the production/ manufacturing sector recorded the highest inflow with $279.51

million, representing 42.70 per cent of total capital imported in Q3.

The financing sector accounted for $127.93 million or 19.54 per cent while shares amounted to $85.49 million, representing 13.06 per cent of total foreign capital.

By source of origin, capital importation during the reference period originated largely from the Netherlands, which accounted for $175.62 million, or 26.83 per cent share of the total value of capital import.

This was followed by Singapore

with $79.15 million (12.09 per cent) and the United States with $67.04 million (10.24 per cent).

The report stated that Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc received the highest capital importation, which amounted to $222.84 million (34.04 per cent), followed by Citibank Nigeria Limited's $190.03 million (29.03 per cent) and Zenith Bank Plc $83.04 (12.68 per cent).

Also, Ogun and Akwa Ibom attracted $1 million and $0.07 million respectively in the review period.

N'ASSEMBLY PASSES 2024 APPROPRIATION BILL OF N28.7TN, INCREASES TINUBU’S PROPOSAL BY N1.2TN Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Paper (MTEF/FSP) approved by the National Assembly in drafting the budget.

He stated that the committee adopted a $77.96 per barrel oil benchmark, 1.78 million barrels per day output, and an exchange rate of N800 to the dollar, deviating from the proposed N750 proposed by the executive.

Major highlights of the bill include a total aggregate expenditure of N28.7 trillion, statutory transfers of N1.7 trillion, recurrent expenditure of N8.7 trillion, and a capital expenditure component of N9.9 trillion.

The lawmaker explained that the N1.2 trillion increase in the appropriation was a result of a request for additional funding of items, which was not listed in the Appropriation Bill as submitted by President Tinubu.

He said the joint National Assembly Committee on Appropriation observed inadequate funding in the budgetary allocation of some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)

of the federal government.

Adeola, who noted the executive’s requests for additional funding for some previously unaddressed expenditures, pointed out that the 2024 Appropriation Bill was presented to the National Assembly late, in violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) that provides for its submission at least three months before the next financial year.

Adeola highlighted discrepancies in the revenues of certain GovernmentOwned Enterprises (GOEs) and the exclusion of some agencies’ personnel costs from the federal government payroll.

To ensure a comprehensive review of the budget proposal, Adeola urged the executive to comply with the provisions of the FRA and relevant extant laws concerning government agencies.

He urged the removed agencies to enhance revenue generation, fund themselves, and contribute more to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

The bill passed has aggregate

expenditure pegged at N28,777,404,073,861; statutory transfers amounting to N1,742,786,788,150; recurrent expenditure of N8,768,513,380,852; capital expenditure of N9,995,143,298,028 and GDP at 3.88 per cent.

After presenting the report, the Senate dissolved into the Committee of Supply, which considered and passed the budget.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, announced the approval of the budget after the majority of the senators supported it through a voice vote at the special plenary.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives also approved the sum of N28.777 trillion in expenditure for the 2024 fiscal year following the approval of the report by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Bichi.

According to the breakdown of the report by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the N28.777 trillion approved was

N1.2 trillion higher than the N27.504 trillion presented by President Tinubu during the joint session of the National Assembly on November 29, 2023.

Bichi explained that the N1.2trillion increase was due to inflation and an exchange rate increase from N750 to N800, adding that Government-owned enterprises also agreed to increase their revenues.

He noted that the 2024 appropriation was the first time the capital expenditure was bigger than the recurrent expenditure.

The breakdown of the N28.777 trillion approved budget showed that the sum of N1.743trillion is for statutory transfers; N8.271trillion is for debt service; N8.769trillion is for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, while N9.995trillion is for capital expenditure for the year ending December 31, 2024.

The N9.179 trillion fiscal deficit for the year under review is to be financed through asset sales/ privatisation - N298,486,421,740; multilateral/bilateral project -tied loans - N1,051,914,486,314 and debt

PLATEAU KILLINGS: NIGERIA AT WAR, CITIZENS LOSING HOPE, BISHOP KUKAH TELLS TINUBU

state, following the Christmas Eve attacks that claimed over 140 lives in some communities in the state.

A former governor of the state, Senator Jonah Jang has alleged that the killers were on a cleansing mission to take over the lands of the people just as the Senate yesterday summoned the heads of security agencies over the gruesome killings.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the killings, urging the federal government to ensure justice for the victims.

Kukah has also insisted that there is a need to reset Nigeria’s security architecture to prevent further killings by terrorists and armed groups in the country.

The bishop noted that it is the task of the intelligence community to unmask the sponsors of the killings and tell Nigerians their motives and locations.

The bishop said this yesterday in a statement while reacting to the Christmas Eve attacks that left more than 140 people dead across three LGAs in Plateau State.

The attacks took place in communities in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi LGAs. The attackers also set ablaze more than 200 houses, according to the Plateau State Police Command.

In the statement, Kukah said the insecurity across the country was tantamount to Nigeria being at war, adding that the killers have turned the security agencies into objects of mockery and turned Nigerians into mere weeping, helpless victims and spectators.

He noted that funerals and coffins from attacks like the recent Plateau attack are now part of the daily lives of Nigerians.

The cleric, therefore, called on President Tinubu to review the security arrangement of the country and implement permanent solutions to end these attacks.

“President Tinubu must know that

the legitimacy of his government hangs on resolving this and giving us our country back,” Kukah added.

He said years of military involvement had led to the mistaken notion that issues of security were military issues, adding that years of a “guns and bullets approach” had led to the growth of corruption, lack of cohesion, collaboration, and coordination, and infighting among the security agencies.

“There is an urgent need to re-set the national security architecture.

Enough is enough,” he said.

“National security is a function of robust, deep intellectual analysis and mapping of the goals and even ambitions of a country, its local, regional or global place in the world.

“It thrives on creating scenarios based on a proper understanding and reading of geo-politics and locating where a country wants to be. So far, we have thrived on ad hoc and arbitrary options,” Kukah explained.

The bishop, who asked the intelligence community to identify the attackers, their sponsors, and motives, noted that “these killings are no longer acts by herders and farmers over grazing fields”.

He said: “There is more and we as a nation will do well to face this threat before it is sunset. No evil lasts forever. The world defeated slavery, apartheid, Nazism, racism, and forms of extremism.”

“It is the task of the intelligence community to tell us who they are, where they live, and what their goals are. These killers are professionals and are they Nigerians or do they have just Nigerian sponsors? Their sponsors are among us. They must be in high places. They are now embedded in the architecture of the state,” he added.

Kukah said Nigerians are gradually losing hope in the government’s ability to protect and secure them.

He, however, commended the government for the way it responded

to the tragedies, “unlike before when no one bothered to visit the scenes, we are seeing very rapid responses from the top.”

He said it was not sufficient as rebuilding these communities requires more than mere physical infrastructure.

He said there is a need for clearer, more imagined strategies for rebuilding community cohesion and resilience, adding that rebuilding the people’s hearts is more urgent than rebuilding houses.

“Merely awarding contracts for the building of houses is not as important as building markets, rebuilding roads, providing agricultural inputs for farmers, and so on,” he said.

He noted that while religious leaders have continued to use their moral authority to pacify people and encourage them not to take laws into their own hands, there is a rise in anger and frustration among people.

He added that clerics even risk being seen as accomplices to an erring state as they continuously call for calm.

“The Nigerian state itself risks becoming an undertaker in the eyes of its citizens,” he said.

“Our cups of sorrow are overflowing. We have cried enough tears. We may pretend that we are not at war, but truly, a war is being waged against the Nigerian state and its people. God forbid, but we could snap anytime, anywhere, and for any reason.”

Bishop Kukah said the attackers, whoever they are, have unspoken motives in the north-central part of the country.

According to him, the method, choice of location, communities, and timings of the attacks further restate the attackers’ motive.

“We may not know who they are, but someone wants something from the Middle Belt. Stretch your imagination from the emergence of the modern Nigerian state and connect the dots,” he said.

“We have questions crying for answers: Who are these killers?

Where are they coming from? Who is sponsoring them? What are their grouses and against whom? What do they want? Whom do they want?

Who are they working for? When will it all end? Why are they invincible and invisible? Who is offering them cover? Are we condemned to live with this and hand this broken nation to our children? Should we all just become inoculated and sedated to make all this bearable?

Who will supply the opium to dull our pain? Are we sleepwalking to self-destruction?”

The cleric lamented that the ‘murderers’ have left their footprints of blood and tears across the length and breadth of the entire northern states, indiscriminately wreaking destruction across large swaths of land and communities.

He said Nigerians are gradually succumbing to the fact that the killers do not respect religion, region, or ethnicity.

“In all this, the Nigerian state and its security agencies are blind-sided, seemingly incapable of cleaning up this Augean stable of sorrow and pain in our land,” he said.

“We are gradually taking eerie solace in the fact that these killers do not respect the boundaries of religion, region, or ethnicity. We seem to be consoled that they are destroying churches as well as mosques, killing Christians as well as Muslims. We seem to be lulled into a feeling of collective consolation and we all believe that we are all victims of an endless orgy of violence that has taken over our land.”

Senate Summons Security Chiefs over Killings In a related development, the Continued on page 14

financing - N7,828,529,477,860.

For the total debt service of N8.271 trillion approved for the year 2024, the sum of N5.3 trillion is to be incurred through domestic debts - including Ways and Means; N2.748 trillion through foreign debts while the Sinking Fund for the retirement of maturing Promissory Notes stands at N223.662 billion.

Under the Statutory Transfer, National Judicial Council (NJC) got the highest allocation of N341.626billion; followed by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with N338.925billion; Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) gets N263.044billion; North East Development Commission (NEDC) - N131.836billion; Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHPF) - N131.522billion; National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) - N131.522billion; Public Complaint Commission (PPC) N14.460billion; and N5billion for National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), respectively.

The breakdown of the National Assembly budget revealed that the sum of N78.624billion is for House of Representatives; N49.145 billion is for Senate; N36.727billion for National Assembly Office; N30.807 billion for General Services; N20.388billion for legislative aides; N15.189billion for Service Wide Vote; N15billion for National Assembly hospital project; N12.326 for National Assembly Service Commission (NASC); N12.123 billion for National Assembly Library Complex (Take-off Grant); N10billion for ongoing construction of NASC headquarters; N9.008 billion for National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS); N4.5billion for completion of ongoing NILDS building; N4billion for National Assembly Recreation Centre; N4billion for design, construction, furnishing and equipping of NASS Budget & Research Office (NABRO); N3billion for procurement of books for NASS Library; N3billion for Senate Car Park; N3billion for House of Representatives’ Car Park; N3billion for upgrade of NASS key infrastructure; N3billion for design, construction, furnishing and equipping of NASS ultramodern printing press.

The appropriation bill also shows that N2.7 billion was earmarked for the furnishing of committee meeting rooms and other offices within the Senate building; N3 billion for the furnishing of committee meeting rooms for House of Representatives Part I & II); N2.5billion for NASS Pension Board (Take-off Grant); N1.230billion for Office of Retired Clerks & Permanent Secretaries; N1billion for Constitution Review; N130million for Public Accounts Committee (Senate); N150million for Public Accounts Committee (House); N200million for Senate Appropriation Committee and N200million for House of Representatives Appropriation Committee, respectively.

However, from the total sum of N50.451trillion approved for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, Ministry of Defence got the highest allocation of N1.308trillion, followed by Ministry of Police Affairs - N869.121billion; Ministry of Education - N857.134

billion; Ministry of Health & Social Welfare - N667.577 billion; Ministry of Interior - N362.552 billion; Ministry of Youth - N201.467billion; National Security Adviser (NSA) - N199.763 billion; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - N140.456 billion; Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security - N110.248 billion; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) - N100.248 billion and Presidency - N97.913 billion.

According to the Appropriation Bill, FGN’s Share of Gross Federation Revenues amounted to N12,.739,069,984.307, deductions, N1.502,632.513,940, while FGN’s share of net federation revenues is N11,236.437,470,367.

Independent revenues are estimated at N1,907,775,748,763, while other dividends amounted to N357,923,133.707.

The bill also showed that aid and grants are pegged at N685.632.294.000; social Fund/Accounts-Receipts N300,000,000,000; GovernmentOwned Enterprises (Net of operating, Surplus), 3,645.080,469.662, and others- N1,465,624,571,448.

President Tinubu had on November 29, presented a total of N27.5 trillion budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The president pegged the budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year at N9.18 trillion.

He said the deficit represents 3.88 per cent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Tinubu had said: “The N9.18 trillion deficit is lower than the N13.78 trillion deficit recorded in 2023, which represents 6.11 per cent of GDP.”

Senate Okays Tinubu’s Request to Borrow $7.8bn, €100m Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday approved President Tinubu’s request to borrow $7.8billion and €100million as part of the 2022 – 2024 borrowing plan of the federal government.

The request was approved after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its committee on Local and Foreign Debt during yesterday's plenary.

Tinubu had said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the loan facility on May 15, 2023, to finance infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, insecurity, and other sectors.

He further explained that the foreign loan has become necessary to bridge the financial gap and return the economic activities of the country to normalcy.

The funds, he said, would be used to develop infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, security, and employment as well as financial management reforms.

Senate Approves President’s Proposal to Securitise N7.3tn Ways and Means In another development, the Senate Continued on page 14

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NEWS

CONDOLENCE VISIT…

EXECUTIVE PARLEY…

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (right) and Wife of the late Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah (left), and President Bola Tinubu when the governor paid a yuletide visit to Akeredolu, Betty during her condolence visit to Ibadan residence of the deceased…yesterday the President in Lagos…yesterday

PDP Urges Tinubu to Account for Trillions of Naira Saved from Removal of Petrol Subsidy

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded that President Bola Tinubu should account for the “trillions of naira” accruable from the removal of subsidy on petrol in the last seven months.

The main opposition party, which also condemned the failure of the federal government to pay the December salary of workers despite the money saved from the subsidy removal, argued that the development has confirmed its position that the present administration planned to frustrate and inflict pains on Nigerians.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP also urged President Tinubu to come clean on the December 2023 distributable statutory revenue of N376.306 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N335.656 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy Revenue of N11.952

billion and Exchange Difference Revenue of N364.869 billion as contained in the communique issued by FAAC at its December 2023 meeting.

The PDP also demanded the immediate payment of the December salary of workers and additional compensatory payment of at least 50 per cent of the salary of workers to cushion the effects of the economic hardship foisted on them by the APC-led administration.

The party said that President Tinubu should understand that Nigeria is a federation that must only be governed by the constitution and the rule of law and not by the whims and caprices of an individual or group.

The party described the failure of the federal government to discharge such a sensitive obligation to workers, especially during this yuletide period, as unacceptable, stressing that it was an indication of the level

of insensitivity of the APC-led administration towards the welfare of Nigerians.

"By this action, the Tinubu’s administration has practically turned our nation into a huge Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp with millions of Nigerians becoming beggars and observing the period of hunger, anguish and misery.

"It is obvious that the nonpayment of the December salary critically needed by the workers, including our gallant security operatives at this period is consistent with the atrocious character of the APC-led administration to weaponise poverty and further suppress Nigerians to surrender to totalitarianism.

"Is it not provocative that while President Tinubu is busy partying and luxuriating with APC leaders, workers who are putting in their time and energy in the service of the nation are left with nothing

to feed and celebrate with their families and loved ones?" the party queried.

"Sadly, President Tinubu would rather approve the frittering of our nation’s scarce resources to sponsor cronies, political minions, hangers-on, and their mistresses to expensive foreign trips while making no provision for the salary of genuine government workers.

"Such a heartless act by the anti-people APC-led administration never happened in the 16 years of the PDP in government as workers then promptly received their December salary before Christmas day (25th) to enable them to celebrate yuletide and end of year festivities with their loved ones."

More distressing, the PDP said, is that the Presidency could afford to withhold salaries even after approving the unbearable increase in the pump price of petrol to over N700 per litre,

Elections Should Be Decided at Polling Units, Not Courtrooms, Speaker Insists Says House considered 962 bills, 500 motions,153 petitions in six months Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has disclosed that the outcome of any election should be decided at the polling units and not in a courtroom, stressing that excessive litigations over election results have greatly undermined public confidence and could erode the legitimacy of political leadership if not quickly addressed.

This is just as he revealed that the Green Chamber received and considered 962 bills, 500 motions, and 153 petitions in six months.

The Speaker disclosed this yesterday during an emergency plenary conveyed to pass the 2024 budget.

He said: “The House recognises the importance of electoral reforms in strengthening our democratic institutions. Consequently, we took the initiative to take the lead in soliciting citizens’ input on the Electoral Act 2022 and recommendations on strengthening it to deliver more free and fair elections

and reduce the judiciary’s influence on the electoral process.

“The outcomes of elections should be decided at the polling unit and not in a courtroom. The over-judicialisation of electoral outcomes has greatly undermined public confidence and could erode the legitimacy of political leadership if not quickly and adequately addressed,” he explained.

He added that to strengthen its internal processes and systems, the House reviewed and updated its Standing Orders to better adapt to changing societal and legislative needs.

It said it also incorporated technological advancements such as virtual and hybrid meetings and e-Parliament to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

Abbas noted that the revised Standing Orders are now well suited to address emerging issues and new challenges, such as global emergencies and the COVID-19 pandemic that obstructed the effective functioning of the legislature.

He stressed that the House Rules

had also been reviewed to align them to international standards and best practices, facilitating better collaboration and consistency in global legislative processes.

The speaker stated: "Our legislative outputs in the last six months are remarkable. The House received and considered 962 bills, 500 motions, and 153 petitions.

"Of these numbers, 120 bills have passed the Second Reading stage.

They are currently undergoing further review and refinement to address some of the concerns raised during the debates. Another 120 bills have been referred to committees for in-depth analysis."

Abbas added that the House had successfully passed many other bills, which have been transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

Abbas pointed out that all the bills were intended to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions to the challenges facing the country.

He highlighted priority areas that the green chamber will focus on for the year 2024.

The Speaker listed the priority

areas to include strengthening good governance, improving national security, economic growth and development, social sector reform and development.

He assured that the House remained committed to engaging citizens in its activities and ensuring the lawmaking process is open and inclusive.

He stated: "In the coming years, the budget will be taken to the people at the constituency levels to allow them also to make inputs."

The Speaker said while they celebrated their accomplishments in the last six months, the Green Chamber was also mindful of some security setbacks and tragedies that have befallen the people.

He, however, promised that the House would continue to support the federal government’s fight against insurgency and criminality through necessary legislative actions.

While applauding the security agencies for their sacrifices, the House called for precautionary measures to prevent a repeat of the Kaduna mishap.

with the attendant high cost of food, transportation, medication, and other basic necessities of life.

PDP said it was instructive to remind Nigerians that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) had earlier this month announced that it shared a total of N1.783 trillion to federal, state, and local governments for December 2023, yet workers have not been paid because there was no cash backing by the Tinubu’s administration despite huge resources accruable to it. We ask, where is the money?” PDP queried.

"Our party is appalled by the level of profligacy apparent in the APC administration whose actions and policies are skewed towards the promotion and institutionalisation of corruption, deprivation, and suppression of Nigerians," he stated.

He urged Nigerians to recall that earlier in August, the PDP alerted that the nation’s economy was asphyxiating and grinding to a halt under the increasingly corrupt APC and President Tinubu’s crippling economic policies with consequential negative toll on productivity.

Sterling Bank Appoints Mayaki as New Board Chairman Nume Ekeghe Sterling Bank Limited has announced a strategic change in its Board of Directors, with Mr. Olatunji Mayaki assuming the role of Chairman of the Board effective January 1, 2024, following the resignation of Mr. Asue Ighodalo, effective December 31, 2023.

According to a statement released yesterday by the bank’s Company Secretary, Temitayo Adegoke, “the resignation of our erstwhile chairman is in line with the best corporate governance practices as Mr. Ighodalo has offered himself for public service.”

Adegoke said: “Mr. Mayaki takes on the leadership of the Board to continue the progressive growth and lead the bank onto even greater success.”

Mayaki assumes the board’s leadership after serving as a nonexecutive director. His extensive background spans the practice of law with the firm formerly known as Ajumogobia, Okeke, Aluko & Oyebode. He further served as the pioneer Vice President of Legal and compliance of ARM Limited, Country Head of Legal and Group Company Secretary for all Shell Petroleum companies in Nigeria, and Deputy Managing Director of Addax Petroleum Nigeria.

He sits on the Governing Council of a Nigerian private university, Davidson, and a UK-based NGO and charitable organisation, Chestrad, from where he has championed the establishment of several programs in Nigeria to support health systems, social

development, women, and the girl child.

An alumnus of the prestigious University of Ibadan, as well as Harvard and INSEAD business schools, Mayaki’s background in law, finance, and investment and overall career experience further strengthens the Bank’s dedication to strong corporate governance.

In recent times, Sterling Bank has enhanced its focus on innovation and digitisation, introducing specialised products such as Specta, The Business Hub, OneBank, Qore, Edubanc, HealthBanc, and Omni X, tailored to the unique needs of the Nigerian market. Furthermore, the Bank has forged a partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to develop the real sector of the Nigerian economy with single-digit low-interest loans to SMEs, starting with a N5 billion scheme.

Renowned for its now famous HEART of Sterling strategy; which focuses on investments in health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transportation; the bank featured on the prestigious top 100 fastest growing companies in Africa, as published by the globally recognised Financial Times all in 2023. With its optimism about Nigeria, irreverent brand voice, and enviable talent management practices, Sterling has been the most recognised awardee of the Great Place to Work Institute over the last five years and was named earlier this year as the Overall Best Place to Work in Nigeria.

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NEWS

DISTINGUISHED… L-R: Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola after the passage of 2024 Appropriations Bill at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja … yesterday

Insecurity is Threatening Education Sector, Teachers, Parents Cry Out Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has raised the alarm that the nationwide insecurity was threatening the education sector

It has also called for a collaboration between academic unions in tertiary institutions and the federal government to improve the nation’s quality of education in 2024.

The Deputy National President

EFCC, Nine States on Collision Course over N84.7bn Mismanaged from 13% Derivation Fund Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and nine governors of oil-producing states are heading for a collision over N84.7 billion siphoned from the statutory 13 per cent derivation meant for the nine oil-producing states, THISDAY has learnt.

THISDAY gathered that another bone of contention was the request for the release of N52 billion recovered from former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, and some of his accomplices.

Idris is standing trial over an alleged N109 billion money laundering charge, diversion of public funds, abuse of office, and conspiracy, preferred against him by the EFCC. THISDAY checks revealed that EFCC’s investigation uncovered N84.7 billion siphoned from the statutory 13 per cent derivation meant for the nine oil-producing states.

The states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

The money was allegedly siphoned by a consultancy firm, Olusegun Akindele Consultancy, and other accomplices engaged by the nine NDDC states to review and reconcile the payments due to them from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) between 2004 and 2016.

Specifically, Olusegun Akindele Consultancy firm received a total sum of N84. 7 billion, being 9.84 per cent of N861,135,887,749.10 as consultancy fees and the money was shared among four groups.

THISDAY gathered that through diligent investigation, the EFCC was able to recover the total sum of N52

billion from fictitious consultancy contracts awarded to three out of the four groups.

The funds belong to the nine oil-producing states as approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in their meeting on August 20, 2021.

Further investigation showed that several correspondences were made between the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on behalf of the nine states, and the EFCC. The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Eno, wrote the EFCC seeking the release of the N52 billion to the nine states to a consultant, Messrs Platinum Resources Limited.

THISDAY further gathered that the EFCC turned down the request, insisting that each of the states should send the account details of their government for the release of the money.

However, the EFCC’s directive was not complied with as Eno was said to have sent the account details of only four states - Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers to the EFCC, while the account details of the remaining five states were not sent.

Further investigation showed that the EFCC insisted that all the account details of the nine states should be provided.

THISDAY has learnt that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is planning to pay the money into the CBN derivation account of each of the states.

"This development is the basis of the fight of the governors of the nine states with the commission.

The EFCC’s position is to allow for transparency and accountability concerning the use of the recovered funds," a competent source familiar with the development, said.

of NAPTAN, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, raised the alarm in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the weekend.

Ogunbanjo was giving his assessment of the sector in the outgoing year and expectations for 2024.

He said the education sector in the outgoing year had done well, but there was room for improvement.

He said that could be achieved if the unions and government could work together.

“The entire idea and focus of both the academic unions and government should be to see our education sector progress to the next level, against the unnecessary rancour.

“Agitation for a salary increase, wages, allowances are good, but at the same time, the strike is not the way, because it is at the detriment of the students,

however, you look at it.

“The university ASUU strike, IPPIS, and all these casual distractions should not repeat themselves next year! stakeholders must play their part and play it well,” he added.

The NAPTAN Deputy National President identified insecurity as a major challenge affecting the sector.

He said it was an area that the military and security agents must prioritise in 2024.

“Another thing threatening education is the issue of security; it’s a serious problem and a challenge that requires adequate attention in the coming year.

“The military and security agents must, as a matter of fact, approach this issue, with stern measures to stop kidnapping in our schools to restore the confidence of both students and parents,” Ogunbanjo said.

Speaking on the Students Loan Bill, Ogunbanjo said that Nigerians were full of expectations as the implementation was to take effect in 2024.

He appealed to the federal government to make the loan accessible.

“Too many stringent processes will defeat the purpose or idea behind the student loan.

“I, hereby, appeal to the federal government to make it accessible and seamless so that people can actually benefit,” he said.

Ogunbanjo also called on ASUU to look into service delivery and tackle the issue of missing results.

“ASUU should seek to improve on their services to the universities, students, and parents.

“Missing results are usually common in federal institutions,

which cannot happen in the private.

“ASUU must look into these complaints and ensure that members of staff are dedicated to the job and deliver appropriately, “I have a series of complaints from parents and students on this issue.”

He commended the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for not increasing the examination fees in 2024.

Ogunbanjo appealed to the federal government to consider more grants for tertiary institutions, as it would go a long way in their research work, being a fundamental aspect of university programmes.

The federal government had voted N50 billion in the 2024 budget for the implementation of its student loan scheme, as contained in the details of the 2024 budget appropriation.

Obi Visits Plateau, Pledges Financial Support for Victims of Attacks Laments declining reading culture among youths Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, yesterday visited internally displaced persons in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State where armed men attacked on Christmas Eve. This came as he emphasised the need to improve the reading culture in Nigeria, which he says has declined due to systemic issues.

Obi in the company of his party officials from the state, pledged the sum of N5 million to each local government area of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi where the displaced persons are currently seeking refuge.

He expressed dismay and condemned the attacks that led to the loss of lives and property stressing that government should live up to the responsibility of protection of lives and property.

The presidential candidate

expressed concern about the number of Nigerians seeking refuge as displaced persons in their country, a situation which he described as unacceptable and should be addressed by the government.

Gunmen had stormed the over 15 communities in the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of the state on Christmas Eve, killing more than 190 people.

Several houses were set ablaze by the attackers on Sunday night.

The gun-wielding and blood-curling men also looted farm produce and destroyed properties as they butchered the residents. No group has claimed responsibility for the tragic attack.

Meanwhile, the LP presidential candidate has emphasised the need to improve the reading culture in Nigeria, which he says has declined due to systemic issues.

He said this at an event organised

in Lagos on Friday to promote the reading culture among Nigerian youths.

The event titled: ‘Christmas Magic,’ featured the unveiling of a new children’s book called “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf,” written by renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

In a statement via X yesterday, Obi said, “Reading remains a very important aspect of our educational development, which must always be encouraged.

“Sadly, the reading culture among Nigerian youths has continued to decline due to a poor educational system, an inordinate desire for materialism, a lack of reading materials and functional libraries, and above all, the dying passion for reading among the youth.”

The event brought together several influential figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, academics like Prof.

Hakeem Bello-Osagie, and activists like Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Ndidi Nwuneli. Every speaker encouraged Nigerian youths to regain their passion for reading.

“Readers are leaders, they say.

Reading will help the youth to build their critical thinking and analytical ability to succeed in an ever-complex world,” Obi stated.

Obi lauded the author for consistently using her literary works to advance societal causes.

“I thank Chimamanda for organising this wonderful event, and for consistently advancing the cause of our society through her literary works,” he said.

The former governor reiterated his vision for Nigeria’s future.

“As I have always maintained, our New Nigeria will encourage our very gifted youths to discover their talents, fuel their passions, and develop their skills for the progress of our society,” Obi added.

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CELEBRATING A GREAT FEAT… L-R: Group Managing Director, First Surat Group, Mr. Yasar Ovenc; Cardiovascular Surgeon, Dr Mustafa Kirman; Chief Ogwu James Onoja, Dr. Umolaoja Onoja; Dr. Lydia Aji Maina, Deputy Chief Medical Director; Mrs. Rosemary Onoja, and Executive Director, Mr. Servet Gullerman, at the reception in honour of Dr. Onoja by Nizamiye Hospital as the best-graduating student in the medical school of Binhgham University in Abuja...recently

Abdulsalami Identifies Character, Integrity as Cornerstone of Health Profession Wale Igbintade

Former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has identified character and integrity as the utmost quality of health professionals either as allied health professionals, doctors, nurses, or medical scientists.

Speaking at the recent third convocation ceremony of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Abdulsalami, who is also the Chancellor of the university, urged health professionals in the country to exhibit good behaviour and professionalism in all their conduct.

He added that these qualities would guide them through challenging times, and also enable them to connect with patients on a deeper level and make a lasting impact in their lives.

According to him, the medical field is not merely a profession, but a calling, and a vocation that

demands a profound sense of responsibility.

The former military head of state stressed that medical professionals are entrusted with the lives and well-being of others, adding that it is a privilege that comes with immense responsibility.

He added that their commitment to excellence would not only benefit their patients but also bring them personal and professional fulfillment, adding that they should strive to demonstrate the ideals and values that define PAMO University.

He said: "I wish to share with you some reflections on the essence of your achievements and offer insights that I believe are vital as you embark on this noble profession. Integrity is the cornerstone of a successful career, especially in the health sciences.

It is the steadfast adherence to moral and ethical principles, the unwavering commitment to honesty, and dedication to putting the welfare of others above personal gain. In

the medical field, trust between the patient and the caregiver is paramount. Throughout your stay at PAMO University, we have strived to instill in you a strong sense of ethical responsibility, teaching you not only the science of medicine and health care but also the essence of ethical conduct and decision-making.

“Character, too, is of utmost importance in the health profession either as an allied health professional, a doctor, nurse, or medical scientist. It encompasses the traits that define who you are as an individual. It is your character that will guide you through challenging times, enable you to connect with patients on a deeper level, and make a lasting impact in their lives. We have endeavoured to nurture these qualities in you, knowing that they are just as vital as medical knowledge in delivering exceptional patient care.

“Strive for excellence in every aspect of your practice. Set high

standards for yourselves, and continually seek ways to improve your skills and knowledge. This commitment to excellence will not only benefit your patients but also bring you personal and professional fulfillment.

“The medical field is not merely a profession. It is a calling, a vocation that demands a profound sense of responsibility. You are now entrusted with the lives and well-being of others, a privilege that comes with immense weight. Embrace it with humility, and let it be your guiding light,” the former military Head of State explained.

In his induction lecture, a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Gastroenterologist, at Bayero University, Kano, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Prof. Musa Muhammed Borodo decried the shortage of medical practitioners in the country, disclosing that Nigeria needs at least 300,000 additional qualified

I’ll Sustain Akeredolu’s Legacies, Says Aiyedatiwa Remi Tinubu, VP’s wife, Ohanaeze Ndigbo mourn former Ondo gov Fidelis David in Akure Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has promised to sustain the legacies of his predecessor, the late Rotimi Aderedolu.

This came as the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo mourned the passing of Akeredolu, describing him as a great man.

Aiyedatiwa said this during a candlelight procession organised by the members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Ondo State, in honour of the late Akeredolu, at the Government House, Akure, at the weekend.

Aiyedatiwa, while serving as the deputy governor, was inaugurated as the governor on Wednesday following the death of Akeredolu earlier that day.

He described Akeredolu as a fearless legal luminary and a dedicated leader.

The governor said Akeredolu’s commitment to justice and service to the people earned him the title of “Senior Advocate of the Masses.”

“What you have done this night is commendable; it means all you were doing before, when he was alive, was not eye service but genuine love. This means a lot to me personally.

“We will ensure we complete all the ongoing projects he left behind,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa appealed for continuous prayers, saying, “All you can do for us right now is to continue to pray for us that God should grant all of us the fortitude to bear this loss.”

Earlier, NBA Chairman, Akure Branch, Bayo Aina, said the candlelight gathering signified their unwavering commitment to support and perpetuate Akeredolu’s impactful work, even in death.

Meanwhile, the First Lady, Mrs. Tinubu, has said with the death of Akeredolu, Nigeria has lost a great man.

The first lady, said this when in company with Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, they paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former governor at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday.

She noted that Akeredolu was a great man and would be solidly missed.

Mrs. Tinubu stated that Akeredolu has done his best, describing him as a great man loved by her family, her husband, and many Nigerians.

She said: “We can only wish that the legacies he left behind can continue and endure, I wish his wife, his children, grandchildren, and the family that God will comfort them and also ease their pains.

“They should live with the fact that the man has done well; he has done well to people; he will be solidly missed and may his soul

rest in perfect peace.

“I keep asking when somebody asks people if somebody is alright or is he sick, I said who is well? We all have one ailment or the other, and it is only God that gives us each day to live by.”

Responding on behalf of the family, brother to the late governor, Professor Oluwole Ayodeji Akeredolu said the exit of Akeredolu is a painful one at this time but the family is consoled by the fact that he has gone to rest.

He thanked the First Lady and her entourage for the condolence visit which he described as a great honour.

Mrs. Tinubu's entourage included the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, wives of members of the National Assembly, wives of governors of Lagos and Ogun states, and the wife of the APC National Chairman.

On its part, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the late Akeredolu as a courageous man who spoke truth to power.

The Igbo group also described him as a great in-law, inter-ethnic genius, soldier of democracy and the popular sentiment of South-west politics.

In a statement issued in Enugu yesterday, through its national publicity secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze said it received with grief the sad news of the passing of “an Angel of history; a

robust visionary, purveyor of morals, the jinx breaker, the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, a legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, an inter-ethnic genius, the two- time governor of Ondo State and the former Chairman of the South-west Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu.”

It said the former governor was not only an exceptional in-law of the Igbo; he was also their noble son by the reason of marriage to their adorable daughter, Her Excellency, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.

It said: “It is noteworthy that the Ohanaeze Constitution confers Igbo citizenship on our in-laws and their offspring.

“As long as the marriage with Betty lasted, Akeredolu displayed an unflinching fidelity, marital exemplariness, and a profound commitment to the welfare of the Emeabiam community, Owerri-West, in Imo State.

“Such magnanimous relationship was extended to the Igbo community in Ondo State”, the statement added.

The statement added that the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, recalled the audacious roles that Akeredolu played in the creation of the Amotekun; the zest and steadfastness with which, as the Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, coordinated the zoning of the presidency to the southern part of Nigeria.

doctors to meet the standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

He argued that it would take Nigeria over 40 years to produce enough doctors for the country to meet the WHO minimum doctor/ population ratio, stating that only 30,000 practitioners were serving the over 230 million population of the country, representing a doctor/ population ratio of only 1:7,700.

This he said was far short of the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) of 1:1000 ratio for developing countries.

He said: "The current rate of producing 5,000 doctors annually from our medical schools, assuming no brain drain or brain gain occurs and maintaining a zero-population growth it would take us over 40 years to produce enough doctors for the country to meet the WHO minimum doctor/ population ratio".

Borodo lamented that the low national doctors’ quota has led to inadequate care for the Nigerian population particularly in the rural areas where most Nigerians live with the least number of doctors

in attendance.

This shortage, he said, encouraged the development of the concept of ‘task shifting’ where non-doctors with some training were assigned to undertake doctors’ tasks, particularly in the primary health care facilities.

He maintained that the production of quality medical doctors is the essence of any medical training program and must be well-guarded to make it worthwhile.

Highlighting factors affecting medical service in Nigeria, Borodo said teachers are now increasingly poorly motivated with low remuneration and poor working environment encouraging varying degrees of absenteeism in a number of them to the advantage of other competing interests.

To address the problem, Borodo recommended the availability of medical teachers to do their teaching tasks efficiently in producing highquality doctors.

He also called on private proprietors of medical schools to as a matter of principle do the needful in their domains as recommended by the government.

Allow Nigerians Breathe in 2024, Lagos Catholic Archbishop Tells FG, State Govts Wale Igbintade The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government and all political leaders across the country to give Nigerians enough reasons to smile in 2024, stressing that Nigerians are struggling to breathe.The archbishop in a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, observed that the increase in the pump price of petrol and the drastic loss in the value of the naira, among other factors, have grossly affected the purchasing power of most Nigerians who are finding it increasingly difficult to survive.

According to him, 2023 being an election year with all its controversies, witnessed untold hardship for millions of Nigerians due to the prohibitive cost of most essential commodities.

He challenged President Tinubu, state governors, and members of the National and State Houses of Assembly to take the lead in prudent living by reducing the high cost of governance and avoiding unnecessary travels that do not impact the daily life of the people.

He cited the number of expensive vehicles purchased for the National Assembly members and the executive arm of government.

The other instance, according to

him, is the bloated delegations who attend international meetings at huge government expense. e stated that if President Tinubu wishes to write his name in gold, he must begin to employ all resources available, human and material, and not allow politics and political expediency to stand in the way of the common good and the welfare of the majority.

Archbishop Martins enjoined governments at all levels - across party lines - to harness all available resources to fashion out policies that would help alleviate the suffering of the majority of Nigerians.

He said: “The increase in the pump price of petroleum products and the drastic loss in the value of the naira, among other factors, have grossly affected the purchasing power of most Nigerians who are finding it increasingly difficult to survive. This alongside insecurity in the country has pushed the best brains in the country to yield to the Japa syndrome.

"Those of us who remain are struggling to breathe, as they say.

This is unacceptable. As we begin the year 2024, we call on the government, at all levels, to focus on policies that would help to rebuild the economy and bring solace to the impoverished masses. The government must listen to the cries of poor Nigerians.

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EXECUTIVE FRIENDS… L-R: Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq; Celebrants, Bimbo Ashiru; his wife, Kemi; and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the cutting of the cake to celebrate Bimbo's birthday and the couple's wedding anniversary in Lagos...recently

NUPRC Mandates Oil Companies to Supply 483,000 bpd of Crude Oil to Local Refineries Peter Uzoho The Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has mandated oil producers to supply around 483,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to local refineries for the first six months of 2024, according to new regulations from the commission.

This initiative is part of Africa’s largest crude oil exporter’s efforts to ensure a stable supply for domestic refining.

Among the local refineries expected to commence operations in 2024 are the Dangote Refinery and at least three government-run refineries.

As outlined in the recently published Domestic Crude Supply Obligation guidelines by the NUPRC, the 650,000-barrelper-day Dangote Refinery is set to receive the largest share, with a volume of 325,000 bpd.

Data from the NUPRC, according Nairametrics, indicates

that six refineries, collectively boasting a refining capacity of 864,500 barrels per day (bpd), are anticipated to become operational starting in 2024.

Consequently, oil producers will need to provide slightly more than half of the crude requirements to meet these refining capacities.

Additional refineries slated to benefit from the crude oil supply include the Warri and PortHarcourt refineries, anticipated to receive 75,000 and 54,000 barrels of crude oil daily, respectively.

Meanwhile, refineries such as Waltersmith, OPAC, and Niger Delta Petroleum Refinery, among others, are set to receive 10,000 bpd and below.

The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) enacted in 2021 introduced a provision mandating oil producers in Nigeria to allocate a portion of their crude to domestic refineries to prevent them from facing shortages.

N'ASSEMBLY PASSES 2024 APPROPRIATION BILL OF N28.7TN, INCREASES TINUBU’S PROPOSAL BY N1.2TN yesterday approved the securitisation of the outstanding debit balance of N7.3 trillion of the Ways and Means Advance in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the federal government.

This followed the consideration of President Tinubu's letter, addressed to the Senate President, Akpabio.

Tinubu's request was subsequently considered at the Committee of Supply and approved at plenary due to its urgency.

Ways and Means is a loan facility through which the CBN finances the government's budget shortfalls.

The letter by the President is titled, "Securitisation of the debit balance of ways and Means in the consolidated revenue fund of the Federal Government of Nigeria."

It read: “I would like to call the attention of the Senate to the provisions of section 38 of the subsisting CBN Act 2007.

"It stipulates that the apex bank may grant temporary advances to the federal government in respect of temporary deficiency of budget revenue provided such overdraft do not surpass five per cent of the government revenue from the previous year.

"The Senate is invited to note that from available information by the CBN the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) account of the Federal

Government of Nigeria (FGN) stood at N7.3trillion as of December 11, 2023, that is due to domestic debt servicing, Principal and interest.

"While the federal government is considering various measures to forestall the use of Ways and Means advances for domestic debt servicing, it has become highly imperative to securitirise the outstanding Ways and Means Advance of the Federal Government of Nigeria before the end of the year 2023.

"The securitisation of the Ways and Means will lead to the realisation of the following benefits amongst others: "Reduction of debt service costs as the interest rate for the securitise Ways and Means advanced is lowered at 9 per cent per annum compared to MBR which is 0.3 per cent "The savings arising from the much lower interest rate will have to reduce the deficit in the budget.

"The improvement in debt transparency as securitised Ways and Means Advances are included in the public debts statistics.

"In view of the foregoing, the senate is invited to kindly consider and approve the securitisation of the outstanding debit balance of N7.3 trillion in the same order as at December 2023.”

However, as of now, this regulation has not been implemented.

Nigeria has been seeking to end the importation of petroleum products and keep prices relatively low after the removal of the fuel subsidy in June. The price of fuel spiked by

over 200% after the removal of the subsidy in June.

Although the CEO of the NNPCL stated in an interview in June that local refining will not significantly reduce the price of fuel across the country post-subsidy.

He specifically stated the

reduction will be in the range of N20 to N30 from the imported fuel.

Since 2021, the country has engaged foreign contractors in the rehabilitation of its state-owned refineries and supported the private sector in building others.

The Dangote Refinery was

inaugurated in May but is yet to begin refining after receiving crude earlier this month.

Also, the turnaround maintenance of the old Port Harcourt refinery has been completed and will begin refining 60,000 barrels of oil daily from January 2024.

PLATEAU KILLINGS: NIGERIA AT WAR, CITIZENS LOSING HOPE, BISHOP KUKAH TELLS TINUBU Senate yesterday summoned the heads of security agencies over the gruesome killings on Christmas Eve in Plateau State.

The Senate said the coordinated nature of the massacre showed that there was a failure of security intelligence.

The Red Chamber, following a motion by Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau) during yesterday’s plenary, invited the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Director-General of State Security Services, National Security Adviser, Director General of Nigeria Intelligence Agency and Inspector General of Police over the killings.

The security chiefs are to brief the Senate on the gruesome killings in Plateau State to enable the parliament to take further action.

Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi), said the bandits, numbering about 400, operated freely without hindrance, alleging that the security agents failed to act on the prior information before the attack happened.

He also said there was no synergy among the security agencies.

A former Plateau State governor, Senator Simon Lalong, faulted the claims of the military that the terrain was difficult to access and the attacked communities were too distant from military formations.

He expressed disappointment that despite the various military operations, including Operation Safe Haven, innocent lives are being lost in a gruesome manner

House Urges Army to Establish Military Base in Bokkos LGA Also, the House of Representatives has called on the Chief of Army Staff to establish a military base in Bokkos Local Government Areas and other volatile areas of Plateau State.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion on the urgent need to condemn and investigate the gruesome Christmas Eve killings in some parts of the state.

Moving the motion at the plenary yesterday, Hon. Ahmed Wase noted that findings from the assessment of

the ugly incidents in Bokkos LGA revealed that the total number of villages attacked was 12, while 221 houses were set ablaze, 27 motorcycles were burnt, eight vehicles were burnt down and over 79 persons were killed, and 17 deaths were recorded in Barkin-Ladi LGA. He noted that the death toll from the various attacks at Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State has surpassed over 200 as of December 29, 2023, with many others seriously injured according to several news sources.

Wase lamented that till this moment, security agencies are yet to identify the perpetrators of these heinous attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives of innocent citizens and destroyed properties worth millions.

He expressed worry that if these dastardly attacks are left unchecked, they would escalate with time and worsen the already volatile security situation on the Plateau; Wase stressed that further escalation in these killings might lead to a conflagration in the whole of the North-central zone which might spill into other geopolitical zones in the country.

The House, therefore, directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately assess the extent of damage and displacement in attacked communities within the said local government areas to provide necessary relief materials.

It also urged the Inspector General of Police to immediately conduct a detailed investigation into these attacks to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

It also urged the Minister of Defence to initiate a coordinated Joint Security Operation within these local government areas and adjoining towns located in Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Nasarawa states to flush out criminals and bandits and prevent them from escaping to other states.

It urged: "The Chief of Air Staff in collaboration with the Chief of Army Staff to provide aerial surveillance and support to flush out criminal hideouts and camps.

"Urge the Department of State Services and Directorate of Military

Intelligence to gather intelligence information on the influx, camping, and operations of criminal groups within Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and other volatile local government areas and adjoining towns and share same with other sister security agencies.

"Urge the Chief of Army Staff to establish military presence/bases in the said local government areas and other volatile areas of Plateau State."

The House also mandates the House Committee on Police, Defence, Army, and National Intelligence to investigate the root cause of these incessant killings to provide lasting solutions.

Traditional Rulers Cancel New Year Celebrations over Attacks Meanwhile, the Jos-Joint Traditional Council has announced the cancellation of the usual New Year celebrations across the LGAs in the state.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Chairman of the council and Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba “directed that there should be no public procession, outdoor gatherings, or celebrations during the New Year festivities except strictly in worship places after which everyone must disperse and go to their respective homes. This is aimed at avoiding any unpleasant situation."

The statement which was signed by the special assistant to the Gbong Gwom, Da Yakubu Mamman Dang, and directed to all district and village heads added that "in the light of this directive, the usual New Year gathering in the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos in Jishe, is hereby suspended."

Meanwhile, a former governor of the state, Jang has alleged that the killers were on a cleansing mission to take over the lands of the people and reiterated his call for the establishment of state police.

Jang made the call when he commiserated with the families that lost loved ones during the Christmas Eve attacks.

In a statement signed by his media consultant, Mr. Clinton Garuba, the former senator representing Plateau

North, said: "The killings on the plateau would seem to have gone on unabated as the non-arrest and prosecution of perpetrators have bolstered the serial killers to carry out more and more killings. Jang alleged: “These killers are out on a cleansing agenda and plan to take over the lands of the people they try to wipe out is no longer hidden.”

Jang said: "States should be given the power to create, train, and equip their police to enable state governors to deal with peculiar security situations in their various states. More than ever, the time to heed the call for state policing is now. The National Assembly must take this call seriously and rise to the occasion, act in the interest of the Plateau people, and consider the issue as a matter of urgent importance.”

ECOWAS Asks FG to Ensure Justice for Victims The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the recent killings in Plateau State.

Reacting to the incident in a statement yesterday, ECOWAS said the “dastardly act” demonstrated the “callousness, insensitivity and total disregard of the sanctity of human life on part of the perpetrators of the heinous act”.

“The commission further expresses profound condolences to the bereaved, wishes a speedy recovery to the injured, and conveys its heartfelt sympathies to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“The ECOWAS Commission calls on the government to intensify ongoing efforts to identify and bring the perpetrators of this terrorist act to justice.”

The commission also reassured the government and citizens of its unwavering commitment to accompanying the country in the on-going efforts towards promoting peaceful co-existence.

ECOWAS added that it was committed to ridding the region of the scourge of terrorism, violent extremism, and banditry.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

BUSINESS

Crude oil production

Editor: Festus Akanbi 08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

FX transaction

Navigating Turbulence: Assessing Nigeria’s Business Climate in 2023 Festus Akanbi, in this review, focuses on issues that dominated Nigeria’s business and economic landscape in 2023

I

t is crystal clear that a complete postmortem analysis of issues that shaped the business and economic climate in Nigeria in 2023 cannot be undertaken without putting President Bola Tinubu’s maiden address after his inauguration on May 29, into context.

This is because some of the economic reforms which the president gleefully announced at the inauguration, namely the removal of the fuel subsidy and the abolition of a dual foreign exchange system, have continued to trigger developments associated with the emergent high cost of doing business and the attendant falling purchasing power of the people.

The economic reforms ushered in by the new administration surged through the country like a tempestuous whirlwind, stirring hopes and trepidation in equal measure. For some, these changes were a beacon of promise, a sunrise promising a new dawn of prosperity, uplifting spirits with dreams of thriving businesses and abundant opportunities.

Yet, for others, the reforms brought a storm of uncertainty, casting shadows of doubt upon their livelihoods, igniting fears of instability and upheaval. Families huddled closer, their conversations a blend of anticipation and anxiety, as the nation teetered on the precipice of transformation, a symphony of hope and concern echoing through the hearts of its people.

Fuel Subsidy Removal and Spike in Petrol Price The immediate fallout of the fuel subsidy removal was the rise in petrol prices and the return of queues for products across the country.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in one of its reports, said the price of petrol in Nigeria increased by 210.31 per cent year-on-year. This means Nigerians, in June 2023, paid an average price of N545.83 for a litre of petrol compared to 1 LQ WKH SHULRG ODVW \HDU 7RGD\ WKH R΀FLDO pump price of petrol in the country is N620, though it varies by location, ranging from N600 to N700 per litre due to logistics and other factors.

Naira Scarcity With few days to the end of the year, Nigerians are still faced with a scarcity of naira, prompting organised labour to warn the federal government to urgently resolve the crisis to avoid the economic paralysis that heralded the year.

NLC in a recent statement said it was unacceptable that Nigerians were “spending more time in the banks trying to source for cash not for monies that are not in their accounts but for their own money.”

Nigerians woke up in the new year with the problem of acute naira scarcity following the Naira redesign policy of the previous administration.

The CBN announced the redesign of 200, 500, and 1,000 naira notes, and plans to end the use of the old notes by January 31, 2023.

The CBN policy caused widespread chaos

5LVLQJ ,QÁDWLRQ ,Q 1RYHPEHU WKH KHDGOLQH LQÁDWLRQ UDWH increased to 28.20% relative to the October 2023 KHDGOLQH LQÁDWLRQ UDWH ZKLFK ZDV ,Q -DQXDU\ WKH KHDGOLQH LQÁDWLRQ UDWH URVH WR 21.82% compared to the December 2022 headline LQÁDWLRQ UDWH ZKLFK ZDV 7KH ULVLQJ LQÁDWLRQ UDWH DQG WKH DWWHQGDQW OHQGLQJ UDWHV are the twin problems scaring away small-scale business promoters from bank loans.

Return of fuel queues nationwide, as frustrated Nigerians staged protests amid poor banking operations.

The President of the Bank Customers’Association of Nigeria, Dr. Uju Ogunbunka, insisted that the cash scarcity has persisted despite CBN’s assurance.

FX Market Reforms and Free Fall of Naira Another major development during the year has been the instability in the foreign exchange market as a result of the new policy unveiled by President Tinubu in May. On June 14th, 2023 the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released a press release announcing it would abandon its controlled foreign exchange V\VWHP LQ IDYRXU RI D IUHH ÁRDWLQJ RQH The declaration has been followed by a depreciation of the exchange rate without precedent: on the 14th of June 2023, the CBN’s exchange rate was N464.5 for one dollar. A week later, on the 21st of June 2023, it was N708.2, which represents a loss of one-third of the currency value in one week.

The foreign exchange reform, which allows the naira to trade more freely, has led to the currency depreciating to N885.88 per dollar at the NigerianAutonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM). At the same time, the black market rate was N1,200 as of Wednesday.

However, one immediate problem is that WKH IUHH ÁRDWLQJ RI WKH QDLUD KDV QRW LPSURYHG the supply of fx: banks are still restricting the amount of foreign currency that their customers can withdraw from their accounts. Fx is still in short supply.

7KH FULSSOLQJ HͿHFW RQ WKH QDLUD ZDV EHWWHU captured by the World Bank in one of its reports where it described the Nigerian currency as one of the worst-performing currencies in Africa.

It noted that the currency weakened by nearly 40 per cent against the US dollar since a mid-June devaluation.

Company’s Closure and Job Losses The number of jobs lost in the manufacturing

sector rose to the highest in three years for the ÀUVW KDOI RI DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH 0DQXIDFWXUHUV Association of Nigeria (MAN).

In MAN’s latest half-yearly review report, the number increased by 108.7 per cent to 3,567 in H1 from 1,709 in the same period of 2022. It also grew by 31.7 per cent to 2,708 in H2 of last year.

The number of jobs created in the sector declined by 32.8 per cent to 6,428 from 9,559 in H1 2022.

“The decline in the number of jobs created in the sector during the period further highlighted the unfriendly business environment resulting IURP WKH KDVW\ SROLFLHV DQG UHVLGXDO HͿHFW RI WKH currency redesign policy that led to the naira crunch,” MAN said.

According to the National president of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Femi Egbesola, about 25 per cent of manufacturing businesses “has gone under” this year because of the multiple challenges facing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, particularly manufacturers.

Exit of Multinationals In 2023, at least four multinational manufacturers have indicated plans to exit Nigeria. The companies include Unilever (home care and skin cleansing categories), GlaxoSmithKline, 3URFWHU *DPEOH DQG 6DQRÀ -XPLD )RRG a food-ordering platform, says it is stopping operations in Nigeria by December 31, 2023.

Bolt Food had earlier taken the same decision.

Last month, Equinor Nigeria Energy Company (ENEC), a Norwegian energy corporation, which holds a 53.85% ownership in oil mining lease (OML) 128, including a 20.21% stake in $JEDPL ÀHOG RSHUDWHG E\ &KHYURQ GLYHVWHG from its Nigerian operations, after three-decade presence in the country’s energy market.

They blame challenged businesses or unconducive operating environments, especially IRUHLJQ H[FKDQJH XQDYDLODELOLW\ GL΀FXOW\ LQ repatriating their revenues, high cost of raw materials, insecurity, and general high cost of doing business.

Borrowing Spree With the problem of dwindling revenue, Nigeria had to continue piling up debt to run the budget. For instance, the Debt ManagePHQW 2΀FH SXW 1LJHULD·V WRWDO SXEOLF GHEW DW N87.38trillion at the end of the second quarter RI 7KH ÀJXUH UHSUHVHQWV DQ LQFUHDVH RI 75.29 per cent or N37.53trillion compared to N49.85trillion recorded at the end of March 2023.

The high borrowing cost and rising debt DUH KLQGHULQJ 1LJHULD·V DELOLW\ WR ÀQDQFH LWV development agenda. Increasing amounts of public revenue are allocated for debt servicing purposes. In 2022, an estimated 96% of the federal government’s revenue was allocated toward interest payments.

Crude Oil Production Nigeria’s crude oil output rose to an all-time high of 1.35million barrels per day ((excluding condensates) in September 2023, as the country pumped its highest volume of crude oil so far since this year.

However, the issue of oil theft was an issue.

A review of crude oil theft incident reports provided by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) between May and the second week of October 2023, said that it’s alarming to discover that there have been 4,145 recorded crude oil theft incidents. This staggering number highlights the severity of the issue at hand.

However, the preliminary 2023 average OPEC oil price stood at US$81.86. This denotes a decrease compared to the previous year when an energy supply shortage and sanctions on Russia saw prices reach a decade-high.

New CBN Governor Also in the year under review, President Tinubu appointed Dr. Olayemi Cardoso as the new Central Bank Governor. His appointment, ZLWK IRXU GHSXW\ JRYHUQRUV ZDV ODWHU FRQÀUPHG by the Senate. The deputy governors included Emem Nnana Usoro, Muhammad SaniAbdullahi Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor, and Bala M. Bello.

Analysts’ observation is that the new team is VWLOO WU\LQJ WR ÀQG LWV UK\WKP JLYHQ WKH IDFW WKDW some of the issues that preceded their appointments are still haunting their administration. For instance, the bank has not held any Monetary Policy Committee meeting since coming into power and analysts are worried about the implications of such delay.

16

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

TRANSPORT

Vehicles caught up on a collapsed road

Failing Roads Strain Nigeria’s Economic Growth The recent commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to overhaul the nation’s road network could not have come at a better time given the severity of HFRQRPLF ORVVHV VXͿHUHG E\ JRYHUQPHQW DQG SULYDWH EXVLQHVVHV RQ WKH DFFRXQW RI the near collapse of road infrastructure in Nigeria, reports Festus Akanbi

I

n Nigeria today, the commonest indices of underdevelopment that cut across the six major geopolitical zones is poverty, which socio-economists blamed on a combination of government economic policies, global economic realities, and poor state of infrastructure.

Despite the huge resources set aside for infrastructure development by the previous administrations, the World Bank in December 2022 still adjudged Nigeria low on infrastructural development, ranking it at 132 of 136 countries surveyed. It noted that at the current slow rate of development, LW ZRXOG WDNH \HDUV WR ÀOO WKH JDS In Nigeria, road infrastructure has been a serious decider of the state of the economy given the need to move goods, agricultural products, and workforce from time to time.

Apart from the menace of insurgents and kidnapping on the farm, investors in the agricultural sector said the problem of bad roads and the attendant high cost of moving goods and services is one of the problems cited by farmers for the high cost of food items.

A report put the national road network at 195,000km. Out of this, federal roads are estimated to be about 35,000 km, state roads 17,000km, and local government roads taking a whopping estimated 140,000km. Nonetheless, a greater percentage of these road networks are either unpaved or unpliable.

Between Facts and Fiction Analysts said that given the current sorry state of the Nigerian roads, it is regrettable that the immediate past administration could not be said to have done much despite the huge allocations for infrastructure and the publicity stunts on the few completed road projects.

Observers said that apart from the Second Niger Bridge which was completed by the past administration, not much could be said about the new roads constructed. Meanwhile, a compendium of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration noted that hundreds of roads, bridges, and houses were constructed and built during his eight years tenure with a budgetary allocation of N1.6trillion.

The scorecard also noted that between 2016 and 2022, a total of 8,352.94km of roads were constructed or rehabilitated, adding that to achieve this, a total number of 339,955 jobs directly related to the project were created.

Analysts therefore said nothing underscored the sorry state of the Nigerian roads like the recent threat of members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to withdraw their services in protest against the decrepit state of most of the Nigerian roads which they blamed for frequent tanker accidents and the resultant life and economic losses.

Although the NUPENG strike was averted, economic analysts

VDLG WKH UHFHQW D΀UPDWLRQ RI WKH SRRU VWDWH DQG TXDOLW\ RI 1LJHULD·V roads by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, should be seen DV DQ R΀FLDO DFNQRZOHGJPHQW RI WKH IDLOXUH RI WKH VXFFHVVLYH administrations, especially the immediate one to justify the huge budgetary provisions for infrastructure development.

Umahi, after a recent road inspection tour across the country, lamented that no existing federal road could survive for seven years as the contractors had done terrible jobs. He said many roads were riddled with “potholes” that had deteriorated into “boreholes.”

Presidential Intervention Realising the seriousness of the situation, President Bola Tinubu is said to have rolled in a comprehensive plan to put Nigerian roads in order. For instance, he recently approved over 260 road interventions across the 36 states and the FCT. This intervention, according to Umahi, cuts across all the geographical sections of the country.

The reality is that federal highways are in shambles, militating against commerce. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, East-West Highway, and Ibadan-Ogbomoso-Ilorin have been undergoing rehabilitation for decades with no end in sight. Some reconstructed URDGV DUH ZDVKHG DZD\ ZLWK WKH ÀUVW VLJQ RI UDLQIDOO Roads including the Makurdi-Nsukka-9th Mile Road, EastWest Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Benin bypass road, collapsed bridges of Enugu-Port Harcourt road, collapsed bridges of Shandam-Plateau State, Abuja-Kaduna- Zaria-Kano road and Gombe-Bauchi among others have become eyesores.

Umahi explained that N300billion funding in the 2023 supplementary budget will be divided into N100billion for the immediate palliative works on all roads in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and N200billion for the completion of most inherited ongoing projects which will all provide succour for Nigerians.

7R DVVLVW LQ WHUPV RI ÀQDQFLQJ WKH IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW KDV WULHG GLͿHUHQW IXQGLQJ PHFKDQLVPV IRU WKH IHGHUDO URDGV 6XFK initiatives and interventions include the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, and the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund to fund.

Companies Groan In Lagos and Ogun states where revenue drive is topnotch, the problem of road infrastructure is constraining businesses from realising their optimal capacity. For instance, in Ogun State alone, the Agbara-Igbesa axis hosts several companies such as Unilever, Pharma Deko, Beloxxi Biscuits, Flour Mills of Nigeria, and GreenTech, among others. For many years, operators along that axis complained about the past government’s abandonment of the road despite its economic importance. Work later commenced

on the road, but some business owners are lamenting the slow pace of the project.

Some transporters of food items from the northern parts of the country complained that bringing their goods to the southern part has become a nightmare as substantial parts of their gains go to transport.

A potato merchant, Alhaji Danladi Subair, who narrated his experience said a trailer load of potatoes which he was bringing from Kano tumbled somewhere in Jebba. He explained that he had to hire labourers to pack the goods back to another vehicle which brought the few ones salvaged to Lagos at an additional cost.

Lending his voice to the call for a quick intervention on the road issue, a legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola reportedly blamed poor roads for most of the road accidents and their attendant losses in Nigeria.

Babalola, who is also the founder of the Afe Babalola University in newspaper articles, said practically, every Nigerian and every sector of the Nigerian economy relies on one form of transportation or the other, with the road being the most utilised means.

According to him, this, therefore, connotes that a good road network where commuters arrive at their destination without any delay occurring from bad roads, or where goods are safely and timeously transported from one location to the other is bound to foster economic progress. +H H[SODLQHG WKDW JRRG URDG LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DͿHFWV WKH ÁH[LELOLW\ and mobility of the workforce from one point to the other, and it is indeed central to good governance and public welfare.

“Undoubtedly, a seamless road network and infrastructure lowers production costs and raises productivity particularly especially in the agricultural sector where the transportation of crops from the farm to the consumers is a major factor in the production chain.

“Even in the industrial sector, a good road transportation network is required to bridge the gap between the place of production to WKH SRLQW RI ÀQDO FRQVXPSWLRQ µ KH VDLG Research has also shown that there is a strong and positive relationship between road transportation and economic growth in Nigeria. It has equally been demonstrated that transportation infrastructure can improve the well-being of the citizens in Nigeria.

Road transportation contributes to the Gross Domestic Product of any country and impacts its economic growth when goods and services can be transported to the end user.

This implies that a good transportation system is a powerful WRRO LQ EROVWHULQJ SURGXFWLYLW\ DQG HͿHFWLYH GLVWULEXWLRQ RI JRRGV and services and, in the long run, increases the economic growth of the country.

This is why the ongoing project anchored by the Minister of Works should be carried out with seriousness.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

17

INTERVIEW Abdullahi: Tax Clearance Certificate Now Compulsory for Building Permit in FCT In a bid to shore up revenue and sanitise the system, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service has initiated some measures. In this interview with Ndubuisi Francis, the Executive Chairman of the agency, Haruna Abdullahi, disclosed that with Sections 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act and 31 of the FCT-IRS Act fully activated by the FCT Minister Nyesom :LNH SURYLGLQJ 7D[ &OHDUDQFH &HUWLÀFDWHV LV QRZ FRPSXOVRU\ IRU UHVLGHQWV WR VHFXUH EXLOGLQJ permits and transact other businesses with the FCT Administration

H

ow are you coping with the challenges that come with running an organisation that is saddled with the responsibility of going after taxes or revenue?

This is quite valid. Maybe, I will start with the second in terms of the challenges. I mean, running institutions like this, especially at the national level, because we are sub-national, but then we are in Abuja. So, you are seen more as a national body. Whatever we do, other agencies come to look at it. So, we have that as a notion, but there DUH VLJQLÀFDQW FKDOOHQJHV DQG UHYHQXH LVVXHV DUH political issues. You need the political support; and the political will to overcome a lot of these challenges. And that’s why I mentioned the fact that the honourable minister now is supporting the service politically. And that has lessened the burden. The other ones are general operational issues, misunderstanding, and lack of information in terms of clarity of what happens and ZKDW·V VXSSRVHG WR KDSSHQ :H IDFH VLJQLÀFDQW challenges from many stakeholders. The kind of letters we receive here, but we try to as much as possible to deal with them. But now with the minister who has come and now showing that revenue issues are at the forefront for him, I’m sure you’ve read that, we have been taken out of the TSA strictly for revenue issues. So, all stakeholders, I believe now in the city, see that the political will is there. And even internal stakeholders, our colleagues and all have seen that, look; this is the direction of the bureaucracy of the administration; and certainly you would not joke with it.

further to say that these are huge revenue areas in FCT. The FCT does not get much revenue apart from its IGR. So, what is the IGR here? It is the land and the property that are here. We have to make sure that everything is attached to that and we have to give reasons for people to do that. This is why a lot of things are now attached to the TCC.

Abdullahi

be gazetted and implemented. So, that alone should tell you that there is a huge positive impact on the bottom line of the Internally Generated Revenue in the city.

Also,wehaveinauguratedanothercommittee, we are now implementing the Capital It is believed that the collection of taxes is because law. Previously, people just went and Tax Gains not an easy task. What are the challenges you so there is very little payment voluntarily, paid are facing?

Gains Tax. But now, we have Revenue issues are political issues because in terms of Capital and he has approved the minister the briefed you need the required political will to overcome We are going to begin a lot of challenges. This is why I mentioned the inter-agency collaboration.

Capital Gains Tax fully. So, fact that the minister has given us political sup- to implement thean FCT with a property tax, a port and that has lessened the burden. Other you can imagine capital gains tax, and then challenges are general operational issues and fully implemented ago there was a circular where lack of information in terms of clarity of what about a month the implementation of approved minister the happensandwhatissupposedtohappen.Weface Personal Income Tax Act and VLJQLÀFDQW FKDOOHQJHV IURP PDQ\ VWDNHKROGHUV Section 85 of the Act. when you consider the kind of letters we receive Section 31 of the FCT-IRS two years ago, in my came I when me, For here. But we try as much as possible to deal with W ZH FDQQRW GR them. However, now that the minister has come ÀUVW PHHWLQJ , WROG WKH VWDͿ WKD Section 85. But it is implement don’t we if much to show that revenue issues are at the forefront for that needs political support.And, him, all stakeholders in the city now see that the a huge section minister came and he endorsed the course, of political will is there and have seen the direction that is going to be huge. of impact The that. of the administration and will not joke with it.

What that means is that all of us must have a So, what are some of the measures you’ve 7D[ &OHDUDQFH &HUWLÀFDWH <RX PXVW ÀOH \RXU UHWXUQV DQG WKHQ \RX adopted to drive revenue for the FCT? RX FDQQRW JHW The minister (of FCT) recently approved some JHW D WD[ FOHDUDQFH FHUWLÀFDWH < it. Before the developwithout permit building a initiatives, which are huge and will certainly unit can give you the permit to go change the dynamics in terms of the bottom ment controlneed to show that you are paying you ahead, line. Also, just recently, we submitted a draft have a TCC and it must be you and tax your proposal to the minister for the FCT Property [ DXWKRULW\ 6R Tax regulation. The FCT-IRS Act empowers the YHULÀDEOH E\ WKH DSSURSULDWH WD initiatives, the implementation major three these minister to come up with a Property Tax regulaPersonal Income Tax and 31 of tion for the FCT. So, we had a long conversation of Section 85 of 2015, implementation of Capital and we suggested it to the minister, and he asked FCT-IRS Act and then now, the Property Tax us to come up with a draft regulation, which Gains Tax should take us to certainly above regulation we did, and he approved the initiative. So, we of what we are doing at the cent per 60 to 50 have an inter-agency collaboration whereby JRLQJ WR KDYH we review it because the draft was just done PRPHQW $QG WKDW LV GHÀQLWHO\ impact on the bottom line. by the FCT-IRS, but that was not enough, you a huge positive are not things that you will need other stakeholders. So, he approved the However, these in 2024. They are going impacts major their see initiative to go ahead and review the draft and on these fundamentals, we see then come back. Subsequently, at the end of concerns. Based its rightful place in terms of the day, he will sign the regulation and it will the service taking in Nigeria. revenue generation

:KDW ZDV \RXU UHYHQXH SURÀOH LQ WKH SDVW and what is it currently?

Previously, the Federal Inland Revenue Service was responsible for Personal Income Tax in the FCT. The FCT IRS Act was developed in 2015, but we did not start operations until January of 2018. As of 2017, what the FIRS used to collect was an average of N40 billion annually. But as of today, we have done N145 billion and that is without these tax types that are now enforced, which include Property Tax, Capital Gains Tax and now Personal Income Tax with Section 85.

This will cause a huge leap for the service. At that time, the FCT IRS was about number six nationally, but today we are hovering between two and three depending on so many factors.

However, I don’t like focusing on the numbers because you need to build an institution.You need an institutional framework for these numbers to grow and, especially in 2021, that was our focus. Building capacity was key for we had DERXW MXVW WKUHH R΀FHV WKHQ EXW WRGD\ ZH KDYH DERXW R΀FHV LQ WKH FLW\ The priority is to build a sustainable institution and when you have a sustainable institution that is driven by technology, a lot of these things ZLOO MXVW ÀQG D ZD\ RI IDOOLQJ LQWR SODFH :H also realised that not many people knew the FCT-IRS. We needed people to know that this is an independent agency and, as of today, SHRSOH FDQ GLͿHUHQWLDWH EHWZHHQ WKH )&7 ,56 DQG WKH ),56 ,Q P\ ÀUVW \HDU , VDLG OHW·V EXLOG an institutional framework that will sustain the service. Therefore, I think we have moved in terms of the numbers, our capacity, employees from 35 to about 600 or more and moved from RQH R΀FH WR $QG KRSHIXOO\ E\ WKH HQG RI QH[W \HDU ZH VKRXOG KDYH DERXW R΀FHV 7KLV LV EHFDXVH ULJKW QRZ ZH GRQ·W KDYH R΀FHV in Kwali and Abaji, and we intend to move there. We also want our presence in all the area councils to support what we do.

You talked about verifying one’s TCC, please provide more clarity on this.

You cannot get a building permit (even if it is your wall that falls). Before the development control unit of the FCT can give you a permit to JR DKHDG WR À[ LW \RX QHHG WR VKRZ WKDW \RX SD\ your tax you have a TCC, and that TCC must be YHULÀDEOH E\ WKH DSSURSULDWH WD[ DXWKRULW\ ,I \RX are applying for land in the FCT, of course, you DUH VXSSRVHG WR DWWDFK D 7&& WKDW LV YHULÀDEOH If you followed our story, some years ago when we moved from manual TCC to electronic, we said that there were forgeries. People just go to computer centres and forge it. But now, in the DSSOLFDWLRQ \RXU 7D[ &OHDUDQFH &HUWLÀFDWH PXVW EH YHULÀHG E\ XV DQG WKH YHULÀFDWLRQ SURFHVV is just one minute because there is a QR code on the TCC. We are now collaborating with various agencies, such that when your TCC LV YHULÀHG \RX ZLOO UHFHLYH DQ HPDLO IURP XV What should citizens of the FCT expect telling you whether it is from us, valid, fake or from both the service and the government has expired. when they comply with the payment of In enforcing these taxes, what kind of these taxes?

This is a very popular question and I think mechanisms are you adopting to achieve it is valid as well. If you’ve been following the your goal?

Sometimes you need to give people a reason to story of the minister, you would have seen a do something. Section 85 of the Personal Income lot of activities and heard a lot of statements Tax Act has been in existence for a long, but talking about the fact that we need revenue. today when you go to register your vehicle, Now, if you look around the city, to be fair to the let’s say from January, they will ask you for minister, you will see that things are happening. your TCC. You may say you pay your tax as a What is making them happen? They are related civil servant and that it is being deducted, but to taxes. However, there are bigger issues than you will be asked to get a TCC. So, you have a that, such as security, social services, health and reason to come to the tax authorities to say you so many others. Today, you go to some areas and the people there are the ones building roads QHHG D 7D[ &OHDUDQFH &HUWLÀFDWH For the Capital Gains Tax, I can just do a to their estates, we see all of these issues. I’ve transaction with someone and it ends like this. always said that we have a huge basket and it is But today, I’m saying that other things happen. D UHVSRQVLELOLW\ LVVXH 7KURZ LQWR WKH EDVNHW ÀUVW The system is becoming more digitalised, you we all have civic responsibility, but sometimes have to give reasons. I am sure you saw the we don’t do anything or even make it worse. issues around ground rents in Abuja recently. And then we go back to the government to say Part of what we are also saying is that you can’t the government is not doing enough when we transfer your title document without evidence are the government. of payment of CGT. Currently, people pay CGT, Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com but it is voluntary. But now, we are taking it

18

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

PERSPECTIVE

Wema Bank Illuminating the Future With Intervention in Education Samson Adepoju

E

ducation isn’t just about books, classrooms, and tests.

It’s the key that unlocks doors of opportunity, enriches lives, and propels societies forward.

No doubts education plays a pivotal role in shaping the community and global landscape.

There are approximately 7.8 billion people in the world, but sadly, many of them don’t have access to quality education? Education is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people remain without this opportunity.

According to UNESCO, over 258 million children and youth were out of school, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Lack of access to quality education remains a persistent global challenge.

Furthermore, quality education is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations set 17 ambitious goals to address global challenges by 2030.

Of these, Goal 4 specifically focuses on education: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

To bridge the gap, Wema Bank believes that all hands must be on deck to address the issue, even as it contributes its quota to ensure that quality education is for all.

Managing Director of the bank, Moruf Oseni believes education is a catalyst that ensures that the key to reducing poverty (Goal 1), improving health (Goal 3), ensuring gender equality (Goal 5), and fostering sustainable communities (Goal 11) of the SDGs becomes a reality.

He maintained that quality education is the foundation for positive change, noting that it doesn’t just prepare individuals for the workforce, it cultivates informed citizens who contribute to society, understand the importance of environmental sustainability, and promote peace and social justice.

He said: “Quality education is the bedrock of personal development, enabling individuals to reach their full potential. It’s an essential component of any thriving society, fostering innovation and facilitating economic growth.

“Do you remember your favorite teacher from school? The one who made learning fun, the one whose enthusiasm was infectious, and the one who made a lasting impact on your life? Teachers, in their many shapes and forms, have always been the unsung heroes of our communities. They wear many hats—mentor, guide, friend, and, at times, even a shoulder to cry on. Teachers aren’t merely purveyors of knowledge; they’re perpetual learners themselves. They adapt to evolving teaching methods and curricula, staying ahead of the curve to provide the best education for their students. But they’re not just educators; they are the bedrock of our society.

“Teachers instill values and morals, nurturing responsible, compassionate, and informed citizens. They promote community involvement and advocate the importance of giving back, and their influence often extends to students’ families, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

“They are the first to spot potential in their students, igniting a passion for various subjects, from literature to science to music to sports. They inspire dreams, unlock talents, and provide the support needed for those dreams to take flight. Despite the hurdles of overcrowded classrooms and limited resources, teachers persevere. They adapt their teaching styles to cater to diverse needs and learning abilities, ensuring that no student is left behind.

“The world always hungers for heroes, mentors, and guides. It perpetually needs more teachers, as teachers are the architects of the future, shaping the minds and hearts of tomorrow’s leaders and change makers.

If you’ve ever been inspired by a remarkable teacher and considered joining this noble profession, you’re not just choosing a career;

Oseni you’re embracing a lifelong commitment to shaping the world.”

As part of its commitment to promoting quality education, recognising and rewarding excellence in the education sector, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, rewarded winners of the ‘Wema Celebrates Teachers’ competition, an innovate campaign targeted at celebrating and rewarding outstanding teachers who have made positive impact in the teaching profession.

The competition allowed students to nominate extraordinary teachers who’ve made a significant impact on their lives and truly deserve recognition.

At the event, three outstanding teachers were recognised for their dedication and positive influence. These educators, Olawale Ibraheem Gbenusola, Raheem Kehinde Hassan, and Adeniran Basirat Adedoyin, exemplified the kind of excellence that teachers embody.

Their recognition came with substantial cash prizes, underscoring the significance of their unwavering commitment to nurturing the citizens of tomorrow. Olawale Ibraheem Gbenusola secured the 1st position and was rewarded with a substantial 2 million naira cash prize, acknowledging his exceptional impact. Raheem Kehinde Hassan came in 2nd, receiving a commendable N1.5 million cash prize, and Adeniran Basirat Adedoyin took the 3rd position with a noteworthy cash prize of N1million.

Speaking at the event, Oseni said the Bank was committed to promoting excellence and innovation in the education sector.

“Teachers deserve more than just recognition. They deserve to be celebrated for their tireless efforts in shaping young minds and molding their future. At Wema Bank, we are proud to honour these teachers’ dedication to the service. We believe that when there is proper funding and support to the education sector, our children will be impacted positively and the country as a whole will benefit.”

Expressing her gratitude one of the winners, Adeniran Basirat Adedoyin from Dolphin Junior High School, Lagos, said, “I am excited and happy to be recognised today. I thank Wema Bank for seeing the work that

we do and for celebrating our impact on the country. Teachers should not be ignored, we deserve to be celebrated and recognised for our hard work and I am grateful to Wema Bank for coming up with this initiative and for the work that they do in the banking industry.”

Deputy Managing Director, Wema Bank, Wole Akinleye noted that institutions like Wema recognise the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the future.

“Their commitment to quality education extends beyond extraordinary events. An excellent example is the ALAT Summer Internship, a programme designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to learn from teachers in the banking sector.

This initiative offers students a chance to gain valuable real-world experience by being tutored by seasoned professionals who’ve devoted their lives to the world of banking.”

On her part, Wema Bank’s Head, brands and marketing communication, Mabel Adeteye noted that in the grand tapestry of life, teachers are the threads that weave together knowledge, compassion, and community.

“They are the heart of our society, molding and nurturing the citizens of tomorrow. The invaluable contributions of teachers deserve not just recognition but a resounding applause.”

According to her, initiatives like the ‘Wema Celebrates Teachers’ competition provide a heartwarming testament to the profound appreciation the bank holds for remarkable educators.

The bank’s interest in education also fostered its resolve to engage six universities in its 2023 Hackaholics programme.

The universities are Babcock University, Lagos State University, University of Abuja, University of Benin, Federal University of Technology (Akure) and the University of Lagos.

In the same vein, the bank donated chairs and tables to Isale Eko Grammar School, Lagos. The donation was part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, the “Salary for Love” campaign.

During the campaign, the bank’s staff members contributed their salaries, embodying the spirit of giving back and

leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others.

The bank’s Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, Abimbola Agbejule, stressed her believe in the transformative power of education, while commending the bank’s staff members for their commitment to supporting education in the community.

“Through the ‘Salary for Love’ initiative, our employees have showcased their exceptional devotion to shaping a brighter future through education. We are humbled to contribute to the growth and development of Isale Eko Grammar School, as we remain steadfast in our mission of corporate citizenship.”

Also, Wema Bank gave scholarships two pupils of the school. The Principal of Isale Eko Grammar School, Dr. Mukaila Olatoye, expressed their gratitude for the gesture.

Similarly, a 23-year-old Yoruba Education student of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Muritadho Shakiroh Opeyemi, became one of the lucky winners of N1, 000,000 in the 5th monthly draw of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 3, held at the University of Lagos on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The 5th draw held recently in UNILAG recorded a total of 120 winners nationwide, two of whom were the grand prizewinners of N1, 000,000 each. With five more monthly draws to go for the season, Wema Bank is discernibly set to transform lives and businesses for the better through the promo.

The newborn are inclusive of Wema’s support in the education sector, as it re-opened Purple Crèche for its employees.

Purple Crèche is a daycare and educational facility located within the Wema Bank Head Office and is available to children of Wema Bank staff, aged 3 – 30 months. The crèche had been temporarily closed during Covid.

The revamped Purple Creche was upgraded with top-notch quality facilities, equipment and human resources, all to provide the staff of Wema Bank with superior standards of care and education for their children.

It’s an initiative where the children are taught and educated to develop their cognitive, social, and mental skills, giving them a head start in life.

Wema Bank’s Divisional Head, Brand, People and Culture, Ololade Ogungbenro said “Our commitment to improving the lives of our staff and helping them become the best versions of themselves, often have us developing new and improved employeefocused initiatives that positively impact their lives.

“Purple Crèche is one of such initiatives.

We observed that members of staff who had just returned from maternity leave had some difficulty adjusting to leaving their newborns at home. We started Purple Creche to bring the children closer to their parents without interrupting productivity on either side; and it was amazing to see parents handle their duties without worrying about their children, knowing they’re in safe hands.

Regarding the renovation of the crèche, Ogungbenro insists it is in line with Wema’s commitment to excellence. “We maintain a constant review of Purple Creche’s facilities and decided to remodel and upgrade its facilities, improve the quality of staff and create a more homely, advanced and top-class care and learning environment for the children of our staff.”

Adeteye stressed that institutions like Wema Bank are dedicated to promoting quality education and recognising excellence in the education sector, serving as a resounding echo that educators are indeed the unsung heroes who shape our future.

“It’s not just about the remarkable teachers; it’s about the students who’ve been touched by their dedication and passion. In a world that hungers for heroes, teachers stand tall, guiding the way toward a better tomorrow, one classroom at a time.”

Adepoju writes from Lagos

Sunday 31 December, 2023

T H I S D AY Vol MONDAY MARCH 14, 2022 27. No 10490

OPI NION

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

WHO DARES RECHRISTEN THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN? TUNDE OLUSUNLE argues that it is an unnecessary distraction

119

There is much to learn from the mutual respect Governor Eno and predecessor, Emmanuel have for each other, writes ANIETIE USEN

A MODEL FOR PEACE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

I See Page 20

TASKS AHEAD OF AIYEDATIWA

The new Ondo State Governor should be wise, urges ABIODUN KOMOLAFE

See Page 20

EDITORIAL

THE SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE IN PLATEAU STATE

See Page 45

t was not the usual Father’s Day, a day of the year when fathers are particularly honoured by their children. But for Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, every day, especially Christmas Day is Father’s Day. To be sure, Governor Eno’s biological father, Bassey Eno, died many years ago in active service as an Assistant Superintendent of Police.

But as the governor has told everyone at every turn, his political father, historic mentor cum benefactor is Udom Emmanuel, the godly former Akwa Ibom governor, who fished him out of the backwaters and raised him to the pinnacle of political power in the serene subnational called Akwa Ibom State.

As good sons would normally do at Christmas, Governor Eno, gathered everyone under him in government and headed to Awa Iman, the countryside of his political father, to celebrate Christmas all day with his father, and give him the respect, love and warmth that fathers savour in seasons like this.

The first port of call was the traditional old time Christmas morning church service, inside the old Awa Iman Qua Iboe Church building that dates back to perhaps 1906. It was jam packed to the brim, with tents outside to accommodate late comers.

The church service itself was conducted the old time religion way. Classical Christmas carols were rendered, not just by the choir but also by men and women fellowships. Awa Iman children, resplendent in their colourful Christmas dresses, were not left out of the celebration as they sang with heavenlike voices to honour the birth of Jesus Christ.

Some Qua Iboe churches like this one may have changed their names to United Evangelical Church, but there is no change or disunity in their doctrine. Even the style of worship and order of service have not changed much since the days of Samuel Alexander Bill, the Irish missionary. who founded the church in the present day Akwa Ibom State in 1887.

Perhaps one of the highpoints of this father’s day was the father’s love and joy, demonstrated in all that former Governor Udom Emmanuel said and did. In spite of the tragic incident that visited the State PDP family the previous night, this father was graceful and obviously fulfilled to see his array of successful children and grandchildren surrounding his table, so to speak.

“I want to thank God we are here today.

The devil almost made today impossible.

But the Bible says, in all things, give thanks.

It is a command and we give thanks to God. I also want to use this opportunity to thank the governor, my nuclear family, my siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces. I am grateful we are alive and complete in the village. Even though they tried to dampen our joy, I give God the glory. I sincerely want to thank the governor again for coming over…He didn’t come alone.

He came with the entire Executive Council and even the DG of his governorship campaign

Committee. I am grateful”, the father of the day, said in the intro of his extempore remarks.

It was his first Christmas since the end of his very accomplished 8-year tenure as governor.

He told the gathering that it has been his tradition since he became the General Manager of Zenith Bank many years ago, to return to his village every year to celebrate Christmas.

He inspired his audience with the story of his closeness and bond with his village church.

“It would have been incomplete if, despite my busy schedule, I didn’t come to worship in the village today… I never missed this day in my village. The reason is that when God promoted me many years ago to become the general manager in Zenith Bank, my allowances increased, and I felt a call in my spirit to come home and help my home church. In the bank, there’s a tradition of receiving a fifteenth-month salary. I ensured that I used none of it for myself or my family. I split it: half for the Lagos church and half for my village church. Similarly, when I joined the government, I continued with the tradition…”.

Veering into politics, the respected former governor said it is a unique situation when a man of peace like him precedes a pastor as governor. During his tenure, he said he restored peace in the State and believes the covenant of peace he entered into with God will persist, especially with a pastor in the saddle as governor.

“People wonder about our camaraderie, my relationship with the governor. We will continue to collaborate even after his eight years as governor. The governor and I understand the challenges and know how to navigate them…Let me make it clear, the governor and I are united. Any support I can offer him, I will.

This unique situation with a pastor as governor means that he must be a political model for Nigeria and Africa. So we all have a duty to pray for him…not gossip or backbiting… Let the church pray for him. Leading isn’t easy, especially with all eyes on the Government

House. We must pray and exercise patience.

Achievements take time…and I am here to support, not to disrupt…I hope that you’ll be here to worship with us in the village next Christmas…”

Soon, it was the turn of the visiting son to speak. The harmony and symphony showed up when the governor took over the microphone, standing tall in the pulpit with pastoral dignity.

As a good son, he played it by the book and stuck to the rules of father-son relationship. He began with “as my father has said” and ended with “it’s a promise, sir, and one I intend to keep”.

The promise of worshipping with his father on Chrismas days predated his election as governor and he reiterated it in the church, direct from the pulpit.

“As long as God grants me life, we will continue to join you for Christmas celebrations, Sir. This gesture is the least we can offer, to show our love and respect for you as a father. I must thank you once again for seeing the potential in me that others did not; even the potentials that I myself wasn’t aware of. This visit therefore is a humble way of acknowledging that you are our leader, our father and we still have much to learn and receive from you”, the governor said in his off the cuff remark.

7KH VRQ ZHQW DKHDG WR DIÀUP KLV government’s determination to rely on the former governor’s wisdom and wealth of experience. “Many people, after leaving office, feel isolated. But you are not one who will ever be lonely because you are surrounded by those you’ve nurtured. A father, whose children recognize and appreciate his wisdom and capacity, will never be lonely. We will always come for you, stand by you, and bank on your experience. We are your children” Usen is senior special Assistant Media to the Governor

20

T H I S D AY SUNDAY DECEMBER 31, 2023

TUNDE OLUSUNLE argues that it is an unnecessary distraction

WHO DARES RECHRISTEN THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN?

W

henever I’m privileged to visit Ilorin the Kwara State capital, I include in my itinerary a visit to the University of Ilorin, Unilorin, as is popularly abbreviated. My passion, maybe obsession with the institution is informed by a number of reasons. Principal among these is the fact that I had two academic excursions to the revered school, during which I obtained a bachelors honours and a masters degree in English, respectively. I was graciously offered a place on the doctorate programme by the university but had to weigh up the cost of shuttling between my home in Abuja and Ilorin. This was years before information technology truly broke down physical hedges and activated the options of real-time, virtual communication. What with Skype, zoom, video call, and similar possibilities?

The security situation in Nigeria hadn’t degenerated as much back then, but I had to give consideration to the long drive from Abuja to Ilorin before the latter day UHVWRUDWLRQ RI ÁLJKWV LQ DQG RXW RI ,ORULQ %XW who dares to shuttle by air between Abuja and Ilorin today with the preposterous costs of air tickets across the country? You will equally excuse my attachment to Unilorin for the cogent reason that it was on the earth and dust of the primordial “mini-campus” of the institution that I met my beloved friend and wife, when I was a postgraduate student 36 years ago! I should equally add that four of my siblings attended the same institution at various times. Not forgetting the fact that many of my most enduring friendships and acquaintances were cultivated in Unilorin.

And so on my visit to Ilorin in August this year, I undertook my usual tour of Unilorin. Chauffeured by my good friend, Segun Sobogun, I observed to the right side of the road as we approached the densely developed section of the campus, a novel signboard which popped up in my eyes. Inscribed on the signage was *Centre for Ilorin Studies, (CIS).* My curiosity was aroused. Why such an institute in a tertiary institution wholly established and funded by the federal government? Does Unilorin intend to create such centres for as many ethnicities and cultures as are represented in the university community? I mean, should my kith in the Okun country in Kogi State, one of the principal catchments of Unilorin expect such a creation in my *alma mater* sometime soon? Impulsively, I turned to Sobogun who is also a “stakeholder” in the institution. His wife, Bukola schooled in the university. Segun himself received a masters in business administration from Unilorin. *Man mi,* I asked him in Yoruba. “What are you guys up to here?” He is from Lagos State but resident in Ilorin. He was as bemused as I was at that discovery.

Signsofloomingattemptsatthewholesale appropriation of the sociopolitical space in WKH ROG .ZDUD 6WDWH E\ D VSHFLÀF WHQGHQF\ were already evident several decades ago. I’ve referenced elsewhere how I was GHQLHG D MRE DV ´FXUUHQW DIIDLUV RIÀFHUµ DW the erstwhile Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, aliased as “Radio Kwara” back in 1986, four decades ago.The chairman of the panel which interviewed me told me for a fact that I led the pack of post-NYSC applicants on that occasion.

The fact of being of the Christian faith with the biblical name “Emmanuel,” however, was my albatross. The Okun people who straddle six of the 21 local government areas in present day Kogi State, were enthusiastic at their excision from the old Kwara State and incorporation into the new geo-polity. They presumably ÁHG IURP WKH VWUDQJOHKROG RI WKH SURYHUELDO

The new Ondo State Governor should be wise, urges ABIODUN KOMOLAFE

TASKS AHEAD OF AIYEDATIWA

O “Egypt,” the dominant ethnicity in the former state, during the August 1991 states creation exercise. That the Okun people are worse off today, 32 years after exiting Kwara, and wilfully trampled upon by the Igala and Ebira respectively, is stuff for another expository.

It emerged on “Boxing Day,” December 26, 2023, that an association which goes by the name “Ilorin Emirates Descendants Progressives Union,” (IEDPU), has called for the renaming of the University of Ilorin after the founder of the Alimi Dynasty, Sheikh Alimi ibn Solihu ibn Janta. President of the IEDPU, Aliyu Otta-Uthman made the admonition at the 58th national conference of the union in Ilorin. Otta-Uthman noted that the request for the rechristening of the university is made as a mark of honour to Sheikh Alimi, founder of the Alimi dynasty. He alluded to the former University of Sokoto which is now “Uthman Danfodio University” after the founder of the Sokoto caliphate, and the Modibbo Adama University, Yola, named after Adama ibn Ardo Hassana, founder of the Adamawa Emirate. Otta-Uthman enjoined the Kwara State government to work with its federal parliamentarians towards the actualization of this desire.

2WWD 8WKPDQ HTXDOO\ UHTXHVWHG DQ RIÀFLDO directive to all ministries, departments and agencies, (MDAs) in the “Ilorin Emirate” to display, henceforth, the portrait of the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, alongside those of the president and JRYHUQRU LQ WKHLU RIÀFHV Of all the concerns which should engage Nigerians at a time like this, it is amusing that mundane issues like the change of a brand of 50 years is what pre-occupies the mind of Otta8WKPDQ 6SLUDOOLQJ LQÁDWLRQDU\ WUHQGV pervading economic dysfunctions; real and crippling hunger; festering insecurity; decrepit infrastructure and mass despondency among others aside, the leader of the IEDPU is principally concerned about the renaming of Unilorin.

While Otta-Uthman has alluded to federal universities in Sokoto and Yola, KH LV GHÀQLWHO\ REOLYLRXV RI WKH IDFW WKDW most federal universities actually still retain the names they had at inception. *Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo* the charismaticYoruba leader was deservedly honoured with the rechristening of the former University of Ife after him.

This was in acknowledgement of his visionary endeavour in conceptualising and developing of that iconic institution which once held the record of arguably the most beautiful university campus in Africa. The erstwhile University of Ife, was one of Awolowo’s several heroics in the consummation of the growth of the old Western region.

Students and stakeholders of the University of Lagos, resisted and rebelled against the attempt by the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan, to re-designate the school after Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola in 2012.

Olusunle, PhD, FANA, poet, journalist, scholar and author is a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA)

ndo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu is dead! May God repose his soul! Since nature abhors a vacuum, his Deputy, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has now been sworn-in as the substantive governor of the state. May God order his steps in the onerous tasks ahead!

By the way, if Aiyedatiwa could become the governor despite the intimidations from those whose hearts were made of rocks, nothing is impossible on earth. But then, this is just the beginning of what to expect in the foreseeable future, especially if the ObeNla, Ondo State-born politician is eyeing $ODJEDND DV LWV &KLHI 7HQDQW SRVW )HEUXDU\ 23, 2025. Interestingly, the governor’s many battles and subsequent triumph must have exposed him to the politics of Abuja. He can only build on this rare feat. Again, this is where playing politics through the party structures in the state comes in.

Isaac Kekemeke! Olusola Oke! Jimoh Ibrahim! Agboola Ajayi! Yele Omogunwa!

‘Bourdillon Boy’ Adewale Akinterinwa!

Lucky Aiyedatiwa! But where did Ondo 6WDWH PLVV LW" )RU WKRVH ZKR KDYH UHIXVHG to give hope to their people when it’s badly needed only to start scheming for the soul of the state invites an obvious question of development. Take, for instance, at least four Local Governments in the Ondo South Senatorial District of the state (Irele, Okitipupa, Ilaje and Ese-Odo) have been subjected to uninterrupted darkness since 2014. But, rather than rally to solve the problem, its leaders have always been candidates for “to your tent, O Israel”, until elections beckon.

As an oil-bearing community, Ilajeland statutorily produces Commissioners for the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NDDC). Otito Atikase, who currently serves as Ondo State Representative on the NDDC Governing Board, is from Ugbo Kingdom. On his part, IfeOluwa Oyedele, the current Executive Director (Engineering and Technical Services) at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), is from Igodan-Lisa in Okitipupa. Besides, Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Governments supply the Chairman, Secretary and two other members to the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC); and that’s a permanent feature. Discreet investigations also revealed a special derivation budgetary provision which accords the Senatorial District special attention.

But why can’t these leaders learn from the Akoko cultural sub-group of the state? When a similar challenge befell Akokoland some years back, the late Pastor T. B. Joshua was reportedly contacted and he promptly rose to the occasion. He committed a huge sum of his personal resources to it, and, within three months, Akoko North East, Akoko North West, Akoko South East and Akoko South West Local Governments were reconnected to the national grid. Other donors showed up only after ‘Emmanuel’ had already saved the day. The dangerous truth is that Ondo South is blessed with sons and daughters, some of whom are even wealthier than T.B. Joshua but whose wealth has not impacted their people. Well, that’s a story for another day!

With his death, Akeredolu now belongs in the past and there’s nothing anybody can do about it. So, as the world is now Aiyedatiwa’s, let it be noted that the worst is yet to happen to the ‘Sunshine State’, especially as political activities are expected to heat up in the coming days. Typical of Nigerians, those who lost out in past battles won’t want to let go of fate. The defeated will be expected to return to the trenches to

devise new ways and means. But only for a while, they’ll return with deadlier plots to undermine the governor’s position, with one primary aim: prevent him from securing the party’s ticket to contest the next Ondo governorship election, slated for November 16, 2024. So, it is a matter of ZKR EOLQNV ÀUVW )RU OXFN WR NHHS VPLOLQJ on Aiyedatiwa depends on how seriously he takes the mantle handed over to him E\ SURYLGHQFH ,W LV ZKDW ZLOO GHÀQH WKH shape, size and trend of things to come.

Therefore, the governor needs to beware of banana peels on his path to success. If his ambition is to retain the seat of power, he needs to do more.

Aiyedatiwa needs to study the body language of Abuja before jumping into the governorship race. Otherwise, it may amount to daring the lion in its den and the resultant ‘roforofo’ will be a burden too heavy to bear for a state that’s already lacking in good governance. Twice or thrice in Nigeria’s recent history, Bola Tinubu has sponsored candidates for the governorship position in Ondo State; twice or thrice, he has lost out. But that was then! The music has changed: power has smiled on the ‘Jagaban of Borgu’ and Tinubu is now the President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed )RUFHV ZLWK DOO WKH SULQFLSDOLWLHV DQG SRZHUV RI WKDW H[DOWHG RIÀFH DQVZHUDEOH to him. If the president wants, this is the WLPH WR H[DFW KLV SRXQG RI ÁHVK DQG ULJKW thinking Nigerians needn’t take its likely implications for granted.

Yes, time may be no more on Aiyedatiwa’s side. However, those who think that he will take it cool or play by the rules are likely to be living in fool’s paradise. Similarly, those with the notion that the now-wounded ‘Aketi Boys’ and other interested parties in the political game will shy away from spoiling the show for the governor are yet to wake XS IURP VOXPEHU $FFRUGLQJ WR )HPL Afolabi-Peters, a United Kingdom-based International Security and Intelligence Consultant, “all the events of the past months were nothing but politics of succession, especially, by those who believed they had brighter chances than the governor.”

In the words of the Specialist in Clandestine Security Operations, “power is not served ‘a la carte’. You gotta have a solid plan of action and seamless execution trajectory. Aiyedatiwa’s becoming the governor would bestow on him more powers and that’s bad news for those who professed love for Akeredolu but, in reality, they’re after self-interests anchored on survival instincts. Deep down their hearts, they’re only capitalizing on the late governor’s health situation to covertly advance their personal political agenda.”

Komolafe writes from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State

45

T H I S D AY SUNDAY DECEMBER 31, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

THE SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE IN PLATEAU STATE

F

T h e a u t h o r i t i e s m u s t b r i n g t h e p e r p e t ra t o r s o f t h e v i o l e n c e t o j u s t i c e

crimes seems to encourage the propensity for killing ollowing the latest violence that claimed dozens of lives in Plateau State, the Sultan innocent people as means of redressing perceived of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, grievances. has raised critical questions on intelligence Communal clashes and reprisal killings over scarce gathering in the country. “Why can’t we grazing land and water resources have plagued the be pro-active and stop such attacks before Northcentral zone of the country for decades. Benue they happen? Can anybody tell me that nobody and Nasarawa States are also impacted badly by knew that such attacks were coming?” the Sultan, cattle grazing and bloody disputes between herders a retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, and farmers, and in the process laying waste the asked. “In various places, whether it is Sokoto, country’s food basket. Government effort at both Birnin-Kebbi, Kaduna, or anywhere, have we lost the federal and state in resolving the crisis has our sense of gathering information to avert any of also been half-hearted. Nor have security forces such heinous crimes? We must ask our governments provided much cheer as they often arrive scenes to up the game because these bandits are always a of violence after the damage had been done. step ahead”.

Besides, some have been implicated in the past ,W LV GLIÀFXOW WR IDXOW WKH FRQFOXVLRQ E\ WKH 6XOWDQ for taking sides. Even community leaders as well that criminals seem far ahead of the security as political and religious leaders who ordinarily agencies, especially as the unrelenting violence in should help in bringing peace and order are mostly Plateau State slides into often the ones leading the chaos and anarchy. On rhetoric of hate which Christmas eve, almost 200 It is scandalous that despite the rising body count over the years, not fuels the cycle of violence. people were killed across Like his predecessors, several communities in President Bola Tinubu a single person has been successfully prosecuted and convicted for Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and has made the usual the several murders that have traces of a pogrom Mangu local governments feeble statement about in what has become ‘bringing the culprits to a never-ending spiral of revenge killings. The book’, but the people of Plateau are not putting assailants targeted 17 communities in senseless and much faith in his words. Yet, whether the federal S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R unprovoked attacks, and burning down houses. “As government understands it or not, violence in EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN DEPUTY EDITORS FESTUS AKANBI, EJIOFOR ALIKE I am talking to you, in Mangu local government Plateau State now constitutes one of Nigeria’s MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO alone, we buried 15 people. As of this morning, in major security threats. As we have repeatedly DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU Bokkos, we are counting not less than 100 corpses. I canvased on this page, the only sustainable CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI am yet to take stock of (the deaths in) Barkin Ladi,” solution to the persistent violence on the Plateau EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN Governor Caleb Mutfwang said in a broadcast to lies in addressing headlong the problem of open THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE the state on Monday. “It has been a very terrifying grazing. Many countries in Africa like Botswana, Christmas for us here in Plateau.”

South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya and Ethiopia Since 2001, the once peaceful Plateau State with have long embraced ranching and it is paying off. It T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D a glorious climate, has been embroiled in ruinous is the trend across the world. But there are also ageEDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA and costly communal clashes that have consumed long emotional issues of ‘Settlers’ and ‘Indigenes’ GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of that require political sagacity to resolve by all critical ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI thousands. The real concern is that the violence has stakeholders.

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, the imprimatur of savagery and shows no promise Above all, it is our recommendation that authorities ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI of abating since the combatants have refused to at both the federal and state must bring to justice SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ÀQG FRPPRQ JURXQGV IRU SHDFH 0HDQZKLOH LW LV all those who use unlawful means to settle scores ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI scandalous that despite the rising body count over in several theatres across the country even as they CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI the years, not a single person has been successfully make efforts to resolve the fundamental issues that DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO prosecuted and convicted for the several murders spark violence.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com that have traces of a pogrom. Failure to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the heinous

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LETTERS

MR. PRESIDENT, AS THE NEW YEAR BECKONS… Sir, since your inauguration as president on May 29, 2023, a new vista seems to have opened in the nation’s leadership as Nigerians have been treated to developmental, focused, and resultoriented leadership.

There is no shadow of doubt thatYour Excellency has displayed absolute sense of patriotism and equity in running the affairs of the nation. In one or two paragraphs in your inaugural speech, you drew the curtains on the oil subsidy, a most contentious and hydra-headed malaise, a hitherto a no-go area for successive administrations.

Your Excellency gave a firm order for the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries and backed this resolve up with the total payment of $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion respectively, two projects expected to be delivered between December 2023 and Jan 2024.

The Dangote Refinery which ought to have come alive with production of 650,000 barrels/day, in line with the promise to Nigerians about a year ago, is likely to honour the promise made.

Your Excellency has taken deep interest in the activities of NNPCL, being the nation’s engine room, by decisively attempting to repositioning the Agency with the appointment of an incredibly accomplished and very experienced oil & gas chieftain, Pius Akinyelure as the new Board Chairman, as well as renewing the tenure of the incumbent Group Managing Director.

For the very first time in our democratic experiment, Nigeria now have substantive ministers driving the newly created solid minerals development, as well as digital economy, a tremendous and strategic initiatives aimed at giving impetus to Nigeria’s determined quest to genuinely diversify the economy.

At Your Excellency’s continual prompting, FCT, Abuja is being restructured, reorganized and repositioned in line with her original concept through the bold, courageous and uncompromising stance of Minister Wike Nyesom.

At your instance, the CBN has not only been

restructured within a very short time of your inauguration, the Apex Bank has been re-aligned with that of Ministry of Finance in a new regime of fiscal orderliness, harmony and collaboration between fiscal and monetary policies, an awesome development geared at betterment and growth of the nation economy.

It’s also a new dawn in the Nigerian political sphere as Your Excellency has taken unusual interest in the political affairs in the federating units across the country, bringing your fatherly role and gargantuan political experience to bear on the political crisis in Ondo and Rivers States.

What has excited this writer most, is Your Excellency’s spirited and valiant attempts in reconnecting and re-interfacing Nigeria nation and her economy with the rest of the world.

Within just seven months of your inauguration, you’ve conducted business visits to about seven key business summits around the world and also, in strategic global locations. It’s also germane to note that some results of the business

deals brokered by Your Excellency during the summits are fast manifesting.

However, it’s important to draw Your Excellency’s attention to present circumstance and situation in most households across the nation, as New Year beckons. Following the removal of oil subsidy and coupled with the collapse of the nation currency against the Dollar and Pound Sterling, most Nigerians are going through hell. It’s an understatement to submit that millions of Nigerians are disoriented, disillusioned and in absolute state of despondence.

Parents are finding it difficult to honor obligations; school fees, utilities, foods and other basic needs of life.

The teeming youths across the nation are just moving like sheep without shepherd, looking for just anything that can bring them money for survival. This is why criminality pervades in all the nooks and crannies. It’s as terrible as that!

Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB, ACTIN, ACS), Lagos

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31 2023

GLITZ FOCUS

Championing Nobility: The Osun Development Association Way

L-R: Vice Chairman, Osun Development Association and Chairman Planning Committee, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi; Representative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Charles Akinola, Chairman Osun Development Association, Dr. Segun Aina; Representative of the Chief of Army Staff and General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Usman; and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, during the ODA grand reception in honour of their icons in Lagos...recently

I

n today’s world, when the zeal to champion noble causes has dwindled significantly, there is a need for people of like minds to come together to revive excellence across various facets of human endeavours.

This has been the Osun Development Association’s (ODA) mission since its formation in 1995 before Nigeria’s return to democratic governance. The Association began with less than 10 members and has become a force to reckon with in the scheme of things in Osun State as a non-partisan, non-sectarian group aiming to improve nongovernmental initiatives in the state.

This distinguished assembly of non-partisan prominent indigenes of Osun State, which comprises elders, thought leaders, technocrats, and professionals, have continued to raise the bar for indigenes of Osun State, thereby contributing enormously to the development of the state through their professional callings. The non-governmental development body is dedicated to improving the people’s quality of life and the development of Osun State in general.

With the emergence of a new set of leaders in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state has produced iconic leaders, which would encourage her teeming youths. These iconic leaders are the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, CON; Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed

Lagbaja, and Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, MFR. The Association rolled out the drums to recognize and honour their sons and brothers who have made a lasting impact in society and demonstrated excellence in their various fields, thereby playing up the relevance of the state in Nigeria.

The event was also an opportunity to reflect on the positive influence these towering figures have made on society and underscored the importance of recognizing and preserving their legacies.

“The Chairman of ODA, Dr Segun Aina, OFR, noted that the Association had played a crucial role in shaping the socio-economic fortunes of the state through its various interventions, such as peace and conflict resolutions, policy advocacy, public enlightenment programmes, thought leadership, investment facilitation, amongst others.

Dr Aina further noted that the Association has also been a great pillar of intellectual and material support to every successive government in the state. ODA has become a case study of how professionals can come together to support the growth and development of their respective states. As 2024 beckons, states need to mobilize domestic and foreign direct investments to unlock economic opportunities, and we will not relent in doing this for our dear state.

“The dignitaries we are honouring today will provide an opportunity to exchange useful ideas and thoughts with them and also give our support to enhance excellent performance during their tenure,” he added.

To boost the membership of the association, 14 new members were inducted into the prestigious group, marking a significant expansion in its ranks. The selection process for new members was

Every state needs a group akin to the Osun Development Association that will be a think-tank and a progressive partner for the political class in championing noble causes

rigorous, focusing on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the group’s values and principles. Each inductee was introduced with a brief overview of their accomplishments, highlighting the reasons for their selection. The ceremony served as a platform to emphasize the group’s commitment to fostering positive change and collaboration.

One notable aspect of the event was the emphasis on diversity and inclusivity. The newly inducted members represented a broad spectrum of expertise, backgrounds, and perspectives. This commitment to diversity reflects the group’s recognition of the multifaceted nature of societal challenges and the need for a diverse range of skills and experiences to address them effectively.

The association used this august occasion to reiterate its dedication to community engagement. The event served as an opportunity for members to discuss ongoing and future initiatives to address pressing social issues. The group’s collaborative approach to problemsolving was evident as members exchanged ideas and shared their visions for a better, more inclusive society.

Every state needs a group akin to the Osun Development Association that will be a think-tank and a progressive partner for the political class in championing noble causes.

The sprawling trajectory of the Osun Development Association to ODA. has created a forum through which people can effortlessly contribute to the state’s geometric growth now and in the near future.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31 2023

47

GLITZ FEATURE

How Mike Adenuga Enriches Lives, Communities It takes courage to be Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. You have to travel aeons back perhaps to encounter a charitable heart like his. Much of his gestures stem from his ability to feel, visualise, and appreciate the miseries of society’s underprivileged and build livable lives for them from the ground up. Adenuga defies stereotypical projections of the multibillionaire as the shark next door, the deal-maker or the calculating prospector. There’s something about the feeling he imparts in all his acquaintances, that triggers a change in their circumstances, writes LANRE ALFRED

D

r Mike Adenuga Jnr’s bank of love is never bankrupt. He is the proverbial benefactor who was born into a world of iron, that he might make it a world of gold. The only lean aspect of his life is his pride. Blessed with a good heart and a fat purse, if Adenuga had his way, he would banish extreme poverty from the world. For the Globacom Chairman, to give is interred in his innate nature, thus a single act of kindness is like a drop of oil on a patch of dry skin—seeping, spreading, and affecting more than the original need.

In a world where most of his billionaire peers live like the Dead Sea, always taking in and never giving out, Adenuga is remarkably different. His kindness is like a magical spell meant to enchant hearts and lift weary souls so that they might fly. While many draw attention to society’s most pressing problems, Adenuga resolves them. Adenuga is never far removed from his roots and the indigent, however far and near. He is compassionate in an unrelenting sort of context. When he gives out money or favours he spends himself completely with the gesture.

If the Chairman of Globacom were crowned the richest man in the world today, it wouldn’t matter to him. He had never been a sucker for worldly and ephemeral titles. Thus he’d keep doling out his fortune to nourish dreams and flesh the hopes of the starving.

If you ask him, he would tell you that he has not lived in a day, until he has done something for someone who can never repay him. Thus while some billionaires toss satellites into orbit and strive to harness the sun, Adenuga commits his fortune to nobler, simpler objectives, like raising society’s underprivileged from privation to surplus.

His footprints are prevalent in the humanitarian sector.

An army of donees and devotees hang on to his beneficence.

Unassuming yet indomitable, Adenuga redefines philanthropy and affluence.

Contrary to pervasive notions of affluence that hold most billionaires as glassy, shallow creatures, furloughed from reality all the time, Adenuga is unmistakably different.

Nestled atop his fantastic business empire, the chairman aspires to beneficence, guided by the wisdom of the ancients: a kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion could heal, he has learnt.

Thus he is never far removed from his roots and the indigent, however far and near. Adenuga is compassionate in a beneficent, unrelenting sort of context.

In other words, his generosity may be the best measure of his humanity. Adenuga understands that to become fabulously wealthy and to earn great fame are triumphs not of humanity but of vanity. Thus over the past four decades of his robust entrepreneurship, he has desisted from reveling in vanity. There is a garden in Mike Adenuga’s heart, where roses and white lilies grow. This explains his penchant for giving. In Adenuga’s world, giving is akin to sowing. Thus his charitable gestures may be likened to growing a flower. To grow one flower, however, is no easy fit. A flower is never just a flower, it is the start of a whole garden.

It takes a nurturant spirit to grow one flower let alone immeasurable hectares of flowers.

Adenuga is an unusual giver, a fertile soul forever yearning to enrich bare and barren tracts. Every sunrise invites him to rise and brighten someone’s day. Take his charitable gestures during the Yuletide, for instance; Season after season he keeps doling out huge amounts of financial and material gifts to his employees, friends, relatives and business associates. No individual or group within his social circuit is left out; Adenuga touches every life on his radar with matchless and unforgettable acts of generosity.

There is no gainsaying Adenuga understands the needs of the shrinking world, growing inequality; demographic change and the spectre of poverty. He understands that these forces haven’t just tested our security and our prosperity, but are testing our democracy, as well.

How we meet these challenges, according to Adenuga, will determine our ability to eradicate poverty, educate our kids, create good jobs, and protect our homeland. In other words, the act of cheerful giving; how much we give and at what magnitude, determines our future.

Hardly do we have a household that doesn’t feel Adenuga’s magical hands directly or indirectly. The billionaire magnate widely acknowledged as a rare citizen of humanity and inspiring spirit of Africa, is known for reaching out to his loved ones and even mere acquaintances

Adenuga

within and outside the festive period. Adenuga’s acts of charity are informed by his understanding that neither democracy nor any other system of governance would work without a sense that everyone has equitable economic opportunity and access to resources.

Thus he endeavours to spend his fortune to better the lives of the people within his immediate and remote environment.

If you ask him, he would tell you that, God gave him an enormous fortune to enable him to impact lives on the African continent positively. He’d tell you that no billionaire should engage in philanthropy simply to score points or take credit, but to make people’s lives better.

But for all the real progress that he has made, in his quest to improve lives and communities in Nigeria and across the African continent, Adenuga would argue that no charitable gesture is ever enough hence it must be sustained, over time, with noble and cheery intent.

The miserly magnate would always argue that the economy doesn’t work as well or grow as fast when a few prosper at the expense of a growing middle class and ladders for folks who want to get into the middle class. But this is just a frantic economic argument.

Stark inequality is forever corrosive to democratic ideals.

This, therefore, spurs the Globacom chairman to continually give generous shares of his wealth and income to the needy and deserving recipients in Nigeria’s inner cities and rural counties.

No one should be left behind — the laid-off factory worker; the waitress or health care worker who’s just barely getting by and struggling to pay the bills, the orphaned, widowed, and elderly are all beneficiaries of his wealth.

There is no gainsaying philanthropy like Adenuga’s, it is the only pathway to forging a new social compact to alleviate the impoverishment of the boondocks, and guarantee all our kids the education they need; it is the only pathway to ensuring that augmenting the facilities of the social safety net to cushion skyrocketing inflation and reflect the way we live now.

Adenuga reminds us that we can all resist the excuses that guard us from giving love. Whatever power we have, whatever our wealth and attainments, we attain humaneness and immortality, perhaps, by lifting others. Especially those who are less privileged than we are.

Adenuga espouses corporate empathy and social responsibility guided by the belief that we need each other as individuals and groups to attain the completeness of corporate strategy and humanity. And his rivals and associates, loyal staff and betrayers, uniquely beckons this truth.

And in fulfilment of his perpetual desire to enrich the lives of his

loved ones, the Globacom chairman treats his children and a few other family members to undiluted fun at a classy soiree every Yuletide period.

Not a few among them earnestly await the Christmas season to participate in this grand affair that parades the most expensive, mouthwatering delicacies and drinks.

Many attendees find the event, lit by glittering Christmas decor, particularly lifting their spirits. The Adenuga Yuletide celebrations have, over time, established the class and elegance of the billionaire magnate and recipient of France’s highest national honour. It is noteworthy, however, that Adenuga hardly hosts a soirée, he isn’t given to unnecessary frivolities but when he does, it’s always out of this world.

It is an open secret that every attendee at his soirees always finds it difficult to leave at the end of the party. They get carried away by the treats doled out to them by their generous host.

Thus Adenuga’s private Christmas party at his mansion in Banana Island, Ikoyi, often manifests as an Eldorado of sort to those who are privileged to be part of it.

The billionaire mogul acknowledges the need to fraternise with his loved ones at the end of the year’s busy schedule hence he hosts them to a memorable end-of-year party to spend quality time with them.

Predictably, the billionaire’s family are thrilled and positively animated by his generosity and they mince no words in expressing their heartfelt gratitude to him.

His recent gesture to his loved ones further establishes his generosity of spirit and towering humility. Friends and family attest to his modesty and indisputable reputation as the only billionaire in the country who doesn’t make noise and ride on a wave of ego to eminence. Adenuga is humble, classy and true to his loved ones; he never approaches them with unnecessary airs and pretensions of prestige. Unlike too many of his billionaire peers who continually yield to the lure of vanity. Adenuga is classy, bighearted and down to earth. He displays no mean airs.

That is why he is never driven by ego or status to alienate his loved ones.

Over increasingly large swathes of Africa’s air space and beyond, the Glo network springs untrammelled by the constraints of commerce. Thanks to Adenuga, the average African now shares boundless talk time and access to data in the same air space as the super-rich.

Adenuga’s Globacom, through its ubiquitous Glo network, has made life easier for millions of Nigerians and Africans, within Africa and all over the world.

The possibility of a thriving indigenous network has been realised; now, the local telecommunication industry is no longer queerly infertile; it is flourishing and filled with the beauty of bird song. This success story may be attributed to the brilliance and foresight of the astute businessman and founder of Globacom, Adenuga. There is no gainsaying every pivot in the history of his business empire was summoned into being through desire, toil and pragmatic manoeuvring. Adenuga aka The Bull hammered his secret fantasies into life.

Through his struggle, he kept telling himself the truth when it mattered most; he submitted his dreams and his will to an innate censor long before the odds or any traducer could harangue his vision of growth. In the end, his efforts earned him vast tracts of a voluptuous empire and the reputation of an African gem.

While several billionaires of his league forged their reputation through fraud and the devices of clever publicists, Adenuga got his reputation by earning it.

In Adenuga’s world, enterprise becomes magic; the fondling of ambition from a delicate prod into a feral grope. A grope against the odds. Against adversaries and unforgiving fate. Only a titan like Adenuga could brave these challenges and carve from it all, an Eden. In homage to his humanity and relentless strides at rewriting the African telecommunications narrative, the French government, in 2017, invested him the highest French decoration and the most famous in the world.

But unlike the proverbial warrior who lives to sing the song of his deeds, Adenuga remains impressively humble and immune to conceit. The recipient of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, treads a rare path to acclaim thus attracting honour in torrents, from home and abroad.

In this age of self-promotion, Adenuga simply lets his achievements do the talking for him. That’s quite big and instructive in a billionaire magnate; he is all about sincerity and humility. Despite his inestimable progress and achievements in the telecoms sector, understands that being a star is not up to him: the people will confirm his dazzle.

Everything Mike tries—from telecoms to oil and gas, and philanthropy, manifests with an inextinguishable glimmer. And that is why he remains the most respected and accomplished son of Ijebuland.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

31.12.2023

Key Players Who Impacted Creative Industry in 2023 Year 2023 churned out many captivating stories. From the general election to inflation and fuel subsidy removal. Beyond these not-so-feel-good tales, the Nigerian creative industry beat louder than ever, echoing stories of resilience, innovation, and transformative endeavours. This was seen in the investments, talents and knowledge of outstanding personalities who are committed to nurturing the new wave of creatives. From notable businessmen to industry stakeholders, we take a look at these individuals and the ways they influenced and contributed to the global appeal of the creative industry, writes Vanessa Obioha

Elumelu

Alade

Idahosa

Ude

Ugbe

Akerele

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31, 2023

49

COVER

Key Players Who Impacted Creative Industry in 2023 Tony Elumelu

O

ne of the most revered Nigerian economists and philanthropists, Tony Elumelu’s passion for the creative arts radiates through his every endeavour. Whether via his eponymous foundation, Tony Elumelu Foundation, or his various businesses, Elumelu’s unwavering support for the industry, has become a beacon for both established and aspiring creatives.

This year, the philanthropist rewarded 17 African storytellers who participated in the Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund, a CSR initiative sponsored by Heirs Insurance Limited (HIL) and Heirs Life Assurance (HLA), in partnership with Africa No Filter (ANF). In November, his foundation TEF partnered with the U.S. government to remove barriers hindering the growth of the creative industry and ensure its global reach.

Amidst the glitz of his Christmas White Party, where Nigerian music superstars like Burna Boy and Wizkid grace the stage, Elumelu’s love for the creative pulse resonates, solidifying his role as a patron of Nigeria’s cultural diversity.

Jazzy

Olorunnimbe

Deola Art Alade

One of the most creative minds Nigeria has ever produced, Deola Art Alade, the wife of Nigerian singer Darey Art Alade is quietly transforming lives in Nigeria’s creative landscape through the Livespot360 Foundation. Her impact extends beyond creative realms, as she not only mentors talents in film, music, and arts but also uplifts the less fortunate, integrating them into her company for meaningful employment.

Her biggest investment in the creative space so far is the Entertainment Week Lagos (EWL), a convergence of stakeholders and talents in the creative space where issues about the industry are plumbed while providing a platform for emerging creatives like artists Konstance and Pharaoh 47, to showcase their skills.

Deola’s overarching vision is to continue shaping lives within the creative sphere, fostering growth and skill enhancement through mentorship and support.

Linus Idahosa

The President and CEO of Del-York International, Linus Idahosa reached a pivotal moment in African entertainment with the launch of the Lagos Film City project, also known as Kebulania, this year.

This groundbreaking initiative, developed over three years, and in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and US development partners, Storyland Studios, not only marks a significant achievement in reshaping Africa’s film industry but also emerges as a potent economic catalyst.

Through strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts, it is set to enhance Africa’s global entertainment presence, acting as a tool for soft diplomacy, and showcasing cultural richness and economic potential.

Idahosa prioritizes vocationaltechnical education in Africa, evident in the Del-York Creative Academy, an international film and TV institute he founded in 2010. With multiple branches nationwide, it focuses on nurturing the next generation of creative professionals. He achieved a significant stride with the introduction of the Youth in Animation and Post-Production Initiative (YAPPI) this year. The ninemonth program aims to develop 60,000 Nigerian students in 3D animation and postproduction over five years. This initiative aligns with the goal of positioning African talents at the forefront of the rapidly growing global animation industry, projected to reach 600 billion U.S. dollars by 2030, reflecting his vision of integrating education with industry needs for sustainable economic growth.

Beyond entertainment, Idahosa’s influence extended to diplomatic and business realms, strengthening ties between the U.S. and Nigeria spanning

by the Group Chief Executive of The Temple Management Company, Idris Olorunnimbe. For Olorunnimbe, Adeyemo’s visit was a testament to the growing global acknowledgement of Nigeria’s creative prowess.

Described as a multifunctional facility encompassing all aspects of the creative industry, the studio not only served as a venue for exploration but also hosted seven American artist-educators from Next Level—the US Department of State’s dance and music exchange program.

Their two-week residency became a nexus of mentorship, where seasoned artists imparted their knowledge to young, aspiring creatives.

Olorunnimbe’s commitment to fostering creativity was also seen this year during the graduation ceremony of the inaugural class of Gidi Creative Centre (GCC), a partnership between the Lagos State Government and The Temple Management Company to empower young creatives in the state. The year-long program done in partnership with the University of Lagos and the Henley Business School trained 200 creatives in 10 different scopes including filmmaking, graphic design, fashion design, creative writing, audio engineering, production design and others.

The GCC initiative underscores Olorunnimbe’s dedication to nurturing a new generation of creatives. By providing the right training and access to state-of-the-art facilities, he not only empowers these individuals with skills but also creates a conducive environment for them to bring their visions to life.

Don Jazzy

Eazi

Baci

the entertainment, film, mining, and defence industries.

Chioma Ude

For over a decade, Chioma Ude has been the visionary driving force behind the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), pushing African cinema beyond borders.

AFRIFF has evolved into more than just a film festival; it’s a dynamic hub fostering collaborations, providing training, catalyzing coproductions, facilitating acquisitions, securing funding, and contributing to the construction of vital facilities and structures.

This year’s AFRIFF again presented an opportunity for African cinema to take the global stage, drawing not only the gaze of creatives but also garnering recognition from governments, international agencies, and corporate entities.

The Lagos State Government, in particular, embraced the festival, standing as a testament to its impact on the cultural and economic landscape.

For her endeavours, Ude was earlier in the year recognised by Forbes Afrique as one of the Top 50 Women of 2023, joining the likes of Ngozi Okonji-Iweala and other influential females. The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) attuned to her exceptional contributions, awarded her a special honour for her unparalleled role in fostering the growth and development of the film industry.

John Ugbe

When it comes to telling authentic Nigerian stories that celebrate the diversity and creativity of the country and Africa at large, John Ugbe stands as a towering figure.

As the bespectacled CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, Ugbe has not only steered the ship of one of the leading media and entertainment companies but has also been a fervent advocate for training and mentoring creatives.

Under his leadership, MultiChoice has become a crucible for creativity, fostering talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory. Beyond this, the company provides a dynamic stage for creatives to share their stories through the Africa Magic Channels and the streaming platform Showmax.

This year saw the premiere of an iteration of Big Brother Africa, Big Brother Titans which featured only Nigerians and South Africans, as well as the return of the cultural phenomenon, Big Brother Naija. This year’s winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, clinched the highest

prize of the show, an astounding N120 million cash prize among other rewards.

Additionally, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) served as a glittering acknowledgement of talents, honouring those both in front of and behind the camera across the continent.

Yet, Ugbe’s impact extends beyond the glitz of entertainment. His dedication is palpable in the collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders to tackle issues plaguing the film industry such as the roundtable on piracy that showcased not just MultiChoice’s readiness but its proactive stance in partnering with regulatory bodies and filmmakers to address the menacing challenge head-on.

Omoyemi Akerele

The buzz around sustainable fashion reverberated globally in 2023 and the lady behind Style House Files, a creative development agency catering to Nigerian and African designers, Omoyemi Akerele was at the forefront of this transformative dialogue.

Whether speaking at COP28 UAE, Global Fashion Summit or at the UNESCO launch of the groundbreaking report on African Fashion at Lagos Fashion Week (LFW) this year, Akerele’s message revolves around empowering a peoplecentred textile and apparel ecosystem across the continent that promotes responsible consumption and production. Akerele founded LFW over a decade ago with a mission to create value in the fashion industry by building a community that can project the African fashion industry on the global stage. She remains emphatic that the fashion and textile ecosystem can be a vehicle for socioeconomic change.

In the fashion world, she stands as a beacon of conscious change. Her vision goes beyond aesthetics, weaving a narrative where each thread is a step towards a more sustainable, empowered, and socially responsible future. Through her efforts, Akerele not only shapes the fashion landscape but contributes to a broader canvas of positive change for Africa and the global community.

Idris Olorunnimbe

During the U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary, Wally Adeyemi’s visit to Nigeria this year, Ogidi Studios, owned by The Temple Management Company, was one of the places he visited. There, he was given a guided tour

The mastermind behind Mavin Records, Don Jazzy, solidified his position as music kingmaker this year with the success of his talents Rema and Ayra Starr. Both music stars fueled afrobeats global appeal with their respective remarkable strides. Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez made him the first African artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, earning him the title of the most exported Nigerian artist on the platform. Starr, on her part, became a firsttime Grammy nominee.

These achievements, along with talents like Johnny Drille, underscore Don Jazzy’s lasting influence, harking back to his Mo’Hits era with Wande Coal and D’banj.

Mr Eazi

In 2023, music entrepreneur and famed artist Tosin Ajibade, better known as Mr. Eazi amidst his debut album ‘The Evil Genius’ and the accompanying art and music exhibition tour, took the spotlight with emPawa Publishing. Established in 2020, the platform, featuring talents like Tekno and Joeboy, celebrated a milestone, paying over One Billion Naira in royalties. It achieved this by fostering partnerships with various publishers like Kobalt Music Group to guarantee global recognition and rewards for the creations of its in-house talent.

Additionally, Mr. Eazi’s investment fund, Zagadat Capital, made a significant contribution to Un:hurd, an innovative artist marketing platform, through a seven-figure funding round in collaboration with Kobalt Capital.

Hilda Baci

Hilda Baci, a rising figure in both the media and culinary realms, catapulted into the spotlight with a record-breaking cook-a-thon, earning her a Guinness World Record in June 2023. The 93-hour, 11-minute feat not only secured her celebrity status but also ignited a trend among Nigerians to pursue various Guinness World Record attempts, ranging from cook-a-thons to hair-a-thons and massage-a-thons.

Baci’s record was so popular that it crashed the GWR site. The chef and restaurateur celebrity status has since expanded, from featuring in TV programmes to hosting cooking classes for young aspiring chefs. Baci’s popularity was further evident as she featured prominently on Google Search Lists of the Year in Nigeria. She was among the top 10 Most Searched People in Nigeria, Nigerian News, and Who is…

However, Baci’s reign came to an end in November when Irish chef Alan Fisher surpassed her record, cooking for an impressive 119 hours and 57 minutes.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31, 2023

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HighLife Bimbo Ashiru at 60: Just Beginning Time can mislead, appearing as a harmless wind blowing over human lives.

Only the cautious know to remain diligent, always ready to leave their marks in life.

Bimbo Ashiru, the Chairman of Odu’a Group, is one person who has maximised time. At 60, he has achieved much in this office and cuts the figure of a strapping young man prepared to take the reins of greatness and ride into the sunset.

To far-off and nearby observers, Ashiru is visibly committed to several ideals. One such ideal is uprightness, leading him to stand by his principles, never minding whatever else is at stake. Another ideal is service, underlining his unrestrained sense of diligence, dedication, and constancy. These ideas are responsible for his recognition as a good man and a great leader.

Ashiru’s 60th birthday was noticeably rowdy for good reasons. For one, any prestigious individual that reaches a new height in time’s stream is celebrated. When such an individual is Ashiru, a super variant among achievers, the celebrations define a new zenith. Unsurprisingly, President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun sent their wishes, saying great things about him. According to President Tinubu, Ashiru’s contributions to the private sector have only been matched by his labour in public service. Tinubu described him as a gentleman in every sense of the word, one who has built social and economic bridges and champions the call for and commitment to growth and development.

Governor Abiodun was also unreserved in his praise. He described Ashiru as a visionary leader, one with the welfare of the people of the South-west in mind. These points of magnification echoed t h e commendations of Ashiru by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Ogun State’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ASUSS).

By all indications, Ashiru’s work in Odu’a is being recognized.

Expectations continue to pile up, but Ashiru is undaunted, ready to attach his visions to the wagon of the future. At 60, he has done much and is still only beginning.

Ashiru

Fortune favours the brave, the saying goes. But fortune also favours the fortunate as bravery cannot save a person from death. In Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s case, the new governor of Ondo State, fortune has visited his house as the baton of power has been passed to him due to the death of his boss, Rotimi Akeredolu.

How many incumbent governors have fallen to the sirens of death? Akeredolu is the latest on this list. His passing is a frozen-in-a-daze moment for the citizens of Ondo who prayed that he would recover from his illness. Unfortunately, they were only informed that he had succumbed to

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

TotalEnergies’ Pouyanné Storms Abuja for Crisis Management

Pouyanne

Affluence can be charming. Depending on the grace of the individual in question, it can lead to unrestrained admiration, bordering on idolisation. Tony Elumelu exercises this charm as the grandest Nigerian businessman and philanthropist. Regarding his all-white December 2023 party, one can only sigh in admiration.

Influential personalities across the country rode Elumelu’s invitation and arrived at his Ikoyi mansion on Christmas Eve. Dressed in all-white outfits, these dignitaries had a good time at his behest, impressed at the depth of his openness and impressing him in return with sincere compliments.

The party counts as one of the biggest in Lagos this year, seeing figures that can call for the wind and rain in their respective industries. But Elumelu outshone them all, equally garbed in white. His lovely wife, Awele, stood beside him, the graceful queen to her gracious king, with goodlooking children bearing the mark of natural astuteness on their brows and amiability at the corner of their youthful beams.

Some of the big names that partied with the Elumelus include BUA Group founder, Abdul Samad Rabiu, UTM Offshore Limited boss, Julius Rone, and music artists like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Burna Boy, and Asake. Others like Kizz Daniel, Spyro, and Ayra Starr made sure to keep the

The Daggers in Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s Smile

Aiyedatiwa

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

the damage dealt by prostate cancer and leukaemia, never getting the news they anticipated.

Another group that did not get the news they anticipated and is half a step away from breaking down are some of the late Akeredolu’s loyalists. Against this, it is widely speculated that Aiyedatiwa will come breathing fire. Once that happens, Ondo may turn on its head, witnessing many high and low-ranking officials dismissed from government service.

The reason there is some certainty to this speculation is that the anticipated officials to be punished by Aiyedatiwa are those who had a hand in his nearimpeachment a few months ago. These individuals allegedly poisoned the mind of Akeredolu against him, causing a cold war between the pair and nearly forcing him out of the political house.

Since power moved to Aiyedatiwa as Ondo waited for Akeredolu’s recovery, these individuals have been panicking. It is said that Aiyedatiwa already designed means to pay them in their coins before the news of Akeredolu came from that hospital in Germany. With nothing to stop him, what will be the fate of all those who threatened his political relevance in Ondo?

Time will tell, and so will the possible sack letters that will fly from Aiyedatiwa’s office as the succeeding governor of the Sunshine State.

Diplomacy is still the heart of relations, whether it is at the individual or corporate level. Recognising this, the top echelons at TotalEnergies have been doing their best to reassure Nigeria that they are committed to maintaining relations. Therefore, there is no reason to let any type of crisis or conflict affect the partnership.

The Group Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanné, has continued to demonstrate his and his business’ commitment to Nigeria.

Despite being a bigshot and the authority over the French group of companies, Pouyanné raced to Abuja a few days ago to display his goodwill and desire for a continuing harmony between Nigeria and TotalEnergies.

Pouyanné was well-received by President Bola Tinubu and their exchanges were cordial. Both parties approached the alliance from an assuring standpoint, almost competing to persuade the other that their offerings were enough to guarantee the other party’s objectives. This approach satisfied both parties, especially due to

the issues that have emerged due to the Egina offshore field.

TotalEnergies has faced several issues in the last quarter of 2023, especially. The loudest of these was the 3,000-barrel spill in November.

Moreover, due to Tinubu’s advance notice to the new board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in which he informed them of the implications of non-performance, Pouyanné had to walk on eggshells.

Nigerians in the diaspora may look down on the country, but multinationals like TotalEnergies recognize the value of befriending it. According to reports, Pouyanné and the other decision-makers at the French company intend to invest around $6 billion across multiple projects. TotalEnergies is only the most outspoken among these businesses, not the only one intending to put so much into Nigeria.

This is the reason someone as high and mighty as Pouyanné had to rush to Abuja to assure President Tinubu of TotalEnergies’ dedication to strengthening the partnership with Nigeria. With such partnerships, Nigeria will rise.

How Elumelu, King of Soft Life, Staged All-White Party

The Elumelus

happy crowd on its feet, jiggling to the merriments.

Year 2023 was an awesome for the Elumelus. The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) boss acquired a mountain of stakes in many top businesses, including the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Transcorp.

His wife shared in this success as she also climbed into the ranks of Nigeria’s most

powerful corporate women, distinguishing herself while remaining a committed doctor and philanthropist.

Elumelu remains the king of soft life, and that has not changed. The closing merriments for 2023 only reinforced this idea. Onto 2024 where more underground takeovers will happen, paving the way for even greater things in the future.

Lara Adebiyi Officially Launches Foundation In the face of kindness, even the staunchest hearts of stone eventually melt.

Lara Adebiyi is prepared to thaw hearts in 2024. The new humanitarian foundation will serve as an outpost to her commitment to support the underprivileged in matters of education, health, and general welfare.

Lara Adebiyi Foundation (LAF) is a non-profit organisation designed around humanitarian needs. It was recently launched at the Conference Hall of her Addas Mall, Agidingbi area of Lagos.

Clearly, when the mall was opened a few years back, Lara already had it in mind to do things like launch charitable organisations.

Speaking to the dignitaries at the event, Lady Lara explained that this foundation is only the visible tip of countless years of her service to humanity. This particular one is the outburst of her desire to help the underprivileged, the chief focus being students whose continuing education has become a challenge due to economic issues.

According to Adebiyi, the foundation is going to kick off in the new year. The main focus will be the education and training of the underprivileged. The foundation will also concentrate on fulfilling healthcare needs, leading to a healthier and more competent nation. Apparently, this is the

Adebiyi

ultimate goal in the eye of the Adebiyi clan lady, increasing the family’s commitment to unburdening fellow Nigerians.

Unsurprisingly, her husband, Lekan Adebiyi, was at the event. He stood solidly behind her and echoed her commitment to supporting the underprivileged in their educational and health needs. Because it is in keeping with the principles of the Adebiyi family, onlookers were impressed that the couple did not throw out their beliefs on account of pressing economic challenges.

The new foundation of Lara is the latest evidence of the Adebiyis’ dedication to philanthropy and humanitarianism. It is something to admire and emulate.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31, 2023

HIGHLIFE

Reason Bayo Adelabu Cannot Concentrate on Fixing the Power Sector

Adelabu

Focus is an amazing power for any serious individual, be it a leader or follower. For the Federal Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu,

this attribute has been argued to be missing. But why is this the case? Do his critics have anything valid to present as to why the good minister cannot concentrate on the obligations of his office?

Among the current ministers of Nigeria, several are doing big things and changing the narrative of their domains. Adelabu, in charge of the power sector, is not getting as much visibility or acclaim. Perhaps it is because the power sector shares close boundaries with every other sector, making it difficult to fix the problems in the shortest time.

This is the most moderate opinion of Adelabu’s work in the power ministry. It is also the view held by his supporters, although some of them launched into the extreme to claim that the power sector has changed under Adelabu.

Except that they are arguing these things while using a power bank device or a generator.

There are also those committed to showing what they consider the ‘true colours’ of the power man. According to these people, Adelabu is still nursing governorship ambitions for Oyo State.

Unconvinced of his loss to Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adelabu is allegedly hoping to find a way to take out Makinde or at least undermine the latter’s governance.

There is also the argument that Adelabu is banking on his relationship with power players like Zacch Adedeji, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to pull strings. Adedeji is also from Oyo and served as the state’s youngest Commissioner for Finance. How this would help Adelabu remains a matter of speculation, but Adedeji is being mentioned in high places and linked with Adelabu.

Tiff Rumour Trails Governor Eno and Emmanuel Successorship in Nigeria’s governorship circles is never surprising. The suspense is usually only extended to when successors begin to persecute predecessors. In the case of Akwa Ibom, rumour engines are working tirelessly, putting out the news that the incumbent governor, Umo Eno, is starting to eye his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel. However, both men insist that these are only rumours.

Nothing but the truth can stop rumormongering. But the truth must be comprehensive and authentic, smashing out the chance for half-truths and intentional misguidance. Although this does not seem to be the case for Eno and Emmanuel, public commentators acknowledge that there is no smoke without fire and vice versa.

There is no source to the rumours, but the gist is that Eno and Emmanuel’s relationship has started to sour due to some undisclosed conflict between them. Allegedly, Emmanuel’s freedom and reputation as a good man are at

stake since one accusation from Eno against his predecessor’s governance can shatter these qualities, especially Emmanuel’s reputation.

Faced with these rumours, Eno has come out to say that he and Emmanuel’s relationship has never been better. According to him, there is nothing that can make him harbour ill intentions towards his predecessor. After all, the latter is his godfather and almost single-handedly, brought him to gubernatorial power. In this denial of the rumours, Eno has been very insistent and convincing.

The same can be said of Emmanuel. He stated that he and Eno are inseparable, and he is on his toes to see the latter succeed in whatever he lays his hands on. He said that Eno does not put him under pressure and he is reasonable enough to not fix his head where it shouldn’t be.

Therefore, nothing is wrong and the rumours are false.

With these denials, the rumours should fade.

But they are not. Nevertheless, time will tell

Fowler

New Lease of Life for Tunde Fowler

Gov. Eno and Emmanuel

where the lies are and who wants to throw a wrench in Akwa Ibom’s peace.

Abdul Samad Rabiu: Philanthropic Man of the Year

Rabiu

Philanthropy is widely but wrongly regarded as a pastime of the affluent. It is identified with individuals whose pockets

overflow, having nowhere else to invest funds and nothing else to do. This is such an erroneous idea that it beggars the sane mind.

Is Abdul Samad Rabiu one to throw out money simply because he can? Is he one to pay for public praise, trimming his fingers in boredom? In 2023, Rabiu proved the answer to these questions to be no!

In the past, Rabiu committed himself to charitable activities, sharing the good things of life with the underprivileged or individuals in severe need of financial assistance. Due to this openness of heart, newspapers printed the name of the BUA boss in bright colours, hoping to honour him for his sacrifices.

It is not different this year. Rabiu continues to empty the tears in the hearts of people, leaving space for joy, contentment, and peace.

Rabiu’s generosity is especially noteworthy since it does not recognise ethnic, religious, or social status borders. Instead, it reaches out to everyone in need, bent on changing the narrative for good.

Philanthropy is one way to get praise.

But Rabiu’s philosophy differs from the mainstream charity-for-points system. His donations are usually done in passing, making one think that he just decided to throw away money. However, seeing how targeted these donations are, it becomes apparent that the BUA man thought deeply and seriously about each humanitarian act.

Rabiu’s humility has perfectly harmonised with his business success over the years. Despite still having strong competitors, Nigerians are aware that Rabiu is unmatched in giving out money and other resources to make life easy for those around and far from him. No wonder his business has continued to grow saddled on the prayers of beneficiaries.

By all markers and rules, Rabiu is Nigeria’s man of the year with regards to philanthropy. He deserves to be honoured and celebrated as such in the coming year.

Encomiums as Family and Friends Celebrate Educationist, Bosun Falore at 70 Honour and regard chaperone upright people. This is usually the case with few exceptions. In the case of the upright educationist, Bosun Falore, honour and regard do follow him and will continue to do so all the days of his life, as his 70th birthday has shown.

The entire family of Falore are currently enjoying the love and goodwill of Lagosians, following the 70th birthday of the family head who doubles as the founder and chairman of Mind Builders School. Widely known and loved for his focus and emphasis on education in Nigeria, Lagosians are pulling out all the stops to celebrate Falore.

Different people are honoured for different things. For Falore, it is all education.

For the longest time, the Mind Builders man has championed the ideal of success by deliberate training. Holding the view that education encompasses this ideal, Falore has remained committed to driving society, when he can, in this direction.

It was this ideal that drove him to start at the bottom with Mind Builders. Founded in 1998, the school’s emphasis has been on providing premium formal training to children. The first beneficiaries of the school were only 18 pupils, kept on the path to progress by six teachers.

Although the school’s current population by far outnumbers its founding learners, it retains that premium feel. Clearly, Falore has not lost touch with that old vision and is still hoping to reconstruct Nigeria’s foundations on the pillars of sound and practical education.

It is something to admire for sure, the longlastingness of Falore’s vision. It is something to emulate, return to younger educationists, and celebrate.

At 70, Falore’s grace is there for all to see. His mind remains sharp, but his vision is undoubtedly sharper. Let the curtains of encomium go on rolling and his achievements be read out for future generations to memorise and reproduce.

Falore

One ironic fact that many love to quote is that change is the only constant in life. One individual might seem like a natural-born hedonist until power is driven from his grasp. Then he will take on the appearance of the most stoic individual to ever live. This is the sentiment that some public commentators attach to former Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) boss, Babatunde Fowler. But times are indeed changing for the man.

The pages of life usually turn slowly. But they have been very rapid for Fowler, or they have appeared to be. In 2015, he climbed into the ranks of the bigwigs after he was appointed FIRS chairman.

In 2019, the same government that appointed him refused to renew his contract, ending his time as a peak lord in one of the most moneygenerating agencies in the country.

In 2020, Fowler maintained a low profile as people debated whether or not he would be charged to court for imagined sins. In 2021, the COVID pandemic helped him stay away from public speculations. In 2022, people started to ask about him, leading to the uncovering of his activities at the time. Now that 2023 is about to close, the queries have started again, engendering the finding that he is a pastor now.

The gist is that Fowler is a pastor at one of the parishes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). A happy change, for once, people continue to ask questions. Even the most optimistic about Fowler would love to know whether the taxman is happy in God’s vineyard.

It looks like a far jump to go from being a happy-go-lucky dude to being a champion of rigorous duties and obligations. How quickly can a person change and by how much? No one but Fowler knows. But it is a new lease of life for him for sure.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31, 2023

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

General Richard Duru: An Update

Duru

Dear reader, kindly understand why I have to post an update on this issue.

Last week, I had, in a screaming headline, asked about his whereabouts and had stated very pointedly that the Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff should resign if by the end of a few days he was not found and released. Well, the deadline has passed and expectedly both men are still in their offices watching wrestling on TV or whatever it is they do to keep their fancy.

The good thing following that report however, is the kind of feedback that I have received since then. It’s looking like I might even open a situation room on the matter with the volumes of calls. Apparently General Duru was a very brilliant and popular soldier. His course mates,

Mutfwang

Buhari

THE PLATEAU OF VIOLENCE Just as we were about to commence the Christmas celebrations, the news of massive bloodshed in Plateau reached us. Over 100 lives were garishly lost in the hands of terrorists as they call them. Violence begets us, the spate of insecurity is now becoming the lot of the average Nigerian all over the country. From kidnappings which is now the mainstay of the economy in the East, to wanton killings and destruction in the North-west and outright terrorism and war in the North-east, to the muggings and sporadic kidnappings and ritual killings and yahoo yahoo-aided deaths with drugs in the South, you begin to have a picture of lawlessness, lack of dignity to life and an almost helpless authority running from pillar to post and fighting all of these with press releases.

Right from President Jonathan, the template for response has been the same. When it happens, they call up the template, change the date and release – The federal government vows to bring perpetrators to book. That is always the content of the press release.

Then they will add – fish out the perpetrators, Buhari orders the Army.

Na lie nothing ever comes out of it all and Nigerian blood keeps flowing very

effortlessly all over the place.

Tinubu has inherited the template as he sent his Vice President with the updated template: “We will get the perpetrators.” I just laughed. As he finished with the symbolism of the visit, he ran very quickly to Bourdillon to have lunch with the President.

Yes na, because I saw him at Falomo under bridge in a haste before dem Gbaja who are constantly beside the President finish the amala and gbegiri.

We have fostered on ourselves a very unserious approach to the issue of violence and Nigerians suffer for it.

Is it that the authorities feel that since we are over 200 million and that it’s not physically possible for all of these killings to take 10% of us that they just seem to fold their hands and be watching Nigerians beheaded almost on a daily basis?

Tinubu, please let’s get serious. Thank you.

IS MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON TRIAL? There seems to be an esprit de corps between our ruling class at the level of the Presidency. They tend never to want to probe their predecessors. This is very simple and it is because they are all padi padi – partners in “crime.”

However, it’s looking like this baba agbado wants to buck the trend with

other colleagues — both serving and retired — and so many Nigerians have been calling in. They will first call my number and now say, “Let’s go to Whatsapp.” I will laugh, see Generals dey fear. Nigeria sha!

Well, from all the calls that have come in, I have been able to glean the following- the possibility of Gen. Duru being alive after over three months in captivity is very high, the possible location of his captivity being known by authorities but the sensitivity of the matter not allowing an all-out attack because of obvious collateral damage, his course mates are working very closely with authorities with a little bit of help from international authorities on the matter. “So Edgar, we are not just

Obazee

style o.

Are you guys watching Obazee very well? He has released in a leaked report, that someone did not get approval before he went on the Naira redesign thing. But that person, fresh from bail and even before taking his bath, has shot back - not true. Even before that, Nigerians have thrown up footage where President Buhari owned up to approving the thing.

If Mr. Obazee goes ahead and Mr. Tinubu suddenly gets the political will to push, then we just might be seeing Mr. Buhari on the witness box and that would be massive in this country.

As if that is not enough, we have just been regaled with news that the EFCC have just discovered over N30billion fraud in one of Buhari’s most strategic ministries. My people, let’s not kid ourselves, this is Tinubu using style to probe Buhari. It’s not until they announce it or shout to the rooftop that we will know that President Buhari is on trial.

Me, I don get ready with my afang and fufu as I dey watch. My only prayer is if Tinubu would have the mind to follow this journey to the end because from what we know of our country and our leaders, na padi padi go end all of this. Las las, na everybody go chop breakfast,

sitting down there and doing nothing.

Two of the kidnappers are with the authorities giving credible information and Gen. Duru’s family is being carried along on all issues relating to this unfortunate incident.”

Well, much as this litany of information remains quite encouraging, the fact that Gen. Duru is still in custody after three months is still a sore point in my head and that of millions of Nigerians and as such, we cannot but remain in stoic sadness until he is released.

While thanking the authorities for a job well done so far, I will still state very clearly that a lot much more can still be done to bring an end to this very sordid and embarrassing affair.

Thank you.

Henshaw

according to my aburo, Burna Boy. JIM OBAZEE: COOL IT DOWN My brother, cool it down o. This thing is not by gra gra o. You have to be very strategic as my late oga, Albert Okumagba used to say. Otherwise, you will have mud on your face. This your job must be done with a lot of monkey sense. You are not dealing with neophytes or Duke of Shomolu that will be fearing you o. You are dealing with some of the most brilliant people in the country with real power behind them.

Seeing your unsigned report being leaked to the public was amateurish.

It gave out your hand and showed the public and those you are pursuing your thought processes and your direction.

You must see this assignment as a strategic national assignment and not something you should be playing to the gallery with. Your report should never have seen the light of day until submitted, reviewed and a government white paper is released I do not know the import or the purpose of it being leaked because it has thrown up a lot of pushbacks, especially in the areas where you have not really done a satisfactory job. This has cast some doubts as to your ability and intention on the job.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31, 2023

As if that was not enough, your letter to Mr. Lemo has again been leaked.

The letter was an astute response to the press release thrown out by Titan Bank as a corporate body. My brother, I have never met you before and will not really like to meet you as those who have come to see you in your new office have advised, “Edgar, that place no be where you fit go,” – but I must make you realise that this your job is the singular most important job in the country right now and the highest level of professionalism and integrity must be thrown in as you do the job.

It is not a beauty parade my brother.

We really do not want to see your letters and reports in the media, focus and do a diligent job so that we all can get reprieve from your task.

I never even write finish; I don see another letter from your camp again.

This time, you are not granting Mr. Lemo permission as requested to come to you at a later date but instead you are saying in the said letter that you are aware that he is in London…. Like it is a cat fight or two side chicks fighting over a married man.

My brother, please let’s be strategic and professional and much more importantly, remember that the rights of the people must at all times be protected. They must have rights to fair hearing, rights to counsel and please stick to the facts. Abi how you want a man in London to come to you now now? Is there a night bus from London already? Mbok, cool down, no be fight, na investigation. Thank you.

JULIUS RONE – STILL ON COURSE If there is anything about this Itsekiri man that I like, it is his passion to do well. He once told me; “Edgar, I want to make an impact and that is my wealth. I want to touch as many lives as possible because that is what really matters.”

Well, he is on course with the recent announcement of the Delta State Government taking a healthy eight per cent of his Floating LNG project. Do not forget that the NNPC had already taken 20 per cent, making the project one of the most viable in the space.

The floating LNG is a project that uses large barge ships to farm liquefied natural gas and takes it straight to the buyers. It cuts off the need to invest in very expensive pipelines which are usually prone to attacks and all that, as the finished gas product is being evacuated.

Julius has shown uncanny resolve to deliver on this project and has garnered international respect. It is no wonder that he was part of President Tinubu’s delegation of businessmen to India the other day and he also followed him to the New York Stock Exchange This project when it comes on stream, apart from aligning with the resolve to push green energy with the global attention on climate, it would also shore up our national revenues, create jobs, impact the community and better position Nigeria as a serious energy company away from the intrigues of the oil business. Well-done bro.

PORTABLE VS CHARLES OKOCHA: A BOXING DAY DRAMA I thought it was a joke. This fight between these two men. The story is that they had an issue over a N40million pay day. They both accused each other of being fast and funny with the money and a brilliant strategist now mentioned that instead of going on social media to fight, they should take it to the boxing ring.

If you followed the buildup to the fight

BOURDILLON AS THE NEW GARDEN OF EDEN This is a very strategic road in Lagos. It is nestled in Ikoyi and starts from the Falomo Roundabout and terminates at the roundabout that takes you to the famous Lekki Bridge. It is a welltarred road with a litany of luxury apartments and buildings on it. The famous number 4, which can be said to be the most luxurious and elegant residential building in the country is there, the Lagoon Hospital where my beloved Mena died is there and also the sweet Saint Saviour’s School is at the other end of the road, and the very famous first Minister of Finance, Okotie Eboh, whose long wrapper still tugs at our imaginations, still has his colonial masterpiece perched on that same road.

However, what makes Bourdillon what it is today is the fact that it also houses the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Tinubu. Immediately he vacated office as Governor of Lagos State, he took up residence in the building. The building has a brownish hue, it is very ugly compared to the many modern buildings that litter the road, like the aforementioned number 4. It is however very arrogant in its allure, with its wide expanse of grounds, low fence, daring you to jump in and the funny plants that crisscross the top of the fence.

From the other side of the road, you can almost see the front passage. I have had an opportunity to enter the building to meet with Baba when he was just an applicant for this his present job. The furnishing was sparse, old school and not really anything to write home about. It was more of a workhouse than a residence. The rooms were tiny as

Tinubu

his aides’ jostled from one tiny cubicle to the other. I didn’t enter much of the house so I cannot really describe it but let’s just say in elegance, I have seen better.

But it’s not its beauty or glamour that has made it the most attractive building to poor and disenfranchised Nigerians. The house has held for the very downtrodden that possibility of a handout and just maybe, a free lunch for the past 20 years. Remember, that was where the bullion van emerged leading to the massive retort- “is it your money?”

Over the years, Lagosians have come to identify the building for what it is worth- their own share of the national cake. The pittance dropped, not being an issue for them, but the very strong possibility that N1,000 will be thrown at them not only by the occupants but also by his wealthy associates and the rest who throng there for one meeting or the other.

It is no wonder that the place is now a mecca of sorts for not only the displaced but well-meaning Nigerians who have been dislocated by Mr. Tinubu’s economic policies. As I moved in the crowd the other day, I sighted not only the usual suspects – area boys, party stalwarts and all, but I saw in the crowd lecturers, professors, civil servants, sportsmen, musicians, NLC operatives, plain cloth policemen and even some members of Lagos State House of Assembly.

My people, nothing has been more democratic in Nigeria than poverty, just go there and see for yourself. Me, I have joined the crowd o, let me report myself before someone will come and ask me what exactly was I doing there.

Mbok, meet me there o.

on social media, you would laugh your head off. Portable was mad and Charles was madder. They went at each other and their followers joined the fray. In my mind, this was all for fun o. I never really believed that they would take it that seriously.

I must give kudos to the promoters’ because they really organised a swell event. Real ring o, real referee, medical officials on standby, ticket sales, press conference? Exactly how they do it in real life and gong, the bell went and they went at each other.

Portable got the first round as he weaved and punched Okocha. The second round went to Okocha as he showed phenomenal skills in the ring, going at Portables midriff. This was exciting and the fans went mad. Two of the most influential cultural figures in the country in a boxing ring to settle scores? It was crazy and deliriously beautiful.

The fight ended in the fourth round with Portable being announced the winner. It was a healthy fun and I endorse and do hope that our public figures would opt to settle scores in this manner.

Who is next? Wike and Fubara?

KATE HENSHAW KILLING ME SOFTLY Let me close this week by sending a sweet shout out to one of Nigeria’s enduring beauties- Kate Henshaw.

She was on stage last weekend with the former Governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and other such dignitaries and Nigerians in the audience for the play ‘History Sings.’

She floated on stage and delivered what critics have said would be one of the most enigmatic and influential propositions in stage acting. The play captured the essence of Nigeria through its music, depicting the works of such great masters like Victor Olaiya, Victor Uwaifo, Sunny Ade and Salawa Abeni, amongst others.

Working with a massively talented cast, Kate shone like a thousand stars and it is for this, that I will be taking her for Afang at the sweetly apportioned Monty Suites in Lekki.

Great one my sister. Well done.

MADDMAN OF THE YEAR I have decided to institute the annual awards for the Maddman of the Year.

This award which would be on the platform of the caricature magazine “Maddtimes” would honour that one Nigerian that has in his public action confounded us. This person would have ridiculed himself, annoyed us and confused us. His actions during the year would have left us totally bewildered, making us ask some very salient questions about ourselves and our penchant for allowing such people to hold public offices.

Nigerians voted for the nominees and believe me when I say that it was not an easy task to scroll it down to the 11 final nominees of which one person would emerge the Maddman of the Year. His reward would be a sweet caricature of himself drawn up by legendary cartoonist, Mike Asukwo. The caricature would be framed and in the full glare of camera lights would be dropped at the dustbin of his front gate, anywhere in the country.

So, my friends, reach me on the number on the top of the page and guess who the nominees for the madman of the year would be.

Winners will get a sumptuous bowl of afang dropped at their doorstep.

Believe that, then believe that APC will eradicate poverty by 2027. Thank you.

54

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31, 2023

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Femi Otedola: The Man with Deep Pocket and a Large Heart “God has been so kind to me in life. I feel highly privileged. The only way I can show my gratitude to Him is to use my resources to support those who are underprivileged. This I intend to do for the rest of my life.’’

When Femi Otedola made the above statement some years back, many did not understand the depth of the words. Many perhaps did understand but expressed disbelief. However, they’ve been forced to believe, as the Executive Chairman of Geregu Power Plant has proven that he meant every single word he said.

That Otedola is a man with an uncommon heart of gold is no more news. Philanthropy has become part of his skin, and he does it effortlessly.

He is ever ready to contribute generously to humanity. His charitable footprints can be seen in many landmarks.

Blessed with a deep pocket, a large heart and

Otedola

Meet Chinedu Nwoye, Gov. Soludo’s Most Trusted Aide

Tamuno

Heroic Welcome for Maureen Tamuno

Oftentimes, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, immediate-past Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, had proven her stewardship to the selfless cause, having served in different capacities.

Before assuming an ambassadorial role, Tamuno held several positions, including a top lawmaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly. Her beautiful story as the representative of her people in the Ogubolo Constituency is still told in glowing terms.

Following her appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica in 2021, Tamuno immediately hit the ground running by showcasing herself as a perfect embodiment of panache and progressive diplomacy.

Since then, she has proved beyond any doubt that she knows her onion very well by taking her assignment seriously as if she was born for the job.

So, it is not surprising that she has continued to receive commendations from those who know her worth.

Society Watch gathered the latest of such commendations came from no less a person than the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who heaved praises on the delectable woman during a courtesy visit to the minister’s office in Abuja.

The FCT minister commended the Ambassador for her service to the nation, saying that the country and people of Rivers were proud of her accomplishments during her tenure in office.

Wike stated that he had followed Dr. Tamuno’s antecedents right from when she was a council chairman in Rivers, as well as her activities on the international scene, saying that she has given a good account of her stewardship.

According to the minister, “There are some people who will be given the opportunity to serve the way you are given, they cannot account within the period they served, what they were able to accomplish.

It does not matter the tenure. If you cannot do something in one year, you cannot do it in four years.

“People will appreciate it when they start seeing what you are doing, even within six months or one year, then they will now know that within four years, this is what you will do.”

The FCT minister further noted that the ambassador had acquired valuable experience that could be further utilised for the growth and development of the country and assured that consideration would surely be given to her talents when the opportunity arises for other national assignments.

“Whatever capacity you find yourself in, I know you will still perform. When you were a council chairman, everybody saw what you did. Nobody wants to waste this talent and these experiences. We would want to use it for other things,” he said.

an even deeper passion for humanity, the softspoken philanthropist has over the years proved to be a pacesetter in terms of humanitarian gestures.

Recently, he gave out a N1 million scholarship to each student of Augustine University in Epe, Lagos State. Over 750 students benefited from this largesse.

Not to mention his record-breaking five-billionnaira donation in 2019 that has continued to enjoy generous mention in Nigeria as well as outside the shore of the African continent.

The businessman, in giving to the cause of humanity, believes it is far better and more gratifying to make a difference in the lives of the poor. He believes that a life is meaningful only when it is lived in service to humanity.

No doubt he would be recommended as the best philanthropist of the year over and over for his unmatched and unprecedented magnanimity.

Nwoye

Ahead of the celebration of the 60th birthday of one of the very dynamic amazons of our time in Africa, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, many individuals, particularly the underprivileged, have started receiving goodies to celebrate the diamond jubilee of this illustrious philanthropist.

Dr Siju will on January 8, 2024, clock 60 years and the delectable lawyer of over three decades is still looking radiant with a captivating aura all over her. Though a Thanksgiving and grand reception will be held in her honour to celebrate with family and friends, Dr Siju who is also a Pastor, has already kickstarted the big event by giving out gifts, food and packages to less privileged families.

Hundreds of individuals at the last edition of one of her platforms, Handmaiden’s Women in Leadership,

Chinedu Nwoye, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, is one politician who needs little or no introduction in the state. This is because he is one of those who call the shots and someone to be reckoned with in the current political scheme of things in Anambra.

Prior to his current role as one of the top aides of Governor Soludo, the likeable political juggernaut, had already carved a niche for himself in the business world. Known for his patriotism and love for the economic development of Anambra, Nwoye has invested hugely in the private sector. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mc Glamour Hospitality Ltd, a leading hospitality brand located in the state.

Nwoye has also been at the forefront in the area of philanthropy and humanitarian work.

So, when he was appointed by Governor Soludo to serve as deputy chief of staff, his appointment was greeted with cheers from the people of Anambra. And it did not take him too long before he wormed his way into the heart of his principal with his brilliance that has contributed immensely to the smooth running of the state.

Nwoye is not just close to Governor Soludo; he is one of the governor’s most trusted aides. As gathered through a source, he is one of the few politicians that the governor doesn’t joke with. Aside from being a dependable loyalist, Nwoye has also shown a high level of competence in his assignment. His dedication to duty and loyalty has endeared him to his principal.

Nwoye has shown repeatedly that he can be counted on in good and turbulent times.

He is also a team player who understands how to get things done without being influenced by personal gains. His major focus is to see the Soludo administration surpass the highest political achievements in the history of Anambra.

Described as one of the shining lights in the Soludo government, Nwoye has continued to turn heads with his bright personality and commendable work ethic. His business-like approach to his assignment has also won him a wide network of admirers simply because he is good at what he does.

Siju Iluyomade Set to Join Diamond Club

held recently, smiled home with goody bags as a mark of the 60th Birthday celebration. According to reports, this gesture will continue till the day of her birthday celebration.

We have also reliably gathered that no fewer than 30,000 Arise Food Baskets filled with varieties of foodstuffs will be distributed to the needy.

Dr Siju, the Convener of Arise Women, a pure humanitarian nongovernmental Organisation, has used the platform as a source of intervention for the less-privileged across the country in the last 15 years, building schools, hospitals, boreholes, provisions of fertilisers for farmers, skills acquisitions, empowerment initiatives and many more.

Iluyomade

Julius Rone’s Year of Unparalleled Successes That billionaire businessman and honcho of UTM Offshore Limited (UTMOL) Julius Rone, is a genius and a cognoscenti when it comes to matters of investment and the art of making money is not debatable. The serial entrepreneur has established himself as a businessman of note who holds a special place among the class of businessmen in Africa; he is blessed with unparalleled disposition, unequalled business wisdom and ingenuity to see opportunities where others see failure.

Perhaps this is the reason he is constantly a top player in the business climate, always in the news and constantly ahead of his contemporaries. And expectedly, these, among other things, have set him far apart from many ordinary

business magnates across the continent of Africa.

2023 has been an eventful and blissful one for the Delta State-born. He is ending the year a happy man with strings of success stories to his credit. Rone glided joyfully into the year as 2022 Vanguard’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year in January, in recognition of his enviable position as one of Nigeria’s most venerable dealmakers.

The year 2023 has been a good one for the ‘gas King’ as he has been cutting deals all over the world while he also charts the way forward for the industry on the continent.

Many will recall that the billionaire businessman was among other notable and influential Nigerian business magnates worthy of Presidential invitation. They were invited by President Bola Tinubu to India for the IndiaNigeria Business Roundtable.

Rone

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

31. 12. 2023

Moments to Remember in 2023

High-wattage comebacks, growths, deaths and international recognitions were some of the highlights of the arts calendar in Nigeria. Yinka Olatunbosun reports Rema at the MTV Video Awards

genre. Going global, these artists have shattered glass ceilings without having to compromise their craft in the use of language and African sound. ,Q 6HSWHPEHU $VDNH V GHEXW DOEXP 0U 0RQH\ ZLWK WKH 9LEH ZDV UHOHDVHG EUHDNLQJ WKH record for the biggest opening day for anAfrican DOEXP RQ $SSOH 0XVLF RQ DUULYDO 7KH DOEXP made its debut at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart and recorded the highest charting Nigerian debut album in the history of the chart. +LV VRSKRPRUH DOEXP :RUN RI $UW UHOHDVHG LQ -XQH EHFDPH KLV VHFRQG DOEXP WR GHEXW at number 66 on the Billboard 200.

His hit song “Lonely At The Top” hit a chord with Grammy-winning American R&B singersongwriter, H.E.R resulting into a remix.

Having received Best New International Act nomination at the 2023 BET Awards, Asake won in the most coveted Next Rated category at the KHDGLHV DZDUG RQ 6HSWHPEHU ,Q 1RYHPEHU $VDNH UHFHLYHG KLV ÀUVW nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Award for "Amapiano" featuring his mentor, Olamide. $ 0DYLQ 5HFRUGV VLJQHH 5HPD VWDUWHG KLV career with dancing, rapping and singing. He would later earn his spot on the highway to fame with the release of "Dumebi" in 2019. He received wider recognition for his 2022 single "Calm Down," which spawned a remix with American singer Selena Gomez that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and led the United States Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks. These astronomical strides made the song the most internationally successful song in the Afrobeats genre.

Rema alongside Selena Gomez won the maiden Best Afrobeats Award at this year’s 079 (XURSH 0XVLF $ZDUGV 7KH IDPHG VLQJHU defeated other Afrobeats heavyweights like %XUQD %R\ 'DYLGR :L]NLG )LUHER\ '0/ Ayra Starr, and Labianca.

F

or a year that was largely marked by political intrigues, comebacks and controversies, 2023 was a year that saw an emergence of more solo art exhibitions from established and emerging artists, new galleries, cultural festivals and a higher altitude for the Nigerian music industry. Inevitably, the birth and deaths of artists were recorded too as the year wore on.

Fobally Art Gallery, Yenwa Gallery, Soto GalOHU\ 5HOH *DOOHU\ 2 '$ $UW *DOOHU\ $΀QLW\ Art Gallery launched new artists and group shows that were quite remarkable in Lagos, a city saturated by art projects that command attention. The opening of Galari in Ikeja was PDJLFDO SXOOLQJ DÀFLRQDGRV WR WKH PDLQODQG WKHUHE\ UHGLUHFWLQJ DUW WUD΀F WR WKH VWDWH FDSLWDO In the nation's capital, Abuja, art exhibition RUJDQLVHG E\ WKH )RUHLJQ $ͿDLUV 0LQLVWU\ proclaims the current administration’s foreign SROLF\ GRFWULQH LQ GLͿHUHQW VKDGHV RI DUWLVWLF taste. Christened ‘Homecoming,’ this on-going exhibition is aimed at rendering the tenets of the present administration’s foreign policy LQWHOOLJLEOH WR WKH DYHUDJH 1LJHULDQ 0RUH VR LW UHÁHFWV 3UHVLGHQW 7LQXEX·V VR FDOOHG 'V foreign policy tenets, focused on diaspora, democracy, development, and demography.

7KH 0XVHXP RI :HVW $IULFDQ $UW 02:$$ in Nigeria and Oxford University’s School of Archaeology announced a collaboration to build a centre of archaeological excellence in :HVW $IULFD $ ÀUVW RI LWV NLQG LW LV DLPHG DW telling the narrative of the region’s past from an African perspective and developing student SDWKZD\V IRU WKH ORQJ WHUP EHQHÀW RI UHVHDUFK 7KLV DUFKDHRORJLFDO FXOWXUDO DQG VFLHQWLÀF UHVHDUFK LQVWLWXWH ZLOO EH KRXVHG LQ WKH 3DYLOLRQ WKH ÀUVW EXLOGLQJ ZLWKLQ 02:$$·V &UHDWLYH District, located in the centre of Benin City. :HVW $IULFD V ODUJHVW DUW IDLU $UW ; /DJRV featured 10 galleries, a far cry from previous editions. Attention was shifted to promoting innovative art projects and giving voices to HPHUJLQJ DUWLVWV $UW ; &LQHPD ZDV D QHZ feature at the 2023 edition alongside art talks and a curated project in honour of the legendary artist, Bruce Onobrakpeya.

Theatre, Festivals and More In the theatre space, the year saw a resurgence of performances on stage after the cash crunch SHULRG 7KH WKHDWUH DQG ÀOP SURGXFWLRQ FRPpany, Kininso-Koncepts showed resilience with a production done in collaboration with Studio Dries Verhoeven in Germany to present live theatre in cinema. The production titled ‘Dear

A view of the entrance to MOWAA

Award-winning theatre director, Joshua Alabi

Late Street hop artist, Mohbad

Beloved Friend’ was performed in Lagos Nigeria and live-streamed to theatres in Netherlands EHWZHHQ 0DUFK DQG -XQH WKLV \HDU /DWHU RQ LW was nominated for the Golden Calf Award for Best Digital Culture at the Netherlands Film Festival and won.

Kininso International Film Festival started in 2016 focusing on performances for early years children and teenagers. Through workshops, educational resources aimed at the creative development of children from underdeveloped communities, the KIFT has reached over 10,000 school and non-school children. Since inception, KIFT has hosted international performances and workshops from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Germany.

Edo state International Film Festival, Ojude Oba Festival, NAFEST,Agemo Festival, returned this year to spark renewed interest in Nigeria's diverse culture. On the international scene, Odunde festival which usually takes place DQQXDOO\ LQ 3KLODGHOSKLD 3HQQV\OYDQLD XVKHUHG

in summer for the enjoyment of Nigerians in GLDVSRUD DQG RWKHU FXOWXUDO EXͿV 5HQRZQHG for being one of the largest African-American Street festivals in the United States of America, it celebrates the heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

Also at the Lagos Fringe, ‘6 Hours,’ a collaborative art project by Nigerian photographer Bolaji Alonge and legendary Dutch Street artist, Ottograph was showcased at multiple venues LQ /DJRV LQFOXGLQJ WKH )UHHGRP 3DUN DW WKH Lagos Island.

Two large-cast musicals, Kakadu and Saro marked their 10th year anniversary with comeback shows in Lagos. Hinged on Lagos stories, these musical productions contributed largely to changing the landscape for theatrical productions, making them exportable pieces.

Accelerating Afrobeats with Asake, Rema 2023 was a year that catapulted the career of young musicians- under 30- in the Afrobeats

Deaths in the Music Scene $FFRPSOLVKHG PXVLFLDQ 3HWHU .LQJ DQG IDVW ULVLQJ VWUHHW KRS DUWLVW 0RKEDG ERWK GLHG D IHZ weeks apart- the former in August and the latter in September. King lived quietly and the news of his death only made rounds within the older generation of music fans.

On the one hand, King founded his School RI 0XVLF LQ LQ D WKUHH URRP DSDUWPHQW LQ 0D]D 0D]D DQ RXWVNLUW RI /DJRV ZLWK DQ LQLWLDO enrollment of 30 students, but had expanded subsequently. The school, assisted by Canadian PXVLFLDQV 2OLYHU -RQHV DQG $UFKLH $OOHQ DV ZHOO as the French government provides practical WXLWLRQ DQG JUDQWV FHUWLÀFDWHV DQG GLSORPDV It also prepares students for the professional examinations of Associate, Licentiate and Fellowship of the Trinity, Royal and London 6FKRROV RI 0XVLF DQG WKH *XLOGKDOO 6FKRRO RI 0XVLF DQG 'UDPD ,Q -DQXDU\ WKH )UHQFK $PEDVVDGRU LQ Nigeria inaugurated the new facilities of the 3HWHU .LQJ VFKRRO RI PXVLF DW %DGDJU\ /DJRV Asa is said to be a prominent alumna of the school.

2Q WKH RWKHU KDQG WKH GHDWK RI WKH \HDU ROG 0RKEDG DOVR NQRZQ DV ,PROH DURXVHG D series of controversies in the music business.

The outrage arose from revelations of the artist's struggle with the owner of his former record ODEHO 1DLUD 0DUOH\ DQG KLV DVVRFLDWHV &XOPLnating in nationwide protests and replicas in other parts of the world including UK, US and &DQDGD 0RKEDG V GHDWK ZDV D WXUQLQJ SRLQW LQ Nigeria's music history where artist-label feuds are rampant. Investigations are still on-going on the matter.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

56

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

ARTS & REVIEW\\POT POURRI

Lagos Hosts First Street Art Festival in 2024 Stories by Yinka Olatunbosun

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agos State is set to kick-start 2024 in its tradition as the art, culture and entertainment hub of Nigeria as it hosts the maiden edition of the Lagos Street Art Festival.

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FESTIVAL $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP UHQRZQHG DUWLVWV DQG LQGXVWU\ H[SHUWV ZLOO FRQGXFW PDVWHUFODVVHV SURYLGLQJ DVSLULQJ WDOHQWV ZLWK LQYDOXDEOH insights and skills to further elevate their craft. ´$ YLEUDQW VWUHHW DUW HYHQW ZLOO EULQJ together artists for live demonstrations, collaborative projects, and the creation of WHPSRUDU\ DUW LQVWDOODWLRQV WKDW FDSWXUH WKH spirit of Lagos. Embracing the diverse facets of XUEDQ FXOWXUH WKH IHVWLYDO ZLOO IHDWXUH PXVLF SHUIRUPDQFHV VNDWLQJ UDPSV VWUHHWZHDU street art culture, street food, exhibitions,

and more, creating an immersive experience for attendees."

On his part, Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State said the festival is a strategic avenue for boosting tourism DQG IRVWHULQJ \RXWK GHYHORSPHQW WKURXJK the creative arts. ´7KH IHVWLYDO DOLJQV VHDPOHVVO\ ZLWK WKH Governor's vision for contributing to NiJHULD·V FUHDWLYH HFRQRP\ DQG SRVLWLRQLQJ Lagos as a cultural hub. I am thrilled to ZLWQHVV WKLV V\QHUJ\ RI DUW WRXULVP DQG \RXWK HPSRZHUPHQW DW WKLV JURXQGEUHDNLQJ HYHQW FUHDWLQJ DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR SXW /DJRV

on the global street festivals map,” he said.

He further said that the Lagos Street Art Festival is not just an event, it is a cultural movement that aims to leave an indelible mark on the heart of Lagos.

A distinguished Creative Council, comprising experts from the arts and creative LQGXVWULHV ZLOO JXLGH WKH GHVLJQ DQG RYHUDOO experience of the festival. Their expertise HQVXUHV WKDW WKH IHVWLYDO ZLOO EH D XQLTXH DQG enriching experience for attendees.

The Lagos Street Art Festival is a prodXFW RI FROODERUDWLYH HͿRUWV RI ,QVFULEH $UW DQG WKH /DJRV 6WDWH 0LQLVWU\ RI 7RXULVP $UWV DQG &XOWXUH WRZDUGV SURPRWLQJ DUWV culture, and tourism in the state. Inscribe $UW LQYLWHV IRUZDUG WKLQNLQJ EUDQGV WR MRLQ KDQGV LQ PDNLQJ KLVWRU\ DW WKH /DJRV 6WUHHW Art Festival.

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For the Girl-Child, Rainbow Book Club Makes A Move

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57

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

CICERO

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

As Plateau Celebrates Black Christmas While Christians all over the world were celebrating Christmas, Plateau State was mourning and wailing as over 140 persons were gruesomely murdered in attacks on some communities in the state. Seriki Adinoyi writes that President Bola Tinubu’s reaction to the carnage should not end up like the empty rhetoric of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari under whose watch the agents of darkness had a field day

I

t was another black Christmas in Plateau State as gunmen attacked and killed over 100 persons in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi on the eve of this year’s celebration.

While Christians celebrated Christmas in other parts of the country, the people of the state were mourning and wailing as mass burials were conducted for the bodies of children, women and the elderly, who were gruesomely murdered in the attacks.

Giving the account of the incident, the state police command said over 79 persons were killed in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, while another 17 were killed in Barkin-Ladi LGA, bringing the total number of casualties to 96 persons. However, there have been conflicting figures from different quarters, with some putting the total number of those killed in the attacks at 160, while the state governor puts the figure at 115.

The attacks were similar to those of Kanam and Wase LGAs in April 2022 in which gunmen killed at least 142 persons in some communities in the two local government areas.

The April 2022 attacks, which happened on a Sunday, were carried out in Kukawa, Gyambawu, Dungur, Kyaram, Yelwa, Dadda, Wanka, Shuwaka, Gwammadaji, and Dadin Kowa villages of the two LGAs when gunmen rode in motorcycles into the communities in broad daylight and killed over 142 persons.

In the twilight of the last administration, just before the current Governor Caleb Mutfwang was sworn-in, a similar attack that claimed about 150 lives happened in Mangu LGA of the state.

Resolving the crisis became the first assignment the governor had to embark on when he was sworn on May 29.

After then, there have been several other attacks that increased the number of persons killed in the state to over 500 since the governor assumed power in May 2023.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Okoro Alawari said he had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge Operations (DC DOPs) to relocate to Bokkos LGA and also deployed high-power delegation of well-armed operational forces to the troubled areas to prevent further attacks and also assess the level of damages in the affected areas, even as investigation and monitoring of the incidents were ongoing.

Tinubu Meanwhile, the governor has condemned the violence, calling it “barbaric, brutal and unjustified”, and assuring that proactive measures would be taken by the government to curb ongoing attacks against innocent civilians.

It is pathetic that massive killings have become a recurring decimal in Plateau State with no help in sight. The villagers have now fled their homes and farms and further complicated the already dire situation of the densely populated state capital, while others have swelled the population of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps across the state.

Farmlands have been abandoned, and this has posed a threat to food security.

Several efforts by the state and federal governments seem to have been defied by the attackers as not much has been achieved by their strategies.

The survivors are wondering if they are still part of Nigeria with the frequency of the attacks and the poor handling of the situation by the federal gov-

ernment.

After the Mangu attack in May 2023 where over 100 persons were also killed, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja, launched a special operation code-named ‘Operation Hakorin Damisa IV’ to tackle the insecurity in the state, particularly in Mangu LGA and environs.

He charged troops of the special force to respond to all distress calls and work with other security agencies to end all forms of insecurity in the area.

The Army chief had tasked the soldiers to “end the conflicts in Mangu and environs,” insisting that they “must work with other security agencies and because you are a people’s army, you must respond to all distress calls. You must also give feedback to the people at all times in order to win the confidence of the public.”

Lagbaja, who promised to address challenges of troops in war fronts, said his leadership was determined to restore peace and security to all

troubled areas in the country.

Unfortunately, not much was achieved as the attackers seem to understand the terrain more than the soldiers such that whenever they attack, the soldiers will always get to the scene after the assailants have escaped.

Recently, Governor Mutfwang also concluded the training of 600-man state security personnel to complement the soldiers and the police, and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support to state-owned security outfits.

The governor 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 state for years.

It is disheartening that these efforts by both the state and federal governments have not been able to save the citizens of the state from persistent harassment and attacks that have led to senseless killing of hundreds of them.

The Christmas eve carnage was a call for a change of strategy or for security agencies to re-double their efforts since it seems that the current strategy and efforts are not yielding positive results. The security of citizens remains the responsibility of the government, and it must do everything within its powers to ensure that people are not only safe on highways but also in their homes in the cities or villages.

It is time for President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser (NSA), Service Chiefs, the governors and all that are saddled with the responsibility of securing the citizens to think outside the box and find a solution to end the persistent carnage in the state and indeed other parts of the country.

Since President Tinubu reconstituted and reconfigured the nation’s military architecture which many viewed as a sign of seriousness to tackle the agents of darkness, not much success has been achieved in Plateau State as none of the attackers has ever been arrested.

Though it is not the first time the president would order troops to go after suspected terrorists who embarked on the mass killings, he has renewed the call. In a statement on Tuesday, he expressed sadness and ordered that actions should be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and assist victims. But the events of the next few weeks will reveal if the president’s directive will end as a mere rhetoric.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

Obaseki Tightens Noose Around Shaibu

Uzodimma

Obaseki

There is nothing Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State will not do to strangulate his deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu over the latter’s decision to contest the 2024 governorship election in the state. The crisis between the two has shifted to the 2024 budget of the state with the office of the deputy governor receiving a paltry N300 million as compared to billions received in the past. The amount represents a significant drop from the N650 million allocated to the office of the deputy governor in the second quarter of 2022.

Shaibu had also recently complained that he has not received his salary and allocation to his office for about six months.

The 2024 budget was signed into law on December 15, 2023. It was gathered that

some lawmakers believed to be loyal to the deputy governor opposed the decision of the members of the assembly to pass the budget as presented by the governor which they said was an “unfair appropriation” but that they were overwhelmed by the Speaker, Hon Blessing Agbebaku and others.

Apeepintothebudgetaspassedshowedthat the sum of N19,148,177,584 was approved for the governor while the deputy governor was allocated the sum of N345,522,729. The office of the Secretary to State Government (SSG) had N8, 847,647,676, the office of the Head of Service (HoS) N968,000,000 while the House of Assembly had the sum of N13,074,500,000.

A politician, who is close to the governor

said the camp of the governor has taken a vow to strangulate Shaibu financially in a bid to frustrate his governorship aspiration.

A principal member of the Edo State House of Assembly while explaining the slash of the deputy governor’s budget for 2024 said: “The sum allocated to the office of the deputy governor is not small. The deputy governor is contesting elections and you know what it takes to contest; he will have no time for official duties, so the governor decided that since he will not do those official work, you cannot allocate such money to the office.”

However, most observers believe that the slash in the allocation to the deputy governor’s office was because of his ambition to succeed his boss as governor of Edo State.

58

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

BRIEFINGNOTES Which Southern Gov Can Wear Akeredolu’s Shoes?

At a time most southern governors and political leaders were pandering to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which was ‘emotionally attached’ to the rampaging herdsmen, condoning their atrocious acts, the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, as the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, had displayed uncommon courage in tackling both Buhari’s presidency and the invaders. Ejiofor Alike reports that the vacuum left behind by Akeredolu will be difficult to fill

P

resident Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message issued last Wednesday, had described the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, as his “fearless brother.”

The president also noted that “in a challenging moment of our statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles across our country, Rotimi was a strong voice in the wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation.”

Many Nigerians might have forgotten why Tinubu described the late governor as a fearless leader.

Akeredolu had acted courageously when the agents of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration provided tacit support for foreign herdsmen who unleashed terror on Nigerians while on a land-grabbing mission.

As Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and South-west Governors’ Forum, he had defended not only the people of the South-west, but the rest of southern Nigeria and the middle belt who were being massacred.

As communities were wailing, conducting mass burials and relocating to Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps, the agents of Buhari’s administration were blaming the victims, urging them “to live peacefully with their neighbours” by ceding their ancestral lands to the invaders.

When most southern political leaders, including governors were pandering to the Buhari’s administration, which was providing tacit support to the killer herdsmen, it was only Akeredolu and former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom that decided to stand up and be counted on the side of the victims.

The late Ondo State governor had during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in January 2018, vowed that his administration would apply force to arrest the menace of Fulani herdsmen in the state.

“We have been using security agencies to engage the herdsmen to carry out their business peacefully but when engagement fails, we will use force. We will confront the herdsmen with all we have,” the governor reportedly said.

The late governor matched his words with actions when he mobilised other South-west governors to set up a regional security outfit, better known as Amotekun.

President Tinubu alluded to this in his condolence message when he noted that Akeredolu’s “unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South-west.”

After the failed attempts by the agents of Buhari’s administration to grab lands for the foreign herders through cattle colonies, RUGA settlements and Water Resources Bill, the former administration resorted to attacking governors who implemented internal

Late Akeredolu security arrangements and legal frameworks to check the menace of the herders.

It was not surprising that Buhari’s presidency fought back when Akeredolu ordered the criminal herdsmen to vacate all the forest reserves in the state.

Addressing the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani and Ebira communities in Akure, the state capital in January 2021, the governor also banned the herdsmen from moving their cattle along the highways and within the cities across the state, adding that security reports and debriefings from kidnap victims pointed in one direction traceable to some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen Akeredolu, who said criminal elements had turned forest reserves in the state and across the South-west into hideouts for keeping kidnap victims, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities, gave seven days ultimatum to the herdsmen to leave all forest reserves in the state.

But in a swift response, former President Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, said Akeredolu, had no

constitutional right to kick out herdsmen from the state government’s reserves In the statement titled, ‘In tackling crime, Ondo State Government will not act outside the constitution,’ the Presidency said the governor, being a legal practitioner, should know that he cannot “unilaterally oust thousands of herders who have lived all their lives in the state on account of the infiltration of the forests by criminals”.

Reacting to the presidency’s comments, the Ondo State government had described Shehu’s statement as “very inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria.”

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said: “Mr. Shehu’s statement is a brazen display of emotional attachments and it’s very inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria.”

Akeredolu had also in May 2021 declared that no inch of the lands in Southern Nigeria would be ceded to the invaders.

The late governor was reacting to a statement signed by Buhari’s spokesman, Shehu, on the position

of the former president on the ‘farmer-herder clashes.’

The sacking of communities by the foreign herdsmen were dismissed by the agents of Buhari’s administration as mere “farmer-herder clashes” to exonerate the killer herdsmen and portray both the killers and their victims as aggressors.

Shehu had in the statement revealed the presidency’s position that ranching and revival of forest reserves were part of the “permanent solution to the frequent clashes between farmers and herders.”

The presidential aide had also queried the legality of the ban on open grazing by Akeredolu-led southern governors.

However, in a statement, Akeredolu accused Shehu of working for “extraneous interests whose game plan stands at variance with the expectations of genuine lovers of peaceful coexistence among all the peoples whose ethnic extractions are indigenous to Nigeria.”

While noting the rights of all Nigerians to move freely in all parts of the country as guaranteed by the provision of the constitution, Akeredolu said it was clear that Shehu seems to have issues understanding the difference between licentious criminality and qualified rights under the law.

“Dispossessing communities of their ancestral lands, encouraging denizens of the forests to overrun lands belonging to other people and forcing alien bands of migrants on the local populace to live ‘side-by-side’ with other communities cannot be for the purpose of animal husbandry.

“No inch of the space delineated and known, currently, as South-west, and indeed the whole South, will be ceded to a band of invaders masquerading as herdsmen under any guise,” Akeredolu had reportedly vowed.

As President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) too, Akeredolu was also fearless and as he stood up to the federal government on a lot of issues against.

Little wonder those who paid him tribute, described him as a bold and courageous man who stood for the truth at all times.

For instance, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in his condolence message, described the late governor as “an irrepressible fighter and courageous defender of the people”.

While Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State noted that “Arakunrin Akeredolu was a courageous leader,” Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State said he was “brave and independent-minded.”

Describing Akeredolu as “a dogged and courageous leader”, the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, said “I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-west.”

As aptly captured by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Akeredolu’s “death has left a vacuum that goes beyond state borders,” and which will be difficult for any southern governor to fill.

NOTES FOR FILE

Health Expert Links Economic Hardship with Depression

Edun

The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, shocked Nigerians last week when he revealed that they have recorded a 100 per cent increase in the number of psychiatric patients admitted in the hospital in 2023.

Owoeye, who made this known at the Annual Scorecard presentation tagged: ‘A Day With the Medical Director’ organised by the hospital, said the total number of new cases increased by seven per cent, while there was a three per cent increase in the number of follow-up patients male and female.

He drove his point home when he said the increase in admission cases can be attributed to the rising cases of mental

health conditions in the country due to the current economic challenges accompanied by other socio-economic factors.

“It can be deduced that in 2023, the total number of all patients’ attendance increased by three per cent.

There was a seven per cent increase in new cases attended, compared to no increase in 2022. We also have a 100 per cent increase in admission cases in which the drug abuse cases are 10 percent increase and discharge cases are reduced by 10 per cent,” he said.

Dr. Owoeye was perhaps right to have hit the nail on the head. Since President Tinubu assumed power seven months ago, Nigerians have been facing extreme hardship leading

to the untimely death, and massive migration of Nigerians to other countries. Many of those who have chosen to remain are suffering from sundry health challenges.

Whether it is in the area of the subsidy that was removed from petrol that has taken the price of the important commodity from N165 to about N600 or the high exchange rate, high inflation, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, bad roads and traffic, life is tough for many. These policies are really driving Nigerians crazy.

Incidentally, the president himself has on many occasions said that he is aware of the hardship the people are facing due to the various policy decisions of his administration. Though he said he is working on reducing the burden to make life easier for Nigerians, many are not seeing hope in the horizon. This has led to many untimely deaths, depression and frustration in the land.

59

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

CICERO/ISSUE

&'6 2;HUV 5HPHGLHV WR ,QVHFXULW\ A recent advocacy of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, shows that when political leaders prioritise good governance and respect constitutional provisions in the country, insecurity and other hardships witnessed by Nigerians will be substantially addressed, Wale Igbintade writes General Musa

T

he Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, recently stated that good governance, and not a military solution, would end terrorism in the country. While addressing journalists during his maiden parley with defence correspondents at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Musa said while the military solution to terrorism would provide 30 per cent of the solution, good governance, equity, fairness and justice from the political leaders would account for 70 per cent.

The defence chief, who urged Nigerians and the media to tread softly in order to avert escalating insecurity in the country, also assured them that the armed forces are committed to securing lives and properties.

“We urge our political leaders to do the right thing. Anywhere you find good governance, it reduces insecurity. Our present challenges in Nigeria are man-made. We in the military are not magicians.”

His words: “The security challenges we’re facing is not only a military challenge, it’s for everybody and you are always on the forefront; you’re also exposed to such things. That’s why it’s important for us to have a good understanding of what’s going on so that we can clearly sensitise the public, and let them understand what’s going on.

“Members of the security forces are dying and yet sometimes people don’t tend to always remember that people are sacrificing so much for the peace they enjoy.

“One thing I want people to do is to avoid demoralising the troops. If somebody is there in the day, night, standing, morning, evening, and night - away from his family getting injured, and yet he’s being insulted, he’s being unappreciated. I mean, we’re all humans. Do you know what the tendencies are? This person will say, since I’m not being appreciated, then it’s not my business anymore and that will be dangerous for all of us.

“Please, whatever we’re doing, we should always remember that there are people that are there standing in so that we can sleep, so that we can go about doing our lawful work, so that we can go to church, go to mosque, go to market without them

Ribadu standing up.

“We have seen what other war zones look like, what has been done, how troops have been suffering and how civilians are also suffering. The incident in Kaduna is highly regrettable. Our mandate is to protect civilians, not to kill, maim or destroy anything. And that particular time we’re in the heat of pursuing some bandits within that general area and unfortunately this happened.

“I’m happy the President has instituted a committee that will look into it critically so that they can also advise how to move forward and how to prevent it in future.

We are also working for them to be compensated,” the CDS explained.

Furthermore, he reassured all Nigerians

of the armed forces’ quest to protect the citizens.

“I want to also appeal that when you see something not going right, report to the police even if it is our troops that are not doing the right thing. Don’t just keep quiet and pass by because whatever you see and you pass by, it means you approve of it. If you want changes, report so that we can take action.”

He dismissed rumours of conflict among the Nigerian soldiers due to the military action in Kaduna where the Air Force was not contacted to provide air support.

According to him, “there’s no

conflict. We’re one-armed forces, the armed forces of Nigeria and we operate jointly. We have seen that we are going to also be able to harmonise more on our own operations because, you know, we run over thousands of operations every day.”

It will be recalled that when the CDS appeared with Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, before the House of Representatives on the state of insecurity in the country, Musa had blamed the judiciary, the Nigeria Correctional Centres and a foreign country for the inability of the security agencies to contain the insecurity plaguing parts of the country.

He had also cited the porous national borders as one of its biggest challenges as people come inside the country and go without any checks, which he said is responsible for the movement of light weapons and small arms.

While politicians and other public officers earn humongous salaries and allowances, military personnel who toil day and night to secure the country are paid a paltry sum of N50,000 as a monthly salary while other officers, regardless of rank, are paid N1,200 daily as operation allowance.

Speaking during an interview on television, Musa said: “On the issue of cash allowance where we feed, any time we are on operations, I as a General can tell you that I am being paid N1,200 per day with my soldiers. From the first general to the last soldier, it is the same amount; that is what we manage. My soldiers collect less than N50,000 as salary in a month. We all know the situation on the ground; my appeal is for them to have a salary that is worthy of the work they are doing; we deserve to have that so that it can encourage them to want to do more,” he said.

Musa, therefore, called for an increase in soldiers’ salaries, as they deserve to be paid more for the work they do, adding that although an average of 15,000 personnel has been recruited over the years, there has been no corresponding increase in the number of barracks.

He said: “If you look at the constitution, our primary responsibility is territorial integrity but if you look at the territorial integrity, it implies that charity begins at home. We cannot be protecting territory and the home front is on fire and then sit back and watch.

“Over the past few years, on average, the armed forces recruited over 15,000 personnel into the system, but we are not building new barracks. We know the budget has captured some of it. We need to do more. We need to renovate the old ones because they have been there for ages.

“My dream is for every officer and soldier to have an accommodation that he can look up and say, ‘this is my own; this is my barracks.’ Due to the operations we are conducting, a lot of the officers and soldiers are out there in the field. If we say these operations are over and we too are to go back to the barracks, there wouldn’t be enough barracks for us.”

It is not only Musa that has advocated good governance in the country. Recently, some retired military generals equally cautioned democratically-elected leaders to ensure good governance and respect the constitution for the country to be prosperous.

For instance, one of the retired officers asked some pertinent questions: “Every politician knows what is right. Before resuming office, don’t they campaign? If they stick to those promises, why would they have a problem? If I say this road to your place is not good, I will fix it for you, and when I get there and I fix the road, will anyone have the moral justification to say you are not performing?”

His view mirrored those of other retired officers who maintained that flagrant disregard for the constitution and absence of good governance may give rise to poverty, hardship and disenchantment with the government.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31, 2023

GLITZ ENTERTAINMENT

Top Entertainment Stories of 2023 What’s a year without some entertaining gists and celebrity drama? 2023 offered an abundance of such stories, from the frenzy of Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) mania to the controversial demise of MohBad, these moments, though some may have faded from memory, left us both amused and astounded.

Vanessa Obioha attempts to recapture some of these notable stories BBL Instagram Mania Did you get a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) this year?

Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many of us lacked the courage to go under the knife for a butt enhancement, yet we couldn’t help but gaze at the celebrities flaunting their enhanced figures on Instagram. BBL surgery, involving the removal of fat from other areas to increase the size and shape of your butt., took centre stage.

Undoubtedly, it became the trend of the year for most celebrities, prompting netizens to nominate the best and worst celebrity BBL transformations. While cosmetic surgery isn’t a new Banky W and his wife, Adesua phenomenon in celebritydom, each era brings its own mania.

For now, BBL reigns supreme, and whether it’s Tiwa Savage’s or Toke Makinwa’s, we find satisfaction in witnessing their body transformations towards perfection.

Portable

Moyo Lawal

Moyo Lawal’s Leaked Sex Tape Leaked celebrity sex tapes are a regular feature. And this year, Nigerian actress Moyo Lawal grabbed headlines when her sex tape went viral in September. This notorious act by an ex-lover of hers however made her a trending topic, including earning her top spots on Google’s Trending Searches of 2023.

Banky W’s Infidelity Rumour In 2023, Banky W faced the challenge Savage familiar to many celebrities—an onslaught of scandalous rumours threatening reputation and relationships. Allegations surfaced on a popular online gossip platform, claiming the entertainer and politician had impregnated singer Niyola, once signed to his record label, EME Records.

Addressing the situation later at Waterbrooks Church, Banky dismissed the claims as rumours orchestrated by what he referred to as “satanic elements.” In a united front, he and his wife debunked the speculation, expressing support for each other through a series of reassuring Instagram posts.

Davido vs Amaju Pinnick Arguably, 2023 proved to be a remarkable year for Nigerian music superstar Davido. His “Timeless” album not only earned him nominations at the 2024 Grammys but also showcased his continued success as he embarked on tours, consistently selling out venues.

However, even amidst triumphs, Davido wasn’t immune to scandals. In June, a US-based woman named Anita Brown stirred controversy by alleging on Davido social media that Davido impregnated her and urged her to terminate the pregnancy. Despite the public outcry, Davido chose to remain silent on the matter.

Beyond the baby mama drama, Davido made headlines for his clash with the former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),Amaju Pinnick. His company had reportedly signed a performance agreement with Pinnick’s BrownHill Event Inc, on March 30, committing to a show in Warri on October 6. However, Davido scheduled another show inAustralia on the same day, leading to Pinnick apologizing to his guests and pledging a refund from Davido.

In response, Davido took to social media, asserting that he would rather return the money to a football charity organisation and accusing Pinnick of being a dream crusher.

Pinnick retaliated by filing a lawsuit against the singer for defamation, but Davido, refusing to be cowered, countered the suit.

The clash unfolded in a series of posts, marking a notable chapter in Davido’s eventful 2023.

Seun Kuti Assaults a Police Officer In May, Nigerians were incensed when a video surfaced of Seun Kuti, one of the sons of the lateAfrobeat legend Fela Kuti, assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge. Despite following in his father’s activist footsteps, the singer faced significant criticism for his actions. In response to the public outcry, Seun Kuti voluntarily presented himself for detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos. Following his brief detainment, he was released on bail. The application to arraign him was also dismissed by a magistrate court.

Emeka Ike

Makinwa

Pinnick

Faridah Sobowale’s Third Mainland Bridge Drama Heartbreaks can be very devastating and can make one choose death instead of living. This was the sad case of socialite Faridah Sobowale in August. Devastated by the collapse of her marriage, she embarked on a harrowing suicide attempt. Sobowale reportedly parked her Lexus SUV at the extension of the Third Mainland Bridge and attempted to dive into the lagoon, before kind Lagosians alighted from the vehicles to prevent her. The incident, captured in a viral video, stirred a range of emotions from pity to schadenfreude, underscoring the complexities of empathy and public sentiment. In June, Sobowale entered into matrimony with Demola Okulaja in a grand wedding estimated to have incurred a cost of N100 million.

Regrettably, the union met an abrupt end barely two months later, marred by accusations of infidelity exchanged between the couple.

MohBad’s Controversial Demise The puzzling circumstances surrounding the passing of Nigerian rapper and singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely recognized as MohBad, ignited a storm of speculations and controversies. MohBad’s mysterious death on September 12, 2023, prompted intense scrutiny and raised questions about what and who might be responsible for his untimely demise.

Numerous theories emerged surrounding the circumstances of his death, entangling Nigerian street rapper

Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, and showbiz promoter Balogun Samson, alias Sam Larry, in a web of accusations. This resulted in their summons by the police in October as part of the investigation into MohBad’s death. They were subsequently released in November.

Adding to the complexity was actress Iyabo Ojo, who spearheaded a campaign for justice for the deceased.

Despite the police conducting an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death, the awaited release of the autopsy report continues to deepen the mystery surrounding MohBad’s passing.

Portable, Pasuma’s Invitation to Celestial Church Praise Night The Celestial Church of Christ, Goshen Land Cathedral, in Lagos faced criticism when it extended invitations to the controversial street-hop artist, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable and Fuji singer Pasuma for its praise event.

Nigerians expressed their discontent and dismay on social media, disapproving of the church’s choice of secular artists.

In defence, the church argued that the decision was a strategic move aimed at attracting more worshippers. Initially yielding to public pressure, the church reversed its decision, only to later proceed with the original plan.

Mr Ibu’s Health Struggles and Controversies In October, John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu, a beloved comic actor in Nollywood, garnered sympathy and compassion as his health deteriorated. His public plea for help resonated with Nigerians, prompting the foundation of former senate president, Bukola Saraki to extend assistance. However, his health saga was not devoid of controversies.

Amidst the outpouring of support, Mr Ibu’s wife, Stella Maris, raised concerns about access to the donations intended for his medical bills. She alleged that their adopted daughter, Jasmine, had alternative intentions for the funds. Jasmine countered these accusations, asserting that Maris intended to use the money for a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery, an iPhone, and personal expenses while her husband was still hospitalized.

Despite the discord, Mr Ibu underwent successful surgeries, including the amputation of his leg, Toke Makinwa’s Trip to COP28 Why is Toke Makinwa a delegate at COP28? What does she know about climate change? These are some of the questions that Nigerians threw at the media personality for joining the Nigerian delegation at COP28 held in the UAE. For these aggrieved Nigerians, Makinwa does not merit such a role, although the precise reasons for their discontent remained unclear. While Makinwa is undoubtedly knowledgeable, her critics seemed concerned that her contribution might be perceived as superficial.

Emeka Ike’s Turbulent Return to the Limelight Nollywood actor Emeka Ike’s resurgence in the public eye brought forth a tumultuous tale of his past marriage.

In a revealing interview, he asserted that his divorce from Suzanne Emma led to a downward spiral, causing depression and substantial financial setbacks. These losses included the closure of his secondary school, St. Nicholas College, and the shutdown of a significant investment totalling over N480 million. The dissolution of their marriage in 2017 was marred by Emma’s claims of physical abuse by Ike. In response, Emma and her son, Michael contested the actor’s assertions, maintaining that he exhibited abusive behaviour and other misconduct.

Unsurprisingly, celebrities find themselves divided between the two parties, contributing to the ongoing storm of controversy without a clear resolution in sight.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

61

INTERNATIONAL Regionalism, Immigration, Global Disorder and Insecurity in 2023: The Future Challenges

2

023 was a watershed in international relations since the end of the Cold War because the incompetence of the international community to objectively address the truth and justice, on the one hand, and reducing threats to global security, on the other hand, was made manifest.

The reopening of the Russian Embassy in Burkina Faso after more than thirty years of shut down in 1992 is noteworthy.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia made known his plans during the Russo-African Summit held in Saint Petersburg in July 2023 to re-open the Russian Embassy in Ouagadougou. The plan was fulfilled last week with Russia’s ambassador to the Côte d’Ivoire, Alexei Saltykovi, announcing that he would head the new embassy until President Putin accredits a new ambassador. In the words of His Excellency, Mr. Saltykovi, Burkina Faso is ‘an old partner with whom we have solid and friendly ties.’ The reopening of the embassy in 2023 makes the year a landmark in Russian-Burkina Faso relations and the widening of the entrance door of political influence to Russia. France and the Western world are not happy about this. France has promised to fight back. These are some of the international questions raised in 2023.

Another critical issue raised in 2023 is the approval given by Pope Francis to all Catholic priests worldwide to bless queer couples seeking God’s favour, in other words, to bless same sex couples. The approval has generated much international controversy, particularly within the Catholic Church itself. As a result of the controversy, the Vatican had to make a clarification that such blessings should not be conducted with any church rites that offer the impression of a marriage. Pope Francis also added that pastoral charity requires patience and understanding.

Consequently, Catholic priests should not become judges ‘who only deny, reject and exclude.’

And perhaps more interestingly in a statement signed by Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri, and Donatus Ogun, Bishop of Uromi, anyone requesting for a blessing which is a prayer or plea, usually delivered by a Minister, has a desire to live according to God’s Commandment.’ Consequently, those in irregular unions are invited never to lose hope but rather to ask for God’s Grace and mercy while remaining open to conversion. There is therefore no possibility in the Church of blessing same sex unions and activities. That would go against God’s law, the teaching of the church, the laws of our nation and the cultural sensibilities of our people.’

Regionalism and Insecurity Apart from the foregoing, there were four notable critical issues in 2023: regionalism, immigration, global disorder and insecurity.

For Africa, and particularly for the ECOWAS region of Africa, regionalism was an issue in light of the gradual carving out of a new sub-region from the West Africa region. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic have come up with an Alliance of Sahel States, mainly in reaction to France’s mainmise of their countries, and partly in reaction to ECOWAS’ controversial policy of nonacceptance of unconstitutional changes of government in Africa.

On immigration, many Africans and Community Citizens of the ECOWAS made strenuous efforts to migrate to other regions of the world, especially to Western Europe and America. Many of them migrated through illegal routes, claiming political reasons and therefore seeking asylum. Most unfortunately, however, they have not always been friendly received. In fact, the United Kingdom came up with a new policy aimed at cutting down on immigrants by making it more difficult for any British citizen to file for their relations. The new rule is that any British seeking to sponsor a family to join him or her in the United Kingdom must earn a minimum wage of £38,700 Sterling with effect from 2024. The current minimum threshold is £18,600. Thus, the new minimum threshold has more than doubled.

Besides, foreign students can no longer sponsor their dependants, unless they are PhD students as from 2024. The British government increased the Immigration Health Surcharge

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Putin from £624 per annum to £1,035 per year. What is noteworthy here is that ‘of the over 260 occupation codes, only a dozen have minimum salary threshold of over £38,700. The numbers of skilled workers entering the UK has grown exponentially in recent years… The government believes that the new changes will reduce net migration by 300,000’ (https://wslaw.co.uk).

The issue of migration is intertwined with the issue of security in policy formulation. Member States of a regional grouping always want to protect their identity and cultural values. Such protection is largely a function of guaranteed security. It is in the attempt to ensure security at the home level that policy measures are taken to keep threats 4000 miles far away. In fact, the incumbent British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has made ‘stopping the boats’ one of his legislative priorities.’

When the British Minister and Home Secretary announced on Monday 4 December 2023 their plan to curb immigration abuse as well as cut net migration, the need for security was a major rationale but not openly expressed. Five measures were taken. First is to stop the overseas care workers from bringing dependants to the UK and requiring the social care firms in England to provide services regulated by the Care Quality Commission. This first measure clearly shows the non-desire of migrants.

On the one hand, the global community is talking about globalisation in which integration of global economies is underscored. On

“

The United States cares less about Israel’s abuse of international humanitarian law. By taking Israel to the ICJ, the use of veto to disrupt processes cannot easily apply at the ICJ. Even if Israel refuses to respond to the ICJ summons, since it has considered South Africa’s case against it as baseless, there is no way Israel will still not be on record as a promoter of disregard for civilised rule-based international society. Fourthly, regionalism, also referred to as regionalisation, is actually a tool of global governance, designed to be a means of international integration, global growth and development, as well as promoting international peace and security. Regionalism has actually been variously defined and theorised. In essence, regionalism is a conscious policy and a catalytic agent of regionalisation, which is the process of building a region by increasing its regionness with the ultimate objective of peace and security enforcement under the supervisory authority of the United Nations Security Council. However, the extent to which regionalism can foster regional peace and security in the near future is now a matter for debate. Can regionalism survive in the face of increasing national protectionism? Whatever is the case, I avail myself of this opportunity to wish all my readers a Happy New Year and many happier returns of it in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen

the other hand, the economic agents are unwanted in many of the countries advocating globalisation. As a result, a new dimension is being given to the notion of globalisation with the diplomacy of sending those seeking asylum in the UK to Rwanda under a special agreement. The British Home Secretary, James Cleverly signed a new treaty with Rwanda in spite of the UK Supreme Court’s declaration of the deportation scheme as unlawful in November 2023. Under the deportation scheme, asylum seekers who arrived in Britain and without relevant documents since January 1, 2022 ‘would have been deported to Rwanda, about 6,400 km (4000 miles) away, where their claims would be assessed.

Sending each asylum seeker there would cost on average 169,000 pounds ($210,208).

The UK Supreme Court considered in declaring the deportation scheme unlawful that Rwanda was unsafe for asylum seekers and that the deportation policy would breach British and international law. In order to defeat the court’s declaration, British lawmakers have voted the Safety of Rwanda bill with the ultimate objective of preventing migrants from trying to reach Britain’s southern coast on small boats.

In essence, several European countries are currently considering sending asylum seekers and refugees to Rwanda in Africa. And true enough, Nigerians want to check out of Nigeria but their desired hosts are hostile. Emphasis is being placed on skilled workers or refugees for possible consideration for admittance.

The truth is that the quest for a truly united global community is now a fantasy. Using regionalism to foster global growth and development can be helpful to global governance but not to the extent of having political unity devoid of exploitation of resources of other countries.

Indeed, the United Nations Charter provides in its Articles 51-54 for regional agencies and their roles in the maintenance of international peace and security. For example, Article 52(1) specifically provides that ‘nothing in the present Charter precludes the existence of regional arrangements or agencies for dealing with such matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security as are appropriate for regional action provided that such arrangements or agencies and their activities are consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations.’

Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the same Article 52 further demand that the constituted agencies make ‘every effort to achieve pacific settlement of local disputes through such regional arrangements or by such regional agencies before referring them to the UNSC.’ Most unfortunately, however, regional organisations that have been empowered under the UN Charter to help maintain global peace and security as instruments of global governance, have failed to prevent or control the many crises in international relations in 2023. The very case of Israelo-Hamas conflict is very interesting because it raises the unending Israelo-Palestinian conflict and the truism of Israel’s don’t care attitude about international humanitarian law.

Without any whiff of doubt, 2023 was a year of order and counter-order amounting to disorder. While 2022 witnessed Russia’s special military intervention in Ukraine or what the NATO countries described as Russian invasion of Ukraine, 2023 witnessed the Hamas reactive attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and Israel’s further response and total disregard for international human rights by seeking to wipe out the entire Hamas community.

Apart from this, there was also the deepening of efforts at development of nuclear capability, thus raising fears of possible use of nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future. For example, Iran continued in 2023 to increase the production of enriched uranium, with the purity levels attaining 60%. This means that Iran is almost at the level of production of nuclear weapons.

Britain, France, Germany and the United States, all of which are signatories to the Iran Nuclear Deal, have condemned the uranium enrichment. As they put it, ‘the production of highenriched uranium as having no credible civilian justification…

These decisions …represent reckless behaviour in a tense regional context.’ Additionally, consistent with the vow of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, to build more nuclear weapons, as well as introduce high-tech weapons in anticipation of any US hostility, North Korea has succeeded in uranium enrichment and it si already acting as a nuclear power since the North KoreaUnited States attempt at rapprochement failed in 2019.

The Future Challenges First and without doubt, the issue of same sex image has the potential to engender a very serious confrontation between most African countries and the Western world for one reason. The developed world wants to impose its unwanted culture of LGBT. Most African countries have adopted religion as a way of life and are most likely to accept to be crucified than accepting same-sex marriage. In Nigeria, for instance, a law has been promulgated against same-sex marriage. Anyone found guilty of engaging in same-sex activity risks a 14-years jail. Some developed countries have threatened to sanction African countries that refused the same-sex culture which the West considers as a human right but which other more civilised people kicked against because of its aspects of ungodliness. The issue of same-sex marriage is likely to remain a major irritant in international relations in the foreseeable future.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R DECEMBER 31, 2023

NEWS

PROMOTING POLO …

L-R: FirstVice President, Guards Polo Abuja, Mr. Mustapha Junaid; Chairman, Nigerian Army Polo Association, Brig. Gen. AG Laka; Chief Financial Officer,Vento Furniture, Mr. Ismet Erarslan; and Player, FK3Team, Mr. Abdulmalik Bariki, at the Guards PoloTournament in Abuja… recently

In Christmas Homage to Tinubu, Mbah Reiterates Support for FG’s Economic Policies Vows to deliver on Enugu’s N521.5bn 2024 appropriation act Deji Elumoye in Abuja Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State yesterday paid a Christmas homage to President Bola Tinubu at the latter’s Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he reiterated support for federal government’s economic policies.

Mbah also assured that his administration would deliver on the over N300 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target in the 2024 appropriation law of the state, which he signed on Wednesday.

Speaking with newsmen after meeting with the President, Mbah said: “Essentially, I came to convey warm greetings and season’s best wishes on behalf of the government and the good people of the Enugu State to Mr. President.

“I also seized the opportunity to discuss, once again, with Mr. President the impact of some of the policies he has initiated on some of the things we are doing in Enugu State,

particularly as it relates to the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). You know that foreign exchange (FX) unification and the removal of the fuel subsidiary have essentially meant that a number of FDI are flowing towards our direction in Enugu State”.

On the state’s N521.5 billion 2024 budget, the Enugu governor said: “We are poised to harness the resources. Enugu has played consequential roles in the economic development of Nigeria. So, what we are simply doing is bringing her back to that preeminent position, making sure that we harness all the resources we have within Enugu and to make sure we also mobilise our domestic revenue.

“So, yes, we have proposed an ambitious budget and made ambitious revenue projections. But we are convinced that we are going to realise those revenues.”

Mbah stressed the commitment of his administration to expanding the infrastructural base of the state, quality

Zamfara Hajj Commission Refunds N747m to 504 Hajj Depositors The Zamfara Hajj Commission has commenced the refund of N747 million to 504 people who deposited their money for Hajj between 2019 and 2023.

The Executive Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Musa Mallaha, stated this at a press briefing in Gusau on Saturday.

He said that Gov. Dauda Lawal has approved the release of N218 million each month for payment of the money in instalments from

December to February.

Mallaha said that the commission would top up N92 million to the amount approved by the governor for the refund.

“The governor has approved the refund of N747 million to the beneficiaries in three installments between Dec. 2023 and Feb. 2024.

“As I am speaking to you now, the governor has already released N218 million for December as the first instalment.

service delivery, and migration of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to digital platforms for that purpose.

He said: “I am sure you are aware that we have

fulfilled what we promised the people in 180 days, which was to provide water to the people in all the homes in the urban areas. And for those who still don’t have, we are expanding the pipeline

network to reach them.

“We are building 260 Smart Schools across all the wards in the state. We’re building 260 Primary Healthcare Centres Type-2 across all the 260 wards.

“We are migrating our manual ways of doing things in our various institutions and our various MDAs to a digital platform so we can offer an efficient service to the people of the state.”

Gas Explosion Destroys Section of National Arts Theatre A late-night gas explosion caused damage to some sections of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos State on Saturday.

Speaking with our correspondent on Saturday, the Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Amodu Shakiru, disclosed that efforts are

ongoing to contain the spread of the fire.

Shakiru said, “There’s been an exploded gas cylinder resulting in a fire which the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is managing within the National Arts Theatre.”

Similarly, no fewer than four

persons reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries as fire gutted Fat Noble filling station, an independent marketing oil firm along Old Road, opposite Torikoh, Badagry, Lagos State on Wednesday, December 27.

Also, several shops and

goods were destroyed following a gas explosion that occurred at a market at the council bus stop in the Ikotun area of Lagos State, yesterday.

The current fire incident at the National Arts Theatre is the third fire incident reported in the last seven days in Lagos State.

Gov Sule Lauds Tinubu for Improving Subvention to States Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for working on the economy and ensuring that the 36 states continue to record improvements in monthly subvention.

The governor made the commendation during the signing of the 2024 budget tagged “Budget of Renewed Commitment” at the Government House, Lafia.

The governor particularly appreciated the President for

funding the states in such a way that Nasarawa State is beginning the new year with the biggest opening balance ever seen in the history of the state.

He said the unprecedented manner President Tinubu is funding the states is making it possible for governors to address infrastructural deficits.

He commiserated with the President over the demise of the Governor of Ondo State, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,

former speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’Abba, as well as the unfortunate killing of about 195 in Plateau State.

He announced plans to pay a condolence visit to the government and people of Plateau State next Tuesday, alongside his Benue State counterpart, as well as selected critical stakeholders and traditional rulers from the state.

Sule tasked members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to carry out their

oversight functions, in line with their constitutional responsibility as lawmakers.

“I also want to call on the members of the House of Assembly to carry out the second aspect of your work, that is the oversight function. It helps me a lot if you go out to carry out your responsibilities. You are not querying me. In fact, I am happy when you are doing that because you are doing things I couldn’t do and helping us with the internal control mechanism.

Shops, Viewing Centre Burnt in Kwara Tanker Explosion Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Kwara State Fire Service yesterday averted the loss of lives in the Idi-Ape area of Ilorin, the state capital after a diesel tanker exploded.

It was gathered that the tanker conveying the fuel was completely burnt, causing damage to two shops and a football viewing centre in

the area.

An eyewitness account, which was corroborated by the Kwara State Fire Service, said that the tanker with number plate MUS 916 YF, loaded with 22,000 litres of fuel, was going to Ajegunle, Idi-Ape area, Magaji Are Quarters to supply diesel when it suddenly caught fire.

The Head of Media and Publicity of Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan

Adekunle, said, “On December 30, 2023, at approximately 10:47 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service swiftly respondedtoafireemergencyatMagaji Aarequarters,Ajegunle,intheIdi-Ape area of Ilorin East Local Government.

“The firefighters, equipped with their fire appliances, arrived promptly to face a blazing diesel tanker containing 22,000 litres with registration number MUS 916 YF.

“The situation escalated as the tanker’s valve opened, causing diesel to gush out forcefully. Undeterred, the firemen, demonstrating their exceptional firefighting skills, called for additional support, and another fire appliance quickly joined the effort. After a relentless hour of collective effort, the dedicated team successfully extinguished the raging fire.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2023

SUNDAYSPORTS

63

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Super Eagles are gunning for their fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title when hostilities kick off on January 13 in Côte d’Ivoire

Eagles on Cusp of AFCON Glory Danladi Bako

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Kakah to Tinubu “President Tinubu must know that the legitimacy of his government hangs on resolving this and giving us our country back.There is an urgent need to re-set the national security architecture. Enough is enough.”

– Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church, Matthew Kukah, asking President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the insecurity facing the country.

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SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

And Four Five Extraordinary Memories of 2023 Other Things…

A

s 2023 comes to an end today, I promise you that some of the stranger-than-fiction events that shaped the year will not fade away with it. Some will be etched in our memories forever. As a custom in Nigeria, general election years are always filled with doomsday predictions and expectations. “This is the year that will make or break Nigeria” is an expression I got used to since the 2003 elections. We were constantly reminded of the political events of 1963, 1983 and 1993 and how 2003 might follow the trend, especially with the first civilian-administered general election of the fourth republic. A strong link was created between the constant number “3” and major political crises in Nigeria.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former premier of the Western Region, was jailed for treason in 1963. Subsequent events accelerated the demise of the first republic and, some would argue, culminated in the civil war of 1967-70.

In 1983, the civilian-administered general election led to a crisis that, some would also argue, ended up in military intervention. In 1993, the presidential election was annulled. The crisis it produced terminated the third republic, resulting in five crippling years of military rule.

With bated breath, we awaited another disaster in 2003 but sailed through. There were no elections in 2013, so 2023, with its “3”, was to be another annus horribilis.

Justice Robin Knowles We survived again.

Or haven’t we survived? I would say we have, but In 1999, Obasanjo had the support of military some would say we only muddled through. I still prefer heavyweights, the establishment and a solid national “muddling through” to something worse. Some countries political network. He was re-elected in 2003 with the have gone to war, or experienced armed conflicts, or power of incumbency. Yar’Adua was installed by the suffered military coups, after elections. This was not our establishment in 2007, while Dr Goodluck Jonathan story in 2023, despite how bitterly the elections were was helped by the power of incumbency in 2011 which fought, won and lost. Even in the past, when people he used to garner nationwide support. Buhari came to took to the streets, it was usually peaceful demonstrations power in 2015 in one of the most extraordinary elections, and violent protests, but no armed struggle. I consider defeating an incumbent — a first in our history — by the 2023 general election as one of the most eventful securing an all-important alliance with the south-west to ever as well as one of my extraordinary memories of breast the tape. He was re-elected in 2019 obviously by the year — plus four other noteworthy developments. deploying the power of incumbency. The establishment Here we go. and incumbency are always critical factors.

One, naira recoloration. Basically, what the Buhari Enter Tinubu. The all-important incumbency was not administration did was to withdraw the naira from in his corner. Regardless, he got his party’s ticket. The circulation under the guise of “redesign” to fight corruption naira policy was allegedly targeted at him. He made and prevent “vote buying” in the general election. Neither plenty gaffes and his rivals said he was not mentally the old nor the new notes were available as Nigerians and physically fit. He ran a Muslim-Muslim ticket in went through hell trying to carry out basic transactions. a deeply divided country. There were questions over They had to resort to the good old trade by barter. Many his university degree. There were concrete rumours died because they were unable to prepay medical bills that an opposition candidate was the choice of the for critical treatments and surgeries. Nigerians were using establishment. He lost the majority of votes in Lagos, naira to buy naira. Roadside POS operators suddenly his home turf, and the south, his region, but coasted became gods. Some were arrested by security agencies. home by winning the majority of northern votes against Many Nigerians used the opportunity to showcase their a seasoned northern candidate. Tinubu’s well-oiled wickedness. political and institutional networks did the magic.

Nigerians went through real hell. People were Three, who built Lagos? One unpalatable memory spending days and nights at the banks. Some resorted of the 2023 elections was the renewal of the age-old to attacking banking staff because of a widespread belief rivalry between Yorubas and Igbos in Lagos state. The that, indeed, there was enough cash printed but it was fact that one of the presidential candidates, Peter Obi, being hoarded. The EFCC went through the regular drama was Igbo worsened the hostilities. There were reports of “arresting” bank executives for hoarding the new notes, of voter repression in favour of Tinubu. MC Oluomo, a but I am yet to hear of any trial or conviction. People staunch Tinubu supporter, was caught on video saying were attacking ATMs, hoping to find some life-saving Igbos would not be allowed to vote in his polling notes inside. The intervention of the Supreme Court to unit. Obi enjoyed massive support from Igbos and an extend the life of the old notes brought some relief, but impressive number of non-Igbos while Tinubu did not the CBN claimed to have destroyed the N1,000 notes. A have the full support of Yorubas and Christians. Obi challenged economy suffered memorable body blows. did the unthinkable by defeating Tinubu in a state he We survived all the same. was thought to be invincible. It was an earthquake.

Two, the ascendancy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Sadly, the bitter aftertaste of the politicking has power. One of the most extraordinary events of 2023, refused to disperse, with both groups exchanging or since the amalgamation of Nigerian protectorates in claims and counterclaims on who “built” or owned 1914, was the way and manner Tinubu became president Lagos state. It is not a new debate — there are records of Nigeria. I claim to be a student of Nigeria’s electoral of similar tensions during colonial era. Chief Emmanuel history, especially presidential polls, but I have to accept Iwuanyanwu, leader of Ohanaeze, the pan-Igbo interest that the Tinubu story was an outlier. Alhaji Shehu Shagari group, fuelled the fire by claiming Igbos developed won the 1979 presidential election because he had the Lagos swamps. For me, one of the most unfortunate and backing of the establishment and formed a strong alliance unforgettable memories of 2023 is the Yoruba-Igbo face-off. in two southern states. He won re-election in 1983 with I suspect things would get worse in future elections. the power of incumbency. Bashorun MKO Abiola won My consolation is that it seems to be purely political. in 1993 with a solid national political network but the Socio-economic relations appear stable. Meanwhile, establishment kept him out. the romantic connections are still thriving.

Four, the Jim Obazee drama. From the time President Tinubu appointed Obazee as “special investigator” to probe the CBN under the tenure of Mr Godwin Emefiele, I had my popcorn by my side preparing to watch the theatrics. There were questions over the constitutionality of appointing a “special investigator” when the country already had a myriad of agencies, such as the EFCC and ICPC, that should do the job. I remember that a senior lawyer expressed worries that the sensitive books of a body like the CBN would be opened to a private individual to investigate. He questioned the legal basis for this. I do not know the law that much, so my interest was more in the Obazee drama ahead.

Obazee, who reportedly had an axe to grind with Emefiele since his days as the executive secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRN), has now written his report. It is one of my extraordinary memories of 2023. There is plenty venom in the emotional report. Obazee wrote: “The erstwhile CBN governor and his four deputy governors connived to steal outright in order to balance the books of the CBN. This was by violently taking money from the Consolidated Revenue account and then charging it to Ways and Means. They even created the narration as a presidential subsidy and expanded the ways and Means portfolio to accommodate crime.” Violently?

That cracks me up.

The exuberant Obazee said Buhari did not approve naira recoloration (hahahahaha!) and that it was the ex-president’s nephew that did. He even recommended criminal prosecution, although his job is purely investigative. Recommendations are supposed to be made by the AGF, based on the report, but Lateef Fagbemi appears overwhelmed by his new job. Obazee even invited two shareholders in Titan Trust Bank, to report for questioning by December 28, 2023 — else their shares would be automatically forfeited to the government.

Really? A “special investigator” can expropriate someone’s assets by fiat without a court pronouncement? Just like that? In a democracy? Hilarious.

Five, P&ID processed and pounded. Finally, away from politics. My man of the year has to be The Hon Mr Justice Robin Knowles of the Commercial Court of England and Wales. In January 2010, Nigeria had entered into a gas supply and processing agreement (GSPA) with Process & Industrial Developments Ltd (P&ID). Nigeria defaulted and repudiated the contract two years later. P&ID took us to the London Court of International Arbitration and won two awards years later: one, affirming our liability; two, getting a final “quantum” fine of $6.6 billion plus seven percent interest — about $1 million a day — backdated to March 2013. That came to a total of over $11 billion in 10 years.

We argued that P&ID did not do any work to warrant the $6.6 billion liability but failed. Things got worse in August 2019 when Justice Christopher Butcher of the Commercial Court ruled that P&ID could enforce the judgment. At the time, it was about $9.6 billion. Where would we get that kind of money? The Buhari administration fought hard and, in September 2020, successfully got an English court to suspend the enforcement of the award because of some proofs of corruption in the contracting process. On October 23, 2023, Knowles finally ruled in favour of Nigeria, agreeing that the arbitration awards “were obtained by fraud and the awards were… contrary to public policy”.

With Knowles setting aside the enforcement of the award, he had to choose one of three options: (1) remit the award to the arbitration tribunal, in whole or in part, for reconsideration; (2) set the award aside, in whole or in part; (3) declare the award of no effect, in whole or in part. Thereafter, he ruled that the case would not be remitted for fresh arbitration. He also fined P&ID £25 million. And then, to terminate all litigation and put Nigeria’s nightmare to rest, he finally ruled, on December 21, that P&ID would not have a right of appeal. That was Nigeria finally and truly off the hook, off the £11 billion guillotine! Knowles surely deserves a medal as big as a frying pan and a trailer of flowers.

PLATEAU MASSACRE On Christmas Eve, over 100 persons were killed in attacks by gunmen on communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs of Plateau state.

The attackers were described as “bandits”, the same tag given to those carrying out similar dastard killings in Kaduna and Zamfara states.

This is worrisome and can only worsen the perennial tension in Plateau. For the past two decades, the state has been known more for ethno-religious clashes between locals, usually over the indigenes vs settlers issue. It would appear this is the first time the word “bandits” would be used there and the attackers are said to have come from outside the state. This is a new, dangerous dimension in the conflict.

Worrisome.

GOOD NIGHT, AKEREDOLU Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, erstwhile governor of Ondo state, died on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer, according to the state government. The intrigues and controversies over his medical leave and the power vacuum were reminiscent of the President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua saga. More importantly, though, I am more interested in how his death can help rev up a campaign on prostate cancer among Nigerian men. It is one cancer that can be prevented with early screening, usually from the age of 40, and can also be successfully managed with early detection. It is essential to undergo regular screening, at least yearly — especially for those with a family history. Awareness.

GOOD NIGHT, NA’ABBA In April 2020, when Rt Hon Ghali Umar Na’Abba, former speaker of the house of reps, was first reported dead, I sent a message to his phone, asking: “How is Kano?” He immediately called me, said he was in the UK and asked me to ignore the death rumours, which I had deliberately not raised with him. As speaker during the first term of President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2023), Na’Abba actively fought against “Afrodemocracy”, insisting on the rule of law, separation of powers and checks and balances.

He paid the price when the PDP suspended him on the eve of his re-election bid in 2003. That effectively ended his political career, electionwise. He died on Wednesday, aged 65. Adieu.

NO COMMENT The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently said that it had fined British American Tobacco (BAT) $110 million for “infringements of sundry legal instruments”. It seems to be a major milestone in the enforcement of competition laws in Nigeria. Curiously, the FCCPC did not disclose the details of the infractions. It also appears to be a 2022 matter. The agency only recently said it generated N56 billion in 2022 and remitted only N22.4 billion to the federation account. Usually, a regulator discloses when it commences action, says what the infractions are, and reveals the terms and process of settlement. These are the standard procedures.

Transparency.

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